#eatfortheplanet With Nil Zacharias

Journalist and author Michael Grunwald joins Eat For The Planet for a provocative conversation about land use, climate truth-telling, and why regenerative beef might not be the climate solution it claims to be. We dig into the uncomfortable tradeoffs most people ignore in food system debates—from the myths of “local and organic” to the surprising upsides of high-yield industrial farming. Grunwald, known for his sharp reporting and systems-level analysis, explains why sparing land—not just using it better—is the key to solving food and climate. We also talk about alternative proteins, bad science in food policy, and why fear of food tech might be holding back progress. If you’ve ever wondered whether your “sustainable” burger is helping or hurting, this episode will challenge what you think you know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is plant-based food dying—or detoxing? In this episode, Kerry Song, founder and CEO of Abbot’s, returns to Eat For The Planet to unpack what she sees as the third wave of plant-based eating. We explore why consumers are walking away from ultra-processed mimicry, how trust is rebuilt through clean labels and transparency, and why the real opportunity lies in the space between imitation and compromise. Kerry shares what she’s learned from building a wellness-driven brand in a hype-driven category—and why satisfaction, simplicity, and real food are the future. This is a conversation about food, culture, trust—and the rise of the middle path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if food didn’t have to come from animals—or even plants? In this episode, Nil Zacharias sits down with Thomas Jonas, CEO and co-founder of Nature’s Fynd, to explore the origins of Fy, a microbial protein discovered in a Yellowstone hot spring that’s grown through fermentation without soil, sunlight, or traditional agriculture. They discuss the company’s unconventional path, why they stayed quiet while others chased the hype, and how Fy is powering a new category of food—from dairy-free cream cheese to meatless breakfast patties. It’s a conversation about building what comes after agriculture, the future of protein as a platform, and how to stay focused when the rest of the industry loses its way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethan Brown returns to Eat For The Planet eight years after his first appearance for a raw and timely conversation about what it means to lead Beyond Meat through public scrutiny, shifting consumer narratives, and a changing food landscape. We talk about the limits of frictionless adoption, the company’s strategic reset, and why storytelling is now central to Beyond’s mission. Ethan shares what he’s learned from adversity, how he draws strength from history, and why he still believes plant-based meat can transform the plate—and the planet. Subscribe to The Main Dish, where I make sense of what we eat, why it matters, and how the systems behind our food are changing—or not. Learn more about the Eat For The Planet Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Cantrell, co-founder of Greener by Default, joins the Eat For The Planet Podcast to explore how subtle changes in choice architecture—like making plant-based meals the default—can drive massive impact across institutional food systems. From working with Sodexo to scaling plant-forward menus in hospitals, Katie unpacks the behavioral science behind her nonprofit’s work, reflects on what she’s learned from years of advocacy, and makes the case for why quiet change can be the most powerful kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan Altschuler Malek returns to Eat For The Planet for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about the state of food innovation. We dig into the lessons learned from the early rise—and recalibration—of alternative proteins, and why building a resilient food system requires patience, scrappiness, and a willingness to rethink success. Dan reflects on why food systems rarely "disrupt" the way tech industries do, how investors and entrepreneurs must evolve their strategies, and why he remains optimistic about the future of food. From manufacturing challenges to consumer culture shifts to the hidden power of blended products, this is a conversation about playing the long game—and why that's the only game worth playing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist and author Larissa Zimberoff joins Eat For The Planet to break down what went wrong in food tech—and what still gives her hope. From the collapse of vertical farms to the backlash against plant-based meat, we explore why hype wasn’t enough, how ultra-processed narratives took over, and where innovation might still thrive. A candid, clear-eyed look at the future of food beyond the buzzwords. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With declining sales, cultural backlash, and growing skepticism around alt-proteins, many are asking: Is the plant-based movement already past its peak? In this episode, Sarah Lake, CEO of Tilt Collective, makes the case that this moment is less a dead end and more a turning point. She shares the real forces shaping what we eat—from corporate power and public policy to culture and consumer psychology. They unpack why meat reduction remains such a political and emotional minefield, and why changing food environments—not just minds—may be the key to shifting diets at scale. Sarah shares Tilt’s approach to funding high-impact solutions globally and explains why success will look different in New York, Brazil, or Thailand. If you’re tired of shallow optimism or hand-wringing despair, this conversation offers a third way: honest, grounded hope. Sarah Lake's TED Talk: The Hidden Forces Behind Your Food Choices Music: Endless Inspiration (Vibe Street Mix) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

In this episode of Eat for the Planet, Matt de Gruyter, CEO and co-founder of Next Level Burger, discusses the brand’s significant progress since 2018, including the acquisition and turnaround of Veggie Grill, its ambitious expansion goals, and the evolving plant-based food landscape. Matt reflects on combating misinformation, balancing operational discipline with a strong work culture, and creating a sustainable, compassionate food system while emphasizing the critical role of leadership and persistence in driving long-term change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Eat for the Planet podcast, Nil Zacharias speaks with Alicia Kennedy, author of No Meat Required, about challenging meat’s dominance in the food system and exploring the cultural, culinary, and systemic shifts needed to create meaningful change. They discuss how plant-based eating, rooted in countercultural movements, can serve as a force for transformation while navigating the challenges of identity, desirability, and accessibility. Alicia critiques the focus on hyper-realistic meat substitutes and advocates for a return to celebrating vegetables, grains, and whole foods as a path to reimagining food systems. She emphasizes the importance of community-driven food and the need for systemic solutions that address labor, access, and sustainability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Eat for the Planet, Nil Zacharias engages with Indy Kaur, founder of Plant Futures Collective, to discuss her path in the food industry, her pivotal work at Tesco, and her current mission to drive plant-based adoption. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the plant-based food sector, emphasizing trust-building, storytelling, and collective action to overcome barriers to consumer adoption and create a sustainable future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Eat for the Planet, Sami Nabulsi, founder of Pythag Tech, explores the intersection of innovation, politics, and progress in the cultivated meat industry. Drawing from his transition from finance to food tech, Sami shares his vision for the future of cultivated meat, including its potential to reshape global food systems and address critical challenges like sustainability, scalability, and national security. The discussion delves into overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles, combating misinformation and political resistance, and fostering collaboration with traditional meat industry players to unlock new opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Eat for the Planet, Maisie Ganzler, former Chief Strategy and Brand Officer at Bon Appétit Management Company (BAMCO), reflects on her 30 years of leadership at the forefront of sustainability. She discusses BAMCO’s approach to balancing customer needs with supplier realities, lessons learned from the company’s early adoption of plant-based alternatives, and the critical role of storytelling in driving meaningful change. Drawing on her book, You Can’t Market Manure at Lunchtime, Maisie shares insights into the successes and missteps of the plant-based movement, the potential of ingredient-focused innovations, and the importance of defining clear sustainability values. With candid reflections, she offers lessons and hope for building a more resilient and sustainable food system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Palak Patel is an award-winning chef, best-selling author, and a dynamic force in the movement for sustainable food systems. In this episode, Palak reflects on her personal and professional evolution, highlighting food’s role as an emotional and cultural connector. Drawing from her cookbook Food is Love, she discusses how emotion drives her cooking and offers insights into the challenges of transitioning from traditional meat-based diets to plant-based alternatives while preserving cultural identity. Palak also delves into pressing food system issues like waste reduction and the role of chefs in driving innovation and sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of bridging culinary expertise with systems thinking to create meaningful impact. The conversation touches on meat’s deep cultural ties, the need for emotional storytelling in food, and her hopes for the future of food systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode of Eat for the Planet, Nil Zacharias is joined by Michelle Adelman, an entrepreneur and innovator in the food industry. Michelle reflects on her journey from leading the plant-based food platform Infinite Foods in Africa to founding Crossover Meats, a company that blends chicken and beef to create a more sustainable and scalable meat product. Through candid insights, Michelle discusses the challenges, opportunities, and complexities of reshaping the global food system. #95 - Infinite Foods: How Plant-Based Protein Can be a Positive Catalyst for Change in Afric‪a‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Overthrow Hospitality is an award-winning plant-based food and beverage hospitality group with ten unique venues offering elevated dining and drinking experiences to the socially conscious consumer. In this episode, Ravi Derossi, Founder and CEO of Overthrow Hospitality discusses the company's evolution into a fully plant-based hospitality group with an innovative approach to dining. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of creating exceptional dining experiences that resonate with both plant-based and meat-eating audiences, while sharing insights on the broader food landscape and their ambitious plans for expansion. Overthrow Hospitality is currently fundraising on StartEngine. Find out how you can become an investor. Related Episodes: #21 - Art Meets Purpose: Designing Conscious Food Experiences With Ravi DeRossi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Sorosh Tavakoli, the CEO of Stockeld Dreamery shares his journey from tech to founding Stockeld Dreamery, a plant-based cheese company. He highlights the shortcomings of plant-based cheese—poor taste, texture, and nutrition—and discusses Stockeld’s innovative approach using fermented legume proteins to create better products. Sarosh reflects on industry challenges, from manufacturing delays to shifting market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adaptability in overcoming obstacles. He also reflects on the complexities of balancing innovation with the practical challenges of transforming consumer habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features Steve Molino, Partner & Head of Investments at Clear Current Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on catalyzing sustainable change in the food system. The conversation focuses on the state of the alternative protein industry and its potential to transform the global food system. Steve shares his journey into impact investing, insights into the challenges facing plant-based and cultivated meats, and his perspective on the future of sustainable food innovation. The discussion explores consumer demand, global market dynamics, and the importance of refining investment strategies to drive real impact. Music: Endless Inspiration (Vibe Street Mix) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If vibes can play a big role in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections, shouldn't we examine their role in food choices? This episode discusses why the plant-based food industry's focus on branding plant-based meat by emphasizing environmental and health benefits has failed to resonate with a consumers. A more effective branding strategy for alternative protein involves focusing on the "vibes"—the emotional and cultural context associated with food—rather than just facts and figures, aiming to make plant-based options feel more appealing and culturally relevant to diverse consumer groups. Companies mentioned in this episode: Plantega Beyond Meat – “Serve Love” Campaign / Beyond Meat (BYND) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript Impossible Foods – Recipe for Disaster: Impossible Foods CEO Says Plant-Based Meat Marketing's 'Wokeness' Hurt the Category / Hot dog eating champ Joey Chestnut barred from competing in this year’s contest Music: Endless Inspiration (Vibe Street Mix) Learn more about your ad choice

This episode features Liron Nimrodi, the Co-Founder and CEO of Zero Egg. Animal friendly, sustainable, and a healthier alternative, Zero Egg is the plant-based egg for everyone. Zero Egg’s products are 100% plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, low in calories and fat, have zero cholesterol and are cleaner in terms of ingredient list (compared to other existing plant-based egg products) making them suitable for a range of dietary needs. Founded in 2018, the company believes the plant-based egg should be an everyday choice and is on a mission to make plant-based food accessible to everyone. With a feather-light footprint, Zero Egg offers the taste and texture of an ordinary egg, has better-for-you attributes, and is easy on the planet. It is made of plant proteins including soy, potatoes, peas, and chickpeas. Manufacturing Zero Egg uses radically less land, water, and energy, and produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than eggs from hens. Zero Egg is determined to meet the growing demand for egg al