Bites of History with Irene Walton

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Fun and quick food history lessons every week!

Irene Walton


    • Apr 16, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 62 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Bites of History with Irene Walton podcast is an absolute gem in the world of food and history podcasts. Irene's infectious enthusiasm and bright personality make each episode a joy to listen to. Whether she's sharing fun food facts, exploring the origins of beloved snacks, or diving into the mysteries behind different food flavors, Irene keeps her audience entertained and informed throughout.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Irene's ability to make even the most mundane food topics fascinating. From discussing the evolution of butter sticks to exploring the journey our food takes from field to supermarket, she brings a fresh perspective and an engaging storytelling style that keeps listeners hooked. Her willingness to dive deep into topics that may seem straightforward on the surface, such as chicken wings or boneless wings versus chicken nuggets, provides valuable insights and leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of their favorite foods.

    However, one minor drawback of The Bites of History with Irene Walton podcast is that certain episodes may feel repetitive if you've been following Irene's previous appearances on other podcasts or YouTube channels. While she always brings something new to every discussion and adds her own entertaining spin, some listeners who are already familiar with her work might crave more unique content from her.

    In conclusion, The Bites of History with Irene Walton podcast is a delightful addition to any food lover's playlist. With Irene at the helm, each episode is packed with interesting tidbits about our favorite snacks and beverages. From learning about the evolution of different foods to unraveling the mysteries behind flavorings and branding choices, listeners can expect a captivating journey through culinary history with plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a fan of Irene's YouTube channel or discovering her for the first time, this podcast will leave you hungry for more delicious bites of history.



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    Latest episodes from Bites of History with Irene Walton

    The History of Cheez Its (w/ Kyle Prue!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 36:57


    This week we learn about how Cheez Its started, why they're called that, and how Kyle's parents met!! Please make sure to give him a follow as he trudged through my first-ever guested episode!!!! You can find all of his links here: Pre-order his book (I did!!): https://www.amazon.com/How-Piss-Off-Men-Shatter/dp/1728291925 Check out his Youtube show "Rabbit": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW-VsxYXEnI Follow him on Instagram and TikTok @kyleprue Please also flood his comments with how much you enjoyed him on the pod, and maybe he'll come back and I can do better!!  

    Welcome to SEASON TWO!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 3:14


    Let me know who our guests should be!!!!

    Where Did Deviled Eggs Come From?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 12:10


    I thought deviled eggs were created by some brilliant farm owner in the 50's or something, but it was such a joy to find out just how far back these favorite little appies (appetizers) go!! I loved learning about their etymology, and all of the different variations - I think you will, too!!

    The Multi-Million Dollar Fruitcake Heist!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 29:10


    Who knew that fruitcake could have such a heavy history! Let's unpack the multi-million dollar heist that has given fruitcake an even trickier reputation than it already had!! 

    The History of Trick-or-Treating!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 20:04


    The history of this late October tradition goes back over 2000 years and has traveled across oceans to knock at your door on Halloween night, but why?! Let's go back to Ireland, over to England and across the Atlantic to learn about the sweet little history of Trick-or-Treating EEEHEHEHHEHEHEHHE (imagine I'm doing that evil witch laugh)! 

    The History of Pumpkin Spice!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 17:26


    The history of this seasonal sensation goes way beyond the Starbucks favorite, but that's a pretty huge part of this autumnal craze as well - I think it's best you just dive in and find out yourself! 

    The Colorful History of Depression Era Glass!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 16:53


    I had no idea all of the little nuances that lived in my beloved little glasswares!! Learn about what makes Depression Glass... Depression Glass!! Imperfections, colorways, patterns and more!!  ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

    The Silly and Endearing History of Snapple!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 15:26


    This week we learn about the billion-dollar company that started as a side hustle with three men who wanted to make juice and knew literally nothing about making juice!! It's cute and sweet!! Like Snapple! ☕️ ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

    The 10 Cent Beer Night Brawl of 1974!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 19:10


    The Boston Molasses Flood of 1919!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 18:44


    While this fatal event sounds outlandish, or even made-up - I can assure you that it isn't. On a warm day in 1919 Boston's North End would be nearly swept up by millions of gallons of molasses leaving some for dead and other's lives permanently altered. ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

    Weirdest State Food Laws! (Part 3!)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 15:09


    It's weird state food facts part three!!! From North Dakota to Wyoming!! Thank y'all for being here for all 50 states, and 50 whole episodes. I love ya :)

    Pappygate!! The 2013 Bourbon Mystery Solved?! (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 18:14


    This week we continue our bourbon brigade and try our best to uncover the mystery of what happened during the family-owned Bourbon theft of 2013 that is know colloquially known as "Pappygate"!

    The World's Most Elusive Bourbon - Pappy Van Winkle!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 14:02


    Pappy Van Winkle is one of the hardest and most expensive bottles to get in all of the United States, but it hasn't always been that way. Find out what happened to create a seedy underbelly and second hand market for this premiere family-run bourbon!

    The Kellogg Brothers Fight Dirty! (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 15:19


    John and Will are at it again in this week's episode! Make sure to listen to part one from last week if you haven't already!! Today the brothers go to court, need witnesses at family gatherings, and a medalling secretary gets in the way of their reconciliation!

    Cereal & Mast*rba*ion (The History of Kellogg's!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 27:54


    John Harvey Kellogg was a true leader in the medical field in the late 1800s - he was FAR ahead of the times in many ways and FAR behind in others. Let's find out about this guy before we take a bite out of his cereal bowl!

    Are Guinness Beer and Guinness World Records In Bed Together?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 11:43


    Guinness Beer and Guinness World Records - it's a pretty specific name, not like "Smith's World Records"! So, are they connected, or what's the word? We talk about brothers, game birds, and beer - oh my!!

    The Nightmarish Story of Tarrare!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 18:22


    Tarrare lived a cursed life. A man who was never full and resorted to despicable things to satiate his hunger. What was the cause? What did he eat? Found out today on Bites of History!

    The History of Bacon Being a Lie!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 16:56


    Did you know that bacon has only been a breakfast food for the past 100 years? Before that the Beech-Nut Packaging Company could hardly sell the stuff once refrigeration came around. Join me this week to find out how Edward Bernays changed the way our mornings look! ☀️

    The History of Typhoid Mary!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 20:36


    Typhoid Mary was a medical marvel at the time. Carrying a deadly disease and not knowing it lead to the death of many as well as the livelihoods of even more being altered forever. Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about the unknowingly noxious cook on this week's episode!! 

    The History of Aphrodisiacs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 16:55


    Learn about the history and efficacy of the most popular aphrodisiacs - are they real? Do they work? Find out on this week's episode!! 

    The History of Dunkin' Donuts!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 24:57


    This week we learn all about the history of Dunkin' Donuts!! A Jewish immigrant takes matters into his own hands when the Depression hits and through business partner betrayals, donut wars, and franchise disasters we still get some delicious little treats!!

    The History of Forks, Name-Brand vs. Generic & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 18:49


    Have you heard that Mountain Dew can lower sperm count, or that forks used to be associated with the Devil, maybe how the Guinness Brewery has a 9,000 year lease?! Well, this week I answer all of the questions you never knew you had about any of those things. 

    The History of Valentine's Day (& Valentine's Chocolates)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 17:45


    Valentine's Day has an absolutely insane history and, like, 5 different origins with, like, 3 different St. Valentine's Let's dive in and explore!! I also tell you all about 'Vinegar Valentines' which you will not want to miss

    The History of Popcorn!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 22:20


    Popcorn has been a part of our lives for so much longer than we know and has helped people in more ways than we could ever imagine! Tune in to find out how popcorn helped pull some of us out of economic strife, made its way into our homes, and changed our lives forever!!  

    The History of Diets!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 19:55


    With the beginning of the year comes resolutions! They're on all of our minds, but where did the most ubiquitous resolution come from? Let's dive in to the history of dieting, diet culture, and what they ACTUALLY do to us.

    Champagne, Cava, Prosecco - Literally, What's the Difference?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2022 18:50


    As we enter arguably the biggest champagne season of the year I figured it was time we dive into the ins and outs of sparkling wine! Where is it from, what makes it special, and can you please pour me another glass?

    Disneyland's Club 33; Secrets, Mysteries & Conspiracies! (Part 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 20:40


    This week we dive into the secret world of Disneyland's exclusive and elusive Club 33! So many questions answered, but so many remain! Like, when is someone going to invite me to dinner there? 3️⃣3️⃣ Leave me a comment telling me what you would name your Club 33 Entree - I'm gonna stick with Goofy's Garlic Chicken 3️⃣3️⃣ ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

    The Story of Dole Whips, Turkey Legs, and other Disneyland Secrets! (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 16:00


    Diving a little more into some fun Disney food history today! We learn about why Dole Whips were invented, and if they're fake when you see them outside of Disney parks. We find out why turkey legs got so popular, and what exactly it is that Disney is doing when they're pumping those sumptuous scents into their streets! 

    An Important Holiday Message

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 9:27


    The holidays can be hard for some people!! Emotions can get a little high, stuff can get a little tricky - so, I just wanted to take a second to remind you to be kind to yourself. This season is all about being around the ones you love and you should be treating yourself with that same reverence. I love ya!!Disney episode #2 is next week!! 

    The Famous Foods of DISNEYLAND - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 16:27


    Disneyland is the birthplace of four babies as well as one of America's favorite chips! There were soda wars as well as branded pirate ships involved in getting this fledgling amusement park off the ground. We're diving into the history of Disney foods this week - we're starting when admission was $1 and the tickets were counterfeit! Come join!

    How We Got Our Thanksgiving Table Favorites (Turkey, Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry Sauce!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 18:11


    Have you ever wondered when cranberry sauce made it's way to our Thanksgiving tables, or why turkey is even our staple holiday food to begin with? Me too!! Find out on this week's episode!!

    Crumbs of History Vol. 2 (Musical Cheese, Raw Meat & Hangovers!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 20:44


    On this week's Crumbs of History I answer the age-old questions like; why can you eat raw fish, but not raw chicken? How long does gum REALLY stay in your stomach for? Are sweet potatoes a conspiracy?! And more!!

    Who Was the 'Joe' In Trader Joe's?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 21:44


    Joe Coulombe was a Sothern California native with a love for travel, food, and a great deal. He built an old convenience store up from bankruptcy with exactly that mentality!!

    The Wholesome History of Organic Valley!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 25:49


    Have you ever wondered what a co-op is, how carbon sequestering works, and why I only drink Organic Valley milk? Well, listen in!  

    The World's Fair of 1893 and America's First Serial Killer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 25:16


    Have you ever wondered how Hershey, Heinz, and Cracker Jack are all connected to America's first serial killer? Oh, you didn't know that they were? Well, let me tell you

    The 7 Most Haunted Restaurants in the U.S!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 18:26


    Have you ever wondered which famous writer haunts an east coast bar? Or where ghostly actors go to get a drink? Listen here!!

    The Shocking History of Alcatraz Prison Food!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 18:40


    The most infamous prison in all of American history served its inmates some seriously shocking food. Tune in to find out what made it on the plates of history's most dangerous criminals! 

    The WILD Success Story of the Mars Candy Company!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 16:28


    Have you ever wondered where America's favorite candy bars come from? FAILURE is where, but boy, oh boy, did Franklin and Forrest Mars turn that around!!

    The Heart-Melting History of Hershey's Chocolate!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 20:51


    Have you ever wondered why Hershey, Pennsylvania is called that? Or why Hershey's Kisses are called 'kisses'?! Well, we answer all of that and WAY more in today's emotional dive into the history of Milton Hershey! 

    The Spooky History of Titanic's Kitchens!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 17:31


    The role that food played in the hierarchy of this prolific ocean-liner is one for the books, but thankfully I won't make you read about it. Have a listen!  

    The History of Pizza in America (+ the Dominos / Pizza Hut Rivalry!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 22:59


    The history of pizza in America is a wild story and involves two different sets of brothers creating two of the largest chains in the entire world at the same time, but in different parts of the country!! Oh, and there's an explosion! 

    Unveiling the Mysteries of the Costco Food Court!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 17:06


    The Costco food court is the one of the largest pizza chains in the world, and sells more hotdogs than any baseball stadium! Listen to this episode to find out how they do that!

    The Famous Man on the Can (Chef Boyardee)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 17:36


    Have you ever wondered which famous food mavericks came through Ellis Island or cooked for the president? You can mark Ettore Boiardi (or Hector "Chef" Boyardee) down for both! 

    Betty Crocker (The Made-up Woman Who Changed America!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 17:20


    Have you ever wondered how Abraham Lincoln, The Pillsbury Dough Boy, and Betty Crocker are all connected?! No? Well, you're wondering now! 

    Krispy Kreme (The Donuts that Sparked a Revolution!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 16:30


    Have you ever wondered what temperature a Krispy Kreme is supposed to be eaten at? Or what building demolition has to do with doughnuts?? Well, listen to this episode to answer your questions!!  

    The History of Starbucks (Starting Out, Giving Up and Moby Dick!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 12:08


    Have you ever wondered why a mermaid is Starbucks' mascot, or what famous book they created their name from? Or how they're connected to Alfred Peet and Milan, Italy?! Well, stop wondering and start listening!☕️ Leave a review telling me what your go-to Starbucks order is! ☕️⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future!

    Death Row Meals (History, Rules, and What Gets Ordered!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 15:18


    Have you ever wondered why Death Row inmates get a last meal, what they order, or where the tradition even came from? This week wanted answers to all of the questions that I always wondered about this strange and ominous culinary phenomenon.    

    40 Food Facts in 16 Minutes! (Fig Wasps, M&M's and More!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 16:38


    This week I wanted to share 40 crazy food facts with you that range anywhere from potatoes basically being the same as humans to peanut butter making diamonds. I KNOW. You just have to listen - I promise

    WTF are Michelin Stars? (History, Tires, and Fine Dining)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 12:28


     Have you ever wondered how a restaurant gets a Michelin star, or what they even are? Well, today we dive into their history, how they're related to the Michelin tire company, and how much you have to pay to get Michelin to even CONSIDER coming to your area! ⭐️⭐️ Leave a review if you have ever dined at a Michelin star restaurant ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future!

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