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In the first installment of my interview with Michael Pollan, I pointed out the author’s ability to balance entertainment with serious-minded discussions of food policy. But Pollan also balances something equally as tricky: his background in journalism with his role as a healthy-food advocate.

In the Q&A below, Pollan often chooses his words carefully, always watchful of not passing along unverified information – all while supporting his mission to change the way our food system works. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a healthy respect for Pollan’s work and how he moves between the worlds of advocacy and journalism. His may be the right model for the convoluted times we inhabit.

In some sense, I get the feeling Pollan’s journalistic integrity prevents him from placing himself in potentially compromising positions, such as those by Michelle Obama. Find out what I mean in the edited conversation below.

All We Can Eat: Rule No. 11 in your latest edition of “Food Rules” says, “Avoid Foods You See Advertised on Television.” The Interagency Working Group is drafting a set of guidelines for marketing to kids. Seems like on the surface of it, it should be a no brainer. But companies are fighting tooth and nail, even though it’s a voluntary agreement.