Foodie Pharmacology Podcast

The Emerging Science of Breastmilk and the Gut Microbiome with Dr. Bruce German

I speak with Dr. Bruce German, a leading expert on the science of breastmilk. You may have heard of the saying, “Breast is best” when discussing the topic of infant nutrition. But, you may be wondering, is that really true? And what are the nutritional needs of babies that enables them to grow and develop in that critical early period of life? Incredibly, there are certain components in breast milk that specifically feed the gut microbiome and promote health early in life. Tune in to learn more about the exciting scientific breakthroughs emerging in this field!

#Breastmilk #Nutrition #Microbiome

Wicked Plants and Boozy Botany with Amy Stewart

I speak with Amy Stewart, a best-selling author of both fiction and non-fiction works. You may recognize some of her popular nonfiction titles in the realm of botany, such as The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants and Flower Confidential. We dive into some wicked plants that fascinate us both that can be found in the wild, your backyard or sometimes at the bar! 

#Botany #Cocktails #Poisons

The Taste of Pain! Solving the Puzzle of Pain Receptors with Dr. David Julius

How many of you love hot sauce? What makes chili peppers so alluring to our palates? Well, it has a lot to do with pain and how our bodies react to pain stimulants like capsaicin. Join me as I speak with Dr. David Julius – an expert on pain receptors – as they discuss how humans sense certain spices, and what this means in the search for new non-opiate pain therapies.

#Pain #Spicy #Peppers

Crop Diversity and the “Doomsday” Vault with Dr. Cary Fowler

Join me as I speak with leading agricultural scientist, Dr. Cary Fowler, about the importance of seed banking and conserving crop diversity.  Ever heard of the “Doomsday Seed Vault”? Though it may sound like something out of a sci-fi thriller – this important gene bank where millions of seeds are stored in a tunnel carved into the arctic ice – is 100% real. Tune in to this episode of Foodie Pharmacology to learn why saving seeds is key to the future of global food production in a changing climate. 

#SeedBank #Crops #Conservation

The Food Explorer and the Life & Adventures of David Fairchild with Daniel Stone

I speak with award-winning author, Daniel Stone, about his book on the life and adventures of David Fairchild: The Food Explorer. If you enjoy delicious foods like avocados and the Meyer lemon, you have Fairchild and his team members to thank for bringing these crops into cultivation in the US! Daniel’s book is an edge-of-your-seat historic account of this work that reads like an adventure novel! Tune in to this episode of Foodie Pharmacology to learn more about this fascinating read!

#Explorer #Crops #Agriculture

The ABCs of Herbal Medicines with Mark Blumenthal

I speak with Mark Blumenthal about his work on the science and safety of botanicals. Mark is the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, which is a leading, independent, research and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. The topics of sustainability, problems with adulteration and safety of herbs, and how to learn more about the healing power of plants are all covered in this episode of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast.

#Herbalism #DietarySupplements #HerbalMedicine

Stingless Bees, Peccaries & Adventure in the Amazon with Dr. Bruce Hoffman

I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bruce Hoffman about his work with the indigenous people of Suriname! Bruce discusses his work with the Amazon Conservation Team and shares what life is like in the Amazon! He explains how the ACT works with local Trio and Saramaccan communities to establish stingless bee hives as a source of local income for this medicinal forest honey. We also discuss what to do if you encounter a group of peccaries in the forest… (here’s a hint) climb a tree… FAST!

#Amazon #StinglessBees #Rainforest

Salmon: The Common Fate of a Fish and the Earth with Mark Kurlansky

I speak with award-winning author Mark Kurlansky about his latest book, Salmon! to take a closer look at one of nature's most remarkable and inspiring animals: salmon! Salmon have long history of being sought out by both commercial and sports fishing all over the Northern Atlantic and Pacific. Incredibly, these fish can undergo major changes in their body to survive both in fresh and salt water during different phases of their life cycle! Not many fish can do that! Amazingly, they travel thousands of miles in the ocean to return to the exact river and location of their birth. Yet, salmon are threatened by everything from deforestation, to climate change, to dams. If the salmon can survive, then just maybe there is hope for the planet.

#Salmon #Water #Fisheries

Everyday Ayurveda with Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya

I dive into Ayurvedic medicine with Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya (author, Everyday Ayurveda). Dr. Bhattacharya is a Harvard-educated, licensed, board-certified holistic physician trained in family medicine and preventive medicine. She’s also a published scientist trained in pharmacology, neuroscience and Ayurveda, an awarded educator, and a best-selling author. 

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicines known to mankind. A focus in the healing process is on cleansing the body and re-establishing harmony and balance in the body.  In addition to being a stand-alone system of medicine, it is also used in integrative health practices. We explore what Ayurveda is all about and also how diet factors into health and healing in this system of medicine.

#Ayurveda #India #HealthyDiet

Discovering The Giving Kitchen with Bryan Schroeder

With the instability of the restaurant and food service sector in the midst of COVID - Never has there been a more important time for an organization like this to support food service workers. In this episode, I speak with Bryan Schroeder of The Giving Kitchen ,a nonprofit organization that offers stability to the food service community in Georgia. They fulfill that promise through a vision of a food service community where crisis is met with compassion and care and where self-care is valued above all else. Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. 

#FoodService #Nonprofit #Atlanta