PODCAST · business
The Checkout
by Errol Schweizer and Evan Driscoll
Hosted and produced by two Organic food and farming lifers, The Checkout brings forward diverse voices and stories from the frontlines of our food system. Now more than ever, our food system is in a constant state of flux, radical change and crisis. From farm, retail and wholesale sector analyses to public policy, labor organizing and community struggles, The Checkout will expand the horizon for consumers and food industry professionals of what is possible and what is necessary to create a just, equitable and resilient food system.
Episodes
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#20: GoodPop’s Daniel Goetz on Building GoodPop
Errol sits down with longtime friend and supplier Daniel Goetz, founder of Goodpop, now in its 17th year and still fully bootstrapped. Daniel started the company as a UT Austin student in 2009, inspired by fresh-fruit paletas in Mexico and a family history of pushcart entrepreneurs. He made…
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#19: Tuyyo Foods: Women Leading Change in the CPG Sector
In this episode, Jocelyn Ramirez and Stephanie Garcia Turner share their journeys from industry veterans to founders of Tuyo Foods, discussing their innovative approach to Latin cuisine, challenges faced as women and Latina entrepreneurs, and their vision for building a community-centered,...
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#18: From Corporate to Community: Liz Abunaw's Grocery Revolution
Liz Abunaw shares her journey from corporate food sales to founding 40 Acres Fresh Market on Chicago's West Side, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in community-focused grocery retail. This episode explores supply chain strategies, community impact, and the importance of business…
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#17 The Efforts Behind Unionizing at Mother's Market in 2026
In this episode, we explore the labor issues at Mother's Market, a natural food store in California, through the perspectives of Omar, a worker, and Andrew, a union organizer. We discuss unionization efforts, management challenges, and what it takes to improve workers' lives in the retail food...
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#16: Farm To People: Transforming The Food Supply Chain
In this week's episode of Grocery Nerds, we dive deep into the mission of Farm to People, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how we shop and eat by connecting consumers directly to local and regional food systems. Michael Ray Robinov, the founder, shares insights into their innovative…
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#15: The Purpose Pledge: Redefining Business Responsibility
In this episode, Seth Goldman and Les Szabo discuss the Purpose Pledge, a framework for defining and operationalizing purpose-led business practices. They explore how this initiative promotes stakeholder capitalism, internalizes externalities, and aims to shift business norms towards…
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#14: Kara Rubin's Grocery Journey From Whole Foods to Brand Building
In this episode, Kara Rubin shares her extensive experience in the grocery industry, from her start at Whole Foods to her work supporting emerging brands and developing supply chains. She discusses the evolution of food retail, category management, talent development, and the importance of...
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#13 Andrea Abel's Fight to Improve Food Justice in Texas
In this episode, Andrea Abel, Executive Director of Farm Share Austin, discusses the organization's efforts to improve food justice in Austin, Texas. She highlights the challenges of funding cuts, the importance of local farming, and innovative programs to increase food access for underserved...
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#12: From Cashier to Author: Ann Larson's Industry Insights
Ann Larson shares her journey from grocery store worker to author, revealing the hidden realities of the grocery industry, labor struggles, and potential reforms. Discover insights on corporate power, worker solidarity, and how consumers can support change. Ann Larson’s writing on education…
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#11: Alicia Kennedy's Journey: From Vegan Bakery to Food Critic
Alicia Kennedy, a food writer with a background in food production, discusses her journey from running a vegan bakery to becoming a renowned food critic and author. The conversation explores food systems, veganism, cultural history, and her latest book, offering deep insights into food politics…
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#10: The Future of Natural Sweeteners with CEO Aaron Henderson
In this in-depth interview, Aaron Henderson, CEO of Sweetleaf Stevia, shares his extensive experience in the grocery and CPG industry, focusing on natural sweeteners, supply chain intricacies, and evolving consumer trends like GLP-1. Discover insights on sourcing, product innovation, industry...
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#9 Exploring Mamdani's Grocery Plan and the History Behind It.
Will it work? This episode explores New York City's innovative plan under Mamdani to open publicly subsidized grocery stores, aiming to make healthy food affordable and accessible for all. We discuss the details of the plan, its potential impact, and the broader context of grocery industry...
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#8: How Saffron Road Disrupted Frozen Food with Authenticity and Innovation
This interview with Adnan Durrani and Paul Turbeville explores the journey of Saffron Road, innovation in frozen foods, and navigating the competitive grocery landscape with a focus on health, authenticity, and strategic growth. Adnan Durrani has been a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist...
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#7 How Legislation Can Lower Food Prices and Support Small Grocers
Chris Jones is an attorney and founder of Center Market Strategies, a boutique law and advocacy firm that specializes in antitrust. He leads the Main Street Competition Coalition, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization for independent business and agriculture producers harmed by monopolistic conduct.…
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#6: How Aldi Is Winning the US Grocery War
Aldi's success is driven by operational efficiency, not market magic. In this episode, we explore Aldi's rise in the US grocery market, analyzing its low-cost, highly efficient business model rooted in post-war German austerity and modern operational excellence. Discover how Aldi's strategies are...
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#5 Jose Oliva: Solving Food Industry Problems with HEAL Food Alliance
Jose Oliva, Campaigns Director at Heal Food Alliance, shares insights into the food industry's labor issues, food insecurity among workers, and systemic reforms needed for a fairer food system. Jose Oliva was born in Xelaju, Guatemala. In 1985 he and his family were forced to flee the civil war…
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#4 Stacy Mitchell: The Threat of Corporate Power on Local Communities
In this in-depth interview, Stacy Mitchell from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance discusses the monopolistic practices in the food industry, Amazon's dominance, and the impact of market concentration on local communities and food deserts. The conversation explores antitrust laws, corporate...
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#3 How Dr. Bronner's Is Redefining Business with Purpose
Join us for an inspiring conversation with David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner's, as he shares the company's rich history, social activism, and commitment to regenerative organic farming, fair wages, and social justice. Discover how a legacy of love, spirituality, and sustainability is shaping a...
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#2 How Goods Mart Built a Retail Ecosystem for Emerging Brands
Rachel Krupa is the Founder of The Goods Mart, an early pioneer of the better-for-you convenience store movement and a discovery platform for emerging food and beverage brands. Known as a "Snack Curator," Rachel has spent eight years helping consumers find their next favorite product while giving...
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#1. How Grocery Workers Are Organizing Against Corporate Pressure
In this in-depth interview, grocery clerk and union organizer Edward Dupree shares insights on working at Whole Foods, the unionization campaign in Philadelphia, and tips on seasonal produce. Discover the realities of grocery work, the fight for better conditions, and how community building fuels...
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Episode 185: Burlap & Barrel
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Episode 184: Nasser Abufarha and Canaan Fair Trade
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Episode 183: Peter Gialantzis of Pod Foods
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Episode 182: The Regenerative Organic Certification
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Episode 181: “Shoptalk #2”: Understanding Wholesalers
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Episode 180: “Shoptalk”, with Co-Host Eve Cohen
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Episode 179: George Milton On The UNFI SSA Controversy
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Episode 178: Robinson-Patman Act 101 with Daniel Hanley
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Episode 177: Part Two: Mexico Takes on GMO Dogma
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Episode 176: Part One: The U.S.-Mexico GMO Corn Standoff
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Episode 175: HEAL Food Alliance Takes On The Farm Bill
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Episode 174: Phil Howard On Food Industry Consolidation
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Episode 173: Who Wants To Kill The NLRB? With Professor John Logan
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Episode 172: Grocery Update: Reinventing Retail and Food Processing
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Episode 171: Austin Frerick Takes On The Grocery Barons
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Episode 170: Magaly Licolli On Stopping Child Labor
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Episode 169: Why Your Groceries Are So Damn Expensive
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Episode 168: Matriark Foods Is Reinventing Food Processing
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Episode 167: Common Ground
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Episode 166: Why A Worker Cooperative “Works For All”
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Episode 165: Ellen Cassedy on “Working 9 to 5”
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Episode 164: Trader Joe’s United Returns To The Checkout
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Episode 163: COP28 Recap with Lauren Baker
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Episode 162: Finnish Retail Cooperatives, with Ryan Cooper
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Episode 161: Why Grocery Workers Oppose the Kroger-Albertsons Merger
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Episode 160: Chloë Waterman On Reforming Public Food Procurement
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Episode 159: Public Sector Food Supply Chains With Dr. Sarah Taber, Part 2
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Episode 158: Chef Ora Wise On Fighting Food Apartheid in Palestine
Ora Wise is a Brooklyn-based chef, community organizer, cultural producer, and educator whose current work invests in community controlled and regenerative food systems. For over a decade, Ora focused on media-based education, including co-facilitating the Palestine Education Project's high…
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Episode 157: Dr. John Fagan’s Concerning New Findings About “Animal Free” Dairy
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Episode 156: Chef Reem Assil, Gaza and Hospitality For Humanity
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted and produced by two Organic food and farming lifers, The Checkout brings forward diverse voices and stories from the frontlines of our food system. Now more than ever, our food system is in a constant state of flux, radical change and crisis. From farm, retail and wholesale sector analyses to public policy, labor organizing and community struggles, The Checkout will expand the horizon for consumers and food industry professionals of what is possible and what is necessary to create a just, equitable and resilient food system.
HOSTED BY
Errol Schweizer and Evan Driscoll
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Checkout have?
The Checkout currently has 183 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Checkout about?
Hosted and produced by two Organic food and farming lifers, The Checkout brings forward diverse voices and stories from the frontlines of our food system. Now more than ever, our food system is in a constant state of flux, radical change and crisis. From farm, retail and wholesale sector analyses...
How often does The Checkout release new episodes?
The Checkout publishes regularly with 183 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Checkout?
You can listen to The Checkout on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Checkout?
The Checkout is created and hosted by Errol Schweizer and Evan Driscoll.
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