Essential Ingredients Podcast

"The things that you run away from, you end up going back to as you get older." —Aishwarya Iyer

Because of our busy schedules, it's all too easy to rush through meal preparation on autopilot. But cooking with presence and awareness has profound benefits for both body and soul. With each conscious action in the kitchen, whether stirring a pot of soup or mixing a salad, we nourish our mind and spirit, as well as our physical needs. The mindfulness we cultivate over the stove can spread throughout our day, improving mood and relationships toward more conscious living.

Aishwarya Iyer's passion for conscious cooking inspired her to create Brightland, where she strives to elevate people's connection to their food through products that encourage mindfulness. By sharing the stories of the farmers and flavors behind each product, she aims to help customers more present and aware during mealtimes, allowing them to reap the mental and physical benefits of living in the moment while nourishing themselves and their loved ones.

In this episode, Justine and Aishwarya talked about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people, Brightland's organic and regenerative products, Ash's strategic approach to growing the company, and the value of mindful cooking and making thoughtful choices to nourish both body and soul.

Meet Aishwarya:

Aishwarya Iyer is the founder and CEO of Brightland, an olive oil, vinegar, and honey company based in California. She launched Brightland in 2017 after becoming passionate about food and cooking oils. Under her leadership, Brightland has grown to produce a variety of high-quality, organic, and regenerative olive oils, vinegar, and honey. Brightland partners directly with small farms to source ingredients and tell the story of sustainable agriculture.

Prior to founding Brightland, Aishwarya worked in the beauty industry and tech startups. She credits her experiences in consumer products and the startup world with giving her the skills to successfully launch and scale her own company. Aishwarya is committed to building Brightland through a strategic and calm approach while delighting customers.

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Episode Highlights:

00:55 Walking the Path of Entrepreneur

05:19 Overcoming Barriers to Success

10:30 Mindful Cooking

15:06 Partnering with Local Farmers

18:57 The Value of Advisors

23:51 Emphasis on Quality and Uniqueness

31:02 AVoiding Rancidity

"You can't leave the question of justice out of sustainability. Because if large numbers of people feel disempowered, or left out of the process, there's nothing sustainable about that." —Dr. Laird Christensen

Building a sustainable and regenerative future requires innovative education and community engagement. When educational programs empower people with practical knowledge of their local ecosystems and economies, they gain the tools to strengthen food systems, land use, and social networks where they live.

Dr. Laird Christensen is an award-winning instructor and administrator at Prescott College, where he directs innovative graduate programs focused on sustainability and resilience. Through story-based and project-centered learning, his curricula empower professionals to create just and sustainable communities.

Tune in as Justine and Dr. Christensen cover critical issues on empowering students to address challenges in their regions through bio-regional and solutions-based approaches, the need for inclusive solutions that benefit all people as energy systems transition away from fossil fuels, overcoming climate anxiety, and reinventing systems in a more regenerative and equitable manner.

Meet Laird:

Laird Christensen is an award-winning instructor, writer, and administrator. As the director of the Master of Science in Resilient and Sustainable Communities program at Prescott College, he has developed innovative project-based curricula and interdisciplinary programs focused on how stories shape the interaction of human communities and their environments. With over 10 years of experience directing online graduate programs, Laird is passionate about empowering working professionals to build more sustainable and just communities through place-based and solutions-oriented learning.

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Episode Highlights:

04:35 A Focus on Solutions-Based Learning

08:38 Student Innovation Builds Sustainable Food System

14:51 Creating Systemic Resiliency Through Education and Community Engagement

19:31 Understanding Different Perspectives to Address Social and Environmental Issues

23:33 Communication Strategies for Creating a Regenerative Future

"This isn't just a purchasing decision. This has huge and sweeping ramifications. As consumers, we dictate the food system; our choices pull a lever that directly dictates how all this works." —Marshall Bartlett

Sustainable meat production is about more than just the end product— it's also about supporting a holistic farming system that nourishes both people and the land. When consumers make the conscientious choice to purchase meat from farms practicing this kind of care, it solidifies a food system that will continue nourishing communities for many years to come.

This week, Justine sits down with Marshall Bartlett, the co-founder and CEO of Home Place Pastures, a fifth-generation family farm in Mississippi that has transformed over the past decade to practice regenerative agriculture through rotational grazing of grass-fed beef and pastured pork. Marshall aims to improve soil health, support ethical animal welfare, and make locally grown, sustainable meat accessible in his community.

Tune in as Justine and Marshall talk about the challenges of conventional agriculture, how regenerative practices like rotational grazing can improve soil health and sequester carbon long-term, and the importance of education and storytelling to help consumers understand labels and make informed choices that support small, local producers.

Meet Marshall:

Marshall grew up in the Home Place and fell in love with the farm and his hometown throughout his childhood. After graduating from the Mississippi School of Math and Science, Marshall left the South to attend Dartmouth College for undergrad. After college, he spent time in Montana, completed an AmeriCorps term in New Orleans rebuilding houses destroyed in Katrina, and eventually ran operations for a small business specializing in sourcing local meat for New Orleans chefs.

In 2014, at the age of 24, Marshall returned to the Home Place with a new vision for the family farm and has worked for the last 10 years to bring this vision to reality. You can usually find him on the Home Place Monday through Saturday somewhere between the meat plant, the farming operation, and the Farm Store. He often gives farm tours and butcher classes at the Home Place. He spends his off-farm time with his wife Katie and daughter Joan or traveling to help learn from other farmers and meat processors.

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Episode Highlights:

02:33 Farming Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Practices

12:44 Financial Viability Concern

16:13 Connecting Food with Health and Planet

21:56 Manipulated Label Claim in the Meat Industry

25:17 Local and Sustainable Meat Production

28:44 Local Foods and Consumer Impact

34:05 Animal Welfare and Regenerative Agriculture

36:46 Supporting Local Agriculture

"Choosing a non-alcoholic option isn't a less than choice." —Anika Sawni

The lines between drinkers and non-drinkers are beginning to blur as new options emerge. Where social events were once defined by their alcohol consumption, people now gather for deeper connections unbound by beverage choices.

Gruvi co-founder, Anika Sawni's vision celebrates the joy of community while empowering individuals to make choices that align with their health, values, and mood. Their growing range of sophisticated yet accessible zero-proof options ensures no one ever feels left out or like a third wheel due to their drinking habits alone.

Listen in as Anika shares her journey launching Gruvi, and their focus on taste, variety, and accessibility when crafting their award-winning non-alcoholic bevies. Justine and Anika also discuss the growing interest in reducing alcohol consumption, what mindful drinking means, and how we can help build an inclusive drinking culture.

Meet Anika:

Anika Sawni is the co-founder and Director of Marketing at Grüvi, a company that produces alcohol-free beverages. She studied neuroscience at McGill University before teaming up with her brother, Niki Sawni, to launch Grüvi.

Anika's journey with Grüvi began when she noticed the lack of non-alcoholic options at social gatherings. This observation led her to create a healthier alternative that could complement social experiences without adding inebriation.

Grüvi started with a focus on the cannabis community in Denver, and it quickly gained popularity. Today, Grüvi's products, which include alcohol-free wine and beer, are sold across more than 1,500 stores, including Whole Foods, Total Wine, Target, and the Canadian grocery chain, Sobeys.

In addition to her work with Grüvi, Anika has also served as the VP of Events for McGill Students for DueNORTH from 2016 to 2019. She was named to Forbes's 30 Under 30 list in its food and beverage category in 2021. Anika's future aspirations include founding a company focused on brain-based interventions.

Anika Sawni's work with Grüvi exemplifies her commitment to promoting healthier lifestyle choices and her innovative approach to addressing gaps in the beverage market.

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Episode Highlights:

01:42 Building a Non-Alcoholic Brand

08:49 Working with Family

11:58 Addressing Consumer Barriers

18:45 Shifting Societal Attitude Toward Drinking

22:36 Mindful Drinking Habits

28:02 Focusing on Taste and Accessibility

"I try to remove ego from as many of these decisions as I can as that's one of the greatest inhibitors to future success." —Connor Godfrey

When external pressures or internal imbalances knock us from our center, discomfort and disease can take root. However, balance is not found by force but through nurturing what needs nurturing within. Therefore, by supporting our body's innate wisdom with natural remedies, mindfulness, and self-care, we allow its equilibrium to renew.

Founded by Connor Godfrey, Rasāsvāda is a spirit restorative company that creates herbal spirits using traditional Chinese medicinal plants and ingredients. Rasāsvāda aims to help consumers on their lifelong wellness journeys through plant-based remedies without preservatives that promote healing and restore balance.

Listen in as Justine and Connor dive deep into nature-inspired wellness solutions, including traditional Chinese medicine and adaptogenic ingredients. They also share the importance of treating business obstacles as a game, balancing ego and growth, regularly assessing and pivoting the business strategy, including education in crafting marketing strategy, and more.

Meet Connor:

Connor Godfrey is the founder and CEO of Rasāsvāda, a spirit restorative company based in New York City. Rasāsvāda creates spirits made from 100% plants and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Connor was inspired to start the company after turning to Eastern medicine to help heal from personal struggles.

Connor has a background in private equity and comes from a family with experience in herbalism and tea. As the sixth generation entrepreneur in his family, he leverages his knowledge of Eastern wellness practices to formulate Rasāsvāda's adaptogenic products. Under Connor's leadership, Rasāsvāda focuses on education and innovation, with a mission to help customers on their wellness journeys through plant-based remedies and restorative rituals.

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Episode Highlights:

01:06 Eastern Medicine and Spirit Restoration

04:50 Business Partnerships and Navigating Challenges

11:47 A Focus on Adaptogenic Ingredients

17:47 Wellness, Education, and Education

"We want to get people to recognize that there are better-for-you options in the alcohol world." —Jennifer Roman-Matito

While a night of fun and frivolity is part of the social experience, the unpleasant physical effects of a hangover can leave us longing for a better way— a way to continue the party without the painful playoff.

In this episode, Justine sits down with Jennifer Roman-Matito, the co-founder of Mother's Milk, a coconut water cocktail company that offers a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks. She created Mother's Milk to provide hangover-free beverage options made with natural ingredients for conscious drinkers.

Jennifer shares how her interest in healthier alternatives was sparked by unwanted physical reactions to alcohol and how this led her to create a line of coconut water-based RTD cocktails designed for hydration without hangovers.

Tune in to hear the challenges of launching and growing a female-founded business from the ground up, what conscious drinking means, plus, advice on choosing the right ingredients, building strategic partnerships, and fundraising as a small business.

Meet Jennifer:

Jennifer Roman-Matito is a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Mother's Milk, a pioneering coconut water-based cocktail brand aimed at health-conscious individuals with a penchant for revelry. Armed with a degree in Communications and Media Studies from CUNY-Hunter College, Jennifer combines her passion for innovative products with her rich island heritage to craft beverages that resonate with a diverse and adventurous audience.

As a self-funded and female-founded initiative, Mother's Milk stands as a testament to Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating distinctive offerings in the beverage industry. Leveraging her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management, Jennifer spearheads the brand's distribution efforts, forges strategic partnerships, and orchestrates impactful marketing campaigns to propel Mother's Milk into the spotlight.

Through Mother's Milk, she not only offers refreshing libations but also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals who embrace wellness without compromising on enjoyment. With Jennifer at the helm, Mother's Milk continues to captivate taste buds, spark conversations, and carve its niche as a trailblazer in the beverage industry.

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Episode Highlights:

00:29 Alt Drinks for Hangovers

05:05 Building a Lifestyle Brand

09:17 Challenges and Solutions for Female-FOunded

13:38 Finding Strategic Partners

18:09 Conscious Drinking

"When one person makes the decision to be more mindful, more conscious, it starts to have a little bit more of a ripple effect." —Jennifer Roman-Matito

Conscious drinking is gaining popularity as people recognize that alcohol consumption is a choice where informed decisions matter. Younger generations especially are looking for drinking experiences to satisfy their desire to socialize without sacrificing how they feel. This trend speaks much about the mainstreaming of preventative health habits and considering ingredients in all areas of life, including how we enjoy social beverages.

Jennifer Roman-Matito is the co-founder of Mother's Milk, a groundbreaking coconut water-based cocktail brand designed for health-conscious individuals who enjoy vibrant experiences. With a passion for creating unique products that reflect her island heritage, Jennifer utilizes her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management to distribute the brand, foster partnerships, and generate excitement within a diverse and adventurous audience.

The conversation explores the growing trend of conscious drinking. Tune in as Justine and Jennifer define conscious drinking and discuss how conscious drinking is impacting the food and beverage industry, social gatherings, and the overall health and wellness of consumers. They also talk about the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic options, as well as collaborating on future events and partnerships to further the conversation around mindful alcohol consumption.

Meet Jennifer:

Jennifer Roman-Matito is a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Mother's Milk, a pioneering coconut water-based cocktail brand aimed at health-conscious individuals with a penchant for revelry. Armed with a degree in Communications and Media Studies from CUNY-Hunter College, Jennifer combines her passion for innovative products with her rich island heritage to craft beverages that resonate with a diverse and adventurous audience.

As a self-funded and female-founded initiative, Mother's Milk stands as a testament to Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating distinctive offerings in the beverage industry. Leveraging her expertise in hospitality, marketing communications, and event management, Jennifer spearheads the brand's distribution efforts, forges strategic partnerships, and orchestrates impactful marketing campaigns to propel Mother's Milk into the spotlight.

Through Mother's Milk, she not only offers refreshing libations but also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals who embrace wellness without compromising on enjoyment. With Jennifer at the helm, Mother's Milk continues to captivate taste buds, spark conversations, and carve its niche as a trailblazer in the beverage industry.

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Episode Highlights:

00:46 What is Conscious Drinking

04:28 Conscious Drinking and Its Growing Popularity

11:06 Conscious Drinking and Its Impact on Social Gathering

19:45 Conscious Drinking and Collaboration with Brands

24:15 Conscious Drinking and Mindfulness

"Without our mothers, we wouldn't be here. We need to put mothers and nurturing maternal relationships at the forefront of our families, of our communities, and also how we lead businesses as well." —Hoda Mohajerani

Motherhood is at the heart of many businesses today. Where some see constraints, these mompreneurs find freedom in following passions with impacts that nourish families and the future. Their brands reflect the love, care, and vision that sustain communities, just as motherhood sustains families.

Chakra Chai founder Hoda Mohajerani returns to share her journey as a mom and business leader. Listen in as Justine and Hoda discuss more about the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, Chakra Chai's latest products that aim to nourish both physical and spiritual well-being, the importance of collaboration and community in business success, nurturing communities through sustainable practices, and more.

Meet Hoda:

Following the loss of her newborn son, Arta, Hoda's body, mind, and soul were in a state of disarray. Her heart was shattered, her energy depleted, and she suffered from chronic gut and colon problems. Hoda's being was in turmoil while she struggled to find solace in her physical and emotional state. However, her sheer power will keep her going through the toughest of times.

While meditating at home, Hoda heard a whisper from her dear Arta: "Chakra Chai". At first, she was not sure what it meant or what her little one was trying to tell her. Over time, though, she began to understand the profound message, delivered with the utmost tenderness and love.

Hoda received a download of information that she knew was sacred and powerful. She sat with her thoughts and quieted her mind, allowing for the message to sink in and take root. She knew that this was an incredible gift, one that she had to honor and pursue with all her being.

CHAKRA CHAI is the product of her loss and grief, but it has become Hoda's mission in life to offer a drink that brings wholeness, balance, and strength to those who need it. It is a privilege to serve others, and she hopes that each sip of CHAKRA CHAI offers solace and healing to all those who come across it.

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Episode Highlights:

02:37 Building a Conscious Brand that Supports Mothers

05:16 Love Truffles

08:04 Finding the Right Team

13:27 The Importance of Collaboration and Community

19:03 Honoring Motherhood in Business

"We believe that small businesses change the game. They'll be the future of everything and they are more adaptable. So if we can support small businesses, that's going to lead to a better economy, a better future for everyone." —Jared Damman

Traditional plastic and petroleum-based packaging have severe environmental consequences, filling landfills and releasing greenhouse gases. Hence, sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important as consumers demand environmentally-friendly options. However, compostable packaging also faces challenges in terms of availability, cost, and processing infrastructure. Innovation is key to developing sustainable solutions that are viable for both businesses and the planet.

Led by Jared Damman, WildKind Packaging, a sustainable packaging manufacturer, utilizes innovative digital printing technology to make compostable packaging more accessible and cost-effective. With over 15 years of experience in product development and manufacturing, Jared was inspired to launch WildKind to create a meaningful environmental impact.

Tune in as Justine and Jared look inside the efforts to develop financially viable and truly sustainable packaging solutions through empowering employee ownership models. They also talk about the challenges of measuring environmental impact and educating consumers, how digital printing and E-beam curing allow for customized, small-batch production using plant-based materials, navigating partnerships within a parent company to launch a new initiative, and the importance of considering future generations through business decisions.

Meet Jared:

Jared Damman is the Founder and CEO of WildKind Packaging, a sustainable packaging manufacturer focused on plant-based flexible packaging. With over 15 years of experience in product development and digital printing technologies, Jared was inspired to launch WildKind after wanting to create a tangible environmental impact. Under his leadership, WildKind utilizes innovative digital printing and E-beam technology to make compostable packaging accessible and affordable for small businesses.

Prior to founding WildKind, Jared helped develop new business lines and digital applications as part of an employee-owned manufacturing company. Jared is passionate about empowering employees and future generations through sustainable business practices.

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Episode Highlights:

03:18 Plant-Based Materials Innovative Packaging Solutions

08:45 Leveraging Digital Printing Technology

13:49 Educating Consumers About Packaging Alternatives

15:45 Employee Ownership Model

20:55 Business Decisions and the Future Generations

"Wi-Fi and the Internet have now become a utility. But food is not. It should be! Good food should be as available and accessible as Wi-Fi." —Kate Burns

"Hit the market where the market is not where you wish it would be." —Andreas Duess

Leveraging data and insights provides businesses with a strategic edge. Rather than relying solely on assumptions or untested ideas, a data-driven approach empowers companies to design products and strategies that deliver impactful solutions that meet customers' needs.

6Seeds is a company that provides data-backed insights to guide businesses toward sustainable growth. Their analysis helps founders move past assumptions to make fact-based choices. By acting on insights from real consumer behavior and preferences, entrepreneurs can create relevant offerings and navigate the path to success.

Listen in as Justine interviews 6Seeds co-founders, Kate Burns and Andreas Duess to discuss how understanding real customer behaviors through data empowers entrepreneurs to expand their brand beyond initial expectations.

They also talk about the key questions founders should ask themselves upfront, how hard data can help reframe business models, how a data-first approach can set the stage for long-term wins, and much more!

Meet Kate Burns:

After running Google Europe, and then launching Buzzfeed Tasty during her tenure as CEO of Buzzfeed, Kate has now co-founded 6 Seeds to support brands that build a sustainable future for food.

Meet Andreas Duess:

Andreas started his career at Ogilvy in London, focusing on tech with Sony, Canon, and Cisco. He moved to Toronto and co-founded one of North America's leading marketing agencies focusing on food, drink, and ag.

He is now utilizing his deep CPG knowledge to support the brands that are building the future of food.

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Episode Highlights:

01:16 Leveraging Tech for Food

04:19 Food and Beverage Industry: Challenges and Solutions

13:14 Utilizing Data for Product Development

18:01 Determining Potential Target Audience

25:03 Identifying the Core Opportunity for Businesses

30:48 Building a Successful Business Through Data-Driven Insights