FAIR Talks Podcast

Behind Every Bite Is a Person: Fair Trade, Farmworkers, and the Stories Behind Our Food | OPPY

In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Karin Gardner, Vice President of Marketing at Oppy, to explore the stories behind the produce we buy every day, from global supply chains to deeply personal moments that highlight the people who grow, harvest, and pack our food. One story in particular stands out, as a father shares that through Fair Trade premiums he was able to bring warm water into his home for the first time and give his children a warm bath, a powerful reminder that even the smallest choices we make as consumers can ripple into something much bigger. As we reflect on National Farmworker Awareness Week, this conversation invites us to pause, look closer at the food we buy, and truly see the people behind it.
Learn more at oppy.com.

Protagonists of Change: Fair Trade's Next Chapter | FAIR TRADE USA

In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Felipe Arango, the new CEO of Fair Trade USA, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about the past, present, and future of the fair trade movement. Felipe shares how growing up in Colombia, in a country shaped by inequality and powerful social movements, influenced the way he thinks about justice, dignity, and economic power, and how those early experiences continue to guide his leadership today. Together, they explore what it really means to see farmers, fishers, and workers as protagonists of change, how fair trade has evolved over the past 25 years, and why community, collaboration, and listening are more essential than ever in a world facing climate shocks, cost-of-living pressures, and fragile supply chains, offering a thoughtful and hopeful look at what the movement’s next chapter could be.

Never Sell Out: The Equal Exchange Story | EQUAL EXCHANGE

In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Danielle Robidoux, an organizer and worker-owner at Equal Exchange, one of the original fair trade coffee companies in the United States, to talk about how a small worker-owned co-op has been reshaping our food system since 1986. Danielle shares her personal journey into this work, the story of Equal Exchange’s roots in solidarity with small farmer co-ops, and what it actually feels like to be inside a cooperative that caps its pay ratio, practices real economic democracy, and has a “Never Sell Out” clause written into its bylaws. Together they explore how long-term relationships with farmers, transparent supply chains, and the idea of the “citizen consumer” invite all of us to see our daily cup of coffee as part of a much bigger story of justice, community, and hope.

Know Who Made It: The KNOWN SUPPLY Story | KNOWN SUPPLY

In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Kohl Crecelius, co-founder and CEO of KNOWN SUPPLY, to explore how a simple, handwritten signature has sparked a global movement to humanize the fashion industry. Kohl shares the origin story of KNOWN SUPPLY, why transparency is their superpower, and how celebrating the makers behind our clothes creates deeper connection, dignity, and accountability across the supply chain.
They discuss the realities of ethical manufacturing, the loneliness many impact-driven founders face, and why KNOWN SUPPLY believes the future of fashion depends on remembering the people behind every product we buy. This conversation is inspiring, honest, and a must-listen for anyone who cares about fair trade, fashion, and building businesses that put people first.

From Founder to Federation Leader: Meet the New Executive Director | Fair Trade Federation

In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Bethany Tran, the new Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation and former founder of The Root Collective, to talk about her journey from a life-changing week in Guatemala to leaving corporate America, building a fair trade shoe company, and now stepping into movement-level leadership. Bethany shares honestly about the realities of running a fair trade brand, the loneliness so many founders feel, and the way friendships and community helped sustain her work years longer than she expected. She and Becca unpack what makes the Fair Trade Federation unique as a holistic verifier and a hub for connection, how FTF supports brands and retailers who want to “do what they say they’re doing,” and her early vision for deeper member support, new partnerships with fair trade towns, and growing the movement in the years ahead. Along the way, Bethany offers her “why I keep going” story, rooted in the future she hopes to create for her sons and her belief that everyday purchasing decisions truly can shift the global story of trade, and the episode includes a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Executive Director Chris Solt for his decade of leadership and the strong foundation he’s left for what comes next.
Learn more at fairtradefederation.org.

The Spice of Connection: The Burlap & Barrel Story | Burlap & Barrel

Becca sits down with Ori Zohar, co-founder of Burlap & Barrel, a public benefit company reimagining how spices move through the world. From cardamom fields in Guatemala to pepper farms in Vietnam, Burlap & Barrel is building a direct trade model that connects smallholder farmers with home cooks and chefs alike, paying farmers far above commodity prices and bringing transparency to an industry that has long operated in the shadows. In this conversation, Ori shares how a friendship, a wild cumin seed, and a simple question, “Can we do this differently?” sparked a global movement for flavor and fairness. Tune in to hear how Burlap & Barrel grew from a suitcase of spices into a million-jar enterprise, what it means to be a legally bound public benefit corporation, and why storytelling might just be the secret ingredient to transforming trade.
Learn more at burlapandbarrel.com. 

Dignity Made and the Power of Fair Trade | Dignity Made

We’re kicking off Season 7 of FAIR Talks with a story that comes full circle. Twenty years ago, a university service trip introduced me to the realities of human trafficking and fair trade for the first time. Today, one of the leaders from that trip, Erik, is the founder of Dignity Made, a social enterprise in the Philippines restoring opportunity and dignity to coconut-farming communities. In this episode, we talk about how one encounter grew into a mission to bring dignity, fairness, and lasting opportunity to farming communities in the Philippines.
As a gift to our listeners, use code FTLA15 for 15% off at dignitymade.com.

The Future of Fair Trade | Fair Trade LA

In this bonus episode of FAIR Talks, Executive Director Rebecca Dunn sits down with longtime Fair Trade advocate and new Fair Trade LA Board Chair Michelle Chavez, co-founder of The Tote Project. Michelle shares her journey from discovering Fair Trade in college to building a mission-driven brand that empowers survivors of human trafficking and donates 10% of profits to support their healing and career goals. She reflects on what it means to lead Fair Trade LA into its next chapter, including growing business memberships, preparing for the LA28 Olympics, and strengthening partnerships across the city. This conversation is a reminder that every purchase has power and that small, conscious choices can create big change.

Brewing Bold Impact: The BLK & Bold Story | BLK & Bold

Rod Johnson, co-founder of BLK & Bold, joins FAIR Talks to share how he and partner Pernell Cezar built the largest Black-owned coffee brand in the U.S.—with purpose at the center. From a smoky garage roast to national shelves, Rod unpacks how BLK & Bold blends business with impact through Fair Trade sourcing, youth empowerment, and bold leadership.
Explore more at blkandbold.com and watch this incredible docuseries to learn about how they are taking steps to understand and reduce their carbon footprint.
As a gift to our listeners, use code FTLA20 for 20% off at blkandbold.com from now until July 13. This applies to a one-time purchase. It cannot be used for subscriptions or returning orders. There is no minimum purchase requirement and it cannot be combined with other discounts.

Rooted In Hope: Fair Trade In Palestine | Canaan Palestine

In this powerful episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Dr. Nasser Abufarha, founder of Canaan Palestine and the Palestine Fair Trade Association, for a conversation that is both timely and timeless. Dr. Abufarha shares how fair trade is sustaining hope and livelihoods in the face of deep challenges.
From planting more than 375,000 olive trees through Canaan’s Trees for Life program to organizing over 2,400 small-scale farmers, he has built a movement rooted in dignity, heritage, and justice. We explore the cultural significance of the olive tree, the resilience of Palestinian farmers, and how trade can become a force for peace.
Take 15% OFF entire site with code: LAFT at canaanpalestine.com