Feed Me the Facts

In this rewind episode of Feed Me the Facts, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Alice Figueroa—registered dietitian nutritionist, public health advocate, culinary expert, and founder of Alice in Foodie Land. Alice shares how her roots in Guatemala shaped her passion for health advocacy, her journey into nutrition and policy, and her experience as a James Beard Foundation National Scholar. She offers valuable advice on pursuing multiple passions, finding balance, and staying connected to the communities we serve.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

From Guatemala to Public Health Advocacy (00:00)
How Alice’s upbringing and early experiences shaped her mission to address food insecurity and malnutrition.

Discovering Nutrition as a Career Path (06:00)
The moment she connected public health and nutrition, leading her to pursue dietetics.

Integrating Multiple Passions (10:00)
Strategies for blending research, policy, culinary arts, and wellness into a meaningful career.

Mentorship & Support Systems (14:00)
The impact of family and mentors in navigating a nontraditional career path.

Culinary Training & the James Beard Foundation Scholarship (19:00)
How Alice became a natural food chef and the importance of culturally relevant, affordable recipes.

Balancing Diverse Interests (25:00)
Time management, self-care, and setting “non-negotiable” goals for personal growth.

Pursuing Passions with Limited Resources (31:00)
Practical advice for finding opportunities, funding, and mentorship—plus the importance of taking risks.

The Power of Nutrition in Building Community (36:00)
How small acts, like teaching cooking classes, can create connection and lasting change.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Alice:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicefigueroa/

Website: https://aliceinfoodieland.com/

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this special episode from the DD archives, host Deanna sits down with Trinique Waters, RD, to reflect on navigating career doubt, finding belonging, and building confidence as a woman of color in dietetics. From struggling to find her first job post-internship to discovering her passion for maternal health and lactation consulting, Trinique shares a heartfelt journey that will resonate with any RD or RD-to-be questioning their place in the field. Whether you're early in your career or just feeling stuck, this episode is your reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. This episode was originally recorded in December 2018. Trinique has now been a dietitian for six years and works as Friends Hospital.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Trinique’s Introduction to Dietetics (00:00)
How a high school hospital rotation sparked her interest in using food to support health.

Facing Doubt After Graduation (03:00)
The emotional toll of struggling to find a job and questioning her place in the field.

The Impact of Representation & Belonging (04:30)
What it felt like being the only Black woman in her program and comparing her path to others.

Underutilizing Support & the Power of Networking (06:00)
How opening up and seeking community could have made the journey less isolating.

From Food Service to Clinical: Embracing Career Detours (08:00)
Why her first job wasn’t ideal—and how it became a stepping stone to where she is now.

Rebuilding Confidence in Clinical Nutrition (10:00)
How reconnecting with clinical skills helped her feel a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

A New Passion: Lactation & Maternal Health (11:00)
Her plans to support Black women through nutrition-focused lactation care.

Advice for RDs & RD2Bs Questioning Their Place (12:00)
Why your passion—not your name, appearance, or background—is what makes you belong.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Trinique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinique-rd/

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this Season 4 finale of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna and Danielle reflect on powerful conversations from across the season—exploring how money and respect show up for dietitians of color. They revisit standout guest moments, lessons in leadership and mindset, and the importance of community and career pivots. The episode also gives you a sneak peak into what’s in store for the next season.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Season Reboot Reflections (00:00)
Deanna and Danielle reflect on the return of Feed Me the Facts and what it meant to reboot the show with intention.

Is Respect Still Missing in the Field? (02:00)
They explore the ongoing need for respect, particularly for underrepresented professionals in dietetics and nutrition.

Exploring Money & Respect (03:30)
A look at how these themes threaded through each episode—from entrepreneurship to academia and beyond.

Redefining Respect on Your Own Terms (05:00)
Discussion on how respect can be internal or external—and how it’s shaped by the spaces dietitians work in.

Sunsetting the DD Internship (06:30)
An honest conversation about the decision to close the tuition-free DD internship program and what it taught them.

The Changing Field of Dietetics (08:00)
Reflections on declining enrollment and how current professionals can leverage this shift to demonstrate value.

How Dietitian Entrepreneurs Are Reshaping the Field (10:00)
Insights from guests like Wendy & Jess and Jenny Westerkamp on leading businesses that elevate other RDs.

Mindset Shifts & Growth Moments (14:30)
Lessons from Christine and Morgan’s episodes on pivoting, values-based decisions, and letting go of fear.

Community Over Competition (16:00)
They reflect on the importance of community, collaboration, and supporting one another as dietitians of color.

Listener Feedback & What’s Next (19:00)
How community feedback has shaped the podcast and what future episodes may look like.

Final Reflection: Letting Go of Comfort (26:00)
A shared reminder that growth often requires discomfort—and the power of staying connected to community.

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Morgan McGee shares her journey as a school nutrition leader and dietitian, offering a powerful perspective on intrapreneurship—growing within your organization to build skills, lead change, and create impact. She highlights the role of self-reflection, community, and equity in professional development, while also exploring how to leverage internal opportunities for financial growth. We dive into career advancement, storytelling, facilitation, and collective power, all while centering joy, culture, and authenticity. Tune in for a fresh take on leadership, innovation, and how to thrive in your 9-to-5.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00–02:00] Welcome + Introduction

Deanna welcomes Morgan McGee, Director of School Nutrition Leadership at FoodCorps.

Context of their past collaborations and how intrapreneurship became a shared topic of interest.

[02:00–04:30] Morgan’s Dietetics Journey

12 years in the field.

Early inspiration from public health nutrition and working in schools.

Strong emphasis on combining values with innovation in school food programs.

[04:30–06:30] Why School Nutrition?

Highlights the multifaceted nature: policy, partnerships, public health.

Schools as powerful venues for community and health interventions.

[06:30–08:00] Obama Leaders USA Program

Morgan was the only dietitian in the cohort.

Experience contributed to leadership and cross-sector collaboration skills.

[08:00–10:00] What is Intrapreneurship?

Defined as growing within your role/org, using the job as a lab for innovation and testing.

Importance of understanding org culture for success.

[10:00–12:00] Pros & Cons of Intrapreneurship

Pros: Built-in resources, support, funding, audience.

Cons: Dependent on funding, politics, and institutional priorities.

[12:00–14:00] Morgan’s Personal Balance

Doesn’t side-hustle often – prioritizes dance as a creative outlet.

Advocates for honest self-reflection about goals and values.

[14:00–17:30] Real-World Examples of Intrapreneurship

Leading a Black staff ERG at FoodCorps.

Leveraging coaching and bringing in outside facilitators (e.g., Hood Herbalism).

Building leadership programs for school food professionals.

[17:30–20:00] Collective Ownership vs. Individual Glory

Emphasis on collective impact, not personal credit.

Intrapreneurship as a form of ancestral practice and community uplift.

[20:00–23:00] Financial Growth through Intrapreneurship

Skills like facilitation and training (e.g., Toastmasters, ICN certification) have brought side income.

Building transferable skills while staying employed full-time.

[23:00–26:00] Skill Highlights

Public speaking, program design with an equity lens, facilitation.

Cultural humility and participatory approaches in public health.

[26:00–30:00] How to Get Started with Intrapreneurship

Self-reflection: Where do you want to grow?

Gather data (job descriptions, org needs, etc.).

Get buy-in from decision-makers and pitch well-thought-out ideas.

[30:00–34:00] Strategic Relationship-Building

Know who holds power in your org and how to build allies.

Use mentorship and community to develop your vision.

[34:00–37:00] Envisioning Intrapreneurship in Dietetics

Employers must invest in growth opportunities.

Example: Morgan’s supervisor supports staff-led trauma-informed cafeteria initiatives.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Morgan:

IG: @moghee

LinkedIn: Morgan McGee

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Venus Kalami shares her journey as a pediatric dietitian, the importance of cultural humility, and why dietitians of color are vital in pediatric nutrition. We explore career growth, respect, money, and how to avoid burnout while building inclusive practices. Tune in for insights on equity, advocacy, and finding joy in your work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Venus’s journey from middle school inspiration to pediatric dietitian (00:00)
→ How a story from her mother and early passion for service shaped her path.

How cultural humility shaped her practice (12:00)
→ Why openness, curiosity, and inclusion are at the heart of her approach.

Why we need more dietitians of color in pediatric subspecialties (22:00)
→ The critical role of representation in building trust and improving care.

Navigating respect, money, and career growth in pediatrics (41:00)
→ Honest reflections on earning potential, certifications, and finding valued spaces.

Practical advice for setting boundaries and avoiding burnout (51:00)
→ Why saying no matters, and how to prioritize joy and rest in your career.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Venus:

Website: www.venuskalamird.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/venuskalami

Instagram / Twitter: @ravenousvenus

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Journey from Mentorship to Partnership (00:00) How Alissa and Jasmine went from mentor/mentee to long-term collaborators.

Why Dietitians Should Embrace Collaboration (06:30) The impact of working together instead of competing in a saturated field.

Justice-Informed Approaches in Nutrition (12:15) How Alissa and Jasmine integrate equity pricing and scholarship models into their work.

Breaking the Scarcity Mindset in Dietetics (18:45) Why collaboration creates more opportunities and expands accessibility.

Practical Steps to Find the Right Collaborators (25:10) How to identify aligned partnerships and navigate challenges.

The Role of the DD Community in Facilitating Connections (30:50) How mentorship and networking can open doors for future collaborations.

Final Advice for Dietitians Wanting to Partner Up (38:20) Tips on fostering trust, dividing responsibilities, and making collaboration work.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Alissa:

www.alissarumsey.com  www.theliberatedclinician.com

📌 Connect with Jasmine:

https://www.instagram.com/mendinground/

https://www.instagram.com/theliberatedclinician/

Resources:

https://www.theliberatedclinician.com/resources/

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me The Facts, Deanna sits down with Greg LaFortune, a Registered Dietitian and private practice owner, to talk about his leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business, and his mission to make nutrition accessible—especially for men. Greg shares his inspiring journey from a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 11 to owning his own insurance-based private practice, Optimal Plan Nutrition, LLC.

Whether you’re considering private practice or just love a good entrepreneurial success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights, financial transparency, and practical advice on building a nutrition business from the ground up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00:00] Meet Greg LaFortune – Greg shares his background, his leap into private practice, and why he’s passionate about making nutrition more accessible.

[00:03:00] From Diagnosis to Dietitian – Greg’s journey began at age 11 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hear how that experience shaped his career path.

[00:05:00] The Power of Gratitude – Greg explains why contentment, potential, and honor are the three words that define his experience as a private practice dietitian.

[00:08:00] Why Private Practice? – What led Greg to take the leap into private practice, and why focusing on men’s health became his mission.

[00:11:00] The Reality of Running a Business – Greg breaks down the behind-the-scenes work of running a private practice, from marketing to billing and everything in between.

[00:15:00] Talking Money: What Dietitians Can Earn in Private Practice – Financial transparency matters! Greg shares real numbers and his income goals for making private practice sustainable.

[00:19:00] Work-Life Balance & Time Freedom – The driving force behind Greg’s business: getting his time back and creating a schedule that works for him and his family.

[00:24:00] Finding Your Niche as a Dietitian – Why Greg chose to focus on men’s health and how niching down can make your practice more effective (and less stressful).

[00:28:00] How to Market Yourself – From social media to insurance directories, Greg shares the marketing strategies that have helped him grow his client base.

[00:31:00] AI & The Future of Private Practice – How artificial intelligence is changing the game for dietitians, from automated note-taking to efficiency tools.

[00:33:00] Staying True to Your Values – Greg talks about the importance of authenticity in business and why being yourself is the best way to attract the right clients.

[00:35:00] How to Connect with Greg – Want to learn more or work with Greg? Find out how to reach him through his website, social media, and email.

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Greg:

Website: gregorylafortune.com

Instagram: @menshealthdietitian

LinkedIn: Gregory LaFortune

Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:

Website: www.diversifydietetics.org

Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics

Send in your thoughts/questions: [email protected]

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Tamara Melton and Deja Ivy to discuss the decision to sunset the Diversify Dietetics Internship Program. They explore the program's origin, challenges in maintaining funding, and the impact of changing DEI priorities. While it’s bittersweet to end the internship, the conversation highlights new initiatives aimed at supporting a more diverse and supportive field of dietetics.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Origins of the DD Internship Program (00:00)
How the vision for a barrier-free dietetic internship came to life.

The Reality of Running a Nonprofit Internship (03:00)
Behind-the-scenes challenges, including funding and logistics.

Impact of DEI Changes and Affirmative Action (06:00)
How shifting priorities affected program sustainability.

The Changing Landscape of Dietetics Education (11:00)
Declining enrollment and its influence on internship programs.

Lessons Learned in Supporting Students of Color (19:00)
Cultural humility, financial barriers, and creating supportive environments.

Why Sunsetting the Program Was Necessary (22:00)
Balancing human capital, burnout, and financial sustainability.

The Future of DD: New Programs and Scholarships (26:00)
Exciting initiatives to support diversity in dietetics beyond the internship.

Reflections and Celebrations (28:00)
Favorite memories and the impact of the program on graduates.

Resources & Links:

Donate to support the final cohort of the DD Internship - www.diversifydietetics.org/donate

Learn more about the DD Scholarships- https://www.diversifydietetics.org/scholarships-grants

Diversify Dietetics Internship Webpage - www.ddinternship.org

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Dr. Navika Gangrade, a visiting assistant professor at NYU and registered dietitian, to unpack the journey of pursuing a PhD in nutrition. We discuss her experiences navigating academia as a woman of color, the financial realities of graduate school, and the power of research to drive real-world change. If you’ve ever considered academia, research, or even wondered about the impact of a PhD in dietetics, this conversation is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Navika’s Journey into Nutrition & Research
How her multicultural upbringing and love for food led her to dietetics and academia.

Why Pursue a PhD? (06:00)
What inspired Navika to continue her education and dive into research.

Navigating Academia as a Woman of Color (12:00)
The challenges, barriers, and the role of mentorship in her success.

Community-Based Research & Youth Advocacy (19:00)
How her research empowers young people and promotes health equity.

Money & Respect: Does a PhD Pay Off? (25:00)
Breaking down financial realities, funding, and salary expectations.

Advice for Future Dietitians in Academia (35:00)
How to navigate PhD programs, find mentors, and advocate for yourself.

Resources & Links:

Follow Dr. Navika Gangrade on Instagram: @navika.phd.rd

Learn more about the NYU Nutrition Program: NYU Steinhardt Department of Nutrition

Explore Diversify Dietetics and mentorship opportunities: Diversify Dietetics

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Jenny Westerkamp, founder of All Access Dietetics and All Access Dietitians. Jenny shares her incredible journey from launching her first business as a college senior to working as a dietitian for professional sports teams like the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs. She opens up about creating innovative solutions for future RDs, improving access to nutrition care, and why private practice is the future of dietetics.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The story behind All Access Dietetics and All Access Dietitians

Opportunities and challenges in dietetics entrepreneurship

Tackling the myth that dietitians can’t make money

The importance of data, outcomes, and reimagining the field

Links and Resources Mentioned:

All Access Dietetics

All Access Dietitians

All Access Dietitians Fellowship https://allaccessdietitians.com/fellowship/

Jenny’s podcast: Dear Future Dietitian

Follow Jenny on Instagram: @allaccessdietetics