Foodie Pharmacology Podcast

Co-Conspiracy Entertainment
  • 4.9 (89)
  • Nature

Foodie Pharmacology is the science podcast for the food curious! Dr. Quave is co-creator and host of the show. She speaks with leading experts on certain crops, sustainable farming methods, medicinal plants, and explores the pharmacology--or health impact--of our food through weekly episodes! You can also tune in through subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Leave comments and ratings on episodes! Dr. Quave loves to hear from the #FoodiePharmacology fans!

  1. 23h ago

    The First 1,000 Days: How Your Baby’s Gut Microbes Shape Lifelong Health with Dr. Savita Srivastava

    What if some of the most important foundations for lifelong health are established before a child’s second birthday? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave speaks with Yale-trained gastroenterologist and microbiome specialist Dr. Savita Srivastava about how the gut microbiome develops during the first 1,000 days of life. They explore how birth, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, antibiotics, environmental exposures, and the introduction of solid foods help shape a baby’s developing microbial community. Dr. Srivastava explains the differences among probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics; why metabolites such as butyrate matter for the gut barrier and immune system; and what scientists are learning about connections between early microbial development and allergies, eczema, autoimmune conditions, metabolism, and brain health. The conversation also examines vaginal seeding, the limits of probiotic supplements, and practical ways families can support microbial diversity through fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and a varied diet. Most importantly, Dr. Srivastava offers reassurance: there is no single perfect formula for building a healthy microbiome, and parents have many opportunities to support their children’s health as they grow. Learn more about Dr. Srivastava and her book and work at https://www.doctorsavita.com/. Follow Dr. Srivastava on Instagram and Facebook: @gutdoctorsavita #FoodiePharmacology #GutMicrobiome #GutHealth #Breastfeeding #FermentedFoods #ChildNutrition

  2. Jun 15

    Alpha-gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy) with Gary Falcetano | Foodie Pharmacology with Dr. Cassandra Quave

    We’d 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 you’re 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.

  3. Jun 8

    Pregnancy, Nutrition, and the Science of the Placenta with Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld | Foodie Pharmacology with Dr. Cassandra Quave

    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.

  4. Jun 1

    The Ethnobotany of Candomblé with Dr. Bob Voeks

    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

  5. May 18

    How Pet Food Went Wrong with Dr. Judy Morgan

    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 what’s 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/

  6. May 11

    Genome Mining and the Quest for New Antibiotics with Dr. Nadine Ziemert

    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 Tübingen, 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 “chemical dark matter” 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. Ziemert’s research on her lab’s YouTube channel.

  7. May 4

    Legal Action for Nature with Dr. Jacob Phelps

    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/

  8. Apr 27

    Natural Remedies for Pets with Angela Ardolino

    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 lion’s 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 Angela’s work at https://angelaardolino.com/

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4.9
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

Foodie Pharmacology is the science podcast for the food curious! Dr. Quave is co-creator and host of the show. She speaks with leading experts on certain crops, sustainable farming methods, medicinal plants, and explores the pharmacology--or health impact--of our food through weekly episodes! You can also tune in through subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Leave comments and ratings on episodes! Dr. Quave loves to hear from the #FoodiePharmacology fans!

Information

  • Creator
    Co-Conspiracy Entertainment
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Foodie Pharmacology Podcast

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