Emerging Brands Podcast

Navigating the financial demands of a national retail launch is one of the most significant hurdles for any emerging brand. Sam Stutzman and Jackie Bae of Lunr Capital are helping founders solve this puzzle through commitment based, non-dilutive inventory financing. By providing the capital needed to fund production ahead of retail demand, Lunr allows brands to manage cash flow and scale without giving up equity. Sam and Jackie bring extensive experience from their time at Target, where they managed high stakes merchandising, inventory operations, and retail media strategies. They share how their deep understanding of the retailer's perspective now helps brands at Lunr act as strategic partners rather than just a source of capital. Inside the Episode: An overview of how commitment based, non-dilutive financing works and why it is a vital tool for brands scaling in retail environments. How Lunr utilizes its network and retail-specific experience to serve as a strategic partner for founders navigating the complexities of expansion. Practical advice for brands on what financial partners and retailers look for when assessing a company's readiness for growth.  Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

When Ashley Cameron's son was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, baking cookies became more than just a kitchen activity; it became a vital source of comfort and connection during a difficult recovery. Those family moments and recipes eventually grew into Love&Cookies, which has quickly become one of the fastest-growing names in the frozen cookie dough category. Ashley leads the brand with a deep commitment to community and philanthropy. Since its inception, Love&Cookies has partnered with the Kawasaki Kids Foundation, ensuring that every step of the brand's growth also supports a larger mission. Now available in major retailers like Sprouts, Wegmans, H-E-B, and Harris Teeter, Love&Cookies is proving that a brand built on heart can lead to serious retail success. Inside the Episode: How a family's personal health journey transformed a simple bonding activity into a rapidly scaling frozen dough brand. Insights into the challenges and triumphs of entering the competitive frozen category in retailers like Wegmans and H-E-B.  Ashley talks about the value of her children seeing the reality of hard work firsthand, including the hardships and resilience required to build a business from the ground up. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

The way we interact with our homes is changing, and Suze Dowling is at the forefront of that shift. As the Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Pattern Brands, Suze is building a modern "house of brands" designed to help people enjoy daily life at home. One of the stars of this family is GIR (Get It Right), a brand that has revolutionized the kitchen tool category with its high performance, platinum cured silicone essentials. Suze shares how Pattern Brands identifies and scales businesses that prioritize thoughtful design and functional excellence. By bringing brands like GIR into their ecosystem, Pattern is creating a cohesive world of products, from the kitchen to the living room, that solve tiny frustrations and make the rituals of home life more satisfying. Inside the Episode: Suze discusses the strategy of building a multi-brand platform focused on the home and how they select brands that align with their mission of design and durability. A look at how GIR's philosophy of "Getting It Right" fits into the Pattern family, focusing on tools that are easy to clean, heat resistant, and built for real life cooking.  How being part of the Pattern Brands ecosystem allows individual brands like GIR to thrive through shared expertise in branding, operations, and customer experience. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

Having grown up on a sixth generation pork farm, Cassie Maschhoff spent a decade building a career in tech strategy and marketing at Google and Waze before returning to her family roots. Alongside her sister Chelsey, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and professional chef, she co-founded Lottie's Meats. Together, they are elevating pork in a clean and creative way, transforming a traditional staple into a premium, protein packed sausage brand that brings both flavor and fun to the kitchen. By blending professional culinary expertise with high level operations and marketing, Cassie and Chelsey have built a brand that prioritizes both quality and convenience. Cassie shares the story of how they merged their respective backgrounds in award winning kitchens and tech giants to launch a sister owned business that is now making waves in the premium meat category. Inside the Episode: Cassie discusses how she and her sister are challenging the historically male dominated pork industry by bringing a fresh, sister owned perspective to a traditional category. How Chelsey's culinary training and Cassie's strategic background create the perfect foundation for a modern food brand. Insights into the operational side of scaling a premium brand into major retailers like Target and Misfits Market. Shop at 200+ Targets & Nationally at Misfits Markets This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

Building on a deep family history of farming in Punjab, India, co-founder Pooja Chopra is redefining what it means to lead a clean beauty brand. Alongside her mother and co-founder Jessica, Pooja launched Mudita Earth to combine farm grown ingredients with modern cosmetic science. While currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Pooja is scaling the brand across hundreds of retail locations, driven by a mission to provide affordable and accessible clean beauty for people of color. At the heart of Mudita Earth is a data driven approach to sustainability and inclusivity. Pooja shares how her heritage in Punjab and her appreciation for low waste practices led to the creation of a botanical skincare line that fills a glaring gap in the beauty industry. It is a story of a mother daughter duo working to ensure that clean, sustainable beauty is empowering and inclusive for everyone. Inside the Episode: The origin story of the brand, starting with Jessica handcrafting botanical products at home before scaling the mission into a professional skincare line. How the early success and positive community feedback at local farmer's markets paved the way for a pitch at Walmart, sparking the brand's strategic focus on retail. Pooja discusses how utilizing high quality ingredients sourced directly from their own family farms allows them to offer premium, effective skincare at an accessible price point. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

Investor and certified integrative health coach Alaina Sparks is a systems thinker working at the intersection of health, capital, and everyday life. After a distinguished 15 year career at Deloitte, where she led global financial relationships, designed innovation strategies, and built the firm's fintech practice, Alaina recognized a critical imbalance: capital powerfully shapes opportunity, yet an incredibly small fraction of it flows to women founders. In 2021, Alaina launched Furthermore Ventures, an investment platform specifically designed to back women led companies building healthier solutions across the everyday sectors that drive long term outcomes. Through Furthermore and her reflective health platform, what sustains us, Alaina explores how daily life quietly shapes wellbeing and how shifting the flow of capital can build a better future for everyone. Inside the Episode: How Furthermore Ventures functions as an investment platform that organizes syndicates of angel investors and aligned partners to back better-for-you, women led companies in food, agriculture, and everyday goods. Alaina shares the personal health journey and professional reflections that inspired her to bridge the gap between wellness and venture capital, focusing on how daily life impacts long term vitality. How leading fintech and global ecosystem strategies provided the foundational "systems thinking" required to build a modern investment platform. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Book a call with the Team to get started!

Co-founders Oliver Sindlev and Frederic Naayem are longtime food and beverage entrepreneurs who noticed a persistent problem in the confection aisle. For too long, "healthier" candy felt like a compromise in flavor, while legacy brands remained stuck in a cycle of artificial ingredients and refined sugars. To bridge this gap, they launched Smood Sweets, a modern brand that uses real fruit as the hero ingredient to deliver the nostalgic taste and texture of classic candy. Best known for its candy-coated dates, Smood Sweets has already made a massive splash with a nationwide launch at Target. Oliver and Frederic are challenging legacy players by sitting at the intersection of better-for-you and fun-for-you, proving that nature can be brought back into the candy bowl without losing the joy of indulgence. Inside the Episode: Why Oliver and Frederic chose the date as the foundation for their candy and how they achieved a texture that rivals traditional sweets. The founders share their journey of developing a product that satisfies both health-conscious requirements and the craving for true indulgence. How their previous experience in functional foods allowed them to identify and solve overlooked gaps in the candy market. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

As a third generation farmer and VP of Agriculture, Bryce Lundberg continues a legacy that began in 1937: a promise to leave the land better than he found it. Alongside him, CEO Suzanne Sengelmann leverages 30 years of brand building expertise, including leadership roles at Clorox and Angie's Boomchickapop, to transform this nearly 100 year old family farm into a consumer relevant powerhouse. Together, they have positioned Lundberg Family Farms as a leading U.S. Regenerative Organic Certified® brand, proving that land restoring practices and premium taste go hand in hand. The farm's commitment to habitat preservation and soil health is matched only by Suzanne's mission to make the brand behave with the agility of a startup. Bryce and Suzanne share how the Lundberg family tends to soil, air, and wildlife as carefully as their crops, and how a purpose driven strategy is bringing high quality rice varieties and snacks to a new generation of conscious eaters. Inside the Episode: Bryce shares the specific farming practices that allow Lundberg to restore land and preserve habitats while growing award winning rice.  Suzanne discusses the strategic transformation of a multi-generational family business into a modern, consumer facing brand.  The importance of maintaining a single, "true north" purpose when scaling a business that prioritizes the environment as much as the bottom line. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When one of Yough!'s co-founders was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and told he would have to give up pizza, he knew there had to be a better way. This challenge led him to the viral two-ingredient dough trend, which sparked the creation of a brand that rethinks frozen favorites through the power of Greek yogurt. Together, co-founders Michael Rolland and Jason Miller have built a better-for-you food brand that prioritizes high protein and clean, simple ingredients without losing the light, fluffy texture that pizza lovers crave. By utilizing a first-of-its-kind Greek yogurt dough, Yough! delivers 40 to 50g of protein and fewer calories than traditional options. Michael and Jason are driving the brand's rapid momentum through playful branding and an engaging online community, leading to a nationwide presence in Target and Sprouts Farmers Market as they continue their mission to make pizza accessible for everyone. Inside the Episode: How a personal health journey with Ulcerative Colitis served as the catalyst for creating a gut-friendly, high-protein alternative to traditional dough. Why the combination of Greek yogurt and simple ingredients creates a nutritional profile of 40 to 50g of protein while maintaining a light texture.  Michael and Jason discuss their strategy for using fun, engaging content to build a loyal community in the competitive frozen food aisle. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

For husband-and-wife team Sarah and Brett Bowlin, years of long-distance hiking and remote travel led to a frustrating realization: the beauty of the landscape rarely matched the quality of the food in their packs. Tired of nutritionally empty, overly processed meals that felt disconnected from the joy of a shared table, they founded Bowl & Kettle. Based in Colorado, the company is redefining outdoor nutrition by bringing culinary intention and whole ingredients to the freeze-dried category. Since its launch in 2024, Bowl & Kettle has evolved from a scrappy founder-led experiment into a nationwide community of adventurers. Sarah joins us to discuss how they carefully adapt real dishes to the freeze-drying process without sacrificing taste or nourishment. It is a conversation about the philosophy that meaningful moments in the outdoors deserve food that feels just as thoughtful and alive as the places where it is eaten. Inside the Episode: Sarah's professional background in consumer research and how it provided the ideal foundation for identifying market gaps and building a brand that truly resonates with the modern adventurer. The technical and creative process of taking real, whole-ingredient recipes and adapting them for freeze-drying while maintaining bold seasoning.  Why Bowl & Kettle remains hands-on with production and recipe development while scaling to meet the needs of a loyal community of travelers. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Pooja Bavishi founded Malai in 2015, she set out to do more than just make dessert; she wanted to be in the business of delivering happiness. Inspired by the aromatic spices of her first-generation Indian-American upbringing—like ginger, saffron, and cardamom—Pooja has built a Brooklyn-based brand that is revolutionizing the frozen treat category. By blending rich cultural heritage with innovative, eggless formulations, Malai offers an indulgence that is simultaneously nostalgic and entirely unique. Malai's ice creams are celebrated for their robust flavors and creamy textures, available in a variety of forms from kulfi pops to ice cream sandos. In this episode, we discuss Pooja's journey from a Brooklyn startup to a multi-city scoop shop operation and how she leverages her deep culinary and business expertise to keep Malai at the forefront of innovation. Inside the Episode: How the vision for Malai started more than 10 years ago, fueled by Pooja's lifelong sweet tooth and a deep fascination with the hospitality and joy that surrounds sharing desserts.  How Pooja uses traditional South Asian ingredients to create "robust" flavor profiles that challenge the standard vanilla and chocolate norms. The strategic roadmap behind moving from a Brooklyn startup to a multi-city scoop shop operation with regional grocery distribution. Find Malai Near You! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  

When Ani Widham founded Nurtured with Nature in 2023, she set out to solve a problem every busy parent faces: the difficulty of finding quick, stress-free meals that are actually healthy. Frustrated by the "scary," unrecognizable ingredients found in most packaged foods, Ani created a brand rooted in radical simplicity. Its flagship frozen pancakes are made with just four unprocessed organic ingredients, proving that convenience doesn't have to come at the cost of nutrition. Now available in grocery stores across New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, Nurtured with Nature is quickly becoming a freezer staple for families who value transparency. In this episode, we discuss Ani's journey from a diverse career in tech and finance to the test kitchen, and how her "no-compromise" approach to ingredients is making a tangible difference in people's lives. Inside the Episode: How Ani's lifelong love for healthy eating met the reality of motherhood, leading her to realize she could batch-cook and freeze these nutritious meals for life on the go. Ani's background in climate tech and financial services, and how it influences her innovative approach to product development and business operations. The strategy behind expanding into grocery stores throughout the Northeast and building a brand that busy families trust. Find Nurtured with Nature Near You! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Liz Zwillinger and her co-founder Joey Zwillinger looked at the supplement industry, they saw a glaring gap in how women's health was being addressed. Most products offered a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring the profound ways a woman's nutritional needs shift across different life stages. This realization led to the birth of Biologica, a wellness brand dedicated to creating science-backed formulations tailored specifically to reproductive years, perimenopause, and post-menopause. By focusing on the biological realities of hormonal health, Liz is helping women navigate their wellness journeys with clarity and precision. In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of building a mission-driven supplement brand and why targeting specific life stages is the future of the women's health category. Inside the Episode: Why Liz and Joey decided to move beyond generic multivitamins to create products that reflect the actual physiological changes women experience over time. The challenges and rewards of developing science-backed formulations in a crowded and often confusing supplement market. Why personalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity for women looking to optimize their long-term health and human performance. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In 2018, Kiernan Laughlin co-created Deep Indian Kitchen, scaling it into the #1 frozen Indian brand in the U.S. and reaching over 26,000 stores. Building on that success, he created and launched Deep Brands in 2026, a family of cuisine-focused brands dedicated to increasing accessibility for global flavors. As General Manager, Kiernan brings 20 years of CPG leadership from giants like Unilever and Gorton's Seafood to a platform that prioritizes authenticity above all else. Deep Brands, a subsidiary of the three-generation family company Deep Foods Inc, operates with a unique "one cuisine per brand" philosophy. This allows brands like Deep Indian Kitchen and the newly launched Tem Toa (the first frozen brand dedicated exclusively to Thai cuisine) to represent their cultures with bold, restaurant-quality flavors. In this episode, we discuss the commitment to making products from scratch using traditional recipes and how every purchase supports the Deepkiran Foundation to provide education for children in rural India. Inside the Episode: The operational complexity of using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients to replicate a true restaurant experience at home in minutes. Kiernan's strategic roadmap used to take Deep Indian Kitchen from a 2018 launch to the top-selling frozen Indian brand in America. A look at the 2026 launch of the first frozen food brand dedicated exclusively to Thai cuisine and the challenge of bringing those specific flavors to the freezer aisle. Shop Tem Toa here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Kimberle Lau became lactose and egg intolerant and faced a high risk for breast cancer, she didn't give up on her love for treats; she reinvented them. As an Asian American mom of two, Kimberle turned her personal health journey into a mission-driven business. Today, Bake Me Healthy is a leader in the allergy-friendly space, proving that indulgent baking can be both inclusive and sustainable. By utilizing upcycled ingredients, Kimberle is fighting food waste while ensuring her mixes and cookies are gluten-free, vegan, and free from the top 9 allergens. In this episode, we discuss the courage it takes to pivot careers for a passion project and how Bake Me Healthy is bringing the joy of a delicious, worry-free bite to kitchens everywhere. Inside the Episode: How Kimberle's personal health challenges inspired her to leave the traditional path and build a brand centered on wellness. Why Bake Me Healthy incorporates upcycled ingredients to create a more sustainable food system while maintaining premium flavor. Lessons learned while scaling a brand that reflects her values as a parent and a health advocate. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Jessica Dimcevski didn't set out to build another bloated, political agency. As the Founder and Creative Director of Blurr Bureau, she created an independently owned global brand studio designed to move at the high-velocity speed modern founders actually need. Operating between New York and Australia, Jessica has pioneered a "venture partner" model that assembles world-class talent specifically for each project, ensuring that every brand she touches reaches its full creative and commercial potential. From high-growth CPG to global entertainment spaces, Jessica's work is defined by a "culturally-led" approach that drives real-world results. Whether it's launching Flings—the snack brand that famously outsold Pop-Tarts in velocity within weeks of hitting Target shelves—or serving as the preferred venue branding partner for Live Nation globally, Jessica is proving that brands shouldn't just look good; they should challenge their entire category. Inside the Episode: Why Jessica ditched the traditional agency model for a streamlined, high-impact studio that prioritizes speed and world-class talent. The creative process behind crafting the brand worlds for Society De La Rassi, Yes! Apples, and the global wellness brand Bed Intentions. Jessica's philosophy on building "velocity-driven" brands that scale into massive commercial wins. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Esther Hallam couldn't find a clean, organic formula option for her own daughter, she didn't just settle for what was on the shelf; she used her decades of product management expertise to build a better one. With a career spanning giants like Google, Gilt, and Travelocity, Esther applied the same rigorous problem-solving approach to the nursery. Today, as the Founder and CEO of Nara Organics, she is setting a new global benchmark for what we feed our children. Nara Organics is a pioneering brand featuring the first-of-its-kind USDA-certified organic whole milk formula. By ditching the standard fillers like palm oil, soy, and corn syrup in favor of whole milk fats and naturally occurring MFGM for brain development, Esther is providing parents with a Clean Label certified alternative that actually mimics nature. In this episode, we discuss her journey from Y Combinator to the forefront of the infant nutrition revolution and how she's supporting over 1 million parents through the Nara Baby ecosystem. Inside the Episode: How Esther's background at Google and Jetblack prepared her to navigate the highly regulated world of infant formula. Why Nara is manufactured in Germany to meet the highest safety and quality standards, including over 2,000 tests for purity and an FDA registration. Why Esther refused to settle for industry-standard shortcuts, leading to a formula with no palm oil, no soy, and no corn syrup. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

After moving to the U.S. from Lebanon in 2020, Karim Khalil noticed that labneh on American shelves didn't resemble the traditional version he grew up with. Drawing on his background in engineering and global operations, he founded Yaza to bring authentic, thoughtfully redefined Mediterranean foods to the market. Yaza provides the cleanest labneh by using centuries-old straining methods instead of milk powders or thickeners. In this episode, we discuss Yaza's massive January 2026 rebrand and how Karim leveraged two years of customer feedback to transform an early-stage startup into a brand built for long-term household recognition. Inside the Episode: How Karim's move from Lebanon and his diverse business experience across Africa shaped his vision for a culturally resonant food brand. The operational strategy and grit required to take a traditional staple from a local startup to nationwide distribution in over 2,000 doors. A look inside Yaza's full brand rebrand and how Karim leveraged two years of consumer insights to prepare for national scale. Find Yaza near you! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When best friends and sorority sisters Sydney Attis and Mikayla Garcia graduated from Arizona State University, they didn't just leave with degrees, they left with a creative partnership that would eventually disrupt the beverage industry. After cutting their teeth running a social media marketing agency, the duo realized they wanted to apply their storytelling expertise to a tangible product of their own. The result? Just Call Me Shirley, a ready-to-drink canned cocktail that gives the nostalgic Shirley Temple a premium, spirited twist. Since launching in early 2025, Sydney and Mikayla have proven that being "disruptors" is in their DNA. From winning The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge grand prize out of 6,700 applicants to raising over $115K through crowdfunding, these powerhouse entrepreneurs are making massive waves in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, we discuss how they leveraged their marketing backgrounds to build a nationwide community of "Shirley lovers" and what it takes to scale a female-led brand across state lines. Inside the Episode: How Sydney and Mikayla's experience running a marketing agency gave them the "unfair advantage" needed to launch a consumer brand from scratch. The inspiration behind taking a childhood classic and elevating it into a premium, ready-to-drink cocktail for the modern consumer. Why Sydney and Mikayla view "Just Call Me Shirley" as more than just a drink, but a lifestyle brand built on friendship and creativity. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

For over 14 years, John Scheer has sat at the intersection of business strategy, culture, and creative systems. As the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Herman-Scheer, he has become a trusted advisor to founders and CEOs looking to shape the future of health, wellness, and human performance. Based in Los Angeles, his strategic branding consultancy doesn't just build brands; it transforms them into cultural mainstays that make generations healthier and happier. From zero-to-one startups to enterprise giants, John and his team have partnered with category-defining names like Olipop, Bobbie, Neuro, and Lifeforce. In this episode, John breaks down the "Herman-Scheer" approach to the full brand ecosystem—from insights and identity to packaging and digital experience—and explains why the most successful brands grow not just faster, but more meaningfully. Inside the Episode: Why Herman-Scheer focuses exclusively on brands that impact human performance and well-being. A deep dive into why strategy, identity, and measurement must work in harmony to dominate shelves and screens. John's philosophy on why "fast" isn't enough and how to build a brand that resonates deeply with modern culture. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Caroline Foulk didn't set out to join the beer industry. A graduate of USC's Narrative Writing program, her early career was spent on national tours with artists like The Isley Brothers and Marc E. Bassy. But when the pandemic paused the music industry in 2020, a "temporary" stint helping her family launch Wagon Wheel Brewing Company turned into a six-year obsession with the business of brewing. Along the way, Caroline traded tour buses for real estate finance certificates and construction sites, building the foundation for her own disruptive brand: Beer Girl. Launched in 2024 alongside her husband, Griffin Foulk, Beer Girl is the answer for those who love the ritual of a cold beer but hate the heavy, bloated aftermath. Inspired by Caroline's own experience navigating an autoimmune condition while running a brewery, the Laguna Beach–based brand offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative. In this episode, Caroline shares how she translated the "hustle" of the music world into a sophisticated, better-for-you beverage brand that refuses to sacrifice flavor for function. Inside the Episode: How Caroline's background in narrative writing and the music industry shaped her unique approach to brand storytelling in CPG. How navigating an autoimmune condition led to the creation of a "gluten-reduced," zero-sugar lager that actually tastes like beer. Caroline's mission to build an inclusive, lifestyle-driven brand that resonates with a new generation of health-conscious drinkers. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Hailey Swartz co-founded Actual Veggies in 2020, she wasn't looking for a lab-grown "bleeding" burger. Instead, she and her co-founder, Jason, set out to solve a common frustration: a grocery aisle filled with highly processed, bland, and preservative-heavy imitation meats. Driven by a mission to make real food as craveable as it is nutritious, Hailey has led the brand from a kitchen-table idea to a category-defining powerhouse. By prioritizing fresh, chef-crafted recipes that use only recognizable vegetables—and absolutely no fillers or fake meats—Hailey and Jason have turned a commitment to clean ingredients into a nationwide success. In this episode, Hailey shares the strategy behind the brand's explosive 732.5% growth and how they maintain their "what you see is what you get" philosophy while scaling to over 7,500 retailers. Inside the Episode: Why Hailey and Jason bet on whole, vibrant ingredients at a time when the industry was obsessed with lab-grown alternatives. The operational hurdles and triumphs of achieving distribution in every single U.S. state within just a few years of launching. How Actual Veggies is expanding its mission with new, family-friendly innovations like "Dino Nuggets" made from real plants to win over the next generation of eaters. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In 2017, Veronica del Rosario and her co-founder Matt Michaelson started with a simple, high-stakes mission in a tiny NYC kitchen: to stop feeding cats "mystery meat." Today, Smalls has transformed from a home-cooked experiment into a full-scale movement, redefining what it means to care for a cat in the modern world. As Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, Veronica has been the visionary behind a brand that refuses to compromise on quality, whether it's in the bowl or the home. Smalls is built on the belief that cats deserve human-grade nutrition and humans deserve a home that reflects their style. From high-protein, fresh meals developed with animal nutritionists to ergonomically designed accessories, Veronica is proving that pet care can be both intentional and beautiful. In this episode, she shares how they scaled a "fresh-first" philosophy and why they are expanding beyond the plate to enhance the shared spaces between cats and their people. Inside the Episode: The science and strategy behind creating high-protein, complete, and balanced meals that ditch the fillers for ingredients you can actually recognize. How to cultivate a loyal community of cat lovers by leading with style, intention, and a deep understanding of the modern feline ritual. Veronica's perspective on how the pet industry is shifting toward longevity and higher standards for our "roommates." Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

When Rebecca Schwartz Smith became a mother, she realized that while the world focuses on the baby, the mother's recovery is often an afterthought. Despite the significant nutrient depletion that follows childbirth, Rebecca found a market saturated with lactation-only products, leaving a massive gap for full-spectrum postpartum healing. Drawing on over a decade of brand-building experience, she founded Mamala Organics to create the first-ever functional Support Snacks™. Developed alongside registered dietitians and food scientists, Mamala is more than just a snack brand—it's a pioneering women's health platform. By combining evidence-based nutrition with the convenience of whole-food ingredients, Rebecca is on a mission to support women through their most biologically demanding stages, from menstruation to menopause. In this episode, we discuss how she is defining a new category in functional nutrition and why "noshing well" is a critical act of self-care for every woman. Inside the Episode: Rebecca shares the personal journey that led her to identify the lack of nutrient-dense, recovery-focused foods for mothers. How Mamala makes it easy to heal and thrive with delicious, organic, whole-food snacks designed for the busiest chapters of life. Rebecca's vision for scaling Mamala to support women's health through every milestone, including menstruation and menopause. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

This week on Emerging Brands Podcast®, I am kicking off a high-energy, 3-part recap of Natural Products Expo West 2026. To dive into the highlights, I'm joined by my friend and co-host Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to pull back the curtain on the community moments that defined the show. In Part 1, we're recapping the activations we helped bring to life in Anaheim—from high-stakes pitch competitions to the return of our favorite community tradition. We explore how 75+ women showed up for a networking activation at the Innovation Summit with only 12 hours of notice and why the energy behind this year's events is proof that the CPG industry is hungrier than ever for real, human connection. Inside the Episode: How a last-minute networking activation for women in CPG turned into a massive community win, proving that the desire for connection outweighs the need for long lead times. Behind the scenes of emceeing the Expo West Pitch Slam and the emerging brands that caught our eye, including Folkland Foods, Good Wolf, pi00a, Farmwell Drinks, Ulu Foods, Sweeter Collective, Blueshift Nutrition, and Better Together Foods. Highlights from our panel of experts—Jamie Borteck, Lauren Ressel Castro (CVS Health), and Jessie Kimsey (Misfits Market)—on what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Recapping our pizza happy hour with 500+ RSVPs, featuring a La Rossi Pizza topping bar with Fishwife, Cotto, and Showoff, plus treats from Wobble and Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. A look at the beverage partners who fueled our community moments, including the sophisticated flavors of Ghia and Esprizio. I hope you enjoy this first look into the best of Expo West! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In Part 2 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm back with Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to take you directly onto the show floor. While Part 1 was about the massive community events, this episode explores the strategic reality for early-stage brands navigating the world's largest natural products trade show. We're going behind the scenes of what it looks like when emerging brands step into the spotlight for the first time. Using real-time examples from my clients Cotto and Wobble, who sampled their products throughout the week, Danielle and I break down how founders can build genuine awareness and "meaningful buzz" long before they hit retail shelves. Inside the Episode: Insights from the sampling activations for Cotto and Wobble and how early-stage brands can maximize their presence at the show. Why the way you share your product matters just as much as the product itself, and how to turn a quick taste into a lasting industry connection. A breakdown of the vital discussions happening both on and off the floor with buyers, investors, and fellow founders. Practical advice for early-journey founders on how to navigate the overwhelming scale of Expo West without losing sight of your specific goals. How to leverage the show's energy to create a foundation for your upcoming retail launch. I hope these lessons from the floor help you map out your own brand's future. Stay tuned for Part 3! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In Part 3 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm joined one last time by Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to close out our coverage of the industry's biggest event. After diving into community and strategy, we're shifting our focus to the "what"—the actual products, ingredients, and innovations that defined the show floor in 2026. In this final episode, we break down the most impactful trends we spotted and what these shifts mean for the future of food and beverage. From category reinventions to the emerging ingredients poised to take over retail shelves, Danielle and I share the brands that caught our attention and a sneak peek at the client projects we're currently developing that align with these movements. Inside the Episode: A deep dive into the biggest shifts at Expo West 2026, from innovative ingredient profiles to the new formats changing how we eat and drink. Highlights of our favorite brand discoveries from the show floor and why these specific founders are poised to win with both consumers and retailers. How established categories are being reimagined for a new generation of shoppers looking for both functionality and flavor. A sneak peek at the upcoming client brands we're working on that are perfectly positioned to lead the trends we saw in Anaheim. Our final thoughts on what this year's energy says about the state of the CPG industry heading into the rest of 2026. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

After noticing the soft drink category had remained stagnant and uninspired for decades, Olly Dixon co-founded Something & Nothing to disrupt the status quo. He saw a landscape filled with sugar-heavy, over-processed options and realized people were craving something more elevated. By blending high-end design with cleaner ingredients, Olly set out to prove that a soda could be both a sophisticated lifestyle choice and a win for the environment. Something & Nothing is a B-Corp Certified premium soda brand that ditches added sugars and sweeteners in favor of real fruit juices, extracts, and botanicals. With award-winning flavors like Yuzu and Mango & Thai Basil, Olly has successfully navigated the brand's journey from its 2020 U.K. launch to its 2023 U.S. debut. By utilizing solar-powered production and low-carbon deliveries, Something & Nothing offers a "feel-good" experience that transports you from desk to dinner party. Inside the Episode: Why Olly felt the soda aisle was stuck in the past and how he reimagined it for the modern, curious consumer. The strategic hurdles and triumphs of expanding a British sensation into the competitive U.S. beverage market. The reason Olly purposefully ignored the beverage category and instead drew inspiration from the worlds of fashion, photography, and art to build the brand's identity. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.    

From her early days as a pastry chef to her two decades at Whole Foods Market, Holly Long has spent her career championing the people behind the products. As the former Principal Forager for Whole Foods, Holly became a legendary advocate for local and emerging brands, guiding them through the complexities of market entry. Today, she brings that same passion for community to her role as the Director of Community Engagement at the Specialty Food Association (SFA). In this episode, Holly shares how she bridges the gap between small producers and major industry players. At SFA, she leads the charge in fostering meaningful connections between members and buyers, ensuring that the specialty food community remains a space where innovation and tradition thrive together. Whether she's mentoring founders or curating spaces for collaboration, Holly's work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to building thriving, diverse food ecosystems. Inside the Episode: How Holly's background as a chef and R&D specialist at Whole Foods shaped her "founder-first" approach to community building.  Why Holly believes mastering both in-person and online networking is the most critical tool for a new founder's survival and growth. How the Specialty Food Association is evolving to elevate diverse voices and create networking opportunities for the next generation of makers. Learn more about SFA & membership benefits! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.    

I'm coming to you live from Natural Products Expo West with Chrissy Teigen, inside the Cravings by Chrissy Teigen booth! Over the past year, Cravings has become one of the fastest-growing pantry brands in the category. Its non-GMO baking mixes have emerged as a major growth engine, expanding into national retailers like Kroger and Thrive Market, along with regional leaders including HEB and Raley's. The brand now reaches more than 3,000 stores nationwide, with additional retail expansion on the horizon. Inside the Episode: Chrissy and I talk about the brand's recent rebrand Following your gut as a CPG founder The realities of starting and scaling a CPG food brand Cravings' newest launch, the Sweet & Sticky Carrot Cake Kit, inspired by Chrissy and John's wedding cake Shop here!

Born in Togo, Olowo-n'djo Tchala founded Alaffia in 2004 to bridge the gap between West African traditional knowledge and the global beauty market. Driven by his upbringing and a commitment to gender equality, Olowo-n'djo has spent over twenty years using ethical business as a tool to alleviate poverty and empower the communities he calls home. Alaffia is a clean, fair-trade beauty brand that partners with women's cooperatives in West Africa to produce unrefined shea butter and African black soap. Beyond skincare, the brand reinvests its proceeds into maternal healthcare, education, and reforestation, proving that personal care can create a true state of "Alaffia"—peace, health, and well-being—for both the consumer and the creator. Inside the Episode: How Olowo-n'djo's roots in Togo shaped the brand's philosophy of collective well-being. Why Alaffia prioritizes maternal health and education as the primary drivers for community growth. Lessons from twenty years of maintaining a mission-first, fair-trade business model in the competitive beauty space. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

After a career in the legal world, Emily Cole Groden set out to solve a common breakfast dilemma: the choice between a quick meal and a nutritious one. Driven by a desire for clean-label options for her own family, Emily launched Evergreen to prove that frozen convenience doesn't have to mean compromising on ingredients or flavor. Evergreen is a better-for-you frozen breakfast brand reimagining the morning ritual with waffles made from 100% whole grains and avocado oil. By incorporating real vegetables and avoiding seed oils, artificial flavors, and preservatives, Emily has built a nourishing, crave-worthy lineup that is now available in over 8,500 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. Inside the Episode: Why Emily decided to disrupt the frozen aisle and how her background helped her navigate the complexities of CPG. The strategic steps taken to grow Evergreen from a kitchen concept to a staple in major retailers like Sprouts and Kroger. Why avoiding seed oils and preservatives is a non-negotiable for the brand and how it resonates with today's parents. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Sam Niemann has been a gardener for as long as he can remember. From sneaking out as a teenager to ride his bike to the local garden center to working in horticulture ever since, Sam's life has been defined by the joy of growing things. He founded Bleume with a singular, heartfelt goal: to inspire others to experience that same joy by making plant care simpler and more connected. Based in Chicago, Bleume is a houseplant care brand that strips away the confusion of indoor gardening. Their signature balanced 7-7-7 liquid fertilizer is designed for consistent use, combining a high-quality formula with design-forward packaging that looks beautiful on any shelf. By making the "science" of feeding plants approachable and aesthetic, Sam is giving every plant parent the tools to grow something great. Inside the Episode: Sam's journey from a backyard hobbyist to a horticulture professional and why he's on a mission to share the joy of growing. Why a balanced liquid fertilizer is the "easy button" for plant owners who are tired of overthinking their feeding schedules. How Bleume's design-forward approach encourages consistent care by making plant food something you actually want to display. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Diana Nino believes that joy and discipline are partners, not opposites. A Miami-born builder of spaces and curator of community, Diana lives at the intersection of high energy and deep intention. Her brand, salsi, is a love letter to the creative and social fabric of her city—a vibrant tequila seltzer designed for a full life lived without the burnout. Salsi is mindful by design and Miami by heart. Crafted for those who value connection over overthinking, it blends premium tequila with clean macros, light hydration, and a gentle lift of green tea caffeine. By creating a drink that respects both your body and your time, Diana is ensuring you can stay in the moment for the all-night rhythms and the quiet hangs alike—showing up for both tonight y mañana. Inside the Episode: How Diana's roots in South Florida's social fabric inspired her to build a brand that reflects the city's magic and intentionality. The strategy behind adding green tea caffeine and hydration to a tequila seltzer to support a high-energy, social lifestyle. Why salsi is more than just a canned cocktail, but a tool for connection and showing up exactly where you want to be. Access the limited first release! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  

After a decade as a General Partner at Revolution Ventures, Clara Sieg turned her analytical eye toward the most foundational thing we consume: water. Triggered by the toxins and microplastics she discovered during her pregnancy, Clara traded her venture capital seat for a mission to build a transparent, reliable solution for the modern family. Loonen is the first third-party-verified water that is perfectly pure—stripped of contaminants while remaining rich in essential trace minerals. By combining her investing expertise with a commitment to safety, Clara is setting a new standard for the water category and ensuring our most basic necessity is also our safest. Inside the Episode: The reality of microplastics in our water infrastructure and how Loonen is engineering a cleaner path. Why Clara insists on external verification to build trust in a category that has traditionally lacked it. How motherhood informed the brand's mission to support the long-term health of families. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

The energy for Expo West 2026 is already building, and in this solo episode, I'm giving you a sneak peek at where I'll be, what I'm hosting, and how we can connect on the ground in Anaheim. From the high-stakes Pitch Slam to the return of a community event, this year is all about high-level innovation and high-impact connection. I'm breaking down the details for the CPG Innovation Summit, where I'll be co-hosting activations throughout the day on Tuesday, March 3rd. But the real highlight? The return of the Ladies Lounge. After hosting over 150+ women last year, we are back with the ultimate CPG pizza party at the La Rossi booth. It's a space designed for founders, investors, and operators to skip the small talk, grab a slice, and build real relationships. On the Expo West Agenda: The Pitch Slam: My take on the CPG Innovation Summit and why you should be watching the next generation of brands hitting the stage. The Ladies Lounge is Back: Everything you need to know about our Thursday pizza party co-hosted with Danielle Calabrese and Sarah Maguire. What's on the Menu: A look at the brands powering our event, including La Rossi Pizza, Cotto, Showoff, Ghia, Esprizio, and Wobble. Female Founder Q&A: A teaser for a special session I'm hosting—details coming soon! Don't miss the Pitch Slam! Join the waitlist for the Ladies Lounge! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Michael Zabar's culinary roots run deep. As a fourth-generation member of the family behind the iconic NYC deli, Zabar's, Michael's first job was scooping coffee for customers. After a successful career in tech and e-commerce at Walmart, he felt a pull back to his roots. The spark came from his own kitchen, where he and his wife began crafting homemade syrups to fix a problem in the market: coffee syrups that were packed with processed sugar, artificial dyes, and preservatives. This led to the creation of Motif, a clean-label alternative designed for the discerning coffee drinker. Motif offers a sophisticated, preservative-free experience with 70% less sugar than leading brands, proving that you don't have to sacrifice health for flavor. By blending his heritage in NYC retail with a modern, health-conscious perspective, Michael is redefining what we add to our morning cup. Inside the Episode: Michael's journey from scooping coffee at the family deli to scaling e-commerce at Walmart, and why he eventually returned to the food world. The challenges and triumphs of creating a high-quality, shelf-stable syrup with 70% less sugar and zero preservatives. How Michael uses his family's legacy of quality to inform a modern, health-forward beverage brand. Stay tuned for the next drop! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  

Tatyana Jones is a true powerhouse in the CPG world. After managing a $500M snacking portfolio at Mars Wrigley and turning around massive innovation portfolios at GSK, she realized the $27B chocolate category was missing something vital: a high-protein option that didn't taste like a compromise. Leveraging years of big-brand firepower and an NYU Stern MBA, Tatyana founded DEFI Snacks to shatter the idea that "healthy" has to be boring. DEFI—short for Delicious Energizing Fitness Indulgence—is a woman-owned revolution in the chocolate aisle. Each gluten-free, grain-free bite delivers 25g+ of clean protein using premium chocolate and sprouted organic buckwheat. By ditching fake sugars and prioritizing satiety, Tatyana is proving that decadent dessert can actually be functional fuel. With a mission that extends beyond the bag, DEFI also gives back by donating 1% of profitable sales to support fellow female entrepreneurs. Inside the Episode: How Tatyana's experience managing global brands at Mars Wrigley and GSK prepared her to disrupt the competitive chocolate space. The science behind using sprouted organic buckwheat and clean protein to create a snack that keeps you full without a sugar crash. Tatyana's strategic approach to spotting white space in the market and building a brand with a mission-driven heart. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Healthy living shouldn't mean sitting out on the social moments you love. Created by Parker Papaccio, SIPPL Mixology (Simple. Supplemental. Sipping.) was built on the belief that the best lives prioritize balance over restriction. By creating a functional margarita mix that lives in the "gray area" where wellness meets real life, SIPPL is proving you can care about how you feel without sacrificing a great cocktail. Made with all-natural ingredients and lightly sweetened with agave, SIPPL delivers a premium taste with just 4g of sugar. But it's what's inside that sets it apart: a subtle boost of B vitamins and green tea extract that supports your body while you sip. Designed for those who want a better-for-you option that actually tastes incredible, Parker is redefining the modern margarita one functional pour at a time. Inside the Episode: How Parker built a brand for the health-conscious consumer who still values social rituals and great mixology. The challenge of formulating a mix with B vitamins and green tea extract that maintains a classic, clean margarita flavor. How to achieve a premium cocktail experience with only 4g of sugar and zero artificial sweeteners. Stay tuned for the launch! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Before you lock in a co-manufacturer, print packaging, or order your first production run… pause. In this solo episode, I'm walking through the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes I see first-time CPG food & beverage founders make — and how brand strategy should guide every decision before you spend a dollar on inventory. Because your logo, packaging, flavors, and even your brand name shouldn't come first. Strategy does. Inside the Episode: Why you shouldn't design packaging too soon Why it's too early to pick your brand name How to nail your category positioning How strategy should inform flavor choices How to test messaging before launch And what to clarify before committing to a production run If you're pre-launch and about to invest serious money into formulation, packaging, or manufacturing, this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of rework. Consider this your pre-launch checklist — from product idea → brand people want to shop. Build your strategy with me! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

After years as a Guinness World Records judge and advertising executive, Charlie Weisman realized that the household items we use every day are often dull and uninspired. While stuck in his NYC apartment during the pandemic, he founded Staff to bring joy to the mundane. By reimagining functional tools with bold colors, unique materials, and helpful characters, Charlie is turning overlooked essentials into high-design conversation pieces. Staff peps up living spaces by adding personality to chores, starting with its disruptive first product, The Plunger—a nostalgic nod to Charlie's grandfather's plumbing career. By humanizing the tools in our homes, the brand proves that practicality and amusement can live in the same space. Inside the Episode: How Charlie's background in advertising and as a Guinness World Records judge shaped his eye for disruptive storytelling. Why giving functional products a personality and a name creates a deeper emotional connection with customers. How Charlie honored his family history by launching a high-end version of the most overlooked tool in the house. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the founder mindset I've seen make or break brands before they ever hit shelves. After 15+ years working alongside hundreds of founders — and currently supporting 20+ pre-launch brands coming to market this year — I've learned that success isn't about doing more. It's about getting clear first. Inside the Episode: Why strategy should come before packaging or production My honest take on founder-led content (pros, cons, and what actually works) How retailers and investors are watching your content pre-launch Why you should test before raising money How to make smarter decisions with discernment, not noise And how to build offline buzz, community, and real traction before you launch If you're a first-time founder feeling overwhelmed by everything you "should" be doing, this episode will help you slow down, focus, and build a brand people actually want to shop. Think of this as your pre-launch mindset reset. Build your brand with me! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Kimmy Pace, a former technology consultant, turned her lifelong struggle with chronic dehydration and gut sensitivity into a mission after discovering Korean roasted barley tea in a novel. Realizing that most "better-for-you" drinks were too sugary or carbonated for her system, she began brewing her own at home. This gentle, grounding ritual became the foundation for a beverage brand designed for those seeking hydration without the digestive stress. Afternoon Toast is a line of ready-to-drink, caffeine-free teas crafted from steeped ginger and roasted barley. With a unique nutty and toasty flavor profile, the brand offers a sugar-free, non-carbonated alternative that supports digestion and eases bloating through natural fiber. By prioritizing calm over carbonation, Kimmy is redefining functional hydration as a soothing, everyday ritual. Inside the Episode: The story of how a fictional ritual involving Korean barley tea sparked a real-world solution for chronic health challenges. Why Afternoon Toast focuses on a non-carbonated, fiber-rich profile to support sensitive systems. The tactical steps Kimmy took to move from a home-brewed ritual to a commercial product, including how she vetted advisors and structured her pre-launch operations. Join the Waitlist! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Danielle Calabrese is a CPG powerhouse with over 16 years of experience scaling brands from zero to $40M and guiding more than 100 founders to collective sales of over $100M. Known for her "build smarter, not harder" philosophy, Danielle has secured dozens of SKUs with top-tier retailers and distributors, making her one of the industry's most sought-after advisors for navigating the complex journey from kitchen table to retail shelf. As the creator of Launch Lab, Danielle has developed a 10-week, cohort-based program designed to take early-stage founders through a proven, step-by-step framework for a profitable launch. The program is deeply execution-focused, providing direct feedback on everything from margins and operations to go-to-market strategy. By combining real-time guidance with access to a private community of experts, Danielle ensures that first-time founders avoid costly mistakes and launch with the confidence of a seasoned industry veteran. Inside the Episode: Danielle's "build smarter, not harder" approach to scaling brands and securing high-value retail partnerships. A look inside the 10-week roadmap that moves founders from an initial concept to a profitable, retail-ready business. How direct feedback and a peer network can accelerate growth and prevent the most common (and expensive) launch errors. Register for Launch Lab! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  

Nicole Schlesinger traded her corporate NYC desk for butchery classes at the Institute of Culinary Education after realizing the jerky market was dominated by sugary, "candy-like" options. Obsessed with quality, she squeezed two oversized dehydrators into her tiny apartment to perfect small-batch, chef-driven recipes that prioritized premium meat and clean ingredients over the industry standard. This experimentation led to the birth of Strip Jerky, a brand redefining the protein-packed snack with an artisanal, modern approach. By blending culinary integrity with bold flavor profiles, Nicole has transformed a nostalgic staple into a sophisticated experience for a new generation of snackers, proving that a high-growth brand can start with just a few test batches and a lot of hustle. Inside the Episode: How Nicole transitioned from a NYC desk job to studying butchery to find her true calling in the culinary world. Why Strip Jerky rejects sugary fillers in favor of clean labels and chef-inspired flavor profiles. Nicole's journey of moving from small-batch testing to a growing brand while maintaining artisanal quality. Stay tuned for the launch! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Daniel Schwarz, Founder and CEO of CHUZA, is a leader who finds inspiration in the concept of poise under pressure. In Mexico, the word "CHUZA" carries a powerful double meaning: it signifies a strike for success, that precise moment when perfection is reached and the momentum continues. This philosophy was personified during the early days of the pandemic by a daily visitor to Daniel's window, an unflappable owl who remained calm while being challenged by crows. This "COwl-Founder" became a symbol of the resilience required to build a brand and served as the motivation Daniel needed to pursue his dream of sharing his culture with the world. Through CHUZA, Daniel is sharing the vibrant, bold, and authentic snacks of Mexico with a global audience. The brand is a labor of love that elevates traditional street food into high-quality products that balance spice, sweetness, and crunch. By staying rooted in his cultural heritage and maintaining an "unflappable" focus, Daniel has transformed CHUZA into a brand that represents both a strike for perfection and a commitment to authenticity. Inside the Episode: How a daily visitor during the pandemic provided the emotional stamina to launch a brand during a global crisis. A look at the process of bringing authentic Mexican flavor profiles to the modern snack aisle. Daniel's advice on staying focused and poised when the "crows are attacking" from all angles in the CPG world. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Anabel González, an ex-Parsons creative and founder of Good Bacteria, transformed her personal postpartum healing journey into a mission to fix a major flaw in the wellness industry: the lack of microbial diversity in traditional probiotics. Recognizing that static supplements often fall short, Anabel collaborated with a scientific advisory board from institutions like Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and Stanford to bridge the gap between clinical research and daily gut health. The result is Good Bacteria, the first daily probiotic system designed to rotate weekly to mimic the variety of a fermented-food-rich diet. Formulated by Dr. Leigh Frame, this 28-day rotation cultivates a broader range of beneficial bacteria than standard supplements, moving beyond simple digestion to support immunity, mental clarity, and whole-body resilience. Inside the Episode: Anabel's personal journey from health challenges to founding a science-first wellness company. The science behind mimicking a fermented-food-rich diet and why weekly shifts are the key to a resilient gut. How Anabel collaborated with experts from Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and Stanford to ensure efficacy and clinical innovation. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

Alex Adam, Founder and Creative Director of Boredom Kills Creative, spent a decade in the music industry witnessing how powerful branding can build and unite communities across the world. This unique background gave him a deep understanding of market impact and emotional resonance, leading him to transition his expertise from the stage to the shelf. Alex now applies those lessons in cultural connection to the world of CPG, helping brands find their heartbeat and scale with purpose. Boredom Kills Creative is a strategic branding agency that partners with CPG companies poised for growth to refine their message and identity. Alex and his team focus on ensuring the right people can find, understand, and love a brand for the long haul. By treating brand strategy as a tool for long-term community building rather than just aesthetic design, BKC helps founders transform emerging products into beloved household staples. Inside the Episode: The specific strategic shifts CPG brands need to make when they are poised to scale from niche to mainstream. Why brand strategy is about more than just visibility—it's about being understood by your ideal consumer. Alex's philosophy on creating brand identities that foster long-term love and cultural relevance. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing eight emerging brands that are redefining their categories. We are seeing a massive shift toward "functional nostalgia" taking the comfort foods we grew up with and upgrading them with high protein, fiber, and clean labels. From whipped cottage cheese dips to flash-frozen aromatics, these founders are solving real-world problems with flavor and radical transparency. Inside the Episode: Functional Condiments & Dips: Why She's the Sauce and Cotto are reimagining everyday sauces and cottage cheese as protein-packed, gut-friendly essentials. The New Baking Aisle: How Little Twists and founder Dalya are making baking easier for families with chef-developed, allergy-friendly mixes that don't compromise on flavor. The Glow-Up From Within: A look at Glowstate's chic chia puddings and Afternoon Toast's roasted barley tea—brands making gut health, digestion, and hydration feel effortless (and aesthetic). Smarter Kitchen Shortcuts: How Nomie is solving the toddler mealtime gap, and how Nida is bringing frozen aromatics to the mainstream as a modern kitchen hack. Snacking, Reinvented: Why Strip Jerky is standing out in the jerky aisle with a female-chef-founded, honey-sweetened approach to clean protein. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  

Shibani Baluja launched Lil' Gourmets with a mission to move baby food out of the dusty, shelf-stable aisle and into the refrigerated section where freshness and nutrients truly live. Based on the latest infant nutrition research, Lil' Gourmets offers fresh, organic, globally inspired meals that provide 100% of a baby's daily vegetable requirements with zero added salt or sugar. With a professional background in mergers and acquisitions at Kraft Foods, Shibani saw a critical gap in the market for "veggie-first" foods that actually taste like the ingredients on the label. Today, Lil' Gourmets is providing peace of mind to time-strapped parents through retail partners like Walmart and Whole Foods Market, proving that convenience doesn't have to come at the expense of a child's developing palate. Inside the Episode: Why Shibani focuses on the first 1,000 days of life to shape future eating habits and long-term health. The logistical journey of bringing fresh, refrigerated baby food to major national retailers like Walmart. How Shibani's decade at Kraft Foods prepared her to scale a startup that prioritizes integrity and nutrient density. Find Lil' Gourmets near you! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.