Episodes

Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep60: Capture Summer: A Beginner’s Guide to Pickling Everything with Sam Paone Part 2

Got more summer veggies than you know what to do with? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not turn them into delicious pickles that capture the season's flavors? Sam Paone, the mastermind behind Golden State Pickle Works, knows a thing or two about turning fresh produce into mouthwatering pickles. With her extensive experience and passion for preservation, Sam shares her tips and tricks for making pickling a breeze.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 58: What Does ‘Regenerative’ Really Mean? Your Food Label Decoder with Anthony Corsaro

Ever picked up a carton of “regenerative” eggs or a bag of “regenerative” chips and thought, “Is this actually better—or just clever marketing?” After overcoming personal health struggles and witnessing the gaps in our food system firsthand, ReGen Brands co-founder Anthony Corsaro shifted his focus from his family’s produce business to championing regenerative agriculture.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 57: Wellness Without the Hype: Food Fixes for Brain Fog, Bloat, and Blah Days with Elissa Goodman 

Returning guest, Elissa Goodman’s journey from chronic illness to vibrant health is proof that real change isn’t about the latest craze—it’s about tuning in to what your body truly needs. Her honest and practical approach helps her customers cut through the clutter and discover simple habits that actually make a difference.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

EIS9 54: Noodles Without the Guilt: Comfort Food Gets a Healthy Makeover with Jonathan Carp

For too long, we’ve been told that health comes in a medicine bottle or a doctor’s office, but what if the real power lies in the food we choose every day? Dr. Jonathan Carp is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Miracle Noodle, a company born from his passion for using nutrition and lifestyle to transform health.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

EIS9 53: Making Business Personal: Lessons from 30 Years of Conscious Entrepreneurship with Susan and Brad Black

Most businesses die because they chase profits instead of purpose—a raw, honest truth that cuts to the core of entrepreneurial burnout and lost passion. Brad and Susan Black, co-founders of EO Products, are pioneering entrepreneurs who transformed a passionate curiosity about essential oils into a 30-year sustainable business empire.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

EIS9 52: Beauty Decoded: Skincare Truths, Sunscreen Myths & Brand-Building Wisdom with Carmine Montalto

Most beauty founders drown in a saturated market, chasing viral trends while struggling to build brands that resonate. Carmine Montalto is a NYC-based brand strategist with 25 years of beauty industry mastery, from Barneys’ cosmetics floors to judging global innovation awards. He’s named hundreds of products and built category-disrupting brands by marrying scientific rigor with soulful storytelling. 

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep50: Skin Deep: The Surprising Power of Natural, Locally-Sourced Beauty Products with Nancy Rimbergas

Clean beauty isn't just another Instagram hashtag—it's a real movement that starts with actually caring about what we're putting on our skin. Nancy Rimbergas is the co-founder of Earth Based Body, a purpose-driven skincare line that harnesses the potent, scientifically backed ingredients native to the Sonoran Desert.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep47: Waste Less, Taste More: Tasty Guide to Pickling Everything with Sam Paone

What if your wilting Farmers Market haul wasn’t the end—but the beginning of something crave-worthy? In this episode of Essential Ingredients, Justine talks with Sam Paone of Golden State Pickle Works about how fermentation turns leftover produce into flavorful, probiotic-rich foods. They explore the health benefits, sustainability, and cultural impact of transforming food waste into gourmet pickled treats.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep45: Urban Food Hacking: Your Yard's Hidden Food Potential with Marjory Wildcraft

In a world where food security feels increasingly fragile, Marjory Wildcraft reminds us that true resilience begins in our own backyards. As an educator in sustainable food production and home medicine, she empowers individuals to reclaim their food independence and build thriving, self-sufficient ecosystems at home. Tune in as Justine and Marjory discuss urban gardening, homegrown medicine, seed diversity, animal protein production, and strategies for creating economic and ecological resilience.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep44: Entrepreneurial Flavor: Breaking Barriers in the Healthy Snack Market with Seena Chriti

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.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep43: Farming Forward: How Regenerative Methods Are Rewriting Agriculture with Jason Walker

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.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep42: From Tap to Table: Smart Water Storage Techniques for Modern Communities with Jamiah Hargins

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.

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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep41: Mindful Foodies: Eating Smart, Wasting Nothing with Janet Irizarry

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.

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