Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

On this episode of the Grow Everything Biotech Podcast, hosts Karl and Erum were joined by Charles Dimmler of Checkerspot to discuss sustainable materials created using microbes. They talked about Checkerspot's mission to create sustainable products with superior performance, the potential of exploring microbes for scientific discoveries, and Biden's Bioeconomy Executive Order. They also talked about different sustainable materials such as urethane-based products, disintermediation, material sourcing, and the challenges posed by the climate crisis. This episode covered a wide range of critical ideas surrounding biotech, sustainability, and innovation. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 0:00:00 Cherry Blossoms Blooming In Brooklyn Botanical Garden 00:04:03 Biden's Biocon Executive Order: Progress And Opportunities For Education On Growing Everything 00:05:07 Unpacking The Biden Biocon Blueprint And The Goal Of Growing Everything 00:08:56 Introduction To Checkerspot And Its Founding Story 00:11:34 Commercializing Microalgae Fermentation For Empowerment Of Third Parties 00:16:57 New Developments In Urethane-based Record Technology Showcased At South By Southwest 00:22:00 Biocon's Strategic Focus On Making Bio Manufacturing More Accessible And Relevant 00:25:24 Checkerspot's Unique Model For Sustainable Product Development And Testing 00:30:22 Disintermediation And The Importance Of Provenance In Consumer Brands' Material Sourcing 00:32:21 Pollinator Kit Enables Product Designers To Experiment With Cast Urethane 00:36:49 Non-vinyl Record And Other Applications Of Empowering Material 00:40:57 Company Headquarters In Alameda, CA 00:43:47 Checkerspot: Combining Performance And Sustainability In Product Design 00:51:27 Interview With Charles About A 10-20 Year Time Frame For A Project. 00:57:11 Podcast Gains Impressive Traction With Nearly 4000 Plays Episode Links: Charles Dimmler on Twitter Charles Dimmler on LinkedIn Checkerspot Website Unstable BioHackers Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Join Karl and Erum on Grow Everything as they discuss sustainability in the fashion industry with Amanda Parkes, a fashion technologist and Chief Innovation Officer at PANGAIA. Amanda emphasizes the need for transparency and education in the industry, sharing how her company's website explains the science behind their sustainable products. She also discusses her passion for ocean conservation and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable material for clothing. Amanda touches on her work with startups in this space and her teaching experience at Harvard. The conversation also delves into the challenges of sustainability in fashion, including the overproduction of synthetic materials and microplastic pollution. The hosts ask Amanda about her sources of inspiration, including Coifs, a company that makes beautiful dyes for clothing. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry and the innovative solutions being developed to address its challenges. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 - Bridging the Communication Gap between Startups and Fashion Companies 00:01:11 - Safety and Sustainability Questions Raised by Prospect Park Celebration 00:04:08 - Living in Brooklyn: A Perpetual South by Southwest Experience 00:05:33 - Passion for Innovative Products and Biotech: Interview with Amanda 00:08:12 - Passive Lens Technology and Flashing Light Effect in Water Treatment 00:11:24 - Consistent Light's Importance for Microalgae Growth and Journey to PANGAIA 00:13:43 - Fashion Industry Needs to Learn from Silicon Valley's R&D Approach 00:17:32 - New Fashion Model: Collaboration and Innovation for Industry Change 00:19:12 - Enabling Technology for Sustainable Fashion: Importance of Materials and Innovation 00:22:37 - High-Tech World of Fashion 00:27:07 - PANGAIA's High-Tech Naturalism Philosophy and Patented Material 00:30:32 - Spier's Biotech for Sustainable Fashion with Brewed Protein 00:36:05 - Fashion and Accessory Favorites of the Speaker 00:39:17 - Balancing Crop Yield and Biofabricated Solutions for a Sustainable Future 00:40:56 - Importance of Developing Feedstock for Biofabrication Technologies to Avoid Crisis 00:42:51 - Harvard's New Institute for Climate: Teaching Through Sustainability and Longevity 00:46:03 - Finding Inspiration in the Ocean: Scientist's Perspective 00:48:37 - Praise for a Book and NYC's Biotech and Material Innovation Scene 00:50:14 - Getting to Know Amanda: Her Bio Reactor Journey on a Podcast Interview 00:53:51 - Exciting Companies in the Fashion Industry 00:55:57 - Science of Mouth Feel and Sensory Perception in Food Engineering 00:58:32 - Upcoming Episodes to Cover Materials, Beauty, and Food Episode Links: Pangaia Amanda Parkes on LinkedIn Companies Mentioned: Spiber Colorifix Twelve Suggested Reading: Invention of Nature by Alexander von Humboldt Facing Gaia by Bruno Latour  Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

On this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum interview Suzanne Lee, a designer and pioneer in the field of biotechnology and fashion. Lee shares her journey of discovering the potential of biotechnology in fashion and coining the term "bio couture" to explain the coming together of biology and fashion. She also talks about her experience creating Biofabricate, an event that brings together scientists, creatives, brands, and investors to explore the potential of biotechnology in various industries. Lee discusses the future of biotechnology in fashion, including creating living materials that are symbiotic with our microbiome. The episode concludes with a discussion on sci-fi films that inspire thinking about biomaterials and biotechnology. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 Celebration of Earth and Nature with Cacao and Spring Equinox 00:05:12 AI writing tools won't replace human skills but will make writing easier 00:09:20 A life story of future-focused inspiration and biotech, looking 20 years ahead 00:10:57 Fashion designer transitions to biotech and biomaterials for sustainable fashion 00:15:16 Bacteria-grown clothes were once considered crazy, but biotech is evolving 00:19:02 Biofabricate evolves from fashion to sustainable materials 00:23:42 Exploring the fascinating world of materials, from personal care to outer space 00:25:05 The potential of biotech in fashion and beauty industries for resource efficiency and new aesthetic opportunities 00:28:31 Emerging programs in the UK for design and nature studies 00:30:28 Exploring the potential of performance proteins in yarn production 00:32:03 Importance of economics in projects with upcoming developments 00:39:12 Benefits of imaginative exercise and adaptation in New York 00:41:57 Small intimate gatherings for idea workshopping in Brooklyn Episode Links: Biofabricate Website Suzanne Lee on LinkedIn Blade Runner Biofabricate Summit in Paris Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Jasmina Aganovic joins Karl and Erum on the Grow Everything podcast to discuss the intersection of biotechnology and beauty. The conversation covers the use of biotech in production and performance, such as engineering yeast to produce rare or hard-to-extract natural ingredients, and the importance of transparency and corporate responsibility in decision-making. Jasmina also talks about incorporating biotech into personal care routines, including a new deodorant, and the potential for biotech to create sustainable alternatives. The episode offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of the beauty industry. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 - Fear and empathy for founders unable to access funds at SVB Bank 00:05:19 - Work trip with Erum and reflections on digital representations of cells 00:07:46 - Book review: Tara Farmers explores culture, biotechnology, and terraforming 00:09:59 - Introduction to Jasmina Aganovic on the Grow Everything Podcast 00:14:39 - Importance of messaging and logistics in maximizing product impact 00:17:28 - Growing awareness of skin microbiome in skincare 00:29:13 - Clean beauty vs. biotech beauty: Understanding the trend 00:31:09 - Biology and biotech meeting consumer needs 00:35:00 - Biology-inspired innovations in sun care and hair care 00:39:16 - Importance of open communication and corporate responsibility in biotech and GMOs 00:42:04 - Future of deodorant: Embracing individuality and choice 00:43:04 - New deodorant doesn't deodorize, but still works: Consumer perception study 00:44:19 - Challenges of smelling in a science experiment 00:50:26 - Importance of body odor and showering regularly Episode Links: Arcaea Jasmina Aganovic on LinkedIn Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum are joined by Natalie Kuldell to delve into the exciting world of bio companies and the importance of bridging the gap between the present and future. As the founders of BioBuilder, Natalie shares her expertise on how to inspire the next generation to love life science, and how plasmids can make working with DNA much easier. The discussion also touches on the fascinating topic of authentic research experiences that can spark interest in science and engineering. Additionally, they explore how high school graduates can be included in the bio processing industry without needing a PhD, and the factory floor-oriented jobs available. With insightful musings on different learning models, such as gym memberships and libraries, this episode concludes with the pressing need to prioritize high school biology education. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the future of bio companies and how to inspire young people!  Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more here. Topics Covered:  00:00:00 The Future Of Companies And The Popularity Of Cannabis  00:04:32 NYC: Hub For Finance And Biotech  00:07:51 From Uni To Kids: Teaching Synthetic Biology  00:09:35 The Power Of Curiosity: Exploring The World  00:11:21 Importance Of Bio Education In High Schools  00:12:45 Common Vocabulary In Bio Education  00:19:39 Mosquito Repellent Synthesized From Plasmids  00:21:06 Resilience And Curiosity In School Programs  00:23:18 Global Accessibility, Local Solutions In Biology  00:26:59 Community College And Work Training In Bio Jobs  00:28:39 Teach Bioinformatics To Address Workforce Shortage  00:31:23 Ideal Lab: Hands-on, Accessible Science Museum Exhibit  00:35:57 The Exciting Future Of Biotech And Synthetic Biology  00:39:31 Cautionary Tale: Bringing Back Woolly Mammoths  00:41:47 Data Gap In High School Science Education  00:44:04 Interview With Natalie And Lab Visit Invite  00:46:27 Idea Accelerator For Biology Product Development  Episode Links:  Natalie Kuldell on LinkedIn  BioBuilder Jurassic Park: A Novel GinkGo BioWorks  Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

In this episode, Karl and Erum Azeez interview algae expert Elliot Roth on the potential uses of algae in bio manufacturing, as well as alternatives such as insects and cell-free systems. They discuss the problems of algal blooms and wastewater runoff, and the potential for using algae in various industries, including food coloring and cosmetics. Elliot shares his passion for experimenting with different types of algae and invites listeners to try out his lab in Culver City. They also touch on his interest in space and his company Spira, which focuses on solving basic needs using DIY biotech. Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look into the world of bio manufacturing and the potential uses of algae. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 Accessible Science Communication: Exploring Bio Manufacturing and Bio Illiteracy 00:05:30 The Growing Popularity of Algae as a Nutritional Supplement and Biofuel Source 00:09:51 Sustainable Prepping with Algae-Based Protein 00:12:40 Lessons Learned from Failed Algae Companies: Avoiding Commodity Level Industries 00:14:52 The Diversity of Algae for Genetic Engineering and Holistic Diets 00:23:56 Algae: A Suitable Platform for Protein-Based Manufacturing and Fermentation 00:26:48 Investing in Toolsets for Non-Model Algal Species 00:30:58 Natural and Algae-Based Dyes as Alternatives to Artificial Dyes in Food Coloring 00:35:18 Lowering Prices and Leveraging Infrastructure in Synthetic Biology 00:39:41 Exploring the Potential of Algae Technology for Future Applications 00:43:47 DIY Algae Hair Dye Experiments Gone Wrong: A Cautionary Tale 00:45:41 Experimentation with Algae Products in a Los Angeles Lab 00:51:23 Algae King and Oceanography High School in New York City 00:53:04 Spirulina Powder and Its Exciting Applications 00:55:07 The Future of Manufacturing with Biology and Fermentation Episode Links: Elliot Roth on LinkedIn Spira Website Email Spira here info@spirainc.com Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Get ready to light up the conversation with finance expert Seth Yakatan as he spills the tea on the cannabis and biotech industries. Despite cannabis interest being at an all time high, the industry needs to weed out a ton of regulatory and technical hurdles. Join in as Seth shares how biotech is shaking things up in the cannabis world, from production to consumer goods. They'll also explore clinical trials and synthetic compounds, and highlight innovative companies and products. Get in the weeds on the future of bioengineering cannabis, and toke up some valuable insights. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 The Biology of Climate Change 00:01:06 Mild NYC Winter: Climate Change? 00:04:24 California and NY Legalize Cannabis 00:05:52 Life Sciences: A Family Influence 00:08:41 The Endocannabinoid System and Homeostasis 00:11:13 Epidiolex: Treating Epilepsy with Cannabis 00:13:59 Constraints in Cannabis Pharmaceutical Development 00:18:50 Tikkun Olam's Vehicle Strain: Phase Zero Testing 00:23:31 Constraints of the Cannabis Market 00:28:40 Synthetic Cannabis Production Attempts Fail 00:32:01 Exploring Compounds for Alternative Effects 00:36:44 Federal Change on Alcohol and Cannabis Regulation 00:41:19 Biotechnology and Cannabis: Novel Form Factors 00:43:07 Limited Capital for Biotech Companies 00:45:22 Biotech and Cannabis: Similarities and Opportunities 00:47:00 High-Quality Greenhouse Flower Production Profits 00:50:41 Investment in Canadian Cannabis by Pharmaceuticals and Tobacco 00:52:46 Consolidation in the Cannabis Beverage Industry 00:57:27 Factors in Industrial Cannabis Growth 00:59:29 Plant Engineering for Flavor Enhancement 01:02:26 Synthetic Biology and Cannabis Farming 01:07:17 Exploring Biotech Possibilities with Seth Episode Links: Seth on LinkedIn Katan Associates GW Pharmaceuticals 1906 CANN Uncle Arnie's Glass House Group Forefront Ventures Pacific Stone Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Welcome to the latest episode of Grow Everything, where we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of soil health and the incredible power of engineering organisms. Our hosts Karl and Erum are joined by the amazing Nicole Richards, a 28-year veteran in the chemical space and CEO of Allonnia. Nicole shares her valuable insights on how biology can be harnessed to solve some of our biggest challenges and transform waste into valuable resources. We discuss the exciting new lab in Brooklyn, which has been generously funded by city and state money, as well as sustainable birthday boxes and event swag made from bio-based materials. Lastly, we learn about Allonnia's groundbreaking work in extracting rare earths from mine waste sites and using biology to treat contaminants. Tune in to hear from a true expert and discover how you can get involved in this exciting field!  Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered:  00:00:00 - "Waste Is A Failure of Imagination": Exploring The Need For Innovative Solutions  00:03:23 - The Role of Biotech Companies in Waste Management and Habits Change  00:05:49 - Brooklyn's New Lab: Investing in Garbage and Biotech for a Cleaner Future  00:11:37 - Federal Regulations: The Need for Cleanup of Unhealthy Practices  00:15:58 - Soil Contamination Analysis: Unpacking The Complexities  00:23:07 - From Chemical Engineering To Biotech: Leveraging The Benefits Of High Throughput Automation  00:25:51 - Chemical Companies Investing In Biotech To Solve Environmental Problems  00:30:44 - Waste As A Resource: A New Consciousness And Innovative Solutions  00:37:32 - Exploring The Impact Of Landfills And Waste On Society's Health And Wellbeing  00:41:32 - Nicole's Story: Appreciating Allonnia's Sustainable Approach To Waste Management  00:43:53 - Regenerative farming: Probiotic for soil health  Episode Links:  Nicole Richards on LinkedIn  Allonnia's Website  Wall-E movie Donate to Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief: Direct Relief Disaster Philanthropy Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

Episode Description: This week on "Grow Everything," the hosts delve into the world of synthetic biology with guest John Cumbers, a tech background professional and entrepreneur with a passion for starting a biotech company. John hails from England and is married to a Malaysian. During the show, the team discusses the exciting possibilities of engineering bacteria for various applications, such as cleaning teeth without the need for traditional dental hygiene practices, and revenue models that leverage subscription-based models. They also touch on the crucial role of innovation in the field and the impact of monopolies on progress. The episode concludes with a viewing of "Synthetic Biology," a 2-minute video by Vasil Hnatiuk that provides a vivid depiction of the limitless potential of the field. Join the "Grow Everything" team for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of synthetic biology. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder an Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00 - Engineering A Better Smile 00:30 - Introduction To Grow Everything 05:02 - Reflections on Ten Years of Biotech Conferences 07:35 - The Inspiring Story Behind the Birth of SynBioBeta 10:19 - The Intersection of Genes, Proteins, and Biotech 14:15 - The Battle for Ethical Fashion 17:35 - Can $250 Million Make Engineering Easier and More Accessible? 19:41 - Discovering the Power of Digital Buddhism 22:17 - The Human Instinct to Create and Innovate 26:24 - Breaking the Chains of Monopolies 28:45 - Exploring the Potential for Consumer Goods, Food, and Healthcare 32:44 - Startups on the Global Stage 35:30 - Exploring the Possibilities of Distributed Science and Synthetic Biology 38:38 -  A Look at the Progress and Challenges of Synthetic Biology 42:52 - A Triumph of Diversity 44:37 - Diversity in Science Episode Links: John's LinkedIn SynBioBeta What's Your Bio Strategy? Unnatural Selection on Netflix The Network State book Video: Synthetic Biology: a vision of the future Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

In the latest episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum welcome guest Shelby Newsad, a venture capitalist at Compound VC and a graduate of the University of Cambridge where she studied Bioscience Enterprise and Philosophy. Karl and Erum discuss the thriving biotech industry in New York City and the impact of Indie Bio on the state. Shelby sheds light on the exciting new companies being formed, tackling diverse challenges in the biotech field such as hormone monitoring for women and veterinary drugs utilizing cannabinoids. Grow Everything brings to life the bioeconomy when hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories from the field and interview leaders and influencers in the space.  Life is a powerful force and it can be engineered. What are we creating? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: 00:00:00 Uncovering the Vital Role of Petrochemicals in Shaping Our Planet and Health  00:04:07 A Deep Dive into Biotechnology with a NY Insider  00:09:01 Moving Beyond Automation: A Broader View of the Biotech Industry  00:10:29 Investing in Protein Degradation: A Pathway to Change and Better Health  00:16:45 Balancing Opportunities and Risks in Consumer Biotechnology  00:22:13 An Insider's Perspective on the NYC Biotech Scene after Six Months  00:26:28 The Power of Early-stage Investment in Biotech Companies  00:27:54 Building a Complementary Business Through Strategic Investments  00:33:26 Fermentation's Role in the Future of Consumer Biology  00:37:55 Celebrating Brilliance: An Interview with Cambridge Grad Shelby on Biotechnology Episode Links: Shelby Newsad's LinkedIn Shelby's Substack Call or Text the Grow Everything Hotline:  +1 804-505-5553 Have a question or comment? Message us here: Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything website Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Support here: Patreon Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media Topics: synthetic biology, entrepreneurship, policy, community, science education, biotech, life sciences, community biolabs, bioliteracy