Essential Ingredients Podcast

“When you're an entrepreneur, there's opportunities everywhere. And part of the art is the discernment of the opportunity that is not only going to be achievable but has the highest, long-term return. That comes with experience, but if you understand your tools better, you get there faster.” —Joni Kindwall-Moore Our modern food system has become disconnected from nature's inherent wisdom. Agriculture prioritizes yield over nutrition, flooding our bodies with empty calories that lack phytonutrients and fiber. This imbalance is having disastrous health consequences, amplifying the rising rates of preventable diseases. Reconnecting agriculture with its original purpose of nourishment is key to reversing these trends.  Snacktivist Foods is a food innovation company that is transforming underutilized crops into healthier comfort foods using ancient grains and ingredients. Founded by former nurse Joni Kindwall-Moore, Snacktivist's mission is to elevate nutrition and sustainability through innovative plant-based products. This week’s conversation aims to reestablish the linkage between agriculture, food, and human health by creating products from nutrient-dense crops that provide medicinal benefits. Listen in as Justine and Joni discuss why modern highly processed foods are leading to overeating, how creating better-for-you alternatives can help address diet-related diseases, how embracing imperfection and continuous improvement leads to more sustainable behavioral changes and success in wellness goals, and how lifestyle interventions can impact health outcomes.   Meet Joni:  Joni Kindwall-Moore is the founder and CEO of Snacktivist Foods, a food innovation company focused on elevating underutilized crops. She has over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse, where she worked in critical care units and saw firsthand the human suffering caused by diet-related diseases. This inspired her to leave healthcare and launch Snacktivist to create healthier comfort foods using ancient grains and ingredients with medicinal properties. Under Joni's leadership, Snacktivist has raised over $3 million in grants to further its mission of connecting agriculture to better health outcomes. When she's not running her company, Joni enjoys advocating for more responsive and sustainable food systems.   WebsiteFacebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 03:48 Nutrition and Microbiome Health 09:19 The Importance of Balance in Food Choices 12:44 Food Innovation for Health 17:21 Meeting the Challenges of Fundraising  20:58 How Diet Impacts Life Expectancy  

“The food system is broken. There's no way around it… But can you make the best choice you can make with what's in front of you?” —Jamie Poe    The traditional camping aisle has long been due for an overhaul. Growing consciousness now allows us to see outdoor adventure not just as an escape, but as an extension of our values. We seek harmony with nature through mindful gear, sustainable practices, and nutrition in tune with the landscape.     Into this space have stepped innovators who understand the modern outdoors person. Poe&Co. is a catering and food products company founded by chefs and partners Jamie Poe and Jayson Poe. Driven by their passions for local, seasonal cuisine and the outdoors, they have established a thriving catering business while launching a line of plant-based camping meals.   Listen in Justine and Jamie also talk about how bootstrapping allows creative control over the business, how strong partnerships require balancing visionary and operational roles, why new ventures require flexibility, the challenges of choosing sustainable packaging, and the importance of supporting local economies and small businesses, as well as consulting with experts to improve products. Meet Jamie:  Originally from Los Angeles, Jamie Poe attended The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After graduating in 2005, she moved to New York City and cooked at Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe and Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern. Since then, Poe has worked as a Private Chef in New York City, The Hamptons, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, and Santa Barbara. Jamie also managed a boutique olive oil company in Napa Valley and has contributed to multiple cookbooks and online publications.   WebsiteFacebook Instagram TikTok Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 04:38 Challenges of Building a Catering Company 08:21 Partnership and Division of Responsibilities 14:23 Making It Healthy and Accessible 18:33 Lessons in Launching a New Food Product 22:39 Packaging Focused on Sustainability  26:47 Catering with Plant-Based Options     

“If you always knew, you may think twice. But then you approach it with audacity.” —Maria Paula Garces   Mushrooms are nature's secret superfoods, quietly working behind the scenes to nourish both humans and Earth's ecosystems alike. Combined with the indulging flavor of cacao, these mushroom morsels form the newest way to nourish both taste buds and total wellness.   Founded by Maria Paula Garces, Fungible Chocolates creates chocolate bars infused with single strains of functional mushrooms to provide targeted health benefits like focus, immunity, and relaxation. They aim to educate consumers on the untapped wellness potential of mushrooms through clean, simple products.   Listen in as Justine and Maria share the benefits of using single-mushroom extracts versus blends in functional mushroom chocolates, the challenges of starting a business related to fungi, the importance of finding a product that aligns with one's values and enjoying the process of creating something material from an idea, and the value of building a strong foundation for a successful business through diverse advisory boards and consistent networking events. Meet Maria:  Maria Paula Garces is the founder and CEO of Fungible Chocolates, a functional mushroom chocolate company based in California. She has over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur, having launched 10 startups in various industries including health foods and organic clothing.  Prior to founding Fungible Chocolates, Maria worked as a marketing manager in the biotech industry. Maria takes a lean, self-funded approach to building her businesses and has raised a small round of investment. She is focused on researching new mushroom extracts and expanding Fungible Chocolate's product line while maintaining simplicity and accessibility.  When she's not running her company, Maria enjoys networking in the startup community to build her knowledge and advisory network.   Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest  YouTube   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 03:32 A Dive Into Functional Mushrooms and Chocolate 10:12 Mushroom Benefits and Their Role in Agriculture  16:46 Funding and Growth with a Lean Perspective  21:07 Building a Strong Advisory Board  

“The things that you run away from, you end up going back to as you get older.” —Aishwarya Iyer  Because of our busy schedules, it's all too easy to rush through meal preparation on autopilot. But cooking with presence and awareness has profound benefits for both body and soul. With each conscious action in the kitchen, whether stirring a pot of soup or mixing a salad, we nourish our mind and spirit, as well as our physical needs. The mindfulness we cultivate over the stove can spread throughout our day, improving mood and relationships toward more conscious living. Aishwarya Iyer’s passion for conscious cooking inspired her to create Brightland, where she strives to elevate people's connection to their food through products that encourage mindfulness. By sharing the stories of the farmers and flavors behind each product, she aims to help customers more present and aware during mealtimes, allowing them to reap the mental and physical benefits of living in the moment while nourishing themselves and their loved ones. In this episode, Justine and Aishwarya talked about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people, Brightland's organic and regenerative products, Ash’s strategic approach to growing the company, and the value of mindful cooking and making thoughtful choices to nourish both body and soul.   Meet Aishwarya: Aishwarya Iyer is the founder and CEO of Brightland, an olive oil, vinegar, and honey company based in California. She launched Brightland in 2017 after becoming passionate about food and cooking oils. Under her leadership, Brightland has grown to produce a variety of high-quality, organic, and regenerative olive oils, vinegar, and honey. Brightland partners directly with small farms to source ingredients and tell the story of sustainable agriculture. Prior to founding Brightland, Aishwarya worked in the beauty industry and tech startups. She credits her experiences in consumer products and the startup world with giving her the skills to successfully launch and scale her own company. Aishwarya is committed to building Brightland through a strategic and calm approach while delighting customers.   Website Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:55 Walking the Path of Entrepreneur 05:19 Overcoming Barriers to Success 10:30 Mindful Cooking 15:06 Partnering with Local Farmers 18:57 The Value of Advisors 23:51 Emphasis on Quality and Uniqueness  31:02 AVoiding Rancidity  

“You can't leave the question of justice out of sustainability. Because if large numbers of people feel disempowered, or left out of the process, there's nothing sustainable about that.” —Dr. Laird Christensen    Building a sustainable and regenerative future requires innovative education and community engagement. When educational programs empower people with practical knowledge of their local ecosystems and economies, they gain the tools to strengthen food systems, land use, and social networks where they live. Dr. Laird Christensen is an award-winning instructor and administrator at Prescott College, where he directs innovative graduate programs focused on sustainability and resilience. Through story-based and project-centered learning, his curricula empower professionals to create just and sustainable communities. Tune in as Justine and Dr. Christensen cover critical issues on empowering students to address challenges in their regions through bio-regional and solutions-based approaches, the need for inclusive solutions that benefit all people as energy systems transition away from fossil fuels, overcoming climate anxiety, and reinventing systems in a more regenerative and equitable manner.   Meet Laird:  Laird Christensen is an award-winning instructor, writer, and administrator. As the director of the Master of Science in Resilient and Sustainable Communities program at Prescott College, he has developed innovative project-based curricula and interdisciplinary programs focused on how stories shape the interaction of human communities and their environments. With over 10 years of experience directing online graduate programs, Laird is passionate about empowering working professionals to build more sustainable and just communities through place-based and solutions-oriented learning. LinkedIn Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 04:35 A Focus on Solutions-Based Learning 08:38 Student Innovation Builds Sustainable Food System 14:51 Creating Systemic Resiliency Through Education and Community Engagement 19:31 Understanding Different Perspectives to Address Social and Environmental Issues 23:33 Communication Strategies for Creating a Regenerative Future

 “This isn't just a purchasing decision. This has huge and sweeping ramifications. As consumers, we dictate the food system; our choices pull a lever that directly dictates how all this works.” —Marshall Bartlett     Sustainable meat production is about more than just the end product— it's also about supporting a holistic farming system that nourishes both people and the land. When consumers make the conscientious choice to purchase meat from farms practicing this kind of care, it solidifies a food system that will continue nourishing communities for many years to come.   This week, Justine sits down with Marshall Bartlett, the co-founder and CEO of Home Place Pastures, a fifth-generation family farm in Mississippi that has transformed over the past decade to practice regenerative agriculture through rotational grazing of grass-fed beef and pastured pork. Marshall aims to improve soil health, support ethical animal welfare, and make locally grown, sustainable meat accessible in his community.   Tune in as Justine and Marshall talk about the challenges of conventional agriculture, how regenerative practices like rotational grazing can improve soil health and sequester carbon long-term, and the importance of education and storytelling to help consumers understand labels and make informed choices that support small, local producers. Meet Marshall:   Marshall grew up in the Home Place and fell in love with the farm and his hometown throughout his childhood. After graduating from the Mississippi School of Math and Science, Marshall left the South to attend Dartmouth College for undergrad. After college, he spent time in Montana, completed an AmeriCorps term in New Orleans rebuilding houses destroyed in Katrina, and eventually ran operations for a small business specializing in sourcing local meat for New Orleans chefs.   In 2014, at the age of 24, Marshall returned to the Home Place with a new vision for the family farm and has worked for the last 10 years to bring this vision to reality. You can usually find him on the Home Place Monday through Saturday somewhere between the meat plant, the farming operation, and the Farm Store. He often gives farm tours and butcher classes at the Home Place. He spends his off-farm time with his wife Katie and daughter Joan or traveling to help learn from other farmers and meat processors.   Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 02:33 Farming Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Practices 12:44 Financial Viability Concern  16:13 Connecting Food with Health and Planet   21:56 Manipulated Label Claim in the Meat Industry  25:17 Local and Sustainable Meat Production  28:44 Local Foods and Consumer Impact  34:05 Animal Welfare and Regenerative Agriculture  36:46 Supporting Local Agriculture   

“Choosing a non-alcoholic option isn't a less than choice.” —Anika Sawni The lines between drinkers and non-drinkers are beginning to blur as new options emerge. Where social events were once defined by their alcohol consumption, people now gather for deeper connections unbound by beverage choices.  Gruvi co-founder, Anika Sawni’s vision celebrates the joy of community while empowering individuals to make choices that align with their health, values, and mood. Their growing range of sophisticated yet accessible zero-proof options ensures no one ever feels left out or like a third wheel due to their drinking habits alone.   Listen in as Anika shares her journey launching Gruvi, and their focus on taste, variety, and accessibility when crafting their award-winning non-alcoholic bevies. Justine and Anika also discuss the growing interest in reducing alcohol consumption, what mindful drinking means, and how we can help build an inclusive drinking culture.  Meet Anika:    Anika Sawni is the co-founder and Director of Marketing at Grüvi, a company that produces alcohol-free beverages. She studied neuroscience at McGill University before teaming up with her brother, Niki Sawni, to launch Grüvi.   Anika’s journey with Grüvi began when she noticed the lack of non-alcoholic options at social gatherings. This observation led her to create a healthier alternative that could complement social experiences without adding inebriation.   Grüvi started with a focus on the cannabis community in Denver, and it quickly gained popularity. Today, Grüvi’s products, which include alcohol-free wine and beer, are sold across more than 1,500 stores, including Whole Foods, Total Wine, Target, and the Canadian grocery chain, Sobeys.   In addition to her work with Grüvi, Anika has also served as the VP of Events for McGill Students for DueNORTH from 2016 to 2019. She was named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list in its food and beverage category in 2021. Anika’s future aspirations include founding a company focused on brain-based interventions.   Anika Sawni’s work with Grüvi exemplifies her commitment to promoting healthier lifestyle choices and her innovative approach to addressing gaps in the beverage market.   Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:42 Building a Non-Alcoholic Brand  08:49 Working with Family 11:58 Addressing Consumer Barriers  18:45 Shifting Societal Attitude Toward Drinking 22:36 Mindful Drinking Habits 28:02 Focusing on Taste and Accessibility  

“I try to remove ego from as many of these decisions as I can as that's one of the greatest inhibitors to future success.” —Connor Godfrey When external pressures or internal imbalances knock us from our center, discomfort and disease can take root. However, balance is not found by force but through nurturing what needs nurturing within. Therefore, by supporting our body's innate wisdom with natural remedies, mindfulness, and self-care, we allow its equilibrium to renew. Founded by Connor Godfrey, Rasāsvāda is a spirit restorative company that creates herbal spirits using traditional Chinese medicinal plants and ingredients. Rasāsvāda aims to help consumers on their lifelong wellness journeys through plant-based remedies without preservatives that promote healing and restore balance.   Listen in as Justine and Connor dive deep into nature-inspired wellness solutions, including traditional Chinese medicine and adaptogenic ingredients. They also share the importance of treating business obstacles as a game, balancing ego and growth, regularly assessing and pivoting the business strategy, including education in crafting marketing strategy, and more.  Meet Connor: Connor Godfrey is the founder and CEO of Rasāsvāda, a spirit restorative company based in New York City. Rasāsvāda creates spirits made from 100% plants and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Connor was inspired to start the company after turning to Eastern medicine to help heal from personal struggles.    Connor has a background in private equity and comes from a family with experience in herbalism and tea. As the sixth generation entrepreneur in his family, he leverages his knowledge of Eastern wellness practices to formulate Rasāsvāda’s adaptogenic products. Under Connor's leadership, Rasāsvāda focuses on education and innovation, with a mission to help customers on their wellness journeys through plant-based remedies and restorative rituals.   Website Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:06 Eastern Medicine and Spirit Restoration 04:50 Business Partnerships and Navigating Challenges  11:47 A Focus on Adaptogenic Ingredients  17:47 Wellness, Education, and Education   

“We want to get people to recognize that there are better-for-you options in the alcohol world.” —Jennifer Roman-Matito   While a night of fun and frivolity is part of the social experience, the unpleasant physical effects of a hangover can leave us longing for a better way— a way to continue the party without the painful playoff.  In this episode, Justine sits down with Jennifer Roman-Matito, the co-founder of Mother's Milk, a coconut water cocktail company that offers a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks. She created Mother's Milk to provide hangover-free beverage options made with natural ingredients for conscious drinkers. Jennifer shares how her interest in healthier alternatives was sparked by unwanted physical reactions to alcohol and how this led her to create a line of coconut water-based RTD cocktails designed for hydration without hangovers. Tune in to hear the challenges of launching and growing a female-founded business from the ground up, what conscious drinking means, plus, advice on choosing the right ingredients, building strategic partnerships, and fundraising as a small business.    Meet Jennifer:  Jennifer Roman-Matito is a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Mother's Milk, a pioneering coconut water-based cocktail brand aimed at health-conscious individuals with a penchant for revelry. Armed with a degree in Communications and Media Studies from CUNY-Hunter College, Jennifer combines her passion for innovative products with her rich island heritage to craft beverages that resonate with a diverse and adventurous audience.   As a self-funded and female-founded initiative, Mother's Milk stands as a testament to Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating distinctive offerings in the beverage industry. Leveraging her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management, Jennifer spearheads the brand's distribution efforts, forges strategic partnerships, and orchestrates impactful marketing campaigns to propel Mother's Milk into the spotlight.   Through Mother's Milk, she not only offers refreshing libations but also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals who embrace wellness without compromising on enjoyment. With Jennifer at the helm, Mother's Milk continues to captivate taste buds, spark conversations, and carve its niche as a trailblazer in the beverage industry.   Website  LinkedIn Instagram     Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:29 Alt Drinks for Hangovers 05:05 Building a Lifestyle Brand 09:17 Challenges and Solutions for Female-FOunded  13:38 Finding Strategic Partners 18:09 Conscious Drinking  

“When one person makes the decision to be more mindful, more conscious, it starts to have a little bit more of a ripple effect.” —Jennifer Roman-Matito Conscious drinking is gaining popularity as people recognize that alcohol consumption is a choice where informed decisions matter. Younger generations especially are looking for drinking experiences to satisfy their desire to socialize without sacrificing how they feel. This trend speaks much about the mainstreaming of preventative health habits and considering ingredients in all areas of life, including how we enjoy social beverages. Jennifer Roman-Matito is the co-founder of Mother's Milk, a groundbreaking coconut water-based cocktail brand designed for health-conscious individuals who enjoy vibrant experiences. With a passion for creating unique products that reflect her island heritage, Jennifer utilizes her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management to distribute the brand, foster partnerships, and generate excitement within a diverse and adventurous audience. The conversation explores the growing trend of conscious drinking. Tune in as Justine and Jennifer define conscious drinking and discuss how conscious drinking is impacting the food and beverage industry, social gatherings, and the overall health and wellness of consumers. They also talk about the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic options, as well as collaborating on future events and partnerships to further the conversation around mindful alcohol consumption. Meet Jennifer:  Jennifer Roman-Matito is a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Mother's Milk, a pioneering coconut water-based cocktail brand aimed at health-conscious individuals with a penchant for revelry. Armed with a degree in Communications and Media Studies from CUNY-Hunter College, Jennifer combines her passion for innovative products with her rich island heritage to craft beverages that resonate with a diverse and adventurous audience.   As a self-funded and female-founded initiative, Mother's Milk stands as a testament to Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating distinctive offerings in the beverage industry. Leveraging her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management, Jennifer spearheads the brand's distribution efforts, forges strategic partnerships, and orchestrates impactful marketing campaigns to propel Mother's Milk into the spotlight.   Through Mother's Milk, she not only offers refreshing libations but also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals who embrace wellness without compromising on enjoyment. With Jennifer at the helm, Mother's Milk continues to captivate taste buds, spark conversations, and carve its niche as a trailblazer in the beverage industry.   Website  LinkedIn Instagram Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 00:46 What is Conscious Drinking 04:28 Conscious Drinking and Its Growing Popularity 11:06 Conscious Drinking and Its Impact on Social Gathering 19:45 Conscious Drinking and Collaboration with Brands 24:15 Conscious Drinking and Mindfulness