In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Dr. Eva Monterrosa, co-founder of the Food Culture Alliance, for a conversation on why culture is such a powerful force in shaping what we eat.

Eva shares the story behind launching the Alliance in 2023 and explains how food culture can shift demand toward healthier, more sustainable foods. We discuss the NIBS framework (Narratives, Identity, Beliefs, and Culinary Systems) and explore the food cultural topics being explored at the Food Culture Alliance.

We also look at the role of storytelling in defining what feels “normal” or “desirable” to eat — and how understanding culture can help create healthier food futures.

Episode links

• Website:foodculturealliance.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-monterrosa/

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Ella Marshall and Sami Simreen - two innovators shaping the future of food. Sami is the co-founder of KiCo Kitchen, a sustainable and inclusive co-working kitchen, while Ella works at Nali Consulting, where they focus on the intersection of food systems and innovation, helping early-stage businesses move from idea to impact.

Together, they explore what “food innovation” really means beyond the buzzword and share insights for start-ups finding their footing. From novel ingredients to lessons learned from entrepreneurs, we discuss how collaboration and creativity can help new ideas take shape.

Tune in for an inspiring look at the role innovation plays in shaping more sustainable, diverse and delicious food futures.

Episode links:

Kico: www.kico.kitchen

Nali Consulting: www.naliconsulting.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kico.kitchen/

LinkedIn:

• www.linkedin.com/company/kico-kitchen/
• www.linkedin.com/company/naliconsulting
• www.linkedin.com/in/sami-simreen/
• www.linkedin.com/in/ella-marshall-a34766153

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Liz Shaw MS RDN CPT, a nutrition communicator, science translator and storyteller, for a conversation on how credible food messaging can cut through the wellness noise. 

Drawing on her experience across media, brand work and writing, Liz shares how the way we talk about food influences daily choices, what it takes to build trust with a skeptical audience, and how to navigate the rapid spread of misinformation online. We also explore how cultural context shapes food systems, communication and the way we think about health.

Episode links

• Shaw’s Simple Swaps Website: shawsimpleswaps.com
• Instagram: @shawsimpleswaps 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethshawmsrdn/ 

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Barbara Bray MBE - a registered nutritionist, food safety expert, and PhD researcher at Queen’s University Belfast - for a conversation on what it means to eat well as we age.

Barbara shares insights from her research on the dietary habits of older adults in the UK and explains why the gap between what we do eat and what we should eat as we grow older has never been more urgent. We unpack the difference between age span and health span, challenge common myths around aging and nutrition, and explore how food systems can better support longevity, equity, and accessibility for older populations.

Tune in for an evidence-based look at how we can all shape a healthier future.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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In this episode of Changing Plates, Heidi Kessler, Deputy Director of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), joins us to discuss how school meal programs are transforming health, education, and local economies around the world.

Heidi shares insights from GCNF’s Global Survey of School Meal Programs©, highlights the impact of home-grown school feeding, and explores how these programs support gender equity and community resilience. We also touch on Japan’s Shokuiku model of food education and look ahead to the future of school meals following the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum.

Tune in for a hopeful, thought-provoking conversation about how nourishing children today helps shape a better tomorrow.

Episode links

• Website: gcnf.org
• Global Survey of School Meal Programs©: gcnf.org/global-survey
• Global Child Nutrition Forum: gcnf.org/events/forum/
• Newsletter: bit.ly/GCNFNewsletter

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we explore how employee wellbeing is transforming workplaces - and why it's essential for both health and business. Our guest, Macy Chow, a registered dietitian and employee wellbeing expert, shares her journey into dietetics and discusses the growing impact of nutrition at work.

From cultural insights in Hong Kong to global best practices, Macy unpacks how companies can implement effective workplace wellness programs, boost employee engagement, and drive performance through better health. We also explore the future of corporate wellness trends, including innovative strategies to encourage healthier eating on the job.

Tune in for a concise, insightful conversation about why investing in workplace wellbeing leads to healthier teams and stronger businesses.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, Ro Huntriss, a registered dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer at Simple App, shares her insights on the role of health tech in transforming weight management. From wearable devices to breakthrough medications, Ro dives into the science behind sustainable weight loss and how health tech is supporting individuals in their wellness journey. We also discuss the future of weight management, the growing influence of tech in healthcare and how we can ensure technology is used responsibly to support long-term well-being. Don’t miss this exciting conversation about the intersection of health, tech and weight loss!

Episode links

• Website: https://simple.life/
• Instagram: @dietitianro

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Why is communication key to advancing nutrition? In this season finale of Changing Plates, we speak with Christina Xenaki, a registered dietitian with experience spanning marketing, medical affairs and communications for major food brands about the transformative power of storytelling.

From bridging the gap between innovation and public perception to emphasizing the growing importance of medical nutrition, Christina shares compelling stories and practical strategies for driving meaningful change. Tune in to discover how effective communication can reshape how we think about food - and why it matters now more than ever!

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Could your next prescription be a trip to the produce aisle?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Megan Gow, Senior Research Fellow at the George Institute, to unpack the concept of Food is Medicine. From addressing chronic disease to ensuring access to nutritious food after acute events, Dr. Gow shares her research and explores the diverse strategies behind this innovative approach. Discover how these interventions are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Have you noticed the explosion of eco-labels and environmental claims on products in the grocery store? With 456 types of eco-labels used across 200 countries, knowing which labels truly reflect sustainable practices—and which may be little more than marketing—is more challenging than ever. 

In this episode, Ásta Ágústsdóttir delves into the difficulties consumers face in deciphering these labels and explores why, despite their intentions, eco-labels may fall short of shaping consumer behavior. Join us to learn about alternative initiatives and regulations that could be more effective at driving sustainable diets.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: [email protected]