About this episode
In this episode, I drop by Gettysburg College, my undergraduate Alma Mater, to catch up with Professor Dan McCall of the Gettysburg Odor and Flavor Lab , who's doing really interesting research in the field of taste and smell perception. As you'd imagine, he's got a lot of really cool insights into exactly what happens when you take that first sip of your favorite cocktail. Some of the topics we discuss include: The evolutionary bases for smell and taste The brain structures and psychological mechanisms responsible for flavor perception Cocktails as a psychological playground for flavor decision making Cultural flavor preferences in France and the U.S. The magic of blackcurrants And Much, Much More If you liked my interview with Colleen O'Bryant , where we talked about herbs and seasonal flavors, then I have a feeling that this episode is also going to be in your wheelhouse. And while you're listening, don't get intimidated if you hear a few psychological terms--Dan always does a good job of breaking down complex things like brain structures and sensory pathways into their most basic, easy-to-understand form. This conversation is a true treat for your brain, so settle in and enjoy my conversation with Professor Dan McCall. Want to get in touch? Email him at dmccall@gettysburg.edu