Rooted & Restless with Marianne Smith Edge

Marianne Smith Edge
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Rooted and Restless. The podcast that digs beneath the surface of what we eat. How it gets to our plates and why it matters to our health. I'm Marianne Smith Edge, registered dietitian and sixth generation farm owner. And each week, I'll explore the complex, fascinating world of food and farming with friends and colleagues, from hot topics and trends to travel, culture and the food memories that connect us all. Because food always has a story, and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

  1. Stop Throwing Away Money: Easy Food-Saving Hacks That Cut Cost, Not Flavor

    28m ago

    Stop Throwing Away Money: Easy Food-Saving Hacks That Cut Cost, Not Flavor

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with registered dietitian and cookbook author RosanneRust about simple, practical ways to make the food you buy last longer and get more value from every grocery trip. From storing fresh produce properly to giving overripe fruits and vegetables a second life, Rosanne shares realistic tips that anyone can use. Rosanne also explains how growing up in an Italian family inspired her appreciation for using every ingredient—an approach that continues to inspire her zero-waste cookingphilosophy. She shares how these practical habits are woven into her cookbooks, making healthy eating more affordable while reducing food waste-whether you're preparing everyday meals or hosting summer gatherings. What We Cover: • How to adopt a simple zero-waste mindset. • Creative ways to use overripe fruits and vegetables. • Why imperfect produce is just as nutritious as perfect-looking fruits and vegetables. • Practical strategies to reduce food waste while saving money. • How wasting less food supports a more sustainable food system.Whether you're shopping at the farmers market oryour local grocery store, this conversation will inspire you to make the most of every ingredient, save money, and see food in a whole new way. Guest:  Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, owner Rust Nutrition Communications and Chew the Facts® Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/RosanneRustAuthor https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosannerust/ https://www.instagram.com/chewthefacts/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chewthefacts Resources: Rust Nutrition Website Free Zero Waste Cooking Guide All Books

    36 min
  2. From Farm to Fridge: The Sustainability Practices Behind Your Milk

    Jun 25

    From Farm to Fridge: The Sustainability Practices Behind Your Milk

    What does sustainability actually look like on a dairy farm? In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with Wisconsin dairy farmer Andrea Brossard about what sustainability looks like on a modern dairy farm. Andrea shares how her 500-cow operation balances caring for cows, protecting natural resources, and embracing innovation while producing nutritious dairy foods for consumers. What We Cover • Why cow care is the foundation of sustainable dairy farming • How crop rotation, cover crops, and no-till practices support soil health • How on farm practices contribute to corporate sustainability goals • How technology helps farmers make smart data-driven decisions • The impact of female farmers in shaping the future of agriculture Whether you're curious about where your milk comes from or interested in the future of food production, this episode explores how dairy farmers are adapting to meet consumer expectations while preparing for the future. Guest: Andrea Brossard, Third Generation Dairy Farmer and Agricultural Communication Consultant  LinkedIn Resources: Sustainable Supply Chain Management Course LinkedIn

    46 min
  3. No Bees, No Food? Why Pollinators Matter

    Jun 18

    No Bees, No Food? Why Pollinators Matter

    Did you know that one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators? In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with Tamara Horn Potter, PhD, beekeeper extension specialist at Kentucky State University, about the often-forgotten connection between bees, pollinators, and the food on our plates. What We Cover:  The challenges facing today's beekeepers, from transporting hives across the country to protecting bee health  The economic impact of honeybees and native bees on U.S. agriculture  The environmental issues affecting bees  The best herbs and plants to attract bees to your garden  How to match honey varieties with food  What we need to know about protecting pollinators Discover how the health of pollinators affects the future of our food—and what each of us can do to help these essential workers thrive. Guest: Tamara Horn Potter, PhD, Beekeeper Extension Specialist, Kentucky State University Social: LinkedIn Resources: Pollinator.org  KSU Small Scale Farm Grant program American Beekeeping Federation

    41 min
  4. The Real Story Behind the Farmers Market: What Most Consumers Never See

    Jun 11

    The Real Story Behind the Farmers Market: What Most Consumers Never See

    In this episode of Rooted and Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with Kentucky farmer and entrepreneur Jim Gilles to discuss the realities of modern farming, direct-to-consumer food sales, and the growing demand for local and regional food systems. Jim shares how his family's century-long Angus cattle operation evolved from a traditional seedstock business into a thriving direct-to-consumer enterprise, Hillview Meats. We also explore the time and costs required for bringing farm fresh products to farmers’ markets. The conversation evolves into the discussion around the economics and challenges facing the next generation of farmers and the need for agriculture diversification for the future of food. What We Cover • What it really takes to prepare for a weekly farmers market • Why local food often costs more than products sold through large retail chains • The role of regional food systems in strengthening communities and food security • The importance of agricultural diversification for economic resilience • Challenges facing the next generation of farmers, including land access and startup costs • Why building relationships between consumers and producers is essential for the future of food This conversation is a reminder that long term planning, countless hours and many faces are behind every farmers market vendor and the food we eat. Guest: Jim Gilles, 5th Generation Farmer and Owner, Hillview Farms Meats Facebook Instagram

    48 min
  5. Raw Milk, Whole Milk, and Dairy Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

    Jun 4

    Raw Milk, Whole Milk, and Dairy Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with Lauren Twigge, RDN and a dairy farmer dairy daughter about all things dairy -from the growing interest in raw milk, the science behind pasteurization, and the evolving landscape of dairy products. Together, they explore common misconceptions about milk safety, discuss the role of whole milk in healthy diets, and the resurgence of cottage cheese popularity. Lauren also provides insight on growing up on a dairy farm and how those experiences shaped her commitment to animal care, nutrition education, and consumer trust. What We Cover: • Why raw milk is gaining popularity and what consumers should know about the risks • How pasteurization works and why it remains a critical food safety tool • The resurgence of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and other dairy foods • Tips for finding dairy products that fit your nutritional needs and preferences Whether you're curious about raw milk, wondering which dairy products best fit your lifestyle, or simply looking for evidence-based answers to common questions, this episode delivers a balanced and informative look at one of our most familiar foods. Guest: Lauren Twigge, MCN, RDN, LD Owner, Lauren Twigge Nutrition, PLLC Website LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Facebook

    36 min
  6. What’s Really in Our Food? Separating Fear From Fact

    May 28

    What’s Really in Our Food? Separating Fear From Fact

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with Dr. S. Liza Lockwood, an emergency medicine physician, medical toxicologist, and medical affairs lead with Bayer U.S. Crop Science. She joins Marianne to talk about food safety, pesticides, natural toxins, and how scientists evaluate risk. Together, they explore why public concerns about chemicals in food often differ from actual scientific risk. What We Cover • Why toxicologists say “the dose makes the poison” • Natural toxins in foods and plants • How toxic substances contributed to medical discoveries • The difference between hazard and real-world risk • How modern agriculture improves food safety and food security • What consumers should know about pesticides and crop protection Marianne and Liza break down common questions about food safety, including naturally occurring toxins in foods, how farmers protect crops from mold and disease, and what consumers need to know about pesticides. They also explain the differences between U.S. and European pesticide regulations and why there’s an important distinction between something being potentially harmful and posing a real-world risk. Guest: Dr. S. Eliza Lockwood, MD DFACMT, Medical Affairs, Bayer U.S. Crop Science Twitter: @DrLizaMD Web:  http://www.bayer.com

    42 min
  7. Seedless Blackberries and Pitless Cherries Are Coming — Here's How

    May 21

    Seedless Blackberries and Pitless Cherries Are Coming — Here's How

    What if fruits and vegetables could taste better, last longer, and be easier to grow all while reducing food waste? Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RDN sits down with Anabel Rivas, M.S., Director of Crop Technical Development at Pairwise, to explore how gene-editing technology is transforming the future of fresh produce. Anabel shares how Pairwise is developing innovations like seedless blackberries and pitless cherries and why these types of advancements could help address challenges related to flavor, shelf life, sustainability, and climate resilience. What We Cover: • What CRISPR gene editing actually is — in plain language • How gene editing differs from traditional breeding and GMOs • How innovations like seedless blackberries and pitless cherries are developed • How crop innovation can reduce food waste and resource use • The role of technology in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience From berry breeding to breakthrough food innovation, this is how science and agriculture are coming together to shape the next generation of fresh foods. 🔗 Resources mentioned: Pairwise 🔗 Connect with Anabel Rivas: LinkedIn 🎙️ Listen to Rooted & Restless on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon | iHeart Radio 📲 Follow Marianne Smith Edge: Website #RootedAndRestless #MarianneSmithEdge #CRISPR #GeneEditing #Pairwise #FoodInnovation #FutureOfFood #SeedlessBlackberries #PitlessCherries #FoodScience #NutritionPodcast #RegisteredDietitian #FoodSystem #WhatWeEat #FoodTruth #SustainableAgriculture #FoodWaste #EvidenceBasedNutrition #AgriNutrition #Produce

    33 min
  8. Does MSG Really Cause Headaches?

    May 14

    Does MSG Really Cause Headaches?

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with Mary Lee Chin, MS, RDN and owner, Nutrition Edge Communications about glutamate (MSG). Together, they explore how one ingredient became the center of food fears, cultural misconceptions, and decades of misinformation. Mary Lee shares the origins of MSG and how the term “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” emerged from a racially charged narrative in the late 1960s.They also discuss what current science says about MSG—and why it may even help reduce sodium intake while maintaining flavor. What We Cover The discovery of MSG and umami Foods that naturally contain glutamate The origins of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” How cultural bias shaped MSG fears What current research says about MSG safety Why context matters when discussing food ingredients Along the way, food, culture, science, and a few baseball stories are shared—all in one conversation. Guest: Mary Lee Chin, MS, RDN LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Resources: https://msgfacts.com/about-monosodium-glutamate-msg/

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Rooted and Restless. The podcast that digs beneath the surface of what we eat. How it gets to our plates and why it matters to our health. I'm Marianne Smith Edge, registered dietitian and sixth generation farm owner. And each week, I'll explore the complex, fascinating world of food and farming with friends and colleagues, from hot topics and trends to travel, culture and the food memories that connect us all. Because food always has a story, and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

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