The Science That Feeds Us
The Science That Feeds Us explores the fascinating stories and scientific principles behind the food we eat every day. Hosts Katie Sanders and Bhavisha Gulabrai break down complex topics in nutrition, food production, and agricultural science in an accessible and engaging way. Each episode aims to help listeners understand where their meals come from and the research shaping what ends up on their plates. The podcast combines expert insights with storytelling to make food science relatable to a general audience.
Episodes
CRISPR Pork and Public Understanding: Communicating New Food Technologies
In this episode, Joe Proudman and Tracy Sellers join us to explore the role of communication in shaping public conversations about CRISPR gene editing and other emerging agricultural technologies. Together, we discuss why researchers are exploring CRISPR in livestock production, the potential implications for animal health and sustainability, and what recent research reveals about how consumers th
New World Screwworm: Understanding the Threat to Livestock and the Food System
In this episode, Dr. Maxwell Scott joins us to unpack the New World Screwworm and why this parasitic fly is an important concern for livestock producers and animal health. Dr. Scott explains how Screwworm affects animals, why it is difficult to control, and how the United States successfully eradicated it through the use of the sterile insect technique. We also explore the pest’s recent re-emergen
What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture? Innovations in Food and Farming
In this episode, Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton joins us to explore what climate-resilient agriculture looks like in practice and how farmers are adapting to increasing weather variability. We discuss the challenges posed by drought, heavy rainfall, and shifting climate patterns, and how conservation practices like cover crops and reduced tillage can help improve resilience on the farm. The conversation
The Silent Pandemic: Understanding the Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
In this episode, Dr. Sid Thakur joins us to unpack antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why it is one of the most urgent challenges for both human and animal health. Dr. Thakur explains how AMR develops, why antibiotics remain essential but increasingly complex tools, and how the One Health approach helps us understand the connections between people, animals, food systems, and the environment. We al
Why We Choose What We Eat: The Psychology Behind Food Decisions
In this episode, Dr. William Hallman joins us to explore the psychology behind food choice and why the way we think about food is shaped by more than science alone. Together, we discuss how emotions, identity, trust, culture, and social media influence food decisions, while examining why the same information can lead different people to very different conclusions. Dr. Hallman also explains how pac
Rewind: PFAS in Our Food: What the Science Says About "Forever Chemicals"
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
Rewind: Is Red Dye #40 Safe? The Science Behind Artificial Food Coloring
In this episode, Dr. Lynette Johnston joins us to explore the science, use, and safety of one of the most common artificial food colors: red dye #40. Dr. Johnston explains where this dye shows up in our everyday lives, and why it is used so extensively in our food system. We discuss how the FDA regulates artificial dyes, what current research says about potential health effects, and how dose, cont
Rewind: Sugar Showdown: High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Cane Sugar
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Basheerah Enahora to unpack the science and controversy behind two of the most debated sweeteners in our food system: high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar. From their nearly identical chemical structures to how our bodies metabolize them, Dr. Enahora explains why the real concern lies not in the source of sugar but in how much of it we consume. She also exp
Rewind: SNAP Explained: How the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works
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
Rewind: Are Seed Oils Bad For You? Breaking Down the Controversy
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
Strawberry Thoughts: Where Philosophy Meets Science and Agriculture
In this episode, Katie and Bhavisha take a step away from the data and into the harder, often unspoken questions that shape science communication in practice. We reflect on what it means to do this work in spaces where expertise, public values, and lived experience do not always align, and where simply presenting the facts falls short. Drawing on our own experiences, we talk through moments where
Glyphosate Uncovered: Evaluating Controversial Products
In this episode, Dr. Melinda Knuth joins us to unpack the science and social dynamics behind glyphosate, one of the most widely used and debated weed control products. Dr. Knuth explains what glyphosate is, how it works, and how recent lawsuits, questions about scientific transparency, and differing global health conclusions have contributed to public uncertainty. From a consumer behavior perspect
Food Safety 101: How Science Keeps Your Food Safe to Eat
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Shumaker to explore the science behind food safety and the systems that protect our food from farm to fork. Dr. Shumaker breaks down what food safety really means from a scientific perspective, how research informs cooking temperatures and storage guidelines, and why simple tools like food thermometers and refrigerator thermometers matter more than we th
Land-Grant Universities and Extension: Bringing Research to Your Community
In part three of our land-grant series, we turn to the final pillar of the land-grant mission: Extension. We’re joined by Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody and Dr. Misty Blue-Terry to explore how Extension connects research and teaching directly to communities across North Carolina. Together, they explain what Cooperative Extension is, why it was created, and how it continues to serve as the outreach arm o
Land-Grant Universities and Teaching: How They Shape the Next Generation
In part two of our land-grant series, Dr. Joseph Donaldson joins us to explore what makes land-grant teaching distinct from other higher education models. From the federal mandate that defines land-grant institutions to the balance of theory and hands-on learning reflected in mottos like “Think and Do,” Dr. Donaldson explains how land-grant programs intentionally prepare students for real-world ca
Land-Grant Universities and Research: How Science Solves Real-World Problems
In this episode, we kick off a three-part series exploring the land-grant university system by focusing on the first pillar of its mission: research. We sit down with Dr. Ben Chapman to discuss how research within the land-grant system developed historically and why it plays such an important role in supporting agriculture, food systems, and communities. Dr. Chapman explains what makes land-grant
Supplements 101: Quick Fix or Real Results?
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Allen joins us to unpack the science behind some of today’s most popular dietary supplements and the claims that surround them. From protein powders and creatine and their role in muscle development and brain energy, to collagen supplements marketed for beauty and health, and even the rise of greens powders as a convenient nutrition option, Dr. Allen explains what the
What is Gut Health? Separating Science from Wellness Trends
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Manuel Kleiner to explore all things gut health. Dr. Kleiner breaks down how trillions of bacteria work together to help us digest food, protect our health, and shape the way our bodies function. We dive into his research on how different protein sources, like eggs, red meat, and plant proteins, can alter the microbiome and impact long-term health. He also sha
The Beef Debate: Grass-Fed, Antibiotics, Hormones, and More
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Pickworth to break down one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood topics in food and agriculture: beef production. From grass-fed to grain-fed systems, Dr. Pickworth explains what these production terms actually mean and how beef cattle are raised across different stages of their lives. We explore how cattle diets influence growth, efficiency
Highly Processed Foods Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
In this episode, Dr. Chris Taylor joins us to unpack the growing conversation around processed and ultra-processed foods, and why these labels often oversimplify a much more complex food system. From common claims about additives, preservatives, and metabolic health, Dr. Taylor explains what food processing really means and where the evidence still falls short. We explore how nutrient density, fib
Food Labels Explained: How to Make Sense of Certifications
In this episode, Dr. Dara Bloom and Dr. Allison Pullin joined us to unpack what food labels and animal certifications really mean and why they can be so confusing for consumers. From third-party verification and auditing standards to recordkeeping on farms, our guests explain how these programs are designed, how they are implemented across different farming systems, and where flexibility exists to
Why Protein Matters: Science, Nutrition, and the Latest Wellness Craze
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eric Trexler to unpack why protein has exploded from a niche fitness topic into a full-blown wellness trend, and what the science actually says behind the hype. From the rise of resistance training to misconceptions about protein needs, Dr. Trexler explains how protein works in the body, why lifters need it differently than sedentary consumers, and how muscle
Is Red Dye #40 Safe? The Science Behind Artificial Food Coloring
In this episode, Dr. Lynette Johnston joins us to explore the science, use, and safety of one of the most common artificial food colors: red dye #40. Dr. Johnston explains where this dye shows up in our everyday lives, and why it is used so extensively in our food system. We discuss how the FDA regulates artificial dyes, what current research says about potential health effects, and how dose, cont
Sugar Showdown: High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Cane Sugar
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Basheerah Enahora to unpack the science and controversy behind two of the most debated sweeteners in our food system: high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar. From their nearly identical chemical structures to how our bodies metabolize them, Dr. Enahora explains why the real concern lies not in the source of sugar but in how much of it we consume. She also exp
PFAS in Our Food: What the Science Says About "Forever Chemicals"
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
SNAP Outreach: How Communities Are Expanding Access to Food
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
Nutrition Education Through SNAP-Ed: What You Didn't Know
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
SNAP Explained: How the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works
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
Meet Your Hosts: Why We Started The Science That Feeds Us
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
What Are Gene-Edited Foods? CRISPR and the Future of Your Plate
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
Are Seed Oils Bad for You? Breaking Down the Controversy
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
Organic vs. Conventional Foods: Is One Healthier Than the Other?
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
Inside the Bird Flu Outbreak: What You Need to Know About H5N1
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’
How Misinformation Spreads About Food and What We Can Do About It
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
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