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. 1d ago

    Don't Cherry-Pick the Facts - Straight Talk from the Orchard

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge talks with fourth-generation Michigan tart cherry grower Talon Felker about the science, hard work, and innovation behind one of America's most unique specialty crops. From the unique climate that makes northern Michigan ideal for growing Montmorency tart cherries to the challenges of pests, unpredictable weather, and rising production costs, Talon shares a behind-the-scenes look at an industry few consumers ever see. What We Cover: • The differences between sweet and tart cherries. • How cherries go from tree to finished product in as little as 36 hours. • The health benefits that make Montmorency tart cherries unique. • Why bees are essential to a successful cherry harvest. • A new certification program that helps shoppers identify authentic U.S.-grown tart cherries. • Creative ways to enjoy tart cherries beyond pie. • The biggest challenges facing today's specialty crop farmers. Discover the story behind one of America's iconic summer fruits and meet the farm family working to keep this unique specialty crop thriving for future generations. *This is not a sponsored episode* Guest: Talon Felker, Michigan Tart Cherry Grower, host of The Specialty Crop Cast, and creator of Pomes and Stones. Social Media: Facebook YouTube Podcast Webiste

    Don't Cherry-Pick the Facts - Straight Talk from the Orchard

  2. Jul 16

    Fear Sells. Facts Nourish. A Supermarket Dietitian Sets the Record Straight.

    In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with supermarket dietitian Leah McGrath, who has spent more than 26 years helping shoppers navigate the grocery store with confidence. Leah shares practical, money-saving strategies—from meal planning and shopping weekly sales to making the most of loyalty programs and seasonal produce. But this conversation goes beyond grocery budgets. It dives into one of today's biggest challenges: food misinformation. Together, Marianne and Leah explore why consumers are increasingly fearful of ingredients they can't pronounce, how food-scanning apps and social media fuel confusion, and why marketing claims on the front of food packages often distract shoppers from the information that really matters. You'll also hear how supermarket dietitians serve as trusted voices in their communities, helping consumers separate science from sensational headlines while connecting them with local farmers and the stories behind their food. What We Cover: • Why a simple meal plan can be your biggest money-saving tool. • Why unfamiliar ingredients aren't automatically unhealthy. • How food myths spread through social media and food-rating apps. • What information on a food package actually deserves your attention. • How supermarket dietitians help consumers make evidence-based food decisions Whether you're trying to spend less, eat well, or simply make sense of the conflicting nutrition messages, this episode will leave you feeling more informed—and confident—the next time you head to the grocery store. Leah McGrath, RD,LDN Corporate Dietitian Ingles Market Facebook LinkedIn

    Fear Sells. Facts Nourish. A Supermarket Dietitian Sets the Record Straight.

  3. Jul 9

    Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze to Save the Florida Citrus Industry?

    Have you ever wondered why some of your favorite foods seem harder to find—or why they're changing? In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge sits down with registered dietitian, chef, and farmer's daughter Amy Myrdal Miller to explore the forces shaping the foods we enjoy every day. Using Florida's citrus industry as a real-world example, Amy explains how citrus greening disease has dramatically changed orange production and how researchers and growers are working to protect one of America's most recognizable crops. But the conversation goes beyond citrus to answer a question many consumers ask: Why don't farmers just grow something else? Amy breaks down the economic realities behind farming decisions—from specialized equipment and infrastructure to reliable markets and financial risk. Together, she and Marianne explore why growing our food requires long-term planning, adaptability, and innovation. The episode wraps up in the kitchen as Amy shares simple ways to enjoy the season's freshest produce and previews her upcoming cookbook featuring simple 2-ingredient, heart-healthy recipes. What We Cover: • How citrus greening disease has transformed Florida's citrus industry. • Why farmers can't simply switch to growing different crops. • How markets, infrastructure, and consumer demand influence what farmers grow. • Practical ways to enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables with simple seasonal recipes. Join us for another conversation that connects the science, the farmers, and the stories behind the food we eat. Guest: Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Founder & President Farmer’s Daughter Consulting Social Media:   Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn Resources: Cooking a la Heart: Book: Cooking à la Heart - Farmer's Daughter Consulting

    Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze to Save the Florida Citrus Industry?

  4. Jul 2

    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

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

  5. 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

    From Farm to Fridge: The Sustainability Practices Behind Your Milk

  6. 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

    No Bees, No Food? Why Pollinators Matter

  7. 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

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

  8. 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

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