106: Healthy Drinks Exposed: Why Nothing on the Label Adds Up

Most "healthy" drinks aren't what they claim—and your body feels it long before you realize why. In this episode, Justine Reichman sits down with entrepreneur Bryan Appio, founder of Dry Water, to unpack what really happens when you start paying attention to what's inside your hydration. After losing everything during the pandemic, Bryan hit a breaking point that forced him to rethink his health from the ground up—leading to a product built on transparency, not shortcuts. They dive into the hidden truth behind "natural flavors," why most electrolyte drinks are loaded with sugar or unnecessary salt, and how the wellness industry often prioritizes profit over clarity. But more importantly, this conversation shifts how you think about everyday choices: what you drink, how you fuel your body, and why simplicity might be the most powerful upgrade you can make. This episode will change the way you read labels—and the way you take care of yourself. Key Takeaways: Why "natural flavors" can hide dozens of unknown ingredients The real problem with most electrolyte and hydration drinks How small daily habits impact long-term health Why clean, simple ingredients matter more than marketing claims The mindset shift that turns failure into your next breakthrough If you've ever felt tired without knowing why—or questioned what's really in your food and drinks—this conversation will hit home. Meet Bryan:  Bryan Appio is the founder and CEO of Dry Water, a next-generation hydration company committed to clean ingredients, transparency, and everyday wellness. A lifelong entrepreneur, Bryan previously built and exited an early staffing "gig economy" model, before redirecting his focus to health and sustainability after the pandemic exposed his own gaps in nutrition and hydration. Motivated by personal health challenges and a deep frustration with misleading "natural flavor" claims and sugar-laden sports drinks, Bryan spent years reverse-engineering the hydration category. He developed Dry Water as a daily wellness solution built on real fruit, plant-based ingredients, zero sugar, and no artificial additives, designed to support gut, brain, and metabolic health while minimizing reliance on pills and highly processed products. Under his leadership, Dry Water has grown from kitchen experiments to a national brand available in major retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, Target, and Kroger, reaching hundreds of thousands of customers largely through education-driven, word-of-mouth growth rather than heavy ad spend. Bryan's approach centers on regenerative business principles: investing in consumer education, prioritizing clean supply chains even when crops fail or costs rise, and refusing to compromise on non-negotiables around ingredient integrity. A strong advocate for women's sports and youth wellness, Bryan has partnered with League One Volleyball (LOVB) to bring cleaner hydration to thousands of young athletes and professional players, aligning performance with long-term health. Through Dry Water, he is demonstrating that it is possible to scale a profitable, high-growth CPG brand while honoring transparency, ethical sourcing, and the long-term well-being of people and planet. Website LinkedIn Instagram X TikTok Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: 00:52 Building Dry Water: The Journey and Challenges  06:43 Natural Flavors and Transparency  11:50 The Impact of Dry Water on the Market  27:37 Regulations and Scaling Challenges  30:35 Building a Team and Customer Relationships  32:23 The Role of Education and Marketing  37:13 Investing in Female Sports and Empowerment  41:21 Balancing Growth and Personal Values  46:20 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:    Resources: Discount Get 30% off on your entire order + free gift when you shop at: https://drywater.com/    Use code: EI30 Podcast The "8 Glasses of Water A Day" Myth Debunked! with Gina Bria Water— The Ultimate Essential Ingredient— 100th Episode Celebration!! with Gina