Episodes

What do the hosts make of Caulipower’s fitting exit, a tennis icon’s investment in a corn-free (!) popcorn startup, and Padma Lakshmi’s partnership with a particularly spicy CPG brand? It’s a full serving of Taste Radio, complete with a taste-test of high-fiber gummy candy and a $20, creatine-packed cereal.

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Pantry Gems, Berski, Benni Pops, KiuKiu and Superlova. This week’s special co-host is Mia Medina, the founder and CEO of Gather Brands.

Oliver Dixon, the co-founder of Something & Nothing, explains how his design sensibility and refusal to compromise on flavor helped shape a better-for-you soda brand that feels both modern and timeless. From surviving early missteps to building credibility through selective distribution and cultural partnerships, Olly shares how discipline, taste, and integrity can scale just as powerfully as hype.

The hosts break down Recess’ $30 million raise, pound shots of olive oil, and wonder if Ben Stiller’s nostalgic soda brand can make it in middle America. Oh, and someone bottled a hot sauce wrapped in a real $100 bill.

Kathryn Bricken, the founder and CEO of Doughlicious, shares how she turned a London-based cookie dough startup into a global frozen dessert powerhouse now in 6,000 U.S. stores, including Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.

The hosts unpack curated snack boxes featuring innovative products from emerging food and beverage brands – from sourdough bites and zaatar crackers to whiskey pecans and candied pistachios. They also share insights on how founders can save big and stand out at BevNET’s upcoming events in L.A.

Specialty coffee pioneer George Howell shares how a long-term vision and a commitment to quality over trends helped reshape American coffee culture, even after Starbucks acquired his original brand. He also reveals the little-known origins of the drink that would become the Frappuccino, critiques why many cafés fall short on customer experience, and explains his unapologetic views on flavored coffee.