Our weekly podcast & videocast is a well-tended garden of inspirational ideas & origin stories for food people, putting out a weekly podcast on Tuesdays. The podcast and videocast features a multi-generational group of innovators & change-makers working toward a regenerative future, to inspire and educate foodies everywhere. 

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A well-tended garden of inspirational ideas and origin stories for food people.

S9 Ep39: The Entrepreneur’s Plate: Reimagining Food’s Potential for Sustainability with Ashwin Cheriyan
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep39: The Entrepreneur’s Plate: Reimagining Food’s Potential for Sustainability with Ashwin Cheriyan

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.

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S9 Ep37: Beyond the Basket: The Secret Ingredient to Building a Regenerative Community with Wen-Jay Ying
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep37: Beyond the Basket: The Secret Ingredient to Building a Regenerative Community with Wen-Jay Ying

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.

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S9 Ep36: The Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-Jones
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep36: The Secret Ingredient to Food Biz Success: A Shared Kitchen with a Side of Networking with Djenaba Johnson-Jones

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.

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S9 Ep35: Instant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food  with Thuong Tan
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep35: Instant Noodles 2.0: Bringing Flavor, Health, and Sustainability to Your Favorite Comfort Food  with Thuong Tan

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.

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S9 Ep33: Glow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron Robinson
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep33: Glow Up Guaranteed: The Chemist-Approved Skincare Routine with Ron Robinson

"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."

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S9 Ep32: Sea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew Perkins
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep32: Sea the Difference: Unlocking Seaweed's Potential for Beauty and Beyond with Matthew Perkins

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.

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S9 Ep31: From Farm to Face: The Surprising Connection Between Culinary Trends and Cosmetic Innovations with Tamar Kamen
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep31: From Farm to Face: The Surprising Connection Between Culinary Trends and Cosmetic Innovations with Tamar Kamen

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


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S9 Ep30: From Spas to Supermarkets: Tracing the Evolving Intersection of Wellness and Beauty with Kelly Kovack
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep30: From Spas to Supermarkets: Tracing the Evolving Intersection of Wellness and Beauty with Kelly Kovack

 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. 



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S9 Ep29: Detoxing Your Hair Care Routine with Adria Marshall
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep29: Detoxing Your Hair Care Routine with Adria Marshall

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.

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S9 Ep27: From Bland to Grand: The Culinary Revolution Transforming Patient Care with Andrew Bennett
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep27: From Bland to Grand: The Culinary Revolution Transforming Patient Care with Andrew Bennett

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.


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S9 Ep25: The Busy Parents’ Partner: Wholesome Alternatives to Kids’ Midday Meals with Lisette Howard and Katy Tucker
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep25: The Busy Parents’ Partner: Wholesome Alternatives to Kids’ Midday Meals with Lisette Howard and Katy Tucker

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.

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S9 Ep24: Gut-Brain Axis Explained: How Food Impacts Mental and Physical Health with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 1
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep24: Gut-Brain Axis Explained: How Food Impacts Mental and Physical Health with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 1

Your gut is the gateway to your overall health and well-being. Dr. Edison de Mello MD, PhD, is a renowned expert in the field of integrative medicine. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, he seamlessly blends cutting-edge Western medical practices with the wisdom of Eastern holistic approaches to provide personalized, comprehensive care to his patients.

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S9 Ep22 : Perimenopause and Protein: Nourishing Your Body Right Through Hormonal Changes with Meredith Mann
Shawn Kwek Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep22 : Perimenopause and Protein: Nourishing Your Body Right Through Hormonal Changes with Meredith Mann

Perimenopause can be a time of profound hormonal shifts, often accompanied by challenges like fatigue, mood swings, and weight fluctuations. Meredith Mann, the founder and CEO of The Peachy Spoon, is a holistic nutrition expert and former personal trainer who has dedicated her career to empowering women to achieve optimal health and balance through simple, nourishing recipes and lifestyle strategies.

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