

Grow Everything Biotech Podcast
Messaginglab
Grow Everything reveals the world of biology as technology. Hosts Erum Khan and Karl Schmieder interview leaders and influencers biologizing industries with tools like synthetic biology, precision fermentation, bioprospecting, and more. These companies make biomaterials from waste, cosmetics that restore healthy hair and skin, and delicious cultivated foods in a bioreactor and so much more. Join us as we discuss the latest and greatest across biotech, synbio, entrepreneurship, and culture and how this transition is solving healthcare and climate change challenges.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
147: "Shhh…They’re Talking: Holoclara's Dr. Andrea Choe Tunes Into Worm Signals for Health”
What if we could treat debilitating diseases by listening in on the "secret, invisible language" of worms? In this groundbreaking episode, we talk with Dr. Andrea Choe, Co-Founder and CEO of Holoclara, who uncovered a "universal worm language" used for hundreds of millions of years. Dr. Choe reveals how our modern "aggressive hygiene routine" removed the worms we co-evolved with, leading to a rise in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Discover how her team is pioneering a new class of safe, orally available therapies by synthesizing worm-derived molecules that "rebalance" our immune systems and have already blocked disease in animal models. This is a fascinating journey from a fundamental discovery in evolutionary biology to the cutting edge of biotech innovation.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:18) NYC Biotech and Climate Week Recap(00:08:43) Science News: Comets and Octopuses(00:15:17) Meet Dr. Andrea Choe(00:15:52) From Researcher to Founder: The Call to Action(00:17:25) Discovering the Universal "Worm Language"(00:25:11) Connecting Worm Secretions to Therapeutics(00:29:49) How Modern Hygiene Created an Immune Imbalance(00:34:35) Navigating the Hurdles of Natural Medicine(00:38:50) Holoclara's Mission to Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)(00:42:25) Holoclara's Phase 1 Safety and Trial Results(00:51:03) Moonshot Vision: A "Worm Atlas" of Molecules(00:52:28) The Strategy for Patenting Natural Molecules(00:54:33) Worm Superpowers & Immune Myths(00:58:25) Reflecting on Nature's Untapped Answers(01:02:41) Coming Up on Grow EverythingEpisode Links:HoloclaraHuman Genome project Diary of a worm - Doreen Cronin Wildlife of Our Bodies - Rob DunnSuzanne Lee Ep Glennis Mehra EpEllen Jorgensen EpInnolabsNucleate Biolabs NYU LangoneGenspaceBiotech Without Borders Newlab Climate Week Event - sign up and get tickets now! Interstellar Comet Moving Through Our Solar SystemTopics Covered: immune system, biotherapeutics, worms, evolution, helminthic immunomodulation, medicine, pharmaceuticals Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Sep 12, 2025 • 58min
146. Pump It Up: Benji Leibowitz on DAO-ing Science Differently
In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez talk with Benji Leibowitz, Co-Founder of Pump Science, about what it really means to be “DAO-ing science differently.” From the early days of Molecule DAO to today’s crypto-native platform for funding longevity and nootropics research, Benji explains how decentralized science (DeSci) can rebuild healthcare and biotech from the ground up. By combining bonding curves, tokenized IP, and radical transparency with live-streamed worm and fly experiments, Pump Science is transforming science into an attention game that’s fast, fun, and open to everyone. Tune in to hear how DAO-driven models are unlocking underfunded areas like longevity, attracting crypto investors, and creating a new culture where research is not only transparent but also entertaining.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:49) Proposed U.S. budget cuts to research(00:01:59) How jargon fuels skepticism in science(00:02:25) China's bioeconomy surpassing U.S. in biotech investment(00:04:31) Rising gut imbalance in infants: My Baby Biome study(00:06:35) Billionaires investing heavily in longevity research(00:08:21) Wishing for more entertaining "fun" billionaires(00:10:26) Meet Benji(00:13:07) Rebuilding healthcare and biotech from scratch (DeSci)(00:15:15) From tokenizing biotech IP to Pump Science’s new model(00:18:09) Focusing on longevity to attract crypto investors(00:23:56) Optimizing experiments with C. elegans worms(00:27:47) A high-velocity "casino" model backed by real IP(00:33:18) Launching compound tokens on a bonding curve(00:36:36) Funding research through small trading fees(00:40:34) Gamifying research: rewarding top-performing compounds ("King of the Pill")(00:43:23) Using live streams for trust and funding transparency (DeSci)(00:46:35) "Fly races" as entertainment and a longevity indicator(00:48:56) Excitement for performance enhancement and nootropics (Pump Science)(00:50:14) Rapid-fire guest Q&A(00:51:32) Advice for newcomers to Pump Science(00:53:06) Reflecting on the guest's model for funding science(00:55:31) DeSci’s potential to build a parallel healthcare systemEpisode Links:Advocate for Science - Contact Your CongresspersonPump.ScienceMoleculeDAODeSci 101 EpisodeLaura Miniquini Episode Michael Fisher EpisodeJocelynn Pearl EpisodeAlbert Anis EpisodeStephanie Culler, Persephone EpMomo and Guru - Viome EpisodeMap of Longevity Companies Attracting Investor InterestThe Gut Microbiome Protects Infants from DisasesBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: Decentralized science, DAO, longevity, open science, crypto science Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Sep 5, 2025 • 27min
145: "Decentralized Science 101: Defining DeSci with the Experts"
In this highlight reel episode of Grow Everything, hosts Erum Azeez and Karl Schmieder dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of decentralized science (DeSci). Featuring expert insights from Albert Anis, Jocelyn Pearl, Michael Fisher, and Laura Minquinin, this episode explores how DeSci is revolutionizing the way research is funded, shared, and governed — far beyond traditional academic systems. You’ll hear how blockchain, bioDAOs, and decentralized funding models are enabling faster, more collaborative innovation across the life sciences. Whether you're a researcher, founder, or biotech enthusiast, this conversation unpacks the tools, values, and infrastructure reshaping the future of scientific discovery. From autonomous agents designing experiments to the Solana-based $BIO token, this episode distills cutting-edge developments into a compelling introduction to the DeSci movement — and why it matters now more than ever.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:15) Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:44) Travels and reading Bossy Pants(00:01:34) Highlighting September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month(00:02:20) Innovations in biopharma and cancer therapies like CAR T(00:02:53) The science of how sleep flushes waste from the brain(00:04:07) A deep dive into sulforaphane for cognitive benefits(00:05:07) The challenge of getting effective quantities of molecules from food(00:06:20) Introducing Decentralized Science (DeSci)(00:07:05) Why DeSci is important: Democratizing science and making it accessible(00:09:08) DeSci's role as an alternative funding mechanism for scientific research(00:10:54) Defining DeSci as science improved by the blockchain(00:11:27) How token incentives work in DeSci research projects(00:12:56) Contrasting DeSci's crowdsourcing model with traditional science funding(00:14:43) Defining a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)(00:15:46) The origins of decentralized science and ValleyDAO(00:18:35) Explaining DeSci by comparing it to decentralized finance (DeFi)(00:19:40) How the broken scientific publishing model needs disruption(00:20:50) Breaking open the "black box of biotech" with LabDAO(00:22:40) DeSci as a tool to fund overlooked areas of research(00:22:57) How DeSci addresses major problems like publishing and reproducibility(00:23:43) The mission of Athena DAO to fund women's health research(00:25:33) DeSci movement(00:26:09) The idea of a DeSci-funded cloud lab for global collaborationEpisode Links:Michael Fischer episodeJocelynn Pearl episodeAlbert Anis episodeLaura Minquini episodeHow Your Brain’s Nightly Cleanse Keeps It HealthyDeSci WikiBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: biotech beauty, space biotech, skin care, biomanufacturing, longevity, extremophiles Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Aug 29, 2025 • 57min
144. Art Meets Agar: Karen Ingram Reimagines Biodesign
Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Karen Ingram, Creative Director & Designer at Karen Ingram & Associates, Inc. From her iconic Biogenetic Blooms—Petri dish paintings made with living yeast—to her innovative teaching with BioBuilder and playful experiments like Fallacy Bingo, Karen shows how science and creativity can merge to inspire broader engagement with biotechnology. She shares stories from the early Brooklyn biohacker days, reflects on teaching teenagers to think critically about designing life, and explains how art, games, and design can shape the future of the bioeconomy. This is where art truly meets agar—transforming living microbes into canvases and reimagining the possibilities of biodesign.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:(00:00:00): Summer travel in the Hamptons.(00:01:35): Sag Harbor’s Whaling History – The town’s past as a whaling hub using whale oil.(00:02:31): From Bioeconomy to Petrochemicals – Petroleum discovery quickly ends whaling.(00:03:59): The Basque Whalers – Early European whaling led by the Basques.(00:04:54): Positive Whale News – Australia’s humpback whales are making a comeback.(00:07:08): The Genetic Manual – Penn study finds 25% of young ICU patients have treatment-altering mutations.(00:08:22): The Healthcare Gap – Why advanced health data isn’t used enough.(00:11:08): The Wood Wide Web – Mapping underground mushroom networks that link ecosystems.(00:14:11): Meet Karen Ingram.(00:16:28): Karen’s Origin Story – Interest in tech and nature leads her to synthetic biology.(00:17:58): Early Brooklyn Biotech – Genspace and starting bio-art projects.(00:19:51): Biogenetic Blooms – Karen paints flowers in Petri dishes with engineered yeast.(00:24:19): Teaching BioBuilder – Co-authoring a book for teens on synbio and ethics.(00:28:13): Designing for Accessibility – Making biotech exciting and easy to understand.(00:29:44): Fallacy Bingo – Creating a game mixing nightlife with logical fallacies.(00:36:31): Collab Futures – Building collaborations between scientists and creatives.(00:38:28): Gaming in Science – Using games for emotional, memorable science communication.(00:45:57): Biotech Collaborations – Karen’s stop-motion art with Triton Bio.(00:48:50): A tool Karen can’t live without(00:49:34): A SynBio project she’d revisit.(00:49:51): Misconceptions about mixing art and science.(00:50:12): Defining her true studio(00:52:40): Super Convergence – Why merging disciplines matters.(00:54:20): Endless Biotech Jobs – Encouragement for newcomers to explore creative biotech careers.Links and Resources:Karen Ingram & Associates Inc.Biogenetic BloomsBiobat Biobuilder - Synthetic Biology in the Lab Natalie KuldellKaren Ingram SubstackFallacy BingoCoLab FuturesGenspace Caveat - Facts Machine: Science Comedy Trivia NightTritonBioDan GrushkinMegan PalmerCasey Lardner The Patient Will See You Know by Eric Topol Drivas lab demonstrates the benefit of genetic testing in critically ill adultsSociety for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)BioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Aug 22, 2025 • 60min
143. Sunscreen from Space? Delavie’s Kyle Landry Turns Space Microbes into Skincare
Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Dr. Kyle Landry, President and Co-founder of Delavie Sciences, to explore how extremophiles—microbes that survive in the harshest environments on Earth and space—are unlocking new frontiers in skincare and longevity. Kyle shares his unconventional path from food science to biodefense to NASA collaborations, revealing how a microbe that survived 18 months outside the International Space Station became the foundation for a groundbreaking sunscreen ingredient. The conversation dives into longevity science, microbial resilience, the future of skincare as true preventative health, and the entrepreneurial challenge of scaling biotech innovations from test tube to industrial reactors.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Links and Resources:Chris Mason Episode Kate Rubins Episode Erika DeBenedictis EpisodeLifespan.ioFight Aging! Delavie Sciences David Sinclair’s Novel - Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To Efficacy of a Novel SPF Booster Based on Research Aboard the International Space StationNASA iTECHChapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction to the episode and the Grow Everything podcast(00:00:49) - Aging by Biotech NYC event overview(00:03:35) - Tips on being a great moderator(00:04:03) - Keys to moderating well: preparation and audience engagement(00:07:20) - Notable absence of space topics at longevity event(00:09:40) - Guest introduction: Dr. Kyle Landry and his background(00:10:13) - Story of how the hosts met Kyle Landry(00:11:42) - Career journey from food science to skincare(00:14:27) - Inspiration from space research leading to Delavie Sciences(00:17:25) - How Delavie’s product works at a molecular level for sun protection and anti-aging(00:20:43) - Evolution of the space microbe and cultivation on Earth(00:22:31) - What it means for a microbe to “sit outside the space station”(00:23:26) - Professional connections with other Grow Everything guests, Chris Mason and Dr. Kate Rubins(00:24:29) - Potential for Delavie to expand beyond skincare into new industries(00:26:11) - Lessons from researching extremophiles and challenges of working with new organisms(00:28:22) - Role in mentoring students and researchers(00:31:36) - Rethinking health and resilience in biotechnology(00:33:20) - Exploring the “product versus platform” dilemma in biotech entrepreneurship(00:34:48) - How Delavie functions as both a technology platform and a product company(00:36:29) - Corporate partnerships and product applications of Delavie’s ingredients(00:38:53) - Clarification: using microbial compounds, not live bacteria, in products(00:39:59) - Importance of protecting the skin microbiome without disrupting it(00:42:46) - The future of skincare and longevity(00:45:03) - Quick-fire questions begin(00:45:19) - Weirdest place to hunt for a microbe(00:45:31) - Bio-fact most people don’t believe but should(00:46:48) - Personal skincare non-negotiable(00:48:20) - Would you rather halt or reverse aging?(00:48:51) - Weirdest place a sample has been collected(00:51:14) - Post-interview reflections and discussion(00:52:54) - Takeaways from the interview and the concept of convergence(00:54:03) - Conversation on Umami flavor and UV light spectrums(00:56:00) - Regulatory differences in sunscreen between the US and Europe(00:58:14) - Announcement of the BioFabricate Fair and listener discount codeTopics Covered: biotech beauty, space biotech, skin care, biomanufacturing, longevity, extremophiles Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
142. Petri Dishes & Policy Shifts: Capgemini’s Richard Traherne on Scaling Biology
Karl and Erum speak with Richard Traherne of Capgemini Invent and Cambridge Consultants, where they explore the explosive convergence of engineering biology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation. Richard reveals how programmable biology is catalyzing a new industrial revolution—transitioning biotech from niche innovation to foundational infrastructure across sectors like food, fashion, personal care, and manufacturing. From building predictive bio-labs to deploying proprietary large language models for enzyme design, Richard shares how his team is helping companies leap from conceptual curiosity to commercial readiness. The conversation dives into challenges faced by both bio-literate and bio-novice enterprises, the importance of storytelling and regulatory support, and how a truly bio-native design mindset can unlock regenerative, high-performance solutions. This episode is a must-listen for biotech professionals, sustainability strategists, and innovation leaders eager to scale with intention in the emerging bioeconomy.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Stepping Into the Era of Programmable Biology00:01:04 - Inside a Workshop on Designing Life with Code00:06:31 - Longevity Breakthroughs: Tackling Aging with Biotech00:08:40 - The Beauty Revolution Powered by Regenerative Biology00:12:31 - Turning Biotech Ideas into Market-Ready Innovations00:14:05 - Spotlight Conversation with Richard Traherne00:32:34 - Slashing Discovery Costs in Energy and Fuels00:33:03 - The Real-World Hurdles of Bringing Biology to Life00:33:41 - Winning Trust in Bioengineered Solutions00:36:13 - Scaling Biology to Power the Global Bioeconomy00:41:12 - How AI Is Supercharging Biotechnology00:44:42 - Engineering Biology for a Sustainable Future00:48:39 - Game-Changing Bio Projects and Their Ripple Effects00:52:30 - What’s Next for the Future of Engineering Biology00:55:32 - Quickfire Insights and Closing ThoughtsLinks and Resources:109. Long Live Vitalia: The City Where Aging Slows and Innovation Accelerates With Niklas Anzinger137. Hack to the Future: Shelby Newsad on Biohacking Breakthroughs50. The Dye-Hard Innovator: Natsai Chieza Designs Change for the Fashion Industry and the WorldCapgemini Engineering Biology Report: Access here Capgemini Lab Breakthrough hereCapgemini CRI: Unlocking the potential of engineering biology: The time is nowCapgemini x WEF: From Policy to Practice: Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial BioeconomyCapgemini x WEF: Next Generation Bio-Innovation: Delivering Commercial ValueCapgemini x WEF: Accelerating the tech-driven bioeconomyTopics Covered: biotech consulting, bioengineering, innovation adoption, integration, bio-based, systems biologyHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
141. Gut Check! Viome’s Momo & Guru Decode Your Inner Microbiome
In this episode of Grow Everything, Erum sits down with Momo Vuyisich and Guruduth (Guru) Banavar of Viome to explore how decoding the human microbiome could transform the way we understand and treat disease. From the depletion of beneficial gut bacteria to the cutting-edge use of AI in precision health, Momo and Guru share how Viome’s technology turns deep biological insights into actionable, personalized health recommendations. Along the way, they connect the dots between gut science, chronic illness prevention, and the massive opportunity for biomanufacturing to deliver scalable wellness solutions. This is a conversation that blends molecular biology with real-world impact—perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of synthetic biology, health tech, and sustainability.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off Grow Everything with Big Biotech Energy00:00:39 - Bright Spots and Breakthroughs Lighting Up the Biotech World00:02:12 - How Policy Shapes the Future of Scientific Discovery00:03:43 - Farming the Future: Biotech’s Role in Agriculture00:05:12 - Plastics, Planet Health, and the Human Cost00:08:18 - Unlocking the Secrets of the Human Microbiome00:09:11 - Meet the Visionaries Behind Viome00:15:18 - RNA Revealed: The Tiny Molecule with a Massive Health Impact00:24:46 - AI Meets Your Plate: The Science of Personalized Nutrition00:38:52 - Peering Into Life’s Code with Molecular Models and AI00:39:40 - What Sequencing Data Can Really Tell Us00:40:29 - Surprising Microbiome Patterns You’ve Never Heard Of00:42:47 - How Steady Is Your Gut’s Microbial Universe?00:43:47 - The Lasting Effects of Antibiotics on Your Microbiome00:45:55 - Real Stories from Viome Clients Changing Their Health00:50:17 - Behind the Scenes of Viome’s Clinical Collaborations00:52:19 - Reimagining the Future of Healthcare00:55:34 - Lightning Round: Quick Questions, Big Insights01:02:38 - Connecting the Dots Between RNA and the Microbiome01:08:36 - Signing Off with What’s Next in the Biotech SpaceLinks and Resources:Use Code: GROWEVERYTHING25 to save $110 on a Viome Full Body Intelligence™ Test. Valid through 2025Viome Publications Illumina29. Gut Check with Stephanie Culler: Persephone’s Quest for Microbiome BreakthroughsBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: Gut microbiome, oral and skin microbiome, AI, microbiome testing kit Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Aug 1, 2025 • 37min
140. Behind The Scenes with Karl and Erum
In this special episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum pull back the curtain on their own operations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast came to life. They discuss the core mission of sharing innovative bioengineering breakthroughs, the challenges of maintaining a weekly podcast, and the team behind it all. From the technical intricacies of biomanufacturing to the strategic communications needed to make those breakthroughs accessible to a wider audience, this episode reflects on the journey, growth, and impact of the Grow Everything platform. With a mix of humor and passion for sustainability, Erum and Karl continue their mission to educate and inspire those working at the cutting edge of synthetic biology and the bioeconomy.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off the Conversation: What’s on the Horizon?00:00:13 - Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast: Let’s Dive In!00:00:29 - Taking You Inside Grow Everything: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain00:01:03 - From Idea to Reality: How the Podcast Came to Life00:04:27 - The Roadblocks, the Breakthroughs: What’s Shaped Our Journey00:06:24 - Crafting the Perfect Biotech Story: Marketing with Purpose00:08:08 - Changing the Game: How Our Guests Redefine the Future00:17:11 - Hot Takes on Biotech: What’s Overhyped and What’s Real?00:19:30 - How to Connect with Founders: Elevating Their Narrative00:21:15 - Uncovering Hidden Biotech Gems: The Innovators Who Deserve the Spotlight00:23:53 - The Power of the Podcast: How We Help Our Clients Shine00:27:48 - A Vision for 2030: Dream Guests and Big Ideas00:32:14 - Rapid Fire: Fun Facts, Favorites, and More!00:36:12 - Wrapping Up: A Peek at What’s Next and Future GuestsLinks and Resources:What's Your Biostrategy?MessaginglabAmplafy Media 90. Flipping the Light Switch on Cells: Deniz Kent of Prolific Machines116. Cell Yeah for Space!: Pioneer Labs' Erika DeBenedictis on Engineering Life for Mars93. Houston, We Have a Protocol: NASA's Kate Rubins on Biotech in Space76. Not Boring Century of Biotech with Elliot HershbergDavid De Lucreiza on LinkedInTopics Covered: science communications, podcast creation, podcast origin, biotech messaging, startupsHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 11min
139. Cultivating a Culture of Cultures? Genspace's Casey Lardner on Community Biotech
In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum dive into the world of community biology with Dr. Casey Lardner, Executive Director of Genspace. They explore how this groundbreaking Brooklyn lab is reimagining who gets to participate in science — and how. From radical accessibility and inclusive education to the launch of Gotham Foundry, Casey shares how Genspace is cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. This is a conversation about science as a shared resource, where artists, bioengineers, and everyday citizens all have a seat at the bench.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to Grow Everything: Where Bio Meets the World00:00:25 - Guest Co-Host Sabriya Stukes Drops In — Backyard BBQ to Biotech00:01:18 - What’s Buzzing in Biotech: Founders, VCs & Sound Baths00:03:48 - Redefining Community: Beyond Buzzwords in Bio00:06:38 - Genspace Unveiled: Brooklyn’s Portal to Public Science00:10:41 - From Chemistry to Community: Casey’s Unexpected Path to Genspace00:13:40 - Inside Genspace: Culture, Creativity, and the Curious00:22:06 - Radical Access: Building Biotech for Everyone00:28:55 - Live from Ilmar 2025: Big Ideas, Big Shifts00:37:35 - What’s Next? Introducing Gotham Foundry00:39:25 - Fueling Founders: How Genspace Sparks Startups00:40:23 - Why NYC is the Place to Grow Bio Right Now00:41:53 - Stay Curious: The Secret Ingredient in Science00:43:26 - Can AI Help Democratize Biology? Genspace Thinks So00:46:51 - Where Art Meets Genome: The Power of Story in Science00:51:28 - Bold Visions: What the Future Looks Like at Genspace00:55:49 - The Pulse of NYC Biotech: Reflections and Real TalkLinks and Resources:Genspace OpenPlant Genspace - growing your own insulin?Asilomar ReportsGotham FoundryIndieBioNewLab BioLabsBioFab Fair: Use promo code: GROW10 Story ColliderCaveat Facts MachineTopics Covered: biotech, community biotech, community hub, biomaterials, bio-based ingredients, GenspaceHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Jul 18, 2025 • 48min
138. Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic Toolbox
In this thought-provoking episode of Grow Everything, host Karl sits down with Suzanne Lee, founder of Biofabricate and pioneer in the biomaterials revolution, for a conversation that redefines how we think about material innovation. With passion and precision, Suzanne shares her journey from fashion design to biodesign, revealing how her early experiments with growing microbial cellulose led to the launch of a global movement toward sustainable, biology-based materials. They explore how biology and culture are converging, why “natural” doesn’t always mean better, and how collaboration—not competition—is key to transforming industries like fashion, architecture, and consumer goods. If you're curious about the future of sustainable materials, circular design, and how the bioeconomy is taking shape through strategic partnerships and visionary creativity, this is the episode for you.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to Grow Everything: Big Questions Start Here00:00:32 - Can AI Become Conscious? Let’s Get Weird00:03:18 - Where Code Meets Cells: AI x Biology00:05:06 - From Metal Bands to Microbes in Mumbai00:09:22 - Meet Suzanne Lee: The Woman Who Grows Materials00:24:48 - Innovation Isn’t Fast—But It’s Worth It00:25:14 - Sometimes Old Tech is the Real Disruptor00:26:17 - Designing 2050: Biology Will Shape Everything00:27:05 - How to Break Free from Extraction00:27:30 - New Tech, New Rules: Use With Intention00:29:49 - What’s Next in Biofabrication (It’s Wild)00:31:55 - How Do We Make Bio Go Mainstream?00:36:35 - Why Great Design Is a Bio Superpower00:40:06 - Rapid-Fire with Suzanne Lee: Future, Fears & Fun00:44:44 - Final Thoughts + What’s Coming from BiofabricateLinks and Resources:BioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! BiofabricateChatGPT Religion: The Disturbing AI CultIndia Boasts 11,000 Biotech StartupsTerrarium - sustainable materials consultancyEcovativePolybion H&M FoundationLondon Design WeekLondon Fashion WeekBIOME ConsortiaAround The World in 80 Fabrics Around the WorldTopics Covered: biotech beauty, skincare, endocrine disrupting chemicals, endometriosis, consumer biotech, supply chain, manufacturing, clean beauty, product design Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media