Everything But The Carbon Sink https://thespoon.tech/everything-but-the-carbon-sink/ en Copyright, The Spoon, 2025 Everything but the Carbon Sink is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the intersection of food systems, climate change, and innovative financing models necessary to support a growing global population. Hosted by Eva Goulbourne, an experienced strategist in food systems transformation and climate philanthropy, the show explores how agriculture, food waste, and land use contribute to both the problem and the solution to the climate crisis. Each episode highlights forward-thinking solutions, groundbreaking financing strategies, and the key players driving impact at the nexus of food and climate. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d5da0656-c93d-11ef-b34e-8f7e0b629d35/image/32aff7203720d996428aeb8f167fbdcb.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Everything But The Carbon Sink https://thespoon.tech/everything-but-the-carbon-sink/ episodic Eva Goulbourne Everything but the Carbon Sink is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the intersection of food systems, climate change, and innovative financing models necessary to support a growing global population. Hosted by Eva Goulbourne, an experienced strategist in food systems transformation and climate philanthropy, the show explores how agriculture, food waste, and land use contribute to both the problem and the solution to the climate crisis. Each episode highlights forward-thinking solutions, groundbreaking financing strategies, and the key players driving impact at the nexus of food and climate. Everything but the Carbon Sink is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the intersection of food systems, climate change, and innovative financing models necessary to support a growing global population. Hosted by Eva Goulbourne, an experienced strategist in food systems transformation and climate philanthropy, the show explores how agriculture, food waste, and land use contribute to both the problem and the solution to the climate crisis. Each episode highlights forward-thinking solutions, groundbreaking financing strategies, and the key players driving impact at the nexus of food and climate.

]]> Eva Goulbourne mike@thespoon.tech A Regenerative Case Study: How Caney Fork Farms Is Building the Model Asher Wright, Farm Director at Caney Fork Farms, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture is being tested—and proven—in real time in rural Tennessee. Backed by Vice President Al Gore and rooted in decades of soil health practice, Caney Fork Farms offers a living model for climate-smart, community-driven food systems. Asher shares the realities of building a financially viable regenerative farm: from sliding-scale CSA shares and pasture-raised meats to new grain cleaning infrastructure and public-private insurance barriers. We discuss what it takes to scale regeneration—not just in practice, but in economics, labor, and policy. Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:56:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Asher Wright, Farm Director at Caney Fork Farms, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture is being tested—and proven—in real time in rural Tennessee. Backed by Vice President Al Gore and rooted in decades of soil health practice, Caney Fork Farms offers a living model for climate-smart, community-driven food systems. Asher shares the realities of building a financially viable regenerative farm: from sliding-scale CSA shares and pasture-raised meats to new grain cleaning infrastructure and public-private insurance barriers. We discuss what it takes to scale regeneration—not just in practice, but in economics, labor, and policy. Asher Wright, Farm Director at Caney Fork Farms, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture is being tested—and proven—in real time in rural Tennessee. Backed by Vice President Al Gore and rooted in decades of soil health practice, Caney Fork Farms offers a living model for climate-smart, community-driven food systems.

Asher shares the realities of building a financially viable regenerative farm: from sliding-scale CSA shares and pasture-raised meats to new grain cleaning infrastructure and public-private insurance barriers. We discuss what it takes to scale regeneration—not just in practice, but in economics, labor, and policy.

]]> 2734 no The Long Game: Why Food Systems Need Patient Capital Peter Bodenheimer, Venture Partner at PeakBridge, joins us to unpack the realities of investing in food tech—from early-stage innovation to growth-stage execution. Drawing on decades of experience across startups, accelerators, and venture capital, he explores what makes food fundamentally different from other investment categories—and why it demands a longer, more strategic view. We talk about the hidden risks of inflated valuations, the tension between capital and capacity, and why the most scalable solutions are often the least sexy. Peter also shares how PeakBridge is backing B2B innovations that quietly power the food system—and what it really takes to move from novelty to necessity.This is a conversation about timelines, tradeoffs, and why transforming our food system means playing the long game. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:31:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Peter Bodenheimer, Venture Partner at PeakBridge, joins us to unpack the realities of investing in food tech—from early-stage innovation to growth-stage execution. Drawing on decades of experience across startups, accelerators, and venture capital, he explores what makes food fundamentally different from other investment categories—and why it demands a longer, more strategic view. We talk about the hidden risks of inflated valuations, the tension between capital and capacity, and why the most scalable solutions are often the least sexy. Peter also shares how PeakBridge is backing B2B innovations that quietly power the food system—and what it really takes to move from novelty to necessity.This is a conversation about timelines, tradeoffs, and why transforming our food system means playing the long game. Peter Bodenheimer, Venture Partner at PeakBridge, joins us to unpack the realities of investing in food tech—from early-stage innovation to growth-stage execution. Drawing on decades of experience across startups, accelerators, and venture capital, he explores what makes food fundamentally different from other investment categories—and why it demands a longer, more strategic view.

We talk about the hidden risks of inflated valuations, the tension between capital and capacity, and why the most scalable solutions are often the least sexy. Peter also shares how PeakBridge is backing B2B innovations that quietly power the food system—and what it really takes to move from novelty to necessity.This is a conversation about timelines, tradeoffs, and why transforming our food system means playing the long game.

]]> 2916 no The Missing Middle: How to Scale Bold Food Solutions Christine Gould, founder of GIGA and Thought For Food, joins us to explore the “missing middle” in food innovation—the critical gap between bold ideas and the capital, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to scale them. She shares how GIGA helps startups, corporations, and investors move beyond “innovation theater” to drive real, systems-level impact. This is a conversation about rethinking risk, unlocking scale, and building the connective tissue that makes food system transformation possible. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:23:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Christine Gould, founder of GIGA and Thought For Food, joins us to explore the “missing middle” in food innovation—the critical gap between bold ideas and the capital, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to scale them. She shares how GIGA helps startups, corporations, and investors move beyond “innovation theater” to drive real, systems-level impact. This is a conversation about rethinking risk, unlocking scale, and building the connective tissue that makes food system transformation possible. Christine Gould, founder of GIGA and Thought For Food, joins us to explore the “missing middle” in food innovation—the critical gap between bold ideas and the capital, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to scale them. She shares how GIGA helps startups, corporations, and investors move beyond “innovation theater” to drive real, systems-level impact.

This is a conversation about rethinking risk, unlocking scale, and building the connective tissue that makes food system transformation possible.

]]> 3050 no Rethinking Ripeness: A Fresh Take on Food Waste Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer at Verdant Technologies, joins us to share how extending the life of fresh produce can reduce waste, improve supply chains, and deliver more nourishment to more people. He breaks down the science behind Verdant’s shelf-life-extending innovation, why broccoli ships with ice (and why it shouldn't), and how risk aversion slows food systems progress. This is a conversation about the real-world challenges of scaling agricultural tech—and the potential to change the way fresh food moves around the world. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:47:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer at Verdant Technologies, joins us to share how extending the life of fresh produce can reduce waste, improve supply chains, and deliver more nourishment to more people. He breaks down the science behind Verdant’s shelf-life-extending innovation, why broccoli ships with ice (and why it shouldn't), and how risk aversion slows food systems progress. This is a conversation about the real-world challenges of scaling agricultural tech—and the potential to change the way fresh food moves around the world. Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer at Verdant Technologies, joins us to share how extending the life of fresh produce can reduce waste, improve supply chains, and deliver more nourishment to more people. He breaks down the science behind Verdant’s shelf-life-extending innovation, why broccoli ships with ice (and why it shouldn't), and how risk aversion slows food systems progress.

This is a conversation about the real-world challenges of scaling agricultural tech—and the potential to change the way fresh food moves around the world.

]]> 2645 no Bonus Episode: Why Food Waste Reduction is Climate Action Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee shares why food waste reduction is one of the cheapest and most powerful tools we have to fight climate change. He offers a vision of optimism, where state-level leadership, public-private collaboration, and community action can drive real systems change—even in the absence of federal momentum. Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:43:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee shares why food waste reduction is one of the cheapest and most powerful tools we have to fight climate change. He offers a vision of optimism, where state-level leadership, public-private collaboration, and community action can drive real systems change—even in the absence of federal momentum. Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee shares why food waste reduction is one of the cheapest and most powerful tools we have to fight climate change. He offers a vision of optimism, where state-level leadership, public-private collaboration, and community action can drive real systems change—even in the absence of federal momentum.

]]> 1202 no Bonus Episode: Connecting Health, Climate, and the Future of Food Eat Well Global CEO Erin Boyd Kappelhof explains why health and sustainability are no longer separate tracks. From partnering with brands and influencers to supporting companies that are integrating regenerative agriculture and nutrition goals, Erin explores how cross-sector collaboration is shaping the future of food—and what it takes to stay relevant. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:01:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Eat Well Global CEO Erin Boyd Kappelhof explains why health and sustainability are no longer separate tracks. From partnering with brands and influencers to supporting companies that are integrating regenerative agriculture and nutrition goals, Erin explores how cross-sector collaboration is shaping the future of food—and what it takes to stay relevant. Eat Well Global CEO Erin Boyd Kappelhof explains why health and sustainability are no longer separate tracks. From partnering with brands and influencers to supporting companies that are integrating regenerative agriculture and nutrition goals, Erin explores how cross-sector collaboration is shaping the future of food—and what it takes to stay relevant.

]]> 964 no Bonus Episode: Investing in the Conscious Consumer Victor Friedberg, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of New Epoch Capital + Founder and Chairman of FoodShot Global, reflects on how food and agriculture investing has evolved—and what’s still missing. From Beyond Meat’s values-driven growth to building systems-level solutions for sustainability-minded consumers, Victor unpacks what it takes to align capital with mission. Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:11:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Victor Friedberg, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of New Epoch Capital + Founder and Chairman of FoodShot Global, reflects on how food and agriculture investing has evolved—and what’s still missing. From Beyond Meat’s values-driven growth to building systems-level solutions for sustainability-minded consumers, Victor unpacks what it takes to align capital with mission. Victor Friedberg, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of New Epoch Capital + Founder and Chairman of FoodShot Global, reflects on how food and agriculture investing has evolved—and what’s still missing. From Beyond Meat’s values-driven growth to building systems-level solutions for sustainability-minded consumers, Victor unpacks what it takes to align capital with mission.

]]> 1556 no Bonus Episode: From Pilots to Scale - What’s Next for Food Waste Reduction ReFED Executive Director Sara Burnett shares why this moment marks a turning point in food waste reduction. With tangible momentum, growing partnerships, and the scaling of the U.S. Food Waste Pact, we’re moving from pilot projects to real impact. Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:26:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne ReFED Executive Director Sara Burnett shares why this moment marks a turning point in food waste reduction. With tangible momentum, growing partnerships, and the scaling of the U.S. Food Waste Pact, we’re moving from pilot projects to real impact. ReFED Executive Director Sara Burnett shares why this moment marks a turning point in food waste reduction. With tangible momentum, growing partnerships, and the scaling of the U.S. Food Waste Pact, we’re moving from pilot projects to real impact.

]]> 1096 no How Venture Capital and Philanthropy Can Tackle Food Waste at Scale Ida Posner, Founder & Managing Partner of Hawthorne Food Ventures and Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation, joins us to explore how venture capital and philanthropy can work in tandem to solve one of the food system’s biggest challenges: food waste. She shares Hawthorne’s investment thesis and the foundation’s strategy, showing how different forms of capital can unlock scalable solutions across the food loss and waste spectrum. From farm-level tech to consumer innovations, Ida highlights where progress is accelerating—and why food waste reduction is a powerful lever for climate, health, and economic impact. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 03:47:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Ida Posner, Founder & Managing Partner of Hawthorne Food Ventures and Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation, joins us to explore how venture capital and philanthropy can work in tandem to solve one of the food system’s biggest challenges: food waste. She shares Hawthorne’s investment thesis and the foundation’s strategy, showing how different forms of capital can unlock scalable solutions across the food loss and waste spectrum. From farm-level tech to consumer innovations, Ida highlights where progress is accelerating—and why food waste reduction is a powerful lever for climate, health, and economic impact. Ida Posner, Founder & Managing Partner of Hawthorne Food Ventures and Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation, joins us to explore how venture capital and philanthropy can work in tandem to solve one of the food system’s biggest challenges: food waste.

She shares Hawthorne’s investment thesis and the foundation’s strategy, showing how different forms of capital can unlock scalable solutions across the food loss and waste spectrum.

From farm-level tech to consumer innovations, Ida highlights where progress is accelerating—and why food waste reduction is a powerful lever for climate, health, and economic impact.

]]> 2431 no Scaling Regeneration: A Landscape-Level Approach to Food Systems Change Saswati Bora, Global Director of Regenerative Food Systems at The Nature Conservancy, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture can become a powerful climate and biodiversity solution. They discuss TNC’s global foodscapes strategy, the critical role of philanthropic capital in de-risking regenerative transitions, and why true systems change requires local trust, long timelines, and deep collaboration. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:04:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Saswati Bora, Global Director of Regenerative Food Systems at The Nature Conservancy, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture can become a powerful climate and biodiversity solution. They discuss TNC’s global foodscapes strategy, the critical role of philanthropic capital in de-risking regenerative transitions, and why true systems change requires local trust, long timelines, and deep collaboration. Saswati Bora, Global Director of Regenerative Food Systems at The Nature Conservancy, joins us to explore how regenerative agriculture can become a powerful climate and biodiversity solution. They discuss TNC’s global foodscapes strategy, the critical role of philanthropic capital in de-risking regenerative transitions, and why true systems change requires local trust, long timelines, and deep collaboration.

]]> 2361 no The Role of Private Capital in Sustainable Timberland & Land Management Jessamine Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Alder Point Capital Management, unpacks the role of private capital in financing food system transformation. From regenerative ag to sustainable timberland, Jessamine shares how place-based investment can drive impact across climate, water, biodiversity, and rural economies—while delivering strong financial returns. Thu, 01 May 2025 19:51:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Jessamine Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Alder Point Capital Management, unpacks the role of private capital in financing food system transformation. From regenerative ag to sustainable timberland, Jessamine shares how place-based investment can drive impact across climate, water, biodiversity, and rural economies—while delivering strong financial returns. Jessamine Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Alder Point Capital Management, unpacks the role of private capital in financing food system transformation. From regenerative ag to sustainable timberland, Jessamine shares how place-based investment can drive impact across climate, water, biodiversity, and rural economies—while delivering strong financial returns.

]]> 2339 no School Meals as a Catalyst for Food Systems Change Sara Farley, Vice President of the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to explore how school meals can be a powerful lever for transforming global food systems. We dive into the Foundation’s bold bet to reach 100 million children with school meals sourced from regenerative agriculture—an ambitious effort to tackle both childhood hunger and climate change in one sweeping move. Sara shares how this vision connects producers and the most vulnerable consumers, why catalytic philanthropy is key to driving systems change, and what it takes to shift to a truly regenerative, equitable food future. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:09:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Sara Farley, Vice President of the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to explore how school meals can be a powerful lever for transforming global food systems. We dive into the Foundation’s bold bet to reach 100 million children with school meals sourced from regenerative agriculture—an ambitious effort to tackle both childhood hunger and climate change in one sweeping move. Sara shares how this vision connects producers and the most vulnerable consumers, why catalytic philanthropy is key to driving systems change, and what it takes to shift to a truly regenerative, equitable food future. Sara Farley, Vice President of the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to explore how school meals can be a powerful lever for transforming global food systems. We dive into the Foundation’s bold bet to reach 100 million children with school meals sourced from regenerative agriculture—an ambitious effort to tackle both childhood hunger and climate change in one sweeping move. Sara shares how this vision connects producers and the most vulnerable consumers, why catalytic philanthropy is key to driving systems change, and what it takes to shift to a truly regenerative, equitable food future.

]]> 2600 no Narrative Capital: How Storytelling Turns Ideas Into Investment for Climate & Food Solutions Thomas Crampton — Executive Chair of Crampton-Blackie — joins us to unpack how the right story, told at the right time, can unlock funding and fuel growth for climate and food innovators. We explore why storytelling is one of the most valuable tools for startups — not just for raising capital, but for scaling impact, attracting partners, and shaping the future of sustainable innovation. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:33:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Thomas Crampton — Executive Chair of Crampton-Blackie — joins us to unpack how the right story, told at the right time, can unlock funding and fuel growth for climate and food innovators. We explore why storytelling is one of the most valuable tools for startups — not just for raising capital, but for scaling impact, attracting partners, and shaping the future of sustainable innovation. Thomas Crampton — Executive Chair of Crampton-Blackie — joins us to unpack how the right story, told at the right time, can unlock funding and fuel growth for climate and food innovators. We explore why storytelling is one of the most valuable tools for startups — not just for raising capital, but for scaling impact, attracting partners, and shaping the future of sustainable innovation.

]]> 2888 no No People, No Food: Addressing the Agricultural Labor Crisis Connie Bowen, Founding Partner of Farmhand Ventures — a VC fund building a better future of work in agriculture — joins Eva Goulbourne to unpack the agricultural labor crisis. They explore why there’s no sustainable food future without investing in farmworkers — and how innovation, technology, and funding must center people to build a more just and resilient food system. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:26:00 -0000 full Eva Goulbourne Connie Bowen, Founding Partner of Farmhand Ventures — a VC fund building a better future of work in agriculture — joins Eva Goulbourne to unpack the agricultural labor crisis. They explore why there’s no sustainable food future without investing in farmworkers — and how innovation, technology, and funding must center people to build a more just and resilient food system. Connie Bowen, Founding Partner of Farmhand Ventures — a VC fund building a better future of work in agriculture — joins Eva Goulbourne to unpack the agricultural labor crisis. They explore why there’s no sustainable food future without investing in farmworkers — and how innovation, technology, and funding must center people to build a more just and resilient food system.

]]> 2794 no What’s on Your Plate? The Hidden Forces Shaping Our Food Choices Marion Nestle, the most respected nutritionist in America today, renowned author, and pioneer of the first food studies academic program, joins host Eva Goulbourne to expose the powerful forces shaping what we eat—from corporate influence on food policy to the urgent need for government regulation that prioritizes health over profit. She explains why the same diet that supports our well-being also benefits the planet—and how collective action is key to transforming the food system. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:30:00 -0000 full 1 3 Eva Goulbourne Marion Nestle, the most respected nutritionist in America today, renowned author, and pioneer of the first food studies academic program, joins host Eva Goulbourne to expose the powerful forces shaping what we eat—from corporate influence on food policy to the urgent need for government regulation that prioritizes health over profit. She explains why the same diet that supports our well-being also benefits the planet—and how collective action is key to transforming the food system. Marion Nestle, the most respected nutritionist in America today, renowned author, and pioneer of the first food studies academic program, joins host Eva Goulbourne to expose the powerful forces shaping what we eat—from corporate influence on food policy to the urgent need for government regulation that prioritizes health over profit. She explains why the same diet that supports our well-being also benefits the planet—and how collective action is key to transforming the food system.




]]> 2658 no Farming for the Future: Scaling Regenerative Ag for Climate Impact & Profit Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy, joins host Eva Goulbourne to explore how regenerative agriculture can deliver climate impact and profitability. From agtech to investment strategies, we unpack what it’ll take to scale solutions across the food system. Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:22:00 -0000 full 1 2 Eva Goulbourne Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy, joins host Eva Goulbourne to explore how regenerative agriculture can deliver climate impact and profitability. From agtech to investment strategies, we unpack what it’ll take to scale solutions across the food system. Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy, joins host Eva Goulbourne to explore how regenerative agriculture can deliver climate impact and profitability. From agtech to investment strategies, we unpack what it’ll take to scale solutions across the food system.

]]> 3067 no Everything but the Carbon Sink - Teaser Everything but the Carbon Sink - Teaser Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0000 Everything but the Carbon Sink - Teaser full 1 1 Eva Goulbourne Everything but the Carbon Sink - Teaser Everything but the Carbon Sink - Teaser

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