<p>On Cultivating Curiosity, we get down and dirty with the experts on all the ways science and agriculture touch our lives, from what we eat to how we live. Listen in for episodes about a hot new coastal commodity, a day in the life of a pollinator, how to live more sustainably through urban farming and so much more.<br><br>2023 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia Award of Excellence for Podcasts.</p>
Turn on the faucet, and water comes out. For private well owners, though, that water has a story that starts far below ground.
Where does well water actually come from? Why are some wells hundreds of feet deeper than others? And if your water looks, smells and tastes fine, do you still need to test it?
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water management specialist Gary Hawkins answers common questions about private well water, from how often to test it to routine maintenance and common water quality concerns.
Hawkins also explains where well water comes from, how Georgia's geology affects groundwater, and what well owners should consider during drought, severe weather, and power outages.
Listen to the episode to learn why regular water testing — and your local UGA Extension office — are two of the best resources for keeping your well water safe.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
What does precision agriculture actually look like in the field?
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we're joined by Luan Oliveira, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension precision agriculture specialist, to break down how artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous sprayers, drone technology and smart farming tools are reshaping modern agriculture.
Oliveira explains how precision agriculture is enabling farmers to work more efficiently and sustainably, meeting the demands of a growing population, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of ag tech professionals.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Ever daydream of being the envy of the neighborhood with a phenomenal, fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs that people can't get enough of?
Ahead of what many people consider the beginning of grilling season, we’re joined by Alex Stelzleni, professor and director of graduate studies for the University of Georgia Department of Animal and Dairy Science. In this short interview, Stelzleni provides quick, expert tips that will help you feel more confident when choosing the right cuts of meat, selecting the best method of seasoning, and preparing to step up to the grill or smoker.
If you enjoy cooking outdoors, this episode from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will help you look like a pro next time you turn up the heat.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Spring has a way of showing up all at once, and suddenly, the garden is calling. Whether you’re planting a backyard garden or a few containers on a patio, this episode of Cultivating Curiosity will help you start the season with confidence.
We’re joined by Heather Kirk-Ballard, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in sustainable urban landscapes, for a quick Q&A packed with practical tips to help you get growing.
From what to do the moment you step outside to prepping your soil, choosing the right plants, watering wisely and staying ahead of weeds and pests, Kirk-Ballard shares simple, research-backed guidance you can put to work right away.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Choosing the right flowers and knowing how to care for them can make the difference between a bouquet that fades fast and one that lasts.
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Julie Campbell, an assistant professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, shares practical, research-based advice on selecting long-lasting varieties, caring for bouquets at home and extending their usefulness beyond the vase. From budget-friendly flowers to simple techniques for drying, pressing and repurposing blooms, Campbell offers approachable tips that help flowers go further.
She also discusses her recent research on how buying and receiving flowers can boost well-being and reduce stress, offering scientific backing for something many of us have experienced.
Whether you’re building a bouquet for a special occasion or buying flowers just because, this episode may convince you that you should absolutely buy yourself flowers.
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Radon doesn’t smell. You can’t see it. And most people don’t realize it’s in their home until someone tells them to look.
January is National Radon Action Month. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Rebecca Cantrell, radon educator for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, discusses why this invisible gas is a serious and often overlooked public health issue.
Cantrell explains what radon is, why it’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and why no home in Georgia is exempt from risk. She walks listeners through:
Learn more about how to protect your family from the health effects of radon at radon.uga.edu.
Resources:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
As the holidays approach and kitchens heat up, food safety becomes just as important as the meal itself.
In this short episode, we revisit timeless advice from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension food safety specialist Carla Schwan, an assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Manpreet Singh, professor and former head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, now serving as an associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Together, they share practical tips to help you cook, serve and store food safely this season.
From properly thawing your turkey to knowing when to finally pack up the leftovers, this episode will help you host with confidence and keep your guests healthy.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
----
Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller. Listen to his music on Spotify.
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
What do hoop houses, vertical farms and DIY hydroponic systems all have in common? They are all part of controlled environment agriculture, or CEA — a rapidly growing field that lets farmers, researchers and even home gardeners produce crops year-round by shaping the growing environment.
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we sit down with Rhuanito Ferrarezi, associate professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and Ruchika Kashyap, assistant professor of plant pathology at CAES and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist.
Both are members of the college's “fab five” of CEA. Together, they unpack what CEA is and how it differs from traditional farming, why Georgia — and CAES in particular — are emerging as a hub for greenhouse innovation, and what it could mean for food security, sustainability, and local access to fresh produce in the years ahead.
Content from CAES:
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Did you know your septic system is basically a mini wastewater treatment plant in your own backyard? In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water resource expert Gary Hawkins shares the science of septic systems and offers simple steps homeowners can take to keep them working properly. From what not to flush and how to avoid “commode overload” to protecting your drain field and scheduling inspections, you’ll learn six essential tips to maintain a healthy septic tank, protect your well water and avoid costly repairs. Whether you’re on a septic system or municipal sewer, these practical strategies can help you safeguard your home and community.
Resources:
----
Produced and edited by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify.
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
June marks the start of hurricane season in Georgia — and there’s no better time to prepare than on a sunny day. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we’re joined by Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and director of the UGA Weather Network, to unpack what hurricane season means for Georgia residents. Pam breaks down the terms residents often hear but may not fully grasp, explaining the difference between weather and climate, how the El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts hurricane activity, and how Georgia’s farmers rely on real-time data from UGA’s 90 weather stations across the state. We also discuss NOAA’s predictions for an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and what that could mean in practical terms. Whether you're managing a farm or prepping your household, Pam shares her top three tips to stay safe and minimize damage. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry — we’ve included links to several helpful UGA Extension resources in the show notes.
Resources:
Content from CAES:
----
Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller. Listen to his music on Spotify.
Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.