Why This Podcast

Why This Podcast

”Why This” is a podcast where a couple of food scientists, Lindsay and Matt, learn why people love the things they love. In each episode, we break down a different product or cultural phenomenon, and much like we do in our day jobs running focus groups, we ask our guest about what makes our topic so lovable. The results are funny, interesting, and even inspiring. You might even find your own next passion. Episodes are brought to you by DraughtLab, who help food and beverage producers improve the taste and quality of their products with best-in-class sensory software, tools, and training. Run your next taste panel or reach out if you’re interested in becoming a better taster.

Episodes

February 21, 2024 14 mins

On a list of full-on sensory experiences, you would be mistaken if you didn’t include the jam band scene. We talk with Lab Manager and Sensory Scientist Sydney Zagger of Russian River Brewing about why the music and people keep her coming back.

 

  SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played

The Super Bowl is this weekend, so we’re breaking down this unique “holiday” and how it impacts our behaviors. From the plates we eat on, to the ads we’re served during the game, sensory plays a part in our experience.

 

  SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
December 11, 2023 15 mins

With 40 NEW holiday movies being released every year, it's likely that a formula exists to make them successful. To figure it out, we had our coworker Brooke dive-in and watch holiday movies to identify the key characteristics.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
November 21, 2023 15 mins

Improv performers rely on their creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration to do live theatre with no script. We catch up with Senior Director Brooke Bell to learn how those skills help in other areas of life.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
November 6, 2023 14 mins

Amaro means "bitter" in Italian, but it hardly tells the story of the wide range of flavors and styles in this category of liqueurs. We talk with amaro enthusiast and co-owner of Burial Beer's Tim Gormley about what makes this drink so interesting.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played

It's almost Halloween, so it's a perfect time to run a test and determine what is the least favorite treat for both adults and kids.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
October 8, 2023 15 mins

Most fast food chains have secret menu items available if you know what to order. We sent our coworker Brooke to try and get her hands on these mystery foods to see what the hype is all about.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
September 25, 2023 14 mins

The end products may be tiny, but the amount of care and attention to detail are huge. We talk with Tiny Food competition winner Kaitlyn Peot about how it all works and why Tiny Food has such a loyal following.     SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
September 11, 2023 16 mins

Foraging for mushrooms can be serious business, which was our discussion with mushroom hunter and brewmaster Ross Koenigs of Second Dawn Brewing.

 

 

SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter:

https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
August 27, 2023 14 mins

Pickleball is one of the fast growing sports in the country, so we asked semi-pro Joanna Laubscher to gives us 3 reasons why everyone is getting out to play.

 

 

SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter:

https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
August 27, 2023 13 mins

Cottage cheese is having a moment, so we decided to break it down with an original fanatic... a Dad. 

 

 

SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter:

https://www.draughtlab.com/newsletter

Mark as Played
August 27, 2023 59 secs
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.