There are currently more cooking competitions on TV than ever before, as it seems we just can't get enough of all the different variations of professionals and amateurs competing for a culinary prize, but why do we love these programs so much?

And it's not just about being a passive observer, many of us also love to participate in a cook off in our own lives, whether it be at the local Easter show or with a group of friends.

The Quicky speaks to a Masterchef contestant, two friends who host an annual cooking competition, and a psychologist to find out why we seemingly love nothing more than getting competitive in the kitchen.

Subscribe to Mamamia

GET IN TOUCH

Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au

CONTACT US

Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

CREDITS 

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to:

Christina Batista - Contestant on the current series of MasterChef: Fans Vs Favourites, after previously appearing as a contestant on Season 5 of Masterchef Australia in 2013 where she made it to Finals Week before bowing out in fifth place

Lauren Hillman & Matt Gilbertson aka 'Hans The German' - Host a very competitive annual cook off with their group of friends 

Elisabeth Shaw - CEO of Relationships Australia NSW and has worked for over 25 years as a clinical and counselling psychologist with extensive experience in relationships services 

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au