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FoodNiche Changemakers

by Dr. Julia Olayanju

Changemakers podcast share the stories and insights of visionaries tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our food system. These changemakers are innovators, scientists, advocates, policymakers, educators and many more, united by a common objective. Audience will get a chance to learn the problems that the are tackling, and the challenges and the triumphs. The goal is to inform, inspire & educate the next generation of changemakers .

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Sep 26, 2025. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. The Next Chapter: Where Food, Health & Human Stories Meet

    What if understanding food and health required more than knowing the science? As we close this chapter of the Changemaker Podcast, we’re preparing for something new: conversations that bring together leading experts, powerful personal stories, and the science behind how food shapes our health....

  2. Understanding Transposable Elements, Food Security, and the Future of Genetics with Susan Wessler

    In this episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Susan R. Wessler, pioneering geneticist and leading expert on transposable elements, to explore her work. Together, they discuss the dynamic nature of the genome, the role genetics plays in agriculture and food…

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  3. Understanding Food As Medicine With Elizabeth Machinca

    Increasingly, healthcare systems, researchers, and public health leaders are recognizing what science continues to demonstrate: the food we eat plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and shaping long-term health outcomes. The concept of Food…

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  4. Plant-Based Diet, Longevity and Overall Health With Julienna Risse RDN

    In today’s episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Julieanna Risse, a registered dietitian, author, and leading voice in plant-based nutrition and healthy aging. Together, they explore the science of nutrition, longevity, and lifestyle choices that can improve…

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  5. Building healthier Communities Through Education - Welcome To A New Season Of Changemaker Podcast

    Welcome back to the Changemaker Podcast with Dr. Julia Olayanju. In this special episode, Dr. Julia shares the renewed vision behind the podcast and why conversations around food, health, science, and innovation matter now more than ever. From groundbreaking research and emerging technologies to...

  6. A Reflection On Shaping A Healthier Food Future | Season Closer

    Join us on the final episode of this season, where Dr. Julia Olayanju shares a reflection on the future of food. This season has been a journey—one where we explored the powerful intersection of food, innovation, science, and community health. Together, we’ve heard from visionary leaders,...

  7. Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health.

    In this special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a powerful conversation on Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health. Transforming food systems to support public health requires more than innovative ideas—it demands...

  8. The ROI of Food As Medicine Program

    This special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a vital conversation on The ROI of Preventive Nutrition: How Nutrition Education and Food-Based Interventions Can Reduce Long-Term Healthcare Costs. As chronic diseases continue to drive up healthcare...

  9. The Cost Of Food Insecurity By Dr. Lauren Fiechtner

    In this special episode recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School, we dove into an urgent and often overlooked public health issue—food insecurity. Our featured presentation is titled: “The Cost of Food Insecurity in Massachusetts”, led by Dr. Lauren Fietchner…

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  10. Innovating A Healthier Future For The Next Generation - Dr. Julia Olayanju and Dr. Anabelle Broadbent

    Welcome to another special edition of the FoodNiche Changemaker Podcast. In this special fireside chat—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School—we’re tackling one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time: childhood obesity. Over 14 million children in…

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  11. Aligning Innovation with Impact: Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable and Healthier Food Systems.

    This is a special edition of the Changemaker Podcast which features a series of conversations from the FoodNiche Health Forum held at Harvard Medical School. This session is titled: “Aligning Innovation with Impact: Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable and Healthier Food Systems.” In an era...

  12. Season Trailer: Thank you

    Thank you for a great season! What an incredible season it’s been! We’ve had amazing conversations with leaders who are transforming the future of food and driving real change in our communities. From groundbreaking innovations to powerful grassroots initiatives, this season has truly been...

  13. Promoting Healthier Communities Through Food With Devon Klatell

    Join Dr. Julia Olayanju and Devon Klatell as they discuss strategies to build healthier communities through the food as medicine initiatives and food access program. ABOUT GUEST Devon Klatell is Vice President, Food, at The Rockefeller Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s work to advance a more...

  14. Nutrition & Lifestyle Changes For Healthier Families With Dr. Allison Collins

    In this episode, we are diving deep into the role of food in disease prevention and gaining more insights into the concept of food as medicine. Dr. Allison Collins is a pediatrician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who focuses on helping...

  15. Optimizing Your Health Through Nutrition With Dr. Deana Minich

    As many start the new year, optimizing health through nutrition and physical activity may be top of mind for many. This conversation with Dr. Minich is an old episode which we are republishing to inform people and motivate people to prioritize nutrition and plan for it this year. Here, people…

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  16. Enhancing Nutrition In Underserved Communities With Tambra Stevenson

    On this episode, we dive into a conversation on promoting food security and good nutrition in underserved communities with Tambra Stevenson. We discussed the issues in these communities, how people are tackling these issues and what is working/what is not working. Tambra Raye Stevenson is a...

  17. Understanding The Role of Grocery Chain in Food Innovation & Community Health ducation With Leslie Jefferson

    In today's episode we are focusing on understanding the role of grocery chains in community education and food innovation with special guest Leslie Jefferson, the Community Health Manager at Giant Foods. About Leslie Jefferson Ms. Jefferson specializes in nutrition, innovative Food as Medicine...

  18. Understanding Food & Digestive Health With Dr. Siebecker

    Join us for this insightful conversation with Dr. Siebecker. Where we discussed gut health, diseases, and the role food plays in reversing different conditions. Dr. Siebecker has worked in the nutritional field since 1988 and is a 2005 graduate of The National University of Natural Medicine…

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  19. Prioritizing Prevention In Improving Health Outcomes In Communities With Dr. Anand Parekh

    On this episode, we will be discussing prioritizing prevention to improve health in communities with Dr. Parekh. We dived into the role of food, policies and efforts to tackle food insecurity and much more. Dr. Anand Parekh is the Chief Medical Advisor at the Bipartisan Policy Center, providing...

  20. Improving Community Health By Tackling Food Insecurity With Nebeyou Abebe

    Join us to learn more about how Highmark Health is improving community health by tackling food insecurity with Nebeyou Abebe. Nebeyou Abebe is the Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) at Highmark Health, a $27 billion national health organization. With nearly 20 years of...

  21. Nutrition and Diabetes Management With Wendy Lopez RDN & Jessica Jones RDN

    Join us as we discuss nutrition and diabetes management with registered dietiticians: Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones (***Please note that this is for informational purposes only) Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones. They are both nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified...

  22. Understanding Medically Tailored Nutrition With Alissa Wassung

    Join us as we learn more about how the Food Is Medicine Coalition is tapping into the power of food to help manage diseases and support the sick in communities with our special guest today. Our special guest today is Alissa Wassung, the Executive Director of Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC),...

  23. Preventing Diseases With Nutrition & Lifestyle Changes With Dr Allison Collins

    In this episode, we dive into nutrition and disease prevention helping people develop a greater appreciation for the concept of food as medicine. Dr. Allison Collins is a pediatrician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who focuses on helping...

  24. Food & Heart Health With Dr. Stephen Devries

    Does food influence your heart health? Can the right nutrition really make a difference in your overall well-being? And what's the role of your physician in helping you navigate the powerful connection between food and health? Today, we’re diving deep into these questions and more with a renowned...

  25. Introducing A New Season Of Changemakers

    Welcome to the Changemaker Podcast! This season, we’re diving deep into how the food we eat influences our health outcomes. We are bringing some of the most influential voices in the field—people who are leading the charge in creating healthier communities through the power of nutrition. We’re...

  26. Looking Ahead To The Next Season & Reflecting On The Last Season

    This trailer reflects on the season of Changemakers that is ending and looks ahead to what the new season holds. Special thanks to all our guests and to all of you listeners. You have all make this season a remarkable one. If you have any suggestions, questions or guest recommendations, do not...

  27. Understanding The Role of Nature, Food In Optimal Diet With Dr. John La Puma

    Join us on this episode as we discuss how nature, food, and low-stress lifestyle impact not only mental health but overall health. About Dr. John La Puma John La Puma, MD is a board-certified internist, a professionally trained chef , and the New York Times best-selling author of seven books,...

  28. Understanding Food, Healing and Health With Dr. Robert Graham

    On this episode, Dr. Graham joined us to discuss a food-first approach to medicine and healthcare. About Guest Dr. Graham is a Harvard-trained researcher and physician, board-certified in both Internal and Integrative Medicine, trained in Holistic and Functional Medicine, a public health…

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  29. Personalized Nutrition and Health Outcomes With Ashely Koff

    Join us in this conversation on a holistic approach to healthcare centered around personalized nutrition. Why do some people struggle with a health outcome they desire when others easily see the desirable results? What are other factors that shape health outcomes apart from diet? To answer these...

  30. Understanding Diet, Metabolic Rate and Obesity Management With Dr. Jennifer Kuk

    Join us for this engaging conversation on how other important factors beyond lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise influence health outcomes. About Dr. Kuk Dr. Jennifer Kuk, PhD, is currently a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. She has published…

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  31. Perspectives on The Past, Present & The Future of Food and Health With Dr. Marion Nestle

    Join us as we discuss the past, present and future of food and health innovation in the US with Dr. Marion Nestle About Dr. Marion Nestle Marion Nestle is Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, in the department she chaired from...

  32. Food, Weight Loss and Health With Rachael Hartley RD

    Join us as we discuss food and weight loss with registered dietitian Rachael Hartley. About Guest Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, is a Boston, MA-based nutrition therapist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and nationally recognized food and nutrition expert. In 2014, Rachael opened her group…

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  33. Understanding Regenerative Agriculture, Food, Soil and Health With Dr Daphne Miller

    Join us as we discuss with Dr. Miller on regenerative agriculture, the soil, traditional food, and health. About Guest She is a practicing family physician, science writer, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco, and Research Scientist at the University of California...

  34. Understanding Food & Health - With Samantha Cassetty RD

    In this episode, we will be debunking some myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition with dietitian Samantha Cassetty MS RD. About Guest Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD is a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert, media personality, nutrition consultant, author, and regular columnist…

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  35. Diet Quality and Quality of Life With Dr. David Katz

    Join us on this episode as we discuss the different intricacies of food and health especially different ways to support people to know more about food and their health. Ultimately making it easier for people to eat well, live well, and improve health outcomes in our community. Our special guest...

  36. Optimizing Health Through Food With Dr. Michael Fenster

    In this episode, we dive into different approaches to optimizing health through nutrition with board-certified interventional cardiologist and professional chef Dr. Michael Fenster. Michael S. Fenster, MD, FACC, FRSM, FSCA&I, MIANE, PEMBA, member FIDES, known to friends and fans simply as “Chef…

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  37. Trailer : Happy New Year

    Each year, people start their year strong with health and wellness goals. Some set goals to improve their dietary lifestyles. Others set fitness goals or a combination of both. Regardless of the goals you have set for yourself this year, one thing is sure, food is important to health and having...

  38. Optimizing Health Through Nutrition With Dr. Deanna Minich

    In this episode, we dive deep with a leading expert in the area of nutrition to discuss all things food & health. Here, people will learn to separate the myths from the fact and learn simple and practical steps to optimize their wellness through nutrition. DR. DEANNA MINICH is a health educator…

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  39. Innovating The Future Of Precision Medicine With Genomic Data & Intelligent Dietary Recommendations - Ranjan Sinha

    On this episode, our special guest Ranjan Sinha shares how his personal journey with health challenges led him to start a company which is focused on empowering people to improve their health by making intelligent food choices. If you have heard about precision medicine and wonder what it is all...

  40. Leveraging Technology To Help People Eat Better With Victor Penev

    In the past few years, technology has made it easy for consumers to learn more about and their health. Helping people learn simple yet practical ways to optimize health through nutrition. On this episode will be diving into how different technology tools are being leveraged daily to help people...

  41. How Food Affects Your Mental Health With Dr. Uma Nadioo

    On this episode, we dive into the conversation on food and the way it affects our mental health with expert: Dr. Naidoo. Dr. Uma Naidoo a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist who wrote the recent national bestselling book, “This is Your Brain on...

  42. Understanding The Science Behind Nutrition, Microbiome and Weight Loss

    Have you ever been curious about microbiome, nutrition, and health? On this episode of Changemaker, we discuss with a scientist who has made a remarkable impact in understanding microbiome, nutrition, and health. Our special guest is Dr. Liping Zhao, who is a leading scientist recognized around…

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  43. Innovating The Future of Food & Beverage With Sweet Proteins With Oobli CEO- Ali Wing

    On this episode, we dive into food and beverage innovation leveraging sweet proteins. Oobli CEO Ali Wing takes us into their innovative products that derive sweetness from sweet protein. There are proteins that have been isolated and explored for their sweet taste, these are all plant products…

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  44. Expanding American Pantry Staples With Soom CEO - Amy Zitelman

    Our special guest on this episode is the Co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods. Soom Foods is a purveyor of globally inspired pantry staples with sesame seeds and tahini as the main ingredients. The company was founded by 3 sisters driven by a mission to expand the American palette to exotic and...

  45. Regulating Innovative Food Products In The US - Dr. Keefe, Director, Office of Additive Safety, FDA

    Our special guest on this episode is the director at the Office of Food Additive Safety at the FDA, Dr. Dennis Keefe. This conversation was recorded at the Global Food Health Innovation Summit, 2020. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the...

  46. Special Summer Series: Understanding Policies, Governance & Food Security By Kate Mackenzie -NYC Mayor's Office

    This episode is a continuation of our special summer series. Here we share the presentation by Kate Mackenzie, the Executive Director at the NYC Mayor's Office of Food Policy. She shared how they work with profit and non-profit organizations to ensure food security and a healthier food system for...

  47. Special Summer Series: The Science Behind Safe, Healthy & Sustainable Food Innovation

    Consumer demand is creating shifts in food innovation with healthier and sustainable products as a primary focus. These shifts call for science-backed innovative strategies across the value chain, from R&D to production to packaging to distribution. Panelists will discuss examples of disruptive...

  48. Special Summer Series: Prioritizing Sustainability and Consumer Well-being in Global Food Innovation

    This summer series focuses on sharing engaging conversations by thought leaders at the FoodNiche Summit 2023. There is a growing consumer focus on how to optimize health through nutrition while embracing sustainable food practices. Join our panelists to evaluate how brands can effectively balance...

  49. Special Summer Series: Investing In Innovation- Accelerating Healthy & Sustainable Food Movement

    On this episode, we share a panel conversation from the 2023 NYC edition of the FoodNiche Summit on investment in food. Sustained investor interest is critical for accelerating food innovation. The panel will examine how investor appetite has evolved with the growing movement towards…

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  50. Changemaker Special Series: Shaping the Future of Food Innovation through Collaboration - FoodNiche Summit NYC

    On this episode, we will be sharing a panel conversation that took place at the FoodNiche Summit NYC on May 30th, 2023. Accelerating food innovation requires cross-sector collaboration. From technology companies providing insights to guide innovation to consumer goods companies leveraging…

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About this show

Changemakers podcast share the stories and insights of visionaries tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our food system. These changemakers are innovators, scientists, advocates, policymakers, educators and many more, united by a common objective. Audience will get a chance to learn the problems that the are tackling, and the challenges and the triumphs. The goal is to inform, inspire & educate the next generation of changemakers .

Hosted by

Dr. Julia Olayanju

Categories

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does FoodNiche Changemakers have?

FoodNiche Changemakers has 91 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on September 8, 2026.

What is FoodNiche Changemakers about?

Changemakers podcast share the stories and insights of visionaries tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our food system. These changemakers are innovators, scientists, advocates, policymakers, educators and many more, united by a common objective. Audience will get a chance to learn the...

How often does FoodNiche Changemakers release new episodes?

FoodNiche Changemakers publishes monthly, based on its 91 episodes since June 2021.

Who hosts FoodNiche Changemakers?

FoodNiche Changemakers is created and hosted by Dr. Julia Olayanju.
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