Essential Ingredients Podcast

Episode Description:

"I want to create a world of mindful foodies. I don't see this as a little project. I see this as something big." —Janet Irizarry

Every bite we take is a vote for the planet's future, and our children are the most powerful voters we have. By modeling mindful eating to them, we can transform how future generations understand and respect the journey of their food.

Janet Irizarry is a culinary innovator and passionate educator who has dedicated her professional life to reshaping how families approach food sustainability. As an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America and founder of The MMK Method, she bridges culinary expertise with environmental consciousness.

Listen as Justine and Janet unpack the secrets of reducing household food waste, creative strategies for involving kids in mindful eating, insights about food storage and preservation, the profound environmental impact of conscious consumption, and practical, joy-filled approaches to transforming kitchen habits that benefit both families and the planet.

Meet Janet:

Janet Irizarry, M.Ed, is the founder of the My Mindful Kitchen (MMK) Method, a program dedicated to fostering mindful eating, sustainability, and well-being. With a Master's in Education from Arizona State University and extensive experience in teaching, instructional design, and hospitality, she develops impactful courses at The Culinary Institute of America and advocates for food sustainability as Editor of Hudson Valley EATS. Passionate about reducing food waste, Janet collaborates with initiatives like Food Waste Prevention Week and inspires positive change through education, community engagement, and her innovative MMK Method.

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Episode Highlights:

03:26 Raising the Next Generation of Mindful Foodies

05:44 The MMK Method

10:52 Practical Tips for Reducing Food Waste

15:57 The Role of Mindfulness and Family Involvement

26:23 The Impact of the MMK Method

31:55 Creating at Home Change

Founder Resource Series

Episode Description:

"My advice for people that are wanting to shift or starting out is to just jump in the water. Once you're there, you're going to figure out how to swim." —Sebastian Stahl

A lot of startups crumble within their first year—a stark reminder that dreams alone cannot sustain a business. But the difference between survival and surrender often hinges on adaptability, strategic thinking, and the courage to pivot when the path becomes uncertain.

Sebastian Stahl is a battle-tested entrepreneur who has navigated the complex terrains of restaurants and marketing, transforming setbacks into strategic victories. With a rich background spanning multiple industries, he brings a unique perspective on building sustainable businesses and helping entrepreneurs break through their most challenging obstacles.

Tune in as Justine and Sebastian deconstruct the entrepreneurial code, revealing raw survival strategies, marketing game-changers, personal growth blueprints, mentorship secrets, and the critical mindset shifts that can turn potential business failures into extraordinary success stories.

Meet Sebastian:

With over 19+ years in the hospitality industry, Sebastian has owned and operated multiple restaurant concepts and served as the Head of Marketing and Partner at an award-winning restaurant group in South Florida operating six brands. Sebastian's track record speaks for itself. He has helped numerous restaurants around the country transform their business and drive revenue growth. His approach is not just about short-term gains but also about building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Sebastian's mission is to help restaurant owners gain freedom in their business. His wealth of experience, combined with his strategic mindset and creative flair, make him an invaluable asset for any restaurant owner looking to elevate their brand, attract new customers, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth. When he is not working you can find him at home hanging out with his wife and playing with his daughter Annika.

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Episode Highlights:

01:13 Falling in Love with the Restaurant Biz

06:55 Navigating a Growing Business

11:14 Overcoming the Blind Spots

18:53 The Impact of Building Relationships on Business

31:12 How to Survive the First Year of Business

37:56 Just Keep Doing

40:04 The Road to Becoming a Good Leader

Episode Description:

"You can over engineer things like a business plan. I think there's no substitute for going out and just trying things— that's the best and fastest way you can learn." —Ashwin Cheriyan

Modern life often makes it hard to balance convenience, health, and sustainability, leaving many searching for better options.

Ashwin Cheriyan, Thistle's co-founder and CEO, is a former corporate lawyer turned passionate innovator, dedicated to bringing health and sustainability to everyone's table. Ashwin's work focuses on proving that eating delicious, wholesome, and planet-friendly meals can be both effortless and satisfying

Tune in as Justine interviews Ash about how about Thistle's remarkable journey from a passion project to a mission-driven food company, exploring how they blend health, sustainability, entrepreneurial resilience, and innovative meal delivery to create positive change for individuals and the planet.

Meet Ashwin:

Ashwin Cheriyan is an entrepreneur, recovering corporate lawyer, and a mediocre surfer. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of Thistle, a Bay-area-based modern, tech-enabled, organic food and nutrition company. He was also the co-founder of WeGoFair, a social enterprise providing ratings for hotels and restaurants reflecting their performance on social and environmental issues.

Prior to Thistle and WeGoFair, he spent 4 years in New York as an M&A associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he worked alongside senior management and cross-functional deal teams in collective transactions valued at over $100 billion. He received his A.B. in Economics from Brown University and his JD from The University of Texas School of Law.

Outside of Thistle, he spends his energy working with, advising, and investing in startups, mountain biking throughout Marin County, suiting up in neoprene to surf the waves of Bolinas, and enjoying the abundant culinary delights the Bay Area has to offer.

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Episode Highlights:

02:05 Building a Heath and Sustainability-Driven Biz

15:44 Challenges and Growth of Thistle

27:46 Thoughts Before Seeking Venture Financing

31:52 The Importance of Passion and Alignment

36:05 The Broader Impact of Collective Action

39:44 From Skeptical Partners to Loyal Customers

Founder Resource Series

Episode Description:

"I think consumers and company leaders are becoming more curious as to what the alternatives are and not just following simple workflows and playbooks. The transparency and the ability to educate around the possibilities— the alternative possibilities of manufacturing and ingredients that are available." —Riana Lynn

The possibilities for AI-powered innovation in the culinary world are truly exciting. Consumers are now more intrigued than ever about the transformative potential of AI-powered solutions in innovation and nutrition.

This week, we are joined by Riana Lynn, the Founder of Journey Foods, a cutting-edge platform that leverages AI to transform the way companies approach food innovation. With a diverse background spanning VC, chemistry, and entrepreneurship, Riana is at the forefront of driving positive change in the food industry.

Tune in as Justine and Riana discuss the role of AI in revolutionizing food formulation and sourcing, the impact of Journey Foods on companies of all sizes, the importance of transparency and education in the food industry, and more.

Meet Riana:

Riana Lynn, MPH is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and AI consultant dedicated to transforming the global food system through innovative, data-driven solutions as the founder and CEO of Journey Foods. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer and Google Entrepreneur-in-Residence, she has delivered over 230 speaking engagements at prestigious forums worldwide.

As the inventor of the first AI patent for generative recipes and one of the first women with an AI software patent, Riana leads Journey Foods and Journey Labs in setting new industry standards. She combines her focus on creative community building with her commitment to business challenges.

Riana holds degrees and formal training in Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Black Studies, Public Health, and Artificial Intelligence from multiple prestigious institutions. Based in Atlanta, she enjoys collecting art, growing fruit trees, and exploring culinary and architectural heritage sites globally.

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Episode Highlights:

01:24 Bridging the Nutrition Gap with AI

04:57 Food and Chronic Diseases

09:24 AI in Food Innovation

16:19 Journey Foods' Services and Impact

21:56 Connect with Journey Foods

Beyond the Basket: The Secret Ingredient to Building a Regenerative Community with Wen-Jay Ying

Episode Description:

"It's having a genuine interest in your consumers, not just a transactional experience— That is the best way to build community." —Wen-Jay Ying

Building a thriving community takes more than just a shared interest— it requires genuine connections, a sense of belonging, and a shared vision for a better future. In an age of impersonal online interactions, the power of face-to-face relationships and supporting local businesses has never been more important. Discover how one entrepreneur is redefining the way we think about community through the lens of food.

Wen-Jay Ying is the founder and CEO of Local Roots, a community-driven and minority-owned company in New York City. With over 14 years of experience in the local food movement, Wen-Jay continues to innovate and find new ways to connect people to their food sources.

Tune in as Justine and Wen-Jay share insights on traditional and online marketing strategies, operational models, the evolution of the local food movement, overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges, reflections on closing the business, and building community and customer relationships.

Meet Wen-Jay:

Wen-Jay Ying is the founder and CEO of Local Roots, a community-driven and minority-owned company in New York City. Wen-Jay started Local Roots in 2011 with the goal of making high-quality local and organic ingredients more accessible and convenient for New Yorkers. Under her leadership, Local Roots has grown into a trusted source for seasonal, regeneratively-grown produce and other local food products.

Wen-Jay is passionate about education, transparency, and empowering consumers to make better food choices. With over 14 years of experience in the local food movement, Wen-Jay continues to innovate and find new ways to connect people to their food sources.

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Episode Highlights:

01:51 Local Roots: Modernized CSA

04:15 Initial Marketing a Community Building

09:26 Operational Model and Customer Experience

14:37 The Evolution of the Local Food Movement

18:11 Overcoming Financial, Structural, and Operational Challenges

25:01 The Emotional Process of Closing a Business

32:03 Tips on Building a Community

The Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-Jones

Founder Resource Series

Episode Description:

"I wanted something that I could call my own and not have to answer to anyone. We asked ourselves what we want for our future and we wanted to launch this business." —Djenaba Johnson-Jones

Shared kitchens are more than just a place to cook - they're hubs of innovation, collaboration, and growth for food entrepreneurs. By tapping into a community of like-minded innovators, food startups can unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and accelerate their path to success. Beyond the physical space, shared kitchens offer a wealth of resources, education, and networking that can be game-changing for any food business.

Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility in New Jersey that has supported over 60 food businesses since its inception. With a background in marketing and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Djenaba has built a thriving ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of CPG and meal prep companies.

Tune in as Justine sits down with Djenaba to discuss the resources, collaborations, and community that make Hudson Kitchen a hub for food business growth.

Meet Djenaba:

Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the founder of Hudson Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen and storage facility based in Carney, New Jersey. She started the business in 2016 after being laid off from her corporate job, pivoting from an initial plan to launch a fitness business.

At Hudson Kitchen, Djenaba supports over 60 food businesses, primarily focused on consumer packaged goods and meal prep companies. She has created educational resources like a "10 Steps to Starting a Food Business in New Jersey" guide and a Food Business Boot Camp program to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their food ventures.

In addition to providing physical kitchen space, Djenaba has fostered a collaborative community at Hudson Kitchen, where members share resources and support each other's growth. She also hosts networking events featuring industry experts to connect with her members and provide them with valuable connections and insights.

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Episode Highlights:

01:54 Sustainable Food Delivery and Packaging

04:01 Founding the Hudson Kitchen

11:12 More Than a Kitchen: Resources and Support Hub

19:48 Expanding Reach: Local to National Support

Instant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food with Thuong Tan

Episode Description:

"I'm going to create something that I love and my friends' love— because even on a bad day you have to wake up to run your business." —Thuong Tan

Comfort food has the power to transport us, to soothe the soul, and to bring us back to simpler times. For many, that comfort comes in the form of a steaming bowl of noodles - a quick, satisfying meal that has stood the test of time. But what if we could reimagine this beloved staple to be both delicious and better for our bodies and the planet?

Thuong Tan, the visionary founder of Noodelist, has done just that. With a background in luxury branding and a deep-rooted passion for noodles, she's on a mission to elevate the instant noodle experience with a plant-based, sustainable solution that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Tune in as Justine and Thuong discuss the journey of creating a healthier, more sustainable instant noodle, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the power of branding and marketing to stand out in a crowded market, the benefits of having a co-founder, the importance of teaching young ones to eat healthy, and more.

Meet Thuong:

Thuong Tan is the founder of Noodelist, a plant-based instant noodle company that offers a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional instant noodles. With a background in international business and a passion for food, Thuong embarked on a mission to create a better-for-you instant noodle product that delivers on both taste and nutrition.

After completing her MBA in luxury branding, Thuong was inspired to leverage her marketing and branding expertise to develop Noodelist. The company's products feature clean, plant-based ingredients and are packaged in eco-friendly materials. Thuong's goal is to make nutritious and delicious instant noodles accessible to a wider audience, from busy professionals to health-conscious families.

Under Thuong's leadership, Noodelist has gained a loyal following for its innovative approach to a classic convenience food. Thuong continues to drive the company's product development and expansion into new distribution channels, with a focus on making a positive impact on people's diets and the environment.

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Episode Highlights:

01:42 Loving Noodles

07:06 Walking the Entrepreneur Path

14:28 Challenges and Insights in Entrepreneurship

19:02 Marketing and Strategy

24:14 Building Healthy Habits to the Younger Generation

Resources:

💲Get a discount when you shop at Noodelist. Just use promo code: HAPPINESS

From Garage to Global: Spilling the Beans on Startup Success with Jon Lambert

Founder Resource Series

Episode Description:

"You can run the best business in the world, but if you as an individual, fail, the entire thing falls to pieces." —Jon Lambert

In the world of startups, your network can be as valuable, if not more, than your net worth. A strong community can provide the resources, mentorship, and support needed to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship. By fostering meaningful connections and collaborations, founders can unlock opportunities that money alone can't buy, turning their vision into a thriving reality.

Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and startups. With a background in tech, startups, and corporate venture capital, Jon has made it his mission to democratize access to resources and support for founders at every stage of their journey.

Tune in as Justine and Jon explore the essential ingredients for startup success, including community building, pandemic resilience, digital networking, global expansion strategies, funding challenges, and the power of founder-to-founder support in this insightful conversation about nurturing the next generation of business innovators.

Meet Jon:

Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a company dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and startups. Under his leadership, The Cannon has expanded from its initial focus on mobilizing people and conversations to establishing nine physical locations in Houston, while also developing a robust digital platform to connect members globally.

With a vision for global expansion, Jon is guiding The Cannon toward an international network that transcends geographical boundaries, providing resources and support to innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Jon's expertise in fundraising, community building, and providing comprehensive support to businesses at various stages has positioned him as a respected figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Episode Highlights:

02:00 The Initial Focus of The Cannon in Houston

08:00 How the Pandemic Impacted The Cannon's Community

15:00 Join the "Founder's Confessions" Event

22:00 Accelerator Services

28:00 Global Reach and International Support StartUps

Glow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron Robinson

Clean Beauty Series

Episode Description:

"Every brand now needs to be an educator as well as a seller." —Ron Robinson

The beauty industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with consumers demanding more than just surface-level solutions. From the rise of the "skinification" trend to the ongoing debate around clean beauty, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Brands must now navigate the delicate balance between safety, efficacy, and sustainability to captivate their audience.

Ron Robinson is a veteran cosmetic chemist with an impressive track record, having developed products for renowned brands like Clinique, Lauder, and L'Oreal. His expertise and passion for unlocking the potential of gold-standard ingredients have led him to found his own brand, Beauty Stat.

Tune in as Justine and Ron explore the rise of skinification in beauty products, misconceptions around natural vs synthetic ingredients, the need for brands to incorporate consumer education, Ron's expert recommendations and tips for essential skincare products, upcoming trends in the beauty industry, the importance of sustainability, the challenges around recycling and waste management in the beauty industry, and more.

Meet Ron:

Veteran cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson founded BeautyStat blog in 2009, demystifying skincare ingredients with a factual, chemist-based approach. After years of research, he developed a technology to formulate pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) at its optimal 20% concentration, protected from oxidation.

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Episode Highlights:

01:17 The Skinification of Beauty Products

05:00 Clean Beauty and Consumer Concerns

13:19 Consumer Education and Product Transparency

17:21 Skincare Tips

26:52 Beauty and the Planet

Sea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew Perkins

Clean Beauty Series

Episode Description:

"Sometimes, it might feel like you're not making progress, but you might just be missing a critical piece of information. Don't give up unless you understand why you want to change direction before you do it." —Matthew Perkins

Imagine a world where our beauty products come from the sea, not the land. Could kelp farming be the answer to reducing pressure on terrestrial agriculture while providing sustainable ingredients for our skincare? As we face growing environmental challenges, this innovative approach might just be the wave of the future we've been waiting for.

Matthew Perkins is the CEO and founder of Macro Oceans, a California-based startup transforming seaweed into low-carbon biomaterials. With a background in agriculture and a passion for sustainability, Matthew is pioneering the use of kelp in beauty products and beyond.

Tune in as Justine And Matthe talk about sustainable harvesting, clinical trials for kelp-derived ingredients, the challenges of green chemistry, expanding beyond skincare to packaging, and the future of bio-based materials in the beauty industry.

Meet Matthew:

Matthew Perkins is the CEO and founder of Macro Oceans, a California-based startup that's revolutionizing the beauty and materials industries through innovative use of kelp. With a background in agriculture and previous experience in the digital ag space, Matthew is leveraging his expertise to transform seaweed into sustainable, low-carbon biomaterials.

His vision extends beyond beauty products, aiming to build a kelp economy that replaces petrochemicals in everyday materials. Matthew's entrepreneurial journey is marked by persistence, a commitment to sustainability, and a drive to create high-performance, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional products.

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Episode Highlights:

02:17 Macro Oceans: Inspiration and Initial Challenges

10:23 Navigating Consumer Reception and Market Impact

18:02 Lessons Learned: Before Abandoning a Project

23:42 The Impact of Food-Based Ingredients on Beauty

27:00 The Way to Move Faster