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PODCAST

Munching on Molecules

Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas

Welcome to Munching on Molecules, your portal to the world of culinary delights, food science, and global gastronomy. Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas explore and share the latest in food discoveries and trends from our Canadian backyard and around the world, fostering a delicious food community for enthusiasts and experts alike. Approachable, inspiring, fun introduction to the world of food technology, science and culinary research. - **What can listeners expect to hear?** - Cutting-edge food

arts food

All Episodes

00:34:58

Episode 49: At the Crossroads of Nutrition, Policy &...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/11/17

This week on Munching on Molecules, we sit down with a guest whose roots in food run deep, both personally and professionally: Christopher Marinangeli, PhD, RD.Christopher grew up immersed in the food world, dating back to his great-grandparents, and his grandfather who famously got his driver’s license in exchange for bananas in Toronto, to his own executive roles in CPG. Food isn’t just a career for Christopher, it’s in his DNA.Christopher brings close to two decades of experience navigating the

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00:11:10

Episode 48: CHFA Now Toronto Recap

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/10/16

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 biggest natural and organic trade show.From co-hosting Launchpad to firing off rapid-fire questions with emerging founders, the duo dives into what it really takes to stand out:💡 How do you share your business story?👥 Who are your customers—really?🌟 What makes your brand special?It’s a behind-the-scenes recap of innovation, hustle, and heart from the CHFA

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00:24:16

Episode 47: Celebrating 85 Years of Food in Canada...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/09/25

We chat with Nithya, editor of Food in Canada magazine, Canada’s longest-standing national publication serving the food and beverage industry. As Food in Canada proudly marks its 85th anniversary, we discuss how the magazine continues to adapt while maintaining its trusted voice in a rapidly evolving sector.Nithya takes us through the magazine's more recent history: its acquisition by Annex Business Media in 2021, and a pivotal change in March 2024, when Annex transitioned into a 100%

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00:16:24

Episode 46: CHFA NOW Toronto, September 19 - 21, 2025

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/09/18

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 through what’s ahead, including:💚 Not one but two Thursday mixers on Sept 18: BDC x B Local Ontario x CHFA gathering and the COTA Organic Month Mingler, because the real networking starts before the show even opens.💚 Their very first time co-hosting CHFA Launchpad on Friday, Sept 19 at 5pm, where emerging brands and big ideas take center stage.💚 What’s

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00:43:58

Episode 45: Export-Ready: What It Takes to Enter...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/09/11

We’re talking bold export moves with Barron Lau and Paul Yip, the powerhouse duo behind Chowtime Foods, rewriting the playbook for Canadian food brands expanding into China.With bilingual teams across Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver, and Hong Kong, they’re bringing Canadian innovation to Asia’s most competitive food market with strategy, speed, and real traction.In this episode, we dig into:What it really takes to scale in China’s food industry, from e-comm to retail.Why Canadian health and wellness

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00:33:22

Episode 44. Taste & Trade Mexico City, 07 -10...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/09/04

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 City, to explore how Canadian food businesses can grow beyond borders into a vibrant, circular, and deeply sustainable food system in Mexico City.More than a trade mission, this is a cultural and culinary awakening. From October 7–10 2025, Canadian CPG leaders will join Mario on a journey through Latin America's premier food innovation event, and

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00:33:48

Episode 43: From Fork to Farm with My-Lien Bosch of...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/09/01

We are kicking off Organic Month (September 1–30, 2025) with a special conversation featuring My-Lien Bosch, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Manager at the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA).My-Lien’s career path is a fascinating one, moving from the fork (developing finished food and pet food products) to the farm (shaping policies that impact organic agriculture and sustainability). Today, she serves as a key voice for Canada’s organic sector, ensuring that policies support

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00:32:56

Episode 42: Bee Well: Biotech Solutions for...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/08/24

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, and a passion for sustainable innovation to his work at ApiSave™, a natural product redefining pollinator health.In this episode, we explore how ApiSave™, a 100% natural extract, is helping bees thrive through both nutritional support when consumed and environmental benefits when applied in hives. Mingyang shares his path from R&D to biotech

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00:23:27

Episode 41: Fueled by Plants! Performance That...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/08/17

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of plant-based sports nutrition with Melissa L’Heureux‑Haché, Co-founder of VEGAIN Nutrition. Born from the need for better options, VEGAIN is reimagining what plant-based performance products can be from flavour to function.We explore:Melissa’s journey as a three-time founder and entrepreneur, and her passion for building high-impact products that elevate the consumer experience.Why performance-focused consumers, including those in the

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00:33:05

Episode 40: The Vanilla Vision! Cultivating Ethical...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/08/11

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Mamadou Togola, Co-founder of We Vanilla Enterprises, to explore how a single ingredient, vanilla, can spark systemic change. From the fields of Uganda to the global spice shelf, Mamadou shares his journey of resilience, purpose, and community-driven entrepreneurship.We explore:How We Vanilla is transforming the vanilla supply chain through transparency and ethical trade.Why education, sustainability, and community empowerment are baked into their

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00:27:38

Episode 39: Bee Beards & the Buzz on Natural Wellness...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/08/04

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.Richard is continuing the 30-year family legacy and pushing the category forward with a bold mission: bridge tradition with science to craft premium bee wellness products. In this episode, we talk about:· How scientific evidence guides product formulation at Dr. Bee· Do honey bees really need saving? Richard breaks it down.· What it’s like to wear

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00:23:00

Episode 38: Transforming School Food: Learning,...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/07/28

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, connection, and community building in schools.Farm to Cafeteria Canada is a pan-Canadian, partnership-based organization with a mission to transform how food is experienced, learned, and celebrated in schools across Canada.Long before her career in public health, Jesse’s love for food and community was shaped by her childhood in rural Ontario, where she

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00:26:39

Episode 37: Q2 Snack Bites with Lara & Christine

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/07/23

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 moments, community gatherings, and future-forward forums that shaped our spring in food innovation.From Vancouver to Ottawa, we’ve been learning, connecting, and facilitating growth across the food and beverage industry. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been up to: Peer-to-peer power: BC Food & Bev Peer Group and Vancouver Island’s dynamic R&D

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00:38:46

Episode 36: Food Systems with Brian Chau, Founder of...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/07/14

Food scientist. Fungal fanatic. Systems thinker. In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we meet Brian Chau, whose serendipitous start at UC Davis led to a career spent bridging food science with human systems, transforming how food ideas become reality.Brian’s consulting firm Chau Time has supported everything from early-stage product R&D to complex contract manufacturing searches. With an eye on infrastructure and integrity, he shares how to build not just great products, but great

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00:23:55

Episode 35: Leading with Passion, Purpose & People...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/07/07

In this episode of Munching on Molecules, we chat with Aaron Skelton, the dynamic President and CEO of the Canadian Health Food Association, to talk about his unconventional path to leading one of Canada's most influential voices in the natural, organic, and wellness industry.Aaron shares:His career journey from the world of retail operations to building brands to CHFACHFA’s advocacy role with the regulatory and policy landscape A preview of CHFA webinars, Consumer Insights Reports and the

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00:24:19

Episode 34: The Orchard and Beyond! How Almonds are...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/06/29

In this episode, we crack open the tasty and functional world of almonds with Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of Trade Marketing & Stewardship with the Almond Board of California.With over 7,600 growers behind it, the Almond Board is a powerhouse of innovation, research, and stewardship. We explore:How the Almond Board is advancing sustainability across the value chainThe latest nutrition and health research fueling almond innovation- think microbiome, skin health, performance nutrition, and

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00:34:50

Episode 33: Designing Delicious: Jill Houk, Corporate...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/06/22

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 her journey, when her mother asked: “If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do?” That question sparked a career transformation. We dive into her path, from launching a health-conscious catering company to becoming a cookbook author, podcaster, TV personality, and product development powerhouse. Her work has helped shape food products across the

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00:28:17

Episode 32: From Food Formulator Extraordinaire to...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/06/16

After a decade of helping build products for other brands, food scientist and product developer, Abigail Modell is stepping into the founder spotlight and she’s doing it with purpose.In this episode, Abigail shares the behind-scenes in launching OVU Bars, a new line of snack bars designed to support women on hormonal balance and their fertility journey through targeted nutrition. We dig into the science and ingredients behind her formulation, the personal motivation that sparked the brand, and what

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00:31:30

Episode 31: Food or Natural Health Product? Dr. JP...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/06/09

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 guided his career? A gem from mentor Dr. Bob Hancock: “The jobs we want don’t exist, you have to find a way to create them.” That’s exactly what JP did, purely by luck, carving a path that didn’t exist on paper, but makes perfect sense in hindsight.Fresh from the CHFA Regulatory Forum in Ottawa, JP offers his view on the different regulatory pathways to

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00:44:10

Episode 30: Ian Heieie, Peas, Pizza, and the Pulse of...

Munching on Molecules ·

2025/06/01

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 culinary energy and scientific savvy to the plant protein space. He takes us through his fine-dining roots at The Bachelor Farmer and Young Joni (yes, that James Beard Award-winning one) to studying plant proteins at University of Minnesota's Plant Protein Innovation Center then to pushing the boundaries of peas and soybeans at PURIS.Ian’s stirred up a

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