Podcasts

World Food Prize Podcast: Dialogue that Feeds the World

The World Food Prize Podcast is the official podcast of the World Food Prize Foundation, launched in 2026—the 40th Anniversary of the Prize. Hosted by Foundation CEO and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the podcast builds on the enduring legacy of World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, advancing the idea that food security is a fundamental human right that transcends politics, geography and ideology. Twice each month, Vilsack sits down with leaders from across the global food system—including scientists, farmers, policymakers, youth advocates, World Food Prize Laureates and global changemakers—to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for nourishing a growing world. Through in-depth conversations, this podcast aims to raise awareness about the global issue of hunger, educate listeners about the work of the World Food Prize Foundation and elevate the solution-oriented voices of those driving real-world impact. Each episode offers insight, perspective and inspiration—uniting diverse viewpoints around a shared goal: advancing a food-secure future for everyone, everywhere.

Latest Episode

Episode 16: World Food Prize Podcast with Apoorva Oza and Didier Van Bignoot of Aga Khan Foundation

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Apoorva Oza and Didier Van Bignoot of the Aga Khan Foundation about how food security today requires a wider lens, from climate pressures and economic opportunity to community resilience and sustainable development. The conversation explores the importance of locally led solutions to food insecurity and climate challenges. It highlights how the Aga Khan Foundation’s integrated work across agriculture, climate resilience, education, health and enterprise reflects a systems-based approach to development. The discussion draws on lessons from diverse regions across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and considers how climate change is reshaping rural livelihoods. Finally, it underscores the importance of investing in people—through skills, entrepreneurship and local institutions—as the foundation of long-term resilience.

September 30

Episodes

Episode 16: World Food Prize Podcast with Apoorva Oza and Didier Van Bignoot of Aga Khan Foundation

September 30

Episode 15: World Food Prize Podcast with Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, about the future of global food systems and the role of science and innovation in addressing hunger, climate change and nutrition challenges. Dr. Elouafi discusses the importance of crop diversification, climate-resilient agriculture and the use of underutilized crops to strengthen food security in vulnerable regions. The conversation also explores how research partnerships, emerging technologies and inclusive approaches can help transform food, land and water systems around the world. Throughout the episode, Dr. Elouafi highlights the importance of collaboration among scientists, policymakers and global institutions to scale sustainable solutions and improve livelihoods—reflecting the World Food Prize Foundation’s mission to elevate innovation and inspire action to sustainably increase food and nutrition security worldwide.

September 16

Episode 14: World Food Prize Podcast with Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries, about the company’s evolution into a global ingredients manufacturer operating in more than 90 countries. Nelson discusses how science-driven leadership, innovation and company culture have guided Kemin’s work in improving the quality of life for more than a billion people each day through advancements in food, nutrition, health and agriculture. The conversation highlights Kemin’s role in supporting food quality, safety and sustainability across the global food system, and the importance of STEM education and scientific collaboration in shaping the future of agriculture and nutrition. Together, the discussion highlights how research, innovation and long-term investment can help strengthen food systems and improve quality of life around the world.

September 2

World Food Prize Podcast with Dr. Michael Kremer, 2019 Nobel Prize Laureate

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Dr. Michael Kremer discusses how advances in digital technology and other innovations are reshaping approaches to global agricultural and development challenges. The conversation focuses on the broader opportunity to move effective solutions from isolated successful trials to systems that can operate at national and global scale, improving outcomes for farmers and communities. It also highlights the importance of building the institutional, financial and policy frameworks needed to support large-scale adoption of proven innovations. Dr. Kremer reflects on AIM for Scale’s role in advancing this agenda by connecting evidence, financing and delivery systems, and underscores the broader need for coordinated action across sectors to strengthen resilience and long-term development outcomes.

August 19

World Food Prize Podcast with Mary Sellers of United Way of Central Iowa

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa, discusses with Tom Vilsack how community-driven solutions can strengthen food and nutrition security and overall well-being. She shares how United Way brings together donors, nonprofits, businesses and government to address persistent challenges and advance the key elements of thriving communities. The conversation explores the ways United Way is increasing access to healthy food for central Iowans, supporting families and creating opportunities for youth. It also highlights how these efforts align with the World Food Prize Foundation mission of advancing a more food and nutrition secure world. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

July 21

World Food Prize Podcast with Jeremy Gosch of Hy-Vee, Inc.

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Jeremy Gosch, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hy-Vee, Inc., about the company’s role as one of the largest privately owned retailers in the United States and its impact across the Midwest through an integrated approach spanning retail, healthcare, supply chain and technology. Gosch discusses how leadership and culture drive Hy-Vee’s mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier, and how its three giving pillars—Health & Wellness, Food Security and Education & Economic Empowerment—guide annual giving to communities. Together, the conversation underscores Hy-Vee’s commitment to strengthening communities and aligns with the World Food Prize Foundation’s mission of advancing a more food and nutrition secure world. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

July 7

World Food Prize Podcast with Myron Stine of Stine Seed Company

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Myron Stine, President of Stine Seed Company, about the critical role of agricultural innovation in strengthening food security in the United States and around the world. Myron shares how sustained investment in research—from advanced soybean breeding to high-performance corn—continues to push the boundaries of yield and resilience, and why pairing cutting-edge genetics with localized agronomic expertise is essential for helping farmers succeed in an increasingly unpredictable climate. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

June 16

World Food Prize Podcast with Janti Soeripto of Save the Children U.S.

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US, about closing food security gaps in rural America and globally. Janti discusses community-led solutions that use local data and partnerships to identify and address food gaps, as well as child hunger advocacy in the U.S. through the Save the Children Action Network and policy efforts. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

June 2

World Food Prize Podcast with Rajiv Shah of the Rockefeller Foundation

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack sits down with Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, to explore how bold ideas and innovative approaches can drive meaningful change in a complex, interconnected world. Through stories from his decades leading initiatives in global development and public health, Dr. Shah reflects on the risks, opportunities and thoughtful strategies that make lasting impact possible, offering a window into what it takes to create solutions that endure. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

May 19

World Food Prize Podcast with Ndidi Nwuneli of the ONE Campaign

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Dialogue That Feeds the World, Tom Vilsack speaks with Ndidi Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign, about how data-driven advocacy builds public support and political will for policies that strengthen health systems and expand economic opportunity across Africa. They discuss how grassroots advocates mobilize to influence decision-makers and ensure commitments translate into measurable impact, as well as how Africa can be a central partner in shaping global development agendas and investment priorities. --- Spring Gala Tickets and Information: www.worldfoodprize.org/gala --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

May 5

World Food Prize Podcast with Rikin Gandhi of Digital Green

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Rikin Gandhi, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Green, for an insightful conversation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, agriculture and global food and nutrition security. They explore Gandhi’s journey from engineer to founder and his mission to apply technology in service of smallholder farmers. The discussion highlights how FarmerChat transforms research, extension knowledge and data into real-time, localized guidance on crops, livestock, inputs and climate risk for more than one million farmers across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Spring Gala Tickets and Information: www.worldfoodprize.org/gala --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

April 21

World Food Prize Podcast with Fred P. Hochberg

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Fred P. Hochberg, Board Chair of Meridian International Center Board of Trustees and former Chairman and President of the Export–Import Bank of the United States, for a wide-ranging conversation on trade and global food and nutrition security. Spring Gala Tickets and Information: www.worldfoodprize.org/gala --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

April 7

World Food Prize Podcast with Billy Shore of Share Our Strength

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Tom Vilsack speaks with Billy Shore, founder and executive chair of Share Our Strength, about the progress - and the work still ahead - in the fight to end childhood hunger in the United States. Shore discusses the impact of the No Kid Hungry campaign, the importance of meeting families where they are and the value of smart policy and collaboration. Together, they reflect on what food and nutrition security work has taught them and how strong partnerships turn ideas into impact. The conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone committed to helping ensure every child and family has access to nutritious food. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

March 17

World Food Prize Podcast with Ambassador Michael Froman

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Tom Vilsack speaks with Ambassador Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, about the evolving global landscape shaping food and nutrition security. Their conversation highlights the powerful connection between food and nutrition insecurity and conflict, underscoring how protecting access to food can strengthen communities and serve as a form of soft power that lowers the risk of conflict. The episode also explores how positioning food assistance within broader defense and development strategies can help prevent crises and support long-term global stability. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

March 3

World Food Prize Podcast with Howard W. Buffett & Barrett Ersek of Holganix

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Howard W. Buffett, Chair of the Advisory Board at Holganix and Barrett Ersek, Founder and CEO of Holganix to discuss the role of science and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening global food systems. Drawing on boots-on-the-ground work with farmers at Holganix, the discussion examines how rejuvenating degraded soils can boost yields, reduce fertilizer use and improve water-holding capacity. Listeners gain insight into the economic, environmental and conservation benefits of soil health innovation and the ways this innovation can boost food and nutrition security. --- The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

February 17

World Food Prize Podcast with Feeding America's Claire Babineaux-Fontenot

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, to explore innovative strategies for combating hunger in the United States and beyond. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, highlighting practical solutions and real-world impact in the fight for food and nutrition security. Listeners will gain insight into why food insecurity matters to all of us - and how we can make a difference. The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

February 3

World Food Prize Podcast: Dialogue That Feeds the World

The World Food Prize Podcast is the official podcast of the World Food Prize Foundation, launched in 2026—the 40th Anniversary of the Prize. Hosted by Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack, the podcast builds on the enduring legacy of World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, advancing the idea that food and nutrition security is a fundamental human right that transcends politics, geography and ideology. Twice each month, Vilsack sits down with leaders from across the global food system—including scientists, farmers, policymakers, youth advocates, World Food Prize Laureates and global changemakers—to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for nourishing a growing world. Through in-depth conversations, this podcast aims to raise awareness about the global issue of hunger, educate listeners about the work of the World Food Prize and elevate the solution-oriented voices of those driving real-world impact. Each episode offers insight, perspective and inspiration—uniting diverse viewpoints around a shared goal: advancing a food and nutrition-secure future for everyone, everywhere. Learn more and watch the video version of the podcast here: www.worldfoodprize.org/podcast

January 26