Food Sleuth Radio

Margaret Martin, physical therapist, shares her expertise in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that mechanical stimulation nourishes our bones? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Margaret Martin, physical therapist and expert on bone health. Martin explains why exercise and getting nutrients from foods is critical for promoting bone health, and preventing osteoporosis.

Related Websites: www.melioguide.com

Meghan Davis, DVM, PhD MPH, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, discusses “One Health,” and bird flu.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:35:02 -0600

Did you know that 75 percent of immerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Meghan Davis, DVM, PhD MPH, Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for a Livable Future. Davis discusses the concept of “One Health,” provides an update on the prevalence and spread of avian influenza (bird flu) to dairy cows and other animals, challenges related to vaccination, and the risks of raw milk. For a check list for One Health, see: Check list for One Health: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771417300022

Related Websites: Population Health Spotlight Series: One Health and the human/animal interface: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHMtykPmJCQ

Ami Zota, ScD, Professor, Columbia University discusses phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals in our food supply.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:56:50 -0600

Did you know that fast food products and ultra processed foods that contain toxic compounds such as phthalates, are more heavily marketed to people of color? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Ami Zota, ScD, Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Zota describes and discusses phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals in our food supply through a health equity lens and discusses the disproportionate burden of toxic chemical exposures among communities of color.

Related Websites: Project TENDR: https://projecttendr.org/

Kari Hammerschlag, MS, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s food and agriculture program discusses animal fats as potential reservoirs for fat-soluble environmental toxins, and our new dietary guidelines

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:23:53 -0600

Did you know that the fat in animal products can be a source for fat-soluble environmental toxins such as DDT and other pesticides? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Kari Hammerschlag, MS, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s food and agriculture program. Hammerschlag discusses animal fats as potential reservoirs for fat-soluble environmental toxins, our new dietary guidelines, and how agricultural practices influence public health.

Related Websites: https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5582564-toxic-load-industrial-meat/

Shiloah Kviatkovsky, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences discusses collagen.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:47:04 -0600

Did you know that there is clinical evidence showing that collagen peptides may help support joint function, skin and bone health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Shiloah Kviatkovsky, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Kviatkovsky discusses collagen’s role in the body, dietary sources of collagen, and what the research shows re the benefits of collagen supplementation.

Jessica Lebovits, Registered Dietitian discusses celiac disease and gluten-related disorders.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:14:51 -0600

Did you know that a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to limit your quality of life? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Jessica Lebovits, RD, Registered Dietitian with expertise in celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Lebovits discusses symptoms of celiac disease, and ways to navigate a gluten-free life, including strategies for grocery shopping, label reading, restaurant dining, parties and even kissing.

Related Websites: Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University: https://celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu/

Stacy Malkan, co-founder, U.S. Right to Know, discusses agribusiness influence on policy in Washington, DC.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:34:35 -0600

Did you know that according to a recent Pew survey, more than 70% of American adults are concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals in their food and drinking water? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Stacy Malkan, co-founder and editor at the nonprofit public health research group, U.S. Right to Know. Malkan describes how chemical industry lobbyists influence federal policy to favor profits over public health, and exposes the Trump administration’s relationships with Bayer/Monsanto.

Lee Evslin, MD, pediatrician, discusses the multiple health risks associated with the herbicide, glyphosate and how to avoid harm. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto/Bayer’s herbicide, Roundup, is an endocrine (hormone) disruptor, and antibiotic that negatively affects our gut microbes? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her continued conversation with Lee Evslin, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, former hospital CEO, and author of Breakfast at Monsanto’s: Is Roundup in our food making us sicker, fatter, and sadder. Evslin reviews research on glyphosate, and how glyphosate gets into our food system, water, air and urine. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the presence of glyphosate and other toxic herbicides in food products is the main hazard to children’s health associated with the consumption of GMO-based foods. (Part 2 of 2)

Lee Evslin, MD, pediatrician, and author of Breakfast at Monsanto’s: Is Roundup in our food making us sicker, fatter, and sadder? (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that even low-level exposures to commonly used pesticides pose harm to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Lee Evslin, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, former hospital CEO, and author of Breakfast at Monsanto’s: Is Roundup in our food making us sicker, fatter, and sadder. Evslin discusses his work in Hawaii which spurred a state ban on the neurotoxic pesticide, chlorpyrifos, and how the chemical industry attempts to discredit even physicians. (Part 1 of 2)

Kelly Verel, Co-Executive Director at Project for Public Spaces, describes the impacts of SNAP cuts to farmers’ markets and public health. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that cuts to SNAP will affect farmers’ incomes, rural economies and the ability of underserved populations to access fresh, local food at farmers’ markets? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her continuing conversation with Kelly Verel, Co-Executive Director at Project for Public Spaces, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing public spaces to life through planning and design. Verel further describes assorted types of public markets and the ways markets boost economic resilience and public health. (Part 2 of 2)

Related Websites: Benefits of public markets: https://www.pps.org/article/the-benefits-of-public-markets

Kelly Verel, Co-Executive Director at Project for Public Spaces, describes the multiple benefits of public markets. (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that public market spaces, including farmers’ markets, are vital for regional economic resilience and public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Kelly Verel, Co-Executive Director at Project for Public Spaces, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing public spaces to life through planning and design. Verel discusses the multiple benefits of public markets, market challenges and successful models. (Part 1 of 2)

Melanie Betz, MS, RD, “The Kidney Dietitian” discusses how to prevent and treat kidney stones through diet.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that each year, more than 500,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to kidney stones; it’s estimated that approximately 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Melanie Betz, MS, RD, “The Kidney Dietitian,” who will explain the reasons why the incidence of kidney stones is rising and discuss how to prevent and treat kidney stones through diet. She’ll also bust myths regarding traditional dietary approaches for preventing stone formation. She has written extensively on this topic: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/six-easy-ways-to-prevent-kidney-stones

Amanda Edmonds, MS, University of Michigan defines food systems and describes the free webinar series: “Food Literacy for All.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:19:24 -0600

Did you know that the U. of MI offers a free webinar series titled: “Food Literacy for All”? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Amanda Edmonds, MS, sustainable food systems consultant and instructor at the University of Michigan. Edmonds explains the scope of food systems, defines food literacy, and describes the objectives the U. of Michigan’s free webinar series, which is open to all, with access to webinar recordings. The webinar series is a community-academic partnership featuring an evening lecture series where weekly guest speakers address challenges and opportunities of diverse food systems.

Alice Driver, PhD, author of Life and Death of the American Worker: The Immigrants Taking on America’s Largest Meatpacking Company, describes work inside Tyson meatpacking facilities.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:59:01 -0600

Did you know that the Tyson meatpacking company reaps enormous profits on the backs of immigrant, prison, and in some cases even child labor? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with James Beard award winning writer, Alice Driver, PhD, author of Life and Death of the American Worker: The Immigrants Taking on America’s Largest Meatpacking Company. Driver describes the life-threatening and thankless work inside Tyson facilities in Arkansas and beyond. She discuses unsafe working conditions, common injuries, lack of COVID protection, and more.

Related Websites: https://www.alicedriver.com/
Theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Nutrition Scientist at Stanford University discusses the Dietary Guidelines.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that cost, convenience and taste almost always beat out health when it comes to making food choices? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Nutrition Scientist at Stanford University. Gardner, who served on the 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, discusses the latest edition of our Dietary Guidelines, including the new confusing graphic of an upside-down pyramid. He explains the science behind protein requirements, and discusses dairy fat, seed oils, and how to make the best food choices to promote health while emphasizing the importance of enjoying delicious food.

Seth Itzkan, cofounder of Soil4Climate, discusses soil restoration through regenerative grazing.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and the International Year of the Woman Farmer? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Seth Itzkan, environmental futurist and cofounder of Soil4Climate, an international nongovernmental organization advancing the science, policy and practice of soil restoration through regenerative grazing and agroforestry practices as a climate solution. Itzkan discusses the role ruminants play in agriculture, soil restoration and sustainability. For state policies on soil health, see: https://nerdsforearth.com/state-healthy-soils-policy/ ; and for the Friends of the Earth report on the misconceptions on No-Till Farming, see: https://foe.org/resources/rethinking-no-till/

Related Websites: www.soil4climate.org

Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian discusses ways to improve nutrition and lead a healthier life in the New Year.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:53:16 -0600

Did you know that eating well doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian a.k.a. “The Veggie Queen.” Nussinow, an author, chef and culinary instructor, discusses ways to improve nutrition and lead a healthier, happier life. She provides specific information on mushrooms, fermented foods, fiber, gut and brain health. Note: for information on safe mushroom hunting, see the North American Mycological Association: https://namyco.org/

Related Websites: https://www.theveggiequeen.com/

Mary Anne Cohen, Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders. Part 2 of 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the new GLP-1 drugs may be helpful for overcoming certain eating disorders? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, psychotherapist and Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders. Cohen provides tips on overcoming emotional eating, and explains how GLP-1 drugs may help quiet “food noise.” She also addresses the role of social media in disordered eating and body image.

Related Websites: www.emotionaleating.org
Theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Mary Anne Cohen, Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders discusses why diets don’t work. Part 1 of 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that weight loss is one of the most common resolutions for the New Year, but that restrictive dieting is a gateway to eating disorders? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, psychotherapist and Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders. Cohen, defines “emotional eating,” discusses why diets don’t work, and her latest book, Ozempic for Smarties: A Psychotherapist Tells the Straight Skinny.
Part 1 of 2

Related Websites: www.emotionaleating.org

Mark Winne, MS, discusses his latest book, The Road to a Hunger-Free America: Selected Writings of Mark Winne. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that as consumers, we are all stakeholders in our food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mark Winne, MS, food policy expert, organizer and writer. The two will pick up their conversation from the week prior for a deeper dive into food justice and the importance of using our imagination to create a more just society, as told through stories from his latest book, The Road to a Hunger-Free America: Selected Writings of Mark Winne. (Part 2 of 2)

Related Websites: www.markwinne.com

Mark Winne, MS, food justice advocate and author of The Road to a Hunger-Free America: Selected Writings of Mark Winne. (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 18:13:54 -0600

Did you know that our food system provides opportunities to promote economic, environmental and social justice? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mark Winne, MS, non-profit food organization director, organizer, policy advocate and writer. The two will discuss Winne’s long career in food system justice and highlights from selected essays and articles from his latest book: The Road to a Hunger-Free America: Selected Writings of Mark Winne. (Part 1 of 2)

Related Websites: www.markwinne.com

Hillary Wright, MEd, Registered Dietitian, and co-author of The Menopause Diet Plan: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health, and Happiness.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:56:24 -0600

Did you know that menopause influences women’s metabolism? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Hillary Wright, MEd, Registered Dietitian, and co-author of The Menopause Diet Plan: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Wright explains the hormonal, metabolic, and bodily changes related to perimenopause and menopause, and offers dietary strategies for managing weight, blood sugar, and improving overall health and quality of life. Learn more about the SWAN Study: https://www.swanstudy.org/ and probiotic guide www.USProbioticguide.com
mentioned during the interview.

Related Websites: www.HillaryWright.com

Kamyar Enshayan, PhD, former Director of The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa discusses food system failures and solutions.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that food is more than medicine? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Kamyar Enshayan, PhD, former Director of The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa. Enshayan describes food system failures and solutions, and encourages us to treasure the farmers and those who produce our food in ways that protect public health and our environment. He advocates for reclaiming regional agriculture and food systems. Read a sample of his opinion editorials here: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2025/10/04/iowa-cancer-carcinogens-take-action/86463061007/ ; https://www.thegazette.com/guest-columnists/immigrants-make-life-richer/

Related Websites: https://ceee.uni.edu/

Debra Hendrickson, MD, author of The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Frontlines of Climate Change

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that it’s impossible to separate children’s health from their environment? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Debra Hendrickson, MD, author of The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Frontlines of Climate Change. Hendrickson explains the unique physical and mental health challenges faced by children due to climate change, and offers collective, corrective actions and hope.

Related Websites: https://debrahendrickson.com/

Coco Newton, RD, MPH, CNS, discusses how she applies functional medical nutrition therapy for those diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there is hope for patients diagnosed with ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the debilitating neurodegenerative disease commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is influenced by genetics and environmental factors, including living near bodies of water frequently impacted by harmful algal blooms. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Coco Newton, RD, MPH, CNS, a registered dietitian and holistic practitioner with expertise in functional medical nutritional therapy for improving the diet quality and quality of life for those diagnosed with ALS. Newton has been involved with Healing ALS: www.healingALS.org. She references the ALS Clinic at Duke University: https://alsclinic.duke.edu/our-research/ and the international conference on ALS and Motor Neurone Disease will be held Dec 5-7 in San Diego, CA: https://symposium.mndassociation.org/programme/. To learn more about algal blooms and neurodegenerative disease, see: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1087706

Related Websites: https://www.coconewton.com/

John Cardina, PhD, author of Lives of Weeds: Opportunism, Resistance, Folly, discusses man’s futile attempts to control “weeds.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that Emily Dickinson wrote 4 tributes to the dandelion? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with John Cardina, PhD, Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science at the Ohio State University, former USDA research agronomist and author of Lives of Weeds: Opportunism, Resistance, Folly. Cardina discusses man’s largely futile fight against “weeds” on farms, lawns and gardens, the value of biodiversity and small holder farms, and why we should rethink our attempts to eradicate “invasives.”

Glenn Davis Stone, PhD, author of The Agricultural Dilemma: How Not to Feed the World, discusses the legend and unintended consequences of the Green Revolution.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the “Green Revolution” is a cultural narrative that is rarely questioned? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Glenn Davis Stone, PhD, anthropologist, environmental scientist, and author of The Agricultural Dilemma: How Not to Feed the World. Stone discusses the legend and unintended consequences of the Green Revolution and explains that the Green Revolution didn’t speed up food production, but it did fuel the growth of fertilizers and pesticides. Stone advocates for the benefits of non-industrial, small-holder agriculture and helps us rethink the rhetoric and propaganda behind industrialized agriculture. https://www.sup.org/books/anthropology/smallholders-householders

Related Websites: https://www.wlu.edu/profile/stone-glenn

Daniel Costa, Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research at the Economic Policy institute, discusses immigration policy and our food system.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that immigrant labor is critical to our food system, and most of the food that gets to our plates was grown, harvested and processed by the hands of immigrants? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Daniel Costa, JD, attorney, and Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research at the Economic Policy institute. Costa explains details of immigration policy, our dependence on immigrants for economic growth, and policies that affect immigrants’ quality of life. Costa was featured on the Investigate Midwest webinar on immigrant labor in the food system:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbqm6J1jAEA. If you’d like to comment on immigrant work visas, go to the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17390/agency-information-collection-activities-comment-request-revision-of-h-2a-temporary-agricultural, and if you’d like to better understand how Trump’s anti-immigrant policies could collapse the U.S. food industry, see this recent article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/17/how-many-immigrants-food-industry-workers

Related Websites: https://www.epi.org/people/daniel-costa/

Leo Horrigan, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, and author of What if Soil Microbes Mattered? Our Health Depends on Them

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that soil health is integral to life on earth? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Leo Horrigan, MS, Food System Correspondent for the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, and author of What if Soil Microbes Mattered? Our Health Depends on Them. Horrigan explains how and why successful farming starts below ground. He describes the symbiotic relationship between soil microbes and plants to support human and planetary health. He also explains how common practices used in conventional/chemical agriculture (synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and tillage) harm soil microbes. On a positive note, regenerative/organic agriculture offers great potential for a brighter farming future.

Mariana Chilton, PhD, MPH, author of The Painful Truth About Hunger In America: Why We Must Unlearn Everything We Think We Know -- and Start Again.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:54:44 -0600

Did you know that the solution to hunger is solidarity, not charity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mariana Chilton, PhD, MPH, Professor, U. of Mass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and author of The Painful Truth About Hunger in America: Why We Must Unlearn Everything We Think We Know and Start Again. (MIT, 2024). Chilton discusses the trauma of hunger, the structural issues that undergird hunger, the devastating impact of hunger on children, and who really benefits from keeping people in a state of precarity. She explains how the solutions to hunger lie far beyond food, and are based in compassion, empathy, solidarity and loving kindness.

Related Websites: www.drmarianachilton.com

Charlotte Vallaeys, MS, discusses the multiple benefits of organic, and confusion over “regenerative agriculture.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:53:54 -0600

Did you know organic agriculture has a legal definition, but “regenerative” agriculture does not? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Charlotte Vallaeys, MS, independent consultant, advocate, and champion of organic agriculture. Board member of Organic Voices and the Organic Farming Research Foundation, Vallaeys discusses the definition of organic, its multiple benefits to health, environment and climate, and consumer confusion over the term “regenerative agriculture.”

Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, University of Kentucky, author of “Food Allergens: Alpha Gal.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:54:09 -0600

Did you know that the sugar responsible for alpha-gal allergy is widespread in processed food products, drugs and dietary supplements? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky, and author of “Food Allergens: Alpha Gal.” Norman-Burgdolf discusses ways to navigate the alpha-gal allergy, which ranks as the tenth most prevalent food allergy in the United States.

Sharon Forsyth, patient advocate for the Alpha-gal syndrome community.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that a tick bite could lead to a food allergy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Sharon Forsyth, conservationist and patient advocate for the alpha-gal syndrome community. Forsyth created Alpha-gal Information.org, a comprehensive informational resource on AGS. She discusses how to avoid tick bites and the challenges of living with alpha-gal food allergy (also known as mammalian meat allergy).

Related Websites: https://alphagalaction.org/

Stephan van Vliet, PhD, Director of the Center for Nutrition Studies at Utah State University explains how farming practices impact nutrition quality of food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:02:01 -0600

Did you know that agricultural practices influence the nutritional quality of our food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Stephen van Vliet, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Nutrition Studies at Utah State University. Van Vliet explains his investigation into how farming practices impact our environment, nutrient density, and nutritional quality of foods.

Related Websites: https://stephanvanvliet.com/

Katherine Pryor, children’s book author, discusses her latest title: Attack of the Hangries

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that being hungry can affect our mood and behaviors? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Katherine Pryor, award-winning children’s book author, and good food advocate, whose latest title: The Attack of the Hangries, helps parents, teachers and children understand what happens when our fuel supplies run low, and how to stay well nourished. Beyond education and entertainment, this book can be used to help support food assistance programs (which serve one out of every 5 children in the United States), universal school meals, and school food policies.

Related Websites: www.katherinepryor.com

Todd Larsen, MA, Executive Co-Director for Green America discusses child labor in the industrialized livestock industry

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that Tyson, Perdue, Cargill, and JBS have all been found to have children working in their meat processing facilities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Todd Larsen, MA, Executive Co-Director for Green America, who will explain how and why U.S. children are working in agriculture, restaurants, and meatpacking industries.

Related Websites: www.enduschildlabor.org

Joseph Llobrera, PhD, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, discusses cuts to food assistance programs in the GOP’s Budget Reconciliation Bill.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that one in five children in the U.S. receives food assistance? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Joseph Llobrera, PhD, Director of Research for the Food Assistance Team at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Llobrera discusses low-wage workers who depend on SNAP, and the far-reaching economic and health impacts of cuts to both food assistance and health care in the GOP’s Budget Reconciliation Bill. Impacts

Terrence Collingsworth, Founder and Executive Director of International Rights Advocates

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that some of the most popular brands of chocolate rely on child labor/slavery on cocoa plantations? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Terrence Collingsworth, Founder and Executive Director of International Rights Advocates, which works globally to stop corporate human rights abuses and end modern day slavery. Collingsworth will discuss how children are kidnapped, taken to cocoa plantations, and the conditions of their forced labor. He exposes chocolate brands to avoid, and how to find chocolate that is free of child slavery. See: https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/ethical-chocolate-companies. To see films exposing child labor in the chocolate industry, see the Dark Side of Chocolate: https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/dark-side-of-chocolate
and The Chocolate War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9K2yevB8IU

John Marshall, CFA Director of Capital Strategies for the (UFCW) 3000, will discuss the report, “Bullies at the Table: Consequences of Understaffing by Kroger and Albertsons.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:34:37 -0600

Did you know that “essential” grocery store workers’ average earnings are less than a living wage? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with John Marshall, CFA, Director of Capital Strategies for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) 3000, and Assistant to the President at UFCW 324. Marshall will discuss the report, “Bullies at the Table: Consequences of Understaffing by Kroger and Albertsons.” He will also pull back the curtain on unseen challenges faced by grocery store workers, discuss the benefits of labor unions, and compare e-commerce vs. in-store shopping on supermarket bottom lines. Marshall references the role of Wall Street and negative impacts of mergers in this presentation: Kroger/Albertsons merger analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=als1GdcKSzU and Consumer Reports investigation into overcharging at Kroger stores: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/questionable-business-practices/kroger-stores-overcharging-shoppers-on-sale-items-a9659540552/ . Learn more about UFCW here: https://www.ufcw.org/about/

Related Websites: Bullies at the Table: https://economicrt.org/publication/bullies-at-the-table/

Daniel Rosen, MA, Co-founder of the Coalition for Carceral Nutrition and Public Health Fellow at the Bard Prison Initiative, discusses food and eating conditions in prison and jails, and the food industry that profits from the exploitation of those who ar

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the food served and sold in prisons and jails contributes to poor mental and physical health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Daniel Rosen, MA, Co-founder of the Coalition for Carceral Nutrition and Public Health Fellow at the Bard Prison Initiative. Rosen will discuss food and eating conditions in prison and jails, and the food industry that profits from the exploitation of those who are incarcerated. Rosen describes food in prison as “dietary malpractice,” and describes his personal food experiences while being incarcerated. A TEDx Talk by Lucy Vincent is discussed: Could Healthier Food Solve the Prison Crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfItENpMSr8 and Rosen’s presentation for the Center for Science in the Public Interest is mentioned: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlfRNK0R37M

Related Websites: www.carceralnutrition.org

Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Nutrition, at the U. of CA, Davis, and Director of Scientific and Strategic Development for the International Milk Genomics Consortium, discusses the multiple ben

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that breastfeeding may be the “biological norm,” but it is a learned skill for both mothers and babies. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Nutrition, at the U. of CA, Davis, and Director of Scientific and Strategic Development for the International Milk Genomics Consortium. Smilowitz will discuss the multiple benefits of breastfeeding for maternal, child and planetary health, the policies needed to support breastfeeding, and how breast milk uniquely protects infants’ health as well as contributes to sustainability and community resilience.
Note: August is World Breastfeeding Month

Related Websites: https://www.milkgenomics.org/splash/

Tim Schwab, investigative journalist and author of “The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire,” questions the influence of the Gates Foundation’s philanthropy

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the Bill Gates Foundation has tremendous influence over global health, journalism, and agricultural policy? join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Tim Schwab, investigative journalist and author of The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire. Schwab critically examines the influence and impacts of the Gates Foundation’s philanthropy, as well as how to build a movement against oligarchy. Schwab explains how Gates has successfully paved the way for corporate capture of public goods, and that many of his ventures have ended in failure, leaving communities worse off. Web: https://timschwab.substack.com/about

Related Websites: https://timschwab.substack.com/about

Nate Donley, Ph.D. Environmental Health Science Director at the Center for Biological Diversity discusses the dangerous presence of PFAS in pesticides.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:53:41 -0600

Did you know that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are increasingly being added to U.S. pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing threats to human health? join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Nathan Donley, Ph.D., Environmental Health Science Director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Donley discusses a recent paper: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp13954 which describes how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” increasingly end up in widely used pesticides, and the risks these chemicals pose to our environment and public health. Web: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp13954 and https://biologicaldiversity.org/

Related Websites: https://biologicaldiversity.org/

Gail A. Eisnitz, Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association discusses her book: Out of Sight, An Undercover Investigator’s Fight for Animal Rights and Her Own Survival

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:33:48 -0600

Did you know that animal abuse takes place on factory farms and slaughterhouses? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Gail A. Eisnitz, Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association and author of Out of Sight, An Undercover Investigator’s Fight for Animal Rights and Her Own Survival (Skyhorse Publishing, May 2025). Eisnitz discusses her work and ways we can help improve livestock conditions, and the animal welfare approved label.

Related Websites: www.hfa.org

Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable, discusses the connections between factory farms and authoritarianism. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:15:07 -0600

Did you know that powerful language and imagery are distractions from the reality of industrialized agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable. Potter discusses the connections between factory farms and authoritarianism, and explains how “bearing witness” is an act of both love and defiance. (Part 2 of 2).

Related Websites: https://www.willpotter.com/littleredbarns

Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Bars: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable, will discuss “ag-gag” and other legislation designed to hide abuses in industrial livestock operations. (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that livestock abuse is widespread on factory farms? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Bars: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable. Potter will discuss “ag-gag” and other legislation designed to hide widespread abuses in industrial livestock operations and protect corporate profits. Potter explores the connections between food, agriculture, climate, social justice and civil rights. (Part 1 of 2)

Related Websites: https://www.willpotter.com/littleredbarns

Pamela Miller, MS, Founder and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:53:06 -0600

Did you know that people living in arctic regions have some of the highest body burdens of toxic chemicals? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Pamela Miller, MS, Founder and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Co-Chair of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Miller discusses the unique food system, climate and environmental toxin challenges faced by those living in Alaska and the broader Arctic region.

Related Websites: www.akaction

Sandra Brooke, Ph.D., Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory discusses oysters.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:01:18 -0600

Did you know that oysters are not only popular items at seafood festivals, but vital to the health of our estuaries? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Sandra Brooke, Ph.D., research faculty at Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory and scientific director and lead investigator of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative. Brooke has worked on deep-water coral ecosystems in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, South Atlantic Bight and the Gulf of Mexico, including assessing damage following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. She’ll discuss the ecosystem services provided by oysters, oyster shell recycling, oyster farming, and why and how oyster reefs are threatened, and can be restored.

Related Websites: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/

Basel Musharbash, antitrust and trade regulation lawyer discusses fertilizer and consolidation in the agricultural sector. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that consolidation in the fertilizer industry results in environmental harm and less choice for farmers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Basel Musharbash, antitrust and trade regulation lawyer, and author of Kings Over the Necessaries of Life: Monopolization and the Elimination of Competition in America’s Agriculture System. Musharbash discusses how consolidation in food and agriculture affects farmers, consumers and the well-being of rural communities with a unique and surprising focus on fertilizer.

Basel Musharbash, antitrust and trade regulation lawyer, discusses the high price of eggs. (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:43:22 -0600

Did you know that consolidation in our food and agriculture systems has more to do with the price of eggs than bird flu? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Basel Musharbash, antitrust and trade regulation lawyer, and author of Kings Over the Necessaries of Life: Monopolization and the Elimination of Competition in America’s Agriculture System. Musharbash discusses the real reasons why egg prices escalated, and the larger impact of consolidation in our food system. (Part 1 of 2)

Peter Lurie, MD, MPH Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest discusses food dyes, the FDA and RFK.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 May 2025 15:49:24 -0600

Did you know that some food dyes can have a negative influence children’s behavior? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Peter Lurie, MD, MPH, President and Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a non-profit food and health watchdog organization based in Washington, DC. Lurie discusses the workings of the FDA, RFK’s position on food dyes, the EU’s policy on food dyes, cuts to FDA and NIH grants, and ways to advocate for smart food and health policies.

Related Websites: CSPI: www.cspinet.org
Chemical Cuisine: https://www.cspinet.org/page/chemical-cuisine-food-additive-safety-ratings
NIH Grants termination: https://www.cspinet.org/case/nih-grants-termination

Kendra Klein, PhD., Friends of the Earth, discusses dangerous Roundup herbicide formulations.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:32:28 -0600

Did you know that Roundup for residential /consumer use has been re-formulated to replace glyphosate with even more harmful chemicals? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Kendra Klein, PhD., Deputy Director of Science at Friends of the Earth. Klein describes new formulations, health risks of herbicides and misconceptions about “regenerative” and no-till agriculture.

Related Websites: www.foe.org
New Roundup, New Risks: Bayer’s Controversial Weed Killer is More Toxic than Ever:
https://foe.org/resources/new-roundup-new-risks/
Organic for All: https://foe.org/organic-for-all/
Rethinking No-till: https://foe.org/resources/rethinking-no-till/

Liz Graznak, organic farmer, discusses USDA local food funding cuts.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 May 2025 17:41:00 -0600

Did you know that USDA’s recent cuts to local food promotion grants will thwart farmers’ ability to provide fresh, nourishing, local food to schools and food pantries? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Liz Graznak, MO-based certified organic farmer. Graznak will discuss the impacts of recent USDA grant funding cuts on her farm’s labor and food production, plus broader impacts on climate, environment and public health.

Related Websites: Happy Hollow Farm: organic farming, climate smart agriculture, USDA, Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, MAHA, labor
Real Organic Project interview: https://realorganicproject.org/liz-graznak-surprise-25-percent-market-gone-215/
Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/11-trillion-reward.pdf
Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA): https://odphp.health.gov/foodismedicine/federal-resource-hub/local-food-purchase-assistance-cooperative-agreement-program
Local Food for Schools: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfs

Ryan Betz, MS., National Farm to School Network discusses budget cuts.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 May 2025 16:43:00 -0600

Did you know that federal budget allocations for farm to school purchasing have been cut, harming farmers, rural economies and the diet quality of school children? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Ryan Betz, MS., policy specialist with the National Farm to School Network where he supports the Network's federal policy efforts, as well as managing "Who's at the Table?" School Meals Campaign advocating for Values-Aligned School Meals for All. Betz describes the federal cuts to Farm to School programming, and suggests ways we can voice our opposition to funding cuts and help restore vital programs that invest in our national well-being.

Related Websites: Farm to School webinar: Cuts that Bite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvQdg2AegzE
Funding Farm to School: https://www.farmtoschool.org/resources-main/funding-farm-to-school
Farm to School Policy Action: https://www.farmtoschool.org/policy/take-action

Alan Kolok, Ph.D., discusses pesticides and pediatric cancers.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:47:37 -0600

Did you know that “geohealth” refers to health and disease through a geographical lens? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Alan Kolok, PhD , Professor Emeritus, Environmental Toxicology, University of Idaho, Volunteer Faculty, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, author of Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology, and coauthor of “Exploring the Joint Association Between Agrichemical Mixtures and Pediatric Cancer,”GeoHealth (Feb. 2025). Kolok discusses his unique research on exposure to agricultural chemical mixtures and incidence of pediatric cancers. He also describes the importance of the USGS Pesticide National Synthesis Project, and related maps in scientific research.

Related Websites: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39944898/
USGS Pesticide National Synthesis Project maps:
https://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/usage/maps/

Lea Rainey, founder of Roots Zero Waste Market part 2/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:27:23 -0600

Did you know that regional, community grocery stores can create stronger, more resilient communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her continued conversation with Lea Rainey, founder of Roots Zero Waste Market and Organic Café, located in Garden City, ID. Rainey introduces us to the term “food ethics,” and discusses food pricing, how she sources local/regional organic food, pays her employees fair wages, and chooses reusable containers over single-use plastic.
Part 2 of 2.

Lea Rainey, founder of Roots Zero Waste Market part 1/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:21:11 -0600

Did you know that the grocery industry makes a significant contribution to both food waste and the global plastic crisis? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Lea Rainey, founder of Roots Zero Waste Market and Organic Cafe, located in Garden City, ID. Rainey discusses what makes her grocery store unique, including her efforts to reduce waste, offer local/regional organic food, and focus on alternatives to single-use plastic.
Part 1 of 2.

Fabiola Ortiz Valdez, Director of Organizing, Food Chain Workers Alliance.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:24:43 -0600

Did you know that farmworkers face a growing number of hardships and threats both in their jobs and communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Fabiola Ortiz Valdez, Director of Organizing, Food Chain Workers Alliance. Valdez discusses farmworkers’ lives and the struggles they face as they toil to put food on our plates.

Nate Halverson, investigative journalist at The Center for Investigative Reporting, and producer of the documentary, The Grab.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:57:17 -0600

Did you know that there are global brokers looking for land to “grab” as a way to capture water and food production? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Nate Halverson, Emmy Award-winning journalist at The Center for Investigative Reporting, and producer and lead reporter in The Grab, a feature-length documentary that uncovers the powerful interests vying to control global food and water supplies.

Related Websites: The Grab: https://revealnews.org/the-grab/

Megan Wolff, PhD, MPH, expert on plastics discusses myths of recycling and bio-plastics, and policies to reduce single-use plastics. Part 2/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that plastic recycling is a myth? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Megan Wolff, PhD, MPH, public health practitioner, subject matter expert on plastics and human health, visiting faculty at Bennington College, and Executive Director of the Physicians and Scientists Network for Advocacy on Plastics and Health (P-SNAP). Wolff discusses the myths of plastic recycling and “bio-plastics,” efforts of communities to ban single-use plastics, “plasticulture,” and extended producer responsibility. She is offering a virtual course through Bennington College to students and the general public: Class: Plastics, Microplastics, and Human Health – Spring 2025 ; Wednesdays | 7:00–8:50 pm ET, April 16 – May 28, 2025; Register here

Related Websites: Minderoo report: https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056
https://psnap.org/

Megan Wolff, PhD, MPH, expert on plastics and human health discusses the growing threats from plastics. Part 1/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know plastics don’t break down, they break up? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Megan Wolff, PhD, MPH, public health practitioner, subject matter expert on plastics and human health, visiting faculty at Bennington College, and Executive Director of the Physicians and Scientists Network for Advocacy on Plastics and Health (P-SNAP). Wolff discusses the growing health effects from the increasing amounts of plastics in our environment.

Related Websites: Minderoo report: https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056
https://psnap.org/

Carol Cardona, PhD, DVM, discusses avian influenza risks and prevention strategies.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that H5 influenza (also called bird flu) will continue to spread into new species and threaten human lives? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Carol Cardona, Ph.D., DVM, Professor and Endowed Chair in Avian Health in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at the University of MN – St. Paul. Dr. Cardona discusses avian influenza, (popularly called “bird flu”) or H5N1, the spread to new species, risk to human health, vaccination, farm worker health, and the need to support public health agencies in their efforts to educate producers and consumers, and protect all species.

Related Websites: https://vetmed.umn.edu/bio/college-of-veterinary-medicine/carol-cardona
Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center: https://umash.umn.edu/hpai-toolkit/

Timothy Wise, MS, Tufts University, discusses GMO corn safety, trade tariffs and food sovereignty.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:42:10 -0600

Did you know that Mexico is trying to protect their health and food sovereignty rights to reject US GMO corn exports for use in their corn tortillas? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Timothy Wise, MS, Senior Research Fellow at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, investigative journalist for U.S. Right to Know, and the author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food. Wise discusses the impact of the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (formerly NAFTA) on Mexican food sovereignty and health, and the potential impacts of President Trump’s trade tariffs. He also discusses the scientific evidence Mexico has compiled showing real health concerns from consuming GMO corn.

Related Websites: Health Concerns from GM crops: https://usrtk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DOSSIER-MAIZ-2024-ENGfinal-5.pdf
https://www.timothyawise.com/

Mackenzie Feldman, founder of Re:wild Your Campus discusses pesticides, cover crops, and food system change.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that whatever your interest, you can use it to make positive change in your community? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mackenzie Feldman, founder and co-director of Re:wild Your Campus, and co-author of Groundbakers: 60+ Plant-Based Comfort Food Recipes and 16 Leaders Changing the Food System. Feldman discusses her work to eliminate synthetic pesticides on campus grounds, her research on cover-crops, and her cookbook which includes recipes and empowering stories from food system leaders creating positive food system change.

Related Websites: https://www.rewildyourcampus.org/
Ground Bakers: https://www.groundbakers.com/
Into the Weeds documentary: https://www.intotheweedsimpact.com/the-film
Walking Softer: https://www.walkingsofter.org/

Sonja Eayrs, discusses her book, Dodge County Inc.: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that industrialized hog farming has harmed rural communities and public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Sonja Eayrs, attorney, farm advocate and author of Dodge County Inc.: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America. Eayrs describes the corporatization of hog farming and the resulting wake of destruction, including fouled air and water, declining rural communities, harassment against those who speak out, and methods of corporate indoctrination.

Related Websites: https://www.sonjatromeayrs.com/

David Wiss, PhD, RD, discusses food’s role in mental health, disordered eating, and addiction recovery.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:31:16 -0600

Did you know that nutrition can be an unspoken tool of oppression for marginalized populations? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with David Wiss, PhD, RD, pioneer in the field of nutrition and mental health. Wiss discusses his food-positive approach in addiction recovery and disordered eating. He explains how the ‘all foods can fit’ approach can backfire, how and why nutrition is a social justice movement, and the challenges when trying to change the food system in institutions. He also discusses commercial determinants of health.

Related Websites: Nutrition In Recovery: https://drdavidwiss.com/
Wise Mind Nutrition App to “Nurture your body, quiet your mind, and rediscover balance through nutrition and mental health support.”
https://wisemindnutrition.com/?utm_source=DrDavidWiss.com

Dismantling the Myth of “All Foods Fit” in Eating Disorder Treatment:
https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-024-01017-9

Ultra-Processed Foods and Mental Health: Where do eating Disorders fit into the Puzzle: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/12/1955
New FDA Rule on the “healthy” label: https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim

Mike Kostyo, MA, discusses food and societal trends for 2025.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that over 30 percent of consumers say most of their meals are eaten alone? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mike Kostyo, MA, Vice President of Menu Matters, LLC, and “trendologist.” Kostyo will discuss food and societal trends for 2025, including flavor, travel, trade and GLP-1 drugs. Kostyo says one way to address our national epidemic of loneliness and disconnection is to share more meals with others, and he encourages us to enjoy new food experiences in 2025.

“Sioux Chef” Sean Sherman discusses colonization and his mission to revitalize Indigenous foodways.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that Chef Sean Sherman’s James Beard award-winning restaurant, Owamni, in Minneapolis, MN features decolonized foods? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Sean Sherman, a.k.a. the “Sioux Chef.” Chef Sherman discusses the meaning of colonization and describes his mission to develop and promote Indigenous foodways throughout North America.

Kyla Bennett Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) discusses toxic PFAS chemicals.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that PFAS refers to a class of chemicals that are ubiquitous in our environment but pose significant health risks? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Bennet discusses the toxicity of PFAS, how and why they get into our water, soil, food and bodies, and ways to avoid and control exposure.

Maine House Representative Bill Pluecker discusses PFAS contamination of farmland from sewage sludge/biosolids.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that sewage sludge or biosolids when applied to farmland can contaminate soil, water and food with PFAS? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Bill Pluecker, Maine House of Representatives, farmer and Public Policy organizer for the Main Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” Representative Pluecker will explain the impact of PFAS contamination on Maine farmers, responsible parties, ways to prevent further contamination and potential farmer compensation.

Jacob Mey, PhD, RD, discusses diet and specific nutrients to boost our immune system during cold and flu season and beyond.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that specific nutrients can help aid our immune system in preventing and treating the symptoms of cold, flu and Covid 19? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Jacob Mey, PhD, RD, Registered Dietitian and nutrition researcher at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, as they delve into the best diet and nutrition approaches to support our immune system through the cold and flu season and beyond. For resources from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center see:
https://www.pbrc.edu/training-and-education/community-health-resources/

Related Websites: The Role of Nutrition in Mitigating the Effects of COVID-19 from Infection through PASC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9961621/#B72-nutrients-15-00866
Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ImmuneFunction-HealthProfessional/
Too much zinc and copper deficiency: https://thewaitingroom.karger.com/knowledge-transfer/zinc-oversupplementation-and-copper-deficiency/
Emerging Nutrition Approaches to Support the Mind and Muscle for Healthy Aging:
file:///C:/Users/Dan/Downloads/rpn.2204022.pdf

Dan Raichel, J.D., Natural Resources Defense Council, discusses neonicotinoid pesticides.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:03:21 -0600

Did you know that neonicotinoids are among the most ecologically destructive pesticides we’ve seen since DDT? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Dan Raichel, J.D., Executive Director of the Pollinators and Pesticides Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Raichel discusses the widespread use of, and harm from, neonicotinoid use in agriculture, lawns and gardens, and New York state’s Birds and Bees Protection Act. Learn how “neonics,” the widely used neurotoxic class of pesticides, cause harm to bees, pollinators, birds, soil microbes, fish, and mammals including humans.

Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, discusses ways to control blood glucose and reduce belly fat.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:47:32 -0600

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans have pre-diabetes? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, CPT, Registered Dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified personal trainer. Palinski-Wade discusses the role of sleep, stress and key nutrients to control blood glucose and reduce belly fat.

Supatra Tovar, PhD, RD discusses ways to deprogram diet culture.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:30:55 -0600

Did you know that dieting is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Supatra Tovar, Ph.D., RD, clinical psychologist, Registered Dietitian and author of Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink your relationship with food, heal your mind and live a diet-free life. Tovar explains how and why diets are doomed to fail and ways we can harness the power of our thoughts to help achieve a healthful weight.

John Pandolfino, MD, gastroenterologist, discusses GERD – symptoms and treatment.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that GERD is one of the most common Gi disorders in the United States? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with John Pandolfino, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine, and Director of the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute, Chicago, IL. Pandolfino discusses symptoms and treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including drugs, diet, and the gut-brain connection.

Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition discusses climate benefits and policy challenges of organic farming.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:28:32 -0600

Did you know that organic farming is climate-smart agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition. Youngblood discusses the multiple benefits of organic food and farming, plus the potential challenges and policy advocacy opportunities related to the Farm Bill, and incoming Presidential administration.

Related Websites: www.nationalorganiccoalition.org

Marita Canedo, Milk with Dignity Program Coordinator for Migrant Justice

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 01:26:47 -0600

Did you know that 50 percent of all food produced in the United States is handled at some point by migrant farm workers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Marita Canedo, coordinator of the Milk with Dignity Program for Migrant Justice, a Vermont-based advocacy organization with a mission to empower the immigrant farm worker community and organize for economic justice and human rights. Canedo will discuss the exploitation of immigrant dairy farm workers and routes to empowerment and justice – through solidarity, not charity.

Related Websites: Silenced Voices: https://migrantjustice.net/videos
Migrant Justice: https://migrantjustice.net/about
Milk with Dignity: https://migrantjustice.net/milk-with-dignity-campaign

Rebecca Raney, journalist at U.S. Right to Know, discusses neonicotinoids

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:02:49 -0600

Did you know that nearly all non-organic, commercially grown corn and approximately half of soybeans, cotton and wheat seeds are treated with neonicotinoid pesticides? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Rebecca Raney, investigative journalist at U.S. Right to Know. Raney discusses her series of articles on neonicotinoids, a class of systemic neurotoxic insecticides tied to bee and other pollinator deaths (as well as harm to soil and human health), and how pesticide companies shape bee research agendas and manage public perceptions to deflect attention away from neonicotinoids as a driver of the current bee crisis.

Mark Vossler, M.D., discusses the health harms from gas stoves

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:42:21 -0600

Did you know that gas stoves pose health hazards, especially to vulnerable populations? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Mark Vossler, M.D., cardiologist, and President-elect of Physicians for Social Responsibility. Vossler discusses the unhealthy air pollution from gas stoves, related health risks, including causing and exacerbating asthma, vulnerable populations, and ways to mitigate risks.

Related Websites: Rewiring America: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/
Gas Stove Pollution Fact Sheet: https://psr.org/resources/gas-stove-pollution-fact-sheet/

Molly Nicholie, Executive Director, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project discusses Hurricane Helene.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:40:15 -0600

Did you know that in September, the Appalachian region was surprisingly hit by Hurricane Helene which destroyed mountain communities and farms, disrupted their water infrastructure, and impact their tightly-knit, well-connected regional food system. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Molly Nicholie, Executive Director of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Nicholi will discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on the region’s food system, as well as recovery efforts.

Related Websites: asapconnections.org

Marianne Krasny, Ph.D., author of In This Together: Connecting with your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:19:06 -0600

Did you know that community networking is key to taking steps toward mitigating climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Marianne Krasny, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Civic Ecology Lab at Cornell University and author of In This Together: Connecting with your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis. Krasny explains “network climate action” - the power of our social networks in making collective lifestyle changes and instituting policies for mitigating climate change.

Alexis E. Racelis, PhD, discusses the climate change, agriculture, and agroecology

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 19:59:36 -0600

Did you know that agroecology offers a holistic approach to agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Alexis E. Racelis, PhD, Professor of Agroecology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Racelis discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture in his unique geographical region in south Texas, and the potential benefits of agroecology and regionalized food systems.

Related Websites: https://www.rgvagroecology.com/
“Planet Hunger: Inside the Global Food Crisis,” by Jeff Goodell: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/ukraine-food-crisis-1367826/
TX sugar mill closure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMXbebDCnQw

Don Schaffner, PhD, food microbiologist, Rutgers University (Part 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:39:28 -0600

Did you know there are probably millions of cases of foodborne illness every year in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Don Schaffner, PhD, food microbiologist, Distinguished professor, and Extension Specialist at Rutgers University. Schaffner discusses Covid -19 and food’s unlikely route of Covid exposure, handwashing specifics (time and water temp.), and specific foods he avoids and why. (part 2 of 2)

Related Websites: https://www.riskyornot.co/
- Eating expired baby carrots: https://www.riskyornot.co/episodes/625-eating-expired-baby-carrots
http://foodsafetytalk.com/

Don Schaffner, PhD, food microbiologist, Rutgers University (Part 1)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that pregnant women should avoid deli lunch meats due to the risk of listeria-related foodborne illness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Don Schaffner, PhD, food microbiologist, Distinguished Professor, and Extension Specialist at Rutgers University. Schaffner discusses his research on handwashing, characteristics of listeria and the recent Boar’s Head lunch meat recall, and food safety related to power outages.
(Part 1 of 2)

Related Websites: https://www.riskyornot.co/
Historical perspectives on handwashing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK144018/
Boar’s Head meat recall CDC updates: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0828-listeria-outbreak-deli-meats.html

Max Goldberg, MBA, Founder and Editor of the Organic Insider newsletter.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there are efforts to weaken the organic label? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Max Goldberg, MBA, Founder and Editor of Organic Insider newsletter covering the organic industry, and administrator of the Organic Food Industry group on LinkedIn. Goldberg discusses gene editing, regenerative agriculture, and food labels consumers can trust.

Related Websites: www.organicinsider.com

Thelma Velez, PhD, Research and Education Program Director at the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that organic farming is both regenerative and climate smart? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Thelma Velez, PhD, Research and Education Program Director at the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Velez explains USDA’s organic label, and how organic farming practices benefit planet and people. She shares challenges faced by organic farmers, confusion over the “regenerative” label, and describes OFRF’s new tool kit explaining how organic farming is truly “regenerative.”

Related Websites: Organic Farming Research Foundation: www.ofrf.org
Organic is Regenerative Toolkit: https://ofrf.org/organic-is-regenerative/
National Organic Research Agenda (2022): https://eorganic.org/node/35366

Stephen Ritz, science teacher and founder of the Green Bronx machine.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that food is the most important “school supply?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Stephen Ritz, award-winning science teacher and founder of the Green Bronx Machine. Ritz teaches in the poorest school district in the nation but has turned children’s lives around with food and love. He explains how food injustice is racial injustice, and that the cheap and convenient foods readily available in his students’ neighborhood are in reality, costly and deadly. He views children like seeds – full of potential. Ritz describes how his successful model of science education (growing food in the classroom) began and continues to thrive. Ritz, his students and the power of the Green Bronx Machine are featured in the documentary film, Generation Growth: https://generationgrowthfilm.com/

Related Websites: Americans Who Tell The Truth:
https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/portraits/stephen-ritz/ https://greenbronxmachine.org/
Generation Growth: https://greenbronxmachine.org/generation-growth/

Audrey Tran Lam, MPH, Center for Energy & Environmental Education, University of Northern IA.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that Midwestern industrial agriculture influences our national food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Audrey Tran Lam, MPH, Environmental Health Program Director at the Center for Energy & Environmental Education, at the University of Northern IA. Tran Lam explains how increasing crop rotations and biodiversity could significantly reduce our dependence on expensive and harmful nitrogen fertilizers and herbicides. And, she describes the effects of climate change on agriculture, the connection between Midwestern agriculture and national food consumption, our environment and public health.

Related Websites: https://ceee.uni.edu/environmental-health-program
Farming for Public Health: https://farmingforpublichealth.org/
Industrial Farming and Public Health conference: https://sites.google.com/view/aaephconference/home

A-dae Romero- Briones (Cochiti/Kiowa), Director of Programs for the First Nations Development Institute.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that indigenous food systems are based on cooperation? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with A-dae Romera- Briones (Cochiti/Kiowa), native Agricultural Food Systems Leader and Director of Programs for the First Nations Development Institute. She discusses the nature and history of indigenous foodways, food sovereignty, and the importance of how we tell the story of agriculture. She is a featured keynote speaker at the RAFI-USA conference (Sept. 30-October 1st 2024; see: https://www.rafiusa.org/programs/cttt/2024-cttt-events/ )

Related Websites: https://www.firstnations.org/
Fighting for the Tastebuds of Our Children: https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/760

Jim Goodman, retired dairy farmer and farm activist discusses farm labor, policy, and Project 2025.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:32:36 -0600

Did you know that a good share of dairy farms and food processors employ migrant laborers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Jim Goodman, M.S., retired third-generation dairy farmer, president of the National Family Farm Coalition, and farm activist. Goodman advocates for a farmer-controlled, consumer-oriented food system. He is a frequent contributor of thought-provoking articles on farming, food, politics, trade and labor for Common Dreams. Goodman discusses the corporate-friendly policies that fueled the economic decline in rural America, and pulls back the curtain on Project 2025.

Grey Moran, staff writer at Civil Eats discusses plastic use in agriculture, and climate injustice.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:37:39 -0600

Did you know that farm soil is increasingly becoming a reservoir for plastic? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Grey Moran, award-winning journalist and staff writer at Civil Eats, where their writing focuses on climate change, the food system, public health, and environmental justice. Moran discusses “plasticulture” and the increasing use of plastic in agriculture, and how the Fair Food Alliance is working around FL law which denies farmworkers heat protection.

Related Websites: Coalition of Immokalee workers and the Fair Food Program: https://ciw-online.org/
Civil Eats: https://civileats.com/author/gmoran/
How Fossil Fuel-derived pesticides and plastics harm health, biodiversity and the climate:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7239621/

Daniel Hinkle, J.D., Senior State Affairs Counsel at the American Association for Justice discusses how trial attorneys advocate for farmers.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:41:25 -0600

Did you know that trial attorneys work to protect farmers against harms they experience from the use of agricultural chemicals? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Daniel Hinkle, J.D., lawyer, lobbyist and Senior State Affairs Counsel at the American Association for Justice. Hinkle describes the role of trial attorneys in helping farmers receive compensation from harm related to pesticide use, and the agrochemical industry’s attempts to reduce their liability by influencing pesticide labeling.

Related Websites: American Association for Justice: https://www.justice.org/
Failure to Warn legislation: https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2024/02/state-legislation-popping-up-to-limit-liability-of-pesticide-manufacturers/
Icahn School of Medicine Glyphosate fact sheet: https://icahn.mssm.edu/files/ISMMS/Assets/Departments/Environmental%20Medicine%20and%20Public%20Health/CEHC/FactSheet-Glyphosate.pdf
IARC review of glyphosate: https://www.iarc.who.int/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate/

Tod Cooperman, M.D., President and Founder of ConsumerLab.com discusses food and supplement risks and benefits.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 23:35:07 -0600

Did you know that the sugar alcohol xylitol has been linked to increased risk of blood clots? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her interview with Tod Cooperman, M.D., President and Founder of ConsumerLab.com, the leading national independent reviewer of food products and dietary supplements. Cooperman reviews his recent reports on the potential harms from sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners, and potential benefits of olive and fish oils, plus what to look for when purchasing products..

Related Websites: www.consumerlab.com

Katie Marx, policy associate with the Center for Science in the Public Interest discusses food marketing to children.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:36:03 -0600

Did you know that food and beverage companies spend nearly $2 billion dollars each year marketing food to kids and the vast majority of these foods are unhealthy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her conversation with Katie Marx, policy associate with the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Marx discusses food industry tactics for marketing ultra-processed foods and beverages to children, including the use of influencers in mobile apps and games.

Katelyn Jetelina, MPH, PhD., epidemiologist and author of “Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” newsletter.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:35:16 -0600

Did you know that climate change is fueling the spread of bird flu? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katelyn Jetelina, MPH, PhD., epidemiologist, data scientist and science communicator who serves as a scientific consultant to the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jetelina publishes the popular “Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” newsletter, and will discuss bird flu, raw milk risks and myths, the challenges of science communication, promoting public health and preventing pandemics.

Lisa Kaas Boyle, JD, environmental attorney, cofounder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and executive producer of Overload: America’s Toxic Love Story.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:11:05 -0600

Did you know that plastic is made from fossil fuel, and has deleterious effects on planet and people? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lisa Kaas Boyle, JD, environmental attorney, cofounder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and executive producer of the documentary film, Overload: America’s Toxic Love Story. Boyle describes the injustice of fossil fuel and plastic pollution, the myth of plastic recycling, and the importance of citizen action and public policies.

Related website: www.lisakaasboyle.com

More Drinking Fountains, Fewer Plastic Bottles: https://law.tulane.edu/news/law-alumna-more-drinking-fountains-fewer-plastic-bottles

Kellie Casavale, RD, PhD., Senior Science Nutrition Advisor at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:19:23 -0600

Did you know that the mundane advice dietitians give to “eat a variety of foods in moderation” is actually critical to both reaching nutritional adequacy and protecting us from contaminants in foods? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kellie Casavale, RD, PhD., Senior Science Nutrition Advisor at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Casavale discusses ways to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from heavy metal contaminants (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) in our food, with an emphasis on fish and seafood.

Related website: “Advice About Eating Fish and Shellfish:”https://www.epa.gov/choose-fish-and-shellfish-wisely/epa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish
https://www.fda.gov/media/102331/download?attachment
“Closer to Zero: Reducing Childhood Exposure to Contaminants from Foods:” https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/closer-zero-reducing-childhood-exposure-contaminants-foods

Christina Badaracco, MPH, RD, discusses food as medicine and The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 16:55:51 -0600

Did you know that our nation’s agricultural policies (the Farm Bill) largely subsidize crops that don’t support “food as medicine?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Christina Badaracco, MPH, Registered Dietitian, and co-author with Dan Imhoff of The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide. Badaracco discusses her entry into healthcare transformation through nutrition, “culinary medicine,” the value of teaching kitchens, and the importance of national farm policies to support public health.

Related website: Food as Medicine: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/five-food-problems-why-current-food-medicine-solutions-falling-short
The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide: https://islandpress.org/books/farm-bill#desc

Evan Craine, Ph.D., Research Associate, The Land Institute, discusses perennial agriculture.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:05:25 -0600

Did you know that 80 to 90 percent of all agriculture globally is based on annual grain crops? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Evan Craine, Ph.D., Research Associate at The Land Institute, who discusses the ecological benefits of perennial agriculture.

Omanjana Goswami, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists discusses soil health, human health, and water pollution from Tyson meat processing plants.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:13:18 -0600

Did you know that U.S. farm policy values corporate profits over human health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Omanjana Goswami, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary scientist in the Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Goswami discusses the connection between soil and human health; and water pollution from Tyson meat processing plants. She describes the impacts of nitrate pollution on human health and key changes in farm policy that would contribute to improvements in both environmental and public health.

Related website: https://blog.ucsusa.org/omanjana-goswami/did-you-know-that-soil-health-affects-human-health/ ; Waste Deep: How Tyson Foods Pollutes US Waterways and Which States Bear the Brunt https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/waste-deep

Pam Koch, Ed.D, R.D., Professor of Nutrition and Education, Columbia University, New York, discusses child nutrition.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:54:13 -0600

Did you know that teaching children how to cook improves their motivation and ability to eat well? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Pam Koch, Ed.D, R.D., Mary Swartz Rose Associate Professor of Nutrition and Education, and Faculty Director at the Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Koch describes her decades of research working to improve children’s nutrition, defines “ultra-processed” foods, and explains the importance of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Related website: Food Systems Based Dietary Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/20b9fd77-47f5-46f0-bdd9-94f798620368/content
Tisch Center: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/tisch/
Mary Swartz Rose Memorial Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkU1D-z2jXw
(Koch starts at 18:09)

Marc Cornier, MD, Medical University of South Carolina, discusses the brain’s role in weight control and obesity.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:16:04 -0600

Did you know that our brains play an important role in regulating appetite and food intake? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Marc Cornier, MD Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina. Cornier shares his research on the neurocircuitry related to appetite. He emphasizes that obesity is a chronic disease, and discusses the influence of high fat diets, gut microbiota, hormones, exercise and brain activity on weight.

Related website: My Brain Made Me Overeat! So What Can I do About it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bne4VOHMOsw

Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., Toxicologist, Environmental Working Group, discusses the 2024 Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 May 2024 18:29:17 -0600

Did you know that pesticides are widely used in U.S. agriculture and residues may remain on and in the foods we eat, even after washing or processing? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., Toxicologist, at the Environmental Working Group. Temkin discusses EWG’s 2024 Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce, and the related and updated Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen Guide to produce shopping. She also discusses vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women and farmworkers, and the multiple benefits of organic food and farming,

Peter Annin, author of Purified: How Recycled Sewage is Transforming Our Water.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 May 2024 17:28:21 -0600

Did you know that astronauts’ liquid wastes are recycled into drinking water in space? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Peter Annin, national water journalist, director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at Northland College, Ashland, WI, and author of Purified: How Recycled Sewage is Transforming Our Water. Annin reports on multiple successful national examples where human waste is filtered, treated and transformed into vital pure water.

Related website: https://www.purifiedbook.com/

Chloe Waterman, M.S., Senior Program Manager for Climate Friendly Foods at Friends of the Earth discusses the hazards of Biogas.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 May 2024 18:44:38 -0600

Did you know that heavily subsidized biogas digesters pose a risk to rural communities and are not the climate-change solution they’re made out to be? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Chloe Waterman, M.S., Senior Program Manager for Climate Friendly Foods at Friends of the Earth. Waterman discusses the hazards of Biogas and key points from the Friends of the Earth report on the topic, titled: “Biogas or Bull***? The Deceptive Promise of Manure Biogas as a Methane Solution.”

Related website: Friends of the Earth:https://foe.org/resources/biogas-or-bull/
Big Oil and Big Ag Ponzi Scheme: Factor Farm Biogas (Food and Water Watch): https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2024/01/09/the-big-oil-and-big-ag-ponzi-scheme-factory-farm-biogas/
Food System Reform Act: https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-package-of-bills-to-reform-us-food-system

Marianne Landzettel, author of Sustainable Meat Production and Processing: Local, Profitable and Humane.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:09:51 -0600

Did you know that cattle are not the “climate change killers” they’ve been made out to be? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Marianne Landzettel, journalist and author of Sustainable Meat Production and Processing: Local, Profitable and Humane. Landzettel describes differences in agriculture in the EU, UK and US, and presents evidence supporting the benefits of livestock, and in particular cattle, raised in a regenerative fashion, to help mitigate climate change, and protect soil health. Landzettel explains the climate impacts of feedlot cattle fed grain vs. those responsibly grazed on grasslands. She discusses the benefits of the “livestock” below ground, organic-rich soil, and humane slaughter.

Related website: www.londoncowgirl.com

Timothy Wise, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy discusses risks of GM corn and Mexican food sovereignty.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 May 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there is solid science behind concerns regarding the safety of genetically modified crops? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Timothy Wise, MS, author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food, and Senior Advisor at the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy. Wise discusses GM corn, and the impact of the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (formerly NAFTA) on Mexican food sovereignty.

Related website: https://www.iatp.org/about/staff/timothy-wise
Mexico Defends GM Corn Restrictions with Science: An Analysis of Mexico’s response in the USMCA dispute: https://www.iatp.org/mexicos-science-based-defense-gm-corn-restrictions

Alexander Sammon, journalist and author of “Forbidden Fruit: The anti-avocado militias of Michoacan.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that 80% of the avocadoes consumed in the U.S. are imported from Mexico? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alexander Sammon, politics writer for Slate, journalist and author of “Forbidden Fruit: The anti-avocado militias of Michoacan.” Sammon describes the impact of U.S. trade policies on avocado imports, the environmental impacts of avocado production, and the violence related to avocado farming in Mexico.
Note: Cinco de Mayo is the second largest avocado consuming day in the U.S.

Austin Frerick, author, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that anti-trust legislation helps protect our democracy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Austin Frerick, author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. Frerick discusses the dangers of monopolies, consolidation, and exploitation in our food system – how we lost fair markets, and who is getting rich at taxpayer expense.

Related website: https://www.austinfrerick.com/

Cynthia Curl, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Environmental Health & Safety, Boise State University discusses women’s exposure to agricultural chemicals and benefits of organic food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that prenatal exposure to glyphosate has been associated with shorter gestational time in utero, decreased fetal growth and preterm birth? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Cynthia Curl, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Co-Director, Center for Excellence in Environmental Health & Safety, at Boise State University. Curl founded and directs the Agricultural Health Lab where her research focuses on the intersection between agriculture and human health. Curl discusses her recent research on pesticide exposure during pregnancy, and the impact of consuming organic vs. conventional diets.

Michelle Loosli, Senior Manager for Climate Education at the American Public Health Association’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that climate change is an imminent threat to human health, yet most schools do not provide education about climate change and its health impacts? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michelle Loosli, Senior Manager for Climate Education at the American Public Health Association’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity. Loosli discusses a new educational tool kit on climate and health for students in grades 9-12. She explains climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and provides ways youth can take action towards climate repair, rather than despair.
Note: April 1-8 is Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week

Bev Thorpe, Co-Founder of Clean Production Action, discusses the “Triple Planetary Crisis,” the fossil fuel-derived chemicals widely used in our food system, and strategies to advance a non-toxic economy.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:45:49 -0600

Did you know that fossil fuel subsidies contribute to the “cheap” cost of plastic? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bev Thorpe, Co-Founder of Clean Production Action, a resource to advance a non-toxic economy. Thorpe describes the “triple planetary crisis,” and shares strategies to move away from harmful fossil-fuel based chemicals used widely in our food system.

Related website: Clean Production Action’s “Green Screen:” https://www.cleanproduction.org/programs/greenscreen

Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D. Director, Office of Analytics and Outreach, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, discusses heavy metals in our food supply, and specifically the recent investigation into lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:40:14 -0600

Did you know that heavy metals are present in a wide variety of our foods? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D. Director, Office of Analytics and Outreach, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Choiniere discusses common heavy metals in our food supply, and specifically the recent investigation into lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce. Choiniere chairs FDA's Toxic Elements Working Group, which prioritizes the Administration's efforts to reduce exposures to lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals from foods to the greatest extent feasible.

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, Co-founder and CEO of Tree-Range Farm, and founder of Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, discusses key features of “regenerative” agriculture and describes unique features of his poultry operation, indigenous insights and practices.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:49:20 -0600

Did you know that regenerative agriculture includes indigenous practices of land stewardship? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, Co-founder and CEO of Tree-Range Farms based in Northfield, MN, and founder of the non-profit Regenerative Agriculture Alliance. Haslett-Marroquin discusses key features of “regenerative” agriculture. He also describes unique features of his poultry operation, including agroforestry, silvopasture, and indigenous insights.

Related website: Tree Range Chickens: www.treerangefarms.com
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance: https://www.regenagalliance.org/

Richard Raymond, M.D., former Undersecretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture discusses Salmonella and potentially risky foods for foodborne illness. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:42:36 -0600

Did you know that Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Richard Raymond, M.D., former Undersecretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Raymond discusses Salmonella, it’s prevalence in the food supply, ways to reduce risk, and potentially high-risk foods that he personally avoids.
(Part 2 of 2)

Related website: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/salmonella-food.html

Richard Raymond, M.D., former Undersecretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture discusses food recalls. (Part 1 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:14:16 -0600

Did you know that food recalls help prevent people from eating a food that could result in illness or injuries? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Richard Raymond, M.D., former Undersecretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Raymond discusses food recalls: reasons why food is recalled, the possible fates of recalled food, and specific cases related to the bacteria, E. coli 0157:H7.
(Part 1 of 2)

Related website: Food Recalls:https://foodprint.org/blog/the-oft-ignored-environmental-impact-of-food-recalls-food-waste/
FSIS: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls
Food Safety News:https://www.foodsafetynews.com/

Kirsten Stolle, visual artist who examines the global influence of agrichemical companies on our food system

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:07:19 -0600

Did you know that artists can play a unique role in helping us think critically about the global influence of agrichemical companies on our food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kirsten Stolle, a visual artist whose works intersect art, science and culture to examine the global influence of agrichemical companies on our food system. Stolle describes her artwork, and explains how she helps viewers see propaganda, corporate greenwashing and advertising strategies, while promoting critical thinking and visual literacy. Her unique collages reflect her concern with industrial food production and the influence of biotechnology. She delves into the historical ties between Monsanto, Bayer, and Dow and chemical warfare. Her work is included in permanent collections and exhibits in museums and galleries across the U.S. and the EU.

Related website: Chemical Bouquet: https://www.kirstenstolle.com/chemical-bouquet
https://www.thebillboardcreative.com/interviews/kirsten-stolle

Matt Lebon discusses the multiple benefits of “foodscaping.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:30:00 -0600

Did you know that “foodscaping” involves the planning, design, management, and nurturing of ecological edible landscapes? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Matt Lebon, owner of Custom Foodscaping. Lebon, who provides education and leadership to foodscapers nationally, discusses the multiple benefits of creating beautiful, edible landscapes, how to deal with challenges and reap abundant rewards.

Related website: https://www.customfoodscaping.com/
https://www.thefoodscaper.com/

Jess Conard, Beyond Plastics, discusses the anniversary of the toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, OH.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:30:00 -0600

Did you know that one year ago the community of East Palestine Ohio was poisoned by a Norfolk Southern train derailment and the resulting purposeful burning of vinyl chloride? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jess Conard, Appalachia Director at Beyond Plastics who discusses the ongoing public health consequences facing her community. Conard explains that any community in close proximity to rail lines is at risk for a similar fate, and encourages citizen action to encourage the EPA to ban vinyl chloride.https://www.beyondplastics.org/actions/ban-vinyl-chloride

Related website: https://www.beyondplastics.org/actions/ban-vinyl-chloride
Grist: One Year After the Toxic Train Derailment…https://grist.org/accountability/is-east-palestine-safe-depends-who-you-ask/

Mary Donkersloot, Registered Dietitian and host of the Smart Eating Show, discusses pros and cons of new obesity drugs.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:06:58 -0600

Did you know that the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are revolutionizing the medical treatment of obesity and related disorders? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mary Donkersloot, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and host of the Smart Eating Show. The two will discuss the pros and cons of this new class of obesity drugs and drug-free ways to tweak our diets to increase satiety and reach a healthier body weight.

Related website: https://www.youtube.com/@smarteatingshow7793

Impact on food industry: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/ozempics-business-impact-weight-loss-drug-could-make-snack-makers-tighten-belts/

Byron Kominek, founder of Jack’s Solar Garden and Executive Director of the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:24:45 -0600

Did you know that there are multiple benefits resulting from the co-location of solar panels with agricultural production? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Byron Kominek, founder of Jack’s Solar Garden and Executive Director of the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center in Longmont, CO - the largest commercially active agrivoltaics system in the United States. Kominek describes how solar panels can benefit farmworkers and livestock and influence plant growth, while generating climate-friendly energy.

Related website: https://www.coagrivoltaic.org/

Elizabeth Hilborn, DVM, registered nurse, farmer and author of Restoring Eden: Unearthing the Agribusiness Secret that Poisoned my Farming Community.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:09:28 -0600

Did you know that the majority of corn seeds planted in the United States are coated with a powerful pesticide that harms pollinators, birds and other wildlife? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Elizabeth Hilborn, DVM, registered nurse, farmer and author of Restoring Eden: Unearthing the Agribusiness Secret that Poisoned my Farming Community (Chicago Review Press, 2023). Hilborn recounts her tragic story about how neonicotinoid seed coatings washed onto her farm, and the resulting devastating impact on wildlife and garden crops. Hilborn connects the dots – agricultural practices/pesticides, lack of government oversight, and public and environmental health.

Related website: https://elizabethhilborn.com/

Michelle Gray, Ph.D, Professor of Exercise Science discusses sarcopenia and health benefits of exercise

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:13:44 -0600

Did you know that exercise benefits both physical health and cognition? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michelle Gray, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Director of the Office for Studies on Aging, and Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Gray discusses age-related muscle loss and the functional and cognitive benefits of exercise, along with adequate protein intake.

Related website: https://exercisescience.uark.edu/

Sara John, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest, reports on Dollar stores

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 18:40:14 -0600

Did you know that Dollar Stores are the fastest growing food retailer in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sara John, Ph.D., Deputy Director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and lead author of “Stretching the Dollar: Community Informed Opportunities to Improve Healthy Food Access through Dollar Stores.” John discusses the steady growth of Dollar Stores, their potential impact on community health, and policy interventions to limit their expansion and incentivize improvements in the nutritional value of food sold at the stores.

Related website: https://www.cspinet.org/resource/stretching-dollar

Take action: https://www.cspinet.org/article/dollar-general-dont-discount-families

Anna Jones-Crabtree, Ph.D., owner and operator of Vilicus Farms and Institute.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:53:42 -0600

Did you know that farm couples often have to find off-farm jobs to secure health insurance? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anna Jones-Crabtree, Ph.D., owner and operator of Vilicus Farms and Institute, in Havre, MT. Jones-Crabtree discusses agricultural challenges and opportunities for farming in light of climate change, policy, and relationships with community and nature. She explains “systems thinking,” and encourages us to recognize how ecology is central to economic and social systems.

Related website: https://vilicusfarms.com/
https://www.vilicusinstitute.org/

Doug Crabtree, organic farmer, Vilicus Farms Institute, Havre, MT.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:48:41 -0600

Did you know that biodiversity is key to resilience? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Doug Crabtree, owner and operator of Vilicus Farms and Institute, in Havre, MT. From the heart of wheat country in the northern plains, Crabtree discusses the challenges he faces from climate change, U.S. agricultural policies, and the benefits of organic agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystem services. Importantly, he shares his philosophy on farming, as a necessary part of society based on community.

Related website: https://vilicusfarms.com/

Harriet Behar, organic farmer, inspector and educator describes benefits of organic agriculture and new Livestock and Poultry Standards.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:22:53 -0600

Did you know that USDA’s new Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards will help promote animal welfare? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Harriet Behar, organic farmer, inspector, educator and Farmer Services Consultant for the Organic Farming Association. Behar describes the multiple benefits of organic agriculture and explains how USDA’s new organic livestock and poultry standards benefit farmers, inspectors, and consumers.

Related website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic-livestock-and-poultry-standards
https://organicfarmersassociation.org/

Jennifer Wilkins, Ph.D., RD, leader in sustainable, community-based food systems, discusses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:58:58 -0600

Did you know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves more than 40 million Americans, or about 1 in 8 people living in poverty in the U.S.? However, large corporations also benefit from the program. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jennifer Wilkins, Ph.D., RD, a leader in sustainable, community-based food systems. Wilkins discusses SNAP funding, spending, and how the program could be improved to better match U.S. Dietary Guidelines and support both public and planetary health.

Related website: How Big Food Corporations Take Advantage of SNAP: https://blog.ucsusa.org/alice-reznickova/how-big-food-corporations-take-advantage-of-snap/

https://civileats.com/2017/08/28/congress-could-cut-soda-and-candy-from-snap-but-big-sugar-is-pushing-back/

SNAP Nutrition Security Act: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/eating-well-living-well-enhancing-nutritious-food-access/

Christina Ward, food historian and author of Holy Food: How Cults, Communes, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat – An American History.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:47:04 -0600

Did you know that religious beliefs have influenced our eating habits throughout history? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Christina Ward, food historian, Vice President and Editor at Feral House, and author of Holy Food: How Cults, Communes, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat – An American History. Ward discusses historical food traditions and unique practices from traditional religions to cults and utopian societies, as well as commonalities, and the power of eating together to foster understanding, peace and community.

Related website: https://www.christinaward.net/books

Dana Geffner, co-founder and former executive director of Fair World Project

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has resulted in the inability of Mexican corn farmers to earn a living? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dana Geffner, co-founder and former executive director of Fair World Project, the leading fair trade advocacy organization in the U.S. Geffner explains how “free trade” agreements benefit corporate profits at the expense of people and environment, using NAFTA as a prime example. She defines “fair trade,” and provides advice when navigating fair trade product labels in the consumer marketplace.

Related website: www.fairworldproject.org
https://corpaccountabilitylab.org/

Katherine Miller, advocate and author of At The Table: The Chef’s Guide to Advocacy

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that chefs are uniquely positioned to drive food system change for good? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katherine Miller, advocate and author of At The Table: The Chef’s Guide to Advocacy (Island Press, 2023). Miller was the founding executive director of the Chef Action Network, a chef advocacy group, and the vice president of impact at the James Beard Foundation where she developed the Chef’s Boot camp for Policy and Change, where chefs learn how to effectively use their skills for advocacy. She discusses the National Restaurant Association’s political force, the key role immigrant labor plays in our food system, and the powerful potential chefs have to advocate for food system reform.

Related website: https://table81.com/

Michael Fakhri, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:10:39 -0600

Did you know that we have more than enough food to feed everyone on the planet and then some? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael Fakhri, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Fakhri is a professor at the University of Oregon, School of Law where he teaches courses on human rights, food law, development, and commercial law. He is also the director of the Food Resiliency Project in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center. Fakhri discusses the political roots of hunger and famine, the multiple benefits of agroecology, the ethics of patenting of seeds, violence in the food system, and the relationship between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the pesticide industry.

Related website: https://law.uoregon.edu/directory/faculty-staff/all/mfakhri

Violence in the food system: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/flyer-violenceFoodSystems-PRINT.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1U128rbc6v2p27a-B6BAgGrEbtLev7IgRiQEaVhJmyjP0gqmwnEDgMnvg

Seeds report: https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2022/03/seeds-central-peoples-food-systems-cultures-and-human-rights

Andrew Whelton, Ph.D., discusses the environmental disaster resulting from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, OH.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:35:54 -0600

Did you know that the Feb. 3rd, 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine OH resulted in chemically-contaminated air and water that continues to harm public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrew Whelton, Ph.D., Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Whelton discusses his work researching environmental disasters. He discusses his recent investigations in East Palestine, OH, and surrounding communities which were contaminated by the purposeful burning of vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. He also discusses his work in Maui, where he investigated environmental conditions following the tragic fire in Lahaina.

Related website: www.PlumbingSafety.org
Cancer Free Economy Network: https://www.cancerfreeeconomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Train-Derailment-Health-Resource.pdf
CERCLA: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cercla-overview

Nick Keppler, journalist covering the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, OH.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:41:39 -0600

Did you know that on February 3rd, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailment disaster released toxic chemicals into the air and water in East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding areas? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nick Keppler, journalist reporting for the Washington Post and Environmental Health News. Keppler describes his on-the-ground coverage of the disaster, and how the community is attempting to cope with the release of toxic chemicals into their air and water, and the ongoing threats to public health.

Related website: Health Resource Guide: https://www.cancerfreeeconomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Train-Derailment-Health-Resource.pdf
Senate Hearings: https://veterans.pasenategop.com/veterans-032023/
Public Hearing on Norfolk Southern train derailment: https://veterans.pasenategop.com/vets-022323/
Environmental Health: https://www.ehn.org/east-palestine-ohio-train-derailment-pollution-2662867187.html

Brad Reubendale, CEO of So All May Eat, and the SAME Café

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:25:17 -0600

Did you know that we can build community through good food?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brad Reubendale, CEO of So All May Eat, and the SAME Café. Reubendale discusses the mission of SAME Cafés: to create community through healthy food access. He describes the unique and sustainable “participatory model” of the Cafés, trauma-informed environments, and the unique expansion of SAME Cafes into libraries.

Related website: www.soallmayeat.org ; courses.soallmayeat.org

Erica Gies, author of Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:30:51 -0600

Did you know that climate change is water change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Erica Gies, author of Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge. Gies, an independent journalist and National Geographic Explorer, writes extensively about water, climate change and biology. She discusses how development, climate change, and our illusion of control impact our relationship with water. She defines “slow water;” explains how and why the water we see today is not in its natural state; and supports changing how we relate to water.

Related website: https://slowwater.world/

Nse Witherspoon, MPH, Executive Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Network

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:12:04 -0600

Did you know that children’s health is dependent upon their environmental conditions? Join Melinda Hemmelgarn, Registered Dietitian and Food Sleuth Radio host for her interview with Nse Witherspoon, MPH, Executive Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Network and co-leader of the science and health arm of the Cancer Free Economy Network. Witherspoon describes the Eco-Friendly childcare initiative that protects children in daycare settings, and explains why and how protecting children from pesticides and other toxins is critical to their lifelong health and well-being.
Note: October is Child Health Month; and, October 12th is Children’s Environmental Health Day.

Related website: Children’s Environmental Health Network: https://cehn.org/
Cancer Free Economy Network: https://www.cancerfreeeconomy.org/

Elizabeth Henderson, farmer, writer, and agrarian leader discusses food justice issues.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that agriculture is not sustainable without fair wages? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Elizabeth Henderson, award-winning farmer, writer, activist, and agrarian leader best known for her decades of support of and contributions to organic and sustainable agriculture. She is a founding member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) and has been a pioneer of the CSA model in the United States. She is committed to resisting the many injustices of a cheap food system through the power of cooperation. She’s the author of Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen’s Guide to Community Supported Agriculture; and a core leader of the Agricultural Justice Project.

Related website: Agricultural Justice Project and certification: https://www.agriculturaljusticeproject.org/en/
Elizabeth Henderson papers at U. of MA – Amherst: http://findingaids.library.umass.edu/ead/mums746
Real Organic Project interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA26cX2i9lg

Amy Tamayo, J.D., National Policy and Advocacy Director at Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Inc.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that children as young as nine years of age work in agriculture in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Amy Tamayo, J.D., National Policy and Advocacy Director at Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Inc. Tamayo describes her work in which she advocates for farmworker women to advance immigration, environmental justice, and workers' rights policies. She discusses specific farmworkers’ working conditions, including heat stress and pesticide exposure.

Related website: Farmworker Justice: https://www.farmworkerjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Reproductive-Health-Effects-of-Pesticide-Exposure.pdf
Elizabeth Jaime testimonial: https://www.alianzanacionaldecampesinas.org/elizabeth-jaime-profile
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: https://www.eeoc.gov/selected-list-pending-and-resolved-cases-involving-farmworkers-1999-present

Georges Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association discusses how climate changes health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:00:00 -0600

Did you know that climate change threatens public health and safety, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Georges Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Benjamin discusses regional differences of climate impact, and describes the ways extreme weather events can affect our health.

Related website: https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/climate-change
https://www.apha.org/-/media/Files/PDF/topics/climate/Energy_Justice_Key_Concepts.ashx
https://www.apha.org/Publications/Fact-Sheets

Christina Campbell, Ph.D., R.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at IA State U. discusses the intersection of food and peace.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that a long-standing relationship exists between food as a political tool and the maintenance of power, and that food provides a unique opportunity to engage in peace-building? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Christina Campbell, Ph.D., R.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at IA State U. Campbell studies the intersection of food and peace and is the co-organizer of the 2023 Peace and Justice Studies Association’s annual conference. She describes how she considers food in the context of peace to foster right and just relationships with self, others, and the Earth for sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems.

Related website: https://www.peacejusticestudies.org/
Food-Peace Framework in the J Acad Nutr Diet. 2023;123(7):997-1010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2023.02.005
Earth Charter: https://earthcharter.org/
The Waters Center for Systems Thinking: https://waterscenterst.org/

Laurie Beyranevand, JD, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at the Vermont Law and Graduate School

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:35:35 -0600

Did you know that food is at the core of health and wellness as well as national and international security? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laurie Beyranevand, JD, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at the Vermont Law and Graduate School, South Royalton, VT. Beyranevand discusses food law and policy, plus several of the Center’s reports, including “The State of Prison Food in New England: A Survey of Federal and State Policy” and “Exposed and At Risk: Opportunities to Strengthen Enforcement of Pesticide Regulations for Farmworker Safety .”

Related website: “Hunger as a Weapon” – Global & National Security Institute:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skeMCnQwMPY
Reports: https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/center-for-agriculture-and-food-systems/reports
Labels Unwrapped: https://labelsunwrapped.org/

Eric Hecht, MD, MPH, PhD, discusses the negative impacts of ultra-processed food on mental health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:25:36 -0600

Did you know that consuming ultra-processed foods harms both our physical and mental health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Eric Hecht, MD, MPH, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Etiological Research, and author of the paper, “Cross-sectional examination of ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health symptoms,” published in the Journal of Public Health Nutrition. Hecht explains epidemiology, defines “ultra-processed foods,” and discusses the challenges of behavior change, as well as the multiple negative health effects of consuming ultra-processed foods.

Related website: Institute of Etiological Research: https://www.etioinstitute.org; NOVA Classification of Ultra-Processed Foods: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/un-decade-of-nutrition-the-nova-food-classification-and-the-trouble-with-ultraprocessing/2A9776922A28F8F757BDA32C3266AC2A

Chef Jimmy Hill, award-winning instructor of the Food Tech training program at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, MI.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:41:43 -0600

Did you know that incarcerated individuals who participate in Chef Jimmy Hill’s culinary training program have a 6% recidivism rate? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Chef Jimmy Hill, award-winning Executive Chef and instructor of the Food Tech training program at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, MI. Hill, who is featured in the James Beard Award – winning film, Coldwater Kitchen, describes his culinary program, garden, and compassionate leadership.

Related website: https://www.chefjimmyleehill.com

Brian Kaufman, co-director of the documentary, Coldwater Kitchen

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:04:37 -0600

Did you know that a film about a remarkable prison-based culinary training program won the James Beard Foundation’s Media award in 2023? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brian Kaufman, Executive Video Producer at the Detroit Free Press and co-director of Coldwater Kitchen, the James Beard award-winning documentary featuring Chef Jimmy Hill, who runs a highly regarded culinary training program at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, MI. Kaufman describes his experience making a documentary film in the confines of a state prison.

Related website: https://coldwaterkitchen.film/

Ben Feldman, Policy Director, Farmers Market Coalition

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:10:49 -0600

Did you know that the number of farmers markets has grown from 1,755 in 1994 to almost 9,000 markets in 2019? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Ben Feldman, Policy Director for the Farmers Market Coalition, a national non-profit with a mission to strengthen farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. Feldman discusses the benefits of farmers’ markets, how the Farm Bill can support farmers’ markets, and why SNAP benefits present a challenge to markets. Note: August 6th-12th is National Farmers’ Market Week.

Related website: https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/

Kristina Marusic, author of A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:13:05 -0600

Did you know that only seven to nine percent of global cancer funding goes towards prevention? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kristina Marusic, MFA, journalist with Environmental Health News (www.ehn.org), and author of A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention (Island Press). Marusic connects human health with our environment, discusses our woefully under-funded efforts in cancer prevention, harmful anti-regulation rhetoric, cultural narratives and the phenomenon of “blind loyalty” to corporations that make us sick. Marusic finds hope in collective, systemic-level solutions and provides resources for action.

Chris Jones, Ph.D., author of The Swine Republic: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:59:25 -0600

Did you know that 70 percent of the land in the state of IA is planted in a corn/soy rotation, and that almost none of the decisions driving this current production system were made with the nutritional or caloric needs of human beings in mind? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Chris Jones, Ph.D., retired research engineer at the U. of IA and author of The Swine Republic: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality. Jones discusses the water quality sensor network he managed at the U of IA, and the devastating environmental impacts of IA agriculture, which is dominated by corn and soy, corn-based ethanol and 25 million hogs. He explains the benefits of biodiversity, farming to scale, and stopping federal support of corn-based ethanol. Jones says local politics are key to changing policies affecting our environment and health. His book features a collection of blog posts about agriculture, water quality and the forces behind our food, fuel and farming policies.

Related website: Ice Cube Press, https://icecubepress.com/2023/04/10/the-swine-republic-2/
Presentation in Fairfield, IA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QShuYfzxntk&t=464s
Article: Ethanol: “Environmental Outcomes of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard:” https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2101084119

Water Quality Monitoring Network: http://www2.iihr.uiowa.edu/research/the-iowa-nutrient-research-center/?doing_wp_cron=1688300810.4253079891204833984375

Alan Kolok, Ph.D., Professor of Ecotoxicology at the U. of Idaho, and author of Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 18:01:45 -0600

Did you know that the U.S. Geological Survey plans to reduce their tracking and reporting of nationwide pesticide-use? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alan Kolok, Ph.D., Professor of Ecotoxicology at the U. of Idaho; Director Emeritus, of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute and author of Modern Poisons: A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology. Kolok is one of more than 200 scientists opposed to proposed changes in how the USGS will track and report pesticide use. Kolok used USGS maps to find a relationship between pesticide use and pediatric cancers.
See: “Investigation of Relationships Between the Geospatial Distribution of Cancer Incidence and Estimated Pesticide Use in the U.S. West” https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021GH000544

Stacy Malkan, co-founder and managing editor at US Right to Know discusses “MERCHANTS OF POISON How Monsanto Sold the World on a Toxic Pesticide - A case study in disinformation, corrupted science, and manufactured doubt about glyphosate.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that pesticide manufacturers deliberately discredit reputable scientists and employ a host of other corrupt practices to protect sales of their products? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Stacy Malkan, co-founder and managing editor at US Right to Know, a non-profit investigative research group working globally to expose corporate wrongdoing and government failures that threaten our health, environment, and food system. Malkan investigates and reports on pesticide and food industry PR and lobbying operations, and is the lead author of a new report, “MERCHANTS OF POISON: How Monsanto Sold the World on a Toxic Pesticide - A case study in disinformation, corrupted science, and manufactured doubt about glyphosate.”

Malkan reveals the tactics used by pesticide manufacturers (and the food industry) to protect their profits, including efforts to discredit reputable scientists. The report includes a case study of Monsanto’s efforts to suppress the findings of an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) panel on cancer concerns associated with the herbicide glyphosate. US Right to Know also shares the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) new report investigating how industry influences health research: https://usrtk.org/industry-pr/how-sponsor-bias-impacts-health-research/

Related website: www.usrtk.org

Brenda Davis, RD, discusses meeting protein needs on vegetarian diets.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:50:55 -0600

Did you know that it’s easier than you might think to meet protein needs on vegetarian diets? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brenda Davis, RD, plant-based diet expert and author of Plant Powered Protein: Nutrition Essentials and Dietary Guidelines for All Ages. Davis discusses the multiple health benefits of plant-based diets and describes how to easily meet protein and other nutrient needs. She also discusses the new (and unique) Canadian Food Guide: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

Related website: www.plant-poweredprotein.com

Krista Varady, Ph.D., Professor of Nutrition at the University of Illinois-Chicago discusses intermittent fasting.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that intermittent fasting can improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders related to obesity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Krista Varady, Ph.D., award-winning researcher and Professor of Nutrition at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Varady discusses the most effective methods of intermittent fasting.

Cheryl Harris, MS, RD discusses therapy for POTS.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:30:45 -0600

Did you know that POTS - postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – is increasingly seen as a component of Long Covid? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Cheryl Harris, MS, RD, who discusses her article on diet and exercise therapy to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Katherine Pryor, award-winning children’s book author.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 21:35:35 -0600

Did you know that children’s literature can teach important lessons about our shared environment and the food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katherine Pryor, award-winning children’s book author and “good” food advocate discusses her latest title: Spring is for Strawberries, which helps children understand the value of seasonal eating.

Related website: https://katherinepryor.com/

Steven Lawrence, co-producer of the documentary, The Invisible Extinction.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:39:23 -0600

Did you know that the misuse of antibiotics can disrupt our gut microbiome, and contribute to a range of diseases? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steven Lawrence, award-winning film maker and co-producer of the documentary, The Invisible Extinction. Lawrence discusses his personal experience with the side effects of antibiotics, and the making of a film that takes audiences on a global journey to understand the far-reaching impacts of our gut microbiome on health and disease, as well as the creation of a microbial preservation vault.

Related website: https://www.theinvisibleextinction.com/

Steven Lasee, Ph.D., environmental toxicologist discusses PFAS contamination.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 May 2023 22:05:33 -0600

Did you know that essentially all humans have PFAS compounds in their systems? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steven Lasee, Ph.D., environmental toxicologist, and analytical chemist, who describes how and where PFAS enter our environment, and us. Lasee’s research discovered that some pesticides contain PFAS as part of their hidden “inert” ingredients.

Related website: www.laseeconsulting.com

Susan Clayton, Ph.D., social psychologist discusses the impact of climate change on mental health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 May 2023 20:25:13 -0600

Did you know that climate change affects both mental and physical health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Susan Clayton, Ph.D., social psychologist, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology at The College of Wooster (Ohio), and lead author of the chapter on “Health, Wellbeing, and the Changing Structure of Communities,” in the U.N.’s Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) . Clayton discusses “eco-anxiety,” psychological impacts, resilience, communication and hope in the face of climate change.

Maria Gloria Dominguez Bello, PH.D discusses disruptions to the microbiota

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 May 2023 18:29:32 -0600

Did you know that disruptions in the infant microbiome can lead to lifelong illness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Maria Gloria Dominguez Bello, PH.D., Henry Rutgers Professor of Microbiome and Health, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, and of Anthropology at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Dominguez Bello discusses her microbiome research that focuses on birth, and breastfeeding, and the impact of practices that reduce microbial transmission or disrupt the microbiota, as well as strategies for restoration. Her research was featured in the documentary film, The invisible Extinction. She also spearheaded the creation of an international microbiota vault to safeguard microbes that may help cure chronic illnesses in the future.

Martin Blaser, MD, discusses the human microbiome.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 May 2023 18:16:01 -0600

Did you know that the overuse of antibiotics can disrupt our microbiome, and contribute to diseases such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and more? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Martin Blaser, M.D., Henry Rutgers Chair of the Human Microbiome at Rutgers University, author of Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues, and featured in the documentary film, Invisible Extinction. Blaser discusses the relationship between the human microbiome, health and disease, and the cumulative effects of exposure to antibiotics.

Related website: https://www.theinvisibleextinction.com/

Margaret Reeves, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Pesticide Action Center of North America discusses pesticides’ role in climate change.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that most synthetic pesticides are petroleum-based? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Margaret Reeves, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Pesticide Action Center of North America. Reeves discusses the Pesticide Action Network’s new report: “Pesticides and Climate Change: A vicious cycle.” She describes how pesticides contribute to climate change and explains the smoke and mirrors behind some “climate smart” terms and practices.

Related website: Report “Pesticides and Climate Change: A vicious cycle:”
https://www.panna.org/resources/pesticides-and-climate-change-vicious-cycle-report
and webinars: https://www.panna.org/resources/webinar-recording-pesticides-and-climate-change

Robbie Doerhoff, M.S., Forest Entomologist, MO Dept. of Conservation discusses harm from herbicides, dicamba and 2,4-D.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the herbicides, dicamba and 2,4-D, increasing sprayed on genetically engineered commodity crops (soy, cotton, corn) can drift from agricultural applications, as well as lawn chemical use, and harm our trees, native plants, home gardens, and greater ecosystem? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Robbie Doerhoff, Forest Entomologist with MO Dept. of Conservation, for a discussion about how two specific herbicides are wreaking havoc on our environment, and therefore our health. The See the Xerces Society’s report, “Drifting Towards Disaster,” for more information: https://www.xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/20-021.pdf

Related website: Dicamba/2,4-D & Trees: Old Herbicides Causing New Problems:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdxeoX2QobY

David Abazs, organic farmer, and Executive Director of the Northeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership at the U. of MN

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that climate change effects our natural environment and food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with David Abazs, organic farmer, and Executive Director of the Northeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership at the U. of MN. Abazs defines “agrophenology” and explains how climate change impacts our landscape and food system. He provides examples of the importance of learning to carefully observe naturally occurring events in our ecosystem. He also describes the Forest Assisted Migration Project: https://extension.umn.edu/rsdp-happenings/climate-smart-trees-take-root-northeast-minnesota.

Related website: Round River Farm:https://www.round-river.com/

Jeanne Heuser award winning citizen activist, former technical information specialist, USGS.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that knowing our watershed, and understanding water and nitrogen cycles is key to sustainable food and farming methods? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jeanne Heuser, award winning citizen activist, and former Technical Information Specialist with the US. Geological Survey. From hospice, Heuser reflects on her life’s work to protect watersheds, our food system, and encourage local engagement. Her regional work in the state of MO, with the Moniteau County Neighbors Alliance can serve as a national model. See: : www.MCNAmissouri.org

Related website: https://www.usgs.gov/

Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that sales of non-GMO verified products continue to grow in consumer popularity and sales? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the non-profit Non-GMO Project. Westgate explains what the non-GMO Project’s butterfly label tells consumers, why the verification matters, and how the FDA’s label for “bioengineered” food is confusing and misleading to consumers who want to avoid GMO food ingredients. Westgate emphasizes consumer power in the marketplace to shape our food system and create a more resilient future.

Related website: www.nonGMOproject.org

Hale Ann Tufan, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, discusses gender equity and social inclusion in agriculture.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:33:11 -0600

Did you know that gender influences agricultural research and practice? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Hale Ann Tufan, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University. Tufan’s work focuses on gender equity and social inclusion. She discusses the roles and cultural positioning of men and women in agriculture, science, and health, and women’s disproportionate vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change. See related United Nations report: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2022/02/explainer-how-gender-inequality-and-climate-change-are-interconnected

Jillian Fry, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor, Towson University, MD, discusses media framing of food waste and diet in climate change mitigation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:02:14 -0600

Did you know that the way in which issues are framed in the media influences how they are understood and acted upon? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jillian Fry, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Towson University (MD), where she researches the intersection of public health, the food system, and environmental sustainability. Fry discusses her research paper, “A Tale of Two Urgent Food System Challenges: Comparative Analysis of Approaches to Reduce High-Meat Diets and Wasted Food as Covered in U.S. Newspapers.” She describes the differences in media framing of these two issues, which are critical in mitigating climate change.

David Mas Masumoto, award winning organic farmer and author.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:58:54 -0600

Did you know that Japanese Americans were denied land ownership because of their nationality? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with David Mas Masumoto, organic farmer, activist, and award-winning writer based in the Central Valley of California. He is best known for his book, Epitaph for a Peach, which won the Julia Child Cookbook award and was a finalist for a James Beard award. In this interview, Masumoto will discuss his latest book, a memoir titled: Secret Harvests: A Hidden Story of Separation and the Resilience of a Family Farm, published by Red Hen Press. Masumoto describes the story of his long lost aunt, the immigrant and farmworker struggles, and the history of Japanese-American internment during World War II.

Related website: https://www.masumoto.com/

Nancy Alderman, MES, founder and president of Environment and Human Health, Inc.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:27:06 -0600

Did you know that bottle bills have the potential to reduce the waste stream significantly, yet only nine states have beverage container deposit programs in place? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nancy Alderman, MES, founder and president of Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), a non-profit organization composed of physicians and public health professionals who are dedicated to protecting human health from environmental harms. Alderman discusses the importance of bottle bills in significantly reducing the waste stream. The Container Recycling Institute provides statistics, myths and facts about bottle bills: https://www.container-recycling.org/

Related website: www.ehhi.org

Ben Halpern, Ph.D., lead author of “The Environmental Footprint of Global Food Production.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that global food production puts enormous environmental pressure on our planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Ben Halpern, Ph.D, marine ecologist and conservation scientist at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UC Santa Barbara. Halpern discusses his recent paper titled: “The Environmental Footprint of Global Food Production,” and describes four pressures of food production: greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use, habitat disturbance, nutrient pollution; he also discusses the costs and benefits of “efficient” food production. Related resource: IPCC: https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/chapter/chapter-5/

Related website: The Environmental Footprint of Global Food Production:
https://www.rootsofchange.org/wp-content/uploads/Environmental-impact-of-Global-Food-Production.pdf

Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., author of Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., internationally renowned botanist, mycologist, research scientist and author of Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide: Boost Immunity, Improve Memory, Fight Cancer, Stop Infection, and Expand Your Consciousness. Hobbs discusses the unique traits and multiple benefits of fungi, from human to planetary health.
Related website: www.christopherhobbs.com

Gail Myers, Ph.D,, creator and director of the multimedia documentary film project, Rhythms of the Land: A Love Story of Land and Family

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that Black farmers faced grave injustices, racist policies and land loss while attempting to feed their families and communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gail Myers, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist and creator and director of the multimedia documentary film project, Rhythms of the Land: A Love Story of Land and Family. Myers discusses her decades of interviewing African American farmers, the “eldest elders,” and shares their philosophies, injustices, and challenges in obtaining and holding onto farmland. Myers captures agrarian legacies and calls her project a “Valentine to generations of Black farmers.”
Related website: www.rhythmsoftheland.com

Tod Cooperman, MD, President, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief at ConsumerLab.com.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that many chocolate products contain unsafe levels of cadmium and lead? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tod Cooperman, MD, President, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief at ConsumerLab.com, the leading independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutritional products. Cooperman discusses Consumer Lab’s chocolate testing results and the dangers of lead and cadmium in relation to beneficial flavanols in chocolate. Cooperman also discusses whether any dietary supplements offer protection against Covid-19, the benefits of masks, and a new report on powdered fruit and vegetable supplements.

Related website: www.consumerlab.com

Lena Brook, M.S., Director, Food Campaigns, Healthy People & Thriving Communities Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:30:36 -0600

Did you know that organic agriculture is a key to mitigating climate change, building strong rural economies and supporting public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lena Brook, M.S., Director, Food Campaigns, Healthy People & Thriving Communities Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Brook defines “organic” agriculture, discusses the new report: “Grow Organic: The Climate, Health and Economic Case for Expanding Organic Agriculture,” and the public policies necessary to support it.

Nigel Brockton, Ph.D., Director of Research at The American Institute for Cancer Research.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 19:24:14 -0600

Did you know that alcohol consumption increases our risk for cancer? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nigel Brockton, Ph.D., Director of Research at The American Institute for Cancer Research. Brockton dives into the research explaining how and why specific nutrients impact cancer risk, with an emphasis on the role of inflammation, and alcohol. Tune in for supporting information for “dry January” and to find out if you are practicing cancer prevention.

Thomas Galligan, Ph.D., Principal Scientist for Food Additives and Supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:44:48 -0600

Did you know that many food additives allowed in the U.S. have been banned in the EU? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Thomas Galligan, Ph.D., Principal Scientist for Food Additives and Supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Galligan explains that more than 1800 brand name food products contain titanium dioxide, yet in 2021, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that the cosmetic additive is no longer safe in foods. Galligan describes CSPI’s “Chemical Cuisine Guide,” which ranks food additives from “safe” to “avoid.”

Alison Cohen, Advocate and Coordinator of the National Right to Food Community of Practice.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 19:39:14 -0600

Did you know that food is a key intersectional point for health, labor, human rights, agriculture, environment, and climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alison Cohen, Advocate and Coordinator of the National Right to Food Community of Practice. Cohen exposes false narratives around poverty and hunger, and advocates for a legal framework to protect the right to food.

Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D., a.k.a. “The Veggie Queen,” culinary educator and author.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:39:55 -0600

Did you know that fiber-rich, plant-based diets are key to wellness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D., a.k.a. “The Veggie Queen,” culinary educator and author of multiple cookbooks. Nussinow describes the health benefits of organic, seasonal, high-fiber, whole food plant-based eating, the ease of speedy pressure cooking, and how adopting a breathing practice can enhance digestion and improve health and energy in the New Year. Hint: put mushrooms, beans and fermented foods on your food resolution list, and try the simple breathing exercise Nussinow describes.

Related website: https://www.theveggiequeen.com/

Matt Simon, author of A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:23:17 -0600

Did you know that microplastics have infested every corner of Earth, from the highest mountains to the deepest seas? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Matt Simon, journalist, staff writer at Wired, and author of A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies (https://islandpress.org/author/matt-simon ). Simon describes the “unbearable burden” of this insidious pollutant on our personal and planetary health, and ways we can work to curtail its production.

Related website: http://www.mattsimon.net/

Theresa Stahl, R.D., Registered Dietitian certified in mind body medicine, and author of I’m Full: Remindful Eating Tips to Feel Great and Make Peace with Your Plate.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:03:07 -0600

Did you know that the most popular New Year’s resolutions include losing weight and exercising more? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Theresa Stahl, Registered Dietitian certified in mind body medicine, and author of I’m Full: Remindful Eating Tips to Feel Great and Make Peace with Your Plate. Stahl describes her personal struggles with eating, explains how to embrace mindfulness, and shares insights from her decades of working with patients to help us reach our New Year goals, and enjoy safe and nourishing holidays.

Related website: https://www.remindfuleating.com/

Teofilo Reyes, Ph.D., Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:22:38 -0600

Did you know that restaurant workers have united to correct unfair labor practices in the workplace? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Teofilo Reyes, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer for Restaurant Opportunities Centers United. Reyes describes the major unfair labor practices among restaurant and food service workers, including wage theft, poverty wages, and lack of access to health care and time-off for rest and recovery. He discusses the stress of Covid, the basic tenets of the Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights. and how we can offer support.

Related website: https://rocunited.org/bill-of-rights/

Martin Bourque, Executive Director, the Ecology Center, Berkeley, CA https://ecologycenter.org/ discusses the myths of plastic recycling.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:16:31 -0600

Did you know that most plastic packaging is not recyclable? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Martin Bourque, Executive Director, the Ecology Center, based in Berkeley, CA with international reach. Bourque pulls back the curtain on plastic recycling myths and describes meaningful policy action we can take to reduce plastic’s toxic footprint on our planet.

Jill Lindsey Harrison, Ph.D., author of Pesticide Drift and the Pursuit of Environmental Justice

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 18:06:59 -0600

Did you know that pesticide drift is a widespread, largely invisible problem that disproportionately harms racially marginalized, Indigenous, and working-class communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jill Lindsey Harrison, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Colorado – Boulder, and author of Pesticide Drift and the Pursuit of Environmental Justice (MIT Press). Harrison discusses the plight of poor agricultural workers, and the pesticide industries’ marketing strategies, and influence on educational institutions and regulatory agencies.

Mark Winne, community food activist, writer, and Senior Advisor to the Food Policy Networks Project at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:51:24 -0600

Did you know that all the feeding assistance programs in the world won’t solve the root cause of hunger, which is poverty? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mark Winne, community food activist, writer, and Senior Advisor to the Food Policy Networks Project at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, for his discussion of the recent White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, and his recent blog post on the conference: https://www.markwinne.com/the-white-house-hunger-conference-dispatch-from-a-man-who-wasnt-there/ Winne shares his expertise in hunger and food insecurity, describes food systems, and explains what was missing from the recent White House Conference. He addresses the benefits and pitfalls of SNAP – the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, and steps we can take to improve our food system, food security and health. His most recent book, Food Town USA (Island Press, 2019), explores communities in which food has been at the heart of healthy economic growth.

Related website: www.markwinne.com

Adam Alexander, author of The Seed Detective: Uncovering the secret histories of remarkable vegetables.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:57:09 -0600

Did you know that home gardeners have a critical role in helping to conserve the biodiversity of crops, which is crucial in combatting climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Adam Alexander, award-winning film and television producer, and author of The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables (Chelsea Green 2022). Alexander discusses his true passion: collecting rare, endangered, but above all, delicious vegetables from around the world. He explores the social and cultural relationships we have with what we grow, and explains why and how vegetables have become lost or extinct. You can watch Alexander’s entertaining videos here: The adventures of a seed detective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHbaJ80X_Jk

Related website: https://theseeddetective.co.uk/

Andrianna Natsoulas, Campaign Director, Don’t Cage Our Oceans

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 21:39:13 -0600

Did you know that large-scale off-shore marine finfish aquaculture operations pose a risk to our ocean commons? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrianna Natsoulas, Campaign Director, Don’t Cage Our Oceans, a national coalition working to protect our ocean commons from the risks of off-shore marine finfish aquaculture operations. Natsoulas describes industrial off-shore aquaculture operations, who profits from them, and the feed and medications that impact both fish quality and our natural ocean environment. Natsoulas also provides tips on choosing sustainable, wild-caught (vs. farmed) fish.

Related website: https://dontcageouroceans.org/

Aaron Johnson, Program Manager for Challenging Corporate Power at Rural Advancement Foundational International – USA (RAFI-USA.)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 19:08:34 -0500

Did you know that most poultry sold in supermarkets is produced by an unjust “tournament system” that pits farmer against farmer? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aaron Johnson, Program Manager for Challenging Corporate Power at Rural Advancement Foundational International – USA (RAFI-USA), a non-profit organization based in North Carolina that challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, and supports and advocates for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. Johnson describes vertical integration within the poultry industry, how “tournament systems” exploit poultry farmers, and how banks and taxpayers support this unjust system. Importantly, Johnson helps us rethink cultural narratives on regulation. The film, “Under Contract,” takes us behind the scenes to understand the lives of contract poultry farmers: https://rafiusa.org/undercontractfilm/

Lauren Swann, MS, RD, food labeling expert

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:46:58 -0500

Did you know that most food labels are tightly regulated by FDA? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lauren Swann, Registered Dietitian and food label regulation expert. The two will discuss areas of confusion, trends, and the finer points of evolving food labels and their role in consumer education, marketing, and protecting public health. For FDA labeling information see: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition.

Related website: Food & Nutrition Label; Dietary Supplement & Menu Labeling & Advertising: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/158141/

Taylor Brorby, essayist, poet, environmentalist, and author of Boys and Oil: Growing up Gay in a Fractured Land.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that fracking, and other methods of fossil fuel extraction and production puts farm land, water quality and public health at risk? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Taylor Brorby, author, poet, essayist, environmentalist and author of Boys and Oil: Growing up Gay in a Fractured Land. Brorby discusses the impact of the expansion of the fossil fuel industry into his home state of North Dakota, the calculated pitting of pipeline supporters against environmentalists, and his essay in Orion Magazine https://orionmagazine.org/article/diabetes-disability-fossil-fuels/ which brings into focus the relationship between personal and planetary health.

Related website: www.taylorbrorby.com

Manny Teodoro, Ph.D., lead author of The Profits of Distrust: Citizen-Consumers, Drinking Water, and the Crisis of Confidence in American Government.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:31:54 -0500

Did you know that bottled water purchases can predict political involvement? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Manny Teodoro, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and lead author of The Profits of Distrust: Citizen-Consumers, Drinking Water, and the Crisis of Confidence in American Government. Teodoro discusses the connections between the rise of the commercial drinking water industry, distrust in and failure of government, and broader withdrawal from civic life. Teodoro has served on expert advisory panels to state governments, UNICEF/World Health Organization, the American Water Works Association, and dozens of local governments. He works directly with government, community, and industry leaders to improve water affordability, equity, and regulatory implementation. He is a member of the Water and Health Advisory Council: https://wateradvisory.org/ and addressed the Third Coast Water Conference (3/31/21), speaking on “Confidence in American institutions and the Rise of Bottled Water”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OL8R0082Os

Related website: www.mannyteodoro.com

Ramon Velazquez, Ph.D., researcher at the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at Arizona State University, discusses brain health and the herbicide glyphosate’s ability to increase neuroinflammatory compounds.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:51:30 -0500

Did you know that the herbicide glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in an increase of neuro-inflammation? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Ramon Velazquez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences, and Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University. Velaquez discusses his new published research on the effects of glyphosate on the brains of mice, showing that it may increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. “Glyphosate infiltrates the brain and increases pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα: implications for neurodegenerative disorders.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35897073/
He also discusses the role of choline in cognitive health and how it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Bart Elmore, Ph.D., environmental historian at the Ohio State University and author of Seed Money: Monsanto’s Past and Our Food Future.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that Monsanto knew PCBs were harmful to public health, but continued to profit from their sale? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bart Elmore, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental History, core faculty member of the Sustainability Institute at the Ohio State University, and award-winning author of Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism (W. W. Norton, 2015) and Seed Money: Monsanto’s Past and Our Food Future(W. W. Norton, 2021). Elmore describes how he gained access to archival documents showing how Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) profited by exploiting labor and natural resources, and continues to do so today with GMO crops designed to sell an increasing number of damaging herbicides.

Related website: https://www.bartelmore.com/

Jenn Wheeling, holistic rancher, regenerative farmer

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that pasture-based animal agriculture differs vastly from industrial feedlots? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jenn Wheeling, holistic rancher and regenerative farmer. Wheeling is one of several siblings who live and operate agricultural enterprises on James Ranch in Durango, CO. She describes a resilient regional food system that feeds her community and contributes to the region’s environmental and economic well-being.

Related website: https://jamesranch.net/

Barry Boyd, MD, MS, integrative oncologist

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that insulin resistance increases risk for chronic diseases? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Barry Boyd, MD, MS, integrative oncologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Yale Cancer Center. Boyd discusses his focus on nutritional support in cancer prevention and treatment, insulin resistance and glyphosate-related cancers.

Joshua David Stein, author of “Lunch from Home.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 20:19:02 -0500

Did you know that children who bring non-traditional foods in their lunch boxes can face bullying at school? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joshua David Stein, food writer, restaurant critic, and children’s book author. Stein describes his work writing and performing children’s books. Lunch From Home, his most recent title, describes “lunch box moments” as faced by the lead characters (real professional chefs) when they were children. Stein explores the sensitive topics of cultural foods and how children react to “strange” food. A perfect back-to-school read to help children navigate their school cafeterias, embrace cultural differences and explore ethnic foods.

Joshua Sbicca, Ph.D., Director of the Prison Agriculture Lab at Colorado State University

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that over 600 U.S. prisons include agricultural activities of some kind? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joshua Sbicca, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Prison Agriculture Lab at Colorado State University. He is also co-author with Ashante Reese of “Food and carcerality: From confinement to abolition.” (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358186429_Food_and_carcerality_From_confinement_to_abolition) Sbicca explains that plantation labor has never really gone away, and dives into the forms of unseen agriculture as it exists today in the “criminal punishment” system, and discusses who stands to profit from the agri-carceral industrial complex. He also describes his unique and collaborative Prison Agriculture Lab project which includes maps, stories and more.

Related website: https://prisonagriculture.com/

Sarah King, M.S., Head of Greenpeace Canada's Oceans and Plastics campaign.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:58:58 -0500

Did you know that the United Nations has declared plastic pollution a global crisis? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sarah King, M.S., Head of Greenpeace Canada's Oceans and Plastics campaign. King exposes the fossil fuel industry’s dependence on plastic for profit, its connection to our global climate crisis, and the myth of plastic recycling. She also discusses the potential impact of Canada’s commitment to ban single-use plastics (See: https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/press-release/52311/global-plastics-treaty-mandate-pivotal-step-to-end-plastic-pollution/ ) and how we can grow the reuse – refill, zero-waste movement.

Danielle Dreilinger, author of The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:36:09 -0500

Did you know that early home economists were advocates for justice and revolutionary scientists? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Danielle Dreilinger, award winning journalist and author of The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live (W. W. Norton). Dreilinger discusses the origins of home economics, the broad scope of the profession, its name changes, and why this area of study and work remains critically important in benefiting society today.

Brad Lancaster, rainwater harvester, permaculturist, regenerative design consultant and author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 22:25:03 -0500

Did you know that harvested rainwater can be used in arid regions of the world to support food-bearing shade trees, abundant gardens, and a thriving landscape that provides wildlife habitat, beauty, medicinal plants, and more? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brad Lancaster, rainwater harvester, permaculturist, regenerative design consultant and award-winning author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond. Lancaster describes how he captures rain and grey water, and thereby transformed his community, reduced temperatures, and improved health.

Related website: https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/

Kari Hamerschlag, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s Food and Agriculture Program and the Climate-Friendly Food Program. (Part 2 of 2)

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:27:25 -0500

Did you know that our food and agricultural practices can have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on the global climate crisis? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kari Hamerschlag, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s Food and Agriculture Program and the Climate-Friendly Food Program. Hamerschlag discusses findings from the “Farming for the Future” Report which explains the connections between food, agriculture and climate change, and agroecological solutions.
(See: https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/legacy/FOE_Farming_for_the_Future_Final.pdf ). She also describes the multiple benefits of climate-friendly schools meals, including cost-savings to school districts.
(Part 2 of 2)

Related website: “Shrinking the Carbon and Water Foot Print of School Food: A Recipe for Combating Climate Change:” https://foe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/webiva_fs_2/FOE_FoodPrintExecSumm_7.pdf

Kari Hamerschlag, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s Food and Agriculture Program and the Climate-Friendly Food Program.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 23:01:27 -0500

Did you know that The UN Secretary-General has called the climate crisis a “code red” warning for humanity, yet multinational development banks (MDBs) continue to pump public money into climate-unfriendly industrial animal agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kari Hamerschlag, Deputy Director of Friends of the Earth’s Food and Agriculture Program and the Climate-Friendly Food Program. Hamerschlag discusses her research on multinational development banks, and their role in funding industrial livestock operations (CAFOs), thereby ignoring warnings from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification. Both the IPCC and the U.N. advise transforming and scaling back greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from CAFOs in order to build resiliency and reach Paris climate goals. (Part 1)

David Wiss, Ph.D., Registered Dietitian, founder of Nutrition in Recovery and Wise Mind Nutrition.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that mental health is influenced by what and how we eat? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with David Wiss, Ph.D., Registered Dietitian, and founder of Nutrition in Recovery and Wise Mind Nutrition.
Wiss discusses his career path and practice. He developed Wise Mind Nutrition to provide information on adverse childhood experiences, disordered eating, food addiction, depression, trauma-informed care, resilience in recovery, and more. As Wiss explains, whole, fiber-rich foods help nourish gut bacteria, which influence both physical and mental health.

Related website: https://wisemindnutrition.com/

Faith Rogow, Ph.D., media literacy educator, founding President of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, and author of Media Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debates

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that media literacy is essential for a healthy democracy and planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Faith Rogow, Ph.D., media literacy educator, founder of Insighters Education, and author of Media Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debates. Rogow is an expert in helping us navigate media images and messages, tease out mis- and dis-information, and understand media’s power to influence how we think and feel. In an uncertain world, Rogow helps us respond with imagination rather than fear.

Related website: https://insighterseducation.com/

John Wargo, Ph.D., discusses “Pesticide Risks: From our Farms to our Homes.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:47:59 -0500

Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency, our government agency that reviews and licenses pesticides relies almost exclusively on manufacturers’ safety data, which is rife with self-interest? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John P. Wargo, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Health and Politics at Yale University’s School of the Environment and author of the award winning book, Our Children’s Toxic Legacy: How Science and Law Fail to Protect us from Pesticides. Wargo discusses his latest report, “Pesticide Risks: From Our Farms to Our Homes,” (Environment & Human Health, Inc.), and asks: “Why in the world would you want to expose your family to a mixture of chemicals?” Wargo describes how we’ve been sold a lawn “narrative,” but that common lawn chemicals put our water supply and health at risk.

Alan Graham, founder, President and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and Community First! Village

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:36:58 -0500

Did you know that there’s a 51-acre planned development in northeast Austin, TX, that provides affordable, permanent housing, an organic garden, microenterprise opportunities, and a supportive community for people coming out of chronic homelessness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alan Graham, founder, President and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and “lead visionary” behind MLF’s Community First! Village. Graham discusses his perspective on the cause of homelessness, and the solutions, starting with food and family. Community First! Village offers a national model for preventing homelessness with dignity.

Related website: https://mlf.org/

Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. toxicologist and lead author of the Environmental Working Group’s “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:53:42 -0500

Did you know that just because a pesticide is registered with the EPA doesn’t mean it’s safe? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. toxicologist and lead author of the Environmental Working Group’s “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce,” including the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen.” Temkin describes the process of pesticide testing and regulation, and how the EWG’s guide was developed to help consumers enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables while protecting their family’s health, as well as farm worker health and our environment. The Environmental Working Group, as well as Beyond Pesticides: www.beyondpesticides.org provides information on produce safety and the benefits of organic food and farming.

Bill Marler, personal injury lawyer discusses Abbott’s infant formula contamination.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 18:56:58 -0500

Did you know that Abbott’s infant formula contamination resulted in the death of two children? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bill Marler, personal injury lawyer and internationally recognized expert in foodborne illness litigation. Marler discusses the Abbott infant formula contamination fiasco, formula shortage, inadequate regulation and unintended consequences of industry consolidation. Marler’s Food Safety News has covered this issue extensively, as well as food recalls, foodborne illness outbreaks and investigations.

Related website: www.foodsafetynews.com

Rhonda Sherman, M.S., Extension Specialist on composting, recycling and solid waste reduction.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 20:49:38 -0500

Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one third of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten and in 2018, about 81 percent, or 20.3 tons of households' wasted food ended up in landfills or combustion facilities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rhonda Sherman, M.S, Extension Specialist on composting, recycling and solid waste reduction at North Carolina State University, Raleigh. Affectionately known as “the worm queen,” Sherman explains that preventing food from going to waste is one of the easiest and most powerful actions we can take to save money and lower our climate change footprint by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conserving natural resources.

Henry Rowlands, Director of the Detox Project, discusses his latest report: “Glyphosate Contamination: The Poison in Our Daily Bread.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 May 2022 17:57:00 -0500

Did you know that the American food supply is increasingly contaminated with the herbicide glyphosate? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Henry Rowlands, journalist and Founder/Director of Sustainable Pulse and the Detox Project. Rowland dives into his latest report: “Glyphosate Contamination: The Poison in Our Daily Bread,” which reveals the glyphosate levels found in commonly purchased grocery store foods, and explains why such foods as bread, oats, barley, beans, peas and lentils are contaminated. See the report here: https://detoxproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Glyphosate_Contamination_Report_Final1.pdf

Related website: www.detoxproject.org

Tom Pelton, discusses the Environmental Integrity Project’s report, “The Clean Water Act at 50: Promises Half Kept at the Half Century Mark.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 May 2022 20:40:38 -0500

Did you know that almost four decades after the Clean Water Act’s deadline for all waters across the U.S. to be “fishable and swimmable,” 50 percent of assessed river and stream miles in the U.S. are so polluted they are classified as “impaired”? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tom Pelton, Communications Director for the Environmental Integrity Project and lead author of EIP’s report, “The Clean Water Act at 50: Promises Half Kept at the Half Century Mark.” Learn if your elected officials vote in favor of environmental protection here: League of Conservation Voters: https://lcv.org/mission/ and listen to Pelton’s “Environment in Focus” interviews here: https://www.wypr.org/people/tom-pelton

Alan Lewis, V.P. for Government Affairs, Stakeholder Relations, and Organic Compliance for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage discusses food labels and marketing.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 May 2022 18:32:32 -0500

Did you know that many “plant-based” foods are highly processed and not necessarily good for our health or the planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alan Lewis, Vice President for Government Affairs, Stakeholder Relations and Organic Compliance for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. Lewis discusses the impact of industrial agriculture on our environment and health, pulls back the curtain on plant-based, yet highly processed foods, and helps us understand often confusing food labels, including: “bioengineered,” “natural,” and “non-GMO.” Follow Lewis’ astute observations of the food system on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanplewis/

Related website: TED Talk: “Food Betrayal – Don’t swallow the lies:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y81rCiw1LPY

Mick McDowell, grape grower/wine producer discusses herbicide damage to his crop.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 May 2022 18:08:21 -0500

Did you know that herbicide drift challenges the wine industry, especially in states largely dominated by chemical intensive industrial agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mick McDowell, award-winning wine producer based in St. Paul, Nebraska. McDowell describes the land he loves, corn and livestock economics, and the challenges of growing grapes in a state dominated by crops that are routinely sprayed with a growing number of herbicides. Each year, McDowell explains, a significant percentage of his grapes are lost due to herbicide drift, with no significant means of compensation.

Related website: www.milettavistawinery.com

Liz Carlisle, Ph.D, author of Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:53:42 -0500

Did you know that regenerative farming methods are not “new,” but have been practiced by indigenous farmers for centuries? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Liz Carlisle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming. Carlisle discusses the powerful movement that’s happening in farming today, that reconnects farmers with their roots to fight climate change. Carlisle amplifies the voices of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and Asian American farmers who are reviving their ancestors’ methods of growing food—techniques long suppressed by the industrial food system. Listen to Dr. Carlisle’s Island Press webinar here: Island Press webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV7FFn3-IiA

Related website: https://www.lizcarlisle.com/

Shana Klein, Ph.D., author of The Fruits of Empire: Art, Food, and the Politics of Race in the Age of American Expansion

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that images are powerful influencers on how we think about food, people and national policies? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Shana Klein, Ph.D., art historian, assistant professor of art history at Kent State U. and author of The Fruits of Empire: Art, Food, and the Politics of Race in the Age of American Expansion. Klein discusses the role of visual imagery in the acceptance and promotion of fruit, national expansion, and racism focusing on five key fruits: grapes, oranges, bananas, watermelon and pineapple. Sales of her book are generously contributed to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. To see more of Klein’s deconstructed images of food: @thefruitsofempire

Related website: https://sites.bu.edu/gastronomyblog/2022/01/25/spring-2022-pepin-lecture-series-in-food-studies-gastronomy/

Michael O’Donnell, farmer, discusses pesticide drift.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:18:22 -0500

Did you know that pesticide drift interferes with the ability of rural farmers to feed their communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael O’Donnell, mechanical engineer, Indiana farmer, and sustainable agriculture educator. O’Donnell discusses the myth of biofuels, and describes his experience living in the path of pesticide drift, resulting in crop damage, reduced quality of life, and the inability to feed his community farm fresh, nourishing food. To learn more about biofuels, see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35165202/
For research on herbicide drift, see: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337288375_Investigations_of_the_Sensitivity_of_Ornamental_Fruit_and_Nut_Plant_Species_to_Driftable_Rates_of_24-D_and_Dicamba

Related website: “Options for Dealing with a Pesticide Drift Incident:” https://edustore.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=PPP-110

Danielle Reed, Ph.D. Associate Director, Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, discusses smell and taste loss.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:38:22 -0500

Did you know that smell and taste loss can affect our personal safety, mental and physical health, and overall quality of life? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Danielle Reed, Ph.D. Associate Director of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, based in Philadelphia, PA. Reed shares insights from her research investigating differences in the loss of taste and smell as a result of COVID-19 infections and other conditions. Reed is a member of the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research.

Related website: https://monell.org/smell-taste-loss/

Frank Baker, journalist and Media Education Consultant discusses media literacy education.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:59:48 -0600

Did you know that the diet industry depends on a “media illiterate” audience? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Frank Baker, journalist and media education consultant. Baker has been recognized by UNESCO’s Global Alliance partnership for Media & Information Literacy. Baker pulls back the curtain on diet industry ads, discusses media literacy education in K-12 schools, and shares critical questions we can pose to navigate all media messages. https://namle.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Key-Questions.pdf Baker explains that propaganda is widely used in our society https://www.frankwbaker.com/mlc/propaganda/ and https://propaganda.mediaeducationlab.com/, but students are not taught to recognize persuasive techniques. He provides examples of carefully constructed media messages in the diet industry, and the power of testimonials and celebrity in selling products.

Related website: www.frankwbaker.com

Jed Fahey, Ph.D., nutritional biochemist discusses the benefits of “phytochemicals.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 08:08:44 -0600

Did you know that phytochemicals in plants deserve more of our attention for their role in protecting our healthspan? https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fft2.81
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jed Fahey, Ph.D., nutritional biochemist and former Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School where he directed the Cullman Chemoprotection Center. Fahey shares his expertise of plant physiology and human nutrition, discusses the many benefits of “phytochemicals” in general and specifically sulforaphane found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts. He also explains how and why we get a greater phytochemical load from organically grown fruits and vegetables, and laments the loss of biodiversity in vegetable seeds, as depicted by National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/infographic-design/

Related website: www.jedfahey.com

Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., professor of Nutrition at Arizona State U.’s College of Health Solutions discusses intermittent fasting and research on standing/sitting.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:02:52 -0600

Did you know that intermittent fasting can reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve overall metabolic health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., professor of Nutrition at Arizona State U.’s College of Health Solutions, and adjunct professor of medicine at the U. of CA – San Diego. Sears discusses her research on meal timing (intermittent fasting and circadian rhythm) and the benefits of standing during bouts of sitting to improve overall health.

Related website: https://chs.asu.edu/dorothy-sears

Kristin Schafer, Former Executive Director, Pesticide Action Network of North America.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:22:33 -0600

Did you know that pesticides are not necessary to “feed the world,” and that American taxpayers pay for pesticide-related harm to our environment and health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kristin Schafer, Former Executive Director of the Pesticide Action Network of North America. Schafer discusses highlights of her 25-year career with PAN, summarizes the best farming methods for resilient agriculture; and, explains how policy must help protect children from pesticide harm. Read more about Schafer’s work experiences in her reflection series: https://www.panna.org/blogs/kristin-schafer, and learn about how the pesticide industry influences EPA in this Catalyst article: https://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/PANnews2021n03.pdf
Learn about SB 3283 Protect America’s children from toxic pesticides act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3283

Related website: www.panna.org

Nancy Alderman, founder and President of Environment and Human Health, Inc.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that if pesticides are used anywhere in a community, those pesticides can end up in ground water shared by that community? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nancy Alderman, Founder and President of Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of human health from environmental harms through research, education and the promotion of sound public policy. Alderman describes how well-meaning individuals can be fooled by pesticide and lawn care marketing. Tune in to find out how to best protect your family from a number of harmful environmental chemicals, and ask to receive EHHI’s daily education updates at: info@ehhi.org

Related website: http://www.ehhi.org

Jeff Tkach, Chief Impact Officer at the Rodale Institute

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that U.S. consumers spend more on health care than they do on food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jeff Tkach, Chief Impact Officer at the non-profit Rodale Institute. Tkach describes the Rodale Institute’s new free, on-demand consumer course on regenerative organic food and farming. He defines “regenerative organic agriculture,” and explains the multiple health benefits of organic food and farming for our environment and health. He also discusses hurdles or barriers to the adoption of organic practices, and the power of consumers in the marketplace.

Related website: https://courses.rodaleinstitute.org/p/being-a-regenerative-consumer

Gaboury Benoit, Ph.D., Environmental Chemist, Yale University, author of “Plastics and Microplastics: A Threat to the Environment and Health”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 18:00:26 -0600

Did you know that plastic breaks down in our environment and enters our water, air, food chain and bodies? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gaboury Benoit, Ph.D., Environmental Chemist at Yale University, and author of “Plastics and Microplastics: A Threat to the Environment and Health.” Benoit discusses the fate of microplastics, potential adverse effects on soil and human health, and why it is critical to choose anything but plastic whenever possible.

Related website: https://www.ehhi.org/plastics.php

Sherri Dugger, Executive Director of the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that industrial agriculture and factory farms negatively impact rural communities’ water, air and quality of life? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sherri Dugger, Executive Director of the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. Dugger defines “socially responsible agriculture,” discusses industrial farming myths, and describes how SRAP works in partnership with rural communities to oppose concentrated animal feeding operations. To watch SRAP’s 2021 conference, “Building a Socially Responsible Food Future,” See: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ1v-GDXiO6jmll0RNj7MkrbsE_EJKnFZ
For community assistance in opposing CAFOs, call: 844-367-7727.

Related website: https://sraproject.org/

Dana Ellis Hunnes, R.D., MPH, Ph.D., author of Recipe for Survival: What You Can Do to Live a Healthier and More Environmentally Friendly Life.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:58:10 -0600

Did you know that what we eat can not only affect our own personal health, but that of our planet as well? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dana Ellis Hunnes, R.D., MPH, Ph.D., dietitian and faculty member at UCLA https://ph.ucla.edu/faculty/hunneswho discusses her book: Recipe for Survival: What You Can Do to Live a Healthier and More Environmentally Friendly Life. (Cambridge U. Press). Hunnes reflects on her dietetics profession, discusses the lack of “sustainability” guidance in our National Dietary Guidelines, and the relationship of food and farming to climate change.

Related website: http://danaellishunnes.com

Frances Moore Lappé, activist and author of Diet for a Small Planet.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:00:53 -0600

Did you know that 50 years have passed since the first edition of Diet for a Small Planet was published? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Frances Moore Lappé, activist and author of Diet for a Small Planet. Lappe discusses her life’s work; the connections between democracy, world hunger, and our environment, and shares insights gained during the fifty years since the first edition of her book reached more than 3 million readers and changed many lives. Lappe also discusses highlights from her 50th edition of Diet for a Small Planet.

Related website: https://www.dietforasmallplanet.org/

Erica Cirino science writer, author and artist, discusses her book, Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 18:01:14 -0600

Did you know that less than 10% of all the plastic ever made has been recycled? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Erica Cirino, science writer, artist, and author of Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis (Island Press, 2021). Cirino describes her 24 day ocean voyage during which she witnessed extensive plastic pollution, the plastic crisis facing our planet, and the environmental and public health costs associated with its production and use. She encourages consumers to engage in policy (See: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/policy), and consider two questions: What do we need to live; and, what can we live without?

Related website: http://www.ericacirino.com/

Anne Ross, attorney, discusses human trafficking and forced labor in food and agriculture industries.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:37:24 -0600

Did you know that January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and in all likelihood, we consume the products of slavery every day? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anne Ross, attorney with Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, Charleston, S.C. Ross discusses human trafficking and forced labor in food and agriculture industries. Today’s globalized supply chains make it is almost impossible to avoid goods or services free of the fingerprints of slavery, including electronic gadgets, clothing, fish, cocoa and cane sugar. Ross describes how trafficking happens, and how we can help report and avoid such tainted products. For more information from the state department, see: https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/ , and a toll-free number to report suspected trafficking or seek help: 888-373-7888.

Related website: PBS/ Frontline investigation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp9E5nkr-wQ

Eva Greenthal, MS, MPH, Senior Science Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest discusses food labels.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 20:42:32 -0600

Did you know that food labels can mislead us into thinking processed and packaged foods and beverages are healthier than they might appear? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Eva Greenthal, MS, MPH, Senior Science Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Greenthal discusses the Food Labeling Modernization Act and the food labeling confusion and loopholes it attempts to correct. Greenthal and Hemmelgarn expose misleading “natural” labels, and discuss potentially harmful ingredients, including phosphorus, caffeine, gluten, food dyes, sugar and more.

Related website: CSPI food labeling webinar: https://cspinet.org/resource/2021-flma-webinar-recording

Laura Vandenberg, Ph.D., researcher and author of “The Science of Spin: Targeted Strategies to manufacture doubt with detrimental effects on environmental and public health

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 22:39:06 -0600

Did you know that industries use a variety of tactics to manipulate public opinion about products that can harm our health and environment? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laura Vandenberg, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs within the School of Public Health & Health Sciences, and Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. Vandenberg’s research has largely focused on endocrine disruptors – https://www.umass.edu/family/people/laura-vandenberg - chemicals found in plastics, pesticides and flame retardants, which at very low doses can lead to diseases such as cancer, obesity and infertility. However, her latest paper, titled: “The Science of Spin: Targeted Strategies to manufacture doubt with detrimental effects on environmental and public health,” identifies and explains a multitude of manipulative strategies used by industries to convince us that their products are safe.

Related website: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12940-021-00723-0.pdf

Reshma Shah, MD, MPH, pediatrician and co-author of “Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:21:05 -0600

Did you know that many physicians are joining with dietitians to help their patients eat well? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dr. Reshma Shah, M.D., MPH, board-certified pediatrician, and co-author of the award-winning book, Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families, co-authored with Registered Dietitian, Brenda Davis.

Shah has over two decades of experience caring for children and recognizes the many challenges busy working parents face when trying to feed their families well. In addition to her medical and public health degrees, Shah has additional training in plant-based nutrition and cooking. She believes cooking for our families is a powerful way to not only nourish our bodies but also to nourish our spirits and our connections to one another. Through her training and research, Shah has discovered that a plant-based diet is the foundation for good health, not only for ourselves and our families, but for the world at large. You can try some of her recipes here: https://reshmashahmd.com/recipes/

Related website: https://nourishthebook.com/

Alexis Goldsmith, National Organizing Director at Beyond Plastics

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:26:15 -0600

Did you know that less than 10% of plastic is recycled? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alexis Goldsmith, National Organizing Director at Beyond Plastics. Goldsmith discusses the myths of plastic “recycling,” plastic’s connection to climate change and how plastic creates global environmental and public health disasters.

Related website: https://www.beyondplastics.org/plastics-and-climate

Beth Hoffman, journalist and author of Bet the Farm: Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:35:27 -0600

Did you know that the majority of farmers struggle to make a living? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Beth Hoffman, journalist and author of Bet the Farm: Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America (Island Press, 2021). Hoffman describes the little known hard economic realities of farming and exposes myths we’ve been fed about American agriculture. Her book offers potential solutions to achieve truly resilient and sustainable farming.

Related website: https://www.iowa-farm.com/

Edward Maltby, Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that Danone North America, owner of Horizon Organic, dropped its contracts with 89 organic dairies in New England and Upstate New York? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Edward Maltby, Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. Maltby discusses the benefits of organic food and farming, the plight of dairy farmers, and the impact of lost contracts on farm families and regional economies.

Related website: https://www.nodpa.com/

Melanie Joy, PhD, psychologist and author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:11:56 -0600

Did you know that our perceptions of how and what we eat are influenced by our culture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Melanie Joy, PhD, psychologist and author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows. Joy specializes in the psychology of eating animals, social transformation, and relationships. She discusses her theory of carnism, and works to raise awareness of the brutality of factory farms.

Related website: www.carnism.org ; www.melaniejoy.org/relational-literacy

Josh Golin, Executive Director of Fairplay: Childhood Beyond Brands.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:49:41 -0600

Did you know that child-targeted marketing and excessive screen time undermines kids’ health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Josh Golin, Executive Director of the non-profit, Fairplay: Childhood Beyond Brands (formerly the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood). Golin describes the mission and recent activities and concerns of Fairplay, and strategies to help children thrive despite our increasingly commercialized, screen-obsessed culture. He discusses the impact of social media, branded food and toys and AI on children’s health.

Related website: www.fairplayforkids.org

Laura H. Kahn, M.D., MPH, M.P.P, co-founder of the One Health Initiative.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that human, animal, plant, environment and ecosystem health are all connected? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laura Kahn, MD, MPH, MPP, co-founder of the global One Health Initiative.Kahn is a physician and research scholar with experience in medicine, public health, and public policy. She fosters systems thinking, taking into account connections between agricultural practices, pandemics and climate change and impacts on civilization. She teaches a free course on One Health titled “Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy." https://www.coursera.org/learn/onehealth?action=enroll

Related website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771421000793?via%3Dihub

Shanna Farrell, author of A Good Drink, In Pursuit of Sustainable Spirits

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:25:30 -0600

Did you know that the stories behind our favorite distilled spirits are largely hidden, and rarely presented on bar menus? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Shanna Farrell, expert in “cocktail culture,” and author of A Good Drink, In Pursuit of Sustainable Spirits. Farrell delves into labeling, ingredients, production, and why and how eco-conscious consumers should include attention to both their food and drink. Her website also includes much needed resources for the service industry during COVID-19.

Related website: https://shanna-farrell.com/a-good-drink-in-pursuit-of-sustainable-spirits

Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., nutrition researcher, discusses the gut microbiome and beneficial probiotics.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:35:21 -0500

Did you know that the benefits of probiotics are strain specific? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her part 2 interview with Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., nutrition researcher, scientific consultant in the dietary supplement industry, and director of Scientific Affairs at Natreon Inc., a nutraceutical ingredient innovator. Thomas was formerly the Director of Scientific Affairs at Jarrow Formulas, Inc. Thomas continues his explanation of the development of the microbiome during infancy, and its importance throughout the lifecycle. He also explains how to choose effective probiotics in a confusing marketplace.

Related website: http://usprobioticguide.com/?utm_source=intro_pg&utm_medium=civ&utm_campaign=USA_CHART

Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., nutrition researcher discusses the microbiome in infancy.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:48:17 -0500

Did you know that the microbes in and on our body significantly contribute to our health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., nutrition researcher, scientific consultant in the dietary supplement industry, and director of Scientific Affairs at Natreon Inc., a nutraceutical ingredient innovator. He was formerly the Director of Scientific Affairs at Jarrow Formulas, Inc. Thomas discusses the influence of diet and antibiotics on gut health, the development of the gut microbiome in infancy, and choosing probiotics.

Related website: https://isappscience.org/

Sydney Evans, MPH Science Analyst, Environmental Working Group discusses PFAS.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:20:16 -0500

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 98 percent of Americans have trace amounts of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their bodies? And that PFAS reduce vaccine effectiveness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sydney Evans, MPH Science Analyst, Environmental Working Group. Evans discusses PFAS, a toxic “forever chemical” and tap water contaminant that has been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression (reduced vaccine effectiveness), low birth weight, decreased fertility and more. Tune in and learn more about tap water quality and how to protect your health. As Evans explains, there’s a big difference between what is “legal” and what is “safe.” There are hundreds of contaminants in water but only some are regulated. And bottled water is not necessarily safer. Where to find PFAS chemicals? Teflon, non-stick, food packaging, Scotchguard, fire-fighting foams and more. For a PFAS timeline see: PFAS timeline of 3M and DuPont deception: https://www.ewg.org/pfastimeline/

Related website: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/

Greg Quinn, owner, Walnut Grove Farm, Clinton, NY and grower/producer of black currants.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that black currants were once illegal to grow in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Greg Quinn, owner of Walnut Grove Farm in Clinton, NY where he grows and produces a variety of black currant products. Once a “forbidden fruit,” Quinn describes the steps he took to make it legal to produce currants in NY State, and explains why their production was forbidden and still restricted in some states. The small dark berries are loaded with health protecting anthocyanins and they are one of the most popular fruits in Europe. If you live in the right garden climate zone, black currants could be a nutritious addition to your landscape..

Related website: www.currantC.com

Jocelyn C. Zuckerman, author of Planet Palm: How Palm Oil Ended Up In Everything – and Endangered the World.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that global palm oil production is decimating rainforests, polluting water and harming farmworker health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jocelyn C. Zuckerman, former deputy editor of Gourmet magazine, and James Beard award winning feature writer, who discusses her book, Planet Palm: How Palm Oil Ended Up In Everything – and Endangered the World. (The New Press) Palm oil has become ubiquitous in highly processed diets, with hidden abuses to land, indigenous populations, and wildlife, while further fueling climate disasters. After hearing Zuckerman’s story, and diving into her well-researched book, you'll start reading food labels with determination to avoid this earth-crippling ingredient..

Related website: http://jocelynczuckerman.com/

Tom Philpott, food and ag correspondent for Mother Jones, discusses his book: Perilous Bounty: The Looming Collapse of American Farming and How We Can Prevent It.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 23:02:02 -0500

Did you know that food and food production are central to our discussion about climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tom Philpott, food and agriculture correspondent for Mother Jones, and author of Perilous Bounty: The Looming Collapse of American Farming and How We Can Prevent It. Philpott focuses on two key areas of U.S. food production: California and the Midwest, and these regions’ water scarcity and soil degradation, respectively. He explains how industrial agriculture creates social injustices and environmental wreckage, and how agricultural reform is critical to climate resilience.

Related website: https://www.motherjones.com/author/tom-philpott/

Marianne Larned Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that young people worldwide are working to mitigate climate change, clean up their environment and create a more sustainable, livable world for future generations? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Marianne Larned, Founding Director of the Stone Soup Leadership Institute and author of Stone Soup for a Sustainable World: Life Changing Stories of Young Heroes. Larned shares stories of stand-out youth leaders and describes the Institute’s work, which inspires people from all walks of life to work together to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

The Institute also features a virtual toolkit for educators and lesson plans. http://stonesoupleadership.org/virtual-education-toolkit-intro/

Related website: https://soup4worldinstitute.com/
www.stonesoupleadership.org

Sarah Sorscher, J.D., MPH, Deputy Director of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that poppy seeds used in baking come from the same plant that produces opiates, including morphine and codeine? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sarah Sorscher, J.D., MPH, Deputy Director of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Sorscher explains that the poppy plant cannot be legally grown in the United States, so all poppy seeds sold in this country are imported. While the seeds themselves contain negligible amounts of opiates, they can be contaminated with plant debris and require washing and processing to reduce opiate contamination to safe levels. Not all importers adequately process their seeds, and some sellers even market poppy seeds as “unwashed” or “unprocessed,” to convey that they have high levels of opiates to consumers who may purchase the seeds to brew poppy seed tea, which can be fatal.

Related website: https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Contaminated_Poppy_Fact_Sheet_1-13-2021.pdf

Nancy Collins, Ph.D., R.D., registered dietitian certified in wound care.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:36:53 -0500

Did you know that chronic wounds (those that have not healed in 12 weeks) affect approximately 6.5 million patients in the U.S. annually? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nancy Collins, Ph.D., R.D., a registered dietitian who is certified in wound care, and is known nationally for her expertise in the complex relationship between malnutrition, body composition, and tissue regeneration. From surgical scars to gunshot wounds, diabetic ulcers and bedsores, Collins discusses nutrition’s vital role pre- and post-surgery and for general wound healing.

Related website: https://drnancycollins.com/

Jonathan Lundgren, Ph.D., Blue Dasher Farm and Ecdysis Foundation, defines and discusses regenerative agriculture.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:07:23 -0500

Did you know that most cropland in the U.S. is characterized by large monocultures, whose productivity is maintained with costly inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and that this over-simplification of our of our food system contributes to climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jonathan Lundgren, Ph.D., Director and Founder of Blue Dasher Farm and the Ecdysis Foundation. Lundgren defines and discusses regenerative agriculture through the lens of research entomologist, agroecologist, farmer, rancher and beekeeper. He shares key polnts from a recent article, “Regenerative agriculture: merging farming and natural resource conservation profitably:” https://peerj.com/articles/4428/. Lundgren explains why pests were 10-fold more abundant in insecticide-treated corn fields than on insecticide-free regenerative farms, and how regenerative farming is at the heart of food system reform. Lundgren delivered a keynote presentation at the 2021 Beyond Pesticides Forum: www.beyondpesticides.org

Related website: https://www.ecdysis.bio/

Kimberly Seals Allers, journalist, author and advocate for equity in maternal and infant health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and August 25th-31st is Black Breastfeeding Week? https://www.facebook.com/BlackBreastfeedingWeek/Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kimberly Seals Allers, journalist, author and advocate for equity in maternal and infant health. Seals Allers discusses the economics, politics and culture of breastfeeding in America and the specific challenges faced by women of color. Seals Allers has developed an app to help women of color find maternal health care free of bias. https://irthapp.com/

Related website: www.kimberlysealsallers.com

Emily Miller, Research and Policy Manager at the Family Farm Action Alliance

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that industrial agriculture is economically flawed, and survives by externalizing its costs to taxpayers, while spending billions of dollars on myth-based marketing campaigns? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Emily Miller, Research and Policy Manager at the Family Farm Action Alliance, and lead author of the report: “The Truth About Industrial Agriculture: A Fragile System Propped up by Myths and Hidden Costs.” Miller describes the “feed-meat complex,” and how and why farmers lose choice in the way they grow and produce food, while consumers lose choice in the marketplace. Miller also describes regenerative, resilient agriculture - keys to robust rural communities.

Related website: https://farmactionalliance.org/truthreport/

Carey Gillam, journalist and author of “The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man’s Search for Justice.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:50:57 -0500

Did you know that Lee Johnson is the first person in the world to go to trial against Monsanto to prove that the company’s popular weed killer, “Roundup,” causes a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Carey Gillam, investigative journalist, Research Director at U.S. Right to Know https://usrtk.org/, and author of “The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man’s Search for Justice” (Island Press, 2021). Gillam describes her research into Monsanto, and discusses the links between pesticide exposure and cancer, and failure of regulatory agencies to protect public health. Gillam also gave a presentation on these issues at the 2021 Beyond Pesticides Forum: www.beyondpesticides.org. Her first book about Monsanto, “Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science,” won the Rachel Carson Book Award from the Society of Environmental Journalists in 2018.

Related website: www.careygillam.com

Suzan Erem, co-founder and Executive Director of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust describes the “Circle Our Cities” campaign.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 18:00:00 -0500

Did you know that now is the critical time to facilitate a just transition of land to the next generation of farmers? But the next generation of farmers who want to grow nutritious “table food” cannot afford land that is constantly under pressure from housing development or commodity crops. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Suzan Erem, co-founder and Executive Director of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), a statewide non-profit organization that permanently preserves farmland to grow healthy food. Erem describes how SILT is creating a whole new way to permanently preserve farmland and truly “feed the world” nutritious, health-supporting food, while supporting economic development in rural communities. For more information on the principles of a healthy, sustainable food system, see: https://www.planning.org/nationalcenters/health/foodprinciples.htm

Related website: https://silt.org/silt-launches-circle-our-cities-campaign/

Tristan Brandhorst, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, University of WI – Madison discusses his investigation into the toxicity of the commonly used fungicide, fludioxonil.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 22:46:56 -0500

Did you know that the commonly used fungicide, fludioxonil may cause oxidative damage to human cells? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tristan Brandhorst, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, University of WI – Madison who discusses his investigation into the toxicity of the commonly used fungicide fludioxonil. Brandhorst has researched the fungicide’s mechanism of toxicity and its effects on off-target organisms – from earth worms to humans. Brandhorst has been studying the physiology of pathogenic fungi for 20 years with research into fungal metabolites, toxicity factors, and mechanisms of virulence.
His research group stumbled upon evidence that the fungicide fludioxonil did not work by its widely accepted “safe” mechanism, and has published his findings that fludioxonil acts on a sugar-metabolizing enzyme common to all cells. His research indicates that the complexity of pesticide effects on cells and enzymes in the body, and organisms generally, are not understood to the extent that they should be. To find out where you might find residues of this fungicide in your food, see The Pesticide Action Network’s What’s On My Food? https://www.whatsonmyfood.org/pesticide.jsp?pesticide=B23. And to hear Brandhorst’s presentation at the 2021 Beyond Pesticide Forum, see: www.beyondpesticides.org

Related website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GICBdP8bQGQ&list=PLkjxw2sUkRMOtImBlXkgW1pgw1ZZOQTWS

Jennifer Emond, Ph.D., MS, Assistant Professor, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College discusses fast food marketing targeted to children.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that fast food is heavily marketed to young children? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jennifer Emond, Ph.D., MS, Assistant Professor in the departments of biomedical data science and pediatrics with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. Dr. Emond discusses her research on fast food marketing targeted to children, and the potential negative health impacts on children’s food preferences, dietary intake, and weight gain. She also provides example of how the fast food industry does not comply with current voluntary advertising regulations.

Related website: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/147/6/e2020042994

Aurora Meadows, M.S. R.D., Staff nutritionist for the Environmental Working Group.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 22:12:11 -0500

Did you know that food dyes in popular drinks and children’s foods can increase risk of hyperactivity and ADHD? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aurora Meadows, M.S., R.D., Staff Nutritionist with the Environmental Working Group, who will discuss recent research on the detrimental effects of food dyes and additives on children’s behavior and health. Meadows also introduces us to the Environmental Working Group’s new “Food Scores,” and helps us navigate food labels, ingredients, and explains how organic food can be affordable and beneficial to our health. See: https://www.ewg.org/research/organic-within-reach

Related website: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/california-agency-acknowledges-synthetic-food-dyes-link-hyperactivity-and

Shoshana Inwood, Ph.D., Rural Sociologist discusses farmers’ needs for health insurance and child care.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:41:36 -0500

Did you know that health insurance and child care are intricately related to community access to nourishing, fresh food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Shoshana Inwood, Ph.D., Rural Sociologist and Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. Inwood discusses her decade-long research on family farmers’ struggles with access to health insurance, health care and child care – critical social needs for those we depend on for food and nutrition security.

Related website: https://theconversation.com/family-farms-are-struggling-with-two-hidden-challenges-health-insurance-and-child-care-159542

H. Claire Brown, staff writer for The Counter discusses prison labor in our food system.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 23:21:53 -0500

Did you know that prison labor may be used in producing some of the food products you purchase at the supermarket? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with H. Claire Brown, award-winning journalist and senior staff writer for The Counter. Brown dives into her three-part investigative report on the prison labor that is used in our food system.

Related website: https://thecounter.org/essential-and-exploitable-prison-factories-stayed-open-during-pandemic/

Michael Jacobson, Ph.D, co-founder of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and author of “Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:56:35 -0500

Did you know that excess sodium in the American diet is estimated to cause as many as 100,000 deaths and many billions of dollars in avoidable health-care costs each year? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael Jacobson, Ph.D, co-founder and long-time Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (www.cspinet.org) and author of Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet. Jacobson explains that an abundance of research going back more than half a century shows high-sodium diets lead to hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. He calls out food industry lobbyists who have downplayed sodium’s role in a variety of ills. Jacobson says salt is everywhere in our diets—in packaged foods, fast foods, and especially meals at table-service restaurants, and he shares tips to reduce our intake.

Related website: https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/salt-wars

Sarah Nelson, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Appalachian Mountain Club discusses climate change.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 23:50:18 -0500

Did you know that climate change impacts water quality and foodwebs?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sarah Nelson, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Appalachian Mountain Club. Nelson discusses climate change impacts on environment and public health https://hubbardbrook.org/sites/default/files/pictures/HBRF/Why%20It%20Matters.jpg, and weather whiplash: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2019EF001224.

Navina Khanna, co-founder and the Executive Director of the HEAL Food Alliance

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 21:31:52 -0500

Did you know that food is our most intimate, powerful connection to each other, to our cultures and the earth? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Navina Khanna, co-founder and the Executive Director of HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Labor) Food Alliance, a national alliance of organizations building collective power for transformed food systems across race, sector, and geography. Ms. Khanna discusses racial injustices in our food system and larger society, key messaging strategies (see: ASO Communications - https://asocommunications.com/) and creating a food system where land and workers are valued and respected.

Related website: https://healfoodalliance.org/

Guy Jodarski, DVM, compares conventional vs. organic and sustainable livestock practice.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 May 2021 19:59:20 -0500

Did you know that organic methods of livestock production offer widespread benefits to animals, people and planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Guy Jodarski, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, who compares conventional vs. organic and sustainable livestock practices. Jodarski’s work has focused on dairy cattle health, benefits of grazing, and disease prevention. He also speaks to the wider impact of agriculture on community health. Jodarski holds an MS in Physiology and DVM from the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and has been in practice for over 30 years. He also serves on the One Health Committee https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/index.html of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA).

Related website: https://grassworks.org/

Angela Jackson Pulse, organic farmer, inspector and auditor describes health and crop challenges from chemical and genetic drift.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 May 2021 18:23:07 -0500

Did you know that organic farming in the rural Midwest is becoming increasingly difficult due to chemical and genetic drift from “conventional” farms? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Angela Jackson Pulse, organic farmer, inspector and auditor based in Vermilion, South Dakota. Jackson Pulse describes her on-farm experiences, loss of organic status, crops, adverse health effects from pesticide exposure, and how we can protect public health through pesticide policy reform (FIFRA – The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ). Pulse will be speaking at the Beyond Pesticides annual Forum on June 1st. For more information on the Forum, see: www.beyondpesticides.org

Related website: https://prairiesunorganicfarm.com/

Gabrielle Mack, Registered Physical Therapist and Licensed Occupational Therapist describes the benefits of time in nature.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 May 2021 21:54:04 -0500

Did you know that time spent in nature has therapeutic value? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gabrielle Mack, Registered Physical Therapist and Licensed Occupational Therapist. Mack describes the physiological benefits derived from time spent in nature, and gardening. She explains how “green time” benefits both our central nervous system and mental health. Gardening is especially therapeutic for those who have survived trauma. As Mack explains, there is a physiological explanation for why we feel better after spending time outside or having our hands in the soil.

Related website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjkDnqZYSiA

Bryon Wiegand, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Science at the University of Missouri discusses alternative meat products.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 May 2021 20:58:17 -0500

Did you know that ”alternative” meat products are a $1 billion (and growing) market in the US? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bryon Wiegand, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Science at the University of Missouri, State Meats Extension Specialist, and Associate Division Director in Animal Science. Wiegand defines and explains the science and technology behind alternative meat products, including lab-based, cultured, and plant-based, as well as how these products are labeled.

Related website: https://alt-meat.net/

Lucy Martinez Sullivan, M.B.A., Executive Director of Feed the Truth.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:18:42 -0500

Did you know that trade associations exert political power on behalf of multiple corporations and help funnel hundreds of millions each year into our political system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lucy Martinez Sullivan, M.B.A., Executive Director of Feed the Truth, a new nonprofit organization which seeks to advance truth, trust and transparency in the food system. Sullivan describes highlights from Feed the Truth’s new report, "Draining the Big Food Swamp" https://feedthetruth.org/drain-the-big-food-swamp/, which looks at the size and correlating political clout of Big Food (and Agriculture). Sullivan explains how “Big Food” influences federal policy, sponsors University research, and controls the narrative on food and agriculture.

Related website: www.feedthetruth.org

Katie Martin PhD, Executive Director of the Foodshare Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions, and author of Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:43:13 -0500

Did you know that food insecurity is a chronic societal problem, made worse during the Covid pandemic? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katie Martin PhD, Executive Director of the Foodshare Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions, and author of Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger (Island Press). Martin shares stories of those who face hunger, explains the difference between food banks and pantries, and speaks to the root causes of hunger, and solutions. As Martin explains, it will take more than food to solve food insecurity: https://www.ittakesmorethanfood.org/

Related website: https://www.katiesmartin.com/

Shanna Swan, Ph.D. discusses endocrine disruptors.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:15:26 -0500

Did you know that fertility has dropped more than 50% over the past 50 years worldwide? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., environmental and reproductive epidemiologist and professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Swan discusses her new book, Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race.
Note: April 18-24th is National Infertility Awareness week. https://infertilityawareness.org/

Related website: https://www.shannaswan.com/

Chip Osborne, President of Osborne Organics, LLC, and Founder of the Organic Landscape Association

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:17:49 -0500

Did you know that herbicides account for the highest usage of pesticides in the home and garden sector with over 90 million pounds applied on lawns and gardens per year? This “cosmetic” use of chemicals presents significant environmental and health dangers, especially for children and pets. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Charles “Chip” Osborne, Jr., Horticulturalist, President of Osborne Organics, LLC, and Founder of the Organic Landscape Association. Osborne will discuss how beautiful, healthy grass and gardens can be grown without the use of harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers. Osborne is a Board member of Beyond Pesticides. www.beyondpesticides.org

Related website: https://osborneorganics.com/

Jonathan Shenkin, DDS, pediatric dentist, discusses how sugar causes tooth decay and the impact of Covid on oral health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:32:29 -0600

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood and that Maine was the first state to eliminate soft drinks from schools? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jonathan Shenkin, DDS, pediatric dentist based in Augusta, Maine, former Vice President of the American Dental Association, and Clinical Associate Professor of Health Policy, Health Services Research and Pediatric Dentistry at Boston University. Shenkin discusses the impact of Covid-related lifestyle changes on oral health, how sugar causes tooth decay, and the historical role the sugar industry has played in manipulating messaging and policies related to sugar consumption. To learn more about sugar industry impact on National Institute of Dental Research, see: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001798

Related website: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips

Chris Jordan, photographer known for his images of albatross chicks and the ocean plastic that killed them.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that art has always been a driving force for activism? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Chris Jordan, award winning photographer and artist whose work helps us see the impact of consumer culture and our unconscious behaviors. Jordan’s work is a call to action to repair our broken relationship with planet Earth. He is best known for his images of the decaying carcasses of albatross chicks on Midway Island, showing the plastic fragments that filled the birds’ stomachs before they died. His iconic images helped catalyze the growing public awareness of the problem of plastic pollution. Jordan’s film describing the birds’ story is available for free: albatrossthefilm.com. Read about his images showing consumer culture here:
https://orionmagazine.org/article/intolerable-beauty/

Janice Newell Bissex MS, RD, Registered Dietitian and Holistic Cannabis Practitioner

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:28:45 -0600

Did you know that cannabis is comprised of over one hundred different cannabinoids which have a myriad of health benefits? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Janice Newell Bissex MS, RD, Registered Dietitian, Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, and author of the Simple Guide to CBD: Fact, Fiction, and a Path Forward. Bissex discusses the history, biochemical components and medical benefits of cannabis, plus how to choose products in a dizzying unregulated marketplace. For policy updates, see: https://norml.org/

Related website: www.jannabiswellness.com/

Molly Rockamann, Founding Director of Earth Dance Certified Organic Farm School based in Ferguson Missouri.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 21:32:48 -0600

Did you know that farming in community creates a social contract between people, and can help lift depression and loneliness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Molly Rockamann, founding director of Earth Dance Certified Organic Farm School based in Ferguson Missouri. Rockamann discusses her global farming experiences, food sovereignty, agriculture as community catalyst, and the healing nature of agriculture. Rockamann was a featured panelist at the University of MO’s 12th Annual Agroforestry Symposium. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOh8LRAf21gW2dt3uPf_UA

Related website: https://earthdancefarms.org/

Mackenzie Feldman, Founder and Executive Director of Herbicide-Free Campus, and Food Research Fellow for Data for Progress

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 19:42:52 -0600

Did you know that a growing number of students across the country are working to eliminate synthetic herbicide use on their campuses? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mackenzie Feldman, Founder and Executive Director of Herbicide-Free Campus, and Food Research Fellow for Data for Progress where she writes food and agriculture policy for the Green New Deal. At just 24 years old, Feldman is a strong young leader, and both an inspiration and catalyst for a safer, more sustainable world. Feldman describes how she began her work to ban harmful herbicides, and her related efforts to promote regenerative agriculture and jobs through the Green New Deal. Learn more here: https://inthesetimes.com/.../soil-loss-climate-green-new... and here: https://www.filesforprogress.org/memos/regenerative-farming-and-the-green-new-deal.pdf

Related website: https://www.herbicidefreecampus.org/our-mission

Marshall Johnson, Vice-President, Conservation Ranching Initiative at National Audubon Society.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 22:06:59 -0600

Did you know that grasslands are essential for sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, and ranchers are critical in preserving America’s grassland ecosystem? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Marshall Johnson, Vice-President of the Conservation Ranching Initiative at National Audubon Society. Johnson discusses details of the Conservation Ranching Program, and the connection between grasslands, herds and birds. He discusses how replacing grasslands with row crops has significantly reduced biodiversity, bird populations, and ecosystem services. Re-establishing grassland grazing and honoring indigenous agricultural practices can help us mitigate climate change and restore our ecosystem. You can hear Johnson present at the Rodale-hosted panel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfrOSyYm26s&t=2497s.

Related website: www.audubon.org/birdfriendly

Holly DeLong, MS, RDN discusses food and mood.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:38:37 -0600

Did you know that what and when we eat can affect our mood? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Holly DeLong, MS, RDN. DeLong discusses how food affects mood, sleep, immunity and stress with specific dietary recommendations.

Related website: www.yourfoodandmood.com

Mark McBrine, organic farmer and Food Service Manager at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:37:26 -0600

Did you know that with few exceptions, the food served in prison does not support mental and physical health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mark McBrine, organic farmer and Food Service Manager at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. McBrine describes his unique transformational food and farming operation at a state prison that provides healing food for the incarcerated, reduces behavioral problems, and saves taxpayer dollars. In addition, his extensive farm and scratch-cooking program gives job training skills to inmates, better preparing them for work in their communities.

Related website: https://www.farmtoinstitution.org/blog/feeding-incarcerated-people-pandemic-how-one-maine-prison-adapting

Alison Alkon, Ph.D., professor of sociology at the University of the Pacific, discusses her TED talk titled: “Food as Radical Empathy.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:28:12 -0600

Did you know that food is more than sustenance? It defines who we are, Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Alison Alkon, Ph.D., professor of sociology at the University of the Pacific (https://liberalarts.pacific.edu/campus-directory/alkon-alison), who discusses her TED talk titled: “Food as Radical Empathy.” Alkon defines food justice, and introduces her newly published book, A Recipe for Gentrification: Food, Power, and Resistance in the City (co-edited with Yuki Kato and Joshua Sbicca).

Related website: https://www.ted.com/talks/alison_alkon_food_as_racial_empathy

Leslie Soble, M.A., Impact Justice Food in Prison Project reviews “Eating Behind Bars: Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:52:17 -0600

Did you know that food is an integral part of the human experience, yet that which is served in prison most often fails to contribute to the rehabilitation of those who are incarcerated? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Leslie Soble, M.A., Impact Justice research fellow for the Food in Prison Project and lead author of the report, “Eating Behind Bars: Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison.” Soble reviews and discusses the first of its kind comprehensive review of food served in state prisons. In the 6-part report, Soble reveals that some food served in prison is labeled “not for human consumption,” and describes unique and model facilities where food is part of rehabilitation. A webinar featuring Soble and a former inmate can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY39ejRc2zQ

Related website: https://impactjustice.org/impact/food-in-prison/#report

Rob Faux, Ph.D., organic farmer and Pesticide Action Network’s Communications Associate for Iowa discusses herbicide damage to his crops.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 22:02:48 -0600

Did you know that the herbicide, dicamba, threatens organic farmers’ economic viability as well as consumer access to local fresh organic fruits and vegetables? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rob Faux, Ph.D., organic farmer and Pesticide Action Network’s Communications Associate for Iowa. Faux owns and operates the Genuine Faux Farm near Tripoli, Iowa, where he produces a wide variety of health-promoting produce for his community. There's just one problem: drift from the herbicide dicamba, used on GMO soy and corn, threatens his ability to farm, and his community’s access to health promoting food. Follow Faux’s farm updates here: https://genfaux.blogspot.com /

Related website: https://www.panna.org/blog/im-living-dicamba-nightmare

Lani Eckart-Dodd, Native Hawaiian farmer, educator, and water rights advocate from Maui discusses the impact of colonization on cultural foodways.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:03:36 -0600

Did you know that Native Hawaiians lost much of their connection to cultural foodways due to colonization? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview withLani Eckart-Dodd, Native Hawaiian farmer, educator, and water rights advocate from Maui. Eckart-Dodd defines “Aloha Aina,” and discusses native foods, and the impact of sugar plantations and Christian missionaries on indigenous culture, environment and food sovereignty.

Related website: https://www.huionawaieha.org/nawaiehainformation

Jean La Mantia, R.D., Registered Dietitian, discusses eating to reduce inflammation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 12:14:48 -0600

Did you know that chronic inflammation is a risk for a host of diseases?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jean La Mantia, Registered Dietitian, author, speaker & cancer survivor, based in Toronto, Canada. La Mantia discusses the risks of chronic inflammation, and describes the benefits of both an anti-inflammatory diet and intermittent fasting. Her webinar on the topic can be viewed here: https://healthcare.orgain.com/webinar/course/view/id/anti-inflammatory-diet

Related website: https://jeanlamantia.com/

Autumn Ness, Director of Hawai'i Organic Land Management

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:32:39 -0600

Did you know that Hawaii imports the majority of its food, leaving its citizens vulnerable to food shortages during disasters? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Autumn Ness, Director of Hawai'i Organic Land Management a Program of Beyond Pesticides based in Maui. Ness discusses her efforts to regulate widespread pesticide spraying, and implement a local food hub (see: https://mauihub.org/)in the wake of pandemic food system disruption. The food hub supports local organic farmers, strengthens the local economy and feeds people well.

Related website: https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/hawaii

Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports compares the credible “One Health,” to the misleading “One Health Certified” food label.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:33:34 -0600

Did you know that “One Health” is a valid, interdisciplinary approach to public health that connects human, animal, and environmental health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports, and former Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA. Ronholm compares the credible “One Health,” (www.cdc.gov/onehealth/who-we-are/one-health-office-fact-sheet.html) to the misleading “One Health Certified” food label.

Related website: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/07/consumer-reports-one-health-certified-label-is-meaningless-misleading/#

Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Human Studies Research Program for the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis discusses multiple benefits of breastfeeding, protection against Covid, and importance of lactation consultants.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:11:04 -0600

Did you know that breast milk is a complex system that is both responsive and dynamic? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Human Studies Research Program for the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis, and Director of Scientific and Strategic Development for the International Milk Genomics Consortium. Smilowitz discusses highlights from the Annual International Symposium on Milk Science and Health,including research showing that Covid-19 antibodies (but not virus) are passed through breastmilk. She also discusses common breastfeeding problems, and the need for both paid parental leave and affordable, easy access to well-trained lactation consultants to help support optimal infant health. (Part 2 of 2). For part 1, see: https://beta.prx.org/stories/349235

Related website: https://milkgenomics.org/17th-annual-international-symposium-on-milk-genomics-and-human-health/

Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Human Studies Research Program for the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis discusses breastmilk and the infant gut microbiome.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 19:26:11 -0600

Did you know that breastmilk is uniquely suited to support infant growth, and the infant gut microbiome? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Human Studies Research Program for the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis. Smilowitz describes the unique nutritional characteristics of breast milk, and discusses her research on breast milk and infant health, with emphasis on supporting the infant gut microbiome.
(Part 1 of 2)

Related website: https://www.the-scientist.com/features/the-infant-gut-microbiome-and-probiotics-that-work-67563

Hugh Kent, owner of King Grove Organic Farm

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there’s a difference between soil-based and hydroponically produced berries?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Hugh Kent, owner of King Grove Organic Farm in Central Florida where he grows soil-based, certified organic blueberries. Kent compares soil-based organic agriculture to hydroponic berry production, and the critical positive impacts of organic farming methods on land and water quality, nutrition and taste. Kent will be a featured speaker at the Real Organic Project’s annual symposium in January, 2021. For details: https://www.realorganicproject.org/

Related website: http://www.kinggrove.com

Dan Scheiman, Bird Conservation Director at Audubon Arkansas

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 23:42:02 -0600

Did you know that our food and farming choices impact bird populations?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dan Scheiman, Bird Conservation Director at Audubon Arkansas. He'll discuss the damaging effects of widely used agricultural and lawn-based pesticides (dicamba, neonicotinoids) on trees, insects and birds, as well as the benefits of citizen science and policy advocacy. For parents with children at home Audubon offers educational resources: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/audubon-adventures

Related website: https://ar.audubon.org/conservation/dicamba-danger

Anne Ross, attorney with an advanced degree in Agriculture & Food Law discusses organic integrity and new bioengineered food labels.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:11:39 -0600

Did you know that the new “GMO” food labels required in January 2022 will not say “GMO,” but instead say “bioengineered”? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anne Ross:, attorney with an advanced degree in Agriculture & Food Law from the University of Arkansas. As policy advisor for the Cornucopia Institute, Ross investigated organic import fraud. She shares her expertise in analyzing food labeling, including “natural” and “non-GMO” labels, and discusses overall organic integrity.

Related website: www.cornucopia.org

Dina Gilio-Whitaker, author of As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 20:38:57 -0600

Did you know that Native Americans understand that food systems are ecological systems? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Dina Gilio-Whitaker, adjunct professor of American Indian studies at California State University at San Marcos, and Policy Director and Senior Research Associate at the Center for World Indigenous Studies. She'll discuss her informative new book, As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock (Beacon Press, 2019). Ms. Gilio-Whitaker compares European relationship to land, vs. the holistic perspectives of Native Americans. She asks us to question our own relationship to the land, and the indigenous people who lived here before us.

Related website: https://dgwconsulting.org/ ; www.dinagwhitaker.wordpress.com

Terry Fuller, farmer and chair, Arkansas Plant Board discusses dicamba crop damage, and vandalism.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 21:12:56 -0600

Did you know that farmers plant dicamba-resistant crops is defense of neighbors’ use of this herbicide? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Terry Fuller, farmer and chair of the Arkansas Plant Board. Fuller discusses why farmers use dicamba, the resulting crop damage, and the vandalism he’s experienced on his farm simply for speaking out about dicamba risks and calling for stronger regulation on the poison’s use.

Dicamba, is manufactured by Bayer (formerly Monsanto) and has been linked to widespread damage to trees, native plants, specialty crops and soybeans that are not genetically engineered to resist it. Widespread risks to our ecosystem have been reported by the Xerces Society, in their publication, “Drifting Toward Disaster: How Dicamba Herbicides are Harming Cultivated and Wild Landscapes.” https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/20-021.pdf. There have also been multiple reports on NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/02/14/584647903/these-citizen-regulators-in-arkansas-defied-monsanto-now-theyre-under-attack
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/10/26/559733837/monsanto-and-the-weed-scientists-not-a-love-story

Related website: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/sep/25/state-official-victim-of-vandals/

Gladis Zinati, Ph.D., Director of the Rodale Institute’s Vegetable Systems Trial

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 23:15:08 -0500

Did you know that soil health predicts plant health and nutritional quality? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gladis Zinati, Ph.D., Director of the Rodale Institute’s Vegetable Systems Trial. Zinati describes how organic farming methods influence soil microbial health, and nutrient uptakes improve the nutritional value of our food. Watch Zinati’s webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VximNfpTOoA

Related websitehttps://rodaleinstitute.org/science/vegetable-systems-trial/

Leah Douglas, staff writer and associate editor at the Food and Environment Reporting Network on COVID-19 at meatpacking plants and racism in the FFA.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:08:43 -0500

Did you know that meat-packing plants have been centers for Covid-19 outbreaks? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Leah Douglas, staff writer and associate editor at the Food and Environment Reporting Network. Douglas discusses her ongoing investigations into COVID-19 outbreaks in meat packing and processing plants, as well as her story on racism within the FFA. Douglas’ Covid-19 mapping project can be found here: https://thefern.org/2020/04/mapping-covid-19-in-meat-and-food-processing-plants/
Her report on racism in FFA here: https://thefern.org/2020/09/at-the-nations-largest-student-farm-organization-a-reckoning-on-race/

Related website: https://thefern.org/ag_insider/few-states-release-data-about-covid-19-in-the-food-system/

Benjamin Cohen, Ph.D., author of Pure Adulteration: Cheating on Nature in the Age of Manufactured Food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 23:38:46 -0500

Did you know that food manufacturing brought into question a food’s purity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Benjamin Cohen, Ph.D., environmental historian, Chair of Engineering Studies and Associate professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa, and author of Pure Adulteration: Cheating on Nature in the Age of Manufactured Food. Cohen discusses the history of adulterated food, the nature of trust, and argues that food labels are less important than knowing how food is produced. Cohen’s maps of adulterated foods can be found here: https://purefood.lafayette.edu/

Related website: http://www.brcohen.net/

Kendra Klein, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Friends of the Earth.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:44:22 -0500

Did you know that children are more vulnerable to the effects of pesticides in our food supply and that switching to an organic diet can significantly reduce their exposure to these toxins? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kendra Klein, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Friends of the Earth and co-author of new research showing the value of organic food and farming in protecting public health. More data on this research can be found here: www.organicforall.org

Related website: https://foe.org/issues/food-and-technology/

Keri Blakinger, formerly incarcerated staff writer for the Marshall Project.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:30:02 -0500

Did you know that food served in jails and prisons does not promote mental and physical health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Keri Blakinger, staff writer for the Marshall Project who was formerly incarcerated in upstate New York. Blakinger describes the food and other hidden living conditions in prison, as well as the impact of Covid lockdowns on food quality. See Blakinger’s reporting at the Marshall Project website, including this story on what some prison food looks like:
https://www.themarshallproject.org/.../ewwwww-what-is-that

Related website: https://www.themarshallproject.org

Monica White, Ph.D. author of Freedom Farmers: Agricultural Resistance and the Black Freedom Movement.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:05:42 -0500

Did you know that “urban agriculture” is not new? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Monica M. White, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental Justice at the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. White is the author of the award-winning book, Freedom Farmers: Agricultural Resistance and the Black Freedom Movement. White reflects on African American farmers’ long connection to the soil - a tool for resilience and resistance. White discusses the power of cooperatives, and heroes in African American food and agriculture, including Fannie Lou Hamer, and George Washington Carver, who said: “there is probably no subject more important than the study of food.” White also describes her critical role as “scholar activist.” White’s presentation at the University of Michigan can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzhbIeutIjI&list=PLY-HA3-cbCGdC2dqjlZAv8cfOU6B-Noqw&index=9

Related website: www.monicamariewhite.com

Kate Mendenhall, Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:10:54 -0500

Did you know that organic farms provide beneficial ecological services to rural communities and the planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kate Mendenhall, organic farmer and Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association. Mendenhall witnessed the negative impact of industrial agriculture in her rural IA community and chose organic farming to help feed and preserve the health of her community members. She describes the organic certification process and explains how certification helps farmers better steward their land. Unfortunately, USDA’s Farm Service Agency recently reduced the “cost share” for organic farmers, and unfairly distributed more stimulus funds to support industrial food and farming systems. Mendenhall offers a call to action.

Related website: https://organicfarmersassociation.org/

Leone Jose Bicchieri, Founder and Executive Director of Working Family Solidarity.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:26:00 -0500

Did you know that workers in meat packing plants are at increased risk for Covid-19, and other work-related injuries due to increasing line speeds (such as 175 birds to handle per minute)? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Leone Jose Bicchieri, Founder and Executive Director of Working Family Solidarity, based in Chicago, IL. Bicchieri describes exploitative working conditions in meat packing plants, how trade policies (NAFTA) led to increased migration, and strategies for labor justice. This interview is especially important in honor of Labor Day.
Bicchieri will host a free Racial Justice Unity Teach-In Series beginning Sept. 16th. To join: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/civil-rights-past-present-future-tickets-118184237235

Carmen Fernholz, organic grain farmer

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 22:31:41 -0500

Did you know it’s possible to “feed the world” without the use of harmful chemicals? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Carmen Fernholz, award-winning organic grain farmer based in Madison, Minnesota. Fernholz discusses his farming philosophy, an organic farmer’s audit trail and the ecosystem services/benefits associated with biodiverse organic farming systems and perennial crops. “Food production must be an egalitarian process,” says Fernholz. He was recently featured in the Real Organic Project’s Know Your Farmer Video series:
https://www.realorganicproject.org/know-your-farmer-a-frame-farm/

Related website: https://mrbdc.mnsu.edu/carmen-fernholz

Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director, Homeless Garden Project, Santa Cruz, CA

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 21:21:49 -0500

Did you know a community garden and social support can help end homelessness? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director of the Homeless Garden Project based in Santa Cruz, CA. Ganzhorn describes the therapeutic value and empowering impact of social support and holistic community gardening. The project’s success rate – over 90 percent of those completing the program find jobs and housing – promises to be a national model.

Related website: https://homelessgardenproject.org

Everett Murphy, M.D., discusses CAFOs, racism and Covid-19.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:21:51 -0500

Did you know that factory farms (CAFOs), racism and Covid-19 are connected? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Everett Murphy, M.D., retired pulmonologist from K.C., MO who has been instrumental in working to defeat the expansion of CAFOs - concentrated animal feeding operations. People who live closest to CAFOs are more likely to suffer with asthma, antibiotic resistant infections, and other illnesses. Murphy discusses exploited labor, propaganda, public health impacts, and economic declines associated with CAFOs.
The American Public Health Association called for a moratorium on CAFOs in 2019.

Susan Carlson, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at the U. of Kansas (KU) School of Health Professions, discusses DHA to reduce preterm birth.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 22:47:58 -0500

Did you know that that the long-chain fatty acid, DHA, can significantly reduce preterm birth, and that African American women are more prone to preterm births? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Susan Carlson, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at the U. of Kansas (KU) School of Health Professions, and Distinguished AJ Rice Professor of Nutrition in the KU Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at KU Medical Center. Carlson discusses her research which focuses on the protective effects of docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, for preventing preterm birth and enhancing infant brain, visual and behavioral development. Tune in to learn how to get DHA in your diet, recommended supplement dose for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and which popular infant formula comes up short on DHA.

This interview is featured for World Breastfeeding Week: https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/31-07-2020-world-breastfeeding-week-2020-message?fbclid=IwAR2CwJK1VOTfw-HhnMP90Dvaey3aS2O7h-OXNtLcd0rSIj_Is9lqviQoMnI

Donna Battle Pierce, journalist, editor, food historian, and director of the nonprofit Skillet Project.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 21:18:33 -0500

Did you know that African Americans were purposely left out of recorded history, resulting in lost wisdom and dignity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host, and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Donna Battle Pierce, former food editor and test kitchen director at the Chicago Tribune, and director of the non-profit Skillet Project which creates meaningful connections among generations through food and journalism. Pierce discusses African American food culture, her experience with recipe development, plus history, race and justice through a food lens.

Related website: www.blackamericacooks.com/, Maya Angelou, “Family Affairs” https://genius.com/Maya-angelou-family-affairs-annotated

Cindy Leung, ScD, MPH, nutritional epidemiologist whose research focuses on diet and health disparities in vulnerable populations.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 22:44:05 -0500

Did you know that the stress and trauma from food insecurity puts children’s mental and physical health at risk? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Cindy Leung, ScD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Leung is a nutritional epidemiologist whose research focuses on diet and health disparities in vulnerable populations. She discusses the psychological distress associated with childhood food insecurity, which has risen exponentially due to COVID-19. (See: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2020/05/06/the-covid-19-crisis-has-already-left-too-many-children-hungry-in-america/ ). She is the lead author of a paper in the March 2020 issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, titled: “Understanding the Psychological Distress of Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Study of Children’s Experiences and Related Coping Strategies.”

Aly Cohen, M.D., co author of Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World. Part 2/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 23:32:15 -0500

Did you know that water is our most important nutrient, and it is often contaminated with a variety of common contaminants? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aly Cohen, board certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine, and environmental health expert. Cohen discusses the importance of water quality, common contaminants, filters, national regulation and health.
(Part 2 of 2)

Related website: https://www.alycohenmd.com/welcome.html

Aly Cohen, M.D., co author of Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World. Part 1/2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 23:30:13 -0500

Did you know that environmental chemical exposures impact our immune system, inflammatory response, and risk for COVID-19? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aly Cohen, board certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine, and environmental health expert. Cohen discusses key points from the book she co-authored, Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World, and her TEDx talk titled: "How to Protect Your Kids from Toxic Chemicals".
(Part 1 of 2)

Craig Willingham, MPH, Deputy Director of the City University of NY Urban Food Policy Institute.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that food is a driver of economic and community development? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Craig Willingham, MPH, Deputy Director of the City University of NY Urban Food Policy Institute. Willingham discusses food insecurity, food access, food justice, policy, and the multiple community benefits of urban gardens in NY City during and beyond COVID-19. He also discusses “food metrics.”

Related website: https://www.cunyurbanfoodpolicy.org/

Dina Falconi, herbalist and author of Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Did you know that wild plants offer a variety of nutritional, medicinal and ecosystem benefits? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dina Falconi, clinical herbalist, wildcrafter, and author of Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook. Falconi describes her personal journey into the joys of foraging, and benefits of appreciating nature’s therapeutic and beautiful plants.

Related website: www.foragingandfeasting.com

Judy Juanita, MFA, former Black Panther

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:30:00 -0500

Did you know that women were the core of the Black Panther Party? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Judy Juanita, MFA, novelist, poet, playwright and former Black Panther member. Juanita describes the Panthers’ work, including the free breakfast program for poor children, the historical struggles of Black people in the U.S., and the role of food in social justice.

Jackie Bowen, M.S., MPH, Executive Director of the Clean Label Project

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 23:30:00 -0500

Did you know that the foundation of food safety in America is primarily focused on pathogen and microbiological contaminants? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jackie Bowen, M.S., MPH, Executive Director of the Clean Label Project, a national non-profit with the mission to bring truth and transparency to food and consumer product labeling. Bowen discusses common contaminants, in foods, including heavy metals, processing and packaging chemicals.

Related website: www.cleanlabelproject.organd www.puremarket.com

Lisa McDowell, Registered Dietitian speaks about nutrition, immunity and Covid-19.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:30:00 -0500

Did you know that good nutrition is key to a strong immune system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lisa McDowell, M.S., R.D., Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition at St Joseph Mercy Health System, based in Ann Arbor, MI where she started a 25-acre organic farm to ensure fresh produce for patients and employees. In 2011, McDowell began working with the Detroit Red Wings professional ice hockey team, and is now their official team dietitian. McDowell tells her story of being infected with Covid-19, and provides nutritional tips for preventing and surviving the illness.

Kim E. Richman, Founding Partner at Richman Law Group discusses litigation and deceptive food marketing

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 May 2020 22:30:00 -0500

Did you know that litigation can help drive legislation? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kim E. Richman, Founding Partner at Richman Law Group which specializes in consumer protection and civil rights litigation with the goal of protecting public health and our environment. The Richman Law Group investigates corporations that may be engaging in deceptive marketing; they verify the accuracy of claims, and hold companies accountable if such claims turn out to be false or deceptive. For example, Richman discusses legal actions taken against food manufacturers who label their products as "natural" but contain GMOs, herbicide residues, and more. A summary of his firm’s work on food labeling and transparency can be found here: https://richmanlawgroup.com/what-we-do-3/consumer-protection/food-labeling-and-transparency/#generalmillsnaturevalley.

Related website: https://richmanlawgroup.com/

Axel Fuentes, Executive Director, Rural Community Workers Alliance

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 May 2020 21:30:00 -0500

Did you know that the Smithfield pork processing plant in Milan, Missouri processes 10,500 hogs per day? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Axel Fuentes, Executive Director, Rural Community Workers Alliance, and labor organizer. Fuentes shares real life experiences of Smithfield meat processing plant workers including: line speed, repetitive injuries and lack of bathroom breaks. Now, workers face dire risk from COVID-19 infection because of unsafe working conditions.

Karen Ehrens, Registered Dietitian discusses her trip to the U.S./Mexican border.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:00:00 -0500

Did you know that Article 14 of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights declares that
“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution”?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Karen Ehrens, Registered Dietitian based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Ehrens discusses her recent trip to the U.S./Mexican border where she witnessed the living conditions of sheltered immigrants and farm workers, and shares the stories of vulnerable populations, including mothers fleeing violence with their children. Ehrens shares her diary notes here: www.openingborders.com/february-2020.html

Don Schaffner, Ph.D., Rutgers University food safety specialist discusses food safety during the pandemic.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:15:00 -0500

Did you know that there is no evidence to date that people can contract COVID-19 from food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Don Schaffner, Ph.D., food safety specialist and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, and podcast host (http://foodsafetytalk.com ). Schaffner describes best practices for safe food handling during the corona virus pandemic. He outlines key steps for good handwashing, assesses risk from take-out foods, and discusses how to safely handle groceries and fresh produce.
For more information on Food Safety and Covid-19, see the JAMA Patient Page: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2764560

Related website: http://riskyornot.co

Sarah Reinhardt, MPH, RD, Lead Food Systems & Health Analyst, Food & Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:20:00 -0500

Did you know that the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years, but have thus far not taken sustainability into consideration? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sarah Reinhardt, MPH, RD, Lead Food Systems & Health Analyst, with the Food & Environment Program, at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Reinhardt discusses key findings from her recent research paper titled: “Systematic Review of Dietary Patterns and Sustainability in the United States.” https://academic.oup.com/advances/advance-article/doi/10.1093/advances/nmaa026/5804823
To submit a comment to the Dietary Guidelines Committee: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/work-under-way/get-involved/submit-comment-advisory-committee-reviews-science

Related website: www.ucsusa.org

Megan Lott, MPH, RD, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 23:55:00 -0500

Did you know that 40 million fellow Americans, or at least one in nine households experience food insecurity? (These numbers are before the impact of the Corona virus on our nation’s economy. ) Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Megan Lott, MPH, RD, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research, based at Duke University. Lott discusses nutrition guidelines for the charitable food system, food policy, and the grave impact of proposed cuts to federal nutrition programs.

Related website: www.healthyeatingresearch.org

Chris Smith founder and Executive Director of the Utopian Seed Project and author of The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:30:00 -0500

Did you know that okra doesn’t have to be slimy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Chris Smith, founder and Executive Director of the Utopian Seed Project and author of The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration. The grand champion of okra, Smith describes his okra seed trial research, celebrates okra’s many uses, teaches us how to remove the “slime,” and explains why okra might play a key role in food security during climate change. Smith also emphasizes the need to preserve regional, diverse and heritage seeds.

Related website: www.utopianseed.org

Ann Bikle, M.S., biologist, co-author, The Hidden Half of Nature.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 23:45:00 -0500

Did you know that microorganisms in the soil impact plant health, just as gut microorganisms impact human health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Ann Bikle, M.S., biologist, and co-author, The Hidden Half of Nature. Bikle discusses the community of soil microorganisms, and their role in plant and human health, and identifies the role home gardens could play in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.
Link to Bikle’s 2019 Real Organic Project lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CWQ1i7Byi0

Related website: www.dig2grow.com

Paul Lesko, attorney representing farmers damaged by Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that a Missouri peach farmer lost 30,000 trees and his peach business due to drift from Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Paul Lesko, attorney based in St. Louis who is a litigator representing farmers, nurseries, and individuals damaged by Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide. Lesko describes the Bader peach farm case in which the jury awarded Bader over 250 million dollars due to the loss of his peach trees from Monsanto’s highly volatile herbicide, dicamba. The story has been covered by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting and U.S. Right to Know. Anyone who has suffered crop or personal loss due to Monsanto’s (now Bayer) herbicides is advised to contact a lawyer.

Related website: http://prwlegal.com

Timothy Wise, M.A., Director of the Land and Food Rights Program at the Small Planet Institute, and author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:00:00 -0600

Did you know that producing more food with exported Western technologies will not “feed the world? “Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Timothy Wise, M.A., Director of the Land and Food Rights Program at the Small Planet Institute, Senior Research Fellow at Tufts University’s Global Development and Environment Institute, and the author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food. Wise exposes agribusiness strategies, questions the “Green Revolution,” and describes key features of climate-resilient agriculture.

Rebecca Katz, M.S., chef, educator, artist and author of The Cancer Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing Big Flavor Recipes for Cancer and Treatment and Beyond.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that eating is a full sensory experience?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rebecca Katz, M.S, chef, educator, artist and author of The Cancer Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing Big Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Beyond. Katz describes her artful culinary pharmacy, and the importance of food’s texture, flavor and color in cancer healing, prevention, and more enjoyable eating. Tune in and learn what it means to feel “well-nourished.”

Related website: www.rebeccakatz.com

Tod Cooperman, MD, President and Founder of Consumerlab.com.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get high quality dietary supplements?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tod Cooperman, MD., President and Founder of Consumerlab.com, an independent evaluator and reviewer of dietary products and supplements. Cooperman discusses his recent research on flavanol content and heavy-metal contamination of chocolate, plus reviews the most critical nutrients for protecting bone health and cognitive function.

Related website: www.consumerlab.com

Melissa Abbott, Vice President of Culinary Insights for the Harman Group, a consumer culture research firm.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 20:10:00 -0600

Did you know that stress and anxiety have replaced weight as the leading consumer health concern? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Melissa Abbott, Vice President of Culinary Insights for the Harman Group, a consumer culture research firm, based in Belleview, WA. Abbott discusses changes in consumer food trends, trend-tracking techniques, and shifts in consumer thinking about food value, health and sustainability.

Related website: www.hartman-group.com

Judith D. Schwartz, author of Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that working with the water cycle can help mitigate climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Judith D. Schwartz, author of Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World - Building Soil, Restoring Land, and Working with the Water Cycle for a cooler, Wetter Planet. Schwartz describes the importance of healthy ecosystems for climate restoration, and specifically how working with permaculture and the water cycle can affect weather, lower temperatures and bring moisture to desert landscapes around the world.

Related website: https://judithdschwartz.com/

Turner Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer, Upcycled Food Association

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:15:00 -0600

Did you know that reducing food waste is among the leading ways to mitigate climate change? According to the Natural Resources Defense Council Up to 40 percent of food in the United States is wasted, contributing to extensive environmental, economic, and societal impacts. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Turner Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Upcycled Food Association. Wyatt describes hopeful and powerful solutions to food waste, including rescuing and repurposing surplus food and by-products of food production. Upcycled food is good business, and good for the planet. Tune in to learn more.

Related website: www.upcycledfood.org

Nsedu Witherspoon, Executive Director, Children’s Environmental Health Network

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 17:55:00 -0600

Did you know that children are not “little adults?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nsedu Witherspoon, Executive Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Network, who describes why and how children are more vulnerable to environmental toxins. Witherspoon describes some of the resources, programs and actions available to parents and childcare providers to keep children safe, including the
Eco-Healthy Childcare Guide, Blueprint for Protecting Children’s Environmental Health, Children’s Environmental Health Day (October 8th, 2020), the Cancer Free Economy Network, and Project TENDR to reduce neuro-developmental risks.

Related website: https://cehn.org/

Robert Martin, Director of the Food System Policy Program at Johns Hopkins University, Center for a Livable Future

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 19:15:00 -0600

registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Robert Martin, director of the Food System Policy Program at Johns Hopkins University’ Center for a Livable Future who takes a deep dive into agriculture research, practices, and policies impacting farm communities and quality of life. Martin discusses findings from his work with the PEW Commission, investigating the negative impact of concentrated animal feeding operations on air, and water quality and antibiotic resistance "Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America." He also describes policy and funding changes, as well as personal actions to improve our food system and public health.

Kevin Walker, Ph.D., author of The Grand Food Bargain and the Mindless Drive for More.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there’s a price to pay for increasing food production without regard to planetary impact? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kevin Walker, Ph.D., author of The Grand Food Bargain and the Mindless Drive for More. Walker discusses the myths and consequences of our industrial food system, and names animal agriculture (CAFOs) as particularly detrimental to our environment and public health. Walker explains the risk of taking food for granted. We’ve equated abundance to food security, but the loss of biodiversity, and focus on selling more calories, has reduced nutritional quality and increased our risk for food scarcity. Nature ranked Walker’s book as one of their top ten books of 2019.

Andrew Scrivani, author of That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographing Food for Fun and Profit.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that photographers use special techniques to create mouth-watering food images? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrew Scrivani, NY Times food photographer, and author of That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographing Food for Fun & Profit. Scrivani will discuss his career, and describe the techniques he uses to create enticing images of real food. Scrivani’s book not only reveals the photographer’s inside tips, but provides a “self-help” element to encourage other food photographers to create their best work yet.

Related website: www.andrewscrivani.com

Terry Spence, livestock farmer in northeast Missouri, and Executive Director of the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 21:35:00 -0600

Did you know that the American Public Health Association has called for a moratorium on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) because of risk to public health and the environment? See: https://www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-statements/policy-database/2020/01/13/precautionary-moratorium-on-new-and-expanding-concentrated-animal-feeding-operations Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Terry Spence, livestock farmer based in northeast Missouri, and Executive Director of the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project. Spence describes how his life changed after 80,000 hogs moved in next door to his family farm. He now works nationally on policies to protect the environment, quality of life, and human health. Spence discusses environmental regulations, citizen rights, and farm practices and policy.
Spence frequently speaks on panels following screenings of the new documentary film, “Right to Harm:” https://righttoharm.film/

Related website: https://sraproject.org/

Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., Research Scientist at the Silent Spring Institute discusses PFAS.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 20:45:00 -0600

Did you know that there are at least 4,700 highly fluorinated chemicals, often called “PFAS” in many everyday consumer products, and that these chemicals pose harm to human health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., Research Scientist at the Silent Spring Institute. Schaider discusses water contamination from PFAS chemicals, and the consumer products that contain them, including: non-stick cookware, grease-proof food packaging, and even dental floss. For a map of the U.S. with identified PFAS contamination see: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_pfas_contamination/map/

James Greenblatt, M.D., author of “Integrative Medicine for Binge Eating.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 20:15:00 -0600

Did you know that dieting can lead to disordered eating? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with James Greenblatt, M.D., author of “Integrative Medicine for Binge Eating.” Greenblatt discusses how dieting and food deprivation can lead to disordered eating, and the role of media, sleep, stress and exercise on appetite and binge eating disorders. He describes the benefits of mindfulness, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment.

Related website: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/

Mary Donkersloot, R.D., host of Mary’s Smart Eating Show.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:05:00 -0600

Did you know that eating well is one of the most important ways we can feel and look our best? However, navigating popular diets and food and nutrition media messages can be confusing. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her light-hearted but practical interview with Mary Donkersloot, R.D., host of Mary’s Smart Eating Show. Donkersloot discusses some of the most popular eating trends and recommendations from the past year including red meat warnings, keto diets, gut health, and more. If you want to start the next decade on the road to better health, tune in.

Jill Kanaley, Ph.D., Exercise Physiologist, University of Missouri, discusses the effects of exercise timing on blood sugar and body weight..

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that the time of day when we exercise can help better control blood sugar levels? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jill Kanaley, Ph.D., Exercise Physiologist and Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri. She’ll discuss her research on the effects of diet composition and exercise/physical activity on blood sugar and body fat. She recommends the American College of Sports Medicine to stay abreast of exercise research: www.acsm.org

Bettina Elias Siegel, author of Kid Food: The Challenge of Feeding Children in a Highly Processed World.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that highly processed “junk” food harms children’s health beyond obesity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bettina Elias Siegel, attorney, advocate, and author of Kid Food: The Challenge of Feeding Children in a Highly Processed World. Siegel discusses multiple ways highly processed foods harm children’s health, and most important: she describes how we can help protect children from exploitation by junk food marketing and promotion. Siegel’s book provides critical reading for anyone who cares about kids and wants strategies to protect their well-being.

Related website: https://www.bettinasiegel.com/

Bob Quinn, Ph.D., award winning organic farmer based in Montana, and co-author of Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:10:00 -0600

Did you know that the industrialization of wheat may be a contributing factor explaining the rise in wheat intolerance? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bob Quinn, Ph.D., award winning organic farmer based in Montana, and co-author of Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food. Quinn discusses the evolution of industrial wheat production, its impact on rural communities, wheat nutrition, and the health benefits of khorasan ancient wheat and organic farming methods.

Part II, Mark Winne, Senior Advisor, Center for a Livable Future and author of Food Town USA: Seven unlikely cities that are changing the way we eat.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 22:00:00 -0600

Did you know that communities across the country are using food to rise out of economic despair? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mark Winne, Senior Advisor, Center for a Livable Future and author of Food Town USA: Seven unlikely cities that are changing the way we eat. Winne takes a deeper dive into cities that have been rejuvenated by food despite ongoing struggles with climate change and racism. He also discusses the meaning of a “food system” and the power of food, art and music as drivers of unity and community cohesiveness. (Part II)

Related website: www.markwinne.com

Mark Winne, Senior Advisor, Center for a Livable Future and author of Food Town USA: Seven unlikely cities that are changing the way we eat.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the food system can be a tremendous economic driver in communities facing economic hardship? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mark Winne, Senior Advisor, Center for a Livable Future and author of Food Town USA: Seven unlikely cities that are changing the way we eat. Winne explains food’s economic potential and its ability to build social capital and create jobs.

Related website: www.markwinne.com

Cheryl Watson, Ph.D., discusses endocrine disruptors.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:35:00 -0600

Did you know that many modern chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer products mimic (though imperfectly) our hormonal systems? Endocrine disruptions caused by this imperfect mimicry can lead to many chronic diseases that have their roots in early exposures. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Cheryl Watson, Ph.D., professor (emeritus) in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Dept. at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Watson discusses her research on endocrine disruptors and provides tips for avoiding these harmful compounds.

Related website: https://cehi.org/cheryl-s-watson-phd/

Linley Dixon, Ph.D., plant pathologist, farmer and Associate Director of the Real Organic Project.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:30:00 -0600

Did you know that organic farming methods provide nutritional benefits to the end consumer and our planet? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dr. Linley Dixon, Ph.D., farmer and associate director of the Real Organic Project. Linley describes the benefits of organic farming from a farmer and plant pathologist perspective. She describes how organic regenerative farming can increase organic matter in the soil and sequester carbon to help mitigate climate change. Linley describes her own farming methods, the challenges of, and strategies for marketing local organic foods, and how climate change has been impacting farmers nationwide. She also provides strategies for keeping integrity in the organic label, and supporting and connecting with organic farmers.

Related website: www.realorganicproject.org

Lena Brook, Director of Food Campaigns, Natural Resources Defense Council, discusses antibiotic resistance.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 19:30:00 -0600

Did you know that new estimates put the death toll from antibiotic-resistant infections in the U.S. at over 160,000 deaths a year, making it the third-leading cause of death in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lena Brook, Director of Food Campaigns, Natural Resources Defense Council, where she leads the Antibiotics Off the Menu coalition and is a key voice on the Chain Reaction Antibiotics Scorecard campaign: https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/restaurants-antibiotic-use-report-2018.pdf The two will discuss antibiotic use by the livestock industry, the development of resistant bacteria, and the compounding impact of climate change.

Related website: www.nrdc.org/save-antibiotics

Sister Simone Campbell discusses the three virtues for the 21st century as they apply to food, health and democracy.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:25:00 -0500

Did you know that our cultural narrative of “rugged individualism” fails to recognize strength in community? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
Campbell, one of our nation’s most influential faith-based progressive activists, led the famous “Nuns on the Bus” tour which challenged proposed cuts to programs for the poor. She explains her “three virtues for the 21st Century,” as presented at the Bioneers conference in 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRqovAImD3A , and shares stories about food access and health care from her visits to rural communities across the United States.

Related website: https://networklobby.org

Lori Taylor, M.S., R.D. discusses “keto” diets and intermittent fasting.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:35:00 -0500

Did you know that there are many health benefits associated with intermittent fasting? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with registered dietitian, Lori Taylor, who compares and contrasts the ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting, and the benefits of eating within a specific window of time every day. Taylor also identifies specific populations for whom fasting may be harmful, and shares her youtube video for Saybrook University on these topics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPVWln6ef5U&list=PLUakTEuPjbFDg-IbovVkI_dRwSCFCSZ3s&index=2&t=0s

Related website: https://www.saybrook.edu/faculty/byname/lori_taylor/

Susan Futrell, author of Good Apples: Behind Every Bite, discusses apple history and production.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 22:15:00 -0500

Did you know that every apple in the supermarket is hand-picked? And that out of tens of thousands of varieties of apples, only 11 make up 90 percent of the apples sold in grocery stores? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Susan Futrell, MFA, author of Good Apples: Behind Every Bite. Futrell discusses apple history, methods of agricultural production, harvesting, marketing, and the value of preserving family orchards across the United States.

Related website: https://susanfutrell.ink

Elizabeth Andress, Ph.D., food safety specialist with Georgia Cooperative Extension, and Director of the National Center for Home Food Preservation discusses safe food preservation methods.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that home canning errors can cause serious illness and even death? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Elizabeth Andress, Ph.D., food safety specialist with Georgia Cooperative Extension, and professor in the dept. of Foods and Nutrition at the University of GA, Athens. Andress is the Director of the National Center for Home Food Preservation. She discusses the history and importance of “home economics,” as well as how to safely preserve high quality, bountiful harvests, and identify risky food preservation practices.

Related website: https://nchfp.uga.edu/

Donna Marie Lisenby, President, Riverfox Environmental , coal industry investigation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 22:15:00 -0500

Did you know that thousands of groundwater wells near coal ash dumps across the U.S. contain arsenic, lead, and other toxic pollutants at levels that exceed federal health-based thresholds, and threaten our drinking water? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Donna Marie Lisenby, President, Riverfox Environmental , which investigates the coal industry. Lisenby works with coalitions around the globe to end the coal industry’s illegal pollution of our water, and dispel the myth of “clean coal.” Lisenby worked extensively with the Waterkeeper Alliance, and was featured in the video, “Clean Coal: Water Pollution at the Light Switch,” https://vimeo.com/16524532.

Related website: https://ashtracker.org/

John B. Atwater, Ph.D., Senior Director of Verification Programs for U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 19:30:00 -0500

Did you know that dietary supplement manufacturers—unlike drug companies—do not need to prove that their products are safe and effective before going to market? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John B. Atwater, Ph.D., Senior Director, Verification Programs, for U.S. Pharmacopeia. Atwater describes the process by which USP verifies the quality of dietary supplements, and why consumers should look for the USP verified mark on supplement labels.

Related website: https://www.usp.org/dietary-supplements-herbal-medicines

Michael Lewis, M.D., MPH, President and founder of the Brain Health Education and Research Institute.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Did you know that omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in the treatment of concussions and traumatic brain injuries? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael Lewis, M.D., MPH, President and founder of the Brain Health Education and Research Institute: www.brainhealtheducation.org. Lewis is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health. He discusses the use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of concussions and traumatic brain injury. Especially critical info during football season.

Related website: www.BrainCARE.center

Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., chief science advisor for GRACE Communications Foundation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 21:35:00 -0500

Did you know that some plant-based and cell-cultured meat alternatives may not be better for our health and environment? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and registered dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., chief science advisor for GRACE Communications Foundation, who takes a critical look at “fake meat,” vegetable-based, and lab-created meat alternatives. She discusses the health and environmental impact of meat from animals raised conventionally (feed-lot) vs. those raised with regenerative agricultural practices (grazing). She also discusses ingredients and labeling.

Related website: https://foe.org/resources/from-lab-to-fork/

Steve Ellis, commercial beekeeper and national advocate for curbing the use of dangerous neonicotinoid pesticides.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that neonicotinoid pesticides are used extensively in conventional agriculture despite their harm to bees and endangered species? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steve Ellis, Minnesota-based commercial beekeeper and national advocate for curbing the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Ellis discusses the attack on USDA scientists who studied the effects of neonicotinoids on bees, and why he filed a lawsuit against the US EPA for sanctioning the widespread use of these chemicals in agriculture without adequate consideration of harm to bees and endangered species. In addition to choosing organic food, which prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, Ellis offers tips for consumers to protect our environment and health.

Related website: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/05/09/judge-epa-violated-law-in-approving-products-dangerous-to-bees-butterflies

Leah Penniman, Founding Co-Director of Soul Fire Farm and author of Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 22:15:00 -0500

Did you know that racism is deeply embedded in our food system? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Leah Penniman, Founding Co-Director of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York, and author of Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land.Penniman discusses the tragedy of racism in our food system, defines “food apartheid,” and provides examples of how USDA discriminated against black farmers. She is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award, and was interviewed in the July 2019 Sun Magazine

Related website: https://www.soulfirefarm.org/media/farming-while-black/

: Tamara Duker Freuman, Registered Dietitian and author of The Bloated Belly Whisperer.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 18:50:00 -0500

Did you know that gastrointestinal bloating can be caused by a variety of reasons?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tamara Duker Freuman, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian and author of The Bloated Belly Whisperer. The two will discuss common gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms, including: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Tune in to discover causes and strategies for managing symptoms and healing.

Related website: https://www.thebloatedbellywhisperer.com/

Steven Apfelbaum, author of “S” is for Soils! discusses soil life and health.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:20:00 -0500

Did you know that soil health is connected to human health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steven Apfelbaum, Fellow of the Ecological Society of America, Founder and Chairman of Applied Ecological Services, and author of “S” is for Soils! Apfelbaum discusses life in soil, measures of soil health, and how soil health is connected to human health. He also dispels myths and legends about soil, and discusses the environmental benefits of sustainable meat eating with multi-paddock grazing.

Related website: https://lsrwa.org/news/s-is-for-soils/

John Ikerd, Ph.D., professor emeritus of agricultural economics, University of Missouri, Columbia, discusses the impact and unintended consequences of industrial agriculture.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:35:00 -0500

Did you know that industrial agriculture cannot “feed the world” sustainably? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John Ikerd, Ph.D., professor emeritus of agricultural economics, University of Missouri-Columbia. Ikerd discusses the impact and unintended consequences of industrial agriculture on the environment and social fabric of rural communities. Ikerd was recently featured in the documentary film, Right to Harm, which specifically addresses “Right to Farm” bills and the negative consequences of large scale animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. How did our food and farming systems come to this? Tune in as Dr. Ikerd explains the policies and propaganda that led us down this unsustainable path.

Related website: http://johnikerd.com

Gabriel Scarlett, 73rd college photographer of the year on immigration, environmental racism, and uranium mining’s impact on water quality on the Navajo Nation.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 19:45:00 -0500

Did you know that powerful photojournalism can drive public policy to protect public health and promote social and environmental justice?

Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gabriel Scarlett, 73rd College Photographer of the Year, recognized at the 2019 Picture of the Year Awards at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. Scarlett describes two of his investigative stories: the consequences of uranium mining, which left the Navajo nation with contaminated water; and, immigration policies that separate families. Scarlett uses his spectacular images and sensitive storytelling to examine social issues within the United States, with special interest in immigration, economic disparity, and environmental racism, including his project titled, On Poisoned Land https://gabrielstephenscarle.atavist.com/on-poisoned-land,
which explores the health consequences of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. Scarlett describes his process of building trust, and the challenges dedicated journalists face in their efforts to capture images that reveal the truth.

Related website: https://www.gabrielscarlett.com/

Rebecca de Souza, author of Feeding the Other: Whiteness, Privilege, and Neoliberal Stigma in Food Pantries.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 19:15:00 -0500

Did you know that stereotypes and stigma shape public policy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rebecca de Souza, Associate Professor of Communication at the University of MN- Duluth, and author of Feeding the Other: Whiteness, Privilege, and Neoliberal Stigma in Food Pantries (MIT Press). De Souza describes how social narratives, stereotypes and stigma harm those living in poverty. She explains how charity sustains food injustice, and advocates for a human rights approach for policy change. Tune in to hear the stories behind those living in poverty and struggling with homelessness. De Souza explores questions citizens can ask to remove stigma and improve public policy.

Related website: https://cla.d.umn.edu/communication/faculty-staff/dr-rebecca-de-souza

Jon Steinman, author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants describes the benefits of cooperative grocery stores.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Did you know that cooperative grocery stores strengthen regional economies and put money and resources back into local communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jon Steinman:producer and host of the internationally syndicated TV/web series, radio show and podcast “Deconstructing Dinner: Reconstructing Our Food System,” and author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants. Steinman compares and contrasts cooperative vs. corporate grocery store models, and describes their impact on local food systems.

Related website: https://grocerystory.coop/

Katherine Pryor, children’s book author describes her latest story, Bea’s Bees.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 23:45:00 -0500

Did you know that reading to children can educate, inspire and promote scientific literacy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katherine Pryor, Seattle-based children's book author, who holds an M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems. Pryor discusses her latest book, Bea’s Bees, about a curious little girl who explores declining bee populations and discovers how to protect these vital insects. Pryor's charming books (this is her third) promote scientific literacy, critical thinking and empathy.

Related website: http://www.katherinepryor.com/

Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., fiber expert and professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul describes the health benefits of dietary fiber.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 23:50:00 -0500

Did you know that dietary fiber is considered “fuel for the gut?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., fiber expert and professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. Slavin describes the assorted types of fiber found in various foods, fiber supplements, and fiber’s role in disease prevention.

Related website: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/health-benefits-fiber.html?fbclid=IwAR1_PzxeRGFTC6EtZbtwoWbEH37oQSqI9x3VL8rCVjy8N2q6S9mducjeZzk

Aarti Batavia, Registered dietitian, discusses dietary and lifestyle strategies to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and reverse cognitive decline.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:30:00 -0500

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease is considered a global health threat, and that diet, exercise, sleep, and common drugs can influence our risk for dementia? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aarti Batavia, M.S., R.D., certified practitioner of functional medicine, and expert in the role of nutrition and dementia. Batavia discusses dietary and lifestyle strategies to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and reverse cognitive decline.

Related website: http://aartibatavia.com/

Erin Jordan, Investigative journalist at The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA) describes threats to water quality following spring storms and hog manure spills.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:15:00 -0500

Did you know that spring flooding in the Midwest led to hog manure tank spills and threats to water quality and public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Erin Jordan, Investigative journalist at The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA). She'll describe her techniques for reporting and the threats to water quality following spring storms, extreme flooding, and hog manure spills. Manure tank leaks lead to nitrate pollution, fish kills and public health threats – news that the corporate pork industry prefers we don’t know. Jordan reveals exploitation of natural resources and rural communities, and attempts to monitor water and protect health.

Related website: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/overflowing-manure-tanks-western-iowa-eastern-iowa-runoff-flooding-fish-kill-degrade-water-quality-risk-spring-flooding-20190325

Matt Wechsler, producer of the film, “Right to Harm” explores the devastating impact of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) across the U.S.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:30:00 -0500

Did you know that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) create polluted landscapes that harm public health and destroy home values? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Matt Wechsler, filmmaker, founder of Hourglass Films, and producer of “Right to Harm,” a film that explores the devastating impact of CAFOs on public health, the environment, and quality of life in rural communities across the United States. Those who suffer most are disadvantaged citizens – the rural poor, and children, who suffer higher rates of asthma when exposed to CAFO-related air pollution. The film also explores how citizens have banded together to demand justice from their legislators. If you eat meat or care about water and air quality, this is a must-see film.

Related website: http://righttoharm.film

Mike Callicrate independent cattle producer describes the consequences of industrial meat production practices and loss of consumer choice.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 May 2019 20:45:00 -0500

Did you know that imported meat can be sold at a lower cost than that which is produced in the U.S.? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mike Callicrate, independent cattle producer, business entrepreneur and political activist. He serves as an outspoken leader in addressing the economic, social and cultural impacts of industrial agriculture. A founding member of the Organization for Competitive Markets, Callicrate advocates for regenerative agriculture and local food systems that connect consumers directly with farmers and ranchers. (An example: www.ranchfoodsdirect.com ) Callicrate is a “go-to expert” for understanding illusions of choice in the marketplace and the negative consequences of the modern meat industry, including environmental pollution, adverse health effects, and nationwide meat recalls. Callicrate explains how false economies of scale have driven and dominated industrial livestock production, leaving consumers in the marketplace little choice. He was an advisor for the films Food Inc. and FRESH, and is cited in popular books, including The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Fast Food Nation. Callicrate on livestock care: https://nobull.mikecallicrate.com/2013/01/24/pastured-animals-deserve-good-care-and-good-nutrition/

Related website: https://nobull.mikecallicrate.com/

Jeff Jones, 4th generation family farmer and president of Friends of Responsible Agriculture, describes his fight against the expansion of a 10,000 hog CAFO, and the effects on his rural community.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 May 2019 18:45:00 -0500

Did you know that industrial agri-business rhetoric hides the truth about the environmental and social impacts on rural citizens living near concentrated animal feeding operations?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with 4th-generation family farmer Jeff Jones from rural Callaway County (MO) who has been embroiled in a fight to prevent a concentrated hog operation housing 10,000 sows from expanding next to his farm and home. (See local press coverage: https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/government-eases-up-on-cafos-as-residents-fight-their-expansion/article_22a3786c-9c10-11e8-978c-cf45e8085be8.html ; http://www.newstribune.com/news/local/story/2018/jun/29/ground-broken-future-callaway-farrowing-site/732520/ )

Rarely do we hear the voices of rural citizens who struggle to fight expansion of corporate livestock operations. Jones describes his family farmer values, and the impact of industrial farms on rural communities – from air and water pollution, to the destruction of friendly neighbor relationships. Despite forming a citizens’ network - Friends of Responsible Agriculture- to fight encroaching CAFOs, political support for industry has allowed them to expand, with grave consequences.

Related website: https://sraproject.org/

Barbara Storper, dietitian, describes her use of live theater to teach children healthy eating habits.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 May 2019 22:20:00 -0500

Did you know that “live theater” is a fun and effective way to teach children healthy habits? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Barbara Storper, Registered dietitian, Founder and Executive Director of FoodPlay Productions, a nutrition education organization that brings the power of live theater to turn kids on to healthy habits. FOODPLAY’s live theater shows have reached more than five million children across the country with evaluations showing dramatic improvements in children’s eating and physical activity habits. Storper is the recipient of numerous awards including an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Youth and Family TV Special.”

Related website: http://foodplay.com

Linda Booker, producer of the documentary film, “Straws,” helps us rethink single-use plastics.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 May 2019 22:50:00 -0500

Did you know that at least 520 million plastic straws are disposed of each day in the U.S.?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Linda Booker, film maker, director and producer of “Straws,” one of the featured documentaries in the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, and identified as one of the leading documentaries to help us rethink single-use plastics. Booker documents the enormous quantity of plastic waste in our environment - how it harms wildlife and people, and the heroic individuals working to reduce plastic use, save animals and protect human health.

Related website: www.strawsfilm.com

Matt Willey, artist, explains why and how he is painting 50,000 bees on murals across the world.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 May 2019 19:30:00 -0500

Did you know that 50,000 bees are necessary for a healthy, thriving hive? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Matt Willey, artist, who is painting 50,000 bees on murals across the world in order to raise awareness of the plight and the importance of bees in our food system. Willey describes the course of his project and his process. He explains: “Through the simple act of painting a symbolic healthy hive of 50,000, one bee at a time, we intend to inspire an unstoppable movement of necessary change toward balance between humans and the natural world.”

Related website: www.thegoodofthehive.com

Brenda Davis, dietitian and author of “The Kick Diabetes Cookbook” describes how high fiber plant foods can help reverse type 2 diabetes.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 19:15:00 -0500

Did you know that eating a high fiber diet is key to reversing Type 2 diabetes? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brenda Davis, R.D., author of “The Kick Diabetes Cookbook: An action plan and recipes for defeating diabetes.” Davis describes the critical role plant fibers play in nourishing the microbiome and protecting health, including reversing Type 2 Diabetes. She explains the “grain hierarchy” and the benefits of whole intact grains vs. processed, refined carbohydrates.

Related website: www.brendadavisrd.com

Patty Lovera, Assistant Director of Food & Water Watch, defines and discuss biotechnology applications in food and agriculture and the new “bioengineered” food labels.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 21:00:00 -0500

Did you know that genetically modified foods will be required to bear labels identifying them as “bioengineered” by January 1, 2022? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Patty Lovera, M.S., Assistant Director of Food & Water Watch, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Lovera defines and discuss biotechnology applications in food and agriculture, explore press coverage (and bias), and USDA’s new GMO food labels that use the term “bioengineered” rather than "GMO."

Related website: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org

Gary Paul Nabhan, Ph.D., the “father” of the local food and heirloom seed saving movements discusses his new book, “Food from the Radical Center: Healing Our Land and Communities.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 20:30:00 -0500

Did you know that food can reconnect us to our cultural roots and heritage, and create stronger communities?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gary Paul Nabhan, Ph.D., Kellogg Endowed Chair at the University of Arizona’s Southwest Center. Nabhan is an agricultural Ecologist, ethnobotanist, Ecumenical Franciscan Brother, and recipient of a MacArthur Genius Award. He is considered the “father” of the local food and heirloom seed saving movements. He will discuss his new book, “Food from the Radical Center: Healing Our Land and Communities,” and share his thoughts on how food is at the healing center of strong communities. Nabhan describes the economic disparity at the U.S. - Mexican border, the importance of healing food, and his philosophy about how restoring our environment can restore cohesiveness in our communities. Nabhan was involved in the first Earth Day in 1970.

Related website: https://www.garynabhan.com/food-from-the-radical-center/

Northeast Arkansas Beekeeper, Richard Coy, describes how the use of the herbicide Dicamba is killing the plants his bees need to survive.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 20:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the herbicide Dicamba, used on genetically modified soybeans, is killing the plants bees depend on for survival? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Richard Coy, beekeeper with Coy’s Honey Farm, Inc., the largest beekeeping operation in Arkansas. Coy explains how and why he is being forced to leave Arkansas and move his hives to southern Mississippi and near the Canadian border to escape Dicamba drift. Coy emphasizes that beekeeping (and organic farming) are not compatible with “modern” farming that is dependent upon chemicals.

Related website: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/jan/05/honey-seller-faults-dicamba-in-closing-/

Formerly incarcerated Anthony Travis describes his life changing experience participating in Catherine Sneed’s Horticulture Project at the San Francisco County Jail.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the San Francisco County Jail’s Horticulture Project reduced recidivism rates by 75%? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anthony Travis, formerly incarcerated in the S.F County Jail, where he participated in the Horticulture Project, a training program for inmates widely recognized as a milestone in prisoner rehabilitation founded by Catherine Sneed. Travis credits Sneed and gardening to turning his life around. Travis describes his childhood, why he turned to selling drugs, and the prison food environment. Today, Travis is fully employed by the city of San Francisco’s Public Utilities department. The United States Department of Agriculture hailed Sneed’s work as “one of the most innovative and successful community-based crime prevention programs in the country.” It has since lost funding. Related website: https://www.gardenproject.org/about_us

Shelly McGuire, Ph.D., discusses the “human milk microbiome,” – and the miraculous relationship between a lactating mother and her baby.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 22:00:00 -0600

Did you know that human breastmilk is a complex living nourishment? And that breastfeeding offers protection from contraception? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Shelly McGuire, Ph.D. professor of nutrition at the U. of Idaho - Moscow. McGuire discusses her research into the “milk microbiome,” the role of microorganisms in breastmilk in protecting infant health, and the miraculous relationship between a lactating mother and her baby. McGuire explores how a lactating mother’s diet might impact her milk microbiome, and other factors affecting lactation and milk composition. McGuire reviews the presentation she gave at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meeting in Washington DC in October, 2018, titled: Feeding and Seeding: Human Milk’s Composition Impact on the Infant MicrobiomeRelated

Related website: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/family-and-consumer-sciences/our-people/shelley-mcguire

Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of Consumerlab.com discusses the safety and effectiveness of popular supplements: CBD oil, bone broth, and apple cider vinegar.

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 22:00:00 -0600

Did you know that consuming CBD oil with food containing fat, or shortly after eating a meal improves absorption? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tod Cooperman, M.D., president and founder of consumerlab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements. Cooperman describes the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, cannabidiol and cannabinoids, and discusses the difference in doses found in CBD oil prescribed as a drug to treat epilepsy, and that which is sold as a supplement. He explains how bile is necessary to absorb CBD, and discusses the safety and effectiveness of popular supplements including CBD oil, bone broth and apple cider vinegar.

Related website: www.consumerlab.com

Jay Feldman Executive Director and co-founder of Beyond Pesticides, discusses the merits of organic food and farming, harms from pesticide use, and the 2019 Pesticide Forum in NYC.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 22:28:00 -0600

Did you know organic farming methods not only protect our environment, and public health, but that of farm workers and their families as well? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jay Feldman, Executive Director and co-founder of Beyond Pesticides, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that works nationally to reduce toxic chemicals in our environment. Feldman discusses consumer perception about the organic label, the National Organic Standards Board’s role in upholding the integrity of the organic label, GMO crop-related herbicide use, and the upcoming 37th National Pesticide Forum in NYC April 5-6, 2019.

Related website: www.beyondpesticides.org

Teresa Martin, Registered Dietitian, talks about her top ten tips for gut health. (Part 2 of 2).

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the foods we eat influence the diversity of microbes living in our gut? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Teresa Martin, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Martin provides her top ten tips for gut health. Part two of two.

Related website: https://commonfund.nih.gov/hmp

Teresa Martin, Registered Dietitian, describes the role of the gut microbiota and how we can eat to promote a healthy gut.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 22:36:00 -0600

Did you know that the microbes (microbiota) living in our gut influence our mental and physical health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Teresa Martin, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Martin describes how to best nourish and protect beneficial gut bacteria.
Part one of two.

Related website: https://commonfund.nih.gov/hmp

Dietitian Judy Simon describes how diet and lifestyle influence fertility.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 20:49:00 -0600

Did you know that diet and lifestyle can affect male sperm count and motility, and female fertility? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Seattle-WA based dietitian, Judy Simon, MS, RDN. Simon is recognized as a national expert in nutrition counseling for reproductive health and fertility. In this second part interview, Simon discusses marijuana’s effects on sperm, the importance of diet quality, specific nutrient needs and more. (This interview is Part 2 of 2)

Registered Dietitian and fertility and reproductive nutrition expert, Judy Simon, reviews tips for men and women to improve fertility.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 20:47:00 -0600

Did you know that diet, weight, exercise, stress and even marijuana can all impact fertility? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Judy Simon MS, RDN, expert in fertility and reproductive nutrition for women and men at the Food for Fertility Program at Seattle Reproductive Medicine. Simon shares key tips for maximizing fertility. We’ll talk about vitamin D, soy, plastics, pesticides, coffee, wine, marijuana and more. (This interview is Part 1 of 2)

Jeannine Guttman, journalist, describes her investigation into racism and abuse of undocumented immigrant labor in Vermont’s iconic dairy industry.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:05:00 -0600

Did you know that the American agricultural system could not exist in its present lucrative form if not for migrant farmworkers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jeannine Guttman, M.S., veteran newspaper journalist and sustainable food systems advocate. Guttman discusses the role and value of the press, as well as her investigation into the embedded racism and reliance on undocumented immigrant labor in Vermont’s iconic dairy industry. Drawing from her report: “Empty cartons, broken dairies: the unsustainability of Vermont’s iconic milk industry and its hidden reliance on undocumented abused labor,” Guttman helps us understand the effects of NAFTA, and how we depend on, yet mistreat laborers from across the border. Guttman is an opinion writer for the Vermont Standard, and is a recent graduate of Green Mountain College in Poutney, VT.

Related website: www.migrantjustice.net

Iris Figueroa, staff attorney for Farmworker Justice, describes immigrant farm labor statistics and health challenges.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 22:36:00 -0600

Did you know that U.S. citizens largely depend on immigrant labor to harvest and process our food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Iris Figueroa, staff attorney for Farmworker Justice, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions. Figueroa discusses farm labor statistics, working conditions, immigration policies, health and safety, and access to justice. Also mentioned: the CHAMACOS study’s evaluation of health risks to farmworker children: https://cerch.berkeley.edu/research-programs/chamacos-study and particular risk from the pesticide, chlorpyrifos.

Related website: www.farmworkerjustice.org

Registered dietitian, Rebecca Scritchfield, discusses “Body Kindness” and the pitfalls of dieting.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 21:26:00 -0600

Did you know that most diets are doomed to fail? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rebecca Scritchfield, Registered Dietitian, certified exercise physiologist, and author of “Body Kindness: Transform your health from the inside out – and never say diet again.” Scritchfield discusses the pain of weight stigma, and the pitfalls of our diet culture. She provides suggestions and strategies on how to make peace with food and accept our natural diversity of body sizes.

Related website: www.RebeccaScritchfield.com

Dietitian Karen Collins reviews diet research to reduce cancer risk.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 21:51:00 -0600

Did you know that alcohol increases circulating levels of estrogen which can increase the risk of some cancers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Karen Collins, registered dietitian and nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research. Collins reviews the latest dietary research and recommendations for reducing cancer risk. Tune in for the latest advice on fiber, red meat, soy, sugar, and more.

Jennifer Jay, Ph.D., environmental engineer, describes how to reduce our carbon footprint and meet Paris Climate Accord targets through changes in our dietary habits.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 23:14:00 -0600

Did you know that our daily food and beverage choices have a collective impact on global sustainability? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jennifer Jay, Ph.D., professor of environmental engineering in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. Jay does the math, calculating the global environmental impacts and costs of the food on our plates. Jay discusses the costs of industrial food production, from greenhouse gas emissions, to loss of biodiversity, and antibiotic resistance. She describes how we can all help meet Paris Climate Accord targets and reduce our personal carbon footprints with a few simple changes in our dietary habits.

Related website: https://meals4planet.org/

Andrea Lieberstein discusses mindfulness-based eating, and how to find and fill the voids in our lives…without food.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:10:00 -0600

Did you know that mindfulness is a powerful tool for creating healthful lifestyle changes? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrea Lieberstein, Registered Dietitian, and author of “Well Nourished: Mindful Practices to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Feed Your Whole Self, and End Overeating.” Lieberstein defines mindful eating, and explains how to fill common voids in our lives without food. Better than dieting, Lieberstein advises that we nourish ourselves with compassion, and feed eight core needs without food.

Related website: http://yourwellnourishedlife.com/

Steven Apfelbaum, Fellow of the Ecological Society of America, Founder and Chairman of Applied Ecological Services, describes the value of ecological services, biodiversity, and emulating nature in regenerative land practices to mitigate climate change.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:18:00 -0600

Did you know that nature provides a wide range of valuable and efficient services to society, including flood water management, pollination and air and water cleaning? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steven Apfelbaum, Fellow of the Ecological Society of America, and Founder and Chairman of Applied Ecological Services. Apfelbaum defines ecology and describes how nature’s ecological services benefit society and restore our environment. Apfelbaum also discusses ways climate change can be reversed by changing current practices of agriculture and land management to emulate nature, restore biodiversity, and sequester carbon through regenerative farming, forestry, and grazing practices.

Apfelbaum is co-author of Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land (Island Press), which was written to help landowners and land stewards develop and implement land-restoration programs. He is also the author of the award-winning book, Nature’s Second Chance (Beacon Press), which was named one of the “top 10 books for understanding what we can do about climate change.” Apfelbaum also appears in “Unbroken Ground” (film/Patagonia), which connects food, agriculture and climate change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ezkp7Cteys

Steve Smith, Director of Agriculture for Red Gold Tomatoes, and Chairman of the Save Our Crops Coalition describes the risks of using the herbicide, dicamba.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:50:00 -0600

Did you know that use of the herbicide dicamba on genetically modified (GMO) soy and cotton crops threatens health-promoting fruit, vegetable and tree crops? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Steve Smith, Director of Agriculture for Red Gold Tomatoes, and Chairman of the Save our Crops Coalition. Smith describes the risks of using Dicamba, why farmers think they have to use it, and the tragedies of crop and tree loss, as well as divided rural communities. In 2018, EPA extended the registration for two years for over-the-top use (i.e. use on growing plants) of dicamba to control weeds in fields of cotton and soybean plants genetically engineered to resist dicamba. However, tax-payer funded state departments of agriculture cannot keep up with calls reporting herbicide drift damage. And farmers struggle to receive compensation from crop loss.

Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist connects quality soil to nutrient-dense food, public health and vibrant communities.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 21:11:00 -0600

Did you know that soil quality is at the heart of abundant, nutrient-dense food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kris Nichols, Ph.D., soil microbiologist. She describes soil health, discusses the state of our soils, and explains her work to regenerate soils for healthy crops, people and planet. Her work connects the dots between regenerative agricultural practices to public health, resilient communities and strong global economies.

Dr. Kris Nichols is a Soil Microbiologist with over 25 years of research experience specifically studying mycorrhizal fungi. She was formerly Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute, a Research (Soil) Microbiologist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in North Dakota and a Biological Laboratory Technician with ARS in Beltsville, MD. She is the founder and principal scientist of KRIS Systems Education & Consultation and a sub-contractor with Soil Health Consulting, Inc. She focuses on biological methods for agricultural production tools and practices to reduce pests, soil erosion, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Related website: http://kris-systems.com/

Mataka Askari describes the living conditions and food quality during his 23 years of incarceration.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that prisoners face dehumanizing conditions, including poor food quality and quantity? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mataka Askari, a Missouri citizen who was incarcerated for 23 years for a non-violent drug offense. Askari describes his food and life experiences during his years of incarceration.

Annelise Orleck, Ph.D., author of “We Are All Fast-Food Workers Now: The Global Uprising Against Poverty Wages” exposes exploitive labor conditions in retail, food, and agriculture industries, and shares the power of organizing for justice.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that “cheap” food carries a high cost? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Annelise Orleck, Ph.D., professor of history at Dartmouth college and author of “We Are All Fast-Food Workers Now: The Global Uprising Against Poverty Wages.” Dr. Orleck pulls back the curtain on exploitive and otherwise invisible labor conditions in food, agriculture, restaurant and retail industries, and shares empowering stories of organized workers who strive for dignity and respect.

Deirdre Schlunegger, Chief Executive Officer of Stop Food-borne Illness, explains how food-borne illness can be more than a simple “tummy ache.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that food-borne illness can result in much more than a simple “tummy ache” – leading to chronic illness and even death? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her discussion with Deirdre Schlunegger, Chief Executive Officer of Stop Food-borne Illness, a national nonprofit public health organization dedicated to the prevention of illness and death from food-borne pathogens. Schlunegger explains how Stop Food-borne Illness helps promote sound food safety policy, best practices, public awareness, and provides assistance to those impacted by food-borne illness.

Related website: http://www.stopfoodborneillness.org/

Niaz Dorry, Coordinating Director of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, and Executive Director of the National Family Farm Coalition shares highlights from her “America the Bountiful” tour.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 22:32:00 -0600

Did you know that an alternative to our current exploitive industrial food system is possible?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Niaz Dorry, Coordinating Director of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, and Executive Director of the National Family Farm Coalition. Dorry shares highlights from her “America the Bountiful” national tour where she witnessed the interdependence between eaters and farming and fishing communities. She discusses common challenges facing all food producers, plus solutions and reasons for hope in rebuilding truly sustainable regional food systems, based in justice and equity.

Sheela Sathyanarayana, M.D., MPH, co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ new policy statement on “Food Additives and Child Health.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 22:58:00 -0500

Did you know that more than 10,000 chemicals are allowed to be added to our food, but not all are tested for safety? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sheela Sathyanarayana, M.D., MPH, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ new policy statement on “Food Additives and Child Health.” Dr. Sathyanarayana discusses the regulatory system that provides loopholes for manufacturers, as well as the impact of direct (colors, flavors) and indirect (through manufacturing and packaging) food additives on children’s health and behavior. She also provides tips for protecting children from harmful additives.

Karuna Jaggar, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action exposes hypocritical “pink ribbon” campaigns.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:06:00 -0500

Did you know that “pink ribbon” products may actually increase the risk of breast cancer? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Karuna Jaggar, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action. Jaggar exposes and critiques hypocritical “pink ribbon” campaigns, and discusses social justice, plus the health and environmental policy changes needed to prevent breast cancer, and protect public health in general.

Related website: www.bcaction.org

Joshua Sbicca, author of Food Justice Now!: Deepening the Roots of Social Struggle,” discusses exploitation in our food system and strategies for change.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:08:00 -0500

Did you know that mutual understanding and respect are at the heart of food justice? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joshua Sbicca, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sociology at Colorado State University and author of “Food Justice Now!: Deepening the Roots of Social Struggle.” Sbicca explains the differences between food justice and food sovereignty movements, discusses the intersection of immigration, mass incarceration and labor exploitation in our food system, and offers strategies for change.

Rick Dove, Photojournalist and Senior Advisor to the Waterkeeper Alliance, describes the environmental and public health impact of hurricanes on Eastern North Carolina including fish kills, coal ash spills, and manure spills from industrial hog and poultry operations.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that a former Marine has aerially documented hurricane damage to confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Eastern North Carolina? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with photojournalist and Senior Advisor to the Waterkeeper Alliance, Rick Dove. Dove describes his brush with Pfiesteria Piscicida, repeated fish kills, coal ash spills, hog manure spills, the politics that protect the hog industry at the expense of citizens, and advocacy strategies for those who care about natural resources, public health, and a sustainable food system. A recent article about his observations was published in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/09/22/i-saw-florence-sending-millions-gallons-animal-poop-flooding-across-north-carolina/?utm_term=.f3998583936d

Related website: https://waterkeeper.org/

Author, Andrea Curtis, discusses her book, “Eat This! How Fast-Food Marketing Gets You to Buy Junk (and how to fight back).”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that children are strategically targeted by manufacturers of fast and processed foods and sugary beverages? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrea Curtis, author of “Eat This! How Fast-Food Marketing Gets You to Buy Junk (and how to fight back).” Curtis discusses marketing strategies that are specifically used to trick kids (and convince their parents) to purchase unhealthy foods and beverages. Examples include product placement in video games, digital techniques, and commercialism in public schools. Curtis also gives suggestions and provides resources to protect children from powerful market forces that threaten their health and well-being.

Larry Olmsted, author of “Real Food, Fake Food: Why You Don’t Know What You’re Eating & What You Can Do About It,” describes food fraud, and how to find “real” food in the marketplace.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Do you know the foods that are most likely to be mislabeled or incorrectly identified on menus and grocery shelves? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Larry Olmsted, author of “Real Food, Fake Food: Why You Don’t Know What You’re Eating & What You Can Do About It.” From dried grass clippings in oregano to cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese, Olmsted reviews some of the most common frauds in the food and restaurant marketplace. He reveals how consumers can avoid being tricked, and shares tips to find and enjoy “real” food. Calling all foodies, sushi lovers, and olive oil aficionados.

Related website: www.realfoodfakefood.com

Elizabeth Strickland, MS, RD, author of “Eating for Autism” discusses the role of food and nutrition in the care of children with autism and ADHD.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about one in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? And that food is at the heart of treatment?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Elizabeth Strickland, R.D. author of “Eating for Autism: the 10-Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child’s Autism, Asperger’s or ADHD.” Strickland explains the power of food and nutrition in helping children and their families cope with challenges, including behavior, mood, sleep patterns, and the ability to learn, concentrate, and focus.

Related website: https://elizabethsauls.com/book/

Lynn Waltz, author of “Hog Wild: The Battle for Workers’ Rights at the World’s Largest Slaughterhouse” explains the high price of cheap meat and the benefits of unionized labor to reduce slaughterhouse injuries.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 22:14:00 -0500

Did you know that Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world’s largest hog producer and slaughterhouse? (Smithfield slaughters 32,000 hogs per day; that’s 33 hogs per minute or 1 every two seconds.) Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Lynn Waltz, two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, assistant professor of journalism at The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia, and author of “Hog Wild: The Battle for Workers’ Rights at the World’s Largest Slaughterhouse” (University of Iowa Press/2018). Waltz shares her extensive investigation into how the Smithfield slaughterhouse changed the landscape of eastern North Carolina and how and why workers fought and won the right to unionize. Waltz helps us understand the high costs of cheap meat, and offers hope and policy solutions for a more sustainable food system.

Related website: http://lynnwaltz.com/

Brise Tencer, Executive Director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation explains the benefits of organic food and farming.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 23:36:00 -0500

Did you know that organic farming methods improve soil and water quality, and can help mitigate climate change? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brise Tencer, Executive Director of the California-based Organic Farming Research Foundation. Tenser explains the meaning and benefits of organic food and farming, how certification, benefits farmers and consumers, and teh challenges facing organic farmers. Tenser shares highlights from recent organic research, and provides a review of OFRF resources, including frequently asked questions and webinars for farmers and consumers who want to learn more.

Related website: www.ofrf.org

Robert Beelman, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health, at Pennsylvania State University, discusses the nutritional and medicinal properties of mushrooms.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that a compound largely found in mushrooms could help prevent neuro-degenerative diseases? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Robert Beelman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Food Science, and Director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health, at Pennsylvania State University. Beelman will describe the unique nutritional and medicinal properties of mushrooms, including epidemiological research their potential for reducing the risk of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons’ diseases. Beelman will describe the soil-nutrition connection, mushroom nutrition, especially ergothioneine, and it’s relationship to health.

Oxfam’s Irit Tamir, J.D., discusses human suffering, poverty and injustice in supermarket supply chains and how to increase transparency and ethical sourcing.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that supermarkets hold great power and influence over the farmers, producers and workers who supply their products? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Irit Tamir, J.D., Director of Oxfam America’s Private Sector Department. Tamir will discuss Oxfam’s new report, “Ripe for Change: Ending the human suffering behind our food” https://www.oxfamamerica.org/static/media/files/Ripe-for-Change-Ending-Human-Suffering-in-Supermarket-Supply-Chains-report.pdf and Oxfam’s new “Behind the Barcodes Campaign,” which assesses supermarket supply chains and how they score on human rights. Oxfam is a global organization working to end the injustice of poverty. Tune in to learn the stories behind our global food system, including CEO salaries, supermarket consolidation, and seafood supply chain working conditions; and, learn how to increase transparency and ethical sourcing.

Related website: www.behindthebarcodes.org

Laura Titzer, author of “No Table Too Small: Engaging in the Art and Attitude of Social Change” describes food justice, activism, and keys to social change.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that “food touches everything?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laura Titzer, community food organizer based in Seattle, WA, and author of “No Table Too Small: Engaging in the Art and Attitude of Social Change.” Titzer discusses her work history, defines food “activist,” and describes barriers to, and solutions for food justice.

Dennis Olson, United Food and Commercial Workers Union discusses the power of labor unions in protecting working health and safety; collective action to shift markets towards sustainability; and, fair food labels.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that labor union contracts help protect slaughterhouse workers’ health and safety? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dennis Olson, Senior Research Associate and Policy Analyst for the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union. Olson describes how labor unions in poultry slaughterhouses help uphold safer line speeds. He also describes the Center for Good Food Purchasing (https://goodfoodpurchasing.org/) which uses collective buying power to drive market shifts towards fair labor practices, local economies, environmental sustainability, sound nutrition and animal welfare. Finally, Olson discusses the demise of Country of Origin Labeling and the loopholes of the “Product of USA” label. If you support fair meat labeling, a comment period on Product of USA labels is open until August 17, 2018.
Learn more through the Organization for Competitive Markets ( https://competitivemarkets.com) and American Grassfed Association (https://www.americangrassfed.org/news/ ); comment here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FSIS-2018-0024

Related website: www.ufcw.org

William G. Stowe, CEO and General Manager of the Des Moines Water Works describes the impact of industrial agriculture on water, rural economies and public health.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:58:00 -0500

Did you know that water is our most important nutrient, and industrial agricultural production methods threaten water quality, public health, and quality of life in rural communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with William Stowe, CEO and General Manager of the Des Moines Water Works. Stowe sits on the board of directors of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, which comprises the largest drinking water utilities in North America. He describes the environmental and economic impacts of industrial agriculture on rural communities, with citizens forced to pay to clean up polluted water which threatens their health and prohibits recreational water use. Stowe exposes the “feed the world” meme, explaining how conventional Midwestern agriculture (corn, soy) feeds gas tanks, and hogs that go to China – at the expense of the local environment and all who live downstream. He provides listeners with tips for strengthening local control, and knowing and protecting our watersheds.

Related website: http://www.dmww.com

Margo Wootan, Ph.D. discusses how new menu labeling laws can impact health.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 23:13:00 -0500

Did you know that as of May 2018, menus at fast food and chain restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods in supermarkets will have to provide calorie and nutrition information to customers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Margo Wootan, Ph.D., Director of Nutrition Policy at the Washington, D.C. – based Center for Science in the Public Interest, and key in creating new menu labeling laws. Wootan explains that with one third of our calories from meals eaten away from home, the food choices we make in restaurants and supermarkets can have a lifelong impact on our health and well-being. A 2018 review of nearly 30 studies found that menu labeling helps people cut approximately 50 calories per meal – significant because our national obesity epidemic is explained by about 200 calories extra per day. A typical entree at a restaurant can easily contain over 1,000 calories.

Jessica Shade, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs at the Organic Center explains the multiple benefits of organic farming.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 23:14:00 -0500

Did you know that organic farming methods could help mitigate climate change, reduce pollution and improve the nutritional quality of our diets? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jessica Shade, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs at the Organic Center. Shade explores the science that supports the benefits of organic food and farming, including soil health, carbon sequestration, a reduction in nitrogen pollution, and greater resiliency in the face of climate challenges.

Related website: www.organic-center.org

Andy Fisher, author of “Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance Between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups,” discusses the charity model and the “big business” of hunger relief in the United States.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 19:11:00 -0500

Did you know that approximately 12% of the U.S. population is food insecure, and that many rely on charity to survive? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andy Fisher, community food security advocate, and author of “Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance Between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups.” Fisher explores the charity model and the “big business” of hunger relief in the United States. He offers visionary, alternative models for sustainable solutions to food insecurity which minimize food waste, and promote job creation and public health.

Related website: https://www.bighunger.org/

Bruce Blumberg, Ph.D., discusses his book: “The Obesogen Effect: Why We Eat Less and Exercise More but Still Struggle to Lose Weight.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:54:00 -0500

Did you know that the development of obesity is dependent upon more than simple caloric balance? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Bruce Blumberg, Ph.D., Professor of Developmental and Cell Biology at the University of California-Irvine, and author of “The Obesogen Effect: Why We Eat Less and Exercise More but Still Struggle to Lose Weight.” Blumberg explains how modern chemicals can influence how our bodies metabolize calories, and describes how we can reduce our exposure to those chemicals most likely to disrupt our endocrine system. Dr. Blumberg spoke about “obesogens” at the 36th annual Beyond Pesticide Forum in Irvine, CA, April 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6iMz_etAOA&index=11&list=PLHS5IfcgFy5f9bQpdlh6131kcu0IADlaW

Related website: https://theobesogeneffect.com/

Philip Ackerman-Leist, author tells the David and Goliath story behind his new book: “A Precautionary Tale: How One Small Town Banned Pesticides, Preserved its Food Heritage, and Inspired a Movement,”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 23:18:00 -0500

Did you know that healthful foodsheds are key to democracy and a sustainable future? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Philip Ackerman-Leist, M.S., organic farmer, professor of sustainable agriculture and food systems at Green Mountain College (VT), and author of “A Precautionary Tale: How One Small Town Banned Pesticides, Preserved its Food Heritage, and Inspired a Movement.” Ackerman-Leist shares the David-and-Goliath story of Mals, Italy, the tiny town whose residents put their children’s health and future first, and by a referendum vote, banned the use of pesticides. Ackerman-Leist helps us understand how and why protecting and rebuilding our foodsheds is key to a sustainable future, and how no food and agriculture policy change is too difficult if community members join together with a positive vision and cooperative actions.

Related website: www.topplinggoliath.org

Gabriel Thompson, author of Chasing the Harvest: Migrant workers in California Agriculture, explores immigration and farm workers who bring food to our national table.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 23:40:00 -0500

Did you know that we depend on hundreds of thousands of Latino farm workers who perform skilled and strenuous labor under harsh conditions in the state of California? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gabriel Thompson, award-winning investigative journalist, and author of Chasing the Harvest: Migrant Workers in California Agriculture, an oral history collection of California farm workers (Verso, 2017). The book is published in conjunction with the non-profit, Voice of Witness, http://voiceofwitness.org/oral-history-book-series/chasing-the-harvest/.

With immigration and farm bill policy on our radar, Thompson pulls back the curtain on farm labor, including largely hidden injustices. Thompson work has won the Studs Terkel Media Award and the Sidney Award for socially conscious journalism.

Related website: https://gabrielthompson.org/

Sue Erhardt, Executive Director of the Allegheny Mountain Institute describes a revolutionary food system change linking farms, communities and hospitals.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:00:00 -0500

Did you know that an increasing number of hospitals nationwide are investing in on-site farms, farmers’ markets, and “good” food prescription projects? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Sue Erhardt, Executive Director of the Allegheny Mountain Institute. AMI is an educational non-profit organization with the mission to cultivate healthy communities through food and farming education. Inspired by Cesar Chavez, Erhardt describes her work to improve the food system, and AMI’s unique fellowship program which prepares individuals to become farmers, teachers and ambassadors for health-promoting food systems. Recognizing food as medicine, and access to “good” food as critical to reversing costly chronic disease, AMI’s new partnership with Augusta Health, a non-profit regional hospital, promises to boost patient, employee, and community health by increasing access to nutrient-dense, fresh, healthful food. Tune in to learn about this remarkable Institute and synergistic partnership between farms, hospitals and communities. This good food news story provides a national model for positive food system change.

Dietitian Mary Purdy explains integrative and functional nutrition, with tips to look, feel and live better through a whole food, whole person approach.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 May 2018 23:46:00 -0500

Did you know that food (plus laughter) can be our best medicine? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mary Purdy, M.S., R.D., Integrative and Functional Medicine Nutritionist, and former actor. Purdy’s theatrical background makes her a uniquely entertaining nutritionist. She’s the host of the web series & podcast “Mary’s Nutrition Show” and author of “Serving the Broccoli Gods.” Purdy offers “edutaining” tips for curbing sugar cravings, reducing inflammation, and feeding our microbiome. Purdy helps her clients look better, feel better, and live better through a whole food, whole person approach.

Daniel Harper defines and describes the multiple benefits of “American Origin (food) Products.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 May 2018 21:42:00 -0500

Did you know that preserving our regional agricultural heritage and culinary traditions can promote economic development and regional pride? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Daniel Harper, Director of Policy and Communications for the American Origin Products Association. Harper discusses the multiple benefits of regional food branding, labeling, trademarks, and specialty products unique to specific geographic regions. Hint: think Kona coffee, Napa Valley wine, and Vermont maple syrup.

Related website: http://www.aop-us.org/

Tanmeet Sethi, MD on mind-body medicine and food pharmacy to prevent and treat disease.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 May 2018 23:40:00 -0500

Did you know that 70 percent of our immune system is in the lining of our guts? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tanmeet Sethi, MD, an Integrative Medicine Physician on the faculty at the Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine Residency in Seattle, WA. Recognizing the power of food in mental and physical health, Sethi established a culinary medicine program. She discusses the “sacred act” of eating, the holistic practice of mind-body medicine, and the power of a “food, herb and spice pharmacy” to reduce inflammation and treat and prevent chronic diseases.

Related website: http://tanmeetsethimd.com/

Kristen Schafer, Executive Director of the Pesticide Action Network, discusses pesticide drift and harm to children and farm workers.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 May 2018 23:34:00 -0500

Did you know that exposure to pesticides puts children and farm workers in harm’s way? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Kristin Schafer, Executive Director of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Schafer discusses the risks of pesticide drift and harms related to exposure on children and farm workers, including neurological damage from chlorpyrifos, and increasing herbicides used on genetically engineered crops. Schafer shines a light on the politics and PR spin used by the pesticide industry, and reviews a tool kit http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/DriftReporting-InCaseofDriftToolkit-2017.pdf
designed to identify and reduce drift damage.
Schafer has been lead author on several excellent PAN reports, including Chemical Trespass: Pesticides in our Bodies and Corporate Accountability; and, Nowhere to Hide: Persistent Toxic Chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply. She also co-authored both A Generation in Jeopardy and Kids on the Frontline (2016).

Related website: www.panna.org

Andrew Smith, Research Director for the Rodale Institute’s Vegetable Systems Trial explains the soil, plant and health benefits of organic food production.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 May 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that the nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables has been declining over the past few decades? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrew Smith, Ph.D., Research Director for the Rodale Institute’s new “Vegetable Systems Trial.” The new, long-running trial will compare biologically-based organic with chemically-based “conventional” vegetable production. Smith explains why and how conventional methods for increasing crop yield reduce nutritional quality, and how organic production methods can improve soil, plant, and therefore human health. Smith also explains the mission of Rodale’s new Regenerative Health Institute.

Related website: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

Dave Chapman, organic farmer, describes hydroponics, and the “Real Organic Project.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:52:00 -0500

Did you know that “hydroponic” growing methods have been a controversial topic among organic farmers? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dave Chapman, organic farmer http://www.longwindfarm.com/about, and founding farmer behind the “Real Organic Project.” From his high-tech organic farm in Thetford, VT, Chapman discusses his decades-long career in farming, and his work to protect the integrity of the organic label. Chapman describes hydroponic methods for growing produce, why he advocates for soil-based organic farming, plus what consumers can do to help protect organic integrity in the marketplace.

Related website: www.realorganicproject.org

Andrew Gunther, Executive Director of A Greener World, explains what common food labels really mean.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 19:00:00 -0500

Do you know how to navigate food labels in the marketplace? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andrew Gunther, Executive Director of A Greener World. Gunther defines food label terms to better enable consumers to navigate the marketplace. An outspoken critic of industrial farming systems, Gunther was the senior global animal compassionate product procurement and development specialist for Whole Foods Market, leading the team that designed and launched the company’s five-step welfare program in the United Kingdom. He routinely exposes the negative impact of industrial agriculture on farm animals, the environment, and society as a regular contributor to Huffington Post. He also works closely with restaurants groups and retailers to increase the availability of Animal Welfare Approved meat, dairy and eggs in traditional retail settings.

Dana Boyd Barr, Ph.D. discusses the pesticide, chlorpyrifos, and how it harms children’s development.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:22:00 -0500

Did you know that chlorpyrifos, produced by Dow chemical, is the most widely used insecticide globally? Commonly known as Durzban, this particular pesticide causes nerve damage in children. Prenatal exposure predicts ADHD, lower IQ, and creates an increase in children with “special needs,” putting a burden on schools and society. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dana Boyd Barr, Ph.D., Research professor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. https://www.sph.emory.edu/faculty/profile/#!DBBARR Dr. Barr describes her research on pesticide exposure and damage to the neurodevelopment of children, and the political difficulty in banning chlorpyrifos. For more information on chlorpyrifos see: http://www.panna.org/resources/chlorpyrifos-facts and beyondpesticides.org

Related website: http://leaderlaboratory.org/about.html

Lori Byron, M.D., discusses effects of climate change on food and health, and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 22:53:00 -0500

Did you know that the Lancet Commission has referred to climate change as both the biggest public health crisis, and biggest public health opportunity of the century? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dr. Lori Griffin Byron, M.D., Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and co-leader of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby Health Team (see: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/) Dr. Byron describes how climate change, with rising levels of CO2, more severe and unpredictable weather, flooding and drought, will impact food and agriculture, as well as mental and physical health. She offers hope and encouraging strategies for citizen action.

Pediatrician, Michelle Perro, M.D. explains the connection between childhood illness and our industrial food system.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that today’s children are suffering from increasing rates of auto-immune illnesses, asthma, autism, ADHD, and digestive disorders? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michelle Perro, M.D., author of “What’s Making Our Children Sick? How Industrial Food is Causing an Epidemic of Chronic Illness, and What Parents (and Doctors) Can Do About It.” Perro describes the changes in children’s health she’s witnessed from over 35 years of practice as a pediatrician, how she became interested in integrative medicine, and the connection between genetically modified foods (and related increasing herbicide use), gut integrity and health. She also explains the importance of the Precautionary Principle when protecting children’s health: https://www.sehn.org/ppfaqs.html

Margaret Scoles, Organic Inspector, defines organic and explains the benefits of organic certification and labeling.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:41:00 -0600

Did you know that organic food and farming have far reaching impacts on our environment and health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Margaret Scoles, Executive Director of the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA). Scoles explains the integrity, meaning, and benefits of the organic label; describes the process of organic certification, and the rules farmers must follow to earn the label. She also helps us navigate competing labels, including “natural” and “non-GMO.”

Related website: https://www.ioia.net/

Julia Turshen Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 21:07:00 -0600

Did you know that food is intimately connected with issues of justice, equity and community?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Julia Turshen, writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Turshen discusses her most recent book: “Feed the Resistance: Recipes and Ideas for Getting Involved,” which takes us beyond our plates with healthful, easy, plant-based recipes mixed with activism and politics. Turshen describes her latest project as “part cookbook, part activism handbook.” It includes recipes, essays, and practical lists of ideas from a diverse group of cooks, writers, activists, and entrepreneurs — a product of a dedicated community invested in equity. Turshen is donating all proceeds from the book to the ACLU, “to help protect free speech and protest in meaningful spaces.”

Farmer suicides and agriculture policy with investigative reporter, Debbie Weingarten.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 23:41:00 -0600

Did you know that farmer suicides have become a global epidemic?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Debbie Weingarten, writer and food justice advocate. Weingarten discusses her research into the tragic but growing global trend of farmer suicides, and why her story was so difficult to place in media outlets. She addresses what young farmers need to succeed, and how we (eaters and citizens) can change farm policy through the power of our pens and voices. Farmers need us now more than ever. To read Weingarten’s article in the Guardian, see: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/06/why-are-americas-farmers-killing-themselves-in-record-numbers
Weingarten hopes listeners will share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 with anyone going through rough times.

Related website: www.cactuswrenwriting.com

Harms of industrial farming and benefits of strengthening organic integrity.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the National Organic Standards Board helps maintain the integrity of the organic seal? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Francis Thicke, Ph.D., organic dairy farmer, soil scientist, and former member of the National Organic Standards Board. Thicke explains both the challenges and opportunities for keeping integrity and consumer trust in the organic label. He explores the harms of industrial farming, controversy over hydroponics, benefits of animal welfare standards, labeling, inspection and certification and more.

U. of Colorado Pharmacist discusses the health risks and benefits of medical cannabis / marijuana.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 20:43:00 -0600

Did you know that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recently published an extensive report reviewing the research on the health effects of cannabis? http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2017/Cannabis-Health-Effects/Cannabis-conclusions.pdf Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Pharmacist, Laura Borgelt, PharmD, Associate Dean, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and Professor in the Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado – Denver. Borgelt discusses the research, risks and benefits of medical and recreational marijuana, including special considerations for edible products, and medical conditions.

Dr. Borgelt recently spoke at the annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has extensive knowledge of cannabis with regards to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effectiveness, and potential risks. Her interest began about seven years ago when she was asked clinical questions about its use in pregnant and lactating women. As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, consumers need a solid understanding of how the body metabolizes and utilizes cannabinoids, and the differences between various products in the marketplace.

Consolidation of food and agriculture’s impact on rural communities.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 19:34:00 -0600

Did you know that food and agriculture are at the nexus of critical 21st century issues of climate change, water scarcity, hunger and energy use?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mary Hendrickson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of rural sociology at the U. of MO – Columbia, for a discussion about how the ways in which we produce and consume food have changed over the past few decades. Through a sociologist’s (and farmer’s) lens, Hendrickson describes the tremendous impact consolidation has had on rural communities, food system sustainability and “resilience.” She questions whether efficiency should always be our goal, and identifies policies – Farm Bill and beyond — that can best bring life back to rural America, and put “good” food on everyone’s plates.

Environmental Toxins and Breast Cancer Prevention.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 22:54:00 -0600

Did you know that most breast cancer is the result of exposures to environmental toxins in combination with genetic susceptibility, and stage of life vulnerability? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., President and CEO of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and Co-Founder of the Cancer Free Economy Network. Rizzo advocates for science, consumer education, and policies that protect public health, including better regulation of chemicals – from BPA in food can linings, to personal care products, and pesticides. Tune in to learn what you can do to protect your health.

Biotech Industry strategies to discredit and silence scientists who question GMOs

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that the biotech industry works to discredit and silence scientists who question the health and safety of genetically engineered crops and their associated herbicides? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Paul Thacker, investigative journalist and former Fellow at the Edmond J. Saffra Center for Ethics at Harvard. In his article, “Flacking for GMOs: How the Biotech Industry Cultivates Positive Media – and Discourages Criticism,” (The Progressive, July 21, 2017) Thacker exposes the inside workings of agribusiness giant Monsanto and their relationships and strategies with Academia, reporters, and social media.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart & Brain

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 23:07:00 -0600

Did you know that the American Heart Association recommends eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna) at least two times a week? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with William Harris, Ph.D., internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids and how they can benefit patients with heart disease. Harris is President and CEO of Omega Quant, which advances the science and use of omega-3 fatty acids to improve health. Harris describes his decades-long research into the health-protecting benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, including new research showing promise in slowing Alzheimer’s disease, treating traumatic brain injury and more. Tune in to learn how to assess omega-3 status, improve nutrition and health.

Anita Sanchez author of “The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times.”

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:23:00 -0600

Did you know that we are all inter-connected, with each other and our environment? And that healing is a process, hope an energy source, and forgiveness key to our path to freedom? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Anita Sanchez, Ph.D., organizational development consultant, storyteller, and author of “The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times.” Sanchez shares her Native American heritage and the wisdom of elders; she offers ways to understand and celebrate the inter-connectedness between people, earth and spirit. In what seems to be troubled times in our history, elders’ insights and wisdom can help us create a more joyful today and a brighter future. Tune in to learn a new way of thinking about ourselves in relation to others.

Martha Belury, Ph.D., Good fats, bad fats.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 23:08:00 -0600

Did you know that both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are “essential” for our health? Are you confused by which fats are best and how much we need? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Martha Belury, Ph.D., R.D. professor of nutrition at The Ohio State University. Belury discusses her analysis of decades of research, and helps listeners sort through the confusing and conflicting information about dietary fat , specifically: which fats can help promote health and prevent chronic disease, and what those choices look like in our kitchens.

Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., Benefits of intermittent fasting.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that when we eat during the day (meal timing) affects the way our bodies handle calories, and can help us lose weight, control blood sugar, and even reduce breast cancer recurrence? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Public health, and Director of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, San Diego. Sears defines and discusses the impact of circadian rhythms on food metabolism, and the multiple benefits of intermittent fasting, including weight loss, reducing blood sugar and recurrence of recurrence of breast cancer.

Leslie Mikkelsen, R.D., MPH, Public policy’s role in preventing disease.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:22:00 -0600

Did you know that more education isn’t enough to help people make better food choices? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Leslie Mikkelsen, RD, MPH, Managing Director at the Prevention Institute in Oakland, CA. Mikkelsen explains that our environment, and the public policies that affect the kinds of foods that are accessible, available and affordable, play the most critical role in supporting healthful food choices and preventing chronic disease. Mikkelsen addresses the role of marketing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9zbqHJ_p4 ) and the penetration of processed foods in our environment, as well as the role of government policies in shaping our food environment.

Roy Fox: How TV commercials control Kids’ thinking.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that media (words and images) influence how we think about food, and ourselves? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Roy Fox, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum at the University of Missouri, and author of “Harvesting Minds: How TV Commercials Control Kids.” Fox talks about his groundbreaking study which explored how kids respond to the TV commercials they watched as part of Channel One – commercial programming in public school. After interviewing 200 kids in rural Missouri schools that receive the Channel One broadcast, Fox concludes that such commercials influence kids’ thinking, language, and behavior, shaping them into more active consumers. Fox will define media literacy, and describe his recent work using writing and imagery to handle trauma.

Christopher Bosso: How our farm bill shapes our food system.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 23:24:00 -0600

Did you know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the largest expenditure in our Federal Farm Bill? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Christopher Bosso, Ph.D., professor of public policy and urban affairs at Northeastern University, and author of “Framing the Farm Bill: Interests, Ideology, and the Agricultural Act of 2014.” Bosso explains why food assistance is part of our Farm Bill; he discusses the special interests that influence the bill, how the Farm Bill shapes our food system, and how we can shape the Farm Bill.

Carey Gillam: The truth about Monsanto’s herbicide, glyphosate.

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide globally, and decades of scientific research link it to a range of diseases, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Carey Gillam,
former senior correspondent for Reuters’ international news service, research director of U.S. Right to Know (www.usrtk.org), and author of “White Wash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science.” Gillam describes what she uncovered, and the challenges she faced, during her years investigating the main ingredient – glyphosate –in Monsanto’s popular herbicide, Round up. Monsanto says its safe. Tune in for the truth.

Related website: http://careygillam.com/

Charles Benbrook Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Do you know the multiple benefits of organic food and farming systems? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., agricultural economist, visiting scholar at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and member of the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) Science Team. With CEHN, Benbrook and colleagues research the impact of pesticide use on birth outcomes. See: http://cehn-healthykids.org/ He describes the risks of increasing herbicide use, specifically related to genetically engineered herbicide-resistant crops. Benbrook also describes the environmental and public health benefits of pasture-raised, 100% grass and forage-fed organic livestock, specifically increases in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Tom Ruggieri Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Do you know the difference between “biological” and “conventional” farming?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tom Ruggieri, M.S., engineer, farmer and fermenter. Ruggieri describes the innovative biological farming methods he uses on his Fair Share Farm and CSA outside Kansas City, MO, and the benefits to soil, climate and community health. Fair Share Farm is unique in that it is a “farm to ferment” operation.

Related website: http://fairsharefarm.com/

Michael Carolan Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that our food system can help build social networks and create greater empathy?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael Carolan, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at Colorado State University and author of “No One Eats Alone: Food as a Social Enterprise.” Carolan discusses value chains, unintended consequences of “local” food, and the crucial human connections in our modern “foodscape.” Carolan explains how we have lost our visceral food and farming knowledge, and describes ways alternative food networks can promote empathy and compassion.

David Montgomery Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that there are parallels between the microbial worlds in our gut and the soil?
Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with David Montgomery, Ph.D., MacArthur Fellow, professor of geomorphology at the U. of Washington, and author of “The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health.” Montgomery helps us rethink our relationship with the land and soil, connecting the root life of plants to gut health and the mechanisms by which we exchange nutrients and more. He explains the essentiality of bacteria in the human gut to a healthy life, with profound implications for both agriculture and medicine. We are witnessing a revolution in the way we see the microbial world, explains Montgomery, who presented a Keynote lecture at the 35th annual Beyond Pesticides Forum in Minneapolis in April 2017. His presentation is available for viewing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0kVEGGJL4Y&t=4s

Related website: www.dig2grow.com

Food Sleuth Radio, Brenda Davis Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 12:12:00 -0600

Did you know that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed with diet and exercise? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brenda Davis, R.D., author and international expert on plant-based diets. Davis advocates for diets that are ecologically sustainable and ethically justifiable. She reveals the pitfalls of the popular Paleo diet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUXTzbjGakg), and explains why and how shifting to a plant-based diet has the power to promote longevity and reverse diabetes. Tune in and learn how to fight disease with our forks.

Related website: www.brendadavisrd.com

Tod Cooperman Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Are you one of approximately 170 million Americans who take dietary supplements? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Tod Cooperman, M.D., President, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ConsumerLab.com, an independent tester and evaluator of dietary supplements. He’ll discuss food and supplement safety, and validity behind claims of popular supplements, including those promoted to slow macular degeneration, boost mood, and reduce depression. Tune in for the latest on magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, chocolate safety and more.

Related website: www.consumerlab.com

Surili Sutaria Patel Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that climate change is the most urgent challenge facing our food system and public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Surili Sutaria Patel, M.S., Deputy Director of the Center for Health Policy at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Patel explains that we are the first generation to feel the impacts of climate change but likely the last generation to do something about it. Join us as we discuss the food, nutrition, and health challenges related to climate change, with messages of hope and action.

2017 is the “Year of Climate Change and Health,” a 12-month APHA-led initiative with monthly themes meant to raise awareness of and mobilize action on the health impacts of climate change. In “The Human Cost of the Food We Eat,” http://www.publichealthnewswire.org/?p=18083 Patel describes climate change impacts on farm workers.

Maryn McKenna Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that most meat animals in the United States are currently raised with the assistance of antibiotics? Eighty percent of the antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used in animals, not humans, and their use contributes to antibiotic resistance, which the United Nations calls “the greatest and most urgent global risk.” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Maryn McKenna, author of “Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats.” McKenna describes the extraordinary history of antibiotic use, when the drugs were added to lipstick, ice, and painted on the outside of meat cuts, and the consequences we face today from not heeding warnings about the misuse of these precious drugs. Chickens were the first animals to get growth promoter antibiotics and they may be the first to be raised without them, thanks to growing consumer awareness and pressure in the marketplace.

Related website: www.bigchickenthebook.com

Georges Benjamin Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that 2017 has been designated “The year of climate change and health” by the American Public Health Association? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Georges Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, who describes the importance of community action, social determinants of public health, and health effects of climate change, including mosquito born diseases, and loss of cultural food and farming habits. Benjamin encourages us to look at climate change not through a political lens, but one of community response. Climate change is “not just an inconvenience; it’s a societal issue.”

Related website: www.apha.org/climate

Nathan Donley Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that EPA’s “approval” of a pesticide does not equate with product safety? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Nathan Donley, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, and author of the report, “Toxic Concoctions: How the EPA Ignores the Dangers of Pesticide Cocktails.”
Donley works on issues surrounding the increasing exposure of both people and wildlife to toxins and raises awareness about our flawed pesticide regulatory system. He explains how the pesticide approval process is narrowly focused on individual ingredients, and doesn’t take into account complex chemical combinations. He explains how many of the “other” or “inert” chemicals in formulations sold to the public change the properties of the active pesticide ingredient.

Laura Shapiro Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that what we eat shapes who we are and vice versa? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Laura Shapiro, culinary historian, James Beard award-winning food columnist and book author who looks at the world, society, and women through food. Shapiro has written on every food topic from champagne to Jell-O in her decades-long career, and recognizes cooking as a basic survival skill. Shapiro discusses her work, including her latest book, “What She Ate, Six Remarkable Women & The Food That Tells Their Stories.” She shares highlights from her research into the peculiar eating and cooking habits of famous women, from Cosmopolitan’s Helen Gurley Brown to Hitler’s partner, Eva Braun.

Related website: https://laurashapirowriter.com/

Abby Youngblood Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that consumer demand for organic food continues to grow, despite the struggle of U.S. farmers to keep up with demand? Do you understand what the organic label really means, and how organic certification works? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition, a national alliance of organizations working to provide a “Washington voice” for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and industry members involved in organic agriculture. Youngblood explains the value of the organic label and the need for vigilance in ensuring organic integrity. NOC advocates for strong, enforceable, and continuously improved standards to maximize the multiple health, environmental, and economic benefits of organic agriculture. Consumers will find trustworthy label information at www.greenerchoices.org and can learn more about our national organic program rules and regulations at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb.

Jim Riddle Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jim Riddle, MN-based certified organic farmer and internationally respected expert on organic farming systems and standards, policy and advocacy will discuss why farmers choose to farm organically and the hazards of pesticide spray drift.
Beyond Pesticides

John Reganold Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 19:00:00 -0500

Did you know that we already produce enough food to more than “feed the world?” -- we just don’t provide adequate access to all. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John Reganold, Ph.D., Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at WA State University in Pullman. Reganold is considered one of the founding and premier scientists in the world in sustainable and organic agricultural research. He discusses his research measuring the effects of organic, integrated and conventional farming systems on productivity, financial performance, environmental quality, and social wellbeing on five continents.

His popular blog post for the Union of Concerned Scientists http://blog.ucsusa.org/science-blogger/organic-agriculture-is-key-to-helping-feed-the-world-sustainably discusses organic agriculture’s contribution to helping to feed the world sustainably. Reganold believes that we need a much broader conversation when we speak about “feeding the world,” including: population growth, and planetary boundaries, such as nutrient pollution, climate change, and land clearing. He also suggests ways the upcoming Farm Bill could support more sustainable farming practices.

Urvashi Rangan Interview

Dan Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., environmental health scientist, Chief Science Advisor to the Grace Communications Foundation, and former executive director of the Food Safety and Sustainability Center for Consumer Reports, identifies food safety risks, trustworthy and questionable food labels, and green noise in the marketplace.
Greener Choices

Maya Shetreat, M.D. Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Maya Shetreat, M.D., integrative pediatric neurologist and author of The Dirt Cure: Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child, explains rising rates of childhood illness, and the critical but under-valued connection between health and our natural environment
Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD

Andy Sarjahani, M.S., R.D. Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Andy Sarjahani, M.S., R.D., documentary film maker discusses his film, Downstream People about the politics and public health threats of an industrial hog facility on water quality in the National Buffalo River watershed
Downstream People

Mary Otto Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Mary Otto, author of Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America. Otto describes her investigation into the death of 12 year-old Deamonte Driver due to an untreated abscessed tooth, the relationship between oral health and overall well-being, the marketing of cosmetic dentistry, and the injustice of a healthcare system that denies basic access to dental care
Teeth

Andy Fisher Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Andy Fisher, author of Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups, discusses charity vs. policy, and the root causes (and cures) of hunger in America
Big Hunger

Eve Van Cauter Inerview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Eve Van Cauter, Ph.D., former Director of the Sleep, Metabolism and Health Center at the University of Chicago, describes the impact of sleep disturbance/deprivation on health, including diabetes, obesity, and immunity, plus tips to improve sleep.
f.lux

Vera Krischik Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Vera Krischik, Ph.D., entomologist, Director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Ecosystems at the University of Minnesota describes the critical role of insects in our ecosystem, and the harmful effects of ubiquitous, sub-lethal levels of neonicotinoid pesticides on pollinators
Beyond Pesticides Forum presentation

David Ludwig Interview

Melinda Hememlgarn — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., endocrinologist, Professor of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, and Time magazines obesity warrior, discusses his book, Always Hungry? Conquer Cravings, Retrain Your Fat Cells and Lose Weight Permanently.
TAKE BACK CONTROL

Fred vom Saal Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Fred vom Saal, Ph.D., Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri and co-editor of Integrative Environmental Medicine, describes how contaminants, including pesticide residues, BPA and phthalates, enter our food supply and affect public health in our challenging political and regulatory system
Integrative Environmental Medicine

Erin Silva Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Erin Silva, Ph.D., plant pathologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, describes research in modern sustainable and organic agriculture, new technologies, farmers challenges, and the intersections between soil, plant and human biology
UW Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension

Johanna Mirenda Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Johanna Mirenda, Technical Director at OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute, describes her work in organic certification, explains input materials including pesticides and describes what organic certification means for farmers and consumers
Organic Materials Review Institute

Stacy Malkan Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Stacy Malkan, co-founder and co-director of U.S. Right to Know, a non-profit organization working for transparency and accountability in our nations food system, exposes food and agriculture front groups, helps us navigate propaganda, and provides tips for truth-telling.
U.S. Right to Know

Jed Fahey Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jed Fahey, Ph.D., Director of the Cullman Chemoprotection Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of medicine, describes his research on sulforaphane, a health protecting compound highest in broccoli sprouts
Green Chemoprotection

Hector Valenzuela Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 May 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Hector Valenzuela, Ph.D., crop production specialist, University of HI at Manoa, discusses sustainable vs. industrial food production on the Hawaiian islands, and threats to research freedom at public universities due to agri-chemical influence
PR Watch

Martha Claire Morris Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 May 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Martha Claire Morris, Sc.D., nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University discusses the Mind Diet, dietary approaches for reducing risk for Alzheimers Disease, cognitive decline and dementia
RUSH

Paul Wotzka Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 May 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Paul Wotzka, Minnesota-based hydrologist, and organic farmer, discusses the water cycle, watersheds, and the impact of the herbicide Atrazine and other contaminants on water quality, health and our environment
Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service

Ridge Shinn Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 May 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Ridge Shinn, a.k.a. the Carbon Cowboy, and founder of Big Picture Beef, explains the human health and planetary benefits of 100 percent grass-fed cattle
Ridge Shinn

Judith McGeary Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Judith McGeary, sustainable farmer, attorney, and Founder and Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance based in Cameron, TX, discusses the soil-food-web, protecting soil, conserving water, and the political challenges facing sustainable family farmers
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance/a>

Emily Jackson Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Emily Jackson, Founder and Director of the Growing Minds Farm to School Program of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), discusses the benefits, joys and strategies for establishing successful school gardens.
Farm to school

Will Allen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Will Allen, VT-based organic farmer, co-founder of Cedar Circle farm, research director for Regeneration Vermont, and author of The War on Bugs, describes his work to advance regenerative farming, and exposes Bayer historic links to Nazi Germany and Monsanto pesticide injuries.
Regeneration Vermont

Peter Infante Interview, Part 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Peter Infante D.D.S., Dr.P.H., epidemiologist, and former Director of the Office of Carcinogen Identification and Classification at OSHA, describes the influence of industry and Congress on governmental regulatory agencies charged to protect public health. Part 2.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer

Peter Infante Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Peter Infante, D.D.S., Dr.P.H., epidemiologist, and former Director of the Office of Carcinogen Identification and Classification at OSHA, describes the influence of industry on science, and in particular addresses the carcinogenicity of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsantos Roundup herbicide
IARC Monograph

Cheryl Forberg Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Cheryl Forberg, R.D., James Beard Award-Winning Chef, New York Times best-selling author, and Nutritionist for NBCs The Biggest Loser, takes us behind the scenes of this reality TV show to reveal the biggest challenges and secrets behind successful weight loss. She will also pull weight loss tips from her latest book, A Small Guide to Losing Big
Cheryl Forberg

Andy Tomolonis Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that producing some of our own food can be an empowering, affordable way to improve our diets, take control of our food choices, and protect our health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andy Tomolonis, a.k.a the “dirt-cheap gardener.” Based in Southeastern, MA, Tomolonis, is a journalist, organic farmer, and author of “Organic Hobby Farming: A Practical Guide to Earth-Friendly Farming in Any Space. ” He'll describe how he turned his backyard garden on a 1-acre lot in suburbia into an organic farm and eight-family neighborhood CSA –all while maintaining his full-time day job.

“Organic Hobby Farming” is easy to read with beautiful photographs and step-by-step "how-to" tips for even the most novice gardeners. Whether your "garden" amounts to a pot of herbs on a sunny windowsill, a yard-full of berry bushes and vegetables, or a small farm to help feed your community, Tomolonis has information for you. If you’ve got spring fever, and are itching to get your hands in the soil, tune in. We’ll talk about seeds, tools, farming methods, alternatives to pesticides and more.

Mariana Chilton Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Did you know that poverty and hunger is often associated with obesity, depression, alcoholism, and childhood trauma? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mariana Chilton, Ph.D., MPH, Professor at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, in Philadelphia, PA. Chilton directs the Center for Hunger-Free Communities, and is the founder of “Witnesses to Hunger,” a PhotoVoice project that documents the lives of low-income women living in Philadelphia.

Chilton busts common myths and misconceptions about food insecurity; she explains how the use of food assistance programs reduces hospitalizations; and, she describes the circumstances that contribute to poverty and food insecurity. “Hunger is associated with isolation, humiliation and shame,” explains Chilton. She combines hard statistical and scientific data with human stories to change policies and promote greater connectedness, community, kindness, and compassion.

Related website: www.centerforhungerfreecommunities.org

Joe Maxwell Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 19:00:00 -0600

Do you know the biggest challenges family farmers face when trying to bring their livestock to market? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joe Maxwell, Political Director for the Humane Society Legislative Fund (http://www.hslf.org/), former MO State Representative, Senator and Lt. Governor, and family farmer. Maxwell explains farmers’ and ranchers’ difficulty in locating convenient, independent meat processing facilities, the consequences of vertical integration in the livestock industry, and how and why U.S. citizens lost “country of origin labeling” on meat packages. He offers suggestions on ways citizens and farmers can work together with legislators to improve food policy, our broader food system, rural economies, family farming, and the quality of food on our plates.

Daryl Ray Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Daryl Ray, Ph.D., Agricultural Economist, Professor Emeritus at the University of TN Knoxville, and columnist for the Agricultural Policy and Analysis Center, explains how economic principles apply to agriculture, the power of the consumer in the marketplace, and the danger of industry-funded and influenced research at Land Grant Universities. Ray recalls Monsantos pressure to not publish poor yield data on their GMO soybeans

Warren Porter Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Warren Porter, Ph.D. professor of zoology and environmental toxicology at the U. of WI-Madison, describes the health risks from ingredients (glyphosate + inerts) in Monsantos Roundup herbicide, at concentrations below what EPA says are safe.
The Detox Project

Richard Oswald Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Richard Oswald, 5th generation farmer, poet and columnist for the Daily Yonder, President of the MO Farmers Union and Board member of the Organization for Competitive Markets, describes how farmers have been sold on pesticides, GMO seeds, and the myth of feeding the world.
Organization for Competitive Markets

Faith Rogow Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Faith Rogow, Ph.D., the Media Literacy Education Maven, and co-author of The Teachers Guide to Media Literacy: Critical Thinking in a Multimedia World, helps us navigate fake news with critical thinking and observation sk
Insighters Educational Consultingills

Kathleen Dean Moore Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Kathleen Dean Moore, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of philosophy at Oregon State University, nature essayist and author, discusses the moral urgency of climate change, hope, and insights from her book, Great Tide Rising: Towards Clarity and Moral Courage in a Time of Planetary Change.
Kathleen Dean Moore On The Moral Urgency Of Climate Change

James Greenblatt Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest James Greenblatt, M.D., discusses his recent webinar: Malnourished Minds: A Functional Medicine approach to Cognition, Memory and Mood, with a specific focus on minerals, including lithium
James Greenblatt

Colleen Webb Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Colleen Webb, M.S., R.D., Weill Cornell Medical Center, speaks about her work with gastro-intestinal disorders irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, and how to promote gut health
Colleen Webb Nutrition

Jessica Almy Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jessica Almy, M.S., J.D., Deputy Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest, discusses Rigged: Supermarket Shelves for Sale, a behind-the-scenes expose of how food companies get their products featured in particular locations in supermarkets
Supermarket Shelves for Sale

Brenda Davy Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Brenda Davy, Ph.D., R.D., Nutrition Professor and researcher at Virginia Tech, talks about the under-appreciated role of water in health promotion, disease prevention, brain function, and surprising role in weight control, especially among middle-aged and older populations. Find out how much water we need and why, plus challenges to water quality
Brenda Davy

Sriram Madhusoodanan Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Sriram Madhusoodanan, Director of Corporate Accountability Internationals Value[the]Meal Campaign, describes Corporate Accountabilitys successful efforts to expose and challenge Nestles infant formula promotion, tobacco advertising, and McDonalds fast food marketing targeted at children
Corporate Accountability International

Bettina Siegel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Bettina Siegel, J.D., School food activist, named one of the 20 Most Influential Moms and author of The Lunch Tray blog, describes her work to improve school lunch, and national policies affecting childrens food, including the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act
The Lunch Tray

David Andrews Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest David Andrews, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group discusses his recent reports on water contamination with the carcinogenic chemicals, Chromium-6, and PFOA. The latter is the chemical formerly used in the manufacturing of Teflon.
EWG EnviroBlog

Paul Winchester Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Paul Winchester, M.D., Medical Director of the Neonatal and Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital, and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Riley Childrens Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, discusses his research on pesticide-related birth defects and premature births.
PDF Paul D. Winchester, M.D.

Robert Schooler Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Robert Schooler, Cornell University student who questioned the Alliance for Science - pro-biotechnology rhetoric, and began a speaker series presenting an agro-ecological perspective on the impact of genetic engineering on food and farming
GMO WTF?

Alan Guebert Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Alan Guebert, award-winning agricultural journalist, author of the nationally syndicated weekly column, The Farm and Food File, and co-author of The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey: Memories from the Farm of My Youth, shares his insights on the impacts of U.S. farm and food policies
The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey

Genna Reed Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Genna Reed, M.A., science and policy analyst in the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses her new report: Hooked for Life: How Weak Policies on Added Sugars Are Putting a Generation of Children at Risk.
Union of Concerned Scientists

Grace Gershuny Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Grace Gershuny, organic farmer and author of Organic Revolutionary: A Memoir of the Movement for Real Food, Planetary Healing and Human Liberation, describes her work with USDA developing organic policy, and explains how organic certification helps farmers, consumers and our planet
Organic Revolutionary

Tyrone Hayes Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Tyrone Hayes, Ph.D., biologist and professor of integrative biology at the University of California Berkeley, discusses his research on the hazards of Atrazine, an endocrine disrupting herbicide produced by Syngenta, and industrys resulting backlash
Beyond Pesticides

Lori Taylor Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Lori Taylor, M.A., M.S., R.D., nutritionist, explores the science questioning the safety of genetically engineered foods and who benefits from the technology
Lori Taylor

Susan Swithers Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Susan Swithers, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences and behavioral neuroscientist at Purdue University discusses her research on the surprising effects of sweeteners on body weight and blood sugar, and financial conflict of interest in the food industry
The Center for Public Integrity

Caitlin Shetterly Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Caitlin Shetterly, author of Modified: GMOs and the Threat to Our Food, Our Land, Our Future, describes her investigation into genetically engineered corn, her personal illness and recovery
Caitlin Shetterly

David Vetter Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest David Vetter, award-winning organic farmer, Grain Place Foods, Marquette, NE, discusses his philosophy, practices, challenges, and future of farming sustainably.
Dreaming of a Vetter World

Sheldon Krimsky Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Sheldon Krimsky, Ph.D., professor of urban and environmental policy and planning at Tufts University and co-editor of The GMO Deception: What You Need to Know about the Food, Corporations, and Government Agencies Putting Our Families and Our Environment at Risk, helps us rethink messages about the research and safety of genetically engineered foods.
GMO Deception

Naomi Oreskes Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Naomi Oreskes, Ph.D., co-author of Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming describes PR strategies for muddying scientific data
Merchants of Doubt

Josh Golin Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Josh Golin, Executive Director, Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, discusses how marketers target children at home and school, and the challenges parents face raising healthy children in a screen culture.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood

Zen Honeycutt Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Zen Honeycutt, Founder and Director of Moms Across America describes her organizations mission to protect childrens health, raise awareness about GMOs and related environmental toxins, and empower moms to create healthy communities
Moms Across America

Carrie Balkcom Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Carrie Balkcom, Executive Director for the American Grassfed Association, and Certified Executive Chef, based in Denver, Colorado, defines grassfed standards, and describes how consumers can navigate meat labels in the marketplace
American Grassfed Association

Will Harris Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Will Harris, 4th generation cattleman, describes his philosophy on raising livestock humanely, in cooperation with nature, on White Oak Pastures, Bluffton, Georgia
White Oak Pastures

Percy Schmeiser Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Percy Schmeiser, canola farmer from Saskatchewan, Canada, describes his legal battle with Monsanto following the contamination of his land with genetically engineered (GMO) seeds
Percy Schmeiser vs Monsanto

Keeve Nachman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Keeve Nachman, Ph.D., Director of the Center for a Livable Futures Food Production and Public Health Program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses his research on the effects of industrial agriculture on rural community health, with a focus on arsenic and antibiotics
Food Production and Public Health Program

Peter Menzel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Peter Menzel, award-winning photojournalist and co-author with Faith DAlusio of Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, Man Eating Bugs: The Art and Science of Eating Insects, and What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets, describes global consumption, entomophagy, and the images that put a face on food, health and agriculture.
Hungry Planet

Anthony Flaccavento Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Anthony Flaccavento, organic farmer, founder of Appalachian Sustainable Development, national thought-leader on sustainability, and author of Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up: Harnessing Real-World Experience for Transformative Change, describes a road map for achieving ecologically healthy economies
Bottom Up Economy

George Leventhal Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest George Leventhal, immediate past president of the Montgomery County Council (Maryland), describes the challenges and ultimate success in banning county-wide use of cosmetic pesticides in public and private spaces
Landmark Law: The Case for Local Action

Jane Grover Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jane Grover, DDS, Director of the Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations for the American Dental Association discusses solutions to Americas dental care crisis
Mouth Healthy

Ken Roseboro Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Ken Roseboro, editor and publisher of The Organic and Non-GMO Report, describes the steady growth in consumer demand for organic and non-GMO foods, areas of confusion, and GMO labeling
The Organic & Non-GMO Report

Kristin Schafer Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Kristin Schafer, co-author of Kids on the Frontline: How Pesticides are Undermining the Health of Rural Children, describes the risks rural children face in agricultural communities across the U.S.
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) North America

Garrett Broad Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Garrett Broad, Ph.D., author, More Than Just Food: Food Justice and Community Change, describes the power of media and storytelling in promoting food justice, and the role food programs played in the Black Panther Partys strength.
Garrett M. Broad

Tao Orion Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Tao Orion, author of Beyond the War on Invasive Species: A Permaculture Approach to Ecosystem Restoration helps us rethink invasive species, describes holistic land management, and explores our concept of wilderness.
Resilience Permaculture

Laura Lengnick Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 May 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Laura Lengnick, Ph.D., soil scientist and author of Resilient Agriculture: Cultivating Food Systems for a Changing Climate, discusses the Paris climate talks, and necessary shifts in agriculture and policies to set the table of tomorrow. Part II
Regeneration International

Laura Lengnick Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 May 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Laura Lengnick, Ph.D., soil scientist and author of Resilient Agriculture: Cultivating Food Systems for a Changing Climate, explains resilience and challenges of climate change relating to food and farming. Part I
Climate Listening Project

Carey Gillam Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 May 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Carey Gillam, research director at U.S. Right to Know, and former senior correspondent and investigative reporter for Reuters, describes her experiences covering the food and biotech industries, regulatory agencies and conflicts of interests
US-RTK

Tod Cooperman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 May 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Tod Cooperman, M.D. President and Founder of Consumerlab.com, describes risks and benefits of some of the most popular dietary supplements, plus cocoa powder and dark chocolate
Consumerlab

Richard Louv Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, The Nature Principle, and most recently, Vitamin N: 500 Ways to Enrich Your Familys Health & Happiness, explains why its critical to create a nature-rich life; and describes childrens human rights to the natural world
Richard Louv

Charles Benbrook Interview Part 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., agricultural economist, describes the nutritional benefits of organic food. Part II
Organic vs non-organic food

Charles Benbrook Interview Part 1

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., agricultural economist and member of the USDAs AC 21 biotechnology Agricultural Committee, describes safety, environmental impacts and public health consequences of genetically engineered crops and their related herbicides
Glyphosate-based herbicides

Liz Carlisle Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Liz Carlisle, Ph.D., author of Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America, and Fellow at the Center for Diversified Farming Systems at U.C. Berkeley, describes the power of cooperative rural communities in creating sustainable food systems
Lentil Underground

Lisa McDowell Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Lisa McDowell, M.S., R.D., Director of Clinical Nutrition and Wellness at St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, MI, and team dietitian for the Detroit Red Wings, Olympic, collegiate and other pro-athletes, talks about sports and clinical nutrition
Priority Health Wellness Blog

Bill Marler Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Bill Marler, foodborne illness lawyer and expert in food safety, discusses ways to prevent national foodborne illness outbreaks in general, the Chipotle incident in particular, and the six risky foods he never eats
Marler Blog

Kathleen Delate Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Kathleen Delate, Ph.D., professor of horticulture at IA State University describes her research on the benefits of organic farming systems
Iowa State UniversityOrganic Agriculture Program

Reed Mangels Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D. Nutrition advisor for the Vegetarian Resource Group, and nutrition professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, discusses vegetarian diets.
The Vegetarian Resource Group

Amanda Hitt Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Amanda Hitt, Director of the Government Accountability Project Food Integrity Campaign, describes the role food industry whistleblowers play in stopping abuses to animals, people and the environment.
Food Integrity Campaign

Doug Crabtree Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Doug Crabtree, M.S., organic heirloom grain and pulse (legumes, lentils, beans, peas) farmer, explains his conservation-based land ethic for sustainable food production, and farm policies he would change to create greater national food security. The United Nations declared 2016 the international year of pulses.
International Year of Pulses

Colette Cosner Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Colette Cosner, former Executive Director of the Domestic Fair Trade Association, explains how free trade agreements impact farm workers and immigration, and how we can be more educated citizen eaters.
Domestic Fair Trade

Jim Goodman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jim Goodman, organic dairy farmer, member of Family Farm Defenders, and the Organic Consumers Association defines food security, food sovereignty, and discusses how the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership benefits global corporations, not family farmers.
Trans Pacific Partnership Protest

Dave Seddon Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Dave Seddon, Registered Dietitian, Board President and CEO of the Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative, Americas first farm-institution food service cooperative. Seddon explains the social, economic and public health benefits of cooperative, regional food production and procurement.
Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative

Gail Hansen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH, discusses the increasing risk of antibiotic-resistant infections resulting from rising rates of misuse and abuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture on a global scale.
Keep Antibiotics Working

Valerie Segrest Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Valerie Segrest, M.S., Native American nutritionist, co-author of Feeding the People, Feeding the Spirit: Revitalizing Northwest Coastal Indian Food Culture, and coordinator of the Muckleshoot Food Sovereignty Project, discusses how genetically engineered salmon violate tribal treaty rights and pose a risk to future generations.
Campaign for GE-Free Seafood

Robert Shetterly Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Robert Shetterly, artist and founder of the Americans Who Tell the Truth project, explains his humanitarian work: painting portraits and telling the stories of exemplary citizens who have promoted social and environmental justice
Americans Who Tell the Truth

Jonathan Lundgren Interview Part 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jonathan Lundgren, Ph.D. Award-winning entomologist discusses his research on neonicotinoid pesticides, their pervasive use, harmful effects, and why he left his USDA lab to start an independent research and education farm. (Part 2)
Blue Dasher Farm

Jonathan Lundgren Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jonathan Lundgren, Ph.D., Agroecologist and Entomologist, discusses his 20-years of research on bugs, pesticides, and why he left his USDA lab to start an independent research farm that focuses on producing healthier food in natures image. (Part I)
Blue Dasher Farm

Representative Louise Slaughter Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Representative Louise Slaughter, M.S., Congresswoman, 25th District New York State discusses her efforts to pass legislation -- the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act -- that would prohibit the dangerous use of routine antibitoics on industrial farms. Where are the roadblocks, and what can consumers do to protect our food, drugs and health?
Representative Louise Slaughter

Aimee Code Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Aimee Code, M.S., Pesticide Program Director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, will discuss the widespread use, and unintended consequences of neonicotinoid pesticides
Xerces Society

Kelay Trentham Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Kelay Trentham, R.D., oncology dietitian discusses the role medical cannabis can play in relieving cancer treatment side-effects, challenges of treatment with marijuana, plus why red and processed meats increase cancer risk
Oncology Nutrition

Catherine Badgley Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Catherine Badgley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at U. of MI defines biodiversity, why it is essential for survival and how we might drive more sustainable food systems
LSA EEB

Bruce Hemming Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 18:00:00 -0600

Guest Bruce Hemming, Ph.D. President and CEO of Microbe Inotech Laboratories, Inc., St. Louis, MO, describes how glyphosate' s metal chelating actions can affect our gut microorganisms
MICROBE INOTECH LABS

Nicolette Hahn Niman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Nicolette Hahn Niman, author, Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production, describes her manifesto of an environmental lawyer and vegetarian turned cattle rancher.
Nicolette Hahn Niman

Stacia Clinton Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Stacia Clinton, R.D., Regional Direcctor, Health Care Without Harm Healthy Food in Health Care Program, and Chair of the Clinician Champions in Comprehensive Antibiotic Stewardship, explains the high cost of antibiotic resistance, and how hospital infections can be traced to farming practices
Healthy Food in Health Care

Dana Gunders Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Dana Gunders, Staff Scientist, National Resources Defense Council and author of the Waste Free Kitchen Handbook, discusses how to reduce food waste, plus recpe ideas for leftovers
Waste Free Kitchen Handbook

David Mortensen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest David Mortensen, Ph.D., Professor of Weed Ecology, Penn State U., explains unintended consequences of GMO crops engineered to resist herbicides, how weeds develop herbicide resistance, and alternatives to herbicides
Natural Resources Defense Council

Richard Oswald Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Richard Oswald, 5th generation family farmer, journalist (Progressive Farmer, Daily Yonder), President, Missouri Farmers' Union and director for Organization for Competitive Markets and Board member, National Farmers\\\' Union, discusses consolidation in farming and agricultural legislation affecting U.S. food security
Organization for Competitive Markets

Nancy Zucker Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Nancy Zucker, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Eating Disorders, Duke University Medical Center, discusses her research on picky eaters, and explains what is typical, what is not and why
Duke Center for Eating Disorders

Laura Batcha Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association, defines organic, busts myths, and explains the unique benefits of organic farming and food production
Organic Trade Association

Routt Reigart Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Routt Reigart, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, co-editor of the 6th Edition of the EPA Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, and Father of the Childrens Environmental Health Movement, discusses the impact of pesticides on childrens health
Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings

JoAnne Berkenkamp Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest JoAnne Berkenkamp, M.S., Senior Advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Food and Agriculture Program discusses food waste.
NDRC

Robert McChesney Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Robert McChesney, Ph.D., Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and cofounder, Free Press, discusses media, money and politics as it influences food and farming choices. The need for media literacy has never been greater
Robert W. McChesney

Douglas Gayeton Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Douglas Gayeton, award-winning multi-media artist and mastermind behind the Lexicon of Sustainability, and Lexicon of Food, explains why and how he and wife Laura Howard-Gayeton, use language and graphics to transform our food system
Lexicon of Food

Diana Dyer Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. dietitian and organic garlic farmer reveals the single barrier preventing her from farming in her youth; she describes the soil-food web, the benefits of organic farming, and connects soil, plant and human health
Dyer Family Organic Farm

Katherine Pryor Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Katherine Pryor, childrens book author and sustainable food systems educator returns to discuss the story behind her latest delightful book, Zoras Zucchini. Perfect for food literacy classroom activities and helping children appreciate gardenings power in building a healthy community
Meet Author Katherine Pryor

Anna Lappe Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Anna Lappe, sustainable food advocate, and co-author of Spinning Food: How Food Industry Front Groups and Covert Communications are Shaping the Story of Food, reveals how industry front groups mislead, misinform, and twist how we think about food and farming
Anna Lappe

Richard Bickel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Richard Bickel, international photojournalist, captures images of the Oystermen of Apalachicola, FL, and describes environmental threats to the region, its prized shellfish, people and culture
Apalachicola Riverkeeper

Bill Wilson Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Bill Wilson, Co-Founder Birds and Beans Coffee, LLC, explains how shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee protects migratory bird populations, and our planet
Birds and Beans

Lani Malmberg Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Lani Malmberg, gypsy goat herder, describes how and why she works with goats to provide a safe, natural, ecological answer to weed control and land restoration
Manage Weeds with Goats

Sean Sellers Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Sean Sellers, M.A., Senior Investigator/Monitor, Fair Food Standards Council, Sarasota, FL, describes farm labor conditions in Immokalee Florida, and how farmworker standards, monitoring and education have advanced the human rights of farmworkers and supported ethical supply chains
Fair Food Standards Council

Jonathan Latham Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jonathan Latham, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project and Editor, Independent Science News, Ithaca, NY, questions the assumptions, narratives, and PR spin re food, agriculture, and biotechnology
Independent Science News

Louis Guillette Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Louis Guillette, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Director, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina and Hollings Marine Laboratory, describes his research showing how environmental contaminants harm alligators and similarly, humans
Beyond Pesticides

Amy Mondlach Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Amy Mondlach, Toxic Tater Campaign Coordinator, describes how pesticide drift from potato fields owned by Ronald D. Offutt (RDO), the largest potato grower in the world and one of McDonalds leading potato suppliers, are harming children and the environment in north central Minnesota
Toxic Taters

Justin Sonnenberg Interview Part 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Justin Sonnenberg, Ph.D., Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, author of The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, discusses the impact of antibiotic overuse, the promise and uncertainties of probiotics, the gut-brain connection and how aging impacts the microbiota. (Part II)
Sonnenberg Lab

Justin Sonnenberg Interview Part 1

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Justin Sonnenberg, Ph.D., Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, author of The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, describes our gut bacterias role in health and disease. (Part I)
Sonnenberg Lab

Kimber Stanhope Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Kimber Stanhope, PhD, RD, associate research nutritional biologist, University of California-Davis, discusses the relationship between sugar consumption, metabolic disease and industrys influence on science and health policy
SugarScience

E. G. Vallianatos Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest E. G. Vallianatos, Ph.D., author of Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA, takes us behind the scenes of his 25 year career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Poison Spring

Jeannie Economos Interview

Melinda Hememlgarn — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jeannie Economos, Pesticide safety and environmental health project coordinator, Farmworker Association of Florida, discusses toxic Lake Apopka how agriculutral chemicals have harmed the natural environment and farmworker health
Farmworker Association of Florida

Andy Bellati Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 May 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Andy Bellati, M.S., R.D., explains how the food industry influences what we think about food and health, and food industry deception vs. reality
Small Bites

Bruce Lanphear Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Bruce Lanphear, M.D., M.P.H, clinician scientist at the Child & Family Research Institute, BC Childrens Hospital, and Professor at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, talks about environmental toxins, their impact on childrens health, and profit motives that take precedence over public health
Environmental Health Atlas

Jennifer Hartle Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jennifer Hartle, PhD., M.H.S., Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Standford University School of Medicine, and environmental health scientist talks about Bisphenol-A (BPA), the estrogen-mimicking compound that leaches out of plastics, food and beverage cans, and found in school lunch
BPA Guide

Suzanne Dixon Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 May 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Suzanne Dixon, M.P.H., M.S., R.D., dietitian with expertise in nutrition and chronic disease prevention describes the most important steps we can take to improve our diets. Tune in for a big picture look at nutrition science
No Nutrition Fear

Lenore Arab Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Lenore Arab, Ph.D. Nutritional epidemiologist, UCLA, explains how fruits, vegetables and unique components of tea can help protect our health
Lenore Arab

Wayne Pacelle Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States discusses his organizations role in protecting animal welfare, our natural kinship with animals, and ways we can see through corporate propaganda about industrial farms
Humane Society of the United States

Jahi Chappel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jahi Chappel, Ph.D. Director of Agroecology and Agriculture Policy at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, talks about Deepening Food Democracy, the report he co-authored
Deepening Food Democracy

Anthony Flaccavento Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Anthony Flaccavento, organic farmer and entrepreneur describes his local foods cost calculator to increase the the use of locally raised food in restaurants and food service
SCALE

Stephen Ritz Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Stephen Ritz, South Bronx educator featured in TEDx Manhattan, one of the top 10 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize describes the Green Bronx Machine and how growing vegetables in school changed the lives of his students in one of the poorest school districts in the country
Green Bronx Machine

Anita Poeppel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Anita Poeppel, Illinois farmer, speaks about the hazards of pesticide drift, and the Spray Drift Education Network, created to help report, monitor and protect rural families, crops and CSA customers who want pesticide-free food
Spray Drift Education Network

Sanjay Rawal Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Sanjay Rawal, director, Food Chains, discusses his documentary film that sheds light on past and present farm worker conditions with hope and actions for justice
Food Chain$

Margaret Reeves Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Margaret Reeves, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and advocate at the Pesticide Action Network describes the risks farmworkers face from pesticide exposure and the new Equitable Farm Initiative
EFI

Jo Ann Hattner Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jo Ann Hattner, MPH, RD, dietitian and author of Gut Insight: probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health and well-being, describes foods that nourish and protect gut microorganisms
Gut Insight

Roni Neff Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Roni Neff, Ph.D., Director of the Food System Sustainability Program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future, and editor of Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Public Health, Environment, and Equity. Neff describes sustainable diets and climate-friendly eating
Introduction to the US Food System

Stacia Nordin Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Stacia Nordin, R.D., Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Advisor for the United Nations, has worked in worked in Malawi, East Africa, for 17 years. She describes the benefits of biodiversity and permaculture in feeding the world (not GMOs)
Never Ending Food

Gary Wenk Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Gary Wenk, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Molecular Virology at the Ohio State University, and author of Your Brain on Food: How Chemicals Control Your Thoughts and Feelings, will talk about coffee, chocolate, food addiction and more
Your Brain on Food

Eliza Greenman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Eliza Greenman, owner/operator of Legacy Fruit Trees in Virginia and Director of Biodiversity for Greenhorns, an organization made up of young farmers, to recruit, promote and support the new generation of farmers. Greenman describes her experiences in the orchard and at the annual Future Farmers of America meeting in KY
Greenhorns

Jim Gerritsen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jim Gerritsen, owner and operator of Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, Maine, and President of the Maine-based Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, which in 2011 filed a lawsuit against Monsanto to challenge seed patents. Gerritsen describes the lawsuit, our common heritage of seeds, transgenic contamination and why he supports GMO food labeling
Wood Prairie Farm

Ted Genoways Interview Part 2

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Ted Genoways, author of The Chain, continues his discussion revealing the true cost of cheap food, including antibiotic resistance, declining water quality and how we can help build a sustainable food system. Part II of II
Ted Genoways

Ted Genoways Interview Part 1

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Ted Genoways, author of The Chain: Farm, Factory, and the Fate of Our Food, a riveting, compelling expose of the meatpacking industry, through the lens of Hormel. Genoways describes working conditions and related injuries, the shift in labor force and immigration. Part I of II
Ted Genoways

Paul Hanley Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Paul Hanley, environment columnist with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and author of Eleven which describes how 11 billion people on Earth by centurys end will change everything. Hanley discusses consumerism and the need to evaluate food and farming through an ecological lens for a sustainable future
Paul Hanley

Nancy Clark Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Nancy Clark, M.S., R.D. Registered Dietitian, internationally respected sports nutritionist, athlete and author of Nancy Clarks Sports Nutrition Guidebook: The #1 nutrition resource for active people, describes elements of a winning sports diet and how to fuel better to feel better.
Nancy Clark

Jill Nussinow Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D., dietitian and author of Nutrition CHAMPS: New Way of Thinking about Food Groups that Will Change Your Life, discusses her new cookbook which focuses on a plant-based diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, herbs, alliums, mushrooms, pulse, seeds and nuts, and their health-promoting and flavorful attributes
The Veggie Queen

Andrianna Natsoulas Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Andrianna Natsoulas, author of Food Voices: Stories from the People Who Feed Us, describes the principles and pillars of food sovereignty, the consequences of fish and shrimp farming, and how consumers can be advocates for food justice
Food Voices

Brian Wansink Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Brian Wansink, Ph.D., Director of Cornell Universitys Food and Brand Lab, and author of Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life, explains ways we can simply tweak our most common food environments, we can easily lose unwanted pounds and achieve better health
Slim By Design

Eric Herm Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Eric Herm, 4th generation TX cotton farmer and author of Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth, and Surviving Ourselves: The Evolution of Community, Education, and Agriculture in the 21st Century, describes challenges to sustainable farming and solutions for healing the planet.
Son of a Farmer

Deborah Madison Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Deborah Madison, Americas leading authority on vegetarian cooking, talks about her life, kitchen, garden, and latest cookbooks: The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, and 2014 James Beard Award-winning Vegetable Literacy.
Deborah Madison

Amanda Heyman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Amanda Heyman, attorney, provides legal counsel for independent farmers & food businesses; she discusses legal aspects of GMO, organic and natural labeling, and threats from pesticide drift
Lawyers for Good Food

Janisse Ray Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Janisse Ray, author of the The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food, describes hopeful, collective actions to protect our sacred seeds, farmers rights and the future of our food
Janisse Ray

Mary Stein Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Mary Stein, M.S., Deputy Director, National Farm to School Network explains how increasing local food in schools from regional farms to school gardens -- improves child nutrition, school performance and community development
National Farm to School Network

Robert Lustig Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Robert Lustig, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, author of Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease, and featured in the film, FED UP exposes myths and offers solutions for fixing the obesity epidemic
Fed Up

Robert Kremer Interview

Melinda Hemmlgarn — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Robert Kremer, Ph.D., microbiologist formerly with the U.S.D.As Agricultural Research Service and Adjunct Professor of Soil Microbiology at the University of Missouri, describes how glyphosate (Roundup) affects soil microbiology, ecology, and plant susceptibility to disease
European Journal of Agronomy

Karen Collins Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Karen Collins, M.S., RDN, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research describes dietary strategies for cancer prevention
Karen Collins Nutrition

Michael Graziano Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Michael Graziano, producer and director of the film, Resistance which describes the history of antibiotics and how we are moving towards a post-antibiotic era, largely due to misuse in livestock production
Resistance the Film

Raymon Seidler Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Raymon Seidler, Ph.D., former Senior Scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, and author of Pesticide Use on Genetically Engineered Crops, explains the failed promises and real risks of pesticides used with GMO crops
Environmental Working Group

Margaret Carrel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Margaret Carrel, Ph.D., medical geographer and Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, describes her research which investigated residential proximity to confined swine feeding operations and heightened risk for infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Margaret Carrel

Jeff Ritterman Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jeff Ritterman, M.D., member, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and former Chief of Cardiology at Kaiser Richmond Medical Center, CA, explores the link between fatal kidney disease among farmers in Central America, Sri Lanka and India and exposure to heavy metals and Monsantos RoundUp herbicide
Truth-Out

Mary Jo Forbord Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Mary Jo Forbord, RD, organic farmer and registered dietitian describes the intersection of health and agriculture, and the challenges she faces on her farm, and to public health, from increased pesticide use weapons of mass destruction.
Prairie Horizons Farm

Lynn Dornblaser Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Lynn Dornblaser, Director of Innovation and Insight, at Mintel, an international global market research and analysis firm, describes the difference between fads and trends, and her experience tracking and analyzing new food products
MINTEL

Jaydee Hansen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jaydee Hansen: Senior Policy Analyst for the Center for Food Safety discusses how nanotechnology is being applied to foods and food-related products, and lack of regulation
Center for Food Safety

Harold Goldstein Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Harold Goldstein: Executive Director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy, describes his work to reduce childhood obesity, specifically targeted on sugar-sweetened beverages
CCPHA

Norma Flores Lopez Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Norma Flores Lopez: Director, Children in the Fields Campaign at the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, describes child labor in agriculture, including her own personal experience at age 12
Human Rights Watch Report

Robert Shimek Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Robert Shimek: Interim Executive Director of the White Earth Land Recovery Project, and Founder of the Toxic Tater Coalition, discusses the public health consequences associated with pesticides used in potato production in Northern MN.
Toxic Taters

Seth Holmes Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Seth Holmes, Ph.D., M.D., anthropologist and author: Fresh Fruit: Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States, describes the living, working, and health conditions of migrant farm workers. (Part II)
Seth Holmes

Jose Oliva Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Jose Oliva, Associate Director of the Food Chain Workers Alliance describes the wages (the restaurant industry lobbies to keep the federal tipped minimum wage at $2.13) and working conditions of those who cook and serve food in our nations restaurants
Food Chain Workers Alliance

John Pastor Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest John Pastor, Ph.D., Project Art for Nature, and Natural Resources Research Institute, University of MN-Duluth, describes differences between scientific and political perspectives, and his research on the effects of the mining industry on MNs sacred wild rice
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

Joanne Ikeda Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Joanne Ikeda, M.A., R.D., Nutritionist Emeritus, Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of CA-Berkeley, explains how to protect children from becoming casualties in the War on Obesity, and describes the health at every size approach to weight management
ASDAH

Rose Hayden-Smith Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., U.S. garden historian and author of Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I, explains how home, school and community gardens have historically proven vital to national security and resiliency
Rose Hayden-Smith

Steve Suppan Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Steve Suppan, Ph.D., author of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy report: Nanomaterials In Soil: Our Future Food Chain?
IATP

Rob McCaleb Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Rob McCaleb, Founder and President of the Herb Research Foundation, discusses the benefits of natures medicines -- herbs for health promotion and natural healing
Herb News

Margo Wootan Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Margo Wootan, Ph.D., Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest, featured in the film, Fed Up, discusses food marketing directed towards children and strategies for parents
CSPI

Joan Dye Gussow Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Joan Dye Gussow, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, Columbia Universitys Teachers College, matriarch of the eat locally, think globally food movement discusses nutritional ecology and her lifes work
Joans Garden

James Hill Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest James Hill, Ph.D., Founding Executive Director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center at the University of Colorado, co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry, and co-author of State of Slim, talks about healthy weight, and surprising factors influencing the number on the scale
James O. Hill, Ph.D.

Seth Holmes Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 May 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Seth Holmes, M.D., anthropologist and author: Fresh Fruit: Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States, describes crossing the U.S. border with Mexican migrant workers who risk their lives to pick our fruit, working conditions and policies that create suffering
Seth M. Holmes PhD, MD

Alan Branhagen Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Alan Branhagen, Director of Horticulture, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO, describes how to care for edible plants, and the Heartland Harvest Garden, our nations largest edible landscape
Powell Gardens

Calen May-Tobin Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 May 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Calen May-Tobin, Policy Analyst, Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative, Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses the role of palm oil in climate change, and his report: Donuts, Deodorant, Deforestation: Scoring Americas Top Brands on Their Palm Oil Commitments.
Palm Oil Score

Kelly Tappenden Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Kelly Tappenden, Ph.D., R.D., Professor of Nutrition and Gastrointestinal physiology, University of IL-Urbana, talks about the microbiome, and the critical role our gut micro-organisms play in health, with specific reference to her research on auto-immune disease
Human Microbiome Project

Mark Hobreich Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Mark Hobreich, M.D., board certified allergist discusses allergy trends, his surprising research in Amish farming communities, and how to live well with allergies
Food Allergy Research and Education

Roger Blobaum Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Roger Blobaum, organic historian, advocate and educator, describes the organic movement past and present with highlights of his 40 year collection of organic historical documents being archived at the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Organic Movement Past and Present

Kathrynne Holden Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 18:00:00 -0500

Guest Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D., expert on diet and Parkinsons Disease talks about risk factors and nutrition strategies to help people live well with this neurological disorder
Nutrition You Can Live With

Susan Nagel Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Susan Nagel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of MO-Columbia, talks about her research on endocrine disrupting chemicals, and their use in fracking to extract natural gas.
TEDX

Chuck Benbrook Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Washington State University, explains his research showing the benefits of organic food and farming: higher antioxidants and vitamins, reduced pesticide use, and healthier fats in organic milk
CSANR

Patsy Catsos Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Patsy Catsos, M.S.,R.D., author of IBS: Free at Last! Change Your Carbs, Change Your Life, talks about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders and the FODMAP Elimination Diet to alleviate symptoms
IBSFree.net

Brenda Davis Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Brenda Davis, R.D., member, Vegetarian Hall of Fame, and author of Becoming Vegan, Becoming Raw, and Defeating Diabetes. Davis describes healthful components of vegetarian raw diets and her work reversing diabetes on the Marshall Islands
Brenda Davis, R.D.

Benny McLean Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Benny McLean, Production Manager, Uncle Matts Organic, talks about organic citrus, the role of the soil, benefits of biodiversity and the challenges of citrus greening
Uncle Matts Organic

Eric Lee-Mader Interview

Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 17:00:00 -0600

Guest Eric Lee-Mader, Assistant Pollinator Conservation Program Director, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, shares his knowledge of how food production is dependent upon beneficial insects and conservation
Xerces Society

Claire Hope Cummings, environmental lawyer, journalist, organic farmer, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, discusses the ethical and political considerations of patenting and engineering seeds, with a focus on rice, and specifically GMO Golden Rice. (Part II) Tells the story of rice culture: trade, government and sustainable agriculture through rice. Ecological concerns
Claire Hope Cu http://food-sleuth.blogspot.com/ kopnwebmaster@mac.com Melinda Hemmelgarn - Claire Hope Cummings, environmental lawyer, journalist, organic farmer, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, discusses the ethical and political considerations of patenting and engineering seeds, with a focus on rice, and specifically GMO Golden Rice. (Part II) Tells the story of rice culture: trade, government and sustainable agriculture through rice. Ecological concerns Claire Hope Cu Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:00:02 -0600 Melinda Hemmelgarn Claire Hope Cummings, environmental lawyer, journalist, organic farmer, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, discusses the ethical and political considerations of patenting and engineering seeds, with a focus on rice, and specifically GMO Golden Rice. (Part II) Tells the story of rice culture: trade, government and sustainable agriculture through rice. Ecological concerns Claire Hope Cu Claire Hope Cummings, environmental lawyer, journalist, organic farmer, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, discusses the ethical and political considerations of patenting and engineering seeds, with a focus on rice, and specifically GMO Golden Rice. (Part II) Tells the story of rice culture: trade, government and sustainable agriculture through rice. Ecological concerns Claire Hope Cu 00:28:15 http://food-sleuth.blogspot.com//02-20-14 Food Sleuth Radio.mp3#1392937202 guest Doug Gurian-Sherman, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists describes genetic engineering, the resulting rise of superweeds, and the risks to local food and wildlife from new 2,4-D -resistant GMO crops<![CDATA[<br><a href=http://www.ucsusa.org/about/staff/staff/doug-gurian-sherman.html target=_blank class=external>Union of Concerned Scientists</a></h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:00:02 -0600</p> guest Doug Gurian-Sherman, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists describes genetic engineering, the resulting rise of superweeds, and the risks to local food and wildlife from new 2,4-D -resistant GMO crops<br><a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/about/staff/staff/doug-gurian-sherman.html" class="external">Union of Concerned Scientists</a> </article> <article> <h1>Joe Maxwell Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Joe Maxwell, Vice President of Outreach and Engagement for the Humane Society of the United States, and former MO State Representative, State Senator, and Lieutenant Governor. From protecting natural resources to stopping ag-gag laws, Maxwell describes his work with the Humane Society, and discusses the policies driving changes in farming, food, and rural community health<br><a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/">The Humane Society</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Urvashi Rangan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., Director, Consumer Safety and Sustainability, Consumer Reports, discusses the recent national outbreak of Salmonella attributed to chicken and the presence of antibiotic-resistant resistant bacteria on chicken breasts in supermarkets nationwide. Rangan interprets eco-labels and suggests ways to improve food safety<br><a href="http://www.greenerchoices.org/">Green Choices</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Klaas Martens Interview Part 2</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Klaas Martens, organic farmer, describes beneficial organic practices, and risks from farm chemicals on our environment, soil and public health. (Part II)<br><a href="http://www.lakevieworganicgrain.com/">Lakeview Organic Grain</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Klaas Martens Interview Part 1 of 2</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Klaas Martens, New York State farmer, writer and researcher specializing in organic feed and seed. Martens began his career as a conventional grower, but switched to organic farming, only to discover higher yields and improved soil and personal health. Martens explains why he made the transition and the successful growth of his 1,400 acres of certified organic crops<br><a href="http://www.lakevieworganicgrain.com/">Lakeview Organic Grain</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kathy Pryor Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Kathy Pryor, MS, Program Director, Washington Healthy Food in Health Care, Health Care Without Harm, and author of the childrens book, Sylvias Spinach. Pryor discusses opportunities to improve foodservice in hospitals, and her new passion: writing stories for children about healthy food and school gardens<br><a href="http://katherinepryor.com/">Katherine Pryor</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Niki Strealy Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Niki Strealy, RD author of The Diarrhea Dietitian: Expert Advice, Practical Solutions and Strategic Nutrition, talks about what can cause bowel problems, and how to prevent them<br><a href="http://www.diarrheadietitian.com/">The Diarrhea Dietitian</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Claire Hope Cummings Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Claire Hope Cummings , environmental lawyer, journalist, farmer, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, discusses the ethical and political considerations of patenting and engineering seed. (Part I)<br><a href="http://www.clairehopecummings.com/">Claire Hope Cummings</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Joseph Hibbeln Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Capt. Joseph Hibbeln, M.D. , Acting Chief, Section on Nutritional Neurochemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, talks about his research on omega-3 fatty acids, neuro-development and mental health<br><a href="http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/research/niaaa-intramural-program/niaaa-laboratories/laboratory-membrane-biochemistry-and-biophysi-2">LMBB - Section of Nutritional Neuroscience</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Bev Veals Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Bev Veals , cancer patient who received national media attention for being denied health insurance, talks about the pesticide exposure which she links to her cancer, as well as how the Affordable Health Care Act will provide access to life-saving health care<br><a href="http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/259267/8/Cancer-patient-denied-health-insurance-due-to-medical-condition-talks-about-coverage-under-Obamacare">WCSH TV</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>April Winslow Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest April Winslow, M.S., R.D. Co-founder of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians, and Founder, Choose to Change nutrition services. Winslow describes the connection between nutrition, psychotherapy, depression, and eating disorders<br><a href="http://choosetochangenutrition.com/">Choose to Change</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Daphne Miller Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Daphne Miller, M.D., physician, professor of family medicine at the U. of CA, San Francisco, columnist for the WA Post, and author of The Jungle Effect, and Farmacology: What Innovative Family Farming Can Teach Us About Health and Healing, describes the connections between ecology, the natural world, modern medicine and health<br><a href="http://www.drdaphne.com/">Daphne Miller, M.D.</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Art Sherwood Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Art Sherwood, Ph.D., Associate Professor of management at Indiana State University and Vice President of the Bloomingfoods Co-op Board of Directions, describes the economic and community benefits of democratic, sustainable cooperative business models, grocery stores and beyond<br><a href="http://www.cdsconsulting.coop/">CDS Consulting Co-op</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Twila C. Liggett Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Twila C. Liggett, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Producer of the PBS Childrens TV Series, Reading Rainbow, describes her new multi-media project: Betty Spaghettis Flying Food Adventures, which will help children fall in love with eating good food<br><a href="http://bettyspaghettishow.com/">Betty Spaghetti Show</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ronni Chernoff Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Ronni Chernoff, Ph.D., R.D., Associate Director Education and Evaluation, Little Rock Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center. Chernoff is one of the nations leading experts on nutrition and aging. Shell tell how to age well and determine nutritional risk<br><a href="http://www.cdaaa.org/images/Nutritional_Checklist.pdf">Nutritional Checklist</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dan Schlademan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Dan Schlademan, Director of the Making Change at Walmart campaign, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, discusses wage disparity, economic injustice, and American taxpayer subsidies to Walmart, the worlds largest private employer<br><a href="http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/">Making Change at Walmart</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jay Feldman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jay Feldman, M.S., Executive Director and Cofounder of Beyond Pesticides, and member of the National Organic Standards Board, describes the unintended consequences of pesticides, herbicide-resistant genetically engineered crops, and ways to protect vulnerable populations, pollinators and the organic food label<br><a href="http://www.beyondpesticides.org/">Beyond Pesticides</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Annie Kay Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Annie Kay, M.S., R.D., dietitian, registered yoga teacher, and author of Every Bite is Divine, describes her conscious and mindful eating program at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health<br><a href="http://everybiteisdivine.com/">Every Bite is Divine</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>John Peck Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest John Peck, Ph.D., Executive Director of Family Farm Defenders discusses farmers rights, food security, food sovereignty, and the effects of global free vs. fair food trade policies on food labels, food safety, economics and human rights<br><a href="http://familyfarmers.org/">Family Farm Defenders</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Thomas Neltner Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Thomas Neltner, J.D., Former Director, Pew Charitable Trusts Food Additives Project discusses his research into the science, safety and conflicts of interest when approving chemical compounds added to our food<br><a href="http://www.pewhealth.org/projects/food-additives-project-85899367220">Food Additives Project</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jennifer Harris Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jennifer Harris, Ph.D. MBA, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University, talks about her research into the extent and psychological impact of children exposure to food advertising and encourages parent advocacy<br><a href="http://www.ruddrootsparents.org/">Rudd Roots Parents</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ricardo Salvador Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Ricardo Salvador, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Director of the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, connects agriculture to human health and talks about the new UCS report, The $11 Trillion Reward: How Simple Dietary Changes Can Save Lives and Money, and How We Get There.<br><a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/solutions/expand-healthy-food-access/11-trillion-reward.html">$11 Trillion Reward</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Anna Lappe Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Anna Lappe, Project Director, Food MythBusters, talks about the subject of her new short movie which exposes how Big Food aggressively targets children, and ways parents and communities can fight back<br><a href="http://foodmyths.org/"> Food MythBusters</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mark Kopecky Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Mark Kopecky, Soils Agronomist, Organic Valley/ CROPP Cooperative, explains how soil health is key to crop yields, plant nutrition, animal and human health<br><a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/">Organic Valley</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Don Davis Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Don Davis, Ph.D., U. of TX researcher who discovered nutritional decline and dilution with the rush for higher yields and bigger crops<br><a href="http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/44/1/15.full.pdf+html">HortScience</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elizabeth U Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Elizabeth U: author of Raising Dough: the Complete Guide to Financing a Socially Responsible Food Business, talks about fund raising options to support food entrepreneurs<br><a href="http://www.financeforfood.com/">Finance for Food</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Theresa Podoll Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Theresa Podoll, organic seed farmer in North Dakota, describes the myth of GMO co-existence and her observations of agriculture over the past few decades<br><a href="http://www.prairieroadorganic.co/Prairie_Road_Organic_Seed/Welcome.html">Prairie Road Organic Seed</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Howard Vlieger Interview Part 2</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Howard Vlieger, describes inflammatory effects of GMO feed on hog stomachs. (Part 2)<br><a href="http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/81/8106.pdf">A long-term toxicology study</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Howard Vlieger Interview Part 1 of 2</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Howard Vlieger, farmer and co-author of research documenting harm from GMO crops and feed. (Part 1)<br><a href="http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/81/8106.pdf">A long-term toxicology study</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Deborah Eden Tull Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Deborah Eden Tull, Founder of Mindful Living Revolution, and author of The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution, describes her journey as a Zen Buddhist Monk, and the critical role of mindfulness in true sustainability<br><a href="http://www.deborahedentull.com/book.html">Deborah Eden Tull</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Diana Robinson Interview</h1> <p>Melnda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Diana Robinson, Campaign and Education Coordinator of the Food Chain Worker Alliance, exposes some of the hidden faces and working conditions in the food industry<br><a href="http://foodchainworkers.org/">Food Chain Workers Alliance</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Philip Ackerman-Leist Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Philip Ackerman-Leist, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Farm and Food Project at Green Mountain College (VT), will discuss his new book: `Rebuilding the Foodshed: How to Create Local, Sustainable, and Secure Food Systems.`<br><a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/rebuilding_the_foodshed:paperback">Rebuilding the Foodshed</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kiera Mulvey Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Kiera Mulvey, Executive Director, FairShare CSA Coalition, Madison, WI, explains the CSA model and her Coalitions new seasonal cookbook, `Farm Fresh and Fast.`<br><a href="http://www.csacoalition.org/news/fairshares-new-farm-fresh-and-fast-cookbook/">Fairshare</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Steve Smith Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Steve Smith, Director of Agriculture for Red Gold canned tomatoes, and Chairman of the Save Our Crops Coalition, discusses a new class of genetically modified dicamba- and 2,4-D-tolerant crops, increased herbicide spray drift, and costly damage to fruit and vegetable crops<br><a href="http://saveourcrops.org/">Save Our Crops Coalition</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Penelope Jagessar Chaffer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Penelope Jagessar Chaffer, award-winning filmmaker and childrens health advocate, talks about the effects of toxic chemicals on children, and her `Toxic Baby` app<br><a href="http://www.ted.com/speakers/penelope_jagessar_chaffer.html">Penelope Jagessar Chaffer: Filmmaker</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Wenonah Hauter Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food and Water Watch, and author of Foodopoly: The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America, describes exploitation and corporate influence in our food system, as well as hope for restoring our democracy<br><a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/about-foodopoly/">Foodopoly</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Patricia Allen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Patricia Allen, Ph.D., talks about her book, Together at the Table: Sustainability and Sustenance in the American Agrifood System, and raises awareness of, and solutions for food injustice<br><a href="http://saveourcrops.org/">Save Our Crops Coalition</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Bill Marler Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 May 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Bill Marler, personal injury trial lawyer and national expert in foodborne illness litigation discusses his career which began when represented the most seriously injured survivor of the Jack in the Box E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak<br><a href="http://www.marlerblog.com/about-bill-marler/#.UaphB-ByrA5">Marler Blog</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Tod Cooperman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com, independent tester of dietary supplements discusses safety, efficacy and regulation of nutritional supplements<br><a href="http://www.consumerlab.com/">Consumer Lab</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Will Daniel Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Will Daniel, Senior Vice President of operations and organic integrity with Earthbound Farm discusses food safety issues affecting leafy greens from farm to consumer<br><a href="http://www.ebfarm.com/">Earthbound Farm</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Wes Jamison Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Wes Jamison, Associate Professor of Public Relations at Palm Beach Atlantic University, talks about lean finely textured beef (better known as pink slime), and consumer perceptions of meat and food safety risk<br><a href="http://www.pba.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=faculty.detail&contactID=671">Wes Jamison</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Cynthia Connolly Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Cynthia Connolly, owner and operator of Ladybird Organics Farm and President of Monticello Vineyards and Winery, Floridas only organic farm winery describes how worm castings eliminated her need for expensive irrigation<br><a href="http://www.monticellowinery.com/organics.html">Ladybird Organics</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lynn Clarkson Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Lynn Clarkson, President, Clarkson Grain, will talk about how and if GMO crops can co-exist with organic and non-GMO crops, and the threat of GMO amylase corn created for the ethanol industry.<br><a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/66781/live-broadcast:-how-can-organic-non-gmo-and-gmo-crops-coexist">eXtension</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Julie Mennella Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Julie Mennella, Ph.D., Researcher, Monell Chemical Senses Center, will talk about the biology behind childrens taste and flavor preferences<br><a href="http://www.monell.org/">Monell Chemical Senses Center</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Sandor Katz Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Sandor Katz, aka Sandorkraut, will talk about his latest book, The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the World, and how he became a fermentation revivalist.<br><a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/">Wild Fermentation</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Zenobia Barlow Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Zenobia Barlow, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Ecoliteracy, will talk about her book, ECO Literate: How Educators are Cultivating Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligence.<br><a href="http://www.ecoliteracy.org/">Center for Ecoliteracy</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Heather Day Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Heather Day, co-founder and Director of the Community Alliance for Global Justice, talks about Our Food, Our Right: Recipes for Food Justice, and the basics of food sovereignty<br><a href="http://www.seattleglobaljustice.org/book/">CAGJ</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Paul Tukey Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Paul Tukey, Filmmaker, author and Founder of the Safe Lawns Foundation, talks about his documentary film, Chemical Reaction, which charts the medical, legal and political fight to ban lawn pesticides in Hudson, Quebec<br><a href="http://www.safelawns.org/blog/">Safe Lawns Foundation</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Anne Mosness Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Anne Mosness, Captain of commercial fishing boats from Copper River to Bristol Bay, Alaska, will talk about the threat of genetically engineered salmon to wild fisheries, healthy coastal economies and ecosystems<br><a href="http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/2013/02/26/new-publication-food-safety-review-on-genetically-engineered-salmon/">Center for Food Safety</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lori Dorfman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Lori Dorfman, DrPH, Director of the Berkeley Media Studies Group and digital marketing expert, will talk about how food marketing and media infiltrate our lives and influence youth<br><a href="http://www.bmsg.org/">BMSG</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gail Myers Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Gail Myers, Ph.D., anthropologist who studies African American farming and youth garden projects discusses her new film, Rhythms of the Land! and describes the transformative nature of gardens<br><a href="http://www.farmstogrow.com/">Grow it! Eat it! Love it!</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Phil Howard Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Phil Howard, Ph.D., Michigan State University talks about his research into the consolidation of the food industry, for which he uses unique infographics to help consumers see the true narrowing of our choices in the marketplace<br><a href="https://www.msu.edu/~howardp/">Philip H. Howard</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Josh Golin Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Josh Golin, Associate Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, discusses the challenging media and screen environments in which our children live, and how parents can reclaim their children from corporate marketers<br><a href="http://commercialfreechildhood.org/">CCFC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Fred vom Saal Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Fred vom Saal, Ph.D., Curators Professor of Biology, University of MO-Columbia. Dr. vom Saal talks about his decades long investigation into Bisphenol A (BPA), how the dose doesnt always make the poison, and why it has been so difficult to remove harmful chemicals from our environment.<br><a href="http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Myths/vomsaal.htm">BPA</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Martha Herbert Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and author of The Autism Revolution: Whole Body Strategies for Making Life All it Can Be, will discuss the connections between diet, environmental contaminants and autism<br><a href="http://www.autismrevolution.org/">The Autism Revolution</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kathy Kater Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Kathy Kater, LICSW, psychotherapist and author of Healthy Body Image: Teaching Kids What they Need to Know, will discuss how to prevent eating disorders and help youth feel secure within their unique body shapes and sizes<br><a href="http://bodyimagehealth.org/">Healthy Body Image</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Hansen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union, will discuss Consumer Unions latest report on antibiotic resistant bacteria found in supermarket pork chops and ground pork across the U.S.<br><a href="http://notinmyfood.org/">Not in My Food</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Joy Spencer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Joy Spencer, Project Director of the Digital Food Marketing and Youth Initiative at the Center for Digital Democracy, discusses how children are targeted by online marketers and how the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act can help<br><a href="http://www.centerfordigitaldemocracy.org/youth-digital-marketing">Digital Democracy</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Andy Fisher Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Andy Fisher, author of the upcoming book, Hunger Incorporated: How Big Business Profits From Anti-Hunger Programs, describes how corporate America benefits from food stamps, and the real advocacy thats need to reduce poverty and hunger<br><a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/hunger-incorporated">Hunger, Incorporated</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Keith Ingram Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Keith Ingram, Ph.D., Southeast Climate Consortium, University of Florida, discusses climate change and affects on agriculture<br><a href="http://agroclimate.org/climate_change/">Agro Climate</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elizabeth Somer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., author of Eat Your Way to Sexy, shares the secrets of eating well to feel happy and look younger<br><a href="http://www.elizabethsomer.com/">Elizabeth Somer</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Deborah Koons Garcia Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Deborah Koons Garcia, Film Director, Writer and Producer of the documentary, Symphony of the Soil, describes her film, and our critical relationship with soil<br><a href="http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com/">Symphony of the Soil</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Randy Kasten Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Randy Kasten, author of Just Trust Me: Finding the Truth in a World of Spin, talks about how we can separate truth from fiction in the food world and beyond. Educators of high school and college students may receive a free review copy of Kastens book and tools for critical thinking<br><a href="http://grkasten.com/">GRKasten</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jill Kriesky Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Jill Kriesky, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, talks about the effects of fracking on communities, water quality, and quality of life<br><a href="http://www.psr.org/environment-and-health/environmental-health-policy-institute/jill-kriesky-phd.html">PSR</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Brady Russell Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Brady Russell, activist, talks about his work with Clean Water Action in Philadelphia, the greatest threats to clean water, and strategies to enact policy changes<br><a href="http://www.cleanwateraction.org/">Clean Water Action</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Connie Evers Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Connie Evers, M.S., R.D., child nutrition expert talks about feeding kids well with compassion<br><a href="http://www.nutritionforkids.com/">Nutrition for Kids</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Corey Costanzo Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Corey Costanzo, Program Coordinator, Kids at Work! talks about empowering at-risk youth through the culinary arts<br><a href="http://ncchw.unca.edu/news-events/news/2012/5/kids-work-students-graduate">Kids at Work</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Hansen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michael Hansen, Ph.D., Consumers Union, talks about the safety of GMO foods and the need for labeling<br><a href="http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/AMA-GE-resolutions-3-19-12.pdf">Reasons for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Monica Nuvamsa Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Monica Nuvamsa, Executive Director, The Hopi Foundation, talks about Hopi values and the Hopi Agriculture and Food Symposium held July 2012 in Kykotsmovi, Arizona, where attendees could witness corn growing in the desert without irrigation and genetic engineering<br><a href="http://www.hopifoundation.org/">The Hopi Foundation</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Theo Colborn Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Theo Colborn, President, Endocrine Disruption Exchange, discusses how endocrine disruptors in our environment affect our health and behavior<br><a href="http://www.endocrinedisruption.org/home.php">TEDX</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Atina Diffley Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Atina Diffley, author of Turn Here, Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works, talks about her book: a love story and legal thriller with organic farming lessons woven throughout<br><a href="http://atinadiffley.com/">Atina Diffley</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Steve Sprinkel Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Steve Sprinkel, Harvard-educated organic farmer, owner of the Farmer and Cook organic grocery store and caf in Ojai, CA, and Cornucopia Board President . Steve talks about how organic farming protects our watersheds, and CAs Proposition 37 to label GMO foods. Third and final in the series on Prop. 37<br><a href="http://www.farmerandcook.com/">Farmer and Cook</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Grant Lundberg Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Grant Lundberg, organic farmer, and CEO of Lundberg Family Farms. Lundberg discusses why his company supports Proposition 37, and the national labeling of genetically modified foods<br><a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/who-we-are/board-of-directors/grant-lundberg/">The Non-GMO Project</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Stacy Malkan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Stacy Malkan, media director of California Right to Know, discusses Proposition 37, which would require genetically engineered foods to be labeled as such. CA voters and consumers who support GMO labeling are up against a multi-million dollar ad campaign to keep consumers in the dark.<br><a href="http://www.carighttoknow.org/">Right To Know</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Maryn McKenna Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Maryn McKenna, Association of Health Care Journalist reports on the connections between antibiotic-resistant bacteria in chicken, difficult-to-treat bladder infections, and routine antibiotic use in the livestock industry<br><a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/07/resistance-chicken-utis/">Investigation: Drug Resistance</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mary Ellen Sanders Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Mary Ellen Sanders, Ph.D., Food Scientist, Microbiologist, expert in dairy probiotics and food cultures, explains the benefits of probiotics and tips for consumers when choosing the right gut bacteria for the job<br><a href="http://www.mesanders.com/">Dairy & Food Culture Technologies</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ken Cook Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group discusses the Dirty Dozen, pesticide industry propaganda, and protecting people from environmental toxins<br><a href="http://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jasia Steinmetz Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Jasia Steinmetz, RD, author: Eat Local: Simple Steps to Enjoy Real, Healthy and Affordable Food. Jasia outlines the questions local eaters need to ask to eat well, locally<br><a href="http://www.eatlocalsimplesteps.com/">Eat Local Simple Steps</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Julie Guthman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Julie Guthman, Ph.D., author: Weighing In: Obesity, Food Justice and the Limits of Capitalism, discusses the complicated roots of American obesity<br><a href="http://news.ucsc.edu/2011/10/guthman-weighing-in.html">Julie Guthman</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dianne Neumark-Sztainer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., author: Im Like, So Fat! Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World<br><a href="http://www.health.umn.edu/meet/experts/neumarksztainer/index.htm">Make Healthy Choices</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Levine Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Michael Levine, Ph.D., internationally recognized eating disorder expert discusses ways to prevent eating disorders, promote healthy body image, and strategies for intervention<br><a href="http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/">Eating Disorder Information</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jill Nussinow Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D., discusses her new cookbook, The New Fast Food: The Veggie Queen Pressure Cooks Whole Food Meals in Less than 30 Minutes<br><a href="http://www.theveggiequeen.com/">The Veggie Queen</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Rose Hayden-Smith Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Rose Hayden-Smith MA Ed., MA, PhD., Strategic Initiative Leader in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California-Davis, and nationally recognized garden historian discusses the the Homestead Act and Victory Gardens<br><a href="http://ucanr.org/?facultyid=958">Rose Hayden-Smith</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Anthony Flaccavento Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Anthony Flaccavento. Organic farmer, former Food and Society Policy Fellow, and candidate for Representative of Virginias 9th District discusses progressive sustainable policies<br><a href="http://flaccaventoforthe9th.com/">Anthony Flaccavento</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michele Simon Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest July 5th: Michele Simon, JD, MPH, public health lawyer, discusses her report: Food Stamps, Follow the Money: Are Corporations Profiting From Hungry Americans?<br><a href="http://www.eatdrinkpolitics.com/">Eat Drink Politics</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Marion Nestle Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Marion Nestle, Ph.D., food policy guru and author of What to Eat and Food Politics, discusses her most recent book, Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics. Tune in to learn the best way to shed unwanted pounds<br><a href="http://www.foodpolitics.com/">Food Politics</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Bill Freese Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Bill Freese, Science Policy Analyst, Center for Food Safety, discusses the science and regulation of genetically engineered (GE/GMO) crops, the failed promises of GE crops and new 2-4,D resistant traits which await government approval<br><a href="http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/campaign/genetically-engineered-food/crops/">Genetically Engineered Crops</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Amy Kalafa Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Amy Kalafa, filmmaker (Two Angry Moms) and author of Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Childrens Health. Kalifa discusses her work to improve school lunch and ways parents can get involved<br><a href="http://angrymoms.org/">Two Angry Moms</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>David Wallinga Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest David Wallinga, M.D., M.P.A., Senior Advisor in Science, Food and Health, at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, discusses the health impacts of our industrialized food system on neurological development, with specific attention to the link between food, our environment and autism<br><a href="http://www.healthyfoodaction.org/">Healthy Food Action</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Patty Lovera Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Patty Lovera, Assistant Director of Food and Water Watch, explains GMOs what are they, where we can find them in our food supply, and why should we care<br><a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/">Food & Water Watch </a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mike Callicrate Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Mike Callicrate, Colorado cattle rancher talks about pink slime, anti-trust abuses in the meat industry, and farmer accountability<br><a href="http://nobull.mikecallicrate.com/">No-Bull Food News</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elanor Starmer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Elanor Starmer, USDA, explains the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Campaign highlights<br><a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/knowyourfarmer?navid=KNOWYOURFARMER">Know Your Farmer</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ariane Lotti Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Ariane Lotti, Legislative specialist for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition helps us understand the Farm Bill and why and how it affects the food on our plates<br><a href="http://sustainableagriculture.net/">Sustainable Agriculture</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Laurie David Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Laurie David, activist and author of The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time, and On the Future of Food: The Princes Speech.<br><a href="http://www.lauriedavid.com/">Laurie David</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lindsey Lusher Shute Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Lindsey Lusher Shute, Director National Young Farmer Coalition, discusses the new report: Building a Future with Farmers, and challenges and opportunities facing our nations young food producers<br><a href="http://www.youngfarmers.org/">National Young Farmers\' Coalition</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Frances Moore Lappe Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>guest Frances Moore Lappe, author of Diet for a Small Planet, and most recently, \'Eco-Mind: Changing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want.\'<br><a href="http://smallplanet.org/">Small Planet Institute</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Faith Boninger Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Faith Boninger, Ph.D., National Education Policy Center, discusses the full cost of commercialization of public education and food and beverage marketing in schools<br><a href="http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/Schoolhouse-commercialism-2010">NEPC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jan Weber Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jan Weber, filmmaker, discusses her latest film, Farmlandia, about the state of rural life, agriculture and our hope for the future<br><a href="http://www.farmlandia.us/">Farmlandia</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jim Riddle Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Jim Riddle, Organic Outreach Coordinator, University of Minnesota, explains why and how organic food and farming is superior to conventional<br><a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/61954/why-eat-organic-webinar/">Why Eat Organic Webinar</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Maria Rodale Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Maria Rodale, CEO and Chairman of Rodale Inc., and author of the Organic Manifesto, explains why organic food and farming is critical for our health and future generations<br><a href="http://www.organicmanifestobook.com/uof/organicmanifestobook/">Organic Manifesto</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael OGorman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michael OGorman, Executive Director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, explains why and how Veterans benefit from starting a career in farming after serving in the military<br><a href="http://www.farmvetco.org/">FVC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Stephenie Caughlin Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Stephenie Caughlin, organic farmer, San Diego, CA, describes adventures and surprises going from a high powered job in New York City to managing her farm in sunny Southern California<br><a href="http://www.seabreezeorganicfarm.org/">Seabreeze Organic Farm</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Steph Larsen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Steph Larsen, Assistant Director of Organizing, Rural Organizing and Outreach at the Center for Rural Affairs, Lyons, Nebraska.Steph discusses health care access in rural America and how health reform affects farming communities<br><a href="http://www.cfra.org/">CFRA</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Leigh Lockhart Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Leigh Lockhart, cook, food activist, and owner, Main Squeeze Natural Cafe<br><a href="http://www.main-squeeze.com/">Main Squeeze</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Special Pledge Drive Show; please call in your support. Guests: Fred vom Saal, University of Missouri biologist and international expert on plastics, BPA and endocrine disruptors and organic farming expert, Jeff Moyer, Rodale Farm Manager<br><a href=http://endocrinedisruptors.missouri.edu/vomsaal/vomsaal.html target=_blank>EDG</a><br><a href=http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/fst30years target=_blank>Rodale Institute</a></h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:02 -0600</p> Special Pledge Drive Show; please call in your support. Guests: Fred vom Saal, University of Missouri biologist and international expert on plastics, BPA and endocrine disruptors and organic farming expert, Jeff Moyer, Rodale Farm Manager<br><a href="http://endocrinedisruptors.missouri.edu/vomsaal/vomsaal.html">EDG</a><br><a href="http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/fst30years">Rodale Institute</a> </article> <article> <h1>Megan Westgate Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the non-GMO project<br><a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/">Non GMO Project</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jeremy Seifert Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Jeremy Seifert, Director, Dive!, the film about food waste in America, and the soon to be released film on genetically modified food<br><a href="http://www.divethefilm.com/">Dive the Film</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Nora Goldstein Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Nora Goldstein, editor, BioCycle, the magazine devoted to composting, renewable energy and sustainability, talks about the landfill energy myth and smart waste management<br><a href="http://www.jgpress.com/biocycle.htm">BioCycle</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>John Turenne Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest John Turenne, chef and President, Sustainable Food Systems. What happens when Alice Waters daughter enrolls at Yale and youre the head of dining hall food service?<br><a href="http://www.sustainablefoodsystems.com/">Sustainable Foods Systems</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ann Mosness Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Ann Mosness, ocean steward and commercial fisherwoman discusses Alaska wild caught salmon, the families dependent on truly sustainable fishing, and the threats of farm-raised fish<br><a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/fish/fair-fish/fish-fighters/fish-fighters-anne-mosness/">Fish Fighters</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kevin Fulton Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Kevin Fulton, Nebraska rancher talks about grass-based livestock, animal welfare and CAFOs from a first-hand perspective<br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsywrvJLwYw">LCD Ep 1011</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Pam Malo Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Pam Malo, Registered Dietitian for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey<br><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm">National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Bruce Friedrich Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Bruce Friedrich, Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives, Farm Sanctuary, the nations leading farm animal protection organization<br><a href="http://www.farmsanctuary.org/">Farm Sanctuary</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lisa Kivirist Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Lisa Kivirist, Food and Society Policy Fellow, national advocate for women in sustainable agriculture, and co-author of \'Farmstead Chef,\' including recipes and stories to \'restore the planet and revitalize our lives\'<br><a href="http://www.innserendipity.com/farmsteadchef/index.html">Farmstead Chef</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>T. Susan Chang Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest T. Susan Chang, Boston Globe cookbook reviewer, regular contributor to NPRs Kitchen Window column, and author of \'A Spoonful of Promises: Stories and Recipes from a Well-Tempered Table\'<br><a href="http://tsusanchang.wordpress.com/">Cook Books for Dinner</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Batz Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michael Batz, Head of Food Safety Programs at the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, and author of \'Ranking the Risks: The 10 Pathogen-Food Combinations with the Greatest Burden on Public Health\'<br><a href="http://www.rwjf.org/publichealth/product.jsp?id=72267">Public Health</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Carolan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michael Carolan, Ph.D., Sociologist, Colorado State University, and author of The Real Cost of Cheap Food. Carolan describes the price society pays for what only seems like \'cheap\' food<br><a href="http://central.colostate.edu/people/mcarolan/">Michael Carolan</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Susan Vaughn Grooters Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Susan Vaughn Grooters, MPH, Director of Research and Education for Stop Foodborne Illness, discusses recent outbreaks, prevention strategies and long term consequences of foodborne illness<br><a href="http://www.STOPFoodborneIllness.org/">STOP</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Greg Judy Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Greg Judy, Missouri farmer, internationally known for rotational grazing. Judy describes the benefits of feeding livestock grass, both for the environment and human nutrition<br><a href="http://www.greenpasturesfarm.net/">Green Pastures Farm</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>George Naylor Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest George Naylor, Iowa farmer describes the joys and struggles of family farming. Naylor is former President of the National Family Farm Coalition and featured in the film, \'FRESH.\'<br><a href="http://www.nffc.net/">NFFC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Sloane Miller Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Sloane Miller, M.S.W., licensed social worker, and author of Allergic Girl: adventures in living well with food allergies, and \'Please Dont Pass the Nuts:\'<br><a href="http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com/">Please Don\'t Pass the Nuts</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Connie Engel Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Connie Engel, Ph.D., Science Education Coordinator, at the Breast Cancer Fund discusses chemical and environmental links to breast cancer, including the endocrine disruptor BPA, found in the linings of canned foods<br><a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/">Breast Cancer Fund</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Crystal Kroner Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Crystal Kroner, Ph.D., Educational leadership and policy analysis, discusses her paper: \'The Body Politic: Childhood Obesity as a Symbol of an unbalanced economy.\'<br><a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/rss/abstract.asp?j=pfie&aid=4620">Policy Futures in Education</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Final in the series on celiac disease. Gluten-free show #4 features Melinda Dennis</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Final in the series on celiac disease. Gluten-free show #4 features Melinda Dennis, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Coordinator, Celiac Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, and author, Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free.<br><a href="http://www.bidmc.org/celiaccenter">Celiac Center</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gluten free show #3 features Mary Waldner</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Gluten free show #3 features Mary Waldner, Chairman and Founder of Marys Gone Crackers, a gluten-free, organic cracker. Learn how Mary started her business and her focus on conscious eating.<br><a href="http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/">Marys Gone Crackers</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gluten intolerance coverage continues. Show #2 features Tricia Thompson</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Gluten intolerance coverage continues. Show #2 features Tricia Thompson, M.S., R.D., internationally recognized expert on celiac disease, the gluten-free diet, and FDA gluten-free package labeling laws<br><a href="http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/">Gluten Free Dietitian</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>First of a four-part series on gluten intolerance. Peter Green Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>First of a four-part series on gluten intolerance. Show #1 features Peter Green, M.D., gastroenterologist and Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, NY City. What is celiac disease and what are the challenges facing his patients<br><a href="http://www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu/CF-HOME.htm">Celiac Disease Center</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gary Schwitzer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Gary Schwitzer, health media watchdog and founder of Health News Review. Holds health journalism accountable and provides expert reviews of media coverage of health news. Learn how to make sense of health headlines and stories<br><a href="http://www.healthnewsreview.org/">Health News Review</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Niel Ritchie Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Niel Ritchie, Executive Director, League of Rural Voters. Learn about the unique issues facing rural communities including access to health care and media justice<br><a href="http://www.leagueofruralvoters.org/">League of Rural Voters</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Leigh Adcock Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Leigh Adcock, Executive Director, Women, Food and Agriculture Network. Unique challenges and opportunities for women farmers<br><a href="http://www.wfan.org/Women,_Food_and_Agriculture_Network_Home.html">WFAN</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jeff Moyer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jeff Moyer, Farm Manager, Rodale Institute and former chair of the National Organic Standards Board. Why and how organic agriculture CAN feed the world<br><a href="http://rodaleinstitute.org/">Rodale Institute</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Erik Olson Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Erik Olson, J.D., Director, Food and Consumer Product Safety Programs, Pew Charitable Trusts. Food safety challenges facing Americans and how can we fix the problems?<br><a href="http://www.makeourfoodsafe.org/">Make Our Food Safe</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Warren Porter Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Warren Porter, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alternatives to toxic pesticides; how to kill bedbugs; the dangers of Roundup and more<br><a href="http://www.zoology.wisc.edu/faculty/por/por.html">Warren Porter</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lisa McDowell Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Lisa McDowell, M.S., R.D., Director, Nutrition Support Services, St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, MI, describes how she established a farm on her hospital\'s campus which nourishes patients with truly healing fresh food<br><a href="http://ww.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/st-joseph-mercy-ann-arbor-talks-about-expanding-farm-to-include-fruit-orchard-community-gardens/">Ann Arbor</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Beate Ritz Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Beate Ritz, M.D., Ph.D., reports on her research showing how common pesticide exposure increases risk for Parkinson\'s Disease<br><a href="http://www.panna.org/">PAN North America</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Holly Benjamin Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Holly Benjamin, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medical Center and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics report, "Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are they Appropriate?"<br><a href="http://www.aap.org/">American Academy of Pediatrics</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jennifer Browning Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Jennifer Browning Interview, Bio Diversity Project<br><a href="http://www.biodiversityproject.org/">Biodiversity Project</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Oran Hesterman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Oran Hesterman, Ph.D., President and CEO of Fair Food Network, and author of \'Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All\'<br><a href="http://www.fairfoodnetwork.org/">Fair Food Network</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gail Hansen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Gail Hansen, DVM, Senior Officer for the Pew Charitable Trusts Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming. The link between animal agriculture and antibiotic resistance<br><a href="http://www.SaveAntibiotics.org/">The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Patrick Woodall Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Patrick Woodall, Senior Policy Advocate for Food and Water Watch. The meat packer monopoly and how it affects consumer choice<br><a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/blogs/shameful-kowtowing-to-the-meat-industry-147-congressmen-diss-family-farmers/">Food and Water Watch</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ladonna Redmond Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Ladonna Redmond, Senior Program Associate for Food and Justice, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy<br><a href="http://www.foodandsocietyfellows.org/digest/article/ladonna-redmond-future-food-justice">Food and Community</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Joseph Hibbeln Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Joseph Hibbeln, M.D., U.S. Public Health Service. Omega-3 deficiency and benefits for mind, body and society<br><a href="http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/IntramuralResearch/AboutDICBR/LMBB/NN/Pages/default.aspx">NIAAA</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jeff Dunn Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jeff Dunn, President and CEO, Bolthouse Farms (baby carrots marketing); formerly President of Coca-Cola North America<br><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/154/the-new-junk-food.html">Fast Company</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Charlie Speer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Charlie Speer, J.D. Center to Expose and Close Animal Factories; Theme music: Kevin MacLeod<br><a href="http://www.closeanimalfactories.org/">Expose and Close</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Urvashi Rangan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., Eco-label watch-dog and Director of Technical Policy at Consumer\'s Union; Theme Music: Kevin MacLeod<br><a href="http://www.greenerchoices.org/">Green Choices</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Chris Elam Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Chris Elam, Program Director of the \'Meatless Monday\' campaign<br><a href="http://www.meatlessmonday.com/">Meatless Monday</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Sarah Clark Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Sarah Clark, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. The impact of NAFTA on public health<br><a href="http://www.healthyfoodaction.org/index.php?q=public-health-cost-global-corn-trade">Healthy Food Action</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Don Huber Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Don Huber, Ph.D., plant pathologist, professor emeritus, Purdue University. What we need to know about genetically modified crops; Theme music: Kevin MacLeod<br><a href="http://www.non-gmoreport.com/articles/may10/consequenceso_widespread_glyphosate_use.php">GMO Report</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ann Vileisis Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Ann Vileisis, author: \'Kitchen Literacy: How we lost knowledge of where food comes from and why we need to get it back.\' Theme music: Kevin MacLeod<br><a href="http://web.me.com/avileisis/Kitchen_Literacy/Kitchen_Literacy.html">Kitchen Literacy</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Evelyn Tribole Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D., author: \'The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet.\'<br><a href="http://www.evelyntribole.com/">Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mark Winne Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Mark Winne, author and food justice activist<br><a href="http://www.markwinne.com/">Mark Winne .com</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Carolyn Cohen Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Carolyn Cohen, co-founder, Food Fight. Media literacy to fight childhood obesity<br><a href="http://www.foodfight.org/">Food Fight</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Donna Pierce Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Donna Pierce, food writer and ethnic recipe historian. Skillet Diaries<br><a href="http://blackamericacooks.com/skillet_diaries.html">Black America Cooks</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Julie Negrin Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Julie Negrin, author. Easy Meals to Cook with Kids<br><a href="http://www.julienegrin.com/">Cooking with Kids</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Howard Hogan Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Howard Hogan, US Census Bureau, demographics</p> </article> <article> <h1>Wood Turner Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Wood Turner, Executive Director, Climate Counts. How to fight global climate change<br><a href="http://www.climatecounts.org/">Climate Counts</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Bob Scowcroft Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Bob Scowcroft, former Executive Director, Organic Farming Research Foundation<br><a href="http://www.ofrf.org/">OFRF</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Megan Lott Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Megan Lott, Associate Policy Director, Community Food Security Coalition. Policy updates<br><a href="http://www.foodsecurity.org/index.html">Community Food Security Coalition</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michele Simon Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Michele Simon, author: Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines our Health and How to Fight Back<br><a href="http://www.appetiteforprofit.com/">Appetite for Profit</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Deirdre Birmingham Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Deirdre Birmingham, organic fruit production and pesticides<br><a href="http://www.ofrf.org/">OFRF</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gary Wenk Interview & Steve Gilman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Gary Wenk Interview, Steve Gilman Interview<br><a href="http://faculty.psy.ohio-state.edu/wenk/">Gary Wenk</a>; <a href="http://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/">NOC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mark Menjivar Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Mark Menjivar, photographer, \'You Are What You Eat,\' refrigerator \'portraits\'<br><a href="http://markmenjivar.com/you-are-what-you-eat/statement/">You Are What You Eat</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Katherine Ozer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Katherine Ozer, Executive Director, National Family Farm Coalition<br><a href="http://www.nffc.net/">NFFC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mary Bauer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Mary Bauer, Legal Director, Southern Poverty Law Center. Injustice on Our Plates: Immigrant Women in the U.S. Food Industry<br><a href="http://www.splcenter.org/">SPLC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Paul Kervick Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Paul Kervick, Co-Founder, Awakening Sanctuary<br><a href="http://www.livingwellcarehome.org/our_innovative_approach.html">Living Well</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Janet Poppendieck Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Janet Poppendieck, Professor of Sociology, Hunter College, City University of NY, author, \'Free For All: Fixing School Food in America\'<br><a href="http://www.janetpoppendieck.com/free_for_all.html">Free For All</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Pat Buck Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Pat Buck, Executive Director, The Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention<br><a href="http://www.foodborneillness.org/">CFI</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dan Imhoff Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Dan Imhoff, author, \'CAFO: The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories.\'<br><a href="http://www.cafothebook.org/index.htm">CAFO The Book</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Diana Dyer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D., cancer and nutrition specialist, organic gardener, Cancer Victory Gardens<br><a href="http://www.dianadyer.com/">Diana Dyer</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Diane Imrie Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Diane Imrie, MBA, RD., Co-Author of Cooking Close to Home and Director of Nutrition Services, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT<br><a href="http://www.cookingclosetohome.com/">Cooking Close to Home</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>JoAnne Berkenkamp Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest JoAnne Berkenkamp, Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, Program Director for Local Foods<br><a href="http://www.iatp.org/">IATP</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Miles McEvoy Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of the USDA\'s National Organic Program<br><a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop">USDA NOP</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kathleen Schuler Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Kathleen Schuler, Senior Policy Analyst, Food and Health Program, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy<br><a href="http://www.iatp.org/">IATP</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Gary Hirshberg Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Gary Hirshberg, CE-Yo, Stonyfield Farm<br><a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/">Stonyfield Farm</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elysa Hammond Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Elysa Hammond, Staff Ecologist, Clif Bar and Company<br><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">ClifBar</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Trudy Bialic Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Trudy Bialic, PPC Natural Markets, Seattle, WA<br><a href="http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/">PPC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Maryn McKenna Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Maryn McKenna, author: "SUPERBUG: The Fatal Menace of MRSA"<br><a href="http://www.superbugthebook.com/">Superbug</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Anna Lappe Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Anna Lappe, author: "Diet for a Hot Planet"<br><a href="http://www.takeabite.cc/">Take a Bite</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Wes Jackson Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Wes Jackson, The Land Institute<br><a href="http://www.landinstitute.org/">The Land Institute</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Artemis Simopoulos Interview</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmeglarn — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Artemis Simopoulos, M.D., Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health<br><a href="http://www.cgnh.net/files/Conference.pdf">CGNH conference PDF</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Erin Gorman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Fair Trade: guest Erin Gorman, CEO Divine Chocolate<br><a href="http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/">Divine Cholocate</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Shannon Hayes Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Shannon Hayes, Ph.D., author: Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture<br><a href="http://radicalhomemakers.com/">Radical Homemakers</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Renee Dufault Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Renee Dufault, former FDA environmental health officer and whistle blower on mercury in high fructose corn syrup<br><a href="http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/5/1/44">Mercury exposure</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Tyrone Hayes Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Tyrone Hayes, Ph.D., biologist and atrazine (pesticide) researcher, University of CA Berkeley<br><a href="http://www.atrazinelovers.com/">Atrazine</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elizabeth Strickland Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Elizabeth Strickland, M.S., R.D. , author: Eating for Autism: The 10-Step Nutrition Plan<br><a href="http://www.asdpuzzle.com/">ADS Puzzle</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>David Kirby Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest David Kirby, author of Animal Factory, on the dangers of industrial agriculture<br><a href="http://animalfactorybook.com/">Animal Factory</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Sandra Steingraber Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Dr Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D., biologist, cancer survivor, and author of "Living Downstream." The cancerenvironment connection<br><a href="http://steingraber.com/">Steingraber</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Fiona Fisher Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Fiona Fisher, Communications Director, Rachel Carson's Homestead<br><a href="http://www.rachelcarsonhomestead.org/">Rachel Carson Homestead</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jessica Jones-Hughes Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jessica Jones-Hughes, M.S., R.D., Banana Coordinator, Equal Exchange Fair Trade<br><a href="http://beyondthepeel.com/">Beyond the Peel</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ferd Hoefner Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Ferd Hoefner, Policy Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, food safety legislation update<br><a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.org/">Food Safety News</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Harriet Behar Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Harriet Behar, Organic Specialist, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service<br><a href="http://www.mosesorganic.org/">MOSES</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jay Feldman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jay Feldman, Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides<br><a href="http://www.beyondpesticides.org/">Beyond Pesticides</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>David Hackenberg Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest David Hackenberg, beekeeper who first discovered colony collapse disorder<br><a href="http://www.vanishingbees.com/B/Home.html">Vanishing Bees</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Joel Greeno Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Joel Greeno, WI Dairy Farmer and Family Farm Defender<br><a href="http://www.familyfarmdefenders.org/">Family Farm Defenders</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>David Kirby Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest David Kirby, author of Animal Factory, on the dangers of industrial agriculture<br><a href="http://animalfactorybook.com/">Animal Factory</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jonathan Bloom Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jonathan Bloom, author of forthcoming book American Wasteland about wasted food<br><a href="http://www.wastedfood.com/">Wasted Food</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Matthew Dillon Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Matthew Dillon, Director of Advocacy, Organic Seed Alliance<br><a href="http://seedalliance.org/">Organic Seed Alliance</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Liana Hoodes Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Liana Hoodes, Director, National Organic Coalition<br><a href="http://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/">NOC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Frank Morton Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Frank Morton, Farmer, Organic vs. GMO seed<br><a href="http://www.wildgardenseed.com/">Wild Garden Seed</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Roger Blobaum Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Roger Blobaum, Earth Day, DDT and Organic Historian<br><a href="http://rogerblobaum.com/">Blobaum</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Andy Fisher Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Andy Fisher, Executive Director, Community Food Security Coalition<br><a href="http://www.foodsecurity.org/">CFSC</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Elizabeth Royte Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Elizabeth Royte, author: Bottlemania: The Battle over America\'s Drinking Water<br><a href="http://www.royte.com/">Royte.com</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Charlotte Vallaeys Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Charlotte Vallaeys, Farm and Food Policy Analyst, Cornucopia Institute<br><a href="http://www.cornucopia.org">Cornucopia</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Diane Welland Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Diane Welland, M.S., R.D., author \'The Complete Idiot\'s Guide to Eating Clean.\'<br><a href="http://www.dfoodie.com/">Dfoodie</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>David Thomas Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest David Thomas, commercial pilot turned organic farmer</p> </article> <article> <h1>Amanda Archibald Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Amanda Archibald, R.D., Field to Plate<br><a href="http://www.fieldtoplate.com/">Field to Plate</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jamie Harvie Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Jamie Harvie, Health Care Without Harm Food Coordinator<br><a href="http://www.noharm.org/">No Harm</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Fred Bahnson Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Fred Bahnson, farmer, writer and green faith philosopher<br><a href="http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/?q=node/view/513">Fred Bahnson</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Warren Porter Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Warren Porter, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, endocrine disruptors and pesticides<br><a href="http://www.zoology.wisc.edu/faculty/Por/Por.html">Warren P. Porter</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Robert Kenner Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Robert Kenner, producer and director of the documentary, Food Inc.<br><a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food Inc</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Phil Lempert Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Phil Lempert, the \'Supermarket Guru\' on the latest food trends<br><a href="http://www.supermarketguru.com/">Supermarket Guru</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Frederick vom Saal Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Dr Frederick vom Saal, biologist and expert on plastics and endocrine disruptors<br><a href="http://endocrinedisruptors.missouri.edu/vomsaal/vomsaal.html">Vomsaal</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Sharon Astyk Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Sharon Astyk, author of \'A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil.\'<br><a href="http://sharonastyk.com/">The Chatelaine\'s Keys</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ken Roseboro Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Ken Roseboro, editor and publisher of The Organic and Non-GMO Report<br><a href="http://www.non-gmoreport.com/">Non-GMO</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Marcia Ishii-Eiteman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Senior Scientist Pesticide Action Network of North America<br><a href="http://www.panna.org/">PANNA</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>T. Susan Chang Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: T. Susan Chang, food writer, NPR Kitchen Window contributor and Boston Globe cookbook reviewer</p> </article> <article> <h1>Jill Nussinow Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D. \'The Veggie Queen\'<br><a href="http://www.theveggiequeen.com/">The Veggie Queen</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Stone Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Michael Stone, Center for Ecoliteracy and author, \'Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability\'<br><a href="http://www.ecoliteracy.org/programs/sbn.html">Smart by Nature</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jim Goodman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Jim Goodman, Wisconsin organic dairy farmer and Family Farm Defender<br><a href="http://www.familyfarmdefenders.org/">Family Farm Defenders</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Steven Ritz Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Steven Ritz, South Bronx teacher and urban gardener<br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgGL6mz3dBY">Urban Farming</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Rose Hayden-Smith Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guests: Rose Hayden-Smith, U. of CA, Victory Garden Historian and Agricultural Literacy Expert; Hannah Hemmelgarn, changing college food service and the joys of permaculture<br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/cmhqvq">Victory Grower</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Lisa Kivrist and John Ivanko Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guests: Lisa Kivrist and John Ivanko, authors of ECOpreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet before Profits<br><a href="http://www.innserendipity.com/">Inn Serendipity</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Curt Ellis Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Curt Ellis, Filmmaker, discusses King Corn, Big River, and Truck Farm</p> </article> <article> <h1>Zoe Bradbury Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest: Zoe Bradbury, one of the nation's top 40 farmers under age 40</p> </article> <article> <h1>Doug Gurian-Sherman Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 -0600</p> <p>Guest Dr. Doug Gurian-Sherman, Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses genetically modified crops and his "Failure to Yield" report</p> </article> <article> <h1>Jennifer Wilkins Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jennifer Wilkins, Food Systems Educator, Cornell University. Jennifer describes ways we can eat more sustainably</p> </article> <article> <h1>Frank Baker Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Frank Baker, Media Literacy Clearinghouse. Frank explains why media literacy is critical for democracy<br><a href="http://www.frankwbaker.com/">Media Literacy Clearinghouse</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Hope Warshaw Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Hope Warshaw, Diabetes Educator and author. Hope talks about Type 2 Diabetes, and gives us tools for control and prevention<br><a href="http://www.hopewarshaw.com/">HWA</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Chuck Benbrook Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Chuck Benbrook, Chief Scientist The Organic Center; the benefits of organic food and farming <br><a href="http://organic-center.org/">Organic Center</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Hilde Steffey Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Hilde Steffey, Program Director, Farm Aid<br><a href="http://www.farmaid.org/">Farm Aid</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Ken Meter Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Ken Meter, Crossroads Resource Center<br><a href="http://www.crcworks.org/">Crossroads Resource Center</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jim Riddle Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Jim Riddle, Organic Outreach Coordinator at the University of Minnesota</p> </article> <article> <h1>Debra Eschmeyer Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Debra Eschmeyer, National Farm to School Network<br><a href="http://www.farmtoschool.org/">National Farm to School Network</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Susan Vaughn Grooters Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Susan Vaughn Grooters, MPH, Public Health Specialist for S.T.O.P. Safe Tables Our Priority<br><a href="http://www.safetables.org/">S.T.O.P.</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dawn Brighid Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Dawn Brighid, marketing manager for Sustainable Table<br><a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/">Sustainable Table</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Angie Tagtow Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Angie Tagtow, MS, RD, LD; a dietitian who connects the dots between soil and human health<br><a href="http://www.environmentalnutritionsolutions.com/">Environmental Nutrition Solutions</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Jill Richardson Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest: Jill Richardson, author of Recipe for America<br><a href="http://www.recipeforamerica.org/">Recipe for America</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>guest: Erik Scott, seed dealer from South Dakota</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:00:07 -0500</p> guest: Erik Scott, seed dealer from South Dakota </article> <article> <h1>Ana Joanes Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Interview: Ana Joanes, producer and director of the documentary FRESH.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Don Lotter Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>interview: Don Lotter, Ph.D. of Davis, California</p> </article> <article> <h1>Robyn O'Brien Interview</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest: author Robyn O'Brien, The Unhealthy Truth</p> </article> <article> <h1>Roger Doiron Intervew</h1> <p>Melinda — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Roger Doiron, Founding Director Kitchen Gardeners International</p> </article> <article> <h1>Julie Fischer Intervew</h1> <p>Melinda Hemmelgarn — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:00:00 -0500</p> <p>Guest Julie Fischer, Missouri CAFO issues</p> </article> </main></body></html>