Super taster sounds like a compliment. It isn't. It's a genetic condition where bitter tastes register so intensely that coffee arrives as liquid body odor and alcohol lands like Windex. Nearly a quarter of the population has it. Most of them have no idea there's a name for it.

 

There is a specific social cost to having a body that genuinely rejects what everyone else is drinking. Not preference, a physical response so strong Yale researchers gave it a name in the 1990s. A home test using food coloring can confirm it: fifteen or more visible taste buds in the stained area and you qualify.

 

Kris Abel is a confirmed super taster who has been declining drinks his whole life and tonight explains why. He also brings the $800 Apple AirPods Max 2 that responds to head nods, and a Japanese robot tongue called Licker that produces real saliva. The tech has range.

 

Topics: super taster, taste buds genetics, Apple AirPods Max 2, robot tongue Japan, bitter sensitivity

 

GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com


Originally aired on 2026-03-17

Super taster sounds like a compliment. It isn't. It's a genetic condition where bitter tastes register so intensely that coffee arrives as liquid body odor and alcohol lands like Windex. Nearly a quarter of the population has it. Most of them have no idea there's a name for it.
&nbsp;
There is a specific social cost to having a body that genuinely rejects what everyone else is drinking. Not preference, a physical response so strong Yale researchers gave it a name in the 1990s. A home test using food coloring can confirm it: fifteen or more visible taste buds in the stained area and you qualify.
&nbsp;
Kris Abel is a confirmed super taster who has been declining drinks his whole life and tonight explains why. He also brings the $800 Apple AirPods Max 2 that responds to head nods, and a Japanese robot tongue called Licker that produces real saliva. The tech has range.
&nbsp;
Topics: super taster, taste buds genetics, Apple AirPods Max 2, robot tongue Japan, bitter sensitivity
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-17

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.