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

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 

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 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:

1. 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?
2. What do you hope to learn from the multi-omics data on food composition that you are generating as part of this project?
3. 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?
4. 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:

1. What are challenges and opportunities for foodomics for advancing our understanding of food and health for people and the planet?
2. How does the multi-omics data that the PTFI is generating complement both existing food composition data - as well as existing foodomics efforts?
3. How do you envision the data being generated by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative to be utilized? What are your hopes? 
4. 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

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 

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

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

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 

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

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

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