Smarty Pants From The American Scholar

This week, we look at how we have irrevocably shaped the planet through consumption: of fossil fuels, exotic foods, cups of tea. Erika Rappaport talks about how the drive for empire was spurred on by lust for a certain caffeinated plant, which fueled countless wars and colonial expansion. And Alexandra Kleeman and Jen Monroe throw a dinner party for the future, imagining what food will taste like in 30 years’ time. • Episode page: https://theamericanscholar.org/once-and-future-food/ • Go beyond the episode:  • Erika Rappaport’s A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World  • Bon Appétit explains how to brew the perfect cup of tea  • Check out Bad Taste, Jen Monroe’s experimental food project  • Read “Choking Victim,” a short story by Alexandra Kleeman  • Explore the unusual artistic encounters of The Bellwether, which put on The Next Menu, and Jordan Kisner’s essay on the massive aspen grove threatened by climate change • Tune in every two weeks to catch interviews with the liveliest voices