80 Seeding with Ara Katz, co-founder of Seed

There are a kajillion microscopic cells in the human body, and at least half are bacteria. Seed is a life science and consumer health company exploring the vast connections between microbiomes and health. Their Daily Synbiotic is a supplement that promotes the community of microbes that dwell inside us. Ara Katz co-founded Seed when the birth of her son helped flourish her interest in the microbiome. The company is focused on educating people about the power of the microbiome.

On this episode, Ara Katz talks about translating the science of 38 trillion microorganisms living in and on our bodies (7:54). Stephan and Ara ponder panspermia (26:25) and sending bacteria to space (27:35). Ara helped produce several films before founding consumer goods companies. She shares how she directs Seed’s marketing and user design through a three-act structure (29:01). Ara reflects on normalizing bacteria (32:01) and making microbiome patties for honey bees (33:45). Stephan and Ara talk about living in a “plastiferous” time (35:19), using mushrooms-based packaging (41:57), and telling the story of our microverse (53:55).

Also mentioned on the show:

• Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R. Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body (PLoS Biology, 2016)
• Human Genome Project
• Seed Reference Library
• Seed Labs
• Microbiome 101
• Seed Sustainability
• Seed is hiring!
• Shop Seed (Use code WELLMADE for 20% off your first month subscription of the Daily Synbiotic.)

Links and images can be found on the Lumi blog.