FoodNiche Changemakers

In this episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Susan R. Wessler, pioneering geneticist and leading expert on transposable elements, to explore her work. Together, they discuss the dynamic nature of the genome, the role genetics plays in agriculture and food security, and how scientific discovery can drive innovation to support a healthier and more sustainable future....

Increasingly, healthcare systems, researchers, and public health leaders are recognizing what science continues to demonstrate: the food we eat plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and shaping long-term health outcomes. The concept of Food as medicine continues to gain momentum, but there are ambiguities when it comes to this term and how he...

In today’s episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Julieanna Risse, a registered dietitian, author, and leading voice in plant-based nutrition and healthy aging. Together, they explore the science of nutrition, longevity, and lifestyle choices that can improve quality of life and support long-term health. From evidence-based wellness strategies to the power of storyte...

Welcome back to the Changemaker Podcast with Dr. Julia Olayanju. In this special episode, Dr. Julia shares the renewed vision behind the podcast and why conversations around food, health, science, and innovation matter now more than ever. From groundbreaking research and emerging technologies to practical insights that can improve everyday life, this season is focused on helping listeners better u...

Join us on the final episode of this season, where Dr. Julia Olayanju shares a reflection on the future of food. This season has been a journey—one where we explored the powerful intersection of food, innovation, science, and community health. Together, we’ve heard from visionary leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates working tirelessly to reimagine our food systems and create healthie...

 In this special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a powerful conversation on Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health. Transforming food systems to support public health requires more than innovative ideas—it demands strategic investment. From sustainable food startups to community-based nutrition programs, access to fu...

This special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a vital conversation on The ROI of Preventive Nutrition: How Nutrition Education and Food-Based Interventions Can Reduce Long-Term Healthcare Costs. As chronic diseases continue to drive up healthcare spending, evidence is mounting that investing in preventive nutrition delivers measurable returns. From...

In this special episode recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School , we dove into an urgent and often overlooked public health issue— food insecurity . Our featured presentation is titled: “The Cost of Food Insecurity in Massachusetts” , led by Dr. Lauren Fietchner , Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fietchner is a nationally recognized physician and hea...

Welcome to another special edition of the FoodNiche Changemaker Podcast. In this special fireside chat—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School —we’re tackling one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time: childhood obesity . Over 14 million children in the U.S. are affe cted by obesity, putting them at greater risk for lifelong chronic diseases. Yet, de...

This is a special edition of the Changemaker Podcast which features a series of conversations from the FoodNiche Health Forum held at Harvard Medical School. This session is titled: “Aligning Innovation with Impact: Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable and Healthier Food Systems.” In an era of rising chronic disease and increasing environmental strain, it’s clear we need to rethink how our f...

Thank you for a great season! What an incredible season it’s been! We’ve had amazing conversations with leaders who are transforming the future of food and driving real change in our communities. From groundbreaking innovations to powerful grassroots initiatives, this season has truly been inspiring — and it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing listeners. As we wrap up this season, we’re already geari...

Join Dr. Julia Olayanju and Devon Klatell as they discuss strategies to build healthier communities through the food as medicine initiatives and food access program. ABOUT GUEST Devon Klatell is Vice President, Food, at The Rockefeller Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s work to advance a more nourishing, equitable and sustainable food system in the United States. Currently, Ms. Klatell is lead...

In this episode, we are diving deep into the role of food in disease prevention and gaining more insights into the concept of food as medicine. Dr. Allison Collins is a pediatrician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who focuses on helping children, teens, and families prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. As...

As many start the new year, optimizing health through nutrition and physical activity may be top of mind for many. This conversation with Dr. Minich is an old episode which we are republishing to inform people and motivate people to prioritize nutrition and plan for it this year. Here, people will learn to separate the myths from the fact and learn simple and practical steps to optimize their well...

On this episode, we dive into a conversation on promoting food security and good nutrition in underserved communities with Tambra Stevenson. We discussed the issues in these communities, how people are tackling these issues and what is working/what is not working. Tambra Raye Stevenson is a nutrition advocate and health communicator. She is the founder of Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and...

In today's episode we are focusing on understanding the role of grocery chains in community education and food innovation with special guest Leslie Jefferson, the Community Health Manager at Giant Foods. About Leslie Jefferson Ms. Jefferson specializes in nutrition, innovative Food as Medicine programming, and coalition building. With over 20 years of experience, she excels in partnerships across...

Join us for this insightful conversation with Dr. Siebecker. Where we discussed gut health, diseases, and the role food plays in reversing different conditions. Dr. Siebecker has worked in the nutritional field since 1988 and is a 2005 graduate of The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), where she earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and her Masters in Oriental Medicine. She wa...

On this episode, we will be discussing prioritizing prevention to improve health in communities with Dr. Parekh. We dived into the role of food, policies and efforts to tackle food insecurity and much more. Dr. Anand Parekh is the Chief Medical Advisor at the Bipartisan Policy Center, providing expertise on public health, and certified internist and public health leader, he has shaped national ini...

Join us to learn more about how Highmark Health is improving community health by tackling food insecurity with Nebeyou Abebe.  Nebeyou Abebe is the Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) at Highmark Health, a $27 billion national health organization. With nearly 20 years of experience in SDoH, population health, and employee wellness, he leads initiatives to address non-clin...

Join us as we discuss nutrition and diabetes management with registered dietiticians: Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones (***Please note that this is for informational purposes only) Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones. They are both nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. With over a decade of clinical experience, they have helped thous...

Join us as we learn more about how the Food Is Medicine Coalition is tapping into the power of food to help manage diseases and support the sick in communities with our special guest today. Our special guest today is Alissa Wassung, the Executive Director of Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), Alissa unites diverse constituencies to advance the field of medically tailored food and nutrition and pro...

In this episode, we dive into nutrition and disease prevention helping people develop a greater appreciation for the concept of food as medicine. Dr. Allison Collins is a pediatrician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who focuses on helping children, teens, and families prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases through lifestyle changes....

Does food influence your heart health? Can the right nutrition really make a difference in your overall well-being? And what's the role of your physician in helping you navigate the powerful connection between food and health? Today, we’re diving deep into these questions and more with a renowned expert who's on a mission to transform how we think about medicine and nutrition— Dr. Stephen Devries...

Welcome to the Changemaker Podcast ! This season, we’re diving deep into how the food we eat influences our health outcomes. We are bringing some of the most influential voices in the field—people who are leading the charge in creating healthier communities through the power of nutrition. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Stephen Devries joining us this season! Dr. Devries is a preventive cardiologist an...

This trailer reflects on the season of Changemakers that is ending and looks ahead to what the new season holds. Special thanks to all our guests and to all of you listeners. You have all make this season a remarkable one. If you have any suggestions, questions or guest recommendations, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at marlet@foodniche-ed.com