The Hand That Feeds Us

Brad Webber is the founder and creator of Top Knot Artisan Bakery , a beloved bakery located in Virginia Beach, VA. With a passion for creating high-quality, handmade baked goods, Brad has transformed his vision into a local favorite known for its commitment to artisan craftsmanship and fresh, simple ingredients. His journey began with a deep appreciation for traditional baking methods, cleaner ea...

Why is everyone talking about gut health and the gut microbiome? How can sugar, food dyes, and ultra-processed foods negatively impact your gut? Join us as we discuss how modern life could be impacting your gut and subsequently your health! Curiosity Corner Topics: Bezos & methane vaccines for cows, VanMan Honey Tallow & Tallow Sunscreen , Handkerchiefs Resources: Sugar-sweetened beverages...

It's not shaken or stirred... it's emulsified. Why are thickening agents so prominently used in the big food industry, when evidence suggests inflammatory and metabolic impacts could be taking a toll on our health? In this EP, we discuss Carrageenan, a once naturally sourced, proportionately utilized, and traditionally heralded food additive, that has become far more commonplace in store-bought fo...

Are you ready for an EARful about corn!? Why is corn in everything? We will discuss the unexpected places corn may be popping up in the food on your plate. How much of America's corn is actually feeding people, and how much is feeding livestock? Don't forget the big biofuel debate--is it better for the environment, worse, or neutral? And what about these government subsidies?? We cover it all! Als...

Your avocado toast has a dark secret... Join us while we explore the cultural phenomenon surrounding avocados, their environmental impact, and the complexities of their production, including cartel involvement and deforestation. In this episode, we discuss the historical context of avocado imports, the importance of local sourcing, and the ethical considerations consumers should keep in mind when...

Join us as we discuss lawns, and why you may want to consider ditching your traditional grass. Let's dive into all things suburban landscape and native plants. Curiosity Corner: The Anxious Generation by: Jonathan Haidt Sewing Suet/Tallow Articles: How the perfect lawn became a symbol of the American dream The American backyard as we know it developed after WWII The American obsession with law...

If you haven't listened to Season 1, you totally should... Otherwise, welcome to Season 2! We're officially transitioning from audio to VIDEO podcasting! As always, give us your feedback and let us know what you want to hear us talk about on the Pod. We've missed you! We’re out here talking to ourselves, therefore we currently participate in NO paid endorsements and advertisements for...

Ever noticed the “Color Added” label on your salmon? How about the food dye ingredients on your caviar? And why am I living next to water, but my only access to “fresh” store-bought seafood is sourced from Thailand? In this episode we learn all about who is catching our seafood, how it’s being processed and treated, where it’s actually coming from, and why the system is set-up to support the big g...

Pour a cup of joe, and join us as we discuss my favorite beverage, coffee. Is there mold in your coffee? And should you worry about mycotoxins? Is it full of pesticides? Is your morning cup linked to deforestation? How do you pick what coffee to buy? Let's dive into this and more! Curiosity Corner Topics: Metabolical , Spotify audiobooks, ingredient disclosure on garden inputs, bugs Sources: A...

This week we are diving in to all things GMO/genetically modified. What exactly is a GMO---and does your definition match the government's definition? Has there been sufficient evidence found to conclude safety? What are the potential risks (if any) to your health? Just how widespread are GMOs? Let's discuss! Curiosity Corner Topics: Seed starting, AeroGarden, greenhouses, Seedtime , garli...

Eggs have entered the chat, and they want to know why they’ve maintained such a controversial status in the USA for almost 50 years. In this episode, we discuss the rise of the industrial egg industry and it’s impact on chickens everywhere, how the manipulation of cholesterol perception has altered our diets, and how to navigate the grocery store between volatile egg pricing and labeling. Let’s ta...

Let's talk glyphosate! Does it cause cancer? Is it harming the environment or your endocrine system? Is it related to metabolic syndrome in young adults? Is it related to decreasing sperm counts? We're going to go into unintended consequences of glyphosate-- like superweeds. We'll take a quick tangent into GMOs. We'll delve into some crazy stories about Monsanto. Join us for the jo...

Curiosity Corner: Lacto-fermented Cucumbers (pickles); Weck Jars Sandwich bread sourdough, GOAT recipe: Here’s how I streamline my sourdough baking Articles and Videos:  Big Year for Raw Milk in State Houses Louis Pasteur: Between Myth and Reality - PMC Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA Milk: The White Lie We've All Been Sold Lawsuit accuses Dairy Farmers of America of cre...

Chances are there is a rapidly browning banana sitting on your kitchen counter as we speak... Did you ever wonder how that exotic fruit become an American staple? What do bananas have to do with a CIA backed coup in Guatemala? Are child labor violations responsible for the banana on your breakfast table? And were you aware of the insane amount of pesticides/fungicides/nematicides that are used to...

Ever wondered what the “kombucha” hype was about? Or why sourdough and sauerkraut are so touted for our health? In this episode, we dive through thousands of years of  the fermentation process, which even today is observed by humans as one of the most beneficial additions to our diets. We’ll talk about the health benefits of fermented foods, why probiotics are quickly becoming one of the most popu...

Have you heard all the buzz about honey?! Are you being defrauded by those cute little plastic bears full of sweetness!? Are you actually eating pure honey, or is it an amalgamation of sugar syrups and a dash of honey? Is organic honey really worth shelling out more dolla dolla bills? And what do all those raw and unfiltered descriptors really even mean? We break it all down, and dive into the ter...

Let's discuss the mysterious "flavor" ingredients you see on every label. Are natural flavors really healthier or more natural than artificial flavors? What really is the difference between natural and artificial flavors? Is your food being flavored with beaver butt goo? Let's discuss! Curiosity Corner Topics: hiking/national parks (type 2 fun ..or as I kept calling it type B fun...

Living in a bubble never looked so appealing. In this episode, we unveil what the cosmetic, home good, and electronic (?) industry ignores- endocrine disrupting chemicals are wreaking havoc on all aspects of human health. But for the love of scented candles, how do we manage our exposure without sacrificing life's simple pleasures? Let's wake up and smell those roses for what they really a...

It's in everything. We crave it, favor it, and savor it every day... but what is sugar really doing to our health? In this episode, we set out to uncover the qualities and quantities of confectionary usage in our day-to-day lives. Does sugar contribute anything to our health? And if not, is the risk worth the reward? Curiosity Corner Topics: Household cleaning alternatives, and homegrown herb...

Ever wondered if your turkey was coming with a side of antibiotics? This week we will be discussing antibiotic usage in meat and the residues that can result. We will also delve into where your meat is coming from, and whether the label will even disclose the origin. Dive in with us as we enter the very murky waters of labeling requirements for the meat we eat. Happy Thanksgiving Y'all! Follow...

Are there really only 60 harvests left in our soil? Is your diet feeding you heavy metals, microplastics, and PFAS along with your nutrients? Join us this week as we dig deep into all things soil! Email us @ handthatfeedsus@gmail.com Instagram @ thehandthatfeedsus *Soil and human health: current status and future needs : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1178622120934441 *Analysis of M...

Of all the things the mainstream media says is bad for us, why is the sun one of them? Is it all doom and gloom, or could there be a "light" at the end of our metaphorical tunnel? In this episode, we unpack the good, the bad, the ugly-- and dare we say the beautiful, of all things sun and shine. Join us as we dive into the history of sun protection, modern health trends, and what exactly...

Are seed oils really the devil? They've been demonized by some and lauded by others, so which is it--friend or foe? On today's episode, we dive into the sometimes conflicting data available regarding seed oils. We also discuss the historical figures-- and their conflicts of interest-- that led us to the mainstream narrative regarding these processed curiosities and the fats they replace. C...

Don’t worry, your imagination isn’t playing tricks on you. In this episode, we dive into the psychological trickery that is your grocery store. Everything from lighting to product placements guide your intentions and manipulate your buying habits. It’s no wonder that shopping cart is packed to the rim… Show Notes: The Surprising Way A Supermarket Changed the World: https://time.com/4480303/superma...

What happens when you bite the hand that feeds you? We’re on a mission to learn alongside you, becoming as educated as possible in all the things we’ve been told are for our own good. We aspire to cleave ourselves from the system on which we have depended. We are two suburban raised millennials that woke up to the smell of rotten roses, and are seeking to learn the skills that gave our great great...