If you are a business leader trying to get past AI chatter and buzzwords, this episode will help you cut through the noise. Chuck Templeton sits down with longtime friend and generative AI strategist Justin Massa for one of our most actionable conversations to date. Whether you’re trying to figure out what AI means for your business or frustrated by AI tools that don’t deliver, Justin offers clarifying frameworks, real-world case studies, and an accessible perspective on how business leaders can integrate generative AI to drive real, tangible value. In this episode, Chuck and Justin cover a wide range of topics from how to think about “the jagged frontier” of AI capabilities, when to use a frontier model versus AI products, how the technology will shape companies and industries, when AI agents might come into play, and how to transform your AI strategy from ad hoc experimentation to holistic transformation. This episode is packed with insights for anyone trying to navigate the tension between risk, opportunity, and speed in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Jagged Frontier: Justin introduces the concept of the jagged frontier, where AI outperforms in some tasks but fails in others, and its capabilities are continuously in flux.
2. CEOs Should Lead the Charge: According to Justin, CEOs must be direct users of AI tools. Think of learning AI like learning to ride a bike: no amount of theory substitutes for falling, getting back up, and finally figuring it out.
3. Frameworks for Implementation: Justin outlines three paths to integrating AI: as a technique (low lift), a jig (a custom-built tool for a specific job), or a tool (enterprise software, larger investment). Each has a different speed, cost, and return profile.
4. AI Ethics: According to Justin, there are three layers of ethics and governance when it comes to AI: creation, operation, and application. The application level in particular demands an ethics and governance policy that is constantly evolving.
5. AI Won’t Replace Your Team–But it Will Reshape How They Work: Justin shares that companies like Red Antler are already seeing employees “buy back” large percentages of their time using generative AI, and reinvesting it into creative, strategic work.

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This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

In this “The Experts” episode, Chuck Templeton sits down with Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist, policy expert, author, and climate visionary. They discuss Ayana’s most recent book What If We Get It Right: Visions of Climate Futures, which uses a blend of interviews, essays, and art to imagine a world where climate solutions lead to healthier ecosystems and thriving communities. In this episode, Ayana challenges us to reframe climate action as an opportunity rather than a burden and emphasizes that focusing on what’s possible can inspire more people to get involved. Using strategies like a climate Venn diagram, or breaking down jargon to find common ground, Ayana shares how anyone can find their place in climate work and bring others into the fold. At the end of the episode, we hear from a few of our entrepreneurs about their visions for the future and how they think about centering themselves in their own climate Venn diagrams. Climate work can be challenging, but Ayana’s refreshing perspective makes it feel not just possible, but deeply motivating.

Key Topics:

1. Climate Action as an Opportunity: Ayana emphasizes the importance of focusing on the potential gains of climate solutions, like cleaner air, healthier communities, and better jobs, rather than the sacrifices involved. This positive framing can inspire broader support and faster adoption.
   
   
2. Crafting a Climate Venn Diagram: Ayana introduces the Climate Venn Diagram as a strategic tool to help individuals align their skills, passions, and climate needs. This tool can help ensure that efforts are both impactful and personally fulfilling.
   
   
3. The Power of Local Engagement: Rather than waiting for federal policies, Ayana advocates for grassroots action. Whether it's attending town meetings or influencing planning, so many important things happen on the local level and community involvement can build momentum for larger systemic shifts.
   
   
4. Reframing Issues: Ayana emphasizes that using clear, relatable language helps build consensus and makes solutions more accessible to everyone, regardless of background or expertise.
   
   
5. Action Instead of Hope: Ayana argues that it's not about being optimistic – it’s about recognizing that we have the solutions and we just need to find ways to implement them.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

In this episode of the S2G podcast, Chuck Templeton sits down with Jordan Schenck, the newly appointed CEO of Flashfood, to discuss the company’s triple-bottom-line solution to a massive problem: food waste. Flashfood is flipping the script on grocery store surplus by turning what would have been fodder for landfills into affordable, high-quality meals for customers–all while boosting retailer foot traffic and revenue. Jordan shares how Flashfood is harnessing data to build strong customer relationships, honing in on messaging, and gearing up for growth. If you’re looking for a masterclass in transforming challenges into opportunities and designing solutions that work better for people and the planet, this episode is packed with food for thought.

Key Topics:

1. Data as a Competitive Edge: As Flashfood continues to build out the platform’s real-time data collection capabilities, it can offer retailers valuable, actionable insights into shopper behavior and product demand.
2. Building Brand Loyalty: Flashfood's model doesn't just move surplus food—it builds deeper customer loyalty by offering value and sustainability. Shoppers using Flashfood visit stores more frequently, making it a revenue-driving tool rather than just a sustainability effort.
3. Keeping Up with Consumer Expectations: No matter how much shoppers care about sustainability, they expect convenience. Flashfood addresses this by making it easy for consumers to purchase discounted items via a simple app, helping retailers meet evolving demands while also enhancing their brand image.
4. Flexibility for Retailers: Flashfood's platform integrates into existing store workflows, making it easy for grocery employees to list surplus items quickly. This operational simplicity is crucial for scaling the solution across retail environments.
5. The Human Element: Beyond reducing food waste, Flashfood’s platform makes groceries more affordable, especially for low-income families—an aspect that resonates with both customers and retailers.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

Over the last three decades in the natural foods business, Seth Goldman has launched category-defining brands, navigated major acquisitions, scaled mission-driven supply chains, and brewed a whole lot of tea. In this “The Experts” episode, Chuck sits down with the founder of Honest Tea, PLNT Burger, Eat the Change, and Just Ice Tea to discuss what it takes to build a values-driven company in a crowded, ever-evolving food landscape. From label confusion to regenerative agriculture, navigating evolving food trends, simplifying product messaging, staying resilient through market shifts, and determining the right exit strategy, Seth unpacks the challenges and opportunities for brands that aim to both do good and taste great. Whether you're building a brand, a team, or a category, this episode is full of practical wisdom and entrepreneurial fuel.

Key Topics:

1. Start Small, Then Break It Down: Seth started Honest Tea without any experience in the beverage industry. What made it possible, he says, was breaking it into simple steps. Sometimes just doing the next thing can be more powerful than a grand plan.
2. Trust Is Your Brand’s Most Valuable Currency: Seth believes that food brands have the most intimate relationship with consumers—people literally put your product in their bodies. That’s why trust, earned through transparency and third-party validation, is at the center of every brand he builds.
3. Mission Is Important, But So Is Fun: Mission is central to Seth’s work, but he also emphasizes that not everything has to be heavy. Whether it’s a video of him leaping over a Target store or playful packaging, bringing in levity helps create a more approachable brand.
4. The Supply Chain Is Part of the Brand Story: Seth spends time in tea farms, not just to check boxes but to build real relationships and understand the human impact. He shares how a computer center in India or a worm farm in Mozambique becomes part of the story—even if it’s not printed on the label.
5. Exits Are Choices: Seth stayed involved with Honest Tea for 11 years after the Coca-Cola acquisition. He reminds founders to ask themselves what success really looks like and to be careful about selling if they’re already doing what they love.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

To kick off Season Two and introduce one of our new formats—The Pitch—Chuck Templeton sat down with Coulter Lewis, founder and CEO of Sunday, just in time for spring. Sunday is on a mission to help yard owners around the country reconnect with their little patch of earth through smarter, safer lawn care. If you’ve ever stood paralyzed in the garden aisle, unsure of what to buy or how to apply those bags of soil and fertilizer, you’re not alone—and many of those traditional products are loaded with synthetic chemicals at concentrations up to five times higher than what’s used on industrial farms. Sunday flips the script by creating custom lawn plans based on your unique soil, location, and climate, delivering easy-to-use, toxin-free products right to your door. Coulter believes lawn care shouldn’t be confusing or chemical-laden—it should be empowering, enjoyable, and safe for your family, pets, and planet. Chuck also spoke with Matt Walker, Managing Director on S2G's Food & Agriculture team, to discuss Sunday's business model and what he likes about the company.

Key Topics:

1. The Problem: Home lawns make up one of the largest cultivated landscapes in the U.S., yet they’re managed with outdated, chemical-heavy practices that far exceed even industrial agriculture in pesticide use.
2. Product Market Fit: Sunday identified a major gap between modern consumer values and outdated, chemical-heavy lawn care practices. By simplifying the experience and empowering everyday homeowners with accessible, science-based products, Sunday gave people the tools to align their environmental values with how they care for their own backyard.
3. The Solution: Sunday creates customized, data-driven lawn care plans that are easy to follow and free from toxic chemicals. By analyzing each customer’s property, climate, and soil—and delivering tailored, effective products directly to their door—Sunday empowers people to confidently care for their lawns in a way that’s healthier for their families, their land, and the planet.
4. Go To Market Strategy: Sunday offers a subscription-based lawn care solution that delivers personalized, ongoing support tailored to their property. While direct-to-consumer remains the core channel, Sunday is expanding through retail partnerships and professional service providers, making their data-driven, environmentally responsible products accessible wherever and however people care for their lawns.
5. The Impact: Sunday is transforming lawn care at scale—reducing millions of pounds of synthetic inputs and conserving water. Beyond the environmental benefits, Sunday empowers users to reconnect with their land, drives consumer-level climate action,

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

Welcome back to the S2G Podcast! The podcast will still feature in-depth insights into the food and agriculture, oceans, and energy sectors but with a fresh twist.

This season, we're serving up three different formats: The Pitch, The Experts, and The Seams.

In “The Pitch,” we'll interview company leaders, focusing on their pitch to customers. You’ll get insights into how these guests have scaled their businesses by solving a distinct pain point and designing a unique value proposition that resonates with customers.

“ The Experts” will feature conversations with experts who will share in-depth knowledge on the topics relevant to our work.

Last but not least, we have “The Seams,” where we'll focus on important intersections between industries, markets, and people driving system-wide change. We’ll explore how working at the seams of stakeholders, systems, and markets can help us identify scalable solutions, pinpoint risks and mitigants that may otherwise be overlooked, and create value-added partnerships.

The first episode drops on April 17th! Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

If you are a retailer, CPG company, entrepreneur, investor, or just interested in the natural food space, we have a sugar-free, plant-based, adaptogen-rich, protein-packed treat for you. For our final episode of the season, we're excited to bring you a panel discussion from a webinar put on by Naturally Chicago, an organization doing amazing work to bring together the natural products sector through events, resources, and industry insights. The conversation featured panelists from SPINS, a company that helps brands, retailers, and their partners understand product data and shopper values to improve product innovation, and KeHE, a national food distributor focusing on organic, natural, fresh, and specialty products. The discussion was a very data-driven analysis of the natural products industry, which, as panelists pointed out, is seeing growth across metrics. The sector is expected to hit almost $320 billion this year and to grow at a rate of 5 percent annually over the next few years. The panel explored some of the most exciting growth areas in the sector and how CPG companies and retailers can capitalize on this momentum. We also hear from Chuck Templeton about some of his reflections on the natural food space and where he sees these trends going.

Key Topics:

1. The Growth of the Natural Food Industry: The panelists discuss how demand for natural food products continues to grow. Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are more knowledgeable about how food choices impact wellness and want to take ownership of their health and incorporate functional foods into their diets.
2. Aging Well: As we take a more proactive approach to health, there is a particular focus on how we age. The panelists point to the trend of preventative care and wellness becoming part of consumers’ personal brands.
3. The Impact of GLP-1 on Natural Foods: The rise of GLP-1 is demonstrating how interconnected medicine and the food industry can be. The panelists discuss that as GLP-1s become increasingly prevalent, food companies will have to adapt to shifting dietary demands and needs as a result of these drugs.
4. The Role of Sustainability in Product Development: The panelists discuss how incorporating sustainability aspects can set natural food brands apart. Chuck shares how he sees sustainability as an even bigger driver for CPGs and retailers than consumers.
5. Media of the Moment: The panelists and Chuck talk about the rapidly evolving landscape of media marketing and customer engagement. With the rise of social media, food companies must completely rethink how they reach customers and capitalize on these new opportunities.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.

How to describe Sam Kass? He’s a Michelin-star restaurant-trained chef, a White House Senior Policy Advisor, an investor, an author, and that’s just the shortlist. We are always talking about bringing industry-spanning stakeholders together, and when it comes to the food system, Sam has sat at so many of those tables. He brings this holistic perspective grounded in pragmatism and cautious optimism to everything he does–including this wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation. In this episode, Chuck Templeton chats with Sam about his unusual career arc, his moment of nutritional revelation as a young chef, how he went from cooking for the Obamas to a Senior Policy Advisor, the reality check of working in policy, why there is so much opportunity in the food and ag sector, what a Thanksgiving version of a Last Supper might look like, and how we all can make better simple and smart food choices.

Key Topics:

1. The Food, Nutrition, and Environment Nexus: Sam highlights how making better food choices can profoundly impact our health and that of the planet. He also offers advice on the decisions that can have the biggest effect on both of those outcomes.
2. Working From a Baseline of Reality: For Sam, working in policy was a major awakening as to what it takes to move the needle. It can be easy to critique the system, but to actually change it, you have to root yourself in reality and work from there.
3. The Agriculture Opportunity: Sam emphasizes that while the agricultural sector is the second biggest driver of emissions it also has immense capacity to store carbon. This leaves us with an incredible opportunity to make food choices and utilize technologies that turn agriculture from a climate liability into a critical tool.
4. The Power of the Eater: According to Sam, making buying decisions based on market attributes sends important market signals both to companies and to policymakers that this is what consumers care about. Even if we don’t have the ability right now to assess every environmental claim a company makes, thoughtful buying decisions are still a key first step.
5. How to Make an Informative Thanksgiving Dinner: Sam Shares how we can model a Thanksgiving Dinner around his Last Supper concept, using a meal to highlight foods that are in danger of climate change and foods that can boost climate resilience.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.