Essential Ingredients Podcast

Holiday Gifting Series   Episode Description: “If you're passionate about something, go for it. It's just lots of ups and downs, and you just gotta ride that wave.” —Staci Inspektor   “We want to give back to the community that inspires us and has allowed us to do what we do.” —Nikki Reed   Elevating the every day with sustainable style - that's the new frontier of eco-conscious living. Thoughtfully designed textiles are proving that being kind to the planet doesn't have to sacrifice an ounce of sophistication. It's a delicate balance that's both beautiful and responsible. Atelier Saucier is a design house committed to breathing new life into fashion industry waste, reimagining discarded textiles into luxurious table linens and home accents. Founded by Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor, the brand is rooted in sustainability without sacrificing style. Learn more about Atelier Saucier's multifaceted approach to sourcing deadstock and upcycled textiles, its seasonal collection model that balances core essentials with limited-edition pieces, and its design process inspired by fashion, architecture, and current trends. Discover how the co-founders' complementary skills and collaborative company culture drive product development and community engagement. Tune in to uncover Atelier Saucier's inspiring story of marrying eco-consciousness and covetable design. Meet Nikki and Staci: Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor are the co-founders of Atelier Saucier, a modern table linen and tabletop decor brand based in Los Angeles.  With a background in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Nikki was inspired to create sustainable and stylish linens after struggling to find the right options for her own restaurant. As the operational and organizational force behind Atelier Saucier, Nikki brings her problem-solving skills and attention to detail to help grow the business. Staci Inspektor:  With a creative background in fashion design and interior design, Staci's innovative spirit and design expertise are the driving force behind Atelier Saucier's unique product offerings. Staci is responsible for the brand's seasonal collections and collaborations, constantly finding new ways to reimagine textiles into modern, eco-friendly home goods.   Website Facebook Instagram TikTok Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:38 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Sourcing 06:02 The Importance of Shared Strengths in Business  13:11 Empowering Employees  17:49 Holiday Collections and Unique Offerings   20:34 Future Collaborations  

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series  Episode Description: “Seaweed is an essential ingredient.” —Sachi Singh    Seaweed may be one of the most overlooked superfoods on the planet. This nutrient-dense aquatic plant is a true powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can work wonders for our health. Yet, many of us relegate seaweed to the occasional sushi roll or salad garnish, failing to recognize its full potential. Led by its Founder, Sachi Singh, Rootless is on a mission to mainstream the health and sustainability benefits of seaweed. With a background in climate and ocean solutions, Sachi is passionate about using seaweed to help women navigate menopausal symptoms while creating a more regenerative food system. Elevate your wellness routine and the planet's future as Justine and Sachi share why eating seaweed is beneficial for thyroid health, how seaweed can alleviate menopausal symptoms, tips for building a strong brand and product development team, how we can invest in a greener future, and Sachi’s advice for new founders.  Connect with Sachi:  Sachi Singh is the Founder and CEO of Rootless, a mission-driven food company on a mission to make seaweed an essential part of the American diet. With over a decade of experience in the climate and ocean space, Sachi is passionate about developing sustainable, nutrient-dense solutions that benefit both human and planetary health.  As a first-time founder, Sachi has built Rootless from the ground up, leveraging her background in environmental management and her family's roots in the "food as medicine" philosophy. Under her leadership, Rootless has developed a line of seaweed-based snacks that are helping women navigate the hormonal changes of menopause through the power of this ancient superfood.  Sachi is committed to creating a more equitable and regenerative food system, and she continues to be a vocal advocate for increasing access to sustainable, bioavailable nutrition. With Rootless, she is on a mission to change the way people think about and consume seaweed.   Website Instagram LinkedIn Medium Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:28 Seaweed Essential Ingredient  06:24 A Regenerative Food Crop for Climate Solution 13:28 Seaweeds as Medicine  19:51 Founder Things 26:07 Put Your Money Where Your Values Are  

“People want to know where your food comes from. Why shouldn't people know where your building materials come from?” —Gregory Wilson   Many of the building materials we use in our homes and workplaces can pose serious health risks. From toxic chemicals like formaldehyde to hazardous plastics, these materials can negatively impact indoor air quality and overall well-being. Therefore, it's time to rethink the foundations of construction and seek out sustainable, plant-based alternatives that prioritize human health. Gregory Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of HempWood®, a company revolutionizing the building industry with its eco-friendly, carbon-negative flooring solutions. With over 28 years of experience in the field, Wilson is on a mission to provide healthier, more sustainable materials for residential and commercial spaces. In this episode, Wilson discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the environmental and health benefits of Hempwood, the challenges of competing with cheaper but less sustainable options, and his plans for global expansion.   Meet Gregory:  Gregory Wilson is the founder of HempWood®, a company that produces sustainable building materials made from hemp fiber and soy protein. He has a background in business strategy, financial modeling, and product development, with experience in setting up operations in the USA and China. Gregory is also involved in other ventures such as SmartOAK Pty Ltd and QPC Partners, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly solutions in the real estate and manufacturing industries. He holds an MBA from Frostburg State University and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.   Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:47 Loving the Outdoors  05:40 The Only Carbon-Negative Flooring Company  14:00 Overcoming Challenges in Sales  18:49 Do Not Be a Minority Owner in Your Own Company  23:59 Expanding Global Reach  27:43  What People Care About Most  31:06 It's Not Easy to Do What's Right   

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series    Episode Description: “We need to know what we're doing so that we can support women to feel their best and live long lives.” —Dr. Anjali Dsouza   Welcome to the Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series, a special limited exploration of menopause and the essential ingredients for navigating this transformative life stage!  Menopause and perimenopause are significant life transitions that impact women's health in profound ways. From changes in mood and cognition to increased risks of chronic conditions, this natural hormonal shift can bring a host of challenges. Yet, with the right knowledge and support, women can navigate this transformative period with greater ease and vitality. District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM) Founder, Dr. Anjali Dsouza, is a leading expert in integrative medicine and a certified specialist in menopause care. Drawing on her extensive training and passion for holistic wellness, she provides comprehensive guidance to help women optimize their health during this pivotal stage of life. In this insightful conversation, Justine and Anjali delve into the physiological changes of menopause, the importance of food as medicine in navigating the challenges of menopause and perimenopause, practical tips for symptom management, and a wealth of resources to support women on their journey.   Meet Anjali: Dr. Anjali Dsouza is the Founder of District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM). She is a board-certified physician specializing in Integrative Medicine, Palliative Care, and Psychiatry. Her areas of particular interest are women’s health optimization, autoimmunity, digestive dysfunction, lifestyle medicine, nutritional medicine, preventative care, and metabolic health.   Website Facebook Instagram   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:17 The Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini-Series 03:10 Meet Anjali 08:33 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause  12:28 Menopause: Common Symptoms and Health Risks  16:51 Food as Medicine for Menopause  20:03 Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms  26:44 Resources and Support for Menopause  

“What a lot of people don't quite understand about plant-based meat is that you have to understand the industry that you are replacing.” —Christie Lagally    The plant-based meat industry is at a pivotal moment, with innovative companies harnessing the power of technology to transform the way we think about sustainable protein. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge manufacturing processes and high-quality products, these visionaries are paving the way for a future where plant-based alternatives are not just viable, but the preferred choice for consumers, institutions, and the planet. At the forefront of this revolution is Christie Lagally, the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods. A mechanical engineer by trade, Lagally has leveraged her expertise to develop game-changing technology that makes plant-based meat production faster, better, and more affordable than ever before. In this episode, Justine and Christie dive into the challenges of building a business around plant-based alternatives, developing the technology and market strategy to succeed, the impact of the hype cycle, funding challenges, addressing health concerns, and more.   Meet Christie:  Christie Lagally is the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods, a manufacturing technology company working to make plant-based meat available and affordable for everyone. With a background as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, Lagally transitioned to founding Rebellyous in 2017 to combine her personal values and professional expertise to address the negative impacts of industrial animal agriculture.  Under her leadership, Rebellyous has developed innovative processing equipment to produce high-quality, price-competitive plant-based meat products, with a focus on serving large-scale customers like school lunch programs.  Lagally is committed to creating a sustainable path forward for the meat industry to transition to plant-based production, driving positive change for the environment, human health, and animal welfare.   Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 05:01 Rebellyous Foods: Challenges and Early Development  13:05 The Hype Cycle and Its Impact 23:55 Health Concerns and Future Plans  35:06 Collaborations, Partnerships, and Exit Strategies  40:00 Future Opportunities   

“For something that you eat every day or consume every day, shouldn't it be the best quality ingredients that you can possibly have?” —Adrienne Lufkin For something we consume on a daily basis, the food we choose should be of the highest quality possible. Granola has long been a breakfast staple, but many store-bought varieties are packed with added sugars and artificial ingredients. It’s time to shift to a granola that’s good for us.    Adrienne Lufkin, the Founder of Struesli, brings a unique perspective to the granola game. As a former private chef, she learned firsthand the power of using food as medicine to support her clients' health needs. Now, she's on a mission to share her better-for-you granola with the world.   In this episode, Adrienne takes us through her entrepreneurial journey - from ideation to securing investors, building a talented team, and expanding Struesli's distribution. Tune in to learn how she's revolutionizing the granola category and providing a healthier breakfast option for all.     Meet Adrienne Lufkin: Adrienne Lufkin, seasoned private chef and founder of Struesli, combines her love for food, health, and human connection through her recipes. With a background in crafting clean and nutrient-dense meals for clients and her personal struggles with Crohn's Disease and Migraines, Adrienne is passionate about supporting people along their health journeys.   Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:04 Adrienne’s Personal Health Challenges 04:43 From Chef to CPG Founder  09:51 Funding and Team Building  15:38 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities  20:54 Product Expansion and Distribution  24:15 What’s Next?  

“If your soil is nutritious, all those micronutrients are now being born into your food.”—Caryl Levine   “There's no standing still. You're moving forward or you're moving backwards. To regenerate is to actually restore or bring to health, or bring to life, the living systems that sustain us.” —Ken Lee   Rice is the staple food for over half the world's population, providing essential nutrients and sustaining livelihoods. Yet, the true potential of this ancient grain remains largely untapped. From heirloom varieties to regenerative farming practices, the story of rice is one of resilience, innovation, and global impact. As the co-founders of Lotus Foods, Caryl Levine and Ken Lee have dedicated over three decades to promoting rice biodiversity, empowering smallholder farmers, and championing sustainable agriculture. Their unwavering commitment to transforming the rice industry has positioned them as trailblazers in the realm of conscious consumerism and regenerative food systems. Tune in to this captivating conversation as Caryl and Ken share their journey, from uncovering hidden rice treasures to spearheading the regenerative organic certification movement. Discover how Lotus Foods is addressing misconceptions, educating stakeholders, and navigating challenges to drive innovation and create a more nourishing and equitable future for rice. Meet Caryl and Ken: Caryl Levine and Ken Lee are the co-founders of Lotus Foods, an organic heirloom rice company they started in 1995. With a shared passion for promoting rice biodiversity and supporting smallholder farmers, Caryl and Ken have dedicated over 30 years to building a purpose-driven business that creates positive social and environmental impact. As pioneers in the organic and regenerative food movement, Caryl and Ken have led Lotus Foods to become the first rice company to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification. They have championed innovative farming practices like the System of Rice Intensification, which reduces water usage and labor-intensive work, particularly for women farmers.  Through their commitment to education and advocacy, Caryl and Ken have worked tirelessly to address misconceptions about rice cultivation and elevate the voices of smallholder farmers in the global food system. Their vision for a more sustainable and equitable food future continues to inspire and guide the evolution of Lotus Foods.   Connect with Lotus Foods: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Pinterest TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 03:59 The Road to Entrepreneurship 09:32 Smallholder Farmers  20:53 Education and Consumer Perception 29:35 The Importance of Maintaining Company Culture 33:32 Staying True to Company Values  

Series: World Food Day    Episode Description: “If you have healthy soil then you have a healthy system.” —Lily Verdone    Our agricultural lands are the beating heart of our communities, tended to by the hardworking hands of farmers and ranchers. Safeguarding these vital landscapes is not just an environmental imperative, but a moral obligation— a promise we make to those who came before us, and a gift we must pass on to generations yet to come.    As Lily Verdone settles into her third year as CEO of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), her focus has shifted towards reinvesting in the lands the organization has worked tirelessly to protect. By channeling resources into innovative stewardship programs, MALT aims to not only safeguard the land but also empower the farmers and ranchers who are the backbone of Marin's agricultural community. Lily believes that this reinvestment will unlock the full potential of the land, benefiting both the environment and the people who depend on it.   In this episode, Justine and Lily explore the critical role that land trusts and conservation organizations play in addressing pressing environmental and agricultural challenges. Join in as they discuss innovative programs that support farmers and drive holistic, systems-based approaches to land management, the value of partnerships, and the trend of younger, diverse leaders bringing fresh perspectives to traditional conservation organizations. Connect with Lily:  Lily Verdone is the CEO of Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), a leading land trust focused on protecting farmland in Marin County, California. Lily has over 20 years of experience in environmental conservation, having previously worked with organizations like The Nature Conservancy on climate change and land management initiatives.    As CEO of MALT, Lily is responsible for leading the organization's efforts to preserve over 60,000 acres of agricultural land through conservation easements and sustainable stewardship practices. She is passionate about finding innovative solutions to support the viability of local farming and ranching communities.  Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:49 What is MALT? 07:44 Protect the Land  10:16 The Water Conservation Issue 15:30 Shifting the Quality of Life  18:17 The 5 Pillars of MALT   23:17 Building Partnerships  26:23 The Land Trust Movement   

“They know they're going to get taken care of when they come to school. That's one of the most important things that we can do, and then they're ready to learn.” —Laura La Vacca   Food and nutrition are often overlooked as the most important part of a child's day, despite their crucial role in fueling young minds and bodies. Yet, while schools play a vital part in ensuring students have access to healthy, nourishing meals, the integration of food education into the curriculum remains a challenge.    Laura La Vacca is the Food Service Director of Burlington School District in Vermont. Her primary role is to oversee the district's federally funded meal programs and spearhead initiatives to incorporate local, fresh produce into school cafeterias.   From the importance of building trust with students to the transformative power of hands-on food education, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of school nutrition and its potential to shape the next generation's relationship with food.   Tune in as Justine and Laura discuss the importance of building trust and relationships with students to encourage them to try new, healthy foods, the transformative impact of hands-on food education, the challenges of balancing federal nutrition guidelines with student preferences and limited resources, he vital role of school nutrition programs in providing nourishing meals and a sense of community for all students, plus much more.  Connect with Laura:  Laura La Vacca is the nutritionist for the Burlington School District in Vermont, bringing over two decades of experience in school nutrition to her role. Responsible for overseeing the district's federally funded meal programs, Laura is dedicated to integrating local, fresh produce into school cafeterias and empowering students to develop a lifelong love of nutritious foods through hands-on education and community-based partnerships.   LinkedIn   Connect with Burlington School District: Website Facebook X  Instagram YouTube Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:49 USDA Guidelines and Requirements for Meal Planning  04:24 The Impact of Peer Influence and Hands-On Experiences  07:23 Healthy Meals for the Community 11:17 The Number of Food-Insecure Students 15:02 Integrating Food and Nutrition Into Education 22:01 Mission: Sustainable School Nutrition Programs  25:06 The Need for Continued Advocacy  

Series: Edible SchoolYards   Episode Description: “It's harder for adults to try new things. So when we build those habits with kids, they can disseminate that and spread that joy to their family members— it's really, really powerful.” —Charlotte Steele    Food education is a powerful tool for supporting kids' holistic development. By providing access to fresh ingredients, teaching cooking skills, and connecting food to culture, we can empower the next generation to make informed, nourishing choices that benefit their health and communities.    The Edible Schoolyard Project is an innovative food education initiative that integrates garden and kitchen classrooms into the school day, empowering students to explore the connections between food, health, and community. By cultivating hands-on learning experiences that foster food literacy, agency, and appreciation for local food systems, Edible Schoolyard aims to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become conscious, confident consumers.   In this episode, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans Director, Charlotte Steele joins Justine to discuss the transformative power of food education programs that go beyond just teaching nutrition facts, the challenges of implementing these kinds of programs, the broader implications of these programs for global food education and the role of cafeterias in promoting healthy food choices. Connect with Charlotte:  Charlotte Steele is the Director of Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, a pioneering food education program that empowers students to build a positive relationship with food through hands-on learning in gardens and kitchens. With a background in human development and social relations, Charlotte is deeply passionate about using food as a vehicle to support the holistic growth and well-being of young people.   Under Charlotte's leadership, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans has become a model for integrating food-based education into the school day, providing over 4,000 student experiences annually across four public charter schools. Through her work, Charlotte is committed to increasing food access, fostering agency, and cultivating food-literate individuals who will carry these essential life skills into adulthood.   An engaging public speaker, Charlotte has shared her expertise on leveraging food to drive personal and community transformation at events throughout the region. Her vision is to see food education become a standard part of every child's learning experience, empowering the next generation to make informed, nourishing choices that benefit both their own health and the health of the planet.   LinkedIn   Connect with Edible Schoolyards New Orleans: Website Facebook X  Instagram   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:08 Access and Agency  07:16 Understanding Food Access   11:57 Food and Community  15:30 Equipping Students with Essential Food Knowledge 20:25 3 Ways To Help Kids Build A Positive Food Relationship  24:56 Tradition and Mindfulness  30:01 An Important Life Skill