“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...

“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,...

“[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...

“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...

"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...

“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...

“Don't let these things stop you. Figure out how to work with them.” —Mark Gravel In the volatile world of CPG branding, establishing a successful better-for-you brand may often feel like treading on eggshells. While the steep slopes can hefty baggage are indeed formidable, the right strategies can tip the scales in your favor.  Dirtbag Bar is an organic, vegan, gluten-free chocolate date bar created by Mark Gravel. Inspired by his passion for the outdoors and healthy living, Mark developed...

“People are looking for easy and they're looking for their foods and beverages to deliver a lot of value to them. It's not enough anymore to just taste good. They want to know why it tastes good.” —Leslie Danford  Food is more than just a medicine. Food is health. By capitalizing on “superfoods” and other high-nutrient sources and leveraging advanced technologies to load their products with extra nutrients, we are now seeing a shift toward food products that promote convenience without...

"Our functional pantry staples are designed to support people at every phase of life and their cycles." — Asha Caroll   When dealing with reproductive health and monthly phases like mood swings, cramps, headaches, anxiety, and period pain, we might waver between a quick fix and a sustainable solution. We would've wanted both, but most of the quick treatments traditionally offered in the market are not sustainable, or vice versa. We would also prefer a natural and organic solution that...

“Make your workplace a place that everybody is happy at. That's one that goes unsaid a lot. When they're happy in their relationship with their teammates, it's more likely that they're happy in their jobs.” —Kelsey Bishop Facing barriers when working in a team where one does not feel part of it is an unfortunate reality in many companies. Astonishingly, this kind of adverse company culture is accepted and ingrained as the norm.  However, it’s high time we shift from this perspective. A...

“Be sure that you instill in your children and your children's children the fact that farming is not the problem, it is the answer.” —Steve McDaniel   Biological threats due to the worsening effects of climate change pose significant risks to both the environment and human health. Decontaminating these threats proficiently can be challenging due to their varied nature, persistence, and potential for dispersal. Fortunately, key developments in the field of bioengineering have led to the...

“Sometimes, we can only make the choices when they're available to us.” —Andy Naja-Riese  With six successful seasons behind us, we are thrilled to announce that Season 7 is live and ready for you! A hearty thanks to you for staying with us through the previous six seasons and continuously supporting the program. For us, you are not just our listeners. You are an integral part of this community.  With lots of surprises and fresh series to pique your interest, we assure this season will be...

“I'm an artist on the plate. I'm an advocate on the plate. I get to paint the plate with all these beautiful colors of the food I choose to cook.” —Nina Curtis   Advocating for the plate is a multi-faceted concept at the intersection of aesthetics, quality, and social responsibility. It is an essential part of promoting our health and shaping the well-being of our earthly home and everything in it.    But this movement is not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, the epitome of good...

“We like to think of ourselves as doing the dirty work behind the scenes to make everyone else look good.”  – Ameet Kallarackal There are thousands of humble yet hardworking entrepreneurs like small restaurant owners and operators who are not that savvy technically and who are restlessly operating their in-person craft and business. Though necessary, they might not have enough funds to employ a skilled person in the field of marketing or to hire a technical team. How can entrepreneurs with...

“Your cauliflower is not going to save nor destroy the world. But as we all make these decisions all the time and we scale, it can add up.” —Alison Mountford  The relationship between home cooking and reducing food waste extends deeper than just being a simple solution. It’s about making conscious, constant decisions that influence both our health and our planet. Reinventing our kitchen practices could not only help us savor healthy, home-cooked meals but also contribute to a zero-food-waste...

“[Regenerative Agriculture] is a mindset that early adopters and farmers have, and it's a love of life that we're translating into the food supply, how we look at our food, how we look at our farming, and how we look at our agriculture. This is a multi-generational mindset shift that is dependent upon us.” —Ryan Slabaugh  Our current agricultural system revolves around sustainability— maintaining the status quo while doing minimal damage. But our world can no longer afford this argument. We...

"The path towards better health is through food. But at the same time, we have to do more… not just better for you, but that are really functional" —Marc Washington   Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract. However, our gut flora has more function than we think. A gut filled with diverse and beneficial bacteria can impact every dimension of our health including digestion, immunity, and even mental health!    That's why, ensuring that our gut receives the...

“We want to make sure the product is different—not better, but different than what's out there.” —Aaron Luo Nestled among the country's many gastronomic wonders lies an unsung hero: authentic Spanish charcuterie. With its rich history, meticulous craftsmanship, and mouthwatering flavors, this culinary gem has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide.  Every slice tells a tale of age-old techniques handed down through generations, carefully selected ingredients, and an...

“The technology was getting thrown under the bus so that brands can make a buck. And technology is very powerful and extremely important for humanity in terms of addressing a lot of existential crises.” —Zack Abbott   Many people find solace in drinking alcohol, whether it be during social gatherings or as a means to decompress and find some relief after a tiring day. Unfortunately, as our bodies metabolize alcohol, a toxic substance called acetaldehyde begins to accumulate. Experiencing...

“Infant formula is a baby's first food. And it's the first decision you make as a new parent… We had to do better for babies and for parents because this is the most important food.” —Mia Funt Breast milk is often referred to as the "magical superfood" for infants due to its numerous health benefits and essential nutrients. While breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, infant formula serves as a viable alternative when breastfeeding is not possible or preferred....

“It's so important to have an antidote that shows us how beautiful it can be to make food at home and how actually joyful and easy it can also be. Because in the end, this will be healthier for us but also for the planet.” —Daniela Kratz   Cooking can be a therapeutic and satisfying experience, but it's not always easy to find the motivation. Between finding the right recipe, shopping for ingredients, and having to clean up after the meal, it’s no wonder so many people opt for takeout. But...

“We are A PART OF nature, we are not apart from nature.” —Hoda Mohajerani    At our core, humans are a part of nature, not separate from it. Our health and well-being depend heavily on the natural world around us. The modern world may have pushed us into a distance from nature, but if we want to achieve optimal health, we must ensure that our choices are in harmony with the world around us. By working with the natural rhythms of the earth, we can create thriving ecosystems that nourish both...

“Food is always where people are. Food equals a time and an emotion; it's that moment of comfort.” —Rachel Krupa   Choosing better-for-you products has been about endless label-reading and guessing games. Moreover, these products are hard to find and often comes with a higher price tag. But what if healthier options can be found in convenience stores?  Well, that sure would be a game-changer!   Rachel Krupa, the founder of The Goods Mart, has one important principle: putting the community...

"Do it for the love of the product, the love of the founder, and not necessarily the love of the bank." —Sasha Millstein   Thirty years ago, an incredible woman, by the name of  Alicia Ethel Reinish, whipped up a recipe that still makes our mouths water to this day! She has been cooking up delicious pot pies for her local clients but she decided to share the love with everyone across the country. Hence, the birth of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies. Led by her niece, Sasha Millstein, Aunt Ethel's Pot...

 "Simple dish with simple ingredients is always going to be the best." —Max La Manna   Every year, tons of food are wasted, leading to environmental pollution and economic losses. By adopting low waste cooking methods, we can save food, money and natural resources.    Low waste cooking is a way of life that reflects our values and priorities. It shows that we care about the planet, the people, and the future. By reducing food waste, we also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water,...