Cutting the Curd

In this episode, host John Braga (@ oqueijonista ) “travels” to the Cuesta region of São Paulo to uncover the story behind Pardinho Artesanal (@ pardinhoartesanal ) - where decades of cattle-genetics expertise meet the craft of raw-milk cheesemaking. John is joined by veterinarian, affineur, and technical lead Vanessa Alcolea, who shares how the farm became a landmark in Brazil...

Authors Patrick McGuigan and Carlos Yescas discuss their new book, One Cheese To Rule Them All: In Search of the World's 100 Best Cheeses . With years of international cheese judging between them, it’s no surprise that their book would be far more than a simple global guide to cheese. Join us for a discussion of the World Cheese Awards through the years and some of the cheeses that...

This episode takes us inside two cheese shops using their counters as platforms for identity, advocacy, and community connection. Host John Braga (@ oqueijonista ) sits down with two New York - based cheesemongers on opposite sides of the Hudson: Scott Young of Scott & Joe (@ scott.and.joe ) in Nyack and Jessica Galen of Bloomy Cheese & Provisions (@ bloomydobbs ) in Dobbs Ferry. Together,...

Join the newest Cutting the Curd co- host Alisha Norris Jones ( @_immortalmilk ) as she begins to tease out what it means to be a freelance monger in a world of counters, trade shows, and social media. With guest Carrie Stenerson ( @justiceofthecheese and beloved cheese clown), the two delve into identity, 90's pop culture and the role of community within the cheese industry. Heritage Radio Networ...

Season 2025 continues with a journey south of the border! Host John Braga (@ oqueijonista ) kicks off his first episode by diving into Mexico’s thriving artisan cheese scene with two remarkable guests: Gabriela Flores (@ tataflo ) of Del Rebaño (@ quesosdelrebano ) and Paulina Gómez of Bajo Fuego (@ bajo_fuego ). Together, they explore the evolution of Mexican cheesemaking, from growing consumer c...

Erika Kubick, creator and curator of Cheese Sex Death , is back with her second book, Cheese Magic: Seasonal Recipes, Plates and Pairings . Summoning the powers of a culinary grimoire, Ericka discusses the book with CTC host Jessica Kesselman and leads us through the Wheel of the Year with cheese as our guide.  Photo Courtesy of John Jennings. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported no...

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Kirtz—one of the most generous, grounded, and well-respected voices in cheese. Before entering the cheese world, Aaron's path took some unexpected turns: from DJing in the Czech Republic to working the mess hall during the largest art heist in U.S. museum history. He eventually found his way to cheese, where he’s been for over 20 years, and now co-owns his o...

On the latest Cutting the Curd, Joe and Cara got on the line with Emilia D’Albero , newly crowned World Champion Cheesemonger, and Courtney Johnson , who took home the bronze at the Mondial du Fromage in France. For the first time ever, two Americans — and two women — stood on the podium at this global stage. We talked about their journey from the Cheesemonger Invitational Masters, the h...

Season 2025 kicks off with fresh voices! Join hosts Alisha Norris and John Braga as they step into the  Cutting the Curd  spotlight alongside longtime host Cara Warren. We’re also thrilled to welcome Jessica Kesselman as our new book reviewer, sharing her unique take on the latest in cheese culture, all in honor of Diane Stemple, whose legacy continues to inspire the show. Tune in for in...

More than just a business decision, Chantal's Cheese Shop 's exit from social media is a statement. This episode examines their bold move to prioritize genuine community connection over online marketing. Anaïs Saint-André Loughran joins Jessica for a discussion about the shop's journey after leaving social media, their focus on real-world community, and their reflections on a society saturated wit...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Mariana Marques de Almeida of Ms. J and Co. , a pioneering Assaf sheep dairy farm, and Anna Landmark of Landmark Creamery - two Wisconsin based producers shaping the future of artisan cheese. We explore sheep milk, regional identity and how collaboration is helping small dairies thrive. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Su...

Seth took over active management of the family's seven-generation farm in West Pawlet, Vermont in 2015. He has since diversified the business to include supplying milk to several of Vermont's artisan cheesemakers, which now includes a familiar face making artisanal favorites under the banner of Woodlawn Creamery . Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cu...

In this episode of Cutting the Curd, host Cara welcomes Josh Ptaszynski, cofounder of The Big Moo , a brand that's shaking up the cheese world with their oven-baked, ready-to-serve cheeses. Josh shares the story behind The Big Moo’s creation, how they’re blending old-world cheesemaking with modern convenience, and what makes their products stand out in today’s marketplace. From product development...

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 Networ...

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, craftsman...

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...

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 beh...

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...

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 developin...

Joe chats all things cheese with Emma Young aka The Cheese Explorer . Emma is a UK based author, cheese teacher, and consultant with 15 years experience in all aspects of the cheese industry as well as international cheese judge and teacher both in France and in the UK. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member ! Cutting...

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 . See Pr...

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...

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 confere...

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 b...

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 Br...