In this revealing episode of ShelfSense, we dig into the roots of the herbal products lining our shelves. Our guests, Dr. Zoe Gardner, editor of the Botanical Safety Handbook and self-proclaimed herb nerd, and Emma Cosaboom, a Gen Z expert in sourcing and marketing, both bring their deep experience from their time at Traditional Medicinals, a brand celebrated for its sourcing integrity. Together, they unpack why plant material quality is the key to herbal efficacy, and how not all herbal companies meet that mark. From the importance of indigenous knowledge to the science behind what works (and what doesn’t), this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever sipped an herbal tea or taken a supplement for their health.

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In this Fourth of July-inspired episode of ShelfSense, Cynthia is joined by Sarah Alexander, Director of Customer Marketing at Nixie and one of her first Seed to Shelf assistants, along with her daughter Emily Barstow, a marketing consultant who got her start at Late July Organic Snacks. They share behind-the-scenes stories from the early startup days at Late July and explore how founder Nicole Dawes is once again leading with purpose — this time with Nixie, the only certified organic, zero sugar, zero calorie (non-probiotic) soda line on the market. It’s a conversation about values, innovation, and why working for a mission-driven brand matters — especially when it comes to the sips and snacks we share.

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Is Sunscreen protecting us…or putting us at risk? Badger Co-CEO Rebecca Hamilton and clean beauty advocate + new mom Jen Brown unpack mineral sunscreens, SPF, when to reapply, UVA vs UVB, and the chemicals that might be doing more harm than good.

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Is Organic the real deal? What about other product claims? How can I afford it? Organic pioneer Katherine DiMatteo talks with Gen Z Sage D’Amelio about how Organic became a law and what to consider in making Organic choices on the shelves.

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The two women leading Protect Our Breasts share how hidden chemicals in our everyday products are linked to breast cancer—and what we can do about it. From plastic packaging to fragrance trees, and campus campaigns to motherhood, this student-driven action has already created real change.

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ShelfSense: Stories Behind Our Stuff is where Cynthia Barstow brings together natural products change-makers sharing their stories with younger generations, so together they can help make sense of what’s on our shelves. Along the way, they reveal how the choices we make — from food to fashion, beauty to beverages — impact our health, our wellness, and our planet.

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