<![CDATA[Modern Monger - Lessons From Behind The Cheese Counter]]>Step behind the counter and into the world of artisan cheese. Hosted by ACS Certified Cheese Professional and your favorite cheese monger, Alex. Explore the craft, culture and curiosity of cheese - from how it's made, to how it's sold, to how you can enjoy it at home with friends and family. We will also take an expanded look at the world of cheese and learn what it takes to create a perfect pairing, how to build a charcuterie board like a pro, and how to select a wine for every occasion. If you're into cheese, let Modern Monger help grow your knowledge and passion for all things cheesy!

https://linktr.ee/modernmonger

Intro and outro music is "All of Me" by Marbin

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:49:21 GMTThu, 09 Oct 2025 19:29:56 GMT60Alex Jones<p>Step behind the counter and into the world of artisan cheese. Hosted by ACS Certified Cheese Professional and your favorite cheese monger, Alex. Explore the craft, culture and curiosity of cheese - from how it's made, to how it's sold, to how you can enjoy it at home with friends and family. We will also take an expanded look at the world of cheese and learn what it takes to create a perfect pairing, how to build a charcuterie board like a pro, and how to select a wine for every occasion. If you're into cheese, let Modern Monger help grow your knowledge and passion for all things cheesy!</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/modernmonger" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/modernmonger</a></p><p>Intro and outro music is "All of Me" by Marbin</p>episodicAlex Jonesmodernmongerpod@gmail.comno<![CDATA[National Cheese Day]]>Hello there! Come celebrate National Cheese Day the right way, by eating cheese of course! Build your own cheese board from your favorites, or follow along with me as I lay out my top picks for cheeses this cheese day.

]]>ab000fbf-80ca-4bb9-b088-d7842dd2bb6fThu, 04 Jun 2026 21:02:59 GMT<p>Hello there! Come celebrate National Cheese Day the right way, by eating cheese of course! Build your own cheese board from your favorites, or follow along with me as I lay out my top picks for cheeses this cheese day.</p>no00:08:5223National Cheese Dayfull<![CDATA[The Original Foodies: Monks]]>This episode we look at monks and monasteries and why they were so important in creating the modern food scene. With all they did for beer, wine, and especially cheese, these ancient and highly educated foodies helped create tried and true methods for making some of the greatest food that humans have ever enjoyed. All that and more on this weeks episode of the Modern Monger!

]]>80284310-47b0-4024-bcd9-c1f4cce1cbb0Thu, 21 May 2026 18:31:20 GMT<p>This episode we look at monks and monasteries and why they were so important in creating the modern food scene. With all they did for beer, wine, and especially cheese, these ancient and highly educated foodies helped create tried and true methods for making some of the greatest food that humans have ever enjoyed. All that and more on this weeks episode of the Modern Monger!</p>no00:20:0622The Original Foodies: Monksfull<![CDATA[May = American Cheese Month]]>This week we celebrate American Cheese Month by looking at the history of cheese in America. We look at a few American originals, and a few people and companies that helped push artisan cheese making into the modern world. Come and celebrate with us this May and every May moving forward by eating plenty of American made cheeses!

]]>55ea79f3-1b13-4314-842c-6724ba140794Fri, 08 May 2026 17:54:11 GMT<p>This week we celebrate American Cheese Month by looking at the history of cheese in America. We look at a few American originals, and a few people and companies that helped push artisan cheese making into the modern world. Come and celebrate with us this May and every May moving forward by eating plenty of American made cheeses!</p>no00:17:1621May = American Cheese Monthfull<![CDATA[Protected Cheeses: AOC, DOP, And PDO Designations Explained]]>For the Modern Monger Podcast's 20th episode, we look at what being a protected cheese means. We talk about the difference between protected named cheese and their non-protected counterparts. In this episode we also touch on how reading a cheese label might feel reminiscent of reading a wine label.

]]>6ca2cdfb-0f64-487f-b856-e5d407f12e7cFri, 24 Apr 2026 17:38:16 GMT<p>For the Modern Monger Podcast's 20th episode, we look at what being a protected cheese means. We talk about the difference between protected named cheese and their non-protected counterparts. In this episode we also touch on how reading a cheese label might feel reminiscent of reading a wine label.</p>no00:17:2220Protected Cheeses: AOC, DOP, And PDO Designations Explainedfull<![CDATA[What Is Wine?]]>This week we talk about one of the largest pillars of cheese pairing foods.. wine! Find out how grapes are grown, what makes a grapevine flourish, and learn the difference between aroma and bouquet. Plus get some cheese and charcuterie pairings for different wine types.

]]>26f3d451-3b22-4c1d-9eff-e4043f8c29e3Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:49:52 GMT<p>This week we talk about one of the largest pillars of cheese pairing foods.. wine! Find out how grapes are grown, what makes a grapevine flourish, and learn the difference between aroma and bouquet. Plus get some cheese and charcuterie pairings for different wine types.</p>no00:30:0119What Is Wine?full<![CDATA[What Is Charcuterie?]]>This week on the Modern Monger we talk meat! In this intro episode to the world of charcuterie we talk about what the word charcuterie even means, why is it so popular, and why there is a big difference between a cheese board and a charcuterie board. We also touch on the similarities of charcuterie and cheese origins, and why the two can always find a home paired with each other on any board or table.

]]>7e6d50e5-e71d-4c24-b2c1-e6679487a400Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>This week on the Modern Monger we talk meat! In this intro episode to the world of charcuterie we talk about what the word charcuterie even means, why is it so popular, and why there is a big difference between a cheese board and a charcuterie board. We also touch on the similarities of charcuterie and cheese origins, and why the two can always find a home paired with each other on any board or table.</p>no00:28:0918What Is Charcuterie?full<![CDATA[What Are The Most Difficult Cheeses to Make?]]>This week we talk about what it means when a cheese is difficult. Whether it is difficult to make, difficult to find, to eat, or to even pronounce, some cheeses are just a little trickier than others. Dive in and explore some of the most interesting cheeses you may or may not have heard about before in this weeks episode of the Modern Monger.

]]>98863a13-c7c3-4ec6-9a13-1890af0e6e25Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:00:05 GMT<p>This week we talk about what it means when a cheese is difficult. Whether it is difficult to make, difficult to find, to eat, or to even pronounce, some cheeses are just a little trickier than others. Dive in and explore some of the most interesting cheeses you may or may not have heard about before in this weeks episode of the Modern Monger.</p>no00:25:0217What Are The Most Difficult Cheeses to Make?full<![CDATA[Popular Cheese Trends of The Last Century]]>This week we talk about some of the most popular ways to eat cheese from the last hundred years or so. Listen and find out how the rise of social media channels dedicated to cheese has changed how we look at food forever. Plus find out why fondue sets became such a common wedding present.

]]>791c667b-20d3-42f3-ab6e-c9956610adc1Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:39:13 GMT<p>This week we talk about some of the most popular ways to eat cheese from the last hundred years or so. Listen and find out how the rise of social media channels dedicated to cheese has changed how we look at food forever. Plus find out why fondue sets became such a common wedding present.</p>no00:20:0816Popular Cheese Trends of The Last Centuryfull<![CDATA[2026 World Championship Cheese Contest]]>This week we talk about the World Championship Cheese Contest held in Madison Wisconsin! Every two years this amazing contest showcases the best of the best from around the world featuring over 3,300 different cheeses. Do you know who won first place this year? Listen to this competitive episode of the Modern Monger to find out!

]]>f58f0556-93b8-4d91-bd97-2b74c8bb8db6Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:06:33 GMT<p>This week we talk about the World Championship Cheese Contest held in Madison Wisconsin! Every two years this amazing contest showcases the best of the best from around the world featuring over 3,300 different cheeses. Do you know who won first place this year? Listen to this competitive episode of the Modern Monger to find out!</p>no00:16:15152026 World Championship Cheese Contestfull<![CDATA[All About The Dairy Animals]]>This week we talk about some of the big names in dairy animals!

]]>51791a0d-08bb-41df-b540-846450fb6a3aThu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about some of the big names in dairy animals!</p>no00:18:4814All About The Dairy Animalsfull<![CDATA[Different Cheese Regions Around The World]]>This week we talk about some of the top cheese regions around the world! From France and Spain, to the Americas and New Zealand, and many more. We touch on why these locations were beneficial to cheese making and why some of those same regions are integral to the history of wine too.

]]>11d0e9d4-7d54-41d1-8ad1-e4a4feb4ef44Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about some of the top cheese regions around the world! From France and Spain, to the Americas and New Zealand, and many more. We touch on why these locations were beneficial to cheese making and why some of those same regions are integral to the history of wine too.</p>no00:18:1213Different Cheese Regions Around The Worldfull<![CDATA[How To Classify Cheese Types]]>This week we briefly look at why cheeses fit into the categories they do. Why is a semi-soft different than a firm, and why do washed rind cheeses smell so funky? We also touch on how cheese cases in stores might be organized for easier shopping experiences.

]]>b0205973-2b05-4888-b844-fd7ddfa82d8cThu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we briefly look at why cheeses fit into the categories they do. Why is a semi-soft different than a firm, and why do washed rind cheeses smell so funky? We also touch on how cheese cases in stores might be organized for easier shopping experiences.</p>no00:15:0612How To Classify Cheese Typesfull<![CDATA[Cheese In Pop Culture]]>This week we talk about how cheese has infiltrated our popular culture. How did cheese help create famous works of art, how did the moon's reflection in a well change what we thought it was made of, and how to call something cheesy with intent? Listen to this weeks episode of the Modern Monger and find out!

]]>1ae924df-de62-440a-b85d-8218a552361cThu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about how cheese has infiltrated our popular culture. How did cheese help create famous works of art, how did the moon's reflection in a well change what we thought it was made of, and how to call something cheesy with intent? Listen to this weeks episode of the Modern Monger and find out!</p>no00:17:4211Cheese In Pop Culturefull<![CDATA[Famous People In Cheese]]>This week we talk about some of the most famous names in cheese. From inventors, to makers, to authors and down right cheese obsessed advocates, anyone who has a role to play in keeping cheese alive and part of the modern food conversation will be talked about here. Plus I reveal plans for upcoming mini-series! Enjoy this very human based episode of the Modern Monger.

]]>bd47a77f-551b-4753-8f96-6b08df4e1a86Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:08:53 GMT<p>This week we talk about some of the most famous names in cheese. From inventors, to makers, to authors and down right cheese obsessed advocates, anyone who has a role to play in keeping cheese alive and part of the modern food conversation will be talked about here. Plus I reveal plans for upcoming mini-series! Enjoy this very human based episode of the Modern Monger.</p>no00:22:1110Famous People In Cheesefull<![CDATA[What Do You Do With Milk When It's Not Turned Into Cheese?]]>This week on the Modern Monger, we talk about all the other lives of milk. What can you do with milk, if not to make it into delicious cheese? You can make butter, ice cream, whey protein, and a few other food staples. Find out how all these are made and more on this episode of the Modern Monger!

]]>f6c26e04-21c2-4339-b28e-e99f36566ebcThu, 15 Jan 2026 18:08:03 GMT<p>This week on the Modern Monger, we talk about all the other lives of milk. What can you do with milk, if not to make it into delicious cheese? You can make butter, ice cream, whey protein, and a few other food staples. Find out how all these are made and more on this episode of the Modern Monger!</p>no00:23:399What Do You Do With Milk When It's Not Turned Into Cheese?full<![CDATA[Understanding Dairy Intolerance (And How To Love Cheese When It Doesn't Love You Back)]]>This week on the Modern Monger we talk about dairy intolerances, allergies, and lifestyle choices that don't allow you to enjoy traditional cheese. Spoiler warning - there are plenty of alternatives and options you can select from to continue to keep cheese and cheese flavored foods a part of your life.

]]>f639a023-fa36-46d3-b88a-d2233e58ebdaThu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week on the Modern Monger we talk about dairy intolerances, allergies, and lifestyle choices that don't allow you to enjoy traditional cheese. Spoiler warning - there are plenty of alternatives and options you can select from to continue to keep cheese and cheese flavored foods a part of your life.</p>no00:16:218Understanding Dairy Intolerance (And How To Love Cheese When It Doesn't Love You Back)full<![CDATA[New Year Resolutions, And Why Cheese Should Be Part Of Them]]>Happy New Year! This week we talk about why cheese can still fit into your New Year's resolutions, the health benefits of cheese, and how New Years is celebrated around the world. Plus I give you my top 10 moments of 2025. We celebrate the New Year and toast a goodbye to the old year on this episode of the Modern Monger!

]]>c76468cd-2630-40c0-96db-574af1cadb3aThu, 01 Jan 2026 23:11:37 GMT<p>Happy New Year! This week we talk about why cheese can still fit into your New Year's resolutions, the health benefits of cheese, and how New Years is celebrated around the world. Plus I give you my top 10 moments of 2025. We celebrate the New Year and toast a goodbye to the old year on this episode of the Modern Monger!</p>no00:15:467New Year Resolutions, And Why Cheese Should Be Part Of Themfull<![CDATA[Why Is Cheese So Important To Holiday Traditions?]]>This week we look at how food and feasting has altered the holiday season. The science behind the cheese takes a back seat as we explore the world of ancient traditions and folklore. From Viking longhouses with their spread of aged meats and cheeses, to your favorite relative bringing their "famous cheese casserole" to your holiday get together - there are reasons why cheese and similar foods have been a part of winter festivities for thousands of years. Enjoy the Modern Monger's first Holiday Special!

All music for this episode was recorded around 10 years ago on Christmas Eve by two friends. To celebrate this holiday season, I have included them on this episode. Thank you for listening, and Happy Holidays.

]]>d1c13293-5ed2-4073-8636-5857f7022bd2Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:38:21 GMT<p>This week we look at how food and feasting has altered the holiday season. The science behind the cheese takes a back seat as we explore the world of ancient traditions and folklore. From Viking longhouses with their spread of aged meats and cheeses, to your favorite relative bringing their "famous cheese casserole" to your holiday get together - there are reasons why cheese and similar foods have been a part of winter festivities for thousands of years. Enjoy the Modern Monger's first Holiday Special!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>All music for this episode was recorded around 10 years ago on Christmas Eve by two friends. To celebrate this holiday season, I have included them on this episode. Thank you for listening, and Happy Holidays.</p>no00:19:406Why Is Cheese So Important To Holiday Traditions?full<![CDATA[How Do You Cook With Cheese?]]>This week we talk about why some cheeses melt like a dream, and why others tend to break down into an oily mess when cooked. We talk about popular dishes from around the world and why the cheeses in them are what they are. Why you should put more than just American cheese on a grilled cheese, and why your world famous mac and cheese recipe might be due for an upgrade. Stick around and learn all about how to cook with cheese on this episode of the Modern Monger.

]]>408ba4d2-c98d-4637-8fea-72d0c89eb26bThu, 18 Dec 2025 17:18:36 GMT<p>This week we talk about why some cheeses melt like a dream, and why others tend to break down into an oily mess when cooked. We talk about popular dishes from around the world and why the cheeses in them are what they are. Why you should put more than just American cheese on a grilled cheese, and why your world famous mac and cheese recipe might be due for an upgrade. Stick around and learn all about how to cook with cheese on this episode of the Modern Monger.</p>no00:20:595How Do You Cook With Cheese?full<![CDATA[What Pairs Well With Cheese?]]>This week we talk about the science and art of pairing foods with cheese. Why does chocolate go well with cheeses? What kind of wine would you eat with fresh chevre? Why can't you wrap prosciutto around a jelly bean and call it an appetizer? All of these questions and more will be answered on episode 4 of the Modern Monger.

]]>831c4ccb-ccc3-4189-ac63-4490727031eeThu, 11 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about the science and art of pairing foods with cheese. Why does chocolate go well with cheeses? What kind of wine would you eat with fresh chevre? Why can't you wrap prosciutto around a jelly bean and call it an appetizer? All of these questions and more will be answered on episode 4 of the Modern Monger.</p>no00:19:044What Pairs Well With Cheese?full<![CDATA[How Do You Eat Cheese?]]>This week we go over what you can do with cheese once you get it home. We go over how to keep cheese alive in the fridge, how to prepare and serve cheese, some simple pairing ideas, and how to build a cheese or charcuterie board.

]]>cd0598be-661a-4fb9-958c-04e6e46ded20Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:11:12 GMT<p>This week we go over what you can do with cheese once you get it home. We go over how to keep cheese alive in the fridge, how to prepare and serve cheese, some simple pairing ideas, and how to build a cheese or charcuterie board. </p>no00:35:483How Do You Eat Cheese?full<![CDATA[How Do You Buy Cheese?]]>This week we talk about where to find cheese to purchase, how to read an ingredient label, and how to initiate a conversation with your local cheese monger.

]]>af4efb45-64a9-4771-8e89-a5cc5189575aThu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>This week we talk about where to find cheese to purchase, how to read an ingredient label, and how to initiate a conversation with your local cheese monger.</p>no00:28:392How Do You Buy Cheese?full<![CDATA[What Is Cheese?]]>Hello there! Welcome to episode one of the Modern Monger. In this episode we go over what cheese is, how it is made, and some of it's history and how it got to where it is today.

]]>2fbd14d0-05ba-4271-95a2-162f13684030Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>Hello there! Welcome to episode one of the Modern Monger. In this episode we go over what cheese is, how it is made, and some of it's history and how it got to where it is today.</p>no00:22:301What Is Cheese?full<![CDATA[Trailer]]>Welcome to the cheesy world of the Modern Monger

]]>7ac506c5-2e0a-4105-a2e7-4bf2d793e154Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:11:26 GMT<p>Welcome to the cheesy world of the Modern Monger</p>no00:01:08Trailertrailer