In this Season 5 kickoff of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, author of Eating from Our Roots, and frequent national media contributor. Maya shares her unique journey from avant-garde theater to nutrition science, her passion for culturally humble care, and her mission to make nutrition education accessible and approachable.
We dive deep into what it means to stay credible and authentic in the media space, how dietitians can leverage social platforms without burning out, and why continuous learning and evolving are critical for the future of dietetics.
Whether you’re a current or future dietitian, or someone passionate about inclusive health messaging, this episode is packed with insights on growth, media presence, and making a lasting impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Maya’s Unconventional Path to Dietetics (00:00) From avant-garde theater to NYU nutrition — and why she initially wanted to work for UNICEF.
Early Career Lessons & Community Work (06:00) How working with marginalized communities shaped her approach to care.
Building a Private Practice & Breaking into Media (08:00) The pivot from consulting to running her own practice and landing TV opportunities.
The Power of Social Media & Storytelling (11:00) Why Maya launched her YouTube series and how she balances evidence-based messaging with relatability.
Being a Forever Learner (20:00) How reading research, attending conferences, and collaborating across disciplines keep her credible and fresh.
What Influencers Are Doing Well — and What RDs Can Learn (22:00) The importance of storytelling, empathy, and connecting with your audience.
Evolving as a Profession (42:00) Why dietitians need to unpack bias, take stronger stances, and meet the needs of today’s diverse populations.
Measuring Success in Media & Business (32:00) Redefining success beyond followers — doing the work you love, being compensated fairly, and serving your community.
Turning Expertise into Income (35:00) Practical advice on writing, content creation, brand partnerships, and staying authentic.
What’s Next for Maya (52:00) Her passion for food science, biodiversity, and connecting with real people through street interviews.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Maya:
Maya Feller Nutrition – Learn more about Maya and her team’s work: www.mayaellernutrition.com
Follow Maya on Instagram & YouTube: @mayafellerrd
Maya’s Books:
Eating from Our Roots
Southern Comfort Diabetes Cookbook
Watch Maya’s “Ask a Dietitian” YouTube Series: Maya Feller Nutrition on YouTube
️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:
Website: www.diversifydietetics.org
Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics
Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.
Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
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In this Season 5 kickoff of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, author of Eating from Our Roots, and frequent national media contributor. Maya shares her unique journey from avant-garde theater to nutrition science, her passion for culturally humble care, and her mission to make nutrition education accessible and approachable.
We dive deep into what it means to stay credible and authentic in the media space, how dietitians can leverage social platforms without burning out, and why continuous learning and evolving are critical for the future of dietetics.
Whether you’re a current or future dietitian, or someone passionate about inclusive health messaging, this episode is packed with insights on growth, media presence, and making a lasting impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Maya’s Unconventional Path to Dietetics (00:00) From avant-garde theater to NYU nutrition — and why she initially wanted to work for UNICEF.
Early Career Lessons & Community Work (06:00) How working with marginalized communities shaped her approach to care.
Building a Private Practice & Breaking into Media (08:00) The pivot from consulting to running her own practice and landing TV opportunities.
The Power of Social Media & Storytelling (11:00) Why Maya launched her YouTube series and how she balances evidence-based messaging with relatability.
Being a Forever Learner (20:00) How reading research, attending conferences, and collaborating across disciplines keep her credible and fresh.
What Influencers Are Doing Well — and What RDs Can Learn (22:00) The importance of storytelling, empathy, and connecting with your audience.
Evolving as a Profession (42:00) Why dietitians need to unpack bias, take stronger stances, and meet the needs of today’s diverse populations.
Measuring Success in Media & Business (32:00) Redefining success beyond followers — doing the work you love, being compensated fairly, and serving your community.
Turning Expertise into Income (35:00) Practical advice on writing, content creation, brand partnerships, and staying authentic.
What’s Next for Maya (52:00) Her passion for food science, biodiversity, and connecting with real people through street interviews.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Maya:
Maya Feller Nutrition – Learn more about Maya and her team’s work: www.mayaellernutrition.com
Follow Maya on Instagram & YouTube: @mayafellerrd
Maya’s Books:
Eating from Our Roots
Southern Comfort Diabetes Cookbook
Watch Maya’s “Ask a Dietitian” YouTube Series: Maya Feller Nutrition on YouTube
️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:
Website: www.diversifydietetics.org
Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics
Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.
Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Sunsetting the Diversify Dietetics Dietetic Internship Program
Feed Me the Facts
37 minutes
8 months ago
Sunsetting the Diversify Dietetics Dietetic Internship Program
In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, Deanna sits down with Tamara Melton and Deja Ivy to discuss the decision to sunset the Diversify Dietetics Internship Program. They explore the program's origin, challenges in maintaining funding, and the impact of changing DEI priorities. While it’s bittersweet to end the internship, the conversation highlights new initiatives aimed at supporting a more diverse and supportive field of dietetics.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Origins of the DD Internship Program (00:00)How the vision for a barrier-free dietetic internship came to life.
The Reality of Running a Nonprofit Internship (03:00)Behind-the-scenes challenges, including funding and logistics.
Impact of DEI Changes and Affirmative Action (06:00)How shifting priorities affected program sustainability.
The Changing Landscape of Dietetics Education (11:00)Declining enrollment and its influence on internship programs.
Lessons Learned in Supporting Students of Color (19:00)Cultural humility, financial barriers, and creating supportive environments.
Why Sunsetting the Program Was Necessary (22:00)Balancing human capital, burnout, and financial sustainability.
The Future of DD: New Programs and Scholarships (26:00)Exciting initiatives to support diversity in dietetics beyond the internship.
Reflections and Celebrations (28:00)Favorite memories and the impact of the program on graduates.
Resources & Links:
Donate to support the final cohort of the DD Internship - www.diversifydietetics.org/donate
Learn more about the DD Scholarships- https://www.diversifydietetics.org/scholarships-grants
Diversify Dietetics Internship Webpage - www.ddinternship.org
Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Feed Me the Facts
In this Season 5 kickoff of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, author of Eating from Our Roots, and frequent national media contributor. Maya shares her unique journey from avant-garde theater to nutrition science, her passion for culturally humble care, and her mission to make nutrition education accessible and approachable.
We dive deep into what it means to stay credible and authentic in the media space, how dietitians can leverage social platforms without burning out, and why continuous learning and evolving are critical for the future of dietetics.
Whether you’re a current or future dietitian, or someone passionate about inclusive health messaging, this episode is packed with insights on growth, media presence, and making a lasting impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Maya’s Unconventional Path to Dietetics (00:00) From avant-garde theater to NYU nutrition — and why she initially wanted to work for UNICEF.
Early Career Lessons & Community Work (06:00) How working with marginalized communities shaped her approach to care.
Building a Private Practice & Breaking into Media (08:00) The pivot from consulting to running her own practice and landing TV opportunities.
The Power of Social Media & Storytelling (11:00) Why Maya launched her YouTube series and how she balances evidence-based messaging with relatability.
Being a Forever Learner (20:00) How reading research, attending conferences, and collaborating across disciplines keep her credible and fresh.
What Influencers Are Doing Well — and What RDs Can Learn (22:00) The importance of storytelling, empathy, and connecting with your audience.
Evolving as a Profession (42:00) Why dietitians need to unpack bias, take stronger stances, and meet the needs of today’s diverse populations.
Measuring Success in Media & Business (32:00) Redefining success beyond followers — doing the work you love, being compensated fairly, and serving your community.
Turning Expertise into Income (35:00) Practical advice on writing, content creation, brand partnerships, and staying authentic.
What’s Next for Maya (52:00) Her passion for food science, biodiversity, and connecting with real people through street interviews.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Maya:
Maya Feller Nutrition – Learn more about Maya and her team’s work: www.mayaellernutrition.com
Follow Maya on Instagram & YouTube: @mayafellerrd
Maya’s Books:
Eating from Our Roots
Southern Comfort Diabetes Cookbook
Watch Maya’s “Ask a Dietitian” YouTube Series: Maya Feller Nutrition on YouTube
️ Stay connected with Feed Me The Facts:
Website: www.diversifydietetics.org
Instagram & Facebook: @DiversifyDietetics
Send in your thoughts/questions: fmtf@diversifydietetics.org
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Squeeze, Diversify Dietetics’ monthly newsletter for the latest updates in nutrition and dietetics.
Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
