#12: Plastic-Free Plates: Dr. Manasa Mantravadi's Vision for Healthier Kids

#14: Breaking Restaurant Habits: A Chef's Blueprint for Change

In this episode of Nourished with Nora, Nora sits down with Chef Johanna Hellrigl—mom, restaurateur, and visionary behind Alma, one of the most sustainable restaurants in the country. Recently featured in The New York Times and celebrated for her leadership in rethinking restaurant culture, Johanna is proving that food, health, and planetary wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Together, Nora and Johanna explore: * The principles that guide Alma's mission-driven approach * How sustainability and health go hand-in-hand for both guests and restaurant teams * Why "question everything" has become a core philosophy for shifting food systems * The hidden health risks of plastics and what it takes to change restaurant norms * The power of primary foods—community, relationships, joy—alongside what's on the plate * The balancing act of being a chef, entrepreneur, and mom while pushing for systemic change Johanna also shares her passion project with Dr. Manasa Mantravadi: designing stainless steel containers to replace ubiquitous plastic deli containers—bringing real solutions from restaurants into homes and schools. Learn more about Alma: amarestaurant.bar Follow Johanna: @chefjohannaherrigel on Instagram

#13: Clean Water, Healthy Families: Rorra Founders on Filtration, Wellness, and the Future of Water

On this episode of Nourished with Nora, I'm joined by Brian Keller and Charlie Carlisle, the co-founders of Rorra, the award-winning water filtration company that's transforming how families think about water. From stainless steel countertop systems to filtered shower heads, Rorra is helping people drink and bathe in water that's cleaner, safer, and healthier—without the plastics or compromises of traditional filters. We discuss: - The personal stories that inspired Rorra—from Brian's daughter's eczema journey to Charlie's experience with Denver's lead water crisis. - Why water quality is as foundational to health as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. - The risks of aging water infrastructure and hidden contaminants like PFAS and microplastics. - How Rorra's design preserves minerals for taste and health while filtering out what's harmful. - Stories from families and athletes already experiencing the benefits of Rorra water. - What's next for Rorra, from new product launches to their long-term vision for public health impact. As a mom and wellness advocate, I've tried countless filters—Rorra is the one I trust. 👉 Learn more or try Rorra here: rorra.com/nora [https://rorra.com/nora]

#12: Plastic-Free Plates: Dr. Manasa Mantravadi's Vision for Healthier Kids

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a pediatrician, CEO, mom of three, and the founder of Ahimsa—an award-winning company making stainless steel dishware for kids. But more than that, she's on a mission to reform public health, starting with what's on our plates. In this episode, we dive into: * Why the American Academy of Pediatrics warned against plastics * How plastic exposure affects hormones, puberty, and long-term health * What "culinary medicine" really means—and why it's the future of healthcare * The simple changes families can make to reduce plastic exposure * How Ahimsa is changing what kids eat from at home and in schools * Why school lunch reform = healthcare reform This is a hopeful, empowering conversation about how we can take small steps in our homes—and big ones in our systems—to raise healthier, happier kids. Resources & Links: * Dr. Manasa's company: Ahimsa * Conscious Cafeteria Program: ahimsaschools.com * Follow @ahimsahomeusa on Instagram * Join the school lunch revolution: eatreal.org/parents * Find Nora on Instagram: @nourishedwithnora [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedwithnora]

#11: The Hidden Cost of Plastic: What You Need to Know with Dr. Leo Trasande

Guest: Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at NYU, leading researcher on the health effects of environmental exposures. Topics Covered: * What plastics are really made of—and how they get into our bodies * The 16,000 chemicals in plastic (and how little we know about them) * Why children are especially vulnerable * Diseases linked to plastic exposure: from hormone disruption to heart disease * Why only 9% of plastic is recycled * The connection between plastic and economic loss ($250B/year in the U.S.) * Which types of plastics to avoid: the worst offenders * Practical tips for reducing plastic exposure * How quickly the body can bounce back * The power we have as consumers to drive change * How to advocate for smarter plastic policy Brought to you by Rorra Clean, safe, and beautifully designed water filtration. 👉 Get 10% off at https://rorra.com/nora Resources Mentioned: * National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey * Studies on phthalates, PFAS, and micro/nanoplastics * UN Global Plastics Treaty discussions * Safe Drinking Water Act Take Action: 1. Swap plastic for stainless steel, glass, or wood in the kitchen 2. Don't microwave plastic—even if labeled "microwave safe" 3. Use water filtration where appropriate 4. Avoid receipts, black plastics, and synthetic fabrics directly on skin 5. Advocate for plastic regulation at state and national levels

#10: Chef Andrew Zimmern on Friendship, School Food, and the Joy of Cooking

In this heart-expanding episode of Nourished with Nora, chef, TV host, and humanitarian Andrew Zimmern opens up about the personal and political power of food. From childhood hunger to mental health to wild game and open-fire cooking, Nora and Andrew dive deep into what it really means to nourish ourselves and our communities. They talk about: - Why school meals are one of the most important public health issues of our time - Andrew's journey through addiction, recovery, and finding purpose - The power of friendship, real food, and asking for help - Easy ways to get kids confident in the kitchen - His go-to summer meals, bean obsession, and upcoming Blue Food Cookbook Whether you're a parent, foodie, educator, or just looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you fired up and full of hope. Nourished with Nora is brought to you by Rorra, the water filtration company bringing cleaner, safer water to families everywhere. Visit rorra.com/nora [https://rorra.com/nora] to get 10% off your countertop system or filtered showerhead today.