Food Rebels

Food Rebels
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Hosted by AJ Sharp, Food Rebels is a captivating food and drink show. Focusing on the dynamic world of food founders, challenger brands and new products. We meet the most exciting people in the food industry today and taste the newest products. Each 30min show offers a peek behind the curtain, on-air tastings, and food and drink-based entertainment for our listeners around the UK and further afield.

  1. 3D AGO

    IWD E3: Donna Edwards on Natural Skincare and Radical Simplicity

    In this special International Women’s Day series episode of Food Rebels, Women Changing the World, AJ Sharp sits down with Donna Edwards, founder of Kent-based skincare brand Fox and Bloom. Donna shares the story behind her journey from part-time teacher to natural skincare entrepreneur, sparked by a life-changing mindfulness course that helped her rethink how she wanted to live and work.    Drawing on her upbringing in a farming family and a background in applied biology, Donna created a range of 100% natural, waterless skincare products designed to support the skin’s natural barrier rather than overwhelm it with unnecessary ingredients. Her philosophy is rooted in simplicity: fewer ingredients, less waste, and a return to natural foundations.    In the conversation, AJ and Donna explore surprising parallels between food and skincare, from the dangers of ultra-processed ingredients to the growing consumer shift toward transparency and healthier choices in everything we consume or apply to our bodies.   They also discuss the realities of building a business later in life, challenging the myth that entrepreneurship is only for the young. Donna explains why starting a business in your 40s can bring clarity, experience and confidence, and shares practical advice for anyone considering taking the leap.   From mindfulness and lifestyle businesses to integrity in product creation, this episode is a thoughtful conversation about slowing down, trusting your instincts and building something meaningful on your own terms.   Listeners can also enjoy 15% off Fox and Bloom skincare throughout March using the code REBELS15.

    32 min

  2. MAR 11

    IWD E2: Emma Loder-Symonds on Rewriting the Rules of British Farming

    In this episode of our Women Changing the World series, AJ Sharp is joined by Emma Loder-Symonds of Nonington Farms in Kent, a regenerative arable farm proving that producing food and restoring nature can go hand in hand. Emma and her husband James are challenging conventional, high-input agriculture by putting nature back at the centre of every farming decision. It’s about community, collaboration and why more women are helping lead change in farming. Emma and AJ discuss soil biology, skylarks at dawn, blending wheat varieties, and the quiet revolution happening beneath our feet.  If you care about ultra-processed food, food security, climate impact or simply better bread, this episode will make you feel hopeful about the future of British farming. This series is sponsored by Fox and Bloom, a female-founded, women-led UK skincare brand creating 100% natural, waterless and plastic-free products designed to support healthy skin and the planet. Subscribe to Food Rebels so you don’t miss the rest of our Women Changing the World series.

    51 min

  3. MAR 4

    E1 IWD Series: Mex Ibrahim on Equity, Representation and Rewriting the Rules

    This is the first episode in our special International Women’s Day series, Women Changing the World, sponsored by Fox and Bloom. On this week’s Food Rebels, AJ Sharp is joined by Mex Ibrahim, founder of Women in the Food Industry, an organisation championing equity, visibility and real opportunity for women across every corner of food and drink. From Michelin-star gatekeeping to boardroom representation, from professional kitchen culture to the confidence gap in funding and leadership, this is a powerful and honest conversation about what still needs to change and why it matters to all of us. Mex shares the moment that sparked the creation of Women in the Food Industry, inspired by her work with Asma Khan and a powerful quote about women supporting women.

    49 min

  4. FEB 25

    Grabbing Life by the Balls with Claire Hindley

    What happens when a professional contemporary dancer gets fed up with "healthy" snacks that are actually just sugar-laden, ultra-processed disappointments? She starts a revolution in her own kitchen. In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp sits down with Claire Hindley, the powerhouse founder of Claire’s Amazeballs. Based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Claire is on a mission to prove that "convenient" doesn't have to mean "chemical." From hand-destoning Medjool dates to battling the 12-month shelf-life industry standard, Claire shares her journey of building an award-winning brand while juggling three kids, dance teaching, and Pilates instruction. Website: clairesamazeballs.com Instagram: @clairesamazeballs Discount Code: FOODREBELS  (for 15% OFF)

    35 min

  5. FEB 18

    Power, Perception & Pork: The Black Farmer’s 20-Year Fight to Reshape British Food

    This week on Food Rebels, AJ Sharp interviews Alex Emmanuel-Jones, Commercial Director of The Black Farmer, to unpack the real story behind one of the UK’s most recognisable challenger brands. What started as Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones’ bold response to assumptions about who “belongs” in farming has grown into a nationally stocked brand found in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Ocado, alongside urban farm shops in Brixton and White City. But this is more than a retail success story. It’s about representation. It’s about resilience. It’s about building a commercially successful food brand without compromising on values.

    32 min

  6. FEB 11

    Foodie Finds for Valentine's Day

    With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, AJ Sharp ditches the clichés and pulls together a Food Rebels gift guide that’s all about flavour, story and genuinely thoughtful food and drink. Joined by Claire Pope, editor of Taste Kent Magazine, AJ explores gifts that actually mean something, whether you’re buying for a partner, a friend, family, or yourself. The episode is packed with standout recommendations, including the wildly distinctive Tumble Down Gin from the Falkland Islands, with its savoury scurvy grass notes and incredible provenance, and Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs, a premium English sparkling wine that’s all about elegance and celebration. Things heat up with Ramsbury Hot Honey Vodka, tapping into the swicy trend, and the beautifully playful heart-shaped Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam, perfect for cheese boards and beyond. There are clever, feel-good picks too, like the caffeine-controlled coffee gift set from True Start Coffee, ideal for flavour lovers who want better sleep, and surprisingly stylish kitchen pieces from Peugeot Saveurs, including adjustable salt and pepper mills and a heart-shaped baking dish. For chocolate lovers, AJ and Claire taste their way through Ort Dolce’s Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate, indulgent boxed chocolates from Lily O’Brien’s, and artisan caramel treats and letterbox-friendly bakes from Lottie Shaw’s. Finished off with a nostalgic nod to Swizzels Love Hearts, this episode is funny, warm and full of genuinely great ideas, celebrating independent brands, proper craftsmanship and the joy of giving something that feels personal. Perfect listening if you want your Valentine’s gifting to feel thoughtful, delicious and a bit more Food Rebels.

    42 min

  7. FEB 4

    Ultrasonic Pickles

    In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp interviews Matt Harris, founder of Pickle Project, who shares his journey from racing car driver to food innovator. The conversation delves into the science of flavour, innovative techniques like ultrasound in pickling, and the challenges of launching a food product. Matt discusses his vision for the future of Pickle Project, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of quality ingredients. The episode highlights the growing trend of premiumization in food products and the impact of entrepreneurship in the food industry.

    33 min

  8. JAN 28

    The Fibre Crisis Nobody's Talking About

    In this episode of Food Rebels, AJ Sharp speaks with Clara Latham, founder of Deeply Foods, about the critical importance of fibre in our diets and the alarming fibre gap affecting 96% of the population. Clara shares her journey in the food industry, the founding of Deeply Foods, and the innovative products designed to address gut health through fibre-rich nutrition. The conversation delves into the challenges of being a founder, the significance of taste in health products, and the future plans for Deeply Foods as they aim to educate consumers about the fibre crisis.

    42 min
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About

Hosted by AJ Sharp, Food Rebels is a captivating food and drink show. Focusing on the dynamic world of food founders, challenger brands and new products. We meet the most exciting people in the food industry today and taste the newest products. Each 30min show offers a peek behind the curtain, on-air tastings, and food and drink-based entertainment for our listeners around the UK and further afield.

Information

  • Creator
    Food Rebels
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Food Rebels

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