In this episode, Katie and Bhavisha take a step away from the data and into the harder, often unspoken questions that shape science communication in practice. We reflect on what it means to do this work in spaces where expertise, public values, and lived experience do not always align, and where simply presenting the facts falls short. Drawing on our own experiences, we talk through moments where advocating for evidence can feel at odds with maintaining trust, and where stakeholder perspectives surface real tensions around trade-offs, not just misunderstandings. We also unpack the role of social media in shaping how science is shared, interpreted, and challenged, and how these platforms can both amplify and complicate communication efforts. Throughout the conversation, we come back to the idea that these tensions are not problems to solve, but conditions to work within, and that learning to sit with them is part of becoming a more thoughtful and effective communicator.

Learn more about our work below:

Katie Sanders’ NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/catherine-sanders/

Bhavisha Gulabrai’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/bhavisha-gulabrai/

Hub for Food Systems Communication and Engagement: https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/

UC Berkeley- The real process of science: https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science-101/how-science-works/the-real-process-of-science/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Melinda Knuth joins us to unpack the science and social dynamics behind glyphosate, one of the most widely used and debated weed control products. Dr. Knuth explains what glyphosate is, how it works, and how recent lawsuits, questions about scientific transparency, and differing global health conclusions have contributed to public uncertainty. From a consumer behavior perspective, we explore how trust, social media, and peer-to-peer communication shape public perceptions more than traditional institutions. We also discuss how personal values, including preferences for “natural” and organic products, influence decision making and contribute to common misunderstandings about pesticide use. Finally, the conversation highlights how both consumers and producers weigh effectiveness, cost, and safety along with the role of affordability and social factors. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on scientific uncertainty and how clear, transparent communication can help people navigate complex issues.

Learn more about Dr. Knuth’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

“Journal retracts weed killer study backed by Monsanto, citing ‘serious ethical concerns’”: https://www.science.org/content/article/journal-retracts-weed-killer-study-backed-monsanto-citing-serious-ethical-concerns

“Retraction notice to ‘Safety evaluation and risk assessment of the herbicide roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate, for humans’ [Regul. Toxicol. Pharm. 31 (2000) 117-165]”: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230025002387

Article- “Not your mother’s Roundup”: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/not-your-mothers-roundup

Environmental Protection Agency- Glyphosate: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate

Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues: https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agphome/documents/Pests_Pesticides/JMPR/2016_JMPR_Summary_Special.pdf

"What to know about the battle over lawsuits alleging that Roundup weedkiller can cause cancer": https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/what-to-know-about-the-battle-over-lawsuits-alleging-that-roundup-weedkiller-can-cause-cancer/article_77f35d43-663e-5141-a97d-a62255203f68.html

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Shumaker to explore the science behind food safety and the systems that protect our food from farm to fork. Dr. Shumaker breaks down what food safety really means from a scientific perspective, how research informs cooking temperatures and storage guidelines, and why simple tools like food thermometers and refrigerator thermometers matter more than we think. We dive into common consumer risks at home and unpack which food safety fears are grounded in science and which are often overstated. Dr. Shumaker also shares insights behind regulations like the FDA Food Code, the role of food safety culture in businesses, and how effective risk communication during recalls and outbreaks helps maintain public trust. Tune in to hear why culture matters just as much as protocols, how to confidently handle leftovers, and why seeing a recall in the news can actually be a sign that the system is working as intended.

Learn more about Dr. Shumaker’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/ellen-shumaker/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

NC State’s Safe Plates: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-5/

NC State’s Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-food-safety-information-center/

Food Safety: https://www.foodsafety.gov/

Risky or Not Podcast: https://www.riskyornot.co/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.