Munching on Molecules
Episodes
Episode 69: Chef Steph Baryluk on Indigenous Food Systems, Cultural Heritage, and the Power of the Kitchen
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Chef Steph Baryluk, a Red Seal Indigenous Chef, educator, and one of Canada's most compelling voices in food. A ...
Episode 68: Sharan Sidhu on Regulatory Strategy and Building Salix Sciences
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if regulatory expertise was not just a compliance checkbox, but a core part of how you build a brand, make a business case, and grow in the Canad...
Episode 67: Q1 2026 Snack Bites with Christine & Lara
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for another quarterly catch-up with your co-hosts, Christine Farkas, RSE, CRC and Lara Tiro.In this "snackable" roundup, we share the k...
Episode 66: Saffron, Startups, and a Mission for Mental Wellness, Alessio Monterosso, Ariana Naturals
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down with Alessio Monterosso, Founder of Ariana Naturals, for a conversation about personal healing, entrepreneurship, and building with purp...
Episode 65: CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum, May 26 - 27, 2026
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition of Munching on Molecules, we’re joined by two members of the CHFA Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs team:Sonia P...
Episode 64. Sustainability, Community, and Sustainable Happiness with Jennifer de Vera-King, Dawson College
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if sustainability wasn’t just about packaging, sourcing, and supply chains, but also about creating healthier, happier, and more productive wo...
Episode 63: Michael Bentley on Skepticism, SierraSil®, and the Future of Natural Health
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a supplements skeptic ends up leading a Canadian natural health company with clinically backed, patented ingredients? In this episo...
Episode 62: From Farmers’ Market to Manufacturing: Building Made with Local with Sheena Russell, Founder & CEO.
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it look like to build a proudly Canadian snack brand from a farmers’ market table all the way to owning your own production facility?In th...
Episode 61: Expo 2026 Recap
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this recap episode, Munching on Molecules looks back on Expo 2026 to capture the energy, standout conversations, and biggest trends & theme...
Episode 60: Building a Regenerative Food System with Lupin Protein, Matthew Skinner, CEO, Wide Open Agriculture (WOA)
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We welcome Matthew Skinner, CEO of Wide Open Agriculture (WOA), to explore the business and science behind lupin protein and regenerative food sys...
Episode 59: Forecasting the Future of Food with Christine Couvelier
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re joined by the one and only, Christine Couvelier, executive chef, culinary trendologist, and founder of Culinary Concierge, for ...
Episode 58. CHFA NOW Vancouver 2026 Recap
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this special on-the-ground episode, Munching on Molecules heads to CHFA NOW Vancouver to capture the energy of the show floor.We ran our Fast ...
Episode 57: Category Reinvention in Action with Steve Thorp, CEO & Co-Founder of Before
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a seasoned brand builder turns his focus to oral care and decides the category deserves a total reset?In this episode, we sit down w...
Episode 56: Crafting Flavor at the Intersection of Chemistry and Curiosity, Michael Colangelo, Nota Bene Flavors
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re joined by Michael Colangelo, founder of Nota Bene Flavors.A deep interest in how chemistry connects with human perception led M...
Episode 55: The Storyteller Bridging Students and the Food Industry, Veronica Hislop
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Munching on Molecules, Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas welcome a fellow food podcaster and dual-role powerhouse, Veronica Hislop.As ...
Episode 54: Big Challenges, Bold Joy: How We’re Framing 2026 on the Pod
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking off Munching on Molecules, Season 3 with a dose of energy, intention, and JOY. In Episode 54, Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas reflect ...
Episode 53: Bread, Business, and Family: Bill DeBlois and the Buns & Things Story
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We wrap up our action-packed PEI mini-series with Bill DeBlois, owner of Buns & Things Bakery.Bill shares how his parents scaled a franchise ...
Episode 52: Inside Canada’s Smartest Kitchen with Chef Krista MacQuarrie
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of our PEI road trip series, Christine and Lara tour Canada’s Smartest Kitchen (CSK) and sit down with Chef Krista MacQuarrie, a cul...
Episode 51: Scalable, Safe and Shelf-Ready: The Role of BioFoodTech with Joy Shinn
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re kicking off our PEI tour in Charlottetown. In the first stop of our three-part series, Lara and Christine visit BioFoodTech, a hub for food in...
Episode 50: Consumer Trust & Protecting Brand Integrity with Deleo de Leonardis, CEO & Co-Founder of Purity-IQ
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to protect consumer trust and brand integrity in today’s complex, global marketplace?This week on Munching on Molecules, La...
Episode 49: At the Crossroads of Nutrition, Policy & Innovation with Christopher Marinangeli, PhD, RD.
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Munching on Molecules, we sit down with a guest whose roots in food run deep, both personally and professionally: Christopher Marinangeli...
Episode 48: CHFA Now Toronto Recap
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas are back from CHFA NOW Toronto (Sept 19–21, 2025) with stories, insights, and plenty of laughs from Canada’s bigg...
Episode 47: Celebrating 85 Years of Food in Canada with Editor, Nithya
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We chat with Nithya, editor of Food in Canada magazine, Canada’s longest-standing national publication serving the food and beverage industry...
Episode 46: CHFA NOW Toronto, September 19 - 21, 2025
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 46 is your behind-the-scenes pass to all things CHFA NOW Toronto, happening September 19–21, 2025.Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas, run throug...
Episode 45: Export-Ready: What It Takes to Enter China with Confidence, Barron Lau and Paul Yip, Chowtime Foods
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re talking bold export moves with Barron Lau and Paul Yip, the powerhouse duo behind Chowtime Foods, rewriting the playbook for Canadian food b...
Episode 44. Taste & Trade Mexico City, 07 -10 October, 2025 with Mario A. Castillo
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when food meets purpose on a global scale? In this episode, we sit down with Mario A. Castillo, founder of Taste & Trade Mexico Cit...
Episode 43: From Fork to Farm with My-Lien Bosch of Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking off Organic Month (September 1–30, 2025) with a special conversation featuring My-Lien Bosch, Government Relations & Regulat...
Episode 42: Bee Well: Biotech Solutions for Pollinator Health with Mingyang Sun, ApiSave™
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With over a decade in the biotech industry and co-inventor on 7 U.S. and Canadian patents, Mingyang Sun brings scientific rigor, team leadership, a...
Episode 41: Fueled by Plants! Performance That Delivers with Melissa L’Heureux‑Haché of VEGAIN Nutrition
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of plant-based sports nutrition with Melissa L’Heureux‑Haché, Co-founder of VEGAIN Nutrit...
Episode 40: The Vanilla Vision! Cultivating Ethical Flavour with Mamadou Togola of We Vanilla Enterprises
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Mamadou Togola, Co-founder of We Vanilla Enterprises, to explore how a single ingredient, vanilla...
Episode 39: Bee Beards & the Buzz on Natural Wellness with Richard Lin
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we chat with Richard Lin, CEO of Dr. Bee, a Canadian brand transforming how we think about honey, health, and hive-powered innovation.R...
Episode 38: Transforming School Food: Learning, Celebrating, and Nourishing Through Every Bite, with Jesse Veenstra
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Jesse Veenstra, Executive Director of Farm to Cafeteria Canada, to explore how food can be a powerful entry point for education, c...
Episode 37: Q2 Snack Bites with Lara & Christine
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Time for another quarterly catch-up with your co-hosts, Christine Farkas, RSE, CRC and Lara Tiro! In this “snackable” roundup, we share the key mo...
Episode 36: Food Systems with Brian Chau, Founder of Chau Time
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Food scientist. Fungal fanatic. Systems thinker. In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we meet Brian Chau, whose serendipitous start at UC Davis ...
Episode 35: Leading with Passion, Purpose & People first – Aaron Skelton, President & CEO, Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA)
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we chat with Aaron Skelton, the dynamic President and CEO of the Canadian Health Food Association, to t...
Episode 34: The Orchard and Beyond! How Almonds are Fueling Global Innovation with Harbinder Mann
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we crack open the tasty and functional world of almonds with Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of Trade Marketing & Stewardship ...
Episode 33: Designing Delicious: Jill Houk, Corporate R&D Chef, Culinary Culture
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we chat with Jill Houk, Corporate R&D Chef at Culinary Culture. A pivotal moment came early in he...
Episode 32: From Food Formulator Extraordinaire to Founder, Abigail Modell, OVU Bar
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a decade of helping build products for other brands, food scientist and product developer, Abigail Modell is stepping into the founder spotl...
Episode 31: Food or Natural Health Product? Dr. JP Powers on Regulatory Strategy and Reinventing Career Paths
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we sit down with Dr. Jon-Paul (JP) Powers, Partner and Scientific Advisor at Gowling WLG.One quote that’s ...
Episode 30: Ian Heieie, Peas, Pizza, and the Pulse of Innovation
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do kimchi, wood-fired pizza, and pea protein have in common? Ian Heieie, of course.In this episode, we chat with Ian Heieie, who brings big c...
Episode 29: Island Made Recap: Scaling With Impact
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Christine and Lara take you behind the scenes of their recent road trip to Vancouver Island, where they co-presented to BC Food & Beverage Peer Gr...
Episode 28. Hey, it’s that guy with the podcast voice… Adam Yee!
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Food scientist. Serial entrepreneur. Podcaster. From 4am granola bar factory adventures, to co-founding Better Meat Co and Sobo Foods, Adam’s journe...
Episode 27: A Special Conversation with Phil and Kenny from This Commerce Life
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our worlds are colliding! In this special crossover episode, Lara and Christine sit down with the dynamic duo behind This Commerce Life, Phil Chang ...
Episode 26: Behind the Label, A Front-Row Look into the Upcoming CHFA Regulatory Forum with CHFA’s Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Team
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition of Munching on Molecules, we’re joined by three inspiring members of the CHFA Government Relations & Regulatory Aff...
Episode 25: Brewing Legacy & Community with Cristina Dias of Mogiana Coffee
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cristina Dias, founder of Mogiana Coffee, is continuing a journey that began in 1890 when her great-grandfather first started farming coffee in Brazi...
Episode 24: Bone Broth, But Make It a Lifestyle: Beckie Prime’s CPG Journey
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bone broth... but make it your favourite cozy drink that'sdelicious and convenient. Beckie Prime, a registered holistic nutritionist and CEO o...
Episode 23. Q1 Snack Bites with Lara & Christine
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special “quarterly snack”, Christine and Lara take a moment from incredible guest interviews to catch up and reflect on the exciting activ...
Episode 22. Chef David Speight on Leading a Campus Food Revolution
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you think campus dining is just about feeding the masses, think again. Chef David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director at the University ...
Episode 21. CHFA NOW Vancouver : What to Expect with your hosts: Lara Tiro & Christine Farkas
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning to attend CHFA NOW Vancouver from April 25–27, 2025? CHFA NOW is Canada’s largest natural, organic, and wellness trade show, bringing to...
Episode 20: Heart of the Industry: Leading with Community and Vision, Alisa Hutton, COO BC Food and Beverage
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alisa Hutton is the dynamic COO of BC Food and Beverage (BCFB), whose leadership is as nourishing as the industry she champions. Her journey beg...
Episode 19: Food, Family, and the Fire of Reinvention- with Jenny Siormanolakis, President of Grandpa J’s Seasoning
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jenny Siormanolakis, President of Grandpa J’s Seasoning, shares her story rich with grace, sheer grit, and generations of flavour. From the h...
Episode 18: Where Ocean Meets Opportunity – A Journey of Purpose with Debra Hellbach
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the world of seafood innovation with Debra Hellbach, industry veteran and passionate advocate for small-scale producers....
Episode 17: Peeling Back the Science - The Hidden Power of Citrus for Health & Innovation with Dr. Andrew Tait
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could the future of health be hidden in citrus peels? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Tait, biochemist, entrepreneur, and founder of T...
Episode 16: Moisture Mastery, Music and Mantras with Dr. Zachary Cartwright
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do water activity, music, and mantras have in common? More than you’d think! In this episode, we dive into the science of moisture measurement ...
Episode 15: Food First, Planet Forward, and Agile Evolution with Maia Farms
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is Maia Farms redefining the future of protein? In our latest episode, we sit down with Gavin Schneider, co-founder & CEO, and Karen McCa...
Episode 14: Powerhouse Pulse to Food Innovations with Hailey Jefferies, Co-Founder, Prairie Fava
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of fava beans with Hailey Jefferies, Co-founder of Prairie Fava—a company revolutionizing fava and fava-base...
Episode 13: Celebrating World Pulses Day (February 10th) with Julianne Curran, Pulse Canada
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating World Pulses Day – February 10th! Pulses (dry peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas) might be small, but they’re making a big impact - on o...
Episode 12: How to Make the Most of Expo West 2025: Tips for First-Time Attendees
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning to attend Natural Products Expo West 2025? This is a massive trade show for the natural, organic, and healthy products industry, attracting ...
Episode 11: A Sip and Swish of Inspiration: Exploring Orofino Vineyards with Virginia Weber, Co-Owner of Orofino Winery.
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special "on the road" episode, we couldn’t resist making an impromptu stop at one of our favourite spots—Orofino Winery in Cawston, Briti...
Episode 10. Revolutionizing Food Safety: Biopreservation and Listeria Control for Safer and Sustainable Food Systems with Laurent Dallaire, President of Innodal.
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Laurent Dallaire, President of Innodal, to uncover how biopreservation is changing the landscape of food safety and ...
Episode 9: Grill Master & Sauce Secrets: Inside House of Q with BBQ Brian Misko
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Munching on Molecules, we fire up an exciting conversation with BBQ legend and pitmaster Brian Misko, who, along with his wife Cori...
Episode 8. Bright Pants, Bold Plans: Changing the Way Companies Innovate with Tech & Sensory Design, Gregory Willis Founder of Senspire
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we have the pleasure of sitting down with Gregory Willis, the Founder and President of Senspire, the company behind Flavor Studio—...
Episode 7. Reviving and Rebuilding BC Hazelnuts, Sue Grubac, Executive Director of BCHGA
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Grubac is the BCHGA's first Executive Director. She is also a hazelnut farmer with a 10-acre orchard in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. She is excite...
Episode 6. Evolving Eats: Innovating Global Food Systems for Good with Sid Mehta, Founder of Greenworks Inc.
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on this episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Sid Mehta, Founder and CEO of Greenworks Inc. From chef entrepreneur to leader in glo...
Episode 5. Chef Charlotte Langley, Founder and President of Langley Foods Inc.
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charlotte Langley, Founder and President of Langley Foods Inc., is a visionary and passionate leader with a wealth of expertise from launching Scout ...
Episode 4. Maria Covarrubias, Founder & Culinary Director of Cien Chiles. Honest fixins made with a bold, flavorful blend of creativity and authenticity.
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maria Covarrubias is the founder of Cien Chiles, a delicious and authentic Mexican hot sauce brand based out of San Diego, California, and one of the ...
Episode 3 - Transforming Agricultural Side Streams into Next-Level Ingredients Powered by Polyphenols with Alexandra Broddy, Co-Founder of Crush Dynamics.
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alexandra Broddy is the Co-founder of Crush Dynamics Inc., a British Columbia-based agritech company specializing in transforming agricultural side st...
Episode 2 - Lavina Gully, Regional Innovation Director for BC & Yukon, CFIN
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lavina Gully works for the Canadian Food Innovation Network (otherwise known as CFIN). She is the Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon. Lavin...
Episode 1 - Cultivated Meat with Celeste Trujillo, Co-Founder & CTO of the Better Butchers
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's the scoop with Cultivated Meat? Cultivated meat, lab-grown, cell-based or cultured meat is grown from animal cells in a carefully controlle...