Robert Skipper on Obesity

Thought About Food Podcast

We spoke with Robert Skipper about the social construction of obesity and some justice issues associated with that social construction, its roots in ancient philosophy, and obesity as a public health crisis. We also discuss the way he teaches philosophy of food to students, food as an aesthetic object, and more! It was a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation that I think you’ll really like.

Show Notes:

• Follow us on Twitter at @FoodThoughtPod, and you can drop us a line at ThoughtAboutFood on Gmail. Rate our podcast and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts! It helps people find the show.
• We have a YouTube channel! It features more conversations about the meaning of food in our lives, and includes some great recipes to boot. Check it out here and subscribe! The most recent video at the time of recording was made by a former student in Ian's Philosophy of Food class, talking about Alfajores and the meaning those cookies have for her.
• Robert Skipper is Professor of Philosophy, Affiliate Professor of Environmental Studies, and Fellow of the Graduate School at the University of Cincinnati.
• Skip is our first guest to share a cocktail recipe, and he's shared two! As he says, "They’re originals, at least as far as any cocktail can be original."
  Honey's Applejack

  1.5 oz Laird's Applejack
  .75 oz lemon juice
  .5 oz Benedictine
  .5 oz simple syrup
  2 dashes of Fee Bros Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters

  Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and, well, shake. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with apple.

  There are some good flavors of apple, honey (from the Benedictine) and cinnamon (from the bitters).

  The Armchair

  1.5 oz Old Overholt Rye
  1 oz China-China liqueur
  .75 oz Punt e Mes vermouth
  4 dashes of 1821 Havana and Hide bitters

  Combine ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir for 30 seconds or until arctic. Strain into coupe. No garnish needed.

• The intro and outro music is "Whiskey Before Breakfast" which is both a great traditional song and a nice way to start a day that can continue with the recipe suggestions above. It was performed and shared by The Dan River Ramblers under a Creative Commons license.