Laura has a lively discussion with filmmaker Graham Meriwether about the essence of food freedom, its profound connection to human nature, and his journey from poet to documentarian focused on agricultural solutions. They delve into the unspoken debates within the food freedom movement, highlighting the power of local food systems as a path to economic and personal well-being, rather than simply fighting against the existing dominant systems. You’ll also get details on Graham’s new movie, Who Will Feed Us, and inspiring examples of community-led food initiatives across the country.

#FoodFreedomRadio #GrahamMerryweather #WhoWillFeedUs #LocalFood #FoodSovereignty #WellBeingEconomy #CommunityOverCorporations #DecentralizedFood #RegenerativeFarming #FoodJustice

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Foods Holdings, to explore why humans are “more than 99% microbial” and how fermented foods support our gut health. Jorge discusses his company’s popular brands, including Bubbies, Wildbrine, and Flanagan Farm, and explains how true fermentation differs from pickling with vinegar. The conversation also digs into the vital connection between living soil and the final product, detailing an innovative practice of using leftover sauerkraut juice to regenerate the soil on their Wisconsin farms.

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports, to discuss the battle for food safety and transparency. They expose a new, misleadingly named industry group (“Americans for Ingredient Transparency”) that is actively trying to block state-level laws that ban toxic chemicals in products like baby food. Brian also shares findings from Consumer Reports’ recent investigation into heavy metals, like lead, found in popular protein powders.

#FoodFreedomRadio #ConsumerReports #FoodSafety #IngredientTransparency #HeavyMetals #LeadInFood #BabyFood #ProteinPowder #FoodPolicy

Laura Hedlund welcomes Andrew Zimmern (four-time James Beard Award winner, TV personality, and chef) for a deeply engaging conversation on the complex intersection of food, sustainability, and non-violence. We explore Zimmern’s personal journey, the ethical dilemmas of the modern chef, and the surprising economic and moral implications of eliminating childhood hunger. Discover why food systems are crucial to global safety and learn more about Zimmern’s new book, The Blue Food Cookbook, and the vital importance of making conscious, compassionate food choices.

Laura Hedlund speaks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director at Naturally MN, about the impactful Food. Ag. Ideas conference that recently took place. Now in its eighth year, this must-attend gathering led by Naturally MN focused on the intersection of food and health, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond to explore how innovation is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness.

On this episode of *Food Freedom Radio*, host Laura Hedlund talks with Eric Sannerud about GrownBy (https://grownby.com), a farmer-owned platform that connects farmers directly with eaters. They discuss how this innovative tool supports local food systems, strengthens family farms, and makes it easier for consumers to access sustainable, fresh food. Tune in to learn how farmer-led solutions are reshaping the future of food.

This week Laura visits with Thom Petersen, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture. He shares experiencing Farm Aid 40held at the University of Minnesota on September 20, 2025.

This week Laura Hedlund was joined by chef Lachelle Cunningham.

On this episode of Food Freedom Radio, host Laura Hedlund talks with Sonja Trom Eayrs, author of Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, winner of the 2025 Midwest Book Award. They discuss how corporate agriculture has reshaped rural communities and what it means for the future of family farms and the environment.