The Raw Milk Question

The Raw Milk Question

From Civics 101 by NHPR

April 7, 2026 · 37 min

About this episode

The episode explores the resurgence of raw milk and its cultural significance through the story of a farmer's legal battle in Maine.

Today we bring you a story from our sister podcast Outside/In, produced and reported by Marina Henke. DONATE TO THE PODCAST! In 2009, the state of Maine ordered farmer Dan Brown to stop selling his raw milk. It kicked off a five-year legal battle that stoked the flames of Maine’s dairy wars. But, after Farmer Brown lost his case and hung up his milking hat, things quieted down. Twenty years later, raw milk has surged back into the zeitgeist. Influencers are saying it tastes like ice cream, RFK Jr. is taking shots of it at the White House, and Gwyneth Paltrow is putting it in her coffee. All of which makes for a pretty obvious question… What’s the appeal? Is raw milk some kind of superfood? Or something to avoid at all costs? Featuring Dan Brown, Andy Bisson, Danny Bisson, Nicole Martin, Pamela Ruegg, and Mary McGonigle-Martin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Dan Brown, Andy Bisson, Danny Bisson, Nicole Martin, Pamela Ruegg, Mary McGonigle-Martin

Topics covered

  • raw milk
  • legal battles
  • dairy industry
  • food trends

Keywords

  • superfood
  • food safety
  • influencers
  • health trends

Mentioned in this episode

Products: raw milk

Books & works: Outside/In

Places: Maine

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