Cutting the Curd

In just four years, Stevie Lee Webb and his wife Michelle have successfully grown their business from a pop-up cheese stand to a small shop, and now, they're about to open a full-service cheese shop with the area's first cheese bar. Hoping to inspire others, Joe sits down with Stevie in this episode to hear the story of how it all came to be! Tune in to this one to hear more! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

In this episode of Cutting the Curd, Cara sits down with Rodolfo Navarro Aceves, Director of Quesos Navarro, to explore the rich history behind this family-run creamery. Rodolfo shares how his family started the business, the authentic Mexican cheeses they produce, and the challenges and successes of introducing their cheeses to the American market. Tune in to hear about the tradition, craftsmanship, and passion that make Quesos Navarro a standout in both Mexico and the US. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Our guests, Jesse and Sarit Werner from Plymouth Artisan Cheese join Cutting the Curd to walk us through the history of "America's Oldest Cheddar", and their journey since taking the reigns in 2009. The story of Plymouth Artisan Cheese is as rich in history as the cheese is in flavor; a story with presidential ties, a spirit with deep roots in the community, and a family carrying the tradition of Vermont-made cheddar into the future. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Joe sits down with Emilio Mignucci, third-generation specialty merchant from DiBruno Bros., to explore his journey—from growing up in the iconic 9th Ave Deli to expanding to six locations, navigating the challenges of selling through a pandemic, and the 2024 acquisition by the Browns Family Store Group. They dive into how it all began, who imported the first cheese and what it was, the story behind the DiBruno expansion and branding, and the acquisition. Plus, hear about the experience of working with family through it all. Don’t miss this episode—tune in to find out! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

In this episode of *Cutting the Cheese*, we wrap up 2024 with a dive into the year’s biggest moments in the cheese industry, including key highlights and challenges. We discuss the latest trends spotted at the Fancy Food Show, from innovative flavors to sustainability, and explore what these shifts could mean for the future of specialty cheese. We also break down the impact of current tariffs and trade discussions on cheesemakers, importers, and consumers. Plus, we’re joined by guest host Nathan Aldridge, a seasoned industry expert, for an engaging chat about his favorite cheeses, insights from the field, and what excites him most about the year ahead. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

In this episode, we dive into the world of Vermont Creamery with co-founder Allison Hooper and lead scientist of research and development Austen Czymmek. Join us as they share the inspiring journey behind their latest creation: Hooper, a unique washed rind cheese named in honor of Allison’s incredible legacy in the cheese-making community. Discover the meticulous process that went into developing Hooper, from selecting the shape to mastering the art of washed rind techniques. Allison and Austen discuss the flavors that make Hooper truly stand out, and they offer tips on the best pairings to elevate your Hooper cheese experience. Photo courtesy of Vermont Creamery. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

From New Zealand to Buffalo, from Farmers' Markets to national chains, and from 5000 sq ft to 35,000 sq ft of production space. Rebecca Brady, founder and CEO of Top Seedz, joins us to share the story of her company's growth. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund celebrates Cutting the Curd originator, Anne Saxelby, and the passion she held for farmers and cheese-makers. The mission of ASLF is to provide month-long paid apprenticeships for young adults to live on sustainable farms - to work, learn, and be inspired to create change in their communities. Now wrapping up their third year, we talk with Kristina Graeber, Director of Programs about the Fund. Mike Koch of FireFly Farms also joins us to discuss the role of Farm Partners, and Allison Sirota, an Apprentice with the Fund tells us about her experience. We also get a sneak peak at the upcoming fundraising Gala. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Join hosts Cara, Jessica, and Joe as they take you through the American Cheese Society conference, held in the vibrant city of Buffalo. In this episode, they dive into the latest trends and insights from the world of cheese. From artisanal craftsmanship to industry advancements, our hosts share their favorite moments, interviews with cheese experts, and behind-the-scenes stories from the conference. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast or a professional in the industry, this episode is packed with rich content that you won't want to miss. Tune in for an in-depth recap of the ACS 2024 and discover what’s shaping the future of cheese! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Whether you're a foodie, a podcast enthusiast, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes process of creating a podcast, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how John and Andrea turn their passion for ingredients into compelling content, one episode at a time. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

In this special, supersized epsiode, Jessica speaks with John Braga about the World Cheese Awards held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and his role as a Supreme Judge at the competition. Then its John's turn to host, as he introduces us to three cheesemakers: Heloisa Collins of Capril do Bosque, and brothers Juliano and Bruno Mendes of Vermont Queijos, all of whom are producing award-winning cheeses in Brazil and contributing to international awareness of the country's vibrant cheesemaking community. Photo courtesy of Guillermo White and @sertaobras. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Tune into this episode as Joe hears from 30-year veteran cheese and vegan cheese monger and "Cheddar" book author Gordon Edgar. He talks about the recent Good Food Awards Vegan Cheese Kerfuffle in which he was named an "informant" by the Washington Post. And, Joe learns the proper way to pronounce vegan! Don’t miss this one! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

On today's episode with sit down with executive producer and food historian Robyn Metcalfe to discover a whole new way of relating cheese and life philosophy in the medium of a documentary film. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Ontario-based Erin Harris and Kelsie Parsons know cheese. When Erin's not traversing Canada to meet with chefs and retailers, and Kelsie's not sourcing goods for a national food retailer, they're coordinating the next meeting of the Canadian Cheese Collective. Erin and Kelsie join Jessica for a conversation about Canadian cheesemakers and retailers, and what they're looking forward to when ACS is just across the border in July. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Many cheese shops are loosely defined as restaurants if they serve food and provide seating to dine in. Conversely, some wine bars and restaurants have a cheese-centric menu with an area for retail sales. These hybrid establishments often combine retail sales of cheese with a dining experience, blurring the line between traditional cheese shop and restaurant. Listen in as Joe takes a deeper dive with Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, professional cheese monger, chef, and owner of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, CA! Photo courtesy of Hox Creative. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Tune in the hear sound bites from this year's 2024 biennial World Cheese Championship Contest that was held in Wisconsin this past March as Cara and Joe break down what makes the World Championship Cheese Contest distinct from the World Cheese Awards. Joe was in attendance and his mission was to unveil what the competition was like for our listeners. However, this time around we got a bit of surprise with our coverage! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Tune in as Sheila Flanagan shares the rich history and innovative techniques behind Nettle Meadow's artisanal cheese-making process. From their commitment to sustainable farming practices, to their dedication for cheese-making, Nettle Meadow embodies the essence of craft and quality. Discover the unique flavors and textures of Nettle Meadow's signature cheeses, crafted with care from the finest ingredients. From creamy soft cheeses to aged masterpieces, each bite tells a story of passion and expertise. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

We check in with Agela Abdullah, Kyra James and Nicole Garrett of the Cheese Culture Coalition about the CCC's growth as a non profit, and as a national community since they were on CTC in 2021. One indicator of their success is the sizable grant and scholarship program available for BIPOC cheese professionals to further their cheese education and professional development. Deadline to apply for grants and the CMI scholarship is May 10th! Listen here for all of the details. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

Benita Kasbo is the owner of Kasbo's Market based in Madison, NJ. Benita is originally from Syria and specializes in making Jibneh, Syrian Cheese. Her old world recipe is made with a unique spice called mahleb and her cheese was featured in The New York Times food section. She is passionate about Middle Eastern food and enjoys helping people discover the traditional flavors of the Middle East. She hosts cheese events to allow others to discover the versatility of her cheese. Give a listen to be inspired by her story and to learn more about Jibneh. Photo courtesy of Robin & Sue Photography & Styling. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.

On this episode, Joe chats with twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms, co-owners, and the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the renowned Los Angeles-based specialty cheese shop credited with initiating a global grazing board movement in 2016. Lady & Larder was founded on their deep respect for American and California-made seasonal ingredients, with the goal of elevating the producers and cheese makers' stories behind the stunning cheese and charcuterie boards and sandwiches. Photo courtesy of Jenna Jones. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member! Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.