The 'Sader Digest

Get ready to dive into a world of nutrition, sports, some snacks and dorm room cooking! Host Alex is joined by the one and only Brad Shannon and our special guest, Carly Robinson, a grad assistant in the Wellness Department at Holy Cross. Carly’s journey from student-athlete to nutrition guru is nothing short of impressive. She  managed to self-design a nutrition major at Holy Cross—because who wouldn’t want to create their own deg...

In this episode, Brad and Alex tackle the wild world of nutrition labels – because, let’s face it, who actually reads them unless they’re hunting for the secret sugar stash? They’ll guide you through deciphering all that confusing jargon like "serving size" (spoiler: it's never as big as you think) and "percent daily value" (and no, it's not a secret plot to get you to eat more broccoli). From finding ...

In this a-moo-sing episode, Brad is alone in the studio again,  and this week we have a Special Guest from Mapleline Farm, our Milk supplier for the campus.  In this week's episode we milk the truth from a real-life dairy farmer to learn more about Milk and Local Dairy.   Ever wondered what happens to male calves on a dairy farm? 

Our guest, and fifth generation farmer, Jessica Dizek, drops knowledge on everything from the elit...

In this episode, Brad and Alex  discuss the challenges of navigating food marketing and making healthier choices. They explore the impact of labels and buzzwords like “plant-powered microbiome approved” and “prebiotic,” using the example of Olipop, a trendy soda marketed for digestive health. While Olipop has fewer calories and more fiber than traditional sodas, the hosts reflect on whether it’s truly a better option compared to si...

This week on the pod, it’s a little different—Alex is not in the studio, and Brad is unsupervised… or at least, he thought he was. Enter: Carly Thibodeau, Director of Sustainability, to keep him in check as they tackle one of the biggest topics yet—sustainability.

They break down the actual impact of climate change, from unpredictable weather patterns to the terrifying possibility of a world without maple syrup (a truly dystopian ni...

Brad and Alex are back, and this time, they’ve brought in a ringer, Darlene Menz, nurse practitioner and lifestyle medicine pro. She and Alex recently got certified in Lifestyle Medicine, which basically means they know all the science-backed ways to keep people healthy before they even get sick.

The crew dives into the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (spoiler: it’s all the things your doctor tells you to do but in a way that actu...

Welcome back to the Sader  Digest, where Brad  and Alex  dive deep into the wild world of kitchen gear.  They look at the good, the bad, and the utterly useless. From pots and pans that might cost you your rent money to knives sharp enough to cut through the toughest of meal prep, we’ve got it all covered.

Brad’s about to drop some wisdom on pots—what makes them good, and which ones make you question your life choices. We ...

Brad and Alex are back, jittery as ever, to tackle one of college life’s biggest fuel sources: caffeine. Whether you’re a coffee purist, an energy drink enthusiast, or someone who just mainlines espresso shots between classes, this episode is for you.

We’re breaking down the buzz—literally. Are Celsius and Monster secretly just adult Capri Suns with a side of heart palpitations? Is your morning coffee ritual actually a well-disguise...

This week on The Sader Digest, we sit down with Joy LaGrutta from the Office of Student Wellness and Education to talk about all things wellness at Holy Cross. From the surprisingly life-changing massage chairs at Ciampi-Condron to the rise of substance-free housing, we dive into how students are taking wellness to the next level.

Joy shares some tips on surviving big holidays like St. Patrick’s Day—spoiler alert: breakfast is key—a...

In this episode of The 'Sader Digest, Brad and Alex get into the juicy details of protein (the Third and Final Macro)—breaking down what it is, why it’s important, and how to find the right balance in your diet. From the environmental impact of meat (yes, we’re talking about cow farts) to how protein can boost your health, they cover it all. Brad shares his gardening triumphs (and zucchini overloads) and reveals how he sneaks ...

In the 3rd episode of The Sader Digest, Brad  and Alex  are digging into one of the most misunderstood food groups: fats! From the “bad guys” to the “good guys,” they break down the essential role fats play in our diets. You’ll hear about the difference between those solid, artery-clogging saturated fats (think butter) and the heart-healthy unsaturated fats (olive oil, we’re looking at you!).

But it’s not all doom and gloom—Alex and...

In Episode 2 of The 'Sader Digest:  Brad  and Alex  dive into the fascinating world of carbohydrates—good carbs vs. bad carbs. They explore why carbs are essential as the body's primary energy source and break down the science behind digestion, fiber, and blood sugar regulation.

The episode highlights the benefits of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as “good carbs” that promote sustained energy, gut health, and overall...

Welcome to the first episode of The 'Sader Digest: A Food, Wellness, and Health Podcast, the official Holy Cross podcast on nutrition and well-being! Hosted by Bradley Shannon,  Director of Culinary Development and Nutrition, and Alex Weld, a board-certified lifestyle medicine nurse practitioner and self-proclaimed foodie, this episode explores the essentials of health and wellness on campus.

We introduce Holy Cross's comm...