Foodie Pharmacology Podcast: Recent Episodes
Co-Conspiracy Entertainment
Foodie Pharmacology is a science podcast built for the food curious, the flavor connoisseurs, chefs, science geeks, plant lovers and adventurous taste experimenters out in the world! Join American ethnobotanist Dr. Cassandra Quave on this adventure through history, medicine, cuisine and molecules as we explore the amazing pharmacology of our foods.
We’d once again like to thank Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated for their sponsorship of this episode.
What if a single tick bite could change the way you eat forever? In this episode, I sit down with allergy expert Gary Falcetano to explore alpha-gal syndrome, a strange and increasingly recognized condition triggered by tick bites that can lead to delayed allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. We unpack the science behind this unusual immune response, why symptoms can emerge hours after eating, and why many cases go undiagnosed for years. From hidden sources of alpha-gal in foods and medications to the growing spread of tick species linked to the condition, this conversation reveals how a tiny bite can have surprisingly large consequences. We also share practical tips for prevention, diagnosis, and staying safe outdoors, whether you’re hiking in your backyard or heading out on your next adventure.
This Foodie Pharmacology podcast episode is part of a special two-part series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of the science.
Did you know that one of the most important organs shaping lifelong health is only temporary? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I sit down with developmental biologist Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld to explore the fascinating science of the placenta and its role as the communication hub between mother and developing baby. We discuss the emerging concept of the placenta-brain axis and discuss how maternal diet, the gut microbiome, environmental exposures, and even tiny molecular signals can influence fetal development long before birth. From serotonin and the microbiome to probiotics, inflammation, and the hidden impacts of modern life, this conversation reveals how the earliest environment we experience may shape health outcomes for years to come.
Journey to Brazil to uncover the hidden roots of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition shaped by African plant knowledge, resilience, and cultural memory. In this episode, I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bob Voeks to explore how enslaved Africans preserved sacred healing traditions and foodways across the Atlantic, transforming plants into powerful symbols of identity and survival. From spiritual cleansing rituals with sacred leaves to the fascinating story of caruru, a revered okra dish tied to twin deities, we trace the remarkable journey of African plants through the diaspora. Along the way, we uncover surprising connections linking Candomblé, callaloo, and even Southern gumbo, revealing how food can carry history, spirituality, and culture across continents and generations. #Okra #Gumbo #Acarajé #DiasporaFood #AfricanCuisine #BlackEyedPeas
Pet nutrition has undergone a dramatic shift over the past century, moving from whole foods to highly processed convenience diets, and not always for the better. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian with over 40 years of experience in integrative and holistic care, about what’s gone wrong in the modern pet food industry and how to rethink what we feed our animals. The conversation explores the rise of ultra-processed kibble, gaps in regulation, and the health consequences linked to highly processed diets, while offering practical guidance on incorporating fresher, more species-appropriate foods. From understanding ingredient labels to simple additions like eggs, sardines, and fresh produce, this episode provides a grounded, accessible framework for pet owners looking to support long-term health and longevity in their animals.
LISTENER OFFER: Use discount code PHARMACOLOGY50 for 50% off Dr. Judy authored Books found on https://drjudymorgan.com/
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine, raising the risk of a return to a pre-antibiotic era where common infections become life-threatening. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Nadine Ziemert about how scientists are turning to microbial genomes to discover the next generation of antibiotics. A professor of translational genome mining at the University of Tübingen, Nadine explains how bacteria themselves are prolific chemists, producing complex natural products that can be harnessed to fight infection. The conversation explores why traditional discovery methods have slowed, how genome mining reveals hidden “chemical dark matter” in the environment, and how computational tools are helping researchers predict new molecules before they are even isolated in the lab. From the vast, untapped diversity of soil microbes to the future potential of AI-driven discovery pipelines, this episode offers a hopeful look at how science is working to stay ahead in the race against antibiotic resistance. Learn more about Dr. Ziemert’s research on her lab’s YouTube channel.
The health of our environment underpins everything from food systems to future medicines, yet much of the damage done to nature goes unaddressed. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Jacob Phelps about a new approach to conservation that brings science into the courtroom. Together, they explore how environmental litigation can move beyond small fines and toward holding offenders accountable for restoring damaged ecosystems, from illegal mining and deforestation to wildlife trafficking. The conversation highlights the gap between strong environmental laws on paper and their limited use in practice, and how interdisciplinary teams of scientists and lawyers are working to change that. From protecting biodiversity and safeguarding food systems to preserving resources that may hold future therapeutic value, this episode offers a powerful look at how legal action can be used as a tool to defend and repair the natural world. Learn more at https://www.conservation-litigation.org/
Spring is a time when many of us think about fresh starts and better health, including the well-being of our pets. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Angela Ardolino about natural approaches to supporting aging dogs. Angela, a formulator and educator specializing in cannabinoids, medicinal mushrooms, and adaptogens, explains how these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system to regulate inflammation, neurological function, and overall balance. They discuss the differences between full-spectrum hemp extracts and isolated compounds, how cannabinoids may support joint pain, seizures, and cognitive decline, and the growing interest in functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps for brain health of our pets. The conversation also examines what cognitive decline looks like in aging pets, the role of inflammation and the gut-brain connection, and how diet and ultra-processed pet foods may contribute to disease. From reading supplement labels to understanding ingredient sourcing and quality, this episode offers a practical framework for pet owners interested in integrative approaches to animal health. Learn more about Angela’s work at https://angelaardolino.com/
Seed oils are everywhere. From salad dressings to snack foods, they’ve become a quiet staple of the modern diet. But how did they get there, and what do we really know about their impact on human health?
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave sits down with nutritionist Cherie Calbom, MS, known as “The Juice Lady,” to unpack the rise of industrial seed oils and the debate surrounding them. Cherie shares her personal journey into nutrition, which began with a serious health crisis and led her to rethink the role of food in healing.
Together, they explore what seed oils actually are, how they are processed, and why their chemical structure makes them vulnerable to oxidation. The conversation traces their history from industrial byproducts to “heart-healthy” staples, shaped by wartime supply chains, shifting dietary guidance, and powerful marketing.
They also dig into where these oils are hiding in everyday foods, why they can be difficult to avoid even when you are trying to eat well, and how to navigate labels in a highly processed food environment.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in the oils lining grocery store shelves, or why this topic has become so widely debated, this episode offers a deeper look at the science, history, and real-world implications of seed oils in today’s diet. Learn more about Cherie’s work at thejuiceladycherie.com
Spring is here, and seasonal pollen along with it! This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Gary Falcetano, PA-C, AE-C, Senior Manager of Global Medical & Scientific Affairs in Allergy at Thermo Fisher Scientific and a longtime clinician and educator in asthma and immunologic disorders, about pollen food allergy syndrome and why certain fresh foods can suddenly cause itching or irritation during allergy season.
Also known as oral allergy syndrome, this condition stems from cross-reactivity between pollen proteins and similar proteins found in plant foods. Gary explains how this immune mix-up happens, why symptoms are typically limited to the mouth and throat, and why something as simple as cooking an apple can make it more tolerable.
They also cover how common this syndrome is, why it is frequently overlooked, and how clinicians distinguish it from more serious food allergies using detailed history and targeted testing. The conversation highlights the role of IgE, component-resolved diagnostics, and the importance of understanding seasonal exposure. The episode closes with practical tips for managing symptoms, from reducing pollen exposure at home to simple food preparation strategies that can make a real difference during peak allergy season.
This Foodie Pharmacology podcast is part of a special two part series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science.
FoodiePharmacology #PollenAllergy #OralAllergySyndrome #AllergyAwareness #ItchyMouth #AllergySymptoms #SinusRelief #HealthyLiving #SeasonalAllergies #FoodAllergy
What if the key to reducing food waste, strengthening community, and reconnecting with our food systems is already in your kitchen?
In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Julia Skinner, food writer, fermentation expert, and founder of the Culinary Curiosity School, to explore the practice of food preserving. From fermentation to freezing, Julia shares how preserving is not just a set of techniques but a way of thinking about food with intention and creativity.
They discuss her upcoming book, Essential Food Preserving, which takes an ingredient-first approach. Instead of rigid recipes, it asks a simple question: what can you do with what you have right now? That mindset opens the door to everything from fruit leathers and infused vinegars to fermented drinks and pantry staples built from scraps.
They also explore the deeper reasons preserving matters. These practices are rooted in food security, seasonality, and survival. Today, they offer a powerful way to reduce waste and reconnect with the sources of our food. Fermentation, in particular, plays an important role in building community. Sharing techniques, recipes, and traditions creates meaningful connections around food.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by preserving, this episode offers an approachable place to begin. Start small, stay curious, and focus on practice rather than perfection. Essential Food Preserving will be released on May 19, 2026, and is available now for pre-orders!
Want to learn more? Enter Code “QUAVE” for a 30% discount to a class offered through the Culinary Curiosity School.
Flowers may seem delicate, but they have transformed the planet! In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, author of the new book How Flowers Made Our World, about the revolutionary rise of flowering plants. They discuss how grasses helped shape human evolution as “grass apes,” why orchids rely on intimate fungal partnerships, and how floral chemistry communicates with pollinators through scent and even electrical fields! From the endosperm that feeds much of humanity to the cultural and aesthetic power of flowers, this conversation examines how flowering plants engineered ecosystems, nourished civilizations, and continue to shape our future. How Flowers Made our World: The Story of Nature’s Revolutionaries is available for pre-order now! Learn more at https://dghaskell.com/
What if the future of antimicrobial discovery lies buried in medieval manuscripts? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with microbiologist Dr. Freya Harrison of the University of Warwick about the emerging field of “Ancient-biotics”. They examine how early medieval remedies such as Bald’s eyesalve are being reconstructed and tested against modern antibiotic-resistant biofilms. Dr. Harrison explains how her lab builds infection models that mimic the human body, why biofilms are so difficult to treat, and how combinations of natural products like honey and vinegar may hold clues to new antimicrobial strategies. This conversation bridges microbiology, Medieval texts, and pharmacology showcasing how historical knowledge can still inform modern medicine.
Inflammation is essential for healing, but when it becomes chronic, it can quietly drive joint pain, blood sugar imbalance, autoimmune conditions, and long-term disease. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Josh Redd, founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness and author of The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset, about the root causes of chronic inflammation. They discuss how ultra-processed diets, environmental exposures, stress, hormonal imbalance, and even trauma contribute to inflammatory load, and what practical steps individuals can take to support immune balance through nutrition and lifestyle change. Learn more about Josh’s work at DrJoshRedd.com
Sake sits at the intersection of fermentation science, ritual, and food culture. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave is joined by Dr. Eric C. Rath, professor of history at the University of Kansas and author of Kanpai: The History of Sake. Together, they explore what sake really is, how fermentation with koji mold transforms rice into alcohol, and why sake has played such a central role in Japanese ritual, everyday life, and food culture. The conversation also traces the history of home brewing, the rise of izakaya gastropubs, and the emergence of American sake as both adaptation and innovation.
In the remote Alaskan wilderness, survival is not a simple metaphor. It is an act of daily practice. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave reconnects with Sue Aikens, best known from National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, to talk about her memoir North of Ordinary. Broadcasting from Alaska, Sue reflects on a life shaped by abandonment, fierce independence, and learning to endure both emotional and physical extremes—from brutal winters and isolation to surviving a grizzly bear attack. This conversation explores resilience, the role of helpers (human and animal), and what it means to build a sense of self when the wilderness strips everything else away.
For decades, Alzheimer’s research has been shaped by a dominant hypothesis, enormous funding streams, and the promise of breakthrough cures. But what happens when the science itself is compromised? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave sits down with investigative science journalist Charles Piller to unpack the revelations behind his book Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s. We examine how image manipulation, groupthink, and institutional failures distorted the Alzheimer’s research landscape for years, shaping clinical trials, drug approvals, and patient expectations. This conversation goes beyond a single disease to examine research integrity, reproducibility, and the human cost of getting science wrong.
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, we explore the cultural, scientific, and social dimensions of kava (Piper methysticum) with Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition. We discuss kava’s roots in Pacific Island traditions, how it’s prepared, what the new AHP monograph means for safety and standards, and why this non-alcoholic beverage is gaining global interest as a pro-social, calming alternative. Douglas shares insights from his work supporting education, responsible use, and sustainable industry growth, offering a grounded look at how this plant bridges community, culture, and modern wellness.
FoodiePharmacology #Kava #Ethnobotany #PlantMedicine #WellnessCulture #NaturalProducts #KavaCoalition
What makes ibogaine such a remarkable plant-derived compound? I sit down with Jonathan Dickinson, CEO and co-founder of Ambio Life Sciences, to explore the fascinating neuropharmacology of this alkaloid and its profound impact on the brain. Jonathan is an expert on ibogaine, with more than 15 years of experience spanning clinical care, traditional practice, and psychedelic research.
We discuss iboga’s deep cultural roots in Central and West Africa, its role in Bwiti spiritual traditions, and how modern science is uncovering its potential in treating addiction, trauma, and neurological disease. Jonathan also shares insights from his pioneering work in ethical sourcing, including the first Nagoya-compliant export of iboga from Gabon, and highlights promising studies on neuroregeneration, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. To learn more about his work, visit https://ambio.life/
iboga #pscyhedelic #addiction #ibogaine #naturalproduct #addiction #podcast
What if the future of egg farming could eliminate one of the industry’s most difficult animal welfare issues—male chick culling? Thanks to in-ovo sexing technology, that future is here.
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, I talk with Jasen Urena, Vice President of NestFresh, about the launch of their Humanely Hatched™ eggs—the first in the U.S. to ensure only female chicks are incubated. It’s a groundbreaking step that transforms both animal welfare and consumer choice.
Jasen shares his journey at NestFresh and how the company has been at the forefront of ethical innovation, from pioneering Non-GMO Project Verified and Regenerative Organic Certified™ eggs to introducing reusable distribution systems that cut emissions and boost traceability. We discuss the promise of regenerative agriculture, how consumer demand is reshaping food systems, and why bold moves are often the catalyst for lasting change in legacy industries.
Whether you care about sustainability, farm animal welfare, or just want to understand where your food comes from, this episode offers a hopeful look at how science and ethics can come together to change what’s on our plates.
🔗 Learn more: nestfresh.com
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animalwelfare #eggs #chickens #podcast #nestfresh
Plants are master chemists. From caffeine and nicotine to powerful drugs like colchicine, they manufacture an incredible array of molecules that defend against pests, attract pollinators, and sometimes even become lifesaving medicines for humans. But how exactly do plants build these complex compounds, and why do they make them in the first place?
This week, I sit down with Dr. Ryan Nett, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University, to explore the fascinating world of plant biosynthesis. We talk about how plants orchestrate molecular “assembly lines” using specialized enzymes, why some of the most promising medicines are so difficult to source from nature, and how advances in genetics and synthetic biology are opening new doors to sustainable drug production.
Dr. Nett shares insights from his research on alkaloids such as huperzine A, investigated for Alzheimer’s disease, and colchicine, a historic treatment for gout and inflammation. We also discuss the grand challenges of plant chemistry, from deciphering massive genomes to engineering microbes like yeast to produce rare medicinal compounds.
If you’ve ever wondered how plants turn simple building blocks into some of the most valuable medicines on Earth, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Learn more at https://www.nett-lab.com/
botany #medicinalplants #chemistry #science #biosynthesis
Food allergies affect millions of children and adults worldwide—and the numbers are rising. This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Sarita Patil, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of the MGH Food Allergy Center, to explore the science behind allergic reactions. They discuss the differences between food allergies and intolerances, the rise in childhood allergies, and how early exposure to allergenic foods can help prevent these conditions.
Dr. Patil shares insights from her latest research on peanut immunotherapy and the role of protective antibodies in reducing severe reactions. She also explains eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic condition linked to food allergens that affects the esophagus. The conversation covers key topics such as the hygiene hypothesis, the influence of breastfeeding and the microbiome on food allergies, and the challenges of managing food allergies in the context of food insecurity.
Whether you are caring for someone with food allergies or interested in how the immune system interacts with our diet, this episode offers practical information and new perspectives on managing food-related health challenges.
foodallergy #allergy #podcast #FoodiePharmacology #Peanuts
What if our future food security depended not on fields of grain, but on forests of trees? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I sit down with Elspeth Hay, author of Feed Us with Trees: Nuts and the Future of Food and host of the Local Food Report on CAI NPR. Elspeth takes us on a journey through oak groves and chestnut stands to explore how nut-bearing trees once fed the world—and could again.
We unpack the ecological power of keystone species like oaks and the role of fire in maintaining these ancient foodscapes. Elspeth shares how acorns, hazelnuts, and chestnuts offer a compelling alternative to industrial crops—and how Indigenous foodways and land management practices hold the key to unlocking their full potential. From forgotten ancestral practices to the modern movement to rewild our diets and ecosystems, this episode is a hopeful call to reconnect with the trees that once sustained us. Learn more about Elspeth’s work at elspethhay.com and follow her on Instagram @elspethhay.
TreeNuts #WildFoods #FoodiePharmacology #KeystoneSpecies #Rewilding #EdibleForests
This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Giulia Menichetti, a computational physicist at Harvard Medical School, about one of the most elusive frontiers in nutrition science: the “dark matter” of food. While most nutrition data is focused on a handful of known nutrients, Dr. Menichetti’s “Foodome” Project is charting the vast landscape of overlooked bioactive compounds hidden in everyday ingredients—and using artificial intelligence to unlock their therapeutic potential.
From network science and protein targets to AI-powered metabolomics and precision diets, this conversation uncovers how foods interact with our biology in ways we’re only beginning to understand. You’ll learn how ultra-processed foods disrupt this balance, why many food databases are incomplete, and how the future of personalized nutrition might be written not just in our genes—but in the chemical language of our meals.
🎧 Tune in to discover how food, evolution, and ecology converge in the search for a more intelligent approach to eating.
Foodome #FoodiePharmacology #AI #PrecisionNutrition #NetworkMedicine #UltraProcessedFoods #NutritionScience
This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with conservation biologist Dr. Daniel Villar about the deep connections between culture, ecology, and traditional knowledge in the Central Andes. Their conversation centers on Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, where Dr. Villar has studied how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) shapes and responds to environmental change.
They discuss the many uses of the totora sedge—a plant once used to build floating islands, craft artisanal goods, and provide food for people and livestock—and how its management reflects centuries of indigenous governance and adaptation. Dr. Villar also shares his insights on the role of ethnobiology in conservation, the value of cultural diversity in protecting biodiversity, and how his research sheds light on climate resilience.
Don’t miss this fascinating look at the science of survival through the lens of cultural and ecological evolution.
Ethnobiology #LakeTiticaca #TEK #BioculturalDiversity #FoodiePharmacology #Conservation #Andes #IndigenousKnowledge
What if your doctor prescribed kale instead of pills? This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Quave sits down with Dr. Steven Chen and Nat Irwin to discuss Recipe4Health, a pioneering “Food as Medicine” program transforming how we treat chronic disease. Based in Alameda County, CA, this initiative pairs regenerative and organic produce with health coaching—all covered by Medi-Cal (Medicaid).
Learn how fresh, regenerative produce is being prescribed to thousands of patients as part of a broader effort to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes and depression. This innovative model also delivers ripple effects beyond the clinic—supporting BIPOC farmers, restoring soil health, and advancing equity through the H3E (Health Cubed Equity) framework, which links human, ecological, and economic well-being. Together, we unpack how food, coaching, and community can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and nourish both people and the planet.
This podcast episode is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
Case study form the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School: https://chlpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Alameda-County-Case-Study-May-2025-V4.pdf
FoodAsMedicine #Recipe4Health #HealthEquity #RegenerativeAgriculture #ChronicDisease #FoodiePharmacology #Organic
Psilocybin and the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Louise Hecker
Could magic mushrooms hold the key to longer life? In this episode, Dr. Quave chats with Dr. Louise Hecker, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Founder of Fibronox, about her groundbreaking research on psilocybin and aging. You may have seen the headlines—her team found that psilocybin slowed cellular aging, reduced oxidative stress, and even extended lifespan in mice. Dr. Hecker shares the origin story behind the study, which started with rooftop workouts and curiosity, and walks us through the science behind her findings. From challenges in getting regulatory approval to designing realistic dosing regimens for her laboratory studies, we discuss what it takes to study psychedelics in the lab. We also explore future directions in longevity research and how this ancient fungal compound might one day support healthier aging. Tune in to learn how psilocybin could reshape the way we think about aging and health.
psilocybin #psychedelic #aging #longevity #healthyaging
Menus aren’t just lists of food—they’re time machines. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave returns to Season 7 with literary food historian Dr. Nathalie Cooke of McGill University. Together, they explore how menus offer rich clues into the cultural, economic, and even medical mindsets of past centuries.
From elephant soup on menus to how Coca-Cola and cigarettes once appeared as health tonics, you’ll hear surprising stories of how dining habits—and health claims—have evolved. Discover how art, identity, and even politics show up on the plate, and how modern “no-choice” tasting menus harken back to royal traditions.
Don’t miss this fascinating dive into culinary history through the lens of Nathalie’s latest book, Taste and Traditions: A Journey Through Menu History.
🎧 Subscribe now and take a seat at the historical table.
MenuHistory #FoodCulture #CulinaryTraditions #WildFoods #HealthOnTheMenu #FoodiePharmacology
This week on the show, we speak with Dr. César Ojeda, an ethnobiologist specializing in fermentation, biocultural diversity, and microbial ecology. Dr. Ojeda shares his insights on traditional Mexican fermented beverages, particularly focusing on the science and cultural importance of these foods. We discuss the concept of ethnomicrobiology, the role of microbes in traditional agriculture, and how microbial communities impact the fermentation process. From lessons on prickly pear cactus fermented beverages and the significance of various fermentation containers, we cover a delightful array of fun food science topics!
cactus #fermentation #pricklypear #microbiology
This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Rosette Chakkalakal, an Associate Professor at Emory School of Medicine and Director of Preventive Medicine, and Kathy Taylor, Director of Medical Nutrition Therapy at Grady Health System. Dr. Chakkalakal and Taylor share insights into Grady’s innovative Food as Medicine program, which addresses food insecurity and chronic disease management through nutrition-based interventions. We discuss the critical role of fresh produce access, cooking education, and personalized nutrition counseling in improving health outcomes for patients with diabetes and hypertension. Our guests highlight how Grady’s approach is transforming patient care—helping to lower A1C levels, reduce hospital visits, and even put diabetes into remission. They also share valuable lessons for other healthcare institutions interested in implementing similar programs. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how food can truly be medicine! 🔗 Learn more at gradyhealth.org
nutrition #podcast #diabetes #primarycare
If you feel like you never have time to cook a healthy meal, this episode is for you! This week on the show, we’re joined by Sharon Palmer, known as the ‘Plant-powered Dietician.’ Sharon shares helpful tips on easy and healthy meal preparation and explores the intersection of nutrition and sustainability. Plants really are the best when it comes to supporting a healthy planet and a healthy you! Sharon also discusses her new book 'The Plant Powered Plan to Beat Diabetes' and shares valuable information on managing and preventing chronic diseases through dietary choices. Learn more about her work at https://sharonpalmer.com/ and https://foodandplanet.org/.
vegan #vegetarian #cookbook
Have you ever wondered what’s really in your food—beyond just vitamins, minerals, carbs, proteins, and fats—but also the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that impact health? This week on the show, our guest is Dr. Selena Ahmed, Global Director of the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) and Dean of Food EDU at the American Heart Association. With her expertise in food systems research and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Ahmed delves into PTFI’s mission to transform our understanding of food composition and quality.
We discuss the importance of biodiversity, nutritional yields, and sustainable farming practices like agroforestry, which support both healthier ecosystems and better human health. Plus, we explore how the fusion of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science—including the role of AI in food analysis—is uncovering new insights into what we eat. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of food! Learn more: https://foodperiodictable.org
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
food #podcast #nutrition #biodiversity #PTFI
We’ve all seen it—whether it’s a cat rolling in catnip with pure delight or a dog eating grass, only to vomit it up later. Are these just quirky animal behaviors, or could they be something more—perhaps even a form of self-medication using nature’s pharmacy?
This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Jaap de Roode, a biology professor at Emory University, to discuss his fascinating new book, 'Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.' He shares remarkable insights into how a wide range of creatures—from monarch butterflies to chimpanzees and house sparrows—intentionally use plants and other natural substances to treat infections, repel parasites, and improve their health.
Our conversation delves into the evolutionary and learned behaviors behind animal self-medication, as well as the broader implications for traditional and modern medicine. Dr. de Roode also offers practical advice on how we can better support wildlife and our pets by making more informed choices about their habitats and diets. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the surprising ways animals harness the power of nature to heal!
nature #medicine #animals
This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Lars Bode, a leading expert in human milk research and director of the Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego. Dr. Bode takes us on a fascinating journey into the science of breast milk, breaking down its unique composition, health benefits, and role in shaping infant development. We discuss how maternal diet, environmental exposures, and even medications influence milk production, as well as the critical role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in supporting infant immunity and gut health. Dr. Bode also shares groundbreaking research on milk-derived compounds with potential applications in adult health, including cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Don't miss this deep dive into one of nature’s most remarkable superfoods! 🔗 Learn more at https://hmi.ucsd.edu/
HumanMilk #Breastfeeding #InfantHealth #GutMicrobiome #MaternalHealth #NutritionScience #MilkResearch #FoodiePharmacology
This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Matt Bernstein, a psychiatrist specializing in metabolic medicine, to discuss the use of ketogenic diets in improving mental and brain health. Dr. Bernstein shares his personal journey and the transformative results he has seen in his patients, and delves into the science behind ketosis, mitochondrial function, and the role of diet in managing serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of how dietary changes can play a pivotal role in brain health and overall wellness. Learn more about this approach to health at www.accordmh.com.
mentalhealth #ketogenicdiet #ketosis #psychiatry #metabolism #brainhealth
Our guest this week is Hamilton Pevec, ethnomycologist, entrepreneur, and filmmaker who has dedicated his career to advancing medicinal mushroom efficacy and mycological science. Hamilton discusses his work in advancing medicinal mushroom science and shares insights into the Telluride Mushroom Festival, fungal forays, and the incredible health benefits of various mushrooms. Discover how functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane can support your health, the process behind extracting their medicinal properties, and practical tips for responsible mushroom foraging. Interested in trying his mushroom extracts? Our podcast listeners get a special discount at https://hamiltonsmushrooms.com/FOODIEPHARMA or use coupon code FOODIE10.
mushroom #chaga #resihi #lionsmane #cordyceps #foodie #podcast
Access to clean water is a luxury that many of us take for granted. Without it, the most vulnerable among us—especially children—are at risk of life-threatening diarrheal disease and stunted development due to the cycle of malnutrition and infection. Our guest this week is medical anthropologist, Dr. Rachel Hall Clifford, author of the new book, “Underbelly: Childhood Diarrhea and the Hidden Local Realities of Global Health” available via open access at MIT Press. Rachel shares insights on the challenges of accessing clean water, effective rehydration therapies, and the complex social dynamics affecting health care in rural communities. Discover the importance of low-cost, community-driven solutions and the vital role of women in global health.
publichealth #malnutrition #cleanwater
What can the building blocks of our food ingredients tell us about our health and the health of our planet? This week on the show, we discuss the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics with experts Dr. Andres Jaramillo-Botero and Dr. Natalia Vázquez Manjarrez. Andres is the founding Director of the iOMICAS Research Institute, a Rockefeller Foundation PTFI Center of Excellence focused on elucidating and democratizing access to food composition at the molecular level and led since 2018 the international research alliance, ÓMICAS, a multi-omics crop breeding optimization program funded by the Colombian government through the World Bank’s PACES program. Natalia leads the Metabolomics Unit within the Department of Nutrition Physiology at the National Institute of Medical Sciences Salvador Zubirán in Mexico City. We examine diet from the molecular level and discuss where the future of food might take us!
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
food #omics #diet #health
This week we explore valuable lessons on defining sustainability, avoiding corporate greenwashing, and creating meaningful change. Our guest is author, speaker, and corporate advisor Maisie Ganzler. She is the go-to expert on how companies can make positive change for our world. Driving strategy for Bon Appetit Management Company, the $1.7 billion foodservice leader, Maisie tackled local purchasing, antibiotics, sustainable seafood, humane care of farm animals, climate change, farmworkers’ rights, and food waste. We discuss the balance between humane treatment of livestock and environmental sustainability, including the complexities of removing antibiotics from food production. Maisie shares how businesses can strategically grow while committing to sustainability and the importance of transparency in telling their brand stories. Learn more about these insights from her book, 'You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime,' about building an authentic, sustainable brand. Visit her website: https://www.maisieganzler.com/
sustainability #foodsystems #marketing
The global beef market is valued at over $400 billion USD, and US consumers eat more beef than any other country in the world. Yet, most consumers know relatively little about livestock handling and the practices bringing cattle from the field to the dinner plate. This week our guest is Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading expert on animal behavior in the livestock industry. Dr. Grandin shares her extensive knowledge on ethical livestock handling, sustainable grazing, and the importance of proper cattle management. The conversation delves into practical advice for managing cattle, from rotational grazing to addressing genetic issues in breeding, and highlights Dr. Grandin’s contributions to improving animal welfare in slaughterhouses. Listeners will gain an insightful perspective on the interconnectedness of animal welfare and sustainable agriculture. To learn more about Dr. Grandin’s work, visit her website at https://www.grandin.com/
Beef #Cattle #Sustainability #Livestock #Podcast
Vegan or meat protein? Does the type of protein we eat matter for muscle gain? This week we investigate how proteins and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are processed by our bodies. I speak with nutrition and protein experts Dr. Robert Hall and Dr. Justin Siegel about their research on this topic with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative. We also discuss what a global protein transition to plant-based proteins might do for the health of our planet and our bodies.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
protein #proteomics #PTFI #vegan #meat #foodie #podcast
In this Halloween special, we dive into the fascinating world of paranormal cuisine with Amy Bruni, a professional paranormal investigator and author. You may know Amy from the hit TV shows Ghost Hunters and the Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits! She’s the author of ‘Food to Die For’ and ‘Life with the Afterlife’. From the haunted halls of the Mount Washington Hotel to the infamous Lizzie Borden house, Amy shares eerie tales and historical recipes that are sure to intrigue. Learn about ghostly encounters, historic foodie tidbits, and how food can create a bridge to the past. Tune in for a unique blend of food, culture, and the supernatural. Learn more about Amy and order the book at https://amybruni.com/
Halloween #podcast #recipes #haunted
Can small farms make a difference for our climate and our health? This week we take a deeper look at the principles of regenerative and sustainable farming, the challenges small farmers face, and the critical role of soil health. Our guest is an award-winning journalist, Jennifer Grayson. We discuss Jennifer’s new book, A CALL TO FARMS: Reconnecting to Nature, Food, and Community in a Modern World – for which she undertook a regenerative farmer training program at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at https://www.jennifergrayson.com/
farm #agriculture #soil #microbiome #nature #regenerative #podcast #foodie
Earth is not just a planet with life on its surface but a living entity where life and environment continuously influence and transform each other. Our guest this week is Ferris Jabr, a renowned science writer, to discuss his new book "Becoming Earth." We explore the dynamic interplay between life and Earth's geology, climate, and atmosphere. From the Amazon rainforest's wet breath to microbes that breathe rock miles below the surface, this episode offers insights into the complex and life-sustaining systems on Earth. Listeners will learn how life and environment co-evolve and how this knowledge influences climate change understanding and our future on this planet. Learn more and order the book at https://www.ferrisjabr.com/
Earth #ClimateChange #Microbiome #Plankton #Podcast
A diverse diet is important for both human health and sustainable ecosystems. Our guest this week is Dr. Gina Kennedy, Director of Research, Translation and Impact for the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) and Principal Scientist with the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT. We discuss the importance of diet and food biodiversity, the goals of PTFI to advance scientific understanding and use of food composition data, and PTFI's efforts to promote a healthier food system. Dr. Kennedy highlights the initiative's global collaboration through Centers of Excellence and addresses how the data on food composition can help tackle global nutrition and health challenges.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
PTFI #SustainableFood #Podcast #Biodiversity #Nutrition
New on the show, we explore the connection between autoimmunity and the diet, examining how the gut microbiome impacts systemic immunity. Our guest this week is Morgan Schneller. She’s a Certified Nutritionist, writer, educator, and founder of Wellbiome, a nutrition consultation practice that prioritizes bio-individual, custom nutrition plans. Morgan provides insights into maintaining gut health, the benefits of fermented foods, and actionable strategies for improving your nutrition. Learn more about Morgan’s work at wellbiomehealth.com or follow her on Instagram at @wellbiome.
Wellness #NutritionTips #GutHealth #AutoimmuneSupport #Microbiome #Podcast
Join Dr. Quave in conversation with MacArthur Fellow and James Beard award-winning author of “Agave Spirits”, Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan as they discuss the incredible adaptations of desert plants, innovative water management techniques, and the sacred role of plants across various cultures. Dr. Nabhan is globally known for building cross-cultural teams for the collaborative conservation of biocultural landscapes and rare foods, medicines and sacred plants. An author or editor of over thirty books and 120 scientific articles published in the likes of Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, American Anthropologist, Ethnobiology, and the Ecology of Food and Nutrition, he has also written for the New York Times, LA Times, Smithsonian, Food Tank and Huffington Post. He is a pioneer in the Slow Food, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant/Pollinator Conservation and Ecological Restoration movements. In this episode, Dr. Nabhan shares his personal and professional journey, detailing his work in desert plant conservation, indigenous collaborations, and the Sacred Plant Biocultural Recovery Initiative. The discussion underscores the deep connection between plants, spirituality, and human culture, offering insights into how ancient practices can inform modern sustainability efforts. Learn more about his work at https://www.garynabhan.com/
ethnobotany #desert #fragrance #conservation #agave
Our bodies change as we age, and the condition of overactive bladder can interfere with sleep patterns and quality of life. This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Ted Johnson, who works in geriatric medicine, which is a medical specialty dedicated exclusively to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults. Ted has over 25 years of clinical practice and is Chief of Emory General Internal Medicine, Chair of Emory Family and Preventive Medicine, and a Clinical Investigator at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System. He elaborates on causes, symptoms, and treatments including behavior changes, exercises, and the impact of diet. Learn the science behind urgency, urinary frequency, and nocturia, and explore how factors like caffeine and body mass index play a role. This episode promises insights not only for medical professionals but also for anyone looking to understand and manage bladder health better.
bladderhealth #diet #overactivebladder #sleep
Have you ever wondered what and how astronauts eat in outer space? A lot of thought and scientific planning is required to design a space menu! This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with Vickie Kloeris, author of “Space Bites” and retired NASA food scientist with over 34 years of experience. Vickie shares her journey from food microbiology to managing NASA’s food systems for space missions and the International Space Station. They cover topics like how to create shelf-stable, crumb-free foods for astronauts and also explore how space food has evolved over the years. They also discuss nutrition and what it may take to reach a point of sustainable food systems for future missions to Mars.
Space #ISS #food #NASA #mealplanning #foodscience #spacechef
In a world facing the looming crisis of climate change, it's essential to address not only the environmental impacts but also the mental health challenges that arise from eco-anxiety, grief, and despair. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Britt Wray, Director of CIRCLE at Stanford Psychiatry, a research and action initiative focused on Community-minded Interventions for Resilience, Climate Leadership and Emotional wellbeing in the Stanford School of Medicine. Britt is the author of two books; her latest ‘Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety’, is an impassioned generational perspective on how to stay sane amid climate disruption. She explains that eco anxiety, though uncomfortable, is a rational response to environmental degradation and stresses the importance of acknowledging these feelings as part of our human connection to the planet. The discussion also covers generational perspectives on climate anxiety, the importance of building resilience and hope through action, and the creation of Dr. Ray's nonprofit, ‘Unthinkable Earth’, designed to support mental health in the face of climate challenges.
ClimateChange #anxiety
Food EDU is an exciting new educational initiative under development from the American Heart Association. This platform aims to unite various disciplines, geographies, and professions to advance our understanding of food, agriculture, and nutrition. It was inspired by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) to enable scientists to utilize new food composition data more effectively. Food EDU seeks to inspire and educate a new generation about the intersection of food science, sustainability, and health, using an open-access model to provide a global educational resource. Drs. Cody and Bertoldo share how the Food EDU initiative and the Good Food Fellows program support the broader mission of research and education on food, sustainable agriculture, and health.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
food #education #health #PTFI #foodedu
The numbers are startling – 45% of all flowering plants are at risk of extinction. Did you know that replacing part of your lawn with native plants can create a sanctuary for local wildlife and support our planet's biodiversity? This week on the podcast, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Doug Tallamy, New York Times bestselling author of “Nature’s Best Hope” and founder of The Homegrown National Park. They delve into why native plants are essential for a healthy environment, how insects play a crucial role in our ecosystems, and offer practical steps individuals can take to enhance biodiversity in their neighborhoods.
biodiversity #insects #planetaryhealth #nativeplants #podcast
It’s time to turn up the heat! This week on the show, host Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Troy Primeaux of Primo’s Peppers! Troy developed the “7 Pot Primo” pepper, which arguably (and controversially) may just be the hottest pepper in the world. At an average face-melting 1.79 million Scoville heat units, one “7 Pot Primo” pepper is 360 times hotter than a Jalapeño! Troy shares his journey from the garden to creating an award-winning hot pepper sauce company and starring in the Hulu docuseries, Superhot!
pepper #hotsauce #foodie #podcast #superhot #hulu
Food is not just something we eat to fill our stomachs; there is diversity, culture, and nutrition in every bite! This week on the show, host Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Anna Herforth, senior research associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They discuss the importance of understanding the diversity of diets worldwide from a nutritional perspective and how different cultures' eating habits impact health. Dr. Herforth shares insights into the Global Diet Quality Project, which aims to conduct the first-ever global survey of what people eat, the challenges faced in gathering such data, and the innovative methods used to achieve it. The conversation reveals surprising findings about food diversity, the process of tailoring food surveys to different cultures, and the initiative's broader implications for nutrition and epidemiology research. They also talk about the upcoming launch of the World Food Map, a collaboration with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, aimed at cataloguing the most common foods in every country and understanding their composition beyond traditional nutrients, emphasizing the critical role of food diversity in health.
Happening this week (April 23-24), join Dr. Herforth and the PTFI team for a special symposium "Celebrating food diversity, scientific advances, and community innovation" (online or in person at New York Botanical Garden). More details and how to register at this link.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
Global Diet Quality Project - dietquality.org
World Food Map - worldfoodmap.org
nutrition #PTFI #foodways #foodmap #podcast
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, host Dr. Cassandra Quave explores the importance of herbaria, focusing on their critical role in research, biodiversity conservation, and education. Dr. Quave, who became the curator of the Emory University Herbarium in 2012, discusses the challenges herbaria face, including funding and space, as illustrated by the recent closure of Duke University's herbarium. Through her experience and excerpts from relevant publications, Quave emphasizes the indispensable utility of herbaria in documenting plant species, contributing to climate change research, and supporting the discovery of new foods and medicines. She also makes a strong case for the preservation of herbaria, calling for support from the public and emphasizing the potential loss of invaluable resources for future generations if these collections continue to be undervalued and neglected.
herbaria #botany #science
Fermentation is a transformative process that uses microbes to enhance food's flavor and health benefits. In this episode of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast, bestselling authors Kirsten and Christopher Shockey discuss the revised 10th anniversary edition of their book, 'Fermented Vegetables.' The first edition has been translated into 6 languages, a copy is on display in the Kimchi Museum in Seoul, Korea, it has sold over 250K copies. They delve into fermentation's evolution over the past decade, highlighting its significance for gut health and culinary diversity. The Shockeys also share popular recipes from their book, including Lemon Dill Sauerkraut and Curtido, a Salvadoran-inspired sauerkraut, demonstrating fermentation's simplicity, tastiness, and global impact.
fermentation #podcast #sauerkraut #vegetables
The American food system is under the control of a few elite power players. The economic dynamics of the food system not only shape our food culture, but also affect our health. Our guest this week is Austin Frerick, an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He worked at the Open Markets Institute, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Congressional Research Service before becoming a Fellow at Yale University. Austin is the author of “Barons: Money, power, and the corruption of America’s food industry”. In his book and in this interview, he describes the stories of seven corporate barons who dominate the food industry, each representing structural issues within the system. We discuss the importance of the Farm Bill, its impact on production, and the monopolization of the industry that profits at the expense of both farmers and consumers. Learn more about Austin’s work and this topic at https://www.austinfrerick.com/ or follow Austin @AustinFrerick on social media.
Did you know a single locust swarm can feed thousands? This week on the show, our guest Dr. Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow explores the world of edible insects and how they could revolutionize our food system. Dr. Meyer-Rochow is an expert in neurobiology and ethnobiological studies; he has been studying the nutritional and ecological benefits of insect consumption, and the cultural shifts affecting entomophagy (the practice of eating insects since the 1970s. Despite early skepticism, Meyer-Rochow highlights how edible insects offer a sustainable alternative with low environmental impact, suitable for addressing food security without the heavyweight of conventional livestock farming. The conversation also touches on the challenges of changing public perception towards insects as food in Western countries and the ongoing erosion of traditional insect-eating practices in countries where it was once common, suggesting the need for innovative approaches to reintegrate insects into the diet.
entomophagy #insects #foodsystems #edibleinsects #sustainability
In this episode of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast, hosted by Dr. Cassandra Quave in collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, we meet Sierra Leonean Chef Fatmata Binta. From her nomadic restaurant, Dine on Mats, she advocates for plant diversity, highlighting the importance of overlooked ingredients in food and culture. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with farmers growing ancient grains, particularly as a sustainable and nourishing food source. She focuses on the role of millet and fonio, including their agricultural benefits like making the land drought-resilient and being able to harvest in a short period, as well their nutritional value being gluten-free and high in fiber. Chef Binta stresses the importance of education about these grains, as they not only provide healthful meal options but also have the potential to address broader issues like food security and climate change. #ancientgrains #foodsystems #chef #podcast #FoodiePharmacology #foodie #millet #fonio #grain ***** Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foodie-pharmacology-podcast/id1453126311 Support the show and grab some fun merch! We have t-shirts, mugs, totes and more available to order here: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/ Want to learn more about the healing power of plants? √ Read my book, The Plant Hunter: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612171/the-plant-hunter-by-cassandra-leah-quave/ √ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Nature’s Pharmacy: https://naturespharmacy.substack.com/ √ Subscribe to my weekly podcast, Foodie Pharmacology: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/ √ Follow me on Instagram & Threads at @QuaveEthnobot: https://www.instagram.com/quaveethnobot/ √ Follow me on Twitter @QuaveEthnobot: https://twitter.com/QuaveEthnobot √ Subscribe to the Teach Ethnobotany YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachEthnobotany
Crop wild relatives are the wild plants that are genetically related to our cultivated crops. They act as a treasure trove of genetic diversity that breeders rely on to improve crops and make them more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases. This week on the show, Dr. Quave speaks with Nan McCarry, ethnobotanist and crop wild relative enthusiast! They discuss the subtle relationship between food security and biodiversity, underscoring the need to conserve these wild relatives. Nan elaborates on her experiences collecting land races of potatoes in the Andes and sheds light on how these plants offer resilience to agricultural systems and help safeguard our food future.
CropWildRelatives #Crops #Biodiversity #Food #Ethnobotany
In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Quave hosts the special series 'Treaty Talks,' created in collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The interview guest is Dr. Colin Khoury, a crop diversity researcher, who discusses an ambitious global study aiming to gather comprehensive data about crops, their uses, production, trade, conservation, and genetic diversity. The purpose of this study is to inform international negotiations, contribute to understanding of the world's dependence on a range of crops, and to help predict future food supply challenges due to climate change. Khoury emphasizes the importance of crop diversity and suggests that appropriate funding for data repositories and organized reporting is crucial for global food security. Resources: International Plant Treaty: https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/en/ Study and database “The plants that feed the world”: https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/areas-of-work/the-multilateral-system/plant_genetic_metrics Presenter: Cassandra Quave Producer: Hedwig de Coo Sound: Gijs de Bakker #foodsecurity #foodsystems #agriculture
***** Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foodie-pharmacology-podcast/id1453126311 Support the show and grab some fun merch! We have t-shirts, mugs, totes and more available to order here: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/ Want to learn more about the healing power of plants? √ Read my book, The Plant Hunter: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612171/the-plant-hunter-by-cassandra-leah-quave/ √ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Nature’s Pharmacy: https://naturespharmacy.substack.com/ √ Subscribe to my weekly podcast, Foodie Pharmacology: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/ √ Follow me on Instagram & Threads at @QuaveEthnobot: https://www.instagram.com/quaveethnobot/ √ Follow me on Twitter @QuaveEthnobot: https://twitter.com/QuaveEthnobot √ Subscribe to the Teach Ethnobotany YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachEthnobotany
Food has always been a means of nourishment and pleasure, but it is also deeply connected to culture and health. In the Pacific Islands, a region rich in unique biodiversity and vibrant food traditions, this connection between food, culture, and health is particularly evident. This week, Dr. Quave speaks with Dr. Vincent Lal, manager of analytical services at the University of the South Pacific Institute of Applied Sciences, about the diverse dietary consumption patterns and unique foods of the Pacific Islands. Vincent highlights the importance of access and benefit sharing as well as the values of underutilized indigenous foods like 'kava'. The conversation encapsulates efforts to boost food resilience in these island regions, their mission to build a younger generation of regional scientists and their collective hope under the FoodEdu initiative.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
SouthPacific #Kava #Food #Podcast #Chemistry #PTFI
In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology presented by Dr. Cassandra Quave, a collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture facilitates illuminating discussions with different experts focused on plants crucial to our agricultural systems, diets, and health. The onus of this special series is exploring how we can continue feeding our growing global population amidst the looming threat of climate change. This episode features Dr. Geoff Hawtin, a seasoned professional in the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, who highlights key trends related to crop production, research, gastronomy and sheds light on the Crop Metrics Study. Together, they delve into mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, restoring degraded top soils, utilizing genetic resources, and the importance of crop wild relatives as they ponder if agriculture can adapt to climate change and ensure the world has enough food.
treatytalks #regenerativeagriculture #geoffhawtin #cropmetrics
Our world is full of fascinating plants, many with deep-rooted historical and cultural significance. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave discusses the significance of ethnobotany with guest, Dr. Sarah Edwards, an ethnobotanist and biodiversity informaticist at the University of Oxford. Edwards is author of a new book, “The Ethnobotanical” (Kew Publishing/ Quercus Book). She shares her journey to becoming an ethnobotanist, from a lucid dream about Australia to working with First Nations communities in the Northern Territory and Cape York Peninsula. The conversation delves into the crucial role of ethnobotanists in the face of ecological crises, the importance of land rights, and the fascinating connections between various plants and human culture.
ethnobotany #podcast #plants #climatechange #traditionalknowledge
In the world of agriculture, the concept of regenerative farming is gaining significant attention. This innovative approach focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. Join Dr. Quave this week as she and Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, the Executive Director of Ecdysis Foundation and CEO of Blue Dasher Farm, discuss the concept of agroecology, particularly regenerative agriculture. As a researcher and educator, Dr. Lundgren describes his efforts to evolve applied science in ways that foster the evolution of a sustainable and healthy food system. Lundgren shares his journey as a scientist and farmer and his passion for transforming the way science is conducted so it fuels a revolution in regenerative agriculture. He calls for more farmers to adopt practices that support soil health, water conservation, biodiversity, and reduced synthetics. Additionally, Lundgren shares insight from the Thousand Farms Initiative, quantifying the systemic performance of regenerative farms across North America.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
agriculture #PTFI #RegenerativeAgriculture #nutrition #SoilHealth #farm
Did you know that some everyday foods contain natural toxins that have been developing for millions of years? This week, Dr. Quave talks with Dr. Noah Whiteman, an Evolutionary Biology professor from UC Berkeley and the author of the book “The Most Delicious Poison.” They explore how certain poisons in nature work, how they affect us, and their role in the bigger picture of evolution. They cover a wide range of fascinating subjects, like why your coffee has caffeine, how certain caterpillars can handle toxic substances in plants, what risks are associated with the chemicals in vaping products, and even why the world's largest flowers have such a strong smell. Tune in to learn about an exciting mix of topics from nature, science, medicine, and history!
Learn more about Dr. Whiteman’s book at www.mostdeliciouspoison.com and research at www.whitemanlab.org. You can follow him on social media @NKWhiteman on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Bluesky, Threads and Mastadon.
poison #caffeine #evolution #food #podcast #mostdeliciouspoison
In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave in collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture presents a series in which she interviews experts on agriculture trends. She talks with Jasmine Wibisono, a graduate from the Bard's College Graduate Programs in Sustainability, about her research on plant-based proteins, particularly pea protein. They discuss its sudden rise in popularity, its use in various products in the market and its production sustainability. Dr. Quave also introduces the 'crop metric study' which provides valuable data on globally important crops. Jasmine speaks about how this data can be leveraged for further research and how it encourages a systemic approach to sustainability and agriculture security.
Can food culture help combat non-communicable lifestyle diseases? We explore this question and more in the first episode of Season 6 of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast with Dr. Cassandra Quave. This week's guest is Chef Robert Oliver, an award-winning author, TV host, food ambassador, and renowned New Zealand chef with restaurants in cities like New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and Sydney. Chef Oliver discusses his passion and in-depth knowledge of Pacific cuisine, the significance of local foods, and the impact of his initiative, the Pacific Island Food Revolution. This movement aims to fight lifestyle diseases in the region by revitalizing and promoting traditional Pacific cuisine and sustainable farming methods. Join Dr. Quave and Chef Oliver as they delve into his innovative work, the unique flavors of the South Pacific, and how food and culture can foster social and economic transformations while promoting health and sustainability.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
FoodiePharmacology #ChefRobertOliver #healthyeating #traditionalfood #FoodRevolution #ptfi
Seeds are essential to the rhythm of life. This week on the show, we discuss seeds and how gardening can open up deeper connections to nature, our foods, and sense of place. Our guest is Jennifer Jewell, gardener, creator, and host of the public radio program and podcast “Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden”. Jennifer is the author of three books: The Earth in Her Hands, 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants (Timber Press, 2020); Under Western Skies, Visionary Gardens from the Rockies to the Pacific (Timber Press, 2021); and What We Sow, on the Personal, Ecological & Cultural Significance of Seeds (Timber Press, 2023). Learn more about her work at her website: https://www.cultivatingplace.com/
podcast #garden #seeds #vegetables #nature
Welcome to an all new epodes of Foodie Pharmacology with Dr. Cassandra Quave. This week Cassie welcomes Earlene Cruz, founder and executive director of Kitchen Connection Alliance (KCA), explores her role in revolutionizing the global food system. She outlines KCA's mission to educate on sustainable food practices and discusses her work as a Youth Representative and Steering Committee Member at the United Nations, focusing on youth engagement in combating food insecurity and climate change. The episode delves into how these issues intertwine with the global food system and presents specific strategies and projects for positive change. For more information, visit https://www.kitchenconnection.org/ or follow Earlene on Instagram at kitchenconnection.
FoodSystems #FoodInsecurity #UnitedNations #Cookbook #foodiepharmacology
By 2050, the world needs to be able to produce enough food to feed 10 billion people. Our guest this week is Dr. Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund. We discuss the challenges of sustainable agriculture in the face of an increasing global population and delve into the complexity of the food system, addressing the potential for transformative change on topics like loss and waste, nutritious diets, and innovative farming practices. We also discuss important initiatives such as the Periodic Table of Food, aimed at fundamentally advancing our understanding of food composition, and the role of the Bezos Earth Fund in driving scientific innovation in agricultural sustainability.
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
PTFI #ClimateChange #FoodSystems #FutureOfFood #Sustainability
The next episode has a slightly different set-up from what you may be used to when listening to Foodie Pharmacology. This interview is part of a series that I did in collaboration with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In this series, I talk to different experts about the trends they observe in plants that are important to our agriculture, diets and health.
Episode Description
Dr. Cassandra Quave in conversation with Álvaro Toledo (Deputy Secretary of the International Plant Treaty) and Luigi Guarino (Director of Science at the Global Crop Diversity Trust) on global trends regarding plants that feed the world. Host and guests discuss the study “The plants that feed the world” that shows how countries are interdependent for their food supply and how the type of crops that are important to our diet are shifting over time and geographically. Which plants will become more important in the future? How can such trends inform our national and global planning for the research and safeguarding of the plants that feed us?
Resources:
International Plant Treaty: https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/en/
Study and database “The plants that feed the world”: https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/areas-of-work/the-multilateral-system/plant_genetic_metrics
Benefit-sharing Fund project in Malawi (referred to in the episode): https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/areas-of-work/benefit-sharing-fund/projects-funded/bsf-details/en/c/1198834/?iso3=MWI
Presenter: Cassandra Quave
Producer: Hedwig de Coo
Sound: Gijs de Bakker, Eric Deleu
FAO #Crops #PlantTreaty #Nutrition #ClimateChange #Policy #UnitedNations #Coffee
From the discovery of an HIV/AIDS drug candidate to uncovering the secrets behind a neurotoxin responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, we have a lot to share this week on the show! Our guest is Dr. Paul Alan Cox, ethnobotanist and Executive Director of the Brain Chemistry Labs in Jackson, Wyoming, where he and his colleagues are searching for new treatments for ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Cox has lived for years in remote island villages, searching for new medicines. He was named one of TIME magazine’s eleven “Heroes of Medicine” for his discovery of a new HIV/AIDS drug candidate. He was also awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, sometimes known as the Nobel Prize for the Environment. Visit this website to learn more: https://brainchemistrylabs.org/
HIV #AIDS #Prostratin #ALS #Alzheimers #Okinawa #LSerine #cyanobacteria #podcast
Our guest this week is Dr. Alex McAlvay, ethnobotanist at the New York Botanical Garden's Institute of Economic Botany. His research focuses on understanding the relationships between humans and their environments, the evolutionary and ecological impacts of humans on plants, and the traditional stewardship of plants by cultures. Alex is working on an interesting research project in collaboration with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative on agrobiodiversity and climate resilience in Ethiopia.
We address some important questions, such as:
- What can you share about your research project in collaboration with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative on agrobiodiversity and climate resilience in Ethiopia? What brought you to Ethiopia and how do you work with local communities and scientists on the project?
- What do you hope to learn from the multi-omics data on food composition that you are generating as part of this project?
- As an ethnobotanist, your work integrates diverse ways of knowing. You have been integrating traditional knowledge and laboratory tools. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in this interdisciplinary work? What are ways that more researchers can carry out interdisciplinary work and what is the importance of this work?
- How would you describe the role of teff in Ethiopian agricultural systems and cuisine?
This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/
PTFI #ClimateChange #Ethiopia #conservation #agroecology
Imagine living 500 miles from the closest town, relying on your grit and skills in hunting, fishing, and foraging to find food and medicine to survive. Now, imagine doing all of this at the edge of the world, deep in the Arctic, beyond the tree line where there are no roads and no neighbors nearby to help in an emergency. Our guest this week is Sue Aikens, star of the eight-time Emmy-award-winning show Life Below Zero on National Geographic TV. Sue recounts lessons learned from her 23 years living at Camp Kavik, including how she survived a bear attack and found fresh frozen fruit by analyzing patterns in the snow drift.
Arctic #Forager #BearAttack #Survival #Alaska #Hunting #foodiepharmacology #sueaikens #kavik #livebelowzero #natgeo
You might be asking, "What is 'foodomics”? Fundamentally, foodomics is the science dedicated to comprehensively studying what's in our food, from its genetic building blocks to its chemical composition.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of a special series on the Foodie Pharmacology podcast, produced in collaboration with The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI)! The PTFI is spearheading a global effort to decipher the makeup of foods, aiming to enhance both human and environmental health.
Our guest today is Dr. Tracy Shafizadeh, a distinguished nutritional scientist and the Director of Programs and Partnerships at Verso Biosciences. Additionally, Tracy holds the position of Director of Technology Partnerships at the PTFI. With over 15 years in product development and scientific communication, she has played pivotal roles at various life science corporations. In this episode, we delve into how foodomics is demystifying the composition of crucial foods, including tomatoes.
We address some important questions, such as:
- What are challenges and opportunities for foodomics for advancing our understanding of food and health for people and the planet?
- How does the multi-omics data that the PTFI is generating complement both existing food composition data - as well as existing foodomics efforts?
- How do you envision the data being generated by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative to be utilized? What are your hopes?
- What does a nourishing food system look like to you? What are you most hopeful about for the future of food?
This Foodie Pharmacology podcast is part of a special series co-designed with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative also known as the PTFI. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. The PTFI is a program of RF Catalytic Capital managed by a collaborative team at the American Heart Association and the Alliance of Bioversity CIAT that seeks to advance our fundamental understanding of food composition by providing tools, data, and training to scientists across the global so they can better characterize the quality of the world’s edible biodiversity. The PTFI's ultimate goal is to advance data-driven solutions in the food sector for the health of people and the planet. Funding for the PTFI is provided by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, Seerave Foundation, Fourfold Foundation, and Atria Health Collaborative.
https://foodperiodictable.org/
HELPFUL LINKS:
- Foodomics: A Data-Driven Approach to Revolutionize Nutrition and Sustainable Diets
- What Is In A Tomato? Mapping The Building Blocks Of Food
foodomics #omics #tomato #PTFI #foodiepharmacology #cassadraquave
Let's face it: Americans have a penchant for sweet foods and drinks. However, the health implications of consuming large amounts of sugar are concerning. For years, food and beverage chemists have been on a quest for non-caloric sweeteners, and several innovative products have emerged in the market. This week, we delve into the science of sweet tastes and explore how experts in biochemistry and physiology have developed zero-calorie sugar alternatives for various products. Joining us is Dr. Grant E. DuBois, a specialist in non-caloric sweetener technologies. He has dedicated his career to pioneering new flavor technologies and has worked with leading companies like Searle Pharmaceutical Co., The Coca-Cola Company, Almedra, and Crave Crush LLC.
sweetener #stevia #aspartame #flavor #podcast #diet #softdrinks
The U.S. Farm Bill has far-reaching implications for our food systems and our health. Our guest this week, Katherine Miller, shares insights into this piece of legislation and offers tips on how to effectively advocate for food policies. Katherine has built a 20-year career working at the intersections of policy, politics, and social impact. Her new book, "At the Table: The Chef's Guide to Advocacy," highlights ways that people can get involved in food policy and advocacy. It showcases chefs that work on hunger relief efforts, food waste reduction policies, labor, and mental health policies and more. We address questions like:
- What is the role of chefs and culinary professionals in helping change the food system?
- What are some ways people can get started on political advocacy?
- What are common mistakes people make when it comes to food advocacy?
You can learn more about Katherine’s work at her website www.table81.com and follow her [at]Table81 on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads.
FoodPolicy #FarmBill #Chefs #FoodWaste #FoodSystems #FoodBook #foodiepharmacology
An estimated 3 million Americans use kratom products for recreational purposes, in self-treatment of opiate addiction, and to manage pain. Yet, our scientific understanding of its safety, efficacy, and potential for addiction is still poorly understood. With new data emerging each year, scientists are starting to gain a better picture of the full spectrum of risks and benefits of this SE Asian medicinal herb. Our guest this week, Dr. Christopher McCurdy, is an internationally recognized expert on kratom. Chris is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, where he also directs the UF Translational Drug Development Core. We address questions like: What is kratom? Where does it come from and how does its traditional use differ from the ways it is consumed in the USA? What are the major active compounds found in kratom and how much variation is there in different products? What are the side effects of chronic versus acute use of kratom? And are there any drugs you should avoid taking in combination with kratom?
kratom #MedicinalPlants #Pain #Addiction #tea #Herbs #HerbalSafety #Stimulant #Science #foodiepharmacology #ChristopherMcCurdy
Quinoa has become a staple among health food lovers across the globe, but few know the full story of its origins, how its processed, and what impact this quinoa boom has had on the indigenous farmers of the high Andes mountains. This week on the show, our guest is Dr. Linda Seligmann, a professor emeritus of anthropology at George Mason University. Linda specializes in agrarian issues and has worked in the Andes for more than forty years. She shares some key insights from her research on this special crop with us and in her new book, “Quinoa: Food Politics and Agrarian Life in the Andean Highlands.”
quinoa #food #crops #agriculture #FoodPolitics #Mining #Environment #HealthyFoods #Peru #Andes
You are what you eat… or rather what your gut microbes eat! New science is emerging on the role of how our food affects the composition of our gut microbiome, and how in turn, those gut microbes influence our health! Our guest this week is Dr. Heather Zwickey, an internationally recognized expert and educator in the fields of integrative medicine, natural therapies, and the immune system. We cover topics like: How does food affect microbiome health and subsequent immune health? What do we know about how to 'fix' our microbiome? How does the way you are born (vaginal or Cesarian delivery) affect your gut microbiome? We also cover topics like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics! There’s lots of wisdom to be gleaned from this episode! You can learn more about Heather’s work at https://www.heatherzwickey.com/ or you can follow her on Instagram at @hzwickey.
microbiome #food #GutHealth #Podcast #microbiology #prebiotics #probiotics #postbiotics
In this week's episode of Foodie Pharmacology, we talk about ants that grow fungal gardens and how their farming methods are surprisingly similar to human agriculture! Our guests are Dr. Marcy Balunas from the University of Michigan and Dr. Jonathan Klassen from the University of Connecticut. They discuss a new study that shows ants and microbes communicate using chemicals. We also talk about a new tool called MPACT that makes it easier to analyze complex chemical data. Looking ahead, the team plans to study how these ant-microbe partnerships handle challenges like forest fires due to climate change and to identify other chemicals involved in these relationships. If you're interested in how the natural world works, this episode is for you! You can follow their work on Twitter at BalunasLab and klassenlab.
science #sciencefacts #Podcast #Scicomm #ants #Fungi #Fungal #gardening #foodiepharmacology
Human perceptions of plants matter in conservation! This week on the Foodie Pharmacology podcast, I spoke with an expert on the concept of “sustainability-through-use,” which is important to designing conservation programs that consider the needs and priorities of local communities. Laura Kor is a PhD candidate at King’s College London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Her research focuses on the conservation of useful plants in Colombia—species with reported human uses ranging from food and medicine to spiritual and cultural values. You can access Laura’s research articles on her Google Scholar page (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=OTV1DjcAAAAJ) or follow her on Twitter at @laurabkor
Colombia #SouthAmerica #Conservation #Botany #Plants #Podcast #ethnobotany #science #Scicomm
Want to learn more about the intersection between food, health, and biodiversity conservation?
√ Read my book, The Plant Hunter: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612171/the-plant-hunter-by-cassandra-leah-quave/
√ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Nature’s Pharmacy: https://naturespharmacy.substack.com/
√ Subscribe to my weekly podcast, Foodie Pharmacology: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/
√ Follow me on Instagram & Threads at @QuaveEthnobot: https://www.instagram.com/quaveethnobot/
√ Follow me on Twitter @QuaveEthnobot: https://twitter.com/QuaveEthnobot
√ Subscribe to the Teach Ethnobotany YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachEthnobotany
What gives coffee and chocolate those special notes of fruit or nutty aromas? It all comes down to how the plants are processed, and especially to the role of microbial fermentation! I speak with Dr. Eric Peterson, an Assistant Professor at the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique in Quebec, Canada. Dr. Peterson is an interdisciplinary researcher who is worried about food. A perfect storm is on the horizon, where climate change, political instability, and globalization all threaten access to food for everyone. Dr. Peterson shares his fascinating insights on the world of coffee and cocoa production, from the farm to fermentation and drying processes, to global distribution. Follow his work on Twitter at @trashprof or his university website: https://inrs.ca/en/research/professors/eric-peterson/
yeast #coffee #cocoa #fermentation #flavor #aroma #taste #tropics #bacteria #blackivorycoffee #Kopiluwak
Conservation starts with community! This week I speak with biodiversity conservation expert, Dr. Teri Allendorff, about community-led models for fostering conservation of natural resources in different sites across the globe. Dr. Teri Allendorf is the Executive Director of Community Conservation, located in Viroqua, WI, but with projects around the world, including Peru, Myanmar, Nepal, Madagascar, Thailand, and Cameroon. She is also an Honorary Fellow in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Allendorf has worked on issues of local communities and conservation since 1994. Follow her work at the Community Conservation website (https://communityconservation.org/ ) and social media channels: Twitter: @ComConsInc, Facebook: @communityconservationinc, Insta: @communityconservationinc
conservation #biodiversity #podcast #ecosystem #foodiepharmacology
This week we explore the exciting sensory elements of taste with Mandy Naglich! Mandy is an Advanced Cicerone, National Homebrew Competition Gold Medalist, drinks educator, and writer. She’s the author of “How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life”. She shares with us some great tips on how and why we can improve our senses of taste and smell and explores how our senses are connected to our health. Mandy lives, writes, and brews in New York City, but she documents her drinks adventures around the world at @drinkswithmandy
taste #flavor #senses #food #beer #howtotaste #MandyNaglich #FoodiePharmacology #Quave
This week on the podcast, we learn more about the exciting initiatives underway on climate action, regenerative agriculture, and food science supported by the Rockefeller Foundation. I speak with Dr. John de la Parra, an ethnobotanist and chemist with expertise in food crops and medicinal plants. John drives programming, grantmaking, performance, and partnership within the Rockefeller Foundation Food Portfolio, including the development of the Periodic Table of Food.
food #health #agriculture #crops #nutrition
Have you ever wondered how climate change and different agricultural management practices can affect the composition of the foods we eat? If yes, then this episode is for you! I speak with Kat Morgan, a food systems professional with expertise in anthropology, environmental health, and communications. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at Columbia University, Kat is dedicated to addressing the intersection of food systems, environmental issues, and health disparities. In addition to her work with the Rockefeller Foundation, Kat also hosts the “Oh, Crop” podcast!
food #ClimateChange #Agriculture #crops #podcast
In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, we discuss the vital role of home gardens in diverse economies and social reproduction. Our guests are scholars Andrew Flachs and Ashley Glenn. Andrew, an anthropologist and agrarian studies expert, talks about how gardens support resilient economies in areas with limited formal economic activity, and the critical role of women in these systems. Ashley, an Ethnobotanist, examines the diversity of these gardens and their role in preserving social institutions in difficult economic scenarios. The episode focuses on the role of gardens in fueling social reproduction: keeping social institutions going even as other aspects of the economy would fragment them. We explore sustainable agriculture, botany, and anthropology, understanding the value and potential of home gardens in our economies and ecosystems.
Bosnia #homegarden #Missouri #gardening #foodways
This week, we take a closer look at Caribbean medicinal plants used in women’s health in New York City! Our guest this week is Ella Vardeman. Ella is a Ph.D. candidate at the City University of New York and New York Botanical Garden Plant Sciences program under the mentorship of Dr. Ina Vandebroek and Dr. Edward Kennelly. Her research focuses on the ethnopharmacology of plants used by Haitian immigrants in New York City for women’s health. Learn more about Ella’s work by following her on Twitter @ellavardeman.
NYC #Haiti #medicinalplants #womenshealth #FoodiePharmacology #mysterycontrol
This week, we delve into the alchemical world of boozy botanicals and the intricate art of ice with Camper English, a seasoned cocktail and spirits aficionado. With his rich experience spanning over 15 years, English has distilled his knowledge into international publications and his acclaimed books, Doctors and Distillers and The Ice Book. We dive into the fascinating history of botanicals used in spirits, the science behind crystal-clear ice cubes, and how these elements elevate your drink. Tune in as we shake up your cocktail knowledge, stirring in a mix of science, history, and English's unique insights. From his explorations on Alcademics.com to this intimate conversation, English continues to add a splash of intrigue to the mixology realm.
mixology #icecubes #cocktail #botanical #negroni #gin #artemisia #wormwood #gentian #mysterycontrol
Are you a tea-lover? There is a dazzling array of tea types out there to taste—but you may be wondering where these teas come from and how they are made. This week, I speak with Aurora Prehn, an expert tea taster to learn more about the flavor and history of different teas. Aurora is the Biocultural Collection Manager in the William L. Brown Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis where she has been since January 2021.
teatime #tea #podcast #greentea #matcha
Gardening is an activity that can have significant positive impacts on both your physical and mental well-being. This week, we are excited to feature Chris McLaughlin, a highly experienced author and gardening expert, whose latest book, 'The Good Garden: How to Nurture Pollinators, Soil, Native Wildlife, and Healthy Food -- All in Your Own Backyard', delves into the benefits of gardening in harmony with nature. With almost half a century of gardening experience, Chris is passionate about nature, small livestock, and the family farm, and has authored nine books on these topics. During our discussion, we explore topics such as nurturing pollinators, supporting native wildlife, and cultivating local connections within your community. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, Chris has some excellent insights that are sure to inspire and help you get the most out of your gardening experience. You can follow Chris on social media with Facebook: Suburban.Farmer and Instagram: @laughingcrowco
As a special offer for Foodie Pharmacology listeners – when you go to Island Press and purchase a book, you can use GARDEN as a discount code for 20% off the book purchase.
gardening #garden #homegarden #podcast #pollinators #nature
This week on the show, we dive into the health-benefits of a plant-based diet! The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is, well, SAD!! IUT also drives high incidence of chronic disease that shorten lifespans and reduce quality of life! But there is hope! Eating a whole food, plant-based diet can help prevent many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. My guest this week is Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, the Pam R. Rollins Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, and founder and director of Emory Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness.
Dr. Bergquist is a nationally recognized lifestyle medicine pioneer, practicing internist with over two decades of patient-centered clinical experience. She is an advocate for advancing healthcare by integrating lifestyle medicine, resiliency, and prevention-based science into clinical care. She is also the host of The Whole Health Cure podcast and co-author of the cookbook Plantology: a cookbook based on the science of plant-based eating. Learn more on her website at: https://drsharonbergquist.com/ or follow her on Twitter @SHBergquistMD and Instagram @drsharonbergquist
plantbaseddiet #healthfood #podcast #healthyliving
Did you know that your culinary choices can not only improve your health, but also that of the planet? This week on the show, I speak with Chef Alejandra Schrader. She is an award-winning cookbook author, plant-based nutrition certified chef, food TV personality, and activist. Alejandra encourages people to eat in a way that benefits human and planetary health—to consume a wider variety of edible plants, to minimize food waste, and to cook smart. We talk about lessons from her new book “The Low-Carbon Cookbook and Action Plan: Reduce Waste and Combat Climate Change with 140 Sustainable Plant-Based Recipes” and explore how to put these into action. Learn more about Alejandra’s work at her website (alejandraschrader.com) or follow her on social media platforms at @ChefAleSchrader. You can also learn more about the Periodic Table of Food’s global initiative to biochemically characterize foods at their website: https://foodperiodictable.org/
food #SustainableFood #ClimateChange #Sustainability
Today, nearly 2 billion people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Labeled as the ‘hidden hunger’, this puts them at greater risk of infection, lower cognitive function, and leads to 1 million premature deaths. A new study published in the journal Nature Plants reports that there are 1,044 edible plant species that show promise as key sources of B vitamins. I speak with the lead author of the study, PhD student Aoife Cantwell-Jones, about their findings. She also shares some fun stories from her current work on expedition in the Arctic circle, where she studies bumblebees and plants in the wild! Learn more about her research on Twitter at @aoifecj
PlantDiversity #ClimateChange #bumblebees #Vitamins #Nutrients #Podcast
Fermentation harnesses the power of microbes to transform ingredients into value-added foods, and there are so many different techniques to this culinary craft! I speak with Dr. Julia Skinner—author of Our Fermented Lives and fermentation enthusiast, educator, writer, food historian, and founder of Root Kitchens. Learn more about Julia and her work by subscribing to her newsletter and get a free 60-day trial at this link: https://rootkitchens.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=18d1c171
fermentation #fermented #soda #naturalsoda #recipes #podcast
This week on the show, we go wild for bush tomatoes! I speak with an incredible crew of botanists and an anthropologist who share their work in studying a sweet relative of the tomato that grows in the Western Desert of Australia in lands managed by the Martu People with controlled burns. We cover topics of flavor, population genetics, and tales from the field! You can learn more about this project in a new film featured on the “Plants are cool, too!” YouTube Channel.
tomato #solanum #Australia #explore #WildFoods
If you’re a fan of science fiction like me, you’ve gone gaga over HBO’s new hit show, The Last of Us! This week on the podcast, I speak with two experts in chemistry and mushrooms to dissect fact and fiction in the show! Join me as I chat with Dr. Nick Oberlies (a natural products chemist) and Dr. Huzefa Raja (a mycologist) from University of Carolina Greensboro. We dive into questions like: Which fungi can kill humans? Can fungi survive in the snow? Can fungi really turn creatures into mind-controlled zombies? How do fungi communicate? SPOILER ALERT if you haven’t seen the show yet! You can follow our guests research work on Twitter at: @OberliesGroup @huzefaraj @uncg_chem @UNCGresearch
TheLastOfUs #HBO #Fungi #Zombie #PopularCulture #NaturalProducts
As a follow-up to my research expedition in Egypt this winter, I speak with Helmy Abouleish. He is the Chief Executive Officer of SEKEM Holding, the Initiative for Sustainable Development in the Egyptian desert, which works holistically in the four pillars of sustainable development: Ecology (biodynamic agriculture and its promotion), Economy of Love (production of phytopharmaceuticals, organic textiles and food), Social Life (sustainable community development) and Cultural Life (individual potential unfolding in Schools, University, Medical center). I’ve learned so much about biodynamic farming and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change from Helmy and his team and I know you will too with this episode! Plus, he shares an exciting capacity building program underway in Egypt that helps small farms (2 acres or less) to farm using biodynamic practices and gain financial support through carbon certification. You can learn more about Helmy and the work at SEKEM at their website (www.sekem.com) and learn more about how to support farmers through voluntary carbon credits with the Economy of Love project (https://www.economyoflove.net/certificate-page/).
biodynamic #organic #farming #Egypt #desert #compost #sustainability #ClimateChange #podcast #CarbonCredit #Africa
Fermentation is where microbes, vegetables, and community meet! This week on the show, I chat with Sandor Katz, James Beard award-winning fermentation revivalist. Sandor shares secrets on how to make the most delicious lactic acid fermented vegetables and shares some of his favorite recipes from his new book. “Fermentation Journeys”. Learn more about Sandor’s work at his website: https://www.wildfermentation.com/
fermentation #pickles #probiotics #kombucha #kefir #sourdough
How do we become better connected with our food? This week I speak with Linda Black Elk, an ethnobotanist and food sovereignty activist specializing in teaching about culturally important plants and their uses as food and medicine. Linda is the Food Sovereignty Coordinator at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she passes ethnobotanical and food systems knowledge on to her amazing students. When she isn’t teaching, Linda spends her time foraging, hiking, hunting, and fishing on the prairies and waters of the northern Great Plains with her husband and three sons, who are all members of the Ohceti Shakowin, the Seven Council Fires of the Lakota. Follow her work on Facebook @lindablackelk and on TikTok and Instagram at @Linda.Black.Elk
WildFood #Ethnobotany #Lakota #Podcast #Fermentation #Plants
Have you ever noticed that your mood is connected with the food you eat? This week, Ispeak with journalist Mary Beth Albright about her new book "Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Wel-Being." We discuss four pillars of food and health explored ni the book: pleasure, microbiome, inflammation, and nutrients. From eating socially to eating a variety of vegetables, we discuss the myriad ways to boost mood through our foods! Follow Mary Beth's work athttp://www.marybethalbright.com/
food #mood #flourish #mentalhealth #diet #podcast
This week on the show, we’re going to explore a popular topic emerging in mental healthcare: the potential utility of psychedelic medicines for depression. I speak with expert in this field, Dr. Charles Raison. Dr. Raison is a medical doctor whose research focuses on examination of novel mechanisms involved in the development and treatment of major depression and other stress-related emotional and physical conditions. He is the Distinguished Chair for Healthy Minds, Children and Families and Professor of Psychiatry at University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as the Director of Clinical and Translational Research for the Usona Institute. He shares insights into the current state of psilocybin research and development, including how it is being tested in the clinic to treat depression. Follow his work on Twitter at @DrCharlesRaison
depression #psilocybin #psychedelics #MentalHealth #microdosing #CharlesRaison #mushrooms
Echinacea is one of the most beloved of medicinal plants in North America, long used in folk medicine for its immune-boosting effects. But did you know that echinacea also has a microbiome—a community of microbes living in and on it—that influences its chemistry and medicinal properties? I speak with plant chemistry expert, Dr. Nadja Cech, about plant microbiomes, chemical signatures of plants, and how the thousands of molecules found in a single plant work together in synergy. You can follow Dr. Cech’s work on Twitter at @nadjacech. Join us this June at the Joint Conference of the Society for Economic Botany and Society of Ethnobiology meeting. Lock in the best rates with early registration by April 15th!
echinacea #medicinalplants #plantchemistry #synergy #podcast #microbiome #nadjicech #CassandraQuave
Imagine a world in which you knew how to find food all around you in nature… what would that look like? How might your food experiences expand? This week on the show I speak with the extraordinary Alexis Nikole Nelson – aka the “Black Forager”! Alexis is a cook, forager, and science communication star who has introduced the incredible world of foraging to millions of people via her channels on TikTok (@alexisnikole) and Instagram (@blackforager). I had so much fun chatting with Alexis about the plants she loves and how she takes her passion for wild foods to the masses. Listen and learn with me!
forage #podcast #wildfood #BlackForager
Seeds are nothing short of magical. They are the reservoirs of genetic information and yet so much more. They also hold the stories of farmers, seeds savers, and cultures of long ago. This week, I speak with Adam Alexander, whose book The Seed Detective – Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable vegetables was published in September 2022. We chat about Adam’s passion in collecting seed of rare, endangered but above all, delicious vegetables from around the world.
Seeds #Farming #HomeGarden #SeedSaver #SeedDetective #Foodie
Who’s ready to start your spring garden? If you love plants and gardening, you’re going to love this episode! I speak with my former plant taxonomy Professor, Dr. Scott Zona, about his fun new book: “A Gardener’s Guide to Botany: The biology behind the plants you love, how they grow, and what they need.” We also touch on topics ranging from plant defense compounds to some of the emerging challenges in agriculture.
garden #botany #houseplants #GardenersGuideToBotany #ScottZona #FoodiePharmacology #CassandraQuave
Who’s ready to sit down for a meal in the eternal city? This week on the show, I speak with Norwegian food writer, restauranteur and activist Andreas Viestad about his latest book, Dinner in Rome: A History of the World in One Meal. We explore the archeology of taste and how some simple ingredients provide insight into the past and future of our food. Plus, Andreas shares a recipe for his favorite meal, Pasta Carbonara! You’ll work up an appetite listening to this episode! Check out his website to learn more: https://andreasviestad.com/
ItalianCooking #FoodHistory #Pasta #WhenInRome #PastaCarbonara #FoodiePharmacology
You are what you eat, and your skin will certainly reflect that! This week on the show, I speak with clinical nutritionist, Jennifer Fugo, about how to support healthy skin with our diets. Health is a journey, and Jennifer has experience in working on a range of chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dandruff, and hives with clientele ranging from regular folks to celebrities and professional athletes. You can learn more about Jennifer’s work at her website https://www.skinterrupt.com, on Instagram @ jenniferfugo or on her podcast, “The Healthy Skin Show.”
SkinHealth #HealthySkinShow #youarewhatyoueat #foodiepharmacology
I’m back from an adventure along the western coast of Connemara, Ireland! A beautiful region full of scenic bogland and pristine coastlines, Connemara reflects a part of Ireland where tradition of language and foodways is celebrated and maintained. While there, I had the opportunity to learn more about wild foraged seaweeds and land-based aquaculture of abalone and I just had to share it with you all! Meet Cindy and Sinead O’Brien: a mother-daughter team who are paving the path forward in sustainable aquaculture in the country. Learn more about their work at https://www.mungomurphyseaweed.com/ or follow them on Instagram @mungomurphyseaweed
aquaculture #Ireland #shellfish #seaweed #abalone
Mushrooms can be magical, medicinal, and delicious! This week on the show, I speak with two experts on the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms for the nutritional supplement industry. We examine the qualities of mushrooms and discuss the differences between fruiting bodies (mushrooms) grown on logs and vegetative bodies (mycelia) grown on grains. The way your supplement ingredients are grown and processed is key to the final quality and health value of the product! We break down the scientific nuance into some simple steps for listeners to use when searching for real mushroom extracts on the marketplace.
Nammex #mushroom #healthfood #supplement
This episode is for all the coffee lovers out there who are looking for a naturally decaffeinated alternative to their cup of Joe! I speak with the co-founders of Figbrew, Andy and Marianne Whitehead, about their innovative new product, Figgee. Prepared from dried figs which are roasted and ground for brewing, this dark, yet non-acidic, brew offers a light caramel note to the palette. Learn more about Figgee on Instagram @FigBrew
figs #coffee #podcast #decaf #Figbrew #foodiepharmacology #planthunter
This episode is for all the coffee lovers out there who are looking for a naturally decaffeinated alternative to their cup of Joe! I speak with the co-founders of Figbrew, Andy and Marianne Whitehead, about their innovative new product, Figgee. Prepared from dried figs which are roasted and ground for brewing, this dark, yet non-acidic, brew offers a light caramel note to the palette. Learn more about Figgee on Instagram @FigBrew
figs #coffee #podcast #decaf #Figbrew #foodiepharmacology #planthunter
What if we could discover new medical treatments based on how animals use nature as medicine? The practice of animal medication is called “zoopharmacognosy”, and you may be surprised by just how many animals use plants and other natural resources to medicate themselves and their kin! Here’s a clue, it’s not just limited to primates, but also includes other mammals and even insects! This week, I chat with Dr. Jaap de Roode, Professor of Biology at Emory University, about the amazing ways animals cure themselves with natural remedies. Follow Dr. de Roode on Twitter @Jaap_de_Roode
MedicinalPlants #Zoopharmacognosy #AnimalMedication #NaturalMedicine
What if we could discover new medical treatments based on how animals use nature as medicine? The practice of animal medication is called “zoopharmacognosy”, and you may be surprised by just how many animals use plants and other natural resources to medicate themselves and their kin! Here’s a clue, it’s not just limited to primates, but also includes other mammals and even insects! This week, I chat with Dr. Jaap de Roode, Professor of Biology at Emory University, about the amazing ways animals cure themselves with natural remedies. Follow Dr. de Roode on Twitter @Jaap_de_Roode
MedicinalPlants #Zoopharmacognosy #AnimalMedication #NaturalMedicine
When it comes to botanicals, quality matters… A LOT! The identification and authentication of botanical ingredients is undertaken through macroscopic, microscopic and chemical analyses. Our guest this week is Élan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, a passionately committed contract testing laboratory specializing in plant authentication, botanical ingredient identification and quantitative analytical services to the Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical Industries. Élan shares some of the latest advances in the dietary supplement industry and offers some advice on what consumers should look for when picking your next botanical product. Learn more about the work at Alkemist at their website: https://www.alkemist.com/
herbalsupplements #cannabis #botanicals #qualitycontrol #foodiepharmacology #elansudberg #alkemist
Notes of vanilla, a hint of orange and holiday spice, rich color, long legs and a full body… these are the traits of an excellent aged rum. On this episode, we learn about the art of rum making, starting with the sugar cane fields all the way to the aging barrel. Our guest is Joy Spence, a chemist and first woman to hold the position of Master Blender in the spirits industry. Joy shares insights from her 40+ year tenure at Appleton Estate creating some of the most highly awarded rums the world has ever seen.
Rum #Jamaica #Spirits #AppletonEstate #FoodiePharmacology
New science is emerging that the chemical signals read by our brain (neurotransmitters) also impact the gut. Each of us has a complex gut microbiome composed of many different species, but did you know that some gut bacteria have receptors for neurotransmitters? I speak with leading microbiologist, Dr. Vanessa Sperandio, about research on cocaine addiction behavior and bacterial cell-signaling in the gut.
cocaine #microbiome #addiction #FoodiePharmacology
If you were to pick one essential element of the diet that influences our health, what would it be? The amount of fats, sugars, or carbs we consume? How about meats? Fiber? On this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I chat with award-winning gastroenterologist and best-selling author Dr. Will Bulsiewicz about the importance of our diets to gut health! He explains the benefits of a plant-based diet and the science behind the healing properties of dietary fiber. You can learn more about Dr. B’s work and sign up for his newsletter on his website: theplantfedgut.com or follow his social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook at @theguthealthmd.
Gut #DrB #plantbased #plants
This week on the show, we’re going to dig in to one of my favorite fruits and despite it being the largest edible tree fruit native to North America, I’d bet that many of you have never heard of it before! The best way to describe its flavor is as a fun cross between a banana and mango! We’re talking about Asimina triloba in the Annonaceae family, commonly known as the American Pawpaw. Our guest today is Sheri Crabtree, Horticulture Research and Extension Associate at Kentucky State University and expert on this fabulous edible fruit!
Pawpaw #fruit #FruitTree
What does the Manhattan project and your sandwich wrapper have in common? PFAS! These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made chemicals invented nearly 80 years ago that are used in non-stick cookware, raincoats, water-proof boots, sandwich wrappers, take-out food boxes, microwave popcorn bags and more! Despite being linked to several cancers and other health hazards, they are ubiquitous in our modern food system. As “forever chemicals”, they enter the body and stay. I speak with Dr. Erin Baker, a chemist and expert in tracking down PFAS in the environment. She’s developing new untargeted mass spectrometry-based tools to hunt for these toxins in places like pine trees, alligators, water, and human blood. Read more about her research at her laboratory website or follow Dr. Baker and her lab team on Twitter at: @ErinBakerNCSU and @BakerlabNCSU
PFAS #ErinBaker #ForeverChemicals #FoodiePharmacology
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been growing in popularity on the food scene as either a dry product or fresh ingredient. Could this biomass of microbes help offset carbon footprints and serve as a key part of a sustainable food system? I speak with Jonas Guenther about this and more. Jonas is an entrepreneur, food activist, and writer who launched We Are The New Farmers to bring nutrient-dense fresh frozen spirulina to consumers. You can follow them on Instagram @wearethenewfarmers and try their products with this special discount code to get 15% off any order: FP15
spirulina #protein #sustainability #foodsystems
This week on the show we’re going to learn about plant medicines from the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. Our guest is Dr. Francois Chassagne; he’s a research group leader at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development. He works on developing ethnobotanical and pharmacological tools to validate the use of traditional remedies in developing countries and French Overseas territories. We discuss some of his latest research on medicinal plants for treating diarrhea and a form of toxic fish food poisoning, known as ciguatera. Learn more about Dr. Chassagne’s work by following him on Twitter at @chassagne_f
islands #ethnobotany #ciguatera #FrenchPolynesia #PacificIslanders #diarrhea #MedicinalPlantsa #FoodiePharmacology #Quave
Every culture has monsters that eat us, and every culture repels in horror when we eat ourselves. This week on the show, we explore the inhuman acts of consumption found in stories of anthropophagous monsters and cannibals. Our guest is Kevin Wetmore, author of Eaters of the Dead and many other books. Kevin is an actor, director, stage combat choreographer, and professor of Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount University. We discuss the cultural and environmental conditions that create myths of corpse-eating monsters and examine conditions in modern human societies where cannibalism still occurs.
myths #monsters #cannibals #Grendel
Did you know that an estimated 80% of the world relies on medicinal plants as their main source of medicine? This week, I speak with Amanda Thiel, who is working towards her PhD in Anthropology at Washington State University. She shares insights from her research on medicinal plants and home gardens of the Q’eqchi’ Maya people of Guatemala. We discuss how certain fruit trees are used as food and medicine, and how community relationships and sharing of plant resources fosters health resilience. You can follow Amanda on Twitter @AmandaMThiel1
I also share some info on an upcoming June 2022 expedition to study medicinal plants of the Balkans. Head over to our crowdfunding site to learn more: https://momentum.emory.edu/quave
Who’s hungry for meat? How about plant-based meat? Our guest this week is Jody Boyman, co-founder of Hungry Planet, a plant-based meat company that offers a full range of inventive products, from burger patties and chicken to Italian sausage, crab cakes, pork Thai meatballs and more. Jody shares the story of building the company and developing flavorful plant-based products. You can check out more about Hungry Planet products on Instagram @hungryplanetfoods.
plantbased #vegetarian #foodtech
Humans have practiced the art of fasting across cultures and religions over millennia. But its only just in the past few years that the science behind how fasting impacts our health has begun to emerge. This week, I speak with Dr. William Hsu, Chief Medical Officer at L-Nutra. Dr. Hsu walks us through the different modalities of fasting and how this practice can lead to a longer healthspan.
healthspan #fasting #diet
This week, we take a closer look at how technological innovations are changing the landscape of the foods we eat. Not so many years ago, eating a veggie burger was a rather dull, mushy experience. Yet, today, you can find plant-based foods in the meat section of the grocery store that actually make a convincing pass at the flavor and texture of everything from ground meat to chicken nuggets! These techie foods are made with an assortment of plant-derived proteins and flavors… but just how healthy are they for humans and the planet? I speak with Larissa Zimberoff, author of the new book “Technically Food: Inside Silicon Valley’s Mission to Change What We Eat.” You can follow Larissa’s work at her Website, or on social media at Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
TechnicallyFood #FoodScience #techfood #Nuggets
Throughout human history, humans have faced periods of intense food shortages and even famines. The cause of famines can differ, and whether it is due to poor economic policy, drought, crop disease, or pests, one thing remains the same: humans seek out alternative food sources to fill the gap. My guest this week is Dr. Paul Minnis, an ethnobiologist and expert on famine foods! We talk about the role of famine foods in history and their importance to the future of food security. To learn more, check out his latest book, Famine Foods: Plants We Eat to Survive.
Famine #wildfoods #survival
This week, we get to the root of things! Literally! I speak with Dr. Eve Emshwiller, ethnobotanist and expert on the Andean tuber crop “Oca” in the genus Oxalis. We dig into the fascinating genetics, chemistry, and morphology of this staple food source. We also discuss how research on crop wild relatives can contribute to food security for the future.
oca #Andes #crops #eveemshwiller
I speak with archeologist and paleobotanist, Dr. Matthew Biwer, about some exciting new research on ancient beer brewing practices in the pre-Columbian Andes. We discuss evidence that Peruvian peppertree (molle, the source of pink peppercorns) was used as a beer ingredient along with a DMT-containing plant (a bean tree locally known as vilca). While vilca was used as a hallucinogenic snuff by other groups, archeological evidence at Quilcapampa indicates that it may have also been used in molle brews. From entheogens to beer and ancient feasting practices, there are a lot of fun concepts to unpack in this episode.
beer #Wari #hallucinogen #pinkpeppercorn
At Foodie Pharmacology, we’re not only fascinated with the incredible pharmacological potential of medicinal plants, but are also eager to learn more about how this translates into integrative medicine. We have a wonderful guest today to discuss this topic: Dr. Stephen Dahmer. Dr. Dahmer is a board-certified family physician whose passion for health and healing has taken him around the globe. A fellow of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, for over two decades he has studied the relationships between plants and people, working closely with diverse cultures and documenting their uses of plants and other integrative therapies. You can learn more about Dr. Dahmer’s work supporting clinical trials on Cannabis at https://vireohealth.com/ and follow him on social media on Twitter @DrStephenDahmer and Instagram @stephendahmermd .
cannabis #ClinicalTrials #IntegrativeMedicine
It’s an incredible thing to learn how humans have sorted through nearly 400,000 species of plants over the centuries and have determined which plants are useful as foods, medicines, tools and more. Yet when it comes to food, despite access to what feels like every type of cuisine globally, our modern diets are less varied than ever. Of the more than 6,000 species of plants once consumed by humans, only nine remain staples today. And of those—rice, wheat, and corn—now make up half of our calories. The world is currently at a crisis point, with one million plant and animal species threatened with extinction. But there are those who are fighting to save these species, dedicating their lives to not only capturing this traditional food knowledge, but also preserving the species and their flavors that could greatly enhance the human diet. My guest today is the award-winning food journalist, Dan Saladino. He is author of the new book “Eating to extinction: The world’s rarest foods and why we need to save them”. You can also follow Dan’s work on Twitter @DanSaladinoUK and Instagram @dan.saladino .
biodiversity #foodsystems #crops
Have you spent much time exploring the water? Whether by swimming, kayaking, or hiking along the edges of aquatic habitats—there is always something interesting to see… and sometimes even tasty to eat! On this episode I speak with Susanne Masters, author of the new book Wild Waters: A wildlife and water lover’s companion to the aquatic world. We discuss curious creatures like eels, anemones, kelp and watermint and explore their history and present roll in the culinary traditions of Britain and Ireland.
kelp #eels #watermint #WildWaters
This week on the show, we’re going to get a little wild, exploring the wild food traditions across geographic borders in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Balkans and Middle East! I’m joined by Professor Andrea Pieroni, a leading ethnobiologist who studies the food traditions of diaspora and minority populations. We discuss the ties between traditional knowledge and community resilience, and celebrate some of the incredible foods found in some of the most remote regions of the world.
ethnobiology #WildFood #migrant #SlowFood
We’ve talked a lot about the topics of food security and food choice on the show, and I think most of you will agree that it can be hard to keep a healthy diet. But, have you ever considered if some of our food decisions are beyond our control? Are certain foods engineered to be addictive, like drugs or alcohol? An how complicit is the food industry in creating and marketing such foods? We’ll cover these topics and more today with our special guest, Pulitzer prize winning and best selling author, Michael Moss. He’ll share insights from his latest book, Hooked: Food, Free Will and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions. Find out more at his website, https://www.mossbooks.us/ or follow him on Instagram @michaelcmoss .
FoodIndustry #Addiction #SaltSugarFat #Hooked
Human health and the sustainability of our global food systems are both intimately linked to the health of planet Earth. But, with the rise of climate change, our world is less healthy than ever before. Despite the undeniable fact that Indigenous communities are among the most affected by climate devastation, Indigenous science is nowhere to be found in mainstream environmental policy or discourse. We have so much to learn from Indigenous holistic land, water and forest management. This week, we’re joined by Indigenous environmental scientist, Dr. Jessica Hernandez, who breaks down why Western conservationism isn’t working and offers Indigenous perspectives on this critical issue. Jessica is author of a new book, Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. Read more about her work at https://www.jessicabhernandez.com/ or follow her on Twitter @doctora_nature
IndigenousScience #Science #ClimateChange
Modern supermarkets bombard shoppers with colorful displays and marketing featuring terms like “healthy” and “all natural”… but what do those marketing titles really mean? Paco Underhill, founder of the behavioral research and consulting firm Envirosell Global LLC, and bestselling author of books like Why we Buy: The Science of Shopping joins us on the show. We chat about his new book, How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Beverages, and the evolution of the modern supermarket.
supermarket #groceries #FoodIndustry #HowWeEat #WhyWeBuy #ScienceOfShopping
The science behind how the gut microbiome affects our health rapidly evolving with new tools that enable scientists to not only sequence the complex mixtures of microbes in the gut, but also with new laboratory models that enable the study of single microbes in otherwise sterile systems. This week, I welcome an expert in the field of gut microbiome studies, Dr. Rheinallt Jones, to the show. He’s an Associate Professor at the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of the Department of Pediatrics and founder and director of the Emory Gnotobiotic Core. If you’ve had deep questions about the science of how probiotics and the gut microbiome influences human health, this is the episode for you!
probiotics #microbiome #GutHealth #PlantHunter #ThePlantHunter
Did you know that your mental, emotional, and spiritual connection to the food you eat influences your health? This week, I speak with Dr. Peter Kozlowski, a physician who keeps functional medicine at the center of his medical practice. We discuss how food sensitivities impact our health and how the process of a food elimination diet can help identify foods that may be problematic for you. We also explore the benefits of intermittent fasting and how changes in diet influence the dynamics of gut health. Dr. Kowzlowski is the author of a new book entitled “Unfunc your gut: A functional medicine guide.” Find out more about his book and medical practice at his website: http://doc-koz.com/
GutHealth #Microbiome #FunctionalMedicine #PlantHunter
Out of all of my kitchen pantry items, olive oil holds the place of honor for being the most important ingredient in most of our meals, whether in dressing salads or sautéing dishes on the stove. But, not all extra virgin olive oils in the grocery store are alike. There have even been issues with companies adulterating EVOO with other inferior oils to make a bigger profit. In this episode, I chat with Lucas Soler, co-founder of The Olive Oil Grove, about how the quality of olive oil begins at the farm where the olives are grown and extends through the harvest and processing steps. We also taste a delicious bottle of early harvest olive oil on the show and describe the qualities that you can look out for as a consumer in search of the best EVOO for your plate!
OliveOil #Spain #EVOO
Ayahuasca, also known as Yage, has long been integral to shamanic healing rituals in western Amazonia. Consumed in healing and diagnostic rituals, this mixture of plants includes ingredients like monoamine oxidase inhibitors and dimethyl tryptamine, which when consumed together, yields strong purgative and hallucinogenic effects. Other plants, known as Chondur (Cyperus spp.) are also important elements of the ritual, and are key in both cleansing spaces and guiding visions. This week, I chat with anthropologist, Dr. Hernando Echeverri Sanchez, about Yage shamanism trade networks, knowledge exchange, and healing practices.
Ayahuasca #shaman #MedicinalPlants
This week we talk about spirits, cocktails, and….. sustainability! My guest is Shanna Farrell, author of the new book “A Good Drink: In Pursuit of Sustainable Spirits.” Shanna specializes in drink cultural and environmental history and you can also find her at her website (https://shanna-farrell.com/) or follow her on Instagram or Twitter @shanna_farrell.
spirits #sustainablefood #beverages
You may have heard of the legends of the Norse Beserkers—a fierce group of wild warriors from Scandanavia that were known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. But, did you know that a new theory has emerged that instead of consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, a plant may be responsible for achieving the state of berserkeage? A nightshade plant from the same family where we find tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants? Tune in this week as I chat with Dr. Karsten Fatur about his theory concerning the use of the anticholinergic plant henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) by the Vikings! Learn more about Dr. Fatur’s work on ResearchGate.
henbane #Berserker #Vikings
Humans have a complex history with food—some foods were even used as weapons! This week, I chat with Matt Siegel, author of a new book The Secret History of Food. We discuss a range of topics including why most vanilla products aren’t made with vanilla at all and how our food choices influence our emotions. Follow him on Instagram at @matt.siegel.author.
This week we dig into a fascinating study of the microbial composition of fermented foods and how they influence the gut microbiome! Our guest is Dr. Andrew Flachs, an anthropologist who researches food and agriculture systems, exploring genetically modified crops, heirloom seeds, and our own microbiomes. We also discuss the rich cultural heritage behind some of our favorite ferments and a simple recipe to making your own ginger beer at home!
fermentatio #microbiome #ethnobiology #pickles #Bubbies
This week we take a tour around the globe exploring some fascinating plants with Jonathan Drori! You may know Jon from one of his four TED talks on botany, which have had millions of views! He’s also the author of the international bestseller, Around the World in 80 Trees, now in 18 languages, and its sequel, Around the World in 80 Plants, which has just been published. Jon has been on the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The Eden Project and is an Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund. Tune in to learn more about the plants that inspire us!
botany #nutmeg #biogeography
This week I meet with Prof. Jonathan Silvertown, an ecologist and evolutionary biologist with a research interests in plant population biology. We chat about the evolution of our foods, exploring how the domestication of plants and animals has shaped our modern dinner plates. His book, Dinner with Darwin, explores how everything we eat has an evolutionary history. You can also follow him on Twitter: @JWSilvertown
evolution #domestication #crops
This week on the show, I chat with David Hamilton about his latest book Where the Wild Things Grow: A Foragers Guide to the Landscape. David is an expert forager and offers lots of great tips on easy things to forage along with some very tasty recipes! Who knew that magnolia flowers could make a delicious pickle for salad toppings? Or how about a wild mushroom calzone? My mouth is watering just thinking about some of these! Tune in to learn more and check out his website: https://www.davehamilton.co.uk/ . Follow David on Twitter and Instagram: @davewildish
Forage #WildFood #Recipes
This week, we’re talking about one of my favorite subjects: foraging! Our guest is Professor Phillip Stark, the founder of Berkeley Open Source Food and Wild/Feral Food Week and a professor of statistics at UC Berkley. Philip is passionate about urban foraging, including studying the safety, nutrition, and availability of wild foods in urban ecosystems and their value for ecosystem services and nutrition security. Bonus: we also share some of our favorite recipes for wild ingredients, including some delicious homemade wild plant liqueurs!
forage #weeds #sustainability
When global conglomerate Bayer AG paid $63 billion in 2018 to buy Monsanto Company, the deal was seen as a boost to Bayer’s wealth and power. But only two years later, Bayer was forced to agree to pay $11 billion to settle the claims of more than 100,000 cancer victims who alleged their suffering was caused by the use of Monsanto’s flagship herbicide, Roundup. That settlement may never have happened without Lee Johnson, whose story is told in investigative journalist Carey’s Gillam’s new book “The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man’s Search for Justice.” Tune in to this episode of Foodie Pharmacology to learn about the human toll of glyphosate-based weed killers. Follow Carey on Twitter @careygillam and find more information on this book and others at http://www.careygillam.com
Roundup #Cancer #WeedKiller
You may not love your fat, but your body certainly does. This week, we explore the secret world of fat, discussing its complex biology, how it resists loss, and what can be done to remove stubborn fat. I chat with Dr. Sylvia Tara, a biochemist with a business background, about her new book on this subject! You can access more information about her book and her course at her website, https://www.thesecretlifeoffat.com/
Fat #Diet #WeightLoss
This week, we ask some big questions about the origins of our food and how it connects people from across the globe. I speak with Dr. Colin Khoury, a crop diversity researcher who has spent more than 20 years trying to understand the state of diversity in the global food system. Colin shares how collaborative work brings together multidisciplinary expertise to inform conservation strategies for crops and their wild relatives, develop conservation indicators for international agreements, and support evidence-based decision making toward more sustainable food systems. Learn more about his work by reading his scientific papers and follow him on Twitter at @ColinKhoury
Crops #Biodiversity #FoodSystems
This week, we explore one of the most important botanical families for food crops and medicine! Ever heard of nicotine or atropine? These tropane alkaloids from the Solanaceae family are just a few examples of pharmacologically active compounds from this group. I speak with Dr. Sandra Knapp, a world renown expert in the taxonomy of the Solanaceae, about tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, chili peppers and more! Want to learn more about this family? Check out the Solanaceae Source. Access the Broken Planet exhibit at the Natural History Museum London.
tomato #potato #CropWildRelatives
What lessons can we learn about human behavior from the plant kingdom? I chat with Dr. Beronda Montgomery, a writer, professor, and science communicator. Her research focuses on how organisms (primarily plants) maintain a sense of self, where they are, and what behaviors they should pursue to support their success. Dr. Montgomery is author of a new book Lessons from Plants. Learn more about her work at her website at berondamontgomery.com or follow her on Twitter: @BerondaM and @PlantLessons or Instagram: @Beronda_M and @PlantLessons
Plants #Botany #garden
This stimulant ingredient has captured the imaginations (and taste buds) of humans over the centuries! You may be surprised at all of the steps that it takes to transform cacao seeds from the chocolate tree into the chocolate bars and beverages we love. This week, I speak with Dr. Nat Bletter about the history and chemistry of chocolate. He also gives us a unique walk through all of the steps to processing chocolate—including some fascinating insights on the fermentation and tempering stages. Learn more about Nat’s work with chocolate or order some tasty bars to sample at Madre Chocolate (@madrechocolate on Instagram and Facebook). You can also check out is YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @NattyByNature808 for more for more info on ethnobotany and gardening.
chocolate #cacao #ethnobotany
Did you know that in some cultures, humans are believed to transform into forest animals as a part of the hunting tradition? Or that the elderly may transform into the fierce jaguar in the last phases of life? This week, I speak with Dr. Glenn Shepherd about topics ranging from medicinal plants and poetry, to the life cycle and different cosmologies that shape the ways that humans perceive the processes of aging and death. We also explore how certain psychoactive plants and fungal endophytes (including ergot alkaloids cultivated in sedges!) are used by Indigenous groups in medicine. Learn more about Glenn’s work in the Amazon on his blog Notes from the Ethnoground, and follow him on Twitter @TweetTropiques or on Facebook and Instagram @ethnoground_photography
ethnobotany #Amazonas #psychoactive
Food is our most intimate and powerful connection to each other, to our cultures, and to the earth. This week, I speak with Navina Khanna, co-founder and the Executive Director of the 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. We explore how community action can transform food systems to support access to healthy food that is fair to the people who grow, distribute, prepare, and serve it. Learn more about how to get involved at the HEAL website (https://healfoodalliance.org/), or follow them on Twitter @HEAL_Food or on Facebook and Instagram @HEALFoodAlliance.
FoodJustice #Advocacy #ClimateAction
When it comes to food, there are many labels, many choices, and even more confusion for the everyday consumer! But there is a way to cut through the chaos and find the best choices for you and your family. This week, I speak with guest Sophie Egan, author of “How to be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet.” Tune in to learn about some simple tips for how to use your purchasing power in support of your health and that of the planet.
nutrition #food #ClimateAction
Fermentation is fabulous! Yes, absolutely fabulous! It is what transforms otherwise standard staples like milk, grains, or grapes into a dizzying array of flavorful value-added products that serve as ambassadors to the food culture and intricate environments from which the ingredients originate! This week on Foodie Pharmacology, I speak with Katie Quinn about her new book “Cheese, Wine and Bread” which takes us on a journey through England, Italy and France in the search of how fermentation transforms our foods. Learn more about the book on her author website and check out her YouTube channel and the Keep it Quirky podcast! You can also follow Katie on Instagram at @qkatie.
If you use botanical teas and dietary supplements, this episode is for you! I speak with Dr. Ann Armbrecht, director of the Sustainable Herbs Program and author of her latest book, The Business of Botanicals. We dive in to the business of herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and all of the different ways that medicinal plants enter the marketplace. We discuss how plants move from global sources to the grocery store aisle. Follow her on twitter at @AnnArmbrecht for news on upcoming webinars!
supplement #botanical #herbal
How did the diversity of plants that we enjoy today on our dinner plates come to be cultivated across the world? Initially, valuable crops were transported by ship, but many of these specimens died in transit. Invention of the Wardian case—a glass topped plant box—was a game changer in keeping plants alive on long sea voyages. I speak with Luke Keogh, historian and author of The Wardian Case: How a simple Box Moved Plants and Changed the World to learn more about the fascinating history of this innovation.
plants #crops #botany
How do people connect with the land? What role do initiatives in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration play in climate action? I explore these questions and more with Greek ethnobotanist Pavlos Georgiadis. In addition to his research in the field of ethnobotany, Pavlos is an international consultant in the areas of Resilient Development, Agriculture and Climate Policy and Biodiversity Conservation with experience across the public, private and civil society sectors in 20 countries in Europe, Asia and America. He shares some great insights into the roles that agrobiodiversity, crop varieties, and innovations in sustainable agriculture can foster resilience in foods systems.
ethnobotany #biodiversity #agriculture
Who loves Italian food? I do! This week, I meet with Anna Maggio to discuss foods of the Puglia province in southern Italy! From local olive oil to wild green vegetables and homemade pasta – Anna explains the importance fresh, seasonal cuisine to the eating experience and our health! You can find recipes discussed on the show in her new book Under the Olive Tree: Memories and Flavors of Puglia.
Italy #MediterraneanDiet #Cookbook
How does beer brewing work… and just how important are the different ingredients in determining the final flavor of the brew? We address these questions and others with Dr. John Sheppard, a professor of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University. We also discuss brewing tasty sour beers with a wild yeast found in the guts of some wasps and bumblebees! Unlike typical brewers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the Lachanacea yeast has the unique ability to not produce ethanol, but also lactic acid, which gives it a distinctive sour flavor.
Beer #Yeast #Brewing
Sustainable agriculture starts with the relationships people have with their environment. This week, I speak with Dr. Nancy Turner; she’s an ethnobotanist who has spent her career working in collaboration with indigenous peoples of British Columbia. We discuss how wild plant tubers are harvested and replanted in sustainable food systems and how traditional fire pits are used to cook these energy-rich vegetables. Want to learn more? Check out some of her recent books, including “Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America” and “Plants, People, and Places: the Roles of Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology in Indigenous Peoples’ Land Rights in Canada and Beyond”.
ethnobotany #sustainability #WildFood
Where do food and medicine meet? In the kitchen! This week, I chat with Dr. Linda Shiue, one of the few MD’s who is also a trained chef. She has dedicated her life’s work to bridging the gap between the medical, nutrition and culinary worlds. We discuss how a plant based diet impacts your health and Dr. Shiue offers some great tips on how to prepare some tantalizing plant-forward recipes! Learn more about her new book Spicebox Kitchen and follow her on Facebook, or Twitter and Instagram at @spiceboxtravels !
Spices #FoodIsMedicine #Recipes
Precision nutrition enables investigation of many factors that influence our health—whether the composition of foods we eat, how and when we eat, and what influence our genetics and the composition of our microbiomes has on health. I speak with Dr. Sarah Berry, a nutrition scientist at Kings College London who was led more than 30 randomized clinical trials on human nutrition and cardio-metabolic health. She shares some key insights from the large PREDICT studies, which assess the genetic, metabolic, metagenomic, and meal-dependent effects on metabolic responses to food. Follow her on Twitter at @saraheeberry
For our Valentine’s Day episode, I speak with Polish ethnobotanist and foraging expert, Dr. Łukasz Łuczaj about how humans connect to nature! Łukasz shares his work on wild foods—including plants, mushroom, and insects—and how this ties into cultural histories of the people who consume them. In addition to the edible aspects of the wild, we discuss Łukasz’s new book Sex in Nature: A Guide to Making Love in the Forests and Meadows to learn about the many other ways people connect with the outdoors!
Want more content on wild foraging? Check out his YouTube channels in English and Polish and his book about life in the natural world On the Wild Side and his book Foraging in Eastern Europe.
Foraging #WildFoods #Bushcraft
Nutrimetabolomics is an emerging field of science that represents the intersection of metabolomics and nutrition research. Using the powerful tools of mass spectrometry and models with germ-free mice and human microbiome samples, scientists are discovering new biomarkers of health and are able to track how different foods are metabolized by the body and the gut microbiome. Our guest this week is Dr. Nichole Reisdorph; she’s working at the forefront of this exciting field to investigate how the consumption of everything from salmon to green tea, and even cannabis, impacts our metabolome.
Cannabis #Nutrition #Metabolomics
In that magical period between winter and spring in the northeast US and Canada, tapped sugar maples yield buckets of clear sap. Once concentrated, the resulting sticky syrup is used as a natural sweetener for everything from breakfast treats to specialty cocktails. While sucrose does make up the majority of maple syrup, there are many other secondary metabolites present that give maple its unique flavor and contribute to its pharmacological potential. I speak with Dr. Navindra Seeram, an expert in the chemistry and pharmacology of maple trees. He explains maple chemistry and shares some fascinating projects underway in the development of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products developed from maple.
MapleSyrup #Maple #Pharmacognosy
Dead plants do tell tales. Over the past five hundred years, plant hunters have scoured the Earth, collecting millions of specimens that are now held in vast collections in New York, London and Paris, complemented by smaller collections found in museums and universities across the globe. These plants were sought out not just for their beauty and diversity, but also for their potential applications in new foods, medicines, and more. I speak with Dr. Barbara Thiers, Director of the Steere Herbarium at New York Botanical Gardens and author of a new book entitled, “Herbarium: The Quest to Preserve and Classify the World’s Plants.” We discuss the fascinating history of herbaria and recount the adventurous stories of some of the famous explorers that built these collections.
Herbaria #NaturalHistory #Expedition
A vast network of fungi circles the globe—interwoven throughout the soil, coating surfaces above ground and even living inside of plants! There is an astonishing level of diversity among fungi, and this biodiversity is coupled with incredible chemical diversity. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacognosy, our guest is Dr. Nick Oberlies, an expert in the field of pharmacognosy who specializes in the study of fungal chemistry! He explains how he and his team find fungi growing inside plants and throughout the environment in the hunt for new molecules to treat cancer, infections, and more.
Fungi #Pharmacognosy #NMR
Plants produce a fantastic array of metabolites to defend themselves, communicate with other organisms in their environment, and attract pollinators and seed dispersers; sometimes, these metabolites can also impact human health. Our guest this week is Dr. Nadja Cech, an expert in the field of mass spectrometry and natural products. She explains how she uses this exciting tool of science to study the medical potential of herbs like kratom, goldenseal, and more. We also discuss the importance of mentorship and support of diversity and inclusion in science.
MassSpectrometry #Pharmacognosy #WomenInSTEM #Kratom
This week, we take a closer look at the plants and agricultural traditions of Oman, situated on the Arabian Peninsula. Our guest is Dr. Darach Lupton—an ethnobotanist who manages the collection and documentation of plants and seeds from across Oman in his role at the Oman Botanic Garden! He gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes of this incredible garden, which uniquely showcases native plants of the region in a variety of specialized habitats and biomes.
Oman #Garden #MiddleEast
This week on the show, we’re going to dive into a really cool program dedicated to biocultural education and research in the Caribbean! Our guest is Dr. Sonia Peter. She is the Director of the Biocultural Education and Research program in Barbados and the founding director of Heritage Teas Barbados. We discuss ongoing initiatives dedicated to recapturing the biocultural heritage of the island and also sharing connections to traditional knowledge through a special line of heritage teas.
Barbados #Biodiversity #Ethnobotany
“Gene bank” may sound like something out of a Sci-fi movie – but they are actually really important in the real world! Gene banks are a type of biological repository where genetic material is stored. When it comes to crops, gene banks hold the future of food, and include seeds, plant cuttings and more. Join Dr. Quave this week as she chats with Dr. Ren Wang, the Director General of the China National GeneBank, based in Shenzhen, China.
GeneBank #China #Crops
I speak with Dr. Tinde van Andel, an ethnobotanist that studies the traditional uses of crops and medicinal plants from Africa to South America. She shares the incredible story of how enslaved African women hid special rice varieties and other crop seeds in their hair braids in their escape from plantations to the forest, where thriving Maroon communities were established and persist today in Suriname. Prof. van Andel explains how her team and collaborators used interdisciplinary tools from the examination of historic records, herbarium samples, ethnobotanical interviews and genomics approaches to unravel this fascinating history of this important African crop.
Rice #Africa #Suriname
I speak with Dr. Robbie Hart, Director of the William L. Brown Center at Missouri Botanical Garden. Robbie is an ethnobotanist and explorer with expertise in agrobiodiversity of the Himalayas, where he studies high-elevation plant ecology, climate change, and ethnobotany. He shares some insights into his work on these topics and also explains how to make a delicious cup of yak butter tea, a local staple in the Himalayas!
Himalayas #Yak #Ethnobotany
I speak with Dr. Bruce German, a leading expert on the science of breastmilk. You may have heard of the saying, “Breast is best” when discussing the topic of infant nutrition. But, you may be wondering, is that really true? And what are the nutritional needs of babies that enables them to grow and develop in that critical early period of life? Incredibly, there are certain components in breast milk that specifically feed the gut microbiome and promote health early in life. Tune in to learn more about the exciting scientific breakthroughs emerging in this field!
Breastmilk #Nutrition #Microbiome
I speak with Amy Stewart, a best-selling author of both fiction and non-fiction works. You may recognize some of her popular nonfiction titles in the realm of botany, such as The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants and Flower Confidential. We dive into some wicked plants that fascinate us both that can be found in the wild, your backyard or sometimes at the bar!
Botany #Cocktails #Poisons
How many of you love hot sauce? What makes chili peppers so alluring to our palates? Well, it has a lot to do with pain and how our bodies react to pain stimulants like capsaicin. Join me as I speak with Dr. David Julius – an expert on pain receptors – as they discuss how humans sense certain spices, and what this means in the search for new non-opiate pain therapies.
Pain #Spicy #Peppers
Join me as I speak with leading agricultural scientist, Dr. Cary Fowler, about the importance of seed banking and conserving crop diversity. Ever heard of the “Doomsday Seed Vault”? Though it may sound like something out of a sci-fi thriller – this important gene bank where millions of seeds are stored in a tunnel carved into the arctic ice – is 100% real. Tune in to this episode of Foodie Pharmacology to learn why saving seeds is key to the future of global food production in a changing climate.
SeedBank #Crops #Conservation
I speak with award-winning author, Daniel Stone, about his book on the life and adventures of David Fairchild: The Food Explorer. If you enjoy delicious foods like avocados and the Meyer lemon, you have Fairchild and his team members to thank for bringing these crops into cultivation in the US! Daniel’s book is an edge-of-your-seat historic account of this work that reads like an adventure novel! Tune in to this episode of Foodie Pharmacology to learn more about this fascinating read!
Explorer #Crops #Agriculture
I speak with Mark Blumenthal about his work on the science and safety of botanicals. Mark is the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, which is a leading, independent, research and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. The topics of sustainability, problems with adulteration and safety of herbs, and how to learn more about the healing power of plants are all covered in this episode of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast.
Herbalism #DietarySupplements #HerbalMedicine
I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bruce Hoffman about his work with the indigenous people of Suriname! Bruce discusses his work with the Amazon Conservation Team and shares what life is like in the Amazon! He explains how the ACT works with local Trio and Saramaccan communities to establish stingless bee hives as a source of local income for this medicinal forest honey. We also discuss what to do if you encounter a group of peccaries in the forest… (here’s a hint) climb a tree… FAST!
Amazon #StinglessBees #Rainforest
I speak with award-winning author Mark Kurlansky about his latest book, Salmon! to take a closer look at one of nature's most remarkable and inspiring animals: salmon! Salmon have long history of being sought out by both commercial and sports fishing all over the Northern Atlantic and Pacific. Incredibly, these fish can undergo major changes in their body to survive both in fresh and salt water during different phases of their life cycle! Not many fish can do that! Amazingly, they travel thousands of miles in the ocean to return to the exact river and location of their birth. Yet, salmon are threatened by everything from deforestation, to climate change, to dams. If the salmon can survive, then just maybe there is hope for the planet.
Salmon #Water #Fisheries
I dive into Ayurvedic medicine with Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya (author, Everyday Ayurveda). Dr. Bhattacharya is a Harvard-educated, licensed, board-certified holistic physician trained in family medicine and preventive medicine. She’s also a published scientist trained in pharmacology, neuroscience and Ayurveda, an awarded educator, and a best-selling author.
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicines known to mankind. A focus in the healing process is on cleansing the body and re-establishing harmony and balance in the body. In addition to being a stand-alone system of medicine, it is also used in integrative health practices. We explore what Ayurveda is all about and also how diet factors into health and healing in this system of medicine.
Ayurveda #India #HealthyDiet
With the instability of the restaurant and food service sector in the midst of COVID - Never has there been a more important time for an organization like this to support food service workers. In this episode, I speak with Bryan Schroeder of The Giving Kitchen ,a nonprofit organization that offers stability to the food service community in Georgia. They fulfill that promise through a vision of a food service community where crisis is met with compassion and care and where self-care is valued above all else. Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.
FoodService #Nonprofit #Atlanta
I speak with Kathleen Finlay, President of Glynwood, a leader in the regenerative agriculture movement. Kathleen has also been instrumental in organizing women who work for environmental progress. The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming is a non-profit organization serving food and farming changemakers from New York’s Hudson Valley and beyond. They advance local food production in the region, as well as educate a national audience about efforts to regionalize food and agriculture. Guided by the highest standards of ecosystem, soil, animal and community well-being, they promote regenerative agriculture in service of our natural environment, local economies and human health.
Farming #HudsonValley #Agriculture
East Africa houses over half of the global HIV cases, and almost 5% of the population of Tanzania has HIV. Yet, only about half of the people with HIV consistently take anti-retroviral medication to treat it. Asili Research Alliance was born out of a calling to change these dire statistics. I speak with Jennifer Woltz of Asili about their innovative program working with local healers to supply a plant-based, locally sourced and produced medication that has known anti-HIV activity. Over 2,000 people have benefited from this treatment, either as a supplement to antiretroviral therapy (ART) or by itself when they are unable to obtain ART. The treatment is used to supplement ART or when ART is not an option (due to cost or scarcity). Their goal is to enable people living with HIV to regain their health in order to keep working and taking care of their families.
HIV #Africa #TraditionalMedicine
Tawaw: “Come in, you’re welcome. There’s room.” In this episode, I chat with Chef Shane Chartrand and food writer Jennifer Cockrall-King about their newly released book, Tawaw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine, which is part cookbook, part exploration of ingredients, and part journal. We discuss how Shane transforms traditional indigenous ingredients like wild game and berries into some delicious works of art.
Indigenous #Cuisine #Cookbook
This week, we dive into the stories behind one of my favorite summertime fruits – figs! As a kid, I was never a fan of fig-based cookies, but my mind was totally changed when I first encountered a lush, ripe fig tree during fieldwork in southern Italy. I plucked a large green skinned fig off of a tree and as I bit into it, the rows of pink flowers inside were revealed. The flavor and texture was just incredible! This delicious treat was the result of an interesting relationship between the plant and local insects. I speak with Dr. Mike Shanahan, whose work weaves together the mythology, history and ecology of one of the world’s most and diverse groups of plants, covering their starring role in religion, to their potential to restore rainforests, halt the loss of threatened and endangered species, and even limit climate change. We chat about his book, Gods, Wasps and Stranglers: The Secret History and Redemptive Future of Fig Trees, and cover just about any questions folks could have about this amazing plant group!
Figs #Botany #Ecology
Gina Rae La Cerva is a geographer, environmental anthropologist, and award-winning writer who has traveled extensively to research a variety of environmental and food-related topics. On this episode, I speak with Gina about her new book: Feasting Wild: In Search of the Last Tamed Food. Throughout human history, food was frequently procured from the wild – whether fished from the sea, foraged from meadows, or hunted in biodiverse rich forests. What once was the norm is now something all too often reserved for the wealthy. We explore the topics of foraging, hunting, and humankind's relationship with the wild!
Forage #WildGame #Hunting
Fungi are everywhere. They coat our skin, hide beneath the soil and flourish along the forest floor, intertwined between myriad plant species – both dead and alive. They are responsible for transforming rocks into soil, making medicines, psychedelic drugs, food, poisons and ink, among many other roles. On this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I speak with mycologist and author, Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, who reveals this hidden entangled world of fungi to us in his newly released book, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds, Change our Minds, and Shape our Futures.
Fungi #Mushrooms #Ecology
What do you do when seeds are in short supply? Is there a way to transform kitchen scraps into viable plants in your garden? I asked these and so many other questions about vegetative propagation of Dr. Chris Gunter, our guest for this episode of Foodie Pharmacology! Chris is a professor of Horticultural Science and the Extension Vegetable Production Specialist for the commercial vegetable industry in North Carolina, working with commercial vegetable growers to maintain a high quality of life through the use of integrated, economical and environmentally sound production practices. His main emphasis is with the Solanaceous (tomato, pepper) and Cruciferous (cabbage, broccoli) cropping systems. He's also a leader in the area of fresh produce safety for the fresh produce industry in North Carolina.
HomeGarden #Vegetables #Gardening
On this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I share some insights from a field study that I conducted with one of my collaborators on a beautiful volcanic island located in the Mediterranean sea. Pantelleria is the largest of the Sicilian isles and populated by roughly 7,000 inhabitants, and visited by tourists who come to the island to enjoy its numerous natural attractions such as the Specchio di Venere, a geothermally-heated lake with healing muds, archeological sites such as the Byzantine tombs, and local foods and beverages such as capers and the passito wine.
Italy #Pantelleria #Ethnobotany
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, we’re going to embark on a journey from the Amazonian rainforest to the pharmacy as we retrace the pathway of bringing a botanical drug to market to treat serious cases of diarrhea as an FDA approved drug. I first encountered the source of this drug 20 years ago in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Locally known as Sangre de Drago – or the dragon’s blood tree – it is used in traditional medicine for both topical and internal afflictions. Its bark is a smooth pale grey, and a slip of a knife dragged across that bark reveals a weeping blood red latex, from which it gets its name. I speak with Dr. Steven King, Executive Vice President of Sustainable Supply and Ethnobotanical Research and intellectual property at Jaguar Health and Napo Pharmaceuticals, about his work on this fascinating medicinal species.
Amazon #HIV #HerbalMedicine
The soil is a vibrant and multifaceted space, full of biodiversity ranging from microbes to insects, mammals, to fungi. Beneath the ground, in the rhizosphere, plant roots engage with these organisms through a series of connections and chemical signals. Soil health is the first step to healthy crops, and in turn, foods that nourish humans to health. In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Maynard about the practice of caring for the soil through regenerative farming and eating the rainbow of plant life to support our own longevity.
Gardening #HealthyLiving #Farming
You may be familiar with the famous story of the Mutiny on the Bounty, but did you know that a fruit from the mulberry family was at the heart of the conflict? In this episode, I speak with the Dr. Diane Ragone, director of the Breadfruit Institute, about a large, nutritious tropical fruit that originates in the Pacific, but has found a home across the tropics and sub-tropics. We discuss the botany, history and ethnobotany of this fascinating starchy food source.
Breadfruit #Crops #Ethnobotany
The Amazon is a land of complex history full of mysteries and wonder. It covers a land area roughly the size of the continental US and the Amazon River contains more types of fish than all of the rivers in Europe combined. In this episode, I speak with trailblazing ethnobotanist, Dr. Mark Plotkin, about everything from piranhas, curare poison, ayahuasca, and agriculture in the Amazon. He shares highlights from his latest book, The Amazon - What Everyone Needs to Know. This is one episode of Foodie Pharmacology that you don’t want to miss!
Amazon #Ayahuasca #Curare
The Boreal forest of northern Canada is a magical place, filled with the sweet scents of spruce trees, with a groundcover blanketed in spongy mosses, colorful lichens and wild cranberries. Yet, it is also home to massive deposits of fossil fuel found in the oil sands. What are the consequences of mining the Earth for fossil fuels, metals and minerals both to our food system and our health? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Janelle Baker, an ethnobiologist who studies the environmental impact of oil sands operations in Canada on traditional indigenous lands and their wild foods.
OilSands #Berries #Canada
Human and planetary health are linked to biodiversity in ways that are not always clear or appreciated by the public. Even as more species are disappearing in the wild and becoming threatened with extinction, others are being introduced to new environments. This raises questions of how such environmental changes will impact our everyday life. I speak with special guest, Dr. Tom Gillespie, about how industrial agriculture impacts natural ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity loss and increases opportunities for disease transmission between wildlife and humans.
Biodiversity #Health #Conservation
One of my favorite ways to start off a meal at any Asian restaurant is with a lovely bowl of steaming hot miso soup. It wasn’t until recently that I learned that miso is actually a fermented product made from beans – often from soy! I never thought about the possibility of making miso from scratch at home until I came across Kirsten Shockey’s book on just that topic. If you’ve ever been curious about the microbial transformation of beans into products like soy sauce, tamari sauce, natto, miso or tempeh, then this is the episode for you! I speak with fermenting guru., Kirsten Shockey, who was authored several books unveiling the mystery and beauty of fermented foods.
Fermentation #Miso #Soy
Fermentation makes food more shelf stable, nutritious and delicious! Some ferments can also boost your health through promoting a healthy gut microbiome and strengthening immunity. The amazing thing is that through implementation of some simple steps, anyone can start fermenting at home using the wild microbes found on vegetables and even dry flour! In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I speak with world renowned fermenting guru, Sandor Katz, about the science and history of fermentation.
Fermentation #Sourdough #Microbiome
If you’ve ever heard of the mind-altering effects of some interesting edible cacti like Peyote and San Pedro before, but aren’t super familiar with the cultural history and pharmacology of these plants, then this is the podcast episode for you! Join me as I speak with author and expert on psychedelic drugs, Mike Jay, about his new book on mescaline. Mike has written extensively on the history of science, medicine, drugs and mental health. His books include High Society: mind-altering drugs in history and culture (2010) and his most recent, Mescaline: a global history of the first psychedelic (2018). He is based in London, UK and writes regularly for the Wall Street Journal and the London Review of Books.
Peyote #Mescaline #Psychedelic
During the period of social distancing and isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of you may be spending a lot of time at home pondering what to do with your food stores. Perhaps you’re worried about how to make your pantry supplies stretch into more meals, or perhaps you’re looking for ideas on how to reduce food waste. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I chat with Dr. Julia Skinner, an expert on this very subject! Julia is the founder of Root, an Atlanta-based food history and fermentation organization. Her next book, Culture Begins Here: Fermentation and the History of How We Eat will be published by Storey in 2021.
Fermentation #FoodWaste #Atlanta
We eat this delightful legume in so many forms, from tofu, to soymilk, edamame and more! But, did you know that in addition to serving as a great source of plant proteins for the diet, that soy has also shown a number of fascinating health benefits in cancer prevention? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Omer Kucuk, a cancer researcher and physician who also happens to be an expert on the therapeutic value of soy-based foods and supplements.
Soy #Cancer #HealthyEating
The terms “herbarium” (singular) or “herbaria” (plural) may elicit visions of a lush tropical greenhouse… but in fact, herbaria are collections of dead plant specimens that have been collected over years, dried and pressed to large sheets of acid free paper for long-term storage in cabinets. These specimens are prepared and cared for using similar methods used for centuries by botanists and are important tools used for identifying various plants. In this episode, I met with Dr. Jordan Metzger on location at the Massey Herbarium of Virginia Tech University. We discuss the importance of herbarium collections in distinguishing edible from poisonous plants. Plus, we chat about an interesting and super dangerous member of the carrot family – the Giant Hogweed!
Herbaria #Poisons #Hogweed
Have you ever found yourself in the unfortunate position of having to toss some food from the fridge that had lingered too long and gone bad? How about food scraps or unconsumed leftovers from your plate after a meal? Food waste is a major issue in America, as well as across the globe. And guess what – it doesn’t just happen in your home kitchen! It happens in the fields, where not all foods are harvested, or on shipping lines, where only the prettiest produce is selected for resale. It happens in the production lines on school campuses from elementary schools to universities. What is most shocking is that even while 1 in 6 American children live in a state of food insecurity—not knowing where their next meal will come from—it is estimated that between 30 to 40 percent of the United States’ food supply is wasted. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Peggy Barlett, an expert who is making changes through major sustainability initiatives, about the issues of ethical eating and sustainability.
EthicalEating #Sustainability #FoodWaste
They say the best things in life are free, and what better way to enjoy food than to find free healthy food growing in the wild in your own neighborhood! In this episode, I speak with Atlanta’s own Johnnie AppleSeed – forager and forester, Robby Astrove – who is absolutely passionate about making fruit accessible to people in urban centers by planting more fruit trees. I’ll also be speaking with Chef Chris Wilkins of the Root Baking Company, a wholesale bread bakery that was founded in 2015 in Charleston, SC and moved to Atlanta, GA in 2018. Robby and Chris have been collaborating on some exciting wild food projects and we’re going to dive into some recent work they’ve done with wild serviceberry.
Baking #Serviceberry #Forage
Everyone knows that what we eat impacts bodily performance – and for athletes, understanding the best formula for food and liquid intake can mean the difference between a winning performance or a loss. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I speak with Dr. Dan Benardot, a sports nutrition expert who has counseled professional and Olympic athletes, as well as action movie actors. He leads us through the science of how the types of food and the timing of consumption impacts athletic performance.
Sports #Nutrition #Athlete
The discovery of antibiotics hailed the dawn of a new era in medicine. Once fatal infections were suddenly treatable with the arrival of these magic bullet cures. This golden era is waning, however. Today, we face a rising crisis of antimicrobial resistance with more than 700,000 deaths per year across the globe due to now untreatable infections. The broad use of antibiotics in humans and agriculture has created the conditions for evolution of resistance among microbes. But, how did we get here? Why and when did antibiotics come to be so commonplace in agriculture? How did they come to be used as “growth promoters” in livestock rearing practices? In this episode, I speak with award winning author and journalist, Maryn McKenna, who has written extensively on the antibiotic resistance crisis. We take a deep dive into the history of how antibiotics became commonplace in agriculture and how this has impacted human health.
Antibiotics #Chicken #Agriculture
Many of us appreciate the role that terroir has on the unique flavor and aroma of our foods, whether your enjoying coffee, tea or even chocolate. Just like these commodity crops, other botanical ingredients can feature unique chemistries and flavors when grown and harvested in different environments. Moreover, the means of processing these ingredients and the travel time from farm to your kitchen cabinet really matter when it comes to the flavor of the final product. I speak with Ethan Frisch of Burlap and Barrel, who works to bring unique spices from around the world to the dinner table.
Spices #Nutmeg #BlackPepper
How do we determine what is food and what is not food? Is our ability to recognize a food ingredient simply a learned behavior, or is it the result of evolutionary capacities to recognize signals from our environment? In this episode, I explore the concepts of sensory experiences with foods as they relate to chemical signals in the environment. I review some of the major classes of plant natural products that impact both the ways that we experience foods and the pharmacological effects that they illicit in the body.
Food #Pharmacognosy #Edible
The Caribbean is home to an amazing assortment of botanicals from merging cultures. In Jamaica, wild plants are used to make special fermented “root tonics” not only as an enjoyable beverage, but also to boost health. Some of these are even attributed with aphrodisiac properties for men and women. I speak with Dr. Ina Vandebroek—ethnobotanist and expert in wild Caribbean plants used as food and medicine. We discuss root tonics and other local delights like “bissy” and “cerassee”, which also play an important role in food and medicine in Jamaica.
Jamaica #Ethnobotany #Tonics
The history of medicine has long fascinated me. In the ancient Mediterranean, the lines between food and medicine were often blurred. Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” is famously quoted as stating, “Let thy food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Interestingly, there are no actual records of this statement – but it clearly falls in line with the philosophy of medicine that emerged over a span of three hundred years when the Hippocratic Corpus, or series of manuscripts, were written. In this episode, I meet with Dr. Alain Touwaide – a leading scholar in the history of science and medicine in the ancient world – to find out more about how certain plants were integrated into medicine in the past. We cover 3,000 of fascinating history in this episode – so get ready to explore the foods and medicines that spanned the rise and fall of empires with us!
History #Medicine #Hippocrates
Mushroom forager Daniel Butler shares his tips on your favorite funky fungi. If you’ve ever gone on a forest hike on a wet day in autumn, it’s likely that you encountered many different species of mushrooms growing along the forest floor or on rotting logs. As you marveled at their myriad shapes, sizes and colors, you may have wondered – are these edible? Poisonous? In this episode, I met with with mushroom forager Daniel Butler in the Wales countryside to chat about this and more! From sustainable harvesting techniques to tips on how to learn more about the edible mushrooms found across the US and Europe, we cover some fascinating topics on the world of fungi. Whether you are a seasoned forager, or a novice curious to learn more, there is something for all to learn in this episode.
Mushrooms #Forage #WildFood
The word “tonic” elicits thoughts of something bitter, beneficial to health, or perhaps even a favored cocktail base. When it comes to tonic water, the bitter tasting alkaloid “quinine” is the key ingredient – and it has a fascinating history. You may know that quinine was used in the battle against malaria – but did you know that the pairing of gin with tonic came long after years of consuming it with brandy, rum or wine? On this episode, I speak with Kim Walker and Dr. Mark Nesbitt – the authors of a new book on the topic of tonic, entitled Just the Tonic: a Natural History of Tonic Water.
Tonic #NaturalHistory #Cinchona
Though its ingredients core are simple – barley, yeast and water – the final product that comes about after years of aging is incredibly unique. The distinctive flavor of Scotch whisky is influenced by the way it is malted, how the malt is dried, the distillation process, and lastly the aging process! The type of wood and its prior use in former casks – whether for sherry or bourbon – also influences the final flavor. Whisky is an amazing case study in how plant chemistry and extraction methods influence the chemical character of the final product! In this episode, I dive into the chemistry and flavor of one of my favorite spirits and speak with Gordon Motion, the master whisky maker for Highland Park.
Whisky #Scotland #Fermentation
Have you ever considered how the biochemistry of taste influences our food choices? The food industry spends millions on scientific research in efforts of achieving the ultimate bliss points in our food experiences – from the perfect potato chip to the soda that has just the right amount of carbonation and sweetness. But, is this food “bliss” point achievable outside of the industrial food context? I definitely think so! On this episode, I chat with business owner and chef, Ben Reade, from the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland. We discuss food pairings, traditional Scottish dishes, and the fascinating origins of Scotland’s most famous dish – Haggis!
Haggis #Scotland #Taste
Have you ever heard the term “blue zone”? It refers to a few places on Earth where a large number of locals live to be a hundred years old or older. Lifespan and even healthspan are influenced by many different factors ranging from genetics, to physical activity, social factors, and diet. In this episode – we explore a special citrus species consumed in the traditional diet of Okinawa, which happens to be rich in compounds known as polymethoxy flavonoids, which may have some health boosting effects. I speak with Dr. Lukasz Ciesla to learn more about the impact of these compounds on measures of resilience, and what this may mean for healthy aging.
Ageing #Health #HealthyLiving
Have you ever considered plant biodiversity through the lens of your taste buds? I chat with Dr. Rachel Meyer and Dr. Ashley DuVal about their work in the world of bitters and other botanical beverage ingredients. Along with Dr. Selena Ahmed, they are co-founders of Shoots and Roots Bitters and co-authors of their new book Botany at the Bar: The Art and Science of Making Bitters. We discuss the pharmacology behind some fascinating botanical ingredients that span the food-medicine continuum and offer some simple recipes on how to make your own non-alcoholic vinegar “shrubs” at home!
Bitters #Cocktails #Syrups
Apples have a long history in folklore – from being called the forbidden fruit to associations with witches. Since their domestication in Central Asia thousands of years ago, thousands of cultivars have been developed by people across the globe. Today, we eat them raw, or process them into dry form, as apple cider, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, apple sauce, apple butter. We cook them stewed or in savory or sweet dishes. They are both versatile and full of key phytonutrients, including flavonoids that may help combat the oxidative damage that is a hallmark of chronic disease. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Will McClatchey – an ethnobotanist and pharmacist with a sweet spot for this intriguing crop. Join us as we explore the amazing history of cultivation and health values of America’s favorite fruit.
Apples #Cider #CropDiversity
Cheese is gooey, delicious, and comes in so many flavors and forms! But, how does this food, which starts with the simple base ingredient of milk, acquire this diversity in flavor? The credit goes to a variety of microbes that not only alter the color, smell, texture and flavor of cheese—but also do it via complex molecular signaling networks. Join me as I meet with Dr. Laura Sanchez, a rising star in the field of natural products chemistry who is applying advanced tools in chemistry to listen in on those microbial conversations underway in Bayley Hazen Blue cheese.
BlueCheese #MassSpectrometry #Cheese
Did you know that there is a fragrant shrub with medicinal properties against respiratory infections, pain and diabetes that has been used by indigenous people spanning North America, Europe and Asia for centuries? Labrador tea is still valued today in the treatment of many ailments and is consumed as a traditional beverage. It is just one of many wild plants that make up the indigenous cuisine of Native peoples in the US and Canada. In this episode, I speak with award-winning chef and indigenous activist, Chef Sean Sherman, who is raising awareness about the cultural and medicinal value of this and many other unique wild ingredients with his company “The Sioux Chef” and nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems.
Indigenous #Cuisine #Chef
In the early days of the foundation of the American republic, a charismatic dreamer with a love for plants and medicine made his mark on the world by establishing the country’s first public botanical garden: the Elgin Botanic Garden once located where Rockerfeller Center in NYC stands today. He would go on to grow more than two thousand species on a 20 acre plot of land where he taught medical students about the healing virtues of plants and conducted pharmaceutical and crop research. Join me as I meet with author Victoria Johnson as we discuss American Eden, her award winning biography of the physician botanist, Dr. David Hosack.
Garden #AmericanHistory #Medicine
Some call them a fruit, some call them a vegetable – I call them juicy, red and delicious! How is it that a crop from a poisonous plant family came to pervade our salads, soups and sauces across numerous cuisines? What makes the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, Solanaceae) a healthy food ingredient and how can you capture its best benefits? We’ll be exploring the fascinating history and pharmacology of one the world’s top ten crops in this episode of Foodie Pharmacology.
Tomato #TomatoSauce #HealthFood
Join me direct from the Sharri Mountains of Kosovo! I speak with Prof. Avni Hajdari of the University of Prishtina about a unique local beverage known as mountain tea (caj malet)! You may be surprised to learn of the secret ingredient: the gorgeous and fragrant purple flowering wild oregano (Origanum vulgare,Lamiaceae).
Oregano #Tea #Balkans
Orchids are a plant lover’s delight – they bring this amazing level of beauty to home interiors and gardens. Many of you plant lovers may have a lovely orchid decorating your home, or office or garden. Many of the orchids sold commercially are propagated through cell culture techniques so as not to deplete wild collections. Orchids aren’t just for beauty though – some of them are even edible. One edible example you may be familiar with is vanilla – this comes from the fruit pod of an orchid species that is native to Central America. In the Balkans, there are several species that are consumed, with the underground tubers being harvested to create a special beverage called salep. Join me from Kosovo as I sit down to chat about salep with orchid expert, Susanne Masters!
Orchids #Salep #PlantTrade
Mango belongs to the same family as poison ivy and while it is an absolute delight for some to eat, for those sensitive to urushiol – it can have allergic effects. the mango tree (Mangifera indica, Anacardiaceae) is native to tropical Asia and has been cultivated on the Indian subcontinent for over 4,000 years, where it has also played a key role in Ayurvedic medicine. Join me as I examine the history and pharmacology of this delightful fruit!