Episode 16 - Palm Oil: Healthy or Harmful? Behind the World’s Most Misunderstood Oil

Episode 16 - Palm Oil: Healthy or Harmful? Behind the World’s Most Misunderstood Oil

Nutrition-related opinions around cooking oils are often shaped by misguided narratives, especially when it comes to fats and their perceived health effects. Among these, palm oil frequently stands out as one of the most debated vegetable oils in everyday diets. In this episode of The Palm Pod, we take a closer look at palm oil through a nutrition lens—exploring what it actually contains, how it compares with other commonly used oils, and the many misconceptions around it. Host Fara Rom is joined by nutrition experts Dr. Roseline Yap, Nutritionist, and Managing Editor at the Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, and Dr. Sanjit Kanjilal, Senior Principal Scientist, Centre for Lipid Science and Technology, CSIR - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, to break down the science, unpack common misconceptions, and explore how palm oil fits into everyday dietary guidelines  and food security. Learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.rspo.org [https://www.rspo.org/]. *The views and opinions expressed on The Palm Pod are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Palm Pod or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Episode 15 - Leading Change: Women in Sustainable Palm Oil

From Indonesia to Ecuador, Sabah to Sierra Leone, women have played an important role in building a more sustainable palm oil industry around the world.  In fact, women make up about 21% of the workforce across 540 RSPO Units of Certification. Around 15% and 25% hold management and administration roles in certified mills and estates, respectively. In this International Women’s Day special episode of The Palm Pod, host Fara Rom sits down with Kertijah Abdul Kadir, Senior Manager of Smallholder Programmes at the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). We will explore her sustainability journey and get to know more about her inspiring work supporting smallholder communities.  We’ll do a deep dive on the vital role of women in the palm oil sector and why their participation is essential for a more inclusive and sustainable industry. Learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.rspo.org [https://www.rspo.org/]. *The views and opinions expressed on The Palm Pod are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Palm Pod or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Episode 14 - Peatlands 101 with PM.Haze

Peatlands are one of nature’s oldest and most powerful carbon sinks, quietly supporting climate stability, biodiversity, and communities around the world. Yet when degraded, they become a major driver of fires, emissions, and haze. In this episode of The Palm Pod, we explore Peatlands 101, why peatlands matter, how their degradation fuels fires and haze, and why protecting them is critical for a sustainable future. From climate impacts to governance and accountability, this conversation unpacks what’s really at stake. Host Fara Rom is joined by Beatrice Baquero-Salah, Manager, Partnerships & Outreach at PM.Haze, a leading voice in peatland and haze advocacy based in Singapore. Tune in for a clear, grounded conversation on peatlands as nature’s OG carbon sinks and what it will take to protect them. Learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.rspo.org [https://www.rspo.org/]. *The views and opinions expressed on The Palm Pod are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Palm Pod or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Episode 13 - It Takes a Village: How Chester Became the World’s First Sustainable Palm Oil City — with Chester Zoo

Chester is a historic city in North West England, the United Kingdom, which has earned the title as the World’s first Sustainable Palm Oil City. This pioneering project was led by Chester Zoo to drive awareness, collaboration, and real change in how communities engage with sustainable palm oil. In this episode, we explore this fascinating story of a city coming together, uniting schools, restaurants, hotels, cafés, and the local government to ensure the palm oil in everyday products comes from certified sustainable sources. The hospitality industry, at the heart of food culture and tourism, has played a pivotal role in making sustainable choices accessible to the public. Listen in as host Fara Rom speaks with Catherine Barton, Policy Lead for Deforestation-Free Commodities at Chester Zoo, as she shares the story behind this trailblazing movement.  Join us as we take a closer look at the Sustainable Palm Oil City model, the crucial role of the hospitality sector, and the lessons we can learn from Chester for scaling sustainability globally. This is a great story of how local action can spark global change for palm oil sustainability. Learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.rspo.org [https://www.rspo.org/]. *The views and opinions expressed on The Palm Pod are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Palm Pod or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Episode 12 - Roll for Credits: Understanding RSPO Independent Smallholder Credits with WWF and Nestlé

Did you know that when you buy products with the ‘RSPO Credits’ label, you can directly support smallholders through the purchase of RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Credits?  These ISH Credits have benefited thousands of farmers globally—opening up market opportunities, encouraging sustainable practices, and strengthening rural livelihoods. But their impact goes further: ISH Credits help build resilient farming communities, foster environmental responsibility, and support smallholders on their path to long-term sustainability. In this latest episode of The Palm Pod, listen to host Fara Rom talks to Kamal Seth, Global Palm Oil Director from World Wildlife Fund -WWF and Nadine Stueber, Global Responsible Sourcing Lead for Palm Oil from Nestlé joins us to explore why ISH Credits are one of the most effective tools for empowering smallholders and advancing sustainability in the palm oil sector.  Tune in to discover how your everyday choices can influence producers to make better choices and drive real change. Learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.rspo.org [https://www.rspo.org/]. *The views and opinions expressed on The Palm Pod are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Palm Pod or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).