In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute and global leader in understanding agri-food tech, climate change, and the future of food. Join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation about where our food really comes from and where it's headed. We chat about what a 'food system' actually means from farm to fork, and why families play such an important role in building healthier, more sustainable futures. We also discuss the rise of the agri-food field and what young people should know about the future of food. Oh and we talk about peanut butter cups.

In this episode, we are exploring one of the most talked-about concepts today: AI. More specifically, we are diving into how tools like ChatGPT are impacting kids’ learning and development.

We’re joined by Dr. Tiffany Munzer, MD, a developmental–behavioral pediatrician and digital media researcher at the University of Michigan. Together, we break down AI integration in daily life and what this means for children’s learning and emotional development . We also look ahead at the future of AI in the classroom and the rise of AI “companions” as social supports.

Join us for an exciting and eye-opening conversation about this rapidly evolving tool, including and how we can help our kids use it wisely.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alejandra Villalobos, a dedicated geriatrician with over 18 years of experience caring for older adults. From her early work providing home visits to seniors in underserved communities in the Bronx to her current role at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, Dr. Villalobos has spent her career championing dignity, independence, and quality of life for aging adults.

Together, we explore what it really means to age well, from the habits that make the biggest difference in your 40s and 50s to the daily practices that support long-term health and vitality. Dr. Villalobos also shares compassionate, practical advice for families supporting aging parents including how to navigate tough conversations, promote independence safely at home, and recognize early signs of cognitive decline.

Whether you’re thinking about your own healthy aging journey or caring for an older loved one, this conversation offers real-world insights to help every generation age smart.

Soundtrack Music by @vladest_art — Positive Thinking

License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

We’re kicking off a brand-new season with fresh voices and exciting conversations! In this welcome episode, meet our new co-hosts, Manahil Zaid and Heemani Bhatt, both Masters students in Applied Nutrition. Get to know them, hear about their journeys, and learn what inspires their approach to health and wellness.

We also chat about the vision for this season and what listeners can look forward to as we continue exploring the science (and stories!) behind healthy living.

Tune in for a fun, heartfelt conversation that sets the stage for an inspiring season ahead!

Soundtrack Music by @vladest_art — Positive Thinking

License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

We have a bittersweet announcement here at the Healthy Habits Happy Homes podcast. Our fabulous co-hosts, Tamara and Marciane, are stepping away and moving onto other wonderful opportunities. For the past 3 years, Tamara and Marciane have brought their curiosity, warmth and excitement to our soundwaves. We are so grateful to have had them contribute to our team and make the podcast what it is now. Tamara plans to finish up her PhD in the department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph - she's almost there! Marciane will be continuing in her role as Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County and maybe getting a puppy?!? (we'll need pictures of that).

Tamara and Marciane...THANK YOU! We wish you both all the best in your future endeavors.

With love,

The Healthy Habits Happy Homes podcast team

In this episode, we are excited to share some awesome work from students at the University of Guelph. These two podcasts were created by students in the course NUTR*4070: Nutrition Communication and Knowledge Translation, in the fall semester of 2024. The two podcasts cover the important topics of sleep and TikTok usage among youth and teens. It is our pleasure to share these well researched and expertly executed podcasts with our audience. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Attributions:

Healthy Sleep for Teens by Ziyan Xu, Maryam Malekghasemi, Judy Frichitthavong

The Wellness Wave: TikTok and Your Health by Shirley Le, Rose Holub, Clarissa Mallen

In this episode, we sat down with Lisa Sanvido. Lisa is currently the Vice Principal at John F. Ross CVI and the Vice President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County’s Board of Directors. She is an educator with a deep passion for supporting students with learning differences and has dedicated her career to ensuring that every student has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Lisa has expertise in navigating accommodations, transition planning, and pathway support, which makes her an invaluable resource for both parents and educators. Don’t miss this episode in which Lisa shares her insights on how families can access and navigate support systems in both elementary and secondary schools, ensuring that students with learning disabilities are set up for success—both academically and beyond.

In this episode, we were joined by Dr. Marsha Hinds Myrie. Dr. Hinds is an Adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science and an Educational Developer, specializing in Anti-Oppressive and Inclusive Pedagogies in the Office of Teaching and Learning, at the University of Guelph. With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Hinds is committed to creating equitable, inclusive spaces. Marsha’s work bridges education and activism, focusing on the importance of identity and cultural understanding. Her insights on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) extend to engaging children in meaningful conversations, helping to build a foundation for respect and empathy across all ages. Don’t miss out on this important and interesting episode, where we talk about the ways families can support the principles of EDI in their home and beyond!

In our upcoming episode, the Healthy Habits Happy Homes podcast team had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Marsha Hinds Myrie about all things equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)! Tune into Healthy Habits Happy Homes wherever you get your podcasts on February 18, 2025, to listen in on this important and inspiring conversation.

In this episode, we chatted with Dr. Kristel Thomassin about how parents can help their family better manage anxiety. Dr. Thomassin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of the Child Emotion and Mental Health Lab at the University of Guelph. In her work, she studies how the family impacts children’s emotional development. Be sure not to miss out on this episode, in which Dr. Thomassin shares great insights into anxiety, and how families can manage this emotion at home.