This week's Beer Sessions Radio is live from Jimmy Carbone's bar, Jimmy's No. 43! Guests on today's show include the authors of The World Atlas of Beer, Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont, and Chimay ambassador, Luc "Bobo" Van Mechelen. Tune in to hear about Bobo's storied history in the beer world, and why Chimay has been so successful in the United States. Tim and Stephen discuss their reverence for famed beer writer, Michael Jackson, and how their book was influenced by his writings. Bobo and Tim talk about lambics, and what beers can be officially labeled with the title. Hear the gang's opinions on Italian beers, and listen in to hear about some European countries with burgeoning beer scenes! Learn more about beer in South America, Asia, and Africa! This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com.

"By the time we came out of it [writing the book] over a year later, the both of us were reeling that we really hadn't had any idea of exactly how big the beer thing was globally, and is only getting bigger." [12:00] -- Stephen Beaumont on Beer Sessions Radio

"As there are brewers all around the world that are trying to make spontaneously fermented, wild-fermented beers- should 'lambic' become the genuine... from Belgium? And the other revitalized types of beers using wild yeast should just be called something else?" [20:30] -- Tim Webb on Beer Sessions Radio

From New York City to Missouri, Patrick Martins is covering it all on this week's installment of The Main Course. Patrick Martins invites Christy Robb of St. John's Bread & Life into the studio to talk about her experiences growing up in New York City. Learn about Christy's schooling throughout Manhattan, and how different institutions inspired her radical political leanings. How did Christy become involved in public health, and what problems did the city face in the 80s and 90s? Later, Patrick calls up Philip Burger, the Vice President at Burgers' Smokehouse to talk about smoking meats in California, Missouri. Learn about the regional differences between country hams, and some of the innovations at Burgers' Smokehouse, including the infamous water knife! This program has been sponsored by Tabard Inn. Thanks to The California Honeydrops for today's music!

"In the wintertime, you would butcher your hogs, and you would begin the process of curing... You did it because that was how you preserved food; there was no refrigeration." [34:15]

-- Philip Burger on The Main Course

This week Dave gets his holiday travel frustrations out with some Nirvana and bagpipes while answering your questions about how to keep your coffee fresh (read: don't put it in the freezer!) and the rating system for pungency (think pyruvate scale). Learn why beef tenderloin is oft considered the cosmo of the meat world but excellent for beef wellington, how to make your own DIY emulsifiers, as well as the art of plating and presenting dishes in your own home. This episode is sponsored by The Modernist Pantry.