In today’s podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenni Lares, a historian from Tampere University, whose expertise centers on the fascinating topic of drinking culture in 17th-century Finland. Our conversation delved into her doctoral research, uncovering the intricate relationships between alcoholic beverages and various facets of life during that period.
We explored how drinking intertwined with societal events, from criminal activities to communal celebrations, and even the influence of religion and health perceptions surrounding alcoholic consumption. Jenni illuminated the ways these drinking habits reveal broader truths about 17th-century Finnish society.
Towards the end of our discussion, she posed a thought-provoking question for listeners, inviting us all to reflect on our own drinking habits. I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below—we would love to hear from you!
You can listen to the episode on Spotify, YouTube, or iTunes:
Additionally, if you’re interested in delving deeper into Jenni’s work, you can find her thesis here, with an English summary at the end: Jenni’s Thesis.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!