The Science That Feeds Us
The story behind what's on your plate.
Episodes
25 episodes
Rewind: Are Seed Oils Bad For You? Breaking Down the Controversy
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ash joins us to break down the buzz, and the backlash, around seed oils. We dive into the science of inflammation, how omega-6s interact in the body, and why understanding a little organic chemistry goes a long way to...
Strawberry Thoughts: Where Philosophy Meets Science and Agriculture
In this episode, Katie and Bhavisha take a step away from the data and into the harder, often unspoken questions that shape science communication in practice. We reflect on what it means to do this work in spaces where expertise, public values,...
Glyphosate Uncovered: Evaluating Controversial Products
In this episode, Dr. Melinda Knuth joins us to unpack the science and social dynamics behind glyphosate, one of the most widely used and debated weed control products. Dr. Knuth explains what glyphosate is, how it works, and how recent lawsuits...
Food Safety 101: How Science Keeps Your Food Safe to Eat
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Shumaker to explore the science behind food safety and the systems that protect our food from farm to fork. Dr. Shumaker breaks down what food safety really means from a scientific perspective, how re...
Land-Grant Universities and Extension: Bringing Research to Your Community
In part three of our land-grant series, we turn to the final pillar of the land-grant mission: Extension. We’re joined by Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody and Dr. Misty Blue-Terry to explore how Extension connects research and teaching directly to comm...
Land-Grant Universities and Teaching: How They Shape the Next Generation
In part two of our land-grant series, Dr. Joseph Donaldson joins us to explore what makes land-grant teaching distinct from other higher education models. From the federal mandate that defines land-grant institutions to the balance of theory an...
Land-Grant Universities and Research: How Science Solves Real-World Problems
In this episode, we kick off a three-part series exploring the land-grant university system by focusing on the first pillar of its mission: research. We sit down with Dr. Ben Chapman to discuss how research within the land-grant system develope...
Supplements 101: Quick Fix or Real Results?
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Allen joins us to unpack the science behind some of today’s most popular dietary supplements and the claims that surround them. From protein powders and creatine and their role in muscle development and brain energ...
What is Gut Health? Separating Science from Wellness Trends
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Manuel Kleiner to explore all things gut health. Dr. Kleiner breaks down how trillions of bacteria work together to help us digest food, protect our health, and shape the way our bodies function. We dive in...
The Beef Debate: Grass-Fed, Antibiotics, Hormones, and More
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Pickworth to break down one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood topics in food and agriculture: beef production. From grass-fed to grain-fed systems, Dr. Pickworth explains what these pr...
Highly Processed Foods Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
In this episode, Dr. Chris Taylor joins us to unpack the growing conversation around processed and ultra-processed foods, and why these labels often oversimplify a much more complex food system. From common claims about additives, preservatives...
Food Labels Explained: How to Make Sense of Certifications
In this episode, Dr. Dara Bloom and Dr. Allison Pullin joined us to unpack what food labels and animal certifications really mean and why they can be so confusing for consumers. From third-party verification and auditing standards to recordkeep...
Why Protein Matters: Science, Nutrition, and the Latest Wellness Craze
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eric Trexler to unpack why protein has exploded from a niche fitness topic into a full-blown wellness trend, and what the science actually says behind the hype. From the rise of resistance training to misco...
Is Red Dye #40 Safe? The Science Behind Artificial Food Coloring
In this episode, Dr. Lynette Johnston joins us to explore the science, use, and safety of one of the most common artificial food colors: red dye #40. Dr. Johnston explains where this dye shows up in our everyday lives, and why it is used so ext...
Sugar Showdown: High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Cane Sugar
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Basheerah Enahora to unpack the science and controversy behind two of the most debated sweeteners in our food system: high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar. From their nearly identical chemical structures...
PFAS in Our Food: What the Science Says About "Forever Chemicals"
In this episode, Dr. Khara Grieger and Dr. Katy May join us to explore the growing concern around PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and their connection to our food and water systems. From cookware and cosmetics to contaminated rivers in ...
SNAP Outreach: How Communities Are Expanding Access to Food
In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Bird joins us to unpack the role of SNAP outreach in connecting families to vital food resources. She explains how the More In My Basket program works to reduce barriers, simplify applications, and raise awareness o...
Nutrition Education Through SNAP-Ed: What You Didn't Know
In this episode, Tammy Brunelle and Kim Eshleman join us to unpack the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s education arm, SNAP-Ed, and its role in promoting healthier communities. We explore how SNAP-Ed goes beyond food assistance to su...
SNAP Explained: How the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody join us to explore the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the stories, science, and policies behind it. We talk about who uses SNAP, what it actually provides, and...
Meet Your Hosts: Why We Started The Science That Feeds Us
In this episode, we turn the mic on ourselves to share the story behind The Science That Feeds Us. We talk about how our own paths led us into science and communication, and why this podcast exists in the first place. At the core is our belief ...
What Are Gene-Edited Foods? CRISPR and the Future of Your Plate
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou to unpack the promise and complexity of genome editing in our food system. From public misunderstandings about DNA to the urgency of feeding a growing population, Dr. Barrangou highlights...
Are Seed Oils Bad for You? Breaking Down the Controversy
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ash joins us to break down the buzz, and the backlash, around seed oils. We dive into the science of inflammation, how omega-6s interact in the body, and why understanding a little organic chemistry goes a long way to...
Organic vs. Conventional Foods: Is One Healthier Than the Other?
In this episode, Dr. Gabriel Keith Harris joins us to break down the science behind organic and conventional foods, and why the conversation is far more complex than most labels suggest. We explore how farming practices shape nutrient content, ...
Inside the Bird Flu Outbreak: What You Need to Know About H5N1
In this episode, Dr. Matt Koci joins us to break down the science and story behind highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. We explore how the virus has evolved from a seasonal, migratory threat to a persistent, yea...
How Misinformation Spreads About Food and What We Can Do About It
In this episode, Dr. Ben Chapman joins us to unpack how misinformation spreads in food systems and why it often fills gaps in trust and access to science. We explore why certain stories gain traction, how science communication can acknowledge u...
