Josh Moran, honours agriculture student, hosts the Why and How Podcast where we look to answer big questions in agriculture, food, and the environment through casual conversations rooted in research. The Why & How is published by the Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph. It is produced by Stephanie Craig and Jordan Terpstra. Recording and editing by Jakub Hyzyk and Kyle Ritchie.
Trailer: The Why & How Podcast
Show host Josh Moran, with the help of Jordan Terpstra, introduces the world to the new Why & How Podcast, which features the research of experts from the Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph. A transcript for the trailer can be found here [3].
Episode 1: How can food treat cancer?
Our first guest, Alessia Roma, explains how nutraceuticals could treat diseases like cancer. She chats with Josh Moran and Jordan Terpstra about how her graduate research could change the way we think about fighting leukemia and “food science”. Follow Alessia on Twitter here [4]. Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 1 can be found here. [5]
Episode 2: How can test tubes make 10 million trees?
We explore the world of plant tissue culture and how it can create 10 million trees from a sample of one. Masters students Kevin and James explain the science and technology behind this cool plant propagation technique. You can follow Kevin’s start-up on Instagram here [6]. Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 2 can be found here. [7]
Episode 3: Why are bees struggling? How can we help?
Everyone who’s interested in the environment has heard about the plight of honey bees. But this week’s guest, Dr. Alana Pindar, moves a magnifying glass onto the overlooked wild bees who live in our backyard and need our help. You can follow Alana’s research on Twitter here. [8] Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 3 can be found here. [9]
Episode 4: How do plants throw shade?
You probably knew that plants love light. But did you know they prefer specific wavelengths of light? PhD student Nicole Berardi explains how plants interact with light and each other. Like how they repel and reflect light, causing changes in growth and yield. If you’ve ever wondered why your succulents are growing in a weird way, this episode is for you. Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 4 can be found here. [10]
Episode 5: How does plant-based “meat” change the menu?
Simulated meat products are seriously trendy right now. The futuristic idea of replacing meat with plants, is today’s food science triumph. Prof. Ben Bohrer of the Department of Food Science chats with Josh and Jordan about what these new products mean for our meat-eating habits and menus. You can follow Ben on Twitter here. [11] Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 5 can be found here. [12]
Episode 6: Why are health trends stressing out chickens?
Omega-3s are good for human brain health, and Omega-3 enriched eggs are a terrific way for us to increase our intake. But feeding laying hens food rich in Omega-3's might be causing their chicks to be more fearful and stressed out. Rosemary Whittle, a PhD student in the Department of Animal Sciences, chats with Josh and Jordan about the initial findings of her poultry welfare research. Funding for this episode was provided by the W.S. (Stan) Young Memorial Communications Grant through the OAC Alumni Foundation. A transcript for episode 6 can be found here. [13]