Shows
Essential Ingredients Podcast054: Noodles Without the Guilt: Comfort Food Gets a Healthy Makeover with Jonathan Carp“An interdisciplinary approach to medicine is probably the way the future is going to go. There will be dieticians and a whole host of different people involved in helping someone to heal.” —Jonathan Carp For too long, we’ve been told that health comes in a medicine bottle or a doctor’s office, but what if the real power lies in the food we choose every day? If you’ve ever felt frustrated by quick fixes that don’t last or wondered how to make healthy changes that actually stick, you’re not alone—and this episode is for...2025-07-0131 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast053: Making Business Personal: Lessons from 30 Years of Conscious Entrepreneurship with Susan and Brad Black“In the old days, families worked together, like on a farm, and that's the model we wanted to create for ourselves at EO Products.” —Brad Black Most businesses die because they chase profits instead of purpose—a raw, honest truth that cuts to the core of entrepreneurial burnout and lost passion. A lot of entrepreneurs pour their hearts and soul into a business, only to become a slave to spreadsheets and profit margins. But what if there was another way? Brad and Susan Black, co-founders of EO Products, are pioneering entrepreneurs who transformed a passionate...2025-06-2448 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast052: Beauty Decoded: Skincare Truths, Sunscreen Myths & Brand-Building Wisdom with Carmine Montalto“You can’t be all things to all people, and a brand can’t be all things to all people. A brand can be as big as it gets with tons of money supporting it. But, there has to be a point of difference to stand out to consumers.” —Carmine Montalto Most beauty founders drown in a saturated market, chasing viral trends while struggling to build brands that resonate. They sacrifice authenticity for algorithms, forgetting that true loyalty starts with a razor-sharp point of view—not pink packaging or empty promises. Carmine Montalto is a NYC-based...2025-06-1732 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast051: Marketing Mythbusters: What Really Makes Customers Buy with Jeff Greenfield“The truth is, when you start checking out other brands, you will start to notice how inconsistent they are. So just by being consistent, you're already ahead of the game.” —Jeff Greenfield. Most entrepreneurs are drowning in a sea of marketing noise, desperately trying to be heard while burning through limited resources with little measurable return. But the real battle isn't about having the most sophisticated tactics, but about crafting a message so compelling that it cuts through the digital clutter and speaks directly to our ideal customer's deepest desires and unspoken needs. Jeff Gree...2025-06-1031 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast050: Skin Deep: The Surprising Power of Natural, Locally-Sourced Beauty Products with Nancy Rimbergas“You follow your passion, and when you have a purpose behind it, everything becomes a little bit clearer.” —Nancy Rimbergas Clean beauty isn't just another Instagram hashtag—it's a real movement that starts with actually caring about what we're putting on our skin. Every lotion, cream, or serum is like a tiny decision that ripples out, affecting not just our body, but the whole planet. We're not just buying products anymore; we're voting with our dollars, pushing brands to be real about their ingredients, and showing the beauty industry that we want something better. Nancy...2025-06-0324 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast049: NASA's Dental Care Secret: Saving Teeth with Eco-Friendly Space-Age Tech with Belinda Lau“I had to find that niche, that core community of people who were trying to solve the same problems that I was and who were passionate about the solution. But if I hadn’t found that, I think it would be tough to try to keep promoting your product and your brand without actually knowing where it fits.” —Belinda Lau Every toothpaste tube and toothbrush we've ever used might still be existing somewhere on this planet! Plastic dental care products are silent environmental destroyers, with each toothbrush lingering for about 500 years in landfills and oceans. Beli...2025-05-2747 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast048: Taste Training: How to Turn Picky Eaters into Food ExplorersEpisode Description: “In the CPG industry, so many individuals are just so friendly and eager to help emerging brands and founders succeed. Ask for help and they’re always willing to make an introduction.” —Danny Auld Early childhood nutrition is more than just filling tiny bellies with food. It's about creating lifelong eating habits that can shape health, curiosity, and cultural understanding. The first few years of a child's diet can determine their relationship with food for decades to come. Danny Auld and David Fullner are the co-founders of Kekoa Foods, a groundbreaking baby food...2025-05-2029 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast047: Waste Less, Taste More: Tasty Guide to Pickling Everything with Sam PaoneEpisode Description: “I would say stick to your values because once we start to slip on that, everybody knows it and we’re not authentic anymore— and what people want is the transparency of who’s making their food.” —Sam Paone We've all been there—watching those beautiful farmers market finds slowly wilt in the fridge, feeling guilty with every sad, soggy leaf. What if there was a delicious way to rescue those forgotten vegetables and turn them into something not just healthy and edible, but absolutely crave-worthy? Sam Paone is a culi...2025-05-1334 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast046: Your Kitchen, Your Garden: The Indoor Farming Game Changer with Conner TiddEpisode Description: “How can we make growing your own food possible in environments where it normally wasn’t? Or can we drastically lower the impact of water use, fertilizer use, or resources used to drive to the grocery store? That’s a big impact that we can have if we can allow you to grow your own food right at home.” —Conner Tidd What if you could grow fresh, pesticide-free produce just steps from your refrigerator, regardless of where you live? Indoor vertical farming isn't just a trend— it's a revolutionary approach to sustainable, a...2025-05-0637 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast045: Urban Food Hacking: Your Yard's Hidden Food Potential with Marjory WildcraftEpisode Description: “Once you start eating your own food, it expands your taste horizons and you can’t be afraid to experiment. If it doesn’t work out and it’s horrible, just put it in the compost bucket and start over. It’s okay, you’ll be fine.” —Marjory Wildcraft Food is not just sustenance; it's a fundamental human right that we've outsourced to complex, fragile systems. This disconnection from food sources has transformed us into passive consumers dependent on a market that creates an illusion of abundance, masking a precarious supply chain that can un...2025-04-2940 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast044: Entrepreneurial Flavor: Breaking Barriers in the Healthy Snack Market with Seena ChritiEpisode Description: “I don’t have an MBA. I only have a food knowledge background, and that doesn’t make me an expert, either. But I know how to inquire and how to connect. So I have just been digging and grinding through my process, always finding the answers when I need them.” —Seena Chriti Snack innovation is more than just creating a product—it's about telling a cultural story through flavor. Every bite carries the potential to bridge traditions and challenge culinary expectations. Seena Chriti is a culinary arts graduate from Mexico City...2025-04-2223 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast043: Farming Forward: How Regenerative Methods Are Rewriting Agriculture with Jason WalkerEpisode Description: “We need to think more about the ecosystem, and it’s not always the cheapest way to do stuff. I think we’re just trying to make a difference. And if we can make a living while making a difference, then that’s really important.” —Jason Walker Regenerative organic farming is more than just a method—it's a revolutionary approach to healing our planet's most critical resource: soil. It offers a holistic approach that sees agriculture not as an extraction process but as a recuperative, life-giving partnership with the Earth. Jason Walker...2025-04-1542 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast042: From Tap to Table: Smart Water Storage Techniques for Modern Communities with Jamiah HarginsEpisode Description: “Trust that you can do the Math and that you have the tenacity and that nature will give you way more opportunities than you even need.” —Jamiah Hargins Imagine a world where water conservation isn't just a choice, but a critical strategy to survival. Water isn't just slipping through our fingers—it's vanishing before our eyes. Yet, our current consumption patterns are writing a dangerous narrative for future generations. Hence, the silent crisis of water conservation demands immediate, innovative solutions that reimagine how we interact with this precious resource. Jami...2025-04-0840 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast041: Mindful Foodies: Eating Smart, Wasting Nothing with Janet IrizarryEpisode Description: “I want to create a world of mindful foodies. I don't see this as a little project. I see this as something big.” —Janet Irizarry Every bite we take is a vote for the planet's future, and our children are the most powerful voters we have. By modeling mindful eating to them, we can transform how future generations understand and respect the journey of their food. Janet Irizarry is a culinary innovator and passionate educator who has dedicated her professional life to reshaping how families approach food sustainability. As an instr...2025-04-0134 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast040: Scaling Smart: Practical Advice for Small Business Owners with Sebastian StahlFounder Resource Series Episode Description: “My advice for people that are wanting to shift or starting out is to just jump in the water. Once you're there, you're going to figure out how to swim.” —Sebastian Stahl A lot of startups crumble within their first year—a stark reminder that dreams alone cannot sustain a business. But the difference between survival and surrender often hinges on adaptability, strategic thinking, and the courage to pivot when the path becomes uncertain. Sebastian Stahl is a battle-tested entrepreneur who has navigated t...2025-03-2744 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast039: The Entrepreneur’s Plate: Reimagining Food’s Potential for Sustainability with Ashwin CheriyanEpisode Description: “You can over engineer things like a business plan. I think there's no substitute for going out and just trying things— that's the best and fastest way you can learn.” —Ashwin Cheriyan Modern life often makes it hard to balance convenience, health, and sustainability, leaving many searching for better options. Ashwin Cheriyan, Thistle’s co-founder and CEO, is a former corporate lawyer turned passionate innovator, dedicated to bringing health and sustainability to everyone’s table. Ashwin’s work focuses on proving that eating delicious, wholesome, and planet-friendly meals can be both effortles...2025-03-2544 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast038: Bytes for Bites: Streamlining Food Innovation with AI with Riana LynnFounder Resource Series Episode Description: “I think consumers and company leaders are becoming more curious as to what the alternatives are and not just following simple workflows and playbooks. The transparency and the ability to educate around the possibilities— the alternative possibilities of manufacturing and ingredients that are available.” —Riana Lynn The possibilities for AI-powered innovation in the culinary world are truly exciting. Consumers are now more intrigued than ever about the transformative potential of AI-powered solutions in innovation and nutrition. This week, we are joined by Riana Lynn...2025-03-2023 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast037: Beyond the Basket: The Secret Ingredient to Building a Regenerative Community with Wen-Jay YingBeyond the Basket: The Secret Ingredient to Building a Regenerative Community with Wen-Jay Ying Episode Description: “It's having a genuine interest in your consumers, not just a transactional experience— That is the best way to build community.” —Wen-Jay Ying Building a thriving community takes more than just a shared interest— it requires genuine connections, a sense of belonging, and a shared vision for a better future. In an age of impersonal online interactions, the power of face-to-face relationships and supporting local businesses has never been more important. Discover how one entrepreneur is redefinin...2025-03-1838 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast036: The Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-JonesThe Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-Jones Founder Resource Series Episode Description: “I wanted something that I could call my own and not have to answer to anyone. We asked ourselves what we want for our future and we wanted to launch this business.” —Djenaba Johnson-Jones Shared kitchens are more than just a place to cook - they're hubs of innovation, collaboration, and growth for food entrepreneurs. By tapping into a community of like-minded innovators...2025-03-1323 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast035: Instant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food with Thuong TanInstant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food with Thuong Tan Episode Description: “I'm going to create something that I love and my friends’ love— because even on a bad day you have to wake up to run your business.” —Thuong Tan Comfort food has the power to transport us, to soothe the soul, and to bring us back to simpler times. For many, that comfort comes in the form of a steaming bowl of noodles - a quick, satisfying meal that has stood the test of time. But...2025-03-1129 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast034: From Garage to Global: Spilling the Beans on Startup Success with Jon Lambert From Garage to Global: Spilling the Beans on Startup Success with Jon Lambert Founder Resource Series Episode Description: “You can run the best business in the world, but if you as an individual, fail, the entire thing falls to pieces.” —Jon Lambert In the world of startups, your network can be as valuable, if not more, than your net worth. A strong community can provide the resources, mentorship, and support needed to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship. By fostering meaningful connections and collaborations, founders can unlock opportunities that money al...2025-03-0635 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast033: Glow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron RobinsonGlow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron Robinson Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: “Every brand now needs to be an educator as well as a seller.” —Ron Robinson The beauty industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with consumers demanding more than just surface-level solutions. From the rise of the "skinification" trend to the ongoing debate around clean beauty, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Brands must now navigate the delicate balance between safety, efficacy, and sustainability to captivate their audience. Ron Robinson is a veteran...2025-03-0431 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast032: Sea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew PerkinsSea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew Perkins Clean Beauty Series Episode Description: “Sometimes, it might feel like you're not making progress, but you might just be missing a critical piece of information. Don't give up unless you understand why you want to change direction before you do it.” —Matthew Perkins Imagine a world where our beauty products come from the sea, not the land. Could kelp farming be the answer to reducing pressure on terrestrial agriculture while providing sustainable ingredients for our skinc...2025-02-2530 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast031: From Farm to Face: The Surprising Connection Between Culinary Trends and Cosmetic Innovations with Tamar KamenClean Beauty Series Episode Description: “I'm excited to see what gets tested. There is an endless supply on this planet of products or sources that have not been tested yet. And I think there are entrepreneurial companies starting to find the next efficacious ingredient.” —Tamar Kamen The intersection of food and beauty is redefining the future of skincare, as innovative brands harness the power of natural, edible ingredients to nourish skin from the inside out. From upcycled coffee grounds to hydroponic-grown botanicals, the beauty industry is undergoing a delicious transform...2025-02-1835 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast030: From Spas to Supermarkets: Tracing the Evolving Intersection of Wellness and Beauty with Kelly KovackClean Beauty Series Episode Description: “You also need a little bit of luck. You can make decisions, and they can cut both ways— you can make a decision and your brand goes through the roof, and you can make a good decision but it just didn't work and you can't recover from it. So you have to stick around long enough for luck to happen too. You just have to be patient.” —Kelly Kovack The lines between wellness and beauty continue to blur, as innovative brands harness the power of function...2025-02-1144 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast029: Detoxing Your Hair Care Routine with Adria MarshallClean Beauty Series “What you put ON your body is just as important as what you put INSIDE of your body. ” —Adria Marshall While we meticulously scrutinize every morsel that enters our bodies, we often overlook the products we slather on our largest organ— our skin. Yet, what if the shampoo we use daily is as crucial to our health as our morning smoothie? It's time to rethink our approach to personal care and consider the profound impact of what we put ON our bodies, not just what goes in. Adria Marshall...2025-02-0435 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast027: From Bland to Grand: The Culinary Revolution Transforming Patient Care with Andrew Bennett“This is the right thing to do. People deserve good, healthy food, especially in a hospital, when we're talking about starting the healing process.” —Andrew Bennett Hospital food has long been the butt of jokes, but what if it could rival five-star restaurants? Imagine a world where patients look forward to their next meal, not just their next dose of medication. The revolution in hospital cuisine isn't just about taste— it's a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Andrew Bennett is the Executive Chef at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, bringing his fine...2025-01-2830 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast025: The Busy Parents’ Partner: Wholesome Alternatives to Kids’ Midday Meals with Lisette Howard and Katy Tucker“There are a lot of no's… you just keep knocking, and you will eventually find the people that believe in what you're doing and not where you are in that exact moment.” —Lisette Howard “There's a lot of flash-in-the-pan products out there that hit the market fast as all they're gone… It’s really important to know your end game right when you start.” —Katy Tucker Feeding our little ones can be a constant battle— between picky palates, busy schedules, and the overwhelming options on grocery shelves. But what if we could provide our kids...2025-01-2127 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast024: Gut-Brain Axis Explained: How Food Impacts Mental and Physical Health with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 1Gut, Food, & Health series Episode Description: “Your taste buds have a different agenda than your mind and your gut. They're not connected in congruence all the time. So what tastes good in your mouth, is not necessarily what your gut or your brain needs.” —Dr. Edison de Mello Your gut is the gateway to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that the gut-brain connection can significantly influence your mood, cognitive function, and immune system? Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for optimizing both physical and mental wellness...2025-01-1622 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast023: Customized Carbonation: Popping the Lid on Personalized Hydration with John Thorp & Buzz Wiggins“There are ups and downs through all of that. You have to be prepared for those days when things don't feel like they're moving ahead. And you have to bring the same type of passion, the same drive on either type of day.” —John Thorp “You're never trying to get a yes out of anyone you're talking to when you are an early founder; you are trying to get a not, no… If it's getting bad feedback, fix it immediately and go right back. You have the ability to change someone's mind after they've made an opinion...2025-01-1439 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast019: Graze the Day: Sustainable Secrets from a Sixth-Generation Ranching Family with Mandy Schmidt“Our mission is to raise healthy animals, to get a healthy product by having healthy soil.” —Mandy Schmidt Healthy soil leads to healthy animals, which in turn lead to nutrient-dense, sustainable food. This cyclical relationship holds the key to a more resilient food system. Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch, where she and her family have been raising grass-fed livestock for over 30 years. Committed to regenerative agriculture, Mandy prioritizes land stewardship and species-appropriate diets to produce the highest quality meat. In this episode, Mandy shares the secrets t...2024-12-1732 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast017: Serving Up Second Chances: How the Sprouts Chef Training Program for Youths is Transforming Lives and the Future with Kate Rogers, Nelson German, and Michael Bauers“A job is a give and take. You give your time, you build momentum, and you build value in the community; but then you also receive financial remuneration. But this is about cooking as well, and the healing component of kitchens.” —Kate Rogers “It's not just for a job, it's for the future. These kids are thinking long-term, which is something that is hard to see in the youth.” —Nelson German “Just one thing going right can change your life.” —Michael Bauer For many young adults facing hardship, the path to...2024-12-0336 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast015: How Functional Food Breakthrough Is Revolutionizing Menopause Management Gita VellankiCha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series Episode Description: Part of the success of an entrepreneur is owning your story and taking control of that journey. So you have to put yourself out there.” —Gita Vellanki Menopause can be a challenging transition for many women, marked by a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. While often overlooked, finding natural solutions to manage these changes is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Functional nutrition offers a promising approach to addressing menopause woes, empowering women to take contro...2024-11-2138 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast013: Seaweed: The Secret to Menopausal Symptom Relief with Sachi SinghCha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series Episode Description: “Seaweed is an essential ingredient.” —Sachi Singh Seaweed may be one of the most overlooked superfoods on the planet. This nutrient-dense aquatic plant is a true powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can work wonders for our health. Yet, many of us relegate seaweed to the occasional sushi roll or salad garnish, failing to recognize its full potential. Led by its Founder, Sachi Singh, Rootless is on a mission to mainstream the health an...2024-11-1432 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast011: Midlife Transitions: An Integrative Approach to Navigating Menopause Naturally with Dr. Anjali DsouzaCha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series Episode Description: “We need to know what we're doing so that we can support women to feel their best and live long lives.” —Dr. Anjali Dsouza Welcome to the Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series, a special limited exploration of menopause and the essential ingredients for navigating this transformative life stage! Menopause and perimenopause are significant life transitions that impact women's health in profound ways. From changes in mood and cognition to increased risks of chronic conditions, this natural hormonal shift can bring...2024-11-0729 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast010: Rebel & Revolutionize: Tech-Driven Solutions to Affordable Plant-Based Meat Alternatives with Christie Lagally“What a lot of people don't quite understand about plant-based meat is that you have to understand the industry that you are replacing.” —Christie Lagally The plant-based meat industry is at a pivotal moment, with innovative companies harnessing the power of technology to transform the way we think about sustainable protein. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge manufacturing processes and high-quality products, these visionaries are paving the way for a future where plant-based alternatives are not just viable, but the preferred choice for consumers, institutions, and the planet. At the forefront of this revolution is Christie...2024-11-0542 min
The Food Means Business PodcastCrafting Stories That Connect: How to Tell Your Audience a Story They Won’t Forget with Justine Reichman of NextGen PurposeJustine Reichman, founder of NextGen Purpose, has entrepreneurship in her DNA. And today, she’s here to chat about those roots and how they cross over with her love of food and cooking. In this episode, Justine explains how NextGen Purpose is helping CPG and food startups craft authentic stories that resonate with their target audience. She shares her best advice on building sustainable businesses and also discusses the power of storytelling and how true connection can propel your business forward.For anyone building a food brand and looking to learn from the best, this epi...2024-10-2321 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast007: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacy for Generations to Come with Lily VerdoneSeries: World Food Day Episode Description: “If you have healthy soil then you have a healthy system.” —Lily Verdone Our agricultural lands are the beating heart of our communities, tended to by the hardworking hands of farmers and ranchers. Safeguarding these vital landscapes is not just an environmental imperative, but a moral obligation— a promise we make to those who came before us, and a gift we must pass on to generations yet to come. As Lily Verdone settles into her third year as CEO of the Marin A...2024-10-1530 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast006: Taste of Learning: Bridging the Gap Between Food and Academics with Laura La Vacca“They know they're going to get taken care of when they come to school. That's one of the most important things that we can do, and then they're ready to learn.” —Laura La Vacca Food and nutrition are often overlooked as the most important part of a child's day, despite their crucial role in fueling young minds and bodies. Yet, while schools play a vital part in ensuring students have access to healthy, nourishing meals, the integration of food education into the curriculum remains a challenge. Laura La Vacca is the Food Serv...2024-10-0826 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast005: Raising Kids to be Food-Literate Adults Through Hands-On Education with Charlotte SteeleSeries: Edible SchoolYards Episode Description: “It's harder for adults to try new things. So when we build those habits with kids, they can disseminate that and spread that joy to their family members— it's really, really powerful.” —Charlotte Steele Food education is a powerful tool for supporting kids' holistic development. By providing access to fresh ingredients, teaching cooking skills, and connecting food to culture, we can empower the next generation to make informed, nourishing choices that benefit their health and communities. The Edible Schoolyard Project is an innovat...2024-10-0130 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast004: Bye Bye Bland Bites: How to Make Lunch Time the Highlight of the School Day with Betsy RosenbluthSeries: Edible Schoolyards Episode Description: “School meals are part of the education day.” —Betsy Rosenbluth For far too long, the school lunchroom has been the butt of jokes and the source of dread for students and parents alike. Mention the words "cafeteria food" and visions of limp, gray mystery meat and rock-hard tater tots immediately come to mind. This pervasive stigma has reduced the lunchroom to a place where kids simply have to get through the meal as quickly as possible before rushing off to their next class. ...2024-09-2429 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast003: Voices from the Field: Grassroots Strategies to Empower Farmers and Ensure Food Security with Rosalinda GuillenSeries: Labor Day Special Episode 2 Episode Description: “If we were smart as a country, we would look at all of these immigrants that are new citizens of the United States, and look at all of these food production methods and skills that they bring. We would have better food security by including the immigrant farmers in the decision-making on how food production is going to be developed for the future is hitting us really hard with climate change.” —Rosalinda Guillen Farming is the backbone of our communities, yet too often, t...2024-09-1733 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast002: The Price of Produce: Exposing the Harsh Realities of Agricultural Labor with Gerardo Reyes ChávezSeries: Labor Day Special Episode Episode Description: “Suffering doesn't have to be part of the food we eat. Workers feed every family in this country, and it is only fair that everyone, everywhere should do something to make sure that farm workers have the same ability to feed their families with dignity and respect. And it doesn't take much. It takes for us to have these conversations.” —Gerardo Reyes Chávez The food we consume is often built upon the backs of a vulnerable workforce struggling to maintain their dignity an...2024-09-1026 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast001: Cultivating Change: A Look Into the Biggest and Best Season Yet“I wanted to share a look at what's to come in the biggest and the best season of essential ingredients yet!” —Justine Reichman The wait is over! Season 9 of Essential Ingredients is finally here, and it's the most impactful and eye-opening season yet, and we can't wait to share it with you! This season, we're pulling out all the stops to bring you the most captivating, thought-provoking, and downright inspiring stories from the frontlines of the food revolution. Get ready to meet the visionary entrepreneurs, passionate activists, and pioneer...2024-09-0310 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast035: Season 8 Highlights: Pioneering Pathways to a Better, More Nourishing World“It's been a journey. Our conversations this season have been incredibly inspiring, and they've left me hopeful for the future of food… Thank you for a great season!” —Justine Reichman What an incredible ride this season has been! To our devoted listeners, your unwavering support and engagement have fueled our mission from the very start. And to our esteemed guests, your willingness to share your personal journeys, innovative ideas, and visionary perspectives has been truly inspiring. Together, we've embarked on a transformative exploration of the food landscape— uncovering chal...2024-08-2715 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast034: Flour Power: Preserving the Flavor of Tradition to Nourish Local Communities with Jennifer Lapidus“The flavor and the taste of our regions, as soon as you start industrializing it… it strips the flavor of the grain. It might be good as a crop that will bring in money, but it's not going to have that same soulful value that the type of flour that is stone-milled.” —Jennifer Lapidus From the farmers who nurture the grains, to the millers who coax out their complex flavors, to the bakers who transform these flours into loaves that nourish the soul, these artisans play a crucial role in preserving the unique tastes of their reg...2024-08-2021 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast033: The Natural Pharmacy: How Holistic Wellness is Redefining Healing and Prevention with Shizu Okusa“I traded my life in WallStreet for the world of WellStreet, and I became an entrepreneur.” —Shizu Okusa The wellness industry has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, as consumers increasingly seek natural, holistic solutions to address their health and well-being. This shift reflects a broader societal trend towards a more integrative understanding of health, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and environment. As this intersection continues to evolve, innovative companies are poised to capitalize on this growing market, offering consumers a new generation of wellness products and services that prioritize prevent...2024-08-1331 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast032: Eat Adventurously: Embrace the Unexpected Flavors of Overlooked Local Ingredients with Becky Selengut“The individual decision is the difference maker.” —Becky Selengut Our local markets and farms are brimming with a diverse array of ingredients. Yet, many of us pass them by because of their peculiar appearance or because we may be unsure of how to incorporate them into our cooking. But, by moving past our assumptions of how food should look like and embracing the unique qualities of these “ugly” and “misunderstood” vegetables, we can unlock a world of delicious, nutritious possibilities and transform our palates and perspectives while forging a deeper connection to the land. Bec...2024-08-0634 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast031: The Daily Grind: How Coffee Powers Minds and Markets Around the Globe with Wade Johnson“Everything in the world is about how you're connecting to other people.” —Wade Johnson From the women farmers cultivating coffee beans in remote regions to the baristas crafting specialty drinks in bustling cafes, coffee brings people together. But more than an everyday beverage, coffee also offers cultural and economic significance. It provides livelihoods for millions while fueling creative and business endeavors. However, coffee production faces growing threats from climate change and fluctuating prices. Exploradora Coffee is a socially conscious coffee roaster co-founded by Wade Johnson, her mother Alison, and her sister, Hollis. B...2024-07-3031 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast030: Beyond the Symptom— Treating and Preventing Food Sensitivities with Functional Medicine with Dr. Heather Stone“The industry responds to the consumer. If we would stop buying all of the processed foods, they would change. We have the ability to change the industry by where we put our dollars.” —Dr. Heather Stone For many people, certain foods can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. However, identifying the culprit foods isn't always straightforward. Through traditional trial-and-error elimination diets, it's possible to pinpoint sensitivities over time. But, by taking a holistic view of the body's systems and how they interact with diet and lifestyle, it is possible to uncover and address underlying imbalances that ma...2024-07-2331 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast029: Transforming Underutilized Superfoods to Revolutionize Diet with Joni Kindwall-Moore“When you're an entrepreneur, there's opportunities everywhere. And part of the art is the discernment of the opportunity that is not only going to be achievable but has the highest, long-term return. That comes with experience, but if you understand your tools better, you get there faster.” —Joni Kindwall-Moore Our modern food system has become disconnected from nature's inherent wisdom. Agriculture prioritizes yield over nutrition, flooding our bodies with empty calories that lack phytonutrients and fiber. This imbalance is having disastrous health consequences, amplifying the rising rates of preventable diseases. Reconnecting agriculture with its original purpose of nouris...2024-07-1626 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast028: Cooking Up Innovation: Turning Outdoor Passions into Sustainable Culinary Creations with Jamie Poe“The food system is broken. There's no way around it… But can you make the best choice you can make with what's in front of you?” —Jamie Poe The traditional camping aisle has long been due for an overhaul. Growing consciousness now allows us to see outdoor adventure not just as an escape, but as an extension of our values. We seek harmony with nature through mindful gear, sustainable practices, and nutrition in tune with the landscape. Into this space have stepped innovators who understand the modern outdoors person. Poe&Co. is a catering...2024-07-0933 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast027: When Mushroom Magic Meets Chocolate Bliss with Maria Paula Garces“If you always knew, you may think twice. But then you approach it with audacity.” —Maria Paula Garces Mushrooms are nature's secret superfoods, quietly working behind the scenes to nourish both humans and Earth's ecosystems alike. Combined with the indulging flavor of cacao, these mushroom morsels form the newest way to nourish both taste buds and total wellness. Founded by Maria Paula Garces, Fungible Chocolates creates chocolate bars infused with single strains of functional mushrooms to provide targeted health benefits like focus, immunity, and relaxation. They aim to educate consumers on the unta...2024-07-0225 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast026: Nourishing the Body and Soul Through Mindful Cooking with Aishwarya Iyer“The things that you run away from, you end up going back to as you get older.” —Aishwarya Iyer Because of our busy schedules, it's all too easy to rush through meal preparation on autopilot. But cooking with presence and awareness has profound benefits for both body and soul. With each conscious action in the kitchen, whether stirring a pot of soup or mixing a salad, we nourish our mind and spirit, as well as our physical needs. The mindfulness we cultivate over the stove can spread throughout our day, improving mood and relationships toward more conscious living...2024-06-2532 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast025: Reinventing Regenerative Systems Through Bio-Regional Approach in Education with Dr. Laird Christensen“You can't leave the question of justice out of sustainability. Because if large numbers of people feel disempowered, or left out of the process, there's nothing sustainable about that.” —Dr. Laird Christensen Building a sustainable and regenerative future requires innovative education and community engagement. When educational programs empower people with practical knowledge of their local ecosystems and economies, they gain the tools to strengthen food systems, land use, and social networks where they live. Dr. Laird Christensen is an award-winning instructor and administrator at Prescott College, where he directs innovative graduate programs focused on susta...2024-06-1826 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast024: Regenerative Ranches: How Sustainable Livestock Farming Can Help Solve Climate Change with Marshall Bartlett “This isn't just a purchasing decision. This has huge and sweeping ramifications. As consumers, we dictate the food system; our choices pull a lever that directly dictates how all this works.” —Marshall Bartlett Sustainable meat production is about more than just the end product— it's also about supporting a holistic farming system that nourishes both people and the land. When consumers make the conscientious choice to purchase meat from farms practicing this kind of care, it solidifies a food system that will continue nourishing communities for many years to come. This week, Justine...2024-06-1141 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast023: Sips to Lips— Get Gruvi in Your Next Night Out With Award-Winning Non-Alcoholic Options with Anika Sawni“Choosing a non-alcoholic option isn't a less than choice.” —Anika Sawni The lines between drinkers and non-drinkers are beginning to blur as new options emerge. Where social events were once defined by their alcohol consumption, people now gather for deeper connections unbound by beverage choices. Gruvi co-founder, Anika Sawni’s vision celebrates the joy of community while empowering individuals to make choices that align with their health, values, and mood. Their growing range of sophisticated yet accessible zero-proof options ensures no one ever feels left out or like a third wheel due to their drinking habits al...2024-06-0434 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast022: Adaptogenic Spirits— Ancient Herbal Wisdom for Modern Health Restoration with Connor Godfrey“I try to remove ego from as many of these decisions as I can as that's one of the greatest inhibitors to future success.” —Connor Godfrey When external pressures or internal imbalances knock us from our center, discomfort and disease can take root. However, balance is not found by force but through nurturing what needs nurturing within. Therefore, by supporting our body's innate wisdom with natural remedies, mindfulness, and self-care, we allow its equilibrium to renew. Founded by Connor Godfrey, Rasāsvāda is a spirit restorative company that creates herbal spirits using traditional Chinese medicina...2024-05-2822 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast021: The Buzz Without the Bite: Clean Cocktails for Conscious Drinkers with Jennifer Roman-Matito Part 2 (EPISODE 200)“We want to get people to recognize that there are better-for-you options in the alcohol world.” —Jennifer Roman-Matito While a night of fun and frivolity is part of the social experience, the unpleasant physical effects of a hangover can leave us longing for a better way— a way to continue the party without the painful playoff. In this episode, Justine sits down with Jennifer Roman-Matito, the co-founder of Mother's Milk, a coconut water cocktail company that offers a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks. She created Mother's Milk to provide hangover-free beverage options made with natur...2024-05-2121 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast020: The Buzz Without the Bite: Clean Cocktails for Conscious Drinkers with Jennifer Roman-Matito Part 1“When one person makes the decision to be more mindful, more conscious, it starts to have a little bit more of a ripple effect.” —Jennifer Roman-Matito Conscious drinking is gaining popularity as people recognize that alcohol consumption is a choice where informed decisions matter. Younger generations especially are looking for drinking experiences to satisfy their desire to socialize without sacrificing how they feel. This trend speaks much about the mainstreaming of preventative health habits and considering ingredients in all areas of life, including how we enjoy social beverages. Jennifer Roman-Matito is the co-founder of Mother's Milk...2024-05-1426 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast019: Mothers Know Best— Honoring Motherhood in Business with Hoda Mohajerani“Without our mothers, we wouldn't be here. We need to put mothers and nurturing maternal relationships at the forefront of our families, of our communities, and also how we lead businesses as well.” —Hoda Mohajerani Motherhood is at the heart of many businesses today. Where some see constraints, these mompreneurs find freedom in following passions with impacts that nourish families and the future. Their brands reflect the love, care, and vision that sustain communities, just as motherhood sustains families. Chakra Chai founder Hoda Mohajerani returns to share her journey as a mom and business leader. Listen...2024-05-0724 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast018: Purposeful Packaging: Plant-Based Packaging Solutions for a Sustainable Supply Chain with Jared Damman “We believe that small businesses change the game. They'll be the future of everything and they are more adaptable. So if we can support small businesses, that's going to lead to a better economy, a better future for everyone.” —Jared Damman Traditional plastic and petroleum-based packaging have severe environmental consequences, filling landfills and releasing greenhouse gases. Hence, sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important as consumers demand environmentally-friendly options. However, compostable packaging also faces challenges in terms of availability, cost, and processing infrastructure. Innovation is key to developing sustainable solutions that are viable for both businesses and the planet...2024-04-3026 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast017: How to Leverage Data to Reveal Hidden Market Opportunities with Kate Burns and Andreas Duess“Wi-Fi and the Internet have now become a utility. But food is not. It should be! Good food should be as available and accessible as Wi-Fi.” —Kate Burns “Hit the market where the market is not where you wish it would be.” —Andreas Duess Leveraging data and insights provides businesses with a strategic edge. Rather than relying solely on assumptions or untested ideas, a data-driven approach empowers companies to design products and strategies that deliver impactful solutions that meet customers’ needs. 6Seeds is a company that provides data-backed insig...2024-04-2336 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast016: Beyond the Seder Plate— Springing into Season with Matzo Recipes with Ashley Albert and Jeremy Nelson“I love matzo! I eat matzah year-round as a snack.” —Ashley Albert “The goal is to do something out of the box that people wouldn't normally do to give matzo a rebrand.” —Jeremy Nelson Passover is a joyous springtime holiday that celebrates freedom and renewal. At the heart of the Passover seder meal and ritual is matzo, an unleavened flatbread that represents the hurried departure of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. Made simply of flour and water, matzo takes center stage during the week-long celebration as a symbol of the oppression the Jews endured. ...2024-04-1609 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast015: Regenerative Baking for Healthy Land and People with Molly Carney“That's the lesson of baking bread that you think you're in control and you're not. You're just a guide in the process. You're on the bread’s timeline.” —Molly Carney Bread is a simple yet profound food that has sustained cultures for millennia. More than just a vehicle for nutrients, bread represents community, tradition, and comfort. Today, artisans continue this living tradition, honoring ancestral practices while innovating with modern techniques and heirloom ingredients, providing nourishment for both body and soul while keeping alive the memories and meanings embedded in this most humble of foods. 2024-04-0920 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast014: Chocolate and Mushrooms: A Sweet Combination for Better Sleep, Focus and Beyond with Charlotte Cruze“For functional mushrooms, you need to take a medicinal dose daily for about three weeks to feel something. They do not work instantly. That's a big gap in the market that people don't understand.” —Charlotte Cruze When it comes to wellness, some pairings just make perfect sense. Mushrooms and chocolate may seem an unlikely match made in hedonistic heaven, but their union holds untapped potential. Mushrooms have long been prized for their healing properties across cultures. Science now shows their ability to boost brain health, energy levels, and more. Chocolate, too, has benef...2024-04-0226 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast013: Upcycling for Health— Transforming Produce Trimmings Into Nutritional Gold with Jeni Britton and Jeremy Nelson“We're not doing a marketing campaign to try to convince you that we're doing good stuff. It doesn't work. What works is creating beautiful products as a team who's devoted because we believe in the mission.” —Jeni Britton “When you can put your ego aside and focus on the larger vision, you can achieve so much more than you can alone.” —Jeremy Nelson Upcycling in the kitchen isn't just about saving money— it's about redefining what "waste" truly means and unlocking a hidden world of culinary creativity. It empowers us to break the cycle...2024-03-2632 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast012: Nature's Nutraceuticals: How Medicinal Mushrooms Are Transforming Natural Medicine with Aaron Hodgins Davis“In the case of a business, pick a few ideas, do them well, and scale them up instead of doing a whole bunch of things at a very small scale.” —Aaron Hodgins Davi The medicinal mushroom industry is primed for exponential growth as research continues to uncover the vast health benefits of fungal powerhouses. Research found that mushrooms support brain, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive health in ways no other food or supplement can match. As public interest in preventative healthcare rises, medicinal mushrooms are emerging as highly effective and easily accessible wellness all-stars. Hence, many forward...2024-03-1921 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast011: Making Fruits and Veggies a Delicious Habit with Colorful Concoctions on the Go with Amber Benson“You're not going to heal unless you're creating that environment in your body. We should understand that fruits and vegetables help you every single day.” —Amber Benson While we're often told the importance of "eating the rainbow" each day, many struggle to fit those colorful servings of produce into their busy routines. Without sufficient intake of these nutrient-dense whole foods, we miss out on essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds shown to support longevity and decrease the probability of chronic illnesses. Hence, this widespread deficiency has become a major public health issue that demands innovat...2024-03-1226 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast010: Natural Optimizers: Discovering Non-Synthetic Solutions for Enhancing Wellness Without Compromising Health with Dustin Baker“Realistically, as we age, we just physiologically are not the same as we used to be. And that has not just a physical effect on us; it has a mental, cognitive, and emotional effect on us as well.” —Dustin Baker While modern medicine has achieved incredible feats, dependence on synthetic prescription drugs is not without its downsides. By their very nature, these medications are designed as "selective poisons" that incur side effects for many users. From minor issues like drowsiness or nausea to more serious long-term health impacts, taking synthetic drugs always involves trading one's well-being for anothe...2024-03-0531 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast009: Unlocking Supply Chain Efficiencies with Data Standards with Liz Sertl“It's a big undertaking when you start thinking about data and how you want it to move. But that foundational layer of data and getting that right internally is the first step whether you're a small business, or whether you're a large business.” —Liz Sertl Supply chain visibility refers to the ability to access accurate and real-time data across all processes within the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to the final delivery to the consumer. This allows them to proactively address issues and inefficiencies, better manage risks and disruptions, and meet evolving customer demands. When implemented effect...2024-02-2719 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast008: How Soil Stewardship Provides Solid Solutions for Climate Change and Food Security with Sarah Wentzel Fisher“Soil health can be complicated but it's also super simple and something that everybody can participate in.” —Sarah Wentzel Fisher Soil health is the foundation of our food systems and ecosystems. Yet many are disconnected from the living soil that sustains us. The soil is a complex web of microbial and ecological activity below our feet, working constantly to cycle nutrients, sequester carbon, and support plant life above and below ground. When soil health declines, it impacts water quality, biodiversity, our ability to grow nutritious food, and ultimately all living beings. In this episode, Justine interv...2024-02-2019 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast007: Vegan Valentines: Crafting Ethical Artisan Chocolates from Bean to Bar with Daniel Korson“My goal and still is, is to be able to create a business that's ethical from the farm to the end.” —Daniel Korson The emerging category of ethical vegan chocolate appeals to health-conscious consumers who demand transparency and sustainability in their treats. As demand grows for plant-based options produced with care and compassion, vegan chocolate represents an opportunity for small businesses to delight taste buds while upholding values from bean to bar. On this special Valentine's Day episode, Justine sits down with chocolatier Daniel Korson. Daniel is the Founder and President of Coracao Chocolate, an organi...2024-02-1325 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast006: How to Navigate the PR Timeline for Maximum Exposure with Kourtney Jason “You have to give something away to get someone in.” —Kourtney Jason For any small business, getting noticed isn't easy. Between all the noise online and in their communities, it's hard for owners to get their message heard. Hence, increasing visibility through smart PR and marketing can really help spread the word. When more potential customers learn about what the business has to offer, it leads to more opportunities for sales, growth, and success. This week, Justine chats with Kourtney Jason about getting publicity for small businesses and authors. Kourtney is the Co-Founder of Pacif...2024-02-0625 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast005: From Awareness to Purchase: Advertising Strategies That Deliver Results with Aditya Varanasi “You don't start by showing them everything; you start with what's that one thing that matters most. But then through that journey at the end, you make available everything that may matter to them.” —Aditya Varanasi Digital advertising has become vital for businesses as consumers spend more time online. Advanced tools now allow advertisers to precisely target audiences across platforms based on detailed data. For startups and small businesses especially, digital provides an affordable and measurable way to efficiently build awareness, engage customers, and boost sales. In this episode, Justine Reichman interviews Aditya Varanasi to discuss...2024-01-3029 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast004: Modern Technology and Innovation: Molecular Biology Meets Consumer Demand for Natural Sweeteners with Todd Rands“What we needed was the diversity of what nature provides, we needed to get better nutrition to more people… not in the big corporate way, but doing something different than anything that we've done before.” —Todd Rands With sugar consumption linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes, consumers are looking for healthier options that allow for moderation without compromise. Innovation in natural low-calorie sweeteners holds promise for addressing this need and empowering personal choices. Led by CEO Todd Rands, ELO Life Systems is developing sustainable, natural ingredients by engineering plant biofactories. With decades of...2024-01-2325 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast003: Regen Reset Wellness: Optimizing Health from the Ground Up with Season's Best Ingredients with Kevin Bressani“Food as your medicine is anything that's not processed. These are things that we should be eating [because they] prevent you from having to take drugs. So if you're interested in health, you should be eating holistically in that regard.” —Kevin Bressani Your best self starts on the plate! The food we put on our plates each day has a profound impact on our health and well-being. Yet in our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of how the small daily choices around what we eat can nourish our minds and bodies. During...2024-01-1619 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast001: Regen Reset Wellness: How Probiotics Impact Mood, Immunity, and GI Balance with Natasha Trenev“We are more microbes than we are human cells. And it's the only alien thing that's in our body that we have to form a unity with in order to enjoy phenomenal health.” —Natasha Trenev Probiotics are live microorganisms that can enhance digestive health when consumed in adequate amounts. Cutting-edge research continues to reveal exciting new ways specific probiotic strains can promote a healthy immune response and reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. As the gut microbiome plays a vital role in overall wellness, maintaining a diverse population of beneficial bacteria through probiotic intake is crucial...2024-01-0229 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast017: Leading with Heart and Mind— Understanding Unconscious Patterns to Transform Leadership Presence with Marika Messager “It's a business, but more than anything, it's a community, and it's a movement.” —Marika Messager The level of consciousness profoundly shapes a leader’s effectiveness. Self-awareness of one's blindspots, biases, and triggers is key to leading with wisdom, empathy, and care for all people affected by decisions. This approach benefits every member of the company as it centers around long-term well-being over temporary gains. In this episode, Justine is joined by Marika Messager, a researcher and teacher of consciousness, and Founder of Conscious Leadership, an organization that helps develop conscious leaders capable of creating systemic...2023-12-2624 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast016: Chocolate to Love: How Cell-Culture is Creating a Healthier Treat with Alan Perlstein“The three main factors are taste, price, and availability. Make sure things taste amazing, make sure it's affordable, and make it even more healthy.” —Alan Perlstein Cell-culture technology is unlocking new frontiers in food production by growing crops from single cells instead of plants. This novel approach allows us to see a new generation of "designer" foods engineered at the cellular level to promote wellness in tasty new ways. California Culture is pioneering the use of cell culture to grow cocoa and coffee from single cells, allowing them to produce chocolate and coffee with unprecedented health...2023-12-1917 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast015: A Taste of Discovery: Bridging Cultures by Sharing Diverse Flavors Around the World with Jia Liao“A lot of times, taking over business legacy doesn't necessarily mean that brand or that company, but how do you continue that story.” —Jia Liao The bold and complex flavors of a hotpot have introduced many new food lovers to unique culinary experiences. Eating hotpot allows diners to immerse themselves in the tingling, numbing, and spicy sensations as different ingredients are cooked in the communal broth. Gathering with friends and family to cook ingredients has also won fans worldwide and helped spread appreciation for this cuisine to distant parts of the globe. This week, we are jo...2023-12-1229 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast013: From Founder to Facilitator: How Shifting Perspectives Can Transform a Growing Company with Roland Siebelink“It's only when we learn to also let go and let other people make suggestions that they can grow and they can become maybe even entrepreneurs of the future.” —Roland Siebelink Navigating the growth of a business while maintaining control and vision requires a delicate balance of delegation and oversight. The key is to find that sweet spot where you can trust your team members to handle the day-to-day stuff while still keeping your finger on the pulse. By empowering your teams, you not only reap the rewards of their collective brilliance but also create a workpl...2023-11-2922 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast012: Back to the Roots: The Principles of Regenerative Agriculture with Philippe Birker“Most of the regenerative farms are still surrounded by conventional farms. Nevertheless, the food from the regenerative farm will be more nutritious and more healthy than the food from the conventional farms just 20 meters over the fence.” —Philippe Birker This week, we are joined by Philippe Birker. Philippe’s passion for regenerative agriculture's potential to address climate change and related challenges led him to co-found Climate Farmers, where he and his team assist farmers in adopting more sustainable methods. Hit play and join this insightful conversation as Justine and Philippe provide an understanding of solutions to clima...2023-11-2125 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast011: Growing Food, Growing Minds, Growing Change— How to Cultivate the Next Generation of Food Justice Leaders with Katherine Soll“Providing pathways for today's young people who are going to be tomorrow's leaders is critical because we need them to be the problem solvers for us in the future. We have no alternative.” —Katherine Soll Today's food injustice weighs heavily on our global conscience, with millions suffering from hunger while others face the dire consequences of unhealthy diets. The involvement of youth is paramount in addressing this pressing issue, as they carry the power to challenge the status quo, champion sustainability, and demand equitable access to nutritious food for all. Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is an o...2023-11-1433 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast010: From Bean to Green: Roasting a Solid Foundation for Growth with Melissa Villanueva“[Entrepreneurship] is a mix of optimism and hope coupled with just a tenacity to make it work no matter what happens.” —Melissa Villanueva Embarking on the journey of being a first-time founder is like that invigorating first sip of coffee in the morning, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Just as each carefully roasted bean lays the foundation for a rich and complex brew, every decision and milestone achieved forms the bedrock of your startup's growth. With time, effort, and a sprinkle of innovation, you can watch your business percolate and flourish, just like that first sip...2023-11-0717 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast009: Twice-Baked Nostalgia— How to Reimagine a Family Recipe to Conquer New Markets with Stephanie Berlin“Food is a unifier. We are more similar than different and that cultural aspect is really important.” —Stephanie Berlin An entrepreneurial journey with cultural flair! Once upon a time, biscotti and cookie had a serendipitous encounter, and they birthed a magical creation called Wandel. Baked by Stephanie Berlin, this delightful treat with its adventurous spirit, ignites a love affair with taste buds worldwide. Crafted with utmost care and using natural ingredients, Wandel transports its customers to a nostalgic paradise with every crumble. The mere sight of this baked beauty is enough to make hearts flutter and mout...2023-10-3127 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast008: Fun and Funky Blobs— A Tastier and Healthier Take on Candies with Mike Schanbacher and Nicholas Kheny"If we're not having fun, we need to stop doing it." —Nicholas Kheny "Work with people only bigger than you and you become a company of giants." —Mike Schanbacher When it comes to candy, the word "healthy" might not immediately come to mind. However, with the rise of vegan lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, including vegan candy. Vegan candy delivers a guilt-free indulgence, without compromising on taste. These candies are often made with natural flavors and colors derived from fruits and vegetables, making them a more wholesome option that align...2023-10-2424 min
Essential Ingredients Podcast007: Biodynamic Regenerative Farming: Benefits Beyond Organic Practices with Gregory Kalinin“You can also look at resources of putting your time into building that network of advisers. It's a bit of time to build that but then you get so much value out of that as long as you're willing to listen.” —Gregory Kalinin Dynamic agriculture can be seen as a way of weaving regenerative farming into a holistic and adaptive system that can benefit both the farmers and the environment. By blending these two practices, farmers can meet specific goals, such as minimizing tillage, recycling organic matter, using cover crops, rotating crops and livestock, avoiding synthet...2023-10-1729 min
SHE with Jordan Lee DooleyWhat You Need to Know About the Food System (Ft. Justine Reichman)Raise your hand if this sounds familiar… you go to the grocery store to pick up some food and notice that every item seems to have a different term on the label: organic, regenerative, cage-free, pasture-raised, local, grass-fed, grass-finished…There are so many buzzwords out there, but what does it all mean and why does any of it matter?How can you learn what’s important to you when it comes to food sourcing?Answering those questions is today’s guest, Justine Reichman, the founder and CEO of NextGen Purpose, whose goal is to educa...2023-05-2427 min
Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)027 - Sharing Power & Knowledge with Justine Reichman of NextGenChefWith so much information available in the current age, finding trusted and convenient sources that are useful to our needs is more important than ever. This is the philosophy that has inspired Justine Reichman in her quest to supply a growing community with better information and resources for wellness and healthy foods. Justine is the Founder and CEO of NextGenChef and the host of the Essential Ingredients Podcast, where she serves her audience by providing them with amazing conversations to aid their decisions about nutrition and health. We talk about the centrality of volunteering work, and how Justine's roots...2021-07-2133 min
Thrive BitesS 3 Ep 15 - Being A Foodpreneur with NextGenChef Founder Justine ReichmanIn this exciting episode of Thrive Bites, I chat with NextGenChef Founder Justine Reichman about food entrepreneurship. We talk about the ins and outs of the food industry and what it means to collaborate with one another and elevating each other's food brand/business. Take a listen!
Progressive Thinker Justine Reichman, founder of NextGenChef, considers eating healthy a basic human right, “We are empowering the next generation of culinary innovators dedicated to regenerative practices and making nutritious food more affordable,” says Reichman, whose San Francisco-based platform supports socially-minded entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch their busi...2020-12-1440 min
Get What You Want with ShirleyWhy You Should Bring Back Better Foods to the Table with Justine Reichman“You shouldn't discount what you love doing. It's so important to integrate that into what you do no matter what people say.” -Justine Reichman The marriage of passion and business is one of the joys of life. But it’s an opportunity that not everyone is willing to take. If you want to start your own Passion Business, what are the things you need? In this episode, we learn valuable lessons on building your start-up with Justine Reichman, Founder of NextGenChef, a community that provides resources, expert advice, and connections for entrepreneurs. These are the Essenti...2020-11-1725 min
Dream Mentorship Podcast#30: Interview with Justine Reichman: Founder of NextGenChef-finding healthy foods anywhere you areProgressive Thinker Justine Reichman, founder of NextGenChef, considers eating healthy a basic human right, “We are empowering the next generation of culinary innovators dedicated to regenerative practices and making nutritious food more affordable,” says Reichman, whose San Francisco-based platform supports socially minded entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch their businesses and begin creating greater access to quality food products. The expansive network offers real tools, including a directory of culinary mentors, help with research and development, and dynamic community events. Reichman adds, “We want to change the conversation so that people everywhere demand a better food system.”2020-11-1425 min
Meaningful Marketplace Podcast#50 Eating Right is a Human Right - Justine Reichman, Next Gen ChefAspiring chefs are hungry not only for good food, they're hungry for information and education. Yes, there are culinary schools - although fewer today than a couple of years ago - but they are localized and structured. What every aspiring student needs is a mentor, and Justine Reichman, founder of Next Gen Chef does that to the Nth degree. Pretty much the pastime of her family, connecting people was a natural thing for Justine to do. Her foundation is built on the philosophy of "it's not what YOU know, it's how you surround yourself with people who do know"...2020-08-0548 min
The Jason Cavness ExperienceA talk with Justine ReichmanOn this episode of the Jason Cavness Experience we talk to Justine Reichman, Founder of NextGenChef cavnessHR website: https://www.cavnessHR.com Jason’s email: jasoncavness@cavnessHR.com @cavnessHR across social media @jasoncavnessHR across social media We talk about the following Why eating healthy is a basic human right Her role with Founders Institute NextGenChef What part of HR takes up her time Justine’s Bio NextGe...2020-04-1935 min
This is Life. Turned UPEpisode 13: This is Life. Turned up with Justine ReichmanThe Founder, Justine Reichman, and The Creation of NextGenChef
NextGenChef is organized as a benefit corporation. In its first iteration, we worked with an NGO and a non-profit to run recipe contests in Mexico City, where I lived at the time. I partnered with a top chef, Maycoll Calderón, to choose the winning recipe. The winning recipe was to be added to his restaurant menu and a portion of proceeds returned back to the winner & their family. After returning back to California, Cooking Together Marin was born. It was to be the next iteration of o...2019-10-2217 min
Just Go Grind#51: Justine Reichman, Founder of NextGenChef, on Becoming a Foodpreneur, Growing a Food Business, and Making an Impact Through Entrepreneurship Justine Reichman is the founder of NextGenChef, a San Francisco based culinary platform that allows Foodpreneurs to sandbox their ideas and connect with advisors who provide expert advice and support, enabling these Foodpreneurs to take their idea from concept to product. NextGenChef specifically targets aspiring chefs & Foodpreneurs who want to create local, affordable and regenerative food businesses. They partner with collaborative kitchens allowing Foodpreneurs to test their ideas and get their business off the ground. The show notes for this episode are found at: https://www.justgogrind.com/justine-reichman-podcast/ 2019-04-1145 min
The Bite Goes On - Radio MisfitsThe Bite Goes On – Justine ReichmanEP17: NextGenChef is the brainchild of Justine Reichman, food afficianado, food activist, and food entrepreneur incubator. Committed to supporting food businesses who source ingredients from local and organic agriculture, the company is actively crafting a platform to encourage mainstream & widespread food businesses to work towards this regenerative philosophy that will dramatically benefit human and environmental health by reducing carbon footprint, increasing nutritional quality of food offerings, and decreasing the amounts of chemicals and pesticides in our soil and our food (and that’s just a few benefits) all while deliciously feeding local communities.
NextGenChef is getting ready to...2019-03-0149 min
Jewel Donohue PodcastEp. 108 Justine ReichmanInterview with Artist Justine Reichman 10.20.2017 •2017-11-0119 min