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It’s not a beer, it’s not a wine, it’s not a cocktail – it’s a podcast episode! On this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, Auspicious Brew co-founder Helen Leavitt joins the chat to talk about kombucha, community, and the intersections between them. While Helen is no stranger to fermentation, New Hampshire is still getting to know kombucha, making Auspicious Brew the first licensed kombucha brewery for the state. Along the way, Auspicious Brew’s headquarters in Dover, NH has come to be a community hub, particularly for those defining themselves outside the lines, thus mirroring the same ineffable, category-breaking drink they sip there. Helen and host Anastasia discuss if there was intentionality behind this decision, how no trip to the brewery yields the same results, and the auspicious future that lies ahead for the business. Available to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, and in-browser listening at littletoncoop.com/podcast.

Just in time for grilling season comes the story behind your new favorite sausages. Founder and Chef Carter Light of Colvard & Co stops by this episode of That’s Rad, the official Littleton Food Co-op podcast, to tell listeners more about the beauty behind the often undervalued sausage – especially when you put the work into it like his Maine-based company does. And have no fear, listeners: this is a story about how the sausage is made, but includes none of the production details that might turn off the squeamish. Instead, this episode focuses on the human side of the business – the love, the hometown reflections, and the unshakeable pursuit of perfection. Just like Colvard & Co., this episode is best served up during grilling season, but is a delicious listen year round. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or for free with no ads at littletoncoop.com/podcast. More on NH Bacon & Beer Festival: https://www.nhbaconbeer.com/

Calling all gardeners: the seasoned veterans, the nervous newbies, the overly ambitious go-getters, and the forgetful folks. And a special shoutout to the procrastinators – this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, is for you. On the latest episode, host Anastasia sits down with Jenn of High Mowing Organic Seeds, a Vermont-based 100% non-GMO organic seed company that has grown from a small outpost in the north to one of North America’s most recognized, most knowledgeable, and most trusted seed brands. So what does the garden of a High Mowing Organic Seeds employee look like? While we’re at it, what does a seed company actually do? Why are they 100% organic, and how does that impact what we grow? Spoiler alert: it impacts much, much more than the vegetables you pull out of the ground. And you know it wouldn’t be a podcast with Anastasia without somehow connecting everything back to Parks and Recreation. Listen today on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, or subscription-free on the Littleton Food Co-op website.

On the latest episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, host Anastasia welcomes Littleton Co-op’s new Cooperative Executive Officer Learner Limbach to the store and the podcast. Or is it the podcast and the store? The pair sit down to discuss Learner’s generations-deep connections to cooperatives and how that legacy (and maybe a little bit of destiny) ultimately led him to Littleton, NH from an island off of Washington state. They also share a first look at new innovations happening at the Littleton Food Co-op, including an explanation of the Provisions Wholesale Co-op program, a new membership benefit. And yes, they will tell you where the name “Learner” comes from. This episode is a great “crash course” for Littleton Co-op members to find out more about their store’s newest leader, and recommended for anyone interested in one man’s perfect taco recipe. Listen today wherever you listen to podcasts or at littletoncoop.com/podcast subscription free.

Welcome back to That’s Rad, a podcast by the Littleton Food Co-op! With a new year comes new beginnings, including for Littleton Co-op’s longtime General Manager Ed King as he steps into retirement. We say that after sixteen years of service to the Co-op, it’s well-deserved. But we couldn’t let him go without one last goodbye on the pod! On this episode, Ed sits down with host Anastasia for a co-op career retrospective covering highlights, regrets, and what comes next – for the Littleton Co-op and one of the most prominent people behind it. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead others down the road least expected, gracefully pass on a legacy, and “smile because it happened.”

She’s been across the country, and now she’s circled back closer to home on the East Coast. On this latest episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia wraps up her cross-country co-op road trip at Friendly City Food Co-op in Harrisonburg, VA. Her host there is veteran Friendly City employee and Produce Lead Dietrich. Anastasia and Dietrich discuss what it means to live and work in a city so nice it stuck as a nickname, how the co-op meets its goal of supporting local farmers and food access simultaneously, and how to live with fame when you’re a co-op social media star. It’s the East Coast co-op icons crossover event you didn’t know you needed.

Summer for That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Co-op, can only mean one thing – it’s time for a trip! Host Anastasia is embarking on a cross-country road trip… with a twist. Listen in as Anastasia goes coast to coast to get the scoop on food co-ops across the country. What’s it like to be a co-op with over 100,000 member-owners? How does a co-op survive when there are eight other food co-ops in the same town? Do co-ops even exist in the South? And what, if anything, does the Littleton Food Co-op have in common with any of them? On this episode, Anastasia has stopped at PCC Community Markets in Seattle, WA to talk with their Director of Purpose, Mike Wenrich. PCC is the country’s largest consumer food co-op with 16 store locations and over 118,000 member-owners. The discussion centers around how PCC acts on the first two pieces of the infamous triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Mike leads Anastasia through many PCC initiatives, including their efforts to protect the Puget Sound, their local and state public policy backings, and their unique program pairing food access organizations with local farms. Perfect for listeners interested in joining a movement greater than themselves.

Summer for That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Co-op, can only mean one thing – it’s time for a trip! Host Anastasia is embarking on a cross-country road trip… with a twist. Listen in as Anastasia goes coast to coast to get the scoop on food co-ops across the country. What’s it like to be a co-op with over 100,000 member-owners? How does a co-op survive when there are eight other food co-ops in the same town? Do co-ops even exist in the South? And what, if anything, does the Littleton Food Co-op have in common with any of them? The road trip kicks off in America’s co-op hotspot: Minneapolis, MN. Anastasia stops and chats with Wedge Community Co-ops to talk about why people get involved in co-ops, the power co-ops have to support historically marginalized communities, and what they’re putting in the Minnesota drinking water to make it so dang cooperative. Plus, hear the inside scoop on how the power of cooperation raised awareness and a headline making donation for a Twin Cities organization in need. Best listened to with a kombucha in hand on a long drive. . . . The Littleton Food Co-op is Littleton, NH’s only member-owned grocery store, featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, a full-service deli, bulk foods, craft beer and wine, and a quality grocery selection. The Co-op exists to serve its members and broader community through a range of standard and unique foods, offered at a fair price, with outstanding service. The Littleton Food Co-op is not owned by one person, but by over 10,000 member-owners choosing to invest in a successful local food system. Membership is not required to shop; everyone is welcome. Conveniently located just off Exit 41 in Littleton. Cooperate more at littletoncoop.com.

On this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, we’re kicking off summer with a big scoop of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream. Or, should we say *THE* big scoop, as Gifford’s CEO Lindsay Skilling sits down for an interview. Skilling is a fifth-generation ice cream maker in the Gifford family, overseeing day-to-day operations and growth of the company, along with her siblings and cousin. She and Anastasia talk about what it was like “growing up Gifford,” what makes the Maine-based company and product so special, and why it has won the hearts of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Portland Sea Dogs, and New Englanders alike. They also take a look back at Gifford's devastating 2023 factory fire, and discuss the state of recovery today. Listeners will be left with a message about the importance of family, doing work you care about, and to never take a scoop of ice cream for granted. Warning: cravings for Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream will occur, proceed with caution. The Littleton Food Co-op is a proud retailer and supporter of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream and hundreds of other New England food brands. As the first and only consumer-owned food co-op in northern New Hampshire, Littleton Co-op exists to serve the needs of its members and the greater North Country community. While everyone is welcome to join the membership base of over 11,000 folks committed to promoting healthy choices for people and planet, membership is not required to shop at the store. Visit us in cozy Littleton, New Hampshire or online at littletoncoop.com. See ya at the Co-op!

You know how the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers. Well, in the TRPU (That’s Rad Podcasting Universe), April showers bring a springtime episode with Peacham Lavender Farm! On this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, host Anastasia sits down with Cindy and Dan of Peacham Lavender Farm. Not only does Cindy and Dan’s story leave you daydreaming of expansive rolling fields of fragrant purple, but gives you a behind the scenes look at the sweat, tears, and bee stings that go into producing this ubiquitous purple herb. That’s right – herb. And that work doesn’t even factor in the added challenges of growing in Vermont, facing climate change, and pushing against the current of all who said Cindy’s dream could not come true. This episode pairs perfectly with your favorite bouquet and a glass of lemonade. Enjoy!

What gets Emshika Alberini down in the dumps? Not much. On this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, the Littleton-based entrepreneur sits down with host Anastasia for a conversation on food, life, and what it looks like to show authenticity in both. Most who know Emshika know her through her accomplishments, such as her restaurant Chang Thai, or her numerous write-ups, awards, and accolades. And through her always sunny demeanor, one wouldn’t guess the story of strife and loss she’s persevered through to get to this point. The duo cover everything from working with family, to her appearance on Food Network’s “Chopped,” to finding inner happiness when the world looks… well, sorta like it does now. This episode is a hit of sunshine and positivity everyone can benefit from as we await the actual summer sun to come out for good. The Littleton Food Co-op is Littleton, NH’s only member-owned grocery store, featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, a full-service deli, bulk foods, craft beer and wine, and a quality grocery selection. The Co-op exists to serve its members and broader community through a range of standard and unique foods, offered at a fair price, with outstanding service. The Littleton Food Co-op is not owned by one person, but by over 10,000 member-owners choosing to invest in a successful local food system. Membership is not required to shop; everyone is welcome. Conveniently located just off Exit 41 in Littleton. Cooperate more at littletoncoop.com.

The 50th episode of That’s Rad is about first relationships, the end of “Bro culture,” and two tigers named Bob and Luna. Just kidding – that’s not *all* it’s about. On the latest installment of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, host Anastasia sits down with Wade, aka the guy with the coolest job title ever. He’s Chief Vibe Officer at Prairie Artisan Ales, a craft brewery out of Oklahoma with global distribution. If you don’t recognize Prairie by name, you probably recognize their signature stouts and sours as the cans and bottles decked out in colorful cartoon imagery with a punny name atop. Their Bomb! flagship imperial stout catapulted the company to fame, and now it’s brews with bananas, sports drinks, and Skittles (?) that keep them at the top of the game. Wade and Anastasia break down the beer world in terms of vibe killers, haters, and the most ingredient in great beer – trust. A great episode for anyone coming out of Dry January, or anyone who loves the zoo. Just listen and it’ll all make sense. The Littleton Food Co-op is Littleton, NH’s only member-owned grocery store, featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, a full-service deli, bulk foods, craft beer and wine, and a quality grocery selection. The Co-op exists to serve its members and broader community through a range of standard and unique foods, offered at a fair price, with outstanding service. The Littleton Food Co-op is not owned by one person, but by over 10,000 member-owners choosing to invest in a successful local food system. Membership is not required to shop; everyone is welcome. Conveniently located just off Exit 41 in Littleton. Cooperate more at littletoncoop.com.

While the rest of the world is ringing in the new year with yearly recaps and 2025 vision boards, Vermonters are left with the same question on their tongues: “Is it going to happen again this summer?” It’s not difficult to remember the historic and catastrophic flooding that hit Vermont in both July 2023 and July 2024. Are our neighbors in for a three-peat? On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia sits down with Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux. As Vermont’s resident climatologist, Dr. Dupigny-Giroux plays a role in the historical study of the state’s climate; the state legislature’s climate understanding and funding requests; the public’s education and preparedness for climate disaster; and the intersection of all three. The duo spends time dissecting facts and theories around Vermont being “targeted” by the rain, if drought is still a concern, and whether this is Vermont’s “new normal.” An informative and intriguing listen for anyone who wants to learn more about New England’s potential climatal future, all delivered with an undercurrent of hope during a time of national uncertainty. . . . News clips in episode intro belong to: Greater Portland Council of Governments; 13News Now; Scripps News; MyNBC5-WPTZ; FOX Weather; Good Morning America; and NBC News via Youtube; @milarepacenter via Instagram Cover image courtesy of AP/Charles Krupa, University of Vermont

If you like stories of good people doing good things in our community, this is the episode for you. On this episode of That’s Rad, a podcast presented by the Littleton Food Co-op, host Anastasia sets out to find groups in our community “cooperating outside the lines.” In other words, groups of people cooperating together for a greater purpose, without actually being structured as a co-op. But what that truly means is this is an episode filled with stories of good people doing good things in our communities. First, she speaks with Eric, Bonnie, and Chuck of Veterans 2 Veterans Group, a Littleton-based non-profit providing direct aid to Veterans, first responders, and their families. Then, she sits down with Mark and Veronika, organizers of last summer’s Littleton Community Cookouts. From both conversations you’ll learn more about how local folks are reaching across social boundaries to engage others, forming relationships greater than “the helpers” and “those being helped.” The people featured in this episode exemplify community care, and you won’t be able to finish the episode without a smile on your face. Connect with V2VG: veterans2veteransgroup.com Connect with LCC: [email protected]

Are you or someone you know in the middle of back to school madness? Classes are in full swing, sports tournaments are starting, and time is absolutely flying. When thinking about the return to school, it’s easy to focus on the notebooks, pencils, and calculators of it all. However, the food that schoolchildren eat during the day is one of the things that will impact their learning the most. No one understands this better than Stacey Purslow, Program Coordinator at NH Farm to School. NH Farm to School has been connecting local farms with school districts through education, advocacy, and procurement since 2003. What started as getting local apples for our schools has since evolved and expanded; its advancement best shown through the landmark passing of the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program. On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia sits down with Stacey to discuss not only local food’s role in our schools, but also government’s role in local food’s role in our school. Confused yet? That’s why you have to listen to the whole episode. We’re breaking it down as easy as ABC.