Essential Ingredients Podcast

Gut, Food, & Health series   Episode Description: “Your taste buds have a different agenda than your mind and your gut. They're not connected in congruence all the time. So what tastes good in your mouth, is not necessarily what your gut or your brain needs.” —Dr. Edison de Mello    Your gut is the gateway to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that the gut-brain connection can significantly influence your mood, cognitive function, and immune system? Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for optimizing both physical and mental wellness. Dr. Edison de Mello MD, PhD, is a renowned expert in the field of integrative medicine. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, he seamlessly blends cutting-edge Western medical practices with the wisdom of Eastern holistic approaches to provide personalized, comprehensive care to his patients. Discover the profound impact of food on gut health, the challenges of implementing dietary changes, and the importance of tailored solutions as Dr. de Mello and Justine Reichman dive deep into the gut health revolution. Meet Dr. de Mello: Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. Dr. de Mello completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, where he trained in a biopsychosocial model and integrated complementary medicine into Family Medicine. Inspired by his grandmother, Nana, who practiced natural healing, Dr. de Mello's approach combines Western and Eastern medicine, focusing on treating the mind, body, and spirit. He has written several articles and contributed to Dr. Andrew Weil's upcoming book on the microbiome and food addiction. Dr. de Mello is also on the advisory board of several organizations and a member of various professional associations. Website  Instagram Facebook YouTube X   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:13 Food and Gut Health 04:46 Mindfulness and Food Insensitivity   07:33 Allergy and Intolerance Test 13:59 Tailoring Dietary Advice and Personal Needs 16:45 The Role of Medical Education in Nutrition 20:50 Navigating Global Health    

“There are ups and downs through all of that. You have to be prepared for those days when things don't feel like they're moving ahead. And you have to bring the same type of passion, the same drive on either type of day.” —John Thorp   “You're never trying to get a yes out of anyone you're talking to when you are an early founder; you are trying to get a not, no… If it's getting bad feedback, fix it immediately and go right back. You have the ability to change someone's mind after they've made an opinion.” —Buzz Wiggins    Sparkling water has become a beloved beverage for its refreshing fizz and health-conscious appeal. Yet, the environmental impact of single-use containers and the lack of customization options have left many consumers seeking a more sustainable and personalized solution. How can we rethink the way we enjoy carbonated drinks? John Thorp and Buzz Wiggins, the co-founders of Aerflo, have dedicated themselves to revolutionizing the sparkling water experience. With their innovative portable carbonation system, they are empowering consumers to take control of their hydration while minimizing waste. Tune in as Justine Reichman sits down with John and Buzz to discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a sustainable product, the far-reaching benefits of their approach to sparkling water, the benefits of having the right co-founder, the lie we were all made to believe about recycling, and more! Meet John:  With over a decade of experience as an alternative investment professional, John Thorp brings a strong business acumen and strategic mindset to Aerflo. John is passionate about designing sustainable products that improve the lives of consumers while also reducing environmental impact. Under his leadership,  Aerflo has developed innovative carbonation technology and established a unique refill model to move beyond single-use waste. John is committed to building a company that creates positive change through thoughtful, consumer-centric design. LinkedIn   Meet Buzz:  As a skilled designer and problem-solver, Buzz Wiggins has been instrumental in the development of Aerflo's innovative product design and packaging. Leveraging his expertise in product design and optimization, Buzz has led the team in creating a seamless user experience while also ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Aerflo system. Buzz's creative approach and attention to detail have been crucial in bringing Aerflo's vision to life. LinkedIn   Connect with Aerflo: Website LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:07 The Inspiration Behind Aerflo  16:33 Challenges and Prototyping  22:10 Business Building Lessons  31:50 Focus on Environmental Impact 34:30 The Lie We Were Made to Believe

Episode Description: “You can't live out your best life and fulfill your passions… if you don't feel good.”—Meredith Mann   Perimenopause can be a time of profound hormonal shifts, often accompanied by challenges like fatigue, mood swings, and weight fluctuations. What if the key to navigating this transition lies in the power of protein?   Meredith Mann, the founder and CEO of The Peachie Spoon, is a holistic nutrition expert and former personal trainer who has dedicated her career to empowering women to achieve optimal health and balance through simple, nourishing recipes and lifestyle strategies. Tune in as Meredith shares her personal journey with insulin resistance, the importance of blood sugar management, her experience and lessons learned from turning her hobby into a business, her insights on supporting perimenopausal women's health and wellness, plus much more Meet Meredith: Meredith Mann is a CPT, holistic nutrition coach, and founder of The Peachie Spoon. Married for 19 years with three teenagers, she loves creating simple, wholesome recipes in her kitchen. She has written two cookbooks, runs the Well Made Academy online course, and has now launched The Peachie Spoon Nutrition Products.     Website Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:11 Struggling with insulin Resistance and Hypoglycemia 04:40 From Hobby to Business 10:05 Developing and Launching a Product 16:42  Meredith’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 22:47 Writing and Publishing a Book 26:11 Find the Ideal Recipe for Your Dietary Needs at The Peachie Spoon   

"The secret to success is the art and science of growing vegetables online to high-performing academic standards. So we are transforming both the lens of public education and personal eating outcomes." —Stephen Ritz   Imagine a classroom where students don't just read about science but experience it firsthand by growing their own food. This isn't some futuristic fantasy— it's the reality created by the Green Bronx Machine, a pioneering program that is transforming public education one school at a time. Stephen Ritz is the visionary behind this game-changing initiative. As an educator, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for community empowerment, he has dedicated his life to unlocking the potential of underserved students through the power of hands-on, food-based learning.  Listen in as we revisit this classic episode and discover how Stephen's innovative approach is yielding remarkable results, from improved academic performance to greater environmental stewardship and a renewed sense of purpose.     Connect with Stephen: Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx educator who believes that students should not have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. An internationally acclaimed award-winning educator, Stephen is the author of the best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant, and founder of Green Bronx Machine. Known as “America’s Favorite Teacher,” Stephen is responsible for creating the first edible classroom in the world, which he has evolved into the National Health, Wellness, and Learning Center. He and his students have grown more than 100,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx.  He was a Top Ten Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, named Global Humanitarian, Food Tank Hero, TEDx Prize Winner, and a Global Food Educator, and has presented at the Obama White House three times. Stephen believes that together, via collaboration, and coalition and get to yes solutions, we can all prosper!   Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with Green Bronx Machine: Website Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  X LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:15 Steve’s Documentary   04:52 Steve’s Impact on Schools 06:29 Green Bronx Machine Curriculum and Accessibility 09:49 The Impact of Green Bronx Machine Programs 10:07 How to Donate to Green Bronx Machine 12:24 Student Success Despite Economic Challenges  

“Transparency and authenticity are the new currency. If you don't figure that out, you won't be able to get the purchases because consumers today want to understand what the brand is about … They want to see the humans behind the brand.” -Jake Karls   Transparency and authenticity are the new currency in today's business landscape. Consumers crave genuine connections with the brands they support, valuing honesty and vulnerability over polished perfection. In a world saturated with noise, the brands that dare to be unapologetically themselves will rise above the rest. Jake Karls is the co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, a modern-day chocolate company redefining the way we indulge. As a passionate advocate for transparency and innovation, Jake has built a brand that prioritizes both functional nutrition and emotional connection. Revisit this insightful conversation as Jake shares Midday Squares' journey of growth, legal challenges, and the power of staying true to your values in a rapidly evolving industry.     Connect with Jake:  Jake Karls is an actuary turned modern-day Willy Wonka. He co-founded Mid-Day Squares in 2018 along with his sister and brother-in-law. They manufacture the world’s first Functional Chocolate Bars: “Everything a chocolate bar isn’t, everything a protein bar wishes it was.” The social skills he acquired from running run a clothing brand (Chase & Hunter) became a strength for Mid-Day Squares, his role being the Chief Rover Officer and Resident Social-Personality. He makes a noise, builds relationships, and spreads love.    Website Podcast Facebook  X Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  X LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:26 What’s New with Jake?  04:50 Giving the Ownership to the Consumers 08:17 Transparency is the New Currency 10:50 Trust is the Key  

“Our mission is to raise healthy animals, to get a healthy product by having healthy soil.” —Mandy Schmidt    Healthy soil leads to healthy animals, which in turn lead to nutrient-dense, sustainable food. This cyclical relationship holds the key to a more resilient food system.  Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch, where she and her family have been raising grass-fed livestock for over 30 years. Committed to regenerative agriculture, Mandy prioritizes land stewardship and species-appropriate diets to produce the highest quality meat. In this episode, Mandy shares the secrets to her family's sustainable ranching practices, from the importance of soil health to the benefits of grass-fed beef and lamb. Tune in as Justine and Mandy talk about the definition of grass-fed vs. grass-finished livestock, the role of soil health in animal and human nutrition, generational knowledge and continuous learning in family farming, transparency and consumer education in sustainable agriculture, and more.  Meet Mandy:  Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch in West Marin, California. Mandy and her family have been raising grass-fed beef cattle, sheep, and goats on their family ranch for over 30 years. Committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, Mandy prioritizes soil health and species-appropriate diets for her livestock. As a mother of two, Mandy is passionate about providing nutrient-dense, transparent food options for her community. Mandy leads ranch tours and educational events to connect consumers with the origins of their food. Through her work, Mandy aims to inspire others to make more informed choices about the food they consume and its impact on personal and planetary health.   Website Instagram TikTok Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:27 Traditional Livestock Care Methods  03:29 Grass0Fed vs Grass-Finished 07:08 Evolving Conversations About Food 10:34 The Role of Soil Health and Food Quality  14:58 Buying Power and Direct Relationships 18:35 Questions for Informed Choices 22:45 Generational Challenges and Continous Learning  27:10 Transparency and Consumer Education  

“It's not that capitalism is out to destroy the environment. It's basically there to make money. And so, if you can replace the mechanism by which it makes money with something that is beneficial for the environment, it'll continue to do that.” —Scott “Scotty Claus” Martin   Christmas trees are a beloved tradition, but the environmental impact of cutting down millions of trees each year is undeniable. But what if there was a way to enjoy the festive spirit of a Christmas tree without the waste? The answer may lie in the concept of living, rented trees— a sustainable solution that's gaining traction. Scott “Scotty Claus” Martin, the founder of the Living Christmas Company, has dedicated his career to revolutionizing the way we celebrate the holidays. With a background in landscape design and a passion for environmental stewardship, Scotty has been on a mission to change the narrative around Christmas trees and promote a more sustainable approach. Tune in as Scotty shares his inspiring journey of founding the Living Christmas Tree Company, the strategies he's developed to balance business needs with his social mission, the power of changing people’s narrative, his broader vision for using social entrepreneurship to drive positive change, plus tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Meet Scotty:  Scott Martin, also known as Scotty Claus, is the founder of The Living Christmas Company. The idea for the company was born from his experience delivering Christmas trees for a local nursery during his Christmas vacation. Scotty Claus was struck by the joy and magic that a Christmas tree brought into homes but also saddened by the sight of discarded trees after the holiday season. This inspired him to create a more sustainable way to celebrate Christmas. In 2008, he founded The Living Christmas Company, which allows people to rent living Christmas trees for the holiday season. After the season, the trees are returned to the nursery, repotted, and cared for until the next year. If a tree becomes too large to be used as a Christmas tree, it is planted in the local community or nearby forests through an Urban Reforestation Project2. Scotty Claus's innovative approach has not only provided an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Christmas trees but has also expanded to include various communities in California, with hopes of reaching environmentally conscious people across the nation   Website   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:47 The Evolution of The Living Christmas 03:16 Sustainability and Value of Living Christmas Trees 09:23 Navigating Challenges and Expanding Impact 14:46 Social Entrepreneurship 19:09 Tools and Strategies for Success 21:03 Future Goals and Vision  24:19 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs  

“A job is a give and take. You give your time, you build momentum, and you build value in the community; but then you also receive financial remuneration. But this is about cooking as well, and the healing component of kitchens.” —Kate Rogers    “It's not just for a job, it's for the future. These kids are thinking long-term, which is something that is hard to see in the youth.” —Nelson German   “Just one thing going right can change your life.” —Michael Bauer   For many young adults facing hardship, the path to a brighter future can seem daunting. But with the right support and guidance, their lives can be transformed in remarkable ways. Empowering at-risk youth to find their passion and purpose is a powerful catalyst for change. Kate Rogers, the founder and executive director of the Sprouts Chef Training Program, has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive job training, mentorship, and financial workshops to empower young adults. Partnering with renowned chefs like Nelson German and Michael Bauer, the program is changing the trajectory of lives, one trainee at a time. Tune in as Justine interviews Kate, Nelson, and Michael to discover the inspiring stories, the program's holistic approach, the long-term impact of empowering at-risk youth through culinary arts, and more. This Giving Tuesday, you can give the gift of opportunity. $5,000 sponsors a life-changing 3-month paid internship through the Sprouts Chef Training Program. And the best part? NextGen Purpose will MATCH your donation, doubling your impact. Donate today and change a life! Meet Kate: Kate Rogers is the founder and executive director of the Sprouts Chef Training Program. Driven by her personal experiences and a deep passion for empowering at-risk youth, Rogers established Sprouts with the goal of providing culinary training and job opportunities to young adults facing hardship. Under her leadership, the program has expanded to multiple cities, partnering with renowned chefs and restaurants to offer comprehensive training and mentorship. Rogers' unwavering dedication to creating positive change in the lives of the program's participants has been instrumental in Sprouts' success and growth.   Meet Michael:  Michael Bauer is a renowned food writer and restaurant critic. He served as the restaurant critic and food editor for the San Francisco Chronicle for over 32 years, establishing himself as a leading voice in the Bay Area culinary scene. Since leaving the Chronicle, Bauer has dedicated his time to supporting the restaurant industry and giving back to the community. He currently serves on the board of the Sprouts Chef Training Program, where he leverages his industry expertise to help mentor and empower at-risk youth interested in culinary careers.   Meet Nelson: Nelson German is the chef and owner of alaMar, a popular restaurant in Oakland, California. With over a decade of experience in the industry, German has established himself as a respected figure in the Bay Area culinary community. In addition to running his own successful restaurant, German has been an active participant in the Sprouts Chef Training Program, serving as a mentor and providing hands-on training to young adults looking to break into the restaurant industry. German's commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of culinary talent has made him an invaluable asset to the Sprouts program. Connect with Sprouts Chef Training Program: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:17 The Sprouts Chef Training Program  05:46 Meet Nelson 14:45 Changing the Lives of Youths 15:06 Meet Michael  25:09 Giving Tuesday 36:03 Youth Empowerment: Investing on Long-Term Impact  

“It is challenging to stand out there and pitch your idea to total strangers. But as you do it, you realize you can do it, and you get better at it the longer you do it.” —Monica O’Neil   “Not only in the business,  it's extended to our life. I'm now driving an electric car, and we're now both composting, which we weren't before. The little, tiny bits we're doing with this are starting to eat into our lives.” —Cindy Estes   The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also generates an overwhelming amount of waste from single-use gift wrapping. This staggering issue highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to reduce our holiday footprint.  Monica O'Neil and Cindy Estes, the co-founders of Rapt GiftWrap, have answered this call with their innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Monica and Cindy have combined their expertise to create a reusable fabric gift wrap that not only reduces waste but also offers a stylish and practical alternative to traditional wrapping paper. Tune in as Monica and Cindy share their inspiring journey, covering key insights on sustainability, thoughtful product development, embracing sustainable lifestyles, educating and building a market, leveraging entrepreneurial experience, adaptability and customer-centricity, overcoming marketing challenges, and their collaborative strengths.  Meet Monica and Cindy:  Monica O’Neil is a New England transplant with a youth spent in Chile, Venezuela, and Morocco. Fluent in 3 languages with a Master’s in French Literature, Monica spent a decade teaching at several area high schools. Becoming a mother was a natural evolution - there is a lot of overlap in the skill set. Monica is still trying to educate but the subject is a little more straightforward - reducing waste with fabric gift wrap - and there’s a lot less homework. A California native who married New England, Cindy Estes started Seam, a children’s clothing line, with 4 children in tow. As a young graduate, Cindy became the first in-house graphic designer at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and worked with various artists and curators to create a consistent brand strategy. With a background in design and experience in clothing manufacturing, she brings her sense of style, design, and implementation to Rapt gift wrap.  Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Pinterest    Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:50 The Birth of Rapt 04:02 Developing the Product Concept  06:52 Sustainability and Business Practices  09:45 Cultural Context 13:02 Marketing and Customer Feedback  15:16 Entrepreneurship and Collaboration 18:28 Navigating Challenges  23:07 Community Engagement  

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series   Episode Description: Part of the success of an entrepreneur is owning your story and taking control of that journey. So you have to put yourself out there.” —Gita Vellanki   Menopause can be a challenging transition for many women, marked by a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. While often overlooked, finding natural solutions to manage these changes is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Functional nutrition offers a promising approach to addressing menopause woes, empowering women to take control of their hormonal balance. Gita Vellanki is the Founder of Neeshi, a CPG company dedicated to creating innovative functional food products that support women's health. With a background in corporate operations and a lifelong passion for holistic wellness, Gita is committed to destigmatizing conversations around women's health issues and providing natural solutions. This week, Justine and Gita discuss Gita's holistic approach to women's health, her mission to destigmatize conversations around menopause, the invaluable support of her entrepreneurial community, her meticulous research and development process, and the strategic vision driving Neeshi's growth. Tune in.  Meet Gita:  Gita Vellanki is the Founder of Neeshi, a CPG company that creates functional food products to support women's health. After struggling with her own and her daughter's painful period symptoms, Gita was inspired to develop a natural solution using high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients.  With a background in corporate operations and a lifelong passion for holistic health, Gita has leveraged her expertise to build Neeshi from the ground up. She is committed to destigmatizing conversations around women's health and empowering others to take a proactive approach to their well-being.  Under Gita's leadership, Neeshi has developed a loyal customer base and received validation from healthcare professionals. As the company continues to grow, Gita remains dedicated to creating innovative products that seamlessly integrate functional nutrition into everyday life.   Website Facebook Instagram     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 03:15 Unique Challenges and Mindset Required in Entrepreneurship 08:26 Support Needed 14:08 Bootstrapping and Marketing Strategies 19:31 Family Involvement and Product Development   23:36 Product Line and Market Positioning 29:13 Research and Development Process 33:39 Expanding Retail