S12E162 John James Staniszewski/Fungitarian - From Nightclubs to Mushrooms: One Man’s Fungitarian Revolution

Ever wondered how indoor farming is revolutionizing the way we connect with our food? I sat down with Marc Oshima, CEO of Babylon Microfarms, to explore the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture.Marc Oshima brings over 30 years of experience in driving large-scale commercial businesses, including co-founding AeroFarms. Now at the helm of Babylon Microfarms, he's spearheading innovative solutions in B2B indoor farming across healthcare, corporate dining, hospitality, and education sectors.In this episode, we dive deep into how Babylon Microfarms is bringing the farm directly to customers, fostering a greater connection between people and their food. Marc shares insights on the company's success in increasing leafy green consumption by 35% in senior care facilities and their expansion to over 350 farms across five countries.We also discuss the evolution of the indoor farming industry, the importance of customer feedback, and how Babylon Microfarms is preserving cultural heritage through locally grown, culturally relevant produce. Marc offers valuable lessons on business fundamentals and the power of focus in scaling a successful AgTech company. Ready to discover how indoor farming is reshaping our relationship with food and transforming industries? Tune in to this episode for a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:07 Babylon Microfarms' focus on key verticals10:40 Surprising installations and high-profile customers 16:19 Lessons from early industry struggles21:53 Listening to customers and adapting strategies27:17 Workforce development in indoor farming33:40 Cultural connections through locally grown food37:18 CEA Alliance's role in industry advocacyTweetable Quotes"We're seeing amazing use cases that we might not even have thought about. We were at this conference last week, and this fantastic operator chef was telling us how they've got the mint planted for the mint juleps for Kentucky Derby next week, and then they have the cilantro already planted and ready for Cinco de Mayo.""Understanding what business you're in, understanding the economics of your business, and appreciating how your technology can uniquely solve some of these challenges. I think that's core when you think about what's worked, what hasn't worked.""We have units cruising the world on cruise ships, literally cruising on cruise ships. It gives you a sense of the autonomy, the self-autonomous aspect and how resilient the farming approach is."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://babylonmicrofarms.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoshima/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - <a href="https://agtechdigest.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Ever wondered how a mushroom farm could revolutionize the food industry? I sat down with John James Staniszewski, the creator of the fungitarian lifestyle and a pioneer in the vertical farming space, to uncover the secrets of his success.John's journey from nightclub manager to mushroom mogul is as fascinating as it is inspiring. He shares how he built a thriving mushroom farm from scratch, producing up to 35,000 pounds of mushrooms per month and supplying over 350 grocery stores.In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of starting a vertical farm, the importance of hands-on leadership, and John's vision for creating 10 million fungitarians by 2027. John reveals how his past experiences in bodybuilding and personal training shaped his approach to the mushroom industry.We also explore the parallels between vertical farming and bodybuilding, the potential of mushrooms in addressing childhood health issues, and John's upcoming launch of bioavailable mushroom tinctures and gummies.If you're curious about the future of food, the potential of mushrooms, or how to build a successful vertical farming business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insights from a true innovator in the field.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:42 Transition from nightclub scene to bodybuilding11:15 Spiritual journey and discovery of magic mushrooms16:59 Building a mushroom farm22:31 Challenges of vertical farming and industry insights28:15 Developing fungitarian food products and business growth39:33 Current business operations and partnerships45:46 Defining success: Goal of 10 million fungitarians by 202750:57 Leadership growth and employee management strategiesTweetable Quotes"I've always been a weirdo, so in all reality it was for me I've been on this like universal timeline where all the things that I want to embody and do have just been ahead of time.""I believe that I have the opportunity, which you don't get in another lifetime, to be able to gear people towards a new food.""I'd rather have somebody that knows nothing and wants to learn everything than somebody who thinks they know everything."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://windycitymushroom.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-james-staniszewski-0728312ab/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - <a href="https://www.hortigeninsights.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Ever wondered how automation is shaping the future of indoor farming? In this episode, I speak with Renko Schuil, Sales Manager of Indoor Farming at TTA ISO, a leading company in horticultural automation. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Renko offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture.We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the indoor farming sector, discussing everything from market dynamics to technological advancements. Renko shares his perspective on the importance of knowing your market, the potential of hybrid growing systems, and the critical role of automation in scaling up operations.Throughout our conversation, we explore the global landscape of indoor farming, touching on regional differences, emerging crop varieties, and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Renko also offers candid advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking.If you're curious about the future of food production and want to hear from an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could shape your understanding of indoor farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:14 Renko's extensive experience in horticulture industry10:47 Shift in sentiment towards vertical farming15:50 Origins and growth of TTA company20:13 Renko's role and responsibilities at TTA-ISO25:59 Common mistakes in vertical farming projects31:45 Regional differences in vertical farming needs36:53 TTA's approach to new crop automation requests41:46 Balancing advice and business opportunitiesTweetable Quotes"I think there's a market for vertical farming for sure, because otherwise I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it.""Make a choice. Are you a tech company or a grower? Know your market.""Think ahead. Even if you're not ready for automation or high capacity equipment yet, get into talks with automation companies. It can save you a lot of time and money when you have to change certain things in your company in the future."Resources MentionedWebsite - www.tta.euLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renkoschuil/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by

Ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of indoor farming and create successful products in this evolving industry? Oliver Rotko, CEO of Plant TUI and Arctic Farming, shares his journey and insights into the world of vertical farming.I sat down with Oliver to discuss his unique path from business student to indoor farming innovator. He revealed how his experiences in B2B sales, marketing, and even watchmaking contributed to his success in developing cutting-edge vertical farming solutions. Oliver's story is a testament to the power of patience, market research, and customer-centric product development.We delved into the development of Arctic Farming's flagship product, Herbie, a sleek and efficient indoor farming unit designed for the hospitality industry. Oliver explained the careful considerations behind its design, from the choice of materials to the user interface, all informed by extensive customer feedback and market testing. He also shared insights into the company's expansion into the consumer market with the acquisition of Plantui, a award-winning desktop hydroponic system.Throughout our conversation, Oliver emphasized the importance of taking a measured approach to growth in the vertical farming industry. He highlighted the need for patience, both from investors and entrepreneurs, and the value of learning from industry failures. We also touched on Arctic Farming's exciting ventures into space agriculture and the company's unique "Earth first, space second" strategy.If you're interested in the future of food production, sustainable agriculture, or entrepreneurship in emerging industries, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with Oliver Rotko. Tune in to gain valuable lessons from a leader at the forefront of indoor farming innovation.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:53 Importance of video marketing for CEOs13:30 AI tools revolutionizing content creation16:19 Early days of Arctic Farming development 21:53 Herbie: Innovative restaurant-grade vertical farm27:41 Switching from aeroponics to fogponics34:53 Space ambitions and Earth-first strategy37:52 Acquiring Plantui: Consumer-focused hydroponic system43:18 Motivation behind pursuing indoor farmingTweetable Quotes"We've taken it incredibly slow, gathering feedback, meanwhile seeing all these bankruptcies, for example, from infarm, learning from them, interviewing the insiders, interviewing their ex investors, interviewing their customer suppliers and so on, and kind of feeding all of that information and learnings from the customers, from the industry, from experts like you back into the product.""Why do we do this? To be honest, I had a wonderful conversation with a colleague from the US where the standard greeting that we have is, how are you doing? Fine, thank you. And as well as you can do as an indoor farming startup or entrepreneur, it's. This is the most difficult industry that I can imagine getting into.""Just seeing the iterative progress with a product that you have designed from zero, literally scratch, is the most rewarding feeling that you can have."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.arcticfarming.io/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverrotko/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - <a...

Have you ever wondered how to grow fresh produce year-round, even in the harshest climates? I sat down with Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical, to discuss the innovative world of indoor farming and how it's changing the way we think about food production. Conner's journey into vertical farming began with a desire to make a tangible impact on food security and sustainability. With a background in environmental law and restaurant experience, he saw the potential for indoor farming to address issues of food waste and accessibility. Just Vertical started as an academic project and evolved into a company offering both consumer and commercial vertical farming solutions.We delved into the challenges of developing user-friendly indoor farming systems, from early prototypes built with Home Depot materials to sleek, furniture-like designs that fit seamlessly into homes. Conner emphasized the importance of making vertical farming technology accessible and easy to use, whether for home growers or large-scale commercial operations.The conversation also touched on Just Vertical's expansion into commercial projects, including partnerships with educational institutions and humanitarian efforts. Conner shared insights on the future of vertical farming, the need for innovation in seed development, and the importance of collaboration within the industry.If you're curious about the future of food production and how vertical farming could revolutionize agriculture, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Conner Tidd. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the world of indoor farming and its potential to address global food challenges.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:09 Conner’s restaurant experience and food waste10:55 Origin story of Just Vertical21:23 Variety of crops grown on living walls25:01 Accessibility and ease of use focus29:48 Global projects and ideal farming partners33:56 Innovation in vertical farming seeds36:18 Addressing AeroGarden closure and industry outlookTweetable Quotes"We always say everything's fixable as long as we know about it. And that's, you know, we emphasize that with employees now. But even early days, like the first few indoor gardens we sold, like, watch the leak, they spilled onto people's floors. Like we short circuited stuff. The worst thing we could have done would have been to kind of shirk responsibility and try and hide from those customer calls.""Our big thing that we always push is accessibility and easy use in this technology. We view our role as understanding all the really cool science that goes into making great LED lights, great control systems, great nutrients and integrating that into a package that is easy for farmers to use and grow with.""We span the education sphere from kindergarten all the way through PhD research. With little kids it's often just about showing them where food comes from and it's not just from the grocery store and getting hands-on experience. So education is a great venue. It's something people are really interested in and we're happy to be part of it because it really drives the industry as well."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://justvertical.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connertidd/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - <a...

Ever wondered how to revitalize struggling communities while promoting sustainable practices? I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirk Taylor, co-founder of Land Betterment Corporation, about their innovative approach to community development and sustainable agriculture. Kirk's background in accounting and finance, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to tackle the challenges faced by transitioning communities in areas like Kentucky, West Virginia, and southern Indiana.We discussed Land Betterment's unique projects, including the transformation of abandoned industrial sites into housing solutions and the development of container-based farms in partnership with Anu. Kirk explained how their 20-foot shipping container farms, equipped with advanced automation technology, are revolutionizing local food production. These compact, efficient units are being deployed in various settings, from restaurants and grocery stores to universities, addressing food security issues and promoting education in sustainable agriculture.Throughout our conversation, Kirk emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and community-driven solutions. He shared examples of how Land Betterment works closely with local communities to identify their needs and develop tailored solutions, whether it's creating affordable housing or repurposing land for agricultural use. We also touched on the company's involvement in sustainable fertilizer recycling and their commitment to circular economy principles.If you're interested in innovative approaches to community development, sustainable agriculture, or the intersection of business and social impact, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in to hear Kirk Taylor's insights on creating positive change through entrepreneurship and technology.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways11:31 ReElement Technologies: Recycling battery elements16:31 Innovative housing solutions using shipping containers22:20 Partnership with Anu for container farming28:43 Applications for container farms in various industries34:34 Building a diverse board for Land Betterment39:50 Balancing opportunities and allocating time effectivelyTweetable Quotes"We understood that we were not a nonprofit. We wanted to create a business that made sense financially. But we also wanted our investors and our partners to understand that we were making decisions not just for their return, but to maximize the return of all our stakeholders.""The challenge with any farming is external environment and human error. We solve the external environment by doing it inside a shipping container. Our competition doesn't solve for the human error component, but the Anu team does.""I think that everybody has the ability to make something out of themselves and be proud of what they do. Not everybody realizes that. By providing direct roadmaps, direct opportunity for these community members, we can give them the steps that they can walk up on their own."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.landbetterment.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkptaylor/Connect With...

Ever wondered how beer brewing could revolutionize vertical farming? Mat Halter, founder of TerraFerm, is turning brewery waste into a game-changing resource for indoor agriculture. Mat Halter, a plant scientist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from researching biofuels to developing an innovative system that captures CO2 from brewery fermentation for use in vertical farms. His patented technology promises to significantly boost crop yields while reducing carbon footprints.In this episode, Mat discusses the challenges of bringing a new idea to market, from conducting initial experiments to seeking partnerships with breweries. He reveals how his spinach trials resulted in an astounding 89% increase in yield, far surpassing typical carbon dioxide enrichment results.We also explore the intersection of craft beer culture and sustainable agriculture, Mat's approach to team building as a first-time founder, and the potential for this technology to transform both the brewing and farming industries.If you're curious about innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture or the unexpected synergies between different industries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Mat Halter is brewing up a greener future for vertical farming.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:37 Early career in plant science and biofuels10:43 Initial idea for carbon dioxide enrichment15:36 Patent process and prototype development21:40 Current status and plans for pilot project27:51 Challenges as a first-time founder32:32 Building a team and seeking mentorship36:07 Potential brewery partnerships and marketing38:38 Where to learn more about TerraFermTweetable Quotes"The advantage we have is, in theory, a never-ending supply. So we can use carbon dioxide enrichment at whatever set point we want - high, low, medium, whatever. We can take it as high as metabolically the plants will allow.""What am I missing? Again, I am a first-time founder. This is the first business I've started. What don't I know? I don't know what I don't know. It's a constant battle to learn more about strategies for starting a business, for seeking funding.""San Diego is a great place to be for beer. There's a lot of small to medium range breweries out here. Very high density. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of them and eventually find one that sees the vision I have for this and wants to come along."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.terra-ferm.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-halter-082043a3/X - https://x.com/TerraFerm_AgInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraferm_agtech/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - <a...

Ever wondered how vertical farming could revolutionize food production and make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible? In this enlightening conversation with Rick Langille, CEO of Harvest Today, we explore the cutting-edge developments in vertical farming technology and their potential impact on the future of agriculture.Rick shares exciting updates on Harvest Today's progress, including the launch of their Shopify site and upcoming innovations in their Harvest Wall system. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and customer-centric approaches in the vertical farming industry, highlighting the need for diverse crop solutions beyond just lettuce or strawberries. Rick's insights into the company's expansion into international markets, particularly in India and the Middle East, showcase the global potential of their technology.We delve into Harvest Today's partnerships and technological advancements, such as their collaboration with Ecoplume for AI-driven plant growth monitoring and their work with Rooted Robotics for automated cleaning solutions. Rick also discusses the company's plans for cost reduction, including strategic manufacturing decisions and the potential establishment of a private equity fund to support farmers.If you're curious about the future of sustainable agriculture and how vertical farming is evolving to meet global food demands, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights from an industry leader and learn how Harvest Today is working to make fresh, flavorful produce more accessible through innovative vertical farming solutions.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:05 Industry outlook and diversifying crop offerings9:43 Harvest Wall's unique microbiome approach15:28 Navigating challenges and maintaining patience20:13 Manufacturing partnerships and cost reduction strategies25:31 Developing a super app for wellness 31:00 Success story of small-scale vertical farmTweetable Quotes"We need to be much more broad spectrum. We need to be able to address diets that are more than lettuce.""The harvest wall was really based around the plant biology of rooted plants. Because as we vertically irrigate or we use hydroponic technology in order to feed plants, hydroponics never allows a true microbiome to get going.""Quality is number one, though. Always, always, always. This isn't a toy."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://www.harvest.today/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-today/YouTube - @harvesttodayInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/harvest.today/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarvestTodayLLC/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - <a...

In this special tribute episode of The Vertical Farming Podcast, I honor the life and legacy of Dr. Dickson Despommier, the visionary who laid the foundation for vertical farming as we know it today.His book, The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century, completely changed the way I thought about food production, sustainability, and the future of agricultureReading it in 2019 was a turning point for me—it was the spark that led to the creation of this podcast.Over the years, I’ve spoken with over 150 CEOs and founders in the industry, and so many of them cite Dr. Despommier as a major influence on their work. His vision of growing food in urban skyscrapers was once considered radical, but today, it’s shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.Though he’s no longer with us, his ideas continue to inspire, and it’s up to all of us—researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors—to carry his vision forward. This episode is my way of saying thank you to a man whose ideas changed my life—and the world.Additional Social TributesMarc Oshima on LinkedInNona Yehia on LinkedInHonoring Dr. Dickson Despommier: The Visionary Who Planted the Seeds for Vertical Farming’s Future - Henry Gordon-SmithThanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agResources MentionedThe Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century, by Dickson Despommier - https://amzn.to/3QhWWyYConnect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - https://agtechdigest.comThe Indoor Farmer - https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/Horti-Gen Insights - https://www.hortigeninsights.com/🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCastMentioned in this episode:AgTech Companieshttps://agtechcompanies.com2025 US Indoor Farm Reporthttp://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report

Ever wondered how to start a vertical farm in a city with limited space and resources? Jessica Naomi Fong's journey with Common Farms in Hong Kong is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and customer-focused growth. Jessica Naomi Fong, Founder and CEO of Common Farms, shares her inspiring story of launching a vertical farming business in Hong Kong just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With a background in the restaurant industry and manufacturing, Jessica leveraged her unique perspective to create a thriving microgreens and specialty greens business in one of the world's most densely populated cities.In this episode, Jessica delves into the challenges of starting a vertical farm from scratch, including educating customers, building relationships with chefs, and adapting to market demands. She discusses the importance of keeping systems simple, focusing on customer needs, and continuously improving product quality and diversity.Jessica also touches on the future of Common Farms, including their focus on functional foods and the nutritional benefits of microgreens. She shares insights on growing as a CEO, the importance of building a strong team, and the value of collaboration within the indoor farming industry.If you're interested in the intersection of urban agriculture, culinary innovation, and entrepreneurship, this episode offers a wealth of practical insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Jessica turned challenges into opportunities and built a successful vertical farming business in an unlikely environment.Thanks to Our SponsorsIndoor AgCon - https://indoor.agKey Takeaways5:07 Starting a business during COVID10:22 Origin story of Common Farms15:05 Building relationships with chefs26:20 Customizing produce for chefs32:31 Focusing on functional food43:10 Tough questions for entrepreneurs46:42 Collaboration in indoor farmingTweetable Quotes"We were very methodical about that. But then again, we had to test the market. Do people want microgreens? What microgreens do they want? How do they want them? What's the crop diversity? How much diversity do we need? What's the price point?""I created this scenario and this character and that future of the business. And that was the mission. That was the goal for me.""We can't do this alone. We really welcome anyone that's developing anything to reach out to us. We're constantly in the experimental stage, which means we're always incrementally making improvements and we can't figure all of this out on our own."Resources MentionedWebsite - https://commonfarms.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-naomi-fong/Connect With UsVFP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcastVFP Twitter - https://twitter.com/VerticalFarmPodVFP Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/VFP Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerticalFarmPodSubscribe to our newsletters!AgTech Digest - <a href="https://agtechdigest.com"...