Climate & Cuisine Podcast

From Cow’s Milk to Climate Change: The Untold School Lunch Story

Are you ready to discover how what’s on your plate could change the future of our planet? In this episode of Climate Diet's "Climate and Cuisine" podcast, Executive Director Jane DeMarines sits down with Megan Jones from Friends of the Earth to unpack the surprising connections between school food, climate change, and the power of plant-based eating! 🌍🥗
What you’ll learn in this episode:
* How a childhood documentary sparked Megan’s journey to veganism and climate advocacy* The shocking truth about what’s really in our school lunches and why plant-based options are so rare* Hidden policies behind why schools serve so much cow’s milk—and what needs to change* The incredible climate and health impact of shifting just a few school meals per week to plant-based* Real-life stories and case studies showing how schools save money and the planet by reducing meat and dairy* Exciting new bills and policies that could revolutionize what kids eat across America* The cultural side of food: how plant-based meals can honor diverse backgrounds, promote inclusion, and introduce kids to global flavors
👉 Did you know? If every American skipped meat just one day a week, it would be like taking 25 million cars off the road!🍔➡️🌱 And schools serving plant-based meals can save tens of thousands of dollars, all while helping the planet.
Join the movement!Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, activist, or just curious about how your food choices matter, this episode is packed with facts, inspiration, and ways to get involved. Learn about the Plant Powered School Meals Coalition and how you can make a difference at your local, state, or national level.
Don’t miss out on:
* Cost-saving secrets of plant-based school meals* Myths and facts: Is plant-based eating really more expensive?* The policies shaping your child’s lunch tray

The Climate Crisis: Your Diet is a HUGE Solution! with Dr. Sydney Pryor

Join us on Climate and Cuisine, the podcast for Climate Diet, as Executive Director Jane DeMarines sits down with Dr. Sydney Pryor, a postdoctoral research associate and lecturer at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health.
In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the critical link between the US agri-food system, human health, and our planet. Dr. Pryor shares her groundbreaking research on how high rates of red and processed meat consumption drive both climate change and diet-related chronic diseases.
Discover why focusing on reducing beef consumption offers a "win-win potential" for climate and health, especially in the US. We explore the challenges and motivations behind dietary changes, discussing how different demographics, particularly young people, are driven by the climate impact of their food choices.
Learn about the shift from a "loss framing" to an "asset framing" when it comes to plant-based diets, highlighting their immense benefits rather than focusing on what's being taken away. We also address common barriers to plant-based eating—cost, taste, and availability—and challenge persistent myths.
Hear inspiring stories like New York City Mayor Eric Adams' journey to health through plant-based eating and its impact on public hospitals. Plus, get insights into the crucial role of motivated leaders and policymakers in recognizing food as a powerful climate action.
Dr. Pryor discusses promising trends, including the recent Rutgers survey revealing that nearly half of respondents plan to reduce meat consumption, and the forward steps taken by the USDA's dietary guidelines in classifying plant proteins. We also touch upon the increased accessibility of climate change information through social media and news, making its impact more real for everyone.
The main takeaway? The majority of people care about climate change, but many don't know the powerful connection between food and climate. This episode is a call to action: let's talk about it, learn about it, and build a sense of community around climate action through food.
Don't miss this essential conversation on sustainable eating and a healthier planet!

How Your Food Choices Can Save the Planet: A Shocking Truth Revealed! with Janet O'Shea

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Climate and Cuisine, host Jane DeMarinas welcomes back Dr. Janet O’Shea, UCLA professor and co-author of the groundbreaking Newsweek op-ed, "Even One Person's Food Choices Affect the Whole Planet." They dive deep into how our everyday food decisions—from what's on our plate to what's in our grocery carts—directly impact climate change. 🥦🌍 With timely discussions around Passover, Easter, and the climate crisis, Dr. O'Shea debunks myths about the food system, exposes flaws in anti-vegan arguments, and highlights the urgent need to rethink meat consumption, food waste, and agricultural policy. 💥 They explore hopeful global trends—from Denmark’s menu redesigns to youth-led change in the U.S.—proving that behavior change and policy reform go hand in hand. Plus, discover how students, chefs, and activists are transforming institutions one plant-based meal at a time. Don't miss this passionate, fact-packed conversation about building a better, tastier, and more sustainable world—one bite at a time! 🌱✨

Why Protecting the Ocean is Critical to Our Survival - The Truth About Ocean Conservation

Join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Captain Paul Watson, co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. For over 50 years, he has led the fight against illegal whaling, overfishing, and marine destruction, standing up to governments, corporations, and industries threatening marine life.
Key Highlights - ✅ The Real Story Behind Sea Shepherd – What led to its success.✅ Untold Stories of Legal Battles & Government Opposition – His dramatic arrests, time in prison, and how global leaders fought for his release.✅ The Fight Against Illegal Whaling – Inside the battle with Iceland and Japan’s whaling industry, and how direct intervention saved thousands of whales.✅ Why Phytoplankton Is Key to Human Survival – Understanding how these microscopic organisms produce 70% of Earth’s oxygen and why their decline is a global crisis.✅ The Future of Ocean Conservation – How marine ecosystems regulate climate, and what must be done to protect them.✅ His Take on Veganism & Environmental Activism – Why going plant-based is more than just a diet—it’s a form of conservation.✅ Upcoming Projects & Next Steps – What’s next for the Captain Paul Watson Foundation and his ongoing efforts to protect marine life.
🚨 Don’t miss this thought-provoking and inspiring episode—because saving our oceans means saving ourselves. 🌊💙
🔔 Subscribe for more impactful interviews!
Know more about Captain Paul Watson - https://www.paulwatsonfoundation.org/
Subscribe to his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainPaulWatsonFoundation

Is Animal Agriculture the #1 Cause of Climate Change? with Gerard Bisshop

In this eye-opening episode of Climate & Cuisine, host Jane DeMarines sits down with scientist and activist Gerard Bisshop to uncover groundbreaking research that challenges everything we’ve been told about emissions. From deforestation accounting tricks to the true impact of methane, Gerard exposes why the meat industry is more harmful to the planet than we think. Plus, he shares insights on why the shift to plant-based eating is inevitable and happening faster than we realize! Don't miss this must-watch conversation—hit play now! 🎥✨

Reality of meat industry: Shocking Truth Revealed with Chloe Sorvino

Join us for a powerful conversation with Chloe Sorvino, Forbes journalist and author of Raw Deal, as we expose the shocking realities of the meat industry. From corporate greed and price-fixing to worker exploitation and environmental destruction, a handful of billionaires control what’s on our plates—while consumers pay more and farmers earn less.  
But change is possible! Chloe shares how we can break this cycle through ethical food choices, better sourcing, and a shift toward plant-based eating. If you care about food justice, sustainability, and what’s really behind your meals, this is a must-watch. Subscribe for more insights, grab Chloe’s book, and sign up for our newsletter for delicious plant-based recipes that make a difference!

Could Your Plate Be the Cure? with Jane Velez-Mitchell

In this powerful episode of Climate and Cuisine, we dive deep into the undeniable connection between food and the environment with the incredible Jane Velez-Mitchell—former CNN anchor, bestselling author, and founder of Unchained TV, the world’s only free nonprofit streaming network for plant-based living. 🌎✨
Jane exposes the hidden truths behind animal agriculture, its impact on climate change, and how the media keeps us in the dark. She shares how Unchained TV is breaking through the noise—bringing you cooking shows, documentaries, and eye-opening content that make plant-based living easy, fun, and delicious! 🥦🎬
💡 Did you know? A plant-based diet can reduce your carbon footprint by 75%! That’s a game-changer for the planet. 🌍
🔗 Download Unchained TV NOW – it’s free and packed with life-changing content! 📲👉 https://unchainedtv.com/
📣 Join the movement! Watch, share, and help spread the truth. Your choices matter more than you think! 🙌🐾

Chronic Disease, Climate Disasters & Nutrition—What’s the Connection? with Mark Rifkin

Join us as we sit down with Mark Rifkin, a registered dietitian with expertise in plant-based diets, sustainability, policy, and health. With master's degrees in health education and environmental science, Mark dives deep into the connection between diet, chronic disease, and climate change.
In this episode, we discuss:✅ The role of nutrition policy in environmental sustainability✅ How chronic diseases and climate disasters affect healthcare and nutrition✅ Strategies for adopting a more sustainable, plant-forward diet
Mark has worked with the Center for Biological Diversity and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has authored peer-reviewed articles on food systems and climate resilience.
🔥 Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how your food choices can shape a healthier planet!