In this episode of the Spit Take podcast, hosts Adam and Stef welcome Jennifer Billock, a unique guest who is the world's only professional cheese fortune teller. The conversation explores Jennifer's diverse career as a travel and food writer, her experiences with the paranormal, and her journey into tiromancy. They discuss the impact of COVID on personal lives, the challenges of writing for various publications, and the importance of setting boundaries in divination practices. The episode also touches on food memories and family traditions, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and insights. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including food safety, particularly regarding mold on food, and their personal cheese preferences. They share experiences about local cheese shops and the challenges of traveling with children. The discussion shifts to their favorite reality TV shows, highlighting the absurdity and entertainment value of such programs. They also touch on unique travel experiences and the importance of community engagement, concluding with insights into upcoming projects and events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Billock

02:49 Exploring Travel and Food Writing

05:39 Ghost Hunting Experiences

08:23 The Paranormal and Personal Experiences

11:05 The Intersection of Skepticism and Belief

13:49 Diverse Writing Career

16:43 The Influence of COVID on Creativity

19:39 Tiromancy: Fortune Telling with Cheese

21:09 Unexpected Beginnings: Parenthood and COVID

22:22 The Art of Cheese Reading: A Unique Skill

24:15 Boundaries in the Cheese World: Navigating Requests

26:09 Skepticism Meets Cheese: Convincing the Doubters

27:51 Cheese Preferences: A Culinary Divide

29:51 Nostalgic Meals: Childhood Food Memories

31:43 Leftover Dilemmas: Food Safety and Preferences

33:41 Cheese Varieties: Favorites and Recommendations

35:33 Local Cheese Shops: Discovering Hidden Gems

37:20 Community Connections: Small World Encounters

42:36 Life Choices and Adventures

47:36 Travel Tales and Family Dynamics

52:08 Reality TV Obsessions

56:56 Creative Ventures and Future Plans