On this week's show, we’re joined by Kevin and Alicia Stump, the passionate husband-and-wife duo behind Stump Farms, a family-owned urban and hydroponic farm nestled in the mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Kevin and Alicia have built something extraordinary—a full-spectrum farm offering everything from microgreens, mushrooms, and produce to herbal skincare, soaps, teas, and pantry staples like jams, salsas, and all kinds of pickles. They are showing that with the smallest plot of land, you can produce just about anything you need. Get ready for a conversation about innovation, resilience, community, and sustainable farming with two people who epitomize what it means to grow big on any scale of land.

Makoto Dressings isn’t just salad dressing—it’s a flavor revolution. From their cult-classic Original Ginger to bold favorites like Honey Ginger, Wasabi Ginger, and Boom Boom Sauce, this family-owned brand has been waking up taste buds since 1985. What makes Makoto stand out isn’t just the flavor—it’s the story. Back in 1985, at a Japanese steakhouse in Melbourne, Florida, diners loved the dressing so much they begged to take bottles home.

Today, we chat with Christian Greene—third generation of the family that started Makoto Dressings—about how their dressings grew into a Top 10 national brand, why fresh veggies and ginger made in small batches is the key, and how they have delighted salad lovers for over forty years.

If you love fresh veggies, bold flavors, and stories of family entrepreneurship, this episode will leave you hungry for more.

What makes Hatch chili peppers so delicious and sought after? It’s the unique microclimate where they grow. They are named for the tiny town of Hatch, New Mexico, which sits at a towering elevation. It’s no wonder they’ve risen to such great heights in the culinary world. This week, we’re joined once again by “The Produce Expert,” Robert Schueller, who will tell us all about these peppers with a cult following.

Robert is the Director of Public Relations at Melissa’s Produce, the largest distributor of specialty produce in the United States. Robert has been featured everywhere from national TV segments to major newspapers, bringing insight, passion, and a deep understanding of the produce industry to audiences across the country. He’s also the author of several books about fresh fruits and vegetables, making him not just a spokesperson for Melissa’s but a true educator and advocate for eating seasonally and adventurously.

In this episode, Robert will also tell us about the delicious new varieties of grapes and melons that are in season right now. Tune in to hear about the hottest and sweetest fruits and veggies of the season!