Cutting the Curd
Episodes
The Crave Family and Multi-Generational Farming
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, we chat with George, Debbie, and Rosanne Crave about their family life and the growth of the Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese opera...
Scaling Up: A Conversation With Felice Thorpe
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking ahead through 2022, it's a time of great potential and opportunity. It seems like it's easier than ever to sell cheese and other specialty ite...
Let’s Volunteer to Make a Better Cheese Industry
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tara Holmes from the American Cheese Society and Nicole Garrett from the Cheese Culture Coalition talk to us about volunteer opportunities at their or...
We Made It! New Year New Season, a Review of 2021, and a Forecast of Trends for 2022
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode of Cutting the Curd, our host team of Cara, Carlos, and Jess talk about last year's realizations and next year's possible trends. A...
What's the Value of Cheese Competitions?
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carlos Yescas talks to Emma Young (aka @TheCheeseExplorer) about cheese judging, medals, and competitions around the UK and elsewhere in Europe. We he...
D'Vine Wine and Cheese Pairings with Joe Prinz
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Printz, owner of The Grape D'Vine Wine and Spirits, and D'Vine Bar in Sparkill, NY, likes the element of surprise in food and wine pairings. While...
Comté AOP, It's Not All About Age!
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss with Taz, a Comté dairy farmer, what life is like to work with a producer-farmer network. Then in the second half of the ...
Mezcal and Cheese Pairing with Agave Road Trip
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the past, cheese has generally been paired with wines and craft beers, but today we take a deep dive into the world of Mezcal. Here we'll explore t...
Commercial Cultures: Let's Start a New Conversation.
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to Robert Aguilera, Account Manager for Cultures and Enzymes working with CHR-Hansen, about the role of commercial cultures in cheesemaking.Ph...
Honoring Anne Saxelby
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk to the current and former hosts of Cutting the Curd to honor Anne Saxelby's life through the years and the legacy she has lef...
Tête de Moine AOP with Martin Siegenthaler and Randall Felts
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we review the history and uses of the classic Swiss cheese Tête de Moine AOP. Our guests are Martin Siegenthaler, Gerant / Manager...
Perrystead Dairy
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After 15 years in the cheese industry, Yoav Perry has opened Perrystead Dairy, a creamery in Philadelphia. With access to high-quality cows' milk from...
What's Happening with French Raw Milk Cheeses?
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carlos Yescas (guest hosts) talks to Arnaud Sperat-Czar and Susan Sturman about the new book Raw Milk Cheese: Mission Reconquer and shares their vis...
Plant Based Cheese, What's New and Similar to the Fluid Milk Model
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today Cara speaks with Felice Thorpe, Owner of Felice Foods, Consulting Sales Director for the specialty food businesses, and Rebekah Baker, Director ...
Interview w/ Hannah Howard, Author of the NEW Book, Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Diane sits down with Hannah Howard to discuss her new book and find out what makes this memoir so special. Hannah Howard is a writ...
Who will be the next CMI winner?
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we interview Adam Moskowitz, host and showrunner of the Cheesemonger Invitational, about the Fall 2021 edition. It's gone virtual, but now it's ...
Adopt-an-Alp with Caroline Hostettler, the History and Meaning of this Alpine Cheese Program
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today our guest Caroline Hostettler, introduces to the CTC audience what it means to participate in the Adopt an Alp program. Plus, she explains the...
Debra Dickerson and the Cheese Industry today!
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our host Diane discusses with Debra Dickerson, Director of Education and Customer Outreach at Cowgirl Creamery about the current atmosphere in the che...
Grassroots help for small cheesemakers.
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A group of cheese professionals joined forces to help small producers in the US and Canada weather the pandemic, today we talk to two of the key playe...
Preview of the 2021 American Cheese Society Conference
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The annual American Cheese Society Conference is virtual this year! The virtual event's theme is Moving Forward Together with Purpose, taking place ...
The Relationship between Bread and Cheese ft. Kingston Bread
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Cara will discuss with Aaron Quint co-owner and head food guy at Kingston Bread and Bar, his bread making skills and how his love ...
Consider Bardwell - 'The Comeback Kid'
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode Cara interviews Angela Miller, who is the co-owner of Consider Bardwell Farm based in West Pawlet, Vermont. The creamery has gone t...
A Conversation with Hannah Howard
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
E-Commerce sales for cheese are way up. In-store sampling programs are on pause. Conversations, written descriptions, and editorial copy are making th...
What's new at Cowgirl Creamery?
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cara interviews Amanda Parker about her new role as Managing Director of Cowgirl Creamery. Tune in for a discussion about what challenges arise when t...
Meet The Cheese Culture Coalition
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today Carlos welcomes three incredible women working to bring diversity to the Cheese industry. The Cheese Culture Coalition's mission is to promote e...
Diane interviews Alexandra Jones
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Here Diane will discuss Alexandra's new book "Stuff every cheese lover should know." From the basics of what cheese is to terms every cheese lover sho...
Catching up with the DZTE
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We hear from Rachel Juhl, Mary Quicke, and Peter Dixon on news from the DZTE and learn what inspires them to be part of this organization.Heritage Rad...
The Charcuterie and Cheese Box Boom
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The proliferation of preorder cheese and charcuterie boards, boxes, cups, cones, plates since Covid's arrival. Some businesses existed before, others ...
Diane interviews Marissa Mullen author of 'That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life'
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Marissa Mullen about her favorite cheese pairings and her cool, new methods of cheese plating. Plus, we discover her epi...
Interview with Epicure Foods, Celebrating their 50th Year Anniversary!
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we discuss Epicure Foods history of importing and distributing through the eyes of Jennifer Drezga, owner and CEO. She will take us...
Interview with Olympia Provision's Founder Elias Cairo
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cara interviews Elias Cairo co-owner and founder of Olympia Provisions, about American charcuterie and what's currently trending in the Salumi world.I...
Interview with Anais of Chantal's Cheese Shop
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, I have Anais Saint-Andre Loughran. She is the co-owner of Chantal's Cheese Shop, located in Pittsburg, PA, Anais moved there a...
The Journey to Villa Villekulla Farm
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Gitlin's VIlla Villekulla Farm shares more than just a name with Pippi Longstocking's home. Both are places filled with creative drive and play...
Cara Interviews Erika Kubick of Cheese, Sex, Death
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Happy V-day Curd Nerds! Today on the show Cara interviews Erika Kubick, the cheese preacher behind the cheese advocacy company Cheese Sex Death. They ...
Interview with Amy Sherman, Cheese Professor
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cara interviews Amy Sherman, Editor in Chief of the Cheese Professor. They discuss the new educational website and what it's like to curate cheese con...
Interview with Nick Bayne
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Bayne has mongered in the US, competed in Mondial, and is now mongering in London. In this episode Cara discusses with Nick what it's like to mon...
Interview with Joe Berkowitz
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diane and Cara interview author Joe Berkowitz about his new book, American Cheese: An indulgent odyssey through the artisan cheese world. Heritage Ra...
Upcycled Inspiration: A Conversation with Kyle Fiasconaro of brewers Crackers
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One day, while biking through Brooklyn, Kyle noticed spent grains from a local brewery being thrown out next to the adjacent bakery. From this moment,...
Movies, Cheese, and Cocktails - Cara interviews Tenaya Darlington
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's movie time! We are delighted to have Tenaya Darlington on the show, to discuss her love of classic movies and the cheeses that suit them. Plus, w...
The World is One Big Organism
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If great cheese comes from great milk, and great milk starts with grasses grown in pastures filled with biodiversity, where do those building blocks t...
Thanksgiving Roundtable with CTC hosts
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode the hosts of Cutting the Curd talk turkey and muddle over recent current events. Also we check in what everyone is eating this season ...
The Future of Raw Milk Cheese
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As we look into the next four years under a new US President, we explore some of the issues around regulation and production of raw milk cheeses in th...
Interview with Philosophy Foods ft. Karrie Kimble and David Yourd
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with partners Karrie and Dave about their upcoming projects at their companies Philosophy Foods, Lady Edison, and Regalis Foods. In this episo...
A conversation with David Gremmels of Rogue Creamery
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One year after being named "Best Cheese in the World", the world is a very different place. Guest host Jessica Kesselman talks with David Gremmels a...
Anne Saxelby returns with her new book!
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anne Saxelby is our quest to discuss her new book, " The New Rules of Cheese: A freewheeling and Informative Guide." It's an interesting book with a w...
Fall Cheeses with Megan Ercole, Cheese and Coffee Buyer at Adams Fairacre Farms in Poughkeepsie
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The leaves are changing colors and the world is changing fast, but here at Cutting the Curd we discuss with Megan Ercole, about Fall cheese trends and...
Raw-Milk Cheese Advocacy
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We check-in with raw-milk advocates from around the world to learn about what is going on in Europe, Latin-America, and Australia. For a transcript of...
Jessica Kesselman's visit!
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Kesselman joins us to discuss her cheese experience through the years, and dive in to how COVID-19 has drastically effected the cheese world a...
Opening a Creamery During a Pandemic, Blakesville Dairy Farm
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On todays episode we talk with Veronica Pedraza, head cheesemaker and general manager of Blakesville Dairy to discuss the everyday obstacles she has e...
Introducing a New Member to the CTC Squad, Carlos Yescas
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing friend of the podcast - and future guest host! - Carlos Yescas. He joined Cara to discuss his career in cheese, view points, and what we...
Onesto Crackers, being a vegan, and supporting cheese literally and figuratively
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Host Cara Warren chats with Jane E. Ciccone about her company Onesto Foods, from their eco-friendly commitment to the unique market of crackers. Plus ...
Matt Benham, the NEW 2020 Daphne Zepos Teaching Award Winner
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Host Cara Warren interviews Matt Benham about what his expectations are for his upcoming research and what it means to him to be honored with this pre...
The Eye of the Storm: Another COVID Check-In with Specialty Cheese Retail
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our pandemic-focused series of interviews with industry professionals about selling cheese in the time of COVID. Here we're joined by Laur...
Victory Cheese
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My two guests are Stephanie Skinner and Molly Browne, both of whom were instrumental in starting Victory Cheese, which has attempted to help American ...
Caitlin O'Neill and What's new on the West Coast, a POV and a discussion of whats ahead for cheese retail
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Host Cara Warren interviews Caitlin O'Neill of Cowgirl Creamery to hear her POV and what's ahead for the cheese retail world.In March, HRN began produ...
Tyromancy: Or, An Attempt To See the Future Of Cheese, and In Cheese
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our deep dive into COVID-19 and its impact on the cheese and specialty food industries, we pick up the conversation with Tyler Hawes. Tyler...
Interview with Ari Weinsweig
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ari Weinzweig is one of the two co-founders of Zingerman's. He has also written business books about his unusual business beliefs, including transpare...
Sake and Cheese Pairing with Jesse Pugach
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse Pugach is the founder of Fifth Taste, a San Francisco-based distributor of artisanal sake. In this episode, host Cara Warren, unwraps the deta...
Adapting At the Counter
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brie Hurd of The Cheese Shop of Salem is back! On today's show, Brie chats with Elena about how she's pivoting operations to succeed in the new COVID-...
PPPerspectives on Cheesemaking and COVID-19
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cheesemaker and entrepreneur Mateo Kehler joins host Aaron Foster to discuss the stark financial realities facing cheesemakers in the time of COVID-19...
Illustrator, Michelle Vieira, Columbus Curd Nerd
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Vieira is an Illustrator bringing light and happiness to the online cheese world. From rocking cheese illustrations to Cheese Pin-up girls, h...
The Mobile Monger, Janee' Muha
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cara speaks with Janee', the Mobile Monger about her new interview program. Each day she interviews a different American artisan cheesemaker about the...
Cabot Creamery Farmer Amanda Freund talks Smart Barns and Cow Pots
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Freund tells us all about her experience as a 3rd generational farmer and how cooperatives are helping support New England and Vermont communit...
Running a Cheese Shop in the Epicenter of COVID-19
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Elena chats with fellow Cutting the Curd host and independent cheese shop owner, Aaron Foster, about what life is like right now on the front lines of...
The DZTA award, still going strong!
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Both Tom Perry and Sam Frank join Diane to give an update on Daphne Zepos's award which provides money for European Travel to research a cheese issue....
Sweet Grass Dairy - a Decade of Difference
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica and Cara talk about what has evolved at Sweet Grass Dairy for Jessica Little since her previous interview with Anne Saxelby (one decade ago) i...
CMI West Coast Winner shares all - Sarah Munly
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Munly discusses what it's like to win CMI San Fran 2020. Plus we dive deep into inspirations for her Feminist Goddess cheese plates.Cutting the ...
2020 Hindsight: Revisiting Ivy and Second Mouse Cheese One Year In
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we last spoke to Ivy Ronquillo, she was mere weeks away from opening her own cheese shop in Pleasantville, New York: Second Mouse Cheese. Now, al...
Passing the Podcast Torch
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In line with our show's tradition, as new host Cara Warren joins the Cutting the Curd team, she takes an episode to interview our most recent host, El...
Tiny Goat, Big Cheese
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Diane discusses all aspects of Kate Johnson's steady transition from Boulder suburb to living on a farm with her family, watching her daughters enjoy...
The Grilled Cheeserie
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Elena chats with Grilled Cheese Chef Crystal De Luna-Bogan, chef and co-owner of the original food truck and now brick and mortar ...
Sam Frank for Jumi
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A profile of Jumi, discussing the challenges of being a smaller European producer that does their own importing, and does not rely on major distributo...
Ending the War on Artisan Cheese by Dr. Catherine W. Donnelly
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Serious discussion of the various ways the FDA has threatened attack on Artisan cheese, and then backed down when there was no scientific proof of the...
The Wizard of Cheeseapalooza
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Elena chats with Adam Moskowitz of Larkin, the Barnyard and the Cheesemonger Invitational (of course!) about creating community in...
Episode 405: 2019 End of Year Host Show
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Elena Santogade, Diane Stemple and Aaron Foster are all in studio together to reflect on 2019 and make cheese-related bets for 2020. Hijinks ens...
Episode 404: Cheesemaking Elements: Farmland and Feed
09 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, host Elena Santogade talks with Margot Brooks of Sugar House Creamery. Farmstead cheesemaking from choosing the right land and loc...
Episode 403: Mark Kurlansky, author of Milk! A 10,000 Year Food Fracas
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For this month's book review, Diane Stemple interviews Mark Kurlansky about his book Milk! A 10,000 Year Food Fracas. With a title like that, Diane ha...
Episode 402: Industry Reflections with Jodie Wische
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Host Elena Santogade talks with Jodie Wische about what she's seen these past 20+ years in cheese, and how ecommerce transformed––and continues to...
Episode 401: Cheesemaking Elements: Equipment and Getting Started
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Heilman and Jennifer Rodammer join host Elena Santogade on air to talk about the new cheesemaking program at the University of Delaware. This u...
Episode 400: Anne Saxelby
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For our 400th episode (!!) Elena and Diane are in-studio with Anne Saxelby, founder and O.G. host of Cutting the Curd. Reflections, predictions and hi...
Episode 399: Cheese Tariffs: Part 2
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Tariffs on cheese and specialty products from the EU went into effect on Friday, October 18th. Elena chats with Daniel Schnyder, Director of Imports &...
Episode 398: Book Review: Cheese Boards to Share: How to Create a Stunning Cheese Board for Any Occasion by Lassa Skinner
22 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On today's book review, Diane interviews cheese industry champion Lassa Skinner. With a new book on cheese boards and Counter Culture production in fu...
Episode 397: Sustainability and Small Dairy Farms: What Happens When Good Gals Grow Old
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Modern, concscious consumers love to talk about sustainability and supporting small, local dairy farmers, but what does that actually look like for th...
Episode 396: B Corporation: Rogue Creamery
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We're on a B Corp kick! Today, Elena profiles another B Corp company in the cheese industry: Rogue Creamery. Marguerite Merritte, Cheese Emissary (aka...
Episode 395: B Corporation: Vermont Creamery
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In 2014 Vermont Creamery became a B Corp business. What does that mean, exactly? On today's episode Elena chats with Adeline Druart, President of Verm...
Episode 394: Missy Hughes, Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel at Organic Valley
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Elena chats in-studio with Missy Hughes about how the Organic Valley Cooperative works, and Missy's work as Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel....
Episode 393: A chat with the owners of San Francisco's first urban creamery, Daily Driver
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode Elena chats with Hadley and David Kreitz, co-founders of San Francisco's first urban creamery. The urban-meets-rural reality of a b...
Episode 392: Happy 40th, Neals Yard Dairy!
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Diane Stemple is on location in London this week, for Neals Yard Dairy's 40th birthday party! Tune in for interviews with Jason Hinds, David Lockwood,...
Episode 391: Cheese Tariffs: What You Need to Know (before Midnight tonight!)
12 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This time sensitive show is devoted to making sense of the potential tariffs on cheeses imported into the U.S. from the European Union. It's clear how...
Episode 390: Celeste Nolan of Laurel Valley Creamery in Ohio
05 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week's show is a collaboration between Cutting the Curd and The Farm Report. Elena is in the studio fellow HRN host and producer, Lisa Held, inte...
Episode 389: Promoting French Cheese Around the World: Charles Duque
30 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Duque is the Managing Director for North America for the French Dairy Board. He travels all throughout the continent, promoting French cheese ...
Episode 388: Careers in Cheese: Lilith Spencer
22 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, Elena interviews cheesemaker/creamery worker and photographer at the Cellars at Jasper Hill, Lilith Spencer. Lilith's cheese career s...
Episode 387: Book Review: Italian Table
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On a continued Italian kick, Diane interviews author and food tour operator Elizabeth Minchilli about her new cookbook, The Italian Table. It's HRN's ...
Episode 386: Cider & Cheese, Friends Indeed
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Pairing wine and cheese is so classic, it's become a cliche. Craft beer has enjoyed an upswell of interest lately, and with that it's also been the fo...
Episode 385: Live from the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin booth at the 2019 Summer Fancy Food Show
01 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Elena taped today's episode at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Booth at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Today's episode features shorter interviews with te...
Episode 384: Bruno Gritti of Quattro Portoni and Paola Calciolari of Le Tamerici
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Summer Fancy Food Show is happening this week in New York City and that means cheesemakers and specialty food producers are in town in a big way. ...
Episode 383: Cheesemaking Elements: Affinage
18 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In our third Cheesemaking Elements episode of the year, Elena visits Crown Finish Caves, Brooklyn-based Affineur, to focus on the final steps in the c...
Episode 382: Book Review: Osteria
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show Diane interviews writer Natalie Danford. Natalie was the translator for Slow Food's Osteria: 1,000 Generous and Simple Recipes from It...
Episode 381: Owning Your Own Cheese Sales Business
03 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today is Amy Thompson, owner and operator of Full Shelf Foods. Amy's path to business ownership was mostly rooted in retail work. We'll hear...
Episode 380: Cheese Work As a Parent: Jessica Kesselman
20 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Kesselman joins Elena in studio to discuss working in cheese alongside her journey as a parent. How well does the cheese industry support pare...