Bulldogs, get ready for another edition of “Ferris Out Loud”! This week’s episode is packed with everything from climate change to the history of some of our favorite foods. This episode is a wild ride through trending topics, food debates, and some seriously surprising trivia.
Written by Rockne Smith and Brody Sara | Produced by Kourtney Fairchild
What’s Trending?
First up, “What’s Trending” takes us to sunny Sicily, but not for the reasons you might think. The hosts kick things off with a fascinating, and slightly alarming, look at how climate change is transforming the island. Imagine instead of lemons and oranges, farmers are now growing mangos! That’s right, the tropical fruit is thriving in a climate that’s rapidly becoming, well, more tropical. Rockne Smith dives into the implications, discussing how the record-breaking 120-degree heatwave in 2021 has forced local farmers to adapt, raising questions about their livelihoods and the future of Sicilian agriculture.
April Fools!
Next, the conversation shifts to a much sweeter topic: Reese’s! Remember that April Fool’s Day tease about a Reese’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Well, it was a prank, but the real deal is almost as exciting: a Reese’s cup with a jelly layer. The hosts reminisce about other jelly-flavored candies from the past. What treats from the past get brought up in this episode? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
Healthcare Cutbacks
Then, Harmony Goodman shares a deeply personal concern about RFK Jr.’s recent healthcare cutbacks. She explains how these cuts, announced by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, threaten not only the stability of the healthcare system but also the livelihoods of countless healthcare workers, including her own mother. Goodman details the anxiety and uncertainty that these potential job losses create, highlighting the human cost of such policy decisions. She expresses her worries about the potential strain on families and communities, and how this would overall affect the quality of healthcare for everyone. She also touches on how this decision has caused a lot of fear for many people, because they feel like they are not being taken care of.
This or That?
“This or That” takes center stage next, and it’s a foodie’s dream (or nightmare, depending on your preferences!). Our hosts tackle some seriously tough “would you rather” questions, diving deep into their favorite dishes and restaurant environments. Prepare for some passionate opinions and maybe even a few culinary disagreements.
Game Time
Then, things get really heated in “Game Time.” The hosts engage in a hilarious guessing game, trying to pinpoint the geographic origins of various food dishes. It’s a battle of wits and taste buds, with plenty of laughs and a surprising amount of competitive spirit. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this food fight!
Did You Know?
Finally, we wrap things up with “Did You Know,” a segment that’s guaranteed to leave you with some seriously cool trivia. Kayla Muter starts us off with a linguistic tidbit, revealing that “pierogi” comes from the Slavic word “pir,” meaning “festivity,” because they’re often served during holidays. 1 Then, Harmony Goodman drops a burger bombshell: White Castle launched in 1921, making it the very first fast-food burger joint. Rockne Smith follows up with a surprising fact about Subway, revealing that it’s the number one fast-food chain in terms of locations, with a staggering 20,482 in the U.S. alone, and roughly 44,000 worldwide. To close, Torin Rohen shared that mac and cheese was invented back in 1390 and has origins tracing all the way back to medieval England, and its popularity skyrocketed during the Great Depression with the first Kraft boxed dinner in 1937.
This episode of “Ferris Out Loud” is a perfect blend of current events, pop culture, and fun facts. It’s a reminder that even when we’re talking about climate change or healthcare policies, there’s always room for a good food debate and a tasty game full of trivia. So, tune in and join the fun!