Topic: Edible Insects

Supermarket chain Aldi is reportedly considering selling edible insects as a low-cost protein alternative for families. The hosts link this to a broader agenda, often associated with Bill Gates, to move the general population away from traditional meat. They contrast the "peasant" diet of bugs with the Wagyu beef and lobster enjoyed by elites.

A recent episode of The Great British Baking Show featured a contestant using cricket powder and smoked whole crickets in a "trick or treat" truffle recipe. Judges on the show praised the "peppery" flavor of the insects and discussed their potential as a sustainable future food source. The hosts debate the actual taste of crickets, with one noting that certain ants are known to be spicy.

Dame Astrid and the Duke of Japan reported on the proliferation of bug-themed vending machines in Tokyo, selling bamboo worms, scorpions, and black ants. These products are marketed as high-priced, healthy supplements aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The "velvet rope" marketing strategy is being used to make insect consumption appear exclusive and trendy to the masses.

Sir Tim of Tasmania is credited as an Associate Executive Producer for a donation based on his newborn's name in ASCII code. The hosts also discuss a gift from "Nurse Caitlin" consisting of chocolate-flavored "farm ants." Adam Curry tastes the ant candy live on air, describing the texture as crunchy and the flavor as surprisingly peppery or fiery, while Dvorak jokes about the future of insects as a food source.

Nurse Caitlin from North Carolina sends a handwritten note and a gift of "ant candy." She discusses how the podcast has helped her navigate social norms as a millennial. The hosts joke about her penmanship and the "microaggression" of sending edible ants, while one host attempts to get her to send him some as well.