Essential Ingredients Podcast

Episode Description: "How can we make growing your own food possible in environments where it normally wasn't? Or can we drastically lower the impact of water use, fertilizer use, or resources used to drive to the grocery store? That's a big impact that we can have if we can allow you to grow your own food right at home." —Conner Tidd What if you could grow fresh, pesticide-free produce just steps from your refrigerator, regardless of where you live? Indoor vertical farming isn't just a trend— it's a revolutionary approach to sustainable, accessible food production. Conner Tidd is a sustainability expert and the co-founder of Just Vertical, a pioneering company reimagining how urban dwellers grow food. With a Master's in Sustainability and a passion for solving global food challenges, Conner has developed innovative indoor gardening solutions that make fresh, local produce possible for everyone. Tune in as Justine and Connor reveal how indoor vertical farming can slash water usage, eliminate pesticides, reduce food miles, and empower individuals to become home producers—transforming our relationship with food, one garden at a time. Meet Conner: Conner Tidd is the co-founder of Just Vertical, an innovative indoor farming company that designs indoor gardens and vertical farming solutions. With a Master's degree in Sustainability, he aims to make fresh, locally grown food accessible to people in urban environments and remote locations. Conner's entrepreneurial journey focuses on addressing food security, reducing environmental impact, and providing sustainable solutions for growing produce in challenging climates. Through Just Vertical, he helps individuals grow pesticide-free, fresh vegetables and herbs in their own homes, with a mission to create resilient and affordable food systems. Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X YouTube Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 03:25 Historical Context and Current Trends in Food Production 05:09 Water and Resource Efficiency in Vertical Farming 21:14 Pesticide-Free Produce 23:23 A Journey Into Entrepreneurship: Mistakes and Lessons Learned 33:37 How to Set up a Vertical Garden Resources 💲Discount Get 10% off your order when you shop at: https://justvertical.com Use code: ESSENTIAL

Episode Description: "Once you start eating your own food, it expands your taste horizons and you can't be afraid to experiment. If it doesn't work out and it's horrible, just put it in the compost bucket and start over. It's okay, you'll be fine." —Marjory Wildcraft Food is not just sustenance; it's a fundamental human right that we've outsourced to complex, fragile systems. This disconnection from food sources has transformed us into passive consumers dependent on a market that creates an illusion of abundance, masking a precarious supply chain that can unravel in moments. But we are not powerless. Our backyard is a potential fortress of food security, self-sufficiency, and resilience. Marjory Wildcraft is a pioneering educator who teaches sustainable food production and home medicine skills. She has developed innovative systems for growing food in diverse environments, helping people reclaim their food independence. Tune in as Justine and Marjory explore how we can transform our living space into a productive food ecosystem through urban gardening, home medicine, animal protein production, seed diversity, nutrient cycling, and economic resilience strategies. Meet Marjory: Marjory Wildcraft is the founder of The Grow Network, which is a community of people focused on modern self-sufficient living. She has been featured by National Geographic as an expert in off-grid living, she hosted the Mother Earth News Online Homesteading Summit, and she is listed in Who's Who in America for having inspired hundreds of thousands of backyard gardens. Marjory was the focus of an article that won Reuters' Food Sustainability Media Award, and she recently authored The Grow System: The Essential Guide to Modern Self-Sufficient Living—From Growing Food to Making Medicine. She is best known for her DVD series Grow Your Own Groceries, which has over half a million copies in use by homesteaders, foodies, preppers, universities, and missionary organizations around the world. Beloved for her humorous, non-judgmental, get 'er done style, Marjory raised two teenagers in Central Texas and currently splits her time between Paonia, CO, and Puerto Rico. When she's not building an online network, being "Mom," and tending her family's food supply, Marjory loves playing, running, doing gymnastics, skateboarding, acquiring skills from the Paleolithic era (yes, she is part cavewoman!), and experimenting with anything and everything related to food production and sustainability. Join the I Can Grow Food webinar to learn the fastest and easiest ways to produce healthy and delicious meat, eggs, and vegetables with Marjory: http://www.backyardfoodproduction.com Website Instagram Facebook X YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:20 Meet Marjory: A Journey of Food Security 08:00 Practical Tips for Urban Food Production 14:55 Transitioning to Home Medicine 21:11 The Role of Marketing in Sustainability 26:56 Preparing for Future Food Security 30:01 Integrating Ancient Practices with Modern Needs 33:01 The Nutritional Value of Backyard Livestock 38:54 Start Growing Your Food

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