What happens when a fermentation scientist with a PhD from Oxford gets stopped at the airport for carrying mysterious powders? In this episode of the Fugitive Chefs Podcast, Dr. Johnny Drain takes us on a wild, brilliant, and deeply inspiring journey through the world of food innovation.
From nearly getting arrested due to his Instagram bio ("Walter White of Fermentation") to reimagining chocolate without using cocoa, Johnny shares the unexpected stories behind his work with Noma, the Nordic Food Lab, Win-Win Chocolate, and restaurants across the globe.
We talk about:
Why he pursued a PhD to become a comedian
The moment potatoes smelled like hot chocolate
Fermentation’s role in the future of food systems
Bridging science and fine dining
Sustainability, storytelling, and circular food design
Whether you're a chef, food nerd, or just fermentation-curious, this episode will make you rethink what’s possible with microbes, molecules, and the meals we eat.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Johnny Drain
Website: https://drjohnnydrain.com/
Instagram: @johnnydrain
Pre-buy Johnny´s upcoming book: https://linktr.ee/DrJohnnyDrain
🎙️ Hosted by Furqan from the Fugitive Chefs Podcast
Furqan`s Personal Insta : https://bit.ly/4dtiyTv
Podcast Instagram : https://bit.ly/43ndATO
Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3F6j25A
Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/43vBtbT
Follow for more episodes with culinary misfits, rebels, and thinkers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Culinary Journeys
02:02 Early Connections to Food
04:43 The Diverse Paths to Culinary Careers
07:51 Defining a Unique Culinary Identity
10:57 The Intersection of Science and Food
13:41 The Role of Fermentation in Culinary Innovation
16:35 Experiences at the Nordic Food Lab
19:43 Bridging the Gap Between Science and Culinary Arts
22:37 Cultural Influences on Culinary Innovation
29:53 The Pressure of Michelin Star Expectations
37:18 Innovations in Chocolate Production
45:37 The Future of Food Systems
49:03 Adventures in Fermentation: A Memoir
52:38 Advice for Aspiring Food Innovators
Sound Bites
"I had a certain aptitude for it."
"I want the world to have more cocoa."
"Ask for help, ask questions."
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