Episodes

Hurray’s Girl Beer isn’t just another craft brand. It’s a calculated rebellion against an industry stuck in the past. Founder Ray Biebuyck explains how the brand’s satirical, female-forward positioning flips the script in a category that has long overlooked nearly a third of its audience: women.

Ten years ago, the idea of canned milk powering a fast-growing brand might have seemed far-fetched. And yet, Slate – which recently announced $23 million in fresh funding – has proven just how powerful a novel concept can be. The hosts also look back on an unforgettable meetup in San Francisco, where industry veterans, insiders, and early-stage founders came together in a high-energy atmosphere.

What separates beverage brands that break out from those that burn out? In this episode, industry veteran Ken Sadowsky – often known by his sobriquet, the “Beverage Whisperer” – offers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working (and what’s not) in the fiercely competitive drinks industry.

Mike Lombardo, the co-founder of better-for-you iced tea brand Halfday, shares the journey of transforming a college side hustle into a fast-growing challenger brand. He opens up about the brand’s early missteps, how Halfday secured coveted shelf space at Whole Foods, partnered with one of New York City’s most influential distributors, and how a last-minute decision led to a major investment.

Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of RTD coffee and more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200M investment in Bloom. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovation and examine whether energy or indulgence is driving consumer demand.