Podcast Summary
Exploring the stories behind meals enriches our lives: Trying new foods and drinks broadens horizons and deepens appreciation for cultures and traditions
Food and drink have the power to create deep connections to cultures and traditions, as well as a sense of responsibility for understanding the stories behind the meals we consume. As highlighted in the conversation with Steven Satterfield, the experience of trying new foods and drinks can lead to moments of euphoria and a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Whether it's trying a Jengalov Hats in Los Angeles or drinking wine from a 100-year-old vine in the Republic of Georgia, these experiences can broaden our horizons and enrich our lives. It's important to remember that every meal has a story, and by exploring the origins and systems behind what we eat, we can develop a more meaningful and thoughtful approach to our culinary experiences. So, the next time you try a new dish or drink, take a moment to savor the flavors and consider the journey that brought it to your table.
Exploring the Passion for Food: Discovering passions and striving for improvement, be it through culinary arts or other means, can lead to fulfilling and enriching experiences.
We can all strive to be better in various aspects of our lives, whether it's being a better driver by saving money with Progressive, or being a better learner by seeking out the truth through scientific studies. Steven Satterfield, the host of Netflix's High on the Hog and founder of Whetstone, shares his passion for food and how it led him to make it his life's work. From an early age, he was surrounded by cooking influences and was captivated by the food network. After moving far from home to attend culinary school, he realized the difference between cooking for enjoyment and cooking as a vocation. He transitioned into the hospitality program and became a sommelier at the young age of 19. Through Whetstone, he delves deep into the origins and culture of food, encouraging others to explore and appreciate the art and science behind it. So, whether it's saving money, seeking knowledge, or pursuing a passion, we can all make small steps towards being better humans.
From high school curiosity to promoting African wine heritage: A high school fascination with wine led to studying viticulture, enology, and geography. Recognizing the importance of terroir and the underrepresentation of African diasporic people in the industry, she founded the International Society of Africans in Wine to promote African wine history and export opportunities.
The speaker's fascination with wine began when she was in high school, intrigued by her friend's father's extensive wine cellar and the pleasure he derived from it. This curiosity led her to study viticulture, enology, and geography, viewing wine not just as a luxury item but as an agricultural product. Her journey deepened when she recognized the connection between geography and terroir, and the role it plays in the origin stories of wines and people. However, she became disillusioned with the wine industry's lack of rigorous thought about land and the underrepresentation of African diasporic people. As a result, she founded the International Society of Africans in Wine to promote the history of wine in Africa and help black vintners export their wines to the US. Through this journey, she discovered the joy of understanding the origins and stories behind the wines she loved.
Using food and wine as a gateway to deeper conversations: Incorporating enjoyable experiences like food and wine into discussions about social issues can make them more approachable and effective.
The world of food and wine can serve as a gateway to deeper, more meaningful conversations about important social issues, such as history, justice, and origin. This was a revelation for the speaker, who initially saw fine dining and high-end restaurants as primarily dealing with superficial aspects of food and wine. However, their personal experiences and background shaped their perspective, instilling a sense of obligation to make these spaces more inclusive and accessible for underrepresented communities. This approach was effective, as they found that people were more receptive to discussing complex topics when the conversation began with something enjoyable, like wine. The speaker's nonprofit organization is a testament to this strategy, using wine tastings as an entry point to engage people in discussions about social justice issues.
Food and wine as tools for power: Food and wine hold unique power, shaping communities and asserting/relinquishing power. Understanding their origins and people behind choices is important, even if not always feasible. Consider food as a political act.
Food and wine hold unique power, acting as both tools for asserting and relinquishing power. This was a surprising revelation for the speaker, who had previously underestimated the significance of these elements in cultural and historical contexts. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the importance of understanding the origins and people behind our food choices, even if it's not always feasible to align our ideals with our daily meals due to accessibility issues. The speaker emphasized the importance of considering food as a political act and a means of shaping communities. In a more personal note, the speaker shared their experiences with Claritin D, which provides powerful relief for allergy sufferers, enabling them to breathe easily and live life as if they don't have allergies. Lastly, the speaker expressed their long-standing connection with Brooks Running, whose lightweight and cushioned shoes have been a constant companion on their running journey.
Supporting local and diverse food sources: By prioritizing local and historically marginalized food systems, we can create positive change and challenge erasure in the narrative of food production and consumption.
Individuals can make a difference in the food industry by supporting local farmers and farms, especially those owned by black farmers. This not only benefits personal and community health, but also interrupts subsidies that contribute to health and economic disparities. Food is deeply connected to our history and identity, and supporting local and diverse food sources can help us better understand ourselves and others. By prioritizing local and historically marginalized food systems, we can create positive change and challenge erasure in the narrative of food production and consumption. The speaker's work on "High on the Hog" further emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the stories and contributions of historically marginalized communities in the food industry.
Exploring African American cuisine and history: Understanding the significant contributions of African Americans to cuisine and history is crucial for correcting historical erasure and promoting representation.
The documentary series "High on the Hog" on Netflix, based on the book by Jessica B. Harris, sheds light on the significant contributions of African American cuisine and history, both in the United States and globally. This exploration is crucial for correcting historical erasure and promoting representation. The series begins in Benin, West Africa, and travels to the US, covering the role of presidents in the slave trade and culinary history. The first season concludes with the celebration of Juneteenth in Texas. The second season delves into the historical period of Reconstruction, the Great Migration, Jim Crow, and the civil rights era, focusing on the experiences of free black folks during these periods and bringing it to modern times. The importance of understanding and acknowledging this history is highlighted, as it is essential to recognize the past to effect change in the present. The ongoing efforts to suppress or omit certain people and events from history can be dangerous, as they allow for the rewriting of narratives and the elevation of new heroes. The joy of discovering language and phrases, both personally and professionally, adds to the richness of this exploration.
Discovering the origins of language and food: Exploring the origins of words and foods can lead to a greater appreciation for their stories and broader insights into history, agriculture, and cultural connections.
Language and food have deep connections, with many English words and phrases originating from various parts of the world. For instance, the word "banana" comes from the Senegalese Wolof language. This discovery can lead to a greater appreciation for the stories behind the things we take for granted. The banana is an excellent example, as we often consume the same, less-than-ideal variety, unaware of the hundreds of other types available. This can also lead to broader insights, such as understanding the origins of capitalism, agriculture, and even historical events. For instance, the monoculture of Cavendish bananas can be linked to the British monarchy and the United Fruit Company, with significant impacts on people and places around the world. Personal experiences, like trying a new type of banana, can further highlight the importance of supporting local food systems and broadening our horizons. Overall, exploring the origins of language and food can lead to a more enriching understanding of the world.
Learning from History, Embracing Diversity, and Using Effective Tools: Understand history's impact on food practices, appreciate diverse food cultures, and use efficient tools like Odoo and Slack to streamline business operations and save time.
Making the world a better place can be achieved through various means, including learning from history, appreciating diverse cultures, and using effective tools to streamline business operations. In today's episode of "How to be a Better Human," we had the pleasure of speaking with Steven Satterfield, the host of Netflix's "High on the Hog" and founder of Whetstone Media. He shared insights about the importance of understanding history and its impact on current food practices. Another important aspect of being a better human is embracing diversity and deliciousness in food. Our show is committed to fact-checking every episode and acknowledges that the "best banana" is subjective. Moreover, we can make a difference in our businesses by using efficient tools like Odoo, an affordable all-in-one management software with integrated business applications. And in our daily work lives, we can save time and focus on what truly matters by using Slack, where work happens in one AI-powered place. In conclusion, we can all strive to be better humans by learning, appreciating diversity, and using effective tools to make a positive impact on our personal and professional lives. Join us next week for another delicious episode of "How to be a Better Human."
