Rob Dunn on “Taste: The Flavor of Life”

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"Science is full of egos and arrogance, but it is fuller of simpler moments of pleasure at the joy of finding some gem of new knowledge, big or small."

Welcome Rob Dunn

We’re joined on the Starline by a biologist, writer and professor at North Carolina State University. He’s focused on the biology of daily life. His latest project explores how our cravings for delicious flavors unite us with Animals in “Taste: The Flavor of Life” on Curiosity Stream. We welcome the man working on a wild sourdough, Dr Rob Dunn.

Rob, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The ultimate question I and others battle each day, especially with our wives is what we are going to have for dinner. It’s actually an equation in your opinion by the body. “The pursuit of deliciousness made us who we are.” Why does the nutritional needs of our body guide us to what we eat?

You co-wrote with Monica Sanchez “Delicious- The Evolution of Flavor and How it Made us Human”. Why did this book needed to be written and why hadn’t these book been written before?

In “Taste” you trace the impact of taste from animals to fine dining. As you did your research, what was the one fact that amazed you about this process?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. As I graduated under an interdisciplinary program, I know the value of it. But in 20 seconds, how do you explain interdisciplinary studies to someone who has no idea what it is?

2. Least favorite thing that you like to eat? Fermented meats

3. Are you pro or anti cicada?

4. Favorite bug?

5. You’ve had songs written about your work, your research awarded more than 10 million dollars in grants, but what’s the one thing you really want people to know about you?

6. “Science is full of egos and arrogance, but it is fuller of simple moments of pleasure at the joy of finding some gem of new knowledge, big or small.” What brings you joy?

7. You’ve examined the beauty of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but where’s the one place you go when you need to think?

8. Who won more chess matches, you or your kids?

Two Big Questions:

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced during your work on this project?

What do you want people to get out from your work?

The Wrap:

Dr Rob Dunn loves new ideas won’t eat fermented meats and wants you to watch “Taste: The Flavor of Life” on Curiosity Stream. Rob, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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