“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 

Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series 

Episode Description:

“We need to know what we're doing so that we can support women to feel their best and live long lives.” —Dr. Anjali Dsouza

Welcome to the Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini Series, a special limited exploration of menopause and the essential ingredients for navigating this transformative life stage! 

Menopause and perimenopause are significant life transitions that impact women's health in profound ways. From changes in mood and cognition to increased risks of chronic conditions, this natural hormonal shift can bring a host of challenges. Yet, with the right knowledge and support, women can navigate this transformative period with greater ease and vitality.

District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM) Founder, Dr. Anjali Dsouza, is a leading expert in integrative medicine and a certified specialist in menopause care. Drawing on her extensive training and passion for holistic wellness, she provides comprehensive guidance to help women optimize their health during this pivotal stage of life.

In this insightful conversation, Justine and Anjali delve into the physiological changes of menopause, the importance of food as medicine in navigating the challenges of menopause and perimenopause, practical tips for symptom management, and a wealth of resources to support women on their journey.  

Meet Anjali:

Dr. Anjali Dsouza is the Founder of District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM). She is a board-certified physician specializing in Integrative Medicine, Palliative Care, and Psychiatry. Her areas of particular interest are women’s health optimization, autoimmunity, digestive dysfunction, lifestyle medicine, nutritional medicine, preventative care, and metabolic health.

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Episode Highlights:

00:17 The Cha Cha Cha Changes Mini-Series

03:10 Meet Anjali

08:33 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause 

12:28 Menopause: Common Symptoms and Health Risks 

16:51 Food as Medicine for Menopause 

20:03 Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms 

26:44 Resources and Support for Menopause

“What a lot of people don't quite understand about plant-based meat is that you have to understand the industry that you are replacing.” —Christie Lagally 

The plant-based meat industry is at a pivotal moment, with innovative companies harnessing the power of technology to transform the way we think about sustainable protein. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge manufacturing processes and high-quality products, these visionaries are paving the way for a future where plant-based alternatives are not just viable, but the preferred choice for consumers, institutions, and the planet.

At the forefront of this revolution is Christie Lagally, the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods. A mechanical engineer by trade, Lagally has leveraged her expertise to develop game-changing technology that makes plant-based meat production faster, better, and more affordable than ever before.

In this episode, Justine and Christie dive into the challenges of building a business around plant-based alternatives, developing the technology and market strategy to succeed, the impact of the hype cycle, funding challenges, addressing health concerns, and more.  

Meet Christie: 

Christie Lagally is the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods, a manufacturing technology company working to make plant-based meat available and affordable for everyone. With a background as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, Lagally transitioned to founding Rebellyous in 2017 to combine her personal values and professional expertise to address the negative impacts of industrial animal agriculture. 

Under her leadership, Rebellyous has developed innovative processing equipment to produce high-quality, price-competitive plant-based meat products, with a focus on serving large-scale customers like school lunch programs. 

Lagally is committed to creating a sustainable path forward for the meat industry to transition to plant-based production, driving positive change for the environment, human health, and animal welfare.

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Episode Highlights:

05:01 Rebellyous Foods: Challenges and Early Development 

13:05 The Hype Cycle and Its Impact

23:55 Health Concerns and Future Plans 

35:06 Collaborations, Partnerships, and Exit Strategies 

40:00 Future Opportunities 

“For something that you eat every day or consume every day, shouldn't it be the best quality ingredients that you can possibly have?” —Adrienne Lufkin

For something we consume on a daily basis, the food we choose should be of the highest quality possible. Granola has long been a breakfast staple, but many store-bought varieties are packed with added sugars and artificial ingredients. It’s time to shift to a granola that’s good for us. 

Adrienne Lufkin, the Founder of Struesli, brings a unique perspective to the granola game. As a former private chef, she learned firsthand the power of using food as medicine to support her clients' health needs. Now, she's on a mission to share her better-for-you granola with the world.

In this episode, Adrienne takes us through her entrepreneurial journey - from ideation to securing investors, building a talented team, and expanding Struesli's distribution. Tune in to learn how she's revolutionizing the granola category and providing a healthier breakfast option for all.

Meet Adrienne Lufkin:

Adrienne Lufkin, seasoned private chef and founder of Struesli, combines her love for food, health, and human connection through her recipes. With a background in crafting clean and nutrient-dense meals for clients and her personal struggles with Crohn's Disease and Migraines, Adrienne is passionate about supporting people along their health journeys.

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Episode Highlights:

01:04 Adrienne’s Personal Health Challenges

04:43 From Chef to CPG Founder 

09:51 Funding and Team Building 

15:38 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities 

20:54 Product Expansion and Distribution 

24:15 What’s Next?

“If your soil is nutritious, all those micronutrients are now being born into your food.”—Caryl Levine

“There's no standing still. You're moving forward or you're moving backwards. To regenerate is to actually restore or bring to health, or bring to life, the living systems that sustain us.” —Ken Lee

Rice is the staple food for over half the world's population, providing essential nutrients and sustaining livelihoods. Yet, the true potential of this ancient grain remains largely untapped. From heirloom varieties to regenerative farming practices, the story of rice is one of resilience, innovation, and global impact.

As the co-founders of Lotus Foods, Caryl Levine and Ken Lee have dedicated over three decades to promoting rice biodiversity, empowering smallholder farmers, and championing sustainable agriculture. Their unwavering commitment to transforming the rice industry has positioned them as trailblazers in the realm of conscious consumerism and regenerative food systems.

Tune in to this captivating conversation as Caryl and Ken share their journey, from uncovering hidden rice treasures to spearheading the regenerative organic certification movement. Discover how Lotus Foods is addressing misconceptions, educating stakeholders, and navigating challenges to drive innovation and create a more nourishing and equitable future for rice.

Meet Caryl and Ken:

Caryl Levine and Ken Lee are the co-founders of Lotus Foods, an organic heirloom rice company they started in 1995. With a shared passion for promoting rice biodiversity and supporting smallholder farmers, Caryl and Ken have dedicated over 30 years to building a purpose-driven business that creates positive social and environmental impact.

As pioneers in the organic and regenerative food movement, Caryl and Ken have led Lotus Foods to become the first rice company to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification. They have championed innovative farming practices like the System of Rice Intensification, which reduces water usage and labor-intensive work, particularly for women farmers. 

Through their commitment to education and advocacy, Caryl and Ken have worked tirelessly to address misconceptions about rice cultivation and elevate the voices of smallholder farmers in the global food system. Their vision for a more sustainable and equitable food future continues to inspire and guide the evolution of Lotus Foods.

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Episode Highlights:

03:59 The Road to Entrepreneurship

09:32 Smallholder Farmers 

20:53 Education and Consumer Perception

29:35 The Importance of Maintaining Company Culture

33:32 Staying True to Company Values