Nutrition Connection by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof

Kristen Hicks-Roof
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Nutrition Connection is where science meets storytelling. Hosted by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, RD, this podcast highlights the dietitians and nutrition experts shaping the future of food and health. Each episode dives into the inspiring journeys of nutrition professionals whose work touches every corner of the food system and healthcare landscape. From research and clinical practice to culinary innovation, public health, food industry leadership, and beyond—dietitians are everywhere, and their impact runs deep.

  1. 4d ago

    73: Tambra Raye Stevenson MPH, MA, PhD(c)- AGRICULTURE / NONPROFIT

    Tambra Raye Stevenson shares her journey into nutrition, the inspiration behind Wanda, and the intersection of nutrition, media, and technology. She emphasizes the importance of communication, community, and cultural identity in shaping nutrition and health. Kristen Hicks-Roof discusses the interconnectedness of science, communication, and public health, highlighting the challenges of science communication in the nutrition space. The conversation explores the intersection of nutrition, culture, and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of food democracy and the role of technology in shaping the future of nutrition. It also delves into the significance of community support and mentorship in the field of nutrition and the need for a more inclusive approach to cultural foodways. Takeaways Cultural identity and community play a significant role in shaping nutrition and health.The intersection of nutrition, media, and technology presents opportunities and challenges for science communication and public health. Narrative nutritionFood democracy and cultural foodwaysCommunity support and mentorship Chapters 00:00 Journey into Nutrition and Wanda01:24 The Role of Cultural Identity in Nutrition03:20 The Power of Communication and Community in Nutrition05:47 The Intersection of Science, Communication, and Public Health10:39 Nutrition, Media, and Technology16:06 The Interconnectedness of Science, Communication, and Public Health18:42 Narrative Nutrition and Cultural Significance of Food20:04 Maternal Nutrition and Community Support22:21 Creating Impact Beyond Traditional Clinical Pathways26:47 Building Depth and Range in Nutrition Careers29:51 Empathy, Communication, and Community Engagement34:22 The Future of Nutrition and Food Democracy Connect with Tambra: Website: iamwanda.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tambra/ Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

  2. Sep 30

    72: Dani Pezzuto RD, CCTD, CNSC, LDN - CLINICAL / TRANSPLANT

    In this episode, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof interviews Dani Pezzuto, a transplant dietitian, about her journey into the field of nutrition and her role as a transplant dietitian. They discuss the unique challenges and responsibilities of working with transplant patients, the interdisciplinary nature of the role, and the future of nutrition in the healthcare landscape. Takeaways Transplant dietitians play a crucial role in the care of transplant patients, addressing nutritional needs before, during, and after the transplant process.The future of nutrition may involve a balance between processed, shelf-stable food options and the enjoyment and affordability of fresh, home-cooked meals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transplant Dietitian Role01:16 Inspiration to Become a Nutrition Professional02:21 Transition from Engineering to Nutrition03:13 Journey to Becoming a Transplant Dietitian05:17 Role of a Transplant Dietitian in Patient Care07:36 Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration10:23 Day-to-Day Work of a Transplant Dietitian11:36 Use of AI and Technology in Nutrition13:25 Involvement in Food Safety and Scientific Data15:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Nutrition31:11 Future of Nutrition and Food Trends Connect with Dani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-pezzuto/ Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

    72: Dani Pezzuto RD, CCTD, CNSC, LDN - CLINICAL / TRANSPLANT

  3. Sep 30

    71: Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN, Chef - CULINARY / CONSULTING

    The conversation covers the journey of Chef Abby Gelman from a career in finance to becoming a dietitian and chef, her role as the Director of Culinary Medicine, and the importance of stability in nutrition. It also explores the concept of career transition and diversification in the field of nutrition and culinary arts. The conversation covers topics such as portion size awareness and the impact of GLP-1, career highlights and achievements, career path and advice for dietitians, integration of nutrition services, and the role of dietitians in culinary medicine and expertise. The discussion also emphasizes the need for dietitians to take on leading roles in various spaces within the nutrition industry. Takeaways Culinary Medicine and NutritionCareer Transition and Diversification Portion size awarenessCareer advice for dietitians Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Culinary Medicine05:58 Career Transition and Diversification12:13 Director of Culinary Medicine19:50 Stability in Nutrition21:22 Portion Size and GLP-122:09 Career Highlights and Achievements24:37 Career Path and Advice29:42 Integration of Nutrition Services33:01 Culinary Medicine and Dietitian ExpertiseConnect with Abbie: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-gellman/ Website: https://chefabbiegellman.com/ Check out the website: https://www.nutritionconnection.us/ Connect with Dr. Kristen Hicks- Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/

  4. Sep 23

    69: Emily Levin MPH, RDN - PUBLIC HEALTH / GOVERNMENT

    Emily Levin, a public health analyst and registered dietitian, shares her journey into the field of nutrition, highlighting her early passion for nutrition, the impact of nutrition on health, and her transition into public health. She discusses navigating career opportunities, building a network, the role of nutrition in policy, the influence of women in nutrition, entering the policy space, and the future of nutrition. Takeaways Passion for nutrition from an early ageImportance of building a network in the nutrition field Chapters 00:00 Journey into Nutrition02:53 Early Passion for Nutrition06:06 Impact of Nutrition on Health08:58 Transition into Public Health11:56 Navigating Career Opportunities15:11 Building a Network18:08 Role of Nutrition in Policy21:06 Influence of Women in Nutrition23:56 Entering the Policy Space35:49 Future of Nutrition Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyclevin/ Check out the website: https://www.nutritionconnection.us/ Connect with Dr. Kristen Hicks- Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/

  5. Sep 23

    70: Stacey Woodson MS, RDN - ENTREPRENUER/MEDIA

    Stacy Woodson shares her journey from aspiring doctor to becoming a nutrition professional, author, and media dietitian. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the impact of nutrition on personal health. Stacy's diverse career includes clinical work, teaching, entrepreneurship, and storytelling around food and agriculture. She discusses the future of nutrition, focusing on local food systems and the role of dietitians in bridging the gap between communities and food producers. Takeaways Mentorship is crucial for guiding and nurturing the next generation of dietitians.Storytelling around food and agriculture can create a deeper connection and understanding of nutrition.Dietitians can play a key role in bridging the gap between communities and local food systems. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Nutrition Professional01:18 Inspiration and Transition to Nutrition03:24 Biology Background and Career Transition05:43 Balancing Multiple Roles and Entrepreneurship12:14 Day-to-Day as a Business Owner28:02 The Future of Nutrition Connect with Stacey LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-woodson-ms-rd-ldn/ Website: staceywoodson.com Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

    70: Stacey Woodson MS, RDN - ENTREPRENUER/MEDIA

  6. Sep 16

    68: Erik Bustillo MS, RD, FISSN, CSC, CF-L2, CPT - PERFORMANCE / TACTICAL

    The conversation covers Eric Bustillo's journey into the nutrition profession, his early career, roles in corporate wellness and human performance, challenges and setbacks, and his career highlights and achievements. Eric's passion for helping people and his diverse career journey are evident throughout the discussion. The conversation covers Erik's career decision, passion for serving those who serve, the Human Performance Optimization Program, the role of scientific data and evidence in nutrition, professional achievements and impact, getting involved in the tactical nutrition space, and the future of nutrition. Erik emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition and wellness and advocates for the profession. Takeaways Passion for helping peopleDiverse career journey Passion for serving those who serveIndividualized nutrition and wellnessAdvocacy for the profession Chapters 00:00 Inspiration for Nutrition Profession04:08 Early Career and First Roles08:00 Corporate Wellness and Human Performance12:03 Challenges and Setbacks15:59 Career Highlights and Achievements21:38 Career Decision and Passion23:53 Human Performance Optimization Program26:43 Scientific Data and Evidence32:22 Professional Achievements and Impact37:16 Getting Involved in Tactical Nutrition Space42:54 Future of Nutrition Connect with Erik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbustillo/ Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

  7. Sep 16

    67: Alyssa Smolen MS RDN CDN - COMMUNITY / MEDIA

    Alyssa Smolen shares her journey from aspiring artist to becoming a dietitian, blending her passion for nutrition with her love for writing and journalism. She discusses the importance of communication skills in the nutrition field and the impact of mentors on her career. Alyssa also details her diverse roles in community wellness and media dietetics, emphasizing the creative freedom and scientific evidence communication in her day-to-day work. The conversation covers the validation of food choices, the impact of recipes on children, the role of dietitians in corporate wellness, the changing perception of healthy eating, the journey of a media dietitian, and the future of nutrition. Takeaways Passion for Nutrition: Alyssa's journey from an aspiring artist to a dietitian is driven by her personal experience with an eating disorder and the inspiration she found in a dietitian who helped her.Communication and Creativity: The blend of communication skills, creativity, and scientific evidence is essential in Alyssa's diverse roles in community wellness and media dietetics.Mentorship and Impact: The impact of mentors and the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities have been pivotal in shaping Alyssa's career and approach to her work. Validation of food choices is importantRecipes can have a positive impact on children's perception of foodThe role of dietitians in corporate wellness is crucialThe perception of healthy eating is changingBuilding relationships is key in the media and community wellness rolesThe future of nutrition may involve a focus on fiber and beans Chapters 00:00 Journey to Dietetics03:38 Blending Communication and Nutrition07:09 Balancing Diverse Roles17:27 Creative Freedom and Scientific Evidence22:56 Validation of Food Choices23:33 Impact of Recipes on Children24:23 Role of Dietitians in Corporate Wellness27:09 Changing Perception of Healthy Eating31:34 Journey of a Media Dietitian39:31 The Future of Nutrition Connect with Alyssa Website: https://www.arugalyssa.com/ Ig: https://www.instagram.com/arugalyssa?igsh=aWdpcjIxYnpmcmdk&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arugalyssa?_t=8lC6fE8Ykpf&_r=1 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/alyssasmolen Facebook: Arugalyssa Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

    67: Alyssa Smolen MS RDN CDN - COMMUNITY / MEDIA

  8. Sep 9

    66: Dr. Zach Conrad PhD, MPH - RESEARCH / FOOD SYSTEMS

    The Nutrition Connection Podcast features a discussion on the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and economics. Dr. Zach Conrad shares insights into the impact of food on society, health, and sustainability, while Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof explores the practical implications for health professionals and policy makers. The conversation covers the impact of scientific data on policy and clinical guidelines, trade-offs in nutrition and sustainability, consumer behavior and food waste, optimizing health and sustainability through policy, mentorship and its impact on career trajectory, interdisciplinary collaboration in nutrition, and the future of nutrition with databases and computational models. Takeaways Nutrition and food systems have a broad impact on society, health, and sustainability.Research in nutrition and food systems involves interdisciplinary training and mathematical modeling. Scientific data informs policy and clinical guidelinesTrade-offs exist in nutrition and sustainability Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Nutrition Connection Podcast01:18 Inspiration for Becoming a Scientist03:22 The Broad Impact of Nutrition03:50 Research and Degrees in Nutrition and Food Systems06:16 Academic Journey and Interdisciplinary Training09:01 Academic Background and Research Experience13:06 Trade-offs and Decision-making in Nutrition and Agriculture14:07 Crop Varieties and Market Value16:07 Mathematical Representations of Food Systems20:20 Research Impact on Health Professionals and Policy25:39 The Impact of Scientific Data on Policy and Clinical Guidelines26:55 Trade-offs in Nutrition and Sustainability29:16 Consumer Behavior and Food Waste30:20 Optimizing Health and Sustainability Through Policy32:20 Mentorship and Impact on Career Trajectory36:18 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Nutrition45:56 The Future of Nutrition: Databases and Computational Models Connect with Dr. Conrad Website: ZachSConrad.com Academic: https://www.wm.edu/as/health-sciences/faculty/conrad-z.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachconrad1/ Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/   Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/

    66: Dr. Zach Conrad PhD, MPH - RESEARCH / FOOD SYSTEMS
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Nutrition Connection is where science meets storytelling. Hosted by Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, RD, this podcast highlights the dietitians and nutrition experts shaping the future of food and health. Each episode dives into the inspiring journeys of nutrition professionals whose work touches every corner of the food system and healthcare landscape. From research and clinical practice to culinary innovation, public health, food industry leadership, and beyond—dietitians are everywhere, and their impact runs deep.

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