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Essential Ingredients Podcast — Health & Fitness
Essential Ingredients Podcast

Essential Ingredients powered by NGP is an Online podcast, launched by Justine Reichman a socially minded Founder, Connector and Philanthropist. This podcast features a multi-generational group of startup founders, thought leaders and change makers who discuss the importance of building businesses from concept to purpose that directly align to your purpose and mission and support a regenerative future for and from people to planet. Topics include “building a business to support your purpose” to “global issues challenging our farming, production and supply chain” to “telling your story” and “developing consistent branding”. In addition to the conversation segments, these talks also conduct interviews with Serial entrepreneurs, new founders and industry experts. Interested in sharing your story, email us to participate in our next podcast. Production of the podcast is held in San Rafael.

Latest Episodes:

030: From Spas to Supermarkets: Tracing the Evolving Intersection of Wellness and Beauty with Kelly Kovack Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Clean Beauty Series

Episode Description:

"You also need a little bit of luck. You can make decisions, and they can cut both ways— you can make a decision and your brand goes through the roof, and you can make a good decision but it just didn't work and you can't recover from it. So you have to stick around long enough for luck to happen too. You just have to be patient." —Kelly Kovack

The lines between wellness and beauty continue to blur, as innovative brands harness the power of functional ingredients and cutting-edge biotech to redefine what it means to look and feel our best. As the industry evolves, navigating the clean beauty landscape has become a minefield of misinformation and greenwashing, underscoring the need for transparency and scientific rigor. Yet, amidst the challenges, a new generation of experts and entrepreneurs are paving the way for a more sustainable, efficacious future.

Kelly Kovack is the founder and CEO of BeautyMatter. With over two decades of experience in the beauty and wellness space, she is a respected thought leader known for her insights on the business of beauty.

Tune in as Justine and Kelly 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.

Meet Kelly:

Kelly launched BeautyMatter in the Fall of 2016 with the firm belief that in a fast-moving world, information is knowledge, but context matters. And more importantly, innovation comes from the cross-pollination of industries and expertise. She set out to use her experience building brands and scaling businesses to offer a new perspective and holistic approach to B2B content that filled a void in the beauty industry.

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Episode Highlights:

02:04 Ingestible Beauty

08:17 Historical Context of Food and Beauty

12:13 Biotech in Beauty

20:04 Lawsuits and Legal Threats in Product Innovation

29:36 The Future of Clean Beauty

33:39 Doctor-Made Products and Brand Innovation

37:53 The Timeline of Building a Product

029: Detoxing Your Hair Care Routine with Adria Marshall Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Clean Beauty Series

"What you put ON your body is just as important as what you put INSIDE of your body. " —Adria Marshall

While we meticulously scrutinize every morsel that enters our bodies, we often overlook the products we slather on our largest organ— our skin. Yet, what if the shampoo we use daily is as crucial to our health as our morning smoothie? It's time to rethink our approach to personal care and consider the profound impact of what we put ON our bodies, not just what goes in.

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. With a passion for holistic wellness, Adria has revolutionized the way we think about hair care and its connection to overall health.

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.

Meet Adria:

Adria Marshall is the innovative founder and CEO of Ecoslay, a pioneering handmade, sustainably packaged, plant-based hair care company. With a passion for sustainability and natural hair care, Adria transformed her frustration with commercial hair products into a thriving business that partners with local farms to grow ingredients for their "farm to pouch" approach. Her journey from creating products in her kitchen to leading her own team showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality. Adria's vision extends beyond hair care, as she aims to support small-scale entrepreneurs to bring high-quality, natural products to market.

Connect with NextGen Purpose:

Episode Highlights:

01:50 The Connection Between Food and Hair Care

06:26 Challenges to Shelf Stability

09:34 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

12:07 Navigating Challenges in Initial Product Development

25:51 Expansion and Community Involvement

30:13 Growing Your Own Ingredients

33:52 Ingredient Safety and Consumer Education

028: Belly and Brains: How Our Thoughts Shape Our Gut Health with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 3 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Gut, Food, & Health series

"Your body will tell you what it needs. Be curious about what your body's telling you, you will make the right decision." —Dr. Edison de Mello

The health of our gut is intricately tied to the health of our mind. 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.

Dr. Edison de Mello is a pioneering integrative medicine expert and clinical psychotherapist. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, he blends cutting-edge science with holistic wisdom to help patients achieve transformative results.

Tune in as Dr. de Mello shares eye-opening insights on the surprising link between our thoughts, gut function, and mental resilience.

Meet Dr. de Mello:

Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. Dr. de Mello completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, where he trained in a biopsychosocial model and integrated complementary medicine into Family Medicine.

Inspired by his grandmother, Nana, who practiced natural healing, Dr. de Mello's approach combines Western and Eastern medicine, focusing on treating the mind, body, and spirit. He has written several articles and contributed to Dr. Andrew Weil's upcoming book on the microbiome and food addiction. Dr. de Mello is also on the advisory board of several organizations and a member of various professional associations.

Connect with NextGen Purpose:

Resources:

📖Book

Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain: De Mello MD PhD, Edison

Episode Highlights:

01:51 Gut and Mental Health Connection

07:08 Practical Tips for Improving Gut Health

11:06 Processed Foods and Mental Health

14:53 Changing Eating Habits

21:06 Understanding the Role of Hormones

027: From Bland to Grand: The Culinary Revolution Transforming Patient Care with Andrew Bennett Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

"This is the right thing to do. People deserve good, healthy food, especially in a hospital, when we're talking about starting the healing process." —Andrew Bennett

Hospital food has long been the butt of jokes, but what if it could rival five-star restaurants? Imagine a world where patients look forward to their next meal, not just their next dose of medication. The revolution in hospital cuisine isn't just about taste— it's a powerful tool for healing and recovery.

Andrew Bennett is the Executive Chef at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, bringing his fine dining expertise to healthcare. With a background in Michelin-starred restaurants and a passion for healthy cuisine, Bennett is at the forefront of transforming hospital food into a key component of patient care.

Tune in as Justine and Andrew explore the impact of high-quality hospital food on patient recovery, the challenges of implementing restaurant-grade cuisine in healthcare settings, the role of dietitians in menu planning, the business advantages of investing in food quality, and the future of food as preventive medicine in healthcare systems.

Meet Andrew:

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. Andrew is known for his creative approach to menu development and operational strategies, utilizing research and data analysis. He emphasizes positive leadership, team building, and mentorship in his management style. Andrew is also an avid cyclist who incorporates his passion for health and nutrition into his culinary practices.

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. Andrew has also shared his experiences and insights in a podcast with Joshua Spodek, discussing his journey into healthcare and the evolution of food at Northwell Health.

Andrew's professional journey includes roles as Executive Chef at Half Moon Restaurant, Patina Restaurant Group, and Rouge Tomate Chelsea. He holds certifications such as ServSafe Manager and NYC Food Handlers.

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Episode Highlights:

01:34 Hospital Food: A Focus on Quality and Patient Recovery

07:55 The Role of Dieticians

12:01 The Potential and Challenges of Northwell's Food Service Model

16:16 Chef Challenge!

19:23 The Importance of Quality Ingredients

24:43 The Business Advantage of Offering High-Quality Hospital Food

026: Gut Feelings: Exploring the Profound Influence of Digestive Health on Mood and Cognition with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 2 Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Gut, Food, & Health series

"The food that you eat affects everything, including your mental health." —Dr. Edison de Mello

What if the key to better mental health was as simple as the food on your plate? Emerging research reveals the profound influence of gut health on cognitive function, mood, and emotional resilience. By nourishing the body, we may unlock the path to nourishing the mind.

Dr. Edison de Mello is an integrative medicine specialist and the founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. As a physician and psychologist, he has dedicated his career to exploring the intricate connections between physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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.

Meet Dr. de Mello:

Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. Dr. de Mello completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, where he trained in a biopsychosocial model and integrated complementary medicine into Family Medicine.

Inspired by his grandmother, Nana, who practiced natural healing, Dr. de Mello's approach combines Western and Eastern medicine, focusing on treating the mind, body, and spirit. He has written several articles and contributed to Dr. Andrew Weil's upcoming book on the microbiome and food addiction. Dr. de Mello is also on the advisory board of several organizations and a member of various professional associations.

Connect with NextGen Purpose:

Episode Highlights:

02:16 the Impact of Diet on Mental Health

05:35 Dietary Reboot

08:46 How IV Therapy Works

14:22 Addressing Memory Issues and Depression

19:53 Gut and Mental Health Connection

025: The Busy Parents' Partner: Wholesome Alternatives to Kids' Midday Meals with Lisette Howard and Katy Tucker Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

"There are a lot of no's… you just keep knocking, and you will eventually find the people that believe in what you're doing and not where you are in that exact moment." —Lisette Howard

"There's a lot of flash-in-the-pan products out there that hit the market fast as all they're gone… It's really important to know your end game right when you start." —Katy Tucker

Feeding our little ones can be a constant battle— between picky palates, busy schedules, and the overwhelming options on grocery shelves. But what if we could provide our kids with snacks that not only satisfy their cravings, but also nourish their growing bodies? The future of kids' food is clean, simple, and deliciously nostalgic.

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.

Tune in as Justine sits down with Katy and Lisette to discuss their journey in revolutionizing the snack industry, the importance of clean ingredients, and their plans to bring more wholesome choices to families nationwide.

Meet Katy:

With a background in fashion, Katy Tucker brings a unique perspective to the food industry, focusing on creating products that are not only nutritious but also nostalgic and appealing. As a mother of three, Katy is passionate about empowering parents to make better choices for their children's snacking needs. Through Sunnie, Katy aims to redefine the snack landscape and inspire a healthier future for families.

Meet Lisette:

With a background in online marketing, Lisette brings a strategic and innovative approach to building Sunnie's brand and reaching health-conscious consumers. As a mother of three, Lisette understands the challenges of finding snacks that both nourish and delight children. Through Sunnie, Lisette is on a mission to provide families with better-for-you options that never compromise on taste or convenience.

Connect with Feel Sunnie:

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Episode Highlights:

01:44 Bridging the Market Gap in Kids' Lunch

06:51 Navigating the Business Landscape During COVID

10:31 Pitching and Fundraising Challenges

14:46 Target Partnership

18:56 Distribution and Expansion Plans

24:21 Future Plans for Feel Sunnie

024: Gut-Brain Axis Explained: How Food Impacts Mental and Physical Health with Dr. Edison de Mello Part 1 Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Gut, Food, & Health series

Episode Description:

"Your taste buds have a different agenda than your mind and your gut. They're not connected in congruence all the time. So what tastes good in your mouth, is not necessarily what your gut or your brain needs." —Dr. Edison de Mello

Your gut is the gateway to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that the gut-brain connection can significantly influence your mood, cognitive function, and immune system? Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for optimizing both physical and mental wellness.

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.

Discover the profound impact of food on gut health, the challenges of implementing dietary changes, and the importance of tailored solutions as Dr. de Mello and Justine Reichman dive deep into the gut health revolution.

Meet Dr. de Mello:

Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. He is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. Dr. de Mello completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, where he trained in a biopsychosocial model and integrated complementary medicine into Family Medicine.

Inspired by his grandmother, Nana, who practiced natural healing, Dr. de Mello's approach combines Western and Eastern medicine, focusing on treating the mind, body, and spirit. He has written several articles and contributed to Dr. Andrew Weil's upcoming book on the microbiome and food addiction. Dr. de Mello is also on the advisory board of several organizations and a member of various professional associations.

Connect with NextGen Purpose:

Episode Highlights:

01:13 Food and Gut Health

04:46 Mindfulness and Food Insensitivity

07:33 Allergy and Intolerance Test

13:59 Tailoring Dietary Advice and Personal Needs

16:45 The Role of Medical Education in Nutrition

20:50 Navigating Global Health

023: Customized Carbonation: Popping the Lid on Personalized Hydration with John Thorp & Buzz Wiggins Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

"There are ups and downs through all of that. You have to be prepared for those days when things don't feel like they're moving ahead. And you have to bring the same type of passion, the same drive on either type of day." —John Thorp

"You're never trying to get a yes out of anyone you're talking to when you are an early founder; you are trying to get a not, no… If it's getting bad feedback, fix it immediately and go right back. You have the ability to change someone's mind after they've made an opinion." —Buzz Wiggins

Sparkling water has become a beloved beverage for its refreshing fizz and health-conscious appeal. Yet, the environmental impact of single-use containers and the lack of customization options have left many consumers seeking a more sustainable and personalized solution. How can we rethink the way we enjoy carbonated drinks?

John Thorp and Buzz Wiggins, the co-founders of Aerflo, have dedicated themselves to revolutionizing the sparkling water experience. With their innovative portable carbonation system, they are empowering consumers to take control of their hydration while minimizing waste.

Tune in as Justine Reichman sits down with John and Buzz to discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a sustainable product, the far-reaching benefits of their approach to sparkling water, the benefits of having the right co-founder, the lie we were all made to believe about recycling, and more!

Meet John:

With over a decade of experience as an alternative investment professional, John Thorp brings a strong business acumen and strategic mindset to Aerflo. John is passionate about designing sustainable products that improve the lives of consumers while also reducing environmental impact. Under his leadership, Aerflo has developed innovative carbonation technology and established a unique refill model to move beyond single-use waste. John is committed to building a company that creates positive change through thoughtful, consumer-centric design.

Meet Buzz:

As a skilled designer and problem-solver, Buzz Wiggins has been instrumental in the development of Aerflo's innovative product design and packaging. Leveraging his expertise in product design and optimization, Buzz has led the team in creating a seamless user experience while also ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Aerflo system. Buzz's creative approach and attention to detail have been crucial in bringing Aerflo's vision to life.

Connect with Aerflo:

Connect with NextGen Purpose:

Episode Highlights:

02:07 The Inspiration Behind Aerflo

16:33 Challenges and Prototyping

22:10 Business Building Lessons

31:50 Focus on Environmental Impact

34:30 The Lie We Were Made to Believe

022 : Perimenopause and Protein: Nourishing Your Body Right Through Hormonal Changes with Meredith Mann Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description:

"You can't live out your best life and fulfill your passions… if you don't feel good."—Meredith Mann

Perimenopause can be a time of profound hormonal shifts, often accompanied by challenges like fatigue, mood swings, and weight fluctuations. What if the key to navigating this transition lies in the power of protein?

Meredith Mann, the founder and CEO of The Peachie 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.

Tune in as Meredith shares her personal journey with insulin resistance, the importance of blood sugar management, her experience and lessons learned from turning her hobby into a business, her insights on supporting perimenopausal women's health and wellness, plus much more

Meet Meredith:

Meredith Mann is a CPT, holistic nutrition coach, and founder of The Peachie Spoon. Married for 19 years with three teenagers, she loves creating simple, wholesome recipes in her kitchen. She has written two cookbooks, runs the Well Made Academy online course, and has now launched The Peachie Spoon Nutrition Products.

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Episode Highlights:

02:11 Struggling with insulin Resistance and Hypoglycemia

04:40 From Hobby to Business

10:05 Developing and Launching a Product

16:42 Meredith's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

22:47 Writing and Publishing a Book

26:11 Find the Ideal Recipe for Your Dietary Needs at The Peachie Spoon

021: From Classrooms to Communities to Perpetuity with Stephen Ritz Part 2 (Re-release) Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

"The secret to success is the art and science of growing vegetables online to high-performing academic standards. So we are transforming both the lens of public education and personal eating outcomes." —Stephen Ritz

Imagine a classroom where students don't just read about science but experience it firsthand by growing their own food. This isn't some futuristic fantasy— it's the reality created by the Green Bronx Machine, a pioneering program that is transforming public education one school at a time.

Stephen Ritz is the visionary behind this game-changing initiative. As an educator, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for community empowerment, he has dedicated his life to unlocking the potential of underserved students through the power of hands-on, food-based learning.

Listen in as we revisit this classic episode and discover how Stephen's innovative approach is yielding remarkable results, from improved academic performance to greater environmental stewardship and a renewed sense of purpose.

Connect with Stephen:

Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx educator who believes that students should not have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. An internationally acclaimed award-winning educator, Stephen is the author of the best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant, and founder of Green Bronx Machine.

Known as "America's Favorite Teacher," Stephen is responsible for creating the first edible classroom in the world, which he has evolved into the National Health, Wellness, and Learning Center. He and his students have grown more than 100,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. He was a Top Ten Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, named Global Humanitarian, Food Tank Hero, TEDx Prize Winner, and a Global Food Educator, and has presented at the Obama White House three times. Stephen believes that together, via collaboration, and coalition and get to yes solutions, we can all prosper!

Connect with Green Bronx Machine:

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Episode Highlights:

02:15 Steve's Documentary

04:52 Steve's Impact on Schools

06:29 Green Bronx Machine Curriculum and Accessibility

09:49 The Impact of Green Bronx Machine Programs

10:07 How to Donate to Green Bronx Machine

12:24 Student Success Despite Economic Challenges

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