In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis Baffour-Awuah sits with four international graduate students to explore the realities of studying abroad. Joining the conversation are Emilia Astorga Roine from Chile and Adedamola Sanuade from Nigeria, both at Oregon State University; Danial Nayeri from Iran at Texas A&M University; and Katherine Pivaral from Guatemala at Purdue University.

Together, they discuss cultural adjustments, academic life, building community, navigating challenges, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They also share practical advice and honest insights for prospective international students navigating similar journeys.

If you've ever wondered what life as an international student is truly like or are considering the journey yourself, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of the Agricurious Podcast, they share the research they presented at ACE, preview the projects they were preparing to present at IASNR, and discuss what it was like traveling between conferences while exploring new places along the way.

They also reflect on their experiences in Billings, visits to Yellowstone National Park and Historic Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon, and the conversations, adventures, and memorable moments that made the trip more than just a conference journey.

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Dr. Thompson explains why agricultural outreach is never one-size-fits-all and shares how trust, lived experiences, and social realities shape the way farmers respond to agricultural information, technologies, and change.

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Dr. McCullough shares insights into the biggest challenges facing the industry today, how trust is built through science communication, and the innovations that could transform meat production in the coming years. The episode also offers valuable advice for students and early-career researchers interested in agriculture, food systems, and public health.

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The conversation also explores Dr. Gundersen’s work on Map the Meal Gap with Feeding America and what it reveals about food insecurity across the United States.

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They discuss how precision tools influence farmer decision-making, the social and psychological factors shaping adoption, and what makes an approach integrative rather than simply technology-driven.

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Featuring Mikayla Hargis (Kansas State University), Ruwini Bandara (North Carolina State University), and Oluwadamilare Oloyede (Mississippi State University), the conversation shares honest insights into research, networking, and life as emerging agricultural scholars.

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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 life.

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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.

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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.

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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 unique regional experiences to shared challenges, ongoing work, and hopes for the future of IPM. It’s a blend of science, stories, and collaboration, all rooted in the orchards that feed us.

After listening, please take 10 seconds to share your feedback at bit.ly/agricurious.

After listening, please take 10 seconds to share your feedback at bit.ly/agricurious.

After listening, please take 10 seconds to share your feedback at bit.ly/agricurious.

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 “tree of heaven.” They also share what researchers are learning about its impact and how the fight to contain it is unfolding.

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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 their daily choices, and where policy and research need to step in.

From everyday food decisions to the future of environmental protection, this podcast breaks down complex science into clear, engaging conversations that matter for all of us.

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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.

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After listening, please take 10 seconds to share your feedback at bit.ly/agricurious.

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.

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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!

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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 curious!