The Science That Feeds Us

In this episode, Dr. Khara Grieger and Dr. Katy May join us to explore the growing concern around PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and their connection to our food and water systems. From cookware and cosmetics to contaminated rivers in North Carolina, they unpack how PFAS make their way into our bodies and the risks they pose for human health, farmers, and local communities. We discuss wha...

In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Bird joins us to unpack the role of SNAP outreach in connecting families to vital food resources. She explains how the More In My Basket program works to reduce barriers, simplify applications, and raise awareness of benefits many people don’t realize SNAP offers. We explore the challenges of keeping benefits aligned with rising food costs, innovations that could strea...

In this episode, Tammy Brunelle and Kim Eshleman join us to unpack the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s education arm, SNAP-Ed, and its role in promoting healthier communities. We explore how SNAP-Ed goes beyond food assistance to support nutrition education, policy, systems, and environmental changes that make healthy choices more accessible. They share powerful stories from their work...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody join us to explore the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the stories, science, and policies behind it. We talk about who uses SNAP, what it actually provides, and how it became one of the most effective tools for fighting food insecurity in the U.S. We also unpack common myths and look at new policy proposals that co...

In this episode, we turn the mic on ourselves to share the story behind The Science That Feeds Us. We talk about how our own paths led us into science and communication, and why this podcast exists in the first place. At the core is our belief that storytelling makes science more human, more relatable, and ultimately more impactful. We explore what makes food systems communication different from a...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou to unpack the promise and complexity of genome editing in our food system. From public misunderstandings about DNA to the urgency of feeding a growing population, Dr. Barrangou highlights the motivations driving CRISPR research and how the technology is being used responsibly to solve global challenges. We explore the ethical and regulatory...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ash joins us to break down the buzz, and the backlash, around seed oils. We dive into the science of inflammation, how omega-6s interact in the body, and why understanding a little organic chemistry goes a long way to help make sense of nutrition claims. We also explore how fear-based messaging spreads online, how food influencers keep their audiences hooked, and why nut...

In this episode, Dr. Ben Chapman joins us to unpack how misinformation spreads in food systems and why it often fills gaps in trust and access to science. We explore why certain stories gain traction, how science communication can acknowledge uncertainty without losing credibility, and why "debunking" might not be as powerful as discussion. We also talk about green flags for identifying...

In this episode, Dr. Matt Koci joins us to break down the science and story behind highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. We explore how the virus has evolved from a seasonal, migratory threat to a persistent, year-round challenge for poultry and beyond. Dr. Koci explains the surprising jump to cattle, the complexities of disease surveillance, and why vaccines haven’...

In this episode, Dr. Gabriel Keith Harris joins us to break down the science behind organic and conventional foods, and why the conversation is far more complex than most labels suggest. We explore how farming practices shape nutrient content, pesticide exposure, and environmental impact, and why “organic” doesn’t always mean pesticide-free or healthier foods. Dr. Harris also walks us through how...