If This Food Could Talk

This week we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at the Real Organic Podcast, the award-winning “Best Sustainability, Environment & Climate Podcast” produced by the Real Organic Project. Recently named one of the "best climate podcasts" by Earth.org, the Real Organic Podcast uncovers the forces reshaping organic food – and our dinner plates. Hosted by Linley Dixon and Dave Chapman, each episode features deep conversations with farmers, scientists, chefs, and journalists fighting to keep organic food honest. Like today’s special episode with filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia. It’s been 20 years since the release of her influential documentary “The Future of Food,” and she reflects on how the food system has changed - and how it hasn’t. It’s a beautiful conversation where Deborah shares her thoughts about GMOs, corporate control, the rise of regenerative farming, and why she released “Symphony of the Soil,” a film celebrating the beauty and complexity of living earth. For more episodes like this, make sure to follow Real Organic Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is “real” cheese — and how has it changed over time?In this episode of If This Food Could Talk, Claudia Hanna speaks with Bronwen and Francis Percival, authors of Reinventing the Wheel, about the history of cheese, the role of microbes in flavor, and the evolution of dairy farming from traditional practices to modern industrial production.From artisanal cheesemaking and raw milk to sustainability and global food systems, this conversation explores how cheese is made, how it’s changed, and what it means for the future of food. Grab a copy here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of World Cheese Day, this episode of If This Food Could Talk invites us to look beyond the plate — and into the land where it all begins. Claudia Hanna sits down with writer, regenerative living advocate, and self-described MilkTrekker, Trevor Warmedahl, joining from the Sonoran Desert. Together, they explore the connection between soil, milk, and the foods we love — and how returning to more intentional, grounded practices can transform not just what we eat, but how we live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a psychologist follows her curiosity into the kitchen? In this episode of If This Food Could Talk, Claudia Hanna sits down with celebrated pastry chef, author, and former psychologist Helen Goh to explore the unexpected path that led her from studying the human mind to creating some of the world’s most beloved desserts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a cake unforgettable isn’t just the recipe — it’s the memory it carries. In this episode of If This Food Could Talk, Claudia Hanna sits down with legendary baker and James Beard Award–winning author Dorie Greenspan to talk about the stories behind her beloved book Dorie’s Anytime Cakes. From a life-changing strawberry tart in Paris to honey cakes baked by her grandmother, Dorie shares how curiosity, simplicity, and memory shape the way she bakes — and the way she lives. This is a conversation about cakes that sit on the counter, meant to be shared with coffee, conversation, and the people you love. About baking as architecture, recipes as storytelling, and why food has the power to keep us connected across generations. Because sometimes, the most meaningful food isn’t made for a celebration — it becomes one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people make olive oil — Rose Bechara was raised by it. In this intimate conversation, Rose invites Claudia into the world of her family’s Lebanese groves, where every tree carries a memory and every harvest is an act of devotion. She shares how preserving her family’s land became her purpose, how tradition shapes her craft, and why olive oil is more than a product — it’s a legacy you taste. Follow Rose and her work: https://darmmess.com/ https://lb.linkedin.com/in/rose-bechara-perini-706807b0 https://www.instagram.com/darmmess/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you knew the real story behind the olive oil on your table? In this heartfelt episode, Claudia sits down with Sarah Vachon, co-founder of Citizens of Soil, to talk about the farmers, families, and landscapes that shape every bottle she brings into the world. Sarah shares how honoring small producers, protecting biodiversity, and building trust through transparency became her life’s work. Stay connected with Sarah and her mission: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahvachontour LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sarahfulton Citizens of Soil: https://www.citizensofsoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind every cup of coffee and every bite we take, there’s a farmer whose story is rarely told. In this moving conversation, Claudia sits down with Saurin Nanavati to explore what it really means to grow food with care — for people, for land, and for the future. From cooperative farming to climate resilience, Saurin reminds us that sustainability begins with connection — and that every meal is a chance to honor the hands that feed us. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/saurin-nanavati-a2623a86 Ethos Agriculture LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethos-agriculture/?viewAsMember=true Website: www.ethosag.com Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ex3IjzYE4I Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your morning coffee could tell the story of our planet? In this episode, Claudia sits down with human rights advocate and lawyer, Etelle Higonnet, to uncover the hidden journey behind each cup — from the farmers tending fragile landscapes to the forests at risk of disappearing. Through Etelle’s lens, coffee becomes more than a daily ritual; it’s a reflection of justice, climate, and care. This is a conversation about waking up — not just to coffee, but to the choices that shape our world. Coffee Watch Website : https://coffeewatch.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/etelle-higonnet-a600675/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what extra virgin really means? Olive oil experts Emily Lycopolus and Giuliana Mackler join Claudia to reveal what makes great olive oil truly great — from grove to mill, label to table. Learn how to taste, store, and love olive oil every day. Emily: Instagram.com/oliveoilcritic https://www.facebook.com/OliveOilCritic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lycopolus/ Giuliana: linkedin.com/in/giuliana-mackler/ Website Emily: https://oliveoilcritic.com/ Giuliana: giulianamackler.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if ice cream could carry the soul of a culture? In this episode, Claudia sits down with Chrys Kefalas, founder of Yala Greek Ice Cream, to talk about how one family recipe became a modern celebration of heritage and hospitality. From the creamy richness of Greek yogurt to the joy of gathering around the table, Chrys shares how Yala is more than dessert — it’s a love letter to memory, tradition, and togetherness. Website: https://www.yalagreekicecream.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yalagreekicecream/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raised with the scent of sumac and slow-simmered stews, Chef Fadi opens up about his roots, his favorite dishes, and why cooking is his love language. Learn more about him and his works:https://www.fadikattan.com/https://www.instagram.com/fadi.f.kattan/https://www.facebook.com/cheffadikattan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A season on a Tuscan farm became a lesson in food systems, integrity, and soul work. Hear how Beatrice turned hard labor into a company with purpose. Follow her storyin her socials: @beaoliveoil @beatricexkarp Get to know more about her purpose: www.beaoliveoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From olive groves to operating rooms, Dr. Poole shares how ancient eating habits are backed by modern science — and why food is our first and most powerful medicine. Learn more about him at: www.drsimonpoole.com Make sure to follow him as well on IG and LinkedIn: @drsimonpoole Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raised on boiled potatoes and butter sauce, Marije Passos never imagined she'd fall in love — with a man, a culture, and a way of cooking. In this episode, she shares the story of how one unforgettable Portuguese dish changed her life, why chestnuts belong in your pantry, and what it means to truly root yourself in food, land, and legacy. Catch her and her work at: https://www.passeite.com/@marijepassos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From kitchen rituals to cultural memory, Dr. Sonda Laroussi is a badass Tunisian scientist turned olive grower turned world wide olive oil judge. Dr. Sonda shares how food nourishes not just the body, but the spirit — and why recipes are often acts of survival and love. Join us as we discuss her mission to turn the humble Tunisian olive - often a commodity to European brands, into a powerhouse elevated Tunisian cuisine Get to know her and her works at: www.aromgourmet.com https://www.instagram.com/laroussimezghani/ https://www.facebook.com/sonda.laroussimezghani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a soulful chat with Dimitra,Mathiopoulou, founder of The Olive Routes in Kalamata, Greece. Dimitra's life is woven with the rhythm of the land. From pressing olives with her family to reviving old traditions, Dimitra reminds us that food isn’t just sustenance — it’s the keeper of memory, identity, and deep connection. Check out her website 👉https://theoliveroutes.com/and IG @theoliveroutes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🍷 New stories. ✈️ New flavors. 💚 Same soul.Season 2 of If This Food Could Talk is ready to pour. Tap the link & get ready taste the first episode on May 22nd! 🎧 #NewPodcastAlert #IfThisFoodCouldTalk #Season2Vibes #ClaudiaTravels #FoodCulturePodcast #mediterreneandiet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Freda DeKnight began writing for Ebony Magazine in 1946, American publications that centered on Black cuisine were overwhelmingly written by white writers for white audiences, often using harmful caricatures and dangerous stereotypes. This week, we’ll discover how one Black American food writer changed the culinary narrative. Freda DeKnight’s food column and book - A Date With A Dish - helped revolutionize Black culinary coverage in post WWII America, breaking new ground for an entire generation of African American chefs and home cooks. Join veteran food writer Donna Battle Pierce as we follow Freda’s story from her home town of Topeka Kansas, all the way to the largest Black publishing company in the United States. And hear some of the stories and recipes she championed along the way. Hosted by Claudia Hanna Episode Guest: Food writer Donna Battle Pierce Site: https://www.skilletdiaries.com/ Blog: https://skilletdiaries.substack.com/ Recipe: Ebony’s Barbequed Spare Ribs To learn more: Look through the 1948 first printing of Freda DeKnight’s book, A Date With A Dish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we turn the mic on our listeners and hear what food matters to them - and why. We hear hilarious and touching stories from Italy to Iceland, Cairo to Los Angeles. Get ready to be transported and hear about some of the most delicious (and well, not so delicious) stories that will have you laughing, crying, and connecting. Hosted by Claudia Hanna Episode Guests: Kamilia Hanna (Claudia’s mom) My Greek Table Host Diane Kochilas Yan Can Cook Host Chef Martin Yan Recipes: We have 4 recipes for you to explore this week: 1. Teta’s Whole Wheat Berry Cereal (Baleela) 2. Diane Kochilas’s Greens Pie 3. Mexican Wedding Cake 4. Spanish-style Kabocha Squash Au Gratin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices