Today I welcome Jess Stokes onto the R2Kast 🎙️ Jess is an insect scientist with a PhD in veterinary parasitology who has spent years studying midges Schmallenberg virus and the unpredictable way new diseases emerge 🦟🔬

We chat about how growing up in rural Gloucestershire during the foot and mouth outbreak sparked her fascination with disease spread. That journey took her through Swansea Bristol and Liverpool before leading her into high containment labs at the Pirbright Institute. Jess shares how every time she studies a virus it seems to vanish earning her the reputation of being a curse in entomology 🌍🧪

Together we dive into the mysteries of Schmallenberg and blue tongue virus appearing in Europe, the role of birds and trade in spreading disease, and how climate shifts are changing insect behaviour. Jess also talks about stepping beyond academia into consultancy, trap design, forecasting, and her work with the Royal Entomological Society on insect welfare and insects as food and feed 🐝🌱

It is a fascinating conversation that mixes science with humour from sick blackbirds to the unpredictability of midges and shows how curiosity can shape a career in unexpected ways ✨

Enjoy 😊

#JessStokes #Entomology #MidgeResearch #VectorBorneDiseases #SchmallenbergVirus #BluetongueVirus #InsectScience #RoyalEntomologicalSociety #InsectsAsFood #ClimateAndDisease #Epidemiology #Parasitology #VeterinaryScience #GlobalHealth #InsectWelfare #DiseaseSpread #ScientificCuriosity #UKScience #AgResearch #Biosecurity #OneHealth #VectorControl #AcademicToIndustry #R2Kast #PeopleInAg

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🎙️ Featuring: Hannah Fraser, James Thompson, David Cooke, Dan Smith, Rob Ward, and Hannah Thorogood

Back at NuffFest, this second Food for Health panel dives deeper into the crucial question of how farming systems—and especially soil health—shape the nutritional composition of our food. 🌱🥕

Hosted by me, Wallace, alongside Dan Smith, the discussion brings together voices from farming, medicine, retail, plant breeding, and agri-tech. Together we explore how soil microbes, genetics, animal diets, and biofortification affect nutrient density, and why the link between soil and public health must not be ignored.

👩‍⚕️ Dr Hannah Fraser shares her perspective as both a doctor and farmer, arguing for better medical education on nutrition and stronger recognition of how soil health impacts food quality.

🛒 James Thompson draws on his retail background to reveal the challenges of consumer demand, supermarket incentives, and how buzzwords like “organic” and “regenerative” often miss the bigger nutritional picture.

🌾 David Cooke highlights the breeding world, noting the absence of incentives for farmers to prioritise nutrient density in crops—and why change must come from consumer pull.

🌍 Dan Smith reflects on his work with disadvantaged teenagers on therapeutic farms, showing how culture, access, and lived experience shape food choices and health outcomes.

💡 Rob Ward brings the agri-tech and investment angle, stressing the role of microbes, gut health, and AI in transforming farming into high-resolution systems that connect soil to stomach.

🐄 Hannah Thorogood discusses her work with Pasture for Life, explaining how pasture-based livestock systems not only benefit the environment but also produce nutritionally richer meat and dairy.

The panel also tackles food labelling, ultra-processed diets, cultural barriers to healthy eating, and how education from schools to supermarkets could reset the nation’s relationship with nutrition. From “eat two carrots” to multi-million-pound plant breeding, it’s a conversation that challenges, inspires, and demands action.

Enjoy! 😊

#NuffieldScholar #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #FoodForHealth #SoilHealth #NutritionMatters #RegenerativeFarming #AgriTech #PublicHealth #DietAndHealth #FoodEducation #NutrientDensity #PastureForLife #FarmToFork #SoilToStomach #MedicalNutrition #ChildHealth #RetailFood #SupermarketImpact #AgInnovation #SustainableFarming #GutHealth #UltraProcessed #FoodPolicy #FarmImpact #AgriVoices #FutureOfFarming #R2Kast

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Today we welcome Shabawn Farrall to the R2Kast! 🎙️

A year ago to the day this episode goes out, I headed to Cheshire for what turned into a two-hour interview at Hills Green Marketing — with no idea where Cheshire even was. One of the people I met that day was Shabawn, and over the past 14 months she’s become a good friend.

Her journey is a masterclass in following opportunities wherever they lead. From her first day in a livestock market as a teenager, to supporting farmers through the foot and mouth crisis, to retraining as a florist and running her own wedding business, to now heading up people and influencers at Hills Green — she’s embraced each new chapter with curiosity and energy. 💐🚜

We talk about chance conversations that changed everything (including the side-of-a-football-pitch chat that brought her to Hills Green, and the car park conversation with Tom Pemberton that sparked a UK-first influencer marketing division). There’s also plenty on culture-building, hiring lessons, weddings, Covid’s reset on priorities, and why people will always be at the centre of her work. ❤️🌾

Enjoy! 😊

#ShabawnFarrell #HillsGreen #AgInfluencers #AgMarketing #PeopleInAg #InfluencerMarketing #RuralBusiness #AgCommunity #FarmersOfInstagram #AgNetworking #MarketingToFarmers #AgInspiration #WomenInAg #AgLeadership #RuralInnovation #AgricultureUK #FarmLife #AgStorytelling #FoodAndFarming #FutureOfFarming #AgriCulture #FarmingWithPeople #CollaborationInAg #AgCareers #AgJourney #FromFloristToFarming

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Today we welcome Kit Franklin to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Harper Adams student to the world’s first autonomous farmer, Kit’s story blends big ideas with bigger fields. As co-creator of the Hands Free Hectare and Hands Free Farm projects, he’s shown that automation in agriculture isn’t decades away – it’s already here. 🤖🌾

A lecturer, public speaker, and president-elect of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Kit is passionate about bringing young people into ag engineering and building networks that last. We talk about his Brash Ag podcast, the importance of collaboration, and how professional accreditation can open doors.

There’s also a look at funding, farm tech adoption, and why good board work is more than just sitting round a table. 🚜💡

Enjoy! 😊

#KitFranklin #AgEngineering #HandsFreeFarm #AgTech #PrecisionAg #AutomationInFarming #RuralInnovation #YoungEngineers #NuffieldNetwork #BrashAg #AgPodcast #FutureFarming #FoodSecurity #SustainableAg #FarmInnovation #AgLeadership #FarmRobotics #AgNetworking #EngineeringTheFuture #FarmingWithTech #InspiringAg #AgricultureCommunity #UKFarming #AgInspiration #FutureOfFarming

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Today we welcome Sharon May to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From sports injuries to the deep work of counselling, Sharon’s journey is one of following the thread of what truly matters.

After retraining while raising a young family (not something she recommends lightly!), she’s built a thriving network of therapists from her organic mixed farm. 🌾💬

A Nuffield scholar’s wife and a farmer herself, Sharon talks openly about moving from physical to mental health, the values that guide her, and the challenges of running a practice that meets people where they are. We explore her love of people, the ‘why’ behind our goals, and how authenticity can be the anchor in times of change. 🧠❤️

We also hear about harvest time, Highland Games, and the occasional bramble-picking shift for visitors…

Enjoy! 😊

#SharonMay #Counselling #MentalHealthInAg #FarmLifeBalance #ValuesDriven #OrganicFarming #NuffieldConnections #TherapistLife #RuralWellbeing #FarmersMentalHealth #Leadership #FarmBusiness #AgricultureCommunity #AgResilience #InspiringStories #RegenerativeAg #MixedFarming #FarmLifeUK #AgInspiration #FamilyAndFarming #FarmTherapist #WomenInAg #WellbeingMatters #AgLife #FutureOfFarming

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Today I welcome two Australian Nuffield Scholars to the R2Kast 🎙️ Thanh Truong better known as the Fruit Nerd and aquaculture expert Connor Wass joined me at my kitchen table on Arran to talk all things food farming and the oceans that connect them 🍑🐟 Filmed on Arran after a weekend showing them my home the chat was full of warmth insight and a fair bit of fun

Thanh shared his journey from growing up in his family’s business Aus Asia Produce one of Australia’s largest fruit and veg exporters to becoming a TV host author and social media storyteller with a mission to get people engaged with fruit and veg From analysing shopper behaviour in supermarkets to creating viral mango videos he explained why flavour and memories can inspire deeper connections to what we eat 🍓🥭

Connor took me inside the world of salmon farming from feed conversion ratios to the realities of on land versus sea farming and reflected on his path through nutrition technology and global aquaculture With candour and humour he spoke about industry challenges public perception and his own custodianship of the ocean 🌊🐠

Together we explored consumer trends sustainability and the power of storytelling in bridging the gap between producers and the public This is a conversation that moved from supermarket aisles to salmon pens from mission driven careers to gin on the beach A warm insightful and inspiring chat about the many fruits of land and sea 🌍✨

Enjoy! 😊

#ThanhTruong #FruitNerd #ConnorWass #NuffieldScholar #Aquaculture #SalmonFarming #SeafoodLovers #FruitAndVeg #FoodStorytelling #ConsumerBehaviour #Sustainability #SupermarketInsights #Horticulture #OceanCustodianship #SeafoodInnovation #SocialMediaForGood #FlavourFirst #GlobalFarming #EngageNotEducate #FoodMemories #RegenerativeFoodSystems #PeopleInFoodAndFarming #R2Kast #Podcast

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🎙️ Featuring: Tom Pearson, David Walker, Chris Manley, Kate Arthur, and Mark Warner

This episode is a bit different – recorded live from the first ever NuffFest, a summer gathering of Nuffield scholars with a focus on a crucial question: is your food healing or harming you? 🥦🧠

Led by Wallace and David Rose, the session explores how farming practices directly impact nutrition and public health. From childhood obesity to chronic disease, the panel dives into why a stronger bridge between agriculture and medicine is urgently needed.

🩺 Dr Tom Pearson – a GP and farmer – shares insights from his Nuffield journey into how farmers can positively impact community health.

👨‍⚕️ Professor David Walker reflects on decades in paediatrics and the vital role of nutrition in cancer recovery and child development.

💬 Chris Manley speaks on mental health and the transformational impact of his Walk With Me campaign.

🥩 Kate Arthur brings her experience as a dietitian and AHDB’s human nutrition lead, spotlighting the importance of balanced messaging around red meat and dairy.

🌱 Mark Warner tells a personal story of health transformation following a cancer diagnosis, highlighting how regenerative farming and holistic living reshaped his life.

Together they discuss the gaps in medical training, the rise of misinformation, the elitism of access to nutritional education, and the immense opportunity farming has to lead public health progress. From cold showers to childhood food education, it’s a conversation full of thought, feeling and forward thinking.

Enjoy! 😊

#NuffieldScholar #TalesOfANuffieldScholar #FoodForHealth #PublicHealth #NutritionMatters #RegenerativeFarming #ChildhoodNutrition #AgriHealth #WalkWithMe #MedicalNutrition #EatWell #BalancedDiet #FarmToFork #FarmBasedHealing #ChrisManley #KateArthur #TomPearson #DavidWalker #MarkWarner #NuffFest #UKFarming #AHDB #MentalHealthMatters #RedMeatInDiet #FoodEducation #NuffieldVoices #R2Kast #AgriVoices #SoilToStomach #FutureOfFarming #FarmHealthRevolution #NutritionAndFarming #FarmImpact #HealingThroughFood

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Today we welcome Peter Craven onto the R2Kast! 🎙️

From Lincolnshire spuds to Natural England strategy, Peter’s story is one of stepping up, stepping back, and then stepping in to shape real change. 🥔➡️🌿

A Nuffield scholar, policy influencer and potato expert, Peter shares how one course jolted him awake to the huge shifts facing UK farming. Since then, he’s gone from perfect Instagram potatoes to shaping policy for farming with nature at its heart. 🧠🌱

We chat leadership, missed smells of the soil (yes, really!), and the importance of not staying still when the world is changing fast.

Enjoy! 😊

#PeterCraven #NuffieldScholar #NaturalEngland #FarmingWithNature #FarmTransition #SustainableAg #PotatoGrower #AgPolicy #NatureRecovery #AgLeadership #UKFarming #FarmChangeMakers #LincolnshireFarming #FarmToPolicy #PeopleInAg #SmellOfTheSoil #FoodSystems #FarmLifeShift #YoungLeaders #FutureOfFarming #InspiringAg #Agribusiness #ClimateAction #NatureConservation #AgInspiration

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Today’s guest is someone I’ve followed for years – the incredible Laura Young! 🌍🎙️

From leading the charge to ban disposable vapes across the UK 🚭 to studying climate resilience as part of her PhD, Laura’s life is packed with purpose. She’s part scientist, part activist, and all-in when it comes to protecting people and planet. 💥📚

We talk flooding, fire risks, fashion footprints, and how campaigning isn’t just shouting – it’s educating, empowering, and staying persistent. Oh, and Troon’s now her home, so she gets to stare at Arran every day – lucky thing! 🏖️🏔️

An absolute force for good and one of the most engaging environmentalists around.

Enjoy! 😊

#LauraYoung #LessWasteLaura #Environmentalist #ClimateResilience #CommunityEngagement #DisposableVapesBan #PhDStudent #ActivismMatters #EnvironmentalScience #PlasticPollution #SustainableLiving #WomenInSTEM #GreenCampaigns #TroonLife #LitterAwareness #PublicHealth #ClimateChangeScotland #PolicyImpact #RecyclingRevolution #YoungChangemakers #SustainableScotland #NatureMatters #EnvironmentalEducation #AgPodcast #PeopleInAg

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Today we welcome Mairi Gougeon to the R2Kast! 🎙️

From local politics in Brechin to becoming Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi’s journey has been anything but typical! Starting out straight from uni into council work (accidentally elected! 😂), her political roots go deep – her first campaign stint was at just 14 years old! 💪

We chat about that surreal moment of walking into Holyrood, why representation matters, and how her belief in independence and community empowerment drives her work. Mairi brings honesty, humour, and a real human touch to a world that’s often seen as distant and complex. 👩‍⚖️🌾

Politics… but with coffee, cake and craic on a sunny day in Arran. You can’t say fairer than that! ☀️☕

Enjoy! 😊

#MairiGougeon #ScottishPolitics #RuralAffairs #CabinetSecretary #Holyrood #YoungPoliticians #FromBrechinToParliament #LandReform #IslandLife #WomenInPolitics #AgPolicy #SNP #ScottishIndependence #YouthVoice #CommunityLeadership #IslandPolicy #PoliticalJourneys #RuralVoices #SRUCAlumni #PurposeDriven #AgInScotland #WomenInLeadership #PublicService #AuthenticLeadership #PolicyMatters

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