Food Sense: What to Eat and Why

What should we eat - and why is the answer still so complicated?

Join us for a compelling conversation at the intersection of science, food and health as we explore the evolving landscape of nutrition through the lens of Dr. Christopher Gardner’s forthcoming book, Food Sense: What to Eat and Why. A leading nutrition scientist at Stanford, Dr. Gardner has spent decades studying a wide range of dietary patterns - from Mediterranean to ketogenic to plant-based - seeking clarity on what truly supports long-term health. His work moves beyond rigid dietary camps, focusing instead on evidence, behavior change, and what he calls “unapologetic deliciousness” in the pursuit of better eating.

He will be joined by Dr. Russell Jaffe, a physician-scientist whose decades of work in integrative and functional medicine have centered on inflammation, root causes and whole-person health. Together, they offer both complementary and contrasting perspectives on how we understand diet, disease and the body’s innate capacity for healing.

Moderating the conversation is Kristen Rasmussen, a culinary nutrition and food systems expert whose work bridges traditional foodways, sustainability and modern health. With a deep appreciation for culture, flavor and the power of food to connect us, Rasmussen will guide a discussion that is as practical as it is thought-provoking.

This program invites us to step back from nutrition noise and consider a more nuanced question: not just what we eat, but how, why and in what context. From inflammation and the microbiome to culture, environment and personal choice, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer fresh insight into how we nourish ourselves - and each other.