In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Shumaker to explore the science behind food safety and the systems that protect our food from farm to fork. Dr. Shumaker breaks down what food safety really means from a scientific perspective, how research informs cooking temperatures and storage guidelines, and why simple tools like food thermometers and refrigerator thermometers matter more than we think. We dive into common consumer risks at home and unpack which food safety fears are grounded in science and which are often overstated. Dr. Shumaker also shares insights behind regulations like the FDA Food Code, the role of food safety culture in businesses, and how effective risk communication during recalls and outbreaks helps maintain public trust. Tune in to hear why culture matters just as much as protocols, how to confidently handle leftovers, and why seeing a recall in the news can actually be a sign that the system is working as intended.

Learn more about Dr. Shumaker’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/ellen-shumaker/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NC State’s Safe Plates: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-5/

NC State’s Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-food-safety-information-center/

Food Safety: https://www.foodsafety.gov/

Risky or Not Podcast: https://www.riskyornot.co/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In part three of our land-grant series, we turn to the final pillar of the land-grant mission: Extension. We’re joined by Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody and Dr. Misty Blue-Terry to explore how Extension connects research and teaching directly to communities across North Carolina. Together, they explain what Cooperative Extension is, why it was created, and how it continues to serve as the outreach arm of land-grant universities. We also discuss the distinct historical foundations of NC State and NC A&T State, and how their partnership strengthens impact across the state. Throughout the episode, we highlight how Extension translates research into practical solutions, builds long-term relationships with communities, and addresses modern challenges in agriculture, food systems, and public health. Tune in to learn why Extension remains a vital, people-centered force within the land-grant mission.

Learn more about Dr. Hardison-Moody’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/annie-hardison-moody/

Learn more about Dr. Blue-Terry’s work below:

NC A&T State University Bio Page: https://sswd.center/teams/misty-blue-terry-phd/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

National Archives- Morrill Act (1862): https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/morrill-act

Historical Sketch of NC State University: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/scrc/university-historical-sketch

NC State Extension: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/

“Our Blues Make Us Gold” Documentary: https://www.ncat.edu/news/2024/08/our-blues-make-us-gold.php

USDA Cooperative Extension History: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/what-we-do/extension/cooperative-extension-history

NC A&T State University “A Rich History”: https://www.ncat.edu/caes/cooperative-extension/history.php

NC A&T State University “1890 Programs and Initiatives”: https://www.ncat.edu/caes/morrill-act/programs-and-initiatives.php#:~:text=Agriculture%20(NIFA)%20.-,Today%2C%20the%201890s%20Foundation%2C%20the%20%E2%80%9C19%20Strong%2C%E2%80%9D,Food%20and%20Agriculture%20(NIFA).

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In part two of our land-grant series, Dr. Joseph Donaldson joins us to explore what makes land-grant teaching distinct from other higher education models. From the federal mandate that defines land-grant institutions to the balance of theory and hands-on learning reflected in mottos like “Think and Do,” Dr. Donaldson explains how land-grant programs intentionally prepare students for real-world careers. We discuss how land-grant teaching supports workforce development, strengthens communities, and integrates research and Extension into student learning. Dr. Donaldson shares examples from across the country, reflects on the people-centered nature of land-grant education, and emphasizes how academic programs help students align their interests with meaningful careers in agriculture and food systems. This episode offers a deeper look at how teaching at land-grant universities builds career-ready graduates and sustains the systems that feed, clothe, and support us all.

Learn more about Dr. Donaldson’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/joseph-donaldson/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

Career Pathways Matrix: https://careerpathways.ces.ncsu.edu/career-pathways-matrix/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, we kick off a three-part series exploring the land-grant university system by focusing on the first pillar of its mission: research. We sit down with Dr. Ben Chapman to discuss how research within the land-grant system developed historically and why it plays such an important role in supporting agriculture, food systems, and communities. Dr. Chapman explains what makes land-grant research unique, particularly its strong connection to real-world challenges and its integration with teaching and extension. We also talk about how research stations, field labs, and partnerships with stakeholders help translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that benefit producers and the public. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the interdisciplinary nature of land-grant research and why collaboration across fields is essential for addressing complex issues. Tune in to learn how research continues to drive innovation and impact within the land-grant mission.

Learn more about Dr. Chapman’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/profile/benjamin-chapman/

Risky or Not Podcast: https://www.riskyornot.co/

Food Safety Talk Podcast: https://www.foodsafetytalk.com/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences - Research: https://cals.ncsu.edu/research/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Allen joins us to unpack the science behind some of today’s most popular dietary supplements and the claims that surround them. From protein powders and creatine and their role in muscle development and brain energy, to collagen supplements marketed for beauty and health, and even the rise of greens powders as a convenient nutrition option, Dr. Allen explains what the evidence actually shows and where hype may outpace biology. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of looking beyond marketing, understanding how supplements are metabolized in the body, and using reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the science. Tune in for a practical, evidence-based discussion on how to think critically about supplements and make informed decisions based on your individual health needs.

Learn more about Dr. Allen’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/food-bioprocessing-and-nutrition-sciences/people/jallen/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Manuel Kleiner to explore all things gut health. Dr. Kleiner breaks down how trillions of bacteria work together to help us digest food, protect our health, and shape the way our bodies function. We dive into his research on how different protein sources, like eggs, red meat, and plant proteins, can alter the microbiome and impact long-term health. He also shares science-backed advice for supporting gut health, the importance of dietary fiber diversity, and why popular trends like the “protein craze” may not be as beneficial as they seem. Tune in to hear why diet diversity, microbial interactions, and patience in adapting your gut are central to maintaining a healthy microbiome.

Learn more about Dr. Kleiner’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://provost.ncsu.edu/people/mkleine/

The Kleiner Lab: https://kleinerlab.cals.ncsu.edu/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

Article: Dietary protein source alters gut microbiota composition and function: https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/19/1/wraf048/8089909

Article: Dietary protein from different sources escapes host digestion and is differentially modified by gut microbiota: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/fo/d5fo01132a

Article: Assessing the diversity and functional profile of the “microbial proteome” in fermented foods: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.19.689333v1.abstract

Article: Source of dietary protein alters the abundance of proteases, intestinal epithelial and immune proteins both directly and via interactions with the gut microbiota: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.09.632171v1

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Pickworth to break down one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood topics in food and agriculture: beef production. From grass-fed to grain-fed systems, Dr. Pickworth explains what these production terms actually mean and how beef cattle are raised across different stages of their lives. We explore how cattle diets influence growth, efficiency, and meat quality, what science says about the nutritional differences between grass-finished and grain-finished beef, and why those differences matter far less for human health than many headlines suggest. The conversation also addresses common concerns around hormones and antibiotics, including how they are used, what safeguards are in place, and why context is critical when interpreting risk. Finally, Dr. Pickworth discusses the role of cattle as upcyclers in a sustainable food system, the use of byproducts that would otherwise go to waste, and what excites her most about the future of beef research and production.

Learn more about Dr. Pickworth’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/animal-science/people/carrie-pickworth/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NC State Extension - Beef: https://beef.ces.ncsu.edu/

North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association: https://www.nccattle.com/

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: https://www.ncba.org/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Taylor joins us to unpack the growing conversation around processed and ultra-processed foods, and why these labels often oversimplify a much more complex food system. From common claims about additives, preservatives, and metabolic health, Dr. Taylor explains what food processing really means and where the evidence still falls short. We explore how nutrient density, fiber, energy density, and substitution effects influence how much we eat, why blanket recommendations can lead to unintended consequences, and how reformulation has historically changed the nutritional profile of foods. The conversation also dives into food access, shelf life, and the role processed foods play in feeding a diverse population, especially when fresh food is not always accessible or affordable. Finally, Dr. Taylor challenges to good vs. bad food narrative, encouraging listeners to think more intentionally about overall dietary patterns, nutrient tradeoffs, and making informed choices rather than reacting to headlines about ultra-processed foods.

Learn more about Dr. Taylor’s work below:

The Ohio State University Bio Page: https://hrs.osu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-directory/taylor-chris

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NOVA Classification: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10261019/

Dietary Guidelines Committee: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/2025-advisory-committee-report

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.