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The Untold Story of the Christmas Tree & The New Rules of Eating Out

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Dec 8, 2025

Trent Preszler, a professor and author, explores the rich history of Christmas trees, revealing their origins in ancient solstice traditions and the nuances of tree selection for Rockefeller Center. He discusses cultivation techniques and the differences between real and artificial trees. Meanwhile, food writer Adam Reiner tackles the changing dynamics of dining out, sharing insights on rising costs, evolving customer expectations, and tips for enhancing your restaurant experience in today’s post-pandemic landscape.

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ADVICE

How Christmas Trees Are Shaped

Christmas trees are the same species as timber trees but are cultivated differently to be full and symmetrical.
Farmers prune, shear, and cut the leader to redirect growth and create the classic Christmas shape.

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ADVICE

Real Versus Artificial Tree Tradeoffs

Artificial trees often last about ten years and many people eventually discard them rather than keep forever.
High-end artificial makers mimic real tree imperfections to trick our sense of authenticity.

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ANECDOTE

Trees Helped Win The First World War

During WWI the U.S. mobilized hundreds of thousands to harvest Sitka spruce for aircraft frames.
Those timber efforts materially supported Allied aircraft production and war efforts.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Why yawns spread between people

03:25 • 2min

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Evergreens: biology and cultural symbolism

04:59 • 29sec

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Origins of the decorated Christmas tree

05:28 • 4min

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Pine trees, colonial conflict, and revolution

09:36 • 2min

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Evergreens as lumber and industry

11:24 • 2min

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Christmas tree farming versus timber growing

How Christmas trees are shaped for sale

Artificial trees vs. real tree tradeoffs

21:20 • 6min

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Trees in wartime industry

Why restaurants struggle today

32:07 • 2min

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The modern restaurant’s origins

34:18 • 4min

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COVID's lasting effects and delivery trends

38:40 • 55sec

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Tipping controversy and economics

39:35 • 5min

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How to be a better restaurant customer

44:10 • 4min

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Practical ordering and staff dynamics

48:20 • 3min

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Behind-the-scenes pressures and specials

51:43 • 1min

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Processed foods can increase hunger

The New Rules of Dining Out

Adam Reiner

The New Rules of Dining Out offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry. Reiner dives into the challenges faced by restaurants and provides practical advice for diners to enhance their experiences. Exploring the impact of rising costs, changing tipping culture, and heightened expectations, Reiner sheds light on the behind-the-scenes realities of dining out. It offers valuable insights on how to be a more informed and engaged customer. Ultimately, it bridges the gap between diners and restaurant staff, fostering a more collaborative and enjoyable dining experience for all.

#58871

Evergreen, The Trees That Shaped America

The Trees That Shaped America

Trent Preszler

Evergreen, The Trees That Shaped America is a captivating exploration of the historical and cultural significance of evergreen trees in American society. Preszler delves into the profound influence these trees have had on various aspects of American life, from their role in early industries to their symbolic presence in holiday traditions. The book examines the economic, environmental, and spiritual connections that have shaped our relationship with evergreens, revealing the fascinating stories behind their enduring impact. It highlights how these trees have been intertwined with pivotal moments in American history, reflecting the nation's evolving values and priorities. Preszler's narrative weaves together historical accounts, scientific insights, and personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates the remarkable legacy of evergreen trees.

A yawn spreads quickly. You see someone yawn, you think about yawning, or you even read the word “yawn”—and suddenly you’re doing it too. This episode begins by looking at why yawning is so contagious, what theories actually hold up, and what science still can’t explain. https://www.livescience.com/human-behavior/why-is-yawning-contagious

A Christmas tree seems like such a natural part of the holiday season, but the tradition behind it is rich, surprising, and deeply woven into American history. Why an evergreen? Where did the practice originate? How do they select the giant tree for Rockefeller Center every year? Here to explain the story and the symbolism behind the Christmas tree is Trent Preszler, professor of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and author of the book Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America. (https://amzn.to/43NUVSj).

Dining out today is nothing like it was just a few years ago. Prices are higher, tipping culture has shifted, customer expectations are changing, and restaurants face tighter margins than ever. Adam Reiner joins me with a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really happening in the industry and offers practical advice for getting the best experience when you eat out. Adam is a food writer whose work has appeared in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and New York Magazine, and he’s author of The New Rules of Dining Out (https://amzn.to/3Xhg0kf).

You would think eating food should satisfy you—yet some foods do the opposite. Highly processed foods digest so quickly and trigger such different responses in your body that they can actually leave you hungrier. I explain what the science shows and why these foods can lead to overeating. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/eating-highly-processed-foods-linked-weight-gain

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