Peat has been the backbone of soilless plant production for decades, but growing environmental concerns and tightening supply are forcing the industry to rethink what comes next.

In this episode of the AgriCurious Podcast, Dennis sits down with Dr. Jeb Fields and Dr. James Altland to discuss the Soilless Substrate Project, peat alternatives, stratified substrates, and what growers can realistically do to prepare for a peat-limited future.

Can food waste be part of the solution rather than the problem?

In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis speaks with Dr. Peng Lu, Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication Department at the University of Georgia, about upcycled food and the science behind it. Dr. Lu studies how consumers respond to food innovations and how communication shapes acceptance.

Their conversation moves through definitions, real-world examples, public misconceptions, and current research, offering insight into how upcycled food fits into broader efforts to build more sustainable and circular food systems.

What does it take to protect peaches in Georgia and apples in New York from a shifting mix of pests, weather, and regulations?

In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis sits down with Dr. Brett Blaauw, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia and Clemson University, and Dr. Monique Rivera, Assistant Professor at Cornell AgriTech and Faculty Fellow at the Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

Together, they discuss the Eastern Tree Fruit SREP project, an ambitious, multi-state collaboration designed to strengthen Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for tree fruit growers. The conversation moves from their unique regional experiences to shared challenges, ongoing work, and hopes for the future of IPM. It’s a blend of science, stories, and collaboration, all rooted in the orchards that feed us.

In this episode of AgriCurious, we hang out in the Lamm Lab Lounge, where science meets stories and laughter. Join Dennis, Funmi, Megan, Michael, and Gracie as they chat about their research, experiences, and what makes science communication such an exciting journey. It’s curiosity, community, and a touch of fun, all in one conversation!

What happens when science meets the vineyard? In this episode, Dennis sits down with Dr. Renee Threlfall and Dr. Margaret Worthington, the dynamic duo behind the Vitis × Muscadinia project, to talk about building better grapes through collaboration. Recorded in Fayetteville during the VxM Annual Meeting, 2025, the conversation explores the project’s impact on research, growers, and the future of grape breeding. From breeding tables to tasting rooms, Renee and Margaret share what it takes to make grapes that balance resilience with irresistible flavor.

In this episode, Dr. Alexa Lamm hosts Manuel Morales from Los Arroyos Nursery in Watsonville, California. Manuel shares his insights on a constantly evolving industry, including how he works closely with scientists to push industry standards, his view on the future need for alternative soilless substrates, and how he has enjoyed growing plants for over 35 years with no plans to stop, despite the necessity for change and innovation. He talks about his substrate mixes, explaining why he still uses peat in some and not in others.

The spotted lanternfly may look striking with its bold wings of red, black, and white and a body patterned with yellow bands and dark spots, but don’t be fooled. It's one of the most pressing invasive species threatening agriculture in the United States.

In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis sits down at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory with two experts from Penn State University: Dr. Julie Urban (Research Associate Professor) and Megan Luke (Extension Educator, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program). Together, they unpack the lanternfly’s origins, behavior, and its peculiar love for the “tree of heaven.” They also share what researchers are learning about its impact and how the fight to contain it is unfolding.

PFAS and microplastics are two of the most talked-about contaminants in our food, water, and environment, but what do we really know about them, and why should we care? In this podcast, host Dennis Baffour-Awuah brings together voices from research and practice to discuss the science, the risks, and the realities behind these invisible threats.

Featuring Dr. Sarah White, Professor and Nursery Extension Specialist at Clemson University, and Masoud Yazdanpanah, a researcher at the University of Georgia, the episode explores what PFAS and microplastics are, how they affect our health and ecosystems, what consumers should consider in their daily choices, and where policy and research need to step in.

From everyday food decisions to the future of environmental protection, this podcast breaks down complex science into clear, engaging conversations that matter for all of us.

Plant-based meat movements: a disservice to society?

In this episode, Dr. Keith Belk, Director of the Center for Meat Safety and Quality at Colorado State University, discusses the role of meat in our diets, common misconceptions, and the rise of anti-meat movements. He talks about how consumer perceptions have evolved, debunks myths surrounding meat, and shares insights from his career as a meat scientist, tackling the tough questions we've all been eager to ask.

Dr. Lamm sits with Joe Proudman, the Associate Director of Communications at the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center. They discuss the center's origins, mission, research areas, and science communication efforts, including how they aim to address the five pillars supporting their work. The CLEAR Center works to help the animal agriculture industry operate more efficiently while reducing its environmental and climate impact.