Food Sleuth Radio

Did you know that industrial agriculture cannot “feed the world” sustainably? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John Ikerd, Ph.D., professor emeritus of agricultural economics, University of Missouri-Columbia.  Ikerd discusses the impact and unintended consequences of industrial agriculture on the environment and social fabric of rural communities. Ikerd was recently featured in the documentary film, Right to Harm, which specifically addresses “Right to Farm” bills and the negative consequences of large scale animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.  How did our food and farming systems come to this? Tune in as Dr. Ikerd explains the policies and propaganda that led us down this unsustainable path. Related website:  http://johnikerd.com 

Did you know that powerful photojournalism can drive public policy to protect public health and promote social and environmental justice? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Gabriel Scarlett, 73rd College Photographer of the Year, recognized at the 2019 Picture of the Year Awards at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. Scarlett describes two of his investigative stories:  the consequences of uranium mining, which left the Navajo nation with contaminated water; and, immigration policies that separate families. Scarlett uses his spectacular images and sensitive storytelling to examine social issues within the United States, with special interest in immigration, economic disparity, and environmental racism, including his project titled, On Poisoned Land https://gabrielstephenscarle.atavist.com/on-poisoned-land,which explores the health consequences of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. Scarlett describes his process of building trust, and the challenges dedicated journalists face in their efforts to capture images that reveal the truth. Related website:  https://www.gabrielscarlett.com/ 

Did you know that stereotypes and stigma shape public policy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Rebecca de Souza, Associate Professor of Communication at the University of MN- Duluth, and author of Feeding the Other: Whiteness, Privilege, and Neoliberal Stigma in Food Pantries (MIT Press). De Souza describes how social narratives, stereotypes and stigma harm those living in poverty. She explains how charity sustains food injustice, and advocates for a human rights approach for policy change. Tune in to hear the stories behind those living in poverty and struggling with homelessness. De Souza explores questions citizens can ask to remove stigma and improve public policy. Related website:  https://cla.d.umn.edu/communication/faculty-staff/dr-rebecca-de-souza

Did you know that cooperative grocery stores strengthen regional economies and put money and resources back into local communities? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Jon Steinman:producer and host of the internationally syndicated TV/web series, radio show and podcast “Deconstructing Dinner: Reconstructing Our Food System,” and author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants. Steinman compares and contrasts cooperative vs. corporate grocery store models, and describes their impact on local food systems. Related website:  https://grocerystory.coop/ 

Did you know that reading to children can educate, inspire and promote scientific literacy? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Katherine Pryor, Seattle-based children's book author, who holds an M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems. Pryor discusses her latest book, Bea’s Bees, about a curious little girl who explores declining bee populations and discovers how to protect these vital insects.  Pryor's charming books (this is her third) promote scientific literacy, critical thinking and empathy. Related website:  http://www.katherinepryor.com/ 

Did you know that dietary fiber is considered “fuel for the gut?” Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., fiber expert and professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. Slavin describes the assorted types of fiber found in various foods, fiber supplements, and fiber’s role in disease prevention.  Related website:  https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/health-benefits-fiber.html?fbclid=IwAR1_PzxeRGFTC6EtZbtwoWbEH37oQSqI9x3VL8rCVjy8N2q6S9mducjeZzk 

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease is considered a global health threat, and that diet, exercise, sleep, and common drugs can influence our risk for dementia? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Aarti Batavia, M.S., R.D., certified practitioner of functional medicine, and expert in the role of nutrition and dementia.  Batavia discusses dietary and lifestyle strategies to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and reverse cognitive decline. Related website:  http://aartibatavia.com/ 

Did you know that spring flooding in the Midwest led to hog manure tank spills and threats to water quality and public health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Erin Jordan, Investigative journalist at The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA). She'll describe her techniques for reporting and the threats to water quality following spring storms, extreme flooding, and hog manure spills. Manure tank leaks lead to nitrate pollution, fish kills and public health threats – news that the corporate pork industry prefers we don’t know.  Jordan reveals exploitation of natural resources and rural communities, and attempts to monitor water and protect health.  Related website:  https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/overflowing-manure-tanks-western-iowa-eastern-iowa-runoff-flooding-fish-kill-degrade-water-quality-risk-spring-flooding-20190325 

Did you know that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) create polluted landscapes that harm public health and destroy home values? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered  Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Matt Wechsler, filmmaker, founder of Hourglass Films, and producer of “Right to Harm,” a film that explores the devastating impact of CAFOs on public health, the environment, and quality of life in rural communities across the United States. Those who suffer most are disadvantaged citizens – the rural poor, and children, who suffer higher rates of asthma when exposed to CAFO-related air pollution. The film also explores how citizens have banded together to demand justice from their legislators. If you eat meat or care about water and air quality, this is a must-see film. Related website:  http://righttoharm.film 

Did you know that imported meat can be sold at a lower cost than that which is produced in the U.S.?  Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mike Callicrate, independent cattle producer, business entrepreneur and political activist. He serves as an outspoken leader in addressing the economic, social and cultural impacts of industrial agriculture.  A founding member of the Organization for Competitive Markets, Callicrate advocates for regenerative agriculture and local food systems that connect consumers directly with farmers and ranchers.   (An example: www.ranchfoodsdirect.com ) Callicrate is a “go-to expert” for understanding illusions of choice in the marketplace and the negative consequences of the modern meat industry, including environmental pollution, adverse health effects, and nationwide meat recalls. Callicrate explains how false economies of scale have driven and dominated industrial livestock production, leaving consumers in the marketplace little choice.  He was an advisor for the films Food Inc. and FRESH, and is cited in popular books, including The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Fast Food Nation.  Callicrate on livestock care: https://nobull.mikecallicrate.com/2013/01/24/pastured-animals-deserve-good-care-and-good-nutrition/ Related website:  https://nobull.mikecallicrate.com/