Meat the Truth with Kadie Graves

In this Meatspad episode, we welcome Dr. Gretchen Mafi to discuss the world of meat judging. She explains what meat judging is, and we explore how it supports quality, better decision-making, and effectively communicating that information. Dr. Mafi also shares the key skills students gain through meat judging programs. Finally, she announced the celebration of 100 years of meat judging, 1926–2026.

In this episode, we talk with Sara Houret Scott , Executive Coach. She shares what new brands need to know before entering the meat business and why customer education matters. She also highlights how collecting and using customer data can guide smarter strategies and strengthen brand performance. Sara emphasizes consistently showing product value and meeting customer expectations. A quick, insightful guide for anyone building a brand in the meat industry.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Natalia S. Fanelli from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about the nutritional profile of pork meat. She shares insights from her recent study, “Pork cuts, hams, and sausages have digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS) close to or over 100,” highlighting pork’s high protein quality and digestibility.

We are very pleased to welcome Sharon Beals, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Having held senior roles at companies such as US Foods, Maple Leaf Foods, Smithfield, Tyson/IBP, and Arby’s, she shares valuable insights on leadership, empathy, and the power of listening. In this episode, we discuss how to balance multiple responsibilities and the importance of connecting with people to lead effectively in a demanding environment.

In this episode of MeatsPad we talk with Collete Kaster, M.S., and Deidrea Mabry, M.S., about the power of collaboration between industry, government, and academia. We explore how science, data, and communication strategies can elevate the meat industry. From social media to sharing research, they highlight ways to connect better with consumers. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of meat research and communication.