Dr. Arielle Johnson and the Dorito of Sadness
Dr. Arielle Johnson and the Dorito of Sadness  
Podcast: Tinfoil Swans
Published On: Tue May 12 2026
Description: Flavor scientist and Flavorama author Dr. Arielle Johnson charts her path from fashion-focused teen to being the go-to food nerd for Noma and Alton Brown. She unpacks the neuroscience of taste and memory, explains why certain foods trigger powerful emotional reactions (like a potential “Dorito of sadness”), and explores how flavor can be engineered to shape how we feel. Visit foodandwine.com/tinfoilswans for more Episode Art Courtesy of Food & Wine / Dr. Arielle Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices