18 chapters across the catalog
John Dvorak provides a "Tip of the Day" recommending a specific Chinese green tea available on Amazon called Tianhu Shan (Yinhao). He describes it as a high-quality, affordable alternative to everyday teas and explains the Chinese practice of the "second pouring." The segment also includes a brief technical discussion about the risks of running a private mailing list server.
The hosts select a new "ISO" (audio drop) from listener submissions, choosing a "sexy girl" thank-you clip. John Dvorak provides a "Tip of the Day" regarding PG Tips tea, advising listeners to buy large 240-count boxes on Amazon but to avoid the smaller "restaurant version" bags. A bonus tip suggests washing dishes by hand to avoid handling them twice.
A discussion on the current exchange rate benefits for purchasing British goods like PG Tips tea via Amazon. This leads to a critique of Range Rover vehicles, with personal stories about mechanical failures and the high cost of maintenance once the manufacturer's warranty expires.
Listener Chris Belsky donated $1,340 and promoted his business, PNW Food Forests, which designs sustainable permaculture systems. The segment also includes various birthday donations for John C. Dvorak's 70th birthday and critiques of consumer products like PG Tips Gold tea and Kirkland Rioja wine.
The cultural significance of tea in the UK is discussed, noting the transition from Dutch tea habits to the British preference for milk and sugar. The conversation shifts to the National Health Service (NHS), where a family member faced an eight-week wait for a knee scan. The scan was eventually obtained the next day by paying $5,000 for private treatment at the same facility.
The history of British tea colonization is discussed, specifically how long-term deals from the 1800s secured high-quality tea for brands like PG Tips and Sainsbury's. The conversation touches on the upcoming anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and the historical context of the British tea and opium trade with China.
A discussion regarding PG Tips tea bags reveals that the brand has created specific packaging for the American market that includes strings and tags. The packaging instructions suggest a "delicious brew fit for a monkey," which the hosts interpret as a joke or a slight against American consumers. The segment mentions seeing these bags at Leo Laporte's studio.
A brief recommendation is given for combining PG Tips Gold with Rooibos (Red Bush) tea. The host claims that adding the Red Bush tea bag naturally sweetens the brew without the need for sugar.
British Tea Culture, Twinings Everyday, and PG Tips
A care package from a British photographer containing various teas prompts a discussion on the quality difference between US-packed and UK-packed Twinings tea. A specific variety called Twinings Everyday is reviewed as a competitor to PG Tips and Tetley. The hosts compare the flavor profiles of PG Tips Gold and the earthy notes of the new variety.
PG Tips Gold vs Regular Tea Taste Profiles
John C. Dvorak compares the taste of regular PG Tips tea to the Gold variety after purchasing a large quantity at a discount. He describes the regular tea as having a "green" or "earthy" vegetal flavor, while the Gold version is a smoother, milder drink.
The evolution of tea packaging includes the American invention of the string and tag, likely popularized by Lipton. High-end tea purveyors at events like the San Francisco Fancy Food Show now utilize silk or mesh plastic pyramid bags. These innovations are often viewed as marketing tactics that prioritize expensive packaging over the quality of the tea itself.
A listener's complaint about American tea-making habits sparks a debate on the proper way to brew tea, specifically regarding the order of milk and water. The speakers defend PG Tips while the listener suggests Yorkshire Tea. The segment transitions into a discussion on the illegality of garbage disposals in Berkeley, California, due to local environmental regulations.
Tea Preparation Methods, British vs American Habits
Observations on tea preparation highlight a controversial method where milk and sugar are added to the cup before the hot water and tea bag. One participant expresses annoyance at Americans who walk around with tea bags left in oversized mugs, while both discuss their preferences for brands like PG Tips Gold and Sainsbury Red Label.
A brief update on personal beverage preferences confirms a total switch to PG Tips Special Blend tea. The product, originally a limited anniversary release in a gold box, is described as smoother than the standard PG Tips variety. The discussion notes the minor price difference and the health benefits of antioxidants found in the tea.
A domestic "blind taste test" involving Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips is recounted. Despite initial claims of preference for PG Tips, a family member was unable to distinguish between the brands when served Yorkshire Tea. The segment concludes with a discussion of various British tea brands, including Sainsbury's Red Label and Lifeboat Tea.
The Yorkshire Tea Company sent a gold standard supply of tea to the PodShow UK office as a challenge to the previous preference for PG Tips. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the PodShow UK Christmas dinner in London, an event expected to host approximately 30 people including staff, spouses, and production talent.
The cultural significance of tea in the United Kingdom involves a preference for adding milk and sugar, a habit adopted by those moving to the region. PG Tips is identified as a gold standard brand, while Sainsbury's Red Label is noted as a primary competitor.
