Más de Uno – La veta cultureta: Mallon, Bourdain y el helado de mango

Podcast: Más de uno
Host: OndaCero (Carlos Alsina)
Episode Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

In this episode’s “veta cultureta,” Carlos Alsina dives into the intertwined stories of Mary Mallon—better known as "Mary Tifoidea"—and Anthony Bourdain, bringing together history, culinary legacy, and reflections on fame and fate. Through anecdotes and historical context, Alsina draws parallels between these two kitchen figures, blending humor, empathy, and sharp insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Presenting the Tale of Mary Mallon ("Mary Tifoidea")

• Mary Mallon: An Irish cook in early 20th-century America whose nationality was viewed with suspicion ([00:01]).
• Cooking Mastery: Mallon was so skilled that her biographer, chef Anthony Bourdain, says she cooked “como los ángeles,” handling vast household menus ([00:08]).
• Scandal and Science: Mallon becomes infamous after being arrested and tested for illness; she’s found positive for typhoid fever, despite showing no symptoms ([00:15]).
• The Origin of “Mary Typhoid”: She became the most famous asymptomatic carrier of a disease in the US, especially referenced during the COVID-19 pandemic ([00:27]).
• Culinary and Bacterial Legacy: While moving from house to house, Mary spread both culinary delight and illness; her mango ice cream was legendary but also a vector due to being uncooked ([00:35]).
• Connecting the Dots: Authorities noted the common denominator in several outbreaks was Mary ([00:43]).

2. Social and Legal Implications

• Quarantine and Rights: Mary was quarantined against her will but fought the legal system, insisting she was healthy and a valued cook ([00:49]).
• Media Sensationalism: Hearst newspapers stoked public interest and supported her cause—eventually the authorities released Mary, on the condition she pursue another, safer job ([00:58]).
• Defiance and Fate: Despite restrictions, Mary continued cooking under pseudonyms until she was caught again and confined permanently ([01:04]).

3. Parallel With Anthony Bourdain

• Bourdain’s Empathy: As Mary’s biographer, Bourdain feels an affinity for her struggles ([01:08]).
  • Memorable quote:

    “Ella no tuvo la segunda oportunidad que yo sí tuve,”
    -- Anthony Bourdain (cited by Carlos Alsina, [01:12])

• Reflection on Bourdain’s Own Story: Bourdain, also marked by a turbulent biography, did not live to witness the recent pandemic. He took his own life in 2018 at the height of his career, struck by a “depresión también asintomática” ([01:18]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Mary Malone cocinaba como los ángeles, o eso infiere su biógrafo, el también chef Anthony Bourden.” (Carlos Alsina, [00:08])
• “Su especialidad era el helado de mango… lavar y sin cocción alguna que pudiera purgar.” (Carlos Alsina, [00:35])
• “Ella no tuvo la segunda oportunidad que yo sí tuve...” (Anthony Bourdain, citado, [01:12])
• “Se quitó la vida en 2018, en la cima de su profesión, por una depresión también asintomática.” (Carlos Alsina sobre Bourdain, [01:18])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01 — Introduction to the story of Mary Mallon
• 00:08 — Anthony Bourdain as Mary’s biographer
• 00:15 — Mary’s arrest and typhoid diagnosis
• 00:35 — The infamous mango ice cream
• 00:49 — Mary’s legal battle and media involvement
• 01:04 — Mary’s persistent defiance and final confinement
• 01:12 — Bourdain’s quote about second chances
• 01:18 — Reflection on Bourdain’s own tragic end

Tone and Style

Carlos Alsina brings his signature blend of wit, storytelling, and subtle social criticism, framing both Mary Mallon and Bourdain as tragic yet fascinating figures—tied by the kitchen, misunderstood illnesses, and the pressures of their respective times.

This episode provides a poignant and wryly humorous look at history repeating itself in individual destinies, highlighting the human stories behind headline-grabbing diseases, culinary fame, and the shadow of depression.