Episodes

All across the country, small farms connect the critical elements of our health and communities and uplift the environment and our economy. What impact do you think a small farm has that hosts a 1000-person community farm festival? Travel with me to just outside of Boise, Idaho to Vista Farms where all this is happening PLUS its farmer, Valerie Timm, sees beyond her own farm to advocate for bigger issues facing farms all over and is doing her part to speak up about what we should all care about...

Small farms have an extended impact beyond their own communities. Did you know that? We get into it -- the land, meat animal genetics, certifications, and standards that set a higher bar for industrial ag. When you shop with a small farmer in your own community, you are helping the whole dot-to-dot of small farmers across the country. Meet Crystal Criswell of Melwood Farm in Ohio, just off the West Virginia border. Remember to give One Bite is Everything a 5-star rating on Apple podcasts and ad...

Farmer Rachel Opio of Little Lighthouse Farm exists to fight for the people who don't have access to fresh food. To do that, she focuses on the health of her soil in the heat of central Phoenix. It's a labor of love that started under her mother's wing in her own backyard experiment. Find out how Farmer Rachel addresses food deserts through education, accepting SNAP benefits, and more. Other urban farmers have also been featured on this podcast. Food deserts are a common thread that they addres...

I am pretty sure you don't eat caviar every day, but when you do, you will want to know HOW you know it's raised sustainably and that it IS actually what they say it is! This episode is your guide. Beyond that, the caviar business and the prehistoric fish that delivers the most prized shiny little eggs are fascinating. Dive in! Many thanks to Chef David DiSalvo of Bowery Meats for the introduction to Matteo Pozzi of Adamas Caviar, as well as Jordan Beeman of HeartBrand Beef featured in this ep...

Small farms are super close to the margins. So, if you want the most delicious food that is tended personally to ensure excellent quality, a strong environmental ethos, community connection, and economic viability, you need to know the challenges that lurk behind those farmstand smiles. Five farmers from five states -- WV, ND, WI, AL and IL -- tell the truth about the all-powerful dollar. Take note here: every dollar you spend with a small farm can make (or if you don't spend it there) or break...

Chef Paul Hargrove of the highly-anticipated Seahorse restaurant found farmer Diane Saleh of Halal Pastures Farm at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City. The tomatillos lured him in. And he's not the only chef connected to Diane and her farm. Some of the most elite kitchens feature Diane's diverse organic vegetables on their menus. She's become a muse, a role she relishes because she uses her creativity to develop crops that inspire chefs and home cooks alike. Join us in this episode t...

This episode of One Bite is Everything explores the complexities of agribusiness with Professor Peter Coclanis from UNC-Chapel Hill. Come on, a deep dive into the role of big agriculture in the U.S., its efficiency, the historical context that shaped it, and the ongoing challenges it presents. The conversation highlights the balance between the benefits of scientific advancements in agriculture and the environmental and ethical issues that arise from large-scale farming practices. Coclanis offer...

In this episode of "One Bite is Everything," we meet rancher Avery Wrigglesworth of Lily Hill Cattle. Avery shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to dedicated rancher and introduces listeners to the benefits of tallow, a natural skincare product made from pasture-raised cattle. The discussion covers the challenges and rewards of running a family farm, the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, and the complexities of family dynamics in a multi-generational business. Avery's personal story highlights resilience and innovation in the farming industry, emphasizing the critical issues family farms face across the country. Tune in to learn about Avery's inspiring journey and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.

In this quick and dirty episode of "One Bite is Everything," host Dana DiPrima explores the critical issue of disappearing farmland in the United States and its profound impact on new farmers. Over 11 million acres of farmland were lost to development between 2001 and 2016. We discuss the reasons behind this alarming trend and the broader implications of losing fertile, productive land to development. Four farmers from across the US share their thoughts about the land challenge and offer creative and innovative solutions as well.

The romantic notion of rural life as a modern escape is a farce. Rural life is hard—historically and now, but for different reasons. Back in the day, the work was endless, and survival counted on it. Thank goodness for the women—check out their hours compared to the men! Today, the implications of where rural communities stand are serious. Join me and historian Megan Birk to dig into rural life and all its beautiful complexities.

A legal loophole let some Japanese Akaushi Wagyu cattle into the US and kicked off a wild ride for what is now HeartBrand Beef in Texas. Rancher Jordan Beeman dishes on the business, the bigger business of beef in the US, the mentality of small vs large ranchers, the Big Four meat processors, and the bottom line. Jordan is full of HOT TAKES that you will not find anywhere other than the ranch and OBIE. So tune in and get yourself up to speed on your beef. To find Jordan and to order some HeartB...

If you eat food, you need to care about what's in the Farm Bill. It seems overwhelming, but it's all about you, your food, and our future. In today’s episode of "One Bite is Everything," we had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Coppess, a professor of Agricultural Policy at the University of Illinois. Jonathan provided us with a comprehensive overview of the Farm Bill, tracing its origins back to the New Deal and highlighting its significant evolution over the past 90 years. We discussed the critical role the Farm Bill plays in supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and addressing national security concerns. Jonathan also shed light on the ongoing debates in Congress regarding the current Farm Bill, emphasizing the challenges of adapting agricultural policies to the pressing issues of climate change, soil erosion, and sustainable farming practices. Key takeaways from our conversation include: The historical context and importance of the Farm Bill. The complex political dyna…

This is a quick and dirty dive into the key food we include in our 4th of July celebrations, where they come from, and some of the challenges our farmers face. In future episodes we will dive into more of the specifics of these American staples, the policies and politics that govern them, the practices -- both conventional and regenerative -- and the decisions we can make that match our values and the impact we want to have on the world. But for now, just a 7-minute eye-opening blip. Happy 4th!

Ironically, Yellowstone made us fall in love with the land and then buy in in a way that will destroy the rural and ranching landscape. Dive into the life of Sarah Christensen of Pintler Mountain Beef and learn what it really means to be connected to the land and the food it produces.

Barnswallows are nimble and persistent just like Meredith Numnikoven, the chief innovator at Barnswallow Flowers in rural Iowa. From the flower fields, this 5th generation farmer steps into the world of product design and innovation to solve a problem that is right under her nose every day. She doesn't stop there either. Despite concerns about repercussions, Meredith traveled to the Hill for three days to let policymakers know they were leaving some of the most important people out of the discussion. This episode is full of inspiring small actions that make a big difference that you can learn from and apply in different ways in your own community.

Every episode delivers an AH-HA that you never knew you needed. And those AH-HAs can lead you to rethink how you eat, shop, think, and live. It's amazing how one bite -- of a carrot or of a big befuddling concept -- can lead to a deeper understanding, a new perspective, and a course correction in how we make sense of the modern world we live in. One Bite is Everything. You will be surprised -- episode after episode -- by how connected it all is. I am. And I am glad to have you along for the ride...

Ahna Frye is remarkable. She and her farm boast the highest standards. She is driven by her faith, but girded by a deep-seated knowledge of what's right... for her family, her customers, her community, and the environment. Somehow all that she believes comes together as a viable farm business that provides healthy options for her community and her region in a way no one else does. We all have a lot to learn from Ahna and farms across the nation as they plow forward, toiling to bring us healthy food My advice... find one like this near you! xo

Matheson Oysters is a future-looking business with a nod to the past. It began on the heels of an unfortunate life turn that had Sarah Matheson Harris wondering what to do. What she decided brought her into the middle of a new world that provides a sustainable protein-rich meat, preservation to an historic waterfront, and a fascinating and thriving business. Don’t underestimate the power of Matheson Oyster’s young owner or of the oyster as an important healthy and sustainable meat. 🦪

What if a visit to the farmer's market could totally revolutionize your life? Do you think that's possible? For Julie Friend, the farmer's market changed hers -- her health, her outlook, and her profession. And what she learned on her journey includes the discovery of a new "buzzword" you haven't heard yet -- one like grass-finished, regenerative, free-range, but way more meaningful. What's different about this one? Listen to find out.

Ever wonder what's behind the label on the milk in your grocery store? Sabrina Servais knows. She's a 5th generation dairy farmer in Wisconsin who farms dairy with her family for Organic Valley, along with 1700 other farmers. Sabrina tells it straight, with a big tall glass of milk. When you take a bite (or a sip) here, you will connect directly with the health of the product and the cows, what's going on with farms, carbon, and the environment, and how the economics of this co-op works for farmers and for you. And you definitely want to know how Organic Valley compares to the other milk cartons on the dairy shelf. Organic Valley is farmer-owned. Are the others?

Can one bite from a carrot change your life? What do you think? Sounds farfetched, I know. But let's dig in and see how a single carrot can be connected to your tastebuds, your environment, the knitting together of communities and so much more. Betsey Zarko of Arrowleaf Prairie Farm in Illinois lets us in on the secrets of producing and eating nutrient-dense food, close to home, and sorting out how to do that economically. We all want food like that, right?

The Dahlia wars are alive and thriving! With a combination of grit, passion, and a sprinkle of serendipity, Merrie Avalone of Dreamland Flower Farm quite literally dreamt up and created her farm against all odds, and is now at the center of the Dahlia craze! Merrie’s chance encounter with a generous landlord spearheaded her passion for flowers that just didn’t seem to let up, and still hasn’t. After bartering for patches of land to grow and sell flowers, then being told by every agronomist that...

Imagine this, you are completely self-sufficient and growing every single ingredient you need to cook dinner every night. Olivia Kingery, founder of Pileated Farms, and a fellow advocate of joy, followed the signs the universe left for her to do just that. Olivia is growing nutritious, seasonal, food for her family and community while also participating in and spreading the word about community supported agriculture programs. Once a writer, looking for work, Olivia stumbled upon farming in the most serendipitous way, finding her joy in farming and food, but more importantly, creating a community in her little corner of the world. Growing and eating nutrient dense food that is in season has become Olivia’s greatest passion, while also making it a point to slow down more and take in all life has to offer. We have become so accustomed to getting what we want when we want it, not considering what it takes to produce what is being consumed. In our fast paced life, where quantity trumps qua…

"One Bite is Everything" host Dana DiPrima introduces you to the universe where everyday food, fuel, fiber, and flowers (the 4 Fs) emanate from the center of your proverbial plate to its broader impact on health, the environment, community, and the economy. Here, with One Bite, you have to opportunity to explore the countless decisions involved in how our food reaches us and connect these choices to bigger, critical life issues. This unique approach sparks a broader conversation on the interplay between our choices and societal well-being.