What would a birthday or a wedding be without cake? Celebration cakes are a signifier of occasion, sometimes requiring superhuman effort to bake and decorate. We explore the surprisingly recent history of the celebration cake, uncovering the role of the British royal family, The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book, and our evolving relationship with time itself.

Guests: 
Christopher Thé, founder of Black Star Pastry and Hearthe, author of Modern Australian Baking
Alysa Levene, food historian and author of Cake: A Slice of History
Pamela Clark, co-author of The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book
KC Hysmith, food writer and historian

The interview with Pamela Clark was recorded by Tall Story Films.

This episode was originally broadcast on June 7, 2025.

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This episode of Every Bite was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Stephanie Alexander — 30 years of The Cook's Companion

Exploring culture through food. Each week Jonathan Green serves up a new dish or ingredient, uncovering the rich layer of stories, traditions, and innovations behind it. From the origins and cultural significance to the science and economics of food, we explore how what we eat shapes and is shaped by our world. From humble street food to gourmet delicacies, discover the fascinating narratives that make every bite a story worth telling.