Know Better Do Better ~ Food Secure Nation

October 10, 2026 ~ Dr. Phil Knight and Jerry Brisson explore veteran service and food security on Food Secure Nation. They discuss Clarence’s community contributions and interview retired Army Colonel Nate Springer about transitioning military leadership to food banking, organizational decentralization, and feeding families in Southern Colorado. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Jerry Brisson and Dr. Phil Knight introduce Clarence and Nate Springer to highlight how military service instills a lasting commitment to helping others. When individuals take off the uniform, their dedication to a mission often shifts into local community leadership, such as volunteering at food banks or mentoring young people. Research shared by Vira supports this by showing that veterans volunteer at high rates and contribute substantially more annual hours than non-veterans, bringing valuable teamwork and adaptability to civilian life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Dr. Phil Knight and Jerry Brisson introduce a broader view of hunger among older populations by challenging traditional assumptions about food access. When Colleen Heflin and Madonna Harrington-Meyer discuss their book, they reveal that food scarcity is frequently the result of difficult budget trade-offs caused by high housing and utility expenses. Because older adults prioritize keeping a roof over their heads, food often becomes the most expendable budget item. Furthermore, Madonna Harrington-Meyer shares qualitative interviews showing that seniors routinely skip meals or sacrifice nutrition to pay bills or support family members, proving that food insecurity is a deeply social issue rather than just a private struggle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Dr. Phil Knight and Lori Dijkstra discuss the complex social dynamics of food insecurity within tight-knit rural environments. Living in a small community means individuals often know the volunteers distributing assistance personally, creating a barrier of vulnerability and reluctance to ask for help. Lori Dijkstra shares personal reflections from growing up receiving assistance, illustrating the lingering shame associated with visible poverty markers like colored cards. This background informs her leadership approach at Feeding South Dakota, where she aims to remove judgment and ensure community members feel respected. Jerry Brasson adds perspective by noting that local gossip and town reputation heavily influence a person’s willingness to seek support, making compassionate local outreach essential for bridging the gap between need and provision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Phil Knight and Jerry Brisson welcome Feeding America CEO Dennis McDonough to “Food Secure Nation.” Dennis McDonough shares his journey from a large Minnesota family to leading national government agencies and now fighting food insecurity. Discover how his background in service shapes his dedication to the mission. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Rebecca Freeman-Adcock highlights that the federal government historically views food security through the lenses of national and economic stability. Because individuals facing food insecurity often face a singular, consuming problem regarding their next meal, Rebecca Freeman-Adcock advocates for aligning these high-level security conversations with the immediate needs of vulnerable populations. The discussion reveals that while policymakers often desire to help, they are frequently constrained by regulatory and budgetary realities. Effective advocacy requires practitioners to present solutions that are not only conceptually sound but also operationally feasible within the current administrative framework Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Hosts Phillip Knight and Gerry Brisson talk to Crystal Fitz-Simons, who recently became the president for the Food Research and Action Center, FRAC, an organization that has spent more than 50 years shaping America's response to hunger. She isn't starting a new story, but she is writing the next chapter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Hosts Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson talk to Cynthia Kirkhart to discuss her leadership at Facing Hunger Food Bank and her commitment to supporting families in Appalachia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 9, 2026 ~ Phillip Knight discusses the importance of viewing food insecurity through the lens of person-in-environment theory, which identifies systemic failures rather than just personal shortcomings. By shifting focus from individual choices to environmental factors like transportation, education, and economic policy, they argue that we can develop more effective and lasting solutions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 2, 2026 ~ Dr. Philip Knight and Gerry Brisson discuss the importance of addressing food insecurity with dignity, particularly in small communities where the stigma of needing help is amplified by social familiarity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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