The way food is produced touches everyone, yet most of us are far removed from the farms and ranches where it all begins. That’s the driving idea behind a new podcast from the UC Davis CLEAR Center. Called “CLEAR Conversations,” the show aims to bring together voices from across the agricultural and scientific communities to spark meaningful dialogue about farming, food, and sustainability.

Hosted by CLEAR Center Director and greenhouse gas expert Dr. Frank Mitloehner, along with members of the CLEAR Center communications staff, the podcast will break down complex topics—like climate change, livestock emissions, and the future of food—into clear, relatable conversations.

The first episode features CLEAR Center writer Tracy Sellers, who previously worked on a farm-to-fork television program for the California Farm Bureau Federation. She spoke about her role on the podcast, which she believes to be, “to ask the questions everyday listeners might wonder about and ask.” 

Listen to episodes of CLEAR Conversations

All episodes of the CLEAR Conversations Podcast are now available to listen to on Podbean. We're talking with the people making a difference in agriculture--from research to the real world. Listen to our latest podcast and be a part of the conversation!

“Knowledge is power,” Sellers said. “We all eat, but many of us are disconnected from how food is grown and raised. This podcast is about bridging that gap. When you understand where your food comes from, you can make more informed choices.”

Sellers posed the question many viewers might be thinking—why start another podcast? —and quickly answered it herself: because agriculture can be complex and technical, and CLEAR Conversations is designed to make it relatable and understandable for everyone. Through thoughtful discussions with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and experts from around the globe, the show breaks down challenging issues into stories that connect science and farming with everyday life.

Dr. Mitloehner, known internationally for his research on agriculture and greenhouse gases, brings the science, stories, and perspective from years of working alongside farmers, ranchers, and researchers around the world. He emphasized that sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about animal welfare, food safety, workers, and financial viability. In his words: “You can’t be green if you’re in the red.”

One of the central goals of “CLEAR Conversations” is to cut through the noise of misinformation around agriculture. The show will approach tough topics with a science-based lens, offering both facts and real-world experience. Dr. Mitloehner often recalls advice from his father: “Do good things and talk about them.” That’s exactly what the podcast sets out to do—highlight what farmers are doing right, and share why those efforts matter for the environment, the economy, and communities.

For Dr. Mitloehner, communication is as important as the research itself. “Farmers are incredibly innovative and resourceful, but they don’t always get the credit they deserve,” he explained. “Part of our job is to tell their story, and to make sure research findings don’t just sit in journals but reach the people who can use them.”

Both hosts emphasized that conversations on the podcast won’t shy away from tough topics. From criticism of CLEAR Center’s industry funding to public concerns about emissions and animal welfare, Dr. Mitloehner emphasizes transparency: the research is done in the open, on farms and ranches, and the findings are shared with the world.

The first episode also highlights a growing generational shift. While many consumers focus mainly on price and taste, younger generations are asking deeper questions: Was this food raised sustainably? Were the animals treated well? What about the workers behind the products? These conversations, says Dr. Mitloehner, are valid and essential—and agriculture must step up to answer them.

Future episodes will feature guests from across the U.S. and around the world, each bringing unique perspectives on agriculture and sustainability. From students to researchers to producers, the podcast will showcase a wide range of voices working toward solutions in food production.

“We’re excited to share what we’re learning and to hear from others,” Sellers said. “And I promise—you’ll come away from each episode having learned something new.”

New episodes of CLEAR Conversations will premiere on the CLEAR Center’s YouTube channel.