You may know Mark Bittman from his Minimalist cooking column in The New York Times or from one of his many cookbooks—How to Cook Everything Vegetarian is a Real Food Media favorite!
His new book, Animal, Vegetable, Junk: A History of Food, from Sustainable to Suicidal, takes a sweeping look at human history through the lens of food— the ties between agriculture, colonialism, and the climate crisis and the myths surrounding the food we eat. In this conversation with Anna Lappé, we learn about Mark’s coming-of-age as an activist and food writer, what counts as “junk” food (spoiler alert: organic food can count as junk food!), the limits of fake meat, and the possibilities of agroecology.
The Covid pandemic and its disproportionate impact on Black, Brown, and Indigenous bodies. The surge in inflammatory illnesses such as gastrointestinal disorders and asthma. Mass uprisings around the world in response to systemic racism and authoritarianism. Raging forest fires and devastating floods... Our bodies, societies, and planet are inflamed.
Get ready for another truly epic Real Food Reads selection: Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice by our friends Dr. Rupa Marya and Raj Patel. This book will change the way you think—not only about food—but about the ruptures in the web of life that have wrought so much damage on our health and relationships. Pick up the book now and stay tuned for our conversation with Rupa and Raj later this month!
Since 2019, Bay Area-based reporter and audio producer Asal Ehsanipour has been our podcast editor, applying her expertise and collaborative spirit to Real Food Media podcasts. With deep gratitude, we wish her all the best as she moves on to a new job with the LA Times (Congrats!). And we’d also like to introduce and welcome Jaime Roque to our team.
A Los Angeles-based educator, musician, audio producer, and podcast and radio host, Jaime has produced and hosted a number of podcasts and radio programs, including his own live weekly public radio show. His segments can be heard on LA radio stations KQBH and KPFK and he also produces podcasts for the iHeart Radio Podcast Network. With a wide range of talents and a commitment to creating “stories that matter,” Jaime will help elevate the quality and reach of Real Food Media podcasts. We look forward to sharing our collaborations with you!
There’s no such thing as “cheap” food. Animal, Vegetable, Junkauthor Mark Bittman shares his views on capitalism, agriculture, and public health in this Guardian interview. (The Guardian)
Perilous Bountyauthor Tom Philpott reports that methane emissions, primarily from industrial livestock and fossil fuel production, account for 30% of today’s climate heating. (Mother Jones)
As the wells reach deeper to irrigate commodity crops, the Central Valley sinks and residents go without water. The Dreamt Landauthor Mark Arax uses storytelling to share a prescient warning. (The Atlantic)
Chef Sean Sherman, author of The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, opens his first brick and mortar restaurant, the thoughtfully-curated Owanmi in Minneapolis. He reflects on its meaning and importance in this interview. (Food and Wine)
With additional readings, short films, recipes, games, and more, our toolkits provide fun ways to learn more about food system change on your own or get active with friends.
