Essential Ingredients Podcast

"The value you get out of Zucca and all the things it can do is far cheaper than what it would take to hire another person or hire an external consultant to do that work." —Karen Huh Building a CPG product should not feel like juggling spreadsheets at midnight. Teams lose time, money, and clarity when formulas, costs, and decisions are scattered across multiple locations. This conversation confronts that reality head-on and addresses why speed and focus are crucial in the food, beverage, and supplement industries right now. Karen Huh shares how two decades in CPG at companies shaped her view of broken product development workflows. That experience led her to build Zucca, an AI-powered operating system designed to unify how CPG teams ideate, formulate, cost, and scale products. Listen to hear how modern CPG teams are using AI to work smarter and move faster. Building an AI-powered operating system for CPG product development Why product launches break down as brands grow How AI supports formulation, costing, and iteration Reducing time to scale-ready formulas Collaboration and single source of truth for CPG teams Using AI as a teammate, not a replacement What founders misunderstand about AI and speed The future of AI in food and beverage innovation Meet Karen: Karen Huh is the co-founder and CEO of Zucca, an innovative operating system for product development in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, powered by AI. With over 20 years of experience, Karen has held leadership roles at Starbucks and numerous venture-backed brands, building a strong track record in product innovation and business development. Drawing on her in-depth knowledge of CPG workflows, she is dedicated to streamlining and unifying product development processes through advanced technology. Karen leads a diverse, expert-driven team at Zucca, helping brands of all sizes create, manage, and scale products more efficiently. Website LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:12 What Inspired Zucca 05:32 Early Exposure to AI 11:24 Challenges and Surprises in AI Development 16:30 Zucca's Unique Features and Benefits 19:02 User Experience and Implementation 24:59 Impact on CPG Companies 28:12 Customer Success Stories 30:47 Accessibility and Pricing

"Stop reaching externally for answers because intuitively, if you really, really sit quietly with yourself and feel, you have all the answers for yourself." —Dr. Jennifer Haley Our skin reacts long before we slow down enough to notice. Breakouts, inflammation, and chronic issues often point to patterns we normalize every day, from food choices to stress to environmental exposure. This conversation cuts through noise and shame and brings the focus back to what our bodies are already telling us. Dr. Jennifer Haley shares how her background in nutrition and dermatology reshaped the way she treats skin, not as an isolated problem but as part of a larger system connected to gut health, hormones, and the brain. Listen with an open mind and a grocery list nearby. Skin as a reflection of internal health Acne, rosacea, and the gut-skin-brain connection How food quality and blood sugar affect inflammation Dairy, processed foods, and hormone disruption The role of stress, cortisol, and nervous system balance Organic foods, pesticides, and everyday exposure Why moderation works better than restriction Cyclical health needs for women across life stages Trusting intuition over rigid wellness rules Meet Jennifer: Dr. Jennifer Haley is a board-certified dermatologist with nearly 22 years of experience and a strong background in nutrition. After earning her undergraduate degree in nutrition from Cornell University, she built her practice around a holistic approach to skin health, integrating nutrition and wellness into dermatological care. Dr. Haley is an advocate for education and patient empowerment. She is actively involved in developing AI platforms for dermatology, hosts her own podcast "Radiance Revealed," and shares insights into skin health and lifestyle. Dr. Haley is recognized for her commitment to helping patients take ownership of their health and for her passion in making expert dermatological care accessible to all. LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Podcast Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:31 Hormone Disruptors: What's Causing Adult Acne? 04:20 Detox and Prevention Tips 08:26 Intuitive Eating: Listen to Your Body's Signals 13:14 SIBO, Rosacea, and Dermatology: Connecting the Dots 16:54 Optimal Mood Through Gut Wellness 21:30 Diet Cycles: Thriving at Every Age 24:15 Adapting Habits for Lifelong Health

"In an entrepreneurial journey, fear is a constant roadblock. But everything's at risk, and it's this balance between calculated risk while still managing a backup plan." —Leslie Danford Growth does not come from chasing every opportunity. It comes from making clear choices and standing behind them. This conversation explores what it really takes to build a brand that lasts without losing direction along the way. We sit down with Leslie Danford, founder of Vitaminis, to talk through her evolution from a small, kid-focused idea into a national functional beverage brand now on Sprouts shelves. She shares how customer insights reshaped her product strategy, packaging, retail approach, and long-term vision. Press play for a grounded look at what sustainable growth actually requires, and why patience, clarity, and trade-offs matter more than hype. Building a functional beverage brand in a crowded market Identifying and serving distinct customer profiles Rebranding to support retail discovery and clarity Getting into national retail and what it really costs Choosing when to bootstrap and when to raise capital Managing growth without expanding too fast Navigating packaging challenges and sustainability goals Balancing mission, margin, and long-term impact Meet Leslie: Leslie is the founder and visionary behind Vitaminis, an innovative brand specializing in convenient, nutrient-rich drinkable vitamin shots designed for modern families and health-focused individuals. With a background in both e-commerce and retail, Leslie has led Vitaminis through a successful rebranding and national retail expansion, including an exclusive launch with Sprouts. She is celebrated for her strategic focus on product development for diverse customer needs—ranging from busy Millennial Moms to adults seeking natural nutrition—and is deeply committed to sustainability and accessibility. Leslie's entrepreneurial journey is marked by fearless decision-making, fostering brand growth, and a mission to make nutritious choices easier and more accessible for communities everywhere. Website Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:51 Business Growth and Customer Profiles 05:24 Drink Your Vitamins 09:42 Collaborative Innovation and Exploring Alternative Form Factors 13:27 Market Challenges 15:57 Funding the Dream 23:08 Calculated Growth + Back Up Plans 27:19 Community Engagement, Environmental Benefits, and Future Goals Resources: Podcast Health in a Sip: Fuel Your Day with Functional Clean-Label Shots with Leslie Danford

"If we can't bring the kids to the kitchen, maybe we can bring the kitchen to the kids." —Carolyn Federman Food education often gets treated as optional, even though it shapes health, culture, and opportunity from the very start. When kids lack access to hands-on food learning, the gap shows up everywhere from classrooms to hospitals. This conversation explores what changes when education meets practicality. Carolyn Federman shares how years of work alongside Alice Waters and the Edible Schoolyard revealed a major barrier. Teaching kitchens worked, but they were out of reach for most schools. That insight led to the creation of Charlie Cart, a mobile teaching kitchen now used across schools, libraries, food banks, and pediatric settings nationwide. Press play to hear how food education scales without losing heart, and why access must include skills, not just ingredients. How Charlie Cart was designed to bring cooking education anywhere kids gather Why food education is essential to food access and public health The role of culture, family, and shared meals in shaping lifelong habits Lessons learned from building and manufacturing a mission-driven product How schools, libraries, hospitals, and communities are using mobile kitchens What it takes to make food education a national priority Meet Carolyn: Before starting the Charlie Cart Project in 2014, Carolyn Federman led Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard Project, developed programming with the Jamie Oliver Foundation, co-founded the Berkeley Food Institute, and co-produced UC Berkeley's Edible Education course with Michael Pollan. She is a proud emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Public Library Foundation, and the author of New Favorites for Cooks (TenSpeed Press 2018), based on children's favorites from the Carlie Cart Project curriculum. Carolyn is the parent of two fabulous kids (who love to cook and eat!) Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:39 Meet Carolyn Federman: From Edible Schoolyard to Charlie Cart 05:04 Transition from Edible Schoolyard to Charlie Cart: Alice Waters' Support 08:34 The Importance of Shared Meals & Cultural Food Connections 13:19 Designing the First Charlie Cart: Inspiration & Early Challenges 17:54 Overcoming Startup Challenges and Manufacturing Hurdles 22:03 Lessons Learned: Building Trust and Navigating Business Relationships 27:34 Charlie Cart in Hospitals & Clinics: Adapting Food Education 31:43 The Meaning Behind "Charlie Cart": History and Inspiration 35:03 Defining Food Education: Access, Knowledge & Life Skills 36:01 How You Can Help: Advocacy, Voting, and Healthy Choices

"It is the most loyal customer segment that exists because people find it so hard to find places that they trust, that when they do and they have a good experience, they keep going back again and again. It's a huge revenue opportunity for restaurants to take advantage of transparency." —Dylan McDonnell Nothing about dining out should feel like a gamble. In this episode, we talk with Dylan McDonnell, founder of Foodini, about how accurate ingredient data and personalized menus restore trust and enjoyment at restaurants for people with celiac disease, allergies, and special diets. Dylan shares the personal story that launched the company and how Foodini tags menu items across restaurants, hotels, and stadiums so menus can show what is safe, what needs a modifier, and what to avoid. He explains the tech and operational challenges behind keeping menu data current and why transparency is also a major revenue opportunity for restaurants. Press play to hear why menu transparency matters now and how restaurants can make dining safer and more inclusive. Key topics covered Foodini's origin story and Dylan's celiac experience How dietary intelligence and personalized menus work Menu data, ingredient tagging, and QR-based experiences Challenges of keeping ingredient and supplier data accurate Why transparency builds trust and loyalty and opens revenue for restaurants The role of regulation and industry adoption How consumers and restaurants can get started with Foodini Meet Dylan: Dylan McDonnell is the founder and CEO of Foodini, a dietary intelligence platform that helps restaurants and food service providers deliver accurate, personalized menu information for more than 150 allergens and dietary needs. Inspired by his own lifelong experience with celiac disease, Dylan left a career in corporate law to build a scalable solution that brings transparency, safety, and inclusivity to dining. Under his leadership, Foodini has supported hundreds of thousands of users across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, partnering with restaurants, hotels, and stadiums to modernize menu data and improve the guest experience. He is recognized as a leading voice in advancing food-allergen transparency and helping the industry adapt to emerging regulatory standards. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:15 What is Foodini? Personalyzed Allergy-Safe Menu Explained 06:23 Market Research, Customer Interviews, and MVP 10:04 Loyalty, Revenue Opportunity, and Decision Influence 13:03 Data Problem in Food Service and Building a Tech Team 17:48 Self-Funded Offshore Build and Early Team Steps 22:34 Eating Freely Again 24:22 Explaining User Workflow

"In general, knowledge is power, and the more equipped we are with the tools we need, the better off we are. At a networking event, there were women who wish they knew about perimenopause, that it can be 10 years, and that it can impact mental health. Now I know, and I want me to tell my generation." —Lauren Tetenbaum Some moments in life flip a switch and make our bodies feel unfamiliar. A quiet shift shows up in our mood, sleep, energy, or reactions, and it becomes clear that something deeper deserves attention. This episode sits right in that space where questions rise, and real clarity begins. Lauren Tetenbaum shares how her own confusion around early symptoms pushed her into years of research and conversations that shaped her book Millennial Menopause. Her work blends mental health expertise, advocacy, and lived experience to help our generation understand this transition with confidence and community. Press play for a grounded, honest conversation that treats midlife health with curiosity, humor, and real support. In this episode: • Early signs of perimenopause in real life • How mood changes connect to hormonal shifts • What millennials are getting right and wrong about menopause • Why knowledge, community, and providers matter • Mental health patterns that deserve attention • Coping strategies for sleep, stress, and overall well-being • Strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that help • How culture shapes stigma around aging • Why open dialogue benefits our future selves Meet Lauren: Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C, MSCP, is a New York-based mental health provider, therapist, and advocate for women's health and empowerment. She is the author of the book "Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period," which was released in July 2025. A passionate educator and community builder, Lauren is dedicated to raising awareness, demystifying menopause, and providing women with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate midlife health transitions. Through her writing, research, and clinical practice, she empowers women to be proactive advocates for their well-being and fosters supportive conversations about topics traditionally seen as taboo. Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:50 Millennial Menopause 06:30 Mood Swings and Mental Health: The Stats You Need to Know 13:22 Fighting Myths and Pushing Better Support 17:18 Menopause vs Andropause 20:56 A Girlfriend's Guide for the Next Chapter of Life 23:49 No One Deserves to Suffer in Silence

"Sustainability, where you can, is always an important resource to go to first… This earth gives us such precious resources, and it's nice to maintain and take care of the earth as well for your children and children to come." —Ashley Berman The most meaningful jewelry isn't bought, it's reborn. It carries stories, fingerprints, and memories that outshine anything new. In a world chasing trends, there's power in slowing down, honoring what already exists, and turning what once sat in a drawer into something extraordinary. For jewelry designer Ashley Berman, the pandemic reshaped everything. When store shelves closed, she opened a new chapter, helping clients transform heirlooms into modern pieces that carry legacy and beauty in equal measure. Today, through Ashley Morgan Designs, she champions beauty built on story, craftsmanship, and sustainability. In this episode, Justine and Ashley unpack how to build a sustainable jewelry collection, what to ask before buying or recycling gold and stones, and the truth behind lab-grown versus mined diamonds, plus a look into her Holiday Market that celebrates local makers and meaningful design. Meet Ashley: Ashley Morgan Designs is a Bay Area-based jewelry design company. Ashley Berman, the creative brilliance behind the growing studio, uses her ability to evoke emotion from jewelry to craft pieces of art that are both reflective of individual style as well as the embodiment of personal histories. Ashley's custom designs are intended for individuals who wish to express their own unique spirit and beauty. As opposed to fleeting trends, Ashley draws her inspiration from her clients' stories, traditions, and cultures, as well as the natural world, to create her personalized designs. As a trained goldsmith in San Francisco, Ashley challenges the status quo. She leverages traditional techniques to ensure that all of her unique jewelry designs reflect the beauty and confidence of the people they adorn. Website LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:31 Meet Ashley: Ashley Morgan Designs 04:58 Sustainable Jewelry Practices and Client Experiences 08:52 Transparency and Certification in Jewelry 12:49 Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds 18:08 Timeless Pieces 21:20 The Future of Sustainable Jewelry 26:19 Holiday Market and Community Engagement 29:24 Ashley's Custom Jewelry Services

"Learning and seeing what customers respond to and what they like is how your brand grows. It's half me, but then it's how it's received. They help me decide what the rest will be. And it's so fun to co-create with customers in that way." —Xeba Zareie Some days, the body sends signals that can't be ignored. The bloating that shows up out of nowhere. The foods that once felt safe are suddenly turning into a guessing game. The search for relief becomes an ongoing job that no one feels prepared for. Xeba Zareie knows that life well. Years of gut illness shaped her path from film production to founding Preme Foods, where she created gentle, science-backed prebiotic blends designed for individuals who feel that nothing on the shelf actually works for their body. Press play for a refreshing perspective on gut health and the story behind a product built from lived experience, not trend chasing. In this episode: • What chronic gut issues reveal about stress, lifestyle, and hidden triggers • How plant diversity and prebiotic fiber shape long-term digestion • Why women face gut challenges at higher rates • The role functional medicine and Chinese medicine played in Xeba's healing • How Preme Foods created SIBO-friendly, low FODMAP hydration • Ingredient sourcing, European standards, and why they matter • The emotional side of restriction and rebuilding trust with food • Building a CPG brand rooted in science and personal history Meet Xeba: Xeba Zareie is an entrepreneur and founder of Preme Foods, a wellness-focused nutrition company specializing in gut-friendly, prebiotic beverage products. With a background in TV and film production, Xeba transformed her personal struggle with chronic gut health issues into a mission to create accessible, science-backed nutritional solutions. After working with a functional medicine doctor and experiencing her own healing journey, she developed a line of drink powders designed to support digestive health, particularly for women suffering from conditions like SIBO and IBS. Committed to using high-quality, European-grade ingredients, Xeba's approach emphasizes holistic wellness, nutrition science, and creating products that help people with sensitive digestive systems feel normal and nourished. Website LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:55 Meet Xeba— Lifelong GUt Struggles 02:15 Prebiotics vs Probiotics 06:05 The Emotional Toll of Eating Restrictions 10:00 The Rising Gut Health Conversation 13:22 Science-Backed SIBO-Friendly Ingredients 18:26 A Gut-Friendly Beverage Line 21:39 Why Women Suffer More Gut Issues 25:10 Glyphosate, Roundup, and Rising Gut Issues in the US 28:27 The #1 Dietary Killer 33:20 Customer-Led Product Innovation Resources: Discount Get 15% off when you shop at: https://premefoods.com/ Use code: essential15

"It's hard work being a farmer, and we just don't value it. And we just don't realize… that we're losing them." —Jennifer Grissom When SNAP and EBT are in flux, local food systems become a lifeline. This episode breaks down how farmers' markets can become emergency food hubs that protect both people and producers. Jennifer Grissom from Food Access LA shares how her nonprofit expanded market match, launched emergency food distributions, and coordinated with partners to meet urgent needs while keeping farmers paid. Listen now to learn: How market match stretches SNAP and keeps choice for families Tactical steps for rapid food distribution that support local farmers How teams cut unnecessary red tape and move quickly during crises The long-term threat to small farmers and what communities can do today Press play, subscribe, and leave a rating if this episode helped you understand what local food resilience looks like in practice. Meet Jennifer: Jennifer Grissom is the Executive Director of Food Access LA, a nonprofit organization committed to improving equitable access to fresh, nutritious foods across Los Angeles. The organization operates nine farmers' markets and leads community programs focused on nutrition education, food distribution, benefits access, and urban agriculture support. Jennifer works closely with small farmers, food vendors, and community partners to build a more resilient, people-centered local food system. Her leadership emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and sustainable economic opportunity for both families and farmers. Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:43 Overview of Food Access LA 04:24 Market Match and Emergency Funding Tactics 09:53 Red Tape vs. Action 11:35 Managing Demand & Communication 15:10 Planning in Uncertainty 20:22 Local Purchasing Agreements, Food Box Partnerships

"There is something missing in modern medicine that's not just about the therapy and exercises or about empowering the patient, but getting the patient to really choose self-care." —DeAnna Schaefer Stillness doesn't just happen; it's created. Between deadlines, worries, and daily noise, most of us forget what it's like to truly breathe. But when we give ourselves permission to pause, we begin to heal in ways no medicine alone can. After decades of treating pain through physical therapy, Point Reyes Lavender Co. Founder, DeAnna Schaefer, saw the missing piece: people weren't just aching in their bodies, they were worn thin in spirit. So she turned to lavender and the land of Point Reyes, blending science, nature, and soul to help others rediscover calm and care. Step into this conversation where business meets purpose, as DeAnna shares her journey of building a sustainable lavender farm, crafting healing products, and redefining what it means to choose joy, rest, and intentional living. Meet DeAnna: DeAnna Schaefer is the founder of Point Reyes Lavender Company and a seasoned physical therapist with over 25 years of experience. Combining her passion for healing with her love for agriculture, DeAnna transitioned from a successful career in physical therapy to establish a sustainable lavender farm in Point Reyes, California. Drawing on her scientific background and entrepreneurial spirit, she has developed a unique line of natural wellness products that emphasize self-care and community connection. DeAnna is dedicated to fostering a joyful, regenerative future through innovative business practices and meaningful collaborations within her local community. Website Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:54 Starting the Lavender Farm Post-COVID 06:12 Learning About Lavender: Agricultural Challenges, Medicinal Benefits, & Product Development 10:56 Lavender Effects 19:00 Entrepreneurship Journey: The Importance of Passion and "Feel" 22:34 Sustainability and Product Packaging 26:41 Future Plans and Expansion