Episode 10: Disinformation and nutrition, with Dr. Amelia Finaret

Send us Fan MailSynopsisFor the 10th episode of Unchecked, Rachel and Dan talk to Dr. Amelia B. Finaret, food economist and clinical dietitian about the state of nutrition misinformation. With the release of the latest dietary guidelines – some of which are not founded on sound nutrition science – we take a look at both the classic and newer myths around food. Dan uses the discussion to arrive at the lens of Making Hot Dogs and Rachel applies Diet Culture to our work as UX designers.StoriesRobert Caro on Robert MosesNorthern State Parkway (see section on 1929 compromise)AI-Generated Disinformation in EuropeReport for October 2025Interview with Amelia FinaretAmelia FinaretDr. Finaret’s book, Food EconomicsMyPlate.gov (today)MyPlate.gov (from Archive.org, at the time of recording)Dietary Guidelines published by US GovernmentHealthy Hunger Free Kids ActWhat to Eat Now, by Marion NestleAcademy of Nutrition and DieteticsAmerican Diabetes Association recipesLensesDiet CultureHow does the system send signals about the user's "goodness" based on what they are consuming or acting on?How does the system reward “good” behavior and penalize “bad” behavior? How does the system decide what is good or bad? Who gets to make that decision, whose world view is reflected in that framework?Making Hot DogsHow does the system process original source material? What role does it play in the "supply chain" of information?How recognizable is the original source material in the system’s content?_____________________________________________________PersonnelDan Brown, HostRachel Price, HostMusicTurtle Up Fool, by Elliot_____________________________________________________Unchecked is a production of Curious SquidCurious Squid is a digital design consulting firm specializing in information architecture, user experience, and product design