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 own brand-new cheese shop in Maplewood, NJ. Tune in for a conversation to hear his thoughts on cheese and life.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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45:55
History Made for U.S. Cheesemongers!
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 highs and lows of competing in France, and what this moment means for the U.S. cheese community. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — this one’s not to be missed!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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41:38
New Voices at Cutting the Curd
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 introductions, stories, and a glimpse of what’s to come this season!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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27:03
The Great Unplug: Why Chantal's Cheese Shop Said Goodbye to Social Media
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 with online marketing.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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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A Ewe Turn in Cheese
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. Support Cutting the Curd by becoming a member!Cutting the Curd is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Featuring interviews with notable cheesemakers, cheesemongers, and cheese-lovers, Cutting the Curd is an informative, occasionally irreverent, but always cheesy look at the curdy, the nerdy, and the downright funky world of artisan cheese.
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