Take Out With Ashley and Robyn

Today's podcast is sponsored by The Better Nutrition Program and Fullscript. Below is a link to the FREE practitioner account.

https://thebetternutritionprogram.com

https://us.fullscript.com/practitioner-signup/BNP

Lisa A. Price ND

www.drlisapricend.com

Education

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, 1998; Bastyr University, Bothell, WA

Master of Science, 1988; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Biotechnology/Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Bachelor of Science, 1986; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Forest Biology.

Work Experience

Naturopathic Doctor 2018 – current, Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA – Currently in solo practice in Seattle as well as a practitioner with the Puget Sound Family Health Clinic in Tacoma, Washington.

Naturopathic Doctor 1999-2018, Seattle, WA – Northwest Natural Health Clinic (2011 – August, 2018), a specialty clinic delivering complementary cancer care in partnership with Oncologists at four major Puget Sound Cancer Clinics and hospitals. Our team of physicians also delivers a broad range of healthcare services to patients. My passion is food during all phases of cancer treatment (see book publication).

Adjunct Faculty, Bastyr University 2003 to current, Kenmore, WA - Responsible for teaching various courses including Biochemistry (current), Introduction to Western Pathology, Infectious Disease Laboratory, Microbiology Lecture and Laboratory, Disease Processes I and Disease Processes II, Biochemistry Laboratory. I also taught Microbiology at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (2005). 

Research Instructor, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Natural Health Sciences, Bastyr University, 2005-2007, Kenmore, WA – As part of an NIH-supported research team in the Wenner/Novack laboratories, I studied the immunomodulating affects of Trametes versicolor, a traditionally used medicinal mushroom, with regards to breast cancer. My focus was looking at 1) the affects the mushroom has on the population dynamics and phenotypic expression of T helper cells, and 2) elucidation of mechanistic pathways (TLRs) involved in inflammatory cytokine secretion. I functioned as a primary investigator and thus had the responsibilities of designing and executing experiments and experimental designs, problem solving, inventory and ordering, data analysis and participating as part of the team. I was also responsible for generating reports and publishing papers to help support the groups efforts and to build my own portfolio. In the border sense this position required me to function as part of the Basic Science Department team which entailed attending meetings and participating in various working committees.

NIH T32 Post Doctoral Fellow, 2007-2010, Kenmore, WA – This position was a continuation of the research instructor position. This mentored position provided extended training in basic and clinical sciences. Additionally, my interests included investigation of Trametes versicolor, and other natural products affects on the translational protein PI 3 kinase and Akt in PTEN null tumor cells. My responsibilities also extended to research coordination and management. During this period of time I completed my first training for clinical research involving human subjects. As well, I mentored over eight students in our basic science laboratory.

Co- investigator for Merkel cell carcinoma pilot study, 2009 – 2011, Kenmore, WA – This position entailed developing a clinical plan to study the effects of medicinal mushrooms on Merkel cell carcinoma. The study worked in collaboration with Dr. Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Our teams planned to investigate the changes that occur with regards to CD8, MHC class I in the tumor, and to Natural Killer cells systemically. I also served as a study clinician that involved creating study protocol and the Informed Consent form as well as other study documents.

Graduate Research, 1985-1988. SUNY, ESF, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research focused on isolating a bacterium capable of lignin degradation, and the subsequent identification of the bacterium, and the isolation and structural identification of lignin metabolites. Techniques included soil collection, bacterial culture and isolation using microbiological techniques, cell lyphilization, thin plate chromatography, solvent extraction, column chromatography, NMR, HPLC, and spectroscopic DNA analysis. Technical writing, statistical data analysis, and some grant writing were also involved. Research results were delivered at the 1987 American Association of Microbiology conference in Atlanta, GA.

Research Laboratory Assistant, 1988-1989, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research involved the biodegradation of lignin by specific fungi. Research focused on various aspects, including products of biodegradation and enzymatic isolation and kinetic studies. Techniques used included spectrophotometric assays and radioisotope studies. Paper published by group in the Journal of Biochemistry, 1989.

Research Laboratory Assistant, 1989-1990, Anchorage, AK; University of Alaska, Anchorage - Immunological research focused on the induction and isolation of various forms of DHEA from mice species. I was responsible for all aspects, as the sole laboratory assistant for the project. Techniques included ELISA assays, radioisotope/thin layer chromatography, Western and Northern blot with radioisotopes. Much of the research was focused on the initial development of isolation techniques.

Peace Corps, Benin, West Africa, 1990 - Was placed in forestry position with the intent of identification and inventory of existing indigenous tree species. Intensive French languages training completed as well as introduction to ethnobotanical uses and identification of native tree and plant species.

Environmental Research Laboratory Assistant, 1991-1992, Parametrix, Bellevue, WA - Environmental research technician.  Activities focused on performing standard toxicology assays on soil samples and crustacean species. I was also given the responsibility to develop a new protocol for testing a specific toxin. Other responsibilities included soil sample collection and preparation, and serving as a scientific liaison to the environmental engineers at the firm.

Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, 1992 -1995, Seattle, WA - The coalition's activities focused on the identifying "hot spots" in the Seattle area which may be experiencing high relative pollution exposure by industry. The national trend for this type of exposure is in low income and communities of color. I served on the originating committee that formed the coalition as a non-profit. I also served as an organizer of the first conference on Environmental Justice in the Pacific Northwest and for a summer held a paid research staff (I subsequently entered Bastyr University).

Bastyr University Bioethics Committee, 1996-1997, Kenmore, WA - Was nominated and requested to serve on the committee at Bastyr University which reviews proposals for alternative research. The review process only focused on the ethics of research. Responsibilities included reading and understanding the basic information proposed in the document, participating in discussion at the meeting, and participating in the decision if the proposal meets with ethical integrity.

Sappho/Verbena Clinic at the Country Doctor Health Clinic, 1999- 2006, Seattle, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Sappho clinic is an integrated clinic with a MD, a nurse practitioner, and a naturopath. It is part of the Country Doctor Public Health Clinic.

Vashon Natural Medicine, 2000- 2001, Vashon, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Therapeutics used includes botanical medicine, homeopathy, supplements and diet manipulation. 

Stonewall Recovery Services, 2001 - 2004, Seattle, WA - Position involved reviewing title 19 charts for addiction support service funding. I am looking for indication of addiction, as referred to in the DMV.

Capital Hill Clinic, 2001 - 2003, Seattle, WA - Small primary care health clinic, was independently run and managed by myself. Responsibilities included patient intake, examination, referrals, diagnosis, billing, and inventory.

Bioresources Development and Conservation program Applied Integrated Medical Systems Project, Project Coordinator, 2001-2004, Seattle, WA/Washington, DC – Program sought to create and apply a model for integrated medicine in tropical ecosystems. Responsibilities included developing concept paper, grant proposals, grants, networking, building computer databases, marketing and research.

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Today's podcast is sponsored by The Better Nutrition Program and Fullscript. Below is a link to the FREE practitioner account.

https://thebetternutritionprogram.com

https://us.fullscript.com/practitioner-signup/BNP

Lisa A. Price ND

www.drlisapricend.com

Education

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, 1998; Bastyr University, Bothell, WA

Master of Science, 1988; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Biotechnology/Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Bachelor of Science, 1986; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Forest Biology.

Work Experience

Naturopathic Doctor 2018 – current, Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA – Currently in solo practice in Seattle as well as a practitioner with the Puget Sound Family Health Clinic in Tacoma, Washington.

Naturopathic Doctor 1999-2018, Seattle, WA – Northwest Natural Health Clinic (2011 – August, 2018), a specialty clinic delivering complementary cancer care in partnership with Oncologists at four major Puget Sound Cancer Clinics and hospitals. Our team of physicians also delivers a broad range of healthcare services to patients. My passion is food during all phases of cancer treatment (see book publication).

Adjunct Faculty, Bastyr University 2003 to current, Kenmore, WA - Responsible for teaching various courses including Biochemistry (current), Introduction to Western Pathology, Infectious Disease Laboratory, Microbiology Lecture and Laboratory, Disease Processes I and Disease Processes II, Biochemistry Laboratory. I also taught Microbiology at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (2005). 

Research Instructor, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Natural Health Sciences, Bastyr University, 2005-2007, Kenmore, WA – As part of an NIH-supported research team in the Wenner/Novack laboratories, I studied the immunomodulating affects of Trametes versicolor, a traditionally used medicinal mushroom, with regards to breast cancer. My focus was looking at 1) the affects the mushroom has on the population dynamics and phenotypic expression of T helper cells, and 2) elucidation of mechanistic pathways (TLRs) involved in inflammatory cytokine secretion. I functioned as a primary investigator and thus had the responsibilities of designing and executing experiments and experimental designs, problem solving, inventory and ordering, data analysis and participating as part of the team. I was also responsible for generating reports and publishing papers to help support the groups efforts and to build my own portfolio. In the border sense this position required me to function as part of the Basic Science Department team which entailed attending meetings and participating in various working committees.

NIH T32 Post Doctoral Fellow, 2007-2010, Kenmore, WA – This position was a continuation of the research instructor position. This mentored position provided extended training in basic and clinical sciences. Additionally, my interests included investigation of Trametes versicolor, and other natural products affects on the translational protein PI 3 kinase and Akt in PTEN null tumor cells. My responsibilities also extended to research coordination and management. During this period of time I completed my first training for clinical research involving human subjects. As well, I mentored over eight students in our basic science laboratory.

Co- investigator for Merkel cell carcinoma pilot study, 2009 – 2011, Kenmore, WA – This position entailed developing a clinical plan to study the effects of medicinal mushrooms on Merkel cell carcinoma. The study worked in collaboration with Dr. Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Our teams planned to investigate the changes that occur with regards to CD8, MHC class I in the tumor, and to Natural Killer cells systemically. I also served as a study clinician that involved creating study protocol and the Informed Consent form as well as other study documents.

Graduate Research, 1985-1988. SUNY, ESF, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research focused on isolating a bacterium capable of lignin degradation, and the subsequent identification of the bacterium, and the isolation and structural identification of lignin metabolites. Techniques included soil collection, bacterial culture and isolation using microbiological techniques, cell lyphilization, thin plate chromatography, solvent extraction, column chromatography, NMR, HPLC, and spectroscopic DNA analysis. Technical writing, statistical data analysis, and some grant writing were also involved. Research results were delivered at the 1987 American Association of Microbiology conference in Atlanta, GA.

Research Laboratory Assistant, 1988-1989, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research involved the biodegradation of lignin by specific fungi. Research focused on various aspects, including products of biodegradation and enzymatic isolation and kinetic studies. Techniques used included spectrophotometric assays and radioisotope studies. Paper published by group in the Journal of Biochemistry, 1989.

Research Laboratory Assistant, 1989-1990, Anchorage, AK; University of Alaska, Anchorage - Immunological research focused on the induction and isolation of various forms of DHEA from mice species. I was responsible for all aspects, as the sole laboratory assistant for the project. Techniques included ELISA assays, radioisotope/thin layer chromatography, Western and Northern blot with radioisotopes. Much of the research was focused on the initial development of isolation techniques.

Peace Corps, Benin, West Africa, 1990 - Was placed in forestry position with the intent of identification and inventory of existing indigenous tree species. Intensive French languages training completed as well as introduction to ethnobotanical uses and identification of native tree and plant species.

Environmental Research Laboratory Assistant, 1991-1992, Parametrix, Bellevue, WA - Environmental research technician.  Activities focused on performing standard toxicology assays on soil samples and crustacean species. I was also given the responsibility to develop a new protocol for testing a specific toxin. Other responsibilities included soil sample collection and preparation, and serving as a scientific liaison to the environmental engineers at the firm.

Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, 1992 -1995, Seattle, WA - The coalition's activities focused on the identifying "hot spots" in the Seattle area which may be experiencing high relative pollution exposure by industry. The national trend for this type of exposure is in low income and communities of color. I served on the originating committee that formed the coalition as a non-profit. I also served as an organizer of the first conference on Environmental Justice in the Pacific Northwest and for a summer held a paid research staff (I subsequently entered Bastyr University).

Bastyr University Bioethics Committee, 1996-1997, Kenmore, WA - Was nominated and requested to serve on the committee at Bastyr University which reviews proposals for alternative research. The review process only focused on the ethics of research. Responsibilities included reading and understanding the basic information proposed in the document, participating in discussion at the meeting, and participating in the decision if the proposal meets with ethical integrity.

Sappho/Verbena Clinic at the Country Doctor Health Clinic, 1999- 2006, Seattle, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Sappho clinic is an integrated clinic with a MD, a nurse practitioner, and a naturopath. It is part of the Country Doctor Public Health Clinic.

Vashon Natural Medicine, 2000- 2001, Vashon, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Therapeutics used includes botanical medicine, homeopathy, supplements and diet manipulation. 

Stonewall Recovery Services, 2001 - 2004, Seattle, WA - Position involved reviewing title 19 charts for addiction support service funding. I am looking for indication of addiction, as referred to in the DMV.

Capital Hill Clinic, 2001 - 2003, Seattle, WA - Small primary care health clinic, was independently run and managed by myself. Responsibilities included patient intake, examination, referrals, diagnosis, billing, and inventory.

Bioresources Development and Conservation program Applied Integrated Medical Systems Project, Project Coordinator, 2001-2004, Seattle, WA/Washington, DC – Program sought to create and apply a model for integrated medicine in tropical ecosystems. Responsibilities included developing concept paper, grant proposals, grants, networking, building computer databases, marketing and research.

Curriculum Consultant, Bastyr University, 2003 to 2006, Kenmore, WA – Responsible for the development of a preparatory course for incoming naturopathic students. Responsibilities included developing a course schedule, resources, evaluations, examinations, tutoring, and class times. I supervised and hired seven teachers an

www.greenheffafarms.com

ifundwomen.com/projects/leveling-the-planting-field.

Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley is a fifth-generation farmer, originally from Annie Manie, Alabama. She did not set out in life to follow on her family's agrarian path. But in 2017, she found herself returning to her roots as the CEO of Green Heffa Farms (GHF), a medicinal plant and hemp farm in Liberty, NC. As one of the first black women to be licensed in North Carolina, she was selected as the 2019 Featured Farmer for Hemp History Week, the nation's largest grassroots campaign for the federal legalization of industrial hemp. She has been featured in more than 200 national and international publications, including April’s Oprah O Magazine, and is a well-sought after speaker at national conferences.

An award-winning fundraising and marketing professional, Cee is currently a senior principal gifts officer at The Nature Conservancy's World Office. She is the first black American to hold this title at the world's largest environmental organization. In this role, Cee manages a global portfolio of high net worth donors. She also recently assumed leadership for developing the organization's first philanthropic inclusion program, strategically helping the organization broaden its donor constituency to achieve its conservation goals. Previously Cee worked as VP for Advancement at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, Director of Development and Communications for the Lucy Daniels Foundation and was a Major Gifts Officer at NC Central University.

Green Heffa Farms is one of very few black-owned farms in Chatham County and perhaps the only one growing hemp that is led by a black woman. Transitioning to organic, it will also be another rarity - a minority woman owned USDA certified organic farm. The farm is committed to best practices in regenerative agriculture. It seeks to create a learning lab where aspiring and current farmers can gain critical skills in boutique hemp and medicinal plant cultivation, production, and needed business skills. GHF hopes to increase the number of socially and ecologically conscious farmers, with a focus on underrepresented populations.  

Cee has earned a bachelors in marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a masters degree in education from Troy University. In 2016, she selected by her peers as the 2016 Association for Fundraising Professionals, Triangle Chapter Fundraiser of the Year and in 2017, received the C-Suite Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Cee has also earned the coveted Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. 

www.greenheffafarms.com

ifundwomen.com/projects/leveling-the-planting-field.

Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley is a fifth-generation farmer, originally from Annie Manie, Alabama. She did not set out in life to follow on her family's agrarian path. But in 2017, she found herself returning to her roots as the CEO of Green Heffa Farms (GHF), a medicinal plant and hemp farm in Liberty, NC. As one of the first black women to be licensed in North Carolina, she was selected as the 2019 Featured Farmer for Hemp History Week, the nation's largest grassroots campaign for the federal legalization of industrial hemp. She has been featured in more than 200 national and international publications, including April’s Oprah O Magazine, and is a well-sought after speaker at national conferences.

An award-winning fundraising and marketing professional, Cee is currently a senior principal gifts officer at The Nature Conservancy's World Office. She is the first black American to hold this title at the world's largest environmental organization. In this role, Cee manages a global portfolio of high net worth donors. She also recently assumed leadership for developing the organization's first philanthropic inclusion program, strategically helping the organization broaden its donor constituency to achieve its conservation goals. Previously Cee worked as VP for Advancement at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, Director of Development and Communications for the Lucy Daniels Foundation and was a Major Gifts Officer at NC Central University.

Green Heffa Farms is one of very few black-owned farms in Chatham County and perhaps the only one growing hemp that is led by a black woman. Transitioning to organic, it will also be another rarity - a minority woman owned USDA certified organic farm. The farm is committed to best practices in regenerative agriculture. It seeks to create a learning lab where aspiring and current farmers can gain critical skills in boutique hemp and medicinal plant cultivation, production, and needed business skills. GHF hopes to increase the number of socially and ecologically conscious farmers, with a focus on underrepresented populations.  

Cee has earned a bachelors in marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a masters degree in education from Troy University. In 2016, she selected by her peers as the 2016 Association for Fundraising Professionals, Triangle Chapter Fundraiser of the Year and in 2017, received the C-Suite Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Cee has also earned the coveted Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. 

Rising 9th graders Jay Bowles and Karn Kaura started a campaign to support the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Having far exceeded their original goal of $3,500, they now hope to raise $18,650 in honor of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates June 19, 1865, the date the last enslaved African Americans were liberated. In their words, "We chose the NAACP Legal Defense Fund because it helps to provide justice for African Americans and people of color in court. We need to stand together, stand stronger, and help provide justice for those who have been mistreated, killed, abused and harassed because of the color of their skin.” These are the youngest guests ever featured on TakeOut with Ashley and Robyn. They possess profound composure, insight and wisdom. While we normally share bios of our guests, we invite you to listen and let their words speak for themselves. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-naacp-legal-defense-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tip

More information about the work of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund: 

https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ 

Link to interview with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjqeddp-7e/?igshid=1wruc8bgjjsii

Additional CAA Amplify Town Hall content is available on social channels at @CAAamplify 

The documentary “13th” regarding the history of racial bias in mass incarceration is available on Netflix 

A comprehensive collection of information about Mahatma Gandhi is available here: www.mkgandhi.org

Rising 9th graders Jay Bowles and Karn Kaura started a campaign to support the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Having far exceeded their original goal of $3,500, they now hope to raise $18,650 in honor of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates June 19, 1865, the date the last enslaved African Americans were liberated. In their words, "We chose the NAACP Legal Defense Fund because it helps to provide justice for African Americans and people of color in court. We need to stand together, stand stronger, and help provide justice for those who have been mistreated, killed, abused and harassed because of the color of their skin.” These are the youngest guests ever featured on TakeOut with Ashley and Robyn. They possess profound composure, insight and wisdom. While we normally share bios of our guests, we invite you to listen and let their words speak for themselves. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-naacp-legal-defense-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tip

More information about the work of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund: 

https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ 

Link to interview with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjqeddp-7e/?igshid=1wruc8bgjjsii

Additional CAA Amplify Town Hall content is available on social channels at @CAAamplify 

The documentary “13th” regarding the history of racial bias in mass incarceration is available on Netflix 

A comprehensive collection of information about Mahatma Gandhi is available here: www.mkgandhi.org

Jeff Tkach serves as the Chief Impact Officer for the Rodale Institute. Jeff is responsible for

expanding Rodale Institute’s global influence in healing people and the planet by

unlocking the transformational power of regenerative organic agriculture.

As Chief Impact Officer, Jeff leads the development and execution of the Institute’s core

strategies, overseeing opportunities for partnership and co-investment that drive positive

outcomes for Rodale’s philanthropic and programmatic initiatives.

Jeff served on the Rodale Institute’s Board of Directors in 2016, where he was instrumental in

fostering relationships between the organization and business leaders in the organic food

industry. With the commencement of his role as Chief Growth Officer, Tkach resigned from his

position as a Board member.

From 2015 – 2016, Jeff served as Managing Director and Vice President for Rodale’s Organic

Life and Prevention Magazines, where he oversaw business objectives and strategic operations

for both brands, leading efforts across print and digital advertising, sales and marketing, live

events, and e-tailing to maximize growth opportunities.

Previously, Tkach served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Life Time Fitness and as

Group Publisher at Active Interest Media (AIM) from 2013-2015, overseeing Yoga Journal and

Vegetarian Times. He was responsible for leading Yoga Journal’s relaunch in 2014, resulting in a

record-breaking 40th year of publication for the brand.

A Pennsylvania native, Tkach earned a degree in business marketing from Kutztown University

and a post graduate “Authentic Leadership Certificate” from Naropa University in Boulder, CO.

He regularly speaks at various industry organizations on behalf of Rodale Institute, in an effort to

catalyze the human connection to regenerative organic agriculture and its ability to heal the

world.

Inspired by his work at Naropa, Jeff is an advocate for bringing mindful leadership to

corporations to help people reach their greatest potential. Jeff aims to inspire and mobilize

people around him to make an impact by bringing his deeply collaborative and highly

entrepreneurial spirit to everything he does.

ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering

organic farming through research and outreach. For more than seventy years, we’ve been

researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing our findings with farmers and

scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating

consumers about how going organic is the healthiest options for people and the planet.

Jeff Tkach serves as the Chief Impact Officer for the Rodale Institute. Jeff is responsible for

expanding Rodale Institute’s global influence in healing people and the planet by

unlocking the transformational power of regenerative organic agriculture.

As Chief Impact Officer, Jeff leads the development and execution of the Institute’s core

strategies, overseeing opportunities for partnership and co-investment that drive positive

outcomes for Rodale’s philanthropic and programmatic initiatives.

Jeff served on the Rodale Institute’s Board of Directors in 2016, where he was instrumental in

fostering relationships between the organization and business leaders in the organic food

industry. With the commencement of his role as Chief Growth Officer, Tkach resigned from his

position as a Board member.

From 2015 – 2016, Jeff served as Managing Director and Vice President for Rodale’s Organic

Life and Prevention Magazines, where he oversaw business objectives and strategic operations

for both brands, leading efforts across print and digital advertising, sales and marketing, live

events, and e-tailing to maximize growth opportunities.

Previously, Tkach served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Life Time Fitness and as

Group Publisher at Active Interest Media (AIM) from 2013-2015, overseeing Yoga Journal and

Vegetarian Times. He was responsible for leading Yoga Journal’s relaunch in 2014, resulting in a

record-breaking 40th year of publication for the brand.

A Pennsylvania native, Tkach earned a degree in business marketing from Kutztown University

and a post graduate “Authentic Leadership Certificate” from Naropa University in Boulder, CO.

He regularly speaks at various industry organizations on behalf of Rodale Institute, in an effort to

catalyze the human connection to regenerative organic agriculture and its ability to heal the

world.

Inspired by his work at Naropa, Jeff is an advocate for bringing mindful leadership to

corporations to help people reach their greatest potential. Jeff aims to inspire and mobilize

people around him to make an impact by bringing his deeply collaborative and highly

entrepreneurial spirit to everything he does.

ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneering

organic farming through research and outreach. For more than seventy years, we’ve been

researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing our findings with farmers and

scientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educating

consumers about how going organic is the healthiest options for people and the planet.

Ashley and Robyn welcome Soren Bjorn to talk about the health benefits, access to, and secret recipe for Driscolls berries. The conversation dives deeply into the issues facing America’s farmers and all of us who enjoy berries as part of our food choices. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Soren Bjorn is President of Driscoll’s of the Americas, the leading global brand for fresh berries. In his role, Mr. Bjorn leads the largest business unit for Driscoll’s and is responsible for all aspects of the business enterprise from the strategic planning process and to its financial success. Family owned for more than 100 years, Driscoll’s works with more than 700 independent growers around the world to create shared value in the communities where Driscoll’s berries are grown.

Soren has been with Driscoll’s for more than eleven years and has led several key functional areas. He served as the company’s first senior vice president of international business and was responsible for oversight of Driscoll’s Europe, Middle East and Africa business, an Australia based joint venture and a new start-up venture in China. In addition, Soren has led Driscoll’s global research and breeding programs which focus on developing proprietary seedlings in order to deliver great tasting berries to consumers. This superior flavor is a competitive differentiator and one of the primary reasons Driscoll’s is the market leader in fresh berries.

As a seasoned executive in the food industry, Soren spent six years with Del Monte Foods in San Francisco. There, his responsibilities included outsourcing of manufacturing operations globally, and the management of the company’s sales and operations planning department. Soren also held the role of President and CEO for UniMark Foods, Inc. 

Soren grew up in Silkeborg, Denmark. He earned an MBA from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas and a BBA from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Today, Soren lives on the California Central Coast and is the father of three boys.

Ashley and Robyn welcome Soren Bjorn to talk about the health benefits, access to, and secret recipe for Driscolls berries. The conversation dives deeply into the issues facing America’s farmers and all of us who enjoy berries as part of our food choices. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Soren Bjorn is President of Driscoll’s of the Americas, the leading global brand for fresh berries. In his role, Mr. Bjorn leads the largest business unit for Driscoll’s and is responsible for all aspects of the business enterprise from the strategic planning process and to its financial success. Family owned for more than 100 years, Driscoll’s works with more than 700 independent growers around the world to create shared value in the communities where Driscoll’s berries are grown.

Soren has been with Driscoll’s for more than eleven years and has led several key functional areas. He served as the company’s first senior vice president of international business and was responsible for oversight of Driscoll’s Europe, Middle East and Africa business, an Australia based joint venture and a new start-up venture in China. In addition, Soren has led Driscoll’s global research and breeding programs which focus on developing proprietary seedlings in order to deliver great tasting berries to consumers. This superior flavor is a competitive differentiator and one of the primary reasons Driscoll’s is the market leader in fresh berries.

As a seasoned executive in the food industry, Soren spent six years with Del Monte Foods in San Francisco. There, his responsibilities included outsourcing of manufacturing operations globally, and the management of the company’s sales and operations planning department. Soren also held the role of President and CEO for UniMark Foods, Inc. 

Soren grew up in Silkeborg, Denmark. He earned an MBA from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas and a BBA from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Today, Soren lives on the California Central Coast and is the father of three boys.