PODCAST · science
Something to Chew On
by Kansas State University
Our lives are frequently and significantly affected by food. Because we must eat to survive, many human cultures have developed with food at their very core. Through prosperous times and depression what we eat has influenced art, music, science, relationships, and more. In this fast-paced world, we often don't take the time to consider how food gets to our plates, the importance of what and how that food is produced and the aesthetics of food requirements and food enjoyment. Often, seemingly obscure or unrelated aspects of life circle their way back to food. The goal of this podcast is to explore the complexity and nuance of food systems, celebrate the progress we have made, and debate the best ways for humans to proceed forward into the future. Join our hosts as they informally discuss these points with various contributors from Kansas State University and abroad.
Episodes
-
Revitalizing Rural Grocery: Building stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities
When a rural grocery store becomes untenable, the repercussions can be far-reaching. Access to fresh and healthy foods is crucial for community vitality and overall well-being. By cultivating robust partnerships, embracing diverse ownership models, and formulating a comprehensive transition plan,...
-
Tackling complex water resource challenges through collaboration and community engagement
Water, the essence of life itself, stands as our most indispensable resource, yet often goes unappreciated. Water scarcity and sustainability pose formidable hurdles with far-reaching implications for communities, economies, and ecosystems. To navigate these challenges effectively, innovative...
-
Beyond Borders: Advancing Biosecurity through Global Partnerships
In an era of transformative global shifts—defined by evolving commodity trade patterns, the rise of online shopping, and economic challenges—a critical reevaluation of biosecurity strategies is imperative. Collaborative efforts through international partnerships, innovative approaches in business...
-
The challenges of contamination and maintaining quality flour in the wheat milling industry
Milling of wheat into flour seems like it would be pretty straight forward. An application that simply requires running seed though a crushing process and sifting out the flour as the appropriate particle size is reached. The reality is milling is very complex, technically challenging and…
more -
Grit and Sunshine: Farming Sustainably and Eating with Intent
Is our current food system sustainable? The consumption of seasonal, locally produced food sustains nutritional value, reduces the carbon footprint, and supports the growth of local economies. In many ways we have lost our connection to food — including understanding where our food comes from…
more -
Impacting the food system and changing lives in Manhattan and Riley County
There are so many needs when it comes to food, including the availability of food and its impact on health. How does one make a difference to meet these needs? The ability to identify needs and a passion for making a difference is what drives today's guest, Vickie James, Coordinator of the...
-
Food security challenges for university students
Food availability and food security are not always guaranteed on college campuses. Issues of food insecurity and a lack of food certainly do not end at the campus borders, but rather extend out into the city, the region and the world. If we treat these problems individually, we will fail...
-
Food and poetry: Exploring the connection between food, the five senses, creativity and language
Poetry provides a conduit for engaging readers in fostering feelings and understandings. Food, creativity, language, and words all play a significant role in our lives and relationships. In the latest episode of Something to Chew On, Traci Brimhall, professor in the Department of English at…
more -
Connecting food security and food safety, locally and beyond
How do we maintain relevant information on public health in the arena of local food producers? Is there a connection between food security and food safety? How do we make information on mitigating these challenges available? In this podcast, we will discuss these issues and more with Londa…
more -
Big data, interdisciplinary research and the future of agriculture
The agriculture industry has advanced in many positive ways, including increases in productivity and efficiency, but the cost of those advancements could be high. Current research in agronomy is seeking ways to manage food production that will feed an ever increasing population with improved...
-
Animal protein: Working toward the sustainable optimization of breed, feed and environmental impact
The sustainable production of beef cattle and other animal protein is complex, and the achievement of 'net zero' production from an environmental perspective is challenging at best, making it difficult to know where to begin. Areas of focus in this field include using food waste streams as…
more -
The impact and importance of feeding the world: Researching the sustainable production of grain-based food
The study of cereal grains comes in many forms, from the fundamental investigation of grain components and their functionality, to processing technologies, to the development of healthy food products ready for consumption. In this podcast, we welcome Sajid Alavi, professor of grain science and...
-
Science impacts life and life impacts science: A conversation about family, food safety and technology
When a mechanical engineer, a microbiologist and a food scientist collide, big things happen in a very small way. The old adage, "it takes a village," appropriately describes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving food challenges. In this podcast we talk with Dr. Shih-Kang...
-
Food and life challenges: A discussion with Ukrainian ag economist and refugee, Antonina Broyaka
The country of Ukraine is a major worldwide producer of cereal grains and cooking oils. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has put food security at risk for many parts of the world. Our guest for this episode is Antonina Broyaka, former dean of the faculty of economics and entrepreneurship at...
-
The future of food in Liberia: The need for agricultural development and evolution of the food system
This summer, 24 recipients from the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders program joined K-State faculty in learning about leadership in civic engagement. In this episode, we are pleased to welcome one of those participants, Saykwayee Harmony Henry from the Republic of...
-
How basic research can improve the food we eat
This podcast episode features a team of K-State lipid researchers to help us understand food through basic lipid research and how this work improves what we eat. For this conversation, we welcome Ruth Welti, distinguished professor of biology and director of the Kansas Lipidomics Research Center;...
-
Destructive greenhouse gases in the food system
In this podcast, Jeongdae Im, Jeffrey and Joy Lessman keystone research scholar and assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering discusses destructive greenhouse gases in the food system. From hay bales to landfills, plastics to wastewater, the intersection of engineering and...
-
Anaerobic microorganisms importance within agricultural systems
In this podcast, we talk with Prathap Parameswaran, associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at K-State. Parameswaran's research focuses on the use of anaerobic microorganisms in a continuous system that produces energy and isolates materials that might be used to increase soil...
-
The Microbiome: A discussion of life as we know it
In this podcast, we talk with Sonny Lee, assistant professor in the Division of Biology at K-State. Lee's work touches on many areas of microbiome research and casts a wide net in laboratory studies, mining data from peers to aid in complex evaluations, and working with students and colleagues...
-
Diversity is the key to Sustainability: Challenges and opportunities in the field of Weed Science
Listen to our first podcast of 2022, where we discuss weed management techniques, old and new, and the tools being developed to achieve food crop yield optimization with Vipan Kumar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. Weeds can reduce food crop...
-
The Many Paths of Pathogens with Dr. Philip Hardwidge, associate director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
In this episode, we host Dr. Philip Hardwidge, associate director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. Dr. Hardwidge's research focuses on understanding, treating and preventing diarrheal...
-
Special episode: Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
In celebration of World Food Safety Day, this week we are joined by researchers from the Food Science Institute at Kansas State University: Sara Gragg, associate professor; Randall Phebus, professor; Carla Luisa Schwan, postdoctoral fellow; and Jessie Vipham, assistant professor. World Food…
more -
Understanding and controlling meat product contamination with Dr. Sara Gragg, associate professor of food science
This week, Dr. Sara Gragg, associate professor of food science in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, discusses how and where pathogens access meat. The study of E. coli, salmonella and other toxin-producing pathogens has been a major focus of researchers at Kansas State University…
more -
A New Frontier with Dr. Justin Kastner, associate professor of diagnostic medicine/pathobiology
In this podcast, we talk with Dr. Justin Kastner, associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. Kastner co-directs the interdisciplinary Frontier program, which is focused on crossing disciplinary…
more -
Robotics + Ag with Dr. Dan Flippo, biological and agricultural engineering
How do we plan to feed 9.8 billion people by 2050? Increasing the availability of sustainable, arable land through the use of modern robotics could help to expand food production, and reduce the need for destruction of forested land. In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Dr. Dan Flippo,...
-
Safe and secure with Dr. Stephen Higgs, university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Higgs, university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University. On this episode, Dr. Higgs discusses interdisciplinary biosecurity research programs, agrosecurity and collaborative research. Higgs, who is…
more -
Chemistry: A dating game with Dr. Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor, Department of Chemistry
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry at Kansas State University. Dr. Aakeröy's research lab focuses on supramolecular and crystal engineering. By translating molecular function into predictable intermolecular...
-
Focus on Nutrition, Behavior and Lifestyle with Dr. Sara Rosenkranz, associate professor in food, nutrition, dietetics and health.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sara Rosenkranz, associate professor in The Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health at Kansas State University. Dr. Rosenkranz's primary research is focused on the influence of physical activity, sedentary behavior, nutrition and obesity on...
-
The Power of Passion: The next generation of researchers with Dr. Valentina Trinetta, assistant professor in animal science and industry
In this episode, we discuss one professor's pure joy in impacting the community by keeping food safe. Dr. Valentina Trinetta's research focuses on understanding the ecology of foodborne pathogens and identifying microbial entry routes into the food supply chain. Dr. Trinetta also works on the...
-
Tackling the dynamics of food-energy-water systems with Dr. Vaishali Sharda, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Vaishali Sharda, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering at Kansas State University. Her research focuses on the complex dynamics of food-energy-water systems. Vaishali's modeling is based on farm management scenarios and integrates...
-
A Futurists Thoughts on Food with Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity
We welcome special guest, Futurity CEO Jack Bobo. Jack finds himself at the intersection of food, technology and design harnessing science, policy, values and communication. Bobo supports businesses that are enhancing the healthfulness and sustainability of the global food system. His study of…
more -
Advancements in Measuring Techniques: our ability to understand microorganism interaction with Dr. Ryan Hansen, assistant professor of chemical engineering
In this episode, we focus on a critical element of any research endeavor — having the correct tools to do the work. The interdisciplinary research of our guest, Dr. Ryan Hansen, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Kansas State University, focuses on food and health related studies. Dr....
-
Soil Chemistry: What's In It For Us? – food science from the ground up, with Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University
In this episode, we discuss the importance of what is in our soil and how its nutrients or contaminants affect plant growth and the food we eat. Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, is one of the world's leading scientists in the fields of trace metal and nutrient chemistry in soils. Hettiarachchi's research...
-
Food Production and Environmental Challenges in the Rain Forests of South America - with Dr. Marcellus Caldas, Assistant Provost, International Collaboration and Educational Programs, Office of International Programs
In this episode, we will visit with Dr. Marcellus Caldas, a self-described economic/environmental geographer. Dr. Caldas research focus remains on the analysis of land use and land cover change, environmental processes, spatial patterns, and its effect on policies and governance at different...
-
At the Intersection of Industry and Academia – Food safety, interdisciplinary research and technology integration, with Dr. Randall Phebus, professor in animal science and industry at Kansas State University
In this episode, we discuss the highly dynamic area of food safety as it pertains to food processors, regulators, and technology providers. Dr. Randall Phebus' area of study focuses on improving food quality and safety through laboratory and processing-based research. He also specializes in food...
-
Perspectives On Food Chemistry - the importance of understanding the fundamental and applied science of food, with Dr. Gordon Smith, professor in grain science and industry, head and IGP Institute Director
In this episode, hosts talk with Dr. Gordon Smith, professor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry and head of the International Grains Program Institute at Kansas State University. Professor Smith has worked in food processing areas as diverse as hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches and…
more -
Human Dynamics Within Systems - the sociological application in globalization, development, migration and environment, with Dr. Matthew Sanderson professor of sociology, anthropology, and social work
In this episode, we switch gears to shine some light on an area of the food system that may not be overtly understood as critical by many. Dr. Matthew Sanderson, Randall C. Hill Distinguished Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work and professor of sociology at...
-
Preparation and Management of Challenging Situations - The bottle neck effects of the widely defined and critical supply chain, with Dr. Dustin Pendell, professor in agricultural economics and Dr. Jessica Heier Stamm, associate professor in Industrial and
On this episode, Dr. Dustin Pendell, professor of agricultural economics, and host of Kansas State University's Beef and Cattle Institute podcast Cattle Chat and returning guest Dr. Jessica Heier Stamm, Kennedy Cornerstone Teaching Scholar in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems...
-
Demand for Humanitarian Response – How to apply industrial engineering toolbox to solve problems related to the humanitarian response, with Dr. Jessica Heier Stamm, associate professor in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
Dr. Jessica Heier Stamm, Kennedy Cornerstone Teaching Scholar in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Kansas State University, explains the applications of supply chain engineering in the humanitarian response of the current pandemic. Dr. Heier Stamm develops...
-
Modeling a pandemic - How the analysis of big data joined with biological and social scientific research helps in understanding a pandemic spread, with Dr. Caterina Scoglio, professor in electrical and computer engineering
This episode brings another timely discussion about the challenges caused by the current worldwide pandemic. Dr. Caterina Scoglio, Paslay chair professor in the Mike Wiegers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Kansas State University, explains the use of modeling in predicting…
more -
Welcome to the New Normal –what are viruses and how do they impact the animal and human world with Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine here at K-State
This episode of Something to Chew On brings us a timely discussion, the current world-wide Coronavirus challenges the topics discussed with Dr. Megan Neiderwerder are not only timely, but instructional on helping us to understand what a virus is and how they impact the world around us. Megan's...
-
The Three-Legged Stool of Sustainability – the intricacy of teaching and producing healthy food with Dr. Jeremy Cowan, assistant professor of sustainable food production systems at Kansas State University
The production of food includes everything from large-scale growing and processing facilities to small backyard gardens. Our guest this episode, Dr. Jeremy Cowan discusses teaching future growers —and eaters— the importance of growing food with people in mind at every point in the...
-
Bringing diversity and change to the way we look at food systems. A discussion with Dr. Jeanette Thurston, Director, K-State Food Science Institute.
Governmental organizations, universities and the food industry carry out research relating to food-system challenges. These challenges can deal with agronomic, nutrition, engineering, safety and even sociological impacts on food systems worldwide. Today's guest, Jeanette Thurston, newly appointed...
-
Agricultural history in the U.S. Southern Great Plains. One story on "who wins." with Dr. Bonnie Lynn-Sherow
The history of agriculture can be viewed from many different perspectives including breeding crops with improved quality and yield characteristics, understanding fertilization requirements, challenges with water and weather patterns, but there are also historic social and political accounts that...
-
Where Soil Health Meets Global Food System Challenges - a discussion with Dr. Charles Rice
At the very heart of sustainable food production is the health of soil. Not only does soil health and microbial community impact the production of food for humans and animals, soil can be a major player in the sequestration of carbon – a main variable to climate change. Through focused research...
-
The Future of Food: Food Systems, Podcasts and Farewells - with Dr. Jay Weeks
Dr. Jay Weeks is a recent graduate in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University where is research focused on soil chemistry. Jay joined with the Global Food Systems Initiative at K-State early in its relaunch and has been instrumental in the development of "Something to Chew On".…
more -
Food as Art and Experience with Linda Duke
Linda Duke is the director of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University. Formerly the director of audience engagement at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, she joined K-State in June of 2011 and has worked diligently to develop the atmosphere within and opportunities to...
-
Rethinking Current Approaches to Food Security with Dr. Jim Stack – Food Systems/Plant Pathology
Dr. Jim Stack is a professor of plant pathology at Kansas State University and director of the Great Plains Diagnostic Network. His areas of research emphasis include detection and diagnosis of diseases in natural and agricultural plant systems, threat identification, vulnerability assessments…
more -
A Fresh Look at Science Education with Dr. Jeremy Marshall – Undergraduate Research
Dr. Jeremy Marshall is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology and the new Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry faculty director at Kansas State University. He has training and degrees in biology, chemistry, environmental and evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics,...
-
Diet, Impulsivity, and Obesity: Does What We Eat, Influence How We Behave? – Dr. Kim Kirkpatrick – Psychological Sciences
Dr. Kim Kirkpatrick is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences here at K-State where she is the director of the Cognitive and Neurobiological Approaches to Plasticity Center (CNAP) and leads research at the Reward, Timing, and Decision Lab. The main focus of her research is...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Our lives are frequently and significantly affected by food. Because we must eat to survive, many human cultures have developed with food at their very core. Through prosperous times and depression what we eat has influenced art, music, science, relationships, and more. In this fast-paced world, we often don't take the time to consider how food gets to our plates, the importance of what and how that food is produced and the aesthetics of food requirements and food enjoyment. Often, seemingly obscure or unrelated aspects of life circle their way back to food. The goal of this podcast is to explore the complexity and nuance of food systems, celebrate the progress we have made, and debate the best ways for humans to proceed forward into the future. Join our hosts as they informally discuss these points with various contributors from Kansas State University and abroad.
HOSTED BY
Kansas State University
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Something to Chew On have?
Something to Chew On currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Something to Chew On about?
Our lives are frequently and significantly affected by food. Because we must eat to survive, many human cultures have developed with food at their very core. Through prosperous times and depression what we eat has influenced art, music, science, relationships, and more. In this fast-paced world, we...
How often does Something to Chew On release new episodes?
Something to Chew On has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Something to Chew On?
You can listen to Something to Chew On 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 Something to Chew On?
Something to Chew On is created and hosted by Kansas State University.
URL copied to clipboard!