In this episode, Dr. Sid Thakur joins us to unpack antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why it is one of the most urgent challenges for both human and animal health. Dr. Thakur explains how AMR develops, why antibiotics remain essential but increasingly complex tools, and how the One Health approach helps us understand the connections between people, animals, food systems, and the environment. We also explore how resistant bacteria can move through food, farms, pets, hospitals, and the broader environment, highlighting why AMR is a truly interconnected issue rather than a single-source problem. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about antibiotics in food production, existing safeguards and regulations, and the gap between policy and real-world implementation. Dr. Thakur closes with a reminder that awareness, responsible use, and stronger translation of science into action are critical to slowing the spread of AMR and protecting both public and global health.

Learn more about Dr. Thakur’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/people/sthakur/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/teams/surveillance-prevention-control-AMR/nap-amr-implementation-handbook

The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/commissions-do/one-health

World Health Organization- One Health Initiative: https://www.who.int/teams/one-health-initiative/quadripartite-secretariat-for-one-health

Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/foodnet/index.htmL/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. William Hallman joins us to explore the psychology behind food choice and why the way we think about food is shaped by more than science alone. Together, we discuss how emotions, identity, trust, culture, and social media influence food decisions, while examining why the same information can lead different people to very different conclusions. Dr. Hallman also explains how packaging, labels, and other visual cues shape perceptions of food quality, nutrition, and safety, and why these mental shortcuts become especially influential during moments of uncertainty and controversy. From food recalls and emerging technologies to viral nutrition claims, we explore how people assess food-related risks and what these patterns reveal about the challenges of communicating science. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the psychology of food and why effective science communication begins with understanding people’s values, experiences, and perspectives.

Learn more about Dr. Hallman’s work below:

Rutgers University Bio Page: https://humanecology.rutgers.edu/people/faculty/william-hallman/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

FAO & WHO - Food safety aspects of cell-based food (social dimensions and communications): https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/94b21367-e1ee-4448-a65e-f40595862253

APEC Food Safety Risk Communication Framework and Associated Guidelines: https://www.apec.org/publications/2022/02/apec-food-safety-risk-communication-framework-and-associated-guidelines

Communicating Science Effectively: A Research Agenda: https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DBASSE-DBASSE-15-01/publication/23674

Risk Communication Applied to Food Safety Handbook: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/04539c1d-1feb-4acf-bd9e-9d635e51c617/content

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Visit https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/ for more information.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Khara Grieger and Dr. Katy May join us to explore the growing concern around PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and their connection to our food and water systems. From cookware and cosmetics to contaminated rivers in North Carolina, they unpack how PFAS make their way into our bodies and the risks they pose for human health, farmers, and local communities. We discuss what the science does and doesn’t yet tell us, the challenges of regulating thousands of PFAS compounds, and how consumers can make more informed choices without panic. Plus, our guests highlight emerging solutions, from municipal water filters to bioremediation, and share why collective awareness and source reduction may be the key to protecting our future food system.

Learn more about Dr. Grieger and Dr. May’s work below:

Khara Grieger’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/applied-ecology/people/kdgriege/

Katy May’s NC State Bio Page: https://publicscience.ncsu.edu/people/kmay2/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NC State University PFAS Hub: https://superfund.ncsu.edu/pfas-hub/

Guide to Understanding and Addressing PFAS in our Communities: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/Guide-to-Understanding-and-Addressing-PFAS-in-our-communities

PFAS: Concerns Mount Regarding Biosolid Applications: https://farmlaw.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/02/pfas-concerns-mount-regarding-biosolid-applications/

EWG’s Tap Water Database: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/reviewed-pfcs.php

PFAS Central PFAS-Free Products: https://pfascentral.org/pfas-free-products/

PFAS Project Lab Resources: https://pfasproject.com/additional-resources-get-the-facts/

PFAS Exchange - What’s My Exposure: https://www-pfas.pfas-exchange.org/report/graphtool/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.