Eli Brown & Jonathan Ellsworth: Can We Change a White-Wine Hater’s Mind? (Ep.60)
Today, Jonathan and Eli will be trying several white wine options to see if Eli can get Jonathan more interested in what white wines have to offer.
CRAFTED
Gold Medal Gastronomy: Inside the High-Stakes World of the Culinary Olympics (Ep.59)
Chef Paul Jensen and Eli discuss Paul’s background, the unique world of culinary competition, and what it means to represent the U.S. in one of the most prestigious food contests on earth — the Culinary Olympics.
Amateur Hour: Kara Williard on Garlic, Growing Garlic, & Vampires (Ep.58)
Jonathan talks with Kara Williard and Eli Brown about one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. We discuss hardneck garlic vs softneck garlic; how to grow garlic; its medicinal properties; black garlic; garlic honey; and … vampires.
The Current State of Alcohol, with Eli Brown (Ep.57)
Jonathan and Eli discuss alcohol consumption among younger generations; the trends — and hurdles — of non-alcoholic and low ABV cocktails; the implications of the US Surgeon General's recommendations on alcohol consumption; and predictions for future trends in the beverage industry.
The Art & Ethics of Eating Well, with Matthew Halteman (Ep.56)
Today you are going to hear what is essentially an ongoing conversation that Jonathan has been having for about 30 years now with one of his best friends, Matthew Halteman, about food, food systems, sustainability, fine dining, and the ethics and aesthetics of what we eat.
Our Reviewers’ 2024 Craft Obsessions & 2025 Curiosities (Ep.55)
Today, we are sharing the craft categories that most captivated some of our Blister reviewers in 2024, and revealing some of the categories they are most curious about heading into 2025.
Scott Rao on Quality, Q Ratings, & Coffee (Ep.54)
Scott Rao is one of the most influential people in the world of coffee. He’s also the owner of Prodigal Coffee, and in this conversation we dive deep into specific coffee topics, as well as the pursuit of quality in general.
Studio Shed w/ Mike Koenig (Ep.53)
Sheds and Accessory Dwelling Units (aka, ADUs) are a great way to provide extra room for outdoor gear, remote work offices, or even additional living spaces. And in today’s conversation, we sit down with Studio Shed’s co-founder Mike Koenig to discuss their unique approach to designing prefabricated backyard structures that are well-built, eco-friendly, and stylish.
Yu Sasaki on Big-Mountain Skiing, Deep-Powder Skiing, & Running a Successful Food Truck (Ep.52)
We talk with professional skier, Yu Sasaki, about deep powder skiing; what it takes to start — and maintain — a successful food truck; his beautiful short film, Home From Home; moving from Hokkaido, Japan, to Revelstoke; and more.
Diner Coffee, Sour Beers, Well-Done Steaks, Putting Greens, & Brand Building with Alex LeBlanc of Calibration Coffee Lab (Ep.51)
Last year, we talked with Alex LeBlanc about starting Calibration Coffee Lab in Greenville, South Carolina. Today, Alex is back to talk about how it’s going, what he’s been learning, how his thinking about coffee has evolved, and how he’s trying to build a brand that people will love.
Wayfarer Vans w/ Andy Mullins (Ep.50)
Camper vans are everywhere, and in today’s CRAFTED conversation, Simon is joined by Wayfarer Van’s Andy Mullins to answer commonly asked questions about camping in — and building — vans.
Chef Mark Connell on Craft & Trust; Tasting Menus; & Olive Oil Candy, Part 2 (Ep.49)
Mark Connell is the executive chef at PARC Aspen, and he’s back to talk about fine dining and the importance of tasting menus; what he learned at Alinea; the difference between striving for consistency vs. striving to be consistently good; and more.
Chef Mark Connell on Skiing & High-End Cuisine, Part 1 (Ep.48)
We talk to Mark Connell, the executive chef at PARC Aspen, about his life in skiing and high-end dining; how Jonathan & Mark first met; celebrity chefs, frozen pizza, white wine, & more.
How to Design (and Own) a Well-Crafted, Affordable Home, with Zack Giffin (Ep.47)
These days, owning a beautiful home is often prohibitively expensive, while “affordable” housing too often fails to include quality craftsmanship. But there is a solution, and Zack Giffin reminds us of this and discusses the craft of designing smaller structures that address our true needs.
The Vinyl Revival, Records, & Turntables w/ Michael Fremer (Ep.46)
Vinyl expert Michael Fremer joins Simon in a conversation about why listening to music on records is better — and everything you need to know to get into it. Consider it an education in vinyl.
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa on Pizza Making & Big-Mountain Skiing (Ep.45)
One of the greatest big-mountain skiers of all time is also passionate about making great pizza. So what’s the story here, and what do you need to know to start making great pizza yourself?
La Marzocco Product Designer, Stefano Della Pietra (Ep.44)
La Marzocco is the most iconic espresso-machine maker in the world, and last month, Jonathan spoke with their lead product designer, Stefano Della Pietra, about the history and core principles of the company; the task of taking La Marzocco into the future while staying true to the brand’s storied past; and more.
Coffee Gear, Pt. 4: “Hero Espresso” & Jonathan’s Current Setup (Ep.43)
Today’s the day. Simon Stewart and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the coffee gear Jonathan ended up going with on his quest to create daily doses of ‘hero espresso’.
JING Tea founder, Ed Eisler, on Tea, Trust, & the Art of Loving Anything (Ep.42)
Jonathan Ellsworth and Ed Eisler discuss all things tea (and skis); agriculture as art; and the qualities of a great tea.
Cast-Iron Cookware w/ Blister reviewer, Simon Stewart (Ep.41)
Jonathan is joined by Blister senior bike editor, Simon Stewart, who is on a quest to see if the fancier, more expensive cast-iron products coming out today are ‘better’ than their cheaper counterparts.