https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pcqmx-1ad1ca3
On this episode of The Social from Must Read Alaska, host Todd explores the powerful connection between food, health, and self-reliance with two expert guests: Kristen Rasmussen from the Culinary Institute of America and Brenda Josephson, Haines-based Culinary Institute of America-trained chef and author of MRAK’s popular Foodies & Foragers column.
In “Food, Health & the Future of What We Eat,” they discuss the groundbreaking Food is Life, Food is Health Summit held May 6–8, 2026, at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, California. Co-organized with Stanford Medicine, the summit brought together chefs, physicians, dietitians, and researchers to reimagine food as the foundation of personal and planetary health.
Kristen shares insights from the national perspective — including cross-disciplinary kitchens where doctors and chefs trained side-by-side, the science validating traditional food wisdom, and practical strategies for culinary therapeutics. Brenda brings the authentic Alaska voice, connecting the summit’s themes to real-life practices like foraging kelp, harvesting wild salmon, using devil’s club, and embracing subsistence living in Southeast Alaska.
This conversation celebrates food independence as a core Alaskan value. In a time of supply chain vulnerability and rising chronic disease, it affirms that hunting, fishing, gardening, and foraging aren’t just traditions — they’re powerful acts of health sovereignty and resilience. Listeners will gain validation for their lifestyle and fresh inspiration for making food truly medicine in their own homes.
Whether you’re deeply rooted in Alaska’s wild food traditions or seeking practical ways to build greater self-sufficiency, this episode bridges national momentum with frontier wisdom.
Tune in for thoughtful discussion on reclaiming control over what we eat — and why it matters now more than ever.
Food is Life, Food is Health Conference: https://www.foodislifefoodishealth.org/about
Kristen Rasmussen Instagram: rootedfood
MRAK Foodies and Foragers with Brenda Josephson: https://mustreadalaska.com/foodies-and-foragers-food-is-life-food-is-health/
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