Explore every episode of the podcast Grow Everything Biotech Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201. Out of Cell Experience: Michael Heltzen Drives Pure Chemistry at eXoZymes | 02 oct. 2026 | 00:50:04 | |
Michael Heltzen, CEO of Exozymes, joins Grow Everything to explain how cell free biomanufacturing is opening new possibilities for natural products, nutraceuticals, and medicines. Michael shares why engineered enzymes can make high purity molecules without relying on living cells, how Exozymes moved its NCT program from discovery toward commercial manufacturing in less than two years, and why its capital light partnership model is central to scaling impact. The conversation also explores AI guided enzyme design, digital twins for manufacturing, rare cannabinoids, downstream processing, and the disciplined focus required to turn a broad biotechnology platform into real products. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: cell-free biomanufacturing, enzyme engineering, exozymes, biosynthesis, cannabinoids, NCT (N-trans-caffeoyltyramine), synthetic biology, AI-driven enzyme design, scalable bioproduction, sustainable chemicals Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 200. That's One Cell of a Machine: Jason Kelly of Gingko Automates Labs to Accelerate Discovery | 25 sept. 2026 | 01:28:38 | |
For the 200th episode of Grow Everything, Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan talk with Jason Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks and former chair of the US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, about why biology is still so hard to engineer. Jason explains why a cell is the only coded substrate we have besides a computer, why the real bottleneck is tooling rather than ideas, and why Ginkgo moved from royalty based research partnerships to selling robotic hardware and lab data as a service. Using a subway, car and Waymo analogy, he separates automation from autonomy and makes the case for replacing the manual lab bench, which eats roughly 97 percent of research spending while running 40 hours out of 168. He walks through Ginkgo's Boston system of 105 robots running 24/7, new autonomous labs for MIT, Caltech, Northwestern and the University of Maryland, and the OpenAI project where GPT-5 ran 30,000 experiments a week and beat state of the art in cell free protein synthesis by 40 percent. He also lays out the policy stakes as drug discovery shifts to China, and why the day biology becomes predictably easier to engineer, biotech gets bigger than tech. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: autonomous labs, laboratory robotics, AI in biotechnology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, biological automation, data as a service, biotech infrastructure, cell engineering, programmable biology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 199. Space, the Final Fermenter: Mario Maggio Brews Biology in Orbit with Ambrosia Space | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:49:29 | |
Biology may be the most important technology we take off planet, and Mario Maggio is building the hardware to prove it. The founder and CEO of Ambrosia Space joins Erum Azeez Khan and Karl Schmieder to explain why space bioprocessing has been stuck at 10 to 20 milliliters while bench scientists on Earth work at 250 milliliters and beyond, and what changes when a two and a half liter fed batch bioreactor with pH, dissolved oxygen, and total cell density sensors finally flies. Mario traces his path from aerospace propulsion and the Nova C lunar lander at Intuitive Machines to life support systems at Paragon and Axiom Space, and the realization that biology is the best CO2 scrubber, oxygen source, and chemical factory available for long duration missions where petroleum, farms, and easy resupply do not exist. The conversation digs into the engineering reality of fluids and gas in microgravity, why glass and ceramics never fly, the stainless steel and aluminum builds that replace them, the intentional and unintentional bacteria that come with building a bioreactor from scratch, and the NASA TechLeap winning CellSep continuous flow centrifuge that carries cells and secreted products into downstream processing without gravity. Mario also lays out the near term commercial case, from protein crystallization and monoclonal antibodies that behave differently in orbit to biofuels, vitamin production, medicines, and the big silver tanks that will feed astronauts because there will be no farms or cattle. He offers a candid read on artificial gravity gradients, why the Moon matters for building large vehicles in space, and why the same hardware that grows yeast for beer on Mars becomes the root of better biomanufacturing on Earth. Erum and Karl open with field notes from Bio Innovations North America in Omaha, including Midwest feedstock advantage, consortia momentum, the 30 percent of cost hiding in downstream processing, and why Smucker and Mars are actively scouting biotech innovators. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: space biomanufacturing, Ambrosia Space, orbital bioreactors, microgravity biotechnology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 198. A Grain of Truth: Chef Pierre Thiam Scaled Fonio Without Losing Its Roots | 11 sept. 2026 | 01:02:39 | |
Chef and entrepreneur Pierre Thiam joins Grow Everything to explain how fonio, a resilient ancient grain from West Africa, can become a platform for biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, food security, and farmer prosperity. Pierre traces his journey from studying physics and chemistry to discovering the kitchen as a larger system connecting culture, health, ecology, and economics. He shares why fonio is nutritionally dense, gluten free, drought resistant, fast cooking, and versatile, as well as how Yolélé is building aggregation centers and modern processing infrastructure while keeping cultivation knowledge and ownership with smallholder farming communities. The conversation explores how biotechnology can complement biodiversity, why flavor must lead climate friendly food adoption, how underutilized crops can create clean label ingredients and new commercial markets, and why food can serve as a powerful tool for diplomacy and cultural understanding. For founders, scientists, investors, and builders in the bioeconomy, Pierre offers a human centered model of innovation that begins with nature, respects generational knowledge, and uses technology to unlock solutions that have been in front of us all along. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: Fonio, West African cuisine, sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture, food biodiversity, underutilized crops, food diplomacy, Bambara groundnuts, climate-resilient crops, Yolélé Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 197. What’s in Your Cart? A Grocery Store Walkthrough of Next-Gen Food Innovation | 04 sept. 2026 | 00:15:33 | |
Food technology is moving from farms and petrochemicals into bioreactors, fungi, engineered crops, and circular feedstocks. In this Grow Everything highlights episode, Erum Azeez and Karl Schmieder visit six stops across the grocery store to explore sweet proteins from Oobli, fermentation derived colorants from MycoFutures and Chromologics, the antioxidant rich purple tomato from Norfolk Healthy Produce, fungi based proteins from The Better Meat Co. and MyForest Foods, sargassum derived ingredients from Origin by Ocean, and the hard commercial work of getting emerging products onto retail shelves. For founders, scientists, investors, and builders across synthetic biology and sustainable materials, the central lesson is clear: fermentation is manufacturing, environmental problems can become valuable feedstocks, and biology wins when performance, taste, branding, and price are better for the customer. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: Food technology is moving from farms and petrochemicals into bioreactors, fungi, engineered crops, and circular feedstocks. In this Grow Everything highlights episode Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 196. Beyond the Red Tape: Greg Jaffe on Policy as an Accelerator for Bio-Innovation | 28 août 2026 | 00:55:50 | |
Biotech is moving fast, but regulation, public trust, and infrastructure still shape how quickly new ideas reach the market. In this episode of Grow Everything, Greg Jaffe joins Karl Schmieder to explore the regulatory future of the bioeconomy, drawing on Greg’s experience in environmental law, consumer advocacy, and as the USDA’s chief regulatory officer. They discuss why founders need to think about regulatory strategy early, how production methods, product claims, and intended use can dramatically change the path through agencies like USDA, EPA, and FDA, and why clear oversight can help build the trust emerging technologies need to scale. Greg and Karl also examine the regional nature of biomanufacturing, the importance of rural infrastructure and local partnerships, and why the future of the bioeconomy will require coordinated policy, stronger market demand, international access, and regulatory pathways that support innovation while protecting public confidence. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: USDA regulation, FDA food regulation, GRAS process, cultivated meat regulation, precision fermentation, food safety policy, bioeconomy policy, agricultural biotechnology, ultra-processed foods Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 195. Because You’re Worth Biology: Olivier Rolland Talks Biotech at L’Oréal | 21 août 2026 | 01:10:45 | |
Industrial biotechnology has enormous potential to create resilient supply chains, high performance ingredients, and a more sustainable bioeconomy, but good science alone is not enough. In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum speak with Olivier Rolland about the economic and industrial realities of scaling biology. Drawing on his experience across Michelin, TotalEnergies, Toulouse White Biotechnology, and L’Oréal, Olivier explains why biotech ventures must align sustainability, performance, cost, and customer expectations from the beginning. The conversation explores how techno economic analysis, early process constraints, industrial partnerships, standardization, and supportive policy can reduce risk and move promising molecules from the laboratory into commercial production. Olivier also discusses the biomanufacturing investment gap in Europe, the importance of resilient value chains, the limits of direct fossil replacements, and the opportunity to develop new molecules that deliver the same or better functions by design. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biomanufacturing, industrial biotechnology, sustainable materials, green chemistry, biotechnology commercialization, scope 3 emissions, defossilization, sustainable beauty, bio-based ingredients, bioeconomy Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 194. Beauty Is in the AI of the Beholder: Debut’s Joshua Britton Turns Claims into Molecules | 14 août 2026 | 01:12:52 | |
Joshua Britton, founder and CEO of Debut, joins Erum Azeez Khan and Karl Schmieder to explain why the future of molecular creation belongs to AI and biotechnology. Joshua shares how watching biologists create complex natural molecules in days inspired his shift from traditional chemistry and shaped Debut’s vertically integrated model for discovering, manufacturing, formulating, and commercializing high performance beauty ingredients. The conversation explores why technical breakthroughs alone do not build durable biotech businesses, how consumer demand and measurable performance should guide discovery, and why formulation, supply chains, scientific communication, and brand education are essential to commercialization. Joshua also describes how Debut uses computational models to screen vast chemical spaces, validates promising candidates in the lab, balances fast internal innovation with longer corporate partnerships, and prepares brands for regulatory changes affecting familiar cosmetic ingredients. For founders, scientists, investors, and operators building the bioeconomy, this episode offers a practical playbook for turning biological innovation into products consumers understand, trust, and choose. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biotech beauty, synthetic biology beauty, AI ingredient discovery, biomanufacturing, vertically integrated biotech, beauty innovation, skincare ingredients, cosmetic formulation, consumer biotech, premium skincare Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 193. The Full Color Spectrum: Nick Milne Ferments One Pathway for Every Color at Octarine Bio | 07 août 2026 | 00:54:22 | |
Nick Milne, founder of Octarine Bio, joins Grow Everything to unpack how biology can reshape the future of color. In this episode, Nick explains why synthetic dyes have dominated textiles for more than a century, why sustainability alone is not enough to drive adoption, and how Octarine is building bio based pigments that can compete on performance, price, and scale. The conversation explores the environmental and human health problems tied to petrochemical dyes, especially azo dyes used in polyester, while showing how precision fermentation can create high strength pigments that work as drop in replacements for existing dye house workflows. Nick also shares how Octarine thinks about scale up, regulatory pressure in Europe, investor expectations, product development, and the practical realities of bringing biotech products into old and highly cost sensitive industries. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: Octarine Bio, bio-based pigments, synthetic dye replacement, sustainable textile dyes, fermentation-derived colors, metabolic engineering, azo dye alternatives, textile color sustainability, precision fermentation pigments, sustainable fashion materials Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 192. Reading Between the Dyes: Roya Aghighi Unlocks Biological Pigments at Lite-1 | 31 juil. 2026 | 01:01:29 | |
Have you ever wondered why the color in your clothes can be so harmful to the environment? In this episode of the Grow Everything Podcast, Karl and Erum continue their BioDye series with Roya Aghighi, founder of Lite-1. Roya grew up in her mother’s fashion studio and later worked in the industry testing new materials, but she decided to leave after seeing the pollution caused by traditional dyeing methods. She explains how Lite-1 uses engineered microbes to produce colorful pigments through fermentation, beginning with black, one of the most difficult and damaging colors to make sustainably. Roya also discusses why natural variation in biology can be useful rather than a problem, and why the biggest challenge facing biological dyes may be getting brands and investors to share the risks of developing them. She predicts that color could eventually become an important tool for tracking a garment throughout its life. Before the interview, Karl and Erum also discuss radiation-loving microbes, cuts to pathogen testing, and organisms designed with the help of computers. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biological dyes, microbial color production, sustainable black dye, textile dye pollution, fermentation-based colorants, bio-based textile dyes, regenerative fashion, traceable garment dyes, synthetic dye alternatives, Lite-1 Bio Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 191. Beyond the Lab Bench: Karl & Erum on Human Connections as the Ultimate Biotech Moat | 24 juil. 2026 | 01:06:57 | |
With Episode 200 coming up, Karl and Erum switch roles and interview each other the way they usually interview their guests. Karl shares why he decided not to become a doctor, how interviewing bands in college taught him to connect with anyone, and what he learned about storytelling during a decade in public relations before starting Messaging Lab. Erum talks about her unexpected path from studying forensic chemistry and working in pharmaceutical labs to executive coaching, joining a startup accelerator on a ship traveling around the world, and working in energy policy from the Navajo Nation to Brussels. They also discuss what waiting tables taught them about sales and humility, why early-stage startups should sometimes stay quiet until they have real traction, and why strong relationships are something AI cannot replace. Along the way, they revisit favorite moments from past guests, including Vishaal Bhuyan, Casey Lardner, Glennis Mehra, Linnea Fletcher, Elizabeth Hénaff, Phil Morle, Michael Specter, and Sabriya Stukes. Their conversation is a reminder that there is no single path into the bioeconomy. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: community biotech, biotech storytelling, biotech founders, biotech communications, life lessons in biotech, biotech careers, science entrepreneurship, biotech media, biotech community building, biotech journey Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 190. Pour Some Sugar on Yeast: Lisa Roessler Scales Biology at Amyris | 17 juil. 2026 | 01:00:43 | |
Lisa Ressler has spent more than 35 years working in science-based businesses, including DuPont and Evonik, and now serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Amyris. In this conversation, she joins Karl and Erum to discuss where Amyris stands today, what the company learned from Chapter 11, and why returning its focus to B2B science was the right move. Lisa explains the company’s 1.5 million-liter fermentation facility in Barra Bonita, Brazil, its partnership with Wacker to develop bio-based personal care ingredients, and the simple framework she uses to decide which markets are worth pursuing. She also shares what it takes for a bio-based ingredient to move beyond higher “green” pricing and reach large-scale commercial use, making the case that strong performance is ultimately what convinces customers. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: precision fermentation, Amyris, squalane, sustainable beauty ingredients, bio-based chemistry, PFAS alternatives, industrial biotechnology, synthetic biology, vaccine adjuvant squalene, green chemistry Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 189. Infinite Threads: Recycling Athleisure Waste with Samsara’s Vanessa Vongsouthi | 10 juil. 2026 | 00:48:34 | |
Vanessa Vongsouthi, Research Founder and Head of Bioengineering at Samsara Eco, joins host Erum on the Grow Everything Podcast to discuss how engineered enzymes and AI are making it possible to recycle textiles and plastics repeatedly. Vanessa explains how Samsara uses AI-assisted protein design and ancestral sequence reconstruction to create enzymes that break down complex polymers, including Nylon 6,6, into their original chemical building blocks. Those materials can then be returned to existing supply chains and used to create virgin-equivalent products that are indistinguishable from materials made from petrochemicals. She also shares the story behind the world’s first enzymatically recycled Nylon 6,6 jacket, created in partnership with Lululemon, and explores how Samsara Eco was built through Main Sequence Ventures’ orchestration model alongside partners such as Woolworths and the Australian National University. The conversation also looks at what a future built around distributed, local recycling infrastructure could mean for designers, manufacturers, consumers, and the global circular economy. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and innovators changing the world through biology. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: enzymatic recycling, nylon 66 recycling, textile waste, circular economy, bioengineering, protein engineering, infinite recycling, sustainable fashion, Lululemon recycled jacket, plastic recycling technology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 188. Which Came First: Chicken, Egg, or Medicine? Neion Bio Turns Evolution into a Precision Factory | 03 juil. 2026 | 01:11:42 | |
What happens when an evolutionary biologist and an aerospace engineer both arrive at the same conclusion — that the future of drug manufacturing isn't steel, it's biology? In this episode, Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan sit down with Sam Levin (Co-Founder & CTO) and Dimi Kellari (Co-Founder & CEO) of Neion Bio to unpack one of the most counterintuitive ideas in modern biomanufacturing: producing therapeutic medicines inside genetically engineered chicken eggs. Rather than optimizing the same mammalian cell culture systems that have defined biopharma for 50 years, Neion Bio's Raptor platform replaces complex steel bioreactor infrastructure with a self-replicating, two-input biological system — chicken feed and water in, life-saving medicines out. The conversation covers their stealth-to-commercial journey, a multi-product monoclonal antibody partnership announced alongside $11M in seed funding, the scalability and supply chain resilience advantages of egg-based manufacturing, how they navigate FDA regulation with a living bioreactor, and their North Star: dropping end-to-end production costs of monoclonal antibodies below $10 per gram — an order of magnitude that could fundamentally reshape who has access to biologics and where they're made. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: chickens, eggs, biomanufacturing, therapeutic medicines, CHO cells, monoclonal antibodies, supply chain, biosimilars, Raptor, national health security Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 187. One Small Step for a Microbe: Lynn Rothschild’s Leap from Astrobiology to Bioengineering at NASA | 26 juin 2026 | 01:19:40 | |
What does it actually take to keep humans alive on Mars? Not the SpaceX version — the biology version. Dr. Lynn Rothschild, research scientist at NASA Ames and adjunct professor at Brown and Stanford, has spent decades at the intersection of astrobiology and synthetic biology, and her answer is both elegant and radical: life itself is the technology. On this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with one of the scientists who helped build NASA's synthetic biology program to talk about on-demand drug manufacturing in space, growing habitats out of fungal mycelium, engineering bacteria to pull specific metals from e-waste, and the audacious "Hell Cell" project that aims to stack every survival superpower nature has ever evolved into a single organism. If you've ever wondered what it looks like when evolutionary biology meets aerospace engineering meets materials science — with a healthy dose of iGEM undergrads and Tetris metaphors — this one's for you. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: Synthetic biology in space, astrobiology, space biomanufacturing, Mars missions, biomining, on-demand pharmaceuticals, extremophiles, mycelium architecture, space sustainability, lunar infrastructure Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 186. N.Y. Tech Week Live Demo: Engineering the Future of Manufacturing with Roebling's Brentan Alexander | 18 juin 2026 | 00:39:31 | |
Recorded live at New York Tech Week, Karl and Erum sit down with Brenton Alexander (CTO at Roebling) to unpack one of the biggest bottlenecks in scaling “biology as technology”: figuring out what it really takes to design and finance physical infrastructure. Brenton walks through how Roebling uses AI alongside deterministic engineering models (physics/thermodynamics) to accelerate early facility design, generate capex/opex estimates with uncertainty ranges (not false precision), and help teams run scenarios fast—so founders, investors, and operators can make better go/no-go decisions earlier, reduce wasteful iteration across siloed teams, and focus human expertise where it matters most. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: Roebling, bioprocess modeling, techno-economic analysis, fermentation economics, food dyes, bio-based ingredients, process engineering, AI for biomanufacturing, scale-up planning, regulatory considerations, industrial engineering AI. Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 185. Brick Happens: Chris Maurer of Redhouse Studio Redesigns Remote Living for Earth and Mars | 12 juin 2026 | 01:19:04 | |
What if the building you live in could be grown instead of built, feed people while it goes up, and lock away carbon for a century? Architect Chris Maurer of Red House Architecture and MycoHab joins Karl and Erum to explain how he turns 12 tons of invasive bush into mushrooms that feed a community and mycelium blocks that test stronger than concrete. He breaks down the now famous sledgehammer test, why a ductile living material survives the earthquakes that shatter cinder block, and the counterintuitive truth that more mycelium does not make a stronger brick. Then things get cosmic. Chris walks through his NASA backed work growing habitats that pack down tight, fly to Mars, and unfold to grow their own radiation shielding from algae and fungi, plus the Biocycler that eats the toxins out of old houses and turns that waste into something safe. If you care about biomaterials, regenerative design, and the business models that could actually build us out of the climate crisis, this conversation will rewire how you see the walls around you. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: mycelium, regenerative architecture, biofabrication, carbon sequestration, fungal materials, circular economy, biomimicry, sustainable construction, extraterrestrial habitats, biogenic materials Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 184. The Multiverse of Microbes: Henry Lee on Building Cultivarium and Training with Titans | 05 juin 2026 | 01:13:54 | |
Most of biotech runs on a tiny handful of "model" organisms — E. coli, baker's yeast — while millions of wild species sit unstudied in what scientists call microbial dark matter. In this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with Henry Lee, co-founder of Cultivarium, to explore why the future of synthetic biology depends on learning to grow, study, and engineer the organisms we've ignored. Henry breaks down the real difference between model and non-model organisms, why simply culturing a new microbe can take years, and how Cultivarium is standardizing growth recipes and building an open digital platform so any researcher can work with strains that were once impossible to handle. Along the way: a fistulated cow, a spectacular failure that ultimately cracked the genetics of cement-making bacteria, extreme microbes that could free fermentation from fresh water, and Cultivarium's evolution from a Focused Research Organization into a "Frontier Research Contractor." The conversation closes on the state of American science — funding, public trust, and AI — plus the America's Living Library Act and a quick-fire round on archaea, overused buzzwords, and whether we're alone in the universe. Before the interview, Karl and Erum spill some biotech tea on "Biotech Barbie" Cathy Tie and unpack what the video game Stray gets right about engineered microbes escaping into the wild. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: non-model organisms, microbial dark matter, model organisms, Cultivarium, industrial biotechnology, microbial engineering, DNA repair, CRISPR, fermentation, frontier research contractor Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 183. The American Biotech Blueprint: Senator Todd Young on Biodiversity as National Security | 29 mai 2026 | 00:42:10 | |
Senator Todd Young joins the Grow Everything podcast to discuss the critical intersection of biotechnology and national security, sharing how his military background, Indiana roots, and role as chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology shaped his understanding of the bioeconomy as a strategic imperative. From DARPA's shelf-stable powdered blood to the America's Living Library Act — a first-of-its-kind effort to sequence the DNA of flora and fauna across US national parks — Senator Young lays out a compelling vision for distributed biomanufacturing, AI-powered biological discovery, and why the US must act now in what he calls a generational tech competition with China. Karl and Erum also recap highlights from Suppliers Day hosted by the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, including biotech-forward exhibitors like Probiotical, Origins by Ocean, Geltor, and the unveiling of BioAtlas — the first open source map of industrial biotech. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, America's living library, US Government, Congress, bioeconomy, biotechnology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 182. SynBioBeta 2026 Recap, It's Biologist Approved | 22 mai 2026 | 00:54:12 | |
Karl and Erum are back from SynBio Beta 2026 in San Jose, and they brought home an Impact Award. In this special recap episode, they break down the biggest moments from the conference: Neon's audacious plan to engineer chicken eggs as bioreactors, P&G's push into bio ceramides with their Native brand, Twist Bioscience's expansion from DNA synthesis into proteins, and Anthropic's deepening footprint in pharma through its acquisition of Coefficient Bio and partnership with Eli Lilly. They cover panels on the dark proteome, engineered longevity, bio-based colors replacing synthetic dyes, programmable nutrition, and the future of alternative meat, plus a standing-room-only session on bio-literacy featuring Drew Endy. Along the way, they share stories from the hallways, highlight emerging founders in DNA data storage and space biotech, recap Chef Pierre Thiam's fonio-fueled dinner, and reflect on why strengthening relationships across the bioeconomy matters more than ever. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources: Topics Covered: fungi pigments, bio-based colorants, fungal dyes, natural pigments, sustainable color, food colorants, synthetic dyes alternatives, antioxidant pigments, food and beverage, clean ingredients Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 181. Can Hue Believe It? Gerit Tolborg’s Quest for Pure Color at Chromologics | 15 mai 2026 | 00:51:17 | |
Gerit Tolborg, CEO and co-founder of Chromologics, joins Karl and Erum to explore how filamentous fungi can replace synthetic and plant-extracted food dyes with a fermentation-derived red pigment called Tellurin. Gerit shares how a PhD discovery in Denmark led to a venture-backed startup producing a tasteless, odorless, and highly vibrant natural color that performs across processed food categories, from cured meats to bakery to dairy. The conversation covers the real economics of bio-based colorants (including the critical concept of cost-in-use versus kilo price), the challenges of scaling downstream processing from a two-liter reactor to industrial CMOs, and how regulatory pathways at the FDA and EU's FSA are evolving to accommodate fermentation-derived ingredients. Gerit also makes a compelling case for fermentation as a tool for decentralizing and de-risking global supply chains, freeing agricultural land from color crop production and building resilience against climate and geopolitical disruption. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: fungi pigments, bio-based colorants, fungal dyes, natural pigments, sustainable color, food colorants, synthetic dyes alternatives, antioxidant pigments, food and beverage, clean ingredients Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 180. Fungi in Full Color: Ricky Cassini Reimagines Dye at Michroma | 08 mai 2026 | 00:48:56 | |
Ricky Cassini, CEO of Michroma and a former logistics professor turned biotech founder, breaks down why replacing synthetic food dyes is harder than it sounds—and why fermentation-based colorants can outperform both petrochemical dyes and many plant-based “natural” extracts. The conversation covers the core technical constraints that matter to food companies (thermal stability, pH stability, coloring power, flavor neutrality, and supply reliability), why fermentation behaves more like manufacturing than farming, and how regulatory shifts are accelerating demand for bio-based reds and whites (including titanium dioxide alternatives). For an audience following the future of materials and biomanufacturing, this episode is a practical look at how industrial fermentation can modernize a legacy supply chain while meeting performance and consumer expectations. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: fungi pigments, bio-based colorants, fungal dyes, natural pigments, sustainable color, food colorants, synthetic dyes alternatives, antioxidant pigments, food and beverage, clean ingredients Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 179. D.C. Climate Week LIVE: The Road to Remake Everything | 01 mai 2026 | 00:58:19 | |
Recorded live during DC Climate Week, the Grow Everything team sits down with investors Veronica Breckenridge, Jillian Chase, and Michael Luciani to unpack the real state of the US bioeconomy race with China, why fermentation and scale-up capacity are a persistent bottleneck, and how policy, non-dilutive funding, and better founder execution can close the gap. The panel argues that the US still leads in innovation, AI, and robotics, but needs faster, clearer regulatory pathways and smarter go-to-market strategy, including focusing on high-margin “profit pools” first, designing for manufacturability and downstream processing, and building consumer demand through clearer storytelling about health and product benefits. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: bioeconomy, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, fermentation, biological materials, industrial biotech, US-China competition, venture capital, bio-based supply chain, biodiversity Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 178. Pretty in Pigments: Jesse Adler Colors the Future with Pitri | 24 avr. 2026 | 01:01:52 | |
Karl and Erum talk with Jesse Adler, founder of Pitri, about why color is not just aesthetic, but chemical, biological, and deeply tied to human and environmental health. Jesse traces their path from biomolecular science and biodesign into building fungal pigments that can replace synthetic and animal-derived colorants, starting with the beauty industry as a high-margin, ingredient-driven entry point. The conversation explores how consumer expectations and industrial infrastructure were built around petrochemical dyes, why biological materials are often unfairly judged against synthetics, and what it takes to create drop-in, high-performing pigments from living systems. Along the way, Jesse reframes color as a functional feature in nature, shares early experimentation stories, and points to future opportunities like multifunctional pigments and the “holy grail” of opaque white. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: fungi pigments, bio-based colorants, fungal dyes, natural pigments, sustainable color, cosmetic colorants, synthetic dyes alternatives, antioxidant pigments, ingredient storytelling, clean beauty ingredients Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 177. Dye Another Day (REPLAY): The New Way to Color Textiles with Colorifix's Orr Yarkoni | 17 avr. 2026 | 01:02:47 | |
In this replay episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum catch up after recent travel, reflect on a standout mainstream biotech article about biology reshaping the global chemical industry, and discuss why “tissue-on-a-chip” experiments in space matter for long-duration missions. They then kick off a deeper dive into bio-based dyes by revisiting their interview with Orr Yarkoni, co-founder and CEO of Colorifix, who explains how engineered microbes can both produce and directly deposit pigment onto textiles to dramatically reduce toxic chemistry, water use, and energy demand compared to conventional dyeing. The conversation covers why black and high-performance reds remain the hardest colors to replace, how Colorifix approaches scale-up through distributed on-site fermentation hardware, and what it takes to meet the real-world fastness and safety standards that brands and mills require. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: industrial biotech, synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, microbial fermentation, engineered microbes, sustainable textiles, bio-based dyes, textile dyeing process, green chemistry Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 176. Dare to Commercialize: Damien Perriman’s eXoZymes Playbook | 10 avr. 2026 | 00:45:58 | |
Damien Perriman, Chief Commercial Officer of eXoZymes and the commercial lead behind the NCTx spinout, breaks down why cell-free biomanufacturing changes the rules for scaling nature’s rare molecules. Damien explains why the team spun NCTX out as a separate commercial vehicle, what it means to successfully transfer a process to a partner manufacturer (including a milestone Cayman validation), and why NCT (n-trans-caffeoyl tyramine), a trace compound found in peppercorns and hemp seed husks, has drawn so much attention as the only known agonist of HNF4A, a metabolic “switch” tied to mitochondrial function. The conversation also covers the logic behind launching first in supplements, how to build credibility in a crowded category through safety and product consistency, how regulatory timelines shape strategy, and why industrial biotech needs to move from platform-first stories to molecule-led business cases that match real market demand. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: cell-free biomanufacturing, industrial biotech, NCTx, HNF4A, metabolic switch, tech transfer, CDMO, supplements vs pharma, GRAS, purity and consistency Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 175. Seaweed Is the New Oil: Mari Granström Builds Origin by Ocean | 03 avr. 2026 | 00:47:49 | |
Mari Granstrom, founder and “chief executive activist” of Origin By Ocean, joins the Grow Everything podcast to explain how massive seaweed blooms, driven by nutrient pollution and eutrophication, can become a regenerative feedstock for bio-based and biodegradable chemicals. Mari shares how a career in industrial biochemistry, plus years of scuba diving and growing up near the polluted Baltic Sea, shaped their mission to transform invasive sargassum into high-performance ingredients that can replace many oil-derived inputs in everyday products. The conversation covers the scale of the sargassum problem across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, how Origin By Ocean processes seaweed into “white powders” customers can use in cosmetics and nutraceuticals, and why the future of climate entrepreneurship needs diversity, integrity, and business models that restore ecosystems instead of extracting from them. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: fermentation, biomanufacturing, yeast, Lallemand, enzymes, biofuels, xylose, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, genomics, synthetic biology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 174. From Beer to Billions: Kevin Wenger Scales Microbes at Lallemand | 27 mars 2026 | 00:55:38 | |
Kevin Wegner, VP of R&D at Lallemand, joins Karl and Erum to share three decades of wisdom from the frontlines of industrial fermentation. From his gateway into the industry through homebrewing beer to leading global teams that deliver high-value microbial products at billion-gallon scale, Kevin reveals why a 1% improvement in ethanol yield translates to massive economic value, how his team engineered yeast strains that produce both enzymes and ethanol simultaneously, and why scaling from large to even larger bioreactors requires solving genetic and environmental puzzles simultaneously. The conversation explores Lallemand's century-long evolution from baker's yeast to cutting-edge synthetic biology, the untapped potential of xylose and complex sugars for expanding biomanufacturing feedstocks, and Kevin's vision for anaerobic fermentation, digital twins of cells, and biodegradable materials with perfectly tuned lifecycles. Whether you're fascinated by the microbial diversity hiding in America's public lands, curious about why sour beer yeast is a game-changer for Brooklyn craft brewers, or wondering how fermentation could revolutionize water treatment and replace single-use plastics, this episode unpacks the science, strategy, and scale needed to grow everything. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: fermentation, biomanufacturing, yeast, Lallemand, enzymes, biofuels, xylose, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, genomics, synthetic biology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 173. They Put the Ore in Organisms: Liz Dennett’s Microbial Mining at Endolith | 20 mars 2026 | 00:51:00 | |
What if the oldest miners on Earth weren't humans at all—but microbes that have been extracting metals for billions of years? In this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with Liz Dennett, founder and CEO of Endolith, who's deploying extremophile microbial communities to unlock up to 1.9x more copper from existing mine heaps at industrial mining sites across the US. Liz shares her journey from growing up in resource-rich Alaska to pioneering bio-leaching technology that's tackling a critical challenge: we need more copper between now and 2050 than humanity has produced in its entire history—and every data center, EV, and AI query depends on it. But here's what makes this conversation different: Liz isn't trying to disrupt mining, she's working with it, bringing "purple-haired PhD energy" to one of the world's most conservative industries through safety-first culture, collaboration over competition, and under-promising, over-delivering results. This episode reveals why biology might be our best tool for responsible resource stewardship and what it really takes to bring breakthrough biotechnology into legacy industrial systems—plus, the copper oxidation series on Liz's nails. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biomining, Copper, mining, microbes, bioleaching, heap leach, extremophiles, energy transition, electrification, critical minerals, industrial biotechnology Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 172. Generating Needles in Haystacks: Elise de Reus Designs Proteins with Cradle | 13 mars 2026 | 00:50:24 | |
Protein engineering has traditionally been slow, expensive, and stuck in trial-and-error mode—but AI is changing everything. In this episode, we sit down with Elise De Reus, co-founder of Cradle Bio, to explore how generative AI is revolutionizing the way scientists design proteins for medicines, enzymes, and sustainable materials. Elise shares her journey from studying fungi and building high-throughput strain engineering systems at companies like Zymergen and Perfect Day, to creating an AI-powered platform that helps R&D teams generate better protein variants in less time and at lower cost. We discuss the massive design space of proteins, the role of machine learning in navigating that complexity, how Cradle balances computational predictions with biological reality, and what it will take for the bioeconomy to reach its trillion-dollar potential. Whether you're in pharma, industrial biotech, or just curious about the future of biology as a design problem, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how AI is becoming an essential tool for engineering the building blocks of life. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: protein design, protein engineering, biotech, lab automation, biomanufacturing. synthetic biology, AI drug discovery, directed evolution, biologics, computational biology, enzyme optimization Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 171. Nature’s Balance Sheet: Kevin Webb Invests in Biodiversity with Superorganism | 06 mars 2026 | 00:58:09 | |
Kevin Webb, Managing Director of Superorganism, joins Erum and Karl to discuss why biodiversity is the next frontier for venture capital. After 15 years backing SaaS unicorns and marketplaces, Kevin made a radical pivot to launch a $25M fund focused exclusively on biodiversity-driven startups. In this conversation, Kevin breaks down why nature has been catastrophically undervalued in our economic systems, how his fund identifies venture-scale opportunities in everything from invasive species leather to AI-powered ecosystem monitoring, and why measuring biodiversity is infinitely harder than tracking carbon emissions. He shares portfolio highlights including companies turning Burmese pythons into luxury goods, explains why sea otters would make ideal board members, and reveals the cultural, technological, and regulatory shifts that could transform biodiversity from a conservation concern into a mainstream asset class within the next decade. This episode is essential listening for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the intersection of nature, technology, and capital. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biodiversity investing, biodiversity venture capital, Superorganism VC, Kevin Webb Superorganism, nature based solutions startups, invasive species business model, climate and biodiversity tech, impact investing in nature, biodiversity as an asset class Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 170. There's a Bug for That: Sophia Xu on CarbonBridge's Notebook Bioreactors | 27 févr. 2026 | 00:45:26 | |
Sophia Xu, cofounder of Carbon Bridge, joins us to discuss how her company is revolutionizing gas fermentation with notebook-sized modular bioreactors that convert waste gases into valuable fuels and chemicals. From rejecting medical school to focus on climate biotech, to developing reactors 80% more energy efficient than traditional methods, Sophia shares how Carbon Bridge's platform enables wild-type methanotrophs to perform 500% better than genetically modified microbes. The conversation explores distributed manufacturing, the company's vision for an "app store" of microbial pathways, partnerships with Norwegian Cruise Lines, and why Sophia believes biology—not electrification—is key to decarbonizing heavy industry. We discuss deployment scenarios from dairy farms to breweries, the misconceptions about gas fermentation, and how Carbon Bridge is creating a new business model by selling bioreactors rather than end products. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources: Topics Covered: CarbonBridge, climate biotech, gas fermentation, methane to methanol, modular bioreactor, distributed biomanufacturing, waste gas conversion, renewable methanol, industrial biotechnology, biomanufacturing infrastructure Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 169. AI, Antivenom, and Antibodies: Previewing SynbioBeta with John Cumbers | 20 févr. 2026 | 01:15:14 | |
John Cumbers returns to the Grow Everything podcast for his fourth appearance to discuss the cutting edge of synthetic biology and the upcoming SynBioBeta 2026 conference. From a man who's been bitten by snakes over 200 times to create universal anti-venom, to the race between the US and China in bio-manufacturing, John reveals why the bioeconomy is reaching an inflection point. We explore how AI is transforming organism design, the $50 million deals being struck for AI models in pharma, and why Chinese bio-manufacturing firms are achieving profitability while Western companies struggle. John also shares his vision for cellular reprogramming and longevity, discusses the controversial rollback of US environmental policy, and explains why the "ChatGPT moment" for biology is closer than we think. Plus, learn about stem cell tissue banks that could revolutionize replacement therapy and why SynBioBeta 2030 will actually happen on the moon. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: synbio, synthetic biology, bioengineering, conferences, networks, biotech, biology, bioliteracy, Bio500, AI and Bio Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 168. Biomanufacturing 101: Rebuilding the Modern World with Biology | 13 févr. 2026 | 00:56:59 | |
Karl and Erum break down how biology is transforming the production of everything from cosmetics to construction materials. They explore why the petrochemical era is giving way to biological manufacturing, examining both the spectacular failures of early biofuels and the emerging success stories of companies like K18 and Mango Materials. Karl and Erum explain the fundamentals of fermentation, precision fermentation, and cell-free manufacturing, while introducing concepts like distributed biomanufacturing and "dirty biology." Drawing on insights from previous guests including Doug Friedman, Michelle Stansfield, Veronica Breckenridge, and Phil Morle, they reveal why 95% of executives are now pursuing bio-solutions and how three converging forces—falling technology costs, rising consumer expectations, and new infrastructure—are making this the moment for biomanufacturing to finally deliver on its promise. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources: Topics Covered: biomanufacturing 101, industrial biotechnology, precision fermentation, continuous fermentation, cell-free biomanufacturing, distributed biomanufacturing, dirty biology, bio-based materials, performance vs sustainability, CPG reformulation Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 167. From Scrappy to Scalable: Daniel Scharff Grows Startup CPG | 06 févr. 2026 | 01:15:17 | |
Daniel Scharff, founder of Startup CPG, joins the Grow Everything podcast to share how he built the world's largest community for emerging consumer brands. With 35,000 members in their Slack channel and over 75 in-person events annually, Startup CPG is democratizing access to retail buyers, investors, and industry resources that would typically cost founders thousands in consulting fees. Daniel discusses the harsh realities of CPG entrepreneurship—including why only 20-25% of brands survive beyond a few years—and shares his playbook for success: prioritize great branding and taste over health claims, build scrappy and resourceful, and delay fundraising until you can command a meaningful valuation. He reveals patterns he's observed across thousands of brands, from the danger of copycat products in oversaturated categories (looking at you, chili crisps and prebiotic sodas) to the power of in-person connections for discovering innovation. Daniel also explains why Startup CPG operates on a "do good, do well" model, offering free resources to brands while building a sustainable business through sponsorships and events—and why he believes this approach could transform other industries beyond CPG. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: CPG, consumer packaged goods, startups, community, Startup CPG, innovation Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 166. The Great Reformulation: Joshua Lachter Rethinks How We Make Everything at Scale | 30 janv. 2026 | 01:10:01 | |
Joshua Lachter, co-founder of Synonym, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the future of biomanufacturing and what he calls "the great reformulation." We explore how biology is poised to replace petrochemicals across industries, the infrastructure challenges holding back commercial scale production, and why standardization is critical for mass adoption. Joshua shares insights from Synonym's work building commercial biomanufacturing facilities, including their groundbreaking project in Decatur, Illinois. From GLP-1s to microplastics, we discuss how bio-based products can deliver superior performance while addressing health and environmental concerns. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the commercialization of industrial biotech, the economics of biomanufacturing, and the path toward a reformulated supply chain built on biology. (00:00:00) - Snowstorm updates from NYC (00:03:00) - Tech Meets Pharma: The Data Revolution (00:09:00) - Mr. Beast, Upside Foods, and Colossal Biosciences (00:14:00) - Joshua's Background and Why He Founded Synonym (00:18:00) - Financialization and Standardization of Biomanufacturing (00:25:00) - Early Assumptions That Turned Out Wrong (00:38:00) - The Great Reformulation: Biology vs. Petrochemicals (00:48:00) - GLP-1s and Nature-Inspired Innovation (00:54:00) - Better with Bio: Synonym's Partnership with Brentag (00:59:00) - Quickfire Questions (01:03:00) - Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts Episode Links:
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, industrial biotech, Great Reformulation, consumer packaged goods, CPG, biotech R&D, chemical engineering, bioengineering, AI in biomanufacturing Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553
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| 165. Biology Behind the Brands: Inside P&G’s Two-Century Story | 23 janv. 2026 | 01:01:53 | |
Karl and Erum sit down with Amy Trejo and Jose Carlos Garcia Garcia from Procter & Gamble to uncover how one of the world's largest consumer goods companies is leveraging biotechnology to innovate at unprecedented scale. Founded 189 years ago as a bio-waste upcycling partnership between a candle maker and a soap maker, P&G has always been rooted in biomaterials innovation—from pioneering laundry enzymes in the 1960s to developing cold water enzyme technologies that have saved billions in energy costs. Amy and JC reveal what makes biotech innovations stick in the marketplace (hint: it's all about performance), share candid advice for startups hoping to partner with P&G, and explain why the company views biotech as a critical enabler of both sustainability and superior consumer experiences. They discuss common misconceptions about working with large CPG companies, the importance of reducing ideas to practice, and how P&G's connect-and-develop model creates win-win partnerships that can impact billions of consumers worldwide. Whether you're a biotech founder, investor, or enthusiast curious about how innovative materials make it from lab to everyday products, this conversation offers rare insights into the intersection of consumer goods, biotechnology, and global scale manufacturing. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, agriculture, agritech, strain engineering, biotech R&D, feedstocks, chemical engineering, bioengineering Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 164. From Plasmids to Pallets: How Erin Marasco Scales Biology at Cargill | 16 janv. 2026 | 01:09:15 | |
We kick off our CPG series with Dr. Erin Marasco, Senior Director of Global Biology at Cargill, who leads innovation in ingredient discovery, strain development, and biotech applications. Erin takes us on a fascinating journey from the fundamentals of fermentation to the complexities of scaling biotech products from lab bench to global supply chains. We explore Cargill's 30-year history in biomanufacturing, discuss why terms like "precision fermentation" might be doing more harm than good, and learn what it really takes for startups to partner with multinational companies. Erin shares insights on feedstock diversity across continents, the future of nutritional bioactives in everyday foods, and why success in biotech means moving from "novel" to "preferred." This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in how biology is quietly transforming every aisle of the grocery store. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, agriculture, agritech, strain engineering, biotech R&D, feedstocks, chemical engineering, bioengineering Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 163. Consulting the Crystal Ball of Biology: Karl & Erum's 2026 Predictions | 09 janv. 2026 | 00:51:51 | |
Karl and Erum kick off 2026 by reviewing their 2025 forecasts—celebrating the wins (DeSci's rise, waste as a resource, AI-biology convergence) and acknowledging the misses (no biotech M&A boom, no quantum biology breakthrough yet). Then they unveil their boldest predictions for the year ahead: the first functional AI-composed genome entering production, a major non-sterile biomanufacturing facility breaking ground, biological arbitrage creating competitive advantages against tariffs, consumer-held health records surpassing traditional medical data in clinical significance, space-manufactured drug crystals entering human trials, definitive proof of alien life, and AI-enabled communication with whales and other animals. They also welcome Lizette Couto, who joins the podcast to provide science definitions and explanations throughout episodes going forward. From dirty biology manifestos to peptide proliferation to interspecies communication, this episode maps the frontiers where synthetic biology, AI, space technology, and consumer adoption collide. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: biotech, industry, predictions, biomanufacturing, consumer biotech Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 162. New Year’s Replay with New Insights: Orchestrating BioInnovation Without Missing a Beat | 02 janv. 2026 | 00:40:01 | |
Karl and Erum kick off 2026 with deep reflections on prosperity, consciousness, and the idea that we might be living in a simulation. But the real focus is on a concept that could make or break biotech companies: orchestration. They dive into why most biotech innovations outside of pharma struggle to commercialize and introduce the idea of value chain syndication—bringing together innovators, manufacturers, investors, and big incumbents to create entire ecosystems rather than just individual deals. Using examples like K18 Hair's marketing orchestration and the urgent need to replace Red Dye 40, they break down how founders can architect strategic "seed deals" that build toward transformative industry shifts. This isn't about traditional sales or business development—it's about becoming the center of an ecosystem that includes everyone from ingredient suppliers to end customers. With tailwinds from geopolitical changes, supply chain concerns, and increasing demand for bio-based solutions, the time for orchestration is now. Whether you're a founder trying to scale or a big company looking to innovate, this episode shows you how to think bigger than your own company and build the infrastructure for a bio-based future. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: biotech, CPG, business models, industry, bacterial cellulose, fermentation Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 161. (Holiday Replay) Leaf It to Science: How Foray Bioscience's Ashley Beckwith is Reforesting the Future | 26 déc. 2025 | 00:52:29 | |
In this special holiday replay episode, we revisit our conversation with Ashley Beckwith, founder of Foray Biosciences, who shares her groundbreaking work in plant cell culture and tissue engineering. Growing up in Colorado, Ashley watched forests disappear to housing development and wildfire—experiences that sparked her lifelong mission to reimagine how we produce plant materials. After training as an engineer and working in medical device development, she pivoted to apply tissue engineering concepts to plants, initially exploring lab-grown wood before discovering a more fundamental problem: the lack of accessible, efficient plant cell culture processes. Today, Foray develops fabricated seeds for forest restoration, creates harvest-free plant products, and builds AI-powered tools to accelerate plant science R&D. Ashley explains why plant cells are the fundamental building blocks for everything from molecules to materials to entire ecosystems, and how her company is working to solve the seed shortage crisis that prevents us from restoring 94% of post-wildfire sites. She also discusses the potential for de-extinction of recently lost plant species in California and the importance of creating regenerative rather than extractive relationships with plant systems. This conversation explores the intersection of synthetic biology, forestry, and biomanufacturing while reminding us that we are all, whether we know it or not, plant people. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: developmental biology, morphology, morphospace, planarians, electroceuticals, bioelectricity, tissue regeneration, biomedical applications, holidays, Christmas Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 160. Sequins Without Sin: Santa Puts Cellsense's Aradhita Parasrampuria on the Nice List | 19 déc. 2025 | 00:49:08 | |
In this episode, Karl and Erum speak with Aradhita Parasrampuria, founder of CellSense, about revolutionizing the fashion embellishment industry through biology. Aradhita shares her journey from witnessing toxic dye masters in Gujarat textile factories to creating biodegradable sequins, beads, and buttons using algae and bacterial cellulose. She explains how her materials can be produced at room temperature, glow in the dark through bioluminescence, and are manufactured through an automated system that eliminates exploitative manual labor. With one in five garments containing embellishments, CellSense addresses a massive market while tackling microplastic pollution, worker health issues, and the 2027 EU ban on microbeads and lead. Aradhita discusses successful pilots with fashion brands and skincare companies, the challenges of achieving vivid colors and iridescence with biomaterials, and her vision for a circular system where anyone can upload a design and receive custom bioplastic solutions. The conversation explores the intersection of design, biotechnology, and sustainability, demonstrating how biology can create materials that don't just replace plastics—they surpass them. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: biomaterials, fashion, embellishments, sequins, bacterial cellulose, fermentation Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 | |||
| 159. The Future Is Fungi Awards: From Mushroom Dreams to Real-World Things | 12 déc. 2025 | 01:10:07 | |
Karl and Erum explore the untapped potential of fungi through three groundbreaking interviews. First, they speak with Susanne Gloersen, founder of the Future is Fungi Award, about why fungi represent the next frontier in biotech and how her global platform is accelerating fungal innovation across industries—from soil remediation to firefighting foam. Next, they sit down with Ricky Cassini of Michroma, winner of the Future is Fungi Award, who explains how his team engineers fungi to produce natural food colorants that outperform synthetic dyes and plant-based alternatives, offering 50x more potency than traditional options while being heat and pH stable. Finally, they interview Dr. Britta Winterberg of Mycolever, runner-up of the award, who discusses how her company uses fungal biodiversity to create sustainable bio-compounds for cosmetics, including emulsifiers and enhanced beauty oils that replace petrochemicals without compromising performance. Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight recent developments like MIT researchers using fungal compounds to treat brain cancer, FDA's phase-out of synthetic dyes, and the growing shift toward bio-based ingredients in food, cosmetics, and beyond. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: mycelium, fungi, mushrooms, Future is Fungi, bioinnovation, biotech, mycoremediation, food dyes, personal care and beauty Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 | |||
| 158. Mycelium On, Sound Off: How GOB's Lauryn Menard Makes Biomaterials Feel Like Culture | 05 déc. 2025 | 00:58:45 | |
Lauryn Menard, co-founder of Gob, joins us to discuss how she's tackling the 40 billion petroleum-based earplugs produced annually by creating the first biodegradable, mycelium-based alternative. Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 and featured in Time Magazine's Best Inventions, Lauryn shares her journey from industrial designer to biotech entrepreneur. She explains why she chose mycelium over other biomaterials, how she scaled production without building a factory from scratch, and her strategy for bringing sustainable products to mainstream consumers through cultural relevance—partnering with artists like Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan at major music venues. Lauryn also reveals her vision for Gob's future: replacing an entire category of single-use products, from cotton pads to condoms, with materials that return to the earth. This conversation explores the intersection of design, biomaterials, entrepreneurship, and the urgent need for better infrastructure to support a regenerative economy. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: biomaterials, single use goods, FCMG, mycelium, ear plugs, entrepreneurship, branding, storytelling, biofabrication Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com | |||
| 157. (Thanksgiving Replay) Meat the Future: How Paul Shapiro is Brewing Superfoods at Better Meat Co. | 28 nov. 2025 | 01:09:12 | |
In this Thanksgiving replay, we revisit our conversation with Paul Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of Better Meat Co, who's pioneering the use of mycelium-based proteins as a sustainable alternative to animal meat. Paul shares his remarkable journey from starting an animal welfare organization in high school to becoming a biotech entrepreneur. He explains how fungi fermentation creates protein-rich, meat-like textures in less than 24 hours without the environmental toll of traditional agriculture. The episode explores the science behind mycoprotein, the challenges facing the alternative protein industry, the need for government investment in biomanufacturing, and why fungi may be the key to feeding both Earth and future space travelers. Paul also discusses Better Meat Co's recent $31 million Series A funding and their mission to make sustainable protein accessible at scale. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: developmental biology, morphology, morphospace, planarians, electroceuticals, bioelectricity, tissue regeneration, biomedical applications, Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com | |||
| 156. When Matter Makes Decisions: Michael Levin on the Intelligence of Form | 21 nov. 2025 | 01:18:08 | |
Join us for a mind-bending conversation with Professor Michael Levin, director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, as he reveals how cells make decisions without brains, store memories without DNA, and navigate anatomical space like we navigate physical space. Discover how his team created two-headed immortal worms whose memory persists across regeneration cycles, how bioelectrical patterns control body shape independently of genetics, and why the future of medicine lies in communicating with the collective intelligence of our cells rather than micromanaging their molecular machinery. From xenobots made of frog cells to the anatomical compiler that will revolutionize regenerative medicine, this episode explores the frontier where developmental biology, cognition, and robotics converge to redefine what it means to be alive. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: developmental biology, morphology, morphospace, planarians, electroceuticals, bioelectricity, tissue regeneration, biomedical applications Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com | |||
| 155. Bad Hairdo to Good HairDAO: Andrew Verbinnen on Reversing Hairloss Through Decentralization | 14 nov. 2025 | 00:52:12 | |
We sit down with Andrew Verbinnen, founder of HairDAO, who's revolutionizing how we approach hair loss research and treatment. After experiencing hair loss himself at nineteen, Andrew discovered that androgenetic alopecia - affecting 95% of hair loss cases - receives almost no funding because it's classified as cosmetic rather than a disease. By creating a patient-led biotech organization combining a thriving online community with an in-house high-throughput lab, HairDAO has driven research costs down from $250,000 per study to just $6,000 while accelerating results from two years to one month. Andrew shares how they've developed proprietary treatments available through their telehealth platform Anagen, built a unique human hair follicle organ culture model that's providing unprecedented data on fully intact human tissue, and created a token-based governance system where patients vote on which research to fund. We explore the blurring lines between pharmaceuticals and consumer products, the power of patient empowerment in driving innovation, and why Andrew believes the hair follicle data they're generating could unlock treatments for conditions far beyond hair loss. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biomaterials, wood, lumber, bacterial cellulose, industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, business Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com | |||
| 154. No Trees Were Harmed: Symmetry Wood's Gabe Tavas on Growing Wood from Waste | 07 nov. 2025 | 00:51:47 | |
Karl and Erum sit down with Gabe Tavas, CEO and co-founder of Symmetry Wood, who is pioneering a revolutionary approach to wood production. Gabe shares his journey from design student to bio-innovator, inspired by his time volunteering in rural Ecuador where he witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste. His company has developed Pyrus, the first solid wood made primarily from bacterial nanocellulose—specifically, waste from the world's largest kombucha brewery. Instead of logging endangered tropical hardwoods, Symmetry Wood is targeting the high-end guitar industry first, proving that biodesigned materials can meet the most demanding performance standards. Gabe discusses the technical challenges of working with living systems, the importance of starting with niche markets before scaling to mass production, and his vision for fab cities where wood and other materials are manufactured locally from urban waste. This conversation bridges design, biology, and entrepreneurship, offering a glimpse into a future where we can create beautiful, high-performance materials without harming forests or ecosystems. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
Links and Resources:
Topics Covered: biomaterials, wood, lumber, bacterial cellulose, industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, business Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com | |||
| 153. Ghosts of Biotech Past: Veronica Breckenridge’s Playbook for Smarter Scaling | 31 oct. 2025 | 01:02:57 | |
In this Halloween-themed episode, Veronica Breckenridge from First Bite returns to discuss her eye-opening "Industrial Bio-Manufacturing Graveyard Report." Drawing from her experience scaling companies like Apple and Tesla, Veronica reveals why 80% of bio-manufacturing startups fail—and it's not because of bad science. The conversation explores critical mistakes like targeting commodity markets too early, underestimating downstream processing costs, and the "build it and they will come" mentality that has buried promising ventures. Veronica explains why now is actually the best time to invest in bio-manufacturing, citing decreasing costs (3 million times cheaper in 25 years), rising consumer demand for healthier alternatives to petroleum-based products, and increased government support for domestic manufacturing. She shares tactical advice on patient capital structures, the importance of strategic partnerships over going solo, and why bio-manufacturing is more analogous to hardware scaling than pharmaceutical development. The episode offers valuable lessons for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable manufacturing. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:
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Topics Covered: industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, business, growth stage, graveyard report, halloween Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media | |||
| 152. Crystals in the Cosmos: Varda Rewrites Drug Formulation in Microgravity | 24 oct. 2025 | 00:41:00 | |
In this episode, we explore how Varda Space Industries is pioneering pharmaceutical manufacturing in microgravity with Chief Strategy Officer Michael Riley and Chief Science Officer Adrian Radocea. The team discusses how removing gravity from the crystallization process enables better drug formulations—creating more stable, bioavailable medicines that don't require refrigeration. From their reusable spacecraft that can manufacture drugs in orbit and return them to Earth, to their vision of making space-based manufacturing routine and "boring," Varda is bridging aerospace engineering and biopharma to solve formulation challenges that have stumped the industry for decades. With $187 million in recent funding and spacecraft currently in orbit, they're transforming science fiction into a manufacturing platform that could expand access to medicines globally. Chapters: (00:00:00) Teaser and Introduction (00:05:00) Meet the Team: From Semiconductors and Global Health to Space Pharma (00:08:00) Microgravity as a Manufacturing Tool: Physics Over Chemistry (00:13:00) Which Drugs Benefit Most? Small Molecules to Antibodies (00:15:00) Bridging Aerospace and Biopharma Cultures (00:17:00) Current Mission: A Lab (and Soon Factory) in Space (00:21:00) Surprising Gravity Effects Even at 800 RPM (00:25:00) Making Space Manufacturing Cost-Effective (00:29:00) The 10-Year Vision: Routine, Industrial, and "Boring" (00:31:00) Hiring Across Aerospace and Pharma + Quick Fire Questions Episode Links: Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing? Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Topics Covered: space biotech, drug development, space research, low earth orbit, microgravity, crystallization
Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything | |||