The PrimaFoodie Podcast

Nichole Perkins

Food is one of the most essential parts of our lives. It’s the fuel for our days, the nutrients for our bodies, and the most critical key to our health. Yet today, so much of what we eat and the system that delivers it is adulterated and unhealthy. ‘The PrimaFoodie Podcast’ aims to shed light on all of this. Host Nichole Perkins, a food activist and advocate for clean living, digs deep into the inner workings of our food system and the changes we need to see for a healthier future. Through interviews with experts and passionate advocates in the fields of science, agriculture, nutrition, integrative health, and more, each episode aims to educate and inspire so we can become better informed about what we eat and how we can change our food system for the better. Because healthy nourishing food needs to be accessible for every one of us.

  1. 02/05/2024

    Season 2 Episode 11: Unlocking Your Genetic Menu with Dr. Sherry Zhang

    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. Key Points From This Episode: The origins of GenoPalate and her motivation for starting the company.Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and their impact on traits.Her academic journey from Ph.D. to post-doctoral fellowship.The biological, nongenomic, and behavioral data GenoPalate leverages.GenoPalate’s approach to preventative care and the role of genetic markers.How GenoPalate stands out from other companies in the space.Discover how our genetic structure determines what we should eat.Dr. Zang explains the process, from the DNA swab at home to the lab analysis.Learn about the additional services GenoPalate offers customers.Get a sneak peek of some exciting upcoming developments from GenoPalate.She shares her experience of using the GenoPalate approach with her son.Challenges of implementing personalized nutrition with children.Her future vision for GenoPalate and the “food as medicine” movement. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Sherry Zhang on LinkedIn GenoPalate The Obesity Society TOPS Club PrimaFoodie PrimaFoodie on Instagram PrimaFoodie on Facebook PrimaFoodie on Pinterest PrimaFoodie on YouTube PrimaFoodie Email

  2. 01/22/2024

    Season 2 Episode 10: Whole Body Wellness through Real Food with Monica Ford

    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: What ignited Monica’s passion for cooking and changed her perspective on health.A remarkable true story of how beet kvass healed a fatty liver diagnosis.Where to find this fabulous fermented tonic (or learn how to make your own!)The origins of Real Food Devotee: empowering people with the tools to heal themselves.How real food impacts our health not just physically, but emotionally and cognitively too.The benefits of seed cycling to balance your hormones.Surprisingly simple tips for improving your diet today.The gift of fermentation and the role it plays in Monica’s love for ancestral cuisine.How to “vote with your dollars,” even when it’s difficult to find organic produce.Challenges Monica comes up against while advocating for real, whole, organic food.Why just a cup or a tablespoon of these real foods are a total game-changer!Actionable advice for being a more intentional participant in your own life. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Real Food Devotee Real Food Devotee on Instagram Real Food Devotee: Beet Kvass Nourishing Traditions PrimaFoodie PrimaFoodie on Instagram PrimaFoodie on Facebook PrimaFoodie on Pinterest PrimaFoodie on YouTube PrimaFoodie Email

  3. 01/15/2024

    Season 2 Episode 9: Spilling the Beans with Steve Sando

    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: Steve describes heirloom beans and how they differ from other commercial beans. Who Rancho Gordo works with and how they grow their beans. How Steve prepares beans for cooking and the difference between canned and dry beans. Why he prioritized taste above all else when launching Rancho Gordo. Reasons that many commercial farmers don’t consider farming heirloom beans. How and why Rancho Gordo branched out into selling grains and spices. Steve breaks down the agricultural term “cultivated for people” as opposed to wild.The versatility of beans and how our guest would encourage people to try new foods. Various ways of cooking beans and Steve’s favorite item in Rancho Gordo’s catalog.  Upcoming projects that he is most excited about.The guests he welcomes to Rando Gordo’s kitchen. How Steve’s diabetes diagnosis paved the way for a healthier relationship with food. His exercise routine: how and why he developed it.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Steve Sando on LinkedIn Steve Sando on X Steve Sando on Instagram  Steve Sando Books on Amazon Rancho Gordo   Saveur Bon Appétit  Food and Wine   Hollywood Farmers Market  On Food and Cooking  Julia Newberry on LinkedIn  Deborah Madison Books on Amazon  Edible Communities PrimaFoodie  PrimaFoodie on Instagram PrimaFoodie on Facebook PrimaFoodie on Pinterest PrimaFoodie on YouTube PrimaFoodie Email

  4. 12/11/2023

    Season 2 Episode 6: Food from the Heart, Mind, and Hands: Organic Farming with Larry Kandarian

    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. Key Points From This Episode: How Larry selects crops for their benefit to the earth and humans.Defining ancient grains and what differentiates them from modern grains.  The machinery traditionally used in farming and how it differs today.What sets organic farming apart. Why the soil (and how you grow it) is so important.How Larry applies these soil principles to his own farming.Differences between soil and dirt.Larry’s thoughts on the growth of organic products and farming (or lack thereof).The importance of working toward helping younger farmers get started. Insight into Larry’s take on the problem with the Farm Bill.Grain preparation for gluten-intolerant consumers.A look at Larry's favorite gluten alternative crop.What he means by “warm-season grains” and “cold-season grains.”The story of what sparked his transition from mechanical engineering to farming. Where he got his heirloom seeds from. The takeaway for listeners: buy from verified trustworthy seed growers!Advice for the average consumer and what to look out for when buying food. A final call to action: shop at farmers’ markets! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Larry Kandarian on LinkedIn Kandarian Organic Farms The Breadlab at Washington State University Natural Products Conference Heirloom Festival Ventura PrimaFoodie PrimaFoodie on Instagram PrimaFoodie on Facebook PrimaFoodie on Pinterest PrimaFoodie on YouTube PrimaFoodie Email

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Food is one of the most essential parts of our lives. It’s the fuel for our days, the nutrients for our bodies, and the most critical key to our health. Yet today, so much of what we eat and the system that delivers it is adulterated and unhealthy. ‘The PrimaFoodie Podcast’ aims to shed light on all of this. Host Nichole Perkins, a food activist and advocate for clean living, digs deep into the inner workings of our food system and the changes we need to see for a healthier future. Through interviews with experts and passionate advocates in the fields of science, agriculture, nutrition, integrative health, and more, each episode aims to educate and inspire so we can become better informed about what we eat and how we can change our food system for the better. Because healthy nourishing food needs to be accessible for every one of us.