E62: Food Is the Centre of Everything, but We Don't Value It - with Author, TEDx Speaker and Architect, Carolyn Steel
Let me tell you one thing you might not know: Food is the most important thing. It has shaped our history, societies, and whole journey as humanity. Take a couple of minutes to let that sink in. In this episode, Carolyn Steel, architect, speaker and author of the books Sitopia and Hungry City, takes us on her journey from architecture to food advocacy, sharing her vision of ‘Sitopia’—a world where food shapes the way we live, just as profoundly as it has shaped societies throughout history. Carolyn discusses how urban life often masks the true impact of our food choices, detaching us from the real costs of cheap food and sustainable production. She emphasizes the need for true cost accounting, tax, and land reforms to bring our food system back in balance. She argues that food can serve as a powerful lens for addressing larger societal questions, from health to environmental impact. The conversation delves into the disconnect between cities and food sources, exploring how food can reconnect communities and empower individuals. Carolyn shares how, through valuing food culture, educating communities, and supporting local food systems, we can begin to create a world where every meal helps shape a better future. This thought-provoking episode challenges us to see food as much more than sustenance—it’s a tool for reimagining urban life and building a resilient society.
We discussed:
00:00 The Fundamental Role of Food in Life
10:04 The Journey from Architecture to Food Studies
20:12 Food as a Lens to Understand Cities
29:49 The Evolution of Food Culture and Its Impact
40:04 Towards a Sustainable Food Future
40:58 Rethinking Food Systems and Society
45:32 The Role of Land and Farming in Sustainability
51:58 Empowering Communities Through Food
57:58 The Psychological Impact of Food Choices
01:03:12 Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
01:08:44 Practical Steps for Food Professionals
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👋 GET IN TOUCH WITH US
😊 The Guest: Carolyn Steel
Look into her books: Hungry City and Sitopia
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