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Listen: Why did Spam become an international sensation?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the product's cultural legacy that extends across the globe — and even into our email inboxes.

By Eric Roper

October 19, 2023 at 4:13PM

Spam was regally displayed as part of an exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul in 2007. (Jim Gehrz — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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Nearly 90 years since its invention in Minnesota, Spam's legacy extends far beyond the state. The pork product's importance during World War II gave it a large fanbase and spawned new international cuisine.

Reporter Brooks Johnson, who wrote a Curious Minnesota story on the topic, joined host Eric Roper on the Curious Minnesota podcast to discuss Spam's unique history.

Further reading:

Why did Spam become an international sensation? (August 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

about the writer

Eric Roper

Curious Minnesota Editor

Eric Roper oversees Curious Minnesota, the Minnesota Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. He also hosts the Curious Minnesota podcast.