Shows
AgriCurious PodcastWhat Systems Thinking Reveals About Cause and EffectWhat usually goes wrong when we try to solve complex problems using simple cause-and-effect thinking?How do we feel when that approach doesn’t lead to one clear “right” answer?In this episode, Dennis sits down with Dr. Kevan Lamm, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Georgia and an Extension leadership specialist, to explore what systems thinking reveals about cause and effect. They also discuss how the STEPS project uses hypothetical case scenarios as reusable learning objects to strengthen students’ thinking about food systems and everyday...
2026-01-2722 min
AgriCurious PodcastRethinking Peat and the Future of Soilless SubstratesPeat has been the backbone of soilless plant production for decades, but growing environmental concerns and tightening supply are forcing the industry to rethink what comes next.In this episode of the AgriCurious Podcast, Dennis sits down with Dr. Jeb Fields and Dr. James Altland to discuss the Soilless Substrate Project, peat alternatives, stratified substrates, and what growers can realistically do to prepare for a peat-limited future.
2026-01-0132 min
AgriCurious PodcastUpcycled Food ExplainedCan food waste be part of the solution rather than the problem?In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis speaks with Dr. Peng Lu, Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication Department at the University of Georgia, about upcycled food and the science behind it. Dr. Lu studies how consumers respond to food innovations and how communication shapes acceptance.Their conversation moves through definitions, real-world examples, public misconceptions, and current research, offering insight into how upcycled food fits into broader efforts to build more sustainable and circular food systems.
2025-12-1626 min
AgriCurious PodcastPeaches, Apples, and a Few Pesky PestsWhat does it take to protect peaches in Georgia and apples in New York from a shifting mix of pests, weather, and regulations?In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis sits down with Dr. Brett Blaauw, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia and Clemson University, and Dr. Monique Rivera, Assistant Professor at Cornell AgriTech and Faculty Fellow at the Atkinson Center for Sustainability.Together, they discuss the Eastern Tree Fruit SREP project, an ambitious, multi-state collaboration designed to strengthen Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for tree fruit growers. The conversation moves from their...
2025-11-1135 min
AgriCurious PodcastTalking Science and Stories in the Lamm Lab LoungeIn this episode of AgriCurious, we hang out in the Lamm Lab Lounge, where science meets stories and laughter. Join Dennis, Funmi, Megan, Michael, and Gracie as they chat about their research, experiences, and what makes science communication such an exciting journey. It’s curiosity, community, and a touch of fun, all in one conversation!
2025-11-0332 min
AgriCurious PodcastWhen Vitis Met Muscadinia: A Love Story in the VineyardWhat happens when science meets the vineyard? In this episode, Dennis sits down with Dr. Renee Threlfall and Dr. Margaret Worthington, the dynamic duo behind the Vitis × Muscadinia project, to talk about building better grapes through collaboration. Recorded in Fayetteville during the VxM Annual Meeting, 2025, the conversation explores the project’s impact on research, growers, and the future of grape breeding. From breeding tables to tasting rooms, Renee and Margaret share what it takes to make grapes that balance resilience with irresistible flavor.
2025-10-1529 min
AgriCurious PodcastChange is Going to Come: A Conversation about Nursery Substrates with Manuel MoralesIn this episode, Dr. Alexa Lamm hosts Manuel Morales from Los Arroyos Nursery in Watsonville, California. Manuel shares his insights on a constantly evolving industry, including how he works closely with scientists to push industry standards, his view on the future need for alternative soilless substrates, and how he has enjoyed growing plants for over 35 years with no plans to stop, despite the necessity for change and innovation. He talks about his substrate mixes, explaining why he still uses peat in some and not in others.
2025-09-2312 min
AgriCurious PodcastThe Spotted Lanternfly: A Beautiful Invader with a Destructive AppetiteThe spotted lanternfly may look striking with its bold wings of red, black, and white and a body patterned with yellow bands and dark spots, but don’t be fooled. It's one of the most pressing invasive species threatening agriculture in the United States.In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis sits down at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory with two experts from Penn State University: Dr. Julie Urban (Research Associate Professor) and Megan Luke (Extension Educator, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program). Together, they unpack the lanternfly’s origins, behavior, and its peculiar love for the...
2025-09-1031 min
AgriCurious PodcastPlastic on Your Plate?PFAS and microplastics are two of the most talked-about contaminants in our food, water, and environment, but what do we really know about them, and why should we care? In this podcast, host Dennis Baffour-Awuah brings together voices from research and practice to discuss the science, the risks, and the realities behind these invisible threats.Featuring Dr. Sarah White, Professor and Nursery Extension Specialist at Clemson University, and Masoud Yazdanpanah, a researcher at the University of Georgia, the episode explores what PFAS and microplastics are, how they affect our health and ecosystems, what consumers should consider in...
2025-08-2659 min
AgriCurious PodcastThe Role of Meat In SocietyPlant-based meat movements: a disservice to society?In this episode, Dr. Keith Belk, Director of the Center for Meat Safety and Quality at Colorado State University, discusses the role of meat in our diets, common misconceptions, and the rise of anti-meat movements. He talks about how consumer perceptions have evolved, debunks myths surrounding meat, and shares insights from his career as a meat scientist, tackling the tough questions we've all been eager to ask.
2025-08-1244 min
AgriCurious PodcastBehind the CLEAR Center with Joe ProudmanDr. Lamm sits with Joe Proudman, the Associate Director of Communications at the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center. They discuss the center's origins, mission, research areas, and science communication efforts, including how they aim to address the five pillars supporting their work. The CLEAR Center works to help the animal agriculture industry operate more efficiently while reducing its environmental and climate impact.
2025-07-2817 min
AgriCurious PodcastThe AgNext Approach to Animal AgricultureIn this episode of AgriCurious, Dr. Alexa Lamm interviews staff from AgNext, an innovative animal agriculture research center at Colorado State University. They explore the center’s mission, detail current and upcoming research projects, and address a common challenge: helping people truly grasp the science behind their work.Covering topics from methane emissions and livestock welfare to data-driven decision-making, discover how AgNext is shaping the future of sustainable animal agriculture and translating complex research into practical solutions for nutrient-dense food systems for everyone.
2025-07-1410 min
AgriCurious PodcastThe Other Side of the Fence: Zola on Farming in AfricaEver wondered what makes farming in Africa so different from farming in America? In this episode, we sit down with Zola, a bold and inspiring woman farmer, as she takes us through her journey from how she got started to the challenges she’s faced, the barriers she’s broken, and the wins she’s proud of. It’s a real talk on two farming worlds, one passion, and the roots that keep her grounded. You don’t want to miss this one!
2025-06-3041 min
AgriCurious PodcastIntroduction to AgriCurious Did you ever think you could learn about agriculture in a fun and easy way?Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing here on AgriCurious by making big conversations about food, science, and the environment simple, relatable, and fun.In this premiere episode, we kick things off with a conversation with Dr. Alexa Lamm, a leading voice in agricultural communication at the University of Georgia.We talk about the purpose behind this podcast, why agricultural conversations matter more than ever, and what you can expect in future episodes.Let’s get cu...
2025-06-1607 min