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.

Christmas trees are a beloved tradition, but the environmental impact of cutting down millions of trees each year is undeniable. Scott “Scotty Claus” Martin, the founder of the Living Christmas Company, has dedicated his career to revolutionizing the way we celebrate the holidays.

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.

Atelier Saucier is a design house committed to breathing new life into fashion industry waste, reimagining discarded textiles into luxurious table linens and home accents. Founded by Nikki Reed and Staci Inspektor, the brand is rooted in sustainability without sacrificing style.

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.

The plant-based meat industry is at a pivotal moment, with innovative companies harnessing the power of technology to transform the way we think about sustainable protein. At the forefront of this revolution is Christie Lagally, the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods.

For something we consume on a daily basis, the food we choose should be of the highest quality possible. Adrienne Lufkin, the Founder of Struesli, brings a unique perspective to the granola game.

Rice is the staple food for over half the world's population, providing essential nutrients and sustaining livelihoods. As the co-founders of Lotus Foods, Caryl Levine and Ken Lee have dedicated over three decades to promoting rice biodiversity, empowering smallholder farmers, and championing sustainable agriculture.

Our agricultural lands are the beating heart of our communities, tended to by the hardworking hands of farmers and ranchers. As Lily Verdone settles into her third year as CEO of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), her focus has shifted towards reinvesting in the lands the organization has worked tirelessly to protect.

Food and nutrition are often overlooked as the most important part of a child's day, despite their crucial role in fueling young minds and bodies. Yet, while schools play a vital part in ensuring students have access to healthy, nourishing meals, the integration of food education into the curriculum remains a challenge.

In this episode, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans Director, Charlotte Steele joins Justine to discuss the transformative power of food education programs that go beyond just teaching nutrition facts, the challenges of implementing these kinds of programs.

This week, we hear how we can transform the lunch room into a place of nourishment, community, and joy with Betsy Rosenbluth. Betsy is the Farm to School Director at Shelburne Farms, a nonprofit organization on a 1400-acre working farm in Vermont.

Farming is the backbone of our communities, yet too often, the hard-working men and women who toil in the fields are overlooked and undervalued. Community to Community (C2C), founded by Rosalinda Guillen, is a pioneering organization that empowers farm workers and immigrant communities to lead the charge in building a more sustainable, equitable, and community-driven food system.

The food we consume is often built upon the backs of a vulnerable workforce struggling to maintain their dignity and basic rights. Gerardo Reyes Chávez is a seasoned farm worker and community organizer who has dedicated over 25 years to advocating for the rights of agricultural laborers.

The wait is over! Season 9 of Essential Ingredients is finally here, and it's the most impactful and eye-opening season yet, and we can't wait to share it with you! Get ready to meet the visionary entrepreneurs, passionate activists, and pioneering innovators who are transforming our food systems in remarkable ways.

From the farmers who nurture the grains, to the millers who coax out their complex flavors, to the bakers who transform these flours into loaves that nourish the soul, these artisans play a crucial role in preserving the unique tastes of their regions.

The wellness industry has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, as consumers increasingly seek natural, holistic solutions to address their health and well-being. Founded by serial entrepreneur Shizu Okusa, Apothekary offers a range of herbal remedies, functional foods, and educational resources to empower people to take a more proactive approach to their health.

Our local markets and farms are brimming with a diverse array of ingredients. Yet, many of us pass them by because of their peculiar appearance or because we may be unsure of how to incorporate them into our cooking.

Exploradora Coffee is a socially conscious coffee roaster co-founded by Wade Johnson, her mother Alison, and her sister, Hollis. By exclusively sourcing from women farmers and reinvesting in programs for coffee growers, Exploradora Coffee promotes food security as well as economic and social empowerment.

Snacktivist Foods is a food innovation company that is transforming underutilized crops into healthier comfort foods using ancient grains and ingredients. Founded by former nurse Joni Kindwall-Moore, Snacktivist's mission is to elevate nutrition and sustainability through innovative plant-based products.