My Food Job Rocks!

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 matt@otrmarcomm.com. 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

In this conversation, David Lennarz, co-founder and president of Registrar Corp, shares his extensive experience in the food industry and the importance of FDA compliance. He discusses the challenges and complexities of navigating regulatory requirements, the impact of tariffs on importers, and the role of technology in ensuring food safety. David also provides insights into current trends in the food market, the implications of changes in FDA administration, and offers advice for small businesses facing regulatory challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of unique products in the US market and the future of food manufacturing and sourcing. Adam then talks about his experience with food safety, regulatory and a rice noodle factory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Easton, founder and executive director of Wellness in the Schools, discusses the importance of nutrition and wellness in schools, the challenges faced by food service directors, and the impact of community engagement and partnerships in promoting healthy eating among children. She shares her journey in establishing Wellness in the Schools, emphasizing the need for scratch cooking and the role of volunteers in supporting these initiatives. The discussion also touches on current trends in food policy, the importance of education in food systems, and advice for aspiring nonprofit leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Felice Thorpe, founder of Felice Foods, shares her extensive experience in the food industry, particularly in dairy and cheese. She discusses her approach to influencer marketing, the importance of brand positioning, and the unique challenges faced by both small and large food brands. Felice emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer expectations and market trends, while also providing insights into the current state of the dairy industry. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of niche expertise and passion in achieving success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam and Robert Mulligan discuss Robert's journey in the food science industry, touching on his educational background, various roles in manufacturing, consulting, and product development, particularly at Keurig and Motif FoodWorks. They explore the challenges and innovations in food tech, the importance of sensory analysis, and the impact of good coworkers on job satisfaction. Robert shares insights on flavor science and the current state of the food tech industry, reflecting on his experiences and the lessons learned throughout his career. Adam and Robert explore the evolving landscape of food tech, the challenges of navigating layoffs, and the importance of effective resume writing. They discuss the dynamics of Spindrift, the role of sensory experience in food products, and how improv can enhance professional life. The conversation also touches on the social aspects of Dungeons and Dragons as a means of building friendships and the value of embracing silliness in both personal and professional settings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jia Liao, founder of Hot Pot Queen, shares her journey of launching her food brand, which is rooted in her family's legacy. She discusses the challenges of manufacturing and shipping products from China to the U.S., including navigating tariffs and customs. Jia emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her products and the need for transparency in business operations. She also shares her experience of starting a YouTube channel to document her entrepreneurial journey and connect with her audience. Jia shares her journey as an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building her brand, Hot Pot Queen, in the competitive CPG market. She discusses the importance of community, personal branding, and innovative marketing strategies while balancing family life. Jia emphasizes the value of feedback and the role of trade shows in growing her business, all while maintaining a positive outlook despite the hurdles posed by tariffs and market dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Du, SVP of operations and co-founder of Apeel Sciences, shares her journey from a high school chemistry enthusiast to a leader in food preservation technology. She discusses her academic background in engineering chemistry, her research experiences, and the innovative solutions her team is developing to combat food waste. The conversation delves into the science behind their plant-based coating technology, which mimics the natural protective layers of fruits and vegetables, and highlights the urgent need to address the global food waste crisis. We then discuss Apeel's journey in the food industry, focusing on sustainable materials and innovations in food preservation. She highlights the importance of food in our lives, the challenges faced in building a market for sustainable products, and the need for consumer education. The discussion also covers the impact of Apeel on supply chains and future directions for the company, including the development of plant-based alternatives to traditional pesticides. Jenny offers advice for aspiring professionals in the food industry, emphasizing the diverse skills needed to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Yee interviews David Ziskind, managing partner at Mack Global Advisors, focusing on the intricacies of building food and beverage facilities. David shares his journey into the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding facility infrastructure, sanitary design, and the differences between brownfield and greenfield projects. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of construction, explaining CAPEX and OPEX, and discusses the challenges faced in the food tech sector, particularly regarding capital expenditures and operational costs. In this conversation, David Ziskind discusses the complexities of facility design and expansion in the food manufacturing industry. He explores the decision-making process between operating expenses (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX), the impact of tariffs on construction costs, and the importance of workforce training and development incentives. Ziskind also provides a step-by-step guide to building a factory, emphasizing the significance of understanding costs, location considerations, and the benefits of food parks. He shares insights on gaining industry knowledge and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Matt DiLeo, VP of R&D at LO Life Systems, discusses his journey in plant biotechnology, the importance of plant pathology, and the role of genetic engineering in food production. He shares insights on the startup culture in biotechnology, the transition from academia to industry, and the innovative approaches ELO Life Systems is taking in molecular farming to produce natural sweeteners. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the ag biotech sector and the significance of sustainable food production. Adam and Matt DiLeo explore the fascinating world of sweeteners, particularly monk fruit and stevia, and the methods of molecular farming and precision fermentation. They discuss the complexities of growing and testing plants, the intersection of genetic engineering and consumer preferences, and the role of plant scientists in agriculture. The conversation also delves into sustainable practices in agriculture, the potential of co-products, and innovative future ideas for molecular farming. Matt shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the field, emphasizing the importance of informational interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices