PodCavern

Out of the cavern and onto the open road! Road trips and snacks go hand-in-hand like salt & pepper, rock & roll, and tourists & fanny packs. They just belong together. Whether you are are going for a short distance or in it for the long haul, it's always a good idea to be packing some tasty goods to help sustain you through your journey. But there are certain foods out there that are waaay better to bring with you on a voyage and we are here to share those secrets to our dear listeners. So join Tuong La and Road Warriors Kristine Shadid, Marc Quintaneiro, and Amanda Parker as they cruise down the freeway and stuff their faces while ranking Top 5 Road Trip Snacks. The post 197 – Top 5 Road Trip Snacks appeared first on PodCavern.

We kick things off strong with Meghan Wolff, from "Good Luck, High Five" & "Commander Arcade". Meghan joins us to talk about her upgraded Duskmourn commander deck for Aminatou, Veil Piercer. We also talk X-Files, dogs, and Shuffle Butlers. Decklist on Moxfield. The post Meghan Wolff – Aminatou’s Miracles appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about summertime salads- no lettuce allowed! Dense bean salads! Pasta salads! Potato salads! Couscous! Lentils! Quinoa! Also, why do potato salad and mayonnaise get such a bad rap? Plus, what happens when the Random Meal Generator serves up ground lamb, butternut squash, and mango? The post 202. Summertime Salads! appeared first on PodCavern.

SPOILERS: This review contains massive spoilers for the entirety of the Netflix series! You've been warned! After reviewing Dash & Lily's Book of Dares back in 2018, Bailey and Teffer return to review the new Netflix series Dash & Lily! We argue about whether or not it's good, whose faces need punching, and romance… but it might surprise you who's getting mushy this time. The post 117. Dash & Lily: Series Review appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal prep for their guest when a sudden reminder sends Sal crawling into his safe space. How will Angus Coax him out? The post EP137 – Down The Hatch appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about everyone's favorite fertility symbol, the cherry! What’s the difference between sweet and sour cherries? Why does your pen smell like cherries? How many cherries can Teffer eat in one sitting without having a bad time?! Plus, what happens when you mix eggs, cherries, raspberries, and horseradish? The post 201. Cherries! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, Melody Simpson of Melanin in YA joins Teffer to talk about her "no excuses database" of the YA publishing world. We talk about the recent surge of representation in YA, the experiences that led her to create this database, and what "no excuses" really means. The post 116. Melanin in YA with Melody Simpson appeared first on PodCavern.

The Chip Chums do Hot Ones! From the legends that brought you Top 5 Chips and Top 5 Weird Chip Flavours comes our ranking finale as a group. But don't worry, we have a smoking hot episode lined up for you this week as we turn our taste buds into a fiery pit of podcast gold for your listening pleasure. So join Tuong La and Chip Chums Hayley Kellett, Simone Dorie, and Leslie Cserepy as they bring on the heat and rank this ever so popular type of condiment and make a Top 5 Hot Sauces list. PS Listen to the end of the episode as we got a secret chip flavour review that you don't want to miss...;). The post 196 – Top 5 Hot Sauces appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) celebrate 200 episodes of No Bad Food by sharing their favorite sandwiches, coffees, soups, salads, pastas, grilled meats, and desserts! The post 200. The Best Thing I Ever Ate! appeared first on PodCavern.

Kadi and Teffer round off the month with a gorgeous new release. This is the first time we’ve reviewed a graphic novel on the show! We talk about history, reparations, and the developing Indigenous representation we hope to see in YA lit going forward. Also, we’re tired. Are you tired? This year has been rough. We talk about that, too. The post 115. This Place: 150 Years Retold appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal have swapped bodies several times before, however this is the first time they’ve swapped bodies with total strangers. The guys try to piece together who they’ve swapped with and unravel what kind of lesson the universe is trying to teach them. The post EP136 – Swappy Joes appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about what Tom's learned in 10 years of hosting & producing podcasts, then dig into everyone's favorite animal product, milk! How long have human beings been drinking animal milk? Which milks make the best substitute for human milk? What's up with nut milk? How do different milks taste as cheese? And, of course, what happens when you combine milk with sausage in this week's Random Meal Generator? The post 199. Milk & 10 Years of Podcasting! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, patron Maddy Dever joins Teffer to review Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston. We talk about coming of age, living in the shadow of our parents, emotional maturity, and the role of elders as we move through this visually stunning book. The post 114. Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston appeared first on PodCavern.

All you need is love...and Top 5 rankings. We have made a Top 5 list of many songs over the course of this show and it is bittersweet that this episode will be our last music ranking. That is why we decided to go out with a bang and bring back Beatlemania for this occasion! The Beatles literally changed the game and the way we listen to music today. Who knew that the music industry would have transformed so much from 4 Lads from Liverpool but this influential band continues to inspire artists all around the world. So join Tuong La with the rest of the members of the Fab Four Katie Pagnucco (Learn Real Good), Vinny Francois (Improv College & Learn Real Good, Untapped Libraries), and Howard Mitnick (Gateway Music) as they rock out in their moptop hairdos and rank Top 5 Beatles Songs. The post 195 – Top 5 Beatles Songs appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) introduces the newest project from the No Bad Food team: The NBF Recommended Restaurant List! We’re looking for your favorite Montreal restaurants, and will feature 20 of them on our list before the end of 2025! The goal is to help highlight and lift up some of the awesome food our city has to offer, regardless of Michelin status. The post Introducing: The No Bad Food Recommended Restaurant List! appeared first on PodCavern.

In this special bonus episode, Ben Philippe joins us for the second time! We talk about the process of writing a second book, trains, Pokémon, writing what you know, and his upcoming nonfiction debut. The post 113. Ben Philippe Likes Trains: a Super-Special Bonus Interview appeared first on PodCavern.

Finally free from the simulation trap of The Chair, Angus and Sal venture out into Super City to find the perfect place to hide it away. If only they had experience being tucked away somewhere secret. The post EP135 – Chair Obscure: Expedition Sal and Me appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with co-founders of Safi International (@safi_milk), Miraal Kabir & Martin Turuta, about their amazing new project bringing special pasteurization devices to East African dairy farmers. With funding from Seeding The Future, these awesome 24-year-olds are going to save lives and pave the way for a stronger, healthier dairy industry in Rwanda, Kenya, and beyond! The post 198. Bringing Safer Milk to East Africa with Safi International’s Martin Turuta & Miraal Kabir! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, we continue our series of books by Indigenous authors with Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. We talk about whether or not it’s YA (and what that means), writing sadness while still writing hope, and what makes a good sex scene. The post 112. Son Of A Trickster by Eden Robinson appeared first on PodCavern.

Lettuce indulge on an episode all about vegetables. Back in 2019 four legendary rankers fought, argued, cried, but ultimately came together on a list of Top 5 Fruits. Well years have passed and wounds have healed and now we are finally ready to turn our attention to the food that your parents & doctors have been heckling you to eat all your life - vegetables! And you know what? Turns out that as you get older, vegetables are pretty dang good! Vegetables contain a variety of textures, flavours, versatility, and nutrition that it's finally due time for them to shine on this podcast. So join Tuong La and Veggie Virtuosos Colleen Wang, Victoria Luloff, and Leslie Cserepy as they rinse, spin, and toss up a Top 5 Vegetables list for ya! The post 194 – Top 5 Vegetables appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with fourth-generation Saskatchewan farmer Dennis Bulani about his new book, What A Farmer Wants You To Know About Food! Dennis shares his insights into the world of GMOs, organic farming, and all the reasons we should actually feel hopeful about the future! Then, we put Dennis through the Random Meal Generator, and find out about his family's favorite taco recipe. The post 197. What A Farmer Wants YOU To Know About Food ft. Dennis Bulani! appeared first on PodCavern.

We’re reading books by Indigenous authors! We kick it off this week with a heartwarming YA romance. Is 6’3” the ideal heartthrob height? Can you ever separate the artist from the art- and should you? What the heck is a turkey trot? We answer all these, and more! The post 111. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus tells Sal about how perfect his day has been. The post EP134 – Host in the Shell appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with author & journalist Bonny Reichert (@bonnyreichert) about her new book How To Share An Egg: A Story Story of Hunger, Love, and Plenty. We talk about what makes a good memoir, the importance of food as a way to connect to family, and the way opening up to the past can help us break out of our shells and move toward a better future. Also, an extremely cursed round of the Random Meal Generator that brings back an old favorite: Mountain Dew. The post 196. How To Share An Egg ft. Bonny Reichert! appeared first on PodCavern.

Hosts Nick (@fivestergram) & Brie Watson (@briewats0n) are in it pretty deep at the time this episode was recorded. With feelings of stagnation, injury and loss, our two humble hosts are really feeling the name of the podcast. Although recording in the same room for the first time since Covid has added a level of irreverence towards life that might just help them get back on track. The hosts review March and April, check in on their lighthouse words, constant struggles and tank fillers. Will the check in be enough to get back on the creative horse? The post E91 – The Double Mulligan appeared first on PodCavern.

Batter up those taste buds! This week we are breaking out our aprons and cracking open the windows, so you can catch a whiff of all the glorious aromas, because the PodCavern Bakery is open for business! People all around the world have enjoyed the art of baking for centuries because the creative possibilities are endless (and delicious). There are so many diverse flavours and textures that offer such a cozy sense of satisfaction and comfort that only baked treats can provide. So that is why you should join Tuong La and Baking Buds Laura Gordon, Leslie Cserepy, and Zoe Towne as they whisk up some tasty goods, carefully measure out their decisions, and pull a Top 5 Baked Treats list out of the oven! The post 193 – Top 5 Baked Treats appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) dig into the Armenian classic Lahmajoun! Teffer brings us a deep dive into its history and mythology as well as its cultural significance throughout the Levant! Also, the Random Meal Generator serves up a delicious sandwich that I'm going to need to eat as soon as possible. The post 195. Lahmajoun: More Than Armenian Pizza! appeared first on PodCavern.

To wrap up our Witchtober series, Kadi and Teffer talk about the history of witchcraft: where does our idea of “witch” come from? What sparked the witch hunts? And why are we so fascinated with witches in 2020? The post 110. A Brief History of Witches appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus is very into his new chair while Sal tries to go about business as usual. They guys sit down with their sandwich artist Justine (Desiree Connors Warmington) to learn more about the art form. And aren’t CHAIRS the best? Everyone should grab a chair and sit down! The post EP133 – Crusted Canvas appeared first on PodCavern.

63 Disney Features, 28 Pixar Features, 20 Pixar Shorts, 7 Disney Direct to Home Video, 4 Disney Theme Parks, 2 Disney Novels, and 1 Stage Play. It's hard to believe it but over the last 5 years, the Disney Dummies covered and talked about all that and more while getting into the thick about the good, bad, funny, and weird about all things Disney. We originally sought out just to watch all the Disney animated feature films but ended up loving doing this podcast so much we stuck around for much longer for all the spinoff series. Alas, all good fairytales must come to an end so join us as we close this magical chapter in our lives and make way for new beginnings as we take a well deserved rest from the show. The post So Long, Partner appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks with special guest Matt Cole (@mc_dj_mc) for a deep dive into ground beef! White People Taco Night! Air Fryer Meatballs! Meatloaf! Barbecue Beef Cups! Then, the Random Meal Generator brings us another beautiful opportunity for schnitzel! The post 194. Ground Beef ft. Matt Cole! appeared first on PodCavern.

What do you get when you mix a classic YA coming of age romance with a coven of powerful witches? We head to Salem with a chat about elemental magic, paranormal mystery, casual queers casually existing, and the fun of a magic system based in our familiar world! The post 109. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling appeared first on PodCavern.

Time to get jiggy with it! It's time to hit the D-floor and shake your butts because this week we are grooving out while talking about dance! People have been expressing themselves through dance for what feels like forever. It's a medium and universal language that has rich history, cultural significance, and also coolness & cringe all wrapped up in one art form. So join Tuong and Boogy Buddies Brie & Nick Watson (The Constant Struggle Podcast), and Dan Rosen as they get ready to shake it while ranking Top 5 Dance Moves. The post 192 – Top 5 Dance Moves appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to special guest Chef Kory DiPucchio (@chefkorydipucchio) from Compass Group Canada about their International Stop Food Waste Day initiative, great uses for scraps and leftovers, and some key ways to invest in your stocks- soup stocks, I mean. The only financial advice given in this episode is related to groceries! The post 193. Food Waste & Stock Tips with Chef Kory DiPucchio! appeared first on PodCavern.

We continue Witchtober with a dark debut novel full of blood and magic. We’re talking about curses, plagues, and fever dream world building, with a significant detour into... cottagecore? The post 108. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson appeared first on PodCavern.

While Angus is getting fitted for his new chair, Sal meets up with a friend from his past life. Will this mysterious figure be able to lure Sal back into the exciting life of black ops missions? The post EP132 – BFF: Black-Ops Fighting Force appeared first on PodCavern.

The Disney Dummies are back for our second edition of Disney Book Club, which you may remember we covered the novel sequel to Pixar's Brave called Bravely (2022) on a previous episode. Well this time we are going back to the world of mermaids and sea witches as we sail the pages of The Little Mermaid universe. Speaking of, have you ever watched The Little Mermaid and wondered "Hm, I wonder what Prince Eric was thinking through that movie and what his whole deal and backstory is?" Well look no further as this week we answer just that by discussing one of the three Disney Prince Novels, with Linsey Miller's Prince of Song & Sea (2022). The post Disney Book Club – Prince of Song & Sea Book by Linsey Miller (2022) appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, host Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) talks to guest & patron Aslam Choudhury about his love for the Capital Grille restaurant franchise, steakhouse dinners, the Bengali concept of 'jotno', and the difference between classic steakhouse cuts! Plus, the return of the Random Meal Generator! The post 192. Capital Grille, Steakhouse Dinners & Sides ft. Aslam Choudhury! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week we’re kicking off a witch themed October with a thick fantasy tome! We’re talking about elemental magic, fantasy pacing, the fun of seeing a fantasy universe based in Asia, and necromancy as a good thing! The post 107. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco appeared first on PodCavern.

Take a dip into deliciousness! After a legendary episode ranking Top 5 Cheeses together, the gang is back for another food sample filled episode where we talk about the food you can't wait to scoop - dips! Dips are a culinary delight that has captured the hearts of foodies everywhere by providing us a flavour explosion of countless variety that often enhances the vessel you choose to dip with. One of the greatest things about them is how they are made to be shared which makes it perfect for our episode today! So join Tuong La and Dip-shits Hayley Kellett, Spencer Dunn, and Simone Dorie as they dunk themselves into another sensory episode for their mouths and your ears as they rank Top 5 Dips! The post 191 – Top 5 Dips appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) talk about what we mean when we say “There’s no such thing as bad food” and how our relationships with food have changed since we started the show! The post 191. There’s No Such Thing As Bad Food! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, we review Ben Philippe’s second book, Charming as a Verb! We’re talking about the pressure of university admissions, the subtlety of writing strong family dynamics, and how fun it is to see your hometown written in a book! The post 106. Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe appeared first on PodCavern.

Sal has a surprise planned for Angus and there is no way one could misinterpret his signals. A special guest arrives to help Angus pursue greater forms of comfort. The post EP131 – Achairican Psycho appeared first on PodCavern.

The Disney Dummies thought they were done with their time at Pride Rock but the great Circle of Life compelled us back so we could talk about The Lion King Broadway Musical. Join us as we go deep on the history, production, costumes, and new music of the third-longest running show on Broadway! The post Disney Stageies AKA Disney Theaties Presents: The Lion King Broadway Musical appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) bring you the FINALE of Munch Madness 2025 with special guest judges Bailey Eastwood, Julian McKenzie, Miriam Zeira, Andrew Henderson, and Chris Walker! Corn vs. Beef! Will we have another victory by a staple grain,, or will we have our first ever meat champ?! The post 190. Munch Madness FINALE: Corn vs. Beef ft. Bailey Eastwood, Julian McKenzie, Miriam Zeira, Andrew Henderson, & Chris Walker! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, we’re talking about a childhood seagoing classic! One of us loves it, the other, not so much. We debate whether it’s really YA, talk about the difficulties of reading middle grade mystery as adults, and discuss the particular appeal of the open sea. The post 105. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi appeared first on PodCavern.

If it's a jingle, let it mingle. As much as we try to skip as many ads and commercials as we can this day in age, capitalism always finds a way to rears it's claws to sink itself into our brain through the power of catchy advertising earworms. There's an art to a commercial jingle that sets it apart from traditional songs. A good commercial jingle needs to catch your attention in a short span of time and make you subconsciously think about it, so when you are ready to make a purchasing decision it's the first one you think of. It's a strange and somewhat nefarious tradition but when done right at least you got something fun to hum along to! So join Tuong La and the A-Team Samantha Leggatt, Angus MacDonald, and Leslie Cserepy as they reminisce and sing along to some our favourite tunes that refuse to leave our minds and rank Top 5 Commercial Jingles. The post 190 – Top 5 Commercial Jingles appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, hosts Tom Zalatnai (@tomzalatnai) and Teffer Adjemian (@tefferbear) bring you the SEMI-FINAL match ups of Munch Madness 2025 with special guest judges Tuong La (@tuonginurpic) and Gabriel Chernitsky! Salt vs Corn! Beef vs Cake! Michael Flatley vs Fortnite?! Who will move forward to the finale?! The post 189 Munch Madness: Salt vs. Corn; Beef vs. Cake ft. Tuong La & Gabriel Chernitsky! appeared first on PodCavern.

This week, we review the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. We’re talking about queer subtext, the unapologetic writing of a villain’s backstory, and what representation looks like when every character is evil. The post 104. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins appeared first on PodCavern.

Angus and Sal stall for time before their guest arrives. Ethan Pace (Jason Summers) comes on the show to discuss DEIA in Super City but it seems like something else is bugging him. The post EP130 – The Exact Distance Between Us appeared first on PodCavern.