UNSAVORY

Episodes

Oct. 25, 2021

Mad Cow Disease & Oprah Winfrey's Texas Beef

In the moooooooo -d for a good story? This week, Becca tells all about the disease that almost put the world off of burgers, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy aka. Mad Cow Disease . Then Sarah shares the story about the time …
Oct. 11, 2021

Germ Theory & Typhoid Mary

In this episode, Sarah discusses the evolution of food safety, including the development of Germ Theory and the pasteurization process. Becca then breaks down the epidemiology of typhoid fever and its lethal impact during wa…
Sept. 27, 2021

Energy Needs and the Cult of Breatharianism

In this episode, Becca talks about all the reasons we need food and breaks down some of the ways we measure energy needs. Then Sarah shares what she’s learned about the Breatharian lifestyle (cult*) and discusses some of the…
Sept. 13, 2021

Digestion, Forensic Science, & The Hendricks Murder

In our season premiere Sarah breaks down the digestive system. Becca then discusses the history of forensic science, including the role of the coroner, medical examiner, and forensic pathologist, and who is allowed to perfor…
Sept. 10, 2021

Introducing Unsavory

Where true crime meets food.
June 21, 2021

Harvey Milk and the Twinkie Defense

In this episode, Becca covers the history of the all-American Twinkie. Then, in honour of Pride Month, Sarah covers the tragic story of Harvey Milk and the Twinkie Defense. CW: Gun shots This is our SEASON ONE FINALE! We app…
June 14, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: Belgium's Massive Egg Fraud and the Tale of the Rotting Mushrooms

This episode is a real fungi! Sarah covers the recent sentencing in Belgium’s largest food fraud, the Fipronil egg scandal. Then we hear a listener story that will make you laugh and might change the way you look at mushroom…
June 7, 2021

Prohibition & The Boston Molassacre

Sarah explains the manufacturing process of molasses, the Triangular Trade, and how this all relates to rum. Becca then discusses the key events that led to prohibition and how this relates to a tank explosion that left 21 d…
May 31, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: Fake Farm Fraud, The Paycheck Protection Program & Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Becca tells Sarah about a pandemic loan program in the US that led to the creation of hundreds of fake farms. Plus, we hear about a listener’s experience with lactose intolerance from a staph infection. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM…
May 24, 2021

Salmonella Poisoning and Death by Peanut Butter

Peanut butter and... jail?! In this episode, Becca tells all about the different pathogens that cause food poisoning. We recommend taking a drink every time she talks about poop! Then Sarah shares the tragic story of one of …
May 17, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: Shape-Shifting Pasta and Deadly Fava Beans

Sarah tells Becca about a new shape-shifting pasta that may help make the food system more sustainable. Plus, we hear a harrowing listener story about favism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) and discuss the sci…
May 10, 2021

Alternative Medicine, the Wellness Industry & goop

Sarah starts off by discussing complementary and alternative medicine, as well as the history behind some of the most common therapies, including naturopathy, homeopathy, and massage. Becca then explores celebrity influence …
May 3, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: Epicurious, Beyond Meat Chicken & Cultured Human Milk

This news round-up covers all things meat. Becca & Sarah discuss Epicurious’ new pro-planet strategy, Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken, Impossible Foods’ “meaty” ad campaign, BioMilk’s cultured human milk, and more! We then…
April 26, 2021

Nutrition Research, Ancel Keys, and the Minnesota Starvation Experiment

Becca starts off by covering the main challenges that arise when conducting nutrition research and some of the ethical considerations that must be made. Then, Sarah dives in with the fascinating story of Ancel Keys and the M…
April 19, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: Peanut Allergy Tragedy + Pine Mouth Story

After a brief hiatus, we are back with EXTRA CHEESE! Your extra sprinkle, slice, string, wedge, or dollop of current food and nutrition stories in the news. This week, Sarah and Becca cover the tragic story of Chantal Giacal…
April 12, 2021

The Seaspiracy of the Codfather

Sarah & Becca start off by doing a deep dive into the new Seaspiracy documentary. Sarah then gives us an overview of the fishing industry and the amazing technology behind aquaponics. Becca shares her knowledge on the law of…
March 29, 2021

The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist

Talk about a sticky situation! This episode will activate your sweet tooth and leave you scratching your head about one of the largest agricultural crimes in history. Becca starts off by taking us to maple syrup school, wher…
March 28, 2021

Where True Crime Meets Food

Welcome to Dietetics After Dark! The podcast where true crime meets food. Join Sarah and Becca as they use their backgrounds in nutrition and criminology to discuss fascinating food-related scandals using an evidence-based …
March 15, 2021

Wine Fraud & Rudy Kurniawan

This episode pairs well with a glass of wine. Sarah starts us off with a lesson in our favourite alcoholic beverage, including the proper lingo and some French history. She tells us the unfortunate tale of the grape louse an…
March 1, 2021

Multi-Level Marketing Schemes and the Gifting Tables

Becca starts off the episode with a background on a particular type of business that often promotes nutrition products: Multi-level Marketing. Follow along to hear all about what they are, how to spot a pyramid scheme, and w…
Feb. 23, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: 3D-Printed Ribeye Steaks

Sarah and Becca chat about the potential downside that comes with eating 30kg of oranges before boarding your flight. Then they discuss a new and exciting innovation in the alt-meat world! This is an independently produced p…
Feb. 15, 2021

The History of Cooking and the Class Action Lawsuit Against Teflon

Sarah starts the episode off with the fascinating history of cooking, including how fire led to strides in human development. She then highlights the connection between the invention of the dishwasher and the women’s liberat…
Feb. 8, 2021

EXTRA CHEESE: ‘Anything But Tuna’ Subway Scandal

Becca and Sarah discuss some recent drama around Subway restaurants and their tuna...if you can even call it that. They explain how this new claim relates to Jessica Simpson and a Canadian lawsuit about chicken. Listen to ep…
Feb. 1, 2021

"Superfoods" and the Avocado Cartels

This week, Becca tells us the truth about “superfoods” and Sarah tackles the unfortunate side effects that can occur when a commodity product suddenly becomes ultra-popular. For a full list of references, visit our website .…