Episodios

  • 168: Microbial Magic: Revolutionizing Agriculture from Inside Plants with LPC Naturals’ Jessica Staha

    168: Microbial Magic: Revolutionizing Agriculture from Inside Plants with LPC Naturals’ Jessica Staha
    Jul 4 2025

    Are you struggling to find sustainable solutions for your crops in an ever-changing agricultural landscape?

    I sat down with Jessica Staha, CEO of LPC Naturals, to discuss the fascinating world of microbials in agriculture. With a background in molecular biology and genetics, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked in various industries before finding her passion in agricultural technology.

    We delved into the unique challenges faced by both indoor and outdoor farming, and how microbials can provide innovative solutions. Jessica explained how their proprietary isolate of Beauveria bassiana works as a plant stimulant, helping crops withstand various stresses. She emphasized the importance of educating farmers and growers about the benefits of microbials, as they offer a more holistic approach to plant health compared to traditional chemical solutions.

    Throughout our conversation, we touched on the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture, the impact of extreme weather on farming, and the potential for collaboration within the industry. Jessica shared insights on leadership in a startup environment and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in the fast-paced world of agricultural innovation.

    If you're curious about the future of farming and how microbials could revolutionize crop management, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry expert and discover how these tiny organisms could make a big difference in agriculture.

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    5:57 From corporate to entrepreneurship challenges

    11:47 LPC Naturals origin and microbial solutions

    17:57 Educating farmers on microbial benefits

    24:59 Preparing environments for microbial use

    30:20 Balancing entrepreneurship and personal well-being

    35:17 Collaboration opportunities in microbial research

    Tweetable Quotes"DNA is DNA is DNA. It doesn't matter the organism. And so again, it's this universal language that you can communicate with.""In a controlled sector, you're really pushing those plants to an extreme. Really fast cycle times, beautiful, consistent responses are needed. And then on top of it, packaging, handling, long shelf lives are needed.""As more chemicals are being pulled and aren't being allowed to be used, it's clear that more people are doing a better job at communicating the efficacy of microbials in agriculture and vertical spaces."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://lpcnaturals.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-staha

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/primesuperiorgrow/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primesuperiorgrow

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@primesuperiorgrow

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    49 m
  • 167: Supercharging Seeds: Zayndu’s Revolutionary Cold Plasma Solution - Alberto Campanaro

    167: Supercharging Seeds: Zayndu’s Revolutionary Cold Plasma Solution - Alberto Campanaro
    Jun 27 2025

    Have you ever wondered how plants adapt to extreme conditions without the ability to move? I've always been fascinated by the resilience of plants, and in this conversation with Alberto Campanaro, we explore the intricate world of plant science and its applications in modern agriculture.

    Alberto Campanaro, Head of Science at Zayndu, brings a wealth of experience from his background in industrial biotechnology and plant research. His journey from traditional open-field agriculture to innovative seed treatment technology offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Alberto's passion for understanding plant behavior and his transition from academia to a startup environment provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field.

    The heart of our discussion revolves around Zayndu's cold plasma technology for seed treatment. Alberto explains how this innovative approach can enhance seed germination, improve plant growth rates, and potentially increase crop yields. We delve into the intricacies of developing "recipes" for different plant species and varieties, highlighting the precision required in this cutting-edge technology.

    We also touch on the broader implications of this technology for sustainable agriculture, the importance of maintaining a connection with plants in scientific work, and the challenges of transitioning from hands-on research to a management role in a growing company. Alberto's insights offer a glimpse into the future of agriculture and the potential for technology to address global food production challenges.

    If you're curious about the intersection of plant science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a fascinating look into the future of food production. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how innovative approaches like cold plasma treatment are shaping the way we grow our food.

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    Key Takeaways

    0:00 Intro: Plants' resilience without movement

    5:43 Growing up in Italy and family memories

    11:48 Journey to plant science and UK studies

    17:40 Transition to controlled environment agriculture

    22:47 Discovering Zayndu and startup excitement

    34:42 Crop-specific responses to cold plasma treatment

    38:38 A day in the life of a plant scientist

    42:40 Evolving from scientist to team leader

    47:27 Closing thoughts and contact information

    Tweetable Quotes"One thing I always find fascinating is that actually plants cannot move. Throughout the year these organisms have to resist heat waves, floods, different temperatures... And mammals or animals can move around, right? There's no water. Okay, let's go find it. But for plants, they're not allowed to.""I always remember I was coming from a kind of a rich subgroup with flashy equipment and stuff. And I was there, I thought, you know, this is quite interesting, I can do this. It was also, you know, the technology was sound and at that time, and still I was looking for do something of impact.""We have arrived to certain level of detail. For example, take spinach that we study quite a lot because there's a lot of request in the market for us for spinach to improve it. And we can see this variation response at the level of varieties. So we are at the moment, in terms of plasma protocol, we have three of them and these three, depending on which variety you're growing, you need to go 1, 2 or 3."Resources Mentioned

    Website -

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    56 m
  • 166: AI Revolution in Greenhouses: Dima Chernobilsky & GrowDirector’s Game-Changing Tech

    166: AI Revolution in Greenhouses: Dima Chernobilsky & GrowDirector’s Game-Changing Tech
    Jun 13 2025

    Are you struggling to optimize your greenhouse operations and maximize crop yields? I recently spoke with Dima Chernobilsky, co-founder and CEO of GrowDirector, who shared groundbreaking insights on greenhouse automation and the future of controlled environment agriculture.

    Dima's journey from finance to agriculture is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance. With a background spanning real estate, business development, and agriculture in various parts of the world, Dima brings a unique perspective to the field of greenhouse automation. His company, GrowDirector, has evolved through four generations of technology, each iteration addressing specific challenges in the industry.

    The conversation centered on GrowDirector's innovative approach to greenhouse automation. Dima explained how their wireless, modular, and scalable system provides growers with unprecedented control and flexibility. The latest generation of their technology offers future-proof scalability, allowing growers to expand their capabilities without significant additional investment.

    We also explored the role of AI in agriculture, discussing GrowDirector's AI-powered features such as predictive analytics and agronomic advice. Dima shared insights on the challenges of vertical farming, the importance of crop selection, and the need for patience as technology continues to evolve. His advice for the industry emphasized the importance of careful planning and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.

    If you're interested in the cutting edge of greenhouse technology and want to learn how AI is revolutionizing agriculture, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Dima's fascinating journey and gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to controlled environment agriculture.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:18 Evolution of GrowDirector's product generations

    10:03 Challenges faced by greenhouses and indoor farms

    14:36 AI integration in greenhouse management

    29:57 Lessons learned in hiring and leadership

    35:38 Future goals for GrowDirector's growth

    Tweetable Quotes"We are the god in the greenhouse. We control all of your equipment automatically. Our AI can even predict problems which are coming into the greenhouse and change the rules with your permission.""Hire slow, fire fast. I do think this is the thing because every time I gave a second chance it didn't work for me.""Be very picky about what you do. Not everything you can grow, you can sell, and not everything you can sell you can make money from. Finally you need to make money because you need to feed yourself, your family, and sometimes also get money to your investors."Resources Mentioned

    Website - www.growdirector.com

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimacher/

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@growdirector8723

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growdirectorltd

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growdirectoragri/

    X -

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    49 m
  • 165: Glenn Behrman - Unmasking Hype, The Real Economics of Indoor Farming

    165: Glenn Behrman - Unmasking Hype, The Real Economics of Indoor Farming
    Jun 6 2025

    Ever wondered why so many indoor farming ventures fail despite the hype? I've got the inside scoop from a true industry veteran.

    Glenn Behrman, founder and president of CEA Advisors, brings over 50 years of experience in horticulture and indoor farming to our conversation. From his early days in the foliage industry to pioneering container farming, Glenn's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field.

    I delved into Glenn's perspective on the current state of indoor farming, exploring the challenges faced by newcomers and established players alike. He emphasizes the importance of a realistic, business-focused approach, cautioning against the pitfalls of easy money and unrealistic expectations that have plagued the industry.

    We also discussed the potential opportunities in custom projects, the limitations of container farming, and the need for honesty and integrity in the industry. Glenn's insights on the recent demise of prominent indoor farming companies offer valuable lessons for anyone considering entering this space.

    If you're curious about the real challenges and opportunities in indoor farming, straight from someone who's seen it all, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a no-nonsense look at what it really takes to succeed in this complex and evolving industry.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:55 Glenn's journey into vertical farming

    27:48 Evolution of container shipping business

    41:33 Automation and robotics in agriculture

    47:35 Innovative ideas for container farming

    54:05 Lessons from recent industry bankruptcies

    Tweetable Quotes"I have a life that people only dream about. I've had the highest highs and the lowest lows, but I just kept on putting one foot in front of the other.""It's all a giant spreadsheet. Every facet of this industry is an Excel spreadsheet. On the left hand side you put all of the different exigencies. And then you have to make adjustments along the right hand side to get to that sweet spot.""If somebody decides to go into this business, I think the first thing they need to do is go sit in a room by yourself and ask yourself, why am I doing this? If your response is for the money, don't do it. This is not a throw the money in and take the money to the bank. It just doesn't work that way."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://cea-advisors.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennbehrman/

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    1 h y 8 m
  • 164: Michael Oster - Saffron Tech’s - 120,000 Flowers Into 2 Pounds of Saffron: A Vertical Farming Breakthrough

    164: Michael Oster - Saffron Tech’s - 120,000 Flowers Into 2 Pounds of Saffron: A Vertical Farming Breakthrough
    May 30 2025

    Ever wondered how a seasoned executive from the oil and gas industry ends up leading a vertical farming startup? I sat down with Michael Oster, CEO of Saffron Tech, to explore this fascinating journey.

    Michael's transition from the corporate world to the innovative field of vertical farming is a testament to adaptability in business. With decades of experience in oil and gas, real estate, and M&A, he brings a unique perspective to Saffron Tech. The company is pioneering the indoor cultivation of saffron, the world's most expensive spice, with potential applications ranging from culinary use to pharmaceuticals.

    We delved into the challenges of scaling up startups, particularly in the agricultural technology sector. Michael emphasized the importance of careful planning, realistic financial modeling, and securing off-take agreements before major investments. He shared valuable insights on balancing ambitious goals with practical considerations, drawing from both successes and setbacks in his career.

    Our conversation also touched on the geopolitical implications of saffron production, the potential for saffron-based pharmaceuticals, and the intricacies of building a commercial-scale vertical farm. Michael's leadership style, focused on leading by example and leveraging a small but highly skilled team, offers a blueprint for startup success in challenging industries.

    Curious about the intersection of traditional business acumen and cutting-edge agricultural technology? Listen to this episode to gain invaluable insights from a leader who's bridging these worlds and revolutionizing saffron production.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:03 Board member roles and responsibilities explained

    8:08 Saffron's unique properties and market potential

    14:00 Challenges of scaling up agricultural startups

    17:35 Balancing passion and practicality in business

    21:42 Learning from failed real estate project

    26:47 Mitigating risks in high-risk ventures

    Tweetable Quotes"Just to give you a perspective, you need 120,000 flowers growing to create £2 or a kilo of dry saffron. That's a lot of space. That's a lot of flowers.""We're producing the highest quality of saffron if you compare it to the different bands. In all categories of the active ingredients, we're producing a higher quality than the top notch saffron.""We're in a business that has high risk by design. The last thing you want to do is add to that with bullish assumptions. So we try to minimize them in a way that we'll have room for some failure and still be very successful."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://saffron-tech.ag/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloster01/

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    48 m
  • 163: Marc Oshima - Revolutionizing Farm-to-Table - Babylon Microfarms’ Vision

    163: Marc Oshima - Revolutionizing Farm-to-Table - Babylon Microfarms’ Vision
    May 2 2025

    Ever wondered how indoor farming is revolutionizing the way we connect with our food? I sat down with Marc Oshima, CEO of Babylon Microfarms, to explore the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture.

    Marc Oshima brings over 30 years of experience in driving large-scale commercial businesses, including co-founding AeroFarms. Now at the helm of Babylon Microfarms, he's spearheading innovative solutions in B2B indoor farming across healthcare, corporate dining, hospitality, and education sectors.

    In this episode, we dive deep into how Babylon Microfarms is bringing the farm directly to customers, fostering a greater connection between people and their food. Marc shares insights on the company's success in increasing leafy green consumption by 35% in senior care facilities and their expansion to over 350 farms across five countries.

    We also discuss the evolution of the indoor farming industry, the importance of customer feedback, and how Babylon Microfarms is preserving cultural heritage through locally grown, culturally relevant produce. Marc offers valuable lessons on business fundamentals and the power of focus in scaling a successful AgTech company.

    Ready to discover how indoor farming is reshaping our relationship with food and transforming industries? Tune in to this episode for a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:07 Babylon Microfarms' focus on key verticals

    10:40 Surprising installations and high-profile customers

    16:19 Lessons from early industry struggles

    21:53 Listening to customers and adapting strategies

    27:17 Workforce development in indoor farming

    33:40 Cultural connections through locally grown food

    37:18 CEA Alliance's role in industry advocacy

    Tweetable Quotes"We're seeing amazing use cases that we might not even have thought about. We were at this conference last week, and this fantastic operator chef was telling us how they've got the mint planted for the mint juleps for Kentucky Derby next week, and then they have the cilantro already planted and ready for Cinco de Mayo.""Understanding what business you're in, understanding the economics of your business, and appreciating how your technology can uniquely solve some of these challenges. I think that's core when you think about what's worked, what hasn't worked.""We have units cruising the world on cruise ships, literally cruising on cruise ships. It gives you a sense of the autonomy, the self-autonomous aspect and how resilient the farming approach is."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://babylonmicrofarms.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshima/

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    52 m
  • S12E162 John James Staniszewski/Fungitarian - From Nightclubs to Mushrooms: One Man’s Fungitarian Revolution

    S12E162 John James Staniszewski/Fungitarian - From Nightclubs to Mushrooms: One Man’s Fungitarian Revolution
    Apr 18 2025

    Ever wondered how a mushroom farm could revolutionize the food industry? I sat down with John James Staniszewski, the creator of the fungitarian lifestyle and a pioneer in the vertical farming space, to uncover the secrets of his success.

    John's journey from nightclub manager to mushroom mogul is as fascinating as it is inspiring. He shares how he built a thriving mushroom farm from scratch, producing up to 35,000 pounds of mushrooms per month and supplying over 350 grocery stores.

    In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of starting a vertical farm, the importance of hands-on leadership, and John's vision for creating 10 million fungitarians by 2027. John reveals how his past experiences in bodybuilding and personal training shaped his approach to the mushroom industry.

    We also explore the parallels between vertical farming and bodybuilding, the potential of mushrooms in addressing childhood health issues, and John's upcoming launch of bioavailable mushroom tinctures and gummies.

    If you're curious about the future of food, the potential of mushrooms, or how to build a successful vertical farming business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from a true innovator in the field.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding

    11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms

    16:59 Building a mushroom farm

    22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights

    28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth

    39:33 Current business operations and partnerships

    45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 2027

    50:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategies

    Tweetable Quotes"I've always been a weirdo, so in all reality it was for me I've been on this like universal timeline where all the things that I want to embody and do have just been ahead of time.""I believe that I have the opportunity, which you don't get in another lifetime, to be able to gear people towards a new food.""I'd rather have somebody that knows nothing and wants to learn everything than somebody who thinks they know everything."Resources Mentioned

    Website - https://windycitymushroom.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/

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    1 h y 7 m
  • S12E161 Renko Schuil/TTA ISO - Collaboration vs. Secrecy: Lessons for Vertical Farming Success

    S12E161 Renko Schuil/TTA ISO - Collaboration vs. Secrecy: Lessons for Vertical Farming Success
    Apr 11 2025

    Ever wondered how automation is shaping the future of indoor farming? In this episode, I speak with Renko Schuil, Sales Manager of Indoor Farming at TTA ISO, a leading company in horticultural automation. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Renko offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture.

    We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the indoor farming sector, discussing everything from market dynamics to technological advancements. Renko shares his perspective on the importance of knowing your market, the potential of hybrid growing systems, and the critical role of automation in scaling up operations.

    Throughout our conversation, we explore the global landscape of indoor farming, touching on regional differences, emerging crop varieties, and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Renko also offers candid advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking.

    If you're curious about the future of food production and want to hear from an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could shape your understanding of indoor farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.

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    Key Takeaways

    5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry

    10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming

    15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company

    20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO

    25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects

    31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs

    36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests

    41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunities

    Tweetable Quotes"I think there's a market for vertical farming for sure, because otherwise I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it.""Make a choice. Are you a tech company or a grower? Know your market.""Think ahead. Even if you're not ready for automation or high capacity equipment yet, get into talks with automation companies. It can save you a lot of time and money when you have to change certain things in your company in the future."Resources Mentioned

    Website - www.tta.eu

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/

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    Horti-Gen Insights -

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    57 m