Episodes

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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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship 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

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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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship 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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Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek Entrepreneurship Shawn Kwek

S9 Ep19: Graze the Day: Sustainable Secrets from a Sixth-Generation Ranching Family with Mandy Schmidt

Healthy soil leads to healthy animals, which in turn leads to nutrient-dense, sustainable food. This cyclical relationship holds the key to a more resilient food system. Mandy Schmidt is a 5th generation rancher at Marin Coast Ranch, where she and her family have been raising grass-fed livestock for over 30 years.




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S9 Ep16: Fabric of Change: Conscious Gifting Meets Sustainable Wrapping with Monica O’Neil and Cindy Estes

Monica O'Neil and Cindy Estes, the co-founders of Rapt GiftWrap, have answered this call with their innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Monica and Cindy have combined their expertise to create a reusable fabric gift wrap that not only reduces waste but also offers a stylish and practical alternative to traditional wrapping paper.



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S9 Ep12: Rethinking the Foundations: Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Building Products with Gregory Wilson

Many of the building materials we use in our homes and workplaces can pose serious health risks. From toxic chemicals like formaldehyde to hazardous plastics, these materials can negatively impact indoor air quality and overall well-being. Gregory Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of HempWood®, a company revolutionizing the building industry with its eco-friendly, carbon-negative flooring solutions.

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