Essential Ingredients Podcast

Hosted by Justine Reichman

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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June 16, 2026Episode 1051 hr 11 min

105: Is Your Anti-Aging Routine Aging You? Inside the Luxury Skincare Machine

"We had to start our own lab because the standards I wanted I couldn't find in any product, aging can be a joy, empowering, and beautiful." —Daniella Inbar What if your age isn't the problem? In this episode, Justine sits down with Daniella Inbar—cosmetic chemist, product developer, and founder of Inbar+Co. and Resonance Marin Spa. After 30 years inside the luxury beauty industry building brands and developing products, Daniela did something radical: she walked away from the "dishonest" luxury beauty machine. As the daughter of a pioneer in the German aromatherapy movement, Daniela grew up with a holistic approach to wellness rooted in authenticity and tradition, rather than beauty ads. Today, she isn't selling traditional anti-aging products. Instead, she forms skincare that actually listens to your skin's microbiome rather than lecturing it. Tune in as Justine and Daniella pull back the curtain on the "clean beauty" myth, explore why aggressive actives and harsh cleansers might actually be aging your skin faster, and discuss the complex reality of building a truly sustainable consumer brand. In this episode, you'll learn: • How over-complicating your routine and using aggressive products disrupts your skin barrier, causing congestion and accelerated aging. • Why "chemical-free" is a marketing gimmick and why lab-made synthetics can sometimes be safer and more sustainable for the planet than trendy natural ingredients. • The complex logistics of running an eco-conscious spa and skincare line—from choosing cotton over microfiber to the carbon footprint debate of glass vs. aluminum packaging. • Why the best skincare approach is to do less, work in systems, and support your skin's natural biology. Meet Daniella: Daniella leads the INBAR+co system as Founder + Formulator. Her work begins with formulation: creating products for professional-use logic, refining them through the Resonance Marin spa environment, and releasing them as retail formulas only when they hold beyond the spa. The lab sits inside Resonance Marin, and clients pass it on their way to treatments. That proximity matters. Formulation, service, feedback, and quality control are not abstractly connected. They share a physical space. At 58, with no invasive procedures, Daniella lives the brand's age-positive position herself: support the skin, do not erase the face. Her guardrails are restraint, barrier respect, material responsibility, and visible results over time. LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Inbar+Co: Website Instagram Connect with Resonance Marin: Website Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: 04:49 Challenges and Changes in Sustainability 07:41 The Role of Authenticity and Tradition in Skin Care 13:54 The Evolution of Skin Care Products 21:09 Consumer Perception and the Importance of Education 31:56 The Future of Sustainable Beauty 38:00 The Impact of Sustainable Choices on the Planet 53:54 The Role of Biotech in Sustainable Skin Care 01:00:34 The Importance of Consistent and Thoughtful Practices 01:01:36 The Role of Policy in Supporting Sustainable Practices

June 9, 2026Episode 10435 min

104: Beauty Crush with Karen Behnke

"We try to take sustainability to every aspect of what we do, because when you build a company, you have impact." —Karen Behnke In this episode of Essential Ingredients, Justine sits down with Karen Behnke, a serial wellness entrepreneur and a true pioneer in the clean beauty movement long before it became mainstream. From co-launching Goop Beauty with Gwyneth Paltrow to being recognized by Goldman Sachs as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs, Karen's journey is anything but ordinary. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades. Karen shares the moment everything shifted—when she realized that despite her background in wellness, she had never questioned what she was putting on her skin. That realization sparked a mission to challenge the beauty industry and rethink how products are made, sourced, and experienced. You'll hear how her work now blends organic farming, biotech innovation, and sustainability, including growing rare grapes on her own certified organic vineyard and developing plant-based exosome technology. It's a powerful look at how beauty, health, and the planet are more connected than most of us realize. This episode is for anyone curious about what's really in their skincare—and what it means to choose better. In this episode, we cover: • The turning point that changed Karen's view on the beauty industry • Why clean beauty is about more than just ingredients • The connection between farming, skincare, and environmental impact • How innovation is shaping the future of beauty • What consumers should start paying attention to today • If you've ever wondered what you're really putting on your skin, this conversation will shift the way you think. 🎧 Share this episode with someone who cares about clean beauty and conscious living. Meet Karen: After selling her pioneering corporate wellness company to United Healthcare and while serving on the Board of 24 Fitness, Karen ignited the clean beauty movement by launching Juice Beauty in 2005. As the first luxury beauty brand to pioneer sustainable, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free formulations, Juice Beauty gained millions of loyal customers nationwide through ULTA Beauty, maintaining a 'Top 15 Prestige Skincare Brand" for 15 years under Karen Behnke's leadership. Her innovative product development approach led to five patents and the establishment of a unique farm-to-beauty ingredient supply chain in Sonoma County. She also forged landmark partnerships with Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson. She sold her majority stake to private equity and left the CEO role in 2023. Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Beauty Crush: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok Youtube Connect with Juice Beauty: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Reddit Connect with Goop Beauty: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Pinterest Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: 01:59 Karen's Journey Into Clean Beauty 04:01 Challenges and Successes of Juice Beauty 06:17 Collaborating with Gwyneth Paltrow 10:26 Transition to Beauty Crush and Innovation 15:10 Sustainability and Biotech in Beauty Crush 26:44 Consumer Education and Future of Beauty 30:47 The Importance of Positive Resilience on Work and Life

June 2, 2026Episode 10239 min

103: Breaking Stereotypes: The Rise of Israeli Wine

Discover the rich history, unique terroir, and innovative practices shaping Israeli wine. Joshua Greenstein shares insights on how Israeli wines are breaking stereotypes, embracing ancient heritage, and advancing sustainability. Keywords Israeli wine, wine innovation, terroir, sustainability, biblical grapes, kosher wine, wine tourism, wine history, wine tasting, wine industry Key topics Israeli wine history and misconceptions Terroir and soil diversity in Israel Innovative grape varieties and biblical heritage Sustainable and kosher winemaking practices Challenges and opportunities in the Israeli wine industry Key frameworks Terroir and soil diversity Ancient and biblical heritage in winemaking Sustainable and kosher practices Sound bites "Chill your red wines for a few minutes." "Israel's soil tells a story in every glass." "Argamon is a cool, funky grape from Israel." Resources Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) - https://www.iwpa.org

May 26, 2026Episode 10155 min

102: The Science of Aging Gracefully: Precision Skincare for Women in Midlife

In this episode, Justine Reichman interviews Stacey Berger, a seasoned product developer and founder of Sum Of All, about her journey into creating precision skincare tailored for women in midlife. They explore the science behind hormonal skin changes, sustainable beauty practices, and the importance of intentional product formulation. Keywords skincare, menopause, sustainability, women in midlife, product development, hormonal skin, clean beauty, innovation, self-care, empowerment Key topics Hormonal impact on skin during menopause The importance of science-backed ingredients Sustainable and clean beauty practices Building a brand with purpose and intention The role of collaboration with medical experts Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Essential Ingredients and Guest Introduction 01:42 Stacey's Journey in Product Development 03:47 The Transition to Entrepreneurship 06:29 Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur 09:00 The Importance of Community and Support 13:31 Personal Experience with Perimenopause 16:40 Identifying the Market Gap 22:10 Precision Skincare Explained 29:28 The Intent Behind Clean Beauty 32:35 Navigating Clean and Sustainable Choices 34:53 Empowering Women Through Beauty 39:24 Sustainability Challenges in Product Development 40:44 Holistic Approach to Beauty and Wellness 42:28 The Role of Indie Brands in Beauty Innovation 44:24 Customer Impact Stories 49:16 Reassurance for Women in Midlife 51:04 Rapid Fire Insights on Beauty Guest links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/some_of_all_beauty

May 19, 2026Episode 10155 min

101: Reimagining Food Justice: Black Women Leading the Way

In this episode, Justine Reichman hosts Nina Oduro and Maame Boakye, co-founders of Black Women in Food and Dine and Diaspora, exploring the power of African food culture to connect communities, elevate Black women in the food industry, and promote social justice through culinary innovation. Keywords food justice, Black women in food, African diaspora cuisine, culinary innovation, community building, food equity, cultural competency, food storytelling Key topics Food as a tool for community connection The role of cultural competency in food innovation Challenges and opportunities for Black women in the food industry Sound bites "Shift anger into action in food justice" "Media shapes culture and amplifies voices" "Black women in food need a platform" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Essential Ingredients Podcast 00:58 The Lens of Food: Personal Journeys 03:09 Connecting Through Food: The Birth of Dine Diaspora 08:14 Identifying Gaps in the Culinary Industry 12:26 Creating Unique Culinary Experiences 17:48 Justice on the Plate: Respect and Opportunity 22:37 Shifting Anger into Action in the Food Industry 29:15 The Necessity of Black Women in Food 31:19 Unmasking the Food Industry's Challenges 32:10 Purpose-Driven Strategies in Food 34:25 The Ecosystem of Food: Interconnectedness and Equity 36:22 Local Communities and Global Food Systems 38:06 Defining Equitable Food Systems 39:18 Transforming Diversity in the Food Industry 41:48 Shifting Mindsets for Equity 43:04 Honoring Black Women in Food 45:42 Opening Doors for Future Generations 47:41 Envisioning a Sustainable Food Future 49:01 Integrating Generations for Change 50:22 Dreams and Aspirations in the Food Industry

May 12, 202650 min

100: From NASCAR to Cannabis: Pete Olander's Journey to Wellness Innovation

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 and organic practices in cannabis cultivation The role of transparency and storytelling in brand differentiation Sound bites "We use living soil and no till techniques" "Interstate commerce could be a game changer" "The whole category is poised for growth" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HAPI and Its Founder 01:42 The Unconventional Journey to HAPI 04:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Wellness Trends 08:46 Ensuring Quality and Integrity in Cannabis Production 11:10 The Future of Cannabis and Interstate Commerce 12:42 Health Benefits of Cannabinoids 18:21 Changing Perceptions of Cannabis as a Wellness Product 20:40 The Evolving Cannabis Market and Consumer Education 25:52 The Product Ecosystem of HAPI 28:01 Crafting New Flavors and Local Sourcing 32:38 Sustainability in Cannabis: Practices and Challenges 39:22 Navigating the Business Landscape of Cannabis 45:47 The Future of HAPI: Growth and Vision

May 5, 2026Episode 9950 min

099: The Art of Reinvention: Building THOR: The House of Rose

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 importance of nutritional literacy and personalized diet Building resilience and mindset for longevity Sound bites "You either dump this shit that you believed all this time" "Everything I thought was wrong. Everything I thought I believed" "The brain is looking for. But like we talked about in very beginning"

April 28, 2026Episode 9827 min

098: Revolutionizing Deli Meats: The Fungi-Based Future

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 acceptance of plant-based meats Transparency and ingredient quality in food products Future product expansion and innovation Sound bites "Fungi have a natural meat-like texture" "Making beef with fungi is more sustainable" "The best recent meal was beets at Bar in Copenhagen" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Prime Roots and Kim Lee's Journey 05:01 The Vision Behind Prime Roots: Healthier Deli Options 12:39 Impact on Health and Sustainability 17:57 Future of Prime Roots and Product Expansion 19:56 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Resources Prime Roots Website - https://primeroots.com Life Cycle Analysis of Prime Roots - https://primeroots.com/lca Le Colonial Restaurant in New York - https://www.lecolonialnyc.com Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kimlee Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimlee

April 23, 2026Episode 9753 min

097: From Waste to Wealth: How Hyfé is Transforming the Food Industry

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 valorization Strategies for scaling sustainable bio-manufacturing The role of consumer awareness and industry collaboration in sustainability Sound bites "We use plant waste instead of crude oil" "Refining carbon like the oil industry did" "Creating new value from food waste" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Essential Ingredients Podcast 07:16 Valuing Byproducts: A New Perspective 11:03 Personal Impact and Entrepreneurial Journey 15:08 Supply Chain Challenges in the Food Industry 21:28 Collaborative Approaches to Industry Change 25:28 Building a Values-Driven Team 29:42 Emotional Safety in Startups 33:09 The Importance of External Perspectives 34:40 Innovating Contract Structures in the Food Industry 35:33 Balancing Health and Climate Goals 38:19 Navigating Complex Responsibilities 39:39 The Future of Bio-Manufacturing 41:15 Sector Readiness for Change 43:19 The Challenge of Processed Foods 45:34 Building a Sustainable Future 46:35 Transforming Linear to Circular Systems 47:16 Lessons Learned from Hi-Fey 48:52 Essential Ingredients for Success 50:03 Rapid Fire Insights 52:25 Final Thoughts and Future Vision

April 21, 202620 min

096: Ingredient Intel: Spot Harmful Chemicals in Skincare, Choose Healing Actives with Annie Jackson

"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 from legacy beauty brands to building a clean beauty standard reshaped how products are made, vetted, and trusted. Press play to rethink what goes on our skin and why it matters: • Clean beauty standards and ingredient transparency • How to spot harmful chemicals in skincare • Why sustainability starts with packaging and sourcing • The rise of conscious consumers and Gen Z expectations • The challenge of building ethical beauty brands • What "better for you" really means in beauty Meet Annie: Annie Jackson is Co-Founder & CEO of Credo Beauty, a leading clean-beauty retailer she helped launch to bring high-performance, sustainably minded indie brands into mainstream retail. A beauty industry veteran, she began her career at Estée Lauder and was a founding team member at Sephora, experiences that shaped Credo's mission to prioritize ingredient transparency, safer formulations and sustainable packaging. Under her leadership Credo has grown from a single Fillmore Street store to a national footprint, curating roughly 130 brands (the majority women-founded) and stewarding a rigorous Clean Standard and sustainability guidelines. Annie is known for marrying retail expertise with a science-driven approach to product vetting and for championing accessibility and accountability in beauty. Website: https://credobeauty.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniejacksoncredo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/credobeauty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautycredo X: https://x.com/credobeauty YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@CredoBeauty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@credo.beauty Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website: https://www.nextgenpurpose.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenpurpose/ YouTube: https:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOfFBz8JSr6yIbH7p5Z-Gg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgenchef/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextGenPurpose1 Episode Highlights: 03:18 Credo's Criteria for Brand Selection 05:33 The Role of GenZ in Driving Sustainability 12:29 Impact on Consumer Behavior 13:21 The Evolution of Credo's Clean Standard 15:46 Customer Stories and Personal Impact 17:27 Credo's Expansion Plan