Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

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:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Fungi as environmental game-changers(00:26:18) - Podcast updates and Michael Levin episode highlights(02:10:35) - Ashley Beckwith and Foray Biosciences: mining fungal biodiversity(04:57:22) - The untapped power of mycelium in biotechnology(08:04:15) - Launching the Future is Fungi Award(08:58:40) - Susanne Gløersen: Why fungi deserve to be core technology(00:12:09) - Fungi's role in solving climate, pollution, and soil degradation(00:27:06) - Quickfire questions with Susanne Gløersen(00:29:14) - Ricky Casini of Michroma: replacing synthetic food dyes with fungi(00:38:10) - Scaling fermentation capacity in South Korea(00:38:45) - Pitching fungal colorants to food manufacturers(00:40:22) - Regulatory wins and transparency in natural colors(00:41:19) - The future of fungal bio-factories in food production(00:43:05) - Scaling up production and strategic partnerships(00:44:09) - Why color matters in consumer packaged goods(00:45:46) - Winning the Future is Fungi Startup Award(00:46:59) - Quickfire questions with Ricky Cassini(00:49:02) - Dr. Britta Winterberg introduces Mycolever's clean beauty mission(00:50:00) - Fungal bio-compounds replacing petrochemicals in cosmetics(00:52:10) - Technical challenges and breakthroughs in fungal biotech(00:59:52) - Quickfire questions with Dr. Britta Winterberg(01:02:54) - Final reflections on the fungal innovation revolutionLinks and Resources:CellsenseCellsense Partnership with the United NationsBioculture Event hosted by Biofabricate x Juniper VCArahita - LinkedinMountain and The Sea - Ray Nayler 138. Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic Toolbox154. No Trees Were Harmed: Symmetry Wood's Gabe Tavas on Growing Wood from WasteGrow Everything SubstackGrow Everything PatreonTopics Covered: biomaterials, fashion, embellishments, sequins, bacterial cellulose, fermentationHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 

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:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Fungi as environmental game-changers(00:26:18) - Podcast updates and Michael Levin episode highlights(02:10:35) - Ashley Beckwith and Foray Biosciences: mining fungal biodiversity(04:57:22) - The untapped power of mycelium in biotechnology(08:04:15) - Launching the Future is Fungi Award(08:58:40) - Susanne Gløersen: Why fungi deserve to be core technology(00:12:09) - Fungi's role in solving climate, pollution, and soil degradation(00:27:06) - Quickfire questions with Susanne Gløersen(00:29:14) - Ricky Casini of Michroma: replacing synthetic food dyes with fungi(00:38:10) - Scaling fermentation capacity in South Korea(00:38:45) - Pitching fungal colorants to food manufacturers(00:40:22) - Regulatory wins and transparency in natural colors(00:41:19) - The future of fungal bio-factories in food production(00:43:05) - Scaling up production and strategic partnerships(00:44:09) - Why color matters in consumer packaged goods(00:45:46) - Winning the Future is Fungi Startup Award(00:46:59) - Quickfire questions with Ricky Cassini(00:49:02) - Dr. Britta Winterberg introduces Mycolever's clean beauty mission(00:50:00) - Fungal bio-compounds replacing petrochemicals in cosmetics(00:52:10) - Technical challenges and breakthroughs in fungal biotech(00:59:52) - Quickfire questions with Dr. Britta Winterberg(01:02:54) - Final reflections on the fungal innovation revolutionLinks and Resources:Future is Fungi AwardsFuture is Fungi Award WinnersThe Future is Fungi Award on LinkedInmichroma - 1st place winner Michroma partners with CJ CheilJedang to advance precision fermented colorsMycolever - 2nd place winnerXPRIZEThe language of fungi - Andrew AdamatzkyCosmetic 360 Event156. When Matter Makes Decisions: Michael Levin on the Intelligence of Form158. Mycelium On, Sound Off: How GOB's Lauryn Menard Makes Biomaterials Feel Like Culture126. Sizzling Success: Eben Bayer of MyForest Foods on Scaling Mycelium Magic46. Meat the Future: How Paul Shapiro is Brewing Superfoods at Better Meat Co.131. Leaf It to Science: How Foray Bioscience's Ashley Beckwith is Reforesting the FutureTopics Covered: mycelium, fungi, mushrooms, Future is Fungi, bioinnovation, biotech, mycoremediation, food dyes, personal care and beautyHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 

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:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Lauryn's favorite subject - nature's zero waste system(00:06:00) - Lauryn's journey from luxury design to founding Gob(00:09:00) - The 40 billion earplug problem and material innovation(00:11:00) - Beginning with the end in mind: designing for product end-of-life(00:13:00) - Why mycelium? Finding the perfect material match(00:17:00) - Scale and volume: why small products have massive impact(00:22:00) - From concept to cylinder: the design process and user testing(00:24:00) - Cultural relevance over sustainability marketing(00:30:00) - Teaching the next generation of bio-designers at CCA(00:42:00) - Gob's future: replacing entire categories of single-use productsLinks and Resources:GOBEcovative138. Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic Toolbox126. Sizzling Success: Eben Bayer of MyForest Foods on Scaling Mycelium MagicFacts Machine - Science, comedy & trivia show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics Covered: biomaterials, single use goods, FCMG, mycelium, ear plugs, entrepreneurship, branding, storytelling, biofabricationHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

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:(00:00:00) - Could Fungi Replace Factory Farms Forever?(00:01:00) - Welcome: TEDx MIT, Planetary Action & What's Growing(00:03:00) - Intelligence Beyond Brains: Reflecting on Michael Levin(00:06:00) - Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude for the Biotech Community(00:10:00) - Meet Paul Shapiro: From Activist to Mycoprotein Pioneer(00:13:00) - Origin Story: Fighting for Animals Led to Building Better Meat(00:19:00) - Alt Protein 2.0: What's Changed Since the 2018 Hype Cycle(00:24:00) - The Subsidy Problem: Why Meat Gets Billions & Clean Protein Gets Nothing(00:31:00) - Mycoprotein 101: Why Fungi Beat Plants for Meat Texture(00:38:00) - Engineering Neurospora: 24-Hour Fermentation at Scale(00:43:00) - Designing Super Strains: Breeding Microbes for Performance(00:48:00) - Creating Craveable Protein: Flavor Science & B2B Strategy(00:51:00) - Space Food Systems: Why Astronauts Will Farm Fungi, Not Cows(00:56:00) - Biomanufacturing Infrastructure: The $31M Series A Story(01:00:00) - Industry Reality Check: Cultivated Meat's Path Forward(01:03:00) - Beyond Food: Mycoremediation & Paul's Business for Good Podcast(01:05:00) - Closing Thoughts: Solving the Flavor Challenge & Scaling ImpactLinks and Resources:Better Meat Co.Time's Best Inventions of 2025Paul ShapiroClean Meat Novel by Paul ShapiroHomeworld Collective Cascade Bio33. Purple Reign, A Purple Tomato with a Genetic Twist, Nathan Pumplin of Norfolk Healthy Produce83. Bottoms Up: Microbe Mixology with Zbiotics' Zack Abbott156. When Matter Makes Decisions: Michael Levin on the Intelligence of FormJohn Werner - TEDxThe Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics 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 Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

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:(00:00:00) – Welcome! Birthday Surprises and Setting the Stage(00:03:05) - Upcoming TEDx Talk and iGEM Competition Winners(00:05:14) - AI Book Recommendations and Octopus Intelligence(00:06:20) - Introducing Xenobots and Professor Michael Levin(00:09:43) - What Does Michael Levin Study? Developmental Biology Meets Cognition(00:13:42) - Cells as Decision-Making Networks: Cognition Without Neurons(00:19:43) - Inside the Lab: What Experiments Look Like(00:22:03) - The Two-Headed Worm Experiment: Rewriting Bioelectric Memory(00:38:15) - Xenobots and Mombot: Building Synthetic Living Machines(00:47:35) - Ethics of Creating Life and Human Augmentation(00:58:12) - The Future of Medicine: The Anatomical Compiler(01:03:48) - Quick Fire Questions with Michael Levin(01:09:20) - Wrap-Up and Reflections on Collective IntelligenceLinks and Resources:Michael Levin at Tufts UniversityWyss Institute at HarvardThe Levin LabThoughts on Science and The MindFauna SystemsWorkshop on Computationally Designed OrganismsInternational Genetically Engineered Machine Competition90. Flipping the Light Switch on Cells: Deniz Kent of Prolific Machines94. Gaming the System: NVIDIA's Vega Shah on Accelerating Biotech Breakthroughs28. Genetic Dreams to Underground Regimes: Andrew Hessel Takes on Digital and Physical Biology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics Covered: developmental biology, morphology, morphospace, planarians, electroceuticals, bioelectricity, tissue regeneration, biomedical applicationsHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

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:(00:00:00) - Andrew's Personal Hair Loss Journey and Introduction to HairDAO(00:01:48) - What is a DAO? Redefining Decentralized Organizations(00:03:53) - Why Hair Loss Gets Almost No Research Funding(00:06:41) - Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia: The Science Behind Hair Loss(00:09:43) - How HairDAO Cut Research Costs from $250K to $6K(00:12:47) - The Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model: A Breakthrough Innovation(00:16:47) - Token Governance: How the Community Votes on Research(00:21:48) - Anonymous Discord Researchers Outperforming Traditional Dermatologists(00:28:43) - Patient Empowerment: Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Efficacy(00:33:25) - Quickfire Round and Launching Topical Dutasteride(00:37:56) - The Blurred Line Between Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Products(00:42:15) - Building a Telehealth Platform: From Research to Patient Access(00:46:32) - Why Traditional Pharma Won't Touch Hair Loss(00:51:08) - The Future of Decentralized Science and Patient-Led Research(00:55:43) - Beyond Hair Loss: Applications for Other Underfunded ConditionsLinks and Resources:AGEN.xyzHairDAO discord community channelFuture is Fungi AwardsTedXVitaDAOMolecule DAOAthenaDAO26. Breaking Bad Hair Habits with Biology: Suveen Sahib's K18 Rescues Your Strands⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics Covered: biomaterials, wood, lumber, bacterial cellulose, industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, businessHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

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:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Daylight Savings & The Joy of Extra Sleep(00:02:58) - The Art of Repair: Erum's Kintsugi Journey(00:05:18) - Wine as Art: Drops of God & Sensory Storytelling(00:06:25) - Cosmic Mysteries: Comet Atlas & The Wow Signal(00:09:39) - Synonym's Latest: Scaling Bio-Manufacturing(00:11:44) - Meet Gabe Tavas: The Man Growing Wood From Bacteria(00:15:00) - From Ecuador to Biodesign: Finding Purpose in Plastic Waste(00:18:58) - The Science Unveiled: How Pyrus Mimics Natural Wood(00:22:40) - Living Factories: The Challenge of Working With Microbes(00:25:00) - Circular Innovation: Transforming Kombucha Waste Into Premium Materials(00:31:23) - Strategic Launch: Why Start With $10,000 Guitars?(00:35:38) - Ecological Symbiosis: Co-Creating Materials With Nature(00:39:00) - The Fab City Vision: Localized Bio-Manufacturing Revolution(00:42:00) - Quick Fire: Gabe's Favorite Materials, Books & Bio-Inspirations(00:43:44) - Closing Thoughts: What It Takes to Build the Bio-EconomyLinks and Resources:Symmetry WoodSymmetry Wood InstagramSymmetry Wood LinkedInSymmetry Wood on CBS series The VisoneersLand Art GeneratorInvent WoodSynonym Partnered with BrenntagBiofabricate138. Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic ToolboxJuniper VC153. Ghosts of Biotech Past: Veronica Breckenridge’s Playbook for Smarter ScalingAvi Loeb on the 3I/ATLASTedX⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics Covered: biomaterials, wood, lumber, bacterial cellulose, industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, businessHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

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:(00:00:00) - Halloween intro and SNL's Snack Homies discussion(00:04:17) - Zombie apocalypse: Could fungi or viruses cause real zombies?(00:09:12) - Beyond Meat stock surge and meme trading(00:11:34) - Introducing the Graveyard Report and Veronica Breckenridge(00:14:23) - Why Veronica moved from Tesla to bio-manufacturing(00:19:45) - The three recurring market fit errors killing startups(00:27:56) - Why targeting commodity markets is a seductive trap(00:35:18) - Downstream processing: The overlooked cost killer(00:42:31) - CapEx overruns and the importance of strategic partnerships(00:48:07) - Patient capital structures for deep tech ventures(00:53:22) - What makes this moment different: Why invest now(00:58:14) - Quick fire questions and closing thoughtsLinks and Resources:First BightThe Industrial Biomanufacturing Graveyard ReportBiowell Biotech AcceleratorGinkgo ConsultingCapgeminiMcKinsey120. Busting Biotech's Bottlenecks: Veronica Breckenridge on the Path to Industrial Scale151. Report on Reports: Cash Flow, Carbon, and the BioeconomyZombie-like effects from fungusBeyond Meat’s Stock SpikeTedX BostonTechnoeconomic Analysis Tool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics Covered: industrial biomanufacturing, biotech, business, growth stage, graveyard report, halloweenHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

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 QuestionsEpisode Links:VARDAElliot Hershberg on VARDA Elliot Hershberg and Patrick McCormick on VARDAElizabeth ReynoldsChris Mason Episode ⁠⁠Kate Rubins Episode⁠ ⁠Erika DeBenedictis EpisodeKyle Landry EpisodeGrow 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/groweverythingTopics Covered: space biotech, drug development, space research, low earth orbit, microgravity, crystallization  Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

In this episode, Erum and Karl unpack six major reports that define the current state of synthetic biology and the bioeconomy. From investment trends to national security concerns, from manufacturing failures to trillion-dollar opportunities, these reports paint a complex picture of an industry at a critical turning point.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/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction: A Report on Reports(00:01:00) - The Ig Noble Prize for Meta-Reporting(00:02:00) - SynBioBeta Investment Trends: Easy Money's Gone(00:06:00) - World Economic Forum: Leading with Value, Not Technology(00:11:00) - First Bite's Manufacturing Graveyard: Learning from Failure(00:18:00) - AB4S Report: Biology's Climate Potential(00:24:00) - National Security Commission: The US is Falling Behind(00:33:00) - Bio & Kearney: The Hidden Bioeconomy(00:39:00) - Cross-Report Themes and Contradictions(00:45:00) - Quick Fire Questions(00:48:00) - Final Thoughts: From Science to InfrastructureEpisode Links:Ig Nobel PrizeSynBioBeta 2025 Investment ReportWorld Economic Forum’s Report with CapgeminiAdvanced Biotech for Sustainability Coalition Report BIO and Kearney’s Bioeconomy Impact Modelling Report National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnologies Report  First Bight Ventures to Buy a Manufacturing Graveyard Report Our Live 150th episode Alexander Titus' episodeAngela Belcher's episodeGenspaceBreak into BiotechNSF and NVIDIA PartnershipTopics Covered: natural resources, feedstocks, bioprocessings, biomanufacturing, consumer products and goods, biotech, industry reports Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠LinkedIn⁠/⁠Youtube⁠/⁠Grow Everything

In this special 150th episode of Grow Everything, Erum and Karl broadcast live from the BioFab Fair 2025 in London. They explore the innovative world of biology as technology with special guests Elliot Roth and Amanda (from Mothership Materials), discussing community biotech labs, biopunk culture, and sustainable feedstocks for the bioeconomy.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction to BioFab Fair 2025(00:01:43) - Reflections on day one of BioFab Fair(00:06:00) - Interview with Elliot Roth on Biopunk culture(00:07:00) - From hacker to punk: Redefining biotech development(00:10:00) - The rise of community bio labs and why they're having a moment(00:12:00) - Missing small business biotech and problems with VC funding(00:14:00) - Weird biotech innovations around the world(00:20:00) - Global tour insights and medical tourism observations(00:24:00) - Call to action for Biopunk movement(00:27:00) - Interview with Amanda from Mothership Materials(00:28:00) - Breakthrough technology for agricultural waste processing(00:30:00) - The importance of glucose for scaling biomanufacturing(00:34:00) - Introducing "Microbe Munch" - specialized sugar for microbes(00:38:00) - The future of distributed biomanufacturingEpisode Links:Gozen Lunaform video. Wow! - https://vimeo.com/1061047875Biopunk Lab - https://biopunklab.com/Pacagen - https://pacagen.com/Deep Science Ventures - https://www.deepscienceventures.com/Mothership Materials - https://www.mothershipmaterials.com/Topics Covered:Biofabricate, Biofab Fair, live recording, 150 episodes, biomaterials, textiles, fabrics, furniture, community biotech, biopunk, cultivation, microbes, bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, waste agricultureHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / Twitter/ LinkedIn / Youtube/ Grow Everything

This episode explores the journey from scientific breakthrough to scalable industrial implementation. Phil Morle — partner at Main Sequence and co‑founder of Pollenizer — explains how strategic off‑takes generate market pull, the reasons nylon recycling advanced faster than PET, and the orchestration techniques required to progress from First-Of-A-Kind (FOAK) to Next-Of-A-Kind (NOAK) facilities. The conversation covers practical aspects of costs, partnership development, policy incentives, and industrial realities, including Phil's pragmatic test: "if it doesn't need a forklift, it's not relevant."Chapters:(00:00:00) – Intro and producer mindse (00:06:53) – Orchestration and Samsara origin story(00:07:53) – Market pull with Woolworths and ANU enzymes(00:11:12) – Why nylon before PET(00:12:12) – Offtake vs. equity checks(00:31:40) – Industrial reality: the forklift test(00:33:56) – Samsara's infinite-recycling facility(00:34:33) – Biomanufacturing as infrastructure(00:40:25) – FOAK to NOAK playbooks(00:55:00) – Cauldron's HyperFermentation infrastructureEpisode Links:- Main Sequence Ventures - https://www.mseq.vc/- Lululemon & Samsara deal - https://corporate.lululemon.com/media/our-stories/2025/lululemon-and-samsara-eco-announce-10-year-plan-to-advance-recycled-material-portfolio)- Future of Fungi Awards - https://www.futureisfungi.org/- **Michele Stansfield Episode** - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/messaginglab/episodes/85--Always-Be-Brewing-Continuous-Fermentation-with-Cauldrons-Michele-Stansfield-e2lu3kdTopics Covered:venture capital, ecosystem orchestration, biotech, australian businessHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn/Youtube/Grow Everything

In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at OneSkin. Alessandra shares her personal journey from Brazil to biotech, driven by a mission to transform how we think about aging. She explains the science of cellular senescence, the discovery of the groundbreaking OS-1 peptide, and why skin is more than a beauty surface—it’s a window into systemic health and longevity. Listeners will hear candid insights into the challenges of translating biotech discoveries into consumer products, the importance of radical transparency in science communication, and where peptides and personalized skincare fit into the future of the longevity movement. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about synthetic biology, sustainable innovation, and the science of healthy agingGrow 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/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:18) London's Bio Fab Fair Recap(00:02:34) Biotech's Bottom Line Impact(00:05:49) Pharma's Path to Consumer Products(00:08:00) The Accidental Discovery of Splenda(00:09:26) Meet Dr. Alessandra Zonari(00:10:54) A Scientist's Personal Mission(00:13:15) "Zombie Cells" and Skin Aging(00:16:30) Longevity Science vs. Marketing(00:18:28) The Hunt for the OS-01 Peptide(00:21:39) The Five-Year Path to Market(00:22:49) Science-First Communication(00:28:21) The Challenge of Going to Market(00:31:16) Communicating to Beauty vs. Biotech(00:33:45) The Future: Personalized Peptides(00:36:24) Why Science Storytelling Fails(00:38:42) Advice for Scientist-Founders(00:40:00) Peptide vs. SPF(00:40:42) Busting the Biggest Aging Myth(00:41:11) The Future of Personalized Aging(00:43:33) Why Aging is "Excited"(00:44:15) Actress or Astronaut(00:46:17) Peptides as "Cell Messages"Episode Links:Julie wolf episodeOneSkinTopics Covered: skincare, cellular senescence, peptides, OneSkin, skin health, anti agingHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553

What if we could treat debilitating diseases by listening in on the "secret, invisible language" of worms? In this groundbreaking episode, we talk with Dr. Andrea Choe, Co-Founder and CEO of Holoclara, who uncovered a "universal worm language" used for hundreds of millions of years. Dr. Choe reveals how our modern "aggressive hygiene routine" removed the worms we co-evolved with, leading to a rise in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Discover how her team is pioneering a new class of safe, orally available therapies by synthesizing worm-derived molecules that "rebalance" our immune systems and have already blocked disease in animal models. This is a fascinating journey from a fundamental discovery in evolutionary biology to the cutting edge of biotech innovation.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/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:18) NYC Biotech and Climate Week Recap(00:08:43) Science News: Comets and Octopuses(00:15:17) Meet Dr. Andrea Choe(00:15:52) From Researcher to Founder: The Call to Action(00:17:25) Discovering the Universal "Worm Language"(00:25:11) Connecting Worm Secretions to Therapeutics(00:29:49) How Modern Hygiene Created an Immune Imbalance(00:34:35) Navigating the Hurdles of Natural Medicine(00:38:50) Holoclara's Mission to Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)(00:42:25) Holoclara's Phase 1 Safety and Trial Results(00:51:03) Moonshot Vision: A "Worm Atlas" of Molecules(00:52:28) The Strategy for Patenting Natural Molecules(00:54:33) Worm Superpowers & Immune Myths(00:58:25) Reflecting on Nature's Untapped Answers(01:02:41) Coming Up on Grow EverythingEpisode Links:HoloclaraHuman Genome project Diary of a worm - Doreen Cronin Wildlife of Our Bodies - Rob DunnSuzanne Lee  Ep Glennis Mehra EpEllen Jorgensen EpInnolabsNucleate Biolabs NYU LangoneGenspaceBiotech Without Borders Newlab Climate Week Event - sign up and get tickets now! Interstellar Comet Moving Through Our Solar SystemTopics Covered: immune system, biotherapeutics, worms, evolution, helminthic immunomodulation, medicine, pharmaceuticals  Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez talk with Benji Leibowitz, Co-Founder of Pump Science, about what it really means to be “DAO-ing science differently.” From the early days of Molecule DAO to today’s crypto-native platform for funding longevity and nootropics research, Benji explains how decentralized science (DeSci) can rebuild healthcare and biotech from the ground up. By combining bonding curves, tokenized IP, and radical transparency with live-streamed worm and fly experiments, Pump Science is transforming science into an attention game that’s fast, fun, and open to everyone. Tune in to hear how DAO-driven models are unlocking underfunded areas like longevity, attracting crypto investors, and creating a new culture where research is not only transparent but also entertaining.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/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:49) Proposed U.S. budget cuts to research(00:01:59) How jargon fuels skepticism in science(00:02:25) China's bioeconomy surpassing U.S. in biotech investment(00:04:31) Rising gut imbalance in infants: My Baby Biome study(00:06:35) Billionaires investing heavily in longevity research(00:08:21) Wishing for more entertaining "fun" billionaires(00:10:26) Meet Benji(00:13:07) Rebuilding healthcare and biotech from scratch (DeSci)(00:15:15) From tokenizing biotech IP to Pump Science’s new model(00:18:09) Focusing on longevity to attract crypto investors(00:23:56) Optimizing experiments with C. elegans worms(00:27:47) A high-velocity "casino" model backed by real IP(00:33:18) Launching compound tokens on a bonding curve(00:36:36) Funding research through small trading fees(00:40:34) Gamifying research: rewarding top-performing compounds ("King of the Pill")(00:43:23) Using live streams for trust and funding transparency (DeSci)(00:46:35) "Fly races" as entertainment and a longevity indicator(00:48:56) Excitement for performance enhancement and nootropics (Pump Science)(00:50:14) Rapid-fire guest Q&A(00:51:32) Advice for newcomers to Pump Science(00:53:06) Reflecting on the guest's model for funding science(00:55:31) DeSci’s potential to build a parallel healthcare systemEpisode Links:Advocate for Science - Contact Your CongresspersonPump.ScienceMoleculeDAODeSci 101 EpisodeLaura Miniquini Episode Michael Fisher EpisodeJocelynn Pearl EpisodeAlbert Anis EpisodeStephanie Culler, Persephone EpMomo and Guru - Viome EpisodeMap of Longevity Companies Attracting Investor InterestThe Gut Microbiome Protects Infants from DisasesBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: Decentralized science, DAO, longevity, open science, crypto science   Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

In this highlight reel episode of Grow Everything, hosts Erum Azeez and Karl Schmieder dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of decentralized science (DeSci). Featuring expert insights from Albert Anis, Jocelyn Pearl, Michael Fisher, and Laura Minquinin, this episode explores how DeSci is revolutionizing the way research is funded, shared, and governed — far beyond traditional academic systems. You’ll hear how blockchain, bioDAOs, and decentralized funding models are enabling faster, more collaborative innovation across the life sciences. Whether you're a researcher, founder, or biotech enthusiast, this conversation unpacks the tools, values, and infrastructure reshaping the future of scientific discovery. From autonomous agents designing experiments to the Solana-based $BIO token, this episode distills cutting-edge developments into a compelling introduction to the DeSci movement — and why it matters now 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/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:15) Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:44) Travels and reading Bossy Pants(00:01:34) Highlighting September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month(00:02:20) Innovations in biopharma and cancer therapies like CAR T(00:02:53) The science of how sleep flushes waste from the brain(00:04:07) A deep dive into sulforaphane for cognitive benefits(00:05:07) The challenge of getting effective quantities of molecules from food(00:06:20) Introducing Decentralized Science (DeSci)(00:07:05) Why DeSci is important: Democratizing science and making it accessible(00:09:08) DeSci's role as an alternative funding mechanism for scientific research(00:10:54) Defining DeSci as science improved by the blockchain(00:11:27) How token incentives work in DeSci research projects(00:12:56) Contrasting DeSci's crowdsourcing model with traditional science funding(00:14:43) Defining a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)(00:15:46) The origins of decentralized science and ValleyDAO(00:18:35) Explaining DeSci by comparing it to decentralized finance (DeFi)(00:19:40) How the broken scientific publishing model needs disruption(00:20:50) Breaking open the "black box of biotech" with LabDAO(00:22:40) DeSci as a tool to fund overlooked areas of research(00:22:57) How DeSci addresses major problems like publishing and reproducibility(00:23:43) The mission of Athena DAO to fund women's health research(00:25:33) DeSci movement(00:26:09) The idea of a DeSci-funded cloud lab for global collaborationEpisode Links:Michael Fischer episodeJocelynn Pearl episodeAlbert Anis episodeLaura Minquini episodeHow Your Brain’s Nightly Cleanse Keeps It HealthyDeSci WikiBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: biotech beauty, space biotech, skin care, biomanufacturing, longevity, extremophiles  Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Karen Ingram, Creative Director & Designer at Karen Ingram & Associates, Inc. From her iconic Biogenetic Blooms—Petri dish paintings made with living yeast—to her innovative teaching with BioBuilder and playful experiments like Fallacy Bingo, Karen shows how science and creativity can merge to inspire broader engagement with biotechnology. She shares stories from the early Brooklyn biohacker days, reflects on teaching teenagers to think critically about designing life, and explains how art, games, and design can shape the future of the bioeconomy. This is where art truly meets agar—transforming living microbes into canvases and reimagining the possibilities of biodesign.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:(00:00:00): Summer travel in the Hamptons.(00:01:35): Sag Harbor’s Whaling History – The town’s past as a whaling hub using whale oil.(00:02:31): From Bioeconomy to Petrochemicals – Petroleum discovery quickly ends whaling.(00:03:59): The Basque Whalers – Early European whaling led by the Basques.(00:04:54): Positive Whale News – Australia’s humpback whales are making a comeback.(00:07:08): The Genetic Manual – Penn study finds 25% of young ICU patients have treatment-altering mutations.(00:08:22): The Healthcare Gap – Why advanced health data isn’t used enough.(00:11:08): The Wood Wide Web – Mapping underground mushroom networks that link ecosystems.(00:14:11): Meet Karen Ingram.(00:16:28): Karen’s Origin Story – Interest in tech and nature leads her to synthetic biology.(00:17:58): Early Brooklyn Biotech – Genspace and starting bio-art projects.(00:19:51): Biogenetic Blooms – Karen paints flowers in Petri dishes with engineered yeast.(00:24:19): Teaching BioBuilder – Co-authoring a book for teens on synbio and ethics.(00:28:13): Designing for Accessibility – Making biotech exciting and easy to understand.(00:29:44): Fallacy Bingo – Creating a game mixing nightlife with logical fallacies.(00:36:31): Collab Futures – Building collaborations between scientists and creatives.(00:38:28): Gaming in Science – Using games for emotional, memorable science communication.(00:45:57): Biotech Collaborations – Karen’s stop-motion art with Triton Bio.(00:48:50): A tool Karen can’t live without(00:49:34): A SynBio project she’d revisit.(00:49:51): Misconceptions about mixing art and science.(00:50:12): Defining her true studio(00:52:40): Super Convergence – Why merging disciplines matters.(00:54:20): Endless Biotech Jobs – Encouragement for newcomers to explore creative biotech careers.Links and Resources:Karen Ingram & Associates Inc.Biogenetic BloomsBiobat Biobuilder - Synthetic Biology in the Lab Natalie KuldellKaren Ingram SubstackFallacy BingoCoLab FuturesGenspace Caveat - Facts Machine: Science Comedy Trivia NightTritonBioDan GrushkinMegan PalmerCasey Lardner The Patient Will See You Know by Eric Topol Drivas lab demonstrates the benefit of genetic testing in critically ill adultsSociety for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)BioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Dr. Kyle Landry, President and Co-founder of Delavie Sciences, to explore how extremophiles—microbes that survive in the harshest environments on Earth and space—are unlocking new frontiers in skincare and longevity. Kyle shares his unconventional path from food science to biodefense to NASA collaborations, revealing how a microbe that survived 18 months outside the International Space Station became the foundation for a groundbreaking sunscreen ingredient. The conversation dives into longevity science, microbial resilience, the future of skincare as true preventative health, and the entrepreneurial challenge of scaling biotech innovations from test tube to industrial reactors.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?Links and Resources:Chris Mason Episode Kate Rubins Episode Erika DeBenedictis EpisodeLifespan.ioFight Aging! Delavie Sciences David Sinclair’s Novel - Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To Efficacy of a Novel SPF Booster Based on Research Aboard the International Space StationNASA iTECHChapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction to the episode and the Grow Everything podcast(00:00:49) - Aging by Biotech NYC event overview(00:03:35) - Tips on being a great moderator(00:04:03) - Keys to moderating well: preparation and audience engagement(00:07:20) - Notable absence of space topics at longevity event(00:09:40) - Guest introduction: Dr. Kyle Landry and his background(00:10:13) - Story of how the hosts met Kyle Landry(00:11:42) - Career journey from food science to skincare(00:14:27) - Inspiration from space research leading to Delavie Sciences(00:17:25) - How Delavie’s product works at a molecular level for sun protection and anti-aging(00:20:43) - Evolution of the space microbe and cultivation on Earth(00:22:31) - What it means for a microbe to “sit outside the space station”(00:23:26) - Professional connections with other Grow Everything guests, Chris Mason and Dr. Kate Rubins(00:24:29) - Potential for Delavie to expand beyond skincare into new industries(00:26:11) - Lessons from researching extremophiles and challenges of working with new organisms(00:28:22) - Role in mentoring students and researchers(00:31:36) - Rethinking health and resilience in biotechnology(00:33:20) - Exploring the “product versus platform” dilemma in biotech entrepreneurship(00:34:48) - How Delavie functions as both a technology platform and a product company(00:36:29) - Corporate partnerships and product applications of Delavie’s ingredients(00:38:53) - Clarification: using microbial compounds, not live bacteria, in products(00:39:59) - Importance of protecting the skin microbiome without disrupting it(00:42:46) - The future of skincare and longevity(00:45:03) - Quick-fire questions begin(00:45:19) - Weirdest place to hunt for a microbe(00:45:31) - Bio-fact most people don’t believe but should(00:46:48) - Personal skincare non-negotiable(00:48:20) - Would you rather halt or reverse aging?(00:48:51) - Weirdest place a sample has been collected(00:51:14) - Post-interview reflections and discussion(00:52:54) - Takeaways from the interview and the concept of convergence(00:54:03) - Conversation on Umami flavor and UV light spectrums(00:56:00) - Regulatory differences in sunscreen between the US and Europe(00:58:14) - Announcement of the BioFabricate Fair and listener discount codeTopics Covered: biotech beauty, space biotech, skin care, biomanufacturing, longevity, extremophiles  Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

Karl and Erum speak with Richard Traherne of Capgemini Invent and Cambridge Consultants, where they explore the explosive convergence of engineering biology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation. Richard reveals how programmable biology is catalyzing a new industrial revolution—transitioning biotech from niche innovation to foundational infrastructure across sectors like food, fashion, personal care, and manufacturing. From building predictive bio-labs to deploying proprietary large language models for enzyme design, Richard shares how his team is helping companies leap from conceptual curiosity to commercial readiness. The conversation dives into challenges faced by both bio-literate and bio-novice enterprises, the importance of storytelling and regulatory support, and how a truly bio-native design mindset can unlock regenerative, high-performance solutions. This episode is a must-listen for biotech professionals, sustainability strategists, and innovation leaders eager to scale with intention in the emerging bioeconomy.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:00:00:00 - Stepping Into the Era of Programmable Biology00:01:04 - Inside a Workshop on Designing Life with Code00:06:31 - Longevity Breakthroughs: Tackling Aging with Biotech00:08:40 - The Beauty Revolution Powered by Regenerative Biology00:12:31 - Turning Biotech Ideas into Market-Ready Innovations00:14:05 - Spotlight Conversation with Richard Traherne00:32:34 - Slashing Discovery Costs in Energy and Fuels00:33:03 - The Real-World Hurdles of Bringing Biology to Life00:33:41 - Winning Trust in Bioengineered Solutions00:36:13 - Scaling Biology to Power the Global Bioeconomy00:41:12 - How AI Is Supercharging Biotechnology00:44:42 - Engineering Biology for a Sustainable Future00:48:39 - Game-Changing Bio Projects and Their Ripple Effects00:52:30 - What’s Next for the Future of Engineering Biology00:55:32 - Quickfire Insights and Closing ThoughtsLinks and Resources:109. Long Live Vitalia: The City Where Aging Slows and Innovation Accelerates With Niklas Anzinger137. Hack to the Future: Shelby Newsad on Biohacking Breakthroughs50. The Dye-Hard Innovator: Natsai Chieza Designs Change for the Fashion Industry and the WorldCapgemini Engineering Biology Report: Access here Capgemini Lab Breakthrough hereCapgemini CRI: Unlocking the potential of engineering biology: The time is nowCapgemini x WEF: From Policy to Practice: Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial BioeconomyCapgemini x WEF: Next Generation Bio-Innovation: Delivering Commercial ValueCapgemini x WEF: Accelerating the tech-driven bioeconomy⁠Topics Covered: biotech consulting, bioengineering, innovation adoption, integration, bio-based, systems biologyHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

In this episode of Grow Everything, Erum sits down with Momo Vuyisich and Guruduth (Guru) Banavar of Viome to explore how decoding the human microbiome could transform the way we understand and treat disease. From the depletion of beneficial gut bacteria to the cutting-edge use of AI in precision health, Momo and Guru share how Viome’s technology turns deep biological insights into actionable, personalized health recommendations. Along the way, they connect the dots between gut science, chronic illness prevention, and the massive opportunity for biomanufacturing to deliver scalable wellness solutions. This is a conversation that blends molecular biology with real-world impact—perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of synthetic biology, health tech, and sustainability.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:00:00:00 - Kicking Off Grow Everything with Big Biotech Energy00:00:39 - Bright Spots and Breakthroughs Lighting Up the Biotech World00:02:12 - How Policy Shapes the Future of Scientific Discovery00:03:43 - Farming the Future: Biotech’s Role in Agriculture00:05:12 - Plastics, Planet Health, and the Human Cost00:08:18 - Unlocking the Secrets of the Human Microbiome00:09:11 - Meet the Visionaries Behind Viome00:15:18 - RNA Revealed: The Tiny Molecule with a Massive Health Impact00:24:46 - AI Meets Your Plate: The Science of Personalized Nutrition00:38:52 - Peering Into Life’s Code with Molecular Models and AI00:39:40 - What Sequencing Data Can Really Tell Us00:40:29 - Surprising Microbiome Patterns You’ve Never Heard Of00:42:47 - How Steady Is Your Gut’s Microbial Universe?00:43:47 - The Lasting Effects of Antibiotics on Your Microbiome00:45:55 - Real Stories from Viome Clients Changing Their Health00:50:17 - Behind the Scenes of Viome’s Clinical Collaborations00:52:19 - Reimagining the Future of Healthcare00:55:34 - Lightning Round: Quick Questions, Big Insights01:02:38 - Connecting the Dots Between RNA and the Microbiome01:08:36 - Signing Off with What’s Next in the Biotech SpaceLinks and Resources:⁠Use Code: GROWEVERYTHING25 to save $110 on a Viome Full Body Intelligence™ Test.  Valid through 2025Viome Publications Illumina29. Gut Check with Stephanie Culler: Persephone’s Quest for Microbiome BreakthroughsBioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! Topics Covered: Gut microbiome, oral and skin microbiome, AI, microbiome testing kit Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media