Podcast
The Spoon Podcast
Hosted by Michael Wolf · EN
Join host Michael Wolf as he explores the world of food, ag and how innovation is changing what we eat.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Are Home Kitchen Marketplaces the Future or a Risk to Consumers?
Feb 1900:41:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mike sits down with friend, food systems thinker and The Food Corridor founder Ashley Colpaart to talk about the rise of Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) and what they mean for the future of food entrepreneurship. Ashley shares why she believes lawmakers are trying to avoid an “Uberfication moment,” and why she thinks shared commercial kitchens remain a critical access point for food founders. Drawing on her own origin story growing up in a family hot sauce business that couldn’t scale without infrastructure, Ashley explains why she became interested in shared kitchens as her professional focus and explains how it led her to build her company. You can read Ashley's recent essay on MEHKO movement here on her blog: https://www.thefoodcorridor.com/blog/mehkos-2026-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →From Wallaby Milk to AI: Nora Khaldi on Decoding Nature’s Molecular Code
Feb 1200:40:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Nora Khaldi, founder and CEO of Nuritas, to explore how a postdoctoral epiphany about wallaby milk led her to build one of the first AI-powered molecular discovery platforms in food. They discuss how Nuritas uses AI to uncover, validate, and scale molecules into clinically validated ingredients, why ingredient discovery has historically taken decades, and what she's learned over the past decade building Nuritas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →So You Wanna Know When You're Going to Die? Download This App
Feb 500:22:17Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Mike interviews Brent Franson, CEO of Death Clock, a company that uses AI to predict when you're going to die (aka life expectancy) based on health data. Brent and Mike discuss the origins of Death Clock, the importance of preventative health, and the role of consumer responsibility in managing health. Brent shares insights on the demand for longevity solutions, his entrepreneurial journey, and the potential for health tech to democratize access to quality healthcare. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the longevity movement, including the impact of big tech companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →What Should Impossible Foods Do Now?
Feb 400:34:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mike sits down with Rachel Konrad, former head of communications at Impossible Foods and now a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to talk about the state of alternative protein and where Impossible lost its way. Drawing on her experience as the company's first communications hire, Konrad argues that Impossible’s biggest mistake wasn’t market headwinds but a strategic shift away from its original biotech ambition toward a conventional CPG playbook. Mike and Rachel discuss founder vision, venture capital incentives, and the missed opportunity to license core technology to major food brands. They also discuss what a real turnaround would require if Impossible hopes to reclaim its original mission and relevance in the future of food Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Food Scientist Adam Yee on How Podcasting Has Changed His Career
Feb 5, 2025Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mike welcomes Adam Yee to discuss his journey in food tech, his extensive experience as a podcaster, and his evolving role in the industry. The conversation covers Adam’s first-time experience at CES, the origins of his My Food Job Rocks podcast, and how podcasting has shaped his career—from networking opportunities to job offers. Adam shares insights from his time as a food scientist, his role in various startups, and the founding of Sobo Foods, a company focused on innovative dumplings.Show Outline:IntroductionMike and Ada catch up on CES experienceAdam's Podcasting Journey How My Food Job Rocks started 10 years ago The podcast’s mission: Making food jobs as exciting as tech jobs Growth through interviews with food scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders Memorable moments, including an interview with Harold McGee Career Journey in Food Science Early days at a granola bar factory in Phoenix Transition to Isagenix to develop protein bars Founding Sobo Foods and launching dumplings Lessons from working at Motif FoodWorks and observing the food tech boom Podcasting as a Career Catalyst How My Food Job Rocks led to a role at Better Meat Co. Influence on Paul Shapiro starting his podcast Podcasting as a powerful networking tool The Evolution of My Food Job Rocks Relaunching the podcast: Season 2 with a focus on deeper industry insights Exploring underrepresented food careers (e.g., farmers, venture capitalists) Introduction of a new segment: Dig In, focusing on specific food industry trends Maybe Food, Maybe Tech Podcast How it started as Crisis Meets Opportunity Analyzing food trends through the lens of global events and technology Example: Understanding the impact of avian flu on egg prices Discussing alternative proteins and food system innovations The Future of Food Media & Podcasting The growing influence of podcasts vs. books The potential of video content for food tech discussions Challenges of reaching frontline workers for interviews Where to Find Adam YeeBest way to connect: LinkedIn Here is the story of The Spoon Podcast Network. Find Adam's podcast and more great shows at The Spoon Podcast Network page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →