Meetings & Events are crucial to our travel and hospitality experiences and food is a central element. In this pod we discuss the complexity of managing food waste in this industry and opportunities to solve this crucial aspect of sustainable, and responsible consumption. Our guest, Dr Rick Garlick, shares insights from a recent World Wildlife Fund research project. Check out this pod’s quiz question!

In this episode, we explore innovative ways to address food waste and food insecurity through community efforts. The conversation highlights turning surplus food into opportunities, while discussing sustainability, logistics, and the broader impact of these initiatives. Stay tuned for inspiring insights on tackling one of today’s major global challenges.

The impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on food preferences remains less understood. In this podcast we unpack several of these aspects with Dr. Vinita Berry, from multiple perspectives, including how restaurant and foodservice industries can make spaces more accessible to autistic people.

In this podcast we speak with Mr. Alan Horowitz, Vice President of Sustainability at Aramark, and Walter J. Conti Professor at Penn State University, on his perspectives of sustainability in the foodservice industry, and beyond. The quiz question is aligned with our discussion topic.

In this pod, explore the aspects of DEIB in the Golf Course industry and how a company is navigating current challenges while creating new opportunities for its employees and changing the industry as a whole. Answer to the quiz question is bound to surprise you!

In this pod, we discuss the consumer perception of calories on menus and the health consequences of poor food choices. Join us on this unique episode, brought to you from our very own School of Hospitality Management Students.

In this pod we discuss how a student-led effort is addressing food access and insecurity on a university campus by using creative approaches, and being persistent. Listen in to hear this inspirational work that can inform and motivate others to join efforts related to food justice.

The hotel and lodging industry is an important part of our economy as it provides employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for millions of people. Hotels are also an integral part of our travel and leisure experiences. In this pod we speak with Ms. Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation and discuss a variety of aspects of this fascinating industry. The quiz answers might add to your list of hotels to visit.

In this episode, we bring to you a perspective of lab-grown foods and how this awareness can enable us to make better food choices. Join us as Dr InHeang Jung shares her research and passion for this fascinating scientific marvel, the sustainability issues this industry to trying to tackle, and the possible future of processed foods worldwide.

In this episode, we bring to you a perspective from the indigenous food system of native Americans, and how this awareness can positively influence our food choices. Chef Joe Rocchi shares his passion of indigenous food systems, and in the process educates us on many aspects of a food culture that has existed in the Americas for over thousands of years. Do join us. 

In this episode, Dr. Aurora Benton, Chief Change Maker of Astrapto LLC, discusses her work with the meeting and events industry to manage and reduce food waste. Given the critical issues surrounding the food waste challenge, Dr. Benton factors that contribute to this phenomenon, and others that can make meetings and events more sustainable. Don't miss this episode's quiz, it's from halfway around the world! 

In this special episode, hosted by Penn State Junior Sam Seideman, Amit Sharma is joined by two of our valued Penn State School of Hospitality Management alumni: Nicole Hansen, Senior Regional Director at the Compass Group in Washington D.C., and Ryan Spear, founder of Spear Travel Group, for a rapid Q&A. These alumni, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, are quick to insightfully answer Dr. Amit Sharma's burning industry questions. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this...

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Szocs (Smeal College of Business, Penn State University) discusses the outcomes of a research study that investigated the impact of caffeine consumption on shopping behavior. Dr. Szocs also discusses other findings related to how caffeine may impact our choices for different types of products. Broader implications of these findings are also discussed. Curious about the quiz question? Listen on your preferred platform. 

Substance abuse continues to be a challenge for millions of Americans. In this episode, Dr. Miranda Kitterlin (Florida International University) shares insights on workplace perspectives related to substance abuse. The quiz question and discussions with Dr. Kitterlin shed light on essential facts and statistics related to this important issue.

Dr. Michael Tews explains how fun at the workplace can be responsibly incorporated by employers to create a positive work environment. However, there is a caution to over-focus on fun. He also provides perspectives on the 4-day week. Don't miss out on our quiz question in this episode!

In this 100th episode, hear the conversation with Dr. Stuart Mann about his successful career as an academic, the principles that defined his success, and the advice he would give to us. We focus this episode on the importance of having a mentors, and the concept of mentoring. Curious about the quiz question? Then start listening! 

Dr. Kelley shares updates from recent consumer surveys on what’s in for the season and also discusses the supply factors that will influence trends of what we will be drinking. Also, check out our quiz in this episode. 

When we consume products and services, companies seek feedback from us through customer feedback surveys. Listen to the ins and outs of customer feedback surveys as we discuss this topic with Ashley Akright from Marriott Hotels. Ashley explains why companies value surveys and how they use the feedback to enhance our experiences as consumers. Dont miss the quiz of this episode, and also great advice on how to report feedback to companies in addition to the surveys. 

In conversation with British writer Ben Birdsall, author of several books including two whisky travelogues: "Whisky Burn – the distilleries of Scotland by Vespa" and "Whiskey Burn – the distilleries of Ireland by Vespa". In his books Birdsall takes you on a tour of the old and new whisky distilleries of the British Isles getting to know the people, the places and production of the ‘liquid sunshine.'

On this edition of allinfoodz, we speak with Alex Shockley, Director, Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability at Hilton. Alex joined us to talk about how the hotel industry is engaging with the local food systems, and sustainable food options for consumers such as plant-based foods. We also discussed the issues related with food waste in the foodservice industry, and more broadly the issues related to responsible and ethical decisions, and corporations engaging in Greenwashing. 

On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Managing Director of Market Development at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, Lauren Turnbull. They discuss the past, present and future of theme parks.

On this episode of Allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Jessica Paholsky, a creative storytelling professional and founder of Once Upon a Pesto, a website with a mission of combining food history, global cultures, and authentic recipes to help the world understand pesto.

The way people think about food safety has been changing in recent years. On this episode of Allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., Interim Department Head and Professor of Hospitality Management at Kansas State University. He discusses the changes in food safety and some of the ideas behind the shift in focus.

On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by our resident wine and beverage expert Professor of Horticultural Marketing and Business Management at Penn State Kathy Kelley, Ph.D. She talks about the current state of the alcohol industry, including the growth of wineries in the U.S., consumer behavior and more.