We spend a third of our lives sleeping… but most of us have never stopped to ask what’s actually inside the mattress beneath us. In this episode of Shelf Sense, Cynthia Barstow is joined by Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer of Naturepedic, along with Gen Z voice and UMass alum Athena Velonis, to explore the surprising world of mattresses, bedding, flame retardants, indoor air, and what “organic” really means in this category. From the “new mattress smell” to the materials we spend eight hours a night surrounded by, this conversation unpacks why our sleep environment matters more than most of us realize — especially for young adults setting up first apartments and homes.

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What does it really take to keep our orange juice organic? A lot and it goes on behind the scenes and in the groves - it might even mean inviting wasps in for a visit. In this episode, Cynthia sits down with Matt McLean—founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic, pioneer and former leader in the Organic Trade Association—alongside Gen Z voice and upcoming podcast host, Kylie Kittredge to uncover the effort, values, and tough decisions behind what’s in our glass.

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In Jungle to Shelf: The Medicine Hunter Story, I sit down with Chris Kilham—and Gen Z voice Samira Krol—to trace the remarkable journey of botanicals from remote forests and indigenous communities to the products we find on our shelves. Chris shares how decades of global exploration uncover plants with real health potential, and why ethical sourcing and respect for local knowledge matter just as much as the benefits themselves. Together, we connect his adventures to your everyday choices—because what’s on your shelf has a story, and sometimes, it starts far away from the store.

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