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
In this special episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum pull back the curtain on their own operations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast came to life. They discuss the core mission of sharing innovative bioengineering breakthroughs, the challenges of maintaining a weekly podcast, and the team behind it all. From the technical intricacies of biomanufacturing to the strategic communications needed to make those breakthroughs accessible to a wider audience, this episode reflects on the journey, growth, and impact of the Grow Everything platform. With a mix of humor and passion for sustainability, Erum and Karl continue their mission to educate and inspire those working at the cutting edge of synthetic biology and the 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 - Kicking Off the Conversation: What’s on the Horizon?00:00:13 - Welcome to the Grow Everything Podcast: Let’s Dive In!00:00:29 - Taking You Inside Grow Everything: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain00:01:03 - From Idea to Reality: How the Podcast Came to Life00:04:27 - The Roadblocks, the Breakthroughs: What’s Shaped Our Journey00:06:24 - Crafting the Perfect Biotech Story: Marketing with Purpose00:08:08 - Changing the Game: How Our Guests Redefine the Future00:17:11 - Hot Takes on Biotech: What’s Overhyped and What’s Real?00:19:30 - How to Connect with Founders: Elevating Their Narrative00:21:15 - Uncovering Hidden Biotech Gems: The Innovators Who Deserve the Spotlight00:23:53 - The Power of the Podcast: How We Help Our Clients Shine00:27:48 - A Vision for 2030: Dream Guests and Big Ideas00:32:14 - Rapid Fire: Fun Facts, Favorites, and More!00:36:12 - Wrapping Up: A Peek at What’s Next and Future GuestsLinks and Resources:What's Your Biostrategy?MessaginglabAmplafy Media 90. Flipping the Light Switch on Cells: Deniz Kent of Prolific Machines116. Cell Yeah for Space!: Pioneer Labs' Erika DeBenedictis on Engineering Life for Mars93. Houston, We Have a Protocol: NASA's Kate Rubins on Biotech in Space76. Not Boring Century of Biotech with Elliot HershbergDavid De Lucreiza on LinkedInTopics Covered: science communications, podcast creation, podcast origin, biotech messaging, startupsHave 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, hosts Karl and Erum dive into the world of community biology with Dr. Casey Lardner, Executive Director of Genspace. They explore how this groundbreaking Brooklyn lab is reimagining who gets to participate in science — and how. From radical accessibility and inclusive education to the launch of Gotham Foundry, Casey shares how Genspace is cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. This is a conversation about science as a shared resource, where artists, bioengineers, and everyday citizens all have a seat at the bench.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 to Grow Everything: Where Bio Meets the World00:00:25 - Guest Co-Host Sabriya Stukes Drops In — Backyard BBQ to Biotech00:01:18 - What’s Buzzing in Biotech: Founders, VCs & Sound Baths00:03:48 - Redefining Community: Beyond Buzzwords in Bio00:06:38 - Genspace Unveiled: Brooklyn’s Portal to Public Science00:10:41 - From Chemistry to Community: Casey’s Unexpected Path to Genspace00:13:40 - Inside Genspace: Culture, Creativity, and the Curious00:22:06 - Radical Access: Building Biotech for Everyone00:28:55 - Live from Ilmar 2025: Big Ideas, Big Shifts00:37:35 - What’s Next? Introducing Gotham Foundry00:39:25 - Fueling Founders: How Genspace Sparks Startups00:40:23 - Why NYC is the Place to Grow Bio Right Now00:41:53 - Stay Curious: The Secret Ingredient in Science00:43:26 - Can AI Help Democratize Biology? Genspace Thinks So00:46:51 - Where Art Meets Genome: The Power of Story in Science00:51:28 - Bold Visions: What the Future Looks Like at Genspace00:55:49 - The Pulse of NYC Biotech: Reflections and Real TalkLinks and Resources:Genspace OpenPlant Genspace - growing your own insulin?Asilomar ReportsGotham FoundryIndieBioNewLab BioLabsBioFab Fair: Use promo code: GROW10 Story ColliderCaveat Facts MachineTopics Covered: biotech, community biotech, community hub, biomaterials, bio-based ingredients, GenspaceHave 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 thought-provoking episode of Grow Everything, host Karl sits down with Suzanne Lee, founder of Biofabricate and pioneer in the biomaterials revolution, for a conversation that redefines how we think about material innovation. With passion and precision, Suzanne shares her journey from fashion design to biodesign, revealing how her early experiments with growing microbial cellulose led to the launch of a global movement toward sustainable, biology-based materials. They explore how biology and culture are converging, why “natural” doesn’t always mean better, and how collaboration—not competition—is key to transforming industries like fashion, architecture, and consumer goods. If you're curious about the future of sustainable materials, circular design, and how the bioeconomy is taking shape through strategic partnerships and visionary creativity, this is the episode 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:00:00:00 - Welcome to Grow Everything: Big Questions Start Here00:00:32 - Can AI Become Conscious? Let’s Get Weird00:03:18 - Where Code Meets Cells: AI x Biology00:05:06 - From Metal Bands to Microbes in Mumbai00:09:22 - Meet Suzanne Lee: The Woman Who Grows Materials00:24:48 - Innovation Isn’t Fast—But It’s Worth It00:25:14 - Sometimes Old Tech is the Real Disruptor00:26:17 - Designing 2050: Biology Will Shape Everything00:27:05 - How to Break Free from Extraction00:27:30 - New Tech, New Rules: Use With Intention00:29:49 - What’s Next in Biofabrication (It’s Wild)00:31:55 - How Do We Make Bio Go Mainstream?00:36:35 - Why Great Design Is a Bio Superpower00:40:06 - Rapid-Fire with Suzanne Lee: Future, Fears & Fun00:44:44 - Final Thoughts + What’s Coming from BiofabricateLinks and Resources:BioFab Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend! BiofabricateChatGPT Religion: The Disturbing AI CultIndia Boasts 11,000 Biotech StartupsTerrarium - sustainable materials consultancyEcovativePolybion H&M FoundationLondon Design WeekLondon Fashion WeekBIOME ConsortiaAround The World in 80 Fabrics Around the WorldTopics Covered: biotech beauty, skincare, endocrine disrupting chemicals, endometriosis, consumer biotech, supply chain, manufacturing, clean beauty, product design 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
In this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with Shelby Newsad, Partner at Compound, to unpack the explosive rise of consumer biotech, biohacking, and radical health optimization. Shelby shares inside stories from Compound’s Biohacker Demo Day, exploring how crypto funding, accessible blood testing, and personal health data are reshaping the future of healthcare. From peptides and proteome sequencing to fire-breathing dragons and continuous glucose monitors, this conversation dives deep into how individuals are reclaiming agency over their biology. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of synthetic biology, longevity, and culture, this is a must-listen.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: Why Biotech Is So Hard to Build00:00:17 - Road Trips & Montreal: Hosts Trade Vacation Tales00:02:05 - Big Hikes & Life Lessons on the Road00:02:41 - Is AI Making Us Dumber? A Brainy Debate00:05:52 - Stem Cells for Cats & Dogs: A Pet Health Revolution00:07:28 - Longevity Hacks & Biohacking Breakthroughs00:11:09 - Inside Biohacking Demo Day: Shelby Sets the Stage00:14:13 - Taking Control: How Biohackers Are Changing Healthcare00:17:19 - Why Your Own Health Data Is the Next Big Thing00:21:58 - Crypto Meets Science: New Ways to Fund Biotech00:26:31 - The Coming Wave of Personalized Health00:28:16 - The Surge in Consumer Blood Testing00:29:40 - How Often Should You Really Get Blood Panels?00:30:33 - Merging Health Data with AI for Real Results00:33:52 - Brian Johnson Drops Biohacking Truth Bombs00:40:06 - Making Biohacking for Everyone: Price & Access00:42:39 - Wild & Unexpected Biohacks to Watch00:46:01 - Next Frontier: Proteomics & the Future of Health00:48:22 - Lightning Round: Biohacking Hot Takes & Sign-OffLinks and Resources:CompoundUnion Square VenturesReady-made stem cell therapies for pets could be comingPump.ScienceNeutraOatFulcraPacagenRhythm HealthChargeless MitoBryan Johnson Topics Covered: biotech beauty, skincare, endocrine disrupting chemicals, endometriosis, consumer biotech, supply chain, manufacturing, clean beauty, product design 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
Karl and Erum bring on Dr. Alexander Titus, a commissioner on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to explore the exciting and challenging intersections of biotechnology and policy. Alexander shares his experiences from his unique journey across academia, government, and industry, diving into the role of biosecurity, the potential of synthetic biology, and the emerging convergence of tech and bio. They discuss ambitious projects like de-extincting the woolly mammoth, advances in biodefense, and the impacts of AI on biotech innovation. It’s a conversation that sheds light on how cutting-edge biotech could shape the future and the necessary balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.\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 - Behind the Scenes of Bureaucracy00:00:30 - Democracy’s Turning Point00:02:23 - A Fiery Day in Prospect Park00:04:20 - How Spaces Shape Our Health00:08:35 - Enter Alexander Titus: Biosecurity Visionary00:10:13 - Biotech: The New Face of National Defense00:15:09 - Where Tech and Policy Collide00:23:10 - The Future of Biosecurity Unfolds00:28:02 - Bold Science vs. Ethical Boundaries00:30:24 - Robotics Meets Biotech: What’s Next?00:33:29 - Hard Lessons from Cross-Industry Giants00:35:49 - Innovation Clashes with Red Tape00:36:11 - The Power of Expertise in Shaping Policy00:42:26 - Biotech’s Hidden Environmental Risks00:45:42 - The Commission’s Bold Path Forward00:48:45 - Parting Thoughts: What Lies AheadTopics Covered: biotech, biosecurity, national security commission on emerging biotechnology, policyEpisode Links: The Wild Life of Our Bodies by Robb Dunn Geerat Vermeij BTO - Biological Technologies Office of DARPA Bioeconomy.XYZ The Nobel Turing Challenge Range by David Epstein NSCEB Interim Report AI Safety Institute The Echo Wife by Sara GaileyHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / GrowEverything websiteEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media
Karl and Erum sit down with Elle Black, a product designer and manufacturing strategist whose journey into the world of skincare, AI, and biology is anything but typical. Elle shares how her background in physical product development led her to dive deep into the supplement and cosmetics industries—spaces rich with opportunity and riddled with misinformation. From decoding the intricacies of INCI labeling to navigating unregulated beauty markets, she unpacks what it really takes to build responsible, scalable consumer products. Whether you're in biotech, product innovation, or sustainability, Elle's perspective on building smarter—from ingredients to algorithms—will resonate.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 - Cracking Open the Beauty Industry Mystery00:00:36 - The Cosmic Luck of Being Human00:02:34 - Can We Hack Aging? Let’s Try00:07:40 - Elle Black Joins: Skin, Science & Secrets00:15:17 - Elle’s Origin Story + Clean Beauty Truths00:33:10 - The Truth About Odor-Eating Deodorants00:34:11 - Beauty Products vs. Your Fridge00:35:40 - Why Cold Shipping Costs More Than You Think00:36:31 - Calling Out the Hidden in Beauty Labels00:38:29 - Why I Created a Skincare Ritual That Listens00:39:45 - Your Hormones, Your Glow—Deeply Linked00:40:33 - A Skincare App That Knows Your Cycle00:45:19 - What Men Don’t Know About Their Skincare00:53:32 - What’s Next: AI, Supplements & Radical Transparency00:56:38 - Reflections, Mic Drops & Future MovesLinks and Resources:Same SkincareLifespan by David SinclairTranscendence by Ray KurzweilSkinceuticalsSymbiomeEndoFoundTopics Covered: biotech beauty, skincare, endocrine disrupting chemicals, endometriosis, consumer biotech, supply chain, manufacturing, clean beauty, product design 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
Karl and Erum are joined by Nancy Diniz, Co-Founder of bioMATTERS LLC, to explore the future of biodesign and sustainable materials. Drawing on her background in architecture and digital fabrication, Nancy unpacks how bioMATTERS is creating novel mycelium- and microbe-based materials that are not only biodegradable but alive. The conversation traverses speculative design, the challenge of scaling living materials, and the cultural shift needed to embrace biology as a partner in production. With humor and insight, Nancy shares how her work sits at the intersection of art, science, and ecology—and why the next generation of materials must be rooted in systems thinking.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 - From Kitchen Experiments to Living Systems: Nancy’s DIY Biodesign Spark00:00:28 - Protests, Purpose, and Speaking Up in a Wild World00:02:10 - The Future Is Biotech: From AI in Pharma to Bio-powered Skin Care00:04:32 - L’Oreal Meets Nvidia: The Unexpected Longevity Alliance00:08:17 - Meet Nancy Diniz: Architect Turned Biodesign Trailblazer00:15:22 - Clay, Craft, and Mycelium: Where Earth Meets Engineered Biology00:21:13 - Breaking the Mold: How Nancy Navigates the Unknown in Biodesign00:23:45 - Happy Accidents: Why Biodesign Thrives on Trial and Error00:25:10 - New Frontiers: Biomanufacturing Takes Center Stage00:25:50 - When Design Dreams Collide with Biological Reality00:27:00 - The Ethics of Growing with Care in Biodesign00:29:44 - Meet Symbi: Nancy’s Living Material with a Message00:32:10 - From Petri Dish to Production: The Real Challenge of Scale00:34:48 - What Ancient Pottery Can Teach Us About Tomorrow’s Materials00:37:08 - Future Tools: What’s Next in the Biodesign Toolkit00:40:00 - Dreaming Out Loud: Nancy’s Vision for Biofuturistic Design00:42:24 - Start in the Kitchen: Nancy’s Call to the Next Generation of Biodesigners00:44:25 - Final Reflections: Staying Curious in a Biotech WorldLinks and Resources:bioMatters founded by Nancy Diniz and Frank MelendezCentral Saint Martins MA Biodesign courseAncient Futures Exhibit, featuring bioMatters workROMANIA or HUNGARY Mushroom capMerck Digital Sciences StudiosL’Oréal teams up with NvidiaNucleus Genomics offers to optimize embryosNSCEB Roadshow Summer 2025BioDesign Challenge GenspaceTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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
Karl and Erum speak with Dr. Angela M. Belcher, MIT professor and pioneer in bioinspired materials, about how biology can transform the way we manufacture sustainable technologies. Drawing inspiration from how abalone build shells and viruses assemble structures, Angela shares how her lab uses genetically engineered viruses—like M13 bacteriophage—to grow batteries, solar cells, and cancer-targeting materials at room temperature without harmful chemicals. Her work reimagines the periodic table as a design toolkit and shows how nature’s strategies can help us build cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable solutions.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 with Biology, Innovation & Big Ideas00:00:21 - AI, Simulation Theory & Prompting the Future00:01:57 - Fungi Meets Art: Mycelium’s Creative Frontier00:02:44 - Can Synthetic Biology Save the Planet?00:05:54 - Meet Dr. Angela Belcher: Visionary in Biofabrication00:06:29 - Abalone Shells: Nature’s Blueprint for Smart Materials00:14:13 - Biotech Meets National Security: A Strategic Frontier00:25:23 - Building Tomorrow’s Scientists: Starting with Kids00:26:09 - Sparking Curiosity in the Next Generation00:27:00 - Science in Motion: Dodge Ball & Discovery00:27:53 - Resurrecting the Past: Biodiversity Through Time00:30:01 - Tackling the Grand Challenges in Biomanufacturing00:32:02 - From Bench to Nation: Scaling U.S. Biotech00:36:03 - Mining, Carbon & Clean Tech: A Greener Path00:38:42 - The Future of Biofabrication: What Comes Next?00:40:53 - Angela’s Journey: Curiosity, Grit & What’s Ahead00:43:32 - Final Reflections: Science, Society & What Matters MostLinks and Resources:NSCEBNSCEB REPORT: Charting the Future of Biotechnology GenspaceBen Lamm on Joe Rogan ExperienceScientists use synthetic biology to address urgent sustainability challengesThe Age of Living Machines by Susan HockfieldTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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
Karl and Erum sit down with Erika Milczek, CEO and founder of Curie Co, to explore how synthetic biology is rewriting the rules of modern chemistry. Erika, a former Merck chemist, shares her journey from Big Pharma to launching a biotech startup that engineers enzymes to replace legacy chemicals in personal care and consumer goods. With insights grounded in regulatory shifts, manufacturing scalability, and the power of directed evolution, Erika discusses how her team is building a “biotech alternative to petroleum-based chemistry.” Whether you're curious about enzyme engineering, bioindustrial startups, or how synthetic biology can drive sustainability in everyday products, this episode delivers a high-energy, deeply technical, and inspiring dive into the future of materials 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/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to the Future: Setting the Stage00:00:22 - Juggling Labs, Life, and Launchpads00:01:27 - Terraforming Mars? Let’s Dream Big00:04:58 - Joe Rogan, Speciation, and Sci-Fi Tangents00:10:08 - Biotech Beauty Week: Innovation on Display00:14:13 - Meet Erika Milczek: Enzymes Over Everything00:33:03 - Feeding the Bug: The Spark Behind Discovery00:35:15 - Scaling Science: What Makes Commercialization Hard00:35:51 - Why Partnerships Make or Break Biotech00:38:02 - Following the Rules: Regulatory Shifts & Product Strategy00:42:48 - From the Lab to RTP: Building in Biotech's Backyard00:45:37 - Ecosystem First: How to Build Bio Economies00:50:01 - Fundraising Real Talk: Investors, Guts & Growth00:53:50 - Biomanufacturing Is Just Getting Started00:56:29 - Let’s Talk Packaging: Biotech’s Next Frontier00:59:52 - Wrapping Up: Lessons, Hope, and What’s NextLinks and Resources:Curie CoMars: One Day on the Red Planet (film)Marsbound by Joe Haldeman (book) The case for Mars terraforming research (Erika de Benedicts research paper)Ben Lamm on Joe Rogan ExperienceDire Wolf on the cover to Time MagazineSupplier's Day 2025 during Messaginglab's unofficial Biotech Beauty WeekCapsum - microfluidics contract manufacturingP2 company - conditioning agentsTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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
Karl and Erum are joined by Dr. Ashley Beckwith, Founder & CEO of Foray Bioscience, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of biomaterials and the emerging role of plant culture in shaping it. Ashley unpacks how Foray is pioneering new approaches to growing materials directly from plant cells, redefining how we produce, restore, and preserve biological resources. The episode explores the untapped potential of plant culture in bioproduction, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity preservation when applied with care and intention. Ashley shares her path from growing up in Colorado to pursuing mechanical engineering and bioengineering, and how that interdisciplinary foundation ultimately led her to start Foray. Throughout the conversation, Ashley describes how Foray is building the foundational infrastructure for plant culture. The company develops core capabilities from the ground up and then partners with others to scale and specialize applications. This platform-based approach reflects Foray’s belief that unlocking the full potential of plant systems requires a collaborative ecosystem rather than the efforts of a single company.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 with a Big Question: Can We Rebuild Nature from the Cell Up?00:00:15 - Summer Vibes and Bio Talk: Memorial Day Weekend Catch-Up00:00:46 - Synbio Beta Sparks: The Pulse of Next-Gen Biotech00:02:27 - Argentina to IndieBio: The Unstoppable Founders You Need to Know00:04:01 - Biotech Gets Corporate: The Rise of Strategic Venture Funds00:05:11 - Deal Flow & Discovery: HC Wainwright’s Biotech Bash00:08:18 - Brooklyn Bio Buzz: A Night Out with the Community00:10:24 - From the Explorers Club to Seed Vaults: Sci-Fi Meets Soil00:11:22 - Meet Dr. Asheley Beckwith: Engineering the Future of Fashion with Cells00:27:35 - Biology Meets Ecology: How Engineered Plants Could Aid Conservation00:30:12 - Sci-Fi to Soil: Fabricating Seeds for Extinct Ecosystems00:32:21 - The Wild Frontier: Overcoming the Barriers in Plant Cell Cultivation00:45:52 - Nature Meets Code: Using AI to Unlock the Secrets of Plants00:50:20 - Imagining Tomorrow: The Vision Behind ForayBio’s Living Materials00:51:50 - Full Circle: Final Reflections from the Edge of BiodesignLinks and Resources:Foray BiosciencesSF500 (Argentinian Global Venture Fund)Syensqo Corporate Venture FundH.C. WainwrightUniversity of Vermont - Dr. Steve KellerUniversity of Maryland - Dr. Matt FitzpatrickTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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 energetic recap of SynBioBeta 2025, Erum and Karl bring listeners straight into the heart of the year’s most important synthetic biology gathering. From Drew Endy’s visionary keynote on distributed, localized manufacturing to the ever-present theme of AI as the enabler of hyperscale biology, this episode unpacks the biggest ideas shaping the future of biomanufacturing and materials innovation. The duo reflect on how the conference architecture—from hallway conversations to main stage moments—facilitated cross-disciplinary collisions and bold discussions about biology as the foundational infrastructure of the 21st century. Whether you're a bioengineer, startup founder, or investor, this debrief connects the dots between culture, technology, and sustainability in the evolving 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 – Kicking Off with Erum & Karl: SynBio Banter and Big Energy00:00:34 – Straight from San Jose: SynBioBeta 2025, Unpacked00:01:05 – Imagining 2050: Drew Endy's Blueprint for a Biological Future00:02:25 – Bio Meets Geopolitics: Why Localized Manufacturing is Liberation00:03:20 – Not Just Biology—Infrastructure for a New Economy00:03:45 – Who is Drew Endy? The Mind Behind SynBio’s Movement00:04:32 – Inside the Conference: Boots on the Ground at San Jose00:05:29 – Hyperscale Bio is Here: AI + SynBio = Exponential Potential00:07:16 – Biopharma in the Hot Seat: What’s Holding the Sector Back?00:09:20 – Protein Design Gets Creative: Custom-Built Biology Takes Stage00:19:53 – Space, Security, and the Pentagon’s Synthetic Playbook00:28:42 – Best of the Breakouts: Panels, Pitches, and Power Moves00:32:02 – Bio Beyond the Hype: What Practitioners Really Need to Know00:32:29 – The Dirty Biology Manifesto: Getting Real with Nature00:33:14 – Strategic Alliances Panel: Where Collaboration Meets Competition00:33:52 – Deal Drama: Why Biotech Partnerships Are So Hard to Land00:37:48 – Beauty in 2030: The Biodesign Revolution in Personal Care00:39:22 – State of Funding: Who's Still Betting on Biotech?00:41:59 – Rethinking Capital: Creative Models for SynBio Startups00:46:43 – Longevity, Hype, and the Future of Human Lifespan00:53:12 – What We Learned: Reflections, Revelations, and Real Talk00:54:16 – Final Words: Gratitude, Community, and What’s NextLinks and Resources:SynBioBetaDrew Endy – Stanford ProfessorConstructive BioBiomatterCradle BioIFF (International Flavors and Fragrances)BIOMADEDARPA BTONASARhodium ScientificLinkgevityAmplify VenturesStarlab SpaceCultivariumAmple AgricultureCargillP&GInsempraBIOWEGHawkwood BiotechGreen BioactivesCellugyOneSkinPlasmidsaurusTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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
Erum sits down with Michael Heltzen, CEO of eXoZymes, to dive into the transformative world of cell-free biomanufacturing. Michael shares the origin story of ExoZymes—from a student bioengineering dream at UCLA to ringing the NASDAQ bell—and unpacks why scalability, sustainability, and design thinking are central to the next generation of biotech. If you're curious about how biology can be engineered without living cells, what it takes to commercialize breakthrough science, or how new business models in synthetic biology are emerging, this is the episode for you. Get ready to rethink what’s possible when biology breaks free from the cell wall.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 – Unlocking a New Era: Rethinking Natural Resources for the Future00:00:17 – SynBioBeta Afterglow: Late Nights, Big Ideas, and Bio Buzz00:02:39 – Breaking the Cell Wall: The Power of Cell-Free Biomanufacturing00:03:33 – Meet Michael Heltzen: The Visionary Behind the Next Bio Revolution00:09:54 – Inside NCTX: The Molecule That Might Change Everything00:16:06 – No Scale, No Impact: Tackling SynBio’s Toughest Bottlenecks00:26:43 – From Supplements to Cures: Bio’s Leap Across Sectors00:27:19 – AI x Enzymes: Cracking Nature’s Code in Real Time00:28:06 – Making Biology Predictable: ML Meets Molecular Design00:30:14 – Faster Than Nature: How AI Shrinks Production Timelines00:33:29 – Go-to-Market Moves: Biotech Strategy for the Real World00:36:07 – Bio Click™: Targeted Enzymes with Industrial Precision00:38:38 – Life After the Bell: IPOs, Growth, and Big Bio Energy00:42:29 – Zooming Out: Big-Picture Thinking for What Comes NextLinks and Resources:eXoZymesNCTx BioClickTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave 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
Karl and Erum revisit their energetic and unfiltered recap of SynBioBeta 2024. With candid reflections on the conference and the broader synthetic biology ecosystem, they spotlight key trends including the rise of accessible community bio labs, decentralized events like the Biopunk gathering, and the convergence of deep tech and culture. This is not your average event recap—it's a tour through the evolving architecture of the bioeconomy, from the mainstream to the fringes. Whether you missed the event or want to relive the highlights, this episode captures the pulse of where biotech is heading.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 Back! Why This Replay Matters00:00:14 - SynBioBeta 2024: The Moments That Blew Our Minds00:01:40 - The Biopunk Underground: Bio for All, No Badge Required00:03:11 - Serendipity, Old Friends & Building the SynBio Tribe00:05:43 - Black Mirror or Just the Future? Wild Tech at the Edge of Medicine00:08:04 - AI-Generated Soundtracks & the New Synesthetic Biology00:12:16 - Brewing Bio at Home: DIY Fermentation, Micro-Growth & More00:16:05 - SynBioBeta 2025 Teasers & The AI Takeover of Bio Design00:25:26 - When Space Meets Biomanufacturing: New Frontiers in Orbit00:33:12 - From Mycelium to Mind Expansion: The Psychedelic Thread00:42:08 - Big Names, Bigger Bets: Who Showed Up and Why It Matters00:42:43 - L’Oréal Goes Biotech: The Beauty of Strategic Collabs00:44:31 - Are You a Platform or a Product? The Debate That Won’t Die00:46:48 - Where the Money Is: What Investors Really Want in 202500:51:28 - How to Crush a Conference (Without Burning Out)00:55:01 - CEO Power Lunches and Glowing Plants: Yes, Really00:59:46 - When Bioluminescence Meets Culture: Awe, Meaning & Light01:06:16 - Heroes, Hacks, and the People Moving Bio Forward01:09:33 - Swag, Specimens & Scenes from the Expo Hall01:15:28 - Looking Ahead: What’s Next in the Bio RevolutionLinks and Resources:MessaginglabBiopunk Lab What Are Binaural Beats?Genspace Topics Covered: biomanufacturing, synbiobeta, recaps, black mirror, functional musicHave 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
Erum and Karl break down a concept they've lived and breathed—but rarely spelled out: orchestration. If you're building a startup in synthetic biology or advanced materials, this is a must-listen deep dive into how influence is built before your product lands or your funding closes. They pull back the curtain on how to create "value chain syndicates," why intros aren’t just intros, and how real biotech momentum comes from aligning stakeholders across an entire ecosystem—not just impressing one customer.Taped just ahead of SynBioBeta 2025, this episode crackles with tactical wisdom, from designing credibility scaffolds to creating the conditions for inbound interest before traditional biz dev ever kicks in. Orchestration, they argue, is the true differentiator in biotech's current era—more critical than science alone.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 – Gearing Up: SynBioBeta Buzz and Real-World Prep00:02:18 – Why Orchestration Is Biotech’s Unspoken Superpower00:05:25 – What’s Really Blocking Biotech from Breaking Through?00:08:10 – K18 Hair: A Masterclass in Vertical Bio-Play00:10:09 – Ecosystem Marketing: The Influence Strategy No One Talks About00:16:15 – How to Engineer Ecosystems That Actually Work00:22:20 – What’s Peaking in Biotech? Trends You Can’t Ignore00:27:08 – The Orchestration Era: Your Next Move Starts NowLinks and Resources:MessaginglabNational Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology's Report: Charting the Future of BiotechnologyTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, value chain orchestration, supply chains, supply networks, ecosystem building, ecosystem marketing, influencing, business development, strategyHave 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
Karl and Erum reconnect with Eben Bayer, Board Chair at MyForest Foods, for a compelling follow-up conversation on the evolution of mycelium-based food products. Eben dives deep into the scaling journey of MyBacon, a plant-based bacon alternative created through solid-state fermentation using gourmet mushroom mycelium. From early experiments producing just six packs a week to now operating at multiple farms across North America and Europe, Eben outlines the technical, economic, and operational hurdles his team has overcome. Listeners will discover how MyForest Foods is pioneering a distributed, farm-based manufacturing model and why MyBacon is outpacing pork bacon in select markets. If you're curious about biomaterials, novel fermentation tech, or the practical future of sustainable food systems, this episode offers a front-row seat to the revolution.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 - Liftoff! Imagining the Future with Space Elevators00:00:15 - Back in Action: Your Favorite Bio-Futurists Return00:00:31 - Erum’s Arctic Escape: Sauna Talks & Synbio Dreams00:02:27 - Biotech Bonding: Unexpected Encounters in the North00:04:39 - From Lava Fields to Lab Ideas: Iceland Inspires00:04:48 - Travel Hack: How ChatGPT Became Our Digital Tour Guide00:06:59 - Survival, Science & Synbio: Adventures at the Edge00:09:37 - Deep Dive: Oceans, Algae & the Blue Carbon Breakthrough00:12:29 - Enter Eben Bayer: Mycelium Magic and Fungi Futures00:24:22 - Farming the Future: A Global Mycelium Network Emerges00:25:13 - Teaming Up: Mycelium Hits the Mainstream Food Scene00:26:30 - Eco-Revolution: Why Fungi Might Just Save the Planet00:27:52 - What’s Next? The Tasty Future of Bio-Engineered Foods00:29:35 - Fungi Meets Firmware: Mycelium, Tech & the Rise of Bio-AI00:30:51 - From Farm to Factory: The Scale-Up Challenge Conquered00:32:41 - Off-World Growth: Mycelium and the Final Frontier00:38:30 - Wrap-Up: Big Ideas, Bold Futures, and What’s Coming NextLinks and Resources:MyForest FoodsEcovativeHotdogJudge on InstagramExtremophiles on Mars: One group of living things that may be able to survive these extreme conditions is lichens,Blue Carbon documentary- carbon dioxide that is absorbed from the atmosphere and stored in the ocean. Topics Covered: biomanufacturing, mycelium, biomaterials, ecovative, bacon, mycelium bacon, plant based foods. 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