Eat Like a Local: Chef Chris Shepherd’s Revolution

One Bite is Everything

#Society #Dana DiPrima #Economics #Environment #Communities #Health and Well-Being #Food

1:54

Jerry Seinfeld jokes about the phrase "it is what it is' in his Netflix special, "23 Hours To Kill".

27 days ago 40:40

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of One Bite is Everything, host Dana DiPrima sits down with James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, whose groundbreaking Houston restaurant Underbelly wasn’t just about food – it was a movement. From his roots as a reluctant student turned kitchen prodigy, to becoming a champion of local farmers and global flavors, Chris has redefined what it means to eat – and live – like a local.

You’ll hear how a Mickey Mouse cookbook sparked his culinary journey, why he once bought out an entire farmer’s market table, and how he used his platform to uplift cultures, communities, and unsung culinary heroes throughout Houston.

What you'll learn:

Why embracing local ingredients means more than just freshness – it’s about trust, impact, and resilience.
The value of building relationships with farmers – and the power of showing up for your community.
How Chris's new show Eat Like a Local is taking his ethos from restaurant to screen – and changing lives along the way.

Featured Topics:

The origin and evolution of Underbelly
Building culinary trust with a community
The quiet power of local food systems
Fish sauce, wine pairings, and making vegetables irresistible
How a chef becomes a storyteller

Don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple or Spotify. It helps others find these stories and supports the mission of local food everywhere.

118 episodes

Eat Like a Local: Chef Chris Shepherd’s Revolution

One Bite is Everything

published 27 days ago

MP3•Episode home

What you'll learn:

Why embracing local ingredients means more than just freshness – it’s about trust, impact, and resilience.
The value of building relationships with farmers – and the power of showing up for your community.
How Chris's new show Eat Like a Local is taking his ethos from restaurant to screen – and changing lives along the way.

Featured Topics:

The origin and evolution of Underbelly
Building culinary trust with a community
The quiet power of local food systems
Fish sauce, wine pairings, and making vegetables irresistible
How a chef becomes a storyteller

Don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple or Spotify. It helps others find these stories and supports the mission of local food everywhere.

118 episodes

#Society #Dana DiPrima #Economics #Environment #Communities #Health and Well-Being #Food

All episodes

1
Fishing for the Future: Chef Kerry Heffernan on Sustainability, Policy & the Power of the Plate 37:21

6 days ago37:21

37:21

What happens when a chef goes beyond the kitchen and into the policy rooms, fishing boats, and oyster beds? In this episode of One Bite is Everything , Dana DiPrima sits down with Chef Kerry Heffernan of Grand Banks to explore the deep connections between what we eat and the health of our oceans. Chef Heffernan shares his personal journey from growing up near the Connecticut shoreline to leading one of New York's most unique seafood restaurants, all while championing sustainable fishing practices and responsible aquaculture. From the overlooked porgy to the surprising truth about fish freshness, this conversation offers both practical takeaways and big-picture insights for anyone who cares about the food on their plate. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Kerry's upbringing near the water shaped his culinary philosophy. Why lesser-known fish like porgy deserve a place on more menus. The real story behind striped bass populations—and why appearances can be deceiving. How chefs can drive awareness and policy changes around sustainable seafood. Why aquaculture may be the key to feeding future generations. Resources & Links: Grand Banks: https://www.grandbanks.nyc/ Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/ For Farmers Movement www.forfarmersmovement.com Connect with host Dana DiPrima on IG @xoxofarmgirl Credits: Produced by Dana DiPrima and Sonia Dhillon. Sound editing and original music by Russell Chapa. Subscribe, share, rate, and review One Bite is Everything — connecting the food on your plate to the rest of the world.…

1
Shop Like It Matters: Your Farmer’s Market Challenge 8:48

13 days ago8:48

8:48

This month, the Local Food Challenge takes us to the vibrant, delicious, occasionally chaotic world of the farmer’s market . If you're not in the know, you might end up missing out on strawberries (by hours) like the host did. The episode connects you with smart shopping tips from the brand-new Farmer’s Market Field Guide , and explains why a simple market trip is actually a radical act of community care. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong shopper, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, seasonal inspiration, and a renewed sense of connection to the people who grow your food. ✨ Highlights include: Why your dollars go further (and do more) at the market How to talk to a farmer without feeling awkward What to do when you can’t find what you came for Kid-friendly tips to make the market more fun How to shop smart—even on a budget 📥 Download the free Farmer’s Market Field Guide here .…

1
When Farm-to-Table Isn’t Enough: Chef Molly Levine on the Hidden Cost of Good Food 42:56

20 days ago42:56

42:56

Farm-to-table might sound good on a menu—but what does it actually mean in practice? And who’s paying the real cost of “good food”? In this episode of One Bite is Everything , host Dana DiPrima talks with Chef Molly Levine of Westerly Canteen about the complex, often invisible challenges of sourcing locally, paying workers fairly, and keeping a restaurant alive. From the legacy of Chez Panisse to her Airstream kitchen in the Hudson Valley, Molly shares why walking the talk on food values is far harder—and more important—than most diners realize. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why "farm-to-table" has become more marketing than movement—and how to tell the difference The impossible balancing act between paying farmers, supporting workers, and staying in business How chefs can (and do) quietly compromise their sourcing—and what it takes not to What it really looks like to write a menu based on what farms can produce, not what’s convenient Why small changes by consumers can ripple across the food system Resources & Mentions: Westerly Canteen – Molly’s project focused on seasonal, farm-connected dining. Molly Levine on socials and Westerly Canteen too For Farmers Movement – national initiative supporting small American farms Dana DiPrima on socials Loved the episode? Please rate us five stars and leave a review on Apple podcasts. It helps new listeners find the show and join the conversation. One Bite is Everything is co-produced by Sonia Dhillon, with original music and sound design by Russel Chapa.…

1
Eat Like a Local: Chef Chris Shepherd’s Revolution 40:40

27 days ago40:40

40:40

In this episode of One Bite is Everything , host Dana DiPrima sits down with James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd , whose groundbreaking Houston restaurant Underbelly wasn’t just about food – it was a movement. From his roots as a reluctant student turned kitchen prodigy, to becoming a champion of local farmers and global flavors, Chris has redefined what it means to eat – and live – like a local. You’ll hear how a Mickey Mouse cookbook sparked his culinary journey, why he once bought out an entire farmer’s market table, and how he used his platform to uplift cultures, communities, and unsung culinary heroes throughout Houston. What you'll learn: Why embracing local ingredients means more than just freshness – it’s about trust, impact, and resilience. The value of building relationships with farmers – and the power of showing up for your community. How Chris's new show Eat Like a Local is taking his ethos from restaurant to screen – and changing lives along the way. Featured Topics: The origin and evolution of Underbelly Building culinary trust with a community The quiet power of local food systems Fish sauce, wine pairings, and making vegetables irresistible How a chef becomes a storyteller Don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple or Spotify. It helps others find these stories and supports the mission of local food everywhere.…

1
The Hidden Link Between Your Food & the U.S. Postal Service 14:03

5 weeks ago14:03

14:03

In this episode, your host, Dana DiPrima, dives into the surprising connection between your breakfast omelet and the U.S. Postal Service. Learn about the century-old tradition of shipping live chicks by mail, the challenges facing this practice today, and the potential consequences for small farmers, backyard chicken keepers, and our broader food system. From historical quirks to modern logistical nightmares, this episode explores how a few changes to the mail system could ripple across rural economies and hit our dinner plates. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The origins of shipping live chicks by mail in the U.S. How major hatcheries like Ideal Poultry, Murray McMurray, and Hoover's Hatchery keep this tradition alive The impact of recent USPS policy changes on small farms and hatcheries The challenges facing large-scale poultry producers like Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride What the future might hold for this critical, but often overlooked, part of our food supply chain Additional Resources: Find out how to support your chicken farmers and local egg producers at For Farmers Movement If you have any stories that you would like to share about shipping challenges, please reach out here .…

1
Power, Policy, and the Fight for Real Food with Dr. Marion Nestle 46:28

6 weeks ago46:28

46:28

In this episode of One Bite is Everything , host Dana DiPrima sits down with Dr. Marion Nestle, a legendary figure in the world of food policy and nutrition. They dive deep into the power dynamics of the food industry, what's going on in MAHA, the evolving role of supermarkets, the future of regenerative agriculture, and the challenges of making healthy food choices in an increasingly corporatized system. Nestle, author of the upcoming What to Eat Now and the provocative cereal-focused Boxed In , shares sharp insights on the erosion of public trust in food oversight, the fight against ultra-processed foods, and why small, local actions can still make a massive impact in an uncertain political landscape. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How supermarkets subtly influence our food choices and why that matters for public health. Why the definition of 'regenerative agriculture' is so contentious and why it needs tighter regulation. What’s behind the rise of ultra-processed foods and why they’re a growing health risk. Why we need a radical overhaul of U.S. food policy to prioritize public health over corporate profits. The power of local action in changing the food system and why your local school or community garden might be the best place to start. Resources Mentioned: Marion Nestle’s blog: Food Politics What to Eat Now (November 2025 release) Boxed In (coming in 2026) Please share your thoughts on the podcast. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a small step that helps us reach more curious minds like yours.…

1
Tariff Tangle: Why Your Food is in the Crosshairs 17:49

7 weeks ago17:49

17:49

Tariffs aren’t just political strategy—they’re shaping what you eat, how much it costs, and whether the farms that feed you can survive. In this episode, we walk through the on-again, off-again tariff rollercoaster of March and April 2025—from Liberation Day declarations to global retaliation to quiet backpedaling—and explore how it’s impacting food prices, trade relationships, farm viability, and campaign promises. You’ll hear directly from New Hampshire farmer Jeremiah Vernon on how grain tariffs from Canada are putting pressure on livestock farms, and why small farmers are bracing for higher input costs and tighter margins. Plus, a breakdown of the biggest U.S. agricultural imports and exports, how tariffs work, and what to watch for next. Key Topics: What the U.S. exports and imports in food and agriculture Why China’s retaliatory tariffs hit U.S. soy, pork, and dairy How uncertainty is paralyzing farm planning and investment Why grocery prices are expected to rise—again The contradiction between tariff policy and campaign promises to lower food costs What you can do right now to support a resilient food system Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) USDA Economic Research Service (ers.usda.gov) Reuters, AP News, New York Times, Financial Times The New York Times: [Tariff Chart Snapshot] OBIE original interview with Jeremiah Vernon, Vernon Family Farm…

1
One Item, All In: The Easiest Way to Eat More Local 4:51

8 weeks ago4:51

4:51

This month’s Local Food Challenge is simple, satisfying, and sneakily powerful: choose just one ingredient and commit to sourcing it locally for the next 30 days. Eggs, flour, yogurt, honey—just pick one thing , learn where it comes from, and use it often. In this solo episode, host Dana DiPrima shares why this challenge matters, how it connects us more deeply to our regional food system, and what happened when she swapped out her go-to yogurt for a farm-fresh version from Tonjes Farm Dairy. (Spoiler: store-bought didn’t stand a chance.) You’ll walk away inspired to: Take a doable step toward eating more locally Learn the story behind the ingredient you pick Use your food dollars to support the farmers who feed your region 💡 Ready to start? Join the challenge at www.thelocalfoodchallenge.com…

1
How Delivering Food from Local Farms Can Help Build a Regional Food System 39:22

9 weeks ago39:22

39:22

What does it take to make local food more accessible, more transparent—and more delicious? In this episode, OBIE host Dana DiPrima sits down with Michael Robinov, co-founder of Farm to People , a New York-based company delivering local produce, meats, and pantry staples to thousands of city households each week. Michael grew up steeped in natural foods thanks to his dad, a pioneer in the organic movement, but it wasn’t until a college gap year that the pieces clicked. What started as a scrappy farm box operation out of a Brooklyn apartment has grown into one of the country’s most compelling examples of how to support the development of a modern, regional food system. We talk about: What “regional food” actually means—and why it’s not just another buzzword The inconvenient truth about grocery store supply chains Why local and transparent food systems matter now more than ever Building a food business without venture capital The role of technology in building a regional food network Whether you're a New Yorker or not, this episode is for you if you love food, wish you had someone to bring the farm to you, or if you're curious about how a model like Farm to People could benefit your community. This episode is packed with insights on how it's possible to build a better food system—one delivery at a time. Leave a Rating & a Review www.onebiteiseverything.com/reviews/ Connect on socials Host, Dana DiPrima on IG @xoxofarmgirl Guest, Michael Robinov on IG @farmtopeople Websites www.forfarmersmovement.com www.farmtopeople.com…

1
When Policy Cuts Hit the Farm: Whatever It Takes with Jamie Pritchard 36:16

10 weeks ago36:16

36:16

In this episode of One Bite is Everything , host Dana DiPrima sits down with Jamie Pritchard of WIT Farm—that stands for Whatever It Takes —in rural Ohio. Jamie shares a raw and honest look at what happens when government support dries up and the impact of policy decisions reaches the fields. We hear a lot about budget cuts and shifting priorities in Washington—but what does that actually look like for small farms and rural communities trying to hang on? Jamie’s story offers a deeply personal view of survival, resilience, and the true cost of systemic change. This episode is a powerful reminder that food policy is not abstract. It’s real. It’s local. And it affects all of us. 🔗 Links & Resources: Learn more about WIT Farm: https://www.witfarm.com/ Support small farmers through For Farmers: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com Follow us on Instagram: @XOXOFarmGirl Subscribe to the One Bite is Everything newsletter: [Insert newsletter link] ✊ Take Action: If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend. Start a conversation. And visit forfarmersmovement.com to support the movement that’s building a better food future—one farm, one bite, one story at a time.…

1
Confessions of a Food Media Icon: How fine dining, food equity & joy shape the future of food 35:00

11 weeks ago35:00

35:00

Guest: Dana Cowin — Former Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine , host of The Progressive Hedonist podcast, and food media trailblazer. Summary: To kick off One Bite is Everything's partnership with Heritage Radio Network, host Dana DiPrima sits down with the iconic Dana Cowin to talk about the transformation of food media, the chefs and farmers changing the world, and what it means to be a "progressive hedonist." From her years at Food & Wine to her latest gatherings around potluck tables, Dana Cowin shares wisdom, wit, and powerful stories that remind us how food can be both joyful and world-changing. Topics Covered: Evolution of food media from 1995 to now Behind-the-scenes of Food & Wine 's most iconic moments Noma, new cuisines, and redefining fine dining Chefs as change-makers and food equity Supporting farmers, community, and culinary culture The meaning behind "Progressive Hedonism" Independent media, joy-forward activism, and the future of food storytelling Takeaways: Food is never just food—it carries culture, memory, power, and potential. Media shapes how we see food, and now more than ever, independent voices matter. Change doesn’t have to be sacrifice—it can come through joy. Links: Your host: Instagram For Farmers Movement Heritage Radio Network Progressive Hedonist…

1
What's really in your kitchen? Let's do a simple audit! -- Part 3 of The Local Food Challenge 11:33

12 weeks ago11:33

11:33

This week’s episode of One Bite is Everything takes you on a revealing journey—right into your own kitchen. Having done this herself to some astonishing revelations, host Dana DiPrima walks you through a simple but eye-opening Kitchen Audit to find out just how far your food is traveling before it hits your plate. You’ll explore three key spots: The Refrigerator (fresh foods & drinks) The Pantry (dry goods & snacks) The Spice Cabinet (sneakiest miles of all) This isn’t about guilt or throwing anything out—it’s about awareness. Discover a few surprising food facts, audit your kitchen, and start shifting your habits one bite at a time. 🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to share your audit results with @XOXOFarmGirl on Instagram or just email us at hello@onebiteiseverything.com. Links & Resources: Download the Kitchen Audit Worksheets Join The Local Food Challenge Connect with Dana on Instagram Learn more about the For Farmers Movement…

1
Bird Flu, Biosecurity & the Future of Farming: With Michael Rhys of Barnwell Bio 37:25

13 weeks ago37:25

37:25

Egg shortages, skyrocketing prices, and farms in crisis—avian flu has made its way back into the headlines, but what’s really happening behind the scenes? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Rhys, CEO & Co-Founder of Barnwell Bio , to explore how biosecurity technology is transforming the way we detect and prevent disease outbreaks in agriculture. Michael shares insights on why avian flu isn’t just a poultry problem, how farmers are navigating the crisis, and what changes—like vaccines and new regulations—could reshape the industry. Plus, we discuss the bigger picture: What happens when this crisis passes? Will we actually invest in long-term solutions, or just wait for the next disaster? If you’re curious about food security, farming innovation, or just wondering why your grocery bill keeps climbing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How avian flu spreads—and why it’s so hard to contain ✅ The hidden challenges farmers face in protecting their livestock ✅ How Barnwell Bio is using waste monitoring to catch outbreaks early ✅ What role vaccines and government policy play in the fight against disease ✅ The real risks (and media myths) about avian flu in humans Guest Bio: Michael Rhys is the CEO & Co-Founder of Barnwell Bio , a company pioneering new ways to track and prevent disease in livestock. Previously, Michael and his team helped build the COVID-19 wastewater monitoring infrastructure, providing critical data for public health during the pandemic. Now, he’s applying that expertise to agriculture, helping farmers stay ahead of disease threats before they turn into full-blown crises. Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about Barnwell Bio : www.barnwellbio.com or reach out to them here hello@barnwellbio.com 🔗 Read the latest TIME Magazine feature on Barnwell Bio Continue the Conversation: 💬 What are your thoughts on the avian flu crisis? 📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at hello@onebiteiseverything.com 🎧 Subscribe & Review Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player and leave a review on Apple Podcasts —your support helps us keep bringing you important conversations like this one.…

1
Food Fight: The Most Urgent Food Policy Battles & Their Impact on You 13:03

14 weeks ago13:03

13:03

February 2025 Food Policy Recap: What You Need to Know Your food is changing, and the policies behind it could be making things worse. From rising grocery prices to a sudden freeze in farm aid, February brought major shifts that impact what you eat, how much you pay, and where your food comes from. In this episode, we break down the most critical policy changes and what they mean for you as a consumer. What We Cover in This Episode: 🚜 USDA Spending Freeze – Billions in farm grants and loans were suddenly put on hold, leaving small farmers in crisis. 🥚 Egg Prices Are Soaring—And It’s Not Just the Bird Flu – The government is investigating potential price manipulation by major egg producers. 🌍 Trade Wars Are Making Food More Expensive – New U.S. tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China have led to retaliatory tariffs, driving up costs for farmers—and your grocery bill. 🧪 The Fight Over Pesticides – Big chemical companies are lobbying for legal immunity over controversial herbicides like glyphosate. If they win, pesticide regulations could weaken even further. Listen to More on Farm Policies & Subsidies 🎧 Listen now: What You Need to Know About the Farm Bill (and the history of subsidies and how this expert thinks they need to be changed) Take Action ✅ Support local farmers – Shop at farmers markets & buy directly when possible. ✅ Stay informed – Policies impact your plate more than you think. ✅ Push for transparency – Demand clear food labeling & responsible policy changes. 🔎 Want the full breakdown? Listen now! 🎙️ And don't forget to give the show a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a quick review to entice new listeners. Thanks!…

1
Has Washington Forgotten About Farmers? A Primer 27:54

15 weeks ago27:54