When is a Pancake Not a Pancake?

We aren't afraid to ask the big questions here at Gastropod, such as: what exactly is a pancake? If you think you know the answer, prepare to have your mind blown. It turns out the sweet, syrup-covered stack of American breakfast fame are far from the only members of the pancake family—and there are some truly controversial cakes in the wider pan family. Speaking of controversy: if you've made instant pancakes from a certain famous mix, you might not realize the racist history behind it. Join us for the shocking story of Aunt Jemima, stay for the great pancake debate, and don't blame us if you end up craving something flattish, fluffy, and floppy for your next meal! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can listen to When is a Pancake Not a Pancake? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

When is a Pancake Not a Pancake? is an episode from Gastropod by Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley.

This episode is 45:15 long.

This episode was published on Feb 24, 2026.

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