Claim OwnershipThe Appropriate Omnivore with Aaron Zober
Subscribed: 32Played: 572
Subscribe
© The Appropriate Omnivore 2012 All Rights Reserved
Description
The Appropriate Omnivore is hosted by environmentalist and meat lover Aaron Zober. Breaking the myth that eating meat is bad for the environment, Aaron talks about how meat, as well as the other food groups, are best when they're local, organic, and sustainable.
Each week, Aaron brings on a guest to share experience and wisdom about what's good to eat. Think you know what foods are good for you and the planet? What you hear may surprise you and get you on a shopping spree for a new diet.
The Appropriate Omnivore
http://www.AppropriateOmnivore.com
Each week, Aaron brings on a guest to share experience and wisdom about what's good to eat. Think you know what foods are good for you and the planet? What you hear may surprise you and get you on a shopping spree for a new diet.
The Appropriate Omnivore
http://www.AppropriateOmnivore.com
185 Episodes
Reverse
The 2025 Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City is just one week away. For his final guest in the conference speaker series, Aaron welcomes Bob Quinn, founder of the newly established Quinn Institute. Quinn’s presentation, “Healing the Earth as Medicine – A New Profit Center for Farmers and Ranchers,” delves into the Institute’s core mission to advance regenerative organic research, education, and health-oriented agriculture, with the goal of healing both people and the planet through improved farming and food systems. The conversation clearly distinguishes between organic and regenerative agriculture, as Quinn reflects on his transition away from chemicals on the farm and shares research about ancient grains, such as the wheat grown by Kamut International, which Bob also founded. He discusses the nutritional shortcomings of refined foods—especially wheat flour—and advocates for whole grain and traditional sourdough preparation for better health and nutrition.
As host Aaron Zober continues to count down to the Wise Traditions Conference on The Appropriate Omnivore podcast, his speaker for this week is microbiome coach Vanessa Hargrove. Vanessa is author of the book Homestead to Homestead and teaches a course called Targeted Microbial Therapy. Vanessa will be speaking at the Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City, giving two talks: one on targeted microbial therapy and the other on sourdough's health benefits. Vanessa shares her personal health journey, including overcoming fertility challenges by adopting nutrient-dense eating patterns inspired by the Weston A. Price Foundation. She explains her coaching program, which helps clients rebuild gut health through a 12-week fermented food course, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. The conversation covers the importance of fermented foods, particularly homemade milk kefir, and how microbes boost nutrient bioavailability. Vanessa also tells Aaron about some of her favorite recipes in her book, including sourdough, fermented condiments (mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, etc.), as well as natural skincare and cleaning products she makes and teaches others to craft.
It's the next installment of the Wise Traditions Conference speaker series, with host Aaron Zober interviewing Judith McGeary, founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA). Her presentation, "Changing Laws that Govern Our Food," focuses on promoting common-sense agricultural policies and reforming food system laws. Judith, an attorney, activist, and regenerative farmer, discusses key topics including Texas cottage food laws, efforts to simplify regulations, egg sales and grading laws, meat processing reforms, regenerative agriculture and certification, and national legislative issues. She emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and the importance of challenging corporate control over food systems to benefit farmers and consumers alike. This episode serves as both a legislative update and a call to action for building a diverse, locally based, regenerative food system through pragmatic policy and grassroots activism.
The Appropriate Omnivore host Aaron Zober continues with his Wise Traditions Conference speaker series, interviewing Mike Keen of Eat Your Environment in this episode. Mike’s presentation, “Eating Greenland - An Evolutionary Diet Revelation,” shares his background as a chef with global experience that led him to a transformative journey focused on ancestral and evolutionary diets. Mike emphasizes the importance of eating seasonally and locally based on evolutionary principles. He strongly critiques the modern industrial food system's detrimental impact on health and the environment. Looking ahead, he plans a significant project in 2026 to live one year eating three distinct diets—hunter-gatherer, agricultural, and industrial—while undergoing scientific health monitoring to analyze the effects. Throughout the conversation, Mike discusses traditional food preservation methods, the role of fermented foods in evolutionary diets, and the loss of culinary and survival skills in contemporary culture as key issues to address.
In just over a month, the Weston A. Price Foundation will host its annual Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Continuing his tradition on The Appropriate Omnivore podcast, Aaron Zober begins his series of interviews with featured speakers by welcoming back James Barry, founder of Pluck. James's presentation, "The Original Superfood: Why Organ Meats Belong Back on the Plate," delves into the definition of organ meats and the long history of humans consuming the whole animal. He explains that organ meats are "nature’s multivitamin," rich in nutrients essential for health and detoxification. Aaron and James explore the global culinary traditions that feature organ meats and discuss the cultural hesitance many Americans feel toward eating them. James offers practical strategies for introducing organ meats, including using his Pluck organ meat seasoning line. He also previews new Pluck flavors and upcoming product collaborations listeners can anticipate.
In this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, Aaron Zober welcomes back registered dietitian Laura Mathes, founder of Rest, Digest, and Heal. Laura shares insights from her new 7‑module, self‑paced program, which blends practical education with weekly group coaching calls. She and Aaron then dive into common misconceptions about gut health, the importance of food quality and preparation, and the powerful connection between stress and digestion. Laura also highlights supportive practices, key supplements, and the value of maintaining lifestyle balance. This conversation encourages a grounded, practical path to lasting digestive wellness.
In this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, host Aaron Zober welcomes back Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) founder and president Sally Fallon Morell to discuss recent insights into olive oil quality, focusing particularly on the discovery that some olive oils contain higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids than previously recognized. They explore how this discovery was made and the subsequent actions taken to address it. Sally also highlights key speakers expected at this year·s Wise Traditions conference, encouraging listeners to engage with the foundation·s ongoing educational efforts surrounding real food and traditional nutrition. Finally, Sally discusses additional studies and policy initiatives that WAPF is pursuing alongside their educational work on traditional foodways.
On this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore podcast, host Aaron Zober welcomes back Alexia Kulwiec, executive director of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. Alexia discusses issues surrounding access to safe and healthy raw milk, with a particular focus on the role of herdshares —- a system in which a group of consumers collectively own a portion of a dairy herd, granting them legal access to raw milk produced by their animals. The conversation explores why herdshares have become a popular option for raw milk seekers in states with restrictive laws, and how they offer an alternative to conventional distribution. Additionally, Alexia updates listeners on other raw milk legislation the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is involved with, as well as broader food and farming policy efforts.
For this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, host Aaron Zober interviews Chantale Houle, founder of Biora and Kefiplant, about utilizing kombucha and other fermented botanicals beyond beverages, with a focus on their application in vinegars and salad dressings. Chantale shares how Biora was created as an offshoot of Kefiplant, her company that produces over 50 different fermented botanicals for the B2B market. She details her motivation for developing kombucha-based vinegars and salad dressings as innovative, health-focused alternatives to conventional products. Chantale explains her fermentation process, emphasizing the use of high-quality, certified organic botanicals and a commitment to clean, functional ingredients. She and Aaron discuss Biora’s range of offerings, including various vinegars and dressings, and explore the health benefits these products provide—particularly their abundance of postbiotics. The conversation also covers sourcing and certification practices, as well as the versatility of these products in different types of foods.
In the latest episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, Aaron Zober welcomes back Tim Richards, founder of Philosopher Foods, to discuss the accidental discovery and development of Gut Nuts — a unique line of fermented nuts. Aaron shares his passion for sour and fermented foods, while Tim explains how a kitchen mishap led to a new product, now made with lactic acid bacteria for enhanced flavor and nutrition. The conversation covers the journey from initial discovery to product launch, changes made after receiving feedback, and the science behind the health benefits of fermentation. Tim also shares plans for future innovations, including new flavors, nut butters, and entirely new fermented products.
As we enter the month of July and celebrate National Hot Dog Month, The Appropriate Omnivore host Aaron Zober interviews Kevin Pallaoro, president of Teton Waters Ranch, to discuss grass-fed beef, regenerative agriculture, and the real food movement. Kevin shares how farming has always been a part of his life. Aaron and Kevin delve into animal welfare and ranching, dispelling misconceptions about the industry and emphasizing the importance of caring for animals and the land. They discuss Teton Waters Ranch’s sourcing and standards, the shift from organic to regenerative agriculture, and why regenerative practices are essential for the future. The episode wraps up with both sharing their favorite toppings for grass-fed hot dogs.
In this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, host Aaron Zober interviews Emily Moose, Executive Director of A Greener World (AGW), to discuss the importance of food transparency and credible labeling. Emily shares her background in agriculture and explains how AGW was founded to address the need for trustworthy, third-party certifications. Together, Aaron and Emily explore which food labels are meaningful and which are misleading, emphasizing the value of independent verification in a crowded marketplace. Emily then details AGW’s four certification programs and highlights the consumer resources AGW offers, such as their comprehensive food label guide. The conversation underscores the need for reliable information to help consumers make informed, values-based food choices.
Aaron Zober hosts Holly Howe on The Appropriate Omnivore podcast, where they discuss their shared interest in sauerkraut and its health benefits. Holly shares how she first became interested in fermentation and why she focuses specifically on sauerkraut. She then explains how creating her website Make Sauerkraut eventually led to writing her book "Mouthwatering Sauerkraut". Holly highlights the benefits of consuming raw, fermented sauerkraut and why making it at home is best. They also discuss similar ferments from other cultures. Finally, Holly previews her future plans to teach listeners more about the joys and benefits of sauerkraut.
The Appropriate Omnivore host Aaron Zober interviews Maxi Heidenblut, founder of Happy Candy, a company that makes “better-for-you” gummy candies. Maxi, originally from Germany — a country famous for its gummy candy — explains her inspiration for starting Happy Candy after being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that required her to reduce sugar intake. Disappointed by existing low-sugar candies due to their texture, aftertaste, and digestive side effects, she set out to create her own version. Maxi lets the listeners know all about the ingredients she chose. Happy Candy is focused on sustainability in many ways from its sourcing to the packages it's sold in.
For this episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, Aaron Zober interviews Phoenix Be of Simply Grassfed. Phoenix discusses the prevalence of greenwashing in the natural products industry and explains why labels can often be misleading. He addresses a wide range of related issues, including loopholes in organic certification, challenges in meat and produce processing, and concerns about seafood and wild game sourcing. Despite these obstacles, both Phoenix and Aaron (who describe themselves as apocaloptimists) remain hopeful that these problems can be overcome, even those that many sustainable food advocates may not recognize. Phoenix also shares how he established processing standards for Simply Grassfed and how other farms have joined him in adopting these higher practices.
Aaron Zober welcomes David Dottorini to the Appropriate Omnivore podcast. David is an export manager for Ficacci Olive Co., which is based out of Italy. David and Aaron share a love for olives, especially when unpasteurized. The two cover everything about olives, including some information you may not know. David starts with the different between olives sold in Italy and the U.S. and what the colors of different olives mean. He then explains the benefit of eating fresh olives. Also discussed is the history of where Ficacci has sourced its olive. Plus how olives are becoming more popular with the masses and what the target audience is. And how Ficacci is not only sustainable with its olives but the packaging they come in. The state in the U.S. which introduced sustainable packaging may surprise you.
On the latest episode of The Appropriate Omnivore, host Aaron Zober interviews Nehru Karim, founder of Agi's Caribbean, a family-run startup specializing in Caribbean and Guyanese cuisine. Inspired by the popularity of his mother Nehru’s home-cooked meals, Nehru launched the business at farmers markets, initially offering traditional and vegetarian samosas with homemade tamarind sauce. The menu has since expanded to include entrees like chicken curry and potato curry, served with roti. Nehru discusses the company’s commitment to quality ingredients, balancing health and taste, and making traditional comfort foods accessible without sacrificing flavor. He highlights health-conscious choices such as frying in avocado oil and offering gluten-free options. Aaron and Nehru explores the underrepresentation of ethnic cuisines like Guyanese food in the CPG market and how Agi's plans to introduce more people to these unique flavors.
This week on The Appropriate Omnivore, host Aaron Zober interviews Elizabeth Bruckner of The Create Wellness Project and author of The Homesteader Mindset. Elizabeth explains that in order to homestead, you not only need to learn the necessary skills for practices such as gardening, composting, or fermenting, but you first have work on your mental health. Elizabeth discusses her background with the listeners working as an acupuncturist and first becoming a homesteader while recovering from chronic illness. The pandemic additionally contributed to Elizabeth becoming more aware of the food system and wanting to grow the food herself. Explaining that more than will power is needed to learn traditions skills, she breaks down the myth of what stifles positive change and how you can kick them to the curb. Aaron then asks Elizabeth about the eight tools of mental wellbeing. Plus Elizabeth shares how learning foreign language has helped her as a homesteader.
Last week in Anaheim, New Hope Network held its annual Natural Products Expo West. The Appropriate Omnivore host gives his fourth annual show recapping his discoveries. There's no guest this week as Aaron himself lists the five major takeaways from Expo West as far as trends and new products he found on the exhibit floor. Every year there's a different take, although some similar elements may repeat. And while no main interview for this episode, recordings taken on the Expo West halls with some of Aaron's favorite exhibitors and their thoughts on the convention.
The Appropriate Omnivore host Aaron Zober views the sustainability of packaging for products as important as the sustainability for how the food in the packages are grown and processed. So Aaron proudly welcomes rePurpose Global co-founder & chief impact officer Aditya Siroya to the program. Aditya grew up in Bangalore, India, which went from garden city to garbage city of India in the 2010s. He tells his story of how went from his town and country to a plan which eventually led to rePurpose with the idea of scaling up solutions on the ground. Aditya address that it’s a a myth that plastic can be gotten rid of overnight. rePurpose works with all types of realistic solutions to CPG brands reducing plastic waste, including solutions still using plastic.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States