Finding Genius Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Ismail Dweikat, a Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Presently his research centers around plant breeding and genetics – specifically in sorghum and pearl millet.  Ismail grew up on a farm with his uncle, so he is no stranger to working with plants. Over the years, his interest in horticulture shifted to DNA research, which has led to some fascinating discoveries surrounding plant science and productivity…   Jump in now to explore: The desirable characteristics that wild hemp has.  How to enhance yield in various crops. The difference between industrial and non-industrial hemp.  What Ismail is doing to improve sorghum and pearl millet production. Want to learn more about Ismail and his efforts? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

How are microplastics breaking down into nanoplastics, and is this affecting plant and animal life? Joana M. Sipe, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Duke University joins the podcast to share her perspective on this important topic.  As an environmental engineer studying the degeneration of polymers and the release of chemical additives, Joana is at the forefront of microplastic research – and her findings are intriguing…  Listen in to discover: How plastic particles can create molecular charges that disrupt the environment around them.  If plastic additives leech into the environment as they break down.  How plastics are contaminating our food, and thus, being ingested into our bodies.  Where microplastic solutions may be heading in the future. Joana has been working in plastics research for over 7 years, and as public interest has shifted toward this issue, her motivation is at an all-time high. Tune in now to learn how her studies are shaping this grippin...

Joining us once again on the podcast is Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms. Dawn is a multi-talented individual, with skills including farming, cheesemaking, soapmaking, beekeeping, and more...   In this episode, she sits down with us to discuss greenhouses – detailing what makes them so useful, and how to use them to get the most out of year-round gardening. As a mother of 9 kids, Dawn has been homesteading since 1992. Over the years, she has developed an in-depth understanding of what it means to be self-sufficient, and she is on a mission to share her wealth of knowledge with the world… Click play to learn more about: Dawn’s history with greenhouse gardening.  How warmer climates should utilize shade cloth in greenhouses. The cheapest and easiest ways to help high tunnel crops thrive in cold weather.   Advice for homesteaders living in frigid climates.  To find out more about Dawn, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://a...

Does the quality of water you drink impact your overall health? Mario Brainović of Analemma Water joins the podcast today to discuss this distinct question, and whether or not you are giving your body the water it needs to thrive.  As the CEO of Analemma Water, Mario has dedicated his expertise to transforming “regular tap and bottled water from its depleted, chaotic and lesser state into its supreme, coherent, and naturally structured state.” This revolutionary device that Analemma provides has revitalized the minds and bodies of people around the world – all it takes is paying a little attention to the water you ingest…  Jump into the conversation now to find out: Where the name Analemma means comes from. How impactful the right kind of water can be for health and wellness. The correlation between water and its environment. The ways that Analemma is bringing structure to H2O molecules.  What “mother water” is.  Want to learn more about Mario and his wor...

Microplastics have been detected in human blood for the first time, which begs the question: What could this mean for human health? Joining us to address this problem is Dick Vethaak, a Marine Ecotoxicologist and Environmental Health Scientist that specializes in the impacts of chemical pollutants and plastic debris. Vethaak is trained in biology and toxicology, which gives him insight into the complex world of plastic pollution and how it impacts environmental health. Currently a research professor at Vrije Universiteit, in Amsterdam, Vethaak has focused his efforts on exploring microplastic contamination – both in water and in human beings…  Click play to discover: Why microplastics may be considered a human health issue.  How plastic particles in the bloodstream could affect how the body functions.  Where microplastics come from. How microplastics are ingested into the body, and if they are expelled.  Want to learn more about this important topic from a ...

Dr. David Friedman joins the podcast today to discuss the immune-boosting effects of laughter. Dr. Friedman is the International award-winning, #1 national best-selling author of Food Sanity, How to Eat in a World of Fads and Fiction . In addition to this, he's also a Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist, Chiropractic Neurologist, and part-time comedian. Most recently, Dr. Friedman wrote Funny Bones: True Tales of a Chiropractor That Will Crack You Up , a book that details his 30 years of practice as a chiropractic neurologist – and how laughter is truly the best medicine. So, what health conditions can laughter treat? The answer may surprise you…  In this episode, Dr. Friedman talks about: How he uses humor in his medical practice. How your attitude determines your ability to heal.  The power of both real and fake laughter. The number one problem people have with their doctors.  To learn more about Dr. Friedman and his work, visit Doctordavidfriedman.com...

In this episode, we connect with therapist Isaac Smith. Isaac is the founder and Executive Director of Whole Wellness Therapy, a private therapy collective that specializes in addiction, anxiety, grief, and loss.  Isaac began working in this field in 2012, and since then, he has helped people in a wide assortment of settings – from dialectical behavior therapy agencies to hospice organizations. Originally wanting to exclusively work in hospice, Isaac found himself gravitating toward the “sacred and important” work of therapy. Now, with Whole Wellness Therapy, he has made an important resource available to those striving to reclaim their lives and feel whole again… Listen in to hear Isaac discuss: The kinds of people that Whole Wellness Therapy works with. Common psychological issues that teens face.  How the collective trauma of the pandemic has affected people’s mental health.  The importance of not demonizing the substance that patients are addicted to.  ...

Farming in the 21st century comes with its own set of unique challenges, and people like Jonathan Dysinger have committed their time to the innovation of this process. Jonathan is the Owner and CEO of Farmers Friend, a company that develops tools and supplies to make small farms more efficient and profitable – and he joins the podcast today to tell us just how they do this. With a history of farming in his family, Jonathan is no stranger to the difficulties of this lifestyle. That’s why he’s made it his mission with Farmers Friend to use regenerative agriculture to equip, educate, and inspire growers around the world…  In this episode, Jonathan discusses: Why focusing on just one big cash crop can be risky.  How his involvement on the farm led to innovation. The tools and support that Farmers Friend provides for farmers.  How you can get started growing your own crops.  You can learn more about Jonathan and his work with Farmers Friend by visiting www.farmer...

Education only for the wealthy? In the 1860s, that’s what most people believed. A crucial turning point for public education was establishing the public land grant educational system, which has brought the best, newest research to the people – regardless of status. Today, you’ll benefit from this simply by pressing play.  Tune in to explore: Why New Jersey is an ideal place to grow fruits and vegetables The role of an “extension specialist” and the ideas that fostered the growth of this profession Why organically grown crops provide extra challenges for farmers Big issues impacting small farmers Basil – why is it such a high-value crop? Mark Gregory Robson is a distinguished professor, extension specialist of plant biology, and faculty director at Rutgers University in New Jersey.  Press play to hear all his insight and learn more at  Dr. Mark Gregory Robson Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers SEBS .  Episode also av...

Joining us today is Matthew Helmers, the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the Dean’s Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University.  Since 2003, Matthew has been on the faculty of Iowa State studying how water moves across our landscape – specifically in agricultural areas of the US. Known as watershed hydrology, this area of investigation looks at how much water falls, and where it goes…  Click play to uncover: What a watershed is, and what it tells us about the landscape as a whole.  Why slowing water down can improve crop production. How soil quality and treatment influence the way water moves through it.  The primary function of retention ponds.  To find out more about Matthew and his work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

In this episode, we sit down with Richard L. Mulvaney, a Professor of Soil Fertility at the University of Illinois. He joins us today to discuss the use of nitrogen and carbon in the fertilization of plants and soil. As an Illinois native, Richard has had a long history of connection to the region’s agricultural field. His immense interest in soil science led him to get three degrees in it – recently concentrating his research on a very intriguing topic: nitrogen fertilizer.  Join the conversation now to uncover: How nitrogen fertilization typically occurs. The history of nitrogen fertilization, and why it plays a large role in bolstering the food supply.   What “morrow plots” are, and what they tell us about soil organic carbon and nitrogen.  What “variable rate nitrogen” is, and how it can improve crop yields. What is the long-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer on soil? Why is it such a staple in our food production? Tune in now to find out! To connect ...

We should have the right to practice whichever religion suits us, but what happens when this freedom is regulated? Sociologist Roger Finke joins the podcast today to discuss the relationship that religion has with the state – and the consequences of restricting religious freedom… Roger Finke is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at The Pennsylvania State University and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives. For the past several years, he has been on a mission to understand the implications government restrictions have for religious organizations, civil liberties, and social conflict. Jump in the conversation now to uncover: The difference in religious freedom across countries. The importance of defining the boundaries of religious freedoms. How religious freedoms relate to other civil rights.  Why restrictions can result in violence against a particular group.  To find out more about Roger and his work, visit www.thearda.com ...

We hear the term "sustainable" a LOT these days. But what does it really mean when it's applied to agriculture? Joshua Earl Arnold, professor of sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College, explains.  Press play to learn more about:    Socioeconomic to biophysical challenges faced by urban farmers Sustainable agriculture's reliance on ecosystem services, including insect and plant activity and soil-building, and how the ecosystem is disrupted in urban farming   What the lack of agricultural subsidies for irrigation means for urban farmers How nutrient cycling on urban farms works The issue of security of tenure for urban farmers and how parklands, schools, and faith-based communities are helping Interested in learning more? Want to learn more about Joshua and his outlook on sustainable agriculture? Click  here  now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

Dr. Eric Thomas Stafne joins the podcast to discuss fruit and nut crops – and what it takes to enhance them. With more than 17 years of experience as a horticulturist, Dr. Stafne has greatly refined his understanding of fruit and nut crops, enabling him to uncover factors that are creating issues for growers. Dr. Stafne is an Extension and Research Professor at Mississippi State University and the Coastal Research and Extension Center. Here, he researches Mississippi’s primary fruit crops, including blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and muscadines. From breeding techniques to pruning procedures, Dr. Stafne is on a mission to sustainably optimize fruit and nut production… Join the conversation now to learn more about: The fastest growing and yielding crops. How crop-yielding timelines can be modified.  The importance of experimenting with crop optimization. You can find out more about Dr. Stafne and his work by clicking here ! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: ...

The human microbiome has been a hot topic recently, especially as it relates to our physical and mental health. And just like humans, plants host complex microbiomes of fungi and bacteria, which play crucial roles in their health, productivity, survivability, and more. Michelle Afkhami shares her insights. Press play to learn: How plant microbiomes impact plant drought resistance What habitat fragmentation is and how it impacts productivity in native plant communities How plant defense chemicals can end up in nectar, thereby effecting pollinators The role of biological soil crust Afkhami is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami. She joins the show to discuss her area of expertise: unique, complicated, and meaningful interactions between plants and microbiomes, both at the molecular and ecological levels. Tune in and visit  Michelle Afkhami (miami.edu)  to learn more. Episode also available on Appl...

Do policymakers make assumptions about how the public feels without genuinely understanding the public? How can communication between policymakers and the people be improved for everyone? These questions are at the center of Steven Kull’s work as Founder and President of Voice of the People, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of “the people” in government. Press play to explore: How the public tends to respond to pro and con arguments on a topic and how common ground between Republicans and Democrats is often formed The difference between the primacy effect and the recency effect  Abortion, immigration, environmental health, energy, and beyond … topics at the center of discussion among both policymakers and the public How to communicate with your representatives in Congress Kull is a political psychologist and Director of the Program for Public Consultation in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. He offers an i...

Nita Sweeney returns to the podcast to discuss her new boo k, Make Every Move A Meditation: Mindful Movement for Mental Health, Well-Being, and Insight . As an award-winning author, meditator, and mental health advocate, Nita’s teachings have helped countless individuals across the globe develop a new relationship with their psychological well-being…  Whether you have anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness, Nita’s wise insight is geared towards helping mitigate these feelings with healthy and sustainable mindset tools. Nita is someone who has struggled with these issues herself – and by taking incremental steps to improve her welfare over time, she has transformed her life for the better.  Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It pr...

Dr. Brandon M. Collins joins the podcast today to discuss fire dynamics and forest management. As an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and the lead scientist at Berkeley Forests, Dr. Collins spends his time researching how fire influences forest ecosystems – and how management in these ecosystems influences fire and forest health.  Wildfires have been an ongoing problem that seems to be getting worse. Dr. Collins is not interested in eliminating these fires altogether, instead, he is dedicated to finding ways for forests to better tolerate them…  Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM...

What we put in our bodies greatly affects our overall health and wellness. With the industrialization of food production, healthy food has become harder and harder to come by. Fortunately, people like Blaine Hitzfield and his family are bringing humane and nutritious farming values to the world when it seems to need them most… Blaine oversees daily marketing and distribution activities at Seven Sons Farms, a farm started by his parents in the late 1980s. What began as a strictly conventional agricultural operation turned into a regenerative pasture-based farm – with an emphasis on nutrient-dense and ethically raised foods. Blaine is the second of seven sons, and he plays a critical role in the functionality of Seven Sons Farms. Spending most of his time managing and communicating the high-level vision of Seven Sons Farms to the founders and leadership team, Blaine is a driving force behind his family’s business practices.   Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wea...

What is “pro-social behavior” and the neurological basis behind it? Dr. Inbal Ben Ami Bartal joins the podcast today to lend her expertise to this fascinating research subject – drawing from her comprehensive background as a psychobiologist… Dr. Bartal is interested in gaining insight into what leads to the complex behaviors that we see in humans, and she is using rats to study this phenomenon. As a faculty member at Tel-Aviv University's Psychology Department and School of Neuroscience, she has spent over 15 years analyzing this intriguing and complex topic.  Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% be...

Our guest today is Brian Burzynski, the Founder and CEO of Intelligent Threads and expert recovery coach. With Intelligent Threads, Brian developed a new type of energy field that communicates with the muscular and skeletal system in order to provide pain relief, muscle relaxation, posture improvement, increased blood flow, and a plethora of other health benefits. With over 20 years of practicing Synergy Release Method therapeutic services, Brian has helped countless patients find sustainable relief for their skeletal and muscular issues. Could this technology be the future of relaxation and recovery? Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of li...

California is not only the first U.S. state but the first government in the world to mandate the development of regulations for microplastics in drinking water. What is getting into California’s drinking water?  This will be the first line of investigation as soon as this mandate is implemented. Once we know what we’re being exposed to, we’ll have a much better idea of the problem we face, the health effects we may be experiencing, and ways to tackle the issue. Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelli...

In this episode, we connect with Jaime F. Cardenas-Garcia, a Visiting Research Scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, and a Member of the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador. He joins the podcast today to discuss his work in info-autopoiesis – a subject that investigates the relationship between human consciousness and its environment. With a background in mechanical engineering, Jaime has been involved in academia for many years as an educator and researcher. Following his retirement, he found himself interested in the topic of consciousness, which led him to investigate a wide spectrum of Science and the Humanities that have yet to be fully explored… Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results wi...

Health and wellness can be approached in a variety of ways, and recently, “taboo” substances like cannabis are being more widely researched and accepted – much to the benefit of those who are using it as a form of therapeutic medicine.  Joining us today to discuss his work in this booming industry is Joseph Sheehey. Joseph is the Founder and CEO of Cured Nutrition, a company that uses cannabinoids, mushrooms, and adaptogens to elevate the mind, body, and spirit of the consumer.  As a former NASA-contributing aerospace engineer, Joseph’s career path changed when he started focusing on health and wellness to bring genuine fulfillment to his life and others. Out of this lifestyle shift came Cured Nutrition, a project created with the intention of rebranding cannabis to help those who can truly benefit from using it…  Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of s...

The next time you enjoy a cup of tea, a bottle of water, or anything else that involves the use of plastic, you might consider the impact of thousands of tiny particles being released and likely consumed by you. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the role of plastic in our lives and bodies, and learn: The primary factors causing the release of nanoplastics and microplastics from products What happens in the body when we ingest microplastics versus nanoplastics  What electron microscopy does and does not tell us about microplastics How the size and mechanics of nanoparticles impact biological cells Most people are aware of the single-use plastic waste problem, but there’s another part of the plastic problem story: nanoplastics. They range from 1 - 1,000 nanometers in size and are not intentionally produced but released from different items that most of us use every day. Milica Velimirovic’s research aims to help environmental and food scientists better understand the techni...

Our world’s economic landscape is always changing, but how will society adapt? Today, we sit down with Rana Foroohar to discuss the potential fall of globalization – and the new economic era that could take its place moving forward. Rana is an author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and CNN's global economic analyst. She joins us in this episode to discuss her new book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World . Here, she argues that the reign of globalization is over, being replaced by the rise of local, regional, and homegrown businesses… In this episode, we explore: What may change in the world economic picture as time goes on?  The sectors that may be most affected by the fall of globalization. How millennial voters may impact the nature of our political system. What makes our present economic situation so unique. Whether you are an economist or not, this discussion is sure to provide you with insight into the intricacies ...

When you think of a college campus cafeteria, do you think about fresh-picked veggies like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers? Probably not! But at Auburn University, that’s what you’d find. Along with familiar favorites like pizza and burgers, students can find a wide variety of local fresh food to fuel their bodies and minds. Glenn Loughridge is the director of campus dining and concessions at Auburn University. He shares the ins and outs of his daily work, goals, and passion for high-quality and nutritious food. Press play to learn: How food and community are inextricably linked and how Auburn University is a perfect example of this How college students’ tastes evolve from freshman to senior year How new advances in technology are helping kitchens mitigate staffing issues and high demand for culinary talent The relationship between GPA and transactions at university dining Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at  http://campusdining.au...

In this episode, we sit down with scientist and entrepreneur Daniel J. Mandell, Ph.D. Daniel is the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Director of GRO Biosciences, a genome engineering, computational biology, and therapeutic development company that is expanding the amino acid alphabet to make better medicines.  Originally trained in AI and machine learning at Stanford University, Daniel went on to become the leading expert in synthetic biology, protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and biological and medical informatics. Now, he is at the forefront of a new technology that is breaking barriers in order to reach the unmet clinical needs of patients from all walks of life… In this conversation, Daniel discusses: The building blocks of amino acids.  What “nonstandard amino acids” are, and what GRO Biosciences is doing with them. The key properties that GRO Biosciences is building into proteins, and how this can improve the immune system.  How antigens i...