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Emerging Brands Podcast

Emerging Brands Podcast

Author: Kelly Bennett

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Welcome to Emerging Brands Podcast® with Kelly Bennett

This is the podcast where you'll discover the stories behind your new favorite CPG brands. Each episode dives into the brand and founder journey—how they launched, what sets them apart, and the strategy behind going to market. We talk plans for growth, practical advice for emerging founders, and where to shop the products making waves in food, beverage, wellness, and beyond.

You'll also hear from industry experts—brand builders, investors, and operators—who should absolutely be on your radar if you're growing a CPG brand today.

Whether you're building something of your own or love supporting what's next, you're in the right place.
257 Episodes
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salsi

salsi

2026-02-2334:28

Diana Nino believes that joy and discipline are partners, not opposites. A Miami-born builder of spaces and curator of community, Diana lives at the intersection of high energy and deep intention. Her brand, salsi, is a love letter to the creative and social fabric of her city—a vibrant tequila seltzer designed for a full life lived without the burnout. Salsi is mindful by design and Miami by heart. Crafted for those who value connection over overthinking, it blends premium tequila with clean macros, light hydration, and a gentle lift of green tea caffeine. By creating a drink that respects both your body and your time, Diana is ensuring you can stay in the moment for the all-night rhythms and the quiet hangs alike—showing up for both tonight y mañana. Inside the Episode: How Diana's roots in South Florida's social fabric inspired her to build a brand that reflects the city's magic and intentionality. The strategy behind adding green tea caffeine and hydration to a tequila seltzer to support a high-energy, social lifestyle. Why salsi is more than just a canned cocktail, but a tool for connection and showing up exactly where you want to be. Access the limited first release! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  
Loonen

Loonen

2026-02-2327:03

After a decade as a General Partner at Revolution Ventures, Clara Sieg turned her analytical eye toward the most foundational thing we consume: water. Triggered by the toxins and microplastics she discovered during her pregnancy, Clara traded her venture capital seat for a mission to build a transparent, reliable solution for the modern family. Loonen is the first third-party-verified water that is perfectly pure—stripped of contaminants while remaining rich in essential trace minerals. By combining her investing expertise with a commitment to safety, Clara is setting a new standard for the water category and ensuring our most basic necessity is also our safest. Inside the Episode: The reality of microplastics in our water infrastructure and how Loonen is engineering a cleaner path. Why Clara insists on external verification to build trust in a category that has traditionally lacked it. How motherhood informed the brand's mission to support the long-term health of families. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Expo West Sneak Peek

Expo West Sneak Peek

2026-02-2309:57

The energy for Expo West 2026 is already building, and in this solo episode, I'm giving you a sneak peek at where I'll be, what I'm hosting, and how we can connect on the ground in Anaheim. From the high-stakes Pitch Slam to the return of a community event, this year is all about high-level innovation and high-impact connection. I'm breaking down the details for the CPG Innovation Summit, where I'll be co-hosting activations throughout the day on Tuesday, March 3rd. But the real highlight? The return of the Ladies Lounge. After hosting over 150+ women last year, we are back with the ultimate CPG pizza party at the La Rossi booth. It's a space designed for founders, investors, and operators to skip the small talk, grab a slice, and build real relationships. On the Expo West Agenda: The Pitch Slam: My take on the CPG Innovation Summit and why you should be watching the next generation of brands hitting the stage. The Ladies Lounge is Back: Everything you need to know about our Thursday pizza party co-hosted with Danielle Calabrese and Sarah Maguire. What's on the Menu: A look at the brands powering our event, including La Rossi Pizza, Cotto, Showoff, Ghia, Esprizio, and Wobble. Female Founder Q&A: A teaser for a special session I'm hosting—details coming soon! Don't miss the Pitch Slam! Join the waitlist for the Ladies Lounge! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Motif

Motif

2026-02-1627:06

Michael Zabar's culinary roots run deep. As a fourth-generation member of the family behind the iconic NYC deli, Zabar's, Michael's first job was scooping coffee for customers. After a successful career in tech and e-commerce at Walmart, he felt a pull back to his roots. The spark came from his own kitchen, where he and his wife began crafting homemade syrups to fix a problem in the market: coffee syrups that were packed with processed sugar, artificial dyes, and preservatives. This led to the creation of Motif, a clean-label alternative designed for the discerning coffee drinker. Motif offers a sophisticated, preservative-free experience with 70% less sugar than leading brands, proving that you don't have to sacrifice health for flavor. By blending his heritage in NYC retail with a modern, health-conscious perspective, Michael is redefining what we add to our morning cup. Inside the Episode: Michael's journey from scooping coffee at the family deli to scaling e-commerce at Walmart, and why he eventually returned to the food world. The challenges and triumphs of creating a high-quality, shelf-stable syrup with 70% less sugar and zero preservatives. How Michael uses his family's legacy of quality to inform a modern, health-forward beverage brand. Stay tuned for the next drop! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  
DEFI Snacks

DEFI Snacks

2026-02-1636:22

Tatyana Jones is a true powerhouse in the CPG world. After managing a $500M snacking portfolio at Mars Wrigley and turning around massive innovation portfolios at GSK, she realized the $27B chocolate category was missing something vital: a high-protein option that didn't taste like a compromise. Leveraging years of big-brand firepower and an NYU Stern MBA, Tatyana founded DEFI Snacks to shatter the idea that "healthy" has to be boring. DEFI—short for Delicious Energizing Fitness Indulgence—is a woman-owned revolution in the chocolate aisle. Each gluten-free, grain-free bite delivers 25g+ of clean protein using premium chocolate and sprouted organic buckwheat. By ditching fake sugars and prioritizing satiety, Tatyana is proving that decadent dessert can actually be functional fuel. With a mission that extends beyond the bag, DEFI also gives back by donating 1% of profitable sales to support fellow female entrepreneurs. Inside the Episode: How Tatyana's experience managing global brands at Mars Wrigley and GSK prepared her to disrupt the competitive chocolate space. The science behind using sprouted organic buckwheat and clean protein to create a snack that keeps you full without a sugar crash. Tatyana's strategic approach to spotting white space in the market and building a brand with a mission-driven heart. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
SIPPL Mixology

SIPPL Mixology

2026-02-1626:25

Healthy living shouldn't mean sitting out on the social moments you love. Created by Parker Papaccio, SIPPL Mixology (Simple. Supplemental. Sipping.) was built on the belief that the best lives prioritize balance over restriction. By creating a functional margarita mix that lives in the "gray area" where wellness meets real life, SIPPL is proving you can care about how you feel without sacrificing a great cocktail. Made with all-natural ingredients and lightly sweetened with agave, SIPPL delivers a premium taste with just 4g of sugar. But it's what's inside that sets it apart: a subtle boost of B vitamins and green tea extract that supports your body while you sip. Designed for those who want a better-for-you option that actually tastes incredible, Parker is redefining the modern margarita one functional pour at a time. Inside the Episode: How Parker built a brand for the health-conscious consumer who still values social rituals and great mixology. The challenge of formulating a mix with B vitamins and green tea extract that maintains a classic, clean margarita flavor. How to achieve a premium cocktail experience with only 4g of sugar and zero artificial sweeteners. Stay tuned for the launch! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Before you lock in a co-manufacturer, print packaging, or order your first production run… pause. In this solo episode, I'm walking through the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes I see first-time CPG food & beverage founders make — and how brand strategy should guide every decision before you spend a dollar on inventory. Because your logo, packaging, flavors, and even your brand name shouldn't come first. Strategy does. Inside the Episode: Why you shouldn't design packaging too soon Why it's too early to pick your brand name How to nail your category positioning How strategy should inform flavor choices How to test messaging before launch And what to clarify before committing to a production run If you're pre-launch and about to invest serious money into formulation, packaging, or manufacturing, this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of rework. Consider this your pre-launch checklist — from product idea → brand people want to shop. Build your strategy with me! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Staff

Staff

2026-02-0926:27

After years as a Guinness World Records judge and advertising executive, Charlie Weisman realized that the household items we use every day are often dull and uninspired. While stuck in his NYC apartment during the pandemic, he founded Staff to bring joy to the mundane. By reimagining functional tools with bold colors, unique materials, and helpful characters, Charlie is turning overlooked essentials into high-design conversation pieces. Staff peps up living spaces by adding personality to chores, starting with its disruptive first product, The Plunger—a nostalgic nod to Charlie's grandfather's plumbing career. By humanizing the tools in our homes, the brand proves that practicality and amusement can live in the same space. Inside the Episode: How Charlie's background in advertising and as a Guinness World Records judge shaped his eye for disruptive storytelling. Why giving functional products a personality and a name creates a deeper emotional connection with customers. How Charlie honored his family history by launching a high-end version of the most overlooked tool in the house. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the founder mindset I've seen make or break brands before they ever hit shelves. After 15+ years working alongside hundreds of founders — and currently supporting 20+ pre-launch brands coming to market this year — I've learned that success isn't about doing more. It's about getting clear first. Inside the Episode: Why strategy should come before packaging or production My honest take on founder-led content (pros, cons, and what actually works) How retailers and investors are watching your content pre-launch Why you should test before raising money How to make smarter decisions with discernment, not noise And how to build offline buzz, community, and real traction before you launch If you're a first-time founder feeling overwhelmed by everything you "should" be doing, this episode will help you slow down, focus, and build a brand people actually want to shop. Think of this as your pre-launch mindset reset. Build your brand with me! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Afternoon Toast

Afternoon Toast

2026-02-0231:06

Kimmy Pace, a former technology consultant, turned her lifelong struggle with chronic dehydration and gut sensitivity into a mission after discovering Korean roasted barley tea in a novel. Realizing that most "better-for-you" drinks were too sugary or carbonated for her system, she began brewing her own at home. This gentle, grounding ritual became the foundation for a beverage brand designed for those seeking hydration without the digestive stress. Afternoon Toast is a line of ready-to-drink, caffeine-free teas crafted from steeped ginger and roasted barley. With a unique nutty and toasty flavor profile, the brand offers a sugar-free, non-carbonated alternative that supports digestion and eases bloating through natural fiber. By prioritizing calm over carbonation, Kimmy is redefining functional hydration as a soothing, everyday ritual. Inside the Episode: The story of how a fictional ritual involving Korean barley tea sparked a real-world solution for chronic health challenges. Why Afternoon Toast focuses on a non-carbonated, fiber-rich profile to support sensitive systems. The tactical steps Kimmy took to move from a home-brewed ritual to a commercial product, including how she vetted advisors and structured her pre-launch operations. Join the Waitlist! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Launch Lab

Launch Lab

2026-02-0229:18

Danielle Calabrese is a CPG powerhouse with over 16 years of experience scaling brands from zero to $40M and guiding more than 100 founders to collective sales of over $100M. Known for her "build smarter, not harder" philosophy, Danielle has secured dozens of SKUs with top-tier retailers and distributors, making her one of the industry's most sought-after advisors for navigating the complex journey from kitchen table to retail shelf. As the creator of Launch Lab, Danielle has developed a 10-week, cohort-based program designed to take early-stage founders through a proven, step-by-step framework for a profitable launch. The program is deeply execution-focused, providing direct feedback on everything from margins and operations to go-to-market strategy. By combining real-time guidance with access to a private community of experts, Danielle ensures that first-time founders avoid costly mistakes and launch with the confidence of a seasoned industry veteran. Inside the Episode: Danielle's "build smarter, not harder" approach to scaling brands and securing high-value retail partnerships. A look inside the 10-week roadmap that moves founders from an initial concept to a profitable, retail-ready business. How direct feedback and a peer network can accelerate growth and prevent the most common (and expensive) launch errors. Register for Launch Lab! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  
Strip Jerky

Strip Jerky

2026-02-0226:20

Nicole Schlesinger traded her corporate NYC desk for butchery classes at the Institute of Culinary Education after realizing the jerky market was dominated by sugary, "candy-like" options. Obsessed with quality, she squeezed two oversized dehydrators into her tiny apartment to perfect small-batch, chef-driven recipes that prioritized premium meat and clean ingredients over the industry standard. This experimentation led to the birth of Strip Jerky, a brand redefining the protein-packed snack with an artisanal, modern approach. By blending culinary integrity with bold flavor profiles, Nicole has transformed a nostalgic staple into a sophisticated experience for a new generation of snackers, proving that a high-growth brand can start with just a few test batches and a lot of hustle. Inside the Episode: How Nicole transitioned from a NYC desk job to studying butchery to find her true calling in the culinary world. Why Strip Jerky rejects sugary fillers in favor of clean labels and chef-inspired flavor profiles. Nicole's journey of moving from small-batch testing to a growing brand while maintaining artisanal quality. Stay tuned for the launch! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
CHUZA

CHUZA

2026-01-2626:13

Daniel Schwarz, Founder and CEO of CHUZA, is a leader who finds inspiration in the concept of poise under pressure. In Mexico, the word "CHUZA" carries a powerful double meaning: it signifies a strike for success, that precise moment when perfection is reached and the momentum continues. This philosophy was personified during the early days of the pandemic by a daily visitor to Daniel's window, an unflappable owl who remained calm while being challenged by crows. This "COwl-Founder" became a symbol of the resilience required to build a brand and served as the motivation Daniel needed to pursue his dream of sharing his culture with the world. Through CHUZA, Daniel is sharing the vibrant, bold, and authentic snacks of Mexico with a global audience. The brand is a labor of love that elevates traditional street food into high-quality products that balance spice, sweetness, and crunch. By staying rooted in his cultural heritage and maintaining an "unflappable" focus, Daniel has transformed CHUZA into a brand that represents both a strike for perfection and a commitment to authenticity. Inside the Episode: How a daily visitor during the pandemic provided the emotional stamina to launch a brand during a global crisis. A look at the process of bringing authentic Mexican flavor profiles to the modern snack aisle. Daniel's advice on staying focused and poised when the "crows are attacking" from all angles in the CPG world. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Good Bacteria

Good Bacteria

2026-01-2627:16

Anabel González, an ex-Parsons creative and founder of Good Bacteria, transformed her personal postpartum healing journey into a mission to fix a major flaw in the wellness industry: the lack of microbial diversity in traditional probiotics. Recognizing that static supplements often fall short, Anabel collaborated with a scientific advisory board from institutions like Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and Stanford to bridge the gap between clinical research and daily gut health. The result is Good Bacteria, the first daily probiotic system designed to rotate weekly to mimic the variety of a fermented-food-rich diet. Formulated by Dr. Leigh Frame, this 28-day rotation cultivates a broader range of beneficial bacteria than standard supplements, moving beyond simple digestion to support immunity, mental clarity, and whole-body resilience. Inside the Episode: Anabel's personal journey from health challenges to founding a science-first wellness company. The science behind mimicking a fermented-food-rich diet and why weekly shifts are the key to a resilient gut. How Anabel collaborated with experts from Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and Stanford to ensure efficacy and clinical innovation. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Boredom Kills Creative

Boredom Kills Creative

2026-01-2636:55

Alex Adam, Founder and Creative Director of Boredom Kills Creative, spent a decade in the music industry witnessing how powerful branding can build and unite communities across the world. This unique background gave him a deep understanding of market impact and emotional resonance, leading him to transition his expertise from the stage to the shelf. Alex now applies those lessons in cultural connection to the world of CPG, helping brands find their heartbeat and scale with purpose. Boredom Kills Creative is a strategic branding agency that partners with CPG companies poised for growth to refine their message and identity. Alex and his team focus on ensuring the right people can find, understand, and love a brand for the long haul. By treating brand strategy as a tool for long-term community building rather than just aesthetic design, BKC helps founders transform emerging products into beloved household staples. Inside the Episode: The specific strategic shifts CPG brands need to make when they are poised to scale from niche to mainstream. Why brand strategy is about more than just visibility—it's about being understood by your ideal consumer. Alex's philosophy on creating brand identities that foster long-term love and cultural relevance. Connect here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
2026 Brand Predictions

2026 Brand Predictions

2026-01-1921:50

In this solo episode, I'm sharing eight emerging brands that are redefining their categories. We are seeing a massive shift toward "functional nostalgia" taking the comfort foods we grew up with and upgrading them with high protein, fiber, and clean labels. From whipped cottage cheese dips to flash-frozen aromatics, these founders are solving real-world problems with flavor and radical transparency. Inside the Episode: Functional Condiments & Dips: Why She's the Sauce and Cotto are reimagining everyday sauces and cottage cheese as protein-packed, gut-friendly essentials. The New Baking Aisle: How Little Twists and founder Dalya are making baking easier for families with chef-developed, allergy-friendly mixes that don't compromise on flavor. The Glow-Up From Within: A look at Glowstate's chic chia puddings and Afternoon Toast's roasted barley tea—brands making gut health, digestion, and hydration feel effortless (and aesthetic). Smarter Kitchen Shortcuts: How Nomie is solving the toddler mealtime gap, and how Nida is bringing frozen aromatics to the mainstream as a modern kitchen hack. Snacking, Reinvented: Why Strip Jerky is standing out in the jerky aisle with a female-chef-founded, honey-sweetened approach to clean protein. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  
Lil' Gourmets

Lil' Gourmets

2026-01-1932:58

Shibani Baluja launched Lil' Gourmets with a mission to move baby food out of the dusty, shelf-stable aisle and into the refrigerated section where freshness and nutrients truly live. Based on the latest infant nutrition research, Lil' Gourmets offers fresh, organic, globally inspired meals that provide 100% of a baby's daily vegetable requirements with zero added salt or sugar. With a professional background in mergers and acquisitions at Kraft Foods, Shibani saw a critical gap in the market for "veggie-first" foods that actually taste like the ingredients on the label. Today, Lil' Gourmets is providing peace of mind to time-strapped parents through retail partners like Walmart and Whole Foods Market, proving that convenience doesn't have to come at the expense of a child's developing palate. Inside the Episode: Why Shibani focuses on the first 1,000 days of life to shape future eating habits and long-term health. The logistical journey of bringing fresh, refrigerated baby food to major national retailers like Walmart. How Shibani's decade at Kraft Foods prepared her to scale a startup that prioritizes integrity and nutrient density. Find Lil' Gourmets near you! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
After 15 years in the industry and currently guiding over 15 pre-launch founders, I've realized that while many people have a great product idea, few have the "order of operations" down. Launching a brand that actually stays on the shelf requires more than just a good recipe; it requires a strategic foundation built before you ever pick a name or design a logo. In this solo episode, I am walking you through the exact 12-step checklist I share with my private clients. From navigating the complexities of trademarks and manufacturing to building a "build in public" social strategy that captures retail attention, we are covering the tactical moves that separate successful launches from costly pivots. Inside the Episode: Why your brand roadmap must define your "why" and your audience before you ever touch packaging or flavors. The importance of filing trademarks early (shoutout to Bread & Butter) and finding the right formulation partners through experts like It's All Happening Agency. Navigating GTM strategy, margins, and financial planning from pre-launch to your first million with experts like The Good Food CFO. How to ensure your packaging tells a story that moves units (highly recommend Many Thanks!) and why a Shopify waitlist (recommend tapping into I'm Off Design) is your most valuable early asset. Why documenting your journey is the secret to winning early attention from investors, retailers, and a loyal community. Moving from home kitchen feedback to real-world activations and identifying the right early retail partners for your category. Let's work together! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.
Café Aroma

Café Aroma

2026-01-1231:45

Bernadette Gerrity is the granddaughter of Café Aroma's founder, Rogelio "Roy" Montes De Oca, and is currently steering the brand into its most vibrant chapter yet. With a professional background spanning marketing, fashion, and psychology, plus a Level 2 Sommelier certification, Bernadette brings a unique, lifestyle-driven lens to the coffee industry. While staying deeply rooted in the humble, entrepreneurial spirit her grandfather established six decades ago, she is evolving Café Aroma into a modern cultural staple. By leveraging her passion for world-class event planning and hosting, Bernadette is moving the brand beyond the shelf and into the heart of the community. From buzz-worthy cultural activations to innovative cross-category fashion integrations, she is proving that a heritage coffee brand can be as trendy and social-media-forward as it is traditional and authentic. Inside the Episode: How Bernadette honors her grandfather's humble roots while scaling the brand for a modern, digital-first audience. Integrating fashion, psychology, and event hosting to create high-impact brand activations that go beyond the beverage. The strategy behind using high-energy events and "soiree style" hospitality to build a loyal, modern following. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.    
Podi Life

Podi Life

2026-01-1229:20

Alak Nanda is an immigrant, first-gen, and queer founder on a mission to bring the authentic taste of South Indian home cooking to American kitchens. Through Podi Life, Alak offers thoughtfully crafted pantry staples that act as easy-to-adapt flavor solutions for the modern home cook. Every product is designed to bridge the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary convenience, ensuring that these complex, regional flavors are accessible to everyone. Beyond just taste, Podi Life is dedicated to transparency and education. Alak works to bring customers closer to the point of origin for every ingredient, highlighting the functional benefits and deep cultural roots behind them. By focusing on wellness and authenticity, Podi Life is transforming how we think about the South Indian pantry and its place on every table. Inside the Episode: How Alak is introducing regional flavors like Podi to a broader audience through versatile and accessible pantry staples. The importance of highlighting the source of ingredients and the natural health benefits found in traditional South Indian recipes. Why Alak prioritizes "easy-to-adapt" solutions that fit into the busy lifestyles of today's home cooks. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.  
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