Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Hughes, co-executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition to explore how young farmers are reshaping the future of American agriculture. From regenerative practices to community-centered farming, this new generation, many of them first-generation farmers, is challenging traditional models and working toward a more equitable, sustainable food system.
Michelle shares the biggest barriers young farmers face, including inequitable land access, rising costs and climate impacts. We discuss how policy, nutrition assistance, and economic pressures directly affect farmers' ability to survive and thrive and why success in farming often means more than just the bottom line. Because without farms, there is no food.

What if food wasn't just fuel, but medicine? In this episode of Beyond the Board, we sit down with Neka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy, to explore how her background as a licensed acupuncturist shaped a brand rooted in the healing power of food. Drawing from both Eastern and Western medicine, Neka shares how her core belief that food is foundational to health became the spark behind Urban Remedy.
What began as small-scale juicing and creating anti-inflammatory meals for her acupuncture patients quickly evolved into something much bigger. Neka reflects on opening Urban Remedy's first store with no plans to scale, only to outgrow it within six months, and the steep learning curve of building a fresh, organic food business in a category that barely existed at the time. Staying true to simple, functional ingredients and minimally processed food became her north star.
We also dive into Urban Remedy's partnership with Whole Foods Market, including its rare branded refrigerated kiosks designed as a "food safe space" for shoppers. Neka shares leadership lessons from the journey by empowering teams, letting go of control, prioritizing self-care and why regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and supporting organic farming partners are essential to the future of food.Top of Form
 
Disclaimer: The information provided on this episode is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. The content on this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Brightland founder Aishwarya Iyer joins Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel to explore how she reimagined olive oil from an overlooked commodity to a product rooted in storytelling, design, and uncompromising quality. Aishwarya shares how a move to California sparked her interest in olive oil and how her background in beauty and tech shaped Brightland's now-iconic brand and packaging.
The conversation dives into the realities of building a premium food brand from the ground up through bootstrapping with personal savings, pricing for sustainability, and partnering with a multi-generational California olive farm committed to regenerative, organic practices. Aishwarya also reflects on the mental challenges of scaling, the importance of abundance thinking, and how Brightland differentiates through joy, delight, and deeply sensory experiences.
From drizzling olive oil on ice cream to rethinking how consumers emotionally connect with everyday foods, this episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone curious about the future of premium pantry staples and why beauty, intention, and experience matter more than ever.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alex Snodgrass, the creative force behind The Defined Dish and founder of SideDish, as she shares her remarkable journey from food blogger to successful entrepreneur. Through consistent engagement and authentic connection with her online community, Alex built a devoted following that led to a successful cookbook featuring approachable, simple recipes that readers love.
In this episode, Alex opens up about her transition from influencer to CPG founder with the launch of SideDish, a journey four years in the making. She discusses the challenges of entering the retail space, the importance of maintaining quality standards and what's ahead for SideDish. At the core of both The Defined Dish and SideDish is Alex's mission to help families gather around the dinner table with accessible, high-quality meal solutions.
Delving into her approach to content creation, Alex shares her philosophy of quality over quantity and the importance of authentic community building across social media platforms. Don't miss this candid conversation about food, family, and building a brand with purpose.
 
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Join us for an inspiring discussion with Paul Lightfoot, who joined Patagonia Provisions in pursuit of a mission that perfectly aligned with his personal manifesto: saving our home planet through revolutionary food systems. In this episode, Lightfoot reveals how Patagonia's expansion into food emerged from their environmental commitment, built upon three essential pillars: superior taste, optimal nutrition, and minimal environmental impact.
Discover the undeniable alignment between Patagonia Provisions and Whole Foods Market, exemplified by their collaboration on an organic, non-alcoholic Golden Brew made with perennial plants, and the exclusive launch of their wild pink salmon – a product that showcases both the challenges and opportunities in sustainable seafood sourcing.
Lightfoot delves into the significance of Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) labeling and its impact on consumer trust, while sharing Patagonia Provisions' groundbreaking work in regenerative bison farming. Learn about their latest ROC products, from bison meat sticks to crackers, and understand how individual food choices can contribute to planetary health.
This episode offers valuable insights into best practices in sustainable food sourcing and demonstrates how business can be a powerful force for environmental stewardship.
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The following podcast episode contains opinions, commentary, and information that have not been independently fact-checked or verified. The views expressed by the host(s) and any guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast, Whole Foods Market or affiliated entities. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research on topics discussed and should not rely solely on the information presented in this episode as a basis for making decisions. This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice on any subject matter.
Age restrictions for nonalcoholic beverages may vary by state and retailer. Please drink responsibly.