Essential Ingredients Podcast

"The secret to success is the art and science of growing vegetables online to high-performing academic standards. So we are transforming both the lens of public education and personal eating outcomes." —Stephen Ritz

Imagine a classroom where students don't just read about science but experience it firsthand by growing their own food. This isn't some futuristic fantasy— it's the reality created by the Green Bronx Machine, a pioneering program that is transforming public education one school at a time.

Stephen Ritz is the visionary behind this game-changing initiative. As an educator, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for community empowerment, he has dedicated his life to unlocking the potential of underserved students through the power of hands-on, food-based learning.

Listen in as we revisit this classic episode and discover how Stephen's innovative approach is yielding remarkable results, from improved academic performance to greater environmental stewardship and a renewed sense of purpose.

Connect with Stephen:

Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx educator who believes that students should not have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. An internationally acclaimed award-winning educator, Stephen is the author of the best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant, and founder of Green Bronx Machine.

Known as "America's Favorite Teacher," Stephen is responsible for creating the first edible classroom in the world, which he has evolved into the National Health, Wellness, and Learning Center. He and his students have grown more than 100,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. He was a Top Ten Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, named Global Humanitarian, Food Tank Hero, TEDx Prize Winner, and a Global Food Educator, and has presented at the Obama White House three times. Stephen believes that together, via collaboration, and coalition and get to yes solutions, we can all prosper!

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Episode Highlights:

02:15 Steve's Documentary

04:52 Steve's Impact on Schools

06:29 Green Bronx Machine Curriculum and Accessibility

09:49 The Impact of Green Bronx Machine Programs

10:07 How to Donate to Green Bronx Machine

12:24 Student Success Despite Economic Challenges

"Transparency and authenticity are the new currency. If you don't figure that out, you won't be able to get the purchases because consumers today want to understand what the brand is about … They want to see the humans behind the brand." -Jake Karls

Transparency and authenticity are the new currency in today's business landscape. Consumers crave genuine connections with the brands they support, valuing honesty and vulnerability over polished perfection. In a world saturated with noise, the brands that dare to be unapologetically themselves will rise above the rest.

Jake Karls is the co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, a modern-day chocolate company redefining the way we indulge. As a passionate advocate for transparency and innovation, Jake has built a brand that prioritizes both functional nutrition and emotional connection.

Revisit this insightful conversation as Jake shares Midday Squares' journey of growth, legal challenges, and the power of staying true to your values in a rapidly evolving industry.

Connect with Jake:

Jake Karls is an actuary turned modern-day Willy Wonka. He co-founded Mid-Day Squares in 2018 along with his sister and brother-in-law. They manufacture the world's first Functional Chocolate Bars: "Everything a chocolate bar isn't, everything a protein bar wishes it was." The social skills he acquired from running run a clothing brand (Chase & Hunter) became a strength for Mid-Day Squares, his role being the Chief Rover Officer and Resident Social-Personality. He makes a noise, builds relationships, and spreads love.

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Episode Highlights:

01:26 What's New with Jake?

04:50 Giving the Ownership to the Consumers

08:17 Transparency is the New Currency

10:50 Trust is the Key

"Our mission is to raise healthy animals, to get a healthy product by having healthy soil." —Mandy Schmidt

Healthy soil leads to healthy animals, which in turn lead to nutrient-dense, sustainable food. This cyclical relationship holds the key to a more resilient food system.

Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch, where she and her family have been raising grass-fed livestock for over 30 years. Committed to regenerative agriculture, Mandy prioritizes land stewardship and species-appropriate diets to produce the highest quality meat.

In this episode, Mandy shares the secrets to her family's sustainable ranching practices, from the importance of soil health to the benefits of grass-fed beef and lamb. Tune in as Justine and Mandy talk about the definition of grass-fed vs. grass-finished livestock, the role of soil health in animal and human nutrition, generational knowledge and continuous learning in family farming, transparency and consumer education in sustainable agriculture, and more.

Meet Mandy:

Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch in West Marin, California. Mandy and her family have been raising grass-fed beef cattle, sheep, and goats on their family ranch for over 30 years. Committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, Mandy prioritizes soil health and species-appropriate diets for her livestock. As a mother of two, Mandy is passionate about providing nutrient-dense, transparent food options for her community. Mandy leads ranch tours and educational events to connect consumers with the origins of their food. Through her work, Mandy aims to inspire others to make more informed choices about the food they consume and its impact on personal and planetary health.

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Episode Highlights:

01:27 Traditional Livestock Care Methods

03:29 Grass0Fed vs Grass-Finished

07:08 Evolving Conversations About Food

10:34 The Role of Soil Health and Food Quality

14:58 Buying Power and Direct Relationships

18:35 Questions for Informed Choices

22:45 Generational Challenges and Continous Learning

27:10 Transparency and Consumer Education

"It's not that capitalism is out to destroy the environment. It's basically there to make money. And so, if you can replace the mechanism by which it makes money with something that is beneficial for the environment, it'll continue to do that." —Scott "Scotty Claus" Martin

Christmas trees are a beloved tradition, but the environmental impact of cutting down millions of trees each year is undeniable. But what if there was a way to enjoy the festive spirit of a Christmas tree without the waste? The answer may lie in the concept of living, rented trees— a sustainable solution that's gaining traction.

Scott "Scotty Claus" Martin, the founder of the Living Christmas Company, has dedicated his career to revolutionizing the way we celebrate the holidays. With a background in landscape design and a passion for environmental stewardship, Scotty has been on a mission to change the narrative around Christmas trees and promote a more sustainable approach.

Tune in as Scotty shares his inspiring journey of founding the Living Christmas Tree Company, the strategies he's developed to balance business needs with his social mission, the power of changing people's narrative, his broader vision for using social entrepreneurship to drive positive change, plus tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Meet Scotty:

Scott Martin, also known as Scotty Claus, is the founder of The Living Christmas Company. The idea for the company was born from his experience delivering Christmas trees for a local nursery during his Christmas vacation. Scotty Claus was struck by the joy and magic that a Christmas tree brought into homes but also saddened by the sight of discarded trees after the holiday season. This inspired him to create a more sustainable way to celebrate Christmas.

In 2008, he founded The Living Christmas Company, which allows people to rent living Christmas trees for the holiday season. After the season, the trees are returned to the nursery, repotted, and cared for until the next year. If a tree becomes too large to be used as a Christmas tree, it is planted in the local community or nearby forests through an Urban Reforestation Project2.

Scotty Claus's innovative approach has not only provided an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Christmas trees but has also expanded to include various communities in California, with hopes of reaching environmentally conscious people across the nation

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Episode Highlights:

00:47 The Evolution of The Living Christmas

03:16 Sustainability and Value of Living Christmas Trees

09:23 Navigating Challenges and Expanding Impact

14:46 Social Entrepreneurship

19:09 Tools and Strategies for Success

21:03 Future Goals and Vision

24:19 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

"A job is a give and take. You give your time, you build momentum, and you build value in the community; but then you also receive financial remuneration. But this is about cooking as well, and the healing component of kitchens." —Kate Rogers

"It's not just for a job, it's for the future. These kids are thinking long-term, which is something that is hard to see in the youth." —Nelson German

"Just one thing going right can change your life." —Michael Bauer

For many young adults facing hardship, the path to a brighter future can seem daunting. But with the right support and guidance, their lives can be transformed in remarkable ways. Empowering at-risk youth to find their passion and purpose is a powerful catalyst for change.

Kate Rogers, the founder and executive director of the Sprouts Chef Training Program, has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive job training, mentorship, and financial workshops to empower young adults. Partnering with renowned chefs like Nelson German and Michael Bauer, the program is changing the trajectory of lives, one trainee at a time.

Tune in as Justine interviews Kate, Nelson, and Michael to discover the inspiring stories, the program's holistic approach, the long-term impact of empowering at-risk youth through culinary arts, and more.

This Giving Tuesday, you can give the gift of opportunity. $5,000 sponsors a life-changing 3-month paid internship through the Sprouts Chef Training Program. And the best part? NextGen Purpose will MATCH your donation, doubling your impact. Donate today and change a life!

Meet Kate:

Kate Rogers is the founder and executive director of the Sprouts Chef Training Program. Driven by her personal experiences and a deep passion for empowering at-risk youth, Rogers established Sprouts with the goal of providing culinary training and job opportunities to young adults facing hardship. Under her leadership, the program has expanded to multiple cities, partnering with renowned chefs and restaurants to offer comprehensive training and mentorship. Rogers' unwavering dedication to creating positive change in the lives of the program's participants has been instrumental in Sprouts' success and growth.

Meet Michael:

Michael Bauer is a renowned food writer and restaurant critic. He served as the restaurant critic and food editor for the San Francisco Chronicle for over 32 years, establishing himself as a leading voice in the Bay Area culinary scene. Since leaving the Chronicle, Bauer has dedicated his time to supporting the restaurant industry and giving back to the community. He currently serves on the board of the Sprouts Chef Training Program, where he leverages his industry expertise to help mentor and empower at-risk youth interested in culinary careers.

Meet Nelson:

Nelson German is the chef and owner of alaMar, a popular restaurant in Oakland, California. With over a decade of experience in the industry, German has established himself as a respected figure in the Bay Area culinary community. In addition to running his own successful restaurant, German has been an active participant in the Sprouts Chef Training Program, serving as a mentor and providing hands-on training to young adults looking to break into the restaurant industry. German's commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of culinary talent has made him an invaluable asset to the Sprouts program.

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Episode Highlights:

00:17 The Sprouts Chef Training Program

05:46 Meet Nelson

14:45 Changing the Lives of Youths

15:06 Meet Michael

25:09 Giving Tuesday

36:03 Youth Empowerment: Investing on Long-Term Impact

"It is challenging to stand out there and pitch your idea to total strangers. But as you do it, you realize you can do it, and you get better at it the longer you do it." —Monica O'Neil

"Not only in the business, it's extended to our life. I'm now driving an electric car, and we're now both composting, which we weren't before. The little, tiny bits we're doing with this are starting to eat into our lives." —Cindy Estes

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also generates an overwhelming amount of waste from single-use gift wrapping. This staggering issue highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to reduce our holiday footprint.

Monica O'Neil and Cindy Estes, the co-founders of Rapt GiftWrap, have answered this call with their innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Monica and Cindy have combined their expertise to create a reusable fabric gift wrap that not only reduces waste but also offers a stylish and practical alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

Tune in as Monica and Cindy share their inspiring journey, covering key insights on sustainability, thoughtful product development, embracing sustainable lifestyles, educating and building a market, leveraging entrepreneurial experience, adaptability and customer-centricity, overcoming marketing challenges, and their collaborative strengths.

Meet Monica and Cindy:

Monica O'Neil is a New England transplant with a youth spent in Chile, Venezuela, and Morocco. Fluent in 3 languages with a Master's in French Literature, Monica spent a decade teaching at several area high schools. Becoming a mother was a natural evolution - there is a lot of overlap in the skill set. Monica is still trying to educate but the subject is a little more straightforward - reducing waste with fabric gift wrap - and there's a lot less homework.

A California native who married New England, Cindy Estes started Seam, a children's clothing line, with 4 children in tow. As a young graduate, Cindy became the first in-house graphic designer at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and worked with various artists and curators to create a consistent brand strategy. With a background in design and experience in clothing manufacturing, she brings her sense of style, design, and implementation to Rapt gift wrap.

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Episode Highlights:

00:50 The Birth of Rapt

04:02 Developing the Product Concept

06:52 Sustainability and Business Practices

09:45 Cultural Context

13:02 Marketing and Customer Feedback

15:16 Entrepreneurship and Collaboration

18:28 Navigating Challenges

23:07 Community Engagement

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series

Episode Description:

Part of the success of an entrepreneur is owning your story and taking control of that journey. So you have to put yourself out there." —Gita Vellanki

Menopause can be a challenging transition for many women, marked by a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. While often overlooked, finding natural solutions to manage these changes is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Functional nutrition offers a promising approach to addressing menopause woes, empowering women to take control of their hormonal balance.

Gita Vellanki is the Founder of Neeshi, a CPG company dedicated to creating innovative functional food products that support women's health. With a background in corporate operations and a lifelong passion for holistic wellness, Gita is committed to destigmatizing conversations around women's health issues and providing natural solutions.

This week, Justine and Gita discuss Gita's holistic approach to women's health, her mission to destigmatize conversations around menopause, the invaluable support of her entrepreneurial community, her meticulous research and development process, and the strategic vision driving Neeshi's growth. Tune in.

Meet Gita:

Gita Vellanki is the Founder of Neeshi, a CPG company that creates functional food products to support women's health. After struggling with her own and her daughter's painful period symptoms, Gita was inspired to develop a natural solution using high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients.

With a background in corporate operations and a lifelong passion for holistic health, Gita has leveraged her expertise to build Neeshi from the ground up. She is committed to destigmatizing conversations around women's health and empowering others to take a proactive approach to their well-being.

Under Gita's leadership, Neeshi has developed a loyal customer base and received validation from healthcare professionals. As the company continues to grow, Gita remains dedicated to creating innovative products that seamlessly integrate functional nutrition into everyday life.

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Episode Highlights:

03:15 Unique Challenges and Mindset Required in Entrepreneurship

08:26 Support Needed

14:08 Bootstrapping and Marketing Strategies

19:31 Family Involvement and Product Development

23:36 Product Line and Market Positioning

29:13 Research and Development Process

33:39 Expanding Retail

Holiday Gifting Series

Episode Description:

"If you're passionate about something, go for it. It's just lots of ups and downs, and you just gotta ride that wave." —Staci Inspektor

"We want to give back to the community that inspires us and has allowed us to do what we do." —Nikki Reed

Elevating the every day with sustainable style - that's the new frontier of eco-conscious living. Thoughtfully designed textiles are proving that being kind to the planet doesn't have to sacrifice an ounce of sophistication. It's a delicate balance that's both beautiful and responsible.

Atelier Saucier is a design house committed to breathing new life into fashion industry waste, reimagining discarded textiles into luxurious table linens and home accents. Founded by Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor, the brand is rooted in sustainability without sacrificing style.

Learn more about Atelier Saucier's multifaceted approach to sourcing deadstock and upcycled textiles, its seasonal collection model that balances core essentials with limited-edition pieces, and its design process inspired by fashion, architecture, and current trends. Discover how the co-founders' complementary skills and collaborative company culture drive product development and community engagement. Tune in to uncover Atelier Saucier's inspiring story of marrying eco-consciousness and covetable design.

Meet Nikki and Staci:

Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor are the co-founders of Atelier Saucier, a modern table linen and tabletop decor brand based in Los Angeles.

With a background in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Nikki was inspired to create sustainable and stylish linens after struggling to find the right options for her own restaurant. As the operational and organizational force behind Atelier Saucier, Nikki brings her problem-solving skills and attention to detail to help grow the business.

Staci Inspektor:

With a creative background in fashion design and interior design, Staci's innovative spirit and design expertise are the driving force behind Atelier Saucier's unique product offerings. Staci is responsible for the brand's seasonal collections and collaborations, constantly finding new ways to reimagine textiles into modern, eco-friendly home goods.

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Episode Highlights:

01:38 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Sourcing

06:02 The Importance of Shared Strengths in Business

13:11 Empowering Employees

17:49 Holiday Collections and Unique Offerings

20:34 Future Collaborations

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series

Episode Description:

"Seaweed is an essential ingredient." —Sachi Singh

Seaweed may be one of the most overlooked superfoods on the planet. This nutrient-dense aquatic plant is a true powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can work wonders for our health. Yet, many of us relegate seaweed to the occasional sushi roll or salad garnish, failing to recognize its full potential.

Led by its Founder, Sachi Singh, Rootless is on a mission to mainstream the health and sustainability benefits of seaweed. With a background in climate and ocean solutions, Sachi is passionate about using seaweed to help women navigate menopausal symptoms while creating a more regenerative food system.

Elevate your wellness routine and the planet's future as Justine and Sachi share why eating seaweed is beneficial for thyroid health, how seaweed can alleviate menopausal symptoms, tips for building a strong brand and product development team, how we can invest in a greener future, and Sachi's advice for new founders.

Connect with Sachi:

Sachi Singh is the Founder and CEO of Rootless, a mission-driven food company on a mission to make seaweed an essential part of the American diet. With over a decade of experience in the climate and ocean space, Sachi is passionate about developing sustainable, nutrient-dense solutions that benefit both human and planetary health.

As a first-time founder, Sachi has built Rootless from the ground up, leveraging her background in environmental management and her family's roots in the "food as medicine" philosophy. Under her leadership, Rootless has developed a line of seaweed-based snacks that are helping women navigate the hormonal changes of menopause through the power of this ancient superfood.

Sachi is committed to creating a more equitable and regenerative food system, and she continues to be a vocal advocate for increasing access to sustainable, bioavailable nutrition. With Rootless, she is on a mission to change the way people think about and consume seaweed.

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Episode Highlights:

00:28 Seaweed Essential Ingredient

06:24 A Regenerative Food Crop for Climate Solution

13:28 Seaweeds as Medicine

19:51 Founder Things

26:07 Put Your Money Where Your Values Are

"People want to know where your food comes from. Why shouldn't people know where your building materials come from?" —Gregory Wilson

Many of the building materials we use in our homes and workplaces can pose serious health risks. From toxic chemicals like formaldehyde to hazardous plastics, these materials can negatively impact indoor air quality and overall well-being. Therefore, it's time to rethink the foundations of construction and seek out sustainable, plant-based alternatives that prioritize human health.

Gregory Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of HempWood®, a company revolutionizing the building industry with its eco-friendly, carbon-negative flooring solutions. With over 28 years of experience in the field, Wilson is on a mission to provide healthier, more sustainable materials for residential and commercial spaces.

In this episode, Wilson discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the environmental and health benefits of Hempwood, the challenges of competing with cheaper but less sustainable options, and his plans for global expansion.

Meet Gregory:

Gregory Wilson is the founder of HempWood®, a company that produces sustainable building materials made from hemp fiber and soy protein. He has a background in business strategy, financial modeling, and product development, with experience in setting up operations in the USA and China. Gregory is also involved in other ventures such as SmartOAK Pty Ltd and QPC Partners, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly solutions in the real estate and manufacturing industries. He holds an MBA from Frostburg State University and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.

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Episode Highlights:

01:47 Loving the Outdoors

05:40 The Only Carbon-Negative Flooring Company

14:00 Overcoming Challenges in Sales

18:49 Do Not Be a Minority Owner in Your Own Company

23:59 Expanding Global Reach

27:43 What People Care About Most

31:06 It's Not Easy to Do What's Right