Dr. Stuart Gillespie
- Tony Chapman
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Is Our Food System Feeding or Failing Us?
Food connects us all, yet the journey from farm to fork reveals a complex web of power, profit, and global health challenges. In this eye-opening episode of Chatter That Matters, host Tony Chapman welcomes Dr. Stuart Gillespie, renowned researcher, UN collaborator, and author of "Food Fight: From Plunder and Profit to People and Planet".
Why Our Food System Needs Radical Change
As Dr. Stuart Gillespie shares, "The system is not broken. It's fit for purpose. It's just fit for the wrong purpose. We need a different system. We need to change the system, we need to transform it." Decades of research have revealed how today's food industry prioritizes ultra-processed foods, undermining the health of individuals and our planet for profit.
From the rise of childhood obesity to food insecurity impacting millions, Dr. Gillespie exposes how "the global food system destroys more than it produces," costing the world trillions in health and environmental damages.
The Real Hidden Costs of Our Food Choices
Dr. Stuart Gillespie pulls back the curtain on powerful corporations and the five "deadly Ds"—strategies like Doubt, Distort, Distraction, Disguise, and Dodge—that are designed to protect profits rather than people. He warns that food industry giants, backed by major investment firms, wield enormous influence over policy and consumer choice.
"We need to look at the purpose of our food system. If we want one that nourishes us rather than maximizes profits for a handful of transnationals, we need a different system, which means we need to radically overhaul it."
How We Can Fight for Better Food for All
In the hope-infused second half of the episode, Dr. Stuart Gillespie offers a manifesto for change, grounded in four practical strategies for governments and citizens alike:
Institutions: Harnessing public procurement for nutritious food in schools and hospitals.
Incentives: Reforming subsidies and taxes to make healthy food affordable for everyone.
Information: Clear labeling, like black octagons for high-sugar or high-fat foods, to empower consumer choice.
Interests: Eliminating conflicts of interest in policymaking, backed by transparent lobbying rules.
Why Hope—and Action—Matters
Despite outlining the daunting challenges, Dr. Stuart Gillespie insists on the power of "radical hope"—that collective action, inspired by the lessons of past social movements, can spark cycles of positive change.
"Learn about the drivers of the problem, understand the experiences around the world, understand you have power in where you are and what you do. It will take more than one thing and it will also take time." – Dr. Stuart Gillespie
Listen & Take Action
Ready to understand what’s really on your plate—and what you can do to change the future of food? Tune in to this must-listen episode of Chatter That Matters with Dr. Stuart Gillespie. Whether you’re a policymaker, food industry professional, or just want healthier options for your family, this conversation will inspire you to become part of the solution.
Listen now and discover how you can be a catalyst for change in what we eat, how we live, and how we nourish the world.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Featuring insights for aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving inspiration with actionable strategies.
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—a renowned marketing strategist and three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Tune in weekly as Tony converses with guests who share invaluable wisdom on living a meaningful life.
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