A Great British Baking Show Finalist uses Food to Communicate Chemistry (S9:E11) Artwork

Wolfing Down Food Science

Ever wonder about how your food makes it from the farm to your table? There is a lot of food science along the way. Not a culinary or nutrition podcast, Wolfing Down Food Science is all about the chemistry, microbiology and engineering of food. Questions or comments? Send us an email at wolfingdownfoodscience@ncsu.edu. To find out more about food science at NC State University check us out at https://cals.ncsu.edu/food-bioprocessing-and-nutrition-sciences/

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Wolfing Down Food Science

A Great British Baking Show Finalist uses Food to Communicate Chemistry (S9:E11)

May 01, 2026 • Paige • Season 9 • Episode 12

0:00 | 31:24

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We are joined by a guest who is just as comfortable with a pipette as he is with a piping bag. Dr. Josh Smalley is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Leicester, specializing in the synthesis of peptidomimetic materials. But to millions of viewers worldwide, he is better known as the meticulous finalist from the 2023 series of The Great British Baking Show.

Josh has pioneered a unique niche in science communication, recently launching the 'Science Kitchen'—a project that uses the art of baking to demystify complex chemistry for the public. Today, we’re diving into the 'chemistry of the tent,' how he manages the transition from the lab to the lime-light, and his mission to inspire the next generation of scientists through the universal language of food.

Some of Josh’s favorite books:

The Science of Baking by Matt Alard

The Science of Cooking by Peter Barham

Steeped: The Chemistry of tea by Michelle Francl

'Science of' series by Dorling Kindersley -

Science of Spice by Dr. Stuart Farrimond

Science of Flavour by Dr. Stuart Farrimond

Science of Fermentation by DK and Robin Sherriff

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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