Best Quorum Sense Podcasts (2025)

1
Farming, family and motherhood with Ruby Frew 28:24

22d ago28:24

28:24

In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono interviews his wife Ruby Frew! Ruby is a farmer and a mother among many other things. However, family and farming are what matters most for Ruby. In this short and sweet conversation, Ruby shares her journey from an early interest in sheep and beef farming to a career in dairy, and also how becoming…

1
332: Fibromyalgia Pain and the Gut Microbiome 1:03:00

5h ago1:03:00

1:03:00

TWiM explains a study of the unique and extreme microbial and chemical environment on the International Space Station, and the connection between the gut microbiome and pain in fibromyalgia. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees and us…

1
331: Radar Love in Bacteria 46:41

28d ago46:41

46:41

TWiM describes isolation of a novel bacterial species isolated from the China Space Station, and how a chemical radar allows bacteria to detect and kill predators. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, and Petra Levin. Guest Mark O. Martin. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees and used with p…

1
330: More mouth Microbiology 53:57

1M ago53:57

53:57

TWiM explains how to recode E. coli so it uses only one stop codon, and an exploration of the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion within dental plaque. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees and used with permission. Links for …

1
Tapping into the retail market with Logan Wait 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

In this episode, Jono sits down for a pre-sunrise yarn with Logan Wait. Logan's family have been dairy farming in the Waikato for a century and a half, but this conversation is not so much focused on the family dairy farm... Instead, Logan shares a brand new concept: Earth First Food. Earth First Food creates the opportunity to buy high quality, di…

1
329: Bacteria Hunt With Grappling Hooks 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

TWiM explains Pasteur’s relentless hunt for microbes in the air, and how bacteria hunt for prey by ixotrophy - using grappling hooks! Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees and used with permission. Links for this episode Pa…

1
328: Capturing Shigella With Filopodia 46:59

3M ago46:59

46:59

TWiM describes Shigella infection is facilitated by interaction of human enteric α-defensin 5 with a colonic epithelial receptor, and an amino acid change in RNA polymerase that leads to resistance to β-lactams by preventing dysregulation of amino acid and nucleotide metabolism Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swa…

1
A celebration of soil and connection: Conversations at Underground 27:34

3M ago27:34

27:34

In this episode, Jono takes the podcast kit to North Canterbury to check out Underground Festival. This was a great opportunity to capture some of the conversations happening while people mingled between presentations at this wonderful celebration of soil. There were some stand-out themes like community and connection, and also practical takeaways …

1
327: Freezing and Anti-Freezing With Bacteria 52:28

4M ago52:28

52:28

TWiM explains the remarkable abilities of bacterial ice nucleating proteins to promote freezing of water, and cryoprotective proteins produced by worm microbiomes that prevent freezing. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees…

1
326: I Have One Word For You: PETase! 53:08

4M ago53:08

53:08

TWiM explores the discovery of microbial enzymes, PETases, that can degrade ubiquitous plastics, and how exogenous peptidoglycan is a danger signal to trigger biofilm formation. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Michele Swanson. Guest Mark O. Martin. Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, RSS, or by email. Become a …

1
People, economics and environment with Otto Dogterom 41:34

4M ago41:34

41:34

In this episode Jono jumps in the tractor cab with dairy farmer and president of Federated Farmers' North Otago Provincial Executive, Otto Dogterom. Otto has been dairy farming for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share from how he got started, to navigating family farming ups and downs, to simple principles he uses to monitor farm pe…

1
325: Microbes Making Methane 41:54

4M ago41:54

41:54

TWiM reveals that record high atmospheric methane growth has been driven by microbes, and the cecum as an adaptive niche for Salmonella typhi. Hosts: Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, RSS, or by email. Become a patron of TWiM. Music used on TWiM is composed and performed …

1
324: Back To School for TWiM 1:02:23

5M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

From ASMCUE 2024, the conference on undergraduate education, TWiM speaks with Becky, Melanie, and Katriana about their careers and how they use TWiM in undergraduate microbiology education. Hosts: Michael Schmidt and Mark O. Martin Guests: Becky Seipel-Thiemann, Melanie Melendrez-Vallard, and Katriana Popichak Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podc…

1
Banging on about soil health with Matthew Evans 53:14

5M ago53:14

53:14

We decided to sneak one more podcast in for 2024!! In this episode Jono sits down with food fanatic and farmer Matthew Evans from Fat Pig Farm in Southern Tasmania. Matthew started his career as a chef and food critic, and through a love for food - and noticing a link between good food flavour and soil health - he began a life-changing journey into…

1
323: Better Concrete With Microbes 59:37

5M ago59:37

59:37

TWiM describes how to make concrete more ‘green’ by using microbes, and bacterial bioluminescence as an important regulator of multitrophic interactions in the soil. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Michele Swanson and and Mark O. Martin. Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RSS, or by email. Become a patron of TWiM. Musi…

1
Optimising life with Rachel and Greg Hart 48:52

6M ago48:52

48:52

In this episode Jono sits down with Rachel and Greg Hart from Mangarara Station in central Hawke's bay. Greg and Rachel are passionate about nature, community and farming, and this is very easy to pick up in this wonderful conversation. It's a conversation that covers the farm's journey from sheep farming to the haven of life it is today, covering …

1
Helping people transition in agriculture with Darren Doherty 1:01:38

6M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

With this release, we celebrate episode 50 of the Quorum Sense podcast!! Jono sits down with Darren Doherty from over the ditch in Australia. Darren is a farmer and an educator, well known for his vast knowledge of farm systems function, design and management. In this conversation we hear how about Darren's journey to where he is now. He and Jono d…

1
322: Photohydrolysis Decontamination Reduces Healthcare-associated Infections 58:12

6M ago58:12

58:12

TWiM explains how ticagrelor alters the membrane of S. aureus and enhances the activity of vancomycin and daptomycin without eliciting cross-resistance, and the development of a novel continuous disinfectant technology that decreases healthcare-associated infections in ICUs by 70%. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, and Michele Swanson. Be…

1
Shifting the global agricultural paradigm with Allen Williams 1:05:25

6M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

In this special episode of the Quorum Sense podcast going abroad, Jono sits down to chew the fat with 6th generation family farmer Allen Williams. Allen was a university professor with 24 years in academia under his belt when he decided that he needed to go back to his roots on the farm. Since this challenging step, Allen has been on an incredible …

1
321: The Microbes in Your Food 1:00:03

7M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

TWiM focuses on recent foodborne outbreaks of bacterial infections, and how nanopore sequencing technology can be used to identify pathogenic microbes and antimicrobial resistance genes in food products. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Foodborne outbreaks (…

1
Beyond the basics of pasture management with Jim Elizondo 48:03

7M ago48:03

48:03

In this special episode - which is part 1 in the mini series of the Quorum Sense podcast going abroad - Jono sits down with Jim Elizondo to discuss grazing management and nutrition. Jim has vast experience trialing different types of grazing management over his long career as a cattleman and educator. Jim is trained in accountancy and yet he also l…

1
Organic Kiwifruit and a "get stuck in" attitude with Levi Belcher 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

In this episode Jono speaks with keen 24-year-old kiwifruit orchard manager Levi Belcher about how he got started in the industry, and why he was attracted to soil health and regenerative practices. Levi talks about how having a "get stuck in" attitude has made a big difference in his career. If you are a Kiwifruit grower interested in regen practi…

1
320: Rockstars of USAMRIID 1:15:05

7M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

TWiM travels to the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases to learn how research conducted at USAMRIID leads to vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and training programs that protect both warfighters and civilians. Hosts: Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Guests: Norman Kreiselmeir, Christopher K Coat, Keersten Ricks,…

1
From rural banking to organic dairy farming with Willie White 52:52

7M ago52:52

52:52

In this discussion, Jono sits down with dairy farmer and Quorum Sense board member Willie White to hear about his journey into organic regen dairy farming. From humble beginnings on the family farm as a child - and watching his parents convert a part of the farm to dairy - Willie has always had a strong connection with the land. After a career in r…

1
319: The Dark Side of the Rumen 52:03

7M ago52:03

52:03

TWiM explains a project to engineer the cow microbiome to reduce emissions of methane, and the finding of antibiotic resistance genes in the genomes of giant viruses. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, RSS, or by email. Become a patron of TWiM. L…

1
318: How To Pick a Winner 1:07:23

8M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

TWiM explains how bacterial community structure can be used to predict athletic performance in racehorses, and the idea that a tiny fraction of all species forms most of Nature. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Mark O. Martin. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Microbiome picks a winner (Sci Rep) Picking a Wi…

1
317: Bat White-nose Syndrome 54:54

8M ago54:54

54:54

TWiM explains unique modifications in the energy conservation pathways linked to methanogenesis in an Archaeon, and mechanisms of white nose fungal invasion of cells from the Little Brown Bat. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Methyl-reducing methanogenesis (…

1
Unintended consequences of GE and GMOs with Prof Jack Heinemann 54:09

8M ago54:09

54:09

In this special episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono interviews Professor Jack Heinemann from the University of Canterbury on the topic of GE and GMO in New Zealand. Professor Heinemann's experience in this field, along with a long list of credentials, make him one of the leading voices in the country. And this conversation uncovers issues and…

1
More than meat with Carrie & Tom Andrews 46:23

9M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode Jono catches up with Carrie and Tom Andrews from Wholly Cow Butchery in Cambridge. Carrie and Tom are passionate about supporting their local community and creating opportunities from listening to their customers needs. From caring for the animals, to slaughter, to butchery and even turning what would normally be waste products into…

1
316: Food Addiction and the Gut Microbiome 56:23

9M ago56:23

56:23

TWiM describes experiments to explore gut microbiota signatures of vulnerability to food addiction in mice and humans, and how a phage tail-like protein suppresses competitors in populations of bacteria of plants. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Gut microbi…

1
315: How Pseudomonas Became A Global Pathogen 58:00

10M ago58:00

58:00

TWiM explores evolution and host adaptation of Pseudomonas infections of plants, and the impact of COVID-19 on ESBL-producing E. coli on urinary tract and blood infections. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Michael Schmidt. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Evolution and host adaptation of Pseudomonas (Science) Type III secretion system, …

1
The future of the whenua (land) with Zeb Horrell 1:04:21

10M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

In this episode we have an in-depth and very personal conversation with Zeb Horrell. Zeb is a third generation sheep and beef farmer from northern Southland, and Zeb's contributions span much wider than the family farm. Zeb shares his experience with enterprises, Future Whenua, Polyculture Paddock and Burning Horse festival, and a recent move from …

1
314: Microbes Sculpt Our Planet and Manage Inflammation 52:57

10M ago52:57

52:57

TWiM explores the deep-dwelling microbes that sculpt our planet, and the use of microbes in bioelectronics to manage inflammation. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Deep-dwelling microbes that sculpt our planet (NY Times) Living bioelectronics resolve inflamm…

1
How organic regen dairy farmers, Charlotte and Russell Heald, are living their dream life 45:45

10M ago45:45

45:45

Charlotte and Russell Heald are passionate dairy farmers "living their dream life" in Norsewood, Manawatū. Earlier this year they won the OrganicNZ award for Regenerative Organic Farmer of the Year. Russell and Charlotte share their journey from conventional share milking to dairy farm ownership. And how a personal health focus began their on farm …

1
313: Could Fungal Pathogens Outsmart US? 44:18

11M ago44:18

44:18

From ASM Microbe in Atlanta, Georgia, Arturo joins TWiM to reveal the threats that fungi pose to human health, including the notorious Candida auris and many more and how committed experts are researching ways to save us and our food supplies. Hosts: Michael Schmidt, Mark O. Martin Guest: Arturo Casadevall Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/nKJe5…

1
From IT to regenerative farming with Stephen Newman 51:52

11M ago51:52

51:52

In this episode Stephen Newman shares his journey from the IT industry, to dairy farming in his thirties, to later discover regenerative agriculture and the power of farm discussion groups. Stephen had no farming background when he started dairy farming and relied heavily on advice from consultants. And he saw synthetic nitrogen as a vital element …

1
193: OPTIMIZING YOUR ZZZ's -- Don't Sleep on the Benefits of a Good Night's Slumber 19:41

11M ago19:41

19:41

There is no ailment that a good night's sleep can't help. Dr. Michelle ND goes solo this week and discusses the relationship she sees between stress and sleep, and how much of the time melatonin isn't the miracle cure we want it to be. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or pres…

1
312: Cry Havoc!, and Let Slip the Phages of Healing 53:14

11M ago53:14

53:14

TWiM explains a new mechanism for preventing lysogeny through temperate phage-antibiotic synergy, and Salmonella expansion in the murine gut dependency on aspartate derived from reactive oxygen species-mediated microbiota lysis. Hosts: Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode Temperate phage-…

1
192: UNPACKING P.O.T.S. -- Cardiovascular Symptoms Rooted in Dysautonomia 36:31

11M ago36:31

36:31

Join us this week as we dive into the complexities of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (P.O.T.S.) with Dr. Carissa Doherty, ND. Dr. Doherty ND sheds light on the different types of P.O.T.S. and how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of this often under-recognized condition. Discover how Long COVID has brought POTS-like symptoms,…

1
311: Bacteria, beware of siderophore-antibiotic hybrids 43:45

11M ago43:45

43:45

TWiM explores how climate change may be increasing our risks to infectious disease and then how the Odyssey literally comes alive in our microbial world but fear not, unlike the Trojans, the bacteria are fighting back and have developed resistance to this novel class of newly developed antimicrobials. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode…

1
191: LACTOFERRIN — Nature's Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial 26:25

12M ago26:25

26:25

Discover the remarkable properties of lactoferrin, a powerful protein derived from colostrum and mammalian milk, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Uncover how this multifunctional compound supports iron metabolism and its clinical applications in enhancing health and combating infections. The information presented on …

1
Blending research and farming with David Musgrave 59:41

12M ago59:41

59:41

In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono has a fascinating discussion with David Musgrave about pastoral farming and science in New Zealand David is a multi-generational farmer who's family started farming at Waihi Bush Farm in the 1800s, and its where David farmed until recently. As well as farming, he has a vast career in science and res…

1
190: NUTRIENT SPOTLIGHT -- DISCUSSING THE ABSORPTION, LAB TESTING AND BENEFITS OF VITAMIN B12 27:37

12M ago27:37

27:37

In this episode, Dave and Michelle explore the intricacies of Vitamin B12 absorption, its critical role in methylation, cell division, DNA synthesis, lab testing, and numerous health benefits. Learn about the symptoms of B12 deficiency, including glossitis, fatigue, and neurological issues, along with the different forms of B12 supplements, accurat…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Lets discuss wintering with Deane Parker, Duncan Humm and Jono Frew 1:01:16

12M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In this podcast, recorded especially for our Wintering Innovations Series, Deane Parker, Duncan Humm and Jono Frew discuss their wintering journeys. Deane talks about going from relying on unreliable winter crops to a full bale grazing system on his mid Canterbury dairy farm. Duncan shares his journey from heavy pugging on his mid Canterbury deer f…

1
189: MICROBIAL SOCIAL NETWORKING -- Microbial Communication, Signalling and Regulation Through Quorum-Sensing 27:46

1y ago27:46

27:46

Microbes can work work together .... if the conditions are favourable for cooperation. An understanding of quorum sensing offers new perspectives, and thus, treatment perspectives that may decrease disease severity without contributing to antibiotic resistance. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not in…

1
188: PHYTONUTRIENT PHENOMENON -- Raising Awareness of the Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil 16:44

1y ago16:44

16:44

A short and sweet episode with Dr. Michelle ND about Black Seed Oil, with special emphasis on its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory actions. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor prevent, treat, mitigate, or cure any …

1
310: Starvation vs Dehydration: Who Loses, Who Wins? 58:38

1y ago58:38

58:38

TWiM explores the plasticity of the adult human small intestinal stoma microbiota, and survival and rapid resuscitation that permit limited productivity in desert microbial communities. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Petra Levin and Michele Swanson. Subscribe to TWiM (free) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Android, RSS, or by email. Become …

1
187: THE GASTRO-COLIC REFLEX -- Is Pooping After Coffee Normal? 9:08

1y ago9:08

9:08

Do you or someone you know poop right after eating or drinking a coffee? Like other reflexes, this one is not pathological, but you've got to get the balance right. And yes, even decaf coffee may poo-tentiate your gastro-colic experience. The information presented on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or p…

1
Transforming waste into biochar with Dylan Graves 1:27:25

1y ago1:27:25

1:27:25

In this fascinating episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono sits down in the studio with Dylan Graves from Tuatapere for an in depth talk about some of the powerful uses and functions of Biochar. After years of journeying around the world teaching, Dylan felt there was something missing in his life. Then he discovered Permaculture and the wonders…

1
186: Sh*t My ND Says (Every ... single ... day) -- The Foundations Such as Protein, Sleep, Stomach, Hydration etc. 55:16

1y ago55:16

55:16

An organic episode (that was supposed to be brief) with Drs. Dave and Michelle ND discuss the foundations of naturopathic medicine that we speak about with EVERY SINGLE PATIENT and touch on EVERY SINGLE DAY. It is a good summary episode that can help you prepare for a naturopathic journey, either as a patient or a new practitioner. The information …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quorum Sense Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen