The Raw Milk Question

The Raw Milk Question

From Outside/In by NHPR

March 25, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

The episode explores the resurgence of raw milk and its appeal amidst ongoing debates about its safety and health benefits.

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. SUPPORT To share your questions and feedback with Outside/In, call the show’s hotline and leave us a voicemail. The number is 1-844-GO-OTTER. No question is too serious or too silly. Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram and BlueSky, or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKS For a comprehensive history of dairy check out Milk! A 10,000 Year History by Mark Kurlansky…

People in this episode

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

Topics covered

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

Keywords

  • superfood
  • pasteurized milk
  • Maine
  • dairy wars

Mentioned in this episode

Products: raw milk, Milk! A 10,000 Year History, The Milk Question

Books & works: Milk! A 10,000 Year History, The Milk Question

Places: Maine, Blue Hill, U.S.

More episodes of Outside/In

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Outside/In podcast page.