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Jul 28 2011

How SPAM Works

40 min 2 movies discussed
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SPAM is a canned meat product made from pork shoulder and ham. First introduced in 1937, this iconic food has spread to stores across the world. But what exactly is it, how did it get here -- and why is its shelf life "indefinite?" Tune in to find out.

AI Summary

This Stuff You Should Know episode dives deep into the surprisingly fascinating world of Spam, the iconic canned meat that has sparked both devotion and revulsion for over 75 years. Josh and Chuck explore everything from its Depression-era origins and wartime popularity to its cultural impact around the world, particularly in Hawaii and among military communities. They cover the mystery behind the name, the highly automated production process, health concerns, and even touch on how email spam got its name from a famous Monty Python sketch.


Movies Discussed

Monty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python's Flying Circus
1969
★ 8.3
"We have to mention Monty Python's Flying Circus. — They discussed the famous spam sketch from this show which influenced internet spam terminology." — Josh
Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island
1996 1h 39m
★ 6.7
"Muppet Treasure Island featured a character called Spam — Josh brought up this movie when discussing a lawsuit between Hormel and Jim Henson Company over a character named Spam." — Josh

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