Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
The End: A History of Last Meals
The End: A History of Last Meals
The End: A History of Last Meals
Tuesday 29th July 2025
Explore the history of last meals in our final episode. From emperors to serial killers, discover the stories behind famous last meals.
58 minutes
nostalgic
informative
reflective
darkly humorous
poignant
About this podcast
Author:
Karen vanBarneveld
Overview:
Categories:
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
73 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!The Last Meals: A Fascinating Farewell
Episode Overview
- The tradition of last meals dates back to ancient superstitions.
- Famous last meals reflect the personalities and circumstances of individuals.
- Execution traditions vary, but last meals remain a constant fascination.
- The psychology behind last meal choices reveals deep insights.
- This episode marks the end of the 'What the Food?' podcast.
Don't be sad that it's ending. Be happy that it happened.
In the final episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Miles Dickinson, Andy Cantor, and Dom Gray explore the intriguing history of last meals, a tradition that has captured the morbid curiosity of many. This ritual, which dates back to ancient times, was believed to prevent the spirits of the executed from haunting the living.
The hosts delve into the last meals of notorious figures like John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy, examining what these choices reveal about their personalities and the cultural context of their executions. From sumptuous banquets to humble fast food, these meals offer a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche in its final moments.
The episode also touches on the last meals of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and the infamous dinner party of Julius Caesar the night before his assassination. These stories highlight the symbolic nature of last meals, as well as their role in history and culture. As the hosts reflect on the end of their podcast journey, they express gratitude to their listeners and share humorous anecdotes from past episodes.
Despite the somber theme, the conversation is peppered with dark humor and light-hearted banter, characteristic of the show's style. Ultimately, this episode serves as a fitting conclusion to a podcast that has consistently explored the intersection of food and history, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the stories behind last meals and the reasons they continue to fascinate us.