The Produce Moms Podcast

In this episode, Lori Taylor welcomes David Ortega, a leading food economist and professor at Michigan State University. As the first food economist featured on the podcast, David breaks down the complex forces shaping food prices today from inflation and global conflicts to supply chain disruptions and trade policy.

In this special Mother's Day episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes First Lady Maureen Braun for an inspiring conversation rooted in motherhood, resilience, entrepreneurship, and community. Mrs. Braun shares her journey of raising a family while building a business, the importance of routines and priorities, and how her upbringing shaped her passion for healthy living.

In this special edition of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor is joined by Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, author, and Chief Nutrition Officer for The Produce Moms for a dynamic conversation following their time in Washington, D.C. during National Ag Day.   Together, they unpack key takeaways from a high-level USDA roundtable, including the rollout of the updated "Product of the USA" labeling initiative and its broader implications for agriculture and consumer transparency.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Eric Halvorson, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Kroger's Central Division, for an inspiring conversation on hunger relief, community impact, and the evolving role of grocery retailers.

In this special edition of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Mike McCloud, Founder and CEO of the World Food Championships (WFC), for an inside look at the fast-growing world of "food sport." With Lori recently named a judge for the Final Table event in Bentonville, this episode explores how culinary competition has evolved into a global stage for chefs, home cooks, and food innovators alike.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor continues the celebration of the International Year of the Female Farmer with Ana Carrillo, Business Development Director at UVEX, a multi-generational farming operation based in Sonora, Mexico.   Ana shares her unique journey from studying marketing and international business to building a career within her family's farming operation. What began as a path outside of agriculture ultimately transformed into a deep passion for the industry-one rooted in legacy, responsibility, and purpose.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Morgan Bray, Food Is Medicine Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association, alongside returning guests Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Dana Feldman from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Together, they explore how Kentucky is building one of the nation's most comprehensive Food Is Medicine frameworks, connecting agriculture, healthcare systems, and policy to improve health outcomes while strengthening rural prosperity.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Heather Becker, and Dana Feldman from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to discuss how the Commonwealth is transforming school nutrition through its Local First School Food initiative.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Alison Hard, MS, RD, Policy Director for the National WIC Association, for an important conversation about the power of the WIC program and the critical role moms play in shaping healthier families across America.    Lori and Alison discuss how WIC empowers mothers as leaders in their households and communities, helping drive better nutrition, stronger food systems, and healthier outcomes for the next generation. 

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Danyel O'Connor, CEO, and Co-Founder of AI-powered product development platform Umami, for a forward-looking conversation on grocery leadership, wellness trends, and the evolving role of fresh produce in 2026.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Julie Krivanek, a seasoned leader in the fresh produce industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the impact of the pandemic on business strategies, and the qualities that define effective executive leadership.   Julie shares her journey from coal mining to fresh produce, emphasizing the unifying power of food and the personal connections it fosters.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor sits down with Marjory Walker, Vice President of Council Operations at the National Cotton Council of America, to explore the often-overlooked world of fiber agriculture and why what we wear matters.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor and Beth Bechdol discuss the significance of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the vital role women play in agriculture globally.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor introduces the Women's Roundtable series, featuring esteemed guests Meghan Diaz, Erica Manfre, and Jennie Coleman. The conversation explores emerging trends in grocery retail, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and transparency in leadership.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor is joined by Jill Overdorf, Founder and CEO of The Produce Ambassadors, and Maeve Webster, President of Menu Matters. They discuss the evolving trends in the food service industry, focusing on the importance of human connection, sustainability, and innovation in produce.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back CarrieAnn Arias, CEO of USA Pears, to discuss the upcoming International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026. They explore the significance of celebrating women in agriculture, the role of female farmers globally, and the impact of agriculture on women's livelihoods.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Kyle Diamantas, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the Food and Drug Administration, for an in-depth conversation on food safety, regulatory leadership, and the future of the U.S. food system.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor discusses grocery retail trends and insights with Brittain Ladd, a recognized expert in the field.   They explore the impact of Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, the challenges facing Kroger, and the potential political aspirations of Walmart's Doug McMillan.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori welcomes Pamela Riemenschneider to discuss the latest trends in produce for 2026. They explore the importance of saving money, the resurgence of simple meals, and the rise of bowls in meal prep.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor speaks with Dr. Ben Carson, the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the USDA. They discuss the importance of nutrition, particularly for children, and the role of programs like SNAP and school meals in promoting healthy eating.

In this heartfelt episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, Angela Hernandez, the 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient, shares her inspiring journey through breast cancer and her impactful work at Trinity Fruit. Angela discusses her personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and her dedication to promoting wellness through fresh produce.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Ashley Finster, Vice President of Marketing at Naturipe Farms.   They discuss the evolution of Naturipe's brand, the "Berries Bring It" campaign, and the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration with growers and retailers.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori welcomes Amy Wood and Cristie Mather from the Mushroom Council to discuss the unique position of mushrooms in the food industry.   They explore the sustainability of mushroom farming, current consumption trends, and the various mushroom varieties available.

In this episode, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Elena Hernandez and Tristan Simpson for a reflective discussion on the viral food trends of 2025.

Welcome back to The Produce Moms Podcast! In this episode, host Lori Taylor engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Richard Kottmeyer at FutureBridge. Together, they challenge common misconceptions about the produce industry, focusing on the myths that often cloud our understanding of food, agriculture, and nutrition.

This episode of The Produce Moms Podcast delves into the critical role of honeybees in agriculture, the challenges faced by beekeepers, and the importance of pollination for food production. Host Lori Taylor speaks with bee farmers Richard Coy and Charles Linder about their experiences, the economic aspects of beekeeping, and the alarming decline in honeybee populations.

When government funding delays threatened to halt SNAP benefits for millions of families, The Produce Moms Podcast turned its platform into a source of support and awareness. In this heartfelt and timely episode, host Lori Taylor speaks with Jack Griffin, the inspiring founder of Food Finder, about how his organization connects food-insecure Americans to essential resources.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Bradford Warner, the Global Head of Digital and Data at AgroFresh. They discuss the importance of fresh produce in our diets, the role of AgroFresh in the supply chain, and how technology is transforming agriculture.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Host Lori welcomes Ian LeMay, President and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission. They discuss the significance of table grapes, the unique aspects of California's grape industry, and the importance of sustainability and worker protections.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Dr. Julia Harshman and Nichole Towell from Duda Farm Fresh Foods to discuss the importance of quality in celery production.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Sarah Evanega, VP of Business Development at Okanagan Specialty Fruits, to discuss the Arctic Apple, a revolutionary non-browning apple developed through biotechnology.   The conversation covers the science behind the Arctic Apple, its journey from concept to market, and the regulatory processes involved.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Alex Canepa, the Policy Director at Fair Food Network. They discuss the importance of nutrition incentives like Double Up Food Bucks, which help low-income families access fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor interviews Meghan Rowe, Founder and CEO of White Leaf Provisions.   They discuss the journey of creating a brand focused on biodynamic and regenerative farming practices, the importance of transparency in food production, and the balance between family life and entrepreneurship. Meghan shares insights on the challenges and successes of scaling her brand while maintaining its core values, and her vision for improving school nutrition in the future.  

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, the hosts celebrate National Fruits and Veggies Month with Registered Dietitian Jackie London. They discuss the recent Maha Report, its implications for the produce industry, and the importance of increasing public awareness about nutrition.

In this special episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, hosts Lori and Helina celebrate a decade of growth and entrepreneurship. They reflect on the challenges and triumphs of running a podcast, the importance of teamwork, and the lessons learned in leadership.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor, discusses the significance of California apples with guests Jeff Colombini and Rich Sambado. They explore the history of apple farming in California, the evolution of apple varieties, and the challenges faced by the apple industry.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor speaks with Ali Hard, the Director of Public Policy for the National WIC Association. They discuss the importance of the WIC program, its eligibility criteria, and the benefits it provides to mothers and children.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor and John Koufos discuss the critical case of the Henry Farm in New Jersey, which is facing eminent domain for affordable housing development.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Tate Bennett, a key figure in agriculture policy, to discuss the intersection of nutrition, policy, and the importance of fruits and vegetables in American culture.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, Host Lori Taylor welcomes Karen White, Vice President of Marketing for Bolthouse Fresh Foods. They discuss Bolthouse's recent recognition as one of Fast Company's most innovative companies, exploring the criteria for this accolade and the innovative strategies that led to it.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, the host discusses the importance of sustainable choices in fashion and agriculture with Cate Havstad-Casad, founder of Range Revolution. They explore the intersection of ethical fashion and farming, the principles of regenerative agriculture, and the significance of supporting first-generation farmers.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor interviews Doyle Karr, a thought leader in the food and agriculture industry, about the issue of heavy metals in food and soil. They discuss the types of heavy metals, the risks they pose, and the innovations and solutions being developed to mitigate this problem.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back CarrieAnn Arias, Karen Nardozza, and Tristan Simpson to discuss nostalgia marketing and how it relates to food.   The guests share personal stories of nostalgic food experiences and discuss the emotional connections that nostalgia creates. 

The conversation focuses on the potential impact of the tomato suspension agreement between the United States and Mexico. The agreement, which has been in place since 1996, has allowed for stability, innovation, and the availability of high-quality tomatoes year-round.   Terminating the agreement could lead to a significant increase in tomato prices, limited availability, and negative economic consequences for both the US and Mexico. Over 450 companies and organizations have signed a letter urging the Department of Commerce to maintain the agreement.   The conversation emphasizes the importance of consumer access to affordable and nutritious produce.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes registered dietitian Jackie London to discuss the powerful health benefits of cherries—especially during peak cherry season.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes David Istier, Founder of gutzy® Organic, to discuss the innovative organic snack brand that focuses on gut health. David shares his journey from France to the U.S., his passion for food, and how gutzy® Organic was born out of a desire to create convenient, healthy snacks for busy lifestyles. The conversation covers the unique product offerings, the importance of ingredient integrity, and the upcoming launch of gutzy® products in Walmart stores. David emphasizes the significance of gut health and the need for more people to incorporate organic fruits and vegetables into their diets.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor, Host of the show, and Taylor Sewell, Co-Founder of the Mind Your Melon Foundation, discusses the critical importance of mental health in the agricultural community.