Why does your avocado cost $3? And what does that have to do with climate change, cybersecurity, and geopolitical conflict? In this fascinating conversation, host Kristin King sits down with Francisco Martin-Rayo to connect dots most of us never see, revealing how our food system is far more fragile and interconnected than we realize.
Francisco's journey is unconventional: from studying radicalization in refugee camps in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia, to starting an NGO providing university scholarships, to now working at the intersection of AI, climate risk, and food security as CEO of Helios AI. But is the thread connecting it all? Solving complex, urgent problems that affect real people.
In this conversation, you'll explore:
- Why we need to thank farmers more (and understand the razor-thin margins they survive on)
- How climate disruptions, cyber-attacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities cascade through our food system
- The privilege of food security, and what happens when it breaks down
- Why AI and technology might offer hope for preventing food crises
- The connection between conflict zones, water scarcity, and what's on your plate
- Why gratitude and presence matter when we sit down to eat
This isn’t just about predicting prices, it’s about understanding the fragile systems that feed us, the people behind our food, and how we can build a more resilient future. Whether you’re concerned about climate change, fascinated by supply chains, or simply want to be more mindful about your meals, this conversation will change how you think about food.
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Guest Contact Information:
LinkedIn: Francisco Martin-Rayo
Company: Helios AI - Helios is your ultimate partner for predicting price and supply availability for agricultural commodities. Our approach is intuitive yet powerful: we equip our customers with the market intelligence they need to get ahead of price movements and supply disruptions.
📰 Article: “The Rise of Mangoes in Sicily: Adapting Crops to a Warmer Europe”
📘 Francisco’s book: “Winning The Minds: Travels Through the Terrorist Recruiting Grounds of Yemen, Pakistan and the Somali Border” (Link)
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Help people who are experiencing food insecurity:
Local Harvest (Link) – sponsor a family with a crop or farm share program.
Find Help (Link) – find your local food bank or pantry, or other food assistance services.
Donate meals, support hospitality groups at your place of worship, or at schools.
Episode Key Highlights
00:01:23 — Food & Family Connection 00:08:43 — From Tech to Agriculture 00:09:42 — Facing a Hotter Planet 00:12:47 — Mangoes in Italy 00:17:02 — Tracking 250,000 Data Sources 00:18:33 — We’re Focusing on the Wrong Climate Conversation 00:22:33 — You Vote with Your Dollars 00:24:50 — Trucking Bees Across the Country 00:31:04 — The Power of Predictive Data 00:34:29 — Coffee Trees and Financial Barriers 00:38:54 — Cyber, Climate, and the Future of Conflict 00:40:07 — Solving Problems, Not Selling Fear ---------------
📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here.
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