WorkLife: The Science of Taste and Smell with Rachel Herz

In the July 22, 2025 episode of "Worklife with Adam Grant," host Adam Grant delves into the fascinating world of taste and smell with esteemed neuroscientist Rachel Herz from Brown University. This in-depth conversation explores how our genetic makeup influences our sensory experiences, shaping our preferences, behaviors, and even impacting our health and relationships.

Introduction to Supertasting

Adam Grant kicks off the discussion by sharing his personal experiences as a supertaster, individuals with heightened taste sensitivity. Describing his aversions, Grant states:

"Chocolate's disgusting. I would rather eat dirt. I hate feta, cheese, cabbage, kale, cilantro. And I've never had a sip of coffee or alcohol because the smell alone disgusts me." [04:04]

Rachel Herz explains that supertasters possess a greater number of taste buds, making certain flavors, especially bitter ones, overwhelmingly intense:

"Supertasters live in a neon taste world, so everything is more intense." [04:30]

Genetic Foundations of Taste and Smell

The conversation delves into the genetic underpinnings of supertasting. Herz clarifies that being a supertaster is purely hereditary:

"Supertastering, that is purely genetics. You have no control over that whatsoever." [08:06]

She outlines that inheriting specific alleles from both parents results in the heightened taste sensitivity observed in supertasters.

Health and Behavioral Implications

Rachel Herz discusses the broader implications of being a supertaster on health and behavior. Supertasters often avoid bitter but nutritious foods like leafy greens, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and increased risks for conditions such as colon cancer and hypertension:

"People who are supertasters may be avoiding certain foods which are good for them and/or using too much salt." [12:41]

Conversely, this heightened sensitivity acts as a deterrent against habits like heavy smoking or excessive drinking, as the bitterness creates a natural barrier to overconsumption.

Personal Anecdotes and Taste Preferences

Adam Grant shares anecdotes that illustrate the impact of supertasting on daily life. Recounting a high school incident, he reflects on his extreme aversion to overly sweet candies:

"I had to bolt up to the front of the room and spit them out into the garbage can in front of the entire class, knowing I was going to get detention." [05:02]

Rachel Herz explains that supertasters often consume more salt to mask bitterness, establishing a "positive feedback loop" where their preference for salt increases over time.

The Overlooked Sense of Smell

Shifting focus to smell, Herz emphasizes its profound influence on our emotional and cognitive well-being. She highlights a surprising study finding that 25% of college students would rather lose their sense of smell than their cell phone:

"25% of college students would rather lose their sense of smell than their cell phone." [23:36]

Herz argues that smell is deeply intertwined with emotion and memory, stating:

"The part of the brain that is processing our conscious perception of scent is the same part of the brain that is processing emotion and emotional learning and memory." [27:22]

Smell in Personal Relationships

The discussion explores how smell plays a critical role in personal relationships. Herz shares insights on how a partner's scent can influence intimacy and relationship longevity:

"If I don't like how you smell, you are not getting near me." [29:31]

She recounts personal experiences and observations, noting that an unpleasant scent can serve as a significant barrier to maintaining a romantic relationship.

Detecting Health Issues Through Smell

Rachel Herz introduces the concept that sensitive smell can aid in diagnosing illnesses. She narrates a personal story where her wife, Allison, detected their son's ear infection through scent:

"Allison could detect our son's ear infection by smell. It turns out he did have an infection." [31:42]

Herz elaborates on how certain diseases, like Parkinson's, can alter body odor, making scent a valuable tool in medical diagnosis.

Lightning Round: Quick Insights

In a fun and engaging Q&A segment, Rachel shares quick insights:

• Favorite Finding about Taste or Smell:

  "The color of the plate that a food is served on can change our perspective of the taste profile of that food." [36:55]

• Dream Dinner Party Guest:

  "Julia Child. I just follow her around in my kitchen rather than the other way around." [37:53]

• Advice for Handling Body Odor Issues:

  "There could be physiological reasons, such as metabolic conditions or hygiene habits. It's important to approach the topic sensitively." [38:22]

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of understanding our sensory experiences. Rachel Herz hints at future innovations, such as digital scent transmission:

"I think this is going to be something that is in the near future that you are going to be able to send and receive the sense that the other side of the screen is experiencing." [41:36]

Adam Grant expresses gratitude for the enlightening discussion:

"This is so fascinating. I could ask you questions all day about tasting, taste and smell." [40:15]

Key Takeaways

• Genetics Play a Crucial Role: Being a supertaster is entirely genetic, influencing how intensely one perceives certain flavors.

• Health Implications: Supertasting can lead to healthier choices by deterring harmful habits but may also result in avoidance of nutritious foods.

• Undervalued Sense of Smell: Smell significantly impacts emotional well-being, memory, and interpersonal relationships, yet it is often undervalued in society.

• Medical Diagnostics: Enhanced olfactory sensitivity can aid in early detection of certain health conditions.

• Sensory Interplay: Visual elements, such as plate color, can alter taste perception, showcasing the complex interplay between different senses.

This episode of "Worklife with Adam Grant" offers a compelling exploration of how our senses of taste and smell are not just passive experiences but active influences shaping our health, behaviors, and relationships. Rachel Herz's expertise provides listeners with a deeper appreciation of the intricate connections between our genetics, sensory perceptions, and daily lives.