Table Talk

In this episode, Mary Shell breaks down the science of how some of your favorite food products – like ice cream and mayonnaise – go from an idea to a store shelf.

In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, shares about the creativity and entrepreneurship that spans Iowa’s 6,200 restaurants and taverns. She gives you an inside look at nose-to-tail food trends, consumer dining preferences and the value of building connections between Iowa farmers and chefs.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by food marketing or confused about label claims, this episode of Table Talk is for you! We sit down with Roxi Beck, vice president of Look East and consumer engagement director of Center for Food Integrity, for a conversation about the intersection of food, farming and consumer trust.

We’ll take an imaginary trip through the grocery store — from the produce section to the meat counter — to better understand the choices that are available and abundant in today’s food system. You’ll learn why grapes are bigger, the truth about added hormones and the growing interest in “healthy affordable” food options.

In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, we dig into pride points for Iowa agriculture – from start-up innovation to cross-industry water quality leadership. You’ll learn about Julie’s experiences hosting international groups on her farm, connecting with food-minded consumers and travelling the U.S. to represent Iowa agriculture.

In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, Cristen Clark sits down with Tina Potthoff to dig into the Iowa-based grocer’s innovation and commitment to hometown values. You’ll learn about on Hy-Vee’s new store formats, food recall procedures and in-store services shoppers can leverage to meet their wellness goals.

In this episode, Cristen Clark sits down with Dr. Ruth MacDonald. She’s the Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University and is passionate about combating myths and misinformation around today’s food system.

In this episode of the Iowa Food Family Project Table Talk Podcast, we sit down with Chef Dom to learn the secrets of Jethro’s mouthwatering and world-famous BBQ! You’ll learn about the day-to-day duties of running a restaurant and get tips and tricks for preparing delicious pork ribs and beef brisket at home.

In this episode of the Iowa Food Family Project Table Talk podcast, we sit down with Gary Slater, CEO and manager of the Iowa State Fair, to learn what it takes to put on the time-honored, wildly popular event. You’ll get a preview of the “moments” in store for the fair’s anticipated 1.1 million guests – including new fair foods, goat yoga and the inaugural Farm to Fair event.

In this episode of the Iowa Food Family Project Table Talk podcast, we sit down with Joni to hear how family food memories and farmhouse kitchens are the driving force behind her culinary magic. She shares what it takes to prepare delicious meals for corporate events, weddings, entertainers, and patrons of The Rib Shack.

In this episode of the Iowa Food Family Project Table Talk podcast, we sit down with Kristin Porter, the creator of Iowa Girl Eats, to chat about the early days of her blogging career, her favorite recipes for pleasing a hungry crowd and the perspective she gained by visiting farms and food manufacturers in the “Join My Journey” series. She also shares the never-ending adventures of her growing family and why she is a “mean mom” for making tiny grocery store shopping carts 100 percent off limits.