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What if understanding food and health required more than knowing the science? As we close this chapter of the Changemaker Podcast, we’re preparing for something new: conversations that bring together leading experts, powerful personal stories, and the science behind how food shapes our health. We’ll go beyond facts and headlines to meet the people behind the research, explore the experiences that shaped their thinking, and translate complex science into conversations that matter in everyday life. This isn’t goodbye. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. Stay tuned. The next conversation may change the way you think about food, health, and what’s on your plate.

In this episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Susan R. Wessler, pioneering geneticist and leading expert on transposable elements, to explore her work. Together, they discuss the dynamic nature of the genome, the role genetics plays in agriculture and food security, and how scientific discovery can drive innovation to support a healthier and more sustainable future. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by ENISQ, a gamified platform for K12 health and nutrition education. Learn more on enisq.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/enisq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enisq_com ⁠ENISQ: Overview | LinkedIn⁠ About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of ENISQ, where she and her team are leveraging technology to enhance health and nutrition education in K-12 schools. https://enisq.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

Increasingly, healthcare systems, researchers, and public health leaders are recognizing what science continues to demonstrate: the food we eat plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and shaping long-term health outcomes. The concept of Food as medicine continues to gain momentum, but there are ambiguities when it comes to this term and how healthcare providers are integrating food into their patients' healthcare plan. In today’s episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju speaks with Elizabeth Machnica, a registered dietitian and team lead for the Food As Medicine Program and Director of Health and Well-Being at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. With expertise spanning clinical nutrition, public health research, food systems, and community design, Elizabeth shares valuable insights on the future of preventive health, equitable patient care, and what it truly means to integrate food as medicine into healthcare and community systems. This is a thoughtful conversation about building healthier communities through innovation, education, and intentional systems-level change. Visit BNMC wesite to learn more and support their work: https://bnmc.org/ Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by ENISQ, a gamified platform for K12 health and nutrition education. Learn more on enisq.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/enisq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enisq_com ⁠ENISQ: Overview | LinkedIn⁠ About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of ENISQ, where she and her team are leveraging technology to enhance health and nutrition education in K-12 schools. https://enisq.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

In today’s episode of the Changemaker Podcast, Dr. Julia Olayanju sits down with Julieanna Risse, a registered dietitian, author, and leading voice in plant-based nutrition and healthy aging. Together, they explore the science of nutrition, longevity, and lifestyle choices that can improve quality of life and support long-term health. From evidence-based wellness strategies to the power of storytelling in health education, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone seeking to understand better the connection between food, health, and living well. To learn more about Ms. Risse or to get a copy of her book, visit: https://healthspandietitian.com/ Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by ENISQ, a gamified platform for K12 health and nutrition education. Learn more on enisq.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/enisq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enisq_com ENISQ: Overview | LinkedIn About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of ENISQ, where she and her team are leveraging technology to enhance health and nutrition education in K-12 schools. https://enisq.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

Welcome back to the Changemaker Podcast with Dr. Julia Olayanju. In this special episode, Dr. Julia shares the renewed vision behind the podcast and why conversations around food, health, science, and innovation matter now more than ever. From groundbreaking research and emerging technologies to practical insights that can improve everyday life, this season is focused on helping listeners better understand the connection between what we eat and how we live. Join us for thought-provoking conversations with scientists, innovators, educators, healthcare professionals, and changemakers shaping a healthier future for communities around the world.

Join us on the final episode of this season, where Dr. Julia Olayanju shares a reflection on the future of food. This season has been a journey—one where we explored the powerful intersection of food, innovation, science, and community health. Together, we’ve heard from visionary leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates working tirelessly to reimagine our food systems and create healthier futures. But as we wrap up the season, Dr. Julia Olayanju leaves everyone with a deep insight to ponder, and more importantly, an invitation to act. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

In this special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a powerful conversation on Fueling Innovation & Access: Funding the Future of Food for Health. Transforming food systems to support public health requires more than innovative ideas—it demands strategic investment. From sustainable food startups to community-based nutrition programs, access to funding is critical to scale solutions that improve health outcomes and promote equity. To unpack this, we’ve brought together a dynamic panel of leaders from venture capital, philanthropy, public health, and food innovation. Joining me in this conversation are: Bunmi Olayanju, Care Center of New Jersey Laura Abda, Branch Venture Valeria Cobos, Plug and Play Ventures Marcia Hopper, Branch Venture Together, we’ll explore how strategic funding can accelerate change at the intersection of food, health, and equity. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

This special episode—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum this summer—we’re diving into a vital conversation on The ROI of Preventive Nutrition: How Nutrition Education and Food-Based Interventions Can Reduce Long-Term Healthcare Costs. As chronic diseases continue to drive up healthcare spending, evidence is mounting that investing in preventive nutrition delivers measurable returns. From school-based programs to clinical initiatives, nutrition education and food-centered interventions can reduce the burden of diet-related diseases, improve population health, and significantly lower long-term costs. Joining me for this important discussion are: Dr. Joan Salge Blake, Boston University Funke Ajenikoko, Rockefeller Foundation Beth Machnica, Buffalo Medical Center Together, we’ll explore how preventive nutrition is not just a public health strategy—it’s a smart economic investment in our collective future. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

In this special episode recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School, we dove into an urgent and often overlooked public health issue—food insecurity. Our featured presentation is titled: “The Cost of Food Insecurity in Massachusetts”, led by Dr. Lauren Fietchner, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fietchner is a nationally recognized physician and health equity advocate whose research focuses on the intersection of food access, poverty, and improving health outcomes for children. At Harvard Medical School, she mentors the next generation of healthcare leaders while conducting groundbreaking work on the societal and economic impacts of food insecurity in collaboration with. In this presentation, Dr. Fietchner examines the ripple effects of food insecurity—from rising healthcare costs to long-term developmental and chronic health challenges—while offering data-driven insights and potential solutions for systemic change. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

Welcome to another special edition of the FoodNiche Changemaker Podcast. In this special fireside chat—recorded live at the FoodNiche Health Forum at Harvard Medical School—we’re tackling one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time: childhood obesity. Over 14 million children in the U.S. are affe cted by obesity, putting them at greater risk for lifelong chronic diseases. Yet, despite growing concern, nutrition education remains one of the most underleveraged tools in prevention. In this thought-provoking conversation, I sat down with Dr. Anabelle Broadbent, to discuss how we can turn innovative ideas into meaningful impact for the next generation. Together, we’ll explore how food education, policy shifts, and cross-sector collaboration can help reverse these alarming trends and build a healthier future for our children. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

This is a special edition of the Changemaker Podcast which features a series of conversations from the FoodNiche Health Forum held at Harvard Medical School. This session is titled: “Aligning Innovation with Impact: Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable and Healthier Food Systems.” In an era of rising chronic disease and increasing environmental strain, it’s clear we need to rethink how our food system works—and who it serves. This panel explores how collaboration across sectors can spark solutions that are not only scalable but truly transformative for both people and the planet. You’ll hear from an incredible group of innovators: Marc Oshima, CEO of Babylon Microfarms, shares how decentralized indoor farming is expanding access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods in institutions like schools and hospitals. Alina Zolotareva, Co-founder of VO Health, discusses digital tools designed to personalize and scale preventive nutrition, empowering individuals to take charge of their health through data-driven insights. Dr. Phillip Strandwitz, CEO of Holobiome, unpacks the science of the gut-brain axis and how microbial health could be key to unlocking the next frontier in both mental and metabolic wellness. And Dr. Anabelle Broadbent, a pathogenic microbiologist and Founder at Verde Ops and researcher, brings a systems-level perspective on how to co-create models that promote equity, sustainability, and measurable health outcomes across communities. This conversation is packed with insight, innovation, and inspiration—and is especially timely as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of building a food system that truly supports human and environmental health.

Thank you for a great season! What an incredible season it’s been! We’ve had amazing conversations with leaders who are transforming the future of food and driving real change in our communities. From groundbreaking innovations to powerful grassroots initiatives, this season has truly been inspiring — and it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing listeners. As we wrap up this season, we’re already gearing up for the next — and we want to hear from YOU. Who do you want to hear from? What conversations do you want us to dive into?" Send us a message at marlet at foodniche-ed dot com Let’s keep the conversation going and shape a healthier future together."  Thank you for being part of this journey — stay tuned, stay inspired, and I’ll see you in the next season of FoodNiche Changemaker.

Join Dr. Julia Olayanju and Devon Klatell as they discuss strategies to build healthier communities through the food as medicine initiatives and food access program. ABOUT GUEST Devon Klatell is Vice President, Food, at The Rockefeller Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s work to advance a more nourishing, equitable and sustainable food system in the United States. Currently, Ms. Klatell is leading the Foundations $100M Food is Medicine initiative. In that role, she works with healthcare insurers, hospitals, food service businesses, policy makers and other funders to increase consumption of healthy foods by underserved communities. Previously, she led the Foundation’s initiatives on food waste prevention, sustainable protein, school nutrition, and the True Cost of Food. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University in cognitive psychology and an M.A. in food systems from New York University.  Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

In this episode, we are diving deep into the role of food in disease prevention and gaining more insights into the concept of food as medicine. Dr. Allison Collins is a pediatrician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who focuses on helping children, teens, and families prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. As Director of Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, she developed the Cook for Health program and leads intensive lifestyle medicine programs for both pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Collins regularly teaches plant-forward culinary medicine classes and conducts cooking demos for patients and healthcare providers. A Fulbright Scholar and American Nutrition Society Fellow, she is affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/

As many start the new year, optimizing health through nutrition and physical activity may be top of mind for many. This conversation with Dr. Minich is an old episode which we are republishing to inform people and motivate people to prioritize nutrition and plan for it this year. Here, people will learn to separate the myths from the fact and learn simple and practical steps to optimize their wellness through nutrition. DR. DEANNA MINICH is a health educator and author with more than twenty years of experience in nutrition, mind-body health, and functional medicine. Dr. Minich holds Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Human Nutrition and Medical Science, respectively, and has lectured extensively throughout the world on health topics, teaching patients and health professionals about health. She is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Nutrition Association and is President of the American College of Nutrition. Her passion is bringing forth a colorful whole-self approach to nourishment called Whole Detox and bridging the gaps between science, soul, and art in medicine. Visit her at: www.deannaminich.com Sponsor: The podcast is made possible by FoodNiche-ED, a gamified platform that enhances the knowledge of food and health. Learn more on foodniche-ed.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodniche_ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodniche_ed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodNicheEd/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodniche-education About Dr. Olayanju: Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist and educator who advocates for enhanced nutrition education in schools and communities. She is the founder of FoodNiche-ED and FoodNiche where she and her team are driving a healthier future through programming, resources and technology.