Welcome to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, your go-to resource for nutrition that supports health, independence, and confidence in aging. I’m Katie Dodd, registered dietitian, geriatric nutrition specialist, and your host. I’m so excited you’re here.
In this first episode, I want to introduce you to the podcast, share a bit about my story, and help you understand what you can expect moving forward. Enjoy!
What Is The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast?
The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast was created to share practical, evidence-based nutrition information for:
- Older adults
- Caregivers and family members
- Healthcare professionals
If you’re here, this podcast is for you.
My goal is simple: to help you feel more confident when it comes to nutrition and aging.
My Journey Into Geriatric Nutrition
I’ve been a Registered Dietitian since 2008. My first job was with the Department of Veterans Affairs in a program called Home-Based Primary Care.
For nearly 13 years, I had the privilege of visiting Veterans in their homes and providing nutrition care as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
And here’s the truth I quickly realized… I didn’t know as much as I thought I did about nutrition for older adults.
Like many dietitians, I came out of school as a generalist. But working with an older population, I saw firsthand how different their needs were. So I made it my mission to learn.
I pursued additional training, immersed myself in geriatric nutrition, and eventually became a Board-Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG).
That journey completely shaped my career.
Why I Started The Geriatric Dietitian
In 2019, I discovered the world of blogging and created my website: The Geriatric Dietitian.
I started it because I saw a major problem… There is so much nutrition misinformation online. It’s confusing. It’s overwhelming. And for older adults and caregivers, it can be hard to know what to trust.
So I created a resource that provides:
- Evidence-based nutrition information
- Practical, real-life guidance
- Content specifically for older adults
Since then, the site has grown to reach millions of people.
And now, the Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is an extension of that mission, helping reach even more people in a way that’s easy to listen to and apply.
Why You Can Trust This Geriatric Nutrition Podcast
When it comes to nutrition advice, trust matters.
Here’s a bit about my background:
- Registered Dietitian since 2008
- Master’s degree in nutrition
- Board-Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) since 2013
- Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Former President of the Oregon Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Former Chair of the Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group
- Former Commissioner for the Commission on Dietetic Registration
I’ve also been featured in:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- Today’s Geriatric Medicine
- U.S. News & World Report Best Diets
And I’m a contributing author to the textbook Nutrition Care for the Older Adult.
But beyond credentials, what matters most to me is helping people.
The Core Beliefs Behind This Podcast
Everything shared in The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is rooted in a few key beliefs:
Aging Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
A healthy 65-year-old has very different needs than a 95-year-old on hospice. Nutrition should always be personalized.
Advocacy Matters
I’m passionate about pushing back against overly restrictive diets that don’t support health or quality of life.
Empowerment Is Key
You deserve to understand nutrition so you can make confident decisions.
Independence and Dignity Matter
Food plays a huge role in helping people maintain strength, autonomy, and quality of life.
Food Is More Than Nutrients
The truth is, food is about:
- Comfort
- Connection
- Joy
- Quality of life
What to Expect From The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast
Here’s what you can expect moving forward:
Short, Practical Episodes
Most episodes will be around 10 minutes long, giving you quick, actionable tips.
Weekly Content
New episodes will drop every Tuesday.
Evidence-Based Information
Everything shared is grounded in science and real-world experience.
Occasional Expert Interviews
From time to time, I’ll bring on experts for deeper conversations.
A Quick Note About My Style
I’m not perfect. I stumble over words. I sometimes say the wrong thing. My brain occasionally goes blank. And I’ve learned to embrace that.
This podcast is built on the belief that done is better than perfect. What matters most is showing up, sharing knowledge, and helping you.
Join Me on This Journey [The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast]
Thank you so much for being here and listening to the first episode of the Geriatric Dietitan Podcast.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to:
- Subscribe to the podcast
- Check out our YouTube page
- Share it with a friend
- Visit The Geriatric Dietitian website for more resources
I’m so excited to be on this journey with you.
I’ll see you next week.