Ep 8. Eat This!

In season 1 episode 8 of The Big Picture With Kal Penn, titled "Eat This!", viewers are given a look into the complex global food system and the impact it has on our environment and society. Kal Penn visits a variety of locales, from a sustainable farm in California to a factory farm in Iowa, to gain a deeper understanding of where our food comes from and the ways in which it's produced.

The episode begins with Penn visiting a Southern California farm that uses sustainable and regenerative farming practices. He speaks with the farmers there to learn more about the benefits of using natural techniques to grow crops and the positive impact it can have on the environment. Penn also explores the use of technology in agriculture, including the implementation of drones and other digital tools to help farmers make more informed decisions about their crops.

Next, the episode turns its attention to the meat industry. Penn visits a factory farm in Iowa to see firsthand the ways in which large-scale meat production can negatively impact workers, animals, and the environment. He speaks with animal rights activists and farmers alike to gain a more nuanced understanding of the issues at play and the steps that can be taken to create a more sustainable and ethical meat industry.

Penn also explores the issue of food waste, visiting a Seattle-based organization that collects unused food from local grocery stores and restaurants in order to distribute it to those in need. He speaks with representatives from the organization to learn more about the root causes of food waste and the solutions that are being implemented to combat this problem.

Throughout the episode, Penn's conversational and approachable hosting style helps to make complex issues surrounding the global food system more accessible to viewers. By combining interviews with experts and firsthand accounts of farms and factories, "Eat This!" provides a holistic view of the challenges surrounding our food supply chain and the potential solutions that can be implemented to create a more sustainable and equitable system.

Overall, season 1 episode 8 of The Big Picture With Kal Penn is an important and timely exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time. By shining a light on the complex relationships that exist within our food system, Penn helps viewers to think more critically about the choices they make when it comes to food and the impact those choices can have on the world at large.