Howard Steel

Type: Person

As of November 2026, Howard Steel has been mentioned in one podcast episode on This American Life (Apr 2025). A retired surgeon and Colgate trustee who claimed authorship of the famous MSG letter under the name 'Ho Man Quac,' complicating the story’s attribution and truth.

Retired surgeon; Colgate trustee (as described) at Colgate University (trustee/alum, per episode) specializing in Surgery, Medicine.

Howard Steel at a glance
Mentioned in1 episode on 1 podcast (as of November 2026)
First heardApr 2025 on This American Life
RoleRetired surgeon; Colgate trustee (as described)
AffiliationColgate University (trustee/alum, per episode)

Who talks about Howard Steel on podcasts?

Ira Glass brought up Howard Steel; the most recent mention was Apr 2025 on This American Life.

What is Howard Steel mentioned alongside?

Howard Steel is most often mentioned alongside Michael Blanding and Colgate University.

Worked with: Michael Blanding

Affiliated with: Colgate University