Ask an Influencer

In this episode, Brooke & Robyn sit down with Anouck Gotlib, the influential and inspiring CEO of Belgian Boys. Anouck shares how she and her husband transformed a suitcase of Belgian waffles and the desire for a taste of home into a joyful national brand that’s elevating breakfast and winning hearts and minds. She opens up about showing up authentically, nurturing the heart of her brand, navigating growth, motherhood, and building a business rooted in fun, family, and community. Whether you're a CPG lover, creator, or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll find Anouck’s insights energizing, honest, and full of wisdom.

Hispanic Heritage Month HighlightThis episode celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with two incredible guests: Jackie Hernández (@jackiehdzm), a hair and beauty creator, and Diego León (@dandyinthebronx), a lifestyle influencer.Together, they open up about the value of celebrating who you are and where you come from in a world that often rewards sameness — sharing how embracing their identities and telling their authentic stories became the foundation of their success. They also talk about how brands can and should lean into their own version of this, through storytelling–bringing to light the people, places, values and communities behind the brand.From representation and community to self-doubt and growth, this inspiring conversation reminds us that your story is your strength — and the most powerful thing you can do online is be real.Connect with Jackie: Jackie Hernández (@jackiehdzm) and Diego León:(@dandyinthebronx)Follow @askaninfluencerpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, highlights from the show, and upcoming guests.  Follow @jumproprinnovation for regular updates on trending topics.

In this special solo episode of Ask an Influencer, co-hosts Brooke Stewart and Robyn Carter trade places with our usual guests and step into the spotlight ourselves. Fresh off the floor of the 2025 Fancy Food Show in NYC — and our own hosted event and Influencer Panel at Olly Olly Market — we’re sharing what stood out, what’s shifting, and what it all might mean for the future of food and influence.From freeze-dried innovation and elevated frozen meals to beef tallow, beauty from within, and a notable pullback from plant-based, this episode offers an insider’s look at where food culture is heading — and the role influencers are playing in shaping it.If you work in food, CPG, or content creation — or just like to keep your finger on the pulse — this episode is worth a listen.Connect with Us:Follow @askaninfluencerpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, highlights from the show, and upcoming guests.  Follow @jumproprinnovation for all of our Fancy Food Show highlights along with regular updates on trending topics.Leave Us a Review!If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to share it with the foodies in your life!

What if everything you need to amp up your style is already in your closet?  On this episode of Ask An Influencer, we sit down with Aysat — a multi-talented content creator known for showing women how to achieve effortlessly chic looks (Because Everybody Has That, Right?), for her dynamic career as a singer/songwriter, and now for her luxurious new skin care brand, Ayodi.  Aysat opens up about how being your authentic self is the key to performing, creating content, and finding your own personal style. Whether you follow her for outfit inspiration or original tracks, you will love her infectious energy and enthusiasm for empowering women to feel their best.This episode is full of heart, hustle, and a whole lot of style. Don’t miss it.🎧 Listen now and let us know your favorite takeaway!Follow Aysat:https://www.instagram.com/aysat_officiel/https://www.instagram.com/ayodiskin/

In this inspiring episode of Ask an Influencer, Brooke and Robyn sit down with Certified Financial Planner Katy Song to tackle one of the most emotionally charged topics out there: money. Katy is on a mission to change the narrative around women and finances, equipping her clients—and our listeners—with simple power moves to build wealth, confidence, and independence. Whether you're a new grad opening your first retirement account, a mom re-entering the workforce, or in your 50s seeking a financial reset, this episode offers approachable, judgment-free guidance to help you feel confident and in control of your financial future!Sign up for a free 30-minute consult with Katy Song, and learn more about Katy’s flat-fee financial planning services: katysong.comCheck out Monarch Money for help tracking your spending and building healthy financial habitsConnect with Us:Follow @askaninfluencerpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, money tips, and upcoming guests.

Tony Chen is a force of nature. On a mission to meet all 250,000 living Cornellians (and making impressive progress), Tony brings infectious energy and genuine curiosity to every connection he makes. His approach to building community is as inspiring as it is ambitious—with lessons for brands, activists, and anyone looking to foster meaningful connections. (We wrap with a fun game of “This or That,” too.) You’ll leave fully energized and chock full of ideas for building a community of your own.  Join us!Find Tony on LinkedInOr check out his website to see the many ways he’s connecting Cornellians

Before preventative medicine was a buzzword, Dr. Lisa Heuer was already using nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle interventions to help patients prevent—and even reverse—chronic conditions. In this inspiring conversation, Brooke and Robyn dive into Dr. Heuer’s unique approach to weight and wellness, including steps we can take today to start living better, longer. Plus, this episode wraps with a fun game of “This or That”--so don’t miss it!Follow Dr. Heuer at:https://rocklandmedicalweightloss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_heuer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaEHeuerMDMedicallySupervisedWeightManagement/

We came, we saw, we ate, and drank, and ate.  Welcome to our Expo West round up, where John and Robyn recount best bites and key take-aways to Brooke and Steph, Director of our Trends Practice at Jump Rope Innovation. From finding some fabulous Indian food to drinking in some sunshine to riding the Grillo’s Pickle, it was an action-packed and insightful few days.  Tune in for our highlights, check out some amazing founder interviews in our Instagram highlights @jumpropeinnovation, and let us know your favorites, too!Brands highlighted in this episode include:La Croix: https://www.lacroixwater.comHippeas: https://hippeas.comGrillo’s Pickles: https://www.grillos.comHouse of Kajaana: https://houseofkajaana.comImpossible Foods: https://impossiblefoods.comSweety Ice Cream: https://sweetyicecream.comCravings: https://cravingsbychrissyteigen.comRecoup: https://www.recoupwellness.comMagic Mind: https://magicmind.comThe Pizza Cupcake: https://www.thepizzacupcake.comCaulipower: https://eatcaulipower.com/enFirst Gen: https://drinkmexican.comBowlcut: https://thebowlcut.comUnreal Snacks: https://unrealsnacks.comCerabelly: https://cerebelly.comGoodles: https://www.goodles.comSomos: https://eatsomos.comSiete: https://sietefoods.com

This may be the most useful advice we’ve heard all year!  As many have “more travel” as a goal for 2025 and beyond, The Points Mom, Cindy Greenstein is here to tell us how to turn those goals into plans using credit card rewards points.  Cindy shares her best strategies for collecting points and using them for free hotel stays, air travel, and for those fancy upgrades we see influencers enjoying on social media. (We love this–especially at a time when many are trying to do more with less.)This episode is packed with Cindy’s pointers. Follow her @thepointsmom_ on Instagram @thepointsmom on TikTok, and check out her website www.thepointsmom.com.  Cindy offers everything from courses to 1:1 help with using rewards points to book dream vacations for your family.

Welcome to Season 2 of Ask an Influencer!  We’re hitting the ground running as we talk with Taylor Prokes, Creative Director for Jesse Itzler, the Emmy Award winning artist, New York Times Bestselling author, part owner of the Atlanta Hawks, ultramarathon runner, and exceptional husband, father, and businessman.Taylor shared the absolute magic of Jesse’s Big A## Calendar with us, and we can’t wait to share this wisdom with you!  We’re hearing and seeing lots of chatter around planning for your best year yet, and we love the unique, positive, goal-oriented method that is the basis of Jesse’s amazing calendar (and now, planner!)  Want to find your Misogi?  Learn about Kevin’s rule?  Join us as we learn the secrets to “owning our year!”Even better: order the Big A## Calendar or the Big A## Planner at jesseitzler.com and use code “ASK” at checkout for 15% off through Christmas.  2025 is just around the corner–let’s get it!

In this special episode of Ask an Influencer, Brooke and Robyn interview Stephanie Spanarkel, Director of Trend Practice at Jump Rope Innovation, around everything Expo West.  We'll talk about 5 trends we noticed, our Best Bites of the Day, and we give our top tips for attending the event.  If you want an insider's view of this incredible event, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Brooke & Robyn dive into a hot topic: Aging!  We surveyed 100 influencers about what their followers are thinking (and doing) to navigate the aging process. From Gen Zers to Boomers, we learn about what’s up and coming in efforts to stay young and fabulous. If you want a look at how different cohorts are approaching aging and how your brand can help, this episode is for you!

Annnnd we’re back, with a super fun episode all about travel!  Just in time for spring break and summer planning, this episode is Jam-packed with learnings and insights from our 2023 What’s Hot & What’s Not survey of Travel Influencers.Join us as we discuss what family travel looks like these days, who is flying solo, and the types of experiences Influencers see their followers looking for when they get where they’re going.   If you want a look at up-and-coming travel trends and ideas for how your brand can rise to the challenge–or pivot to meet changing needs–this episode is for you!

Wondering what's going on with gaming, gamers, and the Metaverse?  We are, too!  Or at least we were, until Influencer Rebecca Dixon, Co-Founder and CEO of the *gameHERS laid it down for us.  In this episode, Rebecca reveals some surprising intel about gamers and gaming--including the fact that almost 50% of today's gamers are female/femme identifying.  She goes on to describe a future where gaming will not be just for "gamers"--it will just be a thing we all do.  And a beneficial thing, at that.This episode gave us a whole new perspective on gaming, the role gaming will play in our own lives, and the important role gaming will have as a touchpoint for brands.  Listen along and let us know what you think!

In this episode, Brooke and Robyn explore modern parenting.   From "Gentle Parenting" to babies without borders, we've got a whole new perspective thanks to our Parenting Influencers.  Join us to learn about what today's parents are looking for and how brands can better meet their needs in the years to come.

In this episode, Brooke & Robyn chat about what people are doing for fun these days.  They dive into the trends around summer travel, creating experiences, and the important role nostalgia is playing in our lives.  From Dirty Shirleys to Adult Toys (not that kind) and beyond, if you want a look at what’s trending and how your brand can get out ahead of it, this episode is for you.

In this episode of "Ask an Influencer," Brooke & Robyn chat with Influencer Jessica Boscarini aka @healthyfitfabmoms about how people are managing their wellness, and how that’s evolving in real time. From 20-minute workouts, to making room for martinis, to seeking more instructions and fewer restrictions, we’ll explore it all.  If you want a look at emerging needs in wellness and how your brand can come to the table with breakthrough solutions, join us!Other influencers we mention in this episode:For awesome 15-25 min workouts, follow Katie Austin on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/austinaf/And check out the Katie Austin app and other content on social: https://hoo.be/katieaustinFor NSFW but highly entertaining commentary on the real lives of moms, follow Cat & Nat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catandnat/And check out their podcast @https://linktr.ee/catandnatunfiltered 

In this episode, Brooke & Robyn sit down with beauty and lifestyle influencer Jamé Jackson, aka @theblondemisfit to chat about “what’s next in beauty & personal care?”  We’ll explore the rise of “tweakments” (who knew?) to personalization, to streamlined routines and beyond.  If you want a look at what’s trending and how your brand can get out ahead of it, this episode is for you!

Trends & Innovation expert Robyn Carter, & Influencer Marketing powerhouse Brooke Stewart have partnered to launch the new podcast “Ask an Influencer.” In each episode, they’ll dig into insights and perspectives from notable Influencers and content creators to shed light on trends in food, personal care, fitness, travel, fashion, and even entrepreneur life. “Ask an Influencer” is a show for anyone who wants a crystal ball to help them understand how trends are evolving and why.  It’s a place where marketers and aspiring entrepreneurs can discover how they can harness those trends to bring something exciting and relevant to the marketplace.The first episode kicks off with Brooke and Robyn diving into food trends, exploring “what’s for dinner?” along with evolving perceptions around comfort and plant-based foods. Future shows will feature guest Influencers and experts who will share their perspectives in real time. With 15+ years of experience inspiring successful innovation for some of the world’s most beloved brands, from ice cream to snacks to beauty, skin care, toys and beyond, Robyn & Brooke are leading forces in helping brands to become category game-changers.