Best Messaginglab Podcasts (2025)

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126. Sizzling Success: Eben Bayer of MyForest Foods on Scaling Mycelium Magic 44:14

6d ago44:14

44:14

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 produc…

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125. The Synbio Symphony: SynBioBeta’s John Cumbers Harmonizes Biology and Industry 1:03:45

13d ago1:03:45

1:03:45

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 c…

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124. Cell-ebrating Success: Ilan Sobel Blends Science and Strategy to Scale-up BioHarvest 1:06:17

20d ago1:06:17

1:06:17

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 compou…

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123. From Gas to Glam: Molly Morse Discusses Mango Materials' Biodegradable Innovations 1:00:40

27d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

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 partn…

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122. Ecohacking the Planet: Daniel Goodwin of Homeworld Collective Brews Up Planetary-Scale Solutions 1:00:27

1M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

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. From climate biotech to systems thinking, Daniel shares how Homeworld Collec…

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121. Skin Deep: 'Peeling' Back the Layers of Skin Microbiome Diversity with Fjor's Natalie Enslow 55:22

1M ago55:22

55:22

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 launchi…

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120. Busting Biotech's Bottlenecks: Veronica Breckenridge on the Path to Industrial Scale 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

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…

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119: Bio-Reactor or Bio-Rocket? Scaling Up with Arsenale Bio's Massimo Portincaso 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

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 …

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118. Smells Like Biotech Spirit: Bob Weinstein on the Flavors & Fragrances Industry’s Bio-Revolution 59:40

2M ago59:40

59:40

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…

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117. From Lab Coats to CEO Notes: BioLabs' Glennis Mehra on Biotech Business in NYC 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

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 ho…

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116. Cell Yeah for Space!: Pioneer Labs' Erika DeBenedictis on Engineering Life for Mars 1:00:24

3M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

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…

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115. Gene-ius at Work: George Church on Climate Hacks & CRISPR Stacks – A Homeworld Collective Interview 50:32

3M ago50:32

50:32

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 tal…

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114. BioMADE in America: Crafting the Future of Biomanufacturing with CEO Doug Friedman 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

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 …

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113. Microbe Mission Possible: Noah Helman Discusses iMicrobes' Quest to Turn Waste into Wealth 54:23

3M ago54:23

54:23

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 …

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112. The Baked-In Future of Science: Nick Edwards on Potato AI’s Quest to Become Your AI Scientist 50:08

3M ago50:08

50:08

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 expla…

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111. Space Genes and Subway Scenes: Chris Mason on Planning Life’s Next Big Leap 1:01:57

4M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

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…

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110. Culture Shock: What's Brewing for the Bioeconomy in 2025 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

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 t…

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109. Long Live Vitalia: The City Where Aging Slows and Innovation Accelerates With Niklas Anzinger 59:13

4M ago59:13

59:13

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 th…

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108. Sequence and Desist: Aclid's Kevin Flyangolts On Safeguarding the Bioeconomy 51:16

4M ago51:16

51:16

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…

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107. Glow Big or Go Home: Andy Bass's Journey with Glowing Oceans 1:00:55

5M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

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 abou…

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106. Ferment Your Worldview: Jason Kakoyiannis' Recipe for a Bioeconomy Boom 1:03:43

5M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

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 com…

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105. Revisiting Animal Microbiome Health with BiomEdit’s Aaron Schacht – Fresh Commentary 1:25:25

5M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Join Karl and Erum in this special Thanksgiving replay of Aaron Schacht’s episode as they revisit this fascinating conversation. Aaron is the CEO & Board Director of BiomEdit and he has a visionary approach to leveraging microbiome science and synthetic biology to tackle some of the biggest challenges in animal health. Whether it’s creating healthi…

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104. Unseen Worlds: Exploring Environmental Microbiomes and Their Secrets of Human and Climate Impact with Dr. Elizabeth Henaff 1:10:54

5M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Karl and Erum welcome computational biologist and artist Elizabeth Henaff to talk about the invisible yet vital world of microbiomes in urban settings. Elizabeth discusses the fascinating interplay between microbes and city life, explaining how DNA sequencing brings out hidden microbial stories in spaces like subway stations, waterways, and even be…

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103. DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges 59:04

6M ago59:04

59:04

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 pote…

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102. Waste into WOW! Cemvita's Moji Karimi on Turning Carbon Problems into Golden Opportunities 1:12:03

6M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

Karl and Erum sit down with Moji Karimi, co-founder of Cemvita, a company innovating in carbon conversion technology. Moji shares details of Cemvita’s journey from an ambitious vision of industrial biotechnology to solutions that turn carbon emissions into valuable products. Moji talks about the science and impact of reshaping industries like energ…

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101. Biotech's Glow Up: How Estée Lauder is Leveling Up Skincare with Rocky Graziose 1:00:16

6M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Rocky Graziose from The Estée Lauder Companies is here to discuss the innovative intersection of biotechnology and beauty. With a background in plant natural products chemistry, Rocky brings an insider perspective on how Estée Lauder is pushing boundaries in skincare and cosmetics. He talks about the evolution of the beauty industry and how The Est…

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100. The Genspace Genesis: How Bio Design Connects People and the Planet with Dan Grushkin 58:05

6M ago58:05

58:05

In this milestone 100th episode, Karl and Erum look back on collaborations like the biosecurity event with Andrew Hessel and the U.S.-India Next Gen Materials event, while also acknowledging the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Erum and Karl are also joined by special guest Dan Grushkin to explore the evolving world …

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99. Petri Dish to Podcast: How 100 Episodes Helped Us Grow (and Evolve) 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

Erum and Karl reflect on their journey of producing nearly 100 episodes over two years. They discuss the challenges of consistency, the behind-the-scenes work required, and the evolution of their podcast from a simple idea to a platform that amplifies voices in the biotech space. Highlights include their gratitude to guests and collaborators, feedb…

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98. Gotta Get Them All: bitBiome's Quest to Decode All Microbes with Yuji Suzuki 1:03:19

7M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Yuji Suzuki shares his journey from economics to leading a biotech company at the forefront of microbial research. He explains how bitBiome is unlocking the potential of trillions of microbes using advanced sequencing technology, and how their work could reshape industries from pharmaceuticals to sustainability. Yuji also dives into the future of b…

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97. Biohacking 101: Hacking Your Way to Superhuman Performance and Living Longer 47:33

7M ago47:33

47:33

Karl and Erum are taking us into the world of biohacking, discussing its various definitions and practices, from simple lifestyle changes to more extreme measures like genetic modification. They dig into the growing movement toward improving health, longevity, and human performance, touching on biohacking pioneers like Brian Johnson. Their conversa…

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96. Brewing Medicines with Synthetic Biology: Antheia's Christina Smolke on Ending Drug Shortages 55:19

7M ago55:19

55:19

Karl and Erum welcome Christina Smolke, CEO of Antheia and Professor at Stanford University, to discuss the rapid changes happening in biotech, particularly focusing on the biohacking community and decentralized science (DCI). Christina is developing revolutionary ways to manufacture critical pharmaceuticals using biotechnology. They explore the in…

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95. Fear, Facts and Frustration: Christina Agapakis on Why Scientists Need to Speak Up 1:11:02

7M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Christina Agapakis from Ginkgo Bioworks joins the conversation to explore the power of storytelling in science. She goes into the challenges scientists face when communicating their work to the public and the role effective messaging plays in shaping perceptions, especially around complex topics like GMOs and synthetic biology. Christina shares her…

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94. Gaming the System: NVIDIA's Vega Shah on Accelerating Biotech Breakthroughs 59:21

8M ago59:21

59:21

Erum and Karl sit down with Vega Shah from NVIDIA to explore the role of AI in healthcare and life sciences, and how it's driving major advances in drug discovery and biotechnology. Vega shares real-world examples, from lab-grown cotton to using AI to discover new proteins in the gut microbiome. She also discusses the challenges of modeling complex…

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93. Houston, We Have a Protocol: NASA's Kate Rubins on Biotech in Space 46:54

8M ago46:54

46:54

Astronaut and molecular biologist Dr. Kate Rubins shares her groundbreaking work on the International Space Station, from being the first to conduct DNA sequencing in space to advancing biotechnology in a unique and challenging environment. Dr. Rubins explains how space affects biological processes, the tools being developed to study these effects,…

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92. Replay: From Fungi to Fun-guy: Eben Bayer Scales Mycelium Again with Bacon at My Forest Foods 43:36

8M ago43:36

43:36

Eben Bayer, founder of Ecovative, delves into the transformative power of mycelium technology and its potential to reshape industries from packaging to food production. He shares his journey from a small farm in Vermont to leading a company that pioneers sustainable materials, discussing how biology can be leveraged to create regenerative, profitab…

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91. Cells Sell: Your Company Can't Ignore Biotech 44:31

8M ago44:31

44:31

Karl and Erum dig into the pivotal role of bio strategy in shaping the future of consumer products and sustainability. With insights into groundbreaking innovations—from Cresalon's trauma gel gaining FDA approval to Living Ink's partnership with New Balance—this discussion explores how biotech is transforming traditional industries. We also tackle …

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90. Flipping the Light Switch on Cells: Deniz Kent of Prolific Machines 1:06:09

9M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Episode Description: Erum and Karl welcome Deniz Kent to talk about the practical and innovative ways light is being used to control cellular processes, offering new possibilities in biotechnology. From sustainable fashion to the future of biomanufacturing, they discuss topics that impact both our personal lives and the broader scientific community…

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89. Grow Everything Live! A Spotlight on Scaling Biology with Ginger Dosier of Biomason and BIOME Consortia 52:13

9M ago52:13

52:13

Episode Description: Join us for an exciting live recording of the Grow Everything podcast, where we sit down with Ginger Dozier of Biomason to explore how microbes could change the world. From growing bricks to building a more sustainable future, Ginger shares her incredible journey and introduces her latest venture, BIOME Consortia, which is all …

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88. Daring Dreams and Deep Tech: The Bison Ventures Blueprint for Big Wins with Ari Wright 1:00:25

9M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Episode Description: Karl and Erum are joined by Ari Wright from Bison VC to explore the world of biotechnology and its intersection with various industries. Ari shares her perspective on the controversial idea of the enhanced Olympics, where athletes use performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision to push human limits. She discusses the …

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87. From Fossil Fuels to Future Foods: Australia's Brilliant Bioeconomic Makeover with GW3's Kylie Porter 1:06:23

9M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Episode Description: Karl and Erum explore how Northern Queensland is transitioning from its historical reliance on coal mining to becoming a hub for bioeconomy. Kylie Porter, CEO of GW3 - Greater Whitsunday Alliance, shares insights on the region's rich agricultural roots, the innovative use of sugarcane in biotech, and the strategic efforts to bu…

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86. Networking Natural Selection 2.0: Next Level Biotech Networking with Karl & Erum 44:55

10M ago44:55

44:55

Episode Description: Karl and Erum have an informative conversation about the importance of networking. They discuss the philosophy behind building meaningful professional connections and share effective networking strategies. From insights into the concept of networking as an extension of human curiosity to tips like dividing and conquering at eve…

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85. Always Be Brewing: Continuous Fermentation with Cauldron's Michele Stansfield 52:51

10M ago52:51

52:51

Episode Description: Karl and Erum discuss the fascinating world of biomanufacturing with Michele Stansfield from Cauldron. They explore the groundbreaking potential of precision fermentation and its ability to revolutionize food, fiber, and fuel production. Michele shares insights on Cauldron’s innovative hyper fermentation technology, which offer…

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84. 4th of July Replay: The Biomanufacturing Cloud with Synonym's Edward Shenderovich * New Commentary * 53:21

10M ago53:21

53:21

Episode Description: Since it’s a holiday week, Karl and Erum are presenting a special replay of Edward Shenderovich’s episode. Edward Shenderovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary in the biomanufacturing space, takes us through his journey into the heart of biotechnology and its potential to reshape industries. Edward discusses the inception…

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83. Bottoms Up: Microbe Mixology with Zbiotics' Zack Abbott 1:06:38

10M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Episode Description: Karl and Erum are exploring the world of modern probiotics with Zack Abbott, co-founder of Z Biotics. They discuss the innovative approach Z Biotics takes in engineering probiotics to offer tangible benefits, specifically focusing on their flagship product designed to alleviate the unpleasant after-effects of alcohol consumptio…

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82. Future Sci is DeSci: SVN's Michael Fischer on Memefying Science Breakthroughs 1:06:27

10M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Episode Description: Michael Fischer dives into the transformative impact of decentralized science (DeSci) on research and data sharing. He discusses the evolution of scientific research with the integration of blockchain technology, emphasizing how it democratizes access and incentivizes participation through tokenization. Fischer introduces Water…

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81. Microalgae Marvels: Checkerspot’s Charles Dimmler’s Super Oil for Skis, Skin and Supper 1:03:47

11M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Episode Description: Charles Dimmler joins Karl and Erum once again to discuss the innovative intersections of biotechnology and sustainability at Checkerspot. The topics talked about range from the ethical considerations of animal testing in drug development to the revolutionary applications of CRISPR in creating more efficient drugs. Charles reco…

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80. Future Fun: A 2054 Episode Beamed to 2024 20:21

11M ago20:21

20:21

Episode Description: Karl and Erum transport us to the year 2054, offering a vibrant and thought-provoking portrayal of the future. They discuss advancements in AI, space travel, and biotechnology, painting a picture of a world completely evolved with rapid technological and biological innovations. From moon vacations to Mars exploration, the duo d…

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79. Decentralize and Thrive: AthenaDAO’s Blockchain Boosts Women's Health with Laura Minquini. 1:07:41

11M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Episode Description: Karl and Erum discuss the state of health and technology with Laura Minquini of AthenaDAO, focusing on advancements in women's health research and quantum computing. Be sure to tune in to this conversation to hear about the importance of reproductive longevity, the challenges faced in women's health research, and the role of de…

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78. From Petri to Pillar: Culturing Entrepreneurship with Tony Kulesa 1:04:49

11M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Episode Description: Karl and Erum welcome Tony Kulesa, an engineer, investor, and entrepreneur in biotech. He’s sharing his insights on the future of biotechnology, discussing how advancements in reading and writing biology are driving significant changes in the field. Tony recounts his journey from academia to founding Petri, an incubator for bio…

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77. AI x Biotech, Psychedelics, Mars and more at Synbiobeta 2024!! 1:02:45

12M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Episode Description: Karl and Erum bring you the latest innovations highlighted at SynbioBeta 2024, focusing on the exciting intersection of AI and biotechnology. Hear about the groundbreaking work from the ARC Institute in whole genome sequencing and the newest advancements in AI-driven protein synthesis that are set to change the landscape of syn…

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