Snack innovation isn’t just about taste—it’s a form of cultural storytelling. In this episode of Essential Ingredients, Justine sits down with Seena Chriti, a culinary arts graduate and founder of a culturally inspired CPG brand. Together, they explore how Seena bridges Mexican tradition with modern health trends, turning beloved snacks into vibrant, nutritious products. From product development to scaling and consumer education, this conversation dives into the entrepreneurial journey of preserving heritage through innovation and flavor.

Regenerative organic farming is more than a method—it's a movement toward healing our planet through soil vitality and sustainable agriculture. In this episode, Justine sits down with Jason Walker, a third-generation farmer and the force behind StarWalker Organic Farms, to explore how regenerative practices, heritage breeds, and conscious food systems are transforming the way we grow, eat, and care for the Earth. Discover the deep connections between nutrition, sustainability, and the future of farming.

In this episode, visionary urban farmer Jamiah Hargins joins Justine to explore the urgent need for water conservation and sustainable food systems. As the founder of Crop Swap LA, Jamiah shares innovative strategies for transforming unused urban spaces into thriving gardens, all while conserving water and empowering communities. Discover how his mission-driven work is reshaping the future of local food production, one drop at a time.

Teaching kids mindful eating is one of the most powerful ways to shape a sustainable future. Culinary expert Janet Irizarry joins Justine to explore practical, joy-filled strategies for reducing household food waste, involving children in conscious food choices, and making sustainability an everyday habit. Tune in for expert insights on food preservation, eco-friendly kitchen practices, and the lasting impact of mindful consumption on both families and the planet.

In this episode, Justine chats with entrepreneur Sebastian Stahl, who has turned challenges into triumphs across the restaurant and marketing industries. Tune in for real-world survival strategies, marketing breakthroughs, and the keys to transforming challenges into opportunities.

Balancing convenience, health, and sustainability can be challenging, but Thistle is proving it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Justine and Ashwin Cheriyan, co-founder and CEO of Thistle, shares how his journey from corporate law to food innovation led to a mission-driven company that delivers delicious, planet-friendly meals. Discover how Thistle blends health, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to make nutritious eating effortless.

AI is revolutionizing the way we think about food innovation, from smarter sourcing to more sustainable formulations. Tune in as Justine and Riana discuss how AI is shaping the future of nutrition, and what it means for businesses and consumers alike!

In an age of impersonal online interactions, the power of face-to-face relationships and supporting local businesses has never been more important. 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.

Djenaba Johnson-Jones, founder of Hudson Kitchen, has built a thriving ecosystem that supports over 60 food businesses, helping them navigate the challenges of the CPG and meal prep industries. In this conversation, Justine and Djenaba dive into the power of shared kitchens, the impact of community-driven growth, and the essential resources that can help food entrepreneurs thrive.

Instant noodles are a beloved comfort food, but what if they could be just as nourishing as they are satisfying? Thuong Tan, founder of Noodelist, has set out to redefine the instant noodle experience with a plant-based, sustainable twist. In this episode, she shares her journey of blending innovation with tradition, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of branding in a competitive market. Join Justine and Thuong as they dive into the future of food, the importance of mindful eating, and how small changes can make a big impact on both our health and the planet.

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. Tune in as Justine and Jon explore the essential ingredients for startup success.

"The beauty industry is evolving beyond surface-level solutions, with consumers demanding products that prioritize both efficacy and sustainability. In this episode, veteran cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, founder of Beauty Stat, shares insights on the rise of skinification, the truth about natural vs. synthetic ingredients, and the future of clean beauty. Join Justine and Ron as they explore skincare recommendations, upcoming industry trends, and the challenges of sustainability and waste management in beauty."

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. Tune in as Justine And Matthew 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.

Tamar Lara Kamen passion for innovation, strategy, and brand development makes her a sought-after consultant and fractional executive in the beauty industry. So tune in as Justine and Tamar talk about the rise of transparency and consumer education, the challenges and costs of sustainable packaging, the evolution of clean beauty, the innovations shaping the future of the industry, and more

 Amidst the challenges, a new generation of experts and entrepreneurs are paving the way for a more sustainable, efficacious future. Tune in as Justine and Kelly Kovack, Founder and CEO of BeautyMatter, dive deep into the impact of food on the beauty industry, the rise of biotech and clean beauty, the role of education, the future of expert-backed brands, the importance of ensuring legal issues in brand innovation, the importance of patience and perseverance, and more. 

Adria Marshall, a visionary in the natural hair care industry, is the founder of Ecoslay, a brand committed to crafting products with food-grade, natural ingredients.

Tune in as Justine and Adria explore the fascinating world of scalp permeability, the importance of refrigerating natural hair products, the unexpected benefits of food-grade ingredients in personal care, and how to decipher product labels for truly clean beauty.

Emerging research reveals just how profoundly our thought patterns can influence digestive function and overall well-being. Hence, mastering the mind-gut connection may be the key to unlocking optimal vitality. Tune in as Dr. de Mello shares eye-opening insights on the surprising link between our thoughts, gut function, and mental resilience.

Andrew Bennett is an Executive Chef at Lenox Hill Hospital in the New York City Metropolitan Area. With over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry, he has worked in various restaurants in the US and the UK.

His recent posts on LinkedIn highlight his team's achievements and celebrations at Lenox Hill Hospital, including winning the Hospitality Above and Beyond award and spreading festive cheer during the holiday season.

What if the key to better mental health was as simple as the food on your plate? Tune in as Dr. de Mello shares his insights on leveraging the power of nutrition to support brain health, combat depression, and optimize cognitive performance.

Feeding our little ones can be a constant battle— between picky palates, busy schedules, and the overwhelming options on grocery shelves. Sunnie is a mission-driven snack brand dedicated to upgrading snack time for busy families. Co-founders Katy Tucker and Lisette Howard are on a mission to provide better-for-you options that never compromise on taste or convenience.