Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board

Whole Foods Market
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  • FOOD
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Beyond the Board is a new podcast storytelling series that spotlights different guests — from founders of major brands to up-and-coming suppliers as well as community leaders and policy makers — all working to nourish people and the planet. New episodes will be released regularly, featuring conversations about innovation, perseverance and meaningful impact on food and agriculture. The podcast will feature a rotating cast of hosts from Whole Foods Market's leadership team, including CEO Jason Buechel, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk and Senior Vice President of Merchandising Alyssa Vescio.

  1. 1D AGO

    Beyond The Board - Ayeya

    In this episode of Beyond the Board, we sit down with Olowo-n'djo Tchala, founder of Ayeya, to explore his journey from extreme poverty in rural Africa to building a purpose-driven brand. Olowo-n'djo left school in sixth grade to help his mother, learning traditional soap-making and shea butter production. Those early experiences shaped a mission rooted in dignity, trust, and economic empowerment, proving that business can be a vehicle for lasting social change. Olowo-n'djo shares his business model that prioritizes respect over charity, building inclusive "mini-corporations" that unite communities across ethnic divisions and create sustainable income for women. He also reflects on the persistence it took to build a relationship with Whole Foods Market by turning early rejection into a win-win parnership that expanded access to ethical products while creating jobs in Togo. Grounded in cultural preservation and measurable impact, Ayeya has helped support more than 250,000 families, funded clean water wells, built schools, distributed 18,000 bicycles to students, and advanced maternal healthcare initiatives. This conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose and profit, when aligned, can honor tradition, empower communities, and drive systemic change.

    34 min

  2. FEB 5

    Beyond The Board - Ruby Jean's Juicery

    In this episode, Dr. Akua Woolbright sits down with Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about legacy, community, and the freedom that comes from building something rooted in purpose. As the youngest of four children, Chris was raised with the steady presence of his grandmother, who became the backbone his family needed and the inspiration behind everything he's built. Chris shares how opening Ruby Jean's was a way of honoring her memory by transforming grief into wellness, and love into a space where community could gather and feel seen. He reflects on the power of taking up space, welcoming people in, and using vulnerability and faith as fuel for growth.   From starting with limited capital in a 700-square-foot shop to navigating doubt without a blueprint, Chris opens up about the challenges of building something from the ground up and why staying bold and committed to his community matters. At the center of it all is a hope that his grandmother would be proud of the family, freedom, and sense of belonging he's created in her name.

    12 min

  3. JAN 29

    Beyond The Board - National Young Farmers Coalition

    In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Hughes, co-executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition to explore how young farmers are reshaping the future of American agriculture. From regenerative practices to community-centered farming, this new generation, many of them first-generation farmers, is challenging traditional models and working toward a more equitable, sustainable food system. Michelle shares the biggest barriers young farmers face, including inequitable land access, rising costs and climate impacts. We discuss how policy, nutrition assistance, and economic pressures directly affect farmers' ability to survive and thrive and why success in farming often means more than just the bottom line. Because without farms, there is no food.

    33 min

  4. JAN 8

    Beyond The Board - Urban Remedy

    What if food wasn't just fuel, but medicine? In this episode of Beyond the Board, we sit down with Neka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy, to explore how her background as a licensed acupuncturist shaped a brand rooted in the healing power of food. Drawing from both Eastern and Western medicine, Neka shares how her core belief that food is foundational to health became the spark behind Urban Remedy. What began as small-scale juicing and creating anti-inflammatory meals for her acupuncture patients quickly evolved into something much bigger. Neka reflects on opening Urban Remedy's first store with no plans to scale, only to outgrow it within six months, and the steep learning curve of building a fresh, organic food business in a category that barely existed at the time. Staying true to simple, functional ingredients and minimally processed food became her north star. We also dive into Urban Remedy's partnership with Whole Foods Market, including its rare branded refrigerated kiosks designed as a "food safe space" for shoppers. Neka shares leadership lessons from the journey by empowering teams, letting go of control, prioritizing self-care and why regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and supporting organic farming partners are essential to the future of food.Top of Form   Disclaimer: The information provided on this episode is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. The content on this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    32 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Beyond The Board - Brightland

    In this episode, Brightland founder Aishwarya Iyer joins Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel to explore how she reimagined olive oil from an overlooked commodity to a product rooted in storytelling, design, and uncompromising quality. Aishwarya shares how a move to California sparked her interest in olive oil and how her background in beauty and tech shaped Brightland's now-iconic brand and packaging. The conversation dives into the realities of building a premium food brand from the ground up through bootstrapping with personal savings, pricing for sustainability, and partnering with a multi-generational California olive farm committed to regenerative, organic practices. Aishwarya also reflects on the mental challenges of scaling, the importance of abundance thinking, and how Brightland differentiates through joy, delight, and deeply sensory experiences. From drizzling olive oil on ice cream to rethinking how consumers emotionally connect with everyday foods, this episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone curious about the future of premium pantry staples and why beauty, intention, and experience matter more than ever.

    49 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    Beyond The Board - SideDish

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alex Snodgrass, the creative force behind The Defined Dish and founder of SideDish, as she shares her remarkable journey from food blogger to successful entrepreneur. Through consistent engagement and authentic connection with her online community, Alex built a devoted following that led to a successful cookbook featuring approachable, simple recipes that readers love. In this episode, Alex opens up about her transition from influencer to CPG founder with the launch of SideDish, a journey four years in the making. She discusses the challenges of entering the retail space, the importance of maintaining quality standards and what's ahead for SideDish. At the core of both The Defined Dish and SideDish is Alex's mission to help families gather around the dinner table with accessible, high-quality meal solutions. Delving into her approach to content creation, Alex shares her philosophy of quality over quantity and the importance of authentic community building across social media platforms. Don't miss this candid conversation about food, family, and building a brand with purpose.   Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.

    30 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Beyond The Board - Patagonia Provisions

    Join us for an inspiring discussion with Paul Lightfoot, who joined Patagonia Provisions in pursuit of a mission that perfectly aligned with his personal manifesto: saving our home planet through revolutionary food systems. In this episode, Lightfoot reveals how Patagonia's expansion into food emerged from their environmental commitment, built upon three essential pillars: superior taste, optimal nutrition, and minimal environmental impact. Discover the undeniable alignment between Patagonia Provisions and Whole Foods Market, exemplified by their collaboration on an organic, non-alcoholic Golden Brew made with perennial plants, and the exclusive launch of their wild pink salmon – a product that showcases both the challenges and opportunities in sustainable seafood sourcing. Lightfoot delves into the significance of Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) labeling and its impact on consumer trust, while sharing Patagonia Provisions' groundbreaking work in regenerative bison farming. Learn about their latest ROC products, from bison meat sticks to crackers, and understand how individual food choices can contribute to planetary health. This episode offers valuable insights into best practices in sustainable food sourcing and demonstrates how business can be a powerful force for environmental stewardship. Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.   The following podcast episode contains opinions, commentary, and information that have not been independently fact-checked or verified. The views expressed by the host(s) and any guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast, Whole Foods Market or affiliated entities. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research on topics discussed and should not rely solely on the information presented in this episode as a basis for making decisions. This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice on any subject matter. Age restrictions for nonalcoholic beverages may vary by state and retailer. Please drink responsibly.

    59 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Beyond The Board - Chamberlain Coffee

    In this candid conversation for Beyond the Board, Emma Chamberlain—founder of Chamberlain Coffee—shares her unexpected path from content creator to successful entrepreneur. Emma opens up to Jason Buechel (VP of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores and CEO of Whole Foods Market) about how vulnerability became her superpower, both in building her online presence and in running her business. Emma takes us through her full-circle moment of discovering her products on Whole Foods Market shelves—a particularly meaningful milestone given her childhood memories of exploring new brands at the Whole Foods Redwood City location. The episode delves into Emma's deep-rooted connection with coffee culture, tracing back to her youth watching her parents' coffee rituals, through her high school years as the "coffee girl" on YouTube, and ultimately to launching her own brand. Listeners will gain insights into her hands-on approach to product development, including her home taste-testing process and her intuitive leadership style. Emma also discusses the importance of team trust, knowing when to lean on experts, and maintaining work-life balance. Her refreshing perspective on Gen Z entrepreneurship and the power of overcoming limiting beliefs makes this episode a must-listen for aspiring business leaders and coffee enthusiasts alike. Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.

    31 min
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About

Beyond the Board is a new podcast storytelling series that spotlights different guests — from founders of major brands to up-and-coming suppliers as well as community leaders and policy makers — all working to nourish people and the planet. New episodes will be released regularly, featuring conversations about innovation, perseverance and meaningful impact on food and agriculture. The podcast will feature a rotating cast of hosts from Whole Foods Market's leadership team, including CEO Jason Buechel, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk and Senior Vice President of Merchandising Alyssa Vescio.

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