Episodes

In this episode, I speak with Jesper Hansen, the Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth. Jesper shares his unique journey from studying history in Denmark to becoming a key player in the vertical farming industry in Taiwan. We discuss his transition into agriculture, driven by a desire to explore the world and a chance encounter with his now-wife's family business. Jesper's story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the opportunities that arise from them. Jesper also delves...

In this episode, I speak with Edwin McClure, CEO of Bio520, who shares his journey from finance to the world of indoor agriculture. Edwin's story is one of passion and perseverance, moving from Miami to San Diego, and eventually diving into the agtech space. We discuss his background in finance and how it shaped his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and profitability. Edward's love for entrepreneurship shines through as he talks about his early ventures and the lesso...

In this episode, I speak with Rick Langille, the Founder and CEO of Harvest Today. Rick's journey from growing up on a farm in Manitoba to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the manufacturing and electronics industries is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his passion for vertical farming and how his diverse background has uniquely positioned him to innovate in this space. Rick shares candidly about the challenges and triumphs of building Harvest Today, emphasizing the importance of nu...

In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these exper...

In this episode, I speak with Shlomy Raziel, the visionary behind Growth Tech, joining us all the way from Israel. Shlomy shares his deeply rooted connection to agriculture, tracing back to his childhood in a Kibbutz and his family’s pioneering spirit in farming. His journey from managing large-scale agricultural projects to founding Growth Tech is not just a career path but a continuation of a legacy. We dive into how his company is innovating in the vertical farming space, particularly focusin...

In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and impro...

In this episode, I speak with David Flynn, Vice President of Business Development at AmplifiedAg, and what a journey it's been! David shares his transition from military service to the world of vertical farming, and it's a testament to the power of mission-driven work. His experiences in Afghanistan, witnessing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of local agriculture, have fueled his passion for bringing fresh food to those in need. It's not every day you meet someone who's as dedicated to maki...

In this episode, I speak with Whit Allen, the charismatic CEO of SpectraGrow, as we dive into a world where the rhythm of music intertwines with the innovation of agriculture. It's a conversation that takes us from energy of DJing to the vibrant greenery of vertical farms. We reminisce about our days behind the decks and reveal how those experiences have given us a unique tempo for tackling the professional challenges we face today. Whit brings a refreshing perspective on the journey from spinni...

In this episode, I speak with Katherine Soll , a powerhouse of knowledge and change in the realm of urban agriculture. She takes us through her inspiring journey from her New York City upbringing to her influential role as the founder and CEO of Teens for Food Justice. With a nod to Agritechture’s Henry Gordon- Smith for his support and insight, Katherine and I delve into the transformative world of hydroponic farms, the importance of food equity, and the incredible shift from food deserts to t...

In this episode, I speak with Rick Vanzura, CEO of Freight Farms, who takes us on a captivating journey from his days in the retail trenches to becoming a trailblazer in the vertical farming industry. Rick’s transformation from working with household names like Borders Group and Panera Bread to redefining local food systems with Freight Farms is nothing short of inspiring. He generously shares his Bostonian roots and the pivotal encounters that shaped his business acumen, particularly a chance ...

In this episode, I speak with Alex Babich, who's pioneering the agricultural tech revolution with his startup, Nuravine. We dive into Alex's childhood, his journey through self-education and college, and the formative experiences that led him to combine technology with sustainable farming. Alex's vision of AI-driven vertical farms is a game-changer for the future of agriculture, and it was an absolute pleasure to get an insider's look at how he's bringing this vision to life. Hearing Alex detai...

In this episode, I speak with Daniel Plant, the inspiring mind behind Plant Dynamics, as we delve into his remarkable transition from the disciplined life of the Canadian Armed Forces to becoming a consultant in the agtech space. Daniel's unique journey has not only shaped a resilient work ethic but has also carved out an innovative path in the world of modern farming. Through his stories, we uncover how embracing a global perspective can significantly influence both personal growth and professi...

In this eye-opening episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the hydroponic maestro himself, Joe Swartz. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from nearly four decades of experience in the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). With Joe's guidance, we journey through the evolution of farming, bursting myths like bubbles and paving a clear path through the oft-misunderstood landscape of hydroponic agriculture. He shares his rich history, from traditi...

This week I speak with Viktor Kulcsar, Co-Founder of Veles Farming. From a childhood in post-Soviet Slovakia to challenging cultural norms and diving into entrepreneurship, Victor's story is one of ambition. Victor opens up about the early struggles of being a young entrepreneur in a region with little support for startups, the invaluable lessons from mentors, and the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge – all while forging a path in the exciting world of saffron cultivation. Ever w...

Embark on a remarkable adventure with Felipe Hernandez, the visionary Founder and CEO of Hexagro, as he chronicles his evolution from an industrial designer in Colombia to a trailblazer in Milan's growing vertical farming industry. Felipe's inspiring tale captures the essence of innovation and determination, guiding us through the creation of Hexagro—an endeavor to democratize aeroponic technology. His story is a testament to the power of marrying design with practical agricultural solutions, an...

Tristan Fischer has been involved in sustainable energy and sustainable food for over twenty years. He has been the Chairman or CEO of numerous companies, including Fischer Farms, a vertical farming/hydroponics business. Today, Tristan joins the show to discuss the benefits of vertical farm crops over field-grown crops, the looming food security crisis, and the importance of being a kind and empathetic leader Thanks to Our Sponsors Bio520 Key Takeaways 07:13 – Tristan Fischer joins the show t...

Ever wished you could peek into the mind of a successful vertical farming entrepreneur? Our guest Karla Garcia shares here love for plant physiology and how it guided her to the realm of vertical farming. From her childhood influences to her current role as a technical services specialist at Hort Americas in Mexico, Karla's story is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. As Karla shares her experiences, we shed light on the trending shift towards vertical farming among the younger g...

Ready to journey into the heart of nature and discover the green world of microgreens? Prepare to be inspired by financial graduate turned passionate farmer, Jonah Krochmalnek. He takes us through his life journey, from his humble beginnings starting a microgreens business in his parent's spare bedroom, to figuring out the market demand and different strategies that helped him succeed in the microgreens industry. His experiences, trials, and triumphs will be a guiding light for other budding ent...

Can a journey encompassing exotic travels, engineering, and entrepreneurship shape the future of vertical farming? This episode unravels that mystery as we sit down with Christopher Weis Thomasen, CEO and Co-founder of Seasony. A vivid storyteller, Christopher shares his transformative experiences from Namibia to Japan, painting a vivid picture of how these encounters helped develop his entrepreneurial mindset. Moving away from traditional farming, Christopher takes us through his pivot to auto...

Prepare to embark on a transformative journey with Jessica Gomez de la Rosa, the innovative CEO of Origeen Greener Cities. From the vibrant buzz of Las Vegas to the concentrated energy of New York City, Jessica will guide us through her captivating discovery of Indoor AgTech and how it's revolutionizing the agricultural landscape. She unveils her ingenious system for vertical farming and surprises us with the revelation that varied crops could flourish within her carefully crafted environment. ...

Are you keen to discover the future of farming? Unveil the revolutionary world of vertical farming with our esteemed guest, Cody Journell, founder and CEO of Vegg, Inc. Cody, with his vast knowledge and innovative approach to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), is pioneering a fresh perspective on how we perceive agriculture. This episode takes you on a thrilling journey into the heart of Vegg, Inc., where old school buildings transform into thriving vertical farms. Step inside the unique...

Are you ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of environmental automation technology with our captivating guest, Neda Vaseghi, the CEO of Microclimates? From the early days of Neda's life in Iran, through the trials of war, and onto her ascension in the tech industry, we explore how her past experiences have shaped her entrepreneurial drive. Join us as we venture into the heart of Microclimates, shedding light on the innovative start-up bridging the gap in Controlled Environme...

Ever sought the thrill of leaving the mundane behind to explore the world, only to land in the fascinating field of agriculture? Join us as we sit down with Chris Rawley, the founder and CEO of Harvest Returns, who did exactly that. Combining his experiences as a Navy veteran, a globe-trotter, and a commercial real estate investor, Chris shares his journey to bridging the gap between investors and farmers through his platform. Listen in as he delves into the transformation of farming practices d...

Can technology and privacy coexist in this rapidly evolving business landscape? This is a question we attempt to answer as we welcome Tinia Pina, the innovative Founder and CEO of Re-Nuble. Our riveting conversation explores the risks and rewards of navigating the digital world while protecting our privacy, and how we can leverage accessible technology to create sustainable products, without being swept up in the distractions of the tech world. New York’s relentless energy can be overwhelming, ...