Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

In this enlightening discussion, guest George Church—a pioneering geneticist and co-founder of numerous biotech companies—dives into the intersection of synthetic biology and climate solutions. He shares his vision for rewilding ecosystems and bio-mining to tackle global challenges. A bold concept of testing Mars colonies on Earth captivates listeners, while he emphasizes the need for innovative monitoring technologies in climate biotech. George's infectious curiosity shines as he breaks down the potential of engineered organisms and scalable biological solutions.

Doug Friedman joins the podcast to talk about one of the toughest challenges in biotech—how to survive long enough to actually make an impact. As the head of BioMADE, he's on a mission to build a bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem that doesn’t just rely on wishful thinking and a single grant check. He explains why most biotech startups get only "one shot on goal" (spoiler: they miss, they’re done) and how we can fix that. Think of it like debugging a bad DNA sequence—you need iteration, not instant perfection. Doug also discusses how government funding is shaping the future of biomanufacturing, why biology today is where semiconductors were in the ‘80s, and why scaling biology might just need its own version of Moore’s Law. 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 – Fail Fast or Fail Forever – Why biotech startups need more than one shot on goal 00:00:27 – AI Shake-Up – DeepSeek changes the game (and the stock market) overnight 00:01:01 – China vs. AI – What a hedge fund, government crackdowns, and new algorithms have in common 00:02:19 – Power Hungry AI – Why data centers might outgrow the energy grid before we’re ready 00:03:36 – DeepSeek’s Disruption – What it means for AI, efficiency, and the future of computing 00:04:13 – Innovation Under Pressure – How limitations create the best breakthroughs 00:05:46 – Mind Reading? – The wild world of telepathy research and what it means for biotech 00:07:45 – Quantum Strangeness – Exploring dimensions beyond what we can see 00:09:17 – Longevity Hacks – The Brian Johnson experiment: biohacking or billion-dollar placebo? 00:12:48 – Biomanufacturing is Booming – Why the future of production is biological 00:28:35 – PFAS Panic – 3M halts production, and microelectronics scrambles for solutions 00:30:53 – BioMADE’s Master Plan – How industry collaboration is making biomanufacturing real 00:36:56 – Government Meets Biotech – Bridging public and private sectors for impact 00:38:44 – The Bioeconomy is Here – What it means for industries beyond biotech 0:42:29 – Talk to Your Legislators – How to get policymakers to care about biotech 00:46:08 – The Hardest Part of Biomanufacturing – What innovators need to overcome 00:50:42 – Biomanufacturing’s Future – The biggest opportunities waiting to be unlocked 00:52:46 – Final Thoughts – Wrapping up lessons from the frontier of biotech Links and Resources: BioMADE Homeworld Collective (Apply today!) The Climate Biotech Podcast DeepSeek Wipes $1 Trillion from Tech Share Prices The Telepathy Tapes Don't Die, The Man Who Wants to Live Forever Rapamycin General Probiotics Antheia Schmidt Sciences Liberation Labs Topics Covered:  biomanufacturing, collaboration, public private partnerships, distributed biomanufacturing, longevity biotech, telepathy, tech  Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553  Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Noah Helman, co-founder of Industrial Microbes, unpacks how his team is giving ethanol a glow-up as a renewable feedstock for creating advanced polymers and sustainable carbon fibers. With a decade of experience in the trenches of biomanufacturing, Noah discusses how they’re engineering microbes to work smarter, not harder, tackling the challenges of cost, scale, and environmental impact. From leveraging industrial partnerships to envisioning a future where waste becomes the ultimate raw material, Noah delivers sharp insights with a side of microbial magic, proving that biology is not just life—it’s a powerhouse of 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/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Prelude to Progress: The Challenge of Unique Equipment 00:00:21 - Oil, Politics, and the Biomanufacturing Tug-of-War 00:01:58 - From Biofuel Bust to Synthetic Biology Boom 00:03:59 - A Pledge Against Plastics: Aquarium Insights 00:05:35 - Woolly Mammoths and Capitalist Dinosaurs 00:08:11 - TikTok Drama: Perplexity’s Unlikely Bid 00:12:29 - Ethanol: From Gas Tank to Biomanufacturing Hero 00:15:00 - Meet Noah Helman: Biomanufacturing Pioneer 00:18:00 - Scaling Up: The Chicken-and-Egg of Biomanufacturing 00:22:45 - Breaking Bottlenecks: Innovations in Equipment Access 00:27:00 - Collaborating for Carbon Fiber: Partnerships in Progress 00:30:27 - Spinning Carbon: Fiber Meets Sustainability 00:34:28 - Cracking the Code of Biomanufacturing Bottlenecks 00:36:51 - Waste Not, Want Not: The Power of Circular Inputs 00:42:34 - Futurecasting Biomanufacturing and Bioeconomies 00:45:03 - Next-Gen Biology: Enzymes, AI, and Big Data 00:50:58 - Closing the Loop: Microbial Magic and Future Frontiers Episode Links: iMicrobes The ROI of Waste  Beyond Petrochemicals BioMADE ARPA-E  First Bight Ventures Biowell  (accelerator program) Colossal biosciences raises $200M at 10B valuation Perplexity bids for TikTok  Arc Institute partners with NVIDIA to accelerate computational biomedical research Topics Covered: Biomanufacturing, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, carbon nanofibers, industrial microbes, biotech startups, spaceships, accelerators, synbio investments  Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Erum and Karl have an incredible chat with Nick Edwards, the innovative mind behind Potato AI. Nick goes into the inspiration behind the platform's unique name, rooted in childhood curiosity and scientific wonder, and shares his journey from neuroscience research to building a groundbreaking tool aimed at accelerating scientific discovery. He explains how Potato tackles the overwhelming deluge of scientific literature and the reproducibility crisis using AI to structure and analyze data in transformative ways. With stories from his own career, a stint in consulting, and running his podcast "Once a Scientist," Nick discusses the future of AI, science, and collaboration. This episode has amazing insights into how technology is reshaping the very fabric of research. 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 - Potatoes, Balloons, and a DIY Lab Setup 00:04:56 - Reproducibility Crisis: 70% of Research in Question 00:06:40 - Meet Nick Edwards: The Potato Visionary 00:10:00 - Organizing Scientific Chaos: How AI Helps 00:14:47 - AI Research Assistant vs. AI Scientist: The Journey 00:20:09 - From Neuroscience to Entrepreneurship: A Scientist’s Leap 00:25:00 - Biopharma Meets Bioindustrials: Bridging Two Worlds 00:29:27 - Liquid Handlers and Shared Protocols: Optimizing Biotech 00:35:13 - Multimodality and the AI Scientist Dream 00:39:04 - Citizen Scientists and Accessible AI Tools 00:45:00 - The Next Scientific Revolution: AI and Decentralized Science Episode Links: Potato AI Once A Scientist Podcast Merck Digital Science Studio Wiley Elsevier Ginkgo Bioworks Topics Covered: Research, AI research assistant, AI Scientist, Biotech, Lab Automation, Reproducibility Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Karl and Erum welcome Dr. Chris Mason. He’s a professor of genomics, physiology, and biophysics, as well as co-founder / COI of BiotiaNYC, Ursa Bio, and Onegevity. Chris will take you on a journey from the mysteries of space genomics to the hidden worlds of Earth's microbiomes. He discusses the intersection of advanced biology and space exploration, diving into his work with NASA’s twin study, the possibilities of planetary engineering, and his fascination with unknown DNA found even in urban subways. Chris also talks about how the convergence of ancient biological knowledge and cutting-edge technology could redefine humanity's future, both on Earth and beyond. 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 - The Spark of Science and Fresh Starts 00:01:23 - The Biotech Buzz in San Francisco 00:03:37 - Blockchain Meets Biology 00:07:45 - 2025’s Game-Changers: Microbes and Mars 00:08:52 - Into the Unknown: Dr. Chris Mason’s Journey 00:12:29 - Space’s Genetic Surprises 00:15:55 - Portable Labs Orbiting Earth 00:21:58 - Hidden Worlds Underfoot: Urban Microbes 00:32:19 - Tokyo’s Microbial Enigma 00:33:08 - The Peanut Paradox and Immune Myths 00:35:56 - Singular Cells in Vast Ecosystems 00:36:46 - From Genes to Blueprints: Synthetic Biology 00:47:31 - Terraforming at Planetary Scale 00:50:45 - Commercial Space Odysseys 00:52:53 - The Biology of Tomorrow: Dreams of Terraforming 00:55:59 - Wrapping Up with Visionaries Episode Links: The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds by Chris Mason  Two New Space Planes DeSci Market Capitalization  Chris Mason Lab Twins Study - Astronaut genomics MetaSub  Among New York Subway’s Millions of Riders, a Study Finds Many Mystery Microbes Extreme Microbiome Project Colossal Biosciences Topics Covered:  space genomics, urban microbiomes, dna discovery, planetary engineering, biotechnology trends, genetic engineering, synthetic biology tools, microbiome exploration Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠ Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Karl and Erum give us a peek into their outlook for 2025, discussing biotech trends, the rise of decentralized science, and the convergence of AI with biology. They talk about the thawing of the "biotech winter," the potential risks of a new bird flu pandemic, and exciting innovations in quantum biology and drug discovery. Their conversation also touches on how waste can become a resource in biomanufacturing, the future of microbiome engineering, and the growing visibility of biotech in mainstream media. Tune in to hear Karl and Erum set the stage for an exciting year ahead in the world of biotech and beyond​. 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 – The Mushroom That Might Save Us All 00:00:15 – A Slightly Nasal New Year Kickoff 00:01:30 – Bird Flu: The Pandemic Alarm We're Ignoring 00:04:43 – Decentralized Science: Funding the Future with Tokens 00:08:16 – AI, Quantum Biology, and Drug Discovery Breakthroughs 00:11:36 – Turning Trash into Treasure: Biomanufacturing's Next Frontier 00:14:12 – Microbiomes: Tiny Giants in Biotech's Future 00:16:14 – Biotech Goes Mainstream: Ads, Cartoons, and Pop Culture 00:19:54 – 2025 Awaits: A Year of Big Ideas and Bold Moves Episode Links: Spore Token   ARPA-H Vitalia - Join today!  Vitalia Summer School Program - Enroll today! Cemvita  Polybion Head & Shoulders x NFL scalp microbiome commercial Nike Stairs commercial American Dad gene editing episode Common Side Effects on Adult Swim Topics Covered:  2025 outlook, decentralized science, quantum biology, longevity biotech, waste to value, waste as a resource, biomaterials, bioeducation, microbiome Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠ Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Karl and Erum welcome Niklas Anzinger, the visionary founder of Vitalia, a decentralized city aimed at revolutionizing biotech and longevity. Niklas discusses the need for a more efficient drug development process, proposing a shift toward safety trials and medical reciprocity that could drastically shorten the time it takes to bring life-saving therapies to market. He talks about how Vitalia serves as a hub for biotech innovation, where companies can thrive outside traditional bureaucratic constraints. Niklas shares his ideas on medical freedom and the importance of allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health. He critiques the paternalistic nature of current healthcare systems, advocating for a more empowering approach that encourages personal responsibility and informed decision-making. Niklas believes that by creating a culture of innovation and flexibility, Vitalia can set new standards in healthcare, ultimately improving patient outcomes and accelerating scientific advancements. As Karl and Erum wrap up the episode, they express their excitement about the potential impact of Niklas’s vision—not just for Vitalia, but for the global landscape of biotech and longevity. 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 The Time Machine: Year-End Reflections 00:00:45 The Alchemy of Biomanufacturing: International Insights 00:01:39 Star Chronicles: Key Episodes and Guests  00:04:05 The Crystal Ball: Science Funding & Future Predictions 00:06:10 Meet the Innovator: Niklas Anzinger 00:07:10 Building Tomorrow: Niklas on Vitalia & Decentralized Cities 00:14:43 Fast Track to Discovery: Accelerating Drug Development 00:20:40 The First Pop-Up City: A Review and Future Horizons 00:25:52 The Legal Labyrinth: Frameworks for Biotech Startups 00:29:14 Navigating New Waters: Regulatory Flexibility & Ethics 00:31:21 The Freedom Frontier: Medical Autonomy Explored 00:32:36 The Healthcare Conundrum: Challenges Ahead 00:37:31 Breakthrough Moments: Success Stories in Biotech 00:42:17 The Crypto Revolution: Blockchain in City Governance 00:46:25 The Science of Decentralization: Research Funding Innovations 00:49:02 Future Frontiers: Opportunities Within Vitalia 00:50:50 The Grand Finale: Conclusions and Reflections Episode Links: Vitalia - Join today!  Vitalia Summer School Program - Enroll today! Prospera Startup City Zuzalu City FDA Modernization Act Dallas Buyers Club MiniCircle  Unlimited Bio Symbiont Labs Topics Covered:  longevity biotech, crypto, human enhancement, biohacking, network states, biopharma regulation, healthcare system, sickcare system, medical reciprocity, safety trials, patients right to choose, drug development, economics of science, quantum biology, aging biology, regulatory flexibility Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠Instagram⁠  / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠LinkedIn⁠ / ⁠Youtube⁠ / ⁠Grow Everything⁠ Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Kevin Flyangolts joins Erum and Karl to talk about the evolving landscape of biosecurity. They discuss the rapid advancements in biotechnology, the growing accessibility of synthetic DNA, and the need for robust screening systems to ensure safety in the bioeconomy. Kevin shares knowledge from his software background, explaining how tools like those at Aclid Bio are bridging gaps in security, protecting against potential misuse, and setting the stage for future innovations in biotech. With reflections on government initiatives, industry collaboration, and the complexities of ethical biosecurity practices, this conversation showcases the urgent issues and exciting possibilities in the intersection of biology and technology. 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 - Opening with Unchecked DNA Risks 00:00:22 - Drones, Aliens, and the Unknown 00:01:45 - The Biotech Holiday Buzz 00:04:18 - Manufacturing the Future: A Revolution Begins 00:07:05 - DARPA’s Wild Moonshot Ideas 00:09:47 - What Keeps Us Up at Night 00:11:55 - Meet Kevin: Biosecurity Pioneer 00:15:30 - The Software Revolution in Biotech 00:19:45 - Tackling Biosecurity Challenges with Innovation 00:24:58 - Regulations in a Rapidly Changing Field 00:28:59 - Red Teams and Hidden Vulnerabilities 00:39:04 - Building Biotech Trust and Collaboration 00:44:21 - A Vision for Safer Biotech 00:46:59 - Wrap-Up and What’s Next in Biosecurity Episode Links: Aclid Bio Genspace ECHO NYC Biolabs@NYULangone Quorum Bio The Department of Defense under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) made 34 awards worth over $60 million. Awardees include Cauldron and Checkerspot. Topics Covered:  biosecurity, DNA synthesis, BIOSECURE Act, computer science Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Andy Bass is an entrepreneur and biologist who transforms the magic of bioluminescence into immersive experiences. He discusses his innovative projects, like the Dino Pet, aimed at fostering curiosity about marine life. The conversation dives into the emotional and environmental connection to glowing oceans, highlighting the importance of art in conservation. From serene ocean bathing to the need for engaging public exhibits, Andy inspires listeners to embrace nature’s wonders while advocating for marine preservation.

Jason Kakoyiannis, founder of Bioscentric and managing partner of Ferment!, dives into the world of market-driven biotech solutions. He shares insights on how curiosity led him from the art world to pioneering eco-friendly innovations. The discussion explores the emergence of plastic-eating bacteria and sustainable approaches to tackle climate challenges. Jason also emphasizes the importance of identifying the right problems in biotechnology and highlights his venture studio's strategies to support impactful, non-healthcare solutions.