About this episode

The episode discusses the completion of La Sagrada Familia and the cultural significance of Spam in various regions.

Against the odds, the exterior of Antoni Gaudi's extraordinary Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona is finished, and Pope Leo will bless the newly completed final tower on the centenary of the famous architect's death. Plus, why Spam is considered a luxury good in Korea and is a beloved staple across Asia and the Pacific. The answer lies with the US military. Guests: Professor Mark Burry, Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Design and Architecture, and Senior Faculty member at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. Kelly Spring, food historian, co-presenter of the Hungry Historians podcast and author of ‘SPAM: a global history’ (2025, Reaktion/New South)

People in this episode

Guests: Professor Mark Burry, Kelly Spring

Topics covered

• architecture
• food history
• cultural significance
• military influence
• global cuisine

Keywords

• Sagrada Familia
• Spam
• Antoni Gaudi
• food history
• Korea
• architecture
• Pope Leo

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Swinburne University of Technology, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia

Products: Spam

Books & works: Sagrada Familia

Places: Barcelona, Korea, Asia, Pacific

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