PODCAST · arts
Allinfoodz
by Food Decisions Research Laboratory
Allinfoodz covers a variety of food, and foodservice-related topics that aim to answer core questions regarding our food decisions: How, and why we eat food? The process of creating, serving, and eating food can be a personal or social event. Most people think about food frequently during any given day. Furthermore, there are often underlying reasons that might drive how we make our food choices and decisions, whether we are consuming, or offering food to others. Allinfoodz provides a space to share varied and all-inclusive food choice research, stories, narratives and experiences, so that we can learn from each other.
Episodes
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What Food Means: Danielle Sepsy, The Scone Queen
In this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma speaks with Danielle Sepsy about the personal side of food and hospitality. Moving beyond systems and performance, they explore identity, vulnerability, and authenticity as Danielle reflects on her journey from baker to entrepreneur and author. The...
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Empathy vs Automation: What Should Stay Human in Hospitality?
In this episode, we move beyond efficiency metrics and ask a more uncomfortable question: can technology truly replicate the human side of service? With insights from fine-dining professional Benjamin Yong, we explore emotional intelligence, service recovery, and the invisible labor that defines...
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Robots, Rights, and Responsibility: A New Conversation for Hospitality
As hospitality races toward automation, the industry must confront a deeper question: what moral and legal status should intelligent service robots hold? Dr. Anna Mattila, along with our host Amit Sharma guide listeners through the complexities of robot personhood, liability, governance, and the...
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Food Choices at the Grocery Store
Grocery stores, both physical and digital, quietly shape what we at, how much we spend, and how healthy our choices become. In this episode of allinfoodz, we explore how online grocery shopping influences nutrition, food waste, and equity, drawing on recent research with Dr. Yizao Liu. From...
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Beyond Compliance: The New Legal Realities of Foodservice
This episode explores how legal frameworks are reshaping the future of foodservice. From climate disclosure to AI governance, Aramark's General Counsels Melissa Merkel and Aaron Skrypski walk us through the little-seen legal forces that increasingly influence sustainability, ethics, transparency,...
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Beyond Graduation: Three Alumni, Three Journeys, One Hospitality Mindset
In this special alumni edition, three Penn Staters (Jill Ferguson '98, Jaden Crudup '25, and Alysha Foo '25) reflect on their unexpected career paths and the lessons they learned along the way. From operational leadership to legal strategy and organizational transformation, they offer candid...
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Access, Value & the Future of Higher Education: Insights from President Andrew Feinstein
President Andrew "Andy" Feinstein of the University of Northern Colorado joins us to discuss the changing landscape of higher education, where access, relevance, workforce expectations, and hospitality-inspired leadership converge to define the next generation of universities. Music credit: "West...
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Relaunch of allinfoodz
After a thoughtful hiatus, allinfoodz is back! Host Dr. Amit Sharma reflects on the podcast’s journey since 2017 — from its roots in exploring the complex world of food systems to its renewed vision for the future. In this relaunch episode, Dr. Sharma introduces new producer and editor Alicia...
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Adapting in Foodservice: A Conversation with Tom Neely
Hospitality leader Tom Neely discusses how businesses are responding to labor challenges, shifting guest expectations, and sustainability goals in today’s foodservice industry through thoughtful leadership and innovation.
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Rethinking Institutional Food: Local, Nutritious, and Sustainable?
Institutional meals feed millions, but can they also drive sustainability? Dr. Laure Saulais unpacks the complex systems behind institutional foodservice and shares insights on aligning health, policy, procurement, and sustainability goals in healthcare and beyond.
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Why Advocacy Matters in Hospitality — And How to Do It Right
In this episode, John Longstreet shares insights on navigating policy challenges, workforce shortages, and legislative advocacy in hospitality. From minimum wage debates to public-private innovation, we explore what it takes to lead and sustain the restaurant and lodging industry in a changing...
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Drink Trends Uncorked: What’s Gaining & What’s Fading
Join us back in a conversation with Dr. Kathy Kelley as we explore shifting alcohol consumption trends, from Gen Z’s sober curiosity to the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks. Learn how consumer preferences, health consciousness, and product innovation are reshaping what, how, and why people…
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Community-Driven Efforts to Reduce Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a real and persistent challenge facing our society. While government organizations are essential to provide food to those in need, grass-root initiatives are often the backbone for local communities. We revisit with Mel Curtis, the Director of the Anti-Hunger program at the…
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A Conversation with Jeff Lobdell
In this pod we discuss the present and future of the restaurant industry, from the viewpoint of a multi-unit restaurant owner and current Chairman of the Board of the National Restaurant Association, Mr. Jeff Lobdell. Our quiz question includes a bucket list item for you to add to your list!
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Salad Bars in Schools
In this podcast, our guest Dr. Meg Bruening from Penn State University discusses the effectiveness of salad bars in schools to promote healthier food choices amongst students. Our quiz question is about one of the largest meal programs in the world, and its creation from a historical perspective.
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Food Waste in Meetings & Events
Meetings & Events are crucial to our travel and hospitality experiences and food is a central element. In this pod we discuss the complexity of managing food waste in this industry and opportunities to solve this crucial aspect of sustainable, and responsible consumption. Our guest, Dr Rick...
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Recovering Food for Those in Need
In this episode, we explore innovative ways to address food waste and food insecurity through community efforts. The conversation highlights turning surplus food into opportunities, while discussing sustainability, logistics, and the broader impact of these initiatives. Stay tuned for inspiring...
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Food Preferences
The impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on food preferences remains less understood. In this podcast we unpack several of these aspects with Dr. Vinita Berry, from multiple perspectives, including how restaurant and foodservice industries can make spaces more accessible to autistic people.
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Articulating Sustainability in Foodservice
In this podcast we speak with Mr. Alan Horowitz, Vice President of Sustainability at Aramark, and Walter J. Conti Professor at Penn State University, on his perspectives of sustainability in the foodservice industry, and beyond. The quiz question is aligned with our discussion topic.
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DEIB and Hospitality at Golf Courses
In this pod, explore the aspects of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) in the Golf Course industry and how a company is navigating current challenges while creating new opportunities for its employees and changing the industry as a whole. Answer to the quiz question is bound to…
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Menu Calories and Dietary Guidelines
In this pod, we discuss the consumer perception of calories on menus and the health consequences of poor food choices. Join us on this unique episode, brought to you from our very own School of Hospitality Management Students.
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Food Insecurity on College Campuses - Local Fixes to a National Challenge
In this pod we discuss how a student-led effort is addressing food access and insecurity on a university campus by using creative approaches, and being persistent. Listen in to hear this inspirational work that can inform and motivate others to join efforts related to food justice.
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A Conversation with Anna Blue - AHLA Foundation
The hotel and lodging industry is an important part of our economy as it provides employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for millions of people. Hotels are also an integral part of our travel and leisure experiences. In this pod we speak with Ms. Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation...
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Lab-grown Food Systems
In this episode, we bring to you a perspective of lab-grown foods and how this awareness can enable us to make better food choices. Join us as Dr InHeang Jung shares her research and passion for this fascinating scientific marvel, the sustainability issues this industry to trying to tackle, and…
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Indigenous Food Systems - What Can we Learn?
In this episode, we bring to you a perspective from the indigenous food system of native Americans, and how this awareness can positively influence our food choices. Chef Joe Rocchi shares his passion of indigenous food systems, and in the process educates us on many aspects of a food culture…
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Food Waste in Meeting and Events
In this episode Dr. Aurora Benton, Chief Change Maker of Astrapto LLC, discusses her work with the meeting and events industry to manage and reduce food waste. Given the critical issues surrounding the food waste challenge, Dr. Benton factors that contribute to this phenomenon, and others that…
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Fireside Chat: Rapid Q+A with our SHM Alumni
In this special episode, hosted by Penn State Junior Sam Seideman, Amit Sharma is joined by two of our valued Penn State School of Hospitality Management alumni: Nicole Hansen, Senior Regional Director at the Compass Group in Washington D.C., and Ryan Spear, founder of Spear Travel Group, for a...
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Caffeine Consumption and Shopping
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Szocs (Smeal College of Business, Penn State University) discusses the outcomes of a research study that investigated the impact of caffeine consumption on shopping behavior. Dr. Szocs also discusses other findings related to how caffeine may impact our choices for...
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Substance Abuse and Workplace - How much do we know?
Substance abuse continues to be a challenge for millions of Americans. In this episode, Dr. Miranda Kitterlin (Florida International University) shares insights on workplace perspectives related to substance abuse. The quiz question and discussions with Dr. Kitterlin shed light on essential facts...
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Work, Fun, Both? Making Sense of it All
Dr. Michael Tews explains how fun at the workplace can be responsibly incorporated by employers to create a positive work environment. However, there is a caution to over-focus on fun. He also provides perspectives on the 4-day week. Don't miss out on our quiz question in this episode!
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100th episode - The Value of Mentoring, A Conversation with Stuart Mann
In this 100th episode, hear the conversation with Dr. Stuart Mann about his successful career as an academic, the principles that defined his success, and the advice he would give to us. We focus this episode on the importance of having a mentors, and the concept of mentoring. Curious about the...
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The Beverages Update
Dr. Kelley shares updates from recent consumer surveys on what’s in for the season and also discusses the supply factors that will influence trends of what we will be drinking. Also, check out our quiz in this episode.
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Customer Feedback Surveys
When we consume products and services, companies seek feedback from us through customer feedback surveys. Listen to the ins and outs of customer feedback surveys as we discuss this topic with Ashley Akright from Marriott Hotels. Ashley explains why companies value surveys and how they use the...
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A Whiskey Journey
In conversation with British writer Ben Birdsall, author of several books including two whisky travelogues: "Whisky Burn – the distilleries of Scotland by Vespa" and "Whiskey Burn – the distilleries of Ireland by Vespa." In his books Birdsall takes you on a tour of the old and new whisky...
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Checking In: Hotels and Sustainability
On this edition of allinfoodz, we speak with Alex Shockley, Director, Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability at Hilton. Alex joined us to talk about how the hotel industry is engaging with the local food systems, and sustainable food options for consumers such as plant-based foods. We also…
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Rides, Chocolates, and More: The World of Theme Parks
On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Managing Director of Market Development at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, Lauren Turnbull. They discuss the past, present and future of theme parks.
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Once Upon a Pesto
On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Jessica Paholsky, a creative storytelling professional and founder of Once Upon a Pesto, a website with a mission of combining food history, global cultures, and authentic recipes to help the world understand pesto.
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Complexities of Food Safety
The way people think about food safety has been changing in recent years. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., Interim Department Head and Professor of Hospitality Management at Kansas State University. He discusses the changes in food safety and some of…
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From Wines to Spirits
On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by our resident wine and beverage expert Professor of Horticultural Marketing and Business Management at Penn State Kathy Kelley, Ph.D. She talks about the current state of the alcohol industry, including the growth of wineries in the U.S.,...
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Cell-based Meat
Cell-based meat, also known as cultured meat, is genuine animal meat (including seafood and organ meats) that is produced by cultivating animal cells directly. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology at Penn State Robert Chiles, Ph.D. He…
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Beans... and Us.
Food brings people together. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Associate Professor in the School of Theatre co-founder and co-Director of The Center for Pedagogy in Arts and Design Susan Russell, Ph.D. They discuss the human connection and how a food as simple as beans…
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Soul Food
On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Benjamin Mchie, Executive Director of the African American Registry. They discuss the history and influences of African American cuisine and the term “soul food.”
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Complexity of Food Choice
We all make choices about what we eat every day. However, most of us don’t think about the way our food choices impact sustainability and the food system. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Laure Saulais, associate professor in the department of agrifood economics and…
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Rescuing Food
According to the US Department of Agriculture, 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Program Director of Food Recovery Operations at 412 Food Rescue Jennifer England. She discusses food waste and how her…
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Sustainable Wines
The wine industry has thousands of years of history of adaptation to change, and as such it offers a unique perspective. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Robert Mazza president of Mazza Vineyards in North East, PA. He talks about the changes in the wine industry and how it...
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All About University Dining
On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Penn State Assistant Vice President of Housing and Food Services Cheryl Fabrizi. They discuss the ins and outs of what it takes to feed a large student population like Penn State's.
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How Does Armed Conflict Impact Food Access?
Media coverage of armed conflicts tends to focus on the international geopolitical perspective. On today’s episode we hope to raise awareness around the human impact perspective, especially food insecurity. Amit Sharma is joined by Justin George Kappiaruparampil, assistant teaching professor of...
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Behind Tailgate Parties
Each year approximately 20 to 50 million Americans come together to celebrate with food and drink in parking lots and open fields. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Penn State Teaching Professor of Anthropology Kirk French to discuss the cultural phenomena of tailgating.…
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Nutrition in Schools Post-COVID
The way school nutrition is viewed has changed greatly during the pandemic. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Food Service Director at State College Area School District and President-Elect of the School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania Megan Schaper. They discuss how…
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Restaurant Labor in the Post-COVID Era
According to the National Restaurant Association, one in three Americans have their first job experience in restaurants, six in ten adults have worked in restaurants, at some point in their lives and restaurants employ more women and minority managers than any other industry. For as many as the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Allinfoodz covers a variety of food, and foodservice-related topics that aim to answer core questions regarding our food decisions: How, and why we eat food? The process of creating, serving, and eating food can be a personal or social event. Most people think about food frequently during any given day. Furthermore, there are often underlying reasons that might drive how we make our food choices and decisions, whether we are consuming, or offering food to others. Allinfoodz provides a space to share varied and all-inclusive food choice research, stories, narratives and experiences, so that we can learn from each other.
HOSTED BY
Food Decisions Research Laboratory
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Allinfoodz have?
Allinfoodz currently has 127 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Allinfoodz about?
Allinfoodz covers a variety of food, and foodservice-related topics that aim to answer core questions regarding our food decisions: How, and why we eat food? The process of creating, serving, and eating food can be a personal or social event. Most people think about food frequently during any given...
How often does Allinfoodz release new episodes?
Allinfoodz publishes regularly with 127 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Allinfoodz?
You can listen to Allinfoodz on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Allinfoodz?
Allinfoodz is created and hosted by Food Decisions Research Laboratory.
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