Food Sleuth Radio

Did you know that consumer demand for organic food continues to grow, despite the struggle of U.S. farmers to keep up with demand? Do you understand what the organic label really means, and how organic certification works? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition, a national alliance of organizations working to provide a “Washington voice” for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and industry members involved in organic agriculture. Youngblood explains the value of the organic label and the need for vigilance in ensuring organic integrity. NOC advocates for strong, enforceable, and continuously improved standards to maximize the multiple health, environmental, and economic benefits of organic agriculture. Consumers will find trustworthy label information at www.greenerchoices.org and can learn more about our national organic program rules and regulations at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb.Related website: http://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/

Guest Jim Riddle, MN-based certified organic farmer and internationally respected expert on organic farming systems and standards, policy and advocacy will discuss why farmers choose to farm organically and the hazards of pesticide spray drift.Beyond Pesticides

Did you know that we already produce enough food to more than “feed the world?” -- we just don’t provide adequate access to all. Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with John Reganold, Ph.D., Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at WA State University in Pullman. Reganold is considered one of the founding and premier scientists in the world in sustainable and organic agricultural research. He discusses his research measuring the effects of organic, integrated and conventional farming systems on productivity, financial performance, environmental quality, and social wellbeing on five continents.His popular blog post for the Union of Concerned Scientists http://blog.ucsusa.org/science-blogger/organic-agriculture-is-key-to-helping-feed-the-world-sustainably discusses organic agriculture’s contribution to helping to feed the world sustainably. Reganold believes that we need a much broader conversation when we speak about “feeding the world,” including: population growth, and planetary boundaries, such as nutrient pollution, climate change, and land clearing. He also suggests ways the upcoming Farm Bill could support more sustainable farming practices. Related website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293014068_Organic_agriculture_in_the_twenty-first_century

Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., environmental health scientist, Chief Science Advisor to the Grace Communications Foundation, and former executive director of the Food Safety and Sustainability Center for Consumer Reports, identifies food safety risks, trustworthy and questionable food labels, and green noise in the marketplace.Greener Choices

Guest Maya Shetreat, M.D., integrative pediatric neurologist and author of The Dirt Cure: Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child, explains rising rates of childhood illness, and the critical but under-valued connection between health and our natural environmentMaya Shetreat-Klein, MD

Guest Andy Sarjahani, M.S., R.D., documentary film maker discusses his film, Downstream People about the politics and public health threats of an industrial hog facility on water quality in the National Buffalo River watershedDownstream People

Guest Mary Otto, author of Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America. Otto describes her investigation into the death of 12 year-old Deamonte Driver due to an untreated abscessed tooth, the relationship between oral health and overall well-being, the marketing of cosmetic dentistry, and the injustice of a healthcare system that denies basic access to dental careTeeth

Guest Andy Fisher, author of Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups, discusses charity vs. policy, and the root causes (and cures) of hunger in AmericaBig Hunger

Guest Eve Van Cauter, Ph.D., former Director of the Sleep, Metabolism and Health Center at the University of Chicago, describes the impact of sleep disturbance/deprivation on health, including diabetes, obesity, and immunity, plus tips to improve sleep.f.lux

Guest Vera Krischik, Ph.D., entomologist, Director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Ecosystems at the University of Minnesota describes the critical role of insects in our ecosystem, and the harmful effects of ubiquitous, sub-lethal levels of neonicotinoid pesticides on pollinatorsBeyond Pesticides Forum presentation

Guest David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., endocrinologist, Professor of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, and Time magazines obesity warrior, discusses his book, Always Hungry? Conquer Cravings, Retrain Your Fat Cells and Lose Weight Permanently.TAKE BACK CONTROL

Guest Fred vom Saal, Ph.D., Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri and co-editor of Integrative Environmental Medicine, describes how contaminants, including pesticide residues, BPA and phthalates, enter our food supply and affect public health in our challenging political and regulatory systemIntegrative Environmental Medicine

Guest Erin Silva, Ph.D., plant pathologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, describes research in modern sustainable and organic agriculture, new technologies, farmers challenges, and the intersections between soil, plant and human biologyUW Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension

Guest Johanna Mirenda, Technical Director at OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute, describes her work in organic certification, explains input materials including pesticides and describes what organic certification means for farmers and consumersOrganic Materials Review Institute

Guest Stacy Malkan, co-founder and co-director of U.S. Right to Know, a non-profit organization working for transparency and accountability in our nations food system, exposes food and agriculture front groups, helps us navigate propaganda, and provides tips for truth-telling.U.S. Right to Know

Guest Jed Fahey, Ph.D., Director of the Cullman Chemoprotection Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of medicine, describes his research on sulforaphane, a health protecting compound highest in broccoli sproutsGreen Chemoprotection

Guest Hector Valenzuela, Ph.D., crop production specialist, University of HI at Manoa, discusses sustainable vs. industrial food production on the Hawaiian islands, and threats to research freedom at public universities due to agri-chemical influencePR Watch

Guest Martha Claire Morris, Sc.D., nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University discusses the Mind Diet, dietary approaches for reducing risk for Alzheimers Disease, cognitive decline and dementiaRUSH

Guest Paul Wotzka, Minnesota-based hydrologist, and organic farmer, discusses the water cycle, watersheds, and the impact of the herbicide Atrazine and other contaminants on water quality, health and our environmentMidwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service

Guest Ridge Shinn, a.k.a. the Carbon Cowboy, and founder of Big Picture Beef, explains the human health and planetary benefits of 100 percent grass-fed cattleRidge Shinn

Guest Judith McGeary, sustainable farmer, attorney, and Founder and Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance based in Cameron, TX, discusses the soil-food-web, protecting soil, conserving water, and the political challenges facing sustainable family farmersFarm and Ranch Freedom Alliance/a>

Guest Emily Jackson, Founder and Director of the Growing Minds Farm to School Program of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), discusses the benefits, joys and strategies for establishing successful school gardens.Farm to school

Guest Will Allen, VT-based organic farmer, co-founder of Cedar Circle farm, research director for Regeneration Vermont, and author of The War on Bugs, describes his work to advance regenerative farming, and exposes Bayer historic links to Nazi Germany and Monsanto pesticide injuries.Regeneration Vermont

Guest Peter Infante D.D.S., Dr.P.H., epidemiologist, and former Director of the Office of Carcinogen Identification and Classification at OSHA, describes the influence of industry and Congress on governmental regulatory agencies charged to protect public health. Part 2.The International Agency for Research on Cancer

Guest Peter Infante, D.D.S., Dr.P.H., epidemiologist, and former Director of the Office of Carcinogen Identification and Classification at OSHA, describes the influence of industry on science, and in particular addresses the carcinogenicity of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsantos Roundup herbicideIARC Monograph

Guest Cheryl Forberg, R.D., James Beard Award-Winning Chef, New York Times best-selling author, and Nutritionist for NBCs The Biggest Loser, takes us behind the scenes of this reality TV show to reveal the biggest challenges and secrets behind successful weight loss. She will also pull weight loss tips from her latest book, A Small Guide to Losing BigCheryl Forberg

Did you know that producing some of our own food can be an empowering, affordable way to improve our diets, take control of our food choices, and protect our health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Andy Tomolonis, a.k.a the “dirt-cheap gardener.” Based in Southeastern, MA, Tomolonis, is a journalist, organic farmer, and author of “Organic Hobby Farming: A Practical Guide to Earth-Friendly Farming in Any Space. ” He'll describe how he turned his backyard garden on a 1-acre lot in suburbia into an organic farm and eight-family neighborhood CSA –all while maintaining his full-time day job. “Organic Hobby Farming” is easy to read with beautiful photographs and step-by-step "how-to" tips for even the most novice gardeners. Whether your "garden" amounts to a pot of herbs on a sunny windowsill, a yard-full of berry bushes and vegetables, or a small farm to help feed your community, Tomolonis has information for you. If you’ve got spring fever, and are itching to get your hands in the soil, tune in. We’ll talk about seeds, tools, farming methods, alternatives to pesticides and more. Related website: http://blogs.southcoasttoday.com/dirtcheap/

Did you know that poverty and hunger is often associated with obesity, depression, alcoholism, and childhood trauma? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Mariana Chilton, Ph.D., MPH, Professor at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, in Philadelphia, PA. Chilton directs the Center for Hunger-Free Communities, and is the founder of “Witnesses to Hunger,” a PhotoVoice project that documents the lives of low-income women living in Philadelphia. Chilton busts common myths and misconceptions about food insecurity; she explains how the use of food assistance programs reduces hospitalizations; and, she describes the circumstances that contribute to poverty and food insecurity. “Hunger is associated with isolation, humiliation and shame,” explains Chilton. She combines hard statistical and scientific data with human stories to change policies and promote greater connectedness, community, kindness, and compassion.Related website: www.centerforhungerfreecommunities.org

Do you know the biggest challenges family farmers face when trying to bring their livestock to market? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Joe Maxwell, Political Director for the Humane Society Legislative Fund (http://www.hslf.org/), former MO State Representative, Senator and Lt. Governor, and family farmer. Maxwell explains farmers’ and ranchers’ difficulty in locating convenient, independent meat processing facilities, the consequences of vertical integration in the livestock industry, and how and why U.S. citizens lost “country of origin labeling” on meat packages. He offers suggestions on ways citizens and farmers can work together with legislators to improve food policy, our broader food system, rural economies, family farming, and the quality of food on our plates.

Guest Daryl Ray, Ph.D., Agricultural Economist, Professor Emeritus at the University of TN Knoxville, and columnist for the Agricultural Policy and Analysis Center, explains how economic principles apply to agriculture, the power of the consumer in the marketplace, and the danger of industry-funded and influenced research at Land Grant Universities. Ray recalls Monsantos pressure to not publish poor yield data on their GMO soybeans

Guest Warren Porter, Ph.D. professor of zoology and environmental toxicology at the U. of WI-Madison, describes the health risks from ingredients (glyphosate + inerts) in Monsantos Roundup herbicide, at concentrations below what EPA says are safe.The Detox Project

Guest Richard Oswald, 5th generation farmer, poet and columnist for the Daily Yonder, President of the MO Farmers Union and Board member of the Organization for Competitive Markets, describes how farmers have been sold on pesticides, GMO seeds, and the myth of feeding the world.Organization for Competitive Markets

Guest Faith Rogow, Ph.D., the Media Literacy Education Maven, and co-author of The Teachers Guide to Media Literacy: Critical Thinking in a Multimedia World, helps us navigate fake news with critical thinking and observation skInsighters Educational Consultingills

Guest Kathleen Dean Moore, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of philosophy at Oregon State University, nature essayist and author, discusses the moral urgency of climate change, hope, and insights from her book, Great Tide Rising: Towards Clarity and Moral Courage in a Time of Planetary Change.Kathleen Dean Moore On The Moral Urgency Of Climate Change

Guest James Greenblatt, M.D., discusses his recent webinar: Malnourished Minds: A Functional Medicine approach to Cognition, Memory and Mood, with a specific focus on minerals, including lithiumJames Greenblatt

Guest Colleen Webb, M.S., R.D., Weill Cornell Medical Center, speaks about her work with gastro-intestinal disorders irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, and how to promote gut healthColleen Webb Nutrition

Guest Jessica Almy, M.S., J.D., Deputy Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest, discusses Rigged: Supermarket Shelves for Sale, a behind-the-scenes expose of how food companies get their products featured in particular locations in supermarketsSupermarket Shelves for Sale

Guest Brenda Davy, Ph.D., R.D., Nutrition Professor and researcher at Virginia Tech, talks about the under-appreciated role of water in health promotion, disease prevention, brain function, and surprising role in weight control, especially among middle-aged and older populations. Find out how much water we need and why, plus challenges to water quality Brenda Davy

Guest Sriram Madhusoodanan, Director of Corporate Accountability Internationals Value[the]Meal Campaign, describes Corporate Accountabilitys successful efforts to expose and challenge Nestles infant formula promotion, tobacco advertising, and McDonalds fast food marketing targeted at childrenCorporate Accountability International

Guest Bettina Siegel, J.D., School food activist, named one of the 20 Most Influential Moms and author of The Lunch Tray blog, describes her work to improve school lunch, and national policies affecting childrens food, including the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids ActThe Lunch Tray

Guest David Andrews, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group discusses his recent reports on water contamination with the carcinogenic chemicals, Chromium-6, and PFOA. The latter is the chemical formerly used in the manufacturing of Teflon.EWGEnviroBlog

Guest Paul Winchester, M.D., Medical Director of the Neonatal and Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital, and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Riley Childrens Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, discusses his research on pesticide-related birth defects and premature births.PDFPaul D. Winchester, M.D.

Guest Robert Schooler, Cornell University student who questioned the Alliance for Science - pro-biotechnology rhetoric, and began a speaker series presenting an agro-ecological perspective on the impact of genetic engineering on food and farmingGMO WTF?

Guest Alan Guebert, award-winning agricultural journalist, author of the nationally syndicated weekly column, The Farm and Food File, and co-author of The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey: Memories from the Farm of My Youth, shares his insights on the impacts of U.S. farm and food policies The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey

Guest Genna Reed, M.A., science and policy analyst in the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses her new report: Hooked for Life: How Weak Policies on Added Sugars Are Putting a Generation of Children at Risk.Union of Concerned Scientists

Guest Grace Gershuny, organic farmer and author of Organic Revolutionary: A Memoir of the Movement for Real Food, Planetary Healing and Human Liberation, describes her work with USDA developing organic policy, and explains how organic certification helps farmers, consumers and our planetOrganic Revolutionary

Guest Tyrone Hayes, Ph.D., biologist and professor of integrative biology at the University of California Berkeley, discusses his research on the hazards of Atrazine, an endocrine disrupting herbicide produced by Syngenta, and industrys resulting backlashBeyond Pesticides

Guest Lori Taylor, M.A., M.S., R.D., nutritionist, explores the science questioning the safety of genetically engineered foods and who benefits from the technologyLori Taylor

Guest Susan Swithers, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences and behavioral neuroscientist at Purdue University discusses her research on the surprising effects of sweeteners on body weight and blood sugar, and financial conflict of interest in the food industryThe Center for Public Integrity

Guest Caitlin Shetterly, author of Modified: GMOs and the Threat to Our Food, Our Land, Our Future, describes her investigation into genetically engineered corn, her personal illness and recoveryCaitlin Shetterly