6 chapters across the catalog
TikTok Feta Pasta, China-EU Trade Agreement
The viral "TikTok Feta Pasta" recipe is linked to a new trade agreement between China and the European Union regarding "geographical indications" (GI). China has agreed to protect the "feta" trademark, ensuring it only applies to authentic Greek products. The hosts speculate that Chinese algorithms may have pushed the feta trend to coincide with these intellectual property negotiations.
Outro, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Mix, TikTok Feta Song
The episode concludes with a series of musical mixes, including a parody of Donald Trump's announcement of the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. A second mix focuses on the "TikTok Feta" trend. The hosts sign off from "Opportunity Zone 33" in Austin, Texas, and "Northern Silicon Valley," promising to return for the next broadcast on Thursday.
A viral TikTok trend involving baked feta pasta has reportedly led to cheese shortages in Finland. While some attribute the trend to organic virality, others suspect a coordinated marketing campaign by a "Feta Council." The discussion includes a recipe breakdown and a debate over the quality of Bulgarian versus Greek feta cheese.
Feta Cheese Consumption, Personal Recipe Testing
The hosts discuss the practical implications of the "Feta Pasta" trend, noting that using an entire block of cheese for one dish is an "abusive" level of consumption that could strain global supplies. One host confirms having tested the recipe, describing it as rich and delicious despite the excessive use of feta.
Protected Names, Ukrainian Champagne, and Bulgarian Feta Cheese
A technicality in the trade agreement allows Ukraine to continue using protected names like "Champagne" and "Feta" for its exports for a limited time. The hosts discuss the quality of Bulgarian feta cheese compared to Greek varieties and the strict European Union regulations regarding protected designations of origin.
The Obama administration hosted its second annual "Big Block of Cheese Day," a social media event inspired by an 1837 tradition started by Andrew Jackson. Administration officials, including Valerie Jarrett and Dr. Jill Biden, answered public questions on Twitter and Facebook. The hosts mock the "cutesy" puns used in the official promotion of the event.
