The PrimaFoodie Podcast (Nichole Perkins)
Explore every episode of The PrimaFoodie Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Dec 2022 | Episode 1: What We Really Need to Know about Packaged Foods—with Food Innovator and Founder Parker Brook | 00:44:30 | |
Welcome to the premiere episode of ‘The PrimaFoodie Podcast’, a conversation series that looks at how we eat, our food system, and the changes we need to see for a healthier future. In our first episode, we look at the world of packaged foods with guest Parker Brook. The Founder and CEO of Lovebird Cereal, a company that provides grain-free cereals made with no refined sugar and only whole ingredients, Parker is on a mission to change the food system with his profit-with-purpose business approach. He previously worked for a giant corporate food company, but with the birth of his daughter and the mounting pressures of his autoimmune condition, his outlook on food and health changed. Parker ultimately made a giant leap to start his company and follow his food values. In this episode, we learn about his health journey, the genesis behind Lovebird Cereal, and what he hopes to achieve with the company. We also delve into the conflicting philosophies of big food companies regarding nutrition and profit, and the many reasons why we all should avoid conventional packaged foods. Also, we find out why we can’t rely on the FDA to protect our health—and so much more. Parker’s insight is educational, inspiring, and something we all need to hear. Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: | |||
| 09 Jan 2023 | Episode 2: Functional Medicine for Vibrant Wellness, Not Average Health with Dr. Will Cole | 00:47:22 | |
Today’s guest is Dr. Will Cole, a pioneer in the field of functional medicine. Named one of the top 50 functional medicine and integrative doctors in the United States, Dr. Cole specializes in clinically investigating the underlying factors of chronic disease and taking a unique approach that incorporates food, lifestyle factors, supplements, medications, and more. Dr. Cole is also the author of several bestselling books, including Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and Intuitive Fasting, in which he shows how to use the powerful benefits of nutrition to gain metabolic flexibility and find food peace. Today, we sit down with Dr. Cole to discuss a spectrum of things, from knowing your body and the danger of normalizing physiological issues to the incredible importance of physical activity and strength training for optimal health. As you’ll learn in this episode, functional medicine provides a natural and completely customizable way to address the epidemic of chronic disease that we face in the 21st century. To find out more, tune in.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: | |||
| 16 Jan 2023 | Episode 3: How “Food Sleuthing” Can Improve Our Lives and Our Planet’s Future—with Melinda Hemmelgarn | 00:42:06 | |
One of the most critical ways we can positively impact our health and our planet’s is to be aware of everything we put into our bodies. This is a topic dear to Melinda Hemmelgarn’s heart. A dietician and self-proclaimed food sleuth, Melinda advocates for greater awareness and education around how and what we eat. In this episode she discusses her mission to change the world of nutrition through education, advocating for policy change, and making better food choices. You’ll hear all about Melinda’s background, education, and career in nutrition before we delve into her passion for food education, better farming practices, and connecting food, health, and agriculture. This informative discussion brings to light the dangers of commercial farming practices, how the media perpetuates these problematic food habits, how pesticides affect our health, the importance of buying organic food, and so much more. Melinda leaves us with a plea to educate ourselves and become food sleuths so that we can change our electoral system and ultimately lead better lives as a community.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | Episode 4: The Politics of Food with Dr. Marion Nestle | 00:43:47 | |
How do you change the food environment so that it becomes easier for people to make healthy choices? Today’s guest, the glorious dynamo of food and nutrition Dr. Marion Nestle, joins us to discuss how the United States food system is causing more harm to our health than good, and what we can all do to start changing that. Unfortunately, we have a for-profit healthcare system, healthy foods cost more than their unhealthy counterparts, and the agriculture system has been captured by corporations. Marion has focused her career on policy shaping and food education and is the author of multiple books and a daily blog that deals with the politics of food. We all have to eat, and most of us love food, but how much do you really know about the system behind it all? Tune in today for real food education. Key Points From This Episode:
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| 06 Feb 2023 | Episode 5: What Are We Feeding Our Kids? With Haley Scheich | 01:02:01 | |
What’s the secret to getting our kids to eat nutritiously? This is a question that has long driven author, mother, and whole foods advocate Haley Scheich, our guest this week. As the co-author of My SuperHero Foods, a revolutionary book for kids—and adults!—that piques curiosities about healthy foods, Haley is driven to help all of us change our habits and approach to eating. Her passion was ignited more than a decade ago when she started to lean into what she was putting into her body and how it impacted her health conditions. She researched and vetted, read hundreds of books, and completed her Master’s in nutrition. But her life really began to turn after she started clearing out any processed foods and leaning into ones that were whole, clean, and unadulterated. Her journey is one for us all to hear. In our chat, we learn about the foods she always avoids, how she always looks for credible sources, and why doing your homework around what you eat is critical. Haley also leans into how food can be medicine and why we need to bring mindfulness into our feeding habits. Be sure to tune into our chat with Haley.
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| 13 Feb 2023 | Episode 6: Looking at the Crossover Between Food, Sustainability, and Health with Chef Andreas Niewerth | 00:54:02 | |
Chef Andreas Niewerth is a holistic nutritionist, trained chef, and chef instructor. He learned about the power of food early on while working his family's restaurants and hotels, and later established one of the first organic catering companies in Germany, where he created cooking classes for school kids, parents, athletes, and fitness centers. When his eldest son was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Andreas was driven to understand the healing power of food. This led him to receive his certification as a holistic nutritionist. He now lives in California with his family, where he grows his own food and offers his services as a private chef and teacher. Highly sought after by local wineries, breweries, and restaurants for private events and classes, Andreas also holds farm-to-table pop up events. As you’ll discover in this episode, Andreas’ varied expertise culminates at the crossover between food, sustainability, and health, which is not only the subject matter for our conversation today but the inspiration for the name of his business: Cross Over Kitchen. Tune in to learn about the benefits of holistic nutrition, the importance of food education, why Andreas refuses to compromise on food quality, and so much more! Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | Episode 7: Food as Medicine with Dr. Uma Naidoo | 00:47:38 | |
We all know a healthy diet is vital to physical well-being, but what about mental and emotional states? Is there a link between our cognitive function and diet? To help us answer these questions is Dr. Uma Naidoo, an expert in nutritional psychiatry and Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also a Culinary Instructor at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, a best-selling author, and a professional chef. Dr. Naidoo implements her clinical work by integrating her professional achievements in medicine, psychiatry, and nutrition to help change lives and empower her patients. In this episode, Dr. Naidoo elucidates the basics of nutritional psychiatry, how nutrition plays an essential role in our mental well-being, and how food impacts our brain’s functioning. We unpack the challenges around nutritional psychiatry, the role of a holistic and integrative approach to health care, and how an inflamed gut can lead to an inflamed brain. We discover what the vagus nerve is and what it does, how common leaky gut is, the difference between prebiotic and probiotic foods, what emotional immunity is and why it is important, and how to start eating healthily. Tune in to learn about the fascinating world of nutritional psychiatry and why we think like what we eat with Dr. Uma Naidoo! Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Massachusetts General Hospital | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Episode 8: The Rise of Autoimmune Disorders with Dr. Tania Dempsey | 00:47:36 | |
Chronic immune issues are becoming increasingly common, particularly amongst young people, and today we are joined by integrative medicine doctor, Dr. Tania Dempsey, to investigate why. “Medical detective” Dr. Dempsey is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative medicine and chronic disease, with a focus on identifying the root of her patients’ health problems. In this episode, Dr. Dempsey explains what autoimmune disorders are, what can be attributed to their rise in recent years, and what people can do to improve their health. We also touch on the benefits and limitations of telehealthcare, the dying art of the physical exam, and the effectiveness of diet in treating autoimmune disease. Tune in to learn what integrative medicine is, and about Dr. Dempsey’s holistic approach to treating chronic illness patients. Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: AIM Center for Personalized Medicine | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | Season 2 Episode 1: Reducing Chronic Inflammation through Diet and Lifestyle Changes with Dr. Shilpa Ravella | 00:37:27 | |
Chronic inflammation is often the root cause of a wide range of illnesses, from cancer to diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis. And frighteningly, the majority of Americans today are inflamed. What would you do if you knew that the key to reducing inflammation in your body was changing your diet and spending more time in nature? In this episode, Dr. Shilpa Ravella, gastroenterologist, author, and an assistant professor of medicine, is here to talk about how we can all start eating and acting in ways that will boost our microbiome, strengthen our immune systems, and eliminate chronic inflammation from our lives. Tune in today to learn about the difference between chronic and acute inflammation, some of the common indicators of an inflammation issue, which foods to eat more of and which foods to avoid, and the value (from a nutrition perspective) of getting outside more regularly! Key Points From This Episode:
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| 13 Nov 2023 | Season 2 Episode 2: Why Bees Are Essential for People and Planet with Noel Patterson | 00:52:55 | |
Bees play an essential role in the ecosystems we depend on for food. To ensure their survival (and our own), today's guest, Noel Patterson, believes one of the most impactful ways to support our bees is to "vote with your dollars" and buy honey from small-scale beekeepers and producers. A sommelier turned beekeeper, Patterson is the founder of Dos Manos Apiaries in Tucson, Arizona. He also leads workshops about beekeeping at Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson. Patterson's desire to educate is inspiring, as is his work, in which he offers classes, immersive experiences in beekeeping and wine tasting, and a glimpse into the world of the honeybee. As you'll discover from our conversation, Noel is an advocate for sustainable and ethical changes in the way we grow and cultivate our food. Join us as we discuss how Patterson’s journey in wine prepared him for honey, the critical role that bees play in our fragile ecosystems, and how we all can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dos Manos Apiaries on Instagram | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | Season 2 Episode 3: The Kitchen Healer with Jules Blaine Davis | 00:52:28 | |
The kitchen is a place of nourishment and a sacred space for connection, healing, and rewriting our life stories. So believes Jules Blaine Davis, author of The Kitchen Healer. Jules, widely known as 'The Kitchen Healer,' invites people to reconnect with their true selves by getting in, or back in, the kitchen. She believes this can help us find freedom and power and begin living the life we long to live. Jules's unique background in the performing arts, painting, poetry, healing, movement, and meditation brings a creative and transformative perspective to her work. In today's conversation, we dive into the idea that cooking can remedy grief and how it offers an unexpected path toward healing. Jules also talks about finding joy in cooking and why the kitchen is the heart of the home. We discuss the steps to shifting the shameful narratives in your life, creating tradition and culture within your family, how to heal outside the kitchen, and much more. Tune in and discover how the joy and love of cooking can help you change your life story with Jules Blaine Davis.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jules Blaine Davis on LinkedIn Jules Blaine Davis on Facebook | |||
| 27 Nov 2023 | Season 2 Episode 4: Healing Chronic Illness through Diet and Lifestyle with Dr. Terry Wahls | 00:51:30 | |
Who better to guide healthy choices than someone who has healed their own disease? Dr. Terry Wahls is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Iowa, where she teaches internal medicine in residence. She is a clinical researcher and the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts, posters, and papers. Having transformed her own life with MS, she is also a radical advocate for how nutrition and lifestyle choices impact those with chronic illnesses. In this conversation, Dr. Wahls tells the story of how she stumbled into a supplement-rich diet in her attempts to heal a worsening case of MS. She walks us through her extensive research and personal experience with exercise, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, and nutrient-rich food, all the while offering insights from her journey. Today’s guest truly leads by example, and generously shares the wisdom she has learned every step of the way. Don’t miss this episode! Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | Season 2 Episode 5: Just Eat Real Food with Margaret Floyd Barry | 00:44:19 | |
Processed foods have become the norm in American society as we prioritize time and convenience above all else. The damage these foods do to our collective health is catastrophic, but luckily, not irreversible. Today, Margaret Floyd Barry joins us in the hot seat to explain how we can move away from processed foods and make healthier choices. Margaret is a functional nutritionist, author, speaker, and a reliable source of information on how food impacts our health and quality of life. She begins by debunking some common myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition before explaining how we can incorporate more real foods into our diet, meal prep on a busy schedule, and maintain a balanced diet. She also explains why cheat days are okay, and even necessary. Margaret suggests the tests that you should take to better understand your microbiome health, current food trends to adopt and the ones to avoid, and the small steps that you can take right now to improve your long-term health and wellbeing. Key Points From This Episode:
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Margaret Floyd Barry on LinkedIn Margaret Floyd Barry on Instagram Restorative Wellness Solutions Find Your Health Practitioner | Restorative Wellness Solutions ‘Understanding the Convoluted World of Sugar and Its Metabolic Impact’ | |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | Season 2 Episode 6: Food from the Heart, Mind, and Hands: Organic Farming with Larry Kandarian | 00:39:27 | |
In this episode, Larry Kandarian, a veteran organic farmer and owner of Kandarian Organic Farms, shares his insights into earth-friendly farming, whole foods, and more. A farmer for over 25 years, Kandarian is well-known for his farming and grain advocacy in California and his passion for being a steward of the land. His wealth of knowledge is vast, from mechanical engineering to the flower seed business to sustainable farming practices. In this conversation, Kandarian shares valuable insights into the notable difference between ancient and modern grains and their gluten after-effects, elaborates on what sets organic farming apart from conventional methods, and explains why growing your soil is essential. He speaks passionately about the need to support young farmers starting out, highlights the problem with the Farm Bill, and gives gluten-intolerant listeners great tips for preparing grains. Kandarian also educates us on what to look for when buying food. Listen to it all in this episode of The PrimaFoodie Podcast.
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| 18 Dec 2023 | Season 2 Episode 7: Consuming Consciously with Eva Yazhari | 00:38:50 | |
Eva Yazhari is a force for positive change in the world. She is an impact investor, published author, and the co-founder and CEO of Beyond Capital. She joins us in conversation to share her early experiences of healthy food and how she carries the core principles she was raised with into her daily life today. For Eva, healthy, waste-free, sustainable eating is inextricably linked with preserving our planet and slowing the effects of global warming. This episode offers a clear insight into her daily habits, from feeding a family, prioritizing good choices while traveling, and embracing the tenets of Ayurveda to build vibrant health. We talk about planning ahead, food production in Africa and India, both frequently visited by Eva, and why eating local cuisine in Italy leaves you feeling healthier than choosing the same options elsewhere. We touch on grains and gluten-free diets, discussing what is wrong with our broken food systems with a few powerful ideas on how to resolve these issues in our lives. Tune in today to hear all this and more! Key Points From This Episode:
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| 08 Jan 2024 | Season 2 Episode 8: Ancestral Wisdom with Holistic Hilda | 00:45:35 | |
Living your life according to ancestral wisdom can lead to longer, and more healthful lives. Hilda Labrada Gore is a multifaceted health and wellness expert working as an integrative health coach, fitness professional, and more. As the Wise Traditions Podcast host, she unveils stories about ancient healing traditions, healing arts, and centuries-old nutritional wisdom. During today’s episode, she shares what the word ‘holistic’ means to her, and how she approaches her work as an experiential anthropologist. We explore the rich concept of ‘dadirri’ or deep listening, why being still is such a powerful tool to connect to authentic wisdom, and how to support the decision-making process through visualization. Our conversation also touches on Hilda’s incredible lessons from different countries all over the world, her unique take on discomfort, and how she manages to take an open mind into every new experience. Tune in for a rich conversation brimming with empowering perspectives today! Key Points From This Episode:
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| 15 Jan 2024 | Season 2 Episode 9: Spilling the Beans with Steve Sando | 00:35:56 | |
Beans have been a staple in the human diet for many generations and across almost all cultures, but there is one bean more delicious and decadent than all the rest: the heirloom bean. At least, that’s the view of today’s guest, Steve Sando, the food author and founder of Rancho Gordo, a seed-saving bean production company that provides professional and home chefs with heirloom beans that would otherwise have been lost to history. To start, Steve describes heirloom beans in detail and how they differ from other commercially sold beans. Then, he explains Rancho Gordo’s bean production process, the differences between canned and dry beans, the importance of taste in Rancho Gordo’s products, and why many commercial farmers choose not to work with heirloom beans. We also discuss the agricultural term “cultivated for people” before diving into the wondrous versatility of beans and the many ways to cook them, the types of guests that Rancho Gordon welcomes to its kitchen, how a diabetes diagnosis saved Steve’s relationship with food and bred his love for beans, and so much more! Enjoy. Key Points From This Episode:
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| 22 Jan 2024 | Season 2 Episode 10: Whole Body Wellness through Real Food with Monica Ford | 00:43:59 | |
While today’s highly processed and pre-packaged foods are super convenient, they can also have increasingly harmful effects on our health. Making the shift to “real food” may be one of the most important things you can do to maintain good health, and it’s a whole lot simpler than you might think! Today, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and real food advocate, Monica Ford. Monica is the founder of Real Food Devotee, where she and her team create ancestral cuisine based on traditional techniques using only the highest quality ingredients. She's also a warm and inspiring teacher and educates widely about the powerful healing modalities of real, whole, pesticide-free food. In this episode, we talk about Monica's personal journey of healing her allergies using food, some of the surprisingly easy ways we can all improve our diets starting today, how seeds can help us balance our hormones, and so much more. As you’ll learn from our conversation, Monica believes that optimal health is our birthright and that food empowers us with the tools we need to heal ourselves from the inside out. Ready to start your real food journey? Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode:
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| 05 Feb 2024 | Season 2 Episode 11: Unlocking Your Genetic Menu with Dr. Sherry Zhang | 00:40:29 | |
In this episode, we dive into personalized nutrition with Dr. Sherry Zhang, founder of GenoPalate, to learn about her innovative approach to dietary health. GenoPalate specializes in personalized nutrition through leveraging DNA tests, online programs led by dietitians, and customized supplements, all aiming to empower individuals to obtain optimal health. Dr. Zhang sits with Nichole to talk about the power of genetic testing and its practical applications that can help individuals dealing with conditions like autoimmune diseases find nutritional solutions. From the nitty-gritty of DNA-based diets to the granular details of balancing fats, proteins, and fiber, Dr. Zhang unravels the layers of personalization GenoPalate offers. She also talks about the vital role of genetic markers. Join Nichole and Dr. Zhang as they investigate the intersection of genetics and nutrition, offering practical insights that pave the way for a healthier, more personalized approach to eating.
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| 12 Feb 2024 | Season 2 Episode 12: The Ethical Meat Revolution with Chris Carter | 00:40:25 | |
Do you know where the meat on your plate comes from? Being informed about where your meat comes from and supporting producers who prioritize animal welfare and sustainable practices is essential for promoting ethical meat sourcing. In this episode, we take you on a journey alongside Chris Carter, co-founder of Porter Road, to uncover the intricate workings of the food industry, the evolution of ethical meat sourcing, and how his company is making a difference. In our conversation, we discuss how Porter Road Butcher is redefining the meat industry, supporting local farmers, and striving for transparency and ethical practices. We unpack Porter Road’s farm-to-table story, its symbiotic relationship with local farmers, why transparency is vital, and more. Gain valuable insights into the truth about traditional agriculture, the path toward pasture-raised meat, and the core values that drive Porter Road’s success. Chris also shares Porter Road’s vision for the industry and invaluable words of wisdom for those interested in joining the space. Tune in as we peel back the layers of ethical butchery and uncover the stories behind your food with Chris Carter!
Key Points From This Episode: •Background about Chris and his role at the company. •His path into the industry and journey to Porter Road. •How the industry landscape has changed since starting the company. •What makes Porter Road unique: Chris and James’ partnership. •The challenges of growing and expanding such a unique company. •Hear about their innovative approach to harvesting. •Why the company decided to open its own harvesting facility. •Outline of the issues surrounding transparency in agriculture. •Discover how Porter Road is helping support local farmers. •Conventional farming practices and how Porter Road is different. •Details about Porter Road’s exceptionally high standards. •Insights into the impact the company is making in the meat industry. •Chris shares advice for budding butcher shop entrepreneurs.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | Season 2 Episode 13: Balancing Hormones with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino | 00:34:22 | |
In this episode, Nichole sits with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, a board-certified practitioner focusing on holistic health, bioidentical hormone therapy, and functional medicine. Dr. Tolention is a senior practitioner at Parsley Health, which offers doctor-led care designed to provide patients with comprehensive and individualized treatment plans. In our conversation, Dr. Tolentino shares invaluable insights into hormone health, circadian rhythms, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during perimenopause and menopause. She and Nichole discuss why understanding your hormones is vital, how to know if you are experiencing perimenopause or menopause, and the crucial role of circadian rhythms in hormone production. Dr. Tolentino sheds light on the importance of diagnostic tests, holistic healthcare solutions for women, why avoiding certain foods is critical, and much more. Tune in now for expert guidance on hormone health and empowered self-care with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino. •The importance of hormones for physiological functioning. •Why knowing your hormonal profile is vital for overall health. •Hear about the specialty tests that provide more detail. •Tests women should take to understand their hormones better. •Advice and recommendations for working with your doctor. •How Parsley Health is advocating for women in the healthcare system. •Strategies young women can use to prepare for perimenopause and menopause. •Ways to know if you are experiencing perimenopause or menopause. •Discover the steps to follow when you feel misdiagnosed. •Explore the food that helps with perimenopause and menopause. •Insights into the crucial role of circadian rhythms in hormone production. •Dr. Tolentino discusses the benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy (HRT). •Learn about accessing functional medicine services nationwide through Parsley Health. Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino on LinkedIn Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino on Facebook Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino on Instagram PrimaFoodie Email | |||