TLC Todd-versations

Enjoy this chat!We invite you to join us as Todd talks with people like Walt Duflock of Western Growers, who are passionate about what they do to effect change.If you enjoy this conversation, we suggest downloading our recent EWG episode with Crop Life America and Leslie Bonci. Put TLC Todd-versations Food, Facts, and Fear, in your internet search engine. Pick your format! On Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlc-todd-versations/id1571349050?i=1000615253394 Catch more riveting Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #futureoffood #functionalmedicine #AI #venturecapital #verticalfarming #greenhouse #CEA

Every time we decide the SKUs we carry, the varieties we plant, the ads we set, we're telling consumers rather than educating them, allowing them to understand the real value of produce. The mindset of the consumer is different than that of someone in the produce industry.Earth shattering? No, but the way we go about curating the produce experience, you'd think that everything is available all the time. How many of the alphabet generations even understand the seasonality of produce?Meghan Diaz of Sprouts Farmers Market and Todd had a great time chatting about perceptions, perspectives, the value of anticipation, and taste on today's Todd-versations. We invite you to join us as Todd chats with people like Meghan, who are passionate about what they do to affect change.Take a healthy bite out of life. Find Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #futureoffood #functionalmedicine #localproduce #committedtoexcellence #vidaliaonions #southcarolinapeaches #washingtoncherries #watermelons #citrus

What would you do if your partner of over 30 years started to act in ways completely out of character and complained of misdiagnosed maladies, all the while fading away in front of you?Listen as Sandy Strauss shares with Todd the journey she took in uncovering the disparity between functional and conventional medicine and what those differences would cost her family emotionally, physically, and financially.Sandy has written this book in hopes that, in reading it, you won't run out of time, will become an advocate for change, and be willing to change how you view self-care.This book will blow your mind. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-toxic-brain-sandra-c-strauss/1141157317We invite you to join us as Todd chats with people like Sandy Strauss, who work to enhance our understanding of wellness and well-being.Take a healthy bite out of life. Find Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #traceability #atoxicbrain #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #futureoffood #functionalmedicine #healthcare #wellness #resiliency

What is the looming external threat to organic today? Is it CRISPR-Cas9? What is the biggest internal threat to organic today? Is it an inability to build consensus?Todd and Max Goldberg discuss these issues and more on today‘s Todd-versations. Shocker, they have differences of opinion in several areas. They agree that it is imperative you get on the dance floor and become informed on the things that affect what you eat, from how your food is grown to the impact of technology and enforcement.Value your food. Value your farmer.Discover the value of organic at Todd-versations on your favorite platform https://linktr.ee/toddversations Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #Envyapples #producelove #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #climatesmart #organiccertification #NationalOrganicProgram #farmbill #organicenforcement

-Valuing our food matters -Understanding the cost of producing and bringing product to market matters -Valuing our health with respect to the benefits of eating whole food mattersTodd and Mimmo Franzone discuss what they have discovered at Longo's that supports their teams, customers, and suppliers. Longo's intentionally works to meet the needs of all their partners.Learn how they create and maintain the balance that makes Longo's successful in today's Todd-versations.Find conversations like this one on your favorite listening or viewing platform. https://linktr.ee/toddversations Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #Envyapples #producelove #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #equifruit #longos

You're always learning something new at the Organic Produce Summit. Todd and Susan Canales covered everything from who is coming, growers, buyers, and suppliers, oh my, to the very informative educational sessions that touched on the value of whole food for longevity, endurance, and supporting a healthy immune system to current events and how they continue to shape the organic produce horizon.Catch all this and more at the OPS show in Monterey, California, on July 12th and 13th. Discover the value of organic at Todd-versations on your favorite platform https://linktr.ee/toddversations Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #Envyapples #producelove #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #climatesmart

ENZAFRUIT Products Inc., @Envy Apples are part of the Turners and Growers family of companies. Their job is to support their growers, agents, and customers in showcasing the Envy Apple and making it your apple a day.Listen as Todd chats with Vinnie Lopes about the job they do, the wonderful product they get to work with, and the support they receive from their partners. Learn about the attributes of this spectacular apple at https://envyapple.com/us/Taste and believe! Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.”Take a bite out of Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations #organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #Envyapples #producelove #futureoffood #Oppy #CMI #Rainier

Todd had a great time chatting with Sean Gallagher of Calpine Containers, discussing the whys of their business. At first look, it's about the product, but as Sean shared, it's about providing solutions. That's who they are.Calpine's goal is to ensure customer success with value and distinct cost-effective packaging solutions. And they're going to make that happen because what sets them apart are their people because their people are their business.Packed with care, discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #Envyapples #producelove #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #climatesmart #durable #packaging#solutions #wood #wrap #bags #boxes #pallets #straps

David Page spoke with Todd on so many topics that will satisfy your curiosity, pique your interest, and give you an appreciation for food worldwide. Here are some of their meanderings. It was more than a story about Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.-Sharing a meal together is as emotionally satisfying and important an event as you can possibly engage in.-Caviar. Vodka. Cuban cigars.-If you want to eat vegetables, eat vegetables.-One of the great ways to learn about a country's history, culture, and societal emotions was by eating their food, hopefully with locals.-“To dine alone is to dine like a wolf.” -EpicuriousDavid chronicles more of his discoveries in his book, Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories behind America's Favorite Dishes https://www.amazon.com/Food-Americana-Remarkable-Incredible-Entertainment/dp/1642505862Taste and believe! Envy Apples have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/Dive into Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #Envyapples #producelove #futureoffood #dinersdriveinsanddives #pageproductions #beergeeks @AlRoker

What hidden attributes does controlled environment agriculture offer? -Closer to home. That translates into tomatoes and strawberries staying on the vine a few days longer, allowing flavor development. The product is fresher, longer on store shelves. There are fewer transport costs and infrastructure logjams.-Controlled environment. That means that growth isn't dependent on climate vacillations. Nurturing the plant isn't compromised by insect pressure. Input requirements are less cumbersome.There are more, but you get the drift.CEA folks are the first to admit there are circumstances to overcome to scale effectively. But as Todd and Tom Stenzel agree, the value of CEA will only grow as our population does. As climate changes and finite natural resources develop scarcities.I won't tell you what to think, but I will give you the information so you can. Discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations #organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #Envyapples #producelove #foodwaste #watersupply #familyfarms #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #climatesmart #regenerative #community #soil #futureoffood #pesticides #science #RevolGreens #AeroFarms #LittleLeafFarms #Brightfarms #Plenty #Bowery

They say it upfront. “We know nature.”Todd chats with Sofia Elizondo about the bright future we can have as we discover at the molecular level what it takes to improve the health of our bodies, minds, and microbiome. With Forager, Brightseed's AI-powered platform, they can rapidly identify bioactive compounds and their health benefits. With discussions centering around whole-body health, functional medicine, and integrated therapies, Brightseed couldn't have come soon enough.Don't be a hater! June kicks off with a fantastic sponsor, Envy Apples. They have it all! Taste. Crunch. Aroma. Appearance. They are “The Ultimate Apple Experience.” https://envyapple.com/us/I won't tell you what to think, but I will give you the information so you can. Discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations #organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #Envyapples #producelove

We're never going to know if we agree or disagree if we don't take the time to talk to each other. Todd LinskyI didn't know if this episode would ever get recorded. I wasn't sure that the participants would be willing to expose themselves to you and each other in a way that would make for a meaningful chat. I am so glad that I was not alone on recording day.Thankfully for all of us these brave folks, @Ken Cook of EWG, Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, and @Manojit Basu of CropLife America, trusted that I would respect them and their beliefs, giving them a platform to discuss their varied opinions on food production, processing, consumption, nutrition, and supply.You are in for a great chat.I won't tell you what to think, but I will give you the information so you can. Discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #familyfarms #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #climatesmart #regenerative #community #soil #futureoffood #pediatrics #pesticides #childrenshealth #dirtydozen #cleanfifteen

It's about building relationships. It's about connecting with the community. Todd had a great time chatting with Jessica Gudmundson and Miguel Villareal, co-directors of the National Farm to School Network. They work tirelessly to educate farmers and producers about opportunities to provide whole food to schools and the rewards the community reaps by “knowing their food, knowing their farmer”.Join them as they celebrate National Farm to School Month this coming October. And we agree with Todd. We believe it should be a year-round celebration!It's never too early to get involved. Learn more about how you can help be a part of the change at https://www.farmtoschool.org/joinOur thanks go out to this month's Lunchtime Hero Supporters: Shift Creative and Volcano Produce.Fresh voices heard here. Find all the Todd-versations at https://linktr.ee/toddversations#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #flowers #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #foodinsecurity #children #foodjustice #nationalfarmtoschoolnetwork

The questions that surround indoor ag are numerous. Are they farmers? Can they scale? Can they compete? What can they grow?Todd chats with Dan Malech today about this and Plenty more. They believe that they cannot only survive but thrive with diversity and purpose. Companies like Driscoll's are on board to test that theory as they partner in strawberries. What's next? Well, probably not a pistachio tree, but don't say never.I won't tell you what to think, but I will give you the information so you can. Discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversationsFreshen up your design and marketing with Shift Creative. Learn how they can help at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #familyfarms #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #climatesmart #regenerative #community #soil #futureoffood #plenty #driscolls

Shared priorities, the phrase of the day.Over thirty atmospheric rivers and ten storms this past season in California. And we're not done yet. Todd and Lois Henry of SJV Water discuss the impact of the storms and what we can expect from the impending melt.So far, we've seen:-Farmers pit themselves against other farmers in a bid to preserve their crop plantings and livestock. -Cities blame counties, and counties blame cities for debris cleanup and levee control. -Dormant lakes, rivers, and streams popped up, breaking levees and flooding communities.-Burying homes and hope in water, silt, and red tape.Wade into the deep end with us. Subscribe at https://linktr.ee/toddversationsFreshen up your design and marketing with Shift Creative. Learn how they can help at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #flowers #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #waterbanking #snowpack #atmosphericriver #sjvwater #thebigmelt #tularelake #kerncounty #kingscounty #tularecounty

This episode is not about getting your one-pound bag of organic carrots for $0.99 or your organic bananas for $0.19 each. Cheap has a hidden cost.This discussion is about the value we place on food, how we chose to support family farms, and where we believe community should fit in the dialog. Todd and Nissa Pierson of Crespo Organic have a frank chat about these thoughts and more on today's episode of Todd-versations. I won't tell you what to think, but I will give you the information so you can. Discover Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversationsDoes your brand have a story to tell? Shift Creative can help. Learn how at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #familyfarms #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #climatesmart #regenerative #community #mangoesfrommexico #mangoes #crespoorganicmangoes

Paige Venable, Floral Director at Vallarta Supermarkets, knows the power flowers have to tell a story, brighten a day, and add value to retail stores.Todd discusses Vallarta's inspiring history from a single carnicería in 1985 to now 53 supermarkets and growing across California. Vallarta believes in its valued employees, investing in their community, the importance of family, and the contributions fresh food and flowers have to bring them together.Flower power is found here. Subscribe at https://linktr.ee/toddversationsDoes your brand have a story to tell? Shift Creative can help. Learn how at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #ediblegarden #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #floraldepartment #family #community #grocery #mothersday

What a great conversation with Daniel Bell of Grocery Outlet, a very cool cat, and a unique retailer. Todd enjoyed chatting with Daniel at the FPFC Expo and for the Todd-versations broadcast. They talked about everything from food insecurity to how to handle the latest legislation in the state of California. You don't have to agree with what was said. Listen and decide on your own. Todd won't tell you what to think. Todd would rather put you in a position to think about such important topics.Peek into the future. Get Todd-versations on your favorite platform at https://linktr.ee/toddversations Who is Shift? They are a crazy talented, award-winning, design and marketing agency. As you will learn through the month, they have a strong history in the food, agriculture, service, and tech industries. When it's time for a change, choose Shift. Learn more at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #climatesmart #regenerative #grocery #coolcat

They're not the front-line workers that rightly receive the kudos for their work. But Todd wants you to recognize that they are heroes, nonetheless. Retail dietitians have been upcycling food before the term became popular.As Erin Good explains to Todd, Hy-Vee dietitians use all forms of media to engage their customer base. Do you need speedy meals? Do you have special dietary restrictions? Are you working with a limited budget? Are you new to adulting? Hy-Vee dietitians have you covered.Hats off to Hy-Vee for giving their dietitians a dedicated runway to reach consumers in a friendly and engaging manner.Dietitians prescribe Todd-versations. Subscribe at https://linktr.ee/toddversationsIt's time to freshen up with our May sponsor. Who is Shift? They are a crazy talented, award-winning, design and marketing agency. As you will learn through the month, they have a strong history in the food, agriculture, service, and tech industries. When it's time for a change, choose Shift. Learn more at https://startshifting.com#organic #agriculture #conversationsforchange #positivecostoffood #organicisnotenough #toddversations #foodsecurity #agtechnology #freshproduce #foodwaste #watersupply #ediblegarden #traceability #sustainability #farmers #consumption #cheaphasahiddencost #foodismedicine #shiftcreative #startshifting #registereddietitians #grocery

They've got an AgriVision because they AgriCare. As Todd talks with Scott Mabs of Homegrown Organic Farms, you will discover that they plan for future success by providing services to protect and enhance small to mid-size family farms. Who are these folks? They are growers and marketers of certified organic produce who take their pledge of stewardship of the soil, people, and the planet seriously. Lots to unpack. Everything from the meaning of organic to regenerative cross-overs. This talk is worth a listen.

Todd's chat with Ashlie Thomas is a conversation starter that inspires us to take the journey to connect our ideas and ideals with actionable service. “When you feel like everything is out of control, what nurtures better than planting a seed with the promise of bounty and the health that comes with it?” Lauri KranzThis is not your ordinary how-to book. And we're not your average how-to broadcast. Subscribe and find out! https://linktr.ee/toddversations

Flooding. Fires. Covid. Natural disasters would make for a good time to retire from school nutritional services, but Leslie Pring of Twin Rivers Unified School District and her team have doubled down in the face of them.Listen as she shares with Todd how they face these daunting circumstances, time after time discovering ways to put the kids first.#sisepuede #jawirkönnen #daputem #sìpuòfare In every language it's #yeswecan Every week Todd-versations brings you great guests with interesting perspectives on our YouTube and podcast channels. https://linktr.ee/toddversations

Organically Grown Company has changed through the years, striving to embrace differences while maintaining organic integrity. Todd has a powerful chat with David and Brenna about what they see coming, what they lament, and what they hope for the future of organic.

Finding no excuses for hunger in a country that is so richly blessed or children not receiving medical treatment, John Shuman of Shuman Farms learned early on to leverage his opportunities to create a pathway for success for others. John has a passion for people. Listen as he chats all things “Volunteer – Visionary - Vidalia onion farmer and Georgia Bulldog three-peat believer” with Todd on this episode of Todd-versations.

Unpack this powerful Todd-versation between Todd and Dr. Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator of the USDA AMS National Organic Program.If you've been around fresh produce for the last twenty years, you'd have to have been living under a rock not to notice the changes to organic. Strengthening standards and certification have only improved the integrity, traceability, and acceptance of what it means to be USDA-certified organic.

Caught on Splendid's game camera, the Spledidsauras at work.Listen as Todd chats with Cindy Schwing of Splendid by Porvenir about their work to provide only the best on your table. Volume. Quality. Timely distribution. With their decades of experience, you can count on them to deliver the finest mangos available.

Increase access and consumption. Bridge generations through mentorship and education. Strategic alignment with organizations that are changing lives. These points are the hallmark and vision of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, past, present, and future. Todd chats with Michael Schutt of Raley's and Donn Gann of the FPFC about the future of the association. Learn more at the FPFC Expo, on April 27, 2023, at the Anaheim Convention Center in always sunny Southern California.

This may or may not have been the Jeopardy clue: In 1927, they created the first branded vegetable in this country with Andy Boy. Category: Significant Produce Milestones Value: Priceless Answer: D'Arrigo As Gabriela shared with Todd, D'Arrigo has been a part of or established many significant milestones. Responsible for the import of broccoli and broccoli rob to the U.S., one of the first to use refrigerated railcars, D'Arrigo and its selling and growing arms are at the forefront of produce innovation.If any of you have a copy of that Jeopardy clue and answer, there's a family we know that would like to get a copy.

"When I saw that these kids did not know what the word agriculture meant, they did not know about pollination or the crops in their own backyard. That was my moment of reconning."Todd loves to share what people are doing to serve and uplift others in their communities. He chats today with Mary Maranville of SEEAG about how they are working to educate and inform young people about where their food comes from, what it takes to bring it to their tables, and possible careers in an industry that feeds the world.#handsandland

“We can't be those exemplary models for nutrition, or environmental health, or food systems health if we don't have the dollars to spend to model healthy eating for the kids.”Todd enjoyed chatting with Amanda Warren, School Nutrition Program Director at Staunton City Schools. All schools face challenges in providing whole, nutritious meals to their kids. Amanda isn't one to back away from the opportunity and wants to share what they are doing to bridge the gap and teach this generation ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

“I lost my son, but do I want to live in a world where the universe can say that my son lost his father?” -Dr. DetwilerDarin Detwiler has a CV that takes 74 pages to record. The defining moment in his life came after the loss of his 16-month-old son Riley due to second-hand exposure to the E. coli bacteria stemming from tainted beef sold at Jack in the Box restaurants. He has since become one of the leading experts who have shaped the last 30 years of Food Safety. Todd is honored to welcome him to the show.

Good marketing is important, especially if you are trying to pull a rabbit out of your hat.Listen as Todd chats with Steven Muro of Fusion about what it will take to grow your business in uncertain and volatile economic times. Pay attention to what you already do successfully, don't reinvent the wheel, and look at the data. Great advice to be had!

Happy Dirt doesn't measure its success by dollars and cents but rather by the lives they impact, the positive changes they make, and the integrity they operate with every day.Todd had a great time chatting with Sandi Kronick, finding so many commonalities from the Organic Knowledge and Information Exchange concept to packing to save the planet.It's a worthy spend of your time!

“Why would you not elevate your sales, elevate your brand and also be able to make an impact in the world?” -Amanda KeeferThe narrative for cause marketing is collaboration, advocacy, and authenticity. It is conscious capitalism, and when done well, like at Healthy Family Project, it is a success for the organizations and the communities they support. Listen as Todd chats with Amanda about the many creative ways they get involved in strategically raising funds and doing well by doing good.

Biological. Geological. Technological. These are the mechanisms for storing carbon. According to the CLEAR Center at UC Davis, biological applications, specifically, grassland management, show the most promise in capturing and storing carbon. Land to Market is attempting to change the course by including everyone in the process establishing what regenerative means globally by acting upon it locally.Listen as Todd chats with Chris Kerston of Land to Market in an in-depth lesson about regenerative to heal the planet.

Look at this quote from Frieda's product page, “you're weird, i like you.” Don't you want to understand what that is all about? Todd had a great time chatting with Karen Caplan of Frieda's Branded Produce. Their conversation ran the gamut from marketing to authenticity. One of the most important areas of discussion was company culture. A culture where being valued, connected to personal and company success matters, and honest, accountable relationships thrive.

What happens when you engage our youth with respect, information, and opportunity? You create a mechanism for success, a thirst for understanding, and encourage hope that can change the world, one student, one school, and one community at a time. Todd chats with Eric Span, Food Director at Sweetwater UHSD, about the investment his district has made in the future.

“The World's most pampered fruit.” -Sunnia Gull“I want to be a Sumo when I grow up.” -Todd LinskyAll kidding aside, AC Foods, the parent company of Sumo Citrus, has a lot to be proud of.

Going home now to stayI'm just going to drive up by the lake And put my ass in a lawn chair, toes in the clay Not a worry in the world, a PBR on the way Life is good today - Zac Brown Band, Toes Jan DeLyser is retiring. Todd would like to thank our friends Tonya Antle, Frank Padilla, Marty Craner, and Karen Caplan. We had a lot to talk about and celebrate. Adiós and vaya con Dios, Jan!

Farming advice? Listen to old farmers. The older the farmer, the more you should pay attention.Todd had a great time chatting with Jonathan Lawler, aka The Punk Rock Farmer. His advice comes from experience and the drive to thrive. He and his wife have turned their for-profit farm into a non-profit that supplies food to shelters, food banks, and pantries while sharing his knowledge and love for farming with at-risk youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people recovering from addiction.

Can DNA be repaired naturally? Can chitin be broken down? Can mushrooms act as a telephone line between other plants? Listen as Todd chats with David Law of Gourmet Mushroom/Mycopia and get the answers. Learn about the studies conducted with culinary and nutraceutical mushrooms. There is so much more discovery ahead with Mother Nature!

How else would you greet someone at Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure, “Produce, The Final Frontier,” but with the Vulcan salute, Live Long and Prosper - "dif-tor heh smusma" ?Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Kristen Yerecic Scott of Yerecic Label, and Michael Roberts of Harps Foods share ways you can support the vision of “Innovation Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. Todd agrees that doing something when you get home is the perfect call to action.

Don't expect to remain neutral after listening. In fact, please don't remain neutral! Today, Todd chats with Stephanie Nash about everything from cow masks and diapers, to the suicide rate of farmers, to alternative food products. She's willing to sit down and have a conversation about uncomfortable topics, raise awareness, and protect a way of life that has been central to the success of our country, that of a family farmer. It's going to take a lot more than an approval rating to frighten her.

Who self-polices in a way that engenders trust? The organic industry does, and for the last 25 years, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has served the organic industry and the certification process by listing and verifying input products intended for use in organic production. Listen as Todd chats with Orsi about OMRI's commitment to the global organic community, what that means to the industry, and what it means to ensure public trust.

“All of our team members are with Earth Fare for a reason. They believe in our food philosophy. They believe in what we stand for.” -Laurie AkerTodd has seen Earth Fare's return to their roots. In talking with Laurie Aker, their mission and values are clear. Their culture of helping and providing the best and safest food and home products translates to their customers. And it appears in their bottom line as they continually surpass their goals. Embrace a better way to shop!

Do as I say, not as I do. Really? How's that working for you?Kat Soltanmorad, Director of Food and Nutritional Services for Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, has much to say about aligning what we say and what we do. Listen as she chats with Todd about everything from farm subsidies to the rain washing out the ability to harvest crops in California. Let's support our kids with the food they need to get a fair start in life and back it up with a consistent message.

Drop the mike, folks. Katie Seawell of Bowery Farming has much to share with Todd as they chat about creating a transformational brand in an already competitive salad space.Here's a nugget from Katie.“I can't overstate how important I think mission is to a company and its ultimate success. When people are clear and aligned on what the vision of the company is and are committed to it, it's amazing what can happen.” -Katie Seawell

"It's our job to listen." DJ StornettaSewing circles. Water cooler gossip. Rumor mills. All these things can erode a company's efforts to build its culture. When you hire a talent acquisition firm, be sure to investigate its reputation. Because at the end of the day, the only thing that spreads faster than leaked information is a virus.Listen as Todd chats with DJ and Nathan Stornetta of Produce Careers about what they've built their reputation on, integrity, honesty, insight, and the ability to find the right talent for the right job.Realizing the scarcity of superior candidates, what will you do to find your unicorn?

Partnerships. People. Price. Promotion. Todd and Jeff Martin chat past, present, and future of retail on today's episode of Todd-versations. Don't miss this laser-focused discussion. Yes, the helicopter story is real!

Scaling a business? Cash is huge.When you're trying to grow a business, focus on four areas, according to Nick Mascari of Mascari Strategy Group. “You can get by with average strategy, mediocre people, and subpar execution, but if you don't have a cash flow, you can grow broke.” Todd and Nick chatted about C-suit responsibilities. Like defining and explaining the vision in a way that excites, motivates, and engages the entire company and then getting in the weeds to make sure that the mission, vision, and goals are actualized.Great chat. Great guy. What a way to end 2022!

Unless you're manipulating genetics or inputs, it takes time, patience, and a gambler's spirit to grow food.Organic produce is a no-step-skipped discipline, where only the best will do for consumers, growers, and the planet. Listen as Todd chats with Bonnie Poux and Ryan San Jose of Access Organics about the effort they put into bringing us some of the finest fruits and vegetables available. Their key to success starts with the relationships they forge, oftentimes with only a handshake.