Michael Pollan explains that cooking is the most important thing we can do to help reform the American food system to make it more sustainable and healthier and improve the health and well-being of individuals. He discusses how fire, water, air, and earth transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. In his new book Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation, he tracks his effort to master cooking with the four elements: learning from a North Carolina barbecue pit master, a Chez Panisse–trained cook, a celebrated baker, several master fermenters.

Michael Pollan was on the Leonard Lopate Show recently to talk about how cooking transforms nature into culture (and dinner). He also told us what his favorite comfort food is and about love of Cracker Jacks!

Michael Pollan talks about the latest edition of his book Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, this one includes illustrations by Maira Kalman. It’s a guide for eaters, which presents rules for eating wisely, many drawn from a variety of ethnic or cultural traditions. He discusses local food, organic food, the cost of food, the benefits of cooking at home, and how he came up with the food rules he recommends.

Michael Pollan talks about the latest edition of his book Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, this one includes illustrations by Maira Kalman. It’s a guide for eaters, which presents rules for eating wisely, many drawn from a variety of ethnic or cultural traditions. He discusses local food, organic food, the cost of food, the benefits of cooking at home, and how he came up with the food rules he recommends.

Michael Pollan, food activist and author, sheds light on the Dept. of Agriculture's approval of GMO foods and lack of labeling on food themselves 

Author Michael Pollan talks about his favorite thing about sitting down for an interview with Leonard, and his favorite moment on the show.

Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food, talks about his new pocket-sized guide for eaters. Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, presents rules for eating wisely, many drawn from a variety of ethnic or cultural traditions.

What do kids need to know about food? Michael Pollan, food activist and author, explains the personal and global health implications of food choices to a younger audience in his new book,The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat.

Michael Pollan, food activist and author, explains the personal and global health implications of food choices to a younger audience in his new book,The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat.

Cooking shows are becoming more and more popular. But while people love to watch shows like "Top Chef," they don't actually go into their own kitchens to chop, boil or bake. Food writer Michael Pollan talks about how the rise in TV food shows has turned cooking into a spectator sport.

Click through for a transcript of the conversation with Michael Pollan.

Watch a video of Spike battle it out with a fellow contestant on Top Chef.

Food writer Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food, and Robert Kenner, the director of the new documentary Food INC., discuss the upcoming film. Food INC. opens this Friday at Film Forum.

Many cultures have passed down all kinds of wisdom about food and how to eat properly. Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food wants to know your “food rules” are. Do you still follow your parents’ advice that you should eat your vegetables or clear your plate? Do ...

Michael Pollan is a food journalist who's made waves criticizing America's eating habits. His latest book is In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. Kurt spoke with Pollan about the lures and hazards of the organic bandwagon.

Food writer Michael Pollan got numerous mentions for Agriculture Secretary in The Brian Lehrer Show Fab-Cab nomination process. He says government agricultural policy promotes a diet that makes us fat and sick, and discusses what food policy he'd like to see under the Obama administration.

Michael Pollan is a food journalist who's made waves criticizing America's eating habits. His latest book is In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. Kurt spoke with Pollan about the lures and hazards of the organic bandwagon.

Food writer Michael Pollan got numerous mentions for Agriculture Secretary in the BL Show Fab-Cab nomination process. He discusses what food policy he'd like to see under the Obama administration.