Advertise on podcast: Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board

From starting his career developing the iPhone to revolutionizing home technology with Nest, Matt Rogers has always been driven by a mission to bring beautiful design and intelligence to everyday problems. In this episode of Beyond the Board, Mill co-founder Matt Rogers sits down with Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel to discuss his latest venture: food waste. Inspired by his own observations during COVID and trained by Steve Jobs to see details in everyday life, Matt recognized that food waste, responsible for 10% of global emissions and $400 billion in wasted food annually, was a problem worth solving. Now, Mill is bringing the same design excellence and customer obsession he learned at Apple to create an easy-to-use, sleek solution that makes reducing food waste as simple as using a trash can. This conversation explores how two mission-driven companies – Mill and Whole Foods Market – are working together to combat food waste. Matt shares insights on building missionary teams, the importance of starting with the hardest problem (the home), and the impact of bringing Mill Commercial into Whole Foods Market stores in 2027. From Apple's culture of customer obsession to Mill's vision of a world without waste, this episode reveals how great mission combined with great people creates transformative change. At a glance:  1:11 – The impact of Steve Jobs and Apple  3:45 – Entrepreneurial spirit 6:30 – Being customer obsessed   8:15 – Inspiration behind Nest 12:34 – Early days of Mill 16:28 – Tackling the challenges of composting 19:07 – The importance and ease of design 20:58 – The mobile app 21:41 – Mill x Whole Foods Market 2027 25:00 – The future of food waste 30:00 – Secret Sauce of Mill 32:30 – Lightning round

On this episode of Beyond the Board, Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel sits down with Andrew Benin, co-founder and CEO of Graza, live from Expo West. Together, they explore how Andrew has disrupted the olive oil industry through unique packaging, product obsession, and authenticity. From a sensory experience while visiting his wife's family in Spain to becoming the fourth-largest extra virgin olive oil brand in America, Andrew opens up about the challenges of convincing traditional olive oil producers to embrace unconventional packaging, the shower moment that sparked the squeeze bottle idea, and how he saw opportunity when others saw difficulty. The conversation explores the risks and rewards of rapid growth, being discovered early on by Whole Foods Market and why Graza waited two years to expand beyond olive oil – hello, mayo! Don't miss this candid conversation about innovation, intuition and building something different in a crowded category. At a glance: 0:55 – Expo West 1:58 – The beginning of Graza 6:30 – The squeeze bottle shower moment 12:26 - Sizzle vs Drizzle 18:29 – Scaling through meaning 20:34 – Expanding the supply chain 22:06 – "Aha Moment" 23:27 – First time seeing the product on shelf 25:22 - Lessons learned 27:10 – Secret sauce of Graza 30:50 – The Whole Foods Market Experience 32:42 – Exploring Graza Mayo 37:50 – Customer Feedback 39:47 – Brand collaborations 41:46 – What's next? 43:52 – Defining success   45:45 – Lightning Round

In this special episode filmed at Expo West 2026, we sit down with Meghan Luck, co-founder of Fable Fish, to explore how a childhood spent on Alaskan fishing boats transformed into a mission-driven snack brand. As part of 2026's Year of the Female Farmer trend, Meghan represents a new generation of female entrepreneurs reimagining traditional food systems by turning her family's smoked salmon recipe into an everyday snack that makes wild, nutrient-dense protein more accessible. Fable Fish isn't just about functional snacking, it's also solving a problem in the seafood industry. When Bristol Bay's 2022 sockeye run reached a historic 79 million fish, Meghan and her dad, a longtime Alaskan fisherman, saw an opportunity to add value to underutilized byproduct: the perfectly good "necks and tails" that didn't meet retail specs for center-cut fillets. Meghan shares how Whole Foods Market's Local and Emerging Accelerator (LEAP) program has provided a community of founders facing similar challenges from packaging decisions to scaling sustainably. Her advice? Trust your gut, never cut corners on quality, and surround yourself with people who know what you don't. At a glance:  00:46 – Inspiration for Fable Fish 02:32 – Historical Bristol Bay sockeye run 03:32 – Salmon byproduct 06:12 – Early iterations of product development 07:08 – Career history and evolution 11:45 – Whole Foods Market LEAP Program 16:10 – Business challenges 19:50 – Backstory on Fable Fish packaging  21:03 – How customers are consuming the product 22:58 – What is sockeye salmon? 26:50 – Meeting customers where they are 27:50 – Where Meghan hopes to see Fable Fish in 5-10 years 31:54 – Impactful drivers for Success 33:40 – Family ties 35:24 – Building the brand and responsibly scaling 38:51 – Delightful customer stories 40:26 – Lightning round

In this episode of Beyond the Board, host Sonya Gafsi Oblisk sits down with Katina Mountanos, founder of Kosterina. Listen as they discuss how personal frustrations in the grocery aisle turned into a brand rooted in Mediterranean tradition. After spending years in investment banking and CPG, Katina set out on a mission inspired by her family's ties to Greece: to bring truly high-quality, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil to American consumers. What began as a passion project built around incredible taste soon grew into something bigger, a wellness platform grounded in the science of the Mediterranean diet and the benefits of early-harvest olive oil. Throughout the conversation, Katina shares what actually makes olive oil exceptional, from hand harvesting and same-day milling to carefully controlled transport, and why most people in the U.S. have never really experienced olive oil at its best. A certified olive oil sommelier, she also breaks down the role of polyphenols, the antioxidants that give high-quality EVOO its health benefits, and explains why the Mediterranean diet continues to rank as the #1 diet for overall health year after year. Along the way, she clears up common misconceptions, including the difference between filtered and unfiltered olive oil, and how Kosterina approaches clean, simple ingredients across its products. Just when you think the conversation has covered everything olive oil, she shares what's next for the brand: vinegar. Included in the 2026 Whole Foods Market Trend Report as part of the "Very Vinegar" movement, Katina talks about how customers are reimagining unique ways to consume vinegars. This episode offers a look at how Kosterina is building a cross-category wellness brand centered on flavor, transparency, and the timeless principles of Mediterranean living. At a glance: 06:45: Career History 08:10: Early passion for olive oil 09:30: Olive Oil 101 13:57: The impact of the Mediterranean lifestyle 16:06: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shot 18:18: Trends Spotlight: Very Vinegar 19:29: How customers are reimagining vinegar 21:18: Visit kosterina.com for recipes, products and more 21:41: What's next for Kosterina 22:48: Lightning Round    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 the countdown to this year's Expo West, we're beyond excited to take it back to where it all began — our very firstBeyond the Board Podcast conversation, recorded live at last year's Expo with none other than Cloud 23 founder, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. The energy, the insight, the moment that started it all… and now we get to relive it. Stay tuned as this re-release is one you won't want to miss! In this episode, we connect over: How a late night in the kitchen with his wife led to the inspiration and first recipe for Cloud23. Brooklyn's secret sauce to level up his dad's famous Bolognese recipe. Plus, we dive into how Gen Z consumers are shaping a better future food system.

In this episode of Beyond the Board, we sit down with Olowo-n'djo Tchala, founder of Ayeya, to explore his journey from extreme poverty in rural Africa to building a purpose-driven brand. Olowo-n'djo left school in sixth grade to help his mother, learning traditional soap-making and shea butter production. Those early experiences shaped a mission rooted in dignity, trust, and economic empowerment, proving that business can be a vehicle for lasting social change. Olowo-n'djo shares his business model that prioritizes respect over charity, building inclusive "mini-corporations" that unite communities across ethnic divisions and create sustainable income for women. He also reflects on the persistence it took to build a relationship with Whole Foods Market by turning early rejection into a win-win parnership that expanded access to ethical products while creating jobs in Togo. Grounded in cultural preservation and measurable impact, Ayeya has helped support more than 250,000 families, funded clean water wells, built schools, distributed 18,000 bicycles to students, and advanced maternal healthcare initiatives. This conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose and profit, when aligned, can honor tradition, empower communities, and drive systemic change.

In this episode, Dr. Akua Woolbright sits down with Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about legacy, community, and the freedom that comes from building something rooted in purpose. As the youngest of four children, Chris was raised with the steady presence of his grandmother, who became the backbone his family needed and the inspiration behind everything he's built. Chris shares how opening Ruby Jean's was a way of honoring her memory by transforming grief into wellness, and love into a space where community could gather and feel seen. He reflects on the power of taking up space, welcoming people in, and using vulnerability and faith as fuel for growth.   From starting with limited capital in a 700-square-foot shop to navigating doubt without a blueprint, Chris opens up about the challenges of building something from the ground up and why staying bold and committed to his community matters. At the center of it all is a hope that his grandmother would be proud of the family, freedom, and sense of belonging he's created in her name.

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.   Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.

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. Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.   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.

In this candid conversation for Beyond the Board, Emma Chamberlain—founder of Chamberlain Coffee—shares her unexpected path from content creator to successful entrepreneur. Emma opens up to Jason Buechel (VP of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores and CEO of Whole Foods Market) about how vulnerability became her superpower, both in building her online presence and in running her business. Emma takes us through her full-circle moment of discovering her products on Whole Foods Market shelves—a particularly meaningful milestone given her childhood memories of exploring new brands at the Whole Foods Redwood City location. The episode delves into Emma's deep-rooted connection with coffee culture, tracing back to her youth watching her parents' coffee rituals, through her high school years as the "coffee girl" on YouTube, and ultimately to launching her own brand. Listeners will gain insights into her hands-on approach to product development, including her home taste-testing process and her intuitive leadership style. Emma also discusses the importance of team trust, knowing when to lean on experts, and maintaining work-life balance. Her refreshing perspective on Gen Z entrepreneurship and the power of overcoming limiting beliefs makes this episode a must-listen for aspiring business leaders and coffee enthusiasts alike. Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.

Join us as we sit down with Sarela Herrada, co-founder of SIMPLi, whose chance encounter with quinoa farmers in South America transformed into a mission to revolutionize global food sourcing. During a fateful hiking trip with her then-boyfriend (now husband), Sarela witnessed firsthand the disconnect between quinoa farmers and the end market – an observation that would later spark a movement. Today, SIMPLi is redefining ethical food sourcing through direct partnerships with farming communities worldwide. Learn how becoming a mother deepened Sarela's commitment to building sustainable food systems for future generations, and discover why this innovative company's plastic-free, compostable packaging reflects their deep connection to both the earth and their partner farmers. In this episode, Sarela shares fascinating insights about sustainable agriculture (including why quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain!), discusses how SIMPLi has created a blueprint for better business practices, and offers invaluable advice about staying curious and resilient in the face of challenges. Whether you're a food industry professional, sustainability advocate, or conscious consumer, this conversation about authenticity, integrity, and purposeful entrepreneurship will leave you inspired. Don't miss this compelling story of how one woman's vision is helping shape the future of our global food system.

In this compelling episode, James Beard Award-winning chef Dan Barber of Row 7 Seed Company reveals how a single conversation with a squash breeder transformed his understanding of our food system and launched him into the world of seed breeding. Barber shares the groundbreaking partnership between Row 7 and Whole Foods Market, exploring how the retailer took an unprecedented risk to support this venture in sustainable agriculture. The discussion delves into the critical challenges facing American farming, from declining acreage to the disconnect between modern seed breeding and flavor. Barber explains how conventional breeding prioritizes distribution needs over taste and nutrition, and why this approach needs to change. Through fascinating examples, including the story of the 'Willy Wonka of lettuce' who revolutionized nutrient-dense greens, Barber illustrates how Row 7 is working to transform our food system from the ground up. Learn how this chef-led seed company is empowering home cooks, supporting organic farmers, and reimagining vegetables that can stand alone on the plate. Barber makes a compelling case for why seed breeding might be the key to addressing both our health crisis and environmental challenges, offering a vision for a more sustainable and flavorful future.   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. The views, opinions, and claims expressed by guests in this podcast episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Whole Foods Market, its parent company, subsidiaries, or affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only.