https://simplecast.com Hosted by award-winning radio show talent and Know Better Do Better founders Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, Food Secure Nation is the conversation shaping the future of food security in America. Discover insights from community voices and national leaders as we shed light on real solutions for meaningful progress toward food security. Each episode spans discussions, interviews, exercises, resources, and takeaways, resulting in collective and actionable knowledge. We’re building a clarity engine that helps thousands of people know better so they can do better. Catch new episodes on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on WJR Detroit, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Cumulus Media Detroit en Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:09:41 +0000 http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/51e42878-f1e7-4a15-8016-b011524d9dac/c7e90b23-f608-4dbc-a0c4-cc10885e9ac3/3000x3000/knowbetterdobetterpodtile.jpg?aid=rss_feed http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- episodic Hosted by award-winning radio show talent and Know Better Do Better founders Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, Food Secure Nation is the conversation shaping the future of food security in America. Discover insights from community voices and national leaders as we shed light on real solutions for meaningful progress toward food security. Each episode spans discussions, interviews, exercises, resources, and takeaways, resulting in collective and actionable knowledge. We’re building a clarity engine that helps thousands of people know better so they can do better. Catch new episodes on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on WJR Detroit, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Cumulus Media Detroit false https://feeds.simplecast.com/tgaf5gTj Food First Curtis Paul Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com 3c1ecf6e-90bb-42b7-963f-ed0d41596ee8 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Leadership That Lasts: Dan Flowers on Food Security Curtis Paul 00:37:50 April 19, 2026 ~ Leadership isn’t about getting it right—it’s how you show up when it matters. Dan Flowers joins Food Secure Nation to unpack trust, relationships, and the courage to lead in a divided world. April 19, 2026 ~ Leadership isn’t about getting it right—it’s how you show up when it matters. Dan Flowers joins Food Secure Nation to unpack trust, relationships, and the courage to lead in a divided world. false full 142 88e9a48a-3aed-40f5-b361-e26694fd4add Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Funding Food Security: It’s More Than Just Food Curtis Paul 00:37:16 April 12, 2026 ~ Liz Lowe of the Allegiance Group, who discusses the role of fund development in creating a food-secure nation. She shares her personal experience growing up in a food-insecure household, which fuels her passion for working with food banks. April 12, 2026 ~ Liz Lowe of the Allegiance Group, who discusses the role of fund development in creating a food-secure nation. She shares her personal experience growing up in a food-insecure household, which fuels her passion for working with food banks. false full 141 ea84a746-202d-4b3c-91a3-cff3e1e64b84 Sun, 5 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Building a Food Secure Nation: The Six Dimensions Explained Curtis Paul 00:37:16 April 6, 2026 ~ Joree Novotny and Mandy Palluro join the show to discuss the six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, stability, sustainability, and agency. April 6, 2026 ~ Joree Novotny and Mandy Palluro join the show to discuss the six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, stability, sustainability, and agency. false full 140 74a63d1e-2558-4396-91ea-498fcd409b23 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Building a Food Secure Nation: The Six Dimensions of Success Curtis Paul 00:37:16 March 29, 2026 ~ Hosts Phillip Knight and Gerry Brisson discuss the six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, stability, sustainability, and agency. March 29, 2026 ~ Hosts Phillip Knight and Gerry Brisson discuss the six dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, stability, sustainability, and agency. false full 139 5e25211b-77a5-4adb-a5b4-a17558e9cf88 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- State Associations: The Silent Force Driving Food Security Curtis Paul 00:37:16 March 22, 2026 ~ Hosts Philips Knight and Gerry Brisson talk about the unseen leadership of state associations in the fight against hunger, sharing examples of how state associations convene partners, advocate for policy changes, and drive innovative solutions to improve food security across their states. March 22, 2026 ~ Hosts Philips Knight and Gerry Brisson talk about the unseen leadership of state associations in the fight against hunger, sharing examples of how state associations convene partners, advocate for policy changes, and drive innovative solutions to improve food security across their states. false full 138 02f72d8e-f447-4a82-b51a-235f8873958d Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Ending Hunger: Why Lived Experience is the Key to Food Security Curtis Paul 00:37:50 March 15, 2026 ~ Claire Babineau-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, discusses her departure and the changes she brought to the organization. She reflects on shifting the focus of Feeding America from serving its member food banks to serving people experiencing hunger, emphasizing “lived expertise” and dignity. She shares how this change led to a new strategic framework, impacting how the network approaches data and engages with those it serves. March 15, 2026 ~ Claire Babineau-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, discusses her departure and the changes she brought to the organization. She reflects on shifting the focus of Feeding America from serving its member food banks to serving people experiencing hunger, emphasizing “lived expertise” and dignity. She shares how this change led to a new strategic framework, impacting how the network approaches data and engages with those it serves. false full 137 fda31ca4-3665-4525-904d-36adcb36a944 Sun, 8 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Global Food Access: Crafting a Secure Future Curtis Paul 00:37:50 March 8, 2026 ~ Stacy Dean, director for the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, discusses food access, her career path, from shaping national SNAP policy to leading food programs at the USDA, and now examining global food systems. March 8, 2026 ~ Stacy Dean, director for the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, discusses food access, her career path, from shaping national SNAP policy to leading food programs at the USDA, and now examining global food systems. false full 136 258f598c-8b4b-4f6e-b003-6c824e20cec2 Sun, 1 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Leading from Three Chairs: Navigating Food Security in America Curtis Paul 00:37:50 Virginia Witherspoon is a lawyer who transitioned into food security work and now leads the Channel One Food Bank in Rochester, Minnesota, while also chairing the National Advisory Committee for Feeding America. She shares her journey from law to social services, highlighting how her legal background influences her leadership in managing risk, compliance, and advocating for dignity in food distribution. Virginia Witherspoon is a lawyer who transitioned into food security work and now leads the Channel One Food Bank in Rochester, Minnesota, while also chairing the National Advisory Committee for Feeding America. She shares her journey from law to social services, highlighting how her legal background influences her leadership in managing risk, compliance, and advocating for dignity in food distribution. false full 135 6a99b87c-4053-4d24-8b62-a0b14b3c2185 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Building Trust: How Nonprofits Bridge Intentions and Impact in a Changing World Curtis Paul 00:37:16 Feb. 22, 2026 ~ Tori Martin discusses the “11 Trends in Philanthropy” report, highlighting the critical need for nonprofits to demonstrate competence in addition to good intentions to build public trust. The conversation explores how trust is tested by rising expectations and accelerating technology, emphasizing that “words match work” and strong alignment is built on trust. They also discuss the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence and the need for a balance between human leadership and AI as a tool to bring context to data and foster innovation in the nonprofit sector. Feb. 22, 2026 ~ Tori Martin discusses the “11 Trends in Philanthropy” report, highlighting the critical need for nonprofits to demonstrate competence in addition to good intentions to build public trust. The conversation explores how trust is tested by rising expectations and accelerating technology, emphasizing that “words match work” and strong alignment is built on trust. They also discuss the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence and the need for a balance between human leadership and AI as a tool to bring context to data and foster innovation in the nonprofit sector. false full 134 02738ef7-174e-47e8-8f56-07486cb308b3 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Ending Hunger: Leadership, Policy, and Community Impact Curtis Paul 00:37:49 Dr. Phil Knight and Jerry Brasson welcome Melissa Cherny, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and chair of Feeding America’s Public Engagement Advisory Committee. Melissa shares her personal experiences with food insecurity and discusses her work leading food banks in North Dakota and Rhode Island, highlighting how they adapt to different challenges and prioritize community outcomes beyond just providing food. Dr. Phil Knight and Jerry Brasson welcome Melissa Cherny, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and chair of Feeding America’s Public Engagement Advisory Committee. Melissa shares her personal experiences with food insecurity and discusses her work leading food banks in North Dakota and Rhode Island, highlighting how they adapt to different challenges and prioritize community outcomes beyond just providing food. false full 133 384b8e62-7863-49e0-9259-463e350a4f94 Sun, 8 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Rethinking Food Security: Bridging Policy and Human Experience Curtis Paul 00:37:50 Feb. 8, 2026 ~ Dr. Sheryl Kirschenbaum discusses food insecurity, highlighting the misalignment between policy and human behavior, like work requirements that unintentionally penalize small wage increases and complex application processes for benefits. Dr. Kirschenbaum stresses the importance of personal stories in policy discussions and rebuilding trust in the system to create sustainable solutions for a food-secure nation. Feb. 8, 2026 ~ Dr. Sheryl Kirschenbaum discusses food insecurity, highlighting the misalignment between policy and human behavior, like work requirements that unintentionally penalize small wage increases and complex application processes for benefits. Dr. Kirschenbaum stresses the importance of personal stories in policy discussions and rebuilding trust in the system to create sustainable solutions for a food-secure nation. false full 132 720d4ef1-55c4-4a0f-868c-76c0db8b6efd Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Ending Food Insecurity: A 6-Dimension Approach Curtis Paul 00:37:50 Jan. 25, 2026 ~ Food insecurity in America remains a stubborn challenge, not due to a lack of effort or resources, but because it is a complex issue with many facets. The “six dimensions of food security”—availability, access, utilization, stability, agency, and sustainability—offer a framework to address this complexity. Jan. 25, 2026 ~ Food insecurity in America remains a stubborn challenge, not due to a lack of effort or resources, but because it is a complex issue with many facets. The “six dimensions of food security”—availability, access, utilization, stability, agency, and sustainability—offer a framework to address this complexity. false full 131 c869afd2-2cd8-47bd-b04a-80704ab5b90d Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- The Farm to Table Connection: Why Agricultural Stability Matters for Everyone Curtis Paul 00:37:50 Jan. 18, 2026 ~ Food Secure Nation explores the critical connection between agricultural stability and food availability, highlighting that hunger solutions begin in the field, not just at food pantries. Scott Pickett of the Michigan Corn Growers Association discusses how economic predictability, sound policy like the Farm Bill, and a stable labor force are essential for farmers to sustain food production. Jan. 18, 2026 ~ Food Secure Nation explores the critical connection between agricultural stability and food availability, highlighting that hunger solutions begin in the field, not just at food pantries. Scott Pickett of the Michigan Corn Growers Association discusses how economic predictability, sound policy like the Farm Bill, and a stable labor force are essential for farmers to sustain food production. false full 130 1a00f1d7-4acf-4c6b-8467-77ff5adb2598 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Building a Food Secure Nation: More Than Just Food Curtis Paul 00:54:11 Jan. 11, 2025 ~ Food Secure Nation seeks to address food insecurity in America by bringing together diverse individuals and organizations. The initiative aims to foster a shared understanding of the problem and its solutions, moving from familiarity to expertise. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, Food Secure Nation strives to create a food-secure future for the country. Jan. 11, 2025 ~ Food Secure Nation seeks to address food insecurity in America by bringing together diverse individuals and organizations. The initiative aims to foster a shared understanding of the problem and its solutions, moving from familiarity to expertise. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, Food Secure Nation strives to create a food-secure future for the country. false full 129 5eaf9b04-1512-4cc9-9e69-0cf8707af90b Mon, 5 Jan 2026 03:00:00 +0000 Curtis.Paul@cumulus.com (Curtis Paul) http://p.cmlsdet.com/feed/145/Food-for-Thought- Why Hunger Persists—and How We Fix It Curtis Paul 00:37:49 Jan. 4, 2026 ~ America isn’t short on food, or support programs, or goodwill. We’re short on alignment. In this first episode, discover why 42 million Americans face food insecurity, how rising costs have outpaced wages, and why fixing hunger means rethinking old assumptions. You’ll hear the hidden costs to health and education and a powerful truth: when we know better, we’re responsible to do better. Jan. 4, 2026 ~ America isn’t short on food, or support programs, or goodwill. We’re short on alignment. In this first episode, discover why 42 million Americans face food insecurity, how rising costs have outpaced wages, and why fixing hunger means rethinking old assumptions. You’ll hear the hidden costs to health and education and a powerful truth: when we know better, we’re responsible to do better. false full 128