Episodes

Don’t Go To Expo West.* Why Are ‘Leisure’ Drinks Growing?
February 7, 202540 mins

Don’t Go To Expo West.* Why Are ‘Leisure’ Drinks Growing?

Someone has to say it: Expo West isn’t for everyone. One host makes a case on why some folks should skip the Super Bowl of CPG… while three others try to prove them wrong. We also sit down with Trevor Burns of Leisure Hydration, an emerging brand of electrolyte drinks making waves in SoCal.
Intentional Growth. An ‘Accidental’ Exit. How Nona Lim Found Its Buyer.
February 4, 202532 mins

Intentional Growth. An ‘Accidental’ Exit. How Nona Lim Found Its Buyer.

Nona Lim, the founder of Nona Lim Foods, a trailblazing brand of convenient Asian-inspired meals, reflects on the journey of building and eventually selling her company, the importance of generating retail velocity without heavy marketing spend and why having a well-organized data room is essential for raising funds or preparing for an exit.
Strategize Around Real, Familiar & Unique… Registers Will Ring
January 31, 202553 mins

Strategize Around Real, Familiar & Unique… Registers Will Ring

These days, keeping it simple is one way to be different. At a time when brands are packing their products with processed ingredients, some companies are taking a stripped down approach… and getting noticed. This episode, which features an interview with Stephanie McGregor, a veteran food and beverage executive and founder of plant-based drink brand Ringa, explores that dynamic.
How This CEO Is Restoring An Iconic NYC Brand To Its Former Glory
January 28, 202526 mins

How This CEO Is Restoring An Iconic NYC Brand To Its Former Glory

H&H Bagels is a New York City institution. Its CEO Jay Rushin wants to make it an American staple. In this episode, Jay talks about how he helped H&H regain its relevance after the company fell on hard times, how he navigated some of the most challenging aspects of its turnaround and how H&H is attempting to align its storied history with modern culture and trends.
How Upstarts Shined At A Final-ish ‘Fancy’
January 24, 202536 mins

How Upstarts Shined At A Final-ish ‘Fancy’

Before the sun set on a final Winter Fancy Food Show, the event cast a light on a swath of emerging, innovative and better-for-you brands. The hosts highlight a few of their favorite products exhibited at the show, and how package design, ingredients, form factor and taste helped them to stand out.
To Live Her Dream, She First Needed To Create ‘Absolute Trust’ In Her Brand
January 21, 202531 mins

To Live Her Dream, She First Needed To Create ‘Absolute Trust’ In Her Brand

When Amanda Thomson launched Noughty Wines, a pioneering brand of dealcoholized wines, in 2019, she was, in essence, flying blind. In this episode, Amanda talks about how she charted an unknown path for a nascent category, why gaining the “absolute trust” of consumers is key to Noughty’s future and why she advises founders to consider what they want to achieve with their brands.