Episodes

The hosts discussed TikTok’s announcement that it will make its Shop feature available to all of its 150 million U.S. users and ways that it may benefit CPG brands, and also spoke about the challenge of marketing kids’ brands and why some excel while most fade away. They also riffed on several notable products, including beauty-centric beverages, snackable chocolate and Indian-inspired dips.

Brooks Addington, the CEO of sparkling alcohol-alternative brand TÖST, spoke about why the brand’s positioning has resonated with all types of consumers, why having few competitors is “a double-edged sword,” the importance of an affordable price point and a frugal marketing strategy, and the company’s strategic partnership with Constellation Brands.

It was fun while it lasted... The hosts shared highlights from the final edition of Natural Products Expo East, including new brands, standout collaborations and innovative line extensions.

Celsius CEO John Fieldly spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why brand-building is about “figuring out where you fit in a consumer’s life,” navigating expectations and opportunities with strategic partner Pepsico and how junior-level employees influence the company’s innovation strategy.

Amid a spate of high-profile investments and acquisitions, the hosts assessed Brooklyn Brewery’s alignment with Hoplark and what it means for the emerging segment of hop-centric beverages and also discussed the timing of Smuckers’ $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands. This episode also features an expansive interview with Adam Crocini, the SVP and global head for food and beverage brands at Hilton.

Christy Goldsby, the founder of fast-growing refrigerated snack brand Honey Mama's, explained why demoing is the foundation of its marketing strategy, leaning on a ‘truth radar’ at every step during a package revamp, how the company navigated a high profile retailer’s devastating decision to discontinue the brand and why handing over day-to-day operations was the right move for its future.

When legacy brands start looking like startups, should entrepreneurs be worried? The hosts discuss. They also highlight several new and notable products, including chakra-specific shots and a cap-activated bottled cocktail. We also meet with Alan Kennedy, the master blender for rye-forward whiskey brand Redemption, who discusses the brand’s emphasis on premiumization of experience across its portfolio.

Serial entrepreneur Richard Laver chronicles his path from a 12-year-old child who survived a plane crash that killed 136 people, to being homeless at age 27, to the birth of his daughter and how she inspired the development of successful plant-based nutrition brand Kate Farms. He also discussed the launch of Lucky F*ck, his upstart “anti-brand” line of energy drinks, and how it's following in the footsteps of Liquid Death.