Essential Ingredients Podcast

Episode 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 with a deep passion for food, media, and cultural storytelling. Her entrepreneurial journey transforms traditional Mexican snacks into modern, health-conscious offerings through her CPG brand. Tune in as Justine sits with Seena to share her journey of launching a culturally inspired snack brand and how she navigated challenges in product development, market positioning, consumer education, scaling, cultural food innovation, and more.  Meet Seena: Seena Chriti is a Food and culture expert with TV and print media experience. Her focus is on visual media, such as TV and video production of Food segments. Her passion is the relationship of food with culture, history, art, its meaning, and symbolism. 
 Seena has worked in television, newspaper, and magazines, always highlighting the historical or symbolic value of food so that it is never taken for granted since it is considered one of the most important aspects of human life. She believes that food is the only element of culture that enters our body and becomes part of us.   Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube    Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:52 Meet Seena  04:26 The Role of Incubators and Accelerators 08:41 Consumer Feedback and Product Adjustments  14:21 Exciting Innovations  20:38 Consumer Perception and Market Challenges  Resource: Discount  Get a 10% discount when you shop at: https://paktlifoods.com/  Use discount code: 10%OFF

Episode 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 is a visionary third-generation farmer who leads StarWalker Organic Farms, championing regenerative organic agriculture and raising heritage breed livestock in their natural environments. With a deep commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices, Jason is not just a farmer, but an educator and advocate for transforming our understanding of food production and its impact on human and environmental well-being. Listen in as Justine and Jason decode the complex landscape of regenerative organic farming, exploring the intricate connections between soil vitality, heritage breeds, certification standards, and the profound impact of conscious agricultural practices on nutrition and environmental sustainability. Meet Jason:  Jason Walker is a third-generation farmer and co-founder of StarWalker Organic Farms, a pioneering regenerative organic farm with nearly 45 years of organic farming experience. As a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, Jason has transformed his family's farm by implementing regenerative practices that prioritize soil health, animal welfare, and ecosystem diversity. Jason is committed to educating consumers about the importance of regenerative farming and its impact on nutrition, environmental sustainability, and food production.    Website Instagram Facebook YouTube  TikTok Pinterest     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:23 The Origin: StarWalker Organic Farms  07:34 Transitioning to Regenerative Organic  10:19 The Impact of Regenerative Farming on Soil and Ecosystem   21:38 Regenerative Farming: Challenges and Opportunities 29:03 Heritage Breeds and Nutrient-Dense Meat 38:44 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement 40:04 Availability and Accessibility of Regenerative Products

Episode 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. Jamiah Hargins is a visionary urban farmer and social entrepreneur who founded Crop Swap LA, a nonprofit revolutionizing food production in unused urban spaces. With a mission-driven approach, he has developed groundbreaking strategies for community-based agriculture and water management. Tune in as Justine and Jamiah talk about water conservation, community-driven food independence, entrepreneurial resilience, organic gardening techniques, local food distribution, and innovative strategies for creating sustainable, resilient food systems. Meet Jamiah:  Jamiah Hargins is the founder of Crop Swap LA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing food on unused urban spaces and promoting food independence. With a mission to transform local food systems, he has developed innovative approaches to urban agriculture, water conservation, and community-driven food production. Over the past seven years, Crop Swap LA has impacted approximately 1,000 people monthly, growing food across 10 different locations in Los Angeles.  An experienced social entrepreneur, Jamiah has previously launched multiple ventures and is passionate about creating sustainable, regenerative solutions to food insecurity. His work focuses on empowering communities to grow their own food, implement water recycling systems, and reduce dependency on traditional agricultural supply chains. Jamiah is also developing educational resources to help other communities replicate Crop Swap's model across the United States.   Website LinkedIn Instagram YouTube     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 02:54 Empowering Community Leaders 06:50 Water Conservation and Rainwater Capture 17:44 Expanding the Movement 26:05 Community and Mentorship 29:49 Crop Swap: Impact and Future Plans 35:22 Upcoming Events and Campaigns

Episode 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 instructor at the Culinary Institute of America and founder of The MMK Method, she bridges culinary expertise with environmental consciousness. Listen as Justine and Janet unpack the secrets of reducing household food waste, creative strategies for involving kids in mindful eating, insights about food storage and preservation, the profound environmental impact of conscious consumption, and practical, joy-filled approaches to transforming kitchen habits that benefit both families and the planet. Meet Janet:  Janet Irizarry, M.Ed, is the founder of the My Mindful Kitchen (MMK) Method, a program dedicated to fostering mindful eating, sustainability, and well-being. With a Master’s in Education from Arizona State University and extensive experience in teaching, instructional design, and hospitality, she develops impactful courses at The Culinary Institute of America and advocates for food sustainability as Editor of Hudson Valley EATS. Passionate about reducing food waste, Janet collaborates with initiatives like Food Waste Prevention Week and inspires positive change through education, community engagement, and her innovative MMK Method.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 03:26 Raising the Next Generation of Mindful Foodies 05:44 The MMK Method  10:52 Practical Tips for Reducing Food Waste 15:57 The Role of Mindfulness and Family Involvement 26:23 The Impact of the MMK Method 31:55 Creating at Home Change    

Founder 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 the complex terrains of restaurants and marketing, transforming setbacks into strategic victories. With a rich background spanning multiple industries, he brings a unique perspective on building sustainable businesses and helping entrepreneurs break through their most challenging obstacles. Tune in as Justine and Sebastian deconstruct the entrepreneurial code, revealing raw survival strategies, marketing game-changers, personal growth blueprints, mentorship secrets, and the critical mindset shifts that can turn potential business failures into extraordinary success stories. Meet Sebastian:  With over 19+ years in the hospitality industry, Sebastian has owned and operated multiple restaurant concepts and served as the Head of Marketing and Partner at an award-winning restaurant group in South Florida operating six brands. Sebastian’s track record speaks for itself. He has helped numerous restaurants around the country transform their business and drive revenue growth. His approach is not just about short-term gains but also about building a solid foundation for long-term success. Sebastian’s mission is to help restaurant owners gain freedom in their business. His wealth of experience, combined with his strategic mindset and creative flair, make him an invaluable asset for any restaurant owner looking to elevate their brand, attract new customers, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth. When he is not working you can find him at home hanging out with his wife and playing with his daughter Annika.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube      Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:13 Falling in Love with the Restaurant Biz 06:55 Navigating a Growing Business  11:14 Overcoming the Blind Spots   18:53 The Impact of Building Relationships on Business  31:12 How to Survive the First Year of Business  37:56 Just Keep Doing 40:04 The Road to Becoming a Good Leader

Episode 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 effortless and satisfying Tune in as Justine interviews Ash about how about Thistle's remarkable journey from a passion project to a mission-driven food company, exploring how they blend health, sustainability, entrepreneurial resilience, and innovative meal delivery to create positive change for individuals and the planet. Meet Ashwin:  Ashwin Cheriyan is an entrepreneur, recovering corporate lawyer, and a mediocre surfer. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of Thistle, a Bay-area-based modern, tech-enabled, organic food and nutrition company. He was also the co-founder of WeGoFair, a social enterprise providing ratings for hotels and restaurants reflecting their performance on social and environmental issues. Prior to Thistle and WeGoFair, he spent 4 years in New York as an M&A associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he worked alongside senior management and cross-functional deal teams in collective transactions valued at over $100 billion. He received his A.B. in Economics from Brown University and his JD from The University of Texas School of Law. Outside of Thistle, he spends his energy working with, advising, and investing in startups, mountain biking throughout Marin County, suiting up in neoprene to surf the waves of Bolinas, and enjoying the abundant culinary delights the Bay Area has to offer.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X TikTok   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 02:05 Building a Heath and Sustainability-Driven Biz 15:44 Challenges and Growth of Thistle  27:46 Thoughts Before Seeking Venture Financing  31:52 The Importance of Passion and Alignment 36:05 The Broader Impact of Collective Action  39:44 From Skeptical Partners to Loyal Customers    

Founder 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, the Founder of Journey Foods, a cutting-edge platform that leverages AI to transform the way companies approach food innovation. With a diverse background spanning VC, chemistry, and entrepreneurship, Riana is at the forefront of driving positive change in the food industry. Tune in as Justine and Riana discuss the role of AI in revolutionizing food formulation and sourcing, the impact of Journey Foods on companies of all sizes, the importance of transparency and education in the food industry, and more.    Meet Riana:  Riana Lynn, MPH is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and AI consultant dedicated to transforming the global food system through innovative, data-driven solutions as the founder and CEO of Journey Foods. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer and Google Entrepreneur-in-Residence, she has delivered over 230 speaking engagements at prestigious forums worldwide. As the inventor of the first AI patent for generative recipes and one of the first women with an AI software patent, Riana leads Journey Foods and Journey Labs in setting new industry standards. She combines her focus on creative community building with her commitment to business challenges. Riana holds degrees and formal training in Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Black Studies, Public Health, and Artificial Intelligence from multiple prestigious institutions. Based in Atlanta, she enjoys collecting art, growing fruit trees, and exploring culinary and architectural heritage sites globally.   Website LinkedIn Instagram X Dribble   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:24 Bridging the Nutrition Gap with AI 04:57 Food and Chronic Diseases 09:24 AI in Food Innovation 16:19 Journey Foods’ Services and Impact 21:56 Connect with Journey Foods

Beyond 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 redefining the way we think about community through the lens of food. Wen-Jay Ying is the founder and CEO of Local Roots, a community-driven and minority-owned company in New York City. With over 14 years of experience in the local food movement, Wen-Jay continues to innovate and find new ways to connect people to their food sources. Tune in as Justine and Wen-Jay share insights on traditional and online marketing strategies, operational models, the evolution of the local food movement, overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges, reflections on closing the business, and building community and customer relationships. Meet Wen-Jay:  Wen-Jay Ying is the founder and CEO of Local Roots, a community-driven and minority-owned company in New York City. Wen-Jay started Local Roots in 2011 with the goal of making high-quality local and organic ingredients more accessible and convenient for New Yorkers. Under her leadership, Local Roots has grown into a trusted source for seasonal, regeneratively-grown produce and other local food products.  Wen-Jay is passionate about education, transparency, and empowering consumers to make better food choices. With over 14 years of experience in the local food movement, Wen-Jay continues to innovate and find new ways to connect people to their food sources.    Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X YouTube Pinterest   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 01:51 Local Roots: Modernized CSA 04:15 Initial Marketing a Community Building  09:26 Operational Model and Customer Experience 14:37 The Evolution of the Local Food Movement  18:11 Overcoming Financial, Structural, and Operational Challenges 25:01 The Emotional Process of Closing a Business  32:03 Tips on Building a Community  

The 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, food startups can unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and accelerate their path to success. Beyond the physical space, shared kitchens offer a wealth of resources, education, and networking that can be game-changing for any food business. Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility in New Jersey that has supported over 60 food businesses since its inception. With a background in marketing and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Djenaba has built a thriving ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of CPG and meal prep companies. Tune in as Justine sits down with Djenaba to discuss the resources, collaborations, and community that make Hudson Kitchen a hub for food business growth. Meet Djenaba:  Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility based in Carney, New Jersey. She started the business in 2016 after being laid off from her corporate job, pivoting from an initial plan to launch a fitness business.  At Hudson Kitchen, Djenaba supports over 60 food businesses, primarily focused on consumer packaged goods and meal prep companies. She has created educational resources like a "10 Steps to Starting a Food Business in New Jersey" guide and a Food Business Boot Camp program to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their food ventures.  In addition to providing physical kitchen space, Djenaba has fostered a collaborative community at Hudson Kitchen, where members share resources and support each other's growth. She also hosts networking events featuring industry experts to connect with her members and provide them with valuable connections and insights.   Website LinkedIn Instagram    Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:54 Sustainable Food Delivery and Packaging 04:01 Founding the Hudson Kitchen  11:12 More Than a Kitchen: Resources and Support Hub 19:48 Expanding Reach: Local to National Support  

Instant 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 what if we could reimagine this beloved staple to be both delicious and better for our bodies and the planet? Thuong Tan, the visionary founder of Noodelist, has done just that. With a background in luxury branding and a deep-rooted passion for noodles, she's on a mission to elevate the instant noodle experience with a plant-based, sustainable solution that doesn't sacrifice flavor.  Tune in as Justine and Thuong discuss the journey of creating a healthier, more sustainable instant noodle, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the power of branding and marketing to stand out in a crowded market, the benefits of having a co-founder, the importance of teaching young ones to eat healthy, and more.    Meet Thuong:  Thuong Tan is the founder of Noodelist, a plant-based instant noodle company that offers a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional instant noodles. With a background in international business and a passion for food, Thuong embarked on a mission to create a better-for-you instant noodle product that delivers on both taste and nutrition.  After completing her MBA in luxury branding, Thuong was inspired to leverage her marketing and branding expertise to develop Noodelist. The company's products feature clean, plant-based ingredients and are packaged in eco-friendly materials. Thuong's goal is to make nutritious and delicious instant noodles accessible to a wider audience, from busy professionals to health-conscious families. Under Thuong's leadership, Noodelist has gained a loyal following for its innovative approach to a classic convenience food. Thuong continues to drive the company's product development and expansion into new distribution channels, with a focus on making a positive impact on people's diets and the environment.   Website Instagram Facebook    Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 01:42 Loving Noodles 07:06 Walking the Entrepreneur Path 14:28 Challenges and Insights in Entrepreneurship 19:02 Marketing and Strategy  24:14 Building Healthy Habits to the Younger Generation       Resources:  💲Get a discount when you shop at Noodelist. Just use promo code: HAPPINESS