Episodes

The hosts break down Recess’ $30 million raise, pound shots of olive oil, and wonder if Ben Stiller’s nostalgic soda brand can make it in middle America. Oh, and someone bottled a hot sauce wrapped in a real $100 bill.

Kathryn Bricken, the founder and CEO of Doughlicious, shares how she turned a London-based cookie dough startup into a global frozen dessert powerhouse now in 6,000 U.S. stores, including Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.

The hosts unpack curated snack boxes featuring innovative products from emerging food and beverage brands – from sourdough bites and zaatar crackers to whiskey pecans and candied pistachios. They also share insights on how founders can save big and stand out at BevNET’s upcoming events in L.A.

Specialty coffee pioneer George Howell shares how a long-term vision and a commitment to quality over trends helped reshape American coffee culture, even after Starbucks acquired his original brand. He also reveals the little-known origins of the drink that would become the Frappuccino, critiques why many cafés fall short on customer experience, and explains his unapologetic views on flavored coffee.

Is Target about to normalize THC drinks? The team unpacks a potentially game-changing move by the retail giant, and what it could mean for the future of cannabis beverages. They explore the regulatory roadblocks and why the move might be a tipping point. Plus, why PepsiCo is calling fiber “the next protein,” and a look at CPG innovations, including a surprisingly convenient twist on tomato paste.

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from All Día, Grisly's Cosmic, Sipli, Olia, Birdie. This week’s special co-host is Andrew Guard, the founder of Right Coast Brands.

How can a patient, craft-centric mindset give brands a competitive edge? Cy Cain, the founder and CEO of premium RTD cocktail brand Straightaway Cocktails, outlines a strategy rooted in deliberate, thoughtful growth over the pursuit of viral trends, and emphasizes the long-term value of investments in quality and brand integrity alongside partnerships with Costco, Alaska Airlines and Shake Shack.