Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

Join us as Dr. Jeffrey Burke, a pioneer in the natural products industry with over 47 years of experience, shares his insights on the evolution of the industry, the power of plants, the beauty of supplements, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and how storytelling can inspire change. Discover practical advice and inspiration for health, sustainability, and building a better world.Key topicsEvolution of the natural products industry over 47 yearsDr Jeffrey Burke’s journey into health, medicine, radio, podcasting, and moreWhy you should take supplements, even if you have a healthy dietThe regenerative movement and soil healthThe power of storytelling in inspiring changeSound bites“I did it because I wanted to be on the side where I could help to teach people an easier way to survive our lives in a healthier manner.”“I was barely even 20 and I was working with Dr. Earl Mindell and he had a radio show. He handed me my first microphone and I just never gave it back.”“A lot of people now look at things saying, you know, when I want to go organic, I want to start putting some good things in my system, and I think the same thing you're going to start seeing with regenerative.”“I think we need to takes supplement because there's things way past the soil that affect our health every day, including air quality, pollution, stress, lack of sleep, obesity, etc that are already wearing tearing on our health from top to bottom.”“We were so focused on the not using chemicals, we did absolutely nothing for our soil. Now we have this regenerative movement where we are actually doing things to rebuild the soil.”"Don't be embarrassed. Embrace your craziness. Embrace your mistakes because there is no such thing as perfection."Chapters03:00 Introduction to Jeffrey Burke and His Journey06:04 The Evolution of the Natural Products Industry08:57 Transition from Radio to Podcasting12:00 The Importance of Education in Health15:03 The Role of Supplements in Modern Health17:52 The Impact of Regenerative Agriculture20:53 Challenges Facing the Natural Products Industry24:01 The Future of Health and Nutrition26:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts37:36 Investing in Sustainable Agriculture39:10 The Role of People in Change42:41 The Power of Storytelling49:37 Embracing Vulnerability53:41 Finding Hope in Challenges01:08:14 Learning from Industry IconsLinksDr. Jeffrey Burke & The Honest Health Podcast - https://www.drjeffreyburke.com/Dr. Jeffrey Burke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-burke-86421931/Honest Health on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honest-health-with-jeffrey-burke/id1825645948Honest Health on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3yMUkj5JbDfRPSLSuW8KKrHonest Health on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@honesthealthwithJeffreyBurke…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christopher Gergen shares how his goal of bringing more capital to systems change led him to supporting the regenerative movement in his role as the CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. We talk about the growth of the movement, including the increase in consumer awareness and the in the number of certified brands, as well as all the new data on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Chris shares how Regenerative Organic Certified® is different from other regenerative certifications, including their role as a Catalyst Partner in the Purpose Pledge. The conversation then shifts into the biggest barriers to growth that the regenerative movement is facing right now, like consumer confusion, lack of a common standard, the cost of farmer’s transitioning, and the cost of regenerative products. We then wrap up with Christopher sharing advice, his favorite regenerative snacks, and what a better world means to him. Key TopicsChristopher Gergen’s journey to becoming the CEO of the Regenerative Organic AllianceThe growth of the regenerative movementRegenerative organic certification, and how it’s different from other standardsConsumer demand and market trends for regenerative productsData that’s proving the value of a regenerative food system and products Strategies for scaling regenerative agriculture and overcoming barriersAdvice for others wanting to pursue passion and joy in their life and careerSound bites“Regenerative organic certification is based on the foundation of organic, and it has three additional pillars of soil health, social fairness, and animal welfare.”“We're almost at 400 ROC® licensees. So within 18 months, we've gone almost double the number, bringing more ROC® products to shelf, which is super exciting!”“Customers are finding ROC® because now it's in almost every category.”“When you have side-by-side comparison, you can just taste the difference in how much more complex the ROC® wine is to the conventional alternative.”“We'd like to be able to go from 22 million acres of regenerative organic certified land to at least 30 million acres in the next three and a half years.”“More consumer awareness, more retail engagement, more brand adoption. And you've got more demand, more supply, more impact, more demand. And therein lies the flywheel, right?”“I ended up co-authoring a book called Life Entrepreneurs that looks at how people have been able to create meaningful impact in the world and meaningful lives for themselves.”“Figure out a way that you can connect your strengths and your passions and go after something that you feel like you can dedicate a lot of time and energy into, but don't lose sight of how you can also create a joyful, meaningful, loving life for yourself.Chapters03:00 Introduction to Regenerative Organic Alliance05:54 Christopher Gergen's Background and Vision08:48 The Growth of Regenerative Organic Certification11:56 Consumer Demand and Market Trends14:45 Nutritional Benefits and Flavor of Regenerative Organic Products17:59 Understanding Regenerative vs. Organic Standards21:03 The Future of Regenerative Organic Agriculture38:41 Supporting Farmers in Transition45:29 The Purpose Pledge and Supply Chain Integrity46:05 Driving Demand for Regenerative Organic Products55:37 Barriers to Transitioning to Regenerative Practices01:04:11 Vision for a Better WorldLinks Christopher Gergen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophergergen/Regenerative Organic Alliance & Certification - https://regenorganic.org/Regenerative Organic Alliance on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/regenerative-organic-allianceRegenerative Organic Alliance on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/regenerativeorganicRegenerative Organic Alliance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/regenerativeorganicRegenerative Organic Alliance on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/regenerativeorganicalliance…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Evan Harrison shares his journey from working in radio, digital media, and live events to becoming the CEO of Kiss The Ground, a leading nonprofit championing Regeneration and healthy soil as a solution for human and planetary health. We talk about the organization's innovative content strategies, like their three feature-length documentary films, mini docs, 5 with a Farmer reels, 11 with Evan series, shopping guides, and the brand collaborations that help them reach new audiences. Then we dive into the $500,000 in farmer grants they awarded last year and their new research that shows consumer understanding of regenerative agriculture has increased threefold in just 3 years! We wrap up with some fun personal questions, and Evan shares his vision for a better world.Key TopicsEvan Harrison's career transition from media to environmental activismThe success of Kiss the Ground films and content strategy$500,000 in farmer grants and their impact on land regenerationThe threefold growth in consumer understanding of regenerative agricultureHow $100 is the sweet spot for community donations and how they put that money to workPartnerships with brands and community engagementRising awareness and understanding of regenerative agriculture Sound Bites“In the early days of the internet, I was the writer, the producer, held the video camera, did the edit – the whole thing. So content creation from the ground up.”“I'd never heard of regenerative farming. So it was really my daughter that kind of tuned me into it.” “In this instance, the farmer is really the artist, the farmer is the rock star.”“The film that was named after our work, Kiss The Ground, absolutely put our organization on the map.”“We need to meet people where they're at. We need a content approach that can bring new people into the conversation instead of arguing about the details.”“There are now 200 regenerative products on shelves ranging from Costco to independent retailers across the country.”“The $500,000 in grants went across 212 farms, and when we look at their acreage that's being converted very conservatively, it's 73,000 acres."“Your $100 donation will help transition more than 10 acres of land.”“Our inspirational storytelling that reached 20 million people last year and engaged 5 million by engaged.”"Wherever you are, that's the place to be.”Chapters03:00 Introduction to Kiss the Ground and Evan Harrison09:00 Evan's Journey from Media to Regenerative Agriculture15:06 The Impact of the Kiss the Ground Film20:50 Content Strategy and Audience Engagement27:12 Supporting Farmers: Grants and Community Engagement38:40 Momentum in Regenerative Agriculture42:43 Partnerships Driving Change47:27 Innovative Fundraising Strategies50:49 Personal Reflections and Advice54:35 Creating a Better WorldLinksEvan Harrison on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanharrison/Kiss The Ground - https://kisstheground.com/Kiss The Ground on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kisstheground/Kiss The Ground on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kisstheground/Kiss The Ground on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kissthegroundCA/ Kiss The Ground on X - https://x.com/kissthegroundCAKiss The Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/kisstheground…Kiss The Ground 2026 Research: https://kisstheground.com/kiss-the-ground-research-2026/Forbes Article: Regen Grows 3X in 3 Years -https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewwatman/2026/06/18/new-kiss-the-ground-research-consumer-understanding-of-regenerative-agriculture-triples-in-past-three-years/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the role of philanthropy, business, and government in creating long-term impact? Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, joins us to explores why “either/or” thinking can limit progress, and why the most effective solutions often come from a both/and approach. We talk about how nonprofits are pioneering solutions to problems before there’s a marketplace, how the billionaires bailing on The Giving Pledge are missing the bigger picture, and how the new wave of businesses are deciding that profitability and positive impact can go work together. Kate then tells us about 1% for the Planet, how the membership works, and how the members are giving back and reaping the rewards. Tune in as we discuss how money, power, and responsibility shape the future.Key TopicsThe role of philanthropy in society todayHow philanthropy differs from government actionWhy nonprofits often address problems outside the marketplaceThe “false dichotomy” between investing in businesses and funding nonprofitsThe Giving Pledge and why those bailing on the pledge are missing the bigger pictureWhy nonprofits are often unfairly judged on efficiency and overheadHow business, nonprofits, and government can work together for long-term impactHow 1% for the Planet operates and why its model mattersThe organization’s expanded definition of environmental givingThe connection between climate change, systems thinking, and cooperative actionSound Bites“One of the challenges with businesses giving back is that they have to focus on quarterly and yearly financials, not decades or centuries, which are more often the timescale of impact.“Nonprofits are more willing to get in and do a multi-stakeholder ,long-term approach that focuses on global impact and not just any one entity’s challenges.”“In an ideal world, we have both businesses and nonprofits working together either directly or indirectly, and all the systems are oriented towards a thriving future.”“I think the problem with where The Giving Pledge bailers is that they made it into a false dichotomy by saying they’re going to exclude nonprofits to focus on businesses because they think businesses are the ones that build our future.”“Nonprofits are not a nice to have. They play a really critical role in addressing those things for which there is not a marketplace.”“Nonprofits sometimes appear to be held to a higher standard with weird expectations that they can somehow deliver results without paying their staff or having resources to buy computers or whatever the tools of the job are.”“MacKenzie Scott is a great example. She's done her homework, has made some really sizable unrestricted grants, meaning she's trusting those organizations to allocate the resources where they can to have the greatest impact.”“Our amazing members at 1% for the Planet donate 1% of their annual revenues to environmental partners. So they're taking these market-driven resources and placing it in the nonprofit marketplace.”“We're not creating a false dichotomy between the business succeeding in the marketplace and the business contributing to positive outcomes for the future. It's the business saying they go together.”Chapters03:00 Intro and Kate Williams introduction04:04 What philanthropy is for05:14 Philanthropy vs. government06:36 What “outside the marketplace” means08:30 Why time horizons matter09:39 Nonprofits as innovators in complex systems10:53 Why business and nonprofit can both matter12:18 The Giving Pledge and why some are “bailing”17:19 Nonprofit overhead, efficiency, and unfair standards21:01 Trusting nonprofits with unrestricted giving23:34 The role of corporations and impact-driven businesses25:33 How businesses can use capitalism differently31:20 Self-funding impact through mission-driven business models34:29 Why extractive models are a problem35:29 How 1% for the Planet works37:34 1% of revenue vs. 1% of profit39:29 Defining “planet” in the network40:06 Expanded impact areas at 1% for the Planet44:37 Individual vs. corporate participation45:18 Where the network is thriving right now48:06 Challenges and opportunities for nonprofits52:13 The wicked problem of climate change54:13 Advice for following a similar path55:33 Finding your own path with self-awareness56:41 Ikigai framework for purpose58:24 Snack and book recommendations60:03 Who to interview next61:12 What a better world meansLinksKate Williams on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewilliams871% for the Planet - https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/1% for the Planet on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-percent-for-the-planet/1% for the Planet on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1percentftp1% for the Planet on Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/onepercent1% for the Planet on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt7Vb_t-ATwvYHTqs4Q2frQ…The Giving Pledge - https://www.givingpledge.org/The Purpose Pledge - https://purposepledge.org/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adam Hiner, CEO of Pacha, shares insights on product innovation, sustainable practices, and the journey of building a healthy and regenerative food brand. We talk about the happy accidents and consumer feedback that lead to making new and better products, like their new gluten-free, sourdough buckwheat tortillas! Adam then shares why Pacha joined the Purpose Pledge, the challenges of building a CPG brand (like cashflow), the benefits of self-manufacturing, and why passion is essential for success in this industry. Tune in to get advice from a leader who’s built multiple successful brands while leading with integrity.Key topicsProduct innovation driven by consumer insights and feedbackStrategic experimentation with new productsThe benefits of self manufacturingPurpose-driven business and sustainability commitmentsPurpose Pledge, what it means, and how it worksThe importance of focusing on core SKUs and honing recipesProfitability and cash flow challengesThe importance of passion for successInner peace to bring about world peaceSound bites“I pulled a batch of crackers out of the oven and they were floppy like little tortillas. Then I started experimenting with tortillas and just said, yeah, the market really needs a better tortilla right now.”“We had our buckwheat buns, but we rebranded them as English muffins because all of our customers were saying, hey, this isn't a bun, this is an English muffin.”"Our bread tastes like real bread. It doesn't taste like this thing that was modified to try to imitate the texture of white bread.““We've always had a plan to do something more than just be a company that's making money.”“When we saw Purpose Pledge coming forward, felt like it felt like an opportunity to do something that felt maybe more impactful and less just numbers driven.”“It's nice to have really great mentors who have been doing it and have done it before.”“We were really grateful for our DTC channel because we've had so much direct feedback from customers, which we wouldn't have had with just being a retail brand.”“One of the biggest challenges is just financing the company, you know, just keeping the lights on. 30%-50% of my job is just keeping cash coming in.”“Sometimes adding more SKUs does generate more revenue immediately, like if Whole Foods puts out six SKUs versus four, but the trade off is the velocity of all the SKUs is now lower.”“Peace really does start within us and maybe the most impactful thing we can do is to just like to start here and have and find peace with ourselves.”Chapters03:00 Introduction to Pacha and Product Evolution05:57 Innovative Product Development and Consumer Feedback09:08 Special Releases and Creative Experimentation11:59 Joining the Purpose Pledge: A Commitment to Impact14:59 Understanding the Purpose Pledge's Roadmap and Commitments18:00 Customer Insights: What Consumers Love About Pacha's Products34:31 The Benefits of Fermentation and Buckwheat37:07 The Challenges of Regenerative Agriculture40:02 Navigating the Food Industry: Profitability and Challenges46:00 The Importance of Focus in Product Development52:59 Personal Insights and Recommendations for a Better WorldLinksAdam Hiner on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/adamhinerPacha - https://pachabread.comPacha on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-pacha/Pacha on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/live_pacha/Pacha on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@livepachaPacha on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livepacha…Purpose Pledge - https://purposepledge.org/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chanya Punyakumpol, co-founder of Taan Thai, shares how a personal frustration when cooking Thai food at home sparked the creation of her brand. Instead of tracking down obscure Thai ingredients only to throw most of them away after one dish, she created perfectly portioned meal kits that contain exactly what you need, eliminating food waste without sacrificing authenticity.She talks about sourcing real Thai ingredients directly from Thailand and building close relationships with local farms and factories near her production facilities. Chanya also reflects on the growing wave of ethnic foods making their way into mainstream retail, and what it means for communities to see their cuisines represented on grocery store shelves. She wraps up by reflecting on how Naturally Network is a rare space where founders can be honest about their struggles, trade hard-won tips, and remind each other that they're doing better than they think.TakeawaysTaan Thai was born out of Chanya's frustration with the wasteful experience of cooking Thai food at home in the US.Each kit is precisely portioned for one cooking session with no leftovers ingredients or food waste.Thai holy basil — the essential ingredient in Pad Kra Pao — is seasonal and hard to find in the US, so Chanya sources it directly from Thailand and air dries it to preserve its authentic aroma.The brand sources ingredients from local farms in Thailand and works with certified production facilities, creating a trickle-down economic benefit for local farming communities.Chanya sees the rise of ethnic foods in mainstream retail as one of the most meaningful trends in the CPG industry, both for accessibility and cultural representation.Sound Bites"I don't want to throw the leftover coconut milk or leftover lemongrass that I didn't finish and create more food waste.""A lot of restaurants don't use Thai holy basil leaves. They use Italian basil or Thai basil, which is completely different.""We create a trickle-down economy that helps people locally actually get a part of the value we're creating.""I see a lot of different ethnic food coming out and becoming available more in this market. I like it because I get to try different cultures, get to try different kinds of food I've never tried before.""When you get to talk to people who are in the same space as you and being honest about it, we're like, oh, we also struggle on that."Links:Chanya LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanya-punyakumpol-110602347/Taan Thai - https://taanthaifood.com/Taan Thai on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taanthaifoodTaan Thai on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taanthaifood/Than Thai on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@taanthaifood…Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of Zego, shares how she’s leveraging a $3 Million USDA grant to expand Zego’s capacity and enhance the U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain through the acquisition of a processing facility. She talks about the importance of listening to farmers, explains why Montana oats are the cream of the crop, and shares how she’s helping build the future of purity verified and nutrient dense foods. Discover how her inclusive approach supports U.S. farmers, reduces costs for brands, and promotes a better food future for all.Key Topics:Zego Foods and CIVC Montana’s acquisition of a processing facility in MontanaThe expanded capacity and cost reduction for her brand, Zego FoodsHow she’s helping other brands save up to a $1 their retail priceThe importance of listening to farmers and customers before defining services, pricing, and processesSecuring and then re-securing the $3M USDA grants for expansionSupporting U.S. farmers and brands in gluten-free grain processingHow Colleen is using AI to be more confident and efficient in her businessHow the new business model helps Zego Foods lean into its missionZego’s Purity Verified commitment and expansionPartnering with Edacious to measure nutrient density of regenerative grainsSound bites:“If we can decrease a brand’s cost by say 25 cents at the mill between co-packing and milling, that saves them a dollar on price point on the shelf.”“We have developed a new way of pricing organic grain so that it is a lower price add-on compared to conventional to really encourage brands to go organic.” “The rug was ripped out from underneath us. So by providing that transparency into what was happening with us on the ground and what it meant for other people, it gave people like OTA and CCOF the information that they needed to then go and tell those stories on our behalf in DC.”“Hulless oats are higher in protein and fiber and iron. Those oats only like to grow in arid climates. So Montana is perfect. We're high, we're dry. We have the right growing season.”“Vertically integrating has been fascinating and I have learned so much by listening. I came into this not knowing very much about farming, milling, equipment, or B2B sales for that matter.”“I just listened to their problems. And that's how I got to learn more and more about just how challenging it is, what we're asking them to do and what we really need to do to support their business if we want them to support ours.”“Zego Foods at its heart is 51 % for-profit company and 49 % advocacy organization.”“We test for about 500 different pesticides, and for mycotoxins, gluten allergens and the big four heavy metals. All of that is traceable.”Chapters:03:00 Introduction and Guest Background05:51 Winning the USDA Grant for Grain Expansion09:16 Challenges of Growing Gluten-Free and Organic Crops12:29 Lower Margins and Volume Strategies15:40 Implementing Vertical Integration in Grain Supply20:51 Supporting Farmers and Building Relationships24:27 Dealing with Weather and Supply Risks33:11 Montana Oats and Impact of Growing Conditions37:01 Working in Harmony with Nature46:06 Future of Purity Verification and Industry Data53:38 Favorite Snacks and Food Innovations54:03 Life-Changing Books and Learning61:40 What a Better World Means to Colleen01:03:28 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsLinks:Colleen Kavanagh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zegofoods/Zego Foods - https://zegofoods.comZego Foods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/zego/Zego Foods on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ZEGOFoods/Zego Foods on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zegofoods/Zego Foods on X - https://x.com/ZegoFoodsZego Foods on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9caEodIwrGchJ8wsSZ4UdA…Uncommon Business, Automate to Accelerate Program - https://theuncommonbusiness.co/Edacious, Nutrient Density and Toxicity Testing - https://www.edacious.com/……Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristin Fracassi, founder & CEO of Root & Splendor, and Alecia Nelson, the COO, share the origin story of a premium non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover - developed by a mom of four who went down a rabbit hole on natural product ingredients and didn't like what she found. Kristin talks about working with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists, the moment when lab results confirmed her product matched the efficacy of big-name brands, and why full ingredient transparency is a non-negotiable for the brand. Alecia shares what it's like to join a brand she watched grow from the dream stage, and what's on the horizon with a new kitchen product line built to the same uncompromising standards. They wrap up by reflecting on how Naturally Network has opened door after door after door.Takeaways:Root & Splendor makes premium, fully non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover formulated with 100% plant-based ingredients, scented with natural essential oils, and priced at about 33 cents per load.Kristin started the brand as a mom and homesteader, not an entrepreneur, after discovering that many "natural" products still contain harmful ingredientsRoot & Splendor is one of only a few laundry brands to achieve EWG Verified status, a third-party certification from the Environmental Working Group.Five years of R&D with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists resulted in a product that matches the efficacy of major conventional brands without any harmful ingredients.Their packaging delivers an 800% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives.Full ingredient transparency is a core brand commitment with every ingredient is listed on the package along with an explanation of what it does.Kristin describes conscious business as a daily choice because every day brings opportunities to cut corners.Root & Splendor is now expanding into a kitchen product line, holding to the same standards of plant-based formulation, premium efficacy, and sustainable packaging.The brand continues to grow organically through word of mouth from customers who try the product and tell their friends.Winning the Naturally San Diego Pitch Slam was a turning point for the brand, opening doors to other pitch slams, awards, and a deeply supportive network of industry peers.Sound Bites:"I was willing to sacrifice efficacy for safety, and then I did a deep dive into the ingredients and learned that a lot of natural ingredients are still not safe.""We formulate for safety and efficacy. Every ingredient is safe for people, pets, the environment, and fabrics.""I had no intention of starting a business, but once I realized we had something truly different, I wanted to bring it to everyone.""There are a million ways to cut corners as a business owner. Every day I choose to stay true to our values and our standards.""The consumer is really smart. They're educated. They know what they're looking for. The greenwashing in this space, it's pretty wild.""There's no reason to sacrifice safety or efficacy. You can have both.""This wasn't developed in a boardroom. This was developed by women, for women.""Don't ever give up on a stain."Links:Alecia Nelson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecialnelson/Kristin Fracassi LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfracassirootandsplendor/Root & Splendor Website - https://rootandsplendor.com/Root & Splendor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-and-splendor/people/Root & Splendor on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootandsplendorRoot & Splendor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootandsplendor…Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This conversation explores the critical issues surrounding seed sovereignty, the threats posed by UPOV, and the collaborative efforts to promote food integrity and indigenous seed saving through the 'Free the Seed' campaign. Megan Westgate of Non-GMO Project and Lauren Cardeli of A Growing Culture talk about how they came to work together on this issue and share insights on the importance of biodiversity, community-led seed libraries, and the power of storytelling in transforming the food system. They then share how you can get involved in the campaign and join their learning journey. Key Topics:UPOV treaty and its impact on indigenous seed savingFarmers being put in jail for saving their own seedsThe importance of biodiversity and seed diversityHow Non GMO Project and A Growing Culture came together to build this campaignThe difference between seed vaults/morgues and community-led living seed libraries4 sessions of the Free The Seed learning journeyThe role of storytelling and narrative in food activismStrategies for engaging brands and communities in seed sovereigntySound Bites:“Humans have the ability to imagine the end of the world easier than the end of capitalism.”“[Those kinds of seed libraries are] what I call a seed morgue, because that's where seed goes to die.”“Living seed libraries exist through community mechanisms and community ownership where those seeds are being saved and adapting and growing and living throughout.”"It's illegal to save seed in many countries.""Seed saving is essential for human survival.”“Life is regenerative inherently.”“Think about what does ‘right relationship’ look like for me and for my business.”“Food should nourish life.”“Our national identities are stories, our faiths are stories, our belief systems are stories. That is the power of narrative.”"We shouldn't be scared of them, they should be scared of us. Because the reality is that every dam will be broken by a heavy rain."Chapters:03:00 Introduction to Food Integrity and Sovereignty04:02 Understanding UPOV and Its Impact12:53 The Importance of Seed Diversity22:53 The Role of Seed Libraries33:03 Building Relationships in the Food System42:57 The Free the Seed Initiative43:25 Exploring Seed Power and Policy47:39 Engaging Brands in the Learning Journey49:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Food Sovereignty58:05 The Role of Storytelling in Food Integrity01:04:20 Building Community and ResilienceLinks:Megan Westgate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganethompson/Lauren Cardeli on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-cardeli-5754b828/…Free The Seed - https://freetheseed.org/UPOV Convention - https://www.upov.org/Food Sovereignty Movements - https://foodsovereigntymovement.org/Seed Libraries and Community Seed Banks - https://seedfreedom.info/seed-libraries/…Non-GMO Project - https://www.nongmoproject.org/Non-GMO Project on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nongmoproject/Non-GMO Project on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nongmoprojectNon-GMO Project on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nongmoproject/A Growing Culture - https://growingculture.org/A Growing Culture on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-growing-culture/A Growing Culture on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AGrowingCulture/A Growing Culture on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agrowingculture/A Growing Culture on X - https://x.com/agcconnect…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Val Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo, co-founders of Rif Care, share the story behind their brand, the first period care company to make products from hemp fiber and what it took to build that supply chain from scratch. Val and Rebecca talk about what conscious business really means in the feminine care space, where greenwashing is rampant and efficacy can't be sacrificed for sustainability's sake. They dig into the barriers they pushed through with scouring manufacturers, connecting dots across countries, and even how to deliver their first products themselves. We also zoom out on the broader women's health movement gaining momentum in CPG, and why they believe that when women are healthy, the planet is healthy. They wrap up by reflecting on the Naturally Network minority-owned fellowship and how the cohort they went through didn't just open doors, they became family.Takeaways:Rif Care makes period care products out of organic cotton and hemp fiber - pads, period underwear, tampons, and thong panty linersThey were the first company to make period products out of hemp fiber, pioneering a supply chain that didn't exist when they started.The hemp supply chain was built brick by brick, including connecting their manufacturer in one country with a hemp supplier in another just to get their first prototypes made.Hemp proved to be an ideal material — abundant, fast-growing, and sourced from upcycled fiber, making their supply chain both resilient and sustainable.Conscious business for Rif Care means efficacy first — a period product has to actually work and be made with the best materials possible.The period care industry has a significant greenwashing problem, and Rif Care's commitment to transparency is a direct response to that.Val and Rebecca see women's health as one of the most exciting and underserved frontiers in CPG — from PMS to menopause — and actively partner with and amplify other brands in the space.Women still receive only 3% of venture funding, yet Val and Rebecca see enormous opportunity for investors, partners, and brand ambassadors in the women's health space.Through the Naturally Network minority-owned fellowship, Rif Care learned how to build sales decks, talk to retailers, and develop distribution channels that helped them reach and maintain the number one spot at Erewhon.Sound Bites:"We're going to walk the walk. We're going to talk the talk.""There were people trying to make hemp feminine care for 10 years and we got a sample in like two weeks. It was completely a paper wall.""I don't drive a truck, you know? We had to learn how to drive a U-Haul to pick up our products and deliver them to distributors.""There's so many more opportunities for companies to fill that gap in women's health.""If women are healthy, the planet is healthy.""The people that we did the Naturally Network Fellowship with are still our best friends. We cry together, we laugh together, and we have kept in touch more than any other accelerator that all of us have ever been in."Links:Val Emanuel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valemanuel/Rebecca Caputo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcaputo/Rif Care: https://rifcare.com/Rif Care LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rifcares/Rif Care on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifcare/Rif Care on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rifcare...Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gagan Levy discusses his book 'Start Your Own Damn Cult,' exploring how ancient yoga principles can be applied to leadership, business, and building authentic movements. The conversation covers the eight codes derived from the eight limbs of yoga, practical applications for leaders, and the importance of play, integrity, and systemic thinking in creating regenerative impact. Gagan’s shares examples of movement building led by his agency, Guru, and talks about most surprising challenges he’s faced leading his agency for the past 17 years. We then wrap up by talking about how we all need more compassion for ourselves, each other, and the planet in order to build a better world.Key Topics:The inspiration behind 'Start Your Own Damn Cult'Personal journey of writing the book and overcoming challengesThe eight codes derived from the eight limbs of yogaApplying yoga principles to leadership and businessThe role of integrity and do no harm in building movementsThe importance of play and joy in serious workSystemic thinking in regenerative food and business movementsExamples of movements embodying the principlesThe challenges and opportunities of leading a creative agencyUsing AI and culture-centered design for marketingSound Bites:"Culture can't spell cult without culture."“You think about the physical movement side of yoga, but a lot of folks don't know that there's actually eight limbs of yoga.”“I couldn't stop writing for four days. It flowed through me. I literally felt like I was a vessel and it was pouring, spirit was just pouring through.”“I started to see people be more innovative when they were more playful.”“We're catalyzing cults from the inside out. We’re helping them come into alignment with all the stakeholders in a flow state, and then we can amplify that.”“AI is totally disrupting creative work, you know, writing, designing, ideation. It's disrupting the whole industry. It's a really juicy moment and it's causing us to polish the mirror and evolve.”“I'm a surfer and one of the most important things to me is how we take care of our oceans.”“A better world, to me, means one where we have more compassion for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet.” Lessons to Action:Reflect on your own leadership using the eight codesIncorporate play into your work processUse AI insights to understand cultural subgroupsPractice integrity and do no harm in your businessChapters:03:00 Introduction to Gagan Levy and His Work06:01 The Inspiration Behind 'Start Your Own Damn Cult'08:55 The Eight Codes: A Framework for Conscious Leadership11:51 The Yamas: Ethical Foundations for Business15:02 Cultivate Codex: Integrating Yoga Principles into Leadership18:07 The Flow of Writing: From Inspiration to Structure20:56 Case Study: Regenerative Organic Certification Movement38:19 Catalyzing Change Through Collaboration41:07 The Power of Play in Serious Work51:12 Navigating the AI Disruption01:03:15 Personal Insights and RecommendationsLinks:Gagan Levy on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/gagan-levyStart Your Own Damn Cult (Book) -https://www.weareguru.com/cultstarterGuru - https://www.weareguru.com/Guru on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareguru/…Ram Dass - Be Here Now - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Here-Now-Ram-Dass/dp/0517543052…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Schwartze, founder of Moonglade Craft Soda, shares the decades-long journey from a kitchen obsession with perfecting ginger beer to a freshly launched line of certified organic farmers market-inspired craft sodas. He talks about his background as a park ranger and agricultural inspector, how that shaped his passion for regenerative farming and ocean health, and why joining 1% for the Planet felt less like a business decision and more like an extension of who he already was. Jason digs into the innovations that made Moonglade possible, from solving the carbonation problem in organic beverages to discovering a mushroom fiber extract preservative that keeps his sodas shelf stable. He wraps up by inviting the community to seek out products that are real. And to trust that when something comes from a family and a farmers market, it probably is.Takeaways:Moonglade Craft Soda is a family business out of Oceanside, California that got its start at farmers markets about ten years ago.The brand just launched four certified organic RTD cans, farmers market inspired craft sodas, with roughly half the sugar of conventional soda.Jason's background in agriculture, and as a park ranger, directly informs his commitment to supporting farmers and regenerative practices.Moonglade is a 1% for the Planet member, with a focus on two causes: supporting organic and regenerative agriculture, and keeping plastics out of the ocean.A key innovation for the brand was solving the carbonation loss problem that usually plagues natural sodas.Moonglade uses a natural mushroom fiber extract as a preservative that keeps the product shelf stable without affecting flavor.Jason credits Naturally Network with helping him solidify his growth strategy giving him the clarity and confidence he needed to move forward.Conscious business is a personal ethos for Jason, not just a marketing strategy.Sound Bites:"I basically became obsessed with trying to find a better ginger beer.""It can't be forced, it can't be contrived. What I'm doing is not contrived. It is who I am.""I probably would have given up if the iterative process wasn't a thing. Every time I do something, I have to keep going because it's so much better.""Nobody wants a flat root beer.""If it came from a family and a farmers market, it's probably pretty real.""She just gave me some real clear goals and strategy that I felt like I'd never had before and just gave me a ton of confidence. Without Naturally Network, we wouldn't have had that."Links:Jason Schwartze on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schwartze-9057b12a3/Moonglade Craft Soda: https://moongladesoda.com/Moonglade Craft Soda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonglade-craft-soda/people/Moonglade Craft Soda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoongladeCraftSodaMoonglade Craft Soda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moongladesoda/...Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the inspiring story of Audra Query, founder of Girl Meets Dirt, who transitioned from a Wall Street career to building a seasonally rooted, award-winning preserves business on Orcas Island. This episode explores her journey of intentional living, embracing seasonality, and balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with a meaningful lifestyle. We talk about the benefits of doing things the hard way, the challenges of running a business on an island, and resisting the pressure to scale. Enjoy!Key Topics:Audra's transition from a Wall Street career to rural entrepreneurshipThe importance of seasonality and place in food business storytellingHow her upbringing and background shaped her values and business approachChallenges of building a business on a small island and strategies for resilienceBalancing motherhood, personal values, and business growthThe role of intuition, openness, and serendipity in entrepreneurial successFuture aspirations: scaling versus maintaining mission-driven qualityLessons learned from market research, community support, and mindful scalingThe significance of storytelling, terroir, and authenticity in premium food brandsInsights for entrepreneurs seeking to create resilient, meaningful businesses Sound Bites:“I had what I call an accidental career on Wall Street that lasted for 10 years.”“I looked at [my mentor] and despite my admiration I said, I don't want that life.”"There's no such thing as work-life balance. There's a pendulum, and it swings."“I needed to carve a path for myself that accommodated my values.”“He actually said, how about the islands? Why don't we move there? I was like, yes, but who are you and what did you do with my husband?”“I see this lovely little fence garden and six garden beds and the wheels start turning“The origins of Girl Meets Dirt was my personal story and journey of getting my hands dirty and teaching myself how to grow things. It started with seeds and vegetables, which I then started preserving. Then one fruit tree yielded 150 pounds of plums and things changed.”“I'm a storyteller, a writer. That's where my real heart and soul is. And I thought, there's a really special story to tell here about terroir and rootedness and seasonality and sense of place.”“We're still doing things the hard way, you know, making things in six copper pots on an island and each jar ships via the ferry. It's very difficult to run a business on this island.”"Part of our operational strategy is in harvest we take in all the fruit and then we prep and freeze it. Then we can cook off throughout the year so that we're busy, and we can also respond better to demand.”“I think it's challenging for us though as a CPG brand and the expectations to scale. I know how to do it, but I've resisted it this whole time because I want to see how far I can get doing it the way that I'm doing it, which is highly attuned to my mission and my morals.”“Keep doing the same thing, that one thing until you cannot possibly do it any better.”“If I start to think it doesn't seem possible, I'm actually drawn to it even more.”Lessons to Action:Focus on doing one thing well and optimize itTrust your journey and listen to your intuitionBuild a business that aligns with your values and lifestyleTimestamps: 03:00 - Introduction to Audra Query and Girl Meets Dirt’s story05:25 - From Wall Street to Orcas Island: making a pivotal life change08:08 - The influence of mentorship and the realization to pursue purpose12:00 - Embracing seasonality and place in food production15:38 - The journey of buying land and starting a garden20:32 - Personal story behind the genesis of Girl Meets Dirt25:27 - Navigating challenges of island business and seasonality31:21 - Community support, wholesale growth, and local connections34:44 - Motherhood, business expansion, and balancing priorities39:45 - Unique challenges and strategies of island entrepreneurship45:21 - Future growth plans, ambitions, and the question of scale50:30 - Overcoming industry pressures and staying true to mission57:08 - Favorite foods, recipes, and inspiring books61:37 - The importance of ingredients, flavor, and authenticity64:49 - Vision for a better world through shared food and communityResources & Links:Links:Audra Query on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audra-query-9920064/Girl Meets Dirt - https://girlmeetsdirt.comGirl Meets Dirt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-meets-dirt/Girl Meets Dirt on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/girlmeetsdirt Girl Meets Dirt on Instagram - https://instagram.com/girlmeetsdirtGirl Meets Dirt on X - https://x.com/GirlMeetsDirtGirl Meets Dirt on Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/girlmeetsdirt…Messy Confiture by Christine Faber - https://www.amazon.com/Messes-Confiture-Christine-Faber/dp/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Zimmerman, CEO and founder of Loli's Foods, shares the story behind his brand of clean, fresh, and functional sauces, dips, and dressings and why manufacturing locally in Southern California isn't just a values choice, it's a competitive advantage.He discusses how self-manufacturing gave Loli's the control they needed to source the right ingredients and build deep relationships with regional retailers. Scott talks about the innovation happening on the outer perimeter of the store, where fresher, cleaner products are finally getting the shelf space they deserve, and shares his vision for a food system built around real ingredients and regional supply chains. He wraps up by talking about the role Naturally Network has played in Loli's journey and why finding community might be the most underrated strategy in the CPG playbook.Takeaways:Loli's Foods makes clean, fresh, and functional sauces, dips, and dressings, including classic flavors and just launched a couple of new recipes.The brand is named in honor of Scott's grandmother Loli, and that family legacy shapes every ingredient and sourcing decision they make.Loli's manufactures their own products in Pasadena, CA, which gives them full control over ingredient quality, supplier relationships, and product freshness.No manufacturer could meet their standards for clean, fresh, and functional, so they built it themselves.The biggest growth opportunity Scott sees is the outer perimeter of the store, where consumers are increasingly seeking fresh alternatives to shelf-stable products.A more regional, localized food system, similar to the European model, is Scott's vision for where food innovation should head.Scott credits Naturally Network as a key catalyst for Loli's growth, having won the Pitch Slam in 2024.Finding community as an entrepreneur isn't just good for business, Scott calls it "healthy therapy".Sound Bites:"Being conscious of what you put into your body, using the best ingredients for the people you love, is synonymous with how we do business.""It really helps early stage to be able to hold on and control that quality control on the product, especially how we feel when our grandma's name is on the bottle.""You can get the same price product that is two years old on a dry shelf for the same price over at fresh that's a highly better quality product.""I tell everybody on the team or anybody I bump into that we wouldn't be here without Naturally Network.""The business is hard enough and the industry is hard enough. So if you can find community, it's such a weight off your shoulders.”\Links:Scott Zimmerman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-08436285/Loli's Website: https://eatlolis.com/Loli’s on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatlolis/Loli’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatlolisLoli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loli-s/…Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three Latin-American food brands saw the opportunity to go further, faster, together – so they took it. Stefanie Garcia Turner of Tuyyo, Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde, and Regina Trillo of Nemi share how they met, why they decided to merge their businesses and brands, and what their vision is for the new brand, unified under Tuyyo. The three woman-and-minoroty-owned brands share a mission of amplifying their Latin-American food culture through authentic and innovative latin foods, representation food culture, and community impact . Learn how this strategic merger will allows each leader to lean into their strengths, and how collaboration aligned on shared values can accelerate growth in the challenger food brand space.Takeaways:The origins and individual missions of Jocelyn of Todo Verde, Regina of Nemi Snacks, and Stephanie of Tuyyo FoodsThe strategic process behind their merger—personality tests, role division, and cultural alignmentHow they’ll leverage their merger to reduce costs, expand categories, and innovate fasterTransition strategies for branding, retail placement, and consumer education across their unified brand Tuyyo FoodsSupply chain synergies and efforts to lower COGS by 35% or more through manufacturing and sourcing efficienciesThe broader vision: promoting Latin American flavors regionally and globally while supporting farmers and sustainabilityChallenges faced—costs of rebranding, education hurdles around regional products, and maintaining brand integrityThe importance of shared values, culture fit, and a growth mindset for successful mergersRecommendations for founders considering collaboration and merger as a growth pathwayBook and resource recommendations around exponential thinking, sensory storytelling, and personal spiritualityThoughts on building a healthier food system rooted in equity, community, and transparent ingredient sourcingSound Bites:“We can create something that is even bigger, that is even more impactful, that really is going to make a dent in the food industry.” (Stefanie)“We went from, I'm holding this, this is my baby, to really egoless, like this isn't about me, this is about a brand.” (Jocelyn)“We all knew each other relatively well before the merger. Stephanie is better at this than I am, Regina is better at this than I am, you know, so there was already a sense of like, if we came together, we could split the work in that way.” (Jocelyn)“We are planning on bringing everything under the one Tuyyo brand.” (Stefanie)“We're moving towards standardizing our supply chain operations. It's been a constant conversation and communication with suppliers, both in the US and in Mexico to see what's going to be the best way to do it.“ (Regina)“As of right now, [cost of goods optimization has] been at least 35%, which is it's been a big amount. And based on some information that we have, it's probably going to be higher than that.” (Regina)“I think that it's really gonna be about putting our community first and building a brand that not only can we be proud of, but that is a reflection of our heritage.” (Stefanie)“It took me six years to figure out that I didn't want to continue doing it alone.” (Regina)“[A better world is one] with more representation of the reality of how the community and how that should be represented on shelf as well. Ideally with products that are actually better for us, that are made with real ingredients, that are also supporting the farmers that are producing those ingredients.” (Regina)“[A better world is one with] a food system that is actually catered to the betterment of people in their everyday lives. It would just solve so many issues. And with all of the problems that we have between preventable diseases and healthcare systems that don't work for the people, it goes beyond justice for the farmer, but justice for everybody in the food chain.” (Stefanie)“I think that that in an ideal world there are policies put in place that are protecting people [by regulating] what is allowed and what isn't allowed in our food system. And products, especially those we give to children, that allow us to really reshape our palates and create shortcuts for cooking without taking the cooking part away because that's an basic survival life skill that most people should have and it empowers people to like know what's in their food, and how to nourish their families.” (Jocelyn)Links:Stefanie Garcia Turner on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-garcia-turner/Jocelyn Ramirez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyncramirez77/Regina Trillo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-trillo-a5055711/Tuyyo - https://tuyyofoods.com/Tuyyo on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tuyyofoodsTuyyo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4b_-VIdL7Yl7UQb91y5Vow…Tuyyo Wefunder - Coming soon……Todo Verde (website will go away soon) - https://todoverde.org/Nemi (website will go away soon) - https://neminative.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction of guests and their brands2:11 - The idea of merging to amplify Latin American food culture3:14 - The role of Jocelyn as a connector4:14 - Initial conversations and alignment of goals5:09 - Personality tests and understanding team dynamics6:18 - Personal insights and alignment of values7:19 - Confirmation of shared vision and responsibilities8:36 - Expanding vision and impact9:23 - Egoless collaboration and shared goals10:16 - Overcoming personal challenges in the merger process11:33 - Open communication and external support12:47 - Technical adjustments during recording13:00 - Introduction and alignment of values and vision13:29 - Discussion on dividing responsibilities among the founders13:49 - Initial retreat and mission alignment14:19 - Specific roles and responsibilities based on skills15:16 - Transitioning responsibilities before the merger15:57 - The natural fit of the founders' skills16:18 - Pre-existing relationships and collaboration17:27 - Importance of enjoying the process and having fun19:20 - Branding and unifying product lines under Tuyo Foods20:11 - Transition phase and retail placement21:11 - Marketing strategies and community engagement22:34 - Plans for easing the transition on retail shelves23:28 - Supply chain synergies and manufacturing efficiencies25:12 - Cost reduction strategies and shared resources26:54 - New shared vision and broader goals27:39 - Community focus and brand representation29:28 - Expanding Latin American food representation31:01 - Becoming a go-to platform for Latin foods33:07 - Benefits and opportunities unlocked by the merger36:30 - Challenges and unresolved issues37:37 - Fundraising and rebranding costs38:20 - Advice for other founders considering mergers41:58 - Future of the industry and collaboration45:26 - Fun questions about favorite Latin American foods53:51 - Book recommendations and personal insights60:10 - Influential voices and brands to watch65:17 - Vision of a more representative, equitable, and sustainable food system71:13 - Upcoming plans and ways to connect with Tuyo FoodsFor more insights on food innovation, community building, and scaling purpose-driven brands, subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the Steaz comeback story! Hear how the brand founders were brought back into the company to help renew the purpose and passion of the brand, which led to a collaboration with Wild Orchard to launch the first line of Regenerative Organic Certified ® canned teas! We speak with Eric Schnell of Beyond Brands, who was one of the original founders of Steaz, to learn more about the history of Steaz and his vision for the reboot. Then Mike Fransz, Director of Marketing for Nova Naturals, the company that owns and manages the Steaz brand now, shares why they brought the founders back and how it’s recharged the whole team and brand. Michael Ham, co-founder of Wild Orchard, then shared the story of the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified ® tea farm and the role they play in this collaboration. We discuss the new product line, the challenges of this innovative and collaborative process, and what’s bringing each guest hope for the future of our food system. Enjoy!Takeaways:Steaz was the first certified organic soft drink brand in America.Steaz was also the very first fair trade certified tea.The journey of Steaz began with a passion for tea and health.Reviving Steaz involved bringing back the founders to guide its new direction.The collaboration with Wild Orchard got them access to the world’s only Regenerative Organic Certified ® green tea.Wild Orchard was the first USDA organic certified farm in Korea.Regenerative Organic agriculture enhances soil health and product quality.The younger generation is increasingly conscious of health, environment, and where their food comes from.Challenges in R&D delayed the launch of new products.Transparency in the supply chain builds consumer trust.Steaz’s 1% for the Planet commitment reflects their dedication to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.Sound bites:“Our five P's, which is what we call the Quintuple Bottom Line Business Value System is rooted in Passion, Purpose, People, Planet, and Prosperity.”“We helped get the first fair trade certified tea estate in Sri Lanka up and running.”“We're evangelists for this regenerative organic certification process, not because it's just the cool next thing, but because it creates really meaningful impact across so many different places around the globe.”“The farm that was regenerative organic had the bees and the birds and the deer running through. It seemed to just attract an ecosystem, like Gaia.”“When we consume foods grown in healthy soil, it's actually syncing everything with our gut microbiome and it improves our overall health.”“At Steaz we call it doing good by brewing good.”"You are what you eat. If the soil is healthy, the plant's going to be healthy and tastier, and then when we eat it, it's going to be better in our body too!”“Everybody loves a comeback story. And this is a great one. One of the best I've seen.”Links:Steaz - https://drinksteaz.com/Steaz on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/steaz---the-healthy-beverage-company/Steaz on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/officialsteazSteaz on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steaz/Steaz on X - https://www.facebook.com/officialsteaz…Eric Schnell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schnell-b133a425/Beyond Brands - https://beyondbrands.org/Beyond Brands on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbrands/…Mike Fransz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikefransz/Nova Naturals - https://nova-natural.com/Nova Naturals on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nova-natural/…Michael Ham on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-ham/Wild Orchard - https://www.wildorchard.com/Wild Orchard on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildorchardteas/Wild Orchard on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wildorchardteas/#Wild Orchard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildorchardteasWild Orchard on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ21UewP8Yx6ZMlzh8NKe0wWild Orchard on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wildorchardtea…Natural Products Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 The Origins of Steaz: A Journey Through Tea09:16 Reviving a Legacy: The Return of Founders18:13 Collaboration for Change: Steaz and Wild Orchard23:48 Understanding Regenerative Organic: A New Standard28:03 The Impact of Healthy Soil on Health and Taste35:00 The Rise of Regenerative Organic Certification37:55 Community and Education in Regenerative Practices41:03 Commitment to the Planet: 1% for the Planet43:00 Challenges in Collaboration and Supply Chain53:55 Hope for the Future of Food SystemsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gage shares his best practices for attending Natural Products Expo West – the biggest trade show in the United States for the better-for-the-world product industry! Tune in to hear 10 tips for making the most of the show, based on Gage’s ~15 years of experience attending Expo West as a brand, packaging, booth, and campaign designer who’s helped some of the industry most beloved brands stand out at the show. Tune into the episode or read below for his top tips! You can also download a copy here for easy reference later. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!1. Define Your Target ROIHave a clear goal and outcomes in mind because the event is what you make it.Rightsize your investment. There’s no shame in starting small, like a shared booth, table at StartUp CPG, sampling out of a backpack, etc. Even big brands need to be cautious of their spending because it adds up fast. But if you want to make a big splash, be willing to spend the money on the right opportunity.Aim to have your agenda 60% planned, but 40% flexible, because you never know who might pop up with some exciting and unexpected.2. Plan AheadBook your accommodations early, because everything near the Convention Center fills up quickly and gets very expensive.Find the sessions you want to attend, people you want to meet, and booths you want to visit through the app and social media posts, but also decide what’s non-negotiable and what’s optional for you, because you will get exhausted/overwhelmed.Make dinner reservations, book event venues, and meeting rooms in advance because there are a ton of competing groups looking for limited time slots.Order all your materials, swag, outfits, etc., well ahead of time because shipping delays happen, and you don’t want to be caught empty-handed or paying the steep price to rush reprint in Anaheim.3. Be Clear & CompellingHave your 5-second pitch and main talking points ready, because there are way too many people and not enough time to stumble or be vague.Bring the energy, passion, and vibes because that attracts people to your booth, lifts everyone’s spirits, and makes you memorable.Ask lots of questions to get to know people and how you can help each other. It can reveal incredibly powerful information for you both.4. Crush Your BoothMake sure it’s clear what you’re selling and what makes it special, otherwise your booth is likely to be missed (unless you’re drawing attention, see below).Be unique but authentic, have a compelling story or theme for the show, and be engaging and fun as people walk up.Have events or activities at your booth that attract a crowd, and bring enough samples/goodies to go around. Tip: people are drawn to anything that’s more than a tiny bite on a toothpick or a generic tote bag.Have a method for politely exiting conversations, like handing them off to an associate or introducing them to another guest, so you can be available when that critical retailer, investor, broker, or press badge arrives.5. Draw AttentionApply for a Nexty, participate in the Pitch Slam, or partner on an innovation with another popular brand. Do things that will make you more visible.Send out press releases, make announcements on social media, and offer the press a unique and exciting story to draw them to your booth.Invite an industry rockstar or celebrity to your booth for a meet and greet.Host a happy hour with a prominent group, like B Corp.6. Connect With Your CommunityAttend events hosted by your membership communities (B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Regenerative Organic, Upcycled, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Climate Neutral, Climate Collaborative, Naturally Network, Purpose Pledge, Startup CPG, Project Potluck, :INCLUDED, etc.)Post updates in your preferred social channel (pictures, top finds, great insights, events, selfies, etc), tag people, and comment on others’ posts! Wear your affiliations (shirts, hats, pins, stickers, lanyards, badges, etc).7. Take Care of YourselfHydrate and eat real food, or at least snack your way to well-balanced meals or your stomach and energy levels will regret it later.Dress comfortably and in layers. You’ll be walking a lot, in and out of buildings, and the weather can change quickly. Bonus: dress memorably.Rest your feet and your back whenever you can. They will be sore.Get full nights of sleep when you can, and take some downtime in between things to recharge your batteries and brain.8. Be Brave, Be ActiveMeet people! That’s why you’re going. Don’t just hide in your hotel, your booth, or in your co-worker/friend group. Get out there.Attend happy hours, events, and dinners even if you worked the booth all day, because that’s the time to make real human connections.Go talk to that hero, buyer, investor, press, celebrity, etc because that's why they’re here, and why you’re here.9. Don’t Try to Do it AllThe show is way too big to see every booth. Decide what’s most important. It can help to pick a theme to focus, like a category, certification, stage of business, etc.There are too many sessions, events, and happy hours. Pick a focus and try to limit your FOMO. Divide and conquer with your team if you can.If you’ve been going as long as I have, you’ll wish you could spend time with all your friends, collaborators, clients, podcast guests, and more… but it’s best to be at peace with what you can do instead of worrying about what you can’t.10. Follow Through Take notes on business cards, in an app, or wherever works for you because you won’t remember every conversation, idea, or to-do item.Digest what you learned, who you met, and how you want to follow up each evening before that information gets too foggy.Make social posts each day, because you’ll be too burned out and busy to catch up on social media after the show.Follow up with people during and after the show to solidify that new connection.Links:Natural Products Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html10 Tips to Crush Expo West Download: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Expo West Best Practices05:23 Defining Goals and ROI for the Show08:21 Planning Ahead: Accommodations and Sessions10:42 Crafting a Clear and Compelling Message13:05 Maximizing Your Booth's Impact15:59 Drawing Attention and Engaging the Audience16:19 Connecting with Your Community20:40 Self-Care During the Event22:08 Being Brave and Active23:06 Managing Expectations and FOMO25:28 Following Through After the ShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Holly shares her journey as a nutritional scientist and formulating chemist, and how that experience led her to develop JostArriba, an instant coffee with added brain health and mental well-being benefits. We discuss the nootropic and adaptogen ingredients, like Reishi, Lions Mane, Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine, and how Holly obsessed over not just the functionality of the ingredients, but how the final product tastes. She then talks about the formation of her brand, Eightbillion, and the rigorous process of becoming a Certified B Corp, which reflects her commitment to ethical practices and community support. We wrap up by talking about her vision for the future of the company, her advice for fellow impact-driven entrepreneurs, and how a better world is one in which everybody is nicer, kinder, calmer, and feeling better about themselves and others. Try it for yourself. Get 20% Off with promo/coupon code: GAGE. - https://eightbillion.com/GageTakeaways:Coffee often comes with negative side effects, like jitteriness, heart palpitations, upset stomach, and more.Holly decided to solve that problem, by formatting a coffee product with beneficial nootropic and adaptogen ingredients.Nootropics just means something that we eat or drink to help us our brain, our cognition, our focus.Adaptogens are a food that we consume to help our body and our mind to cope with stress better.JostArriba has nootropics and adaptogens, which help with cognition, memory, focus, stress, anxiety, and also quality of sleep.Mushroom coffee’s often have a strange taste and gritty texture, but JostArriba dissolves fully and tastes great.It took a couple of years for Eightbillion to become a Certified B Corp.Eightbillion supports EatReal, bringing healthy and sustainable food to schools, through their 1% for the Planet commitment.Their single serving packaging is made from plant sources and is 100% compostable.Sound bites:“Our mantra is drink good, feel good, and do good.”"Profitability is not enough. Sustainability and making an impact and having a purpose. It really drives me every day.”“Without brain health, without mental wellness, nothing matters, and nothing is sustainable.”"Life shouldn't be a struggle. It shouldn't be something that we have to fight for. It should be a natural state that as a result of our first morning drink and all the decisions that we make consequently."“Hopefully, Eightbillion is a community where people can come and can share, can learn and exchange their life stories and exchange their passions and exchange their impacts.”“There's never enough resources. There's never enough hours of a day. There's never enough people to work with.”“I'm just excited about this journey and wherever it takes us.”"I have great mentors, full transparency. I'm not doing this all by myself."Links:Holly Xing on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyxing8b/Eightbillion - https://eightbillion.com/Eightbillion on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionplanet/Eightbillion on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eightbillionplanet/Eightbillion on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinkeightbillionEightbillion on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkeightbillion…Eat Real - https://eatreal.org/…The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Book by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery, Book by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-fifth-agreement/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Holly and Eightbillion.com07:49 Understanding Nootropics and Adaptogens12:06 The Coffee Dilemma: Caffeine vs. Health22:57 Ingredients of JostArriba: A Deep Dive30:40 The Role of Ashwagandha and Other Key Ingredients35:38 The Power of Kindness37:10 Customer Transformations and Emotional Connections39:10 The B-Corp Journey43:43 Building a Sustainable Brand49:25 Commitment to Sustainable Packaging54:53 Vision for a Better FutureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karl Strovink, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee, discusses the brand's evolution, its commitment to quality and sustainability, and the innovative approaches being taken to redefine coffee experiences. He highlights the importance of community, the role of creativity in coffee culture, and the challenges posed by climate change. Strovink also shares insights on leadership and the significance of caring in building a better world.Takeaways:Blue Bottle Coffee is a leader in the specialty coffee segment.The brand is known for its commitment to quality and hospitality.James Freeman's artistic influence still shapes the coffee experience.Instant coffee can be made with specialty-grade coffee.Sustainability is a core value for Blue Bottle Coffee.Exploring alternative coffee varietals is essential for the future.Climate change poses significant challenges to coffee production.Blue Bottle achieved carbon neutrality in 2024.Dairy alternatives are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.Community engagement is crucial for successful expansion. Trends blowing West and East as they expand their footprint.Sound bites:“James Freeman brought artistic sensibility into the world of coffee.”“as a brand, Blue Bottle punches way above its weight. mean, we have anywhere from 15 to 30 % mass market awareness as a brand, but we occupy less than one half of 1 % share in the marketplace.”“We strongly believe that there's a better way with instant coffee and that instant can be specialty.”“It turns out that if you actually consider what can be done with those other varietals like Robusta, and treat them the way you do Arabica species, they can produce beautiful coffees.”“We did the hard work to actually baseline ourselves to understand our footprint across the value chain from green coffee all the way through to our offices.”“We've shifted our sourcing in certain places around the world to favor more regenerative, more healthy soil systems, farms, and farming practices.”“Many guests were preferring oat milk. So we just said, why don't we just lean into it?”“We're down something like two thirds in our emissions intensity around electricity around the world from the US to China and Japan.”“We in the US made the call in 2020 to be a primarily a work from home, remote workforce. Ss you can imagine, emissions intensity goes down from that.”"We want to scale with distinction."“We're repositioning the coffee category towards an East-West axis.”“Coffee is about building community, not just harvesting of business opportunities.”Links:Karl Strovink on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-strovink-9852a517/Blue Bottle Coffee - https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/engBlue Bottle Coffee on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluebottlecoffeeBlue Bottle Coffee on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluebottleBlue Bottle Coffee on X - https://x.com/bluebottleroastBlue Bottle Coffee on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyki4e6RG84BT_xzi4oYkRw…A CEO for All Seasons, Book by Kurt Strovink (and others) - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasonsAmerican Nations, Book by Colin Woodard - https://colinwoodard.com/books/american-nations/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Blue Bottle Coffee08:04 The Evolution of James Freeman's Role10:54 Innovations from the Blue Bottle Studio13:39 Quality and Technology in Instant Coffee18:21 Securing the Future of Coffee22:27 Exploring Coffee Varietals Beyond Arabica26:46 Achieving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability Goals33:10 The Shift to Oat Milk and Consumer Preferences37:11 East Meets West: Blue Bottle's Global Expansion41:56 Bridging Cultures: The East-West Connection42:43 Uniformity vs. Localization in Coffee44:19 Crafting Unique Experiences: The Blue Bottle Journey45:48 Balancing Innovation and Tradition49:46 Strategic Growth: Expanding with Distinction52:06 Word of Mouth: Building a Loyal Customer Base55:34 Lessons from Converse: Brand Stewardship and Leadership01:00:37 The Balance of Profit and Purpose01:04:03 Caring for Community: Building a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The conversation centers around the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a USDA initiative aimed at supporting farmers in transitioning to organic practices. Ben Bowell and Jessy Beckett Parr discuss the program's origins, goals, and the collaborative efforts of various organizations involved. They highlight the importance of technical assistance, mentorship, and community building in fostering a successful organic farming network. The discussion also touches on the program's impacts, future sustainability, and the significance of respect and collaboration in achieving a better world for agriculture.Takeaways:TOPP is a USDA initiative with a $100 million budget.The program aims to support farmers transitioning to organic practices.Collaboration among organizations is key to the program's success.Technical assistance includes one-on-one support and mentorship.The program has reached thousands through various educational events.Farmers are compensated for mentoring new organic farmers.The program is designed to be community-based and regionally tailored.Future funding and sustainability are ongoing concerns for the program.The program aims to increase domestic organic production to meet consumer demand.The national partners are Organic Farmers Association, Trade Association, and Arizona State University Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems.The Regional Leads are Oregon Tilth, CCOD, OCIA, MOSA, Florida Organic Growers, and PCO.Modern Species developed their 2025 Impact Report which helped them secure the remainder of their grant after the government funding freeze.Sound bites:“If there's already the organic demand, we just need to meet the supply domestically.”“People in the United States who are inside of larger agricultural corporations, food-based corporations, see the disconnect and the need to invest resources in domestic supply and production.”“We all cooperatively wrote the organic standards together, along with other movement aligned groups in the 90s.”“One of the emergent themes for us of this work has been how important the network itself is and how keeping people in collaboration across organizations and state boundaries supports all of our success.”“I love hearing the stories of the farmer to farmer sharing. It's really powerful.”“I really feel like a better world looks like a world that's full of respect, for the people, for the planet and its delicate balance of biology and ecology.”"It's about continuous improvement."Links:Transition to Organic Partnership Program - https://www.organictransition.org/Impact Report for Transition to Organic Partnership Program - https://www.organictransition.org/impact-report/Ben Bowell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-bowell-85901a1b3/Jessy Becket Parr on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessy-beckett-parr-a5a681185/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to the Transition to Organic Partnership Program04:33 Understanding the Transition to Organic Partnership Program07:57 The Role of Partnerships in Organic Transition09:07 Regional Partners and Their Selection Process11:31 Goals and Objectives of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program15:20 Highlights and Accomplishments of the Program20:14 The Importance of Collaboration and Community23:37 Managing a Successful Collaborative Program26:54 Getting Involved in the Program29:13 Who is the Program For?31:06 Free Resources and Support for Farmers32:16 Future Plans for the Program35:00 Funding Opportunities and Strategies37:36 Advice for Collective Action and CollaborationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Cassidy Johnston shares her journey from growing up in the city to becoming a first-generation large scale beef producer and ranch consultant. She talks about a college research project exploring the relationship between environmentalists and ranchers and how that led her to an internship where she met her husband, and eventually to her life on a farm. She discusses the complexities of ranching at scale, the importance of animal welfare, her thoughts on regenerative and organic practices, and the communication challenges that arise ag people and non-ag people make assumptions about each other. Cassidy advocates for building a more resilient food system that prioritizes collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders, and dreams of a better world where more people have access to high quality food.Takeaways:Cassidy Johnston is a first-generation beef producer and consultant.She transitioned from urban life to ranching, finding her place in the rural community.The importance of understanding the relationship between ranchers and environmentalists.Regenerative practices in agriculture are complex and vary by region.Communication between agriculture and corporate sectors is crucial for progress.Quality of food production should be prioritized over sheer efficiency.Hands-on experience is essential for those looking to enter the ranching industry.A better food system requires collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders.Sound bites:"I have an environmental studies degree from CU Boulder, which is a hippie degree from a hippie school.”“ That happened to be the day that I met the guy who would later become my husband.”“That paper really focused on the fact that ranchers and environmentalists have many of the same goals.”“I think the trouble with regenerative is it's really difficult to wrap it up in a neat bow and say this is regenerative and this isn’t.”“We have to be really, really cognizant of the fact that a lot of people are struggling to afford groceries and telling people that they should be paying nine or $12 or $15 a pound for regenerative ground beef is absolutely ridiculous.”“I've heard people say the cow is just a means to an end. No, she is her own sentient being. She deserves quality care.”“People will kind of look down on us for being the big guy, but when something goes wrong in their place, they call us to help because we have the skills.”“In order to understand how you can do things differently, you have to understand where we came from first.”“I think there's a lot of people in the corporate sphere who don't care. They're focused on making money. But, I also think there's a lot that do care, and it's our job to find them and help them do the best that they can with the power that they have.”“I would like to see a higher quality of pretty much everything. I don't care if you're large or small. I don't care if you're first gen or sixth gen. What is the quality of your operation?”“What are the things we can scale to fix these problems for everybody? Not just an elite few that have the money to pay for it. How do we make this better food more accessible? How do we give people the tools to fix it?”Links:Cassidy Johnston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/casskjohn/JRC Consulting - https://jrcranchconsulting.com/JRC Consulting on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jrc-ranch-management-consulting/CKJ Communications & Consulting - https://casskjohnston.com/…When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (Book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25899336-when-breath-becomes-air…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Cassidy Johnston's Journey09:08 Navigating the Urban-Rural Transition14:59 The Intersection of Ranching and Environmentalism20:54 Understanding Regenerative Practices in Agriculture32:49 The Role of Communication in Agriculture44:47 Quality vs. Quantity in Food Production56:31 Advice for Aspiring Ranchers62:30 Building a Better Food SystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Madelyn Morris, co-owner of Mickelberry Gardens, shares insights into her journey of creating a honey herbal wellness brand that specializes in oxymels – a tonic made of honey, vinegar, and herbs. She discusses the benefits of oxymels, the importance of sourcing local and organic ingredients, and the value of B Corp certification. Madelyn share their founding story, the challenges they faced in the early years of the business, and what they’ve been able to accomplish in their 15 years in business. She offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of passion and adaptability in business, and we wrap up with Madelyn sharing her vision of a better world.Takeaways:Mickelberry Gardens combines honey and herbalism for wellness.Oxymels are a tonic of honey, vinegar, and herbs with roots back to ancient Greece.Natural remedies are increasingly replacing pharmaceuticals.Sourcing local and organic ingredients is crucial for quality.Starting small allows for sustainable growth.B Corp certification provides a framework for improvement.Having a strong business partner can make a big difference.Adapting to change is essential for business longevity.Building a resilient business takes time and effort.A better world is one where all living things thrive.Sound bites:“The word oxymel is from Latin. Oxy is acid and mel is sweet or honey.”“Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, prescribed oxymels for a wide variety of health concerns.”“Honey and vinegar have amazing health benefits just on their own. And when you combine them, it adds a lot of additional benefits.”“The source of where the honey comes from really matters.”“‘I’ve noticed in my own garden that bees are really drawn to the medicinal herbs.”“There was something like really magical about harvesting elderberries for the first time.”"It's okay to start small."“We're still manufacturing everything that we sell.”“Just doggedly pursuing it if you really believe in it. Not giving up and continuing to work at it is really the only way you're gonna get there or get anywhere.”"A better world is one that is holistic where all things, even the tiny unseen things, are thriving.”Links:Promo Code: BRANDSFORABETTERWORLD15% off on all oxymel honey tonics, sprays, and skin care from our online shop! www.mickelberrygardens.com…Madelyn Morris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-morris-86642819/Mickelberry Gardens - https://mickelberrygardens.com/ Mickelberry Gardens on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mickelberry-gardens/Mickelberry Gardens on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MickelberryGardens/Mickelberry Gardens on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mickelberrygardens/Mickelberry Gardens on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mickelberrygardens2593…Changing Your Mind by Michael Pollan (Book) - https://michaelpollan.com/books/how-to-change-your-mind/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Mickelberry Gardens06:09 Understanding Oxymels: The Sweet and Sour Remedy09:02 Product Offerings: Exploring Unique Formulations11:46 Transitioning from Pharmaceuticals to Natural Remedies14:51 The Journey of Starting a Business17:37 The Importance of Local and Organic Sourcing20:55 The Health Benefits of Honey and Its Sources23:59 Lessons Learned in Business Growth26:43 Reflections on Business Strategy and Growth33:56 The Evolution of Business Growth35:45 Current Operations and Challenges38:23 The Importance of Delegation41:37 Manufacturing Control and Revenue Streams43:51 Becoming B Corp Certified47:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs53:44 Personal Insights and RecommendationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Allison Carey, VP of Marketing at Raw Sugar Living, talks about the brand’s mission to provide better-for-you hair and body products at an affordable price, while also lifting spirits through positive messages, images, and experiences. She touches on the Gen Z consumer’s desire for authenticity, education, and values-alignment in the brands they support, and how the brand appeals to that generation through their raw voice and integrity. Allison sheds insights into their product development guardrails, and the importance of creating products that are safe for sensitive skin, kids, and even fur kids (dogs). We discuss the brand’s commitment to us 100% post consumer recycled (PCR) content in their bottles by 2030, their give back program that has donated over 20 million bars of soap and other clean essentials to families in need, and what the future looks like for Raw Sugar Living. We wrap up by hearing Allison’s personal vision for a better world.Takeaways:The Clean Beauty Movement is a significant trend.Gen Z prefers authenticity, education, and values alignment over big splashy campaigns.Raw Sugar Living is dedicated to making clean beauty accessible and affordable.  The brand avoids harmful ingredients and prioritizes safe formulations.  Fragrance is carefully selected to enhance the consumer experience without compromising safety.  Consumer insights drive innovation, particularly in catering to younger generations.Understanding consumer preferences is essential for marketing.Consistency in messaging is crucial for brand loyalty.Brands need to adapt to changing consumer expectations.Authenticity can differentiate brands in a crowded market.Sound bites:“Gen Z really is not as interested in the big splashy campaigns and trends. They want more authenticity, more education, and they want brands that live into those values.”“We don't just say Clean For All because we're an affordable brand. It also means that we have something for your whole family.”“We formulate without phthalates, without silicones, and we also have a very strict policy on fragrance. So you can be rest assured that everything you're putting on your skin, not only is it safe and better for you, but it's also effective.”“The post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic initiative was one that was started from the brand's inception.”“We believe it's like a full immersive 360 experience. So it's good for you, it smells good, and you walk out of the shower feeling better.”“We put sugar notes on the back of everything and it's always like a positive uplifting message.”“We also have something for your fur kids too, because we have a line called Fur Kids and that is for your dogs.”“A better world, to me, is definitely one where we all strive to make each other feel grateful and happier for what we have and how we use it.”Links:Allison Carey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-carey-23942849/Raw Sugar Living - https://rawsugarliving.com/Raw Sugar Living on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/raw-sugar-living/Raw Sugar Living on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rawsugarliving/Raw Sugar Living on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rawsugarliving/Raw Sugar Living on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@rawsugarliving_…Joyful (Book) by Ingrid Fetell Lee - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43300050…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, John Tran talks about joining Vita Coco to help evolve their sustainability and social impact programs at the same time that were becoming a publicly traded company and going through the rigorous B Corp Certification process. He shared how they shifted their impact efforts from a collection of passion projects to a more coordinated and comprehensive ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness. John then detailed some impact programs, like their ambitious goal of distributing and planting 10 million seedlings and trees globally! This conversation also covers the health benefits of coconut water, some big challenges in the coconut industry, and the importance of collaborating with local organizations to maximize impact in farming communities. John wraps up by sharing that a better world is one in which everyone is thriving, economically, socially, and beyond.Takeaways:Vita Coco became B Corp Certified and a publicly-traded, Public Benefit Corporation in 2021.Vita Coco’s ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness.Coconut water has 3.5X the electrolyte of common sports drinks.Aging trees have lower yields, which makes it harder to keep up with demand and reduces farmer income. Over a million seedlings have been distributed, with a goal of 10 million seedlings by 2030.The Vita Coco Community Foundation was founded to make sure that everyone in the coconut industry is thriving.Collaboration with local organizations is crucial for their impact programs.They partner with indigenous communities to train farmers in regenerative agriculture practices.Sound bites:“As brands come online with B Corp certification, it really gives us some kind of litmus to understand where we stand within the sustainability and social governance spaces.”“When you have many passionate people who are driving their passion projects, there isn't always a clear framework in terms of what we're driving towards.”“I very much see myself as kind of an accelerator to be able to support a lot of the projects that are existing within the organization.”“Coconut farming communities are just so inherent to our business, right? They are the heart of our business. And without them, there's really no VitaCoco.”“We want to create more economic empowerment within farming communities and more upward mobility by way of our impact programs.”“The great thing about coconut water is natural hydration. It has three and a half times the electrolytes of more common sports drinks.”“Finding what you're good at and what you're passionate about is really one of the keys to success of this role in any kind of role you'll have within sustainability.”Links:John Tran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tran-07047715/Vita Coco - https://vitacoco.com/Vita Coco on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vita-coco-company/Vita Coco on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VitaCocoUS/Vita Coco on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vitacocoVita Coco on X - https://x.com/vitacocoVita Coco on SnapChat - https://www.snapchat.com/@vitacocoVita Coco on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vitacoco?…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Jasen Urena and Ted Robb tell us how New Barn became part of the NestFresh family, and how the two brands are helping each other scale their positive impact. From New Barn’s long journey toward becoming Regenerative Organic Certified, to NestFesh’s 30+ years of being early adopters of certifications like Non-GMO Verified, Certified Humane, and Humanely Hatched, both brands love to push the industry forward. The conversation touches on the importance of supporting family farms, protecting animal welfare, and making the world better for future generations. Jasen and Ted wrap up by sharing what’s next for the brands, their favorite ways to eat their products, and their definitions of a better world.Takeaways:The innovations NestFresh has made over it’s 30+ years in business.Why New Barn decided to join the NestFresh family.How outside investment means small family farms are getting left behind.Humanely Hatched is sparing millions and millions of male baby chicks.New Barn’s path to becoming Regenerative Organic Certified.The importance of continuous improvement for the whole supply chain.The need for innovation and focus to scale efficiently.How teams believing in their purpose is crucial for impactful initiatives.How both brands strive to keep being the first to take big impact steps.Sound bites:“A lot of these things that we've done over the years, we were always told it's not gonna work. But we believed in the concepts.”“It's actually really fun to make money, but it's only because then you can start thinking about all the things that you can do with it.”“There was a point where we had over 20 SKUs. We're 5 SKUs now and I feel like our business is far better than it was before.”“Continuous improvement is the new North Star because it's so valuable to everybody in the chain.”“We're gonna grow regenerative organic acreage under the New Barn brand for almonds, know, almonds, coconut and eggs. And that will lead to a real impact on our environment for future generations.”“We're gonna make an impact by sparing millions and millions of male baby chicks.”“Our NestFresh brand portfolio is going to be 100% Humanely Hatched by 2027.”“We gotta stay true to our core beliefs, we gotta stay true to our core purpose. And we innovate within that realm.”Links:NestFresh - https://nestfresh.com/Jasen Urena on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasen-urena-27179013/NestFresh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nestfresheggs/NestFresh on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NestFreshEggsNestFresh on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nestfresheggs/NestFresh on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/NestFreshEggsNestFresh on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/…New Barn - https://www.newbarnorganics.com/New Barn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/newbarnorganicsNew Barn on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/newbarnorganicsNew Barn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/newbarnorganicsNew Barn on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/newbarnorganics/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Paul Schiefer, president of Amy's Kitchen, shares the inspiring founding story of the company, which began with a quest for better frozen meals. He discusses the innovative approaches to product development, the importance of company culture and values, and the value of embracing complexity in business. Paul highlights Amy's commitment to sustainability and their B Corp status, emphasizing the impact of organic and vegetarian practices. He also shares insights on the future vision for the company, the importance of curiosity and passion in entrepreneurship, and personal reflections on food and life.Takeaways:Amy's Kitchen was founded out of a need for better frozen meals.The original pot pie was a key product that launched the brand.Innovation at Amy's focuses on quality and culinary techniques.Company culture is deeply rooted in the founders' values.Sustainability is a core principle of Amy's business model.The future vision includes generational sustainability and growth.Curiosity and passion are essential for success in business.Amy's Kitchen embraces complexity in food production.The company aims to make healthy food accessible to all.Doing good in business leads to long-term success.Sound bites:“He started looking for some frozen food options to bring home and feed the family, and just frankly was disappointed.”"The original recipe was Rachel's mom's Elinor. It was kind her pot pie that helped inspire the start of the company"“I think what Amy's has done really well is accept that complexity is actually valuable.”"Doing good is good for business."“We want to protect our mission in part by continuing to be a really profitable and efficient company.”“We're also trying to think about this more on a generational timeframe, not just on like a three to five year timeframe.”“It was such a novel idea to create an organic vegetarian fast food restaurant that, before we knew it, we had a line that literally went across the parking lot.”“We’re buying a hundred plus million pounds of organic agriculture every year and supporting thousands of farmers.”“I’m proud of the fact that we have scaled that type of [impact] business model.”Links:Paul Schiefer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschiefer/Amy’s Kitchen - https://www.amys.com/Amy’s Kitchen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/amy's-kitchen/posts/?feedView=allAmy’s Kitchen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyskitchenAmy’s Kitchen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amyskitchenAmy’s Kitchen on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/AmysKitchenMovies…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 The Founding Story of Amy's Kitchen06:01 Innovation and Product Development at Amy's09:03 Cultural Values and Company Evolution11:47 Navigating Growth and Market Challenges15:00 The Drive to Create Quality Fast Food17:47 Maintaining Independence and Company Values31:10 Launching a Unique Concept33:06 The Importance of Sustainable Growth35:43 Commitment to Impact and B Corp Status40:04 Holistic Approach to Sustainability44:47 Future Vision for Amy's Kitchen52:24 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Kevin Bayuk shares what inspired them to create the Next Economy MBA program, who it’s for, and what the curriculum covers. We talk about the shortcomings of the existing MBA programs and the need for one that goes beyond basic ESG frameworks. Bayuk talks about how they’ve used participant feedback to continuously evolve the program, and how their alumni continue to stay engaged after graduating. We then talk about the Next Economy MBA book, which serves a nice introduction to topics in the program, the other technical assistance Lift Economy provides, and what new offerings are on the horizon. Kevin wraps up by sharing his vision of a better world.Takeaways:Lyft economy’s mission to transform the very nature of the business as usual economy to an economy that works for the benefit of all life.The lack of options available for learning about impact business models beyond basic ESG frameworks.How the Next Economy MBA program was collaboratively developed.The ways in which the program has evolved over the years.Why they decided to write the Next Economy MBA book, and how it related to the program itself.Who tends to go through the MBA program, why, and where it leads them.The other technical assistance programs Lift Economy offers.Kevin’s involvement in the Urban Permaculture Institute.Simplifying life can help you focus on what truly matters.Science fiction can inspire new ideas and perspectives.A world with no one left out is a worthy goal.Passion can drive meaningful change in society.Sound bites:“We got started by listening to what our stakeholders were interested in.”“Do it in ways that are distinct from the structures and patterns and norms of the exploitation-oriented, business-as-usual economy.”"It's an evolving service or product that continues to change every cohort based on participant feedback.”“We're now at about 800 people who have enrolled and participated in the training.”“It's really been kind of electrifying just to seeing the types of collaborations that can emerge.”“The book is a good way to get introduced to the core concepts.”"Explore the imagination landscape."“What would a world look like that works for everybody with no one left out.”“Try and simplify your life to make your needs as simple as possible to meet and then just stick with it.”“How do we orient our life design to reduce our costs of living and live more authentically in alignment with our values.”Links:Kevin Bayuk on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbayuk/Lift Economy - https://www.lifteconomy.com/Lift Economy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifteconomy/Lift Economy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LIFTEconomy/Lift Economy on X - https://x.com/lifteconomyLift Economy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5D6TM2pOWwGNcxA-ucd-EgThe Next Economy MBA - https://go.lifteconomy.com/nextmbaBook: The Next Economy MBA - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-next-economy-mba-redesigning-business-for-the-benefit-of-all-life-erin-axelrod/028990c9a162693fPodcast: Next Economy Now - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-economy-now-for-the-benefit-of-all-life/id1074584017…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Syed and Amer share how family tragedy, living around the world, and experience in the packaged good industry all led them to launch their own food brand, Auntie Rana’s. They share how their marketing strategy resulted in landing 300 influencers, 4-5 retail partners, and loads of press by the week of their official launch. The discussion covers their 100 year family history in business, their connection to and passion for the food industry, and why they’ve decided to donate 5% of their product to wildlife conservation. Syed and Amer and excited to be the first to introduce North America to the Naga chili, which is beloved for its fragrance in other parts of the world. The conversation then goes on to talk about the challenges they faced launching the brand, their hopes for the future, and what a better word means to Syed and Amer.Takeaways:Syed and Amer’s father passing started them on the path to launching a food brand. Having lived in California, Bangladesh, Singapore, Montreal, Toronto gives them a unique view of global foods and tastes.Their experience in the food industry and large consumer goods companies guided their launch.Auntie Rana’s brand secured 4-5 retail partners on launch day.Launching with over 300 influencers will help promote the product.Auntie Rana’s gives 5% of profits to animal conservation causes.They’re the first brand to introduce the Naga chili to North America.Launching with 4 different products gives them both product range and focus.Their family has been in business for a hundred years.Sound bites:“Our family's been through a lot of turmoil. The 2008 financial crisis kind of wiped out all of our assets and our homes and everything. Then our Dad got cancer in 2016.“Naga chili is absolutely beloved in Eastern Bangladesh to India's Seven Sisters because of the fragrance. It's wildly amazing.”“My mom always said you’ve got to try everything three times. That's why our palate grew so much.”“These are the areas that the exact same wildlife is affected by the agriculture. We’re trying to help those areas.”“Reading history is powerful, because every mistake you're going to make, someone's already made it. Why not just learn from that?”“If you're not passionate about it, you're going to burn out.”Links:Auntie Rana’s - https://auntieranas.com/Syed Khaleque on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/syed-khaleque-586aaab/Auntie Rana’s on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/auntie-rana-s/about/Auntie Rana’s on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/auntieranas/Auntie Rana’s on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/auntieranas/Auntie Rana’s on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@auntieranas…Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation - https://www.orangutan.or.id/Wildlife Alliance - https://www.wildlifealliance.org/Wildlife SOS - https://wildlifesos.org/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner, founder of Foodbevy, discusses the Foodbevy Insider Boxes, which deliver curated food and beverage products to food enthusiasts and CPG industry pros. He explains the process of selecting products, the themes behind each box, and the importance of community feedback in deciding which foods to feature. Buckner walks through some of the products you’ll find in the upcoming Winter 2025 box, and teases possible future collaborations, like their box featuring the Naturally Rising Pitch Competition finalists. We wrap up by talking about Buckner’s mission of supporting emerging brands and providing valuable resources for food and beverage founders.Takeaways:Foodbevy aims to support emerging food and beverage brands.The Insider Box is curated quarterly with consumer input.Themes in each box reflect current market trends.Consumer feedback is crucial for product selection.The Insider community provides valuable insights and engagement.Brands can gain exposure through the Insider Box.Future collaborations with other organizations are planned.Customization options for boxes may be explored.Foodbevy offers resources for CPG founders.Understanding consumer preferences is key to success.Sound bites:“The Winterbox is all around those three themes I mentioned earlier, functional indulgence, global comfort, and elevated every day.”"I discovered some of my new favorites."“The taste is absolutely delicious. I crushed like five bags."It's like a trade show in a box that's delivered to your door."Links:Jordan Buckner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanbucknerInsider Box by FoodBevy - https://insider.foodbevy.comFoodBevy - https://www.foodbevy.comFoodBevy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenY4faC-_51rfYjWUgEGAQJoyful Co - https://joyfulco.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Foodbevy and Insider Boxes04:17 Curating the Insider Box Experience06:21 Themes in Product Selection08:09 Discovering New Favorites10:26 Subscription Frequency and Management10:57 Exploring Unique Products12:25 Shelf-Stable Convenience13:54 Controversial Brands and Ingredients15:16 Emerging Brands and Trends17:50 Exciting Upcoming Products19:28 Winter Box Preview21:04 Innovative Flavors and Ingredients23:15 Unique Snack Options25:01 Lower Sugar Movement in Snacks26:07 Fermented Products and Gut Health27:04 Exploring Unique Flavors: The Gut Nuts Experience32:53 Building a Community: The Insider Experience41:53 Evolving Product Offerings: Customization and Feedback46:54 Resources for Success: Supporting Food and Beverage Founders51:08 The Importance of Community and Support in BusinessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan’s personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in today's market, which empowers them to grow without the need for outside capital, and explains how they took a fresh look at their products and team to reignite growth – emphasizing the importance of mainstream taste, brand authenticity, and consumer trust as they push toward $200 million this year. We wrap up with Doug sharing his vision for a kinder, more sustainable world through better-for-you snacks.Takeaways:Krishna's journey began with a personal need for better snacks.Catalina Crunch started as a DTC brand but retail unlocked real growth.The brand focuses on snack nostalgia while providing healthier options.Doug emphasizes the importance of appealing to mainstream taste when scaling food products.Transitioning from founder-led organization to a scale-experienced leadership team is crucial.Maintaining authenticity and trust is vital for brand success.Profitability is prioritized over speed of growth in today's market.Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein options.The company is methodical about product expansion and innovation.Sustainability and community connection are key to a better world.Sound bites:“He realized, holy cow, I can actually scale this.”“They decided to take it to retail and built it to about a $75 million business the end of 2023.”“The keto trend was on its way down and we were positioned as a keto brand.”“Taste is king of everything.”“Retailers are making decisions inside three to six months. You either have an item that performs or it's gone.”“He stays incredibly frugal in everything he does. For example, if you want to spend more marketing, you have to have more sales.”“Being able to build this business profitably without having to raise more and more money is pretty impressive”“You've got to have purpose has to be aligned with consumer values.”“I think a brand that puts people first, pays people fair, safe working conditions, dignity across everything they do is important.”Links:Doug Behrens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-behrens-43bb422/Catalina Crunch - https://us.catalinacrunch.com/Catalina Crunch on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalina-crunch/Catalina Crunch on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catalinacrunch/Catalina Crunch on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catalinacrunch……Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 The Genesis of Catalina Crunch08:53 Founder Versus Operator15:01 Navigating Product Innovation and Market Trends20:57 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust26:46 Profitability and Sustainable Growth32:56 Future Vision and Market Opportunities38:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:56 Building a Better World Through BrandsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Lex Evan ®, founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes, discusses the growth of his brand, focusing on the wildly successful launch of his new chilled oat bars and the strategic decisions made to optimize product offerings for retail. The conversation highlights the brand's commitment to organic ingredients and radical ingredient transparency, the challenges and successes in co-manufacturing, and the importance of maintaining product quality. Lex discusses the recent $1 Million investment round and how that will help unlock the next stage of growth, including new product innovations, scaled manufacturing, and increased marketing efforts. As he grows the brand, Lex plans to remain committed to sustainability and organic ingredients, emphasizing the impact of consumer choices on the planet.Takeaways:Lexington Bakes focuses on luxury baked goods with organic ingredients.The brand emphasizes radical ingredient transparency for consumer empowerment.Oat bars were developed and launched in under three months.The oat bars have significantly less sugar, yet still taste indulgent.Packaging design has evolved to enhance clarity at retail and appeal for social media posting.The brand is optimizing product sizes to drive trial and increase velocities in retail.Lex raised $1 million to enhance marketing and production.Finding the right co-manufacturer was a significant challenge.Maintaining product quality is crucial for brand integrity.Lex's oat bar launch received amazing consumer feedback, retail traction, and a Good Housekeeping Award.A new peanut butter cookie formula increases the protein content.The brand focuses on using organic ingredients for sustainability.A better world means making conscious consumer choices.Sound bites:"We make luxury brownies, cookies, and oat bars from scratch with real organic and air trade ingredients – no naughty ingredients."“The oat bars have 40 % less sugar than our cookies and brownies.”"I got very lucky finding the right co-manufacturer."“We won two good housekeeping best snack awards, one of which is for the oat bar that I developed in three months.”"We sold 30 or 40 units in two hours."“We're going to be more nutrient dense than one of the most prominent protein cookies out there.”“We all have the power to make decisions that positively impact.”Links:Lex Evan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/Lexington Bakes - https://lexingtonbakes.com/Lexington Bakes on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on X - https://x.com/lexingtonbakes…Elk Marketing - https://elkhq.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Lexington Bakes05:16 The Journey of Oat Bar Development12:51 Consumer Response and Market Strategy18:56 Packaging Evolution and Design Optimization30:41 Bootstrapping and Growth Strategies39:00 Navigating Co-Manufacturing Challenges40:58 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Challenges51:45 Product Innovations and Future Plans57:37 Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Whitney Douglas, Director of Sales at Living Alchemy, discusses the transformative power of fermentation in health supplements and its historical significance. She explains how Living Alchemy uses fermentation to enhance the potency and digestibility of their products, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition. The discussion also covers the launch of their new book, 'The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation,' which aims to educate readers on the benefits of fermentation and provide practical tips and recipes. Whitney shares insights on the importance of returning to natural health practices and the need for unity in the wellness community.Takeaways:Fermentation enhances the potency and digestibility of supplements.Living Alchemy focuses on whole plant supplements for holistic health.Their new book aims to educate on fermentation and its benefits.Fermentation has historical significance in health practices.Customer feedback drives product development at Living Alchemy.The shift towards natural health is gaining momentum.Fermentation can reduce anti-nutrients in food.Connection to nature is essential for health and wellness.Personal growth often involves deconditioning from societal norms.A better world is about unity and connection. Sound bites:“Curcumin is fat soluble, but when you ferment the turmeric root, the curcumin becomes water soluble, making it more easily absorbed into your body.”“I do feel like there's that shift is coming where, you know, but we're going back to nature, whether you want to call it rewilding, remembering, it's happening, you know?”“I'm starting to realize that like, in the West anyways, everything that you should be doing is somehow removed from your life and then sold back to you as a service or product.”“we know how important gut health is to the rest of the body, especially when it comes to the immune system and cognitive function, cardiac function.”"Tend to your inner garden."“Go fermental.”“Holy basil makes a great tea and it's already wonderful. But then you ferment it and then it just turns into like the next level.”“The process took three years. To stop writing the book was the hardest thing about writing the book because draw the line in the sand at some point and agree that it's done.”“Divided we are not strong."Links:Whitney Douglas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-douglas-36110512/Living Alchemy - https://livingalchemy.com/The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation - https://livingalchemy.com/products/the-living-alchemy-book-of-fermenationLiving Alchemy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/therealalchemyusa/Living Alchemy on X - https://x.com/TherealalchemyULiving Alchemy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-alchemy-fermented-supplements/…Philosopher Foods Fermented & Sprouted Nuts - https://philosopherfoods.com/…The Gene Keys Book - https://genekeys.com/product/the-gene-keys-paperback/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Living Alchemy and Fermentation06:13 The Science of Fermentation and Its Benefits08:54 Holistic Health and Whole Plant Nutrition12:10 The Evolution of the Supplement Industry14:58 Addressing Health Concerns Through Natural Solutions17:55 Product Development and Customer Feedback21:07 The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation23:51 The Historical Context of Fermentation26:52 The Future of Living Alchemy and Customer Engagement34:33 Understanding Fermentation and Its Importance35:37 The Journey of Writing a Cookbook38:12 Exploring Unique Recipes and Their Significance42:44 The Collaborative Process of Recipe Development44:29 The Challenges and Surprises in Fermentation47:13 The Impact of Fermentation on Health49:21 Reflections on the Book Writing Experience51:01 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Growth57:47 Envisioning a Better World Through UnitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Sara Stender Delaney, founder of Sarilla Beverage, shares her journey from her roots in Vermont, to her transformative experiences in Rwanda, and what inspired her to create a non-alcoholic organic tea spritzer company. She discusses the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and her commitment to social impact and mental health. Sara emphasizes the need for personal growth and responsibility in creating a better world, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, community, and sustainability.Takeaways:Sara's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her experiences in Rwanda.The connection to Rwanda inspired Sara to focus on regenerative organic supply chains.Sarilla Beverage was born out of a desire to create non-alcoholic options for health-conscious consumers.Sara emphasizes the importance of personal growth and healing in her journey.The challenges of product development include navigating market demands and consumer preferences.Regenerative agriculture is crucial for sustainable farming and environmental health.Sara's nonprofit work in Rwanda focuses on trauma healing and entrepreneurship training.The beverage industry requires constant adaptation and learning from failures.Sara believes in the power of community and support for mental health.A better world involves individuals taking responsibility for their health and well-being. Sound bites:“I consistently had the opportunity to quit or fail or close. There's always that possibility.”“I think it's important to stay grounded, but also connected to a big vision and sometimes just to trust that the universe will show us opportunities along the way that we can't even plan for.”“The last thing we need is another generic consumer product… the only thing we might need more of is like brands making a difference and making an impact.”“With my own sobriety journey, I was just feeling consistently like something was missing for me and my friends and people I knew who were not drinking alcohol.”“It's 100 % regenerative. They just don't have the certification yet.”“It's like, instead of just taking and taking from Mother Earth, it's like we have an exchange.”“We're finding is that plants grown in regenerative soil are better for humans as well.”“There's so many systems ripe for change.”“I would like to see more people showing up in their healthy self.”“I've seen firsthand the ripple effect of unhealed trauma on families, on communities, on villages, and on generational impact.”Links:Sara Stender Delaney on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarastenderdelaney/Sarilla - https://www.drinksarilla.com/Sarilla on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrinkSarillaSarilla on X - https://x.com/drinksarillaSarilla on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinksarillaSarilla on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drinksarilla…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Sarilla Beverage and Its Origins14:50 The Impact of Rwanda on Sara's Journey24:50 The Birth of Sarilla Beverage31:45 Product Development and Challenges38:52 Navigating the Beverage Industry39:50 Building a Supportive Network50:55 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture01:05:09 Envisioning a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Bryon White, co-founder of Yaupon Brothers, discusses the unique qualities and benefits of Yaupon, the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America. He shares insights into the history of Yaupon, its cultivation, and the innovative flavored blends that have emerged. The discussion also covers their recent influencer branded products and the importance of building authentic relationships with influencers for successful marketing. We discuss the challenges faced by the CPG industry, and the role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable farming practices. Bryon emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to understand their customers and the significance of leaving the world better than we found it.Takeaways:Yaupon is the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America.Historically, Yaupon was widely consumed across various cultures for its energizing and medicinal properties.Yaupon offers a smoother taste compared to traditional teas due to its lower tannin content.Theobromine in Yaupon provides a chill energy boost without jitters.Yaupon Brothers focuses on cultivating unique varietals for better tea production.Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity, appealing to a broader audience.Building authentic relationships with influencers can lead to successful collaborations.Regenerative agriculture practices are integral to Yaupon cultivation.Entrepreneurs should prioritize understanding their customers before launching products.The CPG industry faces challenges with rising costs across the supply chain, local production is a big win.Sound bites:“Yaupon has been associated with mental, spiritual, and physical purity for at least 8,000 years, probably longer than that. And only in the last 150, 200 years has it really sort of been forgotten about.”“Yaupon is the only caffeine source native to North America.”“It's very similar to tea in terms of its caffeine content, but with a higher ratio of theobromine to caffeine, meaning that it's a way more chill experience.”"Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity."“Yaupon is the only caffeinated holly native to in North America. The other two are in South America and those are yerba mate and wayusa.”“Yaupon trees provide habitat for wildlife, they provide food for pollinators, they help stabilize the soil, and when we harvest the trees, we tend to put the woody material from the harvesting process back into the soil, so there could be like a carbon sequestration component as well.”“We were able to give Uncle Pappy a way to monetize his following without doing things that he wasn't comfortable doing. Without selling out, so to speak.”“We have a 5 % give back to Friends of the Everglades, which was something that Uncle Pappy cared about a lot and something that we jive with.”"The CPG industry faces rising costs and challenges.""Social media has made us dumb and inconsiderate."Links:Bryon White on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryon-white-b9b172b0/Yaupon Brothers - https://yauponbrothers.com/Yaupon Brothers on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YauponAsiTea/Yaupon Brothers on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yauponteaYaupon Brothers on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hGFk-WriknjdCK0iqF0MQYaupon Brothers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@yauponbrothers…Black Drink, A Native American Tea (Book) - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/black-drink-a-native-american-tea/2851945/item/28550797/#edition=3163440&idiq=33503911…Uncle Pappy Florida Chai - https://yauponbrothers.com/products/yaupon-tea-uncle-pappys-zippacket-16Uncle Pappy on Instagram - https://www.everglades.org/Uncle Pappy on Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@unc.pappyUncle Pappy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7arn0PnTCPNbAKRzNhD-vQFriends of the Everglades - https://www.everglades.org/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Yaupon and Its Significance05:50 Health Benefits and Unique Qualities of Yaupon08:48 Consumer Reactions and Perceptions of Yaupon11:41 Yaupon Varietals and Flavored Blends14:41 The Founding Story of Yaupon Brothers17:41 Processing Yaupon and Its Accessibility20:45 Affiliate Marketing and Influencer Collaborations23:48 Successful Collaborations and Product Development26:45 Future of Affiliate Marketing and Building Relationships41:51 The Shift in Investment Landscape44:52 Challenges in Starting New Ventures47:44 Influencer Collaborations and Market Expansion52:37 Embracing Regenerative Agriculture58:03 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:06:32 Defining a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Simón Sacal, CEO and co-founder of Solely, shares his journey toward building a company focused on creating healthy fruit snacks made entirely from real fruit. He explains the challenges of using real fruit in manufacturing, the importance building a reliable supply chain, and how the patented innovations that unlocked their ability to make indulgent yet nutritious products. He then shares vision for the future of the company, advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, and how he believes that aligned incentives in the food system can lead to a better world.Takeaways:Solely aims to revolutionize fruit snacks by using only real fruit.The evolution of fruit snacks from their original candy origin.Using real fruit in manufacturing presents unique challenges.Organic sourcing is a priority, but making indulgent yet nutritious whole food snacks is their purpose.Eliminating waste in the supply chain is crucial for efficiency.Building strong relationships with farmers is essential for success, especially when using whole, fresh ingredients.Innovative manufacturing processes allow for shelf-stable fruit products without preservatives.Future growth will focus on expanding product lines while maintaining quality.Aspiring entrepreneurs should ensure their product solves a real problem.Business must be treated as a sustainable venture, not just a passion project.Sound bites:“So I have a very, very long story. I've been doing this for more than 25 years.”“We're designed to crave sweetness, and in nature the only place that you find sweetness is in fruit.”"We help farmers use 100% of what they grow.”“All the incentives are aligned and everyone makes money from each other's success.”“The process has to be very mild to the fruit. And then you need to manufacture it in a way that you don't need preservatives.”“It's all about the basics. This is not rocket science. The product has to taste amazing. It has to be priced in line with everything else. It has to communicate well to the consumer. It has to have a market fit.”“To make a product out of fruit, you need to create the whole supply chain and understand how to do it in a way that's profitable, that works for the supply chain, for the farmers, for you.”“At the end of the day, it's just a great product that checks all the boxes.”Links:Simуn Sacal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sim%C3%B3n-sacal-05265715a/Solely - https://solely.com/Solely on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solely-inc/Solely on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/solelycleanfood/Solely on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solelyfruit/Solely on X - https://x.com/solelyfruitSolely on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@solelyfruit…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Soli and Its Mission06:00 Revolutionizing Fruit Snacks: The Soli Approach09:03 Challenges of Using Real Fruit in Production11:59 The Importance of Organic Sourcing14:54 Understanding the Complexity of Food Production18:05 The Role of Waste in Food Systems20:57 Building Relationships with Farmers24:02 Soli's Commitment to Sustainability and Health34:09 Supporting Farmers Through Sustainable Practices38:47 Innovative Manufacturing for Healthy Products46:51 Future Growth and Product Innovation52:41 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs56:40 Personal Insights and Reflections62:19 Creating a Better World Through Aligned IncentivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg Live Foods, shares insights into the company's rich legacy, innovative product development, and commitment to wellness. She discusses the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating market trends, the role of B Corp certification, and lessons learned from her previous experience in the toy industry. Rona emphasizes the significance of efficacious ingredients in their products and offers advice for aspiring marketers. The conversation also touches on creative uses for apple cider vinegar and the vision for a better world where everyone has access to healthy food.Takeaways:Bragg Live Foods is a legacy brand with a focus on innovation.The company supports plant-based diets and wellness.Maintaining brand integrity is crucial for legacy brands.Efficacious ingredients are essential for consumer trust.B Corp certification aligns with Bragg's values of wellness and community.Lessons from the toy industry can apply to food marketing.Storytelling is key in marketing and brand positioning.Creative uses for apple cider vinegar extend beyond consumption.Access to healthy food is a fundamental right.Younger generations are more open to exploring diverse career paths.Sound bites:"We're a hundred plus year old startup."“Becoming a B Corp was a natural extension of who we've always been.”“60 % of our management team is women.”“Acetic acid is the compound within apple cider vinegar that brings forth the efficaciousness, if you will, or the benefits.”“With 750 milligrams of acetic acid, it's been shown to support healthy weight levels, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels.““We ensure that every serving has that 750 milligrams of acetic acid in it so that when you're consuming you have those benefits as well.”“People are using our pineapple turmeric ACV, which is absolutely delicious and perfect for summer, in all things, including salad dressings and mocktails.”"Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an amazing for hair."“If you're in marketing, being a good storyteller is super critical because if your message doesn't ever come across, then you're not being effective as a marketer.”“Everyone deserves to have access to good food, housing, and education”Links:Rona Williams on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronawilliams/Bragg - https://www.bragg.com/Bragg on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bragg/Bragg on X - https://x.com/bragglivefoodsBragg on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2abWlKZUOCSDoYg0ORz6EgBragg on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bragglivefoodproducts/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Bragg Live Foods and Rona Williams06:04 Exploring Bragg's Product Range and Legacy08:45 Innovation and Product Development at Bragg11:47 Consumer Insights and Market Research15:01 The Role of B Corp Certification18:02 Sustainability and Packaging Innovations20:50 Maintaining Brand Integrity and Focus26:12 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar34:21 The B Corp Movement and Community Engagement37:24 Transitioning from Toys to Food Marketing40:38 Finding Your Niche in the Food Industry45:36 Advice for Aspiring Marketers53:18 Personal Insights and Career Advice57:36 Creative Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar60:07 Building a Better World Through Access to FoodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Jason Burke, founder of New Primal, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up. He shares how growing up poor influenced his mindset, the importance of resilience, how he overcame his challenges with fundraising, and that authenticity wins in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the evolution of his brand and the importance catering to an underserved consumer segment — in his case, women and children. The discussion concludes with insights on personal growth and his vision for a better world through access to wholesome food.Takeaways:Jason Burke founded New Primal to change the course of his family tree.Resilience and grit are essential in entrepreneurship.Purpose-driven businesses are more likely to succeed in tough times.Many entrepreneurs quit due to financial constraints.The evolution of a brand is crucial for survival in a competitive market.Fundraising in the CPG industry has become increasingly challenging.Authenticity is key to building a successful brand.Building for the long term is more beneficial than seeking quick exits.Women and children are often overlooked in the protein snack market.Pivoting can prevent the need to quit.Sound bites:“When you start from nothing there's really not a lot to lose.”"I made a commitment to myself many years ago, even before I started New Primal, that I was gonna change the course of my family tree forever.""I've never once thought, God, this is too hard. I'm going to quit.""You have to have something you're aiming for."“The last couple of years, the wells of CPG fundraising ran dry.”“Confidence and conviction are the are two key pillars of fundraising.”“The people who show up authentically in the world are the most successful people I know.”“Sometimes those pivots help you find your new focus.”Links:Jason Burke - https://www.jasonburke.co/Jason Burke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burkejason/Jason Burke on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasonmichaelburke/Jason Burke on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmichaelburkeNew Primal - https://newprimal.com/New Primal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-primal/New Primal on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thenewprimal/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Jason Burke and New Primal04:48 The Grit of Entrepreneurship13:45 Common Reasons Entrepreneurs Give Up21:57 Evolution of New Primal33:07 Targeting Women and Kids in the Protein Market39:11 Finding Opportunities in Saturated Markets42:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship51:03 The Journey to Authenticity53:43 The Evolution of the Podcast60:47 Giving Back Through Mentorship01:07:27 Building for the Long GameSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Victoria Ho tell us about her a journey into food and wellness, and how that sense of purpose drove her to launch her new Ayurvedic cooking system brand, Khalo. She discusses the interconnectedness of food, health, and personal growth, and how cooking serves as a form of self-care. Victoria highlights the challenges of building a brand in the CPG landscape and how she’s bringing what she’s learned as a CPG consultant, through Sherpa CPG, into building her own brand. Through Kahlo, she aims to make Ayurveda accessible and create a community that fosters connection and belonging. She talks about the value of community she’s found through organizations like Specialty Food Association and :Included CPG, and emphasizes the need for equity in supporting conscious brands. The discussion also highlights the significance of kindness and empathy in creating a better world.Takeaways:Victoria Ho emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her ventures.Food serves as a universal language that connects humanity.Cooking is a form of self-care and personal expression.The journey of wellness is ongoing and requires conscious choices.Kahlo aims to make Ayurveda accessible and approachable.Building a brand involves creating a community of trust and belonging.The food industry has a responsibility to guide consumers towards healthier choices.Disconnection in the food system impacts health and wellness.Consumer trust is crucial in navigating food choices.The process of building a brand is filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Launching a product in 2025 requires a different financial approach.A company's success relies on its people.Conscious leadership involves walking alongside customers.Equity is essential for supporting conscious brands.Kindness is fundamental to a better world.Sound bites:"Food is the story of humanity. It's also the story of the planet.”“Cooking and the kitchen have always been my happy place."“A company is made up of people. And if you don't have the right people in that company, no matter how great your processes or systems or anything else are, that company is going to struggle.”“Khalo in Hindi, loosely translates to come eat.”“Don't get lost in the sauce. Find yourself through the sauce.”“When I finished my last round of chemotherapy I had to relearn how to eat. I didn't know what hunger was anymore. My body was so confused. My gut was destroyed.”“I've probably been on more than, I don't know, 500 production runs in my life.”“I felt like I finally found my people when I went to my first Fancy Food show.”“People wanna make healthy choices, but don't know where to start.”“There's also so many insane brands in our community at :Included CPG that like impressed me every single day with how they're balancing heritage flavor and really helpful ingredients.”Links:Victoria Ho on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriajho/Khalo - https://www.khaloworld.com/Khalo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/khalokitchen/Khalo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/khalokitchen/Sherpa CPG - https://www.sherpacpg.com/Sherpa CPG on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sherpacpg/:Included CPG - https://www.includedcpg.com/:Included CPG on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/included-cpg/Specialty Food Association - https://www.specialtyfood.com/Specialty Food Association on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/specialty-food-association/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Victoria Ho and Her Ventures05:56 The Journey of Creating Impact through Food08:36 Food as a Connection to Self and Others11:23 The Role of Food in Wellness and Belonging14:15 Reconnecting with Cooking as a Ritual17:32 The Disconnection in the Food System20:21 Consumer Trust and the Food Industry's Responsibility23:24 Navigating Choices in a Processed Food World26:13 Kahlo: A New Brand with Purpose29:07 The Philosophy Behind Kahlo and Ayurveda35:29 Making Ayurveda Accessible36:52 Personal Journey of Healing39:14 Building a Company with Love41:59 The Role of Cooking in Wellness45:20 Effort and Convenience in Wellness50:32 Navigating Challenges in CPG53:51 Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics01:07:29 Community Engagement and the Specialty Food Association01:16:22 Defining Fancy in Food Culture01:19:41 Empowerment and Community in Specialty Food01:21:16 Creating Equity for Conscious Brands01:26:03 Amplifying Voices in the Specialty Food Industry01:30:46 The Role of Purpose in CPG01:35:23 Favorite Brands and Innovations01:42:04 Highlighting Unsung Heroes in CPG01:48:03 The Essence of a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jade, the co-founder and CEO of Dr. Glitter, tell us about her innovative nutrient crystals, a unique product format that combines the fun of edible glitter with iron and gut health supplements. The discussion covers the challenges of modern diets, the importance of iron, fiber, and probiotics, and the need for educating consumers about nutrition. Jade shares insights on the patenting process, the strategic move into the US market, and their retail collaboration with Urban Outfitters which is helping them get in front of Gen Z consumers. The conversation concludes with Jade's vision for a better world through empowering healthy living and the importance of thinking bigger as an entrepreneur.Takeaways:Dr. Glitter's Nutrient Crystals are a novel supplement format.The idea originated from a desire to make nutrition fun and appealing.Modern diets often lack essential nutrients, making supplements necessary.Iron is the #1 deficiency in the world, and is a significant global issue, especially among women.1 stick of Dr. Glitter is equivalent to the iron in 4 ounces of beef.Probiotics are crucial for gut health, but many struggle to consume them regularly.Consumer education takes time but is vital for driving consumer trial and retention.The patenting process is complex but essential for protecting innovations.Urban Outfitters provides a unique retail opportunity for Dr. Glitter.A better world means empowering people to live healthier and happier lives.Sound bites:“We are definitely the world's first. Patent Office has confirmed that.”"Whole foods are not enough [referring to declining nutrition content].”“We like to celebrate whole foods and make nutrition fun.”“The best advice I've been given is to not rush into retail.”“It's important to scale things that work and not scale any things that are not quite right yet.”“I think people should just think bigger, think longer term, be more patient, and the world would be a better place.”“We finally launched and then to our surprise, we went viral in the US. SnackShot picked us up and then three retailers reached out.”Links:Cynthia Duran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadediep/DrGlitter - https://drglitter.com/DrGlitter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/drglitter/DrGlitter on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drglitterhealth/DrGlitter on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drglitterhealthDrGlitter on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drglitter…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Dr. Glitter and Nutrient Crystals06:02 The Inspiration Behind Nutrient Crystals08:53 The Importance of Whole Foods and Nutrition11:44 Targeting Nutritional Deficiencies: Iron and Probiotics14:53 The Unique Manufacturing Process and Patent17:48 Education on Nutrient Absorption and Probiotic Effectiveness20:55 Addressing Sugar and Sweetener Concerns23:34 Market Trends and the Role of GLP-1 in Nutrition27:34 The Importance of Unflavored Supplements28:44 Patenting and Intellectual Property Strategy34:28 Navigating the Challenges of Patenting37:59 Expanding into the US Market42:55 Strategic Partnerships with Urban Outfitters47:18 Retail vs. Online Adoption50:46 Consumer Education and Retention Strategies54:40 Advice for Entrepreneurs56:59 Personal Touch: Favorite Ways to Use the Product60:07 Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to 11 entrepreneurs from across the United States as they pitch their brands and products as part of the Naturally Rising pitch competition, hosted by Naturally Network, and in partnership with New Hope Network, Cambium Analytica, Beyond Brands, FoodBevy, NIQ, and us, Brands for a Better world! Each of these entrepreneurs won a regional competition for the chance to compete on the national stage Newtopia Now, 2025!Listen to all pitches, then click here to tell us which brand, product, and entrepreneur you’d vote for!https://forms.gle/UKuHfdUjkCxSDdsW9If you want to buy a pitch product's sample box featuring these brands (brought to you by FoodBevy) or register for the live Pitch Competition on August 21st at Newtopia Now in Denver, CO, visit Naturally Networks' event registration page here. https://naturallynetwork.glueup.com/event/naturally-networks-2025-naturally-rising-pitch-competition-awards-show-147692/Starting from the West Coast and moving our way out east, here’s who you’ll hear from.Naturally Seattle’s Stephanie McGregor pitching Ringa, a canned moringa and apple cider vinegar based, functional beverage. https://drinkringa.com/Naturally NorCal’s Brandie Miller pitching Mochi Love, a chewy, cream-filled mochi snack. https://www.mochilove.co/Naturally Los Angeles’ Jocelyn Rameriz pitching Todo Verde, a true-to-culture taco seasoning. https://todoverde.org/Naturally San Diego’s Sydney Chasin pitching Chasin’ Dreams Farm, seed oil free baked puffs made from sorghum and whole grain brown rice. https://chasindreamsfarm.com/Naturally Colorado’s Anna Zesbaugh pitching Corpse Reviver, a canned hydration drink with electrolytes and essential elements. https://drinkcorpsereviver.com/Naturally Austin’s Ashley Waldman pitching Jubilee’s, the only flavored milk with secret veggies. https://drinkjubilees.com/Naturally Minnesota’s Simon Solis-Cohen pitching Huxley, a canned superfruit energy drink featuring cascara. https://drinkhuxley.com/Naturally Wisconsin’s Deed Ziegler pitching Rec Pak, an ultralight meal replacement for outdoor adventurers. https://recpak.co/Naturally Chicago’s Ivan Gutierrez pitching Tierra Negra, a premium dark Mexican salsa. https://www.tierranegrasalsa.com/Naturally New York’s Damiano Messineo pitching Loopini, high-protein, healthy frozen pizza handcrafted in Italy. https://eatloopini.com/Naturally New England’s Holly Arbuckle pitching Singing Pastures, pasture raised, traditionally crafted meat and salami. https://singingpastures.com/Links:Vote for your favorite brand, product, and entrepreneur here:https://forms.gle/UKuHfdUjkCxSDdsW9…Naturally Network - https://www.naturallynetwork.org/Naturally Rising - https://www.naturallynetwork.org/naturally-rising…Newtopia Now - https://www.newtopianow.com/…Naturally Seattle - https://www.naturallyseattle.org/Ringa - https://drinkringa.com/Stephanie McGregor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieleemcgregor/…Naturally NorCal - https://naturallynorcal.org/Mochi Love - https://www.mochilove.co/Brandie Miller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandie-miller-482bab41/…Naturally Los Angeles - https://www.naturallyla.org/Todo Verde - https://todoverde.org/Jocelyn Rameriz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyncramirez77/…Naturally San Diego - https://naturallysandiego.org/Chasin’ Dreams Farm - https://chasindreamsfarm.com/Sydney Chasin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-chasin-074a158a/…Naturally Colorado - https://www.naturallycolorado.org/Corpse Reviver - https://drinkcorpsereviver.com/Anna Zesbaugh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-zesbaugh-a79897b9/…Naturally Austin - https://www.naturallyaustin.org/Jubilee’s - https://drinkjubilees.com/Ashley Waldman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyverrill/…Naturally Minnesota - https://www.naturallyminnesota.org/Huxley - https://drinkhuxley.com/Simon Solis-Cohen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-solis-cohen/…Naturally Wisconsin - https://www.naturallywisconsin.org/Rec Pak - https://recpak.co/Deed Ziegler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deed-ziegler-bba39a6/…Naturally Chicago - https://www.naturallychicago.org/Tierra Negra - https://www.tierranegrasalsa.com/Ivan Gutierrez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-m-gutierrez-3b169b69/…Naturally New York - https://www.naturallynewyork.org/Loopini - https://eatloopini.com/Damiano Messineo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiano-messineo-53354018a/…Naturally New England - https://www.naturallyne.org/Singing Pastures - https://singingpastures.com/Holly Arbuckle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-arbuckle-ba56a61b8/…FoodBevy - https://www.foodbevy.com/FoodBevy Insider's Box - https://insider.foodbevy.com/...Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cynthia Duran, founder of Xinca Foods, shares her journey of creating the first Salvadorian frozen food brand in the U.S. She talked about her family’s love of food, their cultural roots, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Cynthia emphasizes the significance of community support and feedback in building her brand, as well as her future plans for growth and product development. She reflects on her recent pitch competition wins, including Naturally Rising Seattle’s People Choice Award, the personal growth she has experienced through her entrepreneurial journey, and the impact she hopes to make in the world through her food.Takeaways:Cynthia's family culture influenced her passion for cooking.Food is a way to connect with cultural roots.Xinca Foods aims to share Salvadorian culture with a wider audience.Community feedback is crucial for product development.Cynthia's journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs.The importance of quality in food production cannot be overstated.Cynthia's experience in data analysis helps her understand consumer behavior.Building a brand requires resilience and adaptability.A better world means being kind and supporting one another.Sound bites:“My parents always said, you need to be independent. You need to learn how to cook for yourself.”“Growing up, I thought everyone in the United States knew what loroco was, but it turns out only people who grew up in Salvadorian or Guatemalan households knew.”“I was thinking, why can't I find pupusas in the freezer aisle?”“Salvadorian people are the third largest Latino community in the United States.”“The quesadilla dessert is a great segue for us because not only is it a traditional Salvadorian dessert, it's also appealing to consumers.”“One thing I've learned is packaging is everything, especially when you're in CPG.”“Dwight from Town and Country said “Your product is selling itself even if you're not standing in front of the case.”””I really like making that impact, but I didn't realize it when I started this business. I was just making food for my community.”“We were looking for a co-packer, but there wasn't really anyone that could make the product the way I wanted it.”“We were like, well, we don't really have a choice. We have to have a custom machine to make the product to my specific specifications, right?”“It’s a great advantage for me because other people can't really do that or can't really do their own research and development the way that I can because I have the ability to do that in my own place.”“This is a very cash intensive, time consuming type of business.”“Sometimes we can think with our heart, but you also have to think with your mind, right?”“I'm just happy that I won both. I didn't realize I would win anything.”“I feel like I've gotten to know myself a bit more. My limits are far beyond what I thought I could, you know?”Links:Cynthia Duran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-duran-693410b9/Xinca Foods- https://xincafoods.com/Xinca Foods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/xinca-foods-llc/posts/Xinca Foods on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Xincafoods/Xinca Foods on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xincafoods/Xinca Foods on X - https://x.com/xincafoods…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Cynthia Duran: The Journey Begins06:01 Cultural Connections Through Food08:46 Learning to Cook: A Family Tradition11:44 The Birth of Xinca Foods14:40 Bringing Salvadoran Cuisine to the U.S.17:29 Market Research and Product Selection20:43 The Importance of Packaging23:39 Future Products and Expansion Plans32:44 Strategic Product Development33:40 The Decision to Manufacture In-House35:05 Quality Control and Unique Product Standards37:10 Flexibility in Product Development38:36 Retailer Relationships and Market Insights40:02 New Product Development: Chicken and Cheese Pupusa42:45 Family Feedback and Recipe Testing44:55 Navigating Challenges in CPG48:03 Lessons from Manufacturing Challenges54:20 The Tough Reality of Entrepreneurship57:55 Leveraging Past Experience in Building a Brand58:51 Data-Driven Insights in Entrepreneurship01:01:30 Balancing Heart and Mind in Decision Making01:02:55 The Power of Storytelling in Pitch Competitions01:08:40 Scaling and Future Plans for Xinca01:12:52 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth01:19:03 Building Community and Impacting CultureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, a preventive cardiologist and founder of Step One Foods, discusses the critical role of nutrition in managing heart disease and the challenges faced in integrating dietary changes into medical practice. She shares her journey from traditional medicine to creating a food company aimed at reducing reliance on medications through nutrition. The discussion highlights the importance of randomized controlled trials in validating the effectiveness of food-based interventions, the impact of pharmaceuticals on healthcare, and the need for a shift in consumer perceptions towards whole food ingredients. Dr. Klodas emphasizes the potential for a healthier future where cardiologists are less needed due to preventive measures and lifestyle changes.Takeaways:Nutrition is often overlooked in favor of pharmaceuticals in healthcare.Patients are rarely asked about their diet by healthcare providers.Changing dietary habits can lead to significant health improvements.Pharmaceuticals are easier to prescribe than dietary changes.There is a lack of nutrition education in medical training.Step One Foods aims to fill nutritional gaps in patients' diets.Randomized controlled trials can validate the effectiveness of food products.Consumer perceptions of health foods can be influenced by marketing.The food industry often prioritizes cost over nutrition.A better world would mean fewer cardiologists needed due to preventive health measures.Sound bites:“There is very little to no nutrition education for physicians. As I look back on this I consider this educational malpractice.”“All the medical evidence of what we should be doing is very heavily pharma biased, because guidelines are based on randomized control clinical trials.”“So there's loads of reasons why nutrition is not used in clinical care the way it should be. None of that is an excuse though, because it works and it's so vital.”“What if I asked you to like eat this food twice a day and I otherwise left you alone? What started happening is people calling and saying, hey, my cholesterol dropped 39 points. Then I'm like, okay, we're gonna subject our products to a randomized control trial. Let’s see. Let's prove it. Does this actually work?”“If I reduce, LDL, the bad cholesterol across the US population by an average of 9%, I will finally dethrone heart disease as our number one killer.”“In that trial, we replicated what people were calling in with our highest LDL reduction was close to 40 % in 30 days. That's a medication level cholesterol reduction. And we did that with food, without turning people's lives upside down.”“It's not just the nutrient of interest that's important. It's the delivery vehicle. You can stuff a bunch of fiber into a Twinkie. But in the end, you're still eating a Twinkie, right? Food and nutrition is complex.”“At Step One Foods I take the complexity out for people. I take whole food ingredients, each and every single one that has data behind it in terms health benefits, and put them in my foods.”“We are probably the most overfed and undernourished society in the history of our species.”“If you truly believe in your mission, you have to ignore all the no’s.”Promo Offer:Code: BETTERWORLDLink: https://www.steponefoods.com/discount/BETTERWORLDOffer: 10% off first order for both one time and subscription orders. Offer can be stacked with the subscription discount to save 30% on their first order. Exclusions: Limited to one use per customer. Limited to a customer's first order and only applies to the first recurring order. Code must be entered at checkout for the discount to be applied. Links:Dr Elizabeth Klodas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eklodas/Step One Foods- https://www.steponefoods.com/Step One Foods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/steponefoods/Step One Foods on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StepOneFoodsStep One Foods on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steponefoods/Step One Foods on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/StepOneFoods…“Slay the Giant: The Power of Prevention in Defeating Heart Disease” book - https://www.steponefoods.com/products/slay-the-giant…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Preventive Cardiology and Nutrition05:58 The Shift from Nutrition to Medication in Healthcare08:45 The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Patient Care11:41 The Challenges of Nutrition Education in Medicine14:41 The Complexity of Food and Nutrition Science17:59 Step One Foods: A New Approach to Nutrition20:57 The Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials on Nutrition23:59 The Importance of Ingredient Quality in Food Products26:49 Pushback from the Medical and Food Industries29:52 The Insurance Industry's Role in Healthcare Costs32:52 Step One Foods: Product Overview and Benefits38:43 Introduction to Whole Foods and Health Claims40:56 The Importance of Real Ingredients42:56 Navigating Organic Ingredients and Supply Chain Challenges44:59 Stepwise Approach to Health and Nutrition48:58 Challenges in Scaling Food Production51:49 Milestones and Industry Changes56:55 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs59:50 Personal Indulgences and Food Preferences01:03:00 Innovative Thinkers in Nutrition01:05:50 Vision for a Healthier WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, David Istier, founder and CEO of gutzy Organic, shares his journey from personal health struggles to creating a successful line of gut health snacks. He discusses his early stumbles with the brand that caused the need to reformulate the products to dial in taste and texture, the importance of organic ingredients, and the challenges he’s faced trying to grow a brand in the CPG industry. David talks about consumers’ growing concern for gut health and the difference it makes when you use quality ingredients, even if they’re more expensive. David then shares his vision for the future of gutzy Organic, and his commitment to inspiring healthier lifestyles.Takeaways:gutzy Organic focuses on gut health through delicious snacks.The journey to gut health began with personal health struggles.Reformulating products to dial in taste and texture is crucial for market success.Organic ingredients enhance product appeal and quality.Gut health is a growing concern in the US and worldwide.The pouch format was chosen for on-the-go convenience.Prebiotic fiber is essential for gut health, which aids overall wellness.Balancing protein and fiber is key for a healthy diet.David’s past CPG experience helped him grow gutzy Organic.Sound bites:“It actually started with a business struggle that turned into a health challenge.”“I ended up going to see a herbalist and that's when I discovered the power of plants and the power of gut health to heal my body.”“Gut health is such a big problem in the US, maybe worldwide.”“We worked with GoGo Squeeze to reformulate the product to make it more palatable, better testing, and scalable.”“It's part of the journey, like the up and down and the learning curves and the pivot and the adjustment, right?”“Only one in 10 Americans eat the five a day of fruit and veggies that people should be eating.”“Only one in 20 actually meet the daily fiber requirement.”“So it's like super delicious, a little bit of sweetness from natural sugars from fruits and veggies, no added sugar in it and also extra clean deck of ingredients. We don't even add coloring or flavoring in our products.”“I call Acacia the queen of prebiotic, it's because it's the purest form that blends well, and doesn’t call bloating and gas.”“It's very hard to get a plant protein that doesn't have a chalkiness to it, so we use organic yellow peas because it’s sustainably grown in the U.S., clean, and easy to blend.”“At Quorn and GoGo Squeeze I learned how to build a new category and create awareness.”“You think you have a business plan and then reality starts and it takes a lot longer than you think.”"Building a brand takes time and money.""Less is more in the food industry."““The Stoic Sage, or wise man, needs nothing but uses everything well; the fool believes himself to “need” countless things, but he uses them all badly.”— Donald J. RobertsonLinks:David Istier on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-istier-8b05742/gutzy Organic - https://gutzyorganic.com/gutzy Organic on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/energyfruits-keep-moving/gutzy Organic on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gutzyorganicgutzy Organic on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gutzyorganicgutzy Organic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gutzyorganicgutzy Organic on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/gutzyorganic/_saved/gutzy Organic on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpasHfXTpZJ5Xx22wFo6hdQ…Ramping Your Brand (book) by James F Richardson - https://www.rampingyourbrand.com/James F Richardson on Brands for a Better World (Formerly Evolve CPG) - https://modernspecies.com/brands-for-a-better-world-podcast/focus-on-your-fans-dr-james-richardson-premium-growth-solutions?rq=rampingHow to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius (book) by Donald J. Robertson - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863499-how-to-think-like-a-roman-emperor…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to gutzy Organic04:07 The Journey to Gut Health07:29 Reformulating for Success12:11 The Importance of Gut Health13:27 Choosing the Right Product Format14:44 The Power of Prebiotic Fiber18:25 Navigating the Gut Health Trend23:02 Balancing Nutritional Needs28:10 Lessons from Industry Experience32:51 Navigating Cash Flow Challenges34:57 The Importance of Brand Positioning39:15 Evolving Brand Identity and Packaging43:49 Surprising Challenges in Entrepreneurship52:04 Celebrating Retail Success and Expansion55:50 Vision for the Future of gutzy Organic57:46 Personal Insights and AdviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Dan Frommer, founder and editor in chief of The New Consumer, discusses the complexities of consumer behavior, particularly in relation to food choices. He explores the dichotomy between what consumers say they want and what they actually purchase, emphasizing the influence of technology, marketing, and generational differences. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by ultra-processed foods and the importance of real food in promoting health and well-being. Throughout the conversation, Frommer shares insights from his research, highlighting the need for education and understanding in navigating consumer trends.Takeaways:Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for effective marketing.There is often a gap between what consumers say they want and what they actually buy.Food choices are influenced by technology and social media.Generational and gender differences play a significant role in food preferences.Education about food and health is essential for consumers.Surveys can provide valuable insights but have limitations.Real food is preferable to ultra-processed options for health.Trust in institutions is declining, leading consumers to rely on influencers.Personalization in food choices is becoming more important.Gratitude and mindfulness can enhance consumer satisfaction. Sound bites:“The healthiest foods that make people also the happiest are grapes, blueberries, and broccoli.”“Chocolate makes Gen Xers happier than any other product makes any other generation in all our research.”“I'm really interested to see companies finding ways to help people to make food choices that are not only considered smart on a macro level, but are the right thing for them personally.”“Younger people believe that grocers, online grocers especially, have a responsibility to recommend healthy food.”“Ultra-processed foods, a great example of something where people have very strong opinions about it, but don't actually know what they are.”“It's very hard to get Americans to agree on anything, but something that both Democrats and Republicans agree on in our research is that the government should be doing more to regulate ultra processed food than it has in the past.”“There's increasing awareness around seed oils. Some people are convinced that they are toxic and that they are killing Americans and making us all have terrible health. Other people, including scientists, are saying that is nonsense.”“The US is not in a recession, but most people think it is. So what do do about that?”“The people who are buying the cheapest, least environmentally friendly stuff are also the ones who are saying that they are more willing to go out of their way and spend more money for the environment.”“I think if we all just ate more real food, I think that would probably have a better outcome for so many different elements of the food chain of our health, wellness, etc.”Links:Dan Frommer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fromedome/The New Consumer - https://newconsumer.com/The New Consumer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/newconsumer/The New Consumer on X - https://x.com/newconsumerThe New Consumer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/newconsumerConsumer Trends: Food Feelings Matrix - https://newconsumer.com/2025/05/consumer-trends-food-feelings-healthy-happy/Consumer Trends: Food & Wellness 2025 - https://newconsumer.com/2025/03/introducing-the-consumer-trends-2025-food-wellness-special-report/How Americans really think about seed oils, Poppi & Olipop, and MAHA - https://newconsumer.com/2025/03/how-americans-really-think-about-seed-oils-poppi-olipop-and-maha/Consumer Trends: Beauty Special 2025 - https://newconsumer.com/2025/04/introducing-the-consumer-trends-beauty-special-2025/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior05:59 Food Feelings: Happiness vs. Health08:58 Gender and Generational Differences in Food Preferences12:10 The Role of Technology in Food Choices15:04 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods18:02 Consumer Awareness and Education20:49 The Future of Food Consumption23:58 Cultural Shifts in Food Perception37:13 Raising Awareness on Food Safety38:04 The Complexity of Defining Health39:26 Evolving Perspectives on Nutrition41:01 Influencers vs. Experts in Health42:57 The Fragmentation of Media and Trust47:16 The Debate on Seed Oils48:47 Consumer Behavior vs. Intentions53:14 Using Research Effectively59:10 Personal Insights and Recommendations01:06:10 The Importance of Real FoodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Dan Kurzrock, co-founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods, discusses the significant waste generated at each stage of the food manufacturing process, and the opportunities for upcycling the coproduces and byproducts into valuable ingredients and products. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing the whole crop, the economic and environmental impacts of food waste, and the role of consumer demand in driving sustainable practices. Dan shares insights on successful upcycling initiatives and the challenges faced by companies in implementing these solutions, ultimately advocating for a shift towards a more efficient and responsible food system.Takeaways:The food manufacturing process generates significant waste at every stage.Upcycling reduces food waste by capturing byproducts and converting them into valuable ingredientsConsumer demand is shifting towards sustainability and waste reduction.Companies face challenges in recognizing and utilizing byproducts, largely due to complexity.The Food Recovery Hierarchy prioritizes feeding people first (see links below).Innovative solutions can unlock the value of overlooked materials.Collaboration across the value chain is essential for waste reduction.Regenerative agriculture complements upcycling efforts.Visibility and awareness are key to changing industry practices.A world of abundance is possible through better resource management.Sound bites:“We should be eating everything we grow.”“Waste is a mindset, not a reality.”“We’re not losing something, we’re co-creating multiple things.”“Ingredients often go to the path of least resistance instead of the path of the highest value.““We need to improve how we value food.”“We take the idea of like a spent grain and elevate it to a super grain, because once those sugars have been extracted, it’s all plant protein and dietary fiber, you know. It’s not just what’s left over, it’s actually arguably more desirable.”“These are not new ideas. This is just putting it into practice maybe in a new context with a lot of passion and energy.”“Hunger and food waste shouldn’t coexist. It’s a troubling dichotomy.”Links:Dan Kurzrock on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkurzrock/Upcycled Foods Inc – https://upcycledfoods.com/Upcycled Foods Inc on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/upcycled-foods…Food Recovery Hierarchy – https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-hierarchy_.htmlNutrient Density Alliance – https://www.nutrientdensityalliance.org/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive – http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species – https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts – https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network – https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X – https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Upcycled Foods and Manufacturing Process05:00 Understanding Food Manufacturing Basics08:58 The Importance of Upcycling in Food Production14:56 The Food Recovery Hierarchy and Its Implications20:54 Exploring Co-Products and Their Value28:45 Business Case for Utilizing Byproducts33:39 Unlocking Value from Waste41:21 Innovative Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges50:28 The Broader Impact of Upcycling57:16 Exploring New Opportunities in Upcycling62:10 Advice and Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Ric Scalzo, founder of Kokora, shares his journey into the world of regenerative agriculture and herbal medicine. He discusses the healing power of herbs, the principles of rest, restore, and revitalize, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Ric emphasizes the connection between soil health and human immunity, and how Kokora aims to demonstrate the benefits of regenerative practices through its products. The conversation also touches on the future of Kokora, the role of the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research at Sonoran University in advancing herbal research, and the importance of kindness and compassion in creating a better world. Takeaways: Ric Scalzo is the founder of Kokora, a brand focused on herbal remedies and regenerative living. Kokora grows its herbs using regenerative organic practices on their farm in Costa Rica. The healing power of herbs is rooted in nature's wisdom. Rest, restore, and revitalize are key principles of regenerative living. Ric's journey into herbal medicine began through meditation. Observing nature's wisdom is essential for learning and growth. Kokora aims to demonstrate the benefits of regenerative agriculture and lifestyle. Nutrient density and yields of herbs are significantly increased through regenerative practices. The connection between soil health and human immunity is crucial. Living in harmony with nature's cycles is vital for well-being.  Sound bites: "in naturopathic school I learned that there were three principles of healing: rest, restore, and revitalize.” "I trust and value that nature's wisdom is the highest form of wisdom." "I spent the last three years looking at traveling to these centenarian zones, these blue zones, trying to understand why these people live long and healthy lives." "You have to serve your purpose and show up in a way that really is committed to that every day.” "If we can transform the microbiome of the soil, we can get more nutrient-dense food and medicine, we can sequester carbon, we can clean up our waters, and we can really make a very broad impact the Earth." "We grow all our herbs that feed into our products through a regenerative organic practice.” “When you talk about regenerative agriculture and restoring the immunity, it has its foundation in restoring the biodiversity of our gut." "Observing nature's wisdom is essential for learning." “The more we can learn from nature and live in harmony with its cycles, the better off we'll be."  Links:Ric Scalzo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ric-scalzo-6b193217/Kokora - https://kokoralife.com/Kokora on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/KokoraLife/page/34539696-0079-4DDB-9860-7CD1E5228BDBKokora on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kokoralife/Kokora on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kokoralifeKokora on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kokoraliferegeneratedKokora on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KokoraLife…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 Introduction to Kokora and Ric Scalzo04:17 The Journey to Herbal Medicine07:56 Understanding Nature's Wisdom11:33 The Principles of Regenerative Healing14:26 The Birth of Kokora17:08 Research and Nutrient Density in Plants21:12 The Impact of Regenerative Agriculture23:33 Restoring Immunity through Regenerative Practices25:59 The Importance of Rest in Daily Life29:46 Aligning with Nature's Rhythms31:21 Introducing Kokora: A New Brand32:01 The Future of Kokora's Product Line36:05 Innovative Research and Development39:58 The Role of the Institute42:40 Where to Find Kokora Products44:02 Lessons from a Long Career47:26 Favorite Functional Foods and Recipes51:22 Recommendations for Future Guests52:35 Envisioning a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Gage and Jonas discuss the innovative kitchenware product SAVWA, designed to promote water conservation by capturing and reusing gray water in households. Jonas shares his personal journey of awareness regarding water waste, the challenges faced during product and supply chain development, and the importance of sustainability in the materials design. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for SAVWA, the vision for a future with conscious water usage, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways: SAVWA aims to raise awareness about water usage in households. The average American household generates 33-40 gallons of gray water daily. Jonas's journey began with a personal need to conserve water. The design process involved multiple prototypes and material considerations. SAVWA's product is designed to be stylish and functional for everyday use. Sustainability is a core focus, with over 75% of materials being recycled. The Kickstarter campaign is crucial for funding the manufacturing process. Changing consumer habits can lead to significant water savings. Listening to feedback and being open to ideas is essential for success. The vision for SAVWA includes expanding to other water conservation solutions.  Sound bites: “So I think in total we reached out to 200 companies to talk about the idea and then to really find the process to manufacture it.” “A little bit more than 75% of the product is made from recycled materials.” "It feels good to reuse the water." “We just want to provide fun, cool, stylish solutions which people want to have in their homes and want to use in a positive way.” “Listen to other people and don't have an ego. Just do whatever it takes to make the project and the product successful."  Links:Jonas Böck on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-b%C3%B6ck-8861382b0/SAVWA Kickstarter Campaign - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/353463312/save-drinking-water-with-SAVWASAVWA - https://www.SAVWA.de/SAVWA on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/SAVWA/SAVWA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/SAVWApioneers/?…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 Introduction to SAVWA and Water Conservation06:02 Understanding Water Waste in Households09:01 The Birth of an Idea: Reusing Gray Water11:50 Cultural Perspectives on Water Usage14:47 From Concept to Prototype: The Journey Begins20:42 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges24:46 Design Evolution and Product Development33:15 Sustainable Design and Material Choices36:40 Functional Use Cases for Water Conservation43:50 Kickstarter Launch and Community Engagement49:50 Vision for a Water-Conscious Future52:26 Advice and Insights for Innovators57:16 Innovative Sustainable Products58:43 A Better World: Excitement for the FutureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Rob Craven, founder of Scale Passion, shares his journey of discovering personal purpose and how it intertwines with business success. He discusses the importance of intentionality in leadership, the evolution of his company, and the significance of writing and reflection in understanding one's purpose. The dialogue emphasizes the need for personal happiness in business and the concept of work-life synergy, advocating for a life where passion and work are seamlessly integrated. Rob also touches on the challenges of navigating liminal spaces in life and business, encouraging listeners to embrace change and growth. In this conversation, Gage and Rob Craven explore the significance of rest and reflection in personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven businesses in today's economy. They discuss the evolution of capitalism from a shareholder-focused model to a more inclusive stakeholder approach, highlighting the need for businesses to integrate purpose and impact into their operations. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by small businesses and the potential for a shift towards regenerative business models that prioritize community and environmental well-being. Rob shares insights from his book, 'Scale Passion,' and his vision for a better world where fulfillment and purpose drive positive change. Takeaways: Rob Craven is the founder of Scale Passion and author of a purpose-driven business blueprint. Personal purpose and business purpose should be connected for fulfillment. Rob's early life experiences shaped his values of being bold and making a difference. The journey to discovering purpose is often iterative and requires reflection. Personal happiness is crucial for business success; leaders must prioritize it. Work-life synergy is more beneficial than work-life balance. Writing helps clarify thoughts and solidify understanding of purpose. Intentional living involves making the unconscious conscious. Embracing fear can lead to meaningful growth and outcomes. Navigating liminal spaces can be challenging but is part of the journey. Rest and reflection are crucial for personal growth. Purpose-driven businesses can create significant impact. Capitalism is evolving towards a more inclusive model. 3.0 businesses often outperform 2.0 businesses. The marketplace is shifting towards sustainability and purpose. Integrating impact with business growth is essential. Small businesses need support to thrive in today's economy. Provocative dialogue can lead to meaningful conversations. A better world is one where everyone is aligned with their purpose. Energy from purpose can transform communities and businesses.  Sound Bites: "I exist to scale impact." "It's a continuous journey of becoming." “What's really fascinating is when you start getting very intentional and making the unconscious conscious, the decisions you make become glaring in whether they're aligned with purpose or not." "Go where the water wants to flow. Trust the Universe and your purpose.” “The scarier it is, the more the outcome will be meaningful." "Don't settle for a J-O-B." "I believe business is the hope for the world" "You can do impact work and grow a business and have profit.” "How do we make this transition in a way that sets us up for growth, economic prosperity and impact? And so I just want to keep banging the drum that it doesn't have to be separate."  Links:Rob Craven on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertucraven/ScalePassion - https://scalepassion.com/ScalePassion on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalepassion/ScalePassion Book - https://book.scalepassion.com/#orderRadiate Purpose Workbook - https://scalepassion.com/radiate-purpose…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 - Introduction to Purpose-Driven Business06:08 -Rob's Origin Story and Early Influences08:52 - The Evolution of Purpose and Leadership11:54 - Personal Happiness and Business Success15:00 - Work-Life Synergy vs. Balance17:49 - The Power of Writing and Reflection20:53 - Intentional Purpose and Business Planning23:57 - The Journey of Scale Passion26:59 - Embracing Change and Growth30:02 - Navigating the Liminal Space31:02 - The Importance of Rest and Reflection32:54 - Scaling Purpose Through Business35:07 - The Role of Purpose-Driven Businesses37:06 - Capitalism 2.0 vs. 3.039:00 - Defining Capitalism's Evolution43:06 - The Shift Towards Regenerative Business Models45:11 - Supporting Small Businesses and Startups49:07 - Personal Insights and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, David Jacobowitz, founder of Nebula Snacks, shares his journey from a childhood filled with sweets to creating a line of luxurious, sugar-free chocolate bites. He discusses the challenges of managing his health, the experimentation process behind developing his products, and the ways in which customer feedback helps shape his brand and product line. David emphasizes the importance of taste in healthy snacks and the benefits of using natural sweeteners that do not spike blood sugar, making his products suitable for those with dietary restrictions. He shares valuable lessons learned from his digital marketing background, emphasizes the significance of maintaining healthy profit margins while growing a CPG company, and the importance of maintaining personal involvement in all aspects of the business.  David wraps up by advocating for a positive relationship with food, because food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared.Takeaways: David's childhood nickname was 'the vacuum' due to his insatiable appetite. He faced obesity and potential diabetes at a young age, leading to a long phase of fad dieting. During COVID, he began experimenting with making his own sugar-free chocolate to get his sweet snacking under control. David aimed to create a product that didn't compromise on taste while being healthier. He used monk fruit and allulose as sweeteners to avoid the aftertaste common in other sugar-free products. The development of his chocolate took years of experimentation and customer feedback. He initially launched with full-size chocolate bars before transitioning to smaller filled cups. Mint chocolate became a top seller despite David’s original dislike for that flavor. Customer feedback played a crucial role in flavor development and product offerings. David's products are designed to not spike blood sugar, making them suitable for most diabetics, though different individuals have unique blood sugar responses. Manufacturing challenges can be significant for startups. Protecting profit margins is essential to sustain a business. Pricing should be based on actual costs, not market feelings. Food should be enjoyed, not feared. Transparency in food ingredients is increasingly important. Sound Bites: “The doctor said I was obese, at 10 years old, and I was heading towards diabetes." "I own a Zero sugar chocolate company, but I do still have some sugar.” "You can have a better-for-you product, but if it doesn't taste good, you're solving nobody's issue. Taste matters" “I can't give a hundred percent guarantee that it won't spike your blood sugar because everybody's blood sugar is unique.” “At the end of the day you gotta listen to the customer. They're requesting flavors, they're requesting products, those are the ones I'm gonna be launching.” “Until you reach a certain point, do everything yourself. It's gonna suck, but you will become far more appreciative, learn the ins and outs a lot quicker, and be able to establish firm relationships with your customers." “Protect your margin because once you actually hit scale, particularly in retail, you're going to need it." "Don't price based on feeling and market comps alone. Know your numbers.” "Snacking is my superpower." "Food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared." "The consumer's wisening up, and that's what we're really all about.” Links:David Jacobowitz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjacobowitz/Nebula Snacks - https://nebulasnacks.com/Nebula Snacks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebula-snacks/Nebula Snacks on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nebulasnacksNebula Snacks on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nebulasnacksNebula Snacks on X - https://x.com/nebulasnacksNebula Snacks on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nebulasnacks…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 - The Sweet Beginnings: David's Journey with Sweets05:39 - From Fad Diets to Sustainable Solutions07:59 - Crafting the Perfect Sugar-Free Chocolate12:00 - Experimentation and Flavor Development18:44 - Customer Feedback and Flavor Evolution24:23 - Understanding Blood Sugar and Health Benefits34:28 - Understanding Blood Sugar and Snacking35:41 - Customer-Centric Product Development37:12 - The Challenges of Manufacturing40:19 - Lessons from Digital Marketing Experience42:37 - Key Lessons from Three and a Half Years45:54 - Advice from CPG Leaders53:37 - Personal Snacking Preferences57:53 - A Better World Through Food01:03:37 - Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner discusses the launch of the Food Bevy Insider Box, a curated quarterly subscription service designed to help CPG industry professionals discover and sample emerging brand’s products. Jordan explains how the products are selected, the importance of community feedback in the selection process, and the customizability of the boxes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Gage and Jordan then discuss trends in the food industry, including the growing demand for better-for-you options. The dives into Jordan’s CPG experience, including his related online community, FoodBevy, which offers free resources for CPG entrepreneurs, and his corporate gifting service Joyful Co. The conversation then wraps up with Jordan sharing his mission of supporting founders to create a better world through sustainable business practices.Takeaways: The Insider Box features up to 15 emerging CPG products each quarter. It's designed for industry professionals like retail buyers, media, entrepreneurs, and investors, etc. The box addresses the challenge of trying new products you can’t find locally without having to commit to large online orders. Curating products involves leveraging the large FoodBevy community and by soliciting community and Insider subscriber feedback and suggestions. Future features may include community voting on products to include in the box, customization to your quarterly box, and more. The focus is on shelf-stable products to simplify shipping logistics, though in colder months some harder-to-ship products, like chocolate, might be included. Vegan and gluten-free options are available and will have heavy overlap with the regular box. Shipping refrigerated or frozen products presents significant challenges. There's a growing trend for better-for-you candy options in the market. Building community is essential for the food industry. Supporting founders helps sustain innovative businesses. Leveraging past experiences can lead to new opportunities. A clear purpose can guide multiple business ventures so they work together, synergistically. Helping businesses stay in business leads to greater impact.  Sound Bites:"I end up wanting to support all these founders, but not ever being able to actually try the product.”“So it's easy to just try one sample of a product before you decide whether or not to buy a whole case, and it gives people access to products all across the country that they can't find locally.”“I’m curating the boxes based on kind of where I see trends are moving and where, which like new categories are really growing, what people would be interested in.”“I feel like we have yet to see how big the better-for-you-candy market is going to blow up, because so many people have candy nostalgia and want their sweet treats, but they're getting tired of filling themselves with all the sugars and artificial coloring.”“I love doing things that help people live a better life and build like successful products and businesses.”“I’m always thinking, how can I help the larger community as well?”"I love helping founders be successful.""I'm in the business of keeping founders in business." Links:Jordan Buckner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanbucknerInsider Box by FoodBevy - https://insider.foodbevy.comFoodBevy - https://www.foodbevy.comFoodBevy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenY4faC-_51rfYjWUgEGAQJoyful Co - https://joyfulco.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Introduction to Food Bevy Insider Box05:51 - The Concept Behind the Insider Box09:12 - Curating Products for the Box11:55 - Unique Products and Trends15:04 - Future Features and Community Engagement17:53 - Vegan and Gluten-Free Options21:02 - Challenges of Shipping and Product Selection26:57 - Innovative Preservation Technologies32:32 - The Insider Box Experience38:21 - Building Community Through Food44:13 - Leveraging Past Experiences47:38 - Creating a Better World Through SupportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.