Afleveringen
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Weâd once again like to thank Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated for their sponsorship of this episode.
What if a single tick bite could change the way you eat forever? In this episode, I sit down with allergy expert Gary Falcetano to explore alpha-gal syndrome, a strange and increasingly recognized condition triggered by tick bites that can lead to delayed allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. We unpack the science behind this unusual immune response, why symptoms can emerge hours after eating, and why many cases go undiagnosed for years. From hidden sources of alpha-gal in foods and medications to the growing spread of tick species linked to the condition, this conversation reveals how a tiny bite can have surprisingly large consequences. We also share practical tips for prevention, diagnosis, and staying safe outdoors, whether youâre hiking in your backyard or heading out on your next adventure.
This Foodie Pharmacology podcast episode is part of a special two-part series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of the science.
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Did you know that one of the most important organs shaping lifelong health is only temporary? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I sit down with developmental biologist Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld to explore the fascinating science of the placenta and its role as the communication hub between mother and developing baby. We discuss the emerging concept of the placenta-brain axis and discuss how maternal diet, the gut microbiome, environmental exposures, and even tiny molecular signals can influence fetal development long before birth. From serotonin and the microbiome to probiotics, inflammation, and the hidden impacts of modern life, this conversation reveals how the earliest environment we experience may shape health outcomes for years to come.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Journey to Brazil to uncover the hidden roots of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition shaped by African plant knowledge, resilience, and cultural memory. In this episode, I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bob Voeks to explore how enslaved Africans preserved sacred healing traditions and foodways across the Atlantic, transforming plants into powerful symbols of identity and survival. From spiritual cleansing rituals with sacred leaves to the fascinating story of caruru, a revered okra dish tied to twin deities, we trace the remarkable journey of African plants through the diaspora. Along the way, we uncover surprising connections linking Candomblé, callaloo, and even Southern gumbo, revealing how food can carry history, spirituality, and culture across continents and generations. #Okra #Gumbo #Acarajé #DiasporaFood #AfricanCuisine #BlackEyedPeas
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Pet nutrition has undergone a dramatic shift over the past century, moving from whole foods to highly processed convenience diets, and not always for the better. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian with over 40 years of experience in integrative and holistic care, about whatâs gone wrong in the modern pet food industry and how to rethink what we feed our animals. The conversation explores the rise of ultra-processed kibble, gaps in regulation, and the health consequences linked to highly processed diets, while offering practical guidance on incorporating fresher, more species-appropriate foods. From understanding ingredient labels to simple additions like eggs, sardines, and fresh produce, this episode provides a grounded, accessible framework for pet owners looking to support long-term health and longevity in their animals.
LISTENER OFFER: Use discount code PHARMACOLOGY50 for 50% off Dr. Judy authored Books found on https://drjudymorgan.com/
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Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine, raising the risk of a return to a pre-antibiotic era where common infections become life-threatening. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Nadine Ziemert about how scientists are turning to microbial genomes to discover the next generation of antibiotics. A professor of translational genome mining at the University of TĂŒbingen, Nadine explains how bacteria themselves are prolific chemists, producing complex natural products that can be harnessed to fight infection. The conversation explores why traditional discovery methods have slowed, how genome mining reveals hidden âchemical dark matterâ in the environment, and how computational tools are helping researchers predict new molecules before they are even isolated in the lab. From the vast, untapped diversity of soil microbes to the future potential of AI-driven discovery pipelines, this episode offers a hopeful look at how science is working to stay ahead in the race against antibiotic resistance. Learn more about Dr. Ziemertâs research on her labâs YouTube channel.
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The health of our environment underpins everything from food systems to future medicines, yet much of the damage done to nature goes unaddressed. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Jacob Phelps about a new approach to conservation that brings science into the courtroom. Together, they explore how environmental litigation can move beyond small fines and toward holding offenders accountable for restoring damaged ecosystems, from illegal mining and deforestation to wildlife trafficking. The conversation highlights the gap between strong environmental laws on paper and their limited use in practice, and how interdisciplinary teams of scientists and lawyers are working to change that. From protecting biodiversity and safeguarding food systems to preserving resources that may hold future therapeutic value, this episode offers a powerful look at how legal action can be used as a tool to defend and repair the natural world. Learn more at https://www.conservation-litigation.org/
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Spring is a time when many of us think about fresh starts and better health, including the well-being of our pets. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Angela Ardolino about natural approaches to supporting aging dogs. Angela, a formulator and educator specializing in cannabinoids, medicinal mushrooms, and adaptogens, explains how these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system to regulate inflammation, neurological function, and overall balance. They discuss the differences between full-spectrum hemp extracts and isolated compounds, how cannabinoids may support joint pain, seizures, and cognitive decline, and the growing interest in functional mushrooms like lionâs mane, reishi, and cordyceps for brain health of our pets. The conversation also examines what cognitive decline looks like in aging pets, the role of inflammation and the gut-brain connection, and how diet and ultra-processed pet foods may contribute to disease. From reading supplement labels to understanding ingredient sourcing and quality, this episode offers a practical framework for pet owners interested in integrative approaches to animal health. Learn more about Angelaâs work at https://angelaardolino.com/
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Seed oils are everywhere. From salad dressings to snack foods, theyâve become a quiet staple of the modern diet. But how did they get there, and what do we really know about their impact on human health?
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave sits down with nutritionist Cherie Calbom, MS, known as âThe Juice Lady,â to unpack the rise of industrial seed oils and the debate surrounding them. Cherie shares her personal journey into nutrition, which began with a serious health crisis and led her to rethink the role of food in healing.
Together, they explore what seed oils actually are, how they are processed, and why their chemical structure makes them vulnerable to oxidation. The conversation traces their history from industrial byproducts to âheart-healthyâ staples, shaped by wartime supply chains, shifting dietary guidance, and powerful marketing.
They also dig into where these oils are hiding in everyday foods, why they can be difficult to avoid even when you are trying to eat well, and how to navigate labels in a highly processed food environment.
If youâve ever wondered whatâs really in the oils lining grocery store shelves, or why this topic has become so widely debated, this episode offers a deeper look at the science, history, and real-world implications of seed oils in todayâs diet. Learn more about Cherieâs work at thejuiceladycherie.com
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Spring is here, and seasonal pollen along with it! This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Gary Falcetano, PA-C, AE-C, Senior Manager of Global Medical & Scientific Affairs in Allergy at Thermo Fisher Scientific and a longtime clinician and educator in asthma and immunologic disorders, about pollen food allergy syndrome and why certain fresh foods can suddenly cause itching or irritation during allergy season.
Also known as oral allergy syndrome, this condition stems from cross-reactivity between pollen proteins and similar proteins found in plant foods. Gary explains how this immune mix-up happens, why symptoms are typically limited to the mouth and throat, and why something as simple as cooking an apple can make it more tolerable.
They also cover how common this syndrome is, why it is frequently overlooked, and how clinicians distinguish it from more serious food allergies using detailed history and targeted testing. The conversation highlights the role of IgE, component-resolved diagnostics, and the importance of understanding seasonal exposure. The episode closes with practical tips for managing symptoms, from reducing pollen exposure at home to simple food preparation strategies that can make a real difference during peak allergy season.
This Foodie Pharmacology podcast is part of a special two part series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science.
#FoodiePharmacology #PollenAllergy #OralAllergySyndrome #AllergyAwareness #ItchyMouth #AllergySymptoms #SinusRelief #HealthyLiving #SeasonalAllergies #FoodAllergy
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What if the key to reducing food waste, strengthening community, and reconnecting with our food systems is already in your kitchen?
In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Julia Skinner, food writer, fermentation expert, and founder of the Culinary Curiosity School, to explore the practice of food preserving. From fermentation to freezing, Julia shares how preserving is not just a set of techniques but a way of thinking about food with intention and creativity.
They discuss her upcoming book, Essential Food Preserving, which takes an ingredient-first approach. Instead of rigid recipes, it asks a simple question: what can you do with what you have right now? That mindset opens the door to everything from fruit leathers and infused vinegars to fermented drinks and pantry staples built from scraps.
They also explore the deeper reasons preserving matters. These practices are rooted in food security, seasonality, and survival. Today, they offer a powerful way to reduce waste and reconnect with the sources of our food. Fermentation, in particular, plays an important role in building community. Sharing techniques, recipes, and traditions creates meaningful connections around food.
If youâve ever felt intimidated by preserving, this episode offers an approachable place to begin. Start small, stay curious, and focus on practice rather than perfection. Essential Food Preserving will be released on May 19, 2026, and is available now for pre-orders!
Want to learn more? Enter Code âQUAVEâ for a 30% discount to a class offered through the Culinary Curiosity School.
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Flowers may seem delicate, but they have transformed the planet! In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, author of the new book How Flowers Made Our World, about the revolutionary rise of flowering plants. They discuss how grasses helped shape human evolution as âgrass apes,â why orchids rely on intimate fungal partnerships, and how floral chemistry communicates with pollinators through scent and even electrical fields! From the endosperm that feeds much of humanity to the cultural and aesthetic power of flowers, this conversation examines how flowering plants engineered ecosystems, nourished civilizations, and continue to shape our future. How Flowers Made our World: The Story of Natureâs Revolutionaries is available for pre-order now! Learn more at https://dghaskell.com/
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What if the future of antimicrobial discovery lies buried in medieval manuscripts? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with microbiologist Dr. Freya Harrison of the University of Warwick about the emerging field of âAncient-bioticsâ. They examine how early medieval remedies such as Baldâs eyesalve are being reconstructed and tested against modern antibiotic-resistant biofilms. Dr. Harrison explains how her lab builds infection models that mimic the human body, why biofilms are so difficult to treat, and how combinations of natural products like honey and vinegar may hold clues to new antimicrobial strategies. This conversation bridges microbiology, Medieval texts, and pharmacology showcasing how historical knowledge can still inform modern medicine.
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Inflammation is essential for healing, but when it becomes chronic, it can quietly drive joint pain, blood sugar imbalance, autoimmune conditions, and long-term disease. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Dr. Josh Redd, founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness and author of The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset, about the root causes of chronic inflammation. They discuss how ultra-processed diets, environmental exposures, stress, hormonal imbalance, and even trauma contribute to inflammatory load, and what practical steps individuals can take to support immune balance through nutrition and lifestyle change. Learn more about Joshâs work at DrJoshRedd.com
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Sake sits at the intersection of fermentation science, ritual, and food culture. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave is joined by Dr. Eric C. Rath, professor of history at the University of Kansas and author of Kanpai: The History of Sake. Together, they explore what sake really is, how fermentation with koji mold transforms rice into alcohol, and why sake has played such a central role in Japanese ritual, everyday life, and food culture. The conversation also traces the history of home brewing, the rise of izakaya gastropubs, and the emergence of American sake as both adaptation and innovation.
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In the remote Alaskan wilderness, survival is not a simple metaphor. It is an act of daily practice. In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave reconnects with Sue Aikens, best known from National Geographicâs Life Below Zero, to talk about her memoir North of Ordinary. Broadcasting from Alaska, Sue reflects on a life shaped by abandonment, fierce independence, and learning to endure both emotional and physical extremesâfrom brutal winters and isolation to surviving a grizzly bear attack. This conversation explores resilience, the role of helpers (human and animal), and what it means to build a sense of self when the wilderness strips everything else away.
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For decades, Alzheimerâs research has been shaped by a dominant hypothesis, enormous funding streams, and the promise of breakthrough cures. But what happens when the science itself is compromised? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave sits down with investigative science journalist Charles Piller to unpack the revelations behind his book Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimerâs. We examine how image manipulation, groupthink, and institutional failures distorted the Alzheimerâs research landscape for years, shaping clinical trials, drug approvals, and patient expectations. This conversation goes beyond a single disease to examine research integrity, reproducibility, and the human cost of getting science wrong.
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This week on Foodie Pharmacology, we explore the cultural, scientific, and social dimensions of kava (Piper methysticum) with Douglas La Rose, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition. We discuss kavaâs roots in Pacific Island traditions, how itâs prepared, what the new AHP monograph means for safety and standards, and why this non-alcoholic beverage is gaining global interest as a pro-social, calming alternative. Douglas shares insights from his work supporting education, responsible use, and sustainable industry growth, offering a grounded look at how this plant bridges community, culture, and modern wellness.
#FoodiePharmacology #Kava #Ethnobotany #PlantMedicine #WellnessCulture #NaturalProducts #KavaCoalition
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What makes ibogaine such a remarkable plant-derived compound? I sit down with Jonathan Dickinson, CEO and co-founder of Ambio Life Sciences, to explore the fascinating neuropharmacology of this alkaloid and its profound impact on the brain. Jonathan is an expert on ibogaine, with more than 15 years of experience spanning clinical care, traditional practice, and psychedelic research.
We discuss ibogaâs deep cultural roots in Central and West Africa, its role in Bwiti spiritual traditions, and how modern science is uncovering its potential in treating addiction, trauma, and neurological disease. Jonathan also shares insights from his pioneering work in ethical sourcing, including the first Nagoya-compliant export of iboga from Gabon, and highlights promising studies on neuroregeneration, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. To learn more about his work, visit https://ambio.life/
#iboga #pscyhedelic #addiction #ibogaine #naturalproduct #addiction #podcast
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What if the future of egg farming could eliminate one of the industryâs most difficult animal welfare issuesâmale chick culling? Thanks to in-ovo sexing technology, that future is here.
This week on Foodie Pharmacology, I talk with Jasen Urena, Vice President of NestFresh, about the launch of their Humanely Hatchedâą eggsâthe first in the U.S. to ensure only female chicks are incubated. Itâs a groundbreaking step that transforms both animal welfare and consumer choice.
Jasen shares his journey at NestFresh and how the company has been at the forefront of ethical innovation, from pioneering Non-GMO Project Verified and Regenerative Organic Certifiedâą eggs to introducing reusable distribution systems that cut emissions and boost traceability. We discuss the promise of regenerative agriculture, how consumer demand is reshaping food systems, and why bold moves are often the catalyst for lasting change in legacy industries.
Whether you care about sustainability, farm animal welfare, or just want to understand where your food comes from, this episode offers a hopeful look at how science and ethics can come together to change whatâs on our plates.
đ Learn more: nestfresh.comâ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/foodiepharmađ§ Listen to more episodes: foodiepharmacology.com
#animalwelfare #eggs #chickens #podcast #nestfresh
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Plants are master chemists. From caffeine and nicotine to powerful drugs like colchicine, they manufacture an incredible array of molecules that defend against pests, attract pollinators, and sometimes even become lifesaving medicines for humans. But how exactly do plants build these complex compounds, and why do they make them in the first place?
This week, I sit down with Dr. Ryan Nett, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University, to explore the fascinating world of plant biosynthesis. We talk about how plants orchestrate molecular âassembly linesâ using specialized enzymes, why some of the most promising medicines are so difficult to source from nature, and how advances in genetics and synthetic biology are opening new doors to sustainable drug production.
Dr. Nett shares insights from his research on alkaloids such as huperzine A, investigated for Alzheimerâs disease, and colchicine, a historic treatment for gout and inflammation. We also discuss the grand challenges of plant chemistry, from deciphering massive genomes to engineering microbes like yeast to produce rare medicinal compounds.
If youâve ever wondered how plants turn simple building blocks into some of the most valuable medicines on Earth, you wonât want to miss this conversation! Learn more at https://www.nett-lab.com/
#botany #medicinalplants #chemistry #science #biosynthesis
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