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Nutrition Connection by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof

Nutrition Connection by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof

Kristen Hicks-Roof 74 episodes Nov 4, 2026

Nutrition Connection is a podcast hosted by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, a registered dietitian, that blends science with personal storytelling. Each episode features conversations with dietitians and nutrition experts working across the food system and healthcare landscape. Guests share their career journeys and insights from areas such as research, clinical practice, culinary innovation, public health, and food industry leadership. The show highlights the wide-ranging and often overlooked impact that dietitians have on food and health.

Episodes

77: Kaylyn Koons MS, RD, LDN - PHD STUDENT / NEURO NUTRITION
77: Kaylyn Koons MS, RD, LDN - PHD STUDENT / NEURO NUTRITION Nov 4, 2026 30:33 In this episode of the Nutrition Connection Podcast, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof interviews Kaylin Koons, an outpatient dietitian and PhD student, discussing her journey into the field of nutrition, the balance between clinical practice and academic research, and the importance of advocacy for dietitians. They explore the emerging field of neuro nutrition, the challenges of pursuing a PhD, and the futu
76: Dr. Nick Barringer PhD, RDN, CSCS, CSSD - TACTICAL / PERFORMANCE
76: Dr. Nick Barringer PhD, RDN, CSCS, CSSD - TACTICAL / PERFORMANCE Oct 28, 2026 44:43 In this episode of Nutrition Connection, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof interviews Dr. Nick Barringer, who shares his journey from an exercise science major to a prominent figure in military nutrition. They discuss the evolution of nutrition in the military, the importance of supporting tactical athletes, and Nick's extensive career in various roles within the Army and academia. In this conversation, Nick
75: Stephanie Simms Hodges MS, MPH, RDN - FOOD POLICY
75: Stephanie Simms Hodges MS, MPH, RDN - FOOD POLICY Oct 21, 2026 34:36 The conversation delves into the journey of Stephanie Hodges, a food policy consultant, and her transition from a nutrition professional to a food policy advocate. It highlights the critical role of science and data in policy, the impact of universal school meals, and the challenges and opportunities in food policy. The discussion also explores the future of nutrition and food policy, emphasizing
74: Melissa Mitri MS, RD - PRIVATE PRACTICE / GLP-1 / MEDIA
74: Melissa Mitri MS, RD - PRIVATE PRACTICE / GLP-1 / MEDIA Oct 14, 2026 35:23 In this episode of the Nutrition Connection Podcast, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof interviews Melissa Mitri, a registered dietitian and GLP-1 expert, discussing her journey in the nutrition field, the evolving role of dietitians, and the importance of effective communication in nutrition education. They explore the significance of GLP-1 medications in weight management and the opportunities for dietitian
73: Tambra Raye Stevenson MPH, MA, PhD(c)- AGRICULTURE / NONPROFIT
73: Tambra Raye Stevenson MPH, MA, PhD(c)- AGRICULTURE / NONPROFIT Oct 7, 2026 35:57 Tambra Raye Stevenson shares her journey into nutrition, the inspiration behind Wanda, and the intersection of nutrition, media, and technology. She emphasizes the importance of communication, community, and cultural identity in shaping nutrition and health. Kristen Hicks-Roof discusses the interconnectedness of science, communication, and public health, highlighting the challenges of science comm
72: Dani Pezzuto RD, CCTD, CNSC, LDN - CLINICAL / TRANSPLANT
72: Dani Pezzuto RD, CCTD, CNSC, LDN - CLINICAL / TRANSPLANT Sep 30, 2026 35:20 In this episode, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof interviews Dani Pezzuto, a transplant dietitian, about her journey into the field of nutrition and her role as a transplant dietitian. They discuss the unique challenges and responsibilities of working with transplant patients, the interdisciplinary nature of the role, and the future of nutrition in the healthcare landscape.TakeawaysTransplant dietitians pla
71: Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN, Chef - CULINARY / CONSULTING
71: Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN, Chef - CULINARY / CONSULTING Sep 30, 2026 35:36 The conversation covers the journey of Chef Abby Gelman from a career in finance to becoming a dietitian and chef, her role as the Director of Culinary Medicine, and the importance of stability in nutrition. It also explores the concept of career transition and diversification in the field of nutrition and culinary arts. The conversation covers topics such as portion size awareness and the impact
69: Emily Levin MPH, RDN - PUBLIC HEALTH / GOVERNMENT
69: Emily Levin MPH, RDN - PUBLIC HEALTH / GOVERNMENT Sep 23, 2026 38:12 Emily Levin, a public health analyst and registered dietitian, shares her journey into the field of nutrition, highlighting her early passion for nutrition, the impact of nutrition on health, and her transition into public health. She discusses navigating career opportunities, building a network, the role of nutrition in policy, the influence of women in nutrition, entering the policy space, and t
70: Stacey Woodson MS, RDN - ENTREPRENUER/MEDIA
70: Stacey Woodson MS, RDN - ENTREPRENUER/MEDIA Sep 23, 2026 33:09 Stacy Woodson shares her journey from aspiring doctor to becoming a nutrition professional, author, and media dietitian. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the impact of nutrition on personal health. Stacy's diverse career includes clinical work, teaching, entrepreneurship, and storytelling around food and agriculture. She discusses the future of nutrition, focusing on local food syst
68: Erik Bustillo MS, RD, FISSN, CSC, CF-L2, CPT - PERFORMANCE / TACTICAL
68: Erik Bustillo MS, RD, FISSN, CSC, CF-L2, CPT - PERFORMANCE / TACTICAL Sep 16, 2026 48:22 The conversation covers Eric Bustillo's journey into the nutrition profession, his early career, roles in corporate wellness and human performance, challenges and setbacks, and his career highlights and achievements. Eric's passion for helping people and his diverse career journey are evident throughout the discussion. The conversation covers Erik's career decision, passion for serving those who s
67: Alyssa Smolen MS RDN CDN - COMMUNITY / MEDIA
67: Alyssa Smolen MS RDN CDN - COMMUNITY / MEDIA Sep 16, 2026 43:04 Alyssa Smolen shares her journey from aspiring artist to becoming a dietitian, blending her passion for nutrition with her love for writing and journalism. She discusses the importance of communication skills in the nutrition field and the impact of mentors on her career. Alyssa also details her diverse roles in community wellness and media dietetics, emphasizing the creative freedom and scientifi
66: Dr. Zach Conrad PhD, MPH - RESEARCH / FOOD SYSTEMS
66: Dr. Zach Conrad PhD, MPH - RESEARCH / FOOD SYSTEMS Sep 9, 2026 53:09 The Nutrition Connection Podcast features a discussion on the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and economics. Dr. Zach Conrad shares insights into the impact of food on society, health, and sustainability, while Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof explores the practical implications for health professionals and policy makers. The conversation covers the impact of scientific data on policy and clinica

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