The Chocolate Podcast

Ed Easton and Andrew Nason
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  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Chocolate Podcast, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat. From the sacred rituals of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the shelves of modern supermarkets, chocolate has always been more than just mere confection. It’s a symbol, a currency, a craving, and a billion-dollar industry with a not-so-sweet side. I’m Ed Easton - writer, journalist, and lifelong chocoholic - and I’m joined by a man who truly lives chocolate: Andrew Nason is the visionary behind Melt Chocolates. He’s a master chocolatier, a flavour obsessive, and someone who can tell his Forastero from his Criollo with just one sniff. Together, we’ll be digging deep. Tracing the rise of cacao from sacred bean to global obsession. discovering how chocolate has shaped and been shaped by the world around us.  Brought to you by MELT Chocolates! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Aug 10

    Ruthless Criminal or Tactical Genius? Andrew & Ed Investigate Henry Morgan Pt.2

    The legend of Henry Morgan continues. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the life of the world’s most famous (and misunderstood) pirate, we explore the daring raids, political maneuvers, and the surprising legacy he left behind. Was Henry Morgan a ruthless criminal or a tactical genius? From the shores of Port Royal to the heart of the Spanish Empire, we unpack the history that the textbooks often leave out. If you missed the beginning of this journey, make sure to catch up on the first part of our Henry Morgan series on the Chocolate Podcast. In this video, we cover: The strategic brilliance behind Morgan's most famous battles.How a "pirate" became the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.The truth behind the myths of the Caribbean’s Golden Age. Connect with Chocolate Podcast: Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/  #HenryMorgan #PirateHistory #ChocolatePodcast #HistoryDeepDive #CaribbeanHistory #PortRoyal #TrueStory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jul 28

    The Pirate & The "Sheep's Poo" | Andrew & Ed Drink to Captain Henry Morgan

    In our limited series - The Chocolate Pirate Series, Ed Easton and Andrew Nason discuss Captain Henry Morgan’s role in 17th-century European power struggles that shaped the histories of sugar, plantations, and chocolate, including an account of privateers mistaking valuable cacao for “sheep’s poo.” They outline what is known and disputed about Morgan’s origins (born around 1635 in Wales, possibly arriving in Jamaica as an indentured servant) and describe his rise in Jamaica as an ambitious, politically astute privateer with a negotiated crew code for shares and injury payments. The episode centers on Morgan’s 1668 raid on the heavily fortified Spanish port of Portobello: landing covertly, taking and blowing up a fort, and using captured monks and nuns to advance on another fort, with contested reports of later conduct and torture. Morgan then ransoms the city, taunts Panama’s governor with a pistol, and the story ends setting up Part 2. Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 21

    How The "Gentleman Pirate" Can Teach Us About Chocolate in the 17th Century | Andrew & Ed Adventure with Stede Bonnet

    Was Stede Bonnet really the worst pirate in history? Or has history been too harsh on the so-called "Gentleman Pirate"? In this episode of The Chocolate Podcast, in our limited series - The Chocolate Pirate Series, Andrew & Ed dive into the remarkable true story of Stede Bonnet, the wealthy Barbados plantation owner who abandoned everything to become a pirate. Unlike every famous pirate before him, Bonnet had no naval experience, no military training, and no idea what he was doing. Yet within months he found himself sailing alongside Blackbeard, battling Spanish warships, raiding merchant vessels, and becoming one of the most unusual figures of the Golden Age of Piracy. Along the way, we explore: Why a wealthy gentleman would risk everything for piracyThe surprising connection between pirates, sugar plantations, and chocolateBlackbeard's unlikely relationship with Steed BonnetWhether Bonnet deserves his reputation as history's worst pirateThe real story behind walking the plankHow pirate ships actually made money (and why it wasn't usually gold)The chocolate cargoes that helped fuel the Caribbean economy As always, we separate pirate legend from historical reality, uncovering the people, trade, and commodities that shaped the world chocolate emerged from. If you enjoy stories where history, chocolate, economics, and adventure collide, this episode is for you. 🍫 Explore more chocolate stories, experiences and gifts: https://meltchocolates.com 🎙️ Subscribe to The Chocolate Podcast and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. #ChocolatePodcast #Pirates #SteedBonnet #Blackbeard #ChocolateHistory #GoldenAgeOfPiracy #CaribbeanHistory #SugarTrade #FoodHistory #HistoryPodcast #Chocolate #MeltChocolate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 14

    Chocolate, Crime and the Pirate Peter Hein | Andrew & Ed Talk the Greatest Heist of all time

    In this episode of the Chocolate Podcast of our limited series - The Chocolate Pirate Series, we are diving into the incredible life of Peter Hein—the man who went from being a "privateer" to one of the most successful and feared naval commanders in history. Most people know the name, but few know the tactical genius (and sheer luck) that defined his career. Andrew & Ed explore how Peter Hein managed the impossible: capturing a Spanish Treasure Fleet and changing the course of history. Was he a hero, a pirate, or just the right man at the right time? We’re unwrapping the myths and the gold behind the man who became a legend of the high seas. What we cover in this episode: The origins of Peter Hein and his rise through the Dutch West India Company.The Silver Fleet heist: How he pulled off the greatest maritime robbery in history.The fine line between being a decorated Admiral and a common pirate.The lasting legacy of Peter Hein and why his story still matters today. Connect with the Chocolate Podcast: Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/  About the Chocolate Podcast: We unwrap the fascinating, the overlooked, and the downright unbelievable stories of our past. From legendary pirates to the science of human behavior, we’re here to explore the truth behind the history we think we know. #ChocolatePodcast #PeterHein #PirateHistory #DutchHistory #SilverFleet #HistoryDeepDive #NavalHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jun 30

    The Cargo That Bankrupted an Empire | Andrew & Ed Explore the complex legacy of Sir Francis Drake

    In this episode of The Chocolate Channel, Ed Easton and Andrew Nason (aka "The Don Chocolier") don their armor to dive into the high-stakes world of 16th-century piracy and its surprising connection to the history of chocolate. We explore the complex legacy of Sir Francis Drake, moving beyond the "English Hero" myth to uncover his role as a privateer, slaver, and a "thorn in the side" of the Spanish Empire. How did Drake’s global raids and state-backed piracy influence the Columbian Exchange? And more importantly, how did the battle for gold, silver, and spices pave the way for cacao to travel from the Americas to the rest of the world? In this episode, we discuss: The "Spanish Lake": How the Spanish Empire protected their treasure with the innovative Flotilla and Convoy systems. Piracy vs. Privateering: The thin line between state-backed exploration and international "terrorism." The Dark Side of the Sweet: The direct link between the transatlantic slave trade, sugar plantations, and the early chocolate industry. Strategic Innovators: A look at Alvaro de Bazan, the "invincible admiral" who redesigned the Spanish Galleon. Whether you're a history buff or a chocolate lover, join us in "The Melt Yurt" as we unwrap the toxic and transformative history of the world's favorite treat. FOLLOW and review for more deep dives into the history of chocolate! Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/ #HistoryOfChocolate #SirFrancisDrake #TheChocolateChannel #SpanishArmada #ColumbianExchange #PirateHistory #CacaoHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jun 24

    The World’s “Worst” Chocolate Pirate? Andrew & Paul Learn What Not to do from William Kidd

    In this episode of The Chocolate Podcast, In our limited series - The Chocolate Pirate Series, we are continuing our conversation about Chocolate Pirates. This time...the Shocking Political Scandal of Captain William Kidd 🏴‍☠️⚖️ Was Captain Kidd really the "worst" pirate in history, or was he a victim of the most corrupt political scandal of the 17th century? In this episode, we break down the life and trial of William Kidd. From mooning the Royal Navy to the mysterious disappearance of the "French Passes" that could have saved his life, we explore how a wealthy New York merchant became a sacrificial lamb for the British Crown and the East India Company. Key Historical Insights: The Mooning of the Crown: How an ego-driven mistake turned the Navy against him before he even left the Thames. The French Passes: The evidence that proved Kidd was a legal privateer—and why it "mysteriously" vanished for centuries. A Political Pawn: Why both the Whigs and the Tories needed Kidd dead to cover their own tracks. The Execution: The brutal reality of his final moments at Wapping and the legend of his "lost" treasure. FOLLOW The Chocolate Podcast for more deep dives into the hidden histories and marketing truths that shaped our world. #CaptainKidd #PirateHistory #TrueCrimeHistory #BritishEmpire #HistoryUncovered #TheChocolatePodcast #HistoricalScandals #Shorts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jun 16

    How Cacao Became Deadlier Than Silver | Andrew & Ed Sail the High Seas

    Did you know that the journey of your favorite chocolate bar was once written in blood? In this episode, Ed and Andrew dive deep into the ruthless 16th-century maritime world where the line between "Admiral" and "Pirate" was razor-thin. We explore the brutal legacy of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés—the founder of St. Augustine and the mastermind behind the Spanish Treasure Fleet—and his violent clash with the legendary French "Peg-Leg" pirate, François Le Clerc. In this episode, we uncover: The "Blood-Soaked" Trade: Why cacao was considered a treasure more valuable (and deadlier) than silver and gold. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés: The Spanish "hero" who founded the oldest city in the U.S. while executing hundreds of rivals. The Real Long John Silver: Meet François Le Clerc, the wooden-legged French privateer who revolutionized piracy and sacked Cuba. The Flotilla System: How the Spanish protected their chocolate "black gold" from the most feared corsairs in history. The Colombian Exchange: Why your morning cocoa is inextricably linked to the violent history of the Spanish Main. From Spanish armour and storm-tossed fleets to the "Massacre at Matanzas," join The Chocolate Channel as we reveal the gritty, historical truth behind the gourmet world. Love the history of chocolate? Don't forget to FOLLOW for more deep dives into the gourmet and gritty past of the world’s favourite treat! Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 10

    The Secret Energy Source that Won Sea Battles | Andrew & Kitty talk Chocolate Pirates

    Did pirates actually drink rum, or is that just a Hollywood myth? 🏴‍☠️🍫 In our limited series - The Chocolate Pirate Series, this episode of the Chocolate Podcast we sit down with guest Kitty Nason to debunk the "drunken sailor" tropes and explore the high-stakes reality of the 16th-century Caribbean. We’re moving past the cardboard cutout version of history to look at the "panoramic view" of the struggle between European pirates and the Spanish Empire. From the Protestant raiders to the strategic innovations of Spanish Admirals like Bernardino de Mendoza, we reveal how chocolate—not rum—was the true fuel of the high seas. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Luckiest Pirate in History: How Jean de Fleury captured the first massive haul of Aztec treasure (worth over $31 million today!) and the "political disaster" it caused for Spain. The Secret Fuel of Sea Battles: Why successful pirates preferred chocolate over alcohol to stay sharp for combat. The Spanish Counter-Strike: The birth of the "Convoy System" and the first global trade network. Beyond Gold: Why the "Columbian Exchange" of chocolate, corn, and chilies had a more lasting impact on your daily life than all the silver in Potosí. Whether you're a history buff, a chocolate lover, or a fan of naval strategy, this deep dive into the Golden Age of Piracy will change the way you look at the "buccaneers" forever. Join the conversation: Which historical pirate story surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to our Substack for more in-depth articles about chocolate history. https://substack.com/@meltchocolates Browse our chocolate collection, hand-made made by top chocolatiers in London, Notting Hill. https://meltchocolates.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melt_chocolates/ #HistoryPodcast #PirateHistory #TheChocolateChannel #SpanishEmpire #ChocolateHistory #JeanDeFleury #NavalHistory #PodcastEpisode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Welcome to The Chocolate Podcast, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat. From the sacred rituals of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the shelves of modern supermarkets, chocolate has always been more than just mere confection. It’s a symbol, a currency, a craving, and a billion-dollar industry with a not-so-sweet side. I’m Ed Easton - writer, journalist, and lifelong chocoholic - and I’m joined by a man who truly lives chocolate: Andrew Nason is the visionary behind Melt Chocolates. He’s a master chocolatier, a flavour obsessive, and someone who can tell his Forastero from his Criollo with just one sniff. Together, we’ll be digging deep. Tracing the rise of cacao from sacred bean to global obsession. discovering how chocolate has shaped and been shaped by the world around us.  Brought to you by MELT Chocolates! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Easton and Andrew Nason
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ed Easton
  • Show Website
    The Chocolate Podcast