089: Transforming Food Waste into Community Support
Release Date: 03/03/2026
100: From NASCAR to Cannabis: Pete Olander's Journey to Wellness Innovation
Essential Ingredients Podcast
In this episode, Justine Reichman interviews Pete Olander, founder and CEO of Happie, a wellness cannabis and hemp beverage brand rooted in California's agricultural legacy. They explore Pete's unconventional journey from finance and NASCAR to plant medicine, the importance of sustainable and organic practices, and the future of cannabis as a functional wellness tool. Keywords Cannabis, Wellness, Sustainability, Hemp, CBD, THC, Functional Beverages, Organic Farming, California Cannabis, Plant Medicine Key topics Pete Olander's unconventional career path The importance of sustainability...
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099: Unlocking the Secrets of Perimenopause and Emotional Eating
Essential Ingredients Podcast
In this insightful interview, Justine Reichman speaks with Terry about her extraordinary journey from refugee camp survival to becoming a wellness advocate and entrepreneur. They explore trauma, perimenopause, emotional eating, and the importance of self-awareness and identity work for women over 40. Keywords wellness, perimenopause, emotional eating, trauma, entrepreneurship, women over 40, health, nutrition, mindset, longevity Key topics Trauma and survival from refugee camp experience Impact of perimenopause on women’s health and weight Emotional eating and hormonal influences The...
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098: Revolutionizing Deli Meats: The Fungi-Based Future
Essential Ingredients Podcast
Kim Le, founder of Prime Roots, shares her journey from a chef's background to creating sustainable, fungi-based deli meats that appeal to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Discover how her innovative approach aims to transform the food system, reduce environmental impact, and promote healthier choices. Keywords plant-based, fungi protein, sustainable food, deli meats, environmental impact, food innovation, Prime Roots, alternative proteins, health, transparency Key topics Fungi-based proteins as sustainable alternatives Impact of traditional meat production on environment Consumer...
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097: From Waste to Wealth: How Hyfé is Transforming the Food Industry
Essential Ingredients Podcast
In this insightful interview, Michelle shares her journey from ExxonMobil to founding Hyfé, a company revolutionizing carbon refining by utilizing plant waste. Discover how her innovative approach addresses climate change, food industry waste, and health impacts, offering a scalable solution for a sustainable future. Keywords sustainability, waste valorization, bio-refining, plant waste, climate change, food industry, innovation, bio-manufacturing, circular economy Key topics Hyfé’s innovative refining process using plant waste The economic and environmental impact of waste...
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096: Ingredient Intel: Spot Harmful Chemicals in Skincare, Choose Healing Actives with Annie Jackson
Essential Ingredients Podcast
“We are a beauty store, and I think there's a tremendous impact that beauty products can have on someone's self-confidence and the way they feel about themselves that day. If we can put a smile on someone's face when they walk in our door, that's incredibly rewarding to me.” —Annie Jackson Clean beauty sounds good, but the labels are confusing and the claims are louder than the truth. We are surrounded by products that promise results without telling us what is inside. The real issue is not access, it is clarity. Annie Jackson, co-founder of Credo Beauty, shares how her journey...
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095: How ChicoBag Changed the Plastic Waste Game
Essential Ingredients Podcast
In this episode, Justine Reichman interviews Andy Keller, founder of Chico Bag, about the journey of creating sustainable reusable bags, the impact of plastic pollution, and practical ways to reduce waste in daily life. They explore the evolution of environmental awareness, innovative product design, and how individual actions can drive systemic change. Keywords sustainability, plastic pollution, reusable bags, eco-friendly products, environmental impact, waste reduction, consumer behavior, plastic industry, microplastics, eco-conscious living Key topics The environmental impact of...
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094: The Hidden Gaps in Menopause Education and Care
Essential Ingredients Podcast
Join us as our guest Laura Lambe explore the gaps in menopause education, the importance of personalized care, and innovative approaches to women's health with menopause practitioner Laura Lam. Discover how global trends, diet, gut health, and community support shape the menopause journey. Keywords menopause, women's health, menopause education, HRT, gut health, menopause community, perimenopause, menopause research, menopause support, hormonal health Key topics Menopause education gaps worldwide Impact of diet and gut health on menopause symptoms Differences in menopause experiences...
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093: The Future of Jewish Food: Innovation and Tradition with Manischewitz
Essential Ingredients Podcast
Join us as we explore the rich history and innovative future of Manischewitz with marketing manager Talia Sabag. Discover how this iconic brand is blending tradition with sustainability, inclusivity, and modern food trends, all while honoring its cultural roots. Keywords Manischewitz, Jewish food, Passover, sustainability, innovation, cultural heritage, matzah, food packaging, gluten-free, inclusive food Key topics History of Rabbi Manischewitz and the invention of square matzah Innovation in food manufacturing and waste reduction Sustainable packaging and product development Cultural...
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092: 5 Key Strategies for Navigating Menopause with Confidence
Essential Ingredients Podcast
In this episode, Justine Reichman interviews Erin Henry, a registered dietician, about navigating midlife changes, hormonal shifts, and how to approach menopause and perimenopause with confidence and support. They discuss strategies for health, community, and empowerment during this transformative stage. Keywords midlife health, menopause, perimenopause, hormonal changes, women's health, nutrition, community support, aging gracefully Key topics Hormonal changes in midlife Nutrition strategies for menopause Building community and support networks Medical and holistic...
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091: How Traditional Cooking Can Transform Your Health with Chef Whitney Aronoff
Essential Ingredients Podcast
Join us as we explore the transformative power of food, traditional cooking techniques, and mindful eating with Chef Whitney Aronoff. Discover how to make healthier choices, understand food preparation, and embrace a holistic approach to wellness through food. Keywords food sustainability, healthy eating, traditional cooking, mindful eating, wellness, chef tips, food choices, nutrition, holistic health, food preparation Key topics Food as the foundation for health Traditional cooking techniques and seasonality Mindful eating and intuitive food choices Sound bites...
info_outlineIn this episode of Essential Ingredients, Justine Reichman speaks with Hillary Cohen and Sam Luu, co-founders of Everyday Action, a nonprofit dedicated to recovering food from the entertainment industry and redistributing it to those in need. They discuss their journey from working in the entertainment industry to founding Everyday Action, the challenges they faced, and the importance of community and collaboration in their mission. The conversation highlights the impact of their work, the growth of their organization, and their aspirations for the future.
Takeaways
Everyday Action aims to inspire people to take action every day.
The organization started as a response to food waste and insecurity in Los Angeles.
Frustration can be a powerful motivator for positive change.
Collaboration is key to the success of Everyday Action.
The entrepreneurial journey requires discipline and adaptability.
Mistakes are learning opportunities that contribute to growth.
Community support is essential for nonprofit success.
Everyday Action has fed over 110,000 people in a year.
The organization is focused on building a sustainable community hub.
Future aspirations include expanding their collaborative efforts with other nonprofits.
Sound bites
"Nothing is too complicated."
"We need each other and we need community."
"We can use volunteers all days 24-7."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Everyday Action
01:14 The Mission Behind Everyday Action
05:35 Turning Frustration into Action
09:09 The Entrepreneurial Journey
12:04 Collaboration and Community Building
15:25 Growth and Impact of Everyday Action
19:54 Evolving Operations and Strategies
25:18 The Role of Community and Support
26:49 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts