Digital Social Hour: Episode Summary
Title: Secrets Big Food Doesn’t Want You to Know | Ryan Griggs DSH #1369
Release Date: May 11, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Ryan Griggs
Introduction
In episode #1369 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid and in-depth conversation with Ryan Griggs, a passionate advocate for raw dairy and sustainable agriculture. The discussion delves into the hidden truths of the big food industry, the benefits of raw milk, and the broader implications of our disconnection from food sources. Ryan shares his personal journey, shedding light on both his family's health struggles and his mission to educate others about the importance of reconnecting with their food.
Raw Milk and Its Health Benefits
Ryan Griggs opens the dialogue by addressing the contentious topic of raw milk. He emphasizes the nutritional and taste advantages of raw dairy compared to pasteurized milk.
Ryan (00:30): "Whenever I post on my Instagram about raw milk, you leave the comments that are loving it or the complete opposite end to where they're just telling you that you're gonna kill everybody and it just should be illegal."
Ryan introduces lactoferrin, a protein abundant in raw milk, highlighting its multifaceted health benefits:
Ryan (00:58): "Lactoferrin is antimicrobial, antifungal, anti cancer, anti aging... it actually helps boost the production of white blood cells."
He advocates for consumer choice, arguing that individuals should have the freedom to choose between raw and pasteurized milk:
Ryan (02:58): "We deserve the right as humans and Americans to choose between that... right now we really don't."
Modern Milk Industry and Alternatives
The conversation shifts to the commercialization and diversification of milk alternatives in the market.
Unknown (02:58): "Well, the milk industry is crazy because when I was growing up, it was just milk. Now you got cashew milk, macadamia milk, almond milk. It's nuts."
Ryan critiques the alteration of milk's definition and quality:
Ryan (03:06): "It just completely changes the definition of what milk is."
He contrasts raw dairy with commercial pasteurized milk, questioning the quality and integrity of mass-produced dairy products:
Ryan (03:29): "Especially with Pastures Pasteurized milk... they don't even care about the quality of the milk because they know it's going to be heated up anyways."
Decline in Produce Quality
Ryan discusses the diminishing taste and nutritional value of commercially sold fruits and vegetables.
Ryan (16:16): "Whenever you go to a grocery store and sometimes you buy fruit and there's no taste, none. [...] that's because it could be six months old, transported from South America or elsewhere."
He underscores the impact of long transportation and poor farming practices on food quality:
Ryan (17:04): "It reflects on the taste and nutrients of the food."
Ryan’s Personal Health Journey
Ryan shares his transformative personal health story, detailing his family's medical battles and his own dietary changes.
Ryan (10:34): "My brother ended up passing away three days before his 33rd birthday... my mom eventually passed away a year and a half later."
His struggle with severe gut issues led him to eliminate gluten, which significantly improved his health:
Ryan (09:20): "I took out gluten. And that solved a lot of my gut issues pretty much overnight."
Ryan also discusses his brief vegan phase and realization of the importance of animal protein:
Ryan (18:43): "Animal protein has been at the center of our diet our whole life or our whole existence."
Disconnection from Food and Agriculture
A central theme of the episode is the societal disconnect from food sources and the repercussions on health and community.
Ryan (04:59): "The root of all of our problems... is our disconnection from our food."
He advocates for a paradigm shift towards reconnecting with farms and understanding food origins to foster better health and societal well-being.
Ryan (34:01): "We've got to really stop outsourcing our responsibility on everything."
Challenges Faced by Farmers and Ranchers
Ryan highlights the systemic challenges that small farmers and ranchers face in the modern food industry, including government interference and market consolidation.
Ryan (21:05): "The Maud family... faced troops in tactical gear and nearly 10 years in prison, but fortunately, the case was dismissed."
He emphasizes the lack of support and the overpowering influence of big food corporations:
Ryan (35:03): "They are pretty much fueled awards, modern day fuel lords, man."
Ryan discusses the decline in ranches and processing facilities, illustrating the dire state of the cattle and beef industry:
Ryan (35:19): "I've lost nearly 110,000 ranches in the last five years."
Importance of Community and Local Support
The episode underscores the necessity of building and maintaining strong community ties to support local agriculture and foster a sustainable food ecosystem.
Ryan (39:08): "We're just living off the land... it's such a pure experience seeing that lifestyle."
He encourages listeners to engage with local farmers, visit farms, and participate in communities that prioritize sustainable living:
Ryan (34:55): "We have to start planting seeds in people, not be walking around oblivious to what's actually going on."
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Ryan remains optimistic about the future, believing that with increased awareness and education, society can overcome its current challenges related to food disconnection and health.
Ryan (39:54): "I have a lot of hope and I truly believe that the best days are ahead."
He invites listeners to stay connected through his various platforms to continue the conversation and support the movement towards regenerative agriculture.
Ryan (40:14): "My website is just the regenessance co there I also have apparel... podcasts, the regenessance podcast and... YouTube because I'm going to be doing a lot of media moving forward."
Notable Quotes
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Ryan on Lactoferrin (00:58): "It's antimicrobial, antifungal, anti cancer, anti aging. It's huge with your white blood cells."
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Ryan on Food Disconnection (04:59): "The root of all of our problems, not just our health problems, but all of our problems, is our disconnection from our food."
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Ryan on Paradigm Shift (07:48): "It's going to require a paradigm shift because of just how we think on everything now in America."
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Ryan on Meat Quality (25:41): "You have no idea where it's from. You have no idea how many different types of cows are in that."
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Ryan on Community (39:51): "Community's just gone. And especially in major cities, like it's non existent."
Resources Mentioned
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Websites for Local Farming:
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Supportive Platforms:
- Instagram, Twitter, TikTok (@regenessance)
- YouTube Channel (Coming Soon)
Final Thoughts
This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between our food systems, personal health, and societal structures. Ryan Griggs provides valuable insights into the benefits of raw dairy, the threats facing small farmers, and the urgent need for a collective return to sustainable and conscious eating practices. Sean Kelly facilitates a conversation that not only informs but also inspires listeners to take actionable steps towards a healthier and more connected lifestyle.