6 chapters across the catalog
Millennialisms Project, Avocado Toast and Linguistic Trends
A new project aims to document specific cultural markers and linguistic habits associated with the millennial generation. Terms identified include avocado toast, "dropping T's" in speech, bone broth, and small-batch artisan products. The hosts debate the origins and relevance of these trends.
The Democratic Republic of Congo declared cobalt a strategic substance, tripling the royalty rate for miners from 3% to 10%. While tech companies like Apple claim to monitor their supply chains, much of the world's cobalt is sourced from "artisanal miners" who work in hazardous conditions without safety equipment. This labor often involves children separating ore by hand, yet the term "artisanal" is used by corporations to sanitize the reality of the extraction process.
A new food trend in San Francisco involves selling artisanal toast for four dollars a slice, which the hosts identify as a potential "slave depression food." They compare it to the evolution of mac and cheese from a gourmet item to a cheap staple. The segment features a clip from a bakery owner describing the popularity of simple comfort foods in high-end cafes.
Small Batch Marketing, Artisanal Salt and Grenadine
The "small batch" marketing trend is mocked after a host discovers $20 grenadine syrup and "small batch salt" at high-end retailers. The discussion centers on how the moniker is used to double the price of common goods by attaching a sentimental story to the product.
A discussion on the health benefits of raw milk leads into a report on new European Union regulations. The EU has moved to ban open olive oil jugs and dipping bowls from restaurant tables, requiring pre-packaged, tamper-proof factory bottles instead. The hosts criticize this as an authoritarian move that damages artisanal food makers in favor of industrial giants.
A household edict in the Dvorak residence has restricted Christmas gifts to only handmade or used items to combat consumerism. The discussion highlights the availability of high-end potters and artisans in the Berkeley area. Mention is made of the eclectic weekend markets on Telegraph Avenue featuring tie-dye and local crafts.
