My Food Job Rocks!

Bruce Friedrich, president and founder of the Good Food Institute, joins the show to mark GFI's 10th anniversary and unpack a decade of building the plant-based and cultivated meat ecosystem. Drawing on his acclaimed new book Meat (a Publishers Weekly Top 10 and Nature Top 5 science pick, praised by Jane Goodall, Nobel laureate Michael Kremer, and Kim Stanley Robinson), Bruce makes the case that the real challenges were never about taste or technology alone. They were about scaling, regulation, and money. Adam and Bruce dig into how cultivated meat costs have plummeted 100,000-fold on a fraction of the funding of any comparable technology, why so many plant-based startups mistook themselves for "the next Impossible," and how 30+ governments went from zero funding to hundreds of millions in just six years. Along the way: Gartner hype cycles, the Waymo and Tesla parallels, the surprising promise of blended products, and honest career advice for food scientists eyeing an underserved field. A grounded, optimistic conversation about technology adoption, the fragility of our food system, and the unglamorous work of changing the world one tech challenge at a time. 📘 Learn more about the book at meatbook.org · Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn · Newsletters at gfi.org/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Light bites and refreshments are included with your ticket; please indicate any dietary restrictions in your ticket order confirmation form. Heads up, as always, we'll have VIPs in attendance as well! Hey Chicago: Startup CPG is hosting our first-ever Founders & Formulators event! Join us at the historic Palmer House Hotel for an afternoon of structured "speed-dating" with the top food scientists and product developers in town for IFT FIRST 2026. Finding the right formulator on your own usually means months of cold outreach, dead-end calls, and guessing whether someone's expertise even fits your product. This event skips that process entirely, giving you 1:1 time with multiple formulators. Each expert brings different knowledge, experience, and working style, so you’ll get lots of different perspectives which you can use to improve your product. Not necessarily looking to bring on a formulator? Come anyway. These formulators can taste your product, evaluate your formula in person, and give you expert insights you can't get from a call with someone who's never actually seen your product. Whether you're still in development and looking for a partner or trying to scale something that's already on shelves, bring what you're working on! Light bites and refreshments are included with your ticket; please indicate any dietary restrictions in your ticket order confirmation form. Heads up, as always, we'll have VIPs in attendance as well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirsten Maitland co-founded Rebel With Cheese out of necessity — she went plant-based overnight, went looking for real artisanal vegan cheese, and couldn’t find any. So she started making it herself, first in a wine fridge, now in a full-scale cheese cave (the only vegan one of its kind, designed with a 40-year dairy expert). The cave-aged brie takes two weeks to make, gets touched by hand every single day, and convinced both Mark Cuban and Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank. But this episode isn’t just about cheese. Kirsten made Fast Company’s radar for something else: using AI to fight back against the notoriously opaque distributor model that quietly bleeds small CPG brands dry. After discovering she’d been overcharged by a quarter million dollars in shipping fees buried across hundreds of pages of invoices, she built her own AI-powered auditing tool — no developer background required — that now automatically flags billing variances every week. Adam and Kirsten get into how she did it, which tools she used (and why she uses Claude and Manus together rather than either alone), and the practical AI workflows she now runs across her whole business: weekly cash flow modeling, what-if scenario planning, brand handbooks, and her standout “100 questions” technique for building deep AI context from scratch. Resources Kirsten mentioned: Podcasts •       Leveraging AI •       AI Explored Newsletters •       Superhuman (superhuman.ai) — her favorite; quick, to-the-point, always valuable •       The Rundown AI (therundown.ai) •       Rubin Hassid — good for getting started (verify exact spelling) Tools •       Claude — projects, skills, cash flow modeling •       Manus — vibe-coding and tool building Find Kirsten •       Substack: Rebel Founder — weekly writing on AI and hard business problems •       Website: rebelcheese.com •       Fast Company article — on using AI to audit distributor invoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suzanne Allers built her career bridging two worlds most people never connect: P&G beauty product development and the fast-moving, low-margin world of food innovation. As a partner at Untapped Innovation Consulting, she's spent over 20 years helping brands translate consumer insight into product and product back into story. In this episode, Suzanne breaks down why food consumers don't think in "problems" the way skincare consumers do, and what that means for how you research and design a product. She digs into why R&D teams are often the best-positioned people in a company to write a brand's core story (and why marketing still has a critical role to play after that). The conversation also covers the GLP-1 effect rippling through food and beauty, the "premiumization" of ingredients like fiber and protein, and how to tell a real cultural shift apart from a fad before you bet your roadmap on it. Suzanne also shares a first look at her upcoming book, Untapping Innovation, a practical playbook of the tools and frameworks her firm has used across categories from personal care to PepsiCo. What we cover: Going from theoretical chemistry and a P&G internship to co-founding Untapped Innovation Why food and beauty consumers need to be researched differently Using storytelling frameworks in R&D, and why the consumer (not the product) is the hero How GLP-1 medications are reshaping cravings, spend, and product strategy in food Premiumization trends in fiber and protein ingredients Telling fads from trends, using the plant-based meat boom and bust as a case study A preview of her new book, Untapping Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Senne, Senior Manager of Applications and Taste Modulation at Imbibe, joins the show to demystify what flavorists actually do and why their work is one of the most fascinating fusions of art and science in our industry. We dig into the realities of formulating beverages with high-protein, functional, and botanical ingredients, the difference between bitter blockers and maskers, and why sweetener proteins like Thaumatin and Brazzein are a space to watch. Lauren also shares practical tips for vetting flavors quickly, choosing flavor profiles that harmonize with off-notes (peaches, berries, anything-and-cream), and what it really takes to become a certified flavorist. A must-listen for anyone formulating drinks, working with functional ingredients, or just curious about the hidden craft behind your favorite RTD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Zhuang is the founder of Tidal Brand Management, a fractional marketing services firm specializing in startup CPG brands across food, beverage, and supplements. In this episode, we cover her journey from fine arts to corporate brand management at Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Vega, and Campbell’s — and what finally pushed her to go out on her own. Stephanie shares why CPG marketing is more analytical than people realize, why supplements outperform food in DTC, and the real math behind premiumization. We also talk about the honest questions you should ask yourself before leaving a corporate job to build something solo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder why some food brands seem to blow up on Amazon or Instacart while others burn through their ad budget with nothing to show for it? In this episode, I sit down with Mat Drela, CEO and founder of Retail Media IQ, who has spent 17 years mastering performance marketing across thousands of campaigns. We dig into the world of retail media the ads you see on Instacart, Amazon, and your favorite grocery apps and what CPG founders actually need to know before they spend a single dollar. If you're building a food brand and you're curious about how to turn digital shelf space into real sales, this one is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becca Wright, founder of Piedmont Pennies, joins the show to share how a grandmother’s cheese cracker recipe became a Southern specialty brand sold in 450+ stores across 47 states. She breaks down why specialty retail is the smartest launchpad for new food brands, how demoing reveals truths your spreadsheet never will, and the mindset shift that keeps founders steady through the highs and lows. We also dig into the North Carolina food ecosystem, Eastern vs. Western barbecue, and what “community over competition” really looks like in CPG. A masterclass in scrappy, intentional brand building from the heart of the Carolinas. Promo Code Use code FOODROCKS20 for 20% off at PiedmontPennies.com Key Links for Show Notes •   Piedmont Pennies website: piedmontpennies.com •   Social: @PiedmontPennies (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook) •   NC IDEA grant program •   NC State Food Lab •   Startup CPG community •   Weaver Street Market (Raleigh/Carrboro/Hillsborough/Southern Village) •   Reed’s Fine Foods (Charlotte) •   Fresh Market, Lowe’s Foods (NC local sections) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to understand the numbers behind your CPG brand? This week, Adam sits down with Abby June Richards, founder and fractional CFO of The CPG CFO, to demystify the financial side of the consumer packaged goods world. Abby shares how she went from 20+ years in public accounting to building a thriving fractional CFO practice serving emerging CPG founders and why she'll never go back to traditional accounting. In this episode, you'll learn the difference between finance and accounting, why most financial models sit unused on a shelf, and how the simple 4:1 cost-to-retail ratio can be a cheat code for pricing your product. Abby breaks down why retention is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) levers in your business, why raising prices is often the bravest and smartest move a founder can make, and how collaboration between finance, sales, and operations is where the magic really happens. She also shares the now-famous Lupini pizza story — where an accidental $25 price tag still moved units and proved that special brands can charge what they're worth. Whether you're pre-revenue, scaling into retail, or just trying to figure out if your business actually has margin, this conversation will give you the clarity (and courage) to look at your numbers with new eyes. Because as Abby says: if you don't have margin, you don't have a business. Find Abby: Website: thecpgcfo.com LinkedIn: Abby June Richards Free resources: Cash Fight Framework, Cash Flow Forecasting Tool, and Know Your Numbers handout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Job Ubbink is a professor and the head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with a career spanning Givaudan, Nestlé, his own consultancy, and Cal Poly before landing in the Twin Cities. In this episode, we trace his unconventional path from chemistry and a Michelin-starred restaurant kitchen in the Netherlands to global R&D leadership and academia. Job shares his vision for food science as a broader, people-centered discipline, one that integrates physical chemistry, community, culture, and the realities of small artisanal producers. We also get into industry-academia collaboration, the ultra-processed foods debate, and what young food scientists need to do to become decision-makers, not just technical resources. LinkedIn account under: linkedin.com/in/job-ubbink-11204b7 and lab website at: ubbinklab.cfans.umn.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grace Uvezian is VP of Marketing at Appetronix, the company building fully autonomous robotic kitchens deployed in airports, universities, and stadiums including a live location at Columbus International Airport. In this episode, we go deep on how Grace uses Claude, MCPs, and AI automation to run her marketing function, including how she generated $5M in PR value at Spice using Zapier, the exact way she structures prompts with voice tools like Whisper Flow, and her philosophy on getting comfortable giving AI access to your data. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-skeptical, Grace breaks down what these tools can and cannot do in practical, food-tech-relevant terms. A must-listen for anyone in CPG or food service trying to figure out where AI actually fits into their workflow. Find Grace: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-uvezian/Substack: https://substack.com/@graceu    My episode about AI: https://wolfingdownfoodscience.buzzsprout.com/1609819/episodes/19070967-are-you-an-apocaloptimist-review-of-the-ai-doc-with-adam-yee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenley Fitzgerald, VP of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Yes! Apples®, joins the show to talk about turning a 100-year-old apple operation into a consumer-facing brand. From launching FreshDirect's social media to partnering with Bob's Burgers at Blue Apron, Tenley shares how brand collaborations unlock new audiences and why the apple category is ripe for disruption. We dig into the challenges of branding a commodity in a private-label world, using D2C data to make smarter marketing decisions, and what it takes to build something from the ground up with sheer force of will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ori Zohar, co-founder of Burlap & Barrel, returns to discuss how his 10-year-old bootstrapped spice company is taking the U.S. government to court over tariffs they believe are illegal. Ori shares the real financial impact tariffs have on small food businesses, why big food companies stay silent, and how Burlap & Barrel is channeling brand activism to fight for smallholder farmers worldwide. They also dive into the bootstrapping vs. venture capital debate and why small businesses are the true backbone of the American food economy Find out more: www.burlapandbarrel.com or on Instagram at @burlapandbarrel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Heiner, CEO and cofounder of Pacha, a sprouted buckwheat brand, shares his journey from the mortgage industry to founding the first hard kombucha brand (Boochcraft) and now running a sprouted buckwheat bakery with just two ingredients. We dive into contract farming with regenerative farmers, the hard lessons of scaling a beverage startup, and how to build an assembly-line mindset on the production floor. Adam also opens up about living in an intentional community and why integrating your values into your work is the only way he knows how to do it.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee has a new podcast! Introducing R&D Radio, a segment where he interviews food scientists and how they help food brands on the Startup CPG podcast. In this episode, we'll be sharing two episodes: one with Danile Scharff interviewing Adam and Adam interviewing Rachel Zemser along with some insights on podcasting in general. Expect two podcast episodes every month and a newsletter. There's also a ton of content that Startup CPG supplies to young food brands. It's the best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Yee interviews Jess Haghani, the founder and CEO of Lucille, a pioneering nutrition company dedicated to the often-overlooked senior demographic. Haghani shares how her grandmother’s health struggles inspired her to disrupt the clinical, "shameful" legacy shake market with an aspirational brand and a superior, clean-label product. The conversation dives deep into the technical side of food science, discussing how Haghani collaborated with Harvard nutritionists to develop a lactose-free, nutrient-dense formula featuring ingredients like avocado oil and agave. Finally, Haghani explores the unique business challenges of the "silver economy," from designing senior-friendly packaging to navigating a go-to-market strategy that targets primary caregivers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Adam sits down with Melissa, president of the non-UPF Program, to unpack the rise of ultra-processed foods and their links to metabolic disease, autoimmune conditions, colorectal cancer, and even depression. Melissa breaks down the Nova classification system, explains why "normal weight" doesn't mean metabolically healthy, and shares what it actually takes to reverse chronic disease through diet. They also get into GLP-1 drugs, food addiction, colon cancer, and why nutrition counseling may be the most cost-effective solution we're not investing in. If you’re a food company making products with simple, recognizable ingredients, I want to tell you about something worth checking out. The Non-UPF Program offers a certification for foods that are not ultra-processed, helping brands clearly show consumers and healthcare professionals that their products are made with real ingredients and minimal processing. The review process is guided by dietitians, food scientists, and nutrition researchers who publish research on ultra-processed foods, so it’s a credible, science-backed standard. If your company is working to keep food simple and transparent, you can learn more and apply at nonupfprogram.org/apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee sits down with Dr. Claudia Carter, the Executive Director of the California Wheat Commission and the California Grain Foundation. Claudia shares her fascinating journey from growing up in Ecuador with a passion for food engineering to becoming a specialized expert in cereal and grain science in the United States. She provides unique insights into the "hidden" history of California as a major grain producer and explains how wheat remains a vital, cost-effective tool for modern farmers through sustainable rotational cropping and regenerative practices. The conversation also dives deep into the realities of high-level professional development and the "grit" required to succeed in the sciences. Claudia discusses the immense challenge of completing her PhD in Nutrition Science over five years while working full-time and raising a family, offering practical advice on time management and the importance of a supportive professional network. Whether you are a food scientist, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the supply chain behind your daily bread, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of agriculture, education, and personal persistence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam interviews Caroline Cotto, the Director of NECTAR at Food System Innovations. They discuss Caroline's journey from Renewal Mill to her current role, the importance of sensory studies in the plant-based food industry, and the initiatives of Food System Innovations, including the Nectar Initiative and the Tasty Awards. They also explore the integration of AI in food science, collaborations with Stanford, and the impact of balanced proteins in the market. The conversation emphasizes the need for consumer education and storytelling in promoting alternative proteins. Also, we mention the 2nd Annual TASTY Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at The Hibernia in San Francisco. This year's theme is dairy, and we're celebrating the most delicious alternative dairy products as determined by thousands of real consumers through blind taste tests. The evening will feature the award unveilings, an exclusive keynote by co-founder of Salt & Straw co-founder Tyler Malek, and a curated tasting experience with award-winning products in unique, chef-crafted dishes. Would you be open to sharing this discount code with your food community - customers and podcast listeners? If so, they can use the code "MYFOODJOBROCKS" for 50% discount. Register here Guests can join 300 food industry leaders, innovators, and tastemakers for an unforgettable evening where exceptional taste meets food innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Barney shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom making almond butter to becoming a CPG startup advisor. She discusses the challenges of starting her almond butter business, the importance of understanding cash flow, and the role of social media in marketing. Jennifer emphasizes the need for founders to be coachable and to build relationships in the food industry. She also provides valuable insights on navigating retail distribution and the evolving landscape of food marketing. The Business of Food on substack and subscribe to her newsletter or connect on LinkedIn  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veronica Hislop shares her journey from undergraduate studies in chemistry to pursuing a PhD in food science at Toronto Metropolitan University. She discusses the challenges of research, the importance of literature reviews, and her experiences in publishing her work. Veronica also reflects on her aspirations for the future, the role of communication in the food industry, and the impact of AI on research methodologies. We highlight the complexities of academic life and the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. At the end of the episode, Adam talks about his decision to go to graduate school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews Ross Milne, CEO of Leaft Foods, discussing his background in engineering, his career journey, and the innovative work Leaft Foods is doing in the plant-based space, particularly focusing on the protein Rubisco. Ross shares insights on project management, the challenges of building factories globally, and the importance of planning in food production. He also discusses the unique properties of alfalfa as a raw material and the future of Leaft Foods in revolutionizing food production with sustainable practices. US/NZ can get 20% off their first Leaft Blade order with the code YOUROCK when they order at LeaftBlade.com. Also, the 2nd Annual TASTY Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at The Hibernia in San Francisco. This year's theme is dairy, and we're celebrating the most delicious alternative dairy products as determined by thousands of real consumers through blind taste tests. Use the code "MYFOODJOBROCKS" for 50% discount. Register here Guests can join 300 food industry leaders, innovators, and tastemakers for an unforgettable evening where exceptional taste meets food innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamanna Ramesh, a commercial lead at the Coca-Cola Company, shares her journey from being a "foodie" in India to navigating the corporate landscapes of Fortune 100 giants like Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola. She reveals her tactical approach to surviving corporate bureaucracy, including her methods for color-coding her calendar to reclaim focus time and her "Five Whys" strategy for career alignment. Tamanna discusses the transition from a technical R&D background to business strategy, emphasizing how a researcher's mindset is a powerful tool for navigating the subjectivity of corporate roles and the emerging world of AI-driven innovation. Beyond her day job, Tamanna is the founder of Spark Careers, a coaching business born from her passion for empowering STEM professionals. She provides deep insights into the "broken" U.S. immigration system, sharing how she successfully secured an EB-1 "Extraordinary Ability" visa and why she tells her clients that professional volunteering is no longer optional for those seeking career continuity in the States. Whether you are looking to scale a side hustle, integrate AI into your workflow, or master the art of upward mobility, Tamanna’s perspective offers a roadmap for high-achieving professionals to maximize their potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam talks with Paul Schiefer, President of Amy’s Kitchen, about his remarkable journey from teenage intern to leading one of the most recognizable natural food brands in the country. Paul shares how Amy’s scaled from a family-driven startup into a national powerhouse without losing its commitment to organic ingredients, real cooking, and values-led decision making. He also discusses modernizing systems inside a fast-growing company and why technology should support people and purpose, not replace them. The conversation goes beyond operations into impact. Paul reflects on Amy’s role in the early organic movement, lessons from expanding internationally, and how mission, sustainability, and long-term thinking shape the company’s strategy today. For anyone building a food brand—or a meaningful career in food—this episode offers an inside look at how to grow, adapt, and lead while staying true to what matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews Hydroxide, a food science content creator, who shares insights into her journey in food science, her experiences in the industry, and her approach to creating engaging content on platforms like TikTok. They discuss the importance of storytelling in science communication, the challenges of navigating controversial topics, and the impact of content creation on personal growth. Hydroxide emphasizes the need for authenticity and consistency in content creation while encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their passions and connect with their audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Lee, a food futurist and innovation expert, discusses his journey into the world of food trends and futurism. He shares insights on the importance of humility in predicting the future, the role of design thinking in food innovation, and the need for empathy beyond just the consumer perspective. Mike also explores the concept of edutainment in food media, the intersection of art and food innovation, and the significance of diverse inspirations in the creative process. He reflects on his career choices, the financial backing of innovation, and the current trends in AI and food innovation. We also dive into the intersection of AI and food innovation, exploring how machine learning can optimize food production and flavor prediction. They discuss the implications of GLP-1 drugs on food addiction and consumer behavior, particularly in relation to ultra-processed foods. The dialogue also touches on the future of food trends, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of nutrition, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of food science and consumer choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews James Gourley, a partner at an intellectual property law firm specializing in the food industry. They discuss the importance of understanding intellectual property (IP) for entrepreneurs, the different types of IP, and the nuances of trademark and patent law. Gourley shares insights from his career, including the significance of writing in law, how to choose the right lawyer, and the role of trade secrets in protecting business ideas. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the legal landscape and the challenges faced by food businesses in navigating legal issues. Takeaways James Gourley specializes in intellectual property law, particularly in the food industry. Understanding IP is crucial for entrepreneurs in the food sector. Writing skills are essential for lawyers, especially in drafting legal documents. Choosing the right lawyer involves assessing their experience in specific legal issues. Different types of IP include patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Trademark protection is vital for brand identity in the food industry. Cease and desist letters can be intimidating but require careful assessment. Trade secrets can provide a competitive advantage if properly protected. Contracts with manufacturers should clearly outline IP rights and responsibilities. Patents in the food industry can be complex and require careful consideration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews Zachary Cartwright, a principal food scientist and sales engineer at AquaLab. They discuss the integration of AI in podcasting, the importance of science communication, and the nuances of water activity in food science. Zachary shares his journey from biochemistry to food science, emphasizing the significance of effective communication and networking in career development. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Zachary's podcast, The Drip, and how his hobbies, such as yoga and DJing, influence his professional life. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring food scientists and the importance of mentorship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During my trip to Japan I met Schyler Cole and had a great talk with her so I decided to interview her. Her journey is very interesting! Schyler Alexandra Cole is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Value Create Ventures in Tokyo, building a revenue-based financing venture to fill funding gaps for SMEs and startups. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with food: while earning her BA in Economics at Stanford, her research led her to found a social enterprise creating a marketplace for culturally competent food and health resources—an experience that shaped her commitment to more equitable investment of financial, social, and human capital.   Recognizing parallels between the Southeast US and Japan in entrepreneurship and startups, Schyler earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Tokyo, focusing on funding strategies for diverse startups. She has worked across venture-backed Silicon Valley startups, VC firms, and think tanks in the US and Japan, specializing in pre-seed/seed stage investments. She advises organizations including Shibuya Startup Support and Women in Tech Japan, and shares content on the future of funding great ideas, building impactful solutions, and centering wellness across Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schylercole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schyleracole/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schyler.cole Substack: https://bewelldowellnow.substack.com/about Website: https://www.schylercole.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam sits down with Alice Wistar, Head of Growth & Strategy at Palate Insights, for a chat about her career, her role as Chief of Staff for startups, and some insights on food service. Alice shares how she accidentally fell into her dream career from pivoting from med school ambitions to vegan gastronomy in Peru, to a crash-course MBA at Black Sheep Foods during the plant-based boom. They unpack what a Chief of Staff actually does inside a fast-moving startup, why plant-based lamb was both a triumph and a branding trap, the maddening truth behind food-service distribution, and how real-world sensory testing is shifting away from sterile lab rooms and into restaurants and grocery aisles. Alice also breaks down the rise of “balanced proteins,” the data chefs are giving her team, and why taste, trust, and supply chain reliability matter more than anyone wants to admit. If you’re obsessed with food innovation, startup chaos, consumer behavior, or just love a good origin story, this episode delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Atcheson, the Executive Director of Food Policy Pathways, discusses her journey into food policy, the importance of understanding policy definitions, the role of data in shaping food policies, and the influence of lobbying. She shares insights on navigating government structures, implementing innovative programs, and building a career in food policy. Rachel emphasizes the need for collaboration and the importance of getting involved in food policy advocacy to create impactful change in the food system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seth Waite shares his unique journey from studying political science to becoming a partner at a biopsychology firm. He discusses the importance of understanding consumer behavior, the transition from law school to nonprofit work, and how these experiences shaped his approach to marketing. Seth emphasizes the significance of talking to customers, understanding their emotional needs, and using data to inform marketing strategies. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights innovative tools for market research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Satoshi Umino, CEO of Sustainable Food Asia interviewed me while I was in Japan at his office in front of a live audience. This podcast has been edited to remove the Japanese translation. I chat about the following trends happening in the USA: What's happening now: Protein, Tariffs, Labubu Economy What's not happening now: Plant-based, Sustainability Initiatives, Regenerative Trends that will persist for a decade: AI, Biotech, MAHA Trends that are important to watch: Reactive Supply Chain, Fiber and research, The Katseye model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Laurette Rondenet, CEO of Edlong Flavors, shares her journey in the food industry, the challenges of running a family business, and the importance of mentorship and leadership. She discusses the evolution of Edlong, the significance of decision-making in business, and the dynamics of company culture. Laurette emphasizes the need for awareness in the food science field and the interconnectedness of the industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support among competitors. She also touches on her personal branding efforts and the future of food science. Connect with Laurette: Website LinkedIn Instagram YouTubeApple Podcasts Edlong   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video Company, discusses the significance of video marketing in the B2B sector, emphasizing the importance of mid-funnel content and the buyer's journey. He introduces the 'video marketing trifecta'—differentiation, demonstration, and validation—as essential components for effective video content. Tim also shares insights on overcoming camera shyness, the differences between B2B and B2C marketing strategies, and the role of social media, particularly LinkedIn, in engaging potential clients. He concludes with practical tips for creating evergreen content and leveraging video to build trust and drive conversions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee shares his journey into food science, detailing his early influences, educational experiences, and the challenges he faced in the food industry. He discusses the importance of networking, the role of AI in food science, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including product development and consulting work. Adam emphasizes the need for consistency and the value of starting small while pursuing one's passions. He also reflects on the impact of technology on the food industry and shares insights on how to inspire the next generation of food scientists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Scott is a best-selling author, inspirational keynote speaker, and organizational development consultant. Through his books, workshops, keynotes, and licensed content, he inspires audiences at Fortune 500 companies, Universities, and community organizations nationwide to become their best, deliver their best, and experience the best life possible. Taylor leverages his personal experiences and twenty years working in the hospitality industry for Disney Parks and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels and Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to connect with and inspire leaders at all levels. Link tree:https://linktr.ee/TaylorScott?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbI4VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBCamkzQ3czalpodlFTTjBVAR4PRXAVjERBeo3DVyrFpCfu6d_euxSOIIuWEGViTmqB2ajuDMWzX1a3tWsx3w_aem__xxSxqpGc1z4TAcKtFQfQQF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Lafleur shares her journey from studying biology to becoming a food scientist and entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences in product development competitions, her time at Mattson, and the challenges of transitioning to a startup. Caroline emphasizes the importance of understanding the target market, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the role of branding in the food industry. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for resilience, creativity, and a focus on core values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Sebastian Zorn, the head team performance dietitian for the Los Angeles Rams. They discuss Sebastian's journey into sports nutrition, his experiences at various colleges, and the unique challenges and opportunities in professional sports nutrition. Sebastian shares insights on the principles of sports nutrition, the impact of trends like NIL on college athletics, and the future of AI in nutrition. He also provides advice for aspiring nutritionists and discusses the importance of protein in athletes' diets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Myles Powell, CEO of Myles Comfort Foods, discussing his journey from corporate America to the food industry. Myles shares his experiences with product development, transitioning from barbecue sauces to frozen foods, and the challenges of scaling a CPG brand. He emphasizes the importance of clean labeling, navigating retail partnerships, and the impact of the pandemic on consumer behavior. The discussion also covers marketing strategies for food entrepreneurs and offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lewis Bollard, Programme Director for Farm Animal Welfare at Open Philanthropy, discusses the critical intersection of technology and advocacy in improving animal welfare. He highlights the alarming rise in chicken consumption and the inhumane conditions in factory farming. Lewis emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions, such as In-ovo sexing technology, and the need for corporate responsibility in animal welfare. He also shares insights from a successful fundraising campaign that engaged new donors in the cause, illustrating the growing global concern for animal welfare and the potential for change in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Robert Irvine shares his journey from a young boy interested in cooking to a renowned chef and television personality. He discusses the leadership skills he gained from his military background and how they shaped his approach to managing teams in the culinary world. Robert emphasizes the importance of food as a vehicle for community building and healing, particularly for veterans. He also highlights the mission of the Robert Irvine Foundation, which focuses on mental and physical health for veterans and their families. Throughout the conversation, Robert shares impactful stories and offers valuable advice for aspiring chefs and leaders, underscoring the significance of relationships and helping others in creating a positive change in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Vincent, an Asian American food innovator and founder of Dang Foods. They discuss Vincent's journey from his educational background at Cornell to the inception of his company, which focuses on coconut chips. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the food industry, sourcing ingredients, and the importance of product strategy. Vincent shares insights on funding, growth challenges, and the role of Asian brands in the market, as well as advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on international competition and the dynamics of the food market. Learn more about Vincent: Sappan LLC How I Built This How I Built This - Art of Letting Go Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Jaime Tulley shares her journey from a background in food science and pre-med studies to becoming a co-founder and COO of Hey Day Canning Co. She discusses her early experiences in the food industry, the challenges of launching a canned food brand, and the innovative approaches they are taking to revitalize the canned food aisle. Jaime emphasizes the importance of passion, adaptability, and collaboration in entrepreneurship, as well as the unique marketing strategies that have helped Hey Day gain traction in a competitive market. Jaime is a scientist by training and food manufacturing expert by trade. After spending several years doing nutrition-focused cancer research with the National Institute of Health, she decided to pivot into the world of food manufacturing where she felt she could have a more immediate positive impact on human health.Her first role in CPG was Plant Manager for Columbia Gorge Organic, a nationally distributed cold-pressed juice company. At Columbia George, Jaime got her feet wet (quite literally, often standing in a puddle of juice) managingthe front lines of the plant and overseeing all facets of Quality, Food Safety, and Operations.Seeking a role with more capacity for growth, Jaime joined Sweet Earth as the very first hire to lead Quality, R&D, and Operations. At Sweet Earth, Jaime built out the 30,000 square foot facility that would support the brand’s rise from $1M to $25M in revenue — doing everything soup to nuts from formulating dozens of new products across categories, designing production lines, implementing QA systems, hiring and training production teams, and instilling a culture of continuous improvements to drastically improve margins while maintaining quality. Jaime led the operational merge with Nestle, migrating major product lies from Sweet Earth's facility and launching new Sweet Earth products at Nestle plants all over the country.Prior to starting Heyday, Jaime was the VP of Operations at Catapult Commercialization Services, where she provided R&D and commercialization consulting services for startups in categories including dairy alternatives, meat alternatives, functional beverages, hot sauces, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Buckner, founder and CEO of Foodbevy, shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early ventures in the food industry to the challenges faced with his first company, T-Squares. He discusses the importance of product differentiation, the emotional toll of closing a business, and the transition to building Foodbevy as a community for emerging food brands. Jordan emphasizes the significance of personal mission statements, funding strategies for CPG brands, and the launch of the Foodbevy Insider program, which connects consumers with new products. Throughout the discussion, he offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry. Jordan Buckner is on a mission to help food and beverage companies build successful businesses, and launched Foodbevy.com to create a pipeline for companies to grow from startup to scale by reducing the resource and network gaps. Jordan previously co-founded TeaSquares, a line of superfood energy bars designed to help people stay focused and alert so they could achieve their passions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dane Atkinson is the Founder and CEO of Odeko, the operations partner helping independent coffee shops run and grow through smart software, next-day delivery, and a modern supply chain. Since launching Odeko in 2019, Dane has focused on giving small businesses enterprise-level tools, and he led the company through over $280M in funding to further scale that mission. Before Odeko, he served as CEO of Squarespace from 2007 to 2011 and later founded SumAll, a data-analytics platform built for SMBs. A long-time mentor and advocate for entrepreneurs, he regularly shares practical lessons on earning trust, using AI thoughtfully, and building systems that let local businesses compete with national brands. Today, Odeko supports tens of thousands of cafés across the U.S., enabling owners to spend less time on logistics and more time serving their communities. Adam and Dane talk about ADHD, his time at Squarespace and owning a coffee shop, and Table Top Role Playing Games, where Adam pitches his book, Interns in the Dark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fred Hart is a brand consultant, creative director, and design strategist obsessed with building and studying CPG brands. Over the last decade, he's built a 30-person branding agency, transformed over 137 CPG brands, won an industry record 5 Designalytic Design Effectiveness Awards in the last five years, and been entrusted by visionary founders and Fortune 500 companies to craft strategic design that moves businesses forward. Fred shares his journey from running a successful design agency to creating an open-source agency model. He discusses the differences in branding strategies between small and large companies, the impact of influencer marketing, and the evolving landscape of the food industry. Fred emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior, the rise of private label brands, and the current trends in protein and plant-based products. He offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and designers, highlighting the significance of storytelling and audience engagement in branding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Roszell is an award-winning storyteller and communications leader with 25+ years of experience across biotech, tech, food and consumer brands. He now consults with companies—from startups to industry leaders—on brand and media strategy, investor communications, crisis communications and employee culture. He’s an expert in designing and delivering blockbuster branded media strategies that break through crowded channels. In just the past five years, his work has generated nearly 3 billion media impressions across 400+ articles and helped raise more than $250 million in early-stage funding. His campaigns have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Bloomberg Businessweek, NPR, CNN and more. Previously, Matt led marketing and communications at Elo Life Systems and Motif FoodWorks—high-profile startups backed by investors including Bill Gates, Novo Holdings, BlackRock and even Robert Downey Jr. (yes, Iron Man himself). He’s also held senior roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Workday, Yahoo! and Gap. Matt began his career shaping narratives for Congressman Joe Kennedy and at the global PR agency Shandwick, supporting major brands across industries. He earned his BS in Communications with a minor in Political Science from Boston University, where he competed in NCAA Division I track and field and was recognized as an America East Scholar-Athlete. He lives on the coast of Massachusetts with his two kids and a cat that plays fetch. Matt can be reached at [email protected]. And via Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-roszell. His website is here: https://www.otrmarcomm.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alison Cayne shares her journey from urban planning to founding Haven's Kitchen, a cooking school that evolved into a consumer packaged goods brand. She discusses the challenges of navigating the food industry, the harsh realities of retail economics, and the impact of venture capital funding on food brands. Alison reflects on the lessons learned from shutting down Haven's Kitchen and emphasizes the importance of understanding the food ecosystem, knowing your target audience, and building a strong community. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs and shares her future aspirations, including teaching at Columbia Business School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Adam chats with Yadu Dar about his career at Ingredion and his job at Plantible. They chat about the ingredient industry, how it has evolved since back in the day, and the challenges of working in a small less-than-a-decade old company versus a century old behemoth. Yadu gives great knowledge and insights in ingredient functionality as his team at Plantible explores the function of lemna leaf/duckweed, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices