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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.
272 Episodes
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Just Call Me Shirley

Just Call Me Shirley

2026-03-3028:30

When best friends and sorority sisters Sydney Attis and Mikayla Garcia graduated from Arizona State University, they didn't just leave with degrees, they left with a creative partnership that would eventually disrupt the beverage industry. After cutting their teeth running a social media marketing agency, the duo realized they wanted to apply their storytelling expertise to a tangible product of their own. The result? Just Call Me Shirley, a ready-to-drink canned cocktail that gives the nostalgic Shirley Temple a premium, spirited twist. Since launching in early 2025, Sydney and Mikayla have proven that being "disruptors" is in their DNA. From winning The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge grand prize out of 6,700 applicants to raising over $115K through crowdfunding, these powerhouse entrepreneurs are making massive waves in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, we discuss how they leveraged their marketing backgrounds to build a nationwide community of "Shirley lovers" and what it takes to scale a female-led brand across state lines. Inside the Episode: How Sydney and Mikayla's experience running a marketing agency gave them the "unfair advantage" needed to launch a consumer brand from scratch. The inspiration behind taking a childhood classic and elevating it into a premium, ready-to-drink cocktail for the modern consumer. Why Sydney and Mikayla view "Just Call Me Shirley" as more than just a drink, but a lifestyle brand built on friendship and creativity. 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.
Herman-Scheer

Herman-Scheer

2026-03-3035:27

For over 14 years, John Scheer has sat at the intersection of business strategy, culture, and creative systems. As the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Herman-Scheer, he has become a trusted advisor to founders and CEOs looking to shape the future of health, wellness, and human performance. Based in Los Angeles, his strategic branding consultancy doesn't just build brands; it transforms them into cultural mainstays that make generations healthier and happier. From zero-to-one startups to enterprise giants, John and his team have partnered with category-defining names like Olipop, Bobbie, Neuro, and Lifeforce. In this episode, John breaks down the "Herman-Scheer" approach to the full brand ecosystem—from insights and identity to packaging and digital experience—and explains why the most successful brands grow not just faster, but more meaningfully. Inside the Episode: Why Herman-Scheer focuses exclusively on brands that impact human performance and well-being. A deep dive into why strategy, identity, and measurement must work in harmony to dominate shelves and screens. John's philosophy on why "fast" isn't enough and how to build a brand that resonates deeply with modern culture. 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.
Beer Girl

Beer Girl

2026-03-3030:07

Caroline Foulk didn't set out to join the beer industry. A graduate of USC's Narrative Writing program, her early career was spent on national tours with artists like The Isley Brothers and Marc E. Bassy. But when the pandemic paused the music industry in 2020, a "temporary" stint helping her family launch Wagon Wheel Brewing Company turned into a six-year obsession with the business of brewing. Along the way, Caroline traded tour buses for real estate finance certificates and construction sites, building the foundation for her own disruptive brand: Beer Girl. Launched in 2024 alongside her husband, Griffin Foulk, Beer Girl is the answer for those who love the ritual of a cold beer but hate the heavy, bloated aftermath. Inspired by Caroline's own experience navigating an autoimmune condition while running a brewery, the Laguna Beach–based brand offers a crisp, easy-drinking alternative. In this episode, Caroline shares how she translated the "hustle" of the music world into a sophisticated, better-for-you beverage brand that refuses to sacrifice flavor for function. Inside the Episode: How Caroline's background in narrative writing and the music industry shaped her unique approach to brand storytelling in CPG. How navigating an autoimmune condition led to the creation of a "gluten-reduced," zero-sugar lager that actually tastes like beer. Caroline's mission to build an inclusive, lifestyle-driven brand that resonates with a new generation of health-conscious drinkers. 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.
Actual Veggies

Actual Veggies

2026-03-2323:36

When Hailey Swartz co-founded Actual Veggies in 2020, she wasn't looking for a lab-grown "bleeding" burger. Instead, she and her co-founder, Jason, set out to solve a common frustration: a grocery aisle filled with highly processed, bland, and preservative-heavy imitation meats. Driven by a mission to make real food as craveable as it is nutritious, Hailey has led the brand from a kitchen-table idea to a category-defining powerhouse. By prioritizing fresh, chef-crafted recipes that use only recognizable vegetables—and absolutely no fillers or fake meats—Hailey and Jason have turned a commitment to clean ingredients into a nationwide success. In this episode, Hailey shares the strategy behind the brand's explosive 732.5% growth and how they maintain their "what you see is what you get" philosophy while scaling to over 7,500 retailers. Inside the Episode: Why Hailey and Jason bet on whole, vibrant ingredients at a time when the industry was obsessed with lab-grown alternatives. The operational hurdles and triumphs of achieving distribution in every single U.S. state within just a few years of launching. How Actual Veggies is expanding its mission with new, family-friendly innovations like "Dino Nuggets" made from real plants to win over the next generation of eaters. 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.
Smalls

Smalls

2026-03-2326:07

In 2017, Veronica del Rosario and her co-founder Matt Michaelson started with a simple, high-stakes mission in a tiny NYC kitchen: to stop feeding cats "mystery meat." Today, Smalls has transformed from a home-cooked experiment into a full-scale movement, redefining what it means to care for a cat in the modern world. As Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, Veronica has been the visionary behind a brand that refuses to compromise on quality, whether it's in the bowl or the home. Smalls is built on the belief that cats deserve human-grade nutrition and humans deserve a home that reflects their style. From high-protein, fresh meals developed with animal nutritionists to ergonomically designed accessories, Veronica is proving that pet care can be both intentional and beautiful. In this episode, she shares how they scaled a "fresh-first" philosophy and why they are expanding beyond the plate to enhance the shared spaces between cats and their people. Inside the Episode: The science and strategy behind creating high-protein, complete, and balanced meals that ditch the fillers for ingredients you can actually recognize. How to cultivate a loyal community of cat lovers by leading with style, intention, and a deep understanding of the modern feline ritual. Veronica's perspective on how the pet industry is shifting toward longevity and higher standards for our "roommates." 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.
Mamala Organics

Mamala Organics

2026-03-2332:07

When Rebecca Schwartz Smith became a mother, she realized that while the world focuses on the baby, the mother's recovery is often an afterthought. Despite the significant nutrient depletion that follows childbirth, Rebecca found a market saturated with lactation-only products, leaving a massive gap for full-spectrum postpartum healing. Drawing on over a decade of brand-building experience, she founded Mamala Organics to create the first-ever functional Support Snacks™. Developed alongside registered dietitians and food scientists, Mamala is more than just a snack brand—it's a pioneering women's health platform. By combining evidence-based nutrition with the convenience of whole-food ingredients, Rebecca is on a mission to support women through their most biologically demanding stages, from menstruation to menopause. In this episode, we discuss how she is defining a new category in functional nutrition and why "noshing well" is a critical act of self-care for every woman. Inside the Episode: Rebecca shares the personal journey that led her to identify the lack of nutrient-dense, recovery-focused foods for mothers. How Mamala makes it easy to heal and thrive with delicious, organic, whole-food snacks designed for the busiest chapters of life. Rebecca's vision for scaling Mamala to support women's health through every milestone, including menstruation and menopause. 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.
This week on Emerging Brands Podcast®, I am kicking off a high-energy, 3-part recap of Natural Products Expo West 2026. To dive into the highlights, I'm joined by my friend and co-host Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to pull back the curtain on the community moments that defined the show. In Part 1, we're recapping the activations we helped bring to life in Anaheim—from high-stakes pitch competitions to the return of our favorite community tradition. We explore how 75+ women showed up for a networking activation at the Innovation Summit with only 12 hours of notice and why the energy behind this year's events is proof that the CPG industry is hungrier than ever for real, human connection. Inside the Episode: How a last-minute networking activation for women in CPG turned into a massive community win, proving that the desire for connection outweighs the need for long lead times. Behind the scenes of emceeing the Expo West Pitch Slam and the emerging brands that caught our eye, including Folkland Foods, Good Wolf, pi00a, Farmwell Drinks, Ulu Foods, Sweeter Collective, Blueshift Nutrition, and Better Together Foods. Highlights from our panel of experts—Jamie Borteck, Lauren Ressel Castro (CVS Health), and Jessie Kimsey (Misfits Market)—on what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Recapping our pizza happy hour with 500+ RSVPs, featuring a La Rossi Pizza topping bar with Fishwife, Cotto, and Showoff, plus treats from Wobble and Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. A look at the beverage partners who fueled our community moments, including the sophisticated flavors of Ghia and Esprizio. I hope you enjoy this first look into the best of Expo West! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3. 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 Part 2 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm back with Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to take you directly onto the show floor. While Part 1 was about the massive community events, this episode explores the strategic reality for early-stage brands navigating the world's largest natural products trade show. We're going behind the scenes of what it looks like when emerging brands step into the spotlight for the first time. Using real-time examples from my clients Cotto and Wobble, who sampled their products throughout the week, Danielle and I break down how founders can build genuine awareness and "meaningful buzz" long before they hit retail shelves. Inside the Episode: Insights from the sampling activations for Cotto and Wobble and how early-stage brands can maximize their presence at the show. Why the way you share your product matters just as much as the product itself, and how to turn a quick taste into a lasting industry connection. A breakdown of the vital discussions happening both on and off the floor with buyers, investors, and fellow founders. Practical advice for early-journey founders on how to navigate the overwhelming scale of Expo West without losing sight of your specific goals. How to leverage the show's energy to create a foundation for your upcoming retail launch. I hope these lessons from the floor help you map out your own brand's future. Stay tuned for Part 3! 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 Part 3 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm joined one last time by Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to close out our coverage of the industry's biggest event. After diving into community and strategy, we're shifting our focus to the "what"—the actual products, ingredients, and innovations that defined the show floor in 2026. In this final episode, we break down the most impactful trends we spotted and what these shifts mean for the future of food and beverage. From category reinventions to the emerging ingredients poised to take over retail shelves, Danielle and I share the brands that caught our attention and a sneak peek at the client projects we're currently developing that align with these movements. Inside the Episode: A deep dive into the biggest shifts at Expo West 2026, from innovative ingredient profiles to the new formats changing how we eat and drink. Highlights of our favorite brand discoveries from the show floor and why these specific founders are poised to win with both consumers and retailers. How established categories are being reimagined for a new generation of shoppers looking for both functionality and flavor. A sneak peek at the upcoming client brands we're working on that are perfectly positioned to lead the trends we saw in Anaheim. Our final thoughts on what this year's energy says about the state of the CPG industry heading into the rest of 2026. 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.
Something & Nothing

Something & Nothing

2026-03-0924:29

After noticing the soft drink category had remained stagnant and uninspired for decades, Olly Dixon co-founded Something & Nothing to disrupt the status quo. He saw a landscape filled with sugar-heavy, over-processed options and realized people were craving something more elevated. By blending high-end design with cleaner ingredients, Olly set out to prove that a soda could be both a sophisticated lifestyle choice and a win for the environment. Something & Nothing is a B-Corp Certified premium soda brand that ditches added sugars and sweeteners in favor of real fruit juices, extracts, and botanicals. With award-winning flavors like Yuzu and Mango & Thai Basil, Olly has successfully navigated the brand's journey from its 2020 U.K. launch to its 2023 U.S. debut. By utilizing solar-powered production and low-carbon deliveries, Something & Nothing offers a "feel-good" experience that transports you from desk to dinner party. Inside the Episode: Why Olly felt the soda aisle was stuck in the past and how he reimagined it for the modern, curious consumer. The strategic hurdles and triumphs of expanding a British sensation into the competitive U.S. beverage market. The reason Olly purposefully ignored the beverage category and instead drew inspiration from the worlds of fashion, photography, and art to build the brand's identity. 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.    
From her early days as a pastry chef to her two decades at Whole Foods Market, Holly Long has spent her career championing the people behind the products. As the former Principal Forager for Whole Foods, Holly became a legendary advocate for local and emerging brands, guiding them through the complexities of market entry. Today, she brings that same passion for community to her role as the Director of Community Engagement at the Specialty Food Association (SFA). In this episode, Holly shares how she bridges the gap between small producers and major industry players. At SFA, she leads the charge in fostering meaningful connections between members and buyers, ensuring that the specialty food community remains a space where innovation and tradition thrive together. Whether she's mentoring founders or curating spaces for collaboration, Holly's work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to building thriving, diverse food ecosystems. Inside the Episode: How Holly's background as a chef and R&D specialist at Whole Foods shaped her "founder-first" approach to community building.  Why Holly believes mastering both in-person and online networking is the most critical tool for a new founder's survival and growth. How the Specialty Food Association is evolving to elevate diverse voices and create networking opportunities for the next generation of makers. Learn more about SFA & membership benefits! 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.    
I'm coming to you live from Natural Products Expo West with Chrissy Teigen, inside the Cravings by Chrissy Teigen booth! Over the past year, Cravings has become one of the fastest-growing pantry brands in the category. Its non-GMO baking mixes have emerged as a major growth engine, expanding into national retailers like Kroger and Thrive Market, along with regional leaders including HEB and Raley's. The brand now reaches more than 3,000 stores nationwide, with additional retail expansion on the horizon. Inside the Episode: Chrissy and I talk about the brand's recent rebrand Following your gut as a CPG founder The realities of starting and scaling a CPG food brand Cravings' newest launch, the Sweet & Sticky Carrot Cake Kit, inspired by Chrissy and John's wedding cake Shop here!
Alaffia

Alaffia

2026-03-0227:28

Born in Togo, Olowo-n'djo Tchala founded Alaffia in 2004 to bridge the gap between West African traditional knowledge and the global beauty market. Driven by his upbringing and a commitment to gender equality, Olowo-n'djo has spent over twenty years using ethical business as a tool to alleviate poverty and empower the communities he calls home. Alaffia is a clean, fair-trade beauty brand that partners with women's cooperatives in West Africa to produce unrefined shea butter and African black soap. Beyond skincare, the brand reinvests its proceeds into maternal healthcare, education, and reforestation, proving that personal care can create a true state of "Alaffia"—peace, health, and well-being—for both the consumer and the creator. Inside the Episode: How Olowo-n'djo's roots in Togo shaped the brand's philosophy of collective well-being. Why Alaffia prioritizes maternal health and education as the primary drivers for community growth. Lessons from twenty years of maintaining a mission-first, fair-trade business model in the competitive beauty space. 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.
Evergreen

Evergreen

2026-03-0230:03

After a career in the legal world, Emily Cole Groden set out to solve a common breakfast dilemma: the choice between a quick meal and a nutritious one. Driven by a desire for clean-label options for her own family, Emily launched Evergreen to prove that frozen convenience doesn't have to mean compromising on ingredients or flavor. Evergreen is a better-for-you frozen breakfast brand reimagining the morning ritual with waffles made from 100% whole grains and avocado oil. By incorporating real vegetables and avoiding seed oils, artificial flavors, and preservatives, Emily has built a nourishing, crave-worthy lineup that is now available in over 8,500 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. Inside the Episode: Why Emily decided to disrupt the frozen aisle and how her background helped her navigate the complexities of CPG. The strategic steps taken to grow Evergreen from a kitchen concept to a staple in major retailers like Sprouts and Kroger. Why avoiding seed oils and preservatives is a non-negotiable for the brand and how it resonates with today's parents. 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.
Bleume

Bleume

2026-03-0220:05

Sam Niemann has been a gardener for as long as he can remember. From sneaking out as a teenager to ride his bike to the local garden center to working in horticulture ever since, Sam's life has been defined by the joy of growing things. He founded Bleume with a singular, heartfelt goal: to inspire others to experience that same joy by making plant care simpler and more connected. Based in Chicago, Bleume is a houseplant care brand that strips away the confusion of indoor gardening. Their signature balanced 7-7-7 liquid fertilizer is designed for consistent use, combining a high-quality formula with design-forward packaging that looks beautiful on any shelf. By making the "science" of feeding plants approachable and aesthetic, Sam is giving every plant parent the tools to grow something great. Inside the Episode: Sam's journey from a backyard hobbyist to a horticulture professional and why he's on a mission to share the joy of growing. Why a balanced liquid fertilizer is the "easy button" for plant owners who are tired of overthinking their feeding schedules. How Bleume's design-forward approach encourages consistent care by making plant food something you actually want to display. 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.
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.
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