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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

What does it really take to embed Fair Trade into the DNA of a global brand—and why does it matter? In this powerful episode, Becca sits down with Wendy Savage, Patagonia’s Senior Director of Social Impact & Transparency, to explore how the brand grew from piloting just six Fair Trade styles to certifying over 90% of its product line—impacting more than 85,000 workers and distributing over $31 million in Fair Trade premiums. Wendy shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her passion for ethical sourcing, from growing up in Peru with her activist mother to navigating global supply chains. Together, they unpack how Fair Trade became Patagonia’s first step toward living wages, why the company is openly sharing its model with other brands, and what it means when workers—not corporations—choose how to invest in their futures. Wendy also speaks candidly about industry inaction, the invisible dividend of Fair Trade, and why real change is never “one and done”—it’s forever work. Learn more at patagonia.com

In this inspiring episode of FAIR Talks, Becca sits down with Rebecca Dray, Executive Director of Purchasing With Purpose—a collaborative working to make ethical and impactful purchasing not only possible, but practical. Rebecca shares how everyday decisions, from sourcing catering to buying office supplies, can become powerful tools for change when aligned with values that prioritize people and the planet. From place-based programs in cities like Portland and Chicago to their work around the LA28 Summer Olympics, Purchasing With Purpose is helping institutions and individuals alike shift their spending toward over 90 categories of verified social enterprises. Whether you’re a city official, a business leader, or a conscious consumer, you’ll walk away from this conversation encouraged and equipped to take action—because as Rebecca reminds us, “Absolutely everybody can get involved.” Learn more at purchasingwithpurpose.org

What if your favorite lip gloss could help fund a summer camp, support mental health programs, or empower women around the world? In this episode of FAIR Talks, Becca chats with Neha Gohil, Vice President of Global Sourcing at e.l.f. Beauty, to uncover how one of the most fun, affordable beauty brands is making a bold impact through Fair Trade Certified factories. With over two decades in the industry, Neha shares how e.l.f. is turning ethical sourcing into a competitive edge—from funding parenting workshops in factories to making “just do the right thing” a corporate mantra. If you’ve ever wondered whether big brands can lead with purpose and profit, this episode is your answer.

Join Becca for a fascinating conversation with Paul Rice, founder of Fair Trade USA and author of Every Purchase Matters. In this episode, Paul Rice reflects on his 26 years with Fair Trade USA and his passion for the movement’s mission to improve lives and protect the planet. He discusses how Fair Trade certification supports workers and farmers by providing funds for community projects like infrastructure improvements, and shares the evolution of Fair Trade USA’s “Fair Trade for All” approach. Paul talks about his decision to pass the baton to a new generation of leaders while continuing to advocate for Fair Trade through his new book. He also highlights the importance of innovation, particularly through technology like QR codes, in shaping the future of the movement. Finally, Paul shares his optimism about Fair Trade’s role in building a more ethical and sustainable future. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

In this heartfelt farewell episode, founding host Elisha Chan officially passes the mic to Fair Trade LA’s new Executive Director, Rebecca Dunn. Together, they reflect on the journey of building a thriving fair trade movement in Los Angeles—from Elisha’s early days transforming Fair Trade LA into a national leader, to launching this very podcast, and ultimately making LA the largest Fair Trade City in North America. Rebecca shares her own powerful story—from Kolkata to Antwerpen to Ten Thousand Villages—and the path that brought her full circle back to Fair Trade LA. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Elisha’s next chapter in Haiti, where she’s building a school from the ground up through her nonprofit, Impactful Missions. This episode is filled with laughter, legacy, and a shared passion for justice, community, and sustainability—and it captures the heart of what Fair Trade LA is all about.

Get ready for a delicious deep dive into the world of chocolate and coffee with Jeff Abella of Moka Origins! Jeff shares how his time living in cocoa and coffee-growing communities opened his eyes to the harsh economic realities farmers face—despite producing two of the world’s most consumed commodities. He explains why he and his team were compelled to rethink the traditional supply chain, ultimately committing to direct trade and fair pricing to ensure farmers earn a sustainable living. Jeff also highlights the importance of adapting business models to different cultural and economic contexts, sharing lessons from Cameroon, Mexico, and beyond. Plus, he takes us behind the scenes of chocolate making, from fresh cocoa pods to rich, flavorful bars, and why single-origin chocolate is a game-changer for taste and transparency. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

WOO-hoo! We’ve got an exciting episode today - Elisha is chatting with Robin Tolkan-Doyle, founder of fair trade beauty marketplace, Beautyologie. Robin shares her journey from beauty journalism and public relations to starting an online marketplace as a hub for inspiration and knowledge for fair trade in the beauty industry. She highlights her new product line, World of Oil (WOO), created as a streamlined skincare option shedding light on each product’s origins and makers. Robin also offers insider tips on decoding labels and ingredient lists, and how to choose products best aligned with your values. Finally, she names her beauty faves and go-to products, and proves beauty is not only skin deep, but a holistic way of caring for people and planet through our products. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

In this episode, Elisha chats with Laura Hertz, Co-Founder & CEO of Gifts For Good, a company on a mission to reinvent the $100 billion corporate gifting industry. From working with over 80 nonprofits and social enterprises to creating a new software called GIFTforward to minimize waste, they are transforming the industry and the world for the better. They discuss how a line item in a corporate budget can be redirected to change people’s lives. Laura shares her experience on how to help large companies connect the dots to make the shift from giving cheap swag to quality meaningful gifts. She also gives insights and strategies on how small businesses can become more accessible to these companies. Perhaps the key to making a greater impact is not to work alone, but to work together. Listen in to learn more! Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

In this episode, Elisha chats with Julie Colombino-Billingham, Founder & CEO of Deux Mains. They dive into the contrasting dynamics of nonprofits versus social enterprises and how each strives to create lasting change. Julie shares insights into the unique challenges of running a fair-trade business, such as competing against large companies with misleading "sustainable" claims and overcoming Haiti's high import dependence. She explains Rebuild Globally's model in Haiti, which provides jobs, scholarships, and financial stability for graduates, empowering them to become future leaders. They also explore the impact of fair-trade partnerships and the potential for larger brands to step up and help create sustainable economic growth in developing nations. Could big-name brands be the missing piece to long-term social change? Listen in to find out! Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

The doctor is in! Join Elisha for this insightful conversation with Ryan Zinn, Regenerative Projects Manager at Dr. Bronner’s. He discusses the company’s pioneering efforts in the early days of the business to ensure their products cared for people and the planet, and shares what he’s learned helping farmers incorporate fair trade and organic practices into their agricultural rhythms. Ryan also shares why the company chose Fair for Life certification and discusses the importance of regenerative agriculture for their farmer partners in addressing both the climate crisis and fair labor practices. Finally, he and Elisha consider how the fair trade approach stabilizes farmer incomes, particularly in light of changing market demands. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Join Elisha for a conversation with Brad Jeffrey, the co-founder of MadeFree, an ethical fashion accessories brand working to end human trafficking. Brad discusses his pivotal experience meeting young women in difficult circumstances in Africa and Southeast Asia, which ignited his passion for addressing global issues like poverty and slavery through sustainable solutions. He notes that consumer behavior is increasingly driven by a desire to buy products that make a difference, but he criticizes handout models for not addressing root causes. Finally, Brad stresses the importance of collaboration and flexibility in manufacturing to meet both mission-driven and design goals, and focusing on energy-producing activities to make fair trade business sustainable. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Join Elisha for a special episode of the podcast in honor of World Refugee Day, featuring Winston Bui, a refugee of the Vietnam War. Winston recounts his family's harrowing escape from Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1975, highlighting their dangerous journey amidst bombings and chaos. They eventually made it to America, where a generous couple in Oklahoma helped them resettle, securing housing and jobs for his parents. Despite the initial hardships, Winston and his brothers adapted by taking on odd jobs and learning English through television, leading to their eventual success. Returning to Vietnam years later, Winston experiences profound emotions witnessing the country's transformation and contributing to its development. His story underscores the resilience and tenacity of refugees, urging others to embrace courage and hope amidst challenges. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Ever wonder what are the keys to building a business (or socks) that lasts? In this episode, Amie Farkas, Head of Supply Chain & Products from Maggie’s Organics shares with Elisha about their 30-year journey of setting the highest standards as a fair trade and organic apparel company. From moving cotton production across continents due to climate change to welcoming 3rd party certifier audits, this conversation gives important principles to creating longevity and sustainability in business. Finally, the industry has much to learn about its latest transition to employee ownership to ensure a good company can stand the test of time. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Trade in your cynicism for some hope in this heartwarming conversation with Gretchen Huijskens, founder and CEO of Trades of Hope. She shares with Elisha her journey transitioning Trades of Hope from a charity to a direct sales model and how that benefits both the artisans and the sellers. Gretchen highlights her hopes for her new book and how she hopes Trades of Hope will expand in the future. Finally, they both share about how their work in Haiti and the importance of long-term economic solutions to grow a brighter future. Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.