Essential Ingredients Podcast

"The cure for disease is not to eradicate disease, it is the ability to respond…The more self-empowered you get, the more you can respond." —Dane Johnson   You're eating "perfectly" but still dealing with bloating, pain, and fatigue. What if the problem isn't just the food you're eating, but your body's ability to handle the world we live in? It's a frustrating truth that requires a completely new approach. After being told his Crohn's and colitis were incurable, Dane Johnson took his health into his own hands and discovered the life-changing power of customized healing. He now helps others move from a place of fear to one of empowered action, cutting through the confusion with real-world strategies. Tune in to hear Dane’s uncomplicated take on drainage pathways, toxic buildup, biofilm breakdown, and the critical mindset shift from defensive to offensive health. Justine and Dane also cover everything from seed oils and spiritual health to parasite cleanses and why your detox might be failing—all wrapped in an actionable plan to finally start healing.   Meet Dane:  Dane Johnson is the founder of CrohnsColitisLifestyle, inspired by his life-threatening battle with Crohn’s/Colitis, which he reversed using natural practices. As a Board Certified Nutritionist and one of the most successful Crohn’s/Colitis coaches in the world, he has helped thousands around the world find their unique answer to IBD while building a community of supporters, doctors, and healers!  Website Instagram Facebook X YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 00:50 Meet Dane— From Patient to Advocate  07:02 Relapse, Temptation, and the Cycle of Bad Habits 09:24 Customizing Health 13:57 Food Industry Realities and the “Appeal” Controversy    18:39 The Mind-Body Connection— Stress and Health  21:56 Playing Defense vs Offense in Health  28:30 Wellness Key: Take Control of Your Health  

“One of the things I learned through the course of my career is that people don't have any trust, confidence, or faith in you until they feel like you care about them and learn what they need.” —Mark Spoone   What if the key to a healthier planet and better food lies right beneath our feet? The way we treat our soil today could transform our future, making it richer and more sustainable for generations to come. With a career spanning multiple industries, Mark Spoone has founded over ten companies and taken three public, all while maintaining a focus on sustainable practices. His latest venture, Living Water, aims to transform agriculture by revitalizing soil health, offering a fresh perspective on how we can nourish both our bodies and the earth. Join Justine and Mark as they explore fresh insights into creating a positive environmental impact through innovative agricultural solutions, restoring soil health with beneficial microbes, enhancing crop health and nutrient density, the rapid improvements possible with regenerative farming, the growing recognition of sustainable practices, the link between soil health and food quality, the importance of teamwork in entrepreneurship, the cost-effectiveness of the Living Water system, the health benefits of nutrient-dense food, and addressing water conservation challenges in agriculture.    Meet Mark:  Mark Spoone is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning financial services, technology, strategic management, real estate, printing, beverage, hemp, artificial intelligence (AI), and agriculture. Known for his innovative approach to sustainable farming, he has founded over ten companies and led many others as CEO, General Manager, Director, or Board Member, successfully taking three companies public. His latest venture, Living Water, focuses on revitalizing soil health through biological fertilizers, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs and enhance nutrient density in crops. Mark's broad industry experience has provided him with invaluable learning opportunities and the chance to collaborate with some of the industry's finest experts. Driven by a passion for environmental sustainability and a commitment to positively impacting global food systems, he enjoys investing himself in challenges that align with his values. Website LinkedIn X YouTube   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:13 What is the Living Water?  05:41 Technology and Implementation 11:01 Impact on Soil and Food Quality 18:09 The Challenges Faced by Farmers and Their Need for Financial Support 21:55 Improving the Agronomic Landscape  

"The core difference is, instead of, once you've paid your employees and your expenses, what's left, instead of it just enriching the investors, it's given away to good causes." —Alex Amouyel   What if doing good didn’t mean giving up your paycheck or your dreams? Maybe you’re tired of hearing that business and kindness can’t mix, or you wonder if your small actions really matter. Here’s a fresh look at how purpose and profit can work together—and why your impact might be bigger than you think. Alex Amouyel has spent her career making a difference, from global nonprofits to leading Newman's Own Foundation. Her journey proves you don’t have to choose between success and giving back. She brings bold, practical ideas for anyone who wants to build a business—or a life—that does real good. Hit play to get inspired and get real. You’ll hear about profit-for-purpose models, honest truths about salaries and growth, the power of small actions, and how anyone can join the movement to make business a force for good.   Meet Alex:  Alex Amouyel is the President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation whose mission is to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity. She leads the Foundation’s efforts to utilize 100% of the profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own products in service of this mission. Under Alex’s leadership, Newman’s Own Foundation co-founded the 100% for Purpose Club, a community of impact-driven business leaders and companies working to support and inspire the next generation of organizations to donate 100% of their profits for purpose. Her recent TED Talk, Can Salad Dressing Transform Capitalism?, explores the “100% for Purpose” movement and what it can teach us about doing business, philanthropy, and capitalism differently. Prior to her role at Newman’s Own Foundation, Alex led MIT Solve as its Founding Executive Director with a mission to drive innovation to solve world challenges. She steered MIT Solve’s growth to support over 268 Solver teams and Indigenous Communities Fellows, catalyzed over $60 million in commitments, and brokered more than 600 transformational partnerships. She also navigated the organization’s response to the global pandemic, launched a Health Security & Pandemics Challenge, and expanded Solve’s work on racial equity in the United States, including launching Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship and the Black & Brown Innovators Program. Over the course of her career, Alex has also served as the Director of Program for the Clinton Global Initiative and held roles at Save the Children International and the Boston Consulting Group. Alex earned a dual master’s degree in International Affairs from Sciences Po, Paris, and the London School of Economics, along with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Natural Sciences from Trinity College, Cambridge, UK. Alex is the author of The Answer Is You: A Guidebook to Creating a Life Full of Impact. Website LinkedIn YouTube   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 02:07 How Giving Back Became a Business Model 07:37 Can You Really Do Good and Pay the Bills? 10:21 Profit, Growth, and Giving— The Real Balancing Act 17:11 Myths About Purpose-Driven Business 22:17 The Consumer’s Role: Choices and Challenges 28:51 How to Join the 100% for Purpose Movement 31:02 Finding Your Own Way to Make a Difference   Resources Organizations Join the  100% for Purpose Club

Cole Ashman, founder of Pila Energy and former Tesla engineer, shares his journey in revolutionizing home energy solutions. Inspired by Hurricane Katrina, he emphasizes the urgent need for reliable power amid climate chaos. The conversation dives into Pila's innovative smart batteries designed for accessibility and sustainability. Cole reveals insights on overcoming energy accessibility barriers and the importance of partnerships in fostering change. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on making energy resilient and affordable for all.

"At the end of this little tiny workshop, I hope everybody just comes away with the fact that they know they can do whatever they want with anything they want." —Sam Paone   Got more summer veggies than you know what to do with? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not turn them into delicious pickles that capture the season's flavors? Pickling is a fun and easy way to preserve your garden's bounty, ensuring you enjoy those fresh tastes long after summer fades. Sam Paone, the mastermind behind Golden State Pickle Works, knows a thing or two about turning fresh produce into mouthwatering pickles. With her extensive experience and passion for preservation, Sam shares her tips and tricks for making pickling a breeze. Her insights will inspire you to see your garden's abundance in a whole new light. Dive into this episode with Justine and Sam and discover how to pickle your way through summer's harvest— from sanitizing jars to crafting the perfect brine. You'll learn practical techniques, creative flavor combinations, and tips for both fermented and vinegar pickles. Tune in and start your pickling journey today—your taste buds will thank you!   Meet Sam:  Sam Paone is the founder of Golden State Pickle Works, a California-based artisan fermentation company. With a background in restaurant cooking, she transitioned to entrepreneurship, creating organic, hyper-seasonal pickled vegetables, condiments, and salad dressings. Sam is passionate about preserving local produce, supporting organic farmers, and introducing innovative fermented food products. She has developed a unique line of pickles and fermented goods that celebrate seasonal ingredients, and is currently working on a preservation-focused television series. Her culinary approach emphasizes flavor, sustainability, and community connection.  Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:31 Sanitizing and Preparing Jars  04:56 Fermented Pickle Preparation 08:53 Making the Brine 13:23 Adding Surface Protector and Finalizing the Jar 18:42 Vinegar Pickle Preparation  33:37 Pouring the Pickling Liquid 36:42 Have Fun Pickling!  

"I think one of the biggest things to convey to anybody who wants to start a business is know what you're good at, know what you like, and know what you're not good at, and then outsource that. Because that's going to help get the business to where you wanna go." —Arielle Moody   Ever wonder if you’re settling for “good enough” when you could be living—and choosing—so much better? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the choices you make for your body, your business, or your family, this episode is your permission slip to trust your gut, question the status quo, and demand more from what you put on your skin and into your life. Arielle Moody, a seasoned beauty industry expert and co-founder of Mama Sol, turned her personal quest for safe, effective products into a thriving business that puts wellness and integrity first. Her journey from industry insider to innovative entrepreneur brings a fresh, no-nonsense perspective on why what’s inside—both products and people—matters most. Hit play for a candid look at how intentional living, ingredient transparency, self-belief, and values-driven choices shape everything from entrepreneurship and family business to work-life balance, clinical testing, and creating wellness products that truly multitask.   Meet Arielle: While pregnant with her first child, shocked by how many toxic ingredients were lurking in everyday products, and after trying dozens of natural mineral sunscreens, Arielle was determined to create one that 1) didn’t make her immediately want to wash her face, and 2) didn’t leave a white cast on her skin. Oh, and it needed to be something she looked forward to using daily. No biggie. As Mama Sol’s product development whisperer, Arielle has been immersed in the beauty industry her entire adult life. Starting as a beauty sales trainer for Smashbox, Dr. Perricone, and Bite Beauty, then rising to become the head of product development for Skinn Cosmetics and, most recently, the head of sales for a leading cosmetics packaging and formulation company, she’s always known one thing—that she would one day create her own product, something truly different that had never been seen before. Website Instagram Facebook TikTok   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 03:19 Fulfilling a Long-Time Dream 06:16 Inclusive Formulations and Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 13:41 Bootstrapping and Business Growth 18:30 Work-Life Balance 21:20 Ingredient Philosophy and Product Development 28:11 Family Dynamics and Business Challenges 31:20 The Mamasol Expert Series Podcast   Resources: Book Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams: https://a.co/d/3wGFDX0  Discount Get a special discount when you shop at: https://www.shopmamasol.com/  Use code: EssentialMama15 

“It's all about labels, it's all about claims, and it's all about certifications. Regenerative is a mess. It's a hot mess. ... I can understand, articulate, and define it really easily, but the average consumer, I don't think, can for a myriad of reasons.... The entire reason regenerative agriculture was created is the beauty of it being a transition tool to improve conventional agriculture. The challenge is it's super easy to greenwash if it's not legit, and it's really easy to lower the bar as low as possible.” —Anthony Corsaro   Ever picked up a carton of “regenerative” eggs or a bag of “regenerative” chips and thought, “Is this actually better—or just clever marketing?” With so many labels, certifications, and claims crowding the shelves, it’s no wonder shoppers feel lost, second-guessing every choice and wondering if they’re being duped by hype.   After overcoming personal health struggles and witnessing the gaps in our food system firsthand, ReGen Brands co-founder Anthony Corsaro shifted his focus from his family’s produce business to championing regenerative agriculture. His journey from industry insider to nonprofit leader gives him a unique lens to cut through the noise and spotlight what truly matters in the regenerative movement.   Tune in for a clear-eyed look into the meaning (and misuse) of the term “regenerative,” the maze of certifications, the evolution of food business models, supply chain realities, personal health impacts of eating and living regenerative, how to spot the difference between real change and empty claims, and practical tips for making smarter choices. Meet Anthony:  Anthony is the co-founder of ReGen Brands, an ecosystem supporting regenerative agriculture and CPG brands. With a background in family produce distribution and personal experience overcoming an autoimmune disease through nutrition, he transitioned from business operations to advocating for regenerative agriculture. He co-hosts the Regen Brands podcast and leads three key initiatives: the Regen Brands Institute (research), Regen Brands Coalition (brand collaboration), and Regen Brands Capital (funding). Anthony is passionate about improving food systems, supporting regenerative brands, and creating systemic solutions to help these businesses scale and succeed.   Website  LinkedIn Instagram YouTube   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:12 ReGen BRands: From Podcast to Ecosystem  04:16 The Three Pillars of ReGen Brands and Non Profit Decision 08:30 Family Roots and Industry Heritage  11:25 Defining Regenerative 13:47 Making Regenerative Accesible: Consumer Clarity and Shelf Tags  17:24 Regenerative Diets and Personal Health  21:42 Tips for Aspiring Regenerative Brands   

“Life is so crazy, and you just want to be able to live it to the fullest and the best you can.” —Elissa Goodman   Everyone’s selling the next big wellness fix—but what if the real answers are simpler than you think?  We’re bombarded with superfoods, supplements, and miracle diets, but the truth is, most of us are still searching for what really works. If you’re tired of chasing trends and want to feel genuinely good in your body, you’re in the right place. Returning guest, Elissa Goodman’s journey from chronic illness to vibrant health is proof that real change isn’t about the latest craze—it’s about tuning in to what your body truly needs. Her honest and practical approach helps her customers cut through the clutter and discover simple habits that actually make a difference. Join Justine and Elissa as they bust wellness myths and share real-life stories, and dive into practical tips on food, gut health, energy, blood work, and simple habits for a longer, healthier life.   Meet Elissa:  Elissa Goodman is a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle cleanse expert who believes that proper nourishment and a daily renewal practice are essential for optimal living. Elissa’s mission is to educate and encourage healthy, mindful living, helping others embrace the concept that we are a product of what we eat and how we treat ourselves. Creator of “Cleanse Your Body, Cleanse Your Life” and “S.O.U.P.” Cleanse, her approach to cleansing is gentle and accessible for those looking to renew, recharge, rejuvenate, and maintain their healthy lifestyle. She is based in Los Angeles and works privately with professionals and celebrity clients to develop personalized wellness programs that encourage true health from the inside out. Elissa collaborates with health and wellness partners throughout Los Angeles and is the creator of M Cafés macrobiotic RESET Cleanse, Earth Bar food at LAX, and signature juice blends at Erewhon Market.   Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 02:29 A Move for a Healthier Lifestyle   06:38 The Journey to Physical and Emotional Healing 08:30 Balancing Health and Enjoyment 14:05 Functional Medicine and Bloodwork 18:14 The Impact of Supplements and Hormone Testing  24:03 Tips for Maintaining Health and Energy  28:09 Aging Hacks  33:10 Informed Choices Impact Longevity      Resources:  Book Cancer Hacks: A Holistic Guide to Overcoming your Fears and Healing Cancer by Elissa Goodman    Aging Hacks (Coming Soon)    Podcast Healing the Root Cause of Why We Get Sick with Elissa Goodman 

“Simplicity was something I learned from my family and grew up with. The fact is, you do not need fancy food, you do not need a huge variety of food. You can have some potatoes, and you can have one vegetable, and you make a brothy sauce with the vegetables, and you pour it over the freshly cooked potatoes. It can be so comforting and nourishing. So simplicity is something that is important for us to understand.” —Daniela Kratz   “I grew up in a household where we cooked together. Cooking was a way of connecting for us. Culturally, food is a language of love, poetry, and respect for nature. We grew up and used everything that was available; nothing went to waste. So for my kids it was important to pass that on.” —Shirin Gonili Aryanpour   What if the most radical act of sustainability isn’t what you buy, but how you gather your family around the table? In a world that tells working moms to do it all, the real challenge is weaving mindful choices into the chaos of daily life without losing the joy, the flavor, or the connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture your kids, your career, and the planet—without burning out—this conversation is for you. Meet Shirin Aryanpour, a mom and former physical therapist who transformed her family’s kitchen into a hub of love, culture, and zero-waste creativity, and Daniela Kratz, founder of Farmhouse Lab, who brings the wisdom of generations and the simplicity of real food to her own children. Together, they share honest stories of juggling work, family, and the pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle, offering practical rituals, cultural insights, and the reassurance that perfection isn’t the goal.   Tune in as Justine, Shirin, and Daniela explore how food rituals, cultural traditions, and open-door community spirit can empower working moms to teach their kids about conscious choices, nurture respect for nature, balance busy schedules, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection.    Meet Daniela:  A SF Bay Area-based mom of two, Daniela Kratz, the mastermind behind Farmhouse Lab’s high-quality specialty dressings, which she launched in 2016, shifted from a sustainability leadership role with a large global corporation to focus on what inspired her most — directly helping individuals make healthier, more locally-driven and sustainable food choices. Daniela’s inspiration for creating high-quality, sustainably sourced, delicious dressings originated from her realization that the majority of dressings on the shelves contain emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial flavors, and/or refined sugars. And what was easy for her to whip up in the kitchen wasn’t so simple for many on-the-go parents and professionals. With the start of her own family, combined with her love of entertaining and passion for sustainability, it was a natural for Daniela to create a business designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X   Meet Shirin:  Shirin Gonili Aryanpour is a passionate leader, healer, and advocate for women's empowerment. She is the founder of Illuminate Her Path, a transformative digital community that blends wellness, education, spiritual connection, and collective growth. With over 16 years of experience as a physical therapist and a decade of humanitarian work through Operation Smile (co-founder of Northern California Chapter), Shirin has long been devoted to healing and service. Her journey as a two-time breast cancer thriver revealed the critical gaps in women's healthcare and ignited her mission to create spaces where women can thrive. Through curated events, sacred women’s circles, and evidence-based wellness resources, Shirin cultivates environments where women can share their stories, access healing, and build lasting connections. She believes in the power of community to create a more equitable and balanced world—one heart at a time. LinkedIn Instagram   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 02:16 Cultural and Family Cooking Practices  06:32 Teaching Kids to Cook  10:01 Community and Shared Meals  13:35 Educating Kids on Food Choices.   17:27 Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Living 20:27 Non-Negotiables in Family Food Practices  

“To be an effective climate optimist and person who cares about sustainability, you need equal parts of two different ingredients. The first is inspiration, because if you don't believe you can make a difference, and if you don't believe that what you do matters, then you're not going to try. You also need the other ingredient of empowerment. If you are really, really encouraged to try to make a difference, but you're not given the tools or the knowledge, then all that energy dissipates and becomes wasted.” —Charlie Sellars   What if sustainability wasn’t a burden, but an invitation? For too long, we’ve been told to shrink our impact and feel guilty for not doing enough. But what if the real power lies in small, positive choices that actually feel good and make a difference?  Charlie Sellars, the Director of Sustainability at Microsoft and author of What We Can Do: A Climate Optimist's Guide to Sustainable Living, has spent his career turning eco-anxiety into practical, empowering action. His journey proves that you don’t need to be perfect—or even an expert—to make sustainability work for your life, your business, and your happiness. Tune in as Justine and Charlie break down how to reframe sustainability from a source of stress into a source of strength, sharing real-life stories, actionable tips, and a new way to think about your impact—one that’s positive, empowering, and actually doable. Meet Charlie:  Charlie Sellars is a Director of Sustainability at Microsoft, which pledged to become Carbon Negative, Water Positive, Zero Waste, and Protect Ecosystems by 2030. As one of the youngest directors at the company, he has overseen sustainability for both the Windows & Devices and Cloud Operations portions of Microsoft, helping launch several sustainability-forward products ranging from new Windows PCs with repairable and recycled components to the Ocean Plastic Mouse. Recognized by IM100 as one of 2024’s top 100 most impactful individuals in the digital infrastructure industry, Charlie also serves as a governing body member of the iMasons Climate Accord, an industry coalition united to decarbonize the digital infrastructure that underpins the next generation of cloud and AI services. Charlie has previously served as a board member and CTO of an impact-focused non-profit, The $100 Solution, which believes that “solutions to big problems start with small steps.” He initially joined this non-profit while studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Williams College, a small liberal arts school nestled in the Berkshire mountains which helped to grow his love for nature. Raised outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Charlie is currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Website Linkedin    Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:24 Ingredients for Climate Optimism  03:27 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainability  09:45 Data-Driven Sustainability  12:12 Reducing Personal Impact and Sustainability in Business 17:08 Empowering Individuals for Sustainability  20:35 Dietary Impact on Sustainability  25:20 What We CAN Do Resources Book What We Can Do: A Climate Optimist's Guide to Sustainable Living by Charlie Sellars