Grow Everything Biotech Podcast
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207 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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155. Bad Hairdo to Good HairDAO: Andrew Verbinnen on Reversing Hairloss Through Decentralization
14 november 2025 · 52 min
We sit down with Andrew Verbinnen, founder of HairDAO, who's revolutionizing how we approach hair loss research and treatment. After experiencing hair loss himself at nineteen, Andrew discovered that androgenetic alopecia - affecting 95% of hair loss cases - receives almost no funding because it's classified as cosmetic rather than a disease. By creating a patient-led biotech organization combining a thriving online community with an in-house high-throughput lab, HairDAO has driven research costs down from $250,000 per study to just $6,000 while accelerating results from two years to one month. Andrew shares how they've developed proprietary treatments available through their telehealth platform Anagen, built a unique human hair follicle organ culture model that's providing unprecedented data on fully intact human tissue, and created a token-based governance system where patients vote on which research to fund. We explore the blurring lines between pharmaceuticals and consumer products, the power of patient empowerment in driving innovation, and why Andrew believes the hair follicle data they're generating could unlock treatments for conditions far beyond hair loss. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Andrew's Personal Hair Loss Journey and Introduction to HairDAO
(00:01:48) - What is a DAO? Redefining Decentralized Organizations
(00:03:53) - Why Hair Loss Gets Almost No Research Funding
(00:06:41) - Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia: The Science Behind Hair Loss
(00:09:43) - How HairDAO Cut Research Costs from $250K to $6K
(00:12:47) - The Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model: A Breakthrough Innovation
(00:16:47) - …
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154. No Trees Were Harmed: Symmetry Wood's Gabe Tavas on Growing Wood from Waste
7 november 2025 · 52 min
Karl and Erum sit down with Gabe Tavas, CEO and co-founder of Symmetry Wood, who is pioneering a revolutionary approach to wood production. Gabe shares his journey from design student to bio-innovator, inspired by his time volunteering in rural Ecuador where he witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste. His company has developed Pyrus, the first solid wood made primarily from bacterial nanocellulose—specifically, waste from the world's largest kombucha brewery. Instead of logging endangered tropical hardwoods, Symmetry Wood is targeting the high-end guitar industry first, proving that biodesigned materials can meet the most demanding performance standards. Gabe discusses the technical challenges of working with living systems, the importance of starting with niche markets before scaling to mass production, and his vision for fab cities where wood and other materials are manufactured locally from urban waste. This conversation bridges design, biology, and entrepreneurship, offering a glimpse into a future where we can create beautiful, high-performance materials without harming forests or ecosystems. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Introduction: Daylight Savings & The Joy of Extra Sleep
(00:02:58) - The Art of Repair: Erum's Kintsugi Journey
(00:05:18) - Wine as Art: Drops of God & Sensory Storytelling
(00:06:25) - Cosmic Mysteries: Comet Atlas & The Wow Signal
(00:09:39) - Synonym's Latest: Scaling Bio-Manufacturing
(00:11:44) - Meet Gabe Tavas: The Man Growing Wood From Bacteria
(00:15:00) - From Ecuador to Biodesign: Finding Purpose in Plastic Waste
(00:18:58) - The Science Unveiled: How Pyrus Mimics Natural …
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153. Ghosts of Biotech Past: Veronica Breckenridge’s Playbook for Smarter Scaling
31 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 3 min
In this Halloween-themed episode, Veronica Breckenridge from First Bite returns to discuss her eye-opening "Industrial Bio-Manufacturing Graveyard Report." Drawing from her experience scaling companies like Apple and Tesla, Veronica reveals why 80% of bio-manufacturing startups fail—and it's not because of bad science. The conversation explores critical mistakes like targeting commodity markets too early, underestimating downstream processing costs, and the "build it and they will come" mentality that has buried promising ventures. Veronica explains why now is actually the best time to invest in bio-manufacturing, citing decreasing costs (3 million times cheaper in 25 years), rising consumer demand for healthier alternatives to petroleum-based products, and increased government support for domestic manufacturing. She shares tactical advice on patient capital structures, the importance of strategic partnerships over going solo, and why bio-manufacturing is more analogous to hardware scaling than pharmaceutical development. The episode offers valuable lessons for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable manufacturing. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Halloween intro and SNL's Snack Homies discussion
(00:04:17) - Zombie apocalypse: Could fungi or viruses cause real zombies?
(00:09:12) - Beyond Meat stock surge and meme trading
(00:11:34) - Introducing the Graveyard Report and Veronica Breckenridge
(00:14:23) - Why Veronica moved from Tesla to bio-manufacturing
(00:19:45) - The three recurring market fit errors killing startups
(00:27:56) - Why targeting commodity markets is a seductive trap
(00…
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152. Crystals in the Cosmos: Varda Rewrites Drug Formulation in Microgravity
24 oktober 2025 · 41 min
In this episode, we explore how Varda Space Industries is pioneering pharmaceutical manufacturing in microgravity with Chief Strategy Officer Michael Riley and Chief Science Officer Adrian Radocea. The team discusses how removing gravity from the crystallization process enables better drug formulations—creating more stable, bioavailable medicines that don't require refrigeration. From their reusable spacecraft that can manufacture drugs in orbit and return them to Earth, to their vision of making space-based manufacturing routine and "boring," Varda is bridging aerospace engineering and biopharma to solve formulation challenges that have stumped the industry for decades. With $187 million in recent funding and spacecraft currently in orbit, they're transforming science fiction into a manufacturing platform that could expand access to medicines globally. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Teaser and Introduction
(00:05:00) Meet the Team: From Semiconductors and Global Health to Space Pharma
(00:08:00) Microgravity as a Manufacturing Tool: Physics Over Chemistry
(00:13:00) Which Drugs Benefit Most? Small Molecules to Antibodies
(00:15:00) Bridging Aerospace and Biopharma Cultures
(00:17:00) Current Mission: A Lab (and Soon Factory) in Space
(00:21:00) Surprising Gravity Effects Even at 800 RPM
(00:25:00) Making Space Manufacturing Cost-Effective
(00:29:00) The 10-Year Vision: Routine, Industrial, and "Boring"
(00:31:00) Hiring Across Aerospace and Pharma + Quick Fire Questions
Episode Links:
VARDA
Elliot Hershberg on VARDA
Elliot Hershberg and Patrick McCormick on VARDA
Elizabeth Reynolds
Chris Mason Episode
Kate Rubins Episode
Erika DeBenedictis Episode
Kyle Landry Episode
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.…
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151. Report on Reports: Cash Flow, Carbon, and the Bioeconomy
17 oktober 2025 · 49 min
In this episode, Erum and Karl unpack six major reports that define the current state of synthetic biology and the bioeconomy. From investment trends to national security concerns, from manufacturing failures to trillion-dollar opportunities, these reports paint a complex picture of an industry at a critical turning point. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Introduction: A Report on Reports
(00:01:00) - The Ig Noble Prize for Meta-Reporting
(00:02:00) - SynBioBeta Investment Trends: Easy Money's Gone
(00:06:00) - World Economic Forum: Leading with Value, Not Technology
(00:11:00) - First Bite's Manufacturing Graveyard: Learning from Failure
(00:18:00) - AB4S Report: Biology's Climate Potential
(00:24:00) - National Security Commission: The US is Falling Behind
(00:33:00) - Bio & Kearney: The Hidden Bioeconomy
(00:39:00) - Cross-Report Themes and Contradictions
(00:45:00) - Quick Fire Questions
(00:48:00) - Final Thoughts: From Science to Infrastructure
Episode Links:
Ig Nobel Prize
SynBioBeta 2025 Investment Report
World Economic Forum’s Report with Capgemini
Advanced Biotech for Sustainability Coalition Report
BIO and Kearney’s Bioeconomy Impact Modelling Report
National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnologies Report
First Bight Ventures to Buy a Manufacturing Graveyard Report
Our Live 150th episode
Alexander Titus' episode
Angela Belcher's episode
Genspace
Break into Biotech
NSF and NVIDIA Partnership
Topics Covered:
natural resources, feedstocks, bioprocessings, biomanufacturing, consumer products and goods, biotech, industry reports
Have a question or comment? Message us here:
Text or Call (804) 505-5553
Instagram/Twi…
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150. Live at BioFab Fair. Celebrating 150 Episodes!
10 oktober 2025 · 40 min
In this special 150th episode of Grow Everything, Erum and Karl broadcast live from the BioFab Fair 2025 in London. They explore the innovative world of biology as technology with special guests Elliot Roth and Amanda (from Mothership Materials), discussing community biotech labs, biopunk culture, and sustainable feedstocks for the bioeconomy. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Introduction to BioFab Fair 2025
(00:01:43) - Reflections on day one of BioFab Fair
(00:06:00) - Interview with Elliot Roth on Biopunk culture
(00:07:00) - From hacker to punk: Redefining biotech development
(00:10:00) - The rise of community bio labs and why they're having a moment
(00:12:00) - Missing small business biotech and problems with VC funding
(00:14:00) - Weird biotech innovations around the world
(00:20:00) - Global tour insights and medical tourism observations
(00:24:00) - Call to action for Biopunk movement
(00:27:00) - Interview with Amanda from Mothership Materials
(00:28:00) - Breakthrough technology for agricultural waste processing
(00:30:00) - The importance of glucose for scaling biomanufacturing
(00:34:00) - Introducing "Microbe Munch" - specialized sugar for microbes
(00:38:00) - The future of distributed biomanufacturing
Episode Links:
Gozen Lunaform video. Wow! - https://vimeo.com/1061047875
Biopunk Lab - https://biopunklab.com/
Pacagen - https://pacagen.com/
Deep Science Ventures - https://www.deepscienceventures.com/
Mothership Materials - https://www.mothershipmaterials.com/
Topics Covered:
Biofabricate, Biofab Fair, live recording, 150 episodes, biomaterials, textiles, fabrics, furniture, community biotech, biopunk, cultivation, microbes, bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, waste agriculture
Have a question or comment? Message us here:
Text or Call (804) 505-5553
Instagram / Twitter/ LinkedIn / Youtube/ Grow Everything
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149. Beyond Capital: Phil Morle of Main Sequence Ventures on Collaboration as the New Competitive Edge
3 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 27 min
This episode explores the journey from scientific breakthrough to scalable industrial implementation. Phil Morle — partner at Main Sequence and co‑founder of Pollenizer — explains how strategic off‑takes generate market pull, the reasons nylon recycling advanced faster than PET, and the orchestration techniques required to progress from First-Of-A-Kind (FOAK) to Next-Of-A-Kind (NOAK) facilities. The conversation covers practical aspects of costs, partnership development, policy incentives, and industrial realities, including Phil's pragmatic test: "if it doesn't need a forklift, it's not relevant." Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00:00) – Intro and producer mindse
(00:06:53) – Orchestration and Samsara origin story
(00:07:53) – Market pull with Woolworths and ANU enzymes
(00:11:12) – Why nylon before PET
(00:12:12) – Offtake vs. equity checks
(00:31:40) – Industrial reality: the forklift test
(00:33:56) – Samsara's infinite-recycling facility
(00:34:33) – Biomanufacturing as infrastructure
(00:40:25) – FOAK to NOAK playbooks
(00:55:00) – Cauldron's HyperFermentation infrastructure
Episode Links:
- Main Sequence Ventures - https://www.mseq.vc/
- Lululemon & Samsara deal - https://corporate.lululemon.com/media/our-stories/2025/lululemon-and-samsara-eco-announce-10-year-plan-to-advance-recycled-material-portfolio)
- Future of Fungi Awards - https://www.futureisfungi.org/
- **Michele Stansfield Episode** - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/messaginglab/episodes/85--Always-Be-Brewing-Continuous-Fermentation-with-Cauldrons-Michele-Stansfield-e2lu3kd
Topics Covered:
venture capital, ecosystem orchestration, biotech, australian business
Have a question or comment? Message us here:
Text or Call (804) 505-5553
Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn/Youtube/Grow Everything
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148: Wrinkle in Time? OneSkin’s Alessandra Zonari Says Not Anymore
26 september 2025 · 52 min
In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at OneSkin. Alessandra shares her personal journey from Brazil to biotech, driven by a mission to transform how we think about aging. She explains the science of cellular senescence, the discovery of the groundbreaking OS-1 peptide, and why skin is more than a beauty surface—it’s a window into systemic health and longevity. Listeners will hear candid insights into the challenges of translating biotech discoveries into consumer products, the importance of radical transparency in science communication, and where peptides and personalized skincare fit into the future of the longevity movement. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about synthetic biology, sustainable innovation, and the science of healthy aging Lees meer
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 Podcast
(00:00:18) London's Bio Fab Fair Recap
(00:02:34) Biotech's Bottom Line Impact
(00:05:49) Pharma's Path to Consumer Products
(00:08:00) The Accidental Discovery of Splenda
(00:09:26) Meet Dr. Alessandra Zonari
(00:10:54) A Scientist's Personal Mission
(00:13:15) "Zombie Cells" and Skin Aging
(00:16:30) Longevity Science vs. Marketing
(00:18:28) The Hunt for the OS-01 Peptide
(00:21:39) The Five-Year Path to Market
(00:22:49) Science-First Communication
(00:28:21) The Challenge of Going to Market
(00:31:16) Communicating to Beauty vs. Biotech
(00:33:45) The Future: Personalized Peptides
(00:36:24) Why Science Storytelling Fails
(00:38:42) Advice for Scientist-Founders
(00:40:00) Peptide vs. SPF
(00:40:42) Busting the Bigge…
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147: "Shhh…They’re Talking: Holoclara's Dr. Andrea Choe Tunes Into Worm Signals for Health”
19 september 2025 · 1 uur 4 min
What if we could treat debilitating diseases by listening in on the "secret, invisible language" of worms? In this groundbreaking episode, we talk with Dr. Andrea Choe, Co-Founder and CEO of Holoclara, who uncovered a "universal worm language" used for hundreds of millions of years. Dr. Choe reveals how our modern "aggressive hygiene routine" removed the worms we co-evolved with, leading to a rise in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Discover how her team is pioneering a new class of safe, orally available therapies by synthesizing worm-derived molecules that "rebalance" our immune systems and have already blocked disease in animal models. This is a fascinating journey from a fundamental discovery in evolutionary biology to the cutting edge of biotech innovation. Lees meer
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 Podcast
(00:00:18) NYC Biotech and Climate Week Recap
(00:08:43) Science News: Comets and Octopuses
(00:15:17) Meet Dr. Andrea Choe
(00:15:52) From Researcher to Founder: The Call to Action
(00:17:25) Discovering the Universal "Worm Language"
(00:25:11) Connecting Worm Secretions to Therapeutics
(00:29:49) How Modern Hygiene Created an Immune Imbalance
(00:34:35) Navigating the Hurdles of Natural Medicine
(00:38:50) Holoclara's Mission to Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
(00:42:25) Holoclara's Phase 1 Safety and Trial Results
(00:51:03) Moonshot Vision: A "Worm Atlas" of Molecules
(00:52:28) The Strategy for Patenting Natural Molecules
(00:54:33) Worm Superpowers & Immune Myths
(00:58:25) Reflecting on Nature's Untapped Answers
(01:02:41) Coming Up on Grow Everything
Episode Links:
Holoclara
Human Genome project
Diary of …
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146. Pump It Up: Benji Leibowitz on DAO-ing Science Differently
12 september 2025 · 58 min
In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez talk with Benji Leibowitz, Co-Founder of Pump Science, about what it really means to be “DAO-ing science differently.” From the early days of Molecule DAO to today’s crypto-native platform for funding longevity and nootropics research, Benji explains how decentralized science (DeSci) can rebuild healthcare and biotech from the ground up. By combining bonding curves, tokenized IP, and radical transparency with live-streamed worm and fly experiments, Pump Science is transforming science into an attention game that’s fast, fun, and open to everyone. Tune in to hear how DAO-driven models are unlocking underfunded areas like longevity, attracting crypto investors, and creating a new culture where research is not only transparent but also entertaining. Lees meer
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 Grow Everything Podcast
(00:00:49) Proposed U.S. budget cuts to research
(00:01:59) How jargon fuels skepticism in science
(00:02:25) China's bioeconomy surpassing U.S. in biotech investment
(00:04:31) Rising gut imbalance in infants: My Baby Biome study
(00:06:35) Billionaires investing heavily in longevity research
(00:08:21) Wishing for more entertaining "fun" billionaires
(00:10:26) Meet Benji
(00:13:07) Rebuilding healthcare and biotech from scratch (DeSci)
(00:15:15) From tokenizing biotech IP to Pump Science’s new model
(00:18:09) Focusing on longevity to attract crypto investors
(00:23:56) Optimizing experiments with C. elegans worms
(00:27:47) A high-velocity "casino" model backed by real IP
(00:33:18) Launching compound tokens on a bonding curve
(00:36:36) Funding research throu…
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145: "Decentralized Science 101: Defining DeSci with the Experts"
5 september 2025 · 27 min
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. Lees meer
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:
(00:00:15) 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
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144. Art Meets Agar: Karen Ingram Reimagines Biodesign
29 augustus 2025 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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):…
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143. Sunscreen from Space? Delavie’s Kyle Landry Turns Space Microbes into Skincare
22 augustus 2025 · 1 uur
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. Lees meer
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 Episode
Lifespan.io
Fight 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 Station
NASA iTECH
Chapters:
(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) - Evolut… -
142. Petri Dishes & Policy Shifts: Capgemini’s Richard Traherne on Scaling Biology
15 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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 Biology
00:01:04 - Inside a Workshop on Designing Life with Code
00:06:31 - Longevity Breakthroughs: Tackling Aging with Biotech
00:08:40 - The Beauty Revolution Powered by Regenerative Biology
00:12:31 - Turning Biotech Ideas into Market-Ready Innovations
00:14:05 - Spotlight Conversation with Richard Traherne
00:32:34 - Slashing Discovery Costs in Energy and Fuels
00:33:03 - The Real-World Hurdles of Bringing Biology to Life
00:33:41 - Winning Trust in Bioengineered Solutions
00:36:13 - Scaling Biology…
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141. Gut Check! Viome’s Momo & Guru Decode Your Inner Microbiome
8 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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 Energy
00:00:39 - Bright Spots and Breakthroughs Lighting Up the Biotech World
00:02:12 - How Policy Shapes the Future of Scientific Discovery
00:03:43 - Farming the Future: Biotech’s Role in Agriculture
00:05:12 - Plastics, Planet Health, and the Human Cost
00:08:18 - Unlocking the Secrets of the Human Microbiome
00:09:11 - Meet the Visionaries Behind Viome
00:15:18 - RNA Revealed: The Tiny Molecule with a Massive Health Impact
00:24:46 - AI Meets Your Plate: The Science of Personalized Nutrition
00:38:52 - Peering Into Life’s Code with Molecular Models and AI
00:39:40 - What Sequencing Data Can Really Tell Us
00:40:29 - Surprising Microbiome Patterns You’ve Never Heard Of
00:42:47 - How Steady Is Your Gut’s Microbial Universe?
00:43:47 - The Lasting Ef…
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140. Behind The Scenes with Karl and Erum
1 augustus 2025 · 37 min
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. Lees meer
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 Curtain
00:01:03 - From Idea to Reality: How the Podcast Came to Life
00:04:27 - The Roadblocks, the Breakthroughs: What’s Shaped Our Journey
00:06:24 - Crafting the Perfect Biotech Story: Marketing with Purpose
00:08:08 - Changing the Game: How Our Guests Redefine the Future
00:17:11 - Hot Takes on Biotech: What’s Overhyped and What’s Real?
00:19:30 - How to Connect with Founders: Elevating Their Narrative
00:21:15 - Uncovering Hidden Biotech Gems: The Innovators Who Deserve the Spotlight
00:23:53 - The Power of the Podcast: How We Help Our Clients Shine
00:27:48 - A Vision for 2030: Dream Guests and Big Ideas
00:32:14 - Rapid Fire: Fun Fact…
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139. Cultivating a Culture of Cultures? Genspace's Casey Lardner on Community Biotech
25 juli 2025 · 1 uur 11 min
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. Lees meer
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 World
00:00:25 - Guest Co-Host Sabriya Stukes Drops In — Backyard BBQ to Biotech
00:01:18 - What’s Buzzing in Biotech: Founders, VCs & Sound Baths
00:03:48 - Redefining Community: Beyond Buzzwords in Bio
00:06:38 - Genspace Unveiled: Brooklyn’s Portal to Public Science
00:10:41 - From Chemistry to Community: Casey’s Unexpected Path to Genspace
00:13:40 - Inside Genspace: Culture, Creativity, and the Curious
00:22:06 - Radical Access: Building Biotech for Everyone
00:28:55 - Live from Ilmar 2025: Big Ideas, Big Shifts
00:37:35 - What’s Next? Introducing Gotham Foundry
00:39:25 - Fueling Founders: How Genspace Sparks Startups
00:40:23 - Why NYC is the Place to Grow Bio Right Now
00:41:53 - Stay Curious: The Secret Ingredient in Science
00:43:26 - Can AI Help Democratize Biology? Genspace Thinks So
00:46:51 - Where Art Meets Genome: The Power of Story in Science
00:51:28 - Bold Visions: What the Future Looks Like at Genspace
00:55:49 - The Pulse of NYC B…
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138. Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic Toolbox
18 juli 2025 · 48 min
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. Lees meer
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 Here
00:00:32 - Can AI Become Conscious? Let’s Get Weird
00:03:18 - Where Code Meets Cells: AI x Biology
00:05:06 - From Metal Bands to Microbes in Mumbai
00:09:22 - Meet Suzanne Lee: The Woman Who Grows Materials
00:24:48 - Innovation Isn’t Fast—But It’s Worth It
00:25:14 - Sometimes Old Tech is the Real Disruptor
00:26:17 - Designing 2050: Biology Will Shape Everything
00:27:05 - How to Break Free from Extraction
00:27:30 - New Tech, New Rules: Use With Intention
00:29:49 - 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 Superpower
00:40:06 - Rapid-Fire with Suzanne Lee: Futu…
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137. Hack to the Future: Shelby Newsad on Biohacking Breakthroughs
11 juli 2025 · 55 min
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. Lees meer
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 Build
00:00:17 - Road Trips & Montreal: Hosts Trade Vacation Tales
00:02:05 - Big Hikes & Life Lessons on the Road
00:02:41 - Is AI Making Us Dumber? A Brainy Debate
00:05:52 - Stem Cells for Cats & Dogs: A Pet Health Revolution
00:07:28 - Longevity Hacks & Biohacking Breakthroughs
00:11:09 - Inside Biohacking Demo Day: Shelby Sets the Stage
00:14:13 - Taking Control: How Biohackers Are Changing Healthcare
00:17:19 - Why Your Own Health Data Is the Next Big Thing
00:21:58 - Crypto Meets Science: New Ways to Fund Biotech
00:26:31 - The Coming Wave of Personalized Health
00:28:16 - The Surge in Consumer Blood Testing
00:29:40 - How Often Should You Really Get Blood Panels?
00:30:33 - Merging Health Data with AI for Real Results
00:33:52 - Brian Johnson Drops Biohacking Truth Bombs
00:40:06 - Making Biohacking for Everyone: Price & Access
00:42:39 - Wild & Unexpected Biohacks to Watch
00:46…
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136. (Replay) DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges
4 juli 2025 · 56 min
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. Lees meer
\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 Bureaucracy
00:00:30 - Democracy’s Turning Point
00:02:23 - A Fiery Day in Prospect Park
00:04:20 - How Spaces Shape Our Health
00:08:35 - Enter Alexander Titus: Biosecurity Visionary
00:10:13 - Biotech: The New Face of National Defense
00:15:09 - Where Tech and Policy Collide
00:23:10 - The Future of Biosecurity Unfolds
00:28:02 - Bold Science vs. Ethical Boundaries
00:30:24 - Robotics Meets Biotech: What’s Next?
00:33:29 - Hard Lessons from Cross-Industry Giants
00:35:49 - Innovation Clashes with Red Tape
00:36:11 - The Power of Expertise in Shaping Policy
00:42:26 - Biotech’s Hidden Environmental Risks
00:45:42 - The Commission’s Bold Path Forward
00:48:45 - Parting Thoughts: What Lies Ahead
Topics Covered: biotech, biosecurity, national security commission on emerging biotechnology, policy
Episode Links:
The Wild Life of Our Bodie…
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135. Hormones Harmonized: Elle Shelley Black of Same Skincare on Syncing Skin to Life’s Rhythms
27 juni 2025 · 1 uur 2 min
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. Lees meer
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 Mystery
00:00:36 - The Cosmic Luck of Being Human
00:02:34 - Can We Hack Aging? Let’s Try
00:07:40 - Elle Black Joins: Skin, Science & Secrets
00:15:17 - Elle’s Origin Story + Clean Beauty Truths
00:33:10 - The Truth About Odor-Eating Deodorants
00:34:11 - Beauty Products vs. Your Fridge
00:35:40 - Why Cold Shipping Costs More Than You Think
00:36:31 - Calling Out the Hidden in Beauty Labels
00:38:29 - Why I Created a Skincare Ritual That Listens
00:39:45 - Your Hormones, Your Glow—Deeply Linked
00:40:33 - A Skincare App That Knows Your Cycle
00:45:19 - What Men Don’t Know About Their Skincare
00:53:32 - What’s Next: AI, Supplements & Radical Transparency
00:56:38 - Reflections, Mic Drops & Future Moves
Links and Resources:
Same Skincare
Lifespan by David Sinclair
Transcendence by Ray Kurzweil
Skinceuticals
Symbiome
EndoFound
Topics Covered:
biotech beauty, skincar…
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134. Bio-Logic in Living Designs: bioMATTERS’ Nancy Diniz on Crafting with Biology
20 juni 2025 · 48 min
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. Lees meer
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 Spark
00:00:28 - Protests, Purpose, and Speaking Up in a Wild World
00:02:10 - The Future Is Biotech: From AI in Pharma to Bio-powered Skin Care
00:04:32 - L’Oreal Meets Nvidia: The Unexpected Longevity Alliance
00:08:17 - Meet Nancy Diniz: Architect Turned Biodesign Trailblazer
00:15:22 - Clay, Craft, and Mycelium: Where Earth Meets Engineered Biology
00:21:13 - Breaking the Mold: How Nancy Navigates the Unknown in Biodesign
00:23:45 - Happy Accidents: Why Biodesign Thrives on Trial and Error
00:25:10 - New Frontiers: Biomanufacturing Takes Center Stage
00:25:50 - When Design Dreams Collide with Biological Reality
00:27:00 - The Ethics of Growing with Care in Biodesign
00:29:44 - Meet Symbi: Nancy’s Living Material with a Message
00:32:10 - From Petri Dish to Production: The Real Challenge of Scale
00:34:48 - What Ancient Pottery Can Teach Us About Tomo…
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133. Funding, Frameworks & Frenemies: Dr. Angela Belcher of NSCEB Gets Real on the $15B Biotech Boost Plan
13 juni 2025 · 50 min
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. Lees meer
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 Ideas
00:00:21 - AI, Simulation Theory & Prompting the Future
00:01:57 - Fungi Meets Art: Mycelium’s Creative Frontier
00:02:44 - Can Synthetic Biology Save the Planet?
00:05:54 - Meet Dr. Angela Belcher: Visionary in Biofabrication
00:06:29 - Abalone Shells: Nature’s Blueprint for Smart Materials
00:14:13 - Biotech Meets National Security: A Strategic Frontier
00:25:23 - Building Tomorrow’s Scientists: Starting with Kids
00:26:09 - Sparking Curiosity in the Next Generation
00:27:00 - Science in Motion: Dodge Ball & Discovery
00:27:53 - Resurrecting the Past: Biodiversity Through Time
00:30:01 - Tackling the Grand Challenges in Biomanufacturing
00:32:02 - From Bench to Nation: Scaling U.S. Biotech
00:36:03 - Mining, Carbon & Clean Tech: A Greener Path
00:38:42 - The Future of Biofabrication: What Comes Next?
00:40:53 - Angela’s Journey: Curiosity, Grit & What’s Ahead
00:43:32 - Final Reflections: Science, Society & What Matters Mo…
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132. Bond. Enzyme Bond. CurieCo's Erika Milczek on Replacing Chemicals with Biotech
6 juni 2025 · 1 uur 6 min
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. Lees meer
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 Stage
00:00:22 - Juggling Labs, Life, and Launchpads
00:01:27 - Terraforming Mars? Let’s Dream Big
00:04:58 - Joe Rogan, Speciation, and Sci-Fi Tangents
00:10:08 - Biotech Beauty Week: Innovation on Display
00:14:13 - Meet Erika Milczek: Enzymes Over Everything
00:33:03 - Feeding the Bug: The Spark Behind Discovery
00:35:15 - Scaling Science: What Makes Commercialization Hard
00:35:51 - Why Partnerships Make or Break Biotech
00:38:02 - Following the Rules: Regulatory Shifts & Product Strategy
00:42:48 - From the Lab to RTP: Building in Biotech's Backyard
00:45:37 - Ecosystem First: How to Build Bio Economies
00:50:01 - Fundraising Real Talk: Investors, Guts & Growth
00:53:50 - Biomanufacturing Is Just Getting Started
00:56:29 - Let’s Talk Packaging: Biotech’s Next Fro…
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131. Leaf It to Science: How Foray Bioscience's Ashley Beckwith is Reforesting the Future
30 mei 2025 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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-Up
00:00:46 - Synbio Beta Sparks: The Pulse of Next-Gen Biotech
00:02:27 - Argentina to IndieBio: The Unstoppable Founders You Need to Know
00:04:01 - Biotech Gets Corporate: The Rise of Strategic Venture Funds
00:05:11 - Deal Flow & Discovery: HC Wainwright’s Biotech Bash
00:08:18 - Brooklyn Bio Buzz: A Night Out with the C…
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130. SynBioBeta 2025 Recap: Hyperscale Biology
23 mei 2025 · 1 uur 1 min
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. Lees meer
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 Energy
00:00:34 – Straight from San Jose: SynBioBeta 2025, Unpacked
00:01:05 – Imagining 2050: Drew Endy's Blueprint for a Biological Future
00:02:25 – Bio Meets Geopolitics: Why Localized Manufacturing is Liberation
00:03:20 – Not Just Biology—Infrastructure for a New Economy
00:03:45 – Who is Drew Endy? The Mind Behind SynBio’s Movement
00:04:32 – Inside the Conference: Boots on the Ground at San Jose
00:05:29 – Hyperscale Bio is Here: AI + SynBio = Exponential Potential
00:07:16 – Biopharma in the Hot Seat: What’s Holding the Sector Back?
00:09:20 – Protein Design Gets Creative: Custom-Built Biology Takes Stage
00:19:53 – Space, Security, and the Pentagon’s Synthetic Playbook
00:28:42 – Best of the Breakouts: Panels, Pitches, and Power Moves
00:32…
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129. No Cells? No Problem! eXoZymes' Michael Heltzen on the Future of Microbe-Free Biotech
16 mei 2025 · 51 min
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. Lees meer
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 Future
00:00:17 – SynBioBeta Afterglow: Late Nights, Big Ideas, and Bio Buzz
00:02:39 – Breaking the Cell Wall: The Power of Cell-Free Biomanufacturing
00:03:33 – Meet Michael Heltzen: The Visionary Behind the Next Bio Revolution
00:09:54 – Inside NCTX: The Molecule That Might Change Everything
00:16:06 – No Scale, No Impact: Tackling SynBio’s Toughest Bottlenecks
00:26:43 – From Supplements to Cures: Bio’s Leap Across Sectors
00:27:19 – AI x Enzymes: Cracking Nature’s Code in Real Time
00:28:06 – Making Biology Predictable: ML Meets Molecular Design
00:30:14 – Faster Than Nature: How AI Shrinks Production Timelines
00:33:29 – Go-to-Market Moves: Biotech Strategy for the Real World
00:36:07 – Bio Click™: Targeted Enzymes with Industrial Precision
00:38:38 – Life After the Bell: IPOs, Growth, and Big Bio Energy
00:42:29 – Zooming Out: Big-Picture Thinking for What Comes Next
Links and Resources:…
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128. Replay of Synbiobeta 2024 Recap with Fresh Commentary
9 mei 2025 · 1 uur 19 min
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. Lees meer
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 Matters
00:00:14 - SynBioBeta 2024: The Moments That Blew Our Minds
00:01:40 - The Biopunk Underground: Bio for All, No Badge Required
00:03:11 - Serendipity, Old Friends & Building the SynBio Tribe
00:05:43 - Black Mirror or Just the Future? Wild Tech at the Edge of Medicine
00:08:04 - AI-Generated Soundtracks & the New Synesthetic Biology
00:12:16 - Brewing Bio at Home: DIY Fermentation, Micro-Growth & More
00:16:05 - SynBioBeta 2025 Teasers & The AI Takeover of Bio Design
00:25:26 - When Space Meets Biomanufacturing: New Frontiers in Orbit
00:33:12 - From Mycelium to Mind Expansion: The Psychedelic Thread
00:42:08 - Big Names, Bigger Bets: Who Showed Up and Why It Matters
00:42:43 - L’Oréal Goes Biotech: The Beauty of Strategic Collabs
00:44:31 - Are You a Platform or a Product? The Debate That Won’t Die
00:46:48 - Where the Money Is: What Investors Really Want in 2025
00:51:28 - How to Crush a Conference (Without Burning Out)
00:55:01 - CEO Power Lunches and Glowing P…
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127. Chain Reaction: Orchestrating BioInnovation Without Missing a Beat – with MessagingLab’s Erum & Karl
2 mei 2025 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 Prep
00:02:18 – Why Orchestration Is Biotech’s Unspoken Superpower
00:05:25 – What’s Really Blocking Biotech from Breaking Through?
00:08:10 – K18 Hair: A Masterclass in Vertical Bio-Play
00:10:09 – Ecosystem Marketing: The Influence Strategy No One Talks About
00:16:15 – How to Engineer Ecosystems That Actually Work
00:22:20 – What’s Peaking in Biotech? Trends You Can’t Ignore
00:27:08 – The Orchestration Era: Your Next Move Starts Now
Links and Resources:
Messaginglab
National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology's Report: Charting the Future of Biotechnology
Topics Covered:
biomanufacturing, value chain orchestration, supply chains, supply networks, ecosystem building, ecosystem marketing, influencing, business develo…
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126. Sizzling Success: Eben Bayer of MyForest Foods on Scaling Mycelium Magic
25 april 2025 · 44 min
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. Lees meer
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 Elevators
00:00:15 - Back in Action: Your Favorite Bio-Futurists Return
00:00:31 - Erum’s Arctic Escape: Sauna Talks & Synbio Dreams
00:02:27 - Biotech Bonding: Unexpected Encounters in the North
00:04:39 - From Lava Fields to Lab Ideas: Iceland Inspires
00:04:48 - Travel Hack: How ChatGPT Became Our Digital Tour Guide
00:06:59 - Survival, Science & Synbio: Adventures at the Edge
00:09:37 - Deep Dive: Oceans, Algae & the Blue Carbon Breakthrough
00:12:29 - Enter Eben Bayer: Mycelium Magic and Fungi Futures
00:24:22 - Farming the Future: A Global Mycelium Network Emerges
00:25:13 - Teaming Up: Mycelium Hits the Mainstream Food Scene
00:26:30 - Eco-Revolution: Why Fungi Might Just Save the Planet
00:27:52 - Wha…
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125. The Synbio Symphony: SynBioBeta’s John Cumbers Harmonizes Biology and Industry
18 april 2025 · 1 uur 4 min
Karl and Erum welcome back Dr. John Cumbers—founder of SynBioBeta and Biological Enlightenment Studios—to dive deep into the transformative power of synthetic biology. From designing personalized proteins and sustainable materials to programming life for space exploration, John unpacks why synthetic biology could be the defining technology of our century. The conversation spans the central dogma, programmable cells, AI-designed genomes, and even the ethics of growing brainless human clones. With themes ranging from planetary health to Pixar-style science storytelling, this episode offers a biologically enlightened vision of a future where we grow everything—from meat to materials to machines. Lees meer
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 Club: The Biologically Enlightened Begin
00:00:26 – Biotech Meets Copenhagen: Global R&D, Beer, and Bold Ideas
00:01:53 – AI Roasts, Inside Jokes, and the Business of Podcasting
00:04:00 – Dire Wolves, CRISPR, and the Wild World of De-Extinction
00:09:49 – Microscopes, Microbes, and the Future of Biotech Gaming
00:12:14 – Enter John Cumbers: Mastermind of Synthetic Biology
00:31:22 – Hyperscale Biology: AI-Bio Collisions at the Frontier
00:32:16 – From Intimidation to Innovation: Embracing AI in the Lab
00:34:24 – Beyond the Hype: AI, Quantum, and the Bio Black Box
00:36:13 – Remixing Life Itself: Non-Canonical Amino Acids Take the Stage
00:41:50 – From Niche to Mainstream: Biotech’s Cultural Awakening
00:45:12 – Rewriting the Future: Bio Strategies for a Greener Planet
00:48:39 – Too Radical to Fail? Brain Swaps and Body Clones
00:54:05 – SynBioBeta 2025: The Party, The Panels, The Possibiliti…
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124. Cell-ebrating Success: Ilan Sobel Blends Science and Strategy to Scale-up BioHarvest
11 april 2025 · 1 uur 6 min
What if you could grow health-boosting compounds—not in fields, but in bioreactors—using the power of plant cells? In this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with Ilan Sobel, CEO of BioHarvest, to explore how the company is reshaping biotech, nutraceuticals, and biomanufacturing. From leveraging botanical synthesis to create highly bioavailable compounds like piceid resveratrol, to scaling sustainable DTC operations that rival software margins, Ilan reveals how BioHarvest is closing the gap between nature, science, and commerce. Hear how this Coca-Cola veteran is building a biological infrastructure poised to disrupt pharma, food, and beyond—one cell at a time. Lees meer
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 Biotech That Prints Money
00:00:21 - $9 Trillion Vanishes: Markets, Mayhem, and Monday Mood
00:00:36 - Brooklyn Birthdays, Bio Buzz & Citizen Scientists Unite
00:02:24 - Tariffs, Pharma, and the Future of Drug Supply Chains
00:04:20 - Reddit Rabbit Holes and Underrated Science That Could Change Everything
00:06:49 - Pharma’s Dirty Secret: Why Cures Don’t Always Win
00:09:39 - Meet Ilan Sobel: From Coca-Cola Exec to Biotech World-Changer
00:19:13 - What the Heck Is Botanical Synthesis? (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)
00:26:46 - Tiny Footprint, Massive Impact: Economics That Would Make Silicon Valley Jealous
00:29:02 - How a Grape Cell Became the King of Blood Flow Supplements
00:35:09 - Why Longevity Starts with Blood, Not Kale
00:37:32 - The Secret Sauce Behind Supplements That Actually Work
00:38:55 - How BioHarvest Orchestrated a Biotech Masterpiece
00:40:20 - From Plant Cells to Profit: Scaling Biotech Like a Pro
00:43:10 - Op…
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123. From Gas to Glam: Molly Morse Discusses Mango Materials' Biodegradable Innovations
4 april 2025 · 1 uur 1 min
In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum dive deep into the transformative world of biomanufacturing with Molly Morse, CEO and Co-founder of Mango Materials. Molly shares how her team is using methane—one of the most potent greenhouse gases—as a feedstock to create PHAs, a class of biodegradable bioplastics. From wastewater treatment partnerships to collaboration with brands like Allbirds and Stella McCartney, Mango Materials is setting a new standard in sustainable innovation. The conversation spans synthetic biology, microbial fermentation, the challenges of scaling, and even bioplastics in space. If you're passionate about circular economies, advanced materials, or cutting-edge climate tech, this episode is for you. Lees meer
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 Things Off: Weekend Tales & Seal Surprises
00:00:36 - A Shiny Seal, Beach Drama & Wildlife Wisdom
00:02:51 - AI is Basically Michael Scott… And That’s a Good Thing
00:04:40 - Can We Trust World Leaders Taking Advice from ChatGPT?
00:07:44 - AI That Talks Back: Selling Smarter with Conversational Tech
00:09:35 - Muscles Made in a Lab? Welcome to the Future of Biology
00:12:36 - Molly Morse Joins: Turning Methane into Magic with Mango Materials
00:29:33 - Waste to Wealth: How Municipal Methane Becomes a Revenue Stream
00:30:16 - From Landfills to Livestock: Where the Methane Goldmine Is
00:31:33 - Scaling Science: The Real Talk Behind Biomanufacturing Challenges
00:33:47 - Zero Gravity, Big Ideas: Mango’s Mission in Space
00:38:34 - From Microbes to Market: Scaling PHA Pellet Production
00:46:11 - What Does “Biodegradable” Really Mean? Let’s Break It Down
00:51:35 - Big P…
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122. Ecohacking the Planet: Daniel Goodwin of Homeworld Collective Brews Up Planetary-Scale Solutions
28 maart 2025 · 1 uur
Karl and Erum sit down with Daniel Goodwin, co-founding Director of Homeworld Collective alongside his friend and collaborator Paul Reginato. Together, they explore how to build resilient, values-aligned infrastructure for a flourishing bioeconomy—beyond the venture model. Lees meer
From climate biotech to systems thinking, Daniel shares how Homeworld Collective is more than just a network—it's an emergent, mycelial community focused on care, collaboration, and collective intelligence. The conversation weaves through everything from the limits of "techno-solutionism" to the power of story in science, and the need to design not just tools, but the conditions for innovation to thrive.
If you’re thinking about the future of biotech, and how culture, community, and infrastructure intersect to make it real—this episode is 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 the Biofuture: Erum and Karl kick things off in full grind mode.
00:00:16 – Biotech Boom Times: Why the field never sleeps (and neither do the hosts).
00:01:01 – Inside the AI Emergence Summit: Smell farms, AGI hype, and real talk on moats.
00:03:21 – DIY Healthcare with AI: What happens when you feed your genome to a chatbot?
00:05:35 – Can AI Decode Biology? Drug discovery and the limitations of human cognition.
00:07:49 – Mammoths, Models & Media: Colossal Biosciences and the narrative power of science.
00:11:32 – Meet Daniel Goodwin: Systems thinker, community builder, biotech whisperer.
00:12:03 – On George Church: The unintentional influence that shaped Homeworld's DNA.
00:18:07 – What Is Homeworld Collective? Building more than a Slack—building a system.
00:20:47 – Imagining …
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121. Skin Deep: 'Peeling' Back the Layers of Skin Microbiome Diversity with Fjor's Natalie Enslow
21 maart 2025 · 55 min
Erum and Karl dive into the fascinating world of the skin microbiome with Natalie Enslow, CEO and co-founder of Fjor. Natalie shares her journey from marketing to biotech, explaining how her brand is revolutionizing skincare by embracing the power of beneficial bacteria. She discusses the importance of microbial diversity, the challenges of launching a biotech-driven skincare brand, and how Fjor's enzyme-powered formulations are designed to support rather than replace the skin’s natural microbiome. The conversation also touches on the future of gender-neutral skincare, the intersection of biotech and entrepreneurship, and why the beauty industry needs a serious science-backed shake-up. Lees meer
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 World of Skin Microbiomes!
00:00:14 – Erum & Karl Reunite: Travel Tales and Jet Lag
00:00:46 – From Panama to London: Adventures and Insights
00:02:28 – Why We Started Grow Everything – A Podcast for the Bioeconomy
00:02:44 – The Bioeconomy Boom: What’s Next for Biotech?
00:04:26 – RFK Jr.’s Mission to Ban Food Dyes—Science or Politics?
00:07:08 – Who Owns Your Genetic Data? The Debate Heats Up
00:10:43 – Meet Natalie Enslow: The Biotech Innovator Changing Skincare
00:13:00 – Culture, Science & Skincare: The Nordic Philosophy Behind Fjor
00:17:00 – Why Your Skin’s Microbiome Is in Crisis (and How to Fix It)
00:23:00 – Convincing Family: How Natalie’s Mom Became a Believer
00:25:00 – Too Many Choices? How Fjor Cuts Through the Skincare Noise
00:27:27 – Gender-Neutral Branding: Why Fjor Is Breaking Beauty Norms
00:28:45 – Luxury Meets Science: Natalie’s Background in High-End Marketing
00:30:33 – TikTok’s …
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120. Busting Biotech's Bottlenecks: Veronica Breckenridge on the Path to Industrial Scale
14 maart 2025 · 1 uur 3 min
Karl and Erum sit down with Veronica Breckenridge, founder of First Bight Ventures, to discuss how the convergence of biology and technology is driving the biggest innovations of the 21st century. Drawing from her deep tech background, including her time at Apple, Veronica explores rapid advancements in genome sequencing, AI-driven biotech, and the vast untapped potential of microbes, emphasizing why now is the time to harness biology to tackle global challenges in health, nutrition, sustainability, and manufacturing. From synthetic biology startups to biomanufacturing at scale, this episode delves into the future of biomaterials and how venture capital can accelerate the next wave of biotech breakthroughs—making it a must-listen for anyone interested in scaling biotech innovations, investing in the bioeconomy, or exploring the intersection of computation and biology. Lees meer
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 - How Biology is Moving Faster Than Moore’s Law
00:00:17 - Checking In from Panama
00:00:42 - Exploring Panama City’s Biotech Potential
00:01:26 - A Futuristic Robot Massage Experience
00:02:11 - Reflecting on International Women's Day
00:02:40 - Networking with Women in Biotech in Brooklyn
00:05:27 - Inside the Merck Digital Sciences Studio Event
00:06:19 - Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Drug Development
00:07:15 - The Biggest Hurdles for Startups in Pharma
00:16:20 - A Deep Dive with Veronica Breckenridge
00:30:41 - Why Manufacturability Matters in Biotech
00:31:28 - The Role of Research and Pilot Facilities
00:33:48 - How Scientific Founders Can Accelerate Their Business
00:35:25 - Houston’s Rising Status in Biomanufacturing
00:39:12 - …
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119: Bio-Reactor or Bio-Rocket? Scaling Up with Arsenale Bio's Massimo Portincaso
7 maart 2025 · 1 uur 2 min
Karl and Erum sit down with Massimo Portincaso, founder of Arsenale BioYards, to discuss the urgent need to rethink how we scale biomanufacturing. Massimo shares why today’s approach to industrial biotech—modeled after biopharma—is fundamentally flawed and how Arsenale is flipping the script. From nature co-design to AI-driven strain selection, he lays out a bold vision for scaling bio-based production in a way that is economically viable and industrially scalable. If you care about the future of precision fermentation, sustainable materials, and the bioeconomy, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Lees meer
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Links and Resources:
Arsenale Bioyards
Farm.One
Common Side Effects (TV series)
Nature Co-Design report
Genomatica aka Geno
Officinae Bio (now Maravai Life Sciences)
"Scaling Cells, Dreaming Big: The Biomanufacturing Cloud with Synonym’s Edward Shenderovich"
Topics Covered:
Biomanufacturing, bioreactors, downstream processing, upstream processing, bioengineering, bioeconomy, italian biotech
Have a question or comment? Message us here:
Text or Call (804) 505-5553
Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything
Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com
Music by: Nihilore
Production by: Amplafy Media
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118. Smells Like Biotech Spirit: Bob Weinstein on the Flavors & Fragrances Industry’s Bio-Revolution
28 februari 2025 · 1 uur
Flavors, fragrances, and the science behind what makes things smell and taste amazing—Karl and Erum explore this world with Bob Weinstein, a legend in the industry who has spent decades at Firmenich, Robertet, and now Bedoukian Research. Bob takes them on a journey from the early days of animal-derived scents (yes, civet was a thing) to the rise of biotech-powered ingredients that are shaping the future of sustainable fragrance and flavor. They get into the art and science of scent, the challenges of scaling biomanufacturing, and why companies, much like organisms, have to evolve to survive. Plus, Erum shares her experience making her own perfume—though Bob has some thoughts on her ingredient choices. Lees meer
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 – Ice, Snow, and a Birthday Glow
00:00:48 – Cabin Life and Petrochemicals at Work
00:02:37 – Brooklyn: Where Trivia Meets Fungi
00:04:38 – Fermentation Festival and the Science of Flavor
00:06:20 – Yeast, Beer, and Biotech's Brewing Future
00:07:00 – 90s Software Hype vs. Biotech’s Moment
00:10:56 – Melanin, Gamma Rays, and Seeds for Space
00:12:27 – Unilever Shake-Up and What It Means for Biotech
00:13:44 – Robert Weinstein: The Science and Business of Scent
00:31:12 – Government, Industry, and the Fight for Innovation
00:32:00 – The Future of Plant-Based Ingredients
00:32:58 – How Legacy Companies Stay Relevant
00:35:25 – Surviving Economic Cycles in Business
00:36:49 – Bedoukian Research and the Next Chapter
00:39:32 – The Science of Smell: Fragrance, Musk, and Civet
00:45:15 – The Price of Smell: Why Some Scents Cost a Fortune
00:51:38 – Biotech Founders, Here’s What You Need to Know
00:54:30 – Wrapping Up…
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117. From Lab Coats to CEO Notes: BioLabs' Glennis Mehra on Biotech Business in NYC
21 februari 2025 · 57 min
In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum sit down with Dr. Glennis Mehra, the absolute powerhouse behind BioLabs at NYU Langone, to talk about what it really takes to build a biotech startup in New York City. From how to deal with imposter syndrome to finding funding in a capital-constrained world, Glennis shares hard-earned insights on how founders can survive (and thrive) in one of the toughest, most exciting biotech ecosystems on the planet. They get into the magic of founder-to-founder collaboration, why biology’s complexity is finally getting the respect it deserves, and whether AI is about to make lab work obsolete (spoiler: it’s not). Plus, Erum debates whether traveling to Mars just to eat lettuce is worth it. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction and Vision for a Better Future
00:00:17 – Unexpected Weather, Birthday Trips, and Giant Malls
00:01:41 – Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and the Reality of Rising Temperatures
00:03:07 – Space Travel, Microbes on Mars, and the Lettuce Dilemma
00:05:12 – Biotech Innovations, Soil Microbiomes, and Engineering Nature
00:07:06 – The Storytelling Gene: Why Scientists Must Be Great Communicators
00:09:02 – Sweet Proteins, Strategic Narratives, and Startup Success
00:10:39 – Young Innovators, Biochar, and Climate Tech Disruptors
00:13:12 – Welcoming Dr. Glennis Mehra: The Biotech Builder
00:15:04 – From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Glennis’ Journey
00:17:31 – Imposter Syndrome in Biotech: Why Founders Struggle
00:19:55 – The Secret to Building a Strong Startup Community
00:22:18 – The Founder’s Dilemma: Making Big Decisions Quickly
00:25:09 – Why Founder-to-Founder Collaboration i…
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116. Cell Yeah for Space!: Pioneer Labs' Erika DeBenedictis on Engineering Life for Mars
14 februari 2025 · 1 uur
Erum and Karl get into the nitty-gritty of evolution, automation, and space microbes with Erika DeBenedictis—CEO of Pioneer Labs, a computational physicist, molecular biologist, and all-around biotech explorer. They chat about her wild career path from JPL and Sandia National Laboratories to engineering microbes for Mars and running an academic lab dedicated to Robotics-Accelerated Evolution (yes, that’s as cool as it sounds). You can expect to hear all about AI-driven protein design, the future of fully automated science, and why programmable experiments might just be the next CRISPR. Plus, a little existential musing on whether life on Earth is just beta-testing for the universe. Lees meer
Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?
Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction and Super Bowl: A Low-Gravity Celebration
00:00:46 – Crypto and Microbiomes: Decentralized Finance Meets Decentralized Lifeforms
00:02:12 – Earth Species Project: Talking to Whales, But Not on Zoom
00:03:57 – Telepathy Tapes: The WiFi of the Animal Kingdom
00:06:31 – Extremophiles and Biofilms: Nature’s Original Space Settlers
00:08:36 – Interview with Erika DeBenedictis: Evolution at Hyperspeed
00:08:58 – Life on Mars: Not Just a Sci-Fi Reboot
00:12:54 – Mars Habitat and Biomanufacturing: Home is Where the Microbes Are
00:24:47 – Pioneer Labs and Microbial Engineering: Engineering the Ultimate Space Hitchhikers
00:30:49 – Bioplastics vs. Bricks on Mars: Why Not Just 3D Print a House?
00:32:19 – Collaborations and Open Science: Because Space Isn’t a Solo Mission
00:35:00 – Mars Dirt Analysis: Not Your Average Potting Soil
00:45:23 – Potential of Ice Moons: Where the Coolest Science Happens
00:47:39 – Venus and Other Planet…
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115. Gene-ius at Work: George Church on Climate Hacks & CRISPR Stacks – A Homeworld Collective Interview
7 februari 2025 · 51 min
In this special Grow Everything episode swap with The Climate Biotech Podcast, Erum and Karl introduce a mind-blowing conversation with the one and only George Church. If you’re into synthetic biology, you already know he’s a legend—co-founding 50+ biotech companies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with DNA. In this episode, George talks about scaling microscopic innovations to solve massive global challenges—think rewilding ecosystems, bio-mining for new molecular tools, and engineering biology to fight climate change. He even throws out wild ideas like testing space colonies on Earth before heading to Mars. Stick around after the episode for Erum and Karl’s takeaways and a heads-up on a funding opportunity from Homeworld Collective! Lees meer
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 – Microscopic, but make it massive
00:00:17 – Erum and Karl are back—let’s grow everything
00:00:36 – The Homeworld Collective: where biotech meets climate
00:01:44 – Enter George Church (yes, that George Church)
00:03:34 – From river dolphins to rewriting life—George’s early days
00:05:25 – Synthetic biology’s glow-up (and growing pains)
00:07:18 – Climate biotech: hurdles, hype, and huge potential
00:11:32 – Can biotech be infinitely scalable and atomically precise?
00:21:36 – Inorganic synthetic biology: when life meets metal
00:24:50 – Biotech's biggest climate bets—what’s next?
00:27:02 – Genetic engineering, but make it ecosystem-sized
00:29:04 – Space colonies on Earth? Let’s test before Mars
00:37:26 – Rapid-fire Q&A—George Church vs. the audience
00:39:49 – Curiosity is the best lab equipment—George’s advice
00:42:26 – Final thoughts from Karl and Erum, next steps…
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114. BioMADE in America: Crafting the Future of Biomanufacturing with CEO Doug Friedman
31 januari 2025 · 58 min
Doug Friedman joins the podcast to talk about one of the toughest challenges in biotech—how to survive long enough to actually make an impact. As the head of BioMADE, he's on a mission to build a bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem that doesn’t just rely on wishful thinking and a single grant check. He explains why most biotech startups get only "one shot on goal" (spoiler: they miss, they’re done) and how we can fix that. Think of it like debugging a bad DNA sequence—you need iteration, not instant perfection. Doug also discusses how government funding is shaping the future of biomanufacturing, why biology today is where semiconductors were in the ‘80s, and why scaling biology might just need its own version of Moore’s Law. Lees meer
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 – Fail Fast or Fail Forever – Why biotech startups need more than one shot on goal
00:00:27 – AI Shake-Up – DeepSeek changes the game (and the stock market) overnight
00:01:01 – China vs. AI – What a hedge fund, government crackdowns, and new algorithms have in common
00:02:19 – Power Hungry AI – Why data centers might outgrow the energy grid before we’re ready
00:03:36 – DeepSeek’s Disruption – What it means for AI, efficiency, and the future of computing
00:04:13 – Innovation Under Pressure – How limitations create the best breakthroughs
00:05:46 – Mind Reading? – The wild world of telepathy research and what it means for biotech
00:07:45 – Quantum Strangeness – Exploring dimensions beyond what we can see
00:09:17 – Longevity Hacks – The Brian Johnson experiment: biohacking or billion-dollar placebo?
00:12:48 – Biomanufacturing is Booming – Why the future of production is biological
00:28:35 – PFA…
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113. Microbe Mission Possible: Noah Helman Discusses iMicrobes' Quest to Turn Waste into Wealth
24 januari 2025 · 54 min
Noah Helman, co-founder of Industrial Microbes, unpacks how his team is giving ethanol a glow-up as a renewable feedstock for creating advanced polymers and sustainable carbon fibers. With a decade of experience in the trenches of biomanufacturing, Noah discusses how they’re engineering microbes to work smarter, not harder, tackling the challenges of cost, scale, and environmental impact. From leveraging industrial partnerships to envisioning a future where waste becomes the ultimate raw material, Noah delivers sharp insights with a side of microbial magic, proving that biology is not just life—it’s a powerhouse of innovation. Lees meer
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 - Prelude to Progress: The Challenge of Unique Equipment
00:00:21 - Oil, Politics, and the Biomanufacturing Tug-of-War
00:01:58 - From Biofuel Bust to Synthetic Biology Boom
00:03:59 - A Pledge Against Plastics: Aquarium Insights
00:05:35 - Woolly Mammoths and Capitalist Dinosaurs
00:08:11 - TikTok Drama: Perplexity’s Unlikely Bid
00:12:29 - Ethanol: From Gas Tank to Biomanufacturing Hero
00:15:00 - Meet Noah Helman: Biomanufacturing Pioneer
00:18:00 - Scaling Up: The Chicken-and-Egg of Biomanufacturing
00:22:45 - Breaking Bottlenecks: Innovations in Equipment Access
00:27:00 - Collaborating for Carbon Fiber: Partnerships in Progress
00:30:27 - Spinning Carbon: Fiber Meets Sustainability
00:34:28 - Cracking the Code of Biomanufacturing Bottlenecks
00:36:51 - Waste Not, Want Not: The Power of Circular Inputs
00:42:34 - Futurecasting Biomanufacturing and Bioeconomies
00:45:03 - Next-Gen Biology: Enzymes, AI, and Big Data
00:50:58 - Closing the Loop: Microbial Magic and Future FrontiersEpisode Links:…
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112. The Baked-In Future of Science: Nick Edwards on Potato AI’s Quest to Become Your AI Scientist
17 januari 2025 · 50 min
Erum and Karl have an incredible chat with Nick Edwards, the innovative mind behind Potato AI. Nick goes into the inspiration behind the platform's unique name, rooted in childhood curiosity and scientific wonder, and shares his journey from neuroscience research to building a groundbreaking tool aimed at accelerating scientific discovery. He explains how Potato tackles the overwhelming deluge of scientific literature and the reproducibility crisis using AI to structure and analyze data in transformative ways. With stories from his own career, a stint in consulting, and running his podcast "Once a Scientist," Nick discusses the future of AI, science, and collaboration. This episode has amazing insights into how technology is reshaping the very fabric of research. Lees meer
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 - Potatoes, Balloons, and a DIY Lab Setup
00:04:56 - Reproducibility Crisis: 70% of Research in Question
00:06:40 - Meet Nick Edwards: The Potato Visionary
00:10:00 - Organizing Scientific Chaos: How AI Helps
00:14:47 - AI Research Assistant vs. AI Scientist: The Journey
00:20:09 - From Neuroscience to Entrepreneurship: A Scientist’s Leap
00:25:00 - Biopharma Meets Bioindustrials: Bridging Two Worlds
00:29:27 - Liquid Handlers and Shared Protocols: Optimizing Biotech
00:35:13 - Multimodality and the AI Scientist Dream
00:39:04 - Citizen Scientists and Accessible AI Tools
00:45:00 - The Next Scientific Revolution: AI and Decentralized Science
Episode Links:
Potato AI
Once A Scientist Podcast
Merck Digital Science Studio
Wiley
Elsevier
Ginkgo Bioworks
Topics Covered: Research, AI research assistant, AI Scientist, Biotech, Lab Automation, Reproducibi…
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111. Space Genes and Subway Scenes: Chris Mason on Planning Life’s Next Big Leap
10 januari 2025 · 1 uur 2 min
Karl and Erum welcome Dr. Chris Mason. He’s a professor of genomics, physiology, and biophysics, as well as co-founder / COI of BiotiaNYC, Ursa Bio, and Onegevity. Chris will take you on a journey from the mysteries of space genomics to the hidden worlds of Earth's microbiomes. He discusses the intersection of advanced biology and space exploration, diving into his work with NASA’s twin study, the possibilities of planetary engineering, and his fascination with unknown DNA found even in urban subways. Chris also talks about how the convergence of ancient biological knowledge and cutting-edge technology could redefine humanity's future, both on Earth and beyond. Lees meer
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 - The Spark of Science and Fresh Starts
00:01:23 - The Biotech Buzz in San Francisco
00:03:37 - Blockchain Meets Biology
00:07:45 - 2025’s Game-Changers: Microbes and Mars
00:08:52 - Into the Unknown: Dr. Chris Mason’s Journey
00:12:29 - Space’s Genetic Surprises
00:15:55 - Portable Labs Orbiting Earth
00:21:58 - Hidden Worlds Underfoot: Urban Microbes
00:32:19 - Tokyo’s Microbial Enigma
00:33:08 - The Peanut Paradox and Immune Myths
00:35:56 - Singular Cells in Vast Ecosystems
00:36:46 - From Genes to Blueprints: Synthetic Biology
00:47:31 - Terraforming at Planetary Scale
00:50:45 - Commercial Space Odysseys
00:52:53 - The Biology of Tomorrow: Dreams of Terraforming
00:55:59 - Wrapping Up with Visionaries
Episode Links:
The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds by Chris Mason
Two New Space Planes
DeSci Market Capitalization
Chris Mason Lab
Twins Study - Astronaut genomics
MetaSub
Among New York Subway’s Millions of Riders, a Stud…
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110. Culture Shock: What's Brewing for the Bioeconomy in 2025
3 januari 2025 · 21 min
Karl and Erum give us a peek into their outlook for 2025, discussing biotech trends, the rise of decentralized science, and the convergence of AI with biology. They talk about the thawing of the "biotech winter," the potential risks of a new bird flu pandemic, and exciting innovations in quantum biology and drug discovery. Their conversation also touches on how waste can become a resource in biomanufacturing, the future of microbiome engineering, and the growing visibility of biotech in mainstream media. Tune in to hear Karl and Erum set the stage for an exciting year ahead in the world of biotech and beyond. Lees meer
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 – The Mushroom That Might Save Us All
00:00:15 – A Slightly Nasal New Year Kickoff
00:01:30 – Bird Flu: The Pandemic Alarm We're Ignoring
00:04:43 – Decentralized Science: Funding the Future with Tokens
00:08:16 – AI, Quantum Biology, and Drug Discovery Breakthroughs
00:11:36 – Turning Trash into Treasure: Biomanufacturing's Next Frontier
00:14:12 – Microbiomes: Tiny Giants in Biotech's Future
00:16:14 – Biotech Goes Mainstream: Ads, Cartoons, and Pop Culture
00:19:54 – 2025 Awaits: A Year of Big Ideas and Bold Moves
Episode Links:
Spore Token
ARPA-H
Vitalia - Join today!
Vitalia Summer School Program - Enroll today!
Cemvita
Polybion
Head & Shoulders x NFL scalp microbiome commercial
Nike Stairs commercial
American Dad gene editing episode
Common Side Effects on Adult Swim
Topics Covered:
2025 outlook, decentralized science, quantum biology, longevity biotech, waste to value, waste as a resource, biomaterials, bioeducation, microbiome
Have a question or comment? Message us here:
Text or Call (804) 5…
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109. Long Live Vitalia: The City Where Aging Slows and Innovation Accelerates With Niklas Anzinger
27 december 2024 · 59 min
Karl and Erum welcome Niklas Anzinger, the visionary founder of Vitalia, a decentralized city aimed at revolutionizing biotech and longevity. Niklas discusses the need for a more efficient drug development process, proposing a shift toward safety trials and medical reciprocity that could drastically shorten the time it takes to bring life-saving therapies to market. He talks about how Vitalia serves as a hub for biotech innovation, where companies can thrive outside traditional bureaucratic constraints. Niklas shares his ideas on medical freedom and the importance of allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health. He critiques the paternalistic nature of current healthcare systems, advocating for a more empowering approach that encourages personal responsibility and informed decision-making. Niklas believes that by creating a culture of innovation and flexibility, Vitalia can set new standards in healthcare, ultimately improving patient outcomes and accelerating scientific advancements. As Karl and Erum wrap up the episode, they express their excitement about the potential impact of Niklas’s vision—not just for Vitalia, but for the global landscape of biotech and longevity. Lees meer
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 The Time Machine: Year-End Reflections
00:00:45 The Alchemy of Biomanufacturing: International Insights
00:01:39 Star Chronicles: Key Episodes and Guests
00:04:05 The Crystal Ball: Science Funding & Future Predictions
00:06:10 Meet the Innovator: Niklas Anzinger
00:07:10 Building Tomorrow: Niklas on Vitalia & Decentralized Cities
00:14:43 Fast Track to Discovery: Accelerating Drug Development
00:20:40 The First Pop-Up City: A Review an…
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108. Sequence and Desist: Aclid's Kevin Flyangolts On Safeguarding the Bioeconomy
20 december 2024 · 51 min
Kevin Flyangolts joins Erum and Karl to talk about the evolving landscape of biosecurity. They discuss the rapid advancements in biotechnology, the growing accessibility of synthetic DNA, and the need for robust screening systems to ensure safety in the bioeconomy. Kevin shares knowledge from his software background, explaining how tools like those at Aclid Bio are bridging gaps in security, protecting against potential misuse, and setting the stage for future innovations in biotech. With reflections on government initiatives, industry collaboration, and the complexities of ethical biosecurity practices, this conversation showcases the urgent issues and exciting possibilities in the intersection of biology and technology. Lees meer
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 - Opening with Unchecked DNA Risks
00:00:22 - Drones, Aliens, and the Unknown
00:01:45 - The Biotech Holiday Buzz
00:04:18 - Manufacturing the Future: A Revolution Begins
00:07:05 - DARPA’s Wild Moonshot Ideas
00:09:47 - What Keeps Us Up at Night
00:11:55 - Meet Kevin: Biosecurity Pioneer
00:15:30 - The Software Revolution in Biotech
00:19:45 - Tackling Biosecurity Challenges with Innovation
00:24:58 - Regulations in a Rapidly Changing Field
00:28:59 - Red Teams and Hidden Vulnerabilities
00:39:04 - Building Biotech Trust and Collaboration
00:44:21 - A Vision for Safer Biotech
00:46:59 - Wrap-Up and What’s Next in Biosecurity
Episode Links:
Aclid Bio
Genspace
ECHO NYC
Biolabs@NYULangone
Quorum Bio
The Department of Defense under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) made 34 awards worth over $60 million. Awardees include Cauldron and Checkerspot.
Topics Covered:
biosecur…
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107. Glow Big or Go Home: Andy Bass's Journey with Glowing Oceans
13 december 2024 · 1 uur 1 min
Andy Bass brings the ocean's glow to your hands, turning natural wonders like bioluminescent plankton into personal and immersive experiences. From creating the Dino Pet to designing ocean-bathing exhibits, Andy shares how biology can light up creativity, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of conservationists. It's a conversation about the intersection of nature, imagination, and the transformative power of "living art." Lees meer
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 – Quantum Computing, Mind Blown
00:00:54 – Quantum Medicine and Passwords
00:01:46 – Quantum Fixing Its Errors
00:04:58 – Biomanufacturing Gets Patriotic
00:06:44 – Spider Silk, Nature Reinvented
00:10:02 – Microplastics Meet Their Match
00:11:14 – Bioluminescence: Nature’s Light Show
00:14:39 – Andy Bass Goes Glowing
00:16:00 – Living Light, Cracked Code
00:18:00 – Kickstarting Dino Pets
00:21:00 – Walking Through Glowing Oceans
00:23:00 – James Cameron’s Plankton Project
00:25:00 – Immersive Lagoons, Infinite Mirrors
00:28:00 – Ocean Bathing Beats Screens
00:31:58 – Glowing Plankton, CEO Lessons
00:32:48 – Mycelium Bacon Takes Over
00:34:02 – Tasting the Future Bacon
00:35:00 – Scaling Crispy Mycelium Dreams
00:37:03 – Sustainable Materials, Brilliant Ideas
00:43:23 – Bacon to Bioluminescence
00:47:25 – Future Glows, Biology Thrives
00:53:42 – Final Thoughts on Glowing
Topics Covered:
bioluminescence, biology, education, edutainment, entrepreneurship, biomaterials, cultivated food, mushrooms, mycelium, immersive experiences, gifts, dinoflagellates, plankton, oceans, deep sea, James Cameron, avatar
Episode Links:
Glowing Ocean…
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106. Ferment Your Worldview: Jason Kakoyiannis' Recipe for a Bioeconomy Boom
6 december 2024 · 1 uur 4 min
Karl and Erum are taking us deep into the intersection of biology, industry, and innovation with their guest, Jason Kakoyiannis. Jason is the founder of Bioscentric, advisor at Allonnia, and managing partner of Ferment! From starting his journey in the art world to leading the charge at Ferment, Jason shares how curiosity and the drive to solve complex problems led him to build a venture studio focused on market-driven biotech solutions. They discuss how biology can unlock sustainable answers to big challenges, like optimizing energy systems or creating eco-friendly alternatives in manufacturing. Along the way, Jason explains how his team finds the right problems to tackle and builds companies that merge creativity with real-world impact. It’s a fascinating look at how biotech is shaping our future—one bold idea at a time! Lees meer
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 The Start of Competitive Biology
00:00:14 Thanksgiving Tales and Biotech Beginnings
00:03:26 Weather Extremes Meet Biology
00:04:54 Plastic-Eating Bacteria: Nature’s Unexpected Ally
00:10:49 Jason Kakoyiannis: From Art to Biotech Revolution
00:15:40 Inside the Ferment Fund: Building Future Biotech
00:31:22 A New Model: Revenue-Driven Biotech Companies
00:32:30 Venture Studio Secrets Revealed
00:33:45 Behind the Scenes with the Ferment Team
00:35:09 The Role of Entrepreneurs in Residence
00:36:12 Alchemica’s Vision: Transforming Natural Gas Production
00:41:41 Biobased Solutions: Untapped Market Opportunities
00:46:00 Flexible Spending: A New Biotech Approach
00:48:15 Success Patterns in Building Biotech Startups
00:52:45 Ferment’s Mission: Solving Real…