That's Rad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy August, and happy Eat Local Month! Or should we say *drink* local month? Both answers are correct, especially when you combine the power of local growers and local brewers like our friends at Wildbloom Beer have. On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia sits down with Devin Bush, co-owner and brewer to find out what goes into a can of Wildbloom Beer. Turns out, it’s 99% local ingredients and a whole lot of thought. Spoiler alert: the company’s commitment to locally-sourced ingredients stems from Devin’s time at brewery school at the ripe age of 18. “Thought” doesn’t have a flavor, but Devin and co-owner Beth have made sure it impacts where, how, and with whom you enjoy your drinking experience. The ingredients in this podcast include a refreshing conversation on the natural components to beer, a rundown of the craft beer scene that goes down smoothly, and tasting notes of floral and humor. Enjoy this episode responsibly.

You may know of Strafford, VT from the hit singer/songwriter Noah Kahan’s background and discography. Or, you know of this tiny Vermont town as the home of Strafford Organic Creamery, makers of some of Vermont’s best ice cream. Maybe both. On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia sits down with Amy Huyffer, who runs Strafford Organic Creamery at Rockbottom Farm with her husband Earl Ransom and family. In the current landscape of Vermont’s dairy industry, it’s rare to find an operation like Strafford Organic Creamery left. They’re independently-owned, certified organic, and packaging exclusively in glass bottles. As Amy puts it: “I’ve thought about quitting every day, but I’ve never thought about compromising our values.” Hear more about Amy and the rest of her family’s commitment to bringing nutritious dairy to consumers, the life of a cow named Naan, and more, only on this episode of That’s Rad. . . . Littleton Food Co-op is a huge supporter of local dairies like Strafford Organic Creamery. We are a proud retailer of locally produced dairy, produce, specialty cheese, meat, grocery items, and beer and wine. We buy from local producers to keep our local farmers on track and our local economy thriving. Everyone is welcome at the Co-op to discover the wonder of local food. No membership is required to shop. Visit us today, just off of Exit 41 in Littleton, or learn more online at littletoncoop.com.

Did you know that the country’s oldest continually operating food co-op is practically just down the road from the Littleton Food Co-op? And it’s not where you think it is. On this episode, host Anastasia takes a trip down to the Adamant Co-op, located in Adamant, VT, which holds the record-setting title at 89 years old in 2024. If you’ve never heard of Adamant Co-op, or even Adamant, VT for that matter, you’re not alone. This small food co-op still occupies the space it purchased in 1940, has nine employees, and didn’t get indoor plumbing until 2009. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in community. Listeners will be transported as Anastasia speaks with Liz, General Manager of Adamant Co-op, (and others) about the last 89 years of cooperative history, and how their town is “adamant” that community is the key to success. Cover photo is a painting by Janet MacLeod, Adamant Co-op member and volunteer. Littleton Food Co-op has been a premier community-owned grocery store for the North Country of NH and the NEK of VT since 2009. Conveniently located just off Exit 41 on I-93, the Littleton Food Co-op is chock full of local organic produce, specialty cheeses, prepared foods, fresh quality meat and seafood, bulk foods, craft beer, and more. And it’s all served up at fair prices and exceptional customer service. Littleton Food Co-op has all of your conventional grocery staples, local foodie treasures, and difficult to find anywhere else items – all in one place! Everyone is always welcome to shop at the Co-op, no membership required. However, members help us shape the direction of the Co-op in all manners, from suggesting products on the shelf to running for the Board of Directors. It’s all for you at the Littleton Co-op! Visit us in person or online at littletoncoop.com.

Can you believe the Littleton Food Co-op turns 15 in 2024!? You know what they say – time flies when you’re cooperating together! On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia sits down with Brian Labonte, current Assistant Operations Manager of the Littleton Co-op. Brian is one of the original ten employees from when the Co-op opened its doors in 2009. You may recognize Brian from his most prominent role as Produce Manager, but he’s actually worked in over six departments throughout the store! His wealth of knowledge about the history of the Co-op is so widespread, you’d hardly believe he didn’t know anything about co-ops upon starting here… or so he says. Brian also plays along with Anastasia’s poorly drawn out metaphor of the Co-op being like a teenage daughter we have to raise and buy a car for. Hear the story of Brian and the Co-op all in this episode! The Littleton Food Co-op has been your community-owned, community-oriented marketplace since 2009. The Co-op works for the North Country of NH and the NEK of VT, not some big grocery conglomerate. We’re actually owned by over 10,000 real people who committed to supporting our local economy. The Littleton Food Co-op employs local people, sells locally produced goods, and provides a space for local folks to gather and cooperate together. We return the love to our community through generous donations and support of local non-profits, and supplying the good foods that folks want to see. It’s all served up at fair prices with the best customer service around! See it all for yourself just off Exit 41 in Littleton or online at littletoncoop.com. No membership is required to shop – everyone is welcome at the Littleton Food Co-op ♥

You may know her meme, but do you know her story? And do you even know it’s her meme? On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia is joined by Vanessa White, co-founder of Jaju Pierogi. Not only is Vanessa steering a national company bringing authentic Polish pierogi to the people, she’s making some of your favorite viral Reels and memes – all in the name of Jaju. Listen as she shares more about the origin story of Jaju Pierogi, the importance of quality ingredients, and what internet success *actually* feels like. Grab a bag of Jaju Pierogi from the Littleton Food Co-op before you start listening because it is a 100% guarantee you’re going to want some by the end of the episode. Get inspired to bring some BPE into your life with this episode of That’s Rad. The Littleton Food Co-op is a proud retailer of Jaju Pierogi and many other quality local brands. We are Littleton, NH’s only member-owned grocery store, featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, a full-service deli, bulk foods, craft beer and wine, and an extensive grocery selection. The Co-op exists to serve its members and broader community through a range of standard and unique foods, offered at a fair price, with outstanding service. The Littleton Food Co-op is not owned by one person, but by over 10,000 member-owners choosing to invest in a successful local food system. Membership is not required to shop; everyone is welcome. Conveniently located just off Exit 41 in Littleton. Cooperate more at littletoncoop.com.

In honor of March being NH Maple Month AND Women’s History Month, host Anastasia is bringing That’s Rad out to Sugar Hill to discuss perhaps one of the most influential North Country names in food: Pauline Taylor. You probably know her as her most lasting creation: Polly’s Pancake Parlor. In this episode, Anastasia sits down with members of the Cote family, current owners and operators of Polly’s, to discuss the life and legacy of the family matriarch, and why their traditional Americana breakfast experience resonates with people to this day. Listeners are in for a treat as Anastasia takes you further through this beloved institution than you’ve ever had access – through the restaurant photo albums, through the kitchen, and through the heart of the last eighty plus years of Polly’s Pancakes. The only bad part of this episode is that we can’t give you a pancake sampler to enjoy it with. Visit https://pollyspancakeparlor.com/ to learn more. You know where else you can get Polly’s Pancake mix and the rest of your breakfast experience necessities? The Littleton Food Co-op! Littleton Food Co-op is a proud retailer and supporter of over 200 local producers, including Polly’s Pancake Parlor. Add to your at-home breakfast experience with grass-fed meat, local milk and eggs, organic produce, and fair-trade batter mix-ins. And maybe some local craft beer and wine for a morning mimosa or beer-mosa! We wouldn’t leave you hanging after breakfast, though – stop by and see for yourself that we have the best options for every eating opportunity day and night (second dinner anyone?). Everyone is welcome at the Co-op, no membership required. We’re just off Exit 41 in Littleton (less than 15 minutes from Polly’s Pancake Parlor!), or always online at littletoncoop.com.

It’s no secret that we love local farms, and we are so lucky to have many to choose from in the North Country of NH and the NEK of Vermont. And even luckier for us, we’ve spoken to many of our well known and established area farms about their decades long histories and how the Littleton Food Co-op has grown alongside them. However, it’s rare that we get to hear the origin story of a farm while it’s still originating; what it’s like before the land has bloomed to life and the farm stand has a mile long line. Or in this case, before the farm stand has even been built. On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia takes a trip out to Tellman Hill Farm to meet with its owners, Emily Meacham and Doug Morin. The husband-wife duo share their plans to take their plot of land in Whitefield, NH from empty space and baby trees in the ground to the area’s next premiere apple orchard. Emily and Doug’s story is a testament to how farming is a labor of love, and how taking a risk might just bring you to the life (and farm) of your dreams. This episode is great for folks interested in farming, cute dog lovers, and those interested in hearing Anastasia make a poorly thought out analogy to the 2011 film “We Bought a Zoo.” The Littleton Food Co-op is proud to carry and support over 200 local vendors. Local products can be found all throughout the store: in the organic produce, the fresh meat and seafood, the daily prepared hot meals, the bulk foods, the expansive grocery selection, the craft beer and wine, and more. We believe everyone should have access to high quality, locally produced food, which is why everyone is welcome in our store – no membership required to shop! Come in and see the local love for yourself; we’re just off Exit 41 in Littleton. Or, check us out online at littletoncoop.com or on your favorite social media platforms.

Are you feeling unwell? It’s January in the North Country, so we’re gonna take a gander and say “yes.” That’s Rad host Anastasia is back and kicking off the new year talking about whole body health. To do that, she’s brought in an expert: Kara Godfrey of Maple Medicine (Montgomery, VT). Kara has spent many years in the holistic wellness industry crafting her own blends of natural-ingredient wellness tonics. But, these aren’t just bitter medicinal products like the rest of your medicine cabinet. Like the name implies, maple syrup is a central ingredient in all of the Maple Medicine tonics. And as Kara and Anastasia discuss, there’s more than meets the eye to your favorite pancake topping… Statements regarding Maple Medicine and its products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a healthcare provider when using this product. Not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease. Littleton Food Co-op has everything you need to stay healthy all year long. We understand how food has a deep connection to health, which is why we've stocked our store with organic produce, and only the best quality meat, seafood, cheese, bulk foods, and more. We also have an expansive Wellness department full of vitamins and supplements for when you need an extra boost. On the other hand, it's not healthy to deprive yourself of what you want, so don't forget to pick up one of our hundreds of local craft beers and a fresh-baked goodie from the Bakery while you're here. It's all at the Littleton Food Co-op, just off Exit 41 in Littleton, NH. Or visit us online at littletoncoop.com.

On this episode of That’s Rad, host Anastasia takes a trip to downtown Bethlehem, NH to meet with Ian and Marlaina, Owners; and Phillip, the Marketing Manager, all of Rek-lis Brewing Company. The trio walks us through the story of the brewery, from its humble origins to becoming *the* place to be on a Saturday night. Ian and Marlaina also share with us their passion for keeping their lives “rek-lis,” and listeners will walk away feeling inspired to do the same. There’s something in this episode for everyone: love, perseverance, and of course, beer. The Littleton Food Co-op is proud to sell Rek-lis Brewing Co beer along with hundreds of craft brew offerings. The Co-op has made itself known as the hotspot for all the beer needs of the North Country; whether you’re looking for something classic, hoppy, gluten-free, or local. But, there’s more to us than beer. We have local organic produce, specialty cheese, bulk foods, fresh cuts of meat and seafood, and a full-service deli. Our doors are open to everyone – no membership is required to shop! So just stop by off of Exit 41 in Littleton, and we’ll see ‘ya at the Co-op!

The end of the year is a time for us to come together and connect over good food and drink. However, many folks, including our friends and neighbors in the Littleton area, don't have that privilege. Food insecurity is an issue for many in our community and beyond, but it is rarely discussed. To break that barrier, host Anastasia joins volunteers at the All Saints Food Cupboard in downtown Littleton, NH to see the reality of food pantry operations. This episode is all about challenging our preconceived notions of what others need and showing community care to our neighbors this holiday season. The Littleton Food Co-op is a proud partner of many Littleton area food insecurities, including the All Saints Food Cupboard. Cooperative Principle #8 is "Concern for Community." As a locally-based cooperative, we go beyond traditional grocers to make healthy food accessible to all. For more information about the Littleton Food Co-op and our community initiatives, visit littletoncoop.com or stop by the store -- just off Exit 43 in Littleton. Everyone welcome!