Responsible Sourcing & Plant-Based Energy: A New Brew With Ben Levine of Rasa

Republished with permission from Nutrition Without Compromise and ORLO NutritionGuest: Ben Levine, Co-Founder of Rasa & Clinical HerbalistIn this enlightening episode, we meet Ben Levine, a clinical herbalist and co-founder of Rasa, a sustainable adaptogenic coffee alternative brand. Ben shares his journey from corporate herbal sourcing to founding Rasa, revealing the darker side of the herb trade, the pitfalls of commoditization, and the powerful role of regenerative and responsible sourcing practices.You’ll learn how Rasa supports farmers and wildcrafters through boots-on-the-ground sourcing, why certifications like Fair Trade and Fair for Life aren’t always enough, and how adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help combat modern stress. We also explore the future of plant-based nutrition, climate-resilient herbs, and how reconnecting with even a single plant can shift consumer behavior.Topics Covered:[00:01:04] Introduction to Ben Levine and his path from Celestial Seasonings to founding Rasa[00:02:57] Disillusionment with the commercial herb industry & the commodification of plants[00:04:41] The impact of popularity on wildcrafted adaptogens like rhodiola and eleuthero[00:06:21] Visiting ashwagandha farms in India and how Rasa builds sourcing relationships on the ground[00:08:17] Certifications like Fair for Life vs. direct trade: Are labels enough?[00:10:14] How certification programs can be co-opted by corporations[00:13:56] The case for paying more for responsibly sourced coffee and tea alternatives[00:14:26] How Rasa formulations address daily stress with adaptogens[00:15:35] Why ritual matters—building healthy habits into your daily routine[00:18:13] How adaptogens work: Partial cortisol agonists and stress modulation[00:20:32] Adaptogens at altitude: Helping the body acclimate to high elevations[00:23:38] The evolutionary intelligence of plants and why they thrive in extreme climates[00:25:12] The growing disconnect in modern diets: Nature deficit and phytochemical diversity[00:28:05] Coffee vs. herbal alternatives: Water use, land use, and regenerative potential[00:30:03] Fermentation teas, compost brews, and the Jeewamrutha system in India[00:31:01] Why rainwater catchment systems are essential in regions affected by climate variability[00:32:26] How regenerative practices spread farmer-to-farmer[00:33:33] The one action you can take today: Build a relationship with a single plant[00:34:56] Why sourcing matters more than ever—and how you can vote with your dollars[00:35:58] Discount code & final thoughts: Try Rasa and support responsible sourcing🔗 Use code NUTRITION15 at WeAreRasa.com for 15% off your first order.JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:🌴 Subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll plant a tree in your honor! https://caremorebebetter.com🌲 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen, and we'll plant another tree Follow us on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@caremorebebetter TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@caremorebebetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMoreBeBetter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caremorebebetter

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Care More Be Better, invites you to care more so we can create a better world together. We amplify the voices of environmentalists, activists, scientists, and leading experts who seek to make the world a better place. We share actionable insights and tools so you can make a measurable difference each day. Over the course of more than 230 episodes, you'll hear from inspired individuals, ecologically responsible entrepreneurs, and conscious companies from diverse communities and backgrounds. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, on our website, and on most major podcast platforms.Notable guests include: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Paul Hawken, Nina Simons, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Captain Liz Clark, Nana Aba Anamoah, Dr. William Li, Miyoko Schinner, John Roulac, Chef Babette Davis, Kelly Reyerson (@glyphosategirl), Starhawk, Donna Grantis and many more. These global change agents and activists create positive impacts and encourage us to think globally while also acting locally. Inspired by Paul Hawken’s aspirational book Regeneration - Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation, and the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' Blue Mind Movement, this show aims to create a realistic roadmap to build a better future. As Paul Hawken simply states: “Global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem.” On this journey, you'll become the person you aspire to be by remaining curious, thinking deeply, and listening intently while looking inward. You'll discover your internal wisdom and learn to listen to your inner voice to receive the gifts nature provides fully. Tune in to understand the most important issues that affect us all.Hear experiences from the front lines of social policies and political struggles.Feel enlightened by conversations about health, wellness, and mindfulness.Discover valuable entrepreneurship and business strategies. Hone your communication and leadership skills.Become part of the regeneration nation by expanding your knowledge of agriculture, social systems, and help us build a more circular and just economy. As a community, we aim to evolve our understanding of social impact, sustainability, and regenerative, circular living to create a healthier and more just world. The stories we tell will get you thinking about how to secure the future for the human race and all Earth's inhabitants - from how you can build positive change in your local community, to how you might broaden your reach and impact globally.About Our Host: A natural products industry executive, Corinna Bellizzi helped develop and grow several responsible, sustainable nutrition brands including: Nordic Naturals and ORLO Nutrition. With these achievements and experience, Corinna went back to school to earn her MBA, graduating at the top of her class at Santa Clara University, and is now pursuing her PhD at the intersection of Sustainability, Education and Nutrition at Prescott College. Her colorful career and exceptional experiences fill this show with life-changing conversations and insights you're sure to benefit from. Beyond elevating business ventures and earning massive profits, she exemplifies how to deliver genuine value, achieve bigger things, and pursue significant positive change. Care More Be Better is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, our website and most major podcast platforms. JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE! https://caremorebebetter.com When you join our email list, we plant a tree with the help of ForestPlanet! Remember, our aim with Care More Be Better is to help you use less, waste less, and live more! Engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!