Todd-versations' goal in 2021 was to have conversations with people who shape our food experience. We have. Beyond our wildest expectations, we have capped the year with a chat that spanned favorite meals Chef Dan Barber, dancing next to Taylor Swift, and moments with Betty White. We had fun as we chatted about Ag Technology and why she supports it, the Power of Deliciousness, and facing tough issues with courage. Kathleen is a champ, a warrior, and a thoughtful leader. Listen in and get to know Kathleen Merrigan. She is a person of tremendous grace and grit.

A pretty banana? The best banana in the world? These are a few of the tongue-in-cheek claims that will stop you and get your attention focused on Equifruit bananas. Listen as Todd-Bits chats with this importer/marketer and their plans for the new year. Kim Chackal shares they believe in social justice, fair trade, and realistic pricing. They also stand behind a growing banana business set to enter the US in 2022. Get ready. The big yellow banana is coming.

What does Organic to the Core mean?

Listen to the answers as we chat with Chris Ford of Viva Tierra about what they see as their “industry responsibility to educate consumers and customers to the true costs of producing quality food”. Highlights of our chat include discussing Viva’s new website that spotlights the year-round availability of fresh produce by region, their investment in Ready Cycle packaging, and their expanding sustainability efforts. Viva Tierra is committed to bringing value to customers by providing the freshest, most flavorful produce available. Find them at https://www.vivatierra.com

Do whatever it takes to listen to this episode. Ken Cook of Environmental Working Group has a lot to say about the nexus of the environment and agriculture, drinking water, energy, personal care products, and more. It is incumbent on us citizens of the planet to step up and say, what can I do today? Because the best way to bring down a behemoth is one bite at a time.

Hats off to the powers that be at the USDA! 

Bringing Marni Karlin on board to advise and facilitate on organic and emerging markets has been a stroke of genius. She is a self-proclaimed chef, foodie, policy wonk, and a real-life lawyer who is passionate about building a healthier more sustainable food system. Nothing was off the table as we discussed building a smarter food system, touching on climate smart Ag, the organic transitional program, the power of procurement, and more. 

Taken on as a part-time college job, Whole Foods Market's Erik Brown has seen a lot of changes in his 30+ year career in produce. Listen as Todd-versations asks about the challenges, connections, and inspiration found in a job that you love for a purpose greater than oneself, "there is value to be had in having values."

We don’t solve world problems on this Todd-versation, but the quote of the day was, “we need to understand the problems we want to fix”. Or was it the comparison to being a K-pop band? Watch, listen, and be informed as we dive into the topic of owner-operator truck drivers, vets, unions, cost of goods, and domestic versus imports. Walk away committed to learning more about the “Pri-Pri” lifestyle at the very least!

Golf Digest, GOLFTV, and the United States Golf Association appreciate the gem they have in Hally Leadbetter. This young gun, digital content producer, podcast host, social media influencer, and all-around class act joins us on Todd-versations to share wit and the wisdom that she has gained in her lifetime. Her strength comes from her willingness to reach for the best and the acceptance that what she will pursue is her authentic self. Check out this developing powerhouse @ www.heyhally.com and listen to her podcast at “Henni & Hally Can’t Quit Golf”.

We are excited to announce that The Lobby Bar is now open! Listen as Todd-versations Todd-Bits talks with Jessie Gunn about this unique concept. Here’s a sneak peek. The Lobby Bar believes that more effective people-to-people business connections happen in a relaxed, open environment. That the model of business intimacy allows for valuable sharing and the ability to grow both professionally and personally.

Get the 411 on the USDA NOSB Fall 2021 virtual meetings. Listen as Jenny explains aspects of the Organic Food Productions Act, the Federal Register, and the process involved from public comment to enacting laws. Participating in the process drives positive costs into food!