#TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archive

To read an archived post and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on the bookmark card, below.

There were no episodes on October 24th and 27th – I was traveling internationally (London – the topic of the Oct 31 episode).

There was no episode on the 29th because of a personal scheduling conflict.

In this episode, the topic of ceremonial cacao and cacao ceremonies is explored. We first delve into the religious and spiritual history of cacao, from its origins to the present day, and discuss the lack of archaeological evidence linking cacao to its spiritual use in Ecuador and suggest that the powerful hallucinogen Ayahuasca may have overshadowed cacao’s significance. We then highlight the need to investigate the connection between cacao and creation mythology in Mesoamerica, particularly among the Maya and Olmec civilizations, and ask if the modern association between cacao and gods in the name theobroma might solely be a result of historical accidents and cultural influences.

The importance of respecting different belief systems is acknowledged while emphasizing that there is no direct connection between many modern cacao ceremonies and ancient creation myths. (If you know of any research on this topic, please share them.)

The role of ceremonial cacao in connecting with our inner selves and achieving a state of heightened consciousness is discussed, with an emphasis on minimal processing and traditional preparation methods involved in making ceremonial cacao. The qualities that make ceremonial cacao "ceremonial grade" are outlined, including organic cultivation practices and the use of high-quality cocoa beans. The cultural misappropriation of cacao ceremonies is touched upon, and the need for maintaining a connection to the heritage and original purpose of these ceremonies is stressed. The power of cacao ceremonies in fostering connections and understanding among different cultures is also highlighted.

There were no episodes of TheChocolateLifeLIVE on September 1st, 5th, or 8th. Because. Labor Day weekend and personal and schedule conflicts.

This episode discusses the importance of improving cocoa quality and the challenges associated with it. Quality in cocoa beans can be subjective, and farmers are often incentivized to ship more waste along with the beans due to the way they are paid. The host highlights the need for a shared definition of quality and the importance of consistent distribution and fermentation for industrial chocolate makers. However, for craft chocolate makers, inconsistency can be seen as an opportunity to explore different flavors. The video emphasizes the need for education and informing consumers about cocoa flavors to cultivate market demand for high-quality chocolate. It also addresses the subjective nature of chocolate quality and the role of skill and expertise in chocolate making. Furthermore, the video suggests that educating children about quality chocolate can help develop an appreciation for higher-quality products.

Tue, June 20th
No episode today – I was a panelist and presenter at Confectionery LIVE.

The episode discusses various barriers to change in the cocoa and chocolate industry, including the prioritization of shareholder value, short-term thinking, extractive economics, and greenwashing. Host Clay Gordon suggests solutions such as regenerative agriculture, a focus on the triple bottom line, and the need for legal frameworks that prioritize long-term sustainability. Also acknowledged are cultural and political barriers that hinder change in different producing countries and emphasize the importance of considering the feelings attached to important decisions. Lastly, the video ends (as always) with a reminder for viewers to have fun while working with chocolate.

This episode discusses the changes people would like to see in the cocoa and chocolate industry as posted on LinkedIn and Facebook. The suggestions range from better education and transparency to warnings on mass-produced chocolate packaging and the introduction of a living wage requirement for farmers that would create a baseline benchmark for pricing. They also discuss the need for sustainability and economic stability and the role of waste reduction in the cocoa-exporting sector. While contributors agree that change is necessary, there are concerns about how it will impact farmers and the complexities of implementing solutions. Lastly, the discussion addresses the need to organize cocoa farmers and federate them to create more bargaining power and attract buyers while also reducing human trafficking and forced labor in the cocoa industry.

No episodes on Tue, June 6th and Fri, June 9th.

There was no #TheChocolateLifeLIVE on Tue, May 23rd.

In this episode: Leila Carvajal from Cocoa Supply joins host Clay Gordon to discuss the history and geography of Ecuadorian cacao and the challenges of building a sustainable and traceable supply chain. From the story of the origin of Arriba Nacional cacao to the struggle to maintain the rainforest in Ecuador, Carvajal provides insight into the complex world of cocoa production in Ecuador. She discusses the impact of CCN-51, a cocoa variety that was initially demonized but has served as the foundation of the modern Ecuadorian cocoa economy. Carvajal also emphasizes the need to be open to new varieties and breeding that focus on productivity, flavor, and sustainability. Leila also explains the process Cocoa Supply uses to make cocoa butter in their facility, avoiding the use of chemicals such as petroleum solvents and bleaches.

In this episode: host Clay Gordon and guest Volker Lehmann discuss the history, uniqueness, and challenges of Bolivian cacao. Lehmann shared his experiences of discovering wild cacao, buying a hacienda, and exploring Bolivian cacao from Trinidad to La Paz. The speakers discussed the differences between Beniano and Alto Beni cacao, the significance of cacao juice, and the improvements made at Lehmann’s chocolatal, the Hacienda Tranquilidad. They also touched on issues of child labor and shared personal experiences of driving down dangerous roads in Bolivia. The production of Bolivian cacao remains small, but it has received praise for its fino y de aroma cocoa, and there are efforts to increase its visibility in the international markets.

In this episode: Host Clay Gordon and guest Dustin Cornett discuss the significance of finding a balance between the path and the destination while building a craft chocolate business. They share insights on defining success, growing a business, sourcing ingredients, networking, and incorporating unique ingredients. They also highlight the importance of balance, personal values, and considering the location of a business. Additionally, they discuss the value of networking, both online and in-person, and the need for feedback to progress and improve. Overall, the speakers emphasize the need to find a balance between growth and personal enjoyment in their work while being aware of the financial implications of their decisions.

In this episode: Orinoco Chocolate Company co-founders, Christian Tyler and Jessica Ellis discuss the process and decisions that went into building their craft chocolate factory in Prescott, Arizona. They advise viewers to plan for growth and consider electrical needs and a functioning HVAC system. They also emphasize the importance of budgeting for independent inspectors and appraisals before buying or building a factory. Jessica and Christian also discuss the necessity of food safety audits and the advantages of being conscious of allergens. Additionally, they stress the significance of developing strong relationships with suppliers and equipment engineers to solve problems and save costs. They encourage chocolate makers to research alternative options and utilize industry resources. Finally, the speakers emphasize the importance of diversifying products and developing relationships with customers to inform product development and marketing strategies.

No episodes April 1-20 ... on the road on the Cross Country Craft Chocolate Odyssey.

No episode March 28th – on the road.

I was traveling internationally 22 days in October.

I was traveling internationally most of the month – twice to Brazil and once to Colombia. There are quite a few posts from those adventures, but no live streams this month.