Ep 78: Dolly Alderton

Podcast Summary

• Exploring Weight Loss Solutions with PlushCare and Special Guest Dolly Alderton: PlushCare offers access to doctors who can prescribe weight loss medication and accepts most insurance plans. Dolly Alderton, a podcaster, author, and broadcaster, is releasing a new fiction novel, 'Ghosts,' and shares her dislike for modeling chocolate.

  PlushCare can be a valuable resource for those struggling with weight loss. This telehealth provider offers access to doctors who can prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications for qualified individuals. Plus, they accept most insurance plans. On a different note, for those looking to buy a unique engagement ring, Blue Nile is an option with the convenience of online shopping and customizable designs. This Mother's Day, consider giving back to the amazing moms in your life with thoughtful gifts from 1800 Flowers. During the podcast, instead of asking a special guest about their favorite dishes, they interviewed Dolly Alderton. She's a podcaster, author, and broadcaster with a new fiction novel, "Ghosts," about to be released. However, if she mentioned modeling chocolate as her secret ingredient, she would be asked to leave, as James and the hosts aren't fans of this ingredient often used in baking competitions for its visual appeal but not-so-nice taste. Instead, they prefer authentic, delicious food.

• James Acaster and Dolly Alderton's Food Preferences: James Acaster and Dolly Alderton share a preference for small plate dining and a dislike for extensive menu explanations in restaurants.

  James Acaster identifies himself as a "stoner who's never done drugs," and this experience has influenced his love for sweet things and shaped his personality. He also dislikes restaurants that require menu explanations, finding it intimidating and unnecessary. Dolly Alderton shares similar sentiments, expressing her discomfort with being asked if she's been to the restaurant before and having the menu explained to her. They both enjoy small plate dining, particularly when dining with only one or two people, as they feel it allows for a wider range of tastes and flavors. The conversation took place over Zoom during the confusing early stages of the pandemic.

• Navigating Small Plates Restaurants: Confidently order in manageable portions and add more as needed, avoiding uncertain questions and enjoying the dining experience.

  Dining experiences can be an art of manipulation and strategy, especially when it comes to ordering food in a small plates restaurant. The speakers share their personal experiences and tips on how to navigate the situation without overordering or feeling judged by the waiting staff. One strategy is to deliver your orders in a way that makes it seem like you've only intended to order a certain amount, and then slip in extra dishes as the meal progresses. It's important to avoid asking if the current order is enough, as this can come across as uncertain or even rude. Instead, focus on enjoying the meal and making the most of the experience. The speakers also mention that it's rare for them to order more food once they've started eating, and that forgetting a dish can sometimes be a welcome relief. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of confidence and strategy when dining out, and the potential for unexpected joys in the process.

• The Impact of Curly Fries on Dining Experience: Curly fries can enhance or disappoint, serving as a palate cleanser or an overwhelming portion. Snacking throughout the day can help maintain focus during creative work.

  Curly fries, while seemingly insignificant, can make a significant impact on an dining experience. A small, fresh palate cleanser at the end of a meal can lift your mood, but a large portion can leave you feeling disappointed and overwhelmed. Dolly Alderton shared a personal experience of this in an izakaya in Japan. Additionally, Alderton recently wrote a novel called "Ghosts," and she finds that snacking and grazing throughout the day helps her maintain focus while writing, rather than stopping for a complicated lunch. The conversation also touched on Alderton's apolitical university experience and her novel's themes of ghosting and personal growth. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of small pleasures and finding focus in everyday life.

• The joy of cooking vs the hassle of washing up: Cooking brings joy and excitement, but the monotonous task of washing up can dampen the experience. Even with a simple kitchen appliance like a SodaStream, the pleasure of creating a new experience outweighs the hassle.

  Cooking and creating simple pleasures, like making sparkling water at home with a SodaStream, can bring joy and excitement, even during challenging times. However, the monotonous task of washing up can dampen the experience. During lockdown, Lil Frankie found himself overwhelmed by the washing up cycle, leading him to question his love for cooking. He cherishes the process of making sparkling water at home with a SodaStream, describing it as a futuristic experience. Despite the minor inconvenience of overfilling the bottle and getting soaked, the excitement of creating his own fizzy water outweighs the hassle. The discussion also revealed Lil Frankie's dedication to cooking and his enjoyment of the culinary arts, which he never grows tired of. Overall, the simple pleasure of cooking and creating new experiences, even with a kitchen appliance like a SodaStream, can bring joy and excitement to our lives.

• Exploring the SodaStream experience and food preferences: Follow instructions for optimal SodaStream results and discover unique flavor combinations through exploring food preferences.

  The SodaStream experience can be a fun and personalized journey, but it requires proper technique for optimal results. Ed shared his experience of using the SodaStream for plain water and expressed his curiosity about trying syrups and other additives. The conversation then shifted to a discussion about favorite carbs, with bread, potatoes, and pasta being the top three picks. Despite being a self-proclaimed pickle fanatic, Ed was unsure about combining lime pickle with bread due to the textural contrast. The conversation was light-hearted and revealed the hosts' shared love for carbs and their unique preferences. The SodaStream conversation underscored the importance of following instructions for best results, while the carb discussion highlighted the diversity of food preferences and the joy of exploring new flavor combinations.

• Food is about more than just ingredients: Understand that food preferences are subjective and enjoyment comes from the overall experience, not just the main ingredient.

  Food preferences are subjective and it's not just about the main ingredient, but also about the combination of flavors, textures, and experiences associated with it. The speaker expressed his preference for noodles over rice, potatoes, and even bread, but acknowledged that everyone's food preferences are unique. He also shared his appreciation for dishes like artichoke with bernaise sauce, despite initially struggling with how to eat it. The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding that food is more than just its individual components and that the enjoyment comes from the overall experience. Additionally, the speaker emphasized the importance of not judging others based on their food preferences and encouraged an appreciation for the diversity of tastes and experiences in the world of food.

• Food experiences influenced by factors beyond appearance: People's food preferences can be shaped by factors beyond appearance, including personal connections, presentation, and even the name of the dish. Trying new foods and looking beyond initial impressions can lead to discovering delicious dishes.

  People's experiences with food can be influenced by various factors such as presentation, personal connections, and even the name of the dish. The speaker shared an experience of a delicious dish that looked unappetizing but tasted amazing, which they had first tried in a restaurant in SoHo. However, when they attempted to make it at home, it failed. On the other hand, they raved about a garlicky gazpacho they had during lockdown, which they found refreshing and delicious despite their initial reservations about cold soup. The speaker also mentioned their love for taram masalata, a dip, despite its unappealing name and appearance. They suggested that there could be a market for conveniently packaged gazpacho, which they would prefer over other beverages on a hot day. The conversation also touched upon their shared love for oysters. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of trying new foods and looking beyond initial impressions.

• Food experiences and preferences shape our perceptions: Our past food experiences and preferences can influence our future choices and perceptions of certain dishes

  People's food preferences and experiences can greatly influence their perception of certain dishes. For instance, someone might have initially thought oysters were disgusting but later discovered they loved them. On the other hand, they might have an aversion to foods that require extra effort or "admin," such as artichokes or crabs with the shell on. The speaker in this conversation had a strong desire for prawn curry after hearing about his mom and her friend having it, despite it being a dish he usually avoids due to the hassle of dealing with the prawns in their shells. These food experiences and associations can be deeply ingrained and influence our future food choices. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the importance of good gift-giving, with the speaker expressing his desire to give his mom an Aura digital picture frame preloaded with family photos as a thoughtful gift.

• The power of thoughtful gifts and memories: Thoughtful gifts and shared memories can bring joy and remind us of cherished experiences. Find joy in the small things and cherish the moments that enrich the present.

  Thoughtful and meaningful gifts, reminiscent of shared experiences, can bring joy and remind us of cherished memories. For instance, the speaker mentioned the delight of receiving small surprises throughout the year that remind them of their time spent with their wife. This could be anything from photographs to thoughtfully chosen gifts. Another example given was the shared love for pasta, specifically spaghetti with clams, which brought up fond memories and a humorous anecdote about a TV show experience. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the small things and the power of memories in enriching the present. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the topic of food preferences and the speaker's aversion to clams, which led to a lighthearted exchange about the challenges of cooking and eating certain dishes. The speaker also shared their experience of being caught off guard by unfamiliar terms during a TV show quiz, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and not getting too discouraged by unexpected challenges. Lastly, the conversation included a brief mention of a deal on Aura digital picture frames, which could be a useful suggestion for anyone looking to display and cherish their memories in a tangible way.

• Exploring Authentic Seafood Connections with Pesky Fish: Discovering Pesky Fish, a fish delivery service, brings authenticity and personal connections to seafood experiences, even with the roughness and humor from the fishermen.

  The speaker enjoys trying new seafood, particularly clams, and has discovered a fish delivery service called Pesky Fish that provides fresh catches and personalized communication from the fishermen. The speaker appreciates the authenticity and connection to the source of the food, even if it comes with a bit of humor and roughness from the fishermen. The speaker also has a fondness for bread and a surprising addiction to Cheetos Twisted Flame Hot. The discussion highlights the importance of personal connections and authenticity in food experiences.

• Discovering Unexpected Connections Through Food Preferences: Food preferences can lead to surprising connections and conversations, bringing joy and laughter to unexpected situations.

  Food preferences and obsessions can bring people together in unexpected ways. During a podcast discussion, the hosts discovered their shared love for non-traditional potato crisps like Cheetos, Monster Munch, and Tayto's, despite their differences in texture and origin. This led to a lively conversation about their favorite crisps, the impact of food mentions on live shows, and even a mention in the tabloid press. The hosts also shared their disdain for kettle chips and their unique experiences with various food brands. This conversation highlights the power of food to create connections and bring joy to people's lives.

• The Speaker's Passion for Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Angostura Bitters: The speaker cherishes unique flavors and experiences, like Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Angostura Bitters, despite their imperfections, and finds joy in sharing them with others.

  The speaker is deeply passionate about Flamin' Hot Cheetos and the unique experience they provide, from their flavor to the drink he enjoys with them. Despite their scarcity and the mess they leave behind, he continues to indulge and even shares them with others. He also appreciates the Angostura bitters, which he enjoys in various ways, including in a champagne cocktail, and finds joy in the process of preparing and serving it to his guests. The speaker's enthusiasm for these flavors and experiences, even if not shared by everyone, highlights the importance of personal enjoyment and appreciation for the things that bring us pleasure.

• Differences in Comfort Levels with Messy Foods: People have varying comfort levels with messy foods, affecting their dining experiences and potentially leading to extreme behaviors or health concerns.

  Some people are more comfortable than others when it comes to eating messy foods, like chicken wings. The man in the conversation ate an excessive amount of wings without any concern for the mess, while the speaker found it uncomfortable and preferred to minimize the mess. The conversation also touched upon the idea of being prissy about eating being off-putting on dates. The story was shared about a man who had a virtual stag do during lockdown, where he was ordered a delivery every 10 minutes, leading him to end up in the hospital. The conversation ended with a discussion about champagne cocktails and their strong effects. In essence, the conversation highlighted the differences in people's comfort levels with mess and their preferences when it comes to food and drinking.

• Unexpected reactions to food preferences: People's food choices can evoke strong emotions and unexpected reactions, disrupting social interactions and experiences.

  Food preferences and tolerances can lead to unexpected reactions and strong emotions. During a podcast discussion about dessert preferences, one participant expressed his disdain for cheese being ordered instead of a traditional pudding. This led to anger and aggression, resulting in the participant leaving the Zoom call and disrupting the recording. While some found the incident amusing, others saw it as a missed opportunity for a delightful dessert experience. The incident highlights how deeply people can feel about their food choices and the potential for strong emotions and reactions when these choices deviate from the norm.

• Dolly and James's Ideal Cheese Boards and Restaurant Discussion: They talked about their favorite cheeses, ideal locations for a restaurant, and joked around during the conversation.

  During this conversation, Dolly and James discussed their dream cheese boards and the ideal locations for a hypothetical restaurant, Fermatia. Dolly shared her favorite cheeses, including Gorgonzola and truffle brie from The Fromagerie. James jokingly expressed his disdain for people ordering cheese in a cheese shop. Dolly suggested adding a third location for Fermatia near The Fromagerie. The conversation ended with Dolly sharing her hypothetical dream menu, which included various dishes and a desire to be thrown into a bag and taken to Trafalgar Square. Throughout the conversation, the tone was lighthearted and humorous, with Dolly and James bantering and joking with each other.

• Discussing the importance of dreams and respecting others' choices: Having meaningful dreams is important, even if they seem strange or unappreciated by others. Respect others' choices and consider the potential consequences of decisions.

  Dreams and creativity can clash when people have different visions. During a conversation about a disappointing menu, the speakers joked about the idea of invading someone's dreams to implant the idea of eating a pudding. This led to a discussion about the importance of having meaningful and ambitious dreams, even if they may seem strange or unappreciated by others. The speakers also touched on the topic of compromise and the importance of respecting others' choices. Additionally, the conversation included mentions of various podcasts and products, including "Cuddle Club," "Pretty Litter," and "celebrations passport from 1800flowers.com." The speakers also shared their experiences with gift-giving and the importance of having a one-stop shopping site for gifts. Furthermore, the conversation touched on the topic of decision-making and the importance of considering the potential consequences of certain choices, such as commissioning a famous artist to paint your house and then painting it a neutral color. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of having big dreams, respecting others' choices, and making thoughtful decisions.

• Exploring Unusual Ideas: Using creativity and curiosity to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities leads to intriguing discussions and thought-provoking ideas.

  Our imagination can lead us to explore unusual and humorous ideas. During our conversation, we explored the notion of applying Miracle-Gro to things other than plants, such as pizzas. We also pondered the idea of a beach made from digestive biscuits. Furthermore, we touched upon the intriguing concept of crying about something we're not even thinking about. These thoughts may seem unrelated, but they highlight the importance of using our creativity and curiosity to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. If you'd like to delve deeper into these topics and more, consider checking out the Rob Orton daily podcast. It's a great resource for daily doses of intriguing discussions and thought-provoking ideas.