Food Freedom Radio

Laura has a lively discussion with filmmaker Graham Meriwether about the essence of food freedom, its profound connection to human nature, and his journey from poet to documentarian focused on agricultural solutions. They delve into the unspoken debates within the food freedom movement, highlighting the power of local food systems as a path to economic…

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Foods Holdings, to explore why humans are “more than 99% microbial” and how fermented foods support our gut health. Jorge discusses his company’s popular brands, including Bubbies, Wildbrine, and Flanagan Farm, and explains how true fermentation differs from pickling with vinegar. The conversation also digs into…

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports, to discuss the battle for food safety and transparency. They expose a new, misleadingly named industry group (“Americans for Ingredient Transparency”) that is actively trying to block state-level laws that ban toxic chemicals in products like baby food. Brian also shares findings…

Laura Hedlund welcomes Andrew Zimmern (four-time James Beard Award winner, TV personality, and chef) for a deeply engaging conversation on the complex intersection of food, sustainability, and non-violence. We explore Zimmern’s personal journey, the ethical dilemmas of the modern chef, and the surprising economic and moral implications of eliminating childhood hunger. Discover why food syste...

Laura Hedlund speaks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director at Naturally MN, about the impactful Food. Ag. Ideas conference that recently took place. Now in its eighth year, this must-attend gathering led by Naturally MN focused on the intersection of food and health, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond to explore how innovation is shaping the…

On this episode of *Food Freedom Radio*, host Laura Hedlund talks with Eric Sannerud about GrownBy (https://grownby.com), a farmer-owned platform that connects farmers directly with eaters. They discuss how this innovative tool supports local food systems, strengthens family farms, and makes it easier for consumers to access sustainable, fresh food. Tune in to learn how…

This week Laura visits with Thom Petersen, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture. He shares experiencing Farm Aid 40held at the University of Minnesota on September 20, 2025.

This week Laura Hedlund was joined by chef Lachelle Cunningham.

On this episode of Food Freedom Radio, host Laura Hedlund talks with Sonja Trom Eayrs, author of Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, winner of the 2025 Midwest Book Award. They discuss how corporate agriculture has reshaped rural communities and what it means for the future of family farms and…

On this episode of Food Freedom Radio, host Laura Hedlund is joined by MaryLynn Pulscher from Minneapolis Parks to talk about the annual Monarch Festival. They explore how the event celebrates monarch butterflies, their vital role in our ecosystem, and ways we can all help protect their habitat.

Is a 5th world possible? Host Laura Hedlund speaks with Rob Avis of 5thWorld.com to explore bold new ideas for reimagining our future. Together, they discuss the vision behind the “5th World,” what it means for our communities, and how we might create a more sustainable and connected way of living.

Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie talks about the recent Minnesota Cooperative Summit

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by: Michelle Shaw with Minneapolis Edible Boulevards https://www.minneapolisedibleboulevards.org/ Joe Vital with East Phillips Neighborhood Institute https://www.epnifarm.org/

This week, Aneta Toporowska Lennartson joins the show to talk about food, music, and family at the upcoming Slavic Experience, happening Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 at the ROC in St. Louis Park. From delicious food to fashion and culture, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. Learn more at slavicexperience.com. Aneta…

The author of Feed Us with Trees: Nuts and the Future of Food; Minneapolis urban farmers Black Radish Minneapolis and the Land Stewardship Project join Laura to share stories of Noospheric economics (also known as Living Economics, Donut Economics, Human-driven economics, etc.) Links: https://www.theblackradishmpls.com https://landstewardshipproject.org https://elspethhay.com

President of the Minnesota Farmers Union Gary Wertish and Katie Marty with Co-Minnesota talk about the first ever Minnesota Cooperative Summit https://www.mncooperativesummit.org

This week’s episode is all about Nikkolette’s Macarons! Learn more at: https://www.nikkolettesmacarons.com/

In this episode, we explore the ideas of Otto Scharmer, author of Presencing and founder of the Presencing Institute. Scharmer grew up on a regenerative farm, where he first learned that soil is alive—a lesson that shaped his understanding of how humans interact with the world around them. He now applies that same insight to…

This week Laura highlights Elderberry Cooperative with Organic Farmer with Dan Moe https://www.midwest-elderberry.coop/index.html  https://thefarmofmn.com/  

This week Laura talks tarriff mayham with Ben Lilliston with https://www.iatp.org

This week with Laura it’s all about: Soil Health Education SHE – with Dr Suzie Haryanti Husain

World Water Day is March 22, Laura talks to water educator Mitchell LeGrand and executive director Doug Niemela with https://www.h2oforlifeschools.org