Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg (by Food Tank)

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani speaks with Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, the Founder and Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters. They discuss how the organization is strengthening the capacity of women farmers in the Caribbean by teaching them technical skills and financial literacy, the mental health toll of changing weather patterns, and concerns that U.N. Climate Change Conferences have become networking events that leave little space to focus on the implementation of solutions. Plus, hear about how the African Union is mobilizing funds to support the continent’s agri-food systems and what Food Tank is thinking about as we celebrate World Food Day. While you’re listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Stacy Dean, the Carbonell Family Executive Director for the Global Food Institute at GW, dives into pressing food policy issues. She discusses the recent changes to SNAP and the consequences for vulnerable families. The conversation touches on the USDA's impacts from the government shutdown and the need for a planet-friendly diet as outlined in the EAT-Lancet report. Dean also highlights the economic benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming in India and emphasizes the importance of supporting young leaders to drive transformative change in food systems.

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani speaks with Jonathan Kung, a chef, cookbook author, and influential content creator known for his vibrant “third culture” cooking—blending cultural traditions, flavors, and ingredients that hold personal meaning. They discuss what it means to be a third culture cook, how to combat misinformation around nutrition and health, and the local, grassroots communities that he hopes to see more young people plug into to drive change. While you’re listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Academy Award-nominated actor Stephanie Hsu opens the discussion with her personal journey connecting arts and regenerative agriculture. Sea Matias shares touching stories from his Abuela about food and community, illustrating the essence of culturally rooted food sovereignty. Karen Washington highlights the urgent need for diversity in farming and the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on small farmers. Together, they emphasize the importance of land stewardship, community support, and collective action for a more just food system.

David Moscow, an actor and producer known for his work on *From Scratch*, explores the art of storytelling through food systems and shares his adventures on a regenerative farm in Bermuda. Sam Kass, a former nutrition advisor for the Obama administration, delves into pressing food policy issues, criticizing recent decisions that threaten public health. He emphasizes the relationship between climate change and food disruption while stressing the need for empathetic communication to engage the public on climate issues.

Food Tank is live all week at WNYC-NPR’s The Greene Space running food and agriculture programming at Climate Week NYC with over 300 speakers, 60 performers, and 15 events. Watch these conversations live on Food Tank’s YouTube channel, or by visiting FoodTank.com. While you are on our website please also become a Food Tank member to ensure programming like this continues. This episode takes you to our summit Chefs Change the World, in partnership with Organic Valley and the James Beard Foundation. Our first conversation  with Florence Fabricant (The New York Times) and our own Danielle Nierenberg. They reflect on food writing, restaurants, and responsibility. Then, Ruth Reichl (Gourmet Magazine) and Priya Krishna (The New York Times) discuss the power of storytelling, criticism, and kitchens as engines of change. While you’re listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Grace Young, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and Chinatown advocate, shares her journey of embracing her Cantonese heritage and the significance of seasonal eating for sustainability. She highlights the wok's role in cultural storytelling and health. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Daniel S. Goldman discusses the impact of SNAP cuts and rising food prices in New York. He shares stories from constituents and emphasizes the importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping future food policy and reimagining food assistance.

Food Tank is live all week at WNYC-NPR’s The Greene Space running food and agriculture programming at Climate Week NYC with over 300 speakers, 60 performers, and 15 events. Watch these conversations live on Food Tank’s YouTube channel, or by visiting FoodTank.com. While you are on our website please also become a Food Tank member to ensure programming like this continues. This episode takes you to our summit Nourishing People, Planet, and our Future, in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation. Our first conversation features Eitan Bernath (United Nations World Food Programme).They discuss  inspiring youth to take action against hunger and shape healthier food systems. Then, Dani sits down with Paul Polman (Unilever, Net Positive), to talk about business leadership for sustainable and inclusive change. While you’re listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Food Tank is live all week at WNYC-NPR’s The Greene Space running food and agriculture programming at Climate Week NYC with over 300 speakers, 60 performers, and 15 events. Watch these conversations live on Food Tank’s YouTube channel, or by visiting FoodTank.com. While you are on our website please also become a Food Tank member to ensure programming like this continues. This episode takes you to our summit Sustainable Foods Showcase in partnership with  J.P. Morgan, features conversations and lightning talks with leaders across food, climate, and business, highlighting innovation and solutions for a more sustainable food system. Our first conversation features Anna Hammond (Matriark Foods) on reducing waste and scaling sustainable solutions. Dani then has a conversation with Viraj Puri (Gotham Greens) on controlled-environment agriculture and urban food production. After that, we go to Sarela Herrada (SIMPli) on ethical sourcing and community-driven supply chains. We then turn to Brendan Somerville (Oishii) on scaling sustainable indoor agriculture and technology. And finally, Ron Ben-Israel (Ron Ben-Israel Cakes) shares his perspective as a chef and television judge. While you’re listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Helena Bottemiller Evich, a food policy reporter and founder of the Food Fix newsletter, teams up with Marion Nestle, a food policy scholar and author, to dive into sustainable food systems. They discuss MAHA's mixed impact on dietary guidelines and the need for stronger regulation versus wellness PR. The duo explores the gaps in pesticide policy, the prospects of a bipartisan Farm Bill, and the shifting landscape of consumer behavior driven by wellness trends. Nestle advocates for impactful actions like marketing restrictions to improve child health.