Evolve CPG - Brands for a Better World

In this conversation, Justin Ahrens and Gage discuss the profound impact of design on the human condition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real problems that design can solve. They explore the shift from a shareholder to a stakeholder economy, the role of data in design, and the significance of design thinking in creating sustainable and measurable impact. Through real-world examples, they illustrate how thoughtful design can enhance everyday experiences and contribute to social good, while also reflecting on their shared journey within AIGA and the Design for Good movement. In this conversation, Gage and Justin Ahrens discuss the importance of breaking down silos in design initiatives, the methodologies for design for impact, and the holistic approach to design that considers the environment and human experience. They explore the role of creativity in various aspects of life and work, emphasizing that design extends beyond traditional boundaries. They wrap up by sharing their exciting projects they're working on, now and in the future, and their vision for a better world through intentional design and community engagement. Takeaways:Design can impact the human condition in various ways.Understanding the real problem is crucial in design.Data should not overshadow the human aspect of design.Shifting to a stakeholder economy encourages humane decision-making.Design thinking can lead to sustainable and measurable impact.Good design often goes unnoticed but is essential.Accessibility in design benefits everyone, not just specific groups.AIGA has been instrumental in shaping Justin's and Gage's careers in design.Real-world examples highlight the importance of thoughtful design.Design initiatives often operate in silos, missing opportunities for collaboration.Holistic design considers the environment, economy, and the human experience.Creativity is not limited to traditional design; it encompasses all aspects of life.Designing a business involves intentionality and awareness of impact.The importance of ethical considerations in client projects.Engaging with communities enhances the design process and outcomes.We must all remain open to conversations where there might be some tension if we hope to understand each other.Sharing experiences and insights can inspire others and foster community.Sound Bites:"How can we use design to make impact in the world around us?”“The layer of design that is most inspiring to me is a design approach that somehow impacts the human condition.”“Reminding ourselves that there's real people behind the data is always important.”“Design can change the world, for better or worse.”"Good design is invisible.""What gets measured gets improved.""AIGA has changed my career.""Design for good needs to be accessible, and consider accessibility."Links:Justin Ahrens on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinahrens/Rule 29 - https://www.rule29.com/Rule 29 on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rule29Rule 29 on Instagram - http://instagram.com/rule29Rule 29 on X - https://twitter.com/rule29Rule 29 on Dribble - https://dribbble.com/rule29Rule 29 on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rule29/…O'Niel Printing - https://oneilprint.com/Design Of Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-of-podcast/id1031393077The Creative Shit Show Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-creative-shit-show/id1620792732Running Ahrens Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/running-ahrens/id1808363470…Path to Impact Workbook (English) - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kmklu1ah5e9xaivkj7igw/P2I-WorkbookBooklet-ENG-190711-v4.pdf?rlkey=q2clwoo6w27olqefx0y77tx0l&dl=0Path to Impact Workbook (Spanish) - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tcw0evjjlo4evktt92i/P2I-WorkbookBooklet-SPN-190711-v4.pdf?rlkey=u5j9telwiyvzaksmczlbv4vap&dl=0...Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Defining Impact in Design06:03 -The Human Condition and Design Thinking09:11 - The Role of Data in Design11:55 - Shifting from Shareholder to Stakeholder Economy15:01 - Design Process for Sustainable Impact17:53 - Real-World Examples of Design Impact21:05 - Design for Good and AIGA24:08 - Building a Legacy through Design30:41 - Breaking Down Silos in Design for Good36:00 - Designing for Impact: Methodologies and Practices41:55 - Holistic Design: The Environment and Human Experience48:47 - Creativity Beyond Traditional Design57:09 - Looking Ahead: Excitement and Future Projects

In this conversation, Hayley and Stephanie Painter, co-founders of Painterland Sisters, share their journey as fourth-generation organic dairy farmers. They discuss their childhood experiences on the farm, the values instilled in them, and how these experiences shaped their approach to business and agriculture. The sisters emphasize the importance of community, integrity, and creating nutrient-dense products, like their Skyr yogurt. They reflect on the challenges and perceptions faced by farmers and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives their mission to connect consumers with quality food sourced from family farms. In this conversation, Hayley and Stephanie Painter discuss the importance of empowering farmers through education, community connection, and financial incentives. They emphasize the role of mentorship in agriculture, the power of storytelling to connect consumers with their food sources, and the impact of funding on their brand's future. They also share personal insights and advice, culminating in their vision for a better world through sustainable agriculture. Takeaways:Growing up on a farm instills deep-rooted values and work ethic.Childhood experiences on the farm shape adult perspectives and business practices.Traveling broadens horizons and influences business decisions.Farmers are inherently entrepreneurs, learning business from family traditions.Integrity in farming leads to better quality products.The importance of community and relationships in agriculture.Understanding the balance of nature is crucial for sustainable farming.Education can challenge traditional farming practices and perceptions.Creating nutrient-dense products is a priority.The journey of building a business involves learning from failures.Farmers are reacting a lot of times and doing the best they can with the situations that they're in.It's all about the process and spectrum of betterment for the land.There are many programs that provide financial incentives for farmers.Our dream is to get all farmers more financially stable.Mentorship plays a crucial role in agriculture.Storytelling is powerful in connecting consumers to their food.Funding helps us build credibility and stability for our brand.A better world means diversity in agriculture and food supply chains that are thriving for future generations.We need to keep farmers farming to ensure food security.Sound Bites:“Farming is literally our roots and our DNA.""We grew up on hard work and community, love, family, and being connected to nature.”"Farmers are entrepreneurs. We watched our parents and our grandparents run the farm, which is a business. It's was our first education.“"We learned business isn't just transactional."“Our goal is to provide the most nutrient dense product we can. So we choose to keep all those nutrients in there instead of extracting and selling them off as byproducts and replacing them with fillers."We like to give the credit back to the farmers.”“There are a lot of programs with financial incentives out there right now, to help farmers make improvements they  may not be able to financially afford otherwise. These grants have really helped them.”“We can have all the information we want about regenerative organic agriculture and all these big concepts, but if you don't know how to like make that information digestible and fun, it's not going to hit the way it needs to.”“A better world is a world with diversity, equity, and parity across the food supply chain.”"Keep farmers farming first and foremost."Chapters:03:00 - Roots of Farming: A Family Legacy05:59 - Childhood Adventures and Life Lessons on the Farm09:00 - The Dual Nature of Farm Life: Balancing Tradition and Exploration14:59 - Pride in Agriculture: Overcoming Societal Perceptions21:08 - Education and Entrepreneurship: Building a Business from the Ground Up27:00 - Creating Nutrient-Dense Products: The Journey to Skir Yogurt32:51 - The Integrity of Farming: Maintaining Quality in Production39:25 - Empowering Farmers Through Education and Connection42:48 - Financial Incentives and Sustainable Practices46:56 - Mentorship and Community in Agriculture51:02 - The Power of Storytelling in Agriculture53:53 - Funding and Future Vision for the Brand57:56 - Personal Insights and Advice62:59 - A Better World Through Agriculture

In this conversation, Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association, discusses the growth and challenges of the organic industry. He highlights the importance of generational shifts in consumer behavior, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly committed to organic products. Dillon emphasizes the need for investment in infrastructure to support domestic organic production and the role of advocacy in shaping policies that benefit the organic sector. The conversation also touches on the evolution of organic quality and the economic impact of organic farming on rural communities. In this conversation, Matthew Dillon discusses the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) efforts to drive organic agriculture forward through legislative initiatives, transparency, and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the organic sector, the need for integrity in growth, and the role of vulnerability in building trust. Dillon also highlights the significance of investing in future generations and the power of community in overcoming challenges and fostering change. Takeaways:The OTA serves the organic sector from seed to shelf.Organic industry growth is driven by generational shifts in consumer preferences.Millennials and Gen Z are more committed to organic products than older generations.Success in agriculture should be measured in succession, not just immediate returns.The quality of organic products has significantly improved over the years.Domestic organic production faces challenges due to reliance on imports.Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the growth of the organic sector.Organic farming can positively impact rural economies and biodiversity.Advocacy for organic standards and funding is essential for the sector's future.The return on investment for organic programs is significant for the economy. OTA is focused on driving organic agriculture forward through legislative efforts.Transparency and trust are crucial for the organic sector's integrity.Integrity in growth requires balancing desirability with feasibility.Cultivating a culture of collaboration is essential for the organic movement.Community and advocacy play a vital role in the success of organic businesses.Investing in future generations is a responsibility of the organic sector.Hopelessness can be transformed into action through community support.Vulnerability is necessary for building trust in brands.Continuous improvement is key to maintaining the integrity of organic standards.The organic movement is about more than just farming; it's about creating a better world.  Sound Bites:"Organic food in the U.S. grew to a $71.6 billion market in 2024.""90 % of Millennials and Gen Z are either committed or highly aspirational organic consumers""Success has to be measured in succession.""OTA is helping drive organic forward."“If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.”"Integrity requires vulnerability."“That continuous improvement in integrity is essential to that consumer trust.”“He said, it's time for us as an industry to re-embrace the movement. We didn't tell him to say it, but we were like, yes!That's the value of joining OTA. Come be part of a movement.”“Every $1 invested in USDA National Organic Program staff and operations yields over $3,000 in retail value for the U.S. economy.”"Raise the soil for all farms.""Planting trees for future generations."“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”"Community is the engine for transformation.""Hope is not a good strategy on its own." Links:Matthew Dillon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sustainmdillon/Organic Trade Association (OTA) - https://ota.com/Organic Trade Association (OTA) on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OrganicTradeOrganic Trade Association (OTA) on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/organictrade/Organic Trade Association (OTA) on X - https://x.com/organictradeOrganic Trade Association (OTA) on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OrganicTradeAssocOrganic Trade Association (OTA) on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/organic-trade-association/…OTA's Organic Market Report 2025 - https://ota.com/OrganicMarketReportTOPP Impact Report 2024 - https://www.organictransition.org/impact-report/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Introduction to the Organic Trade Association (OTA)05:26 - Growth of the Organic Industry09:39 - Generational Shifts in Consumer Behavior13:11 - The Evolution of Organic Quality17:52 - Challenges and Opportunities in Domestic Organic Production22:35 - Infrastructure Needs for Organic Growth27:22 - The Role of Investment in Organic Infrastructure31:20 - The Future of Organic Advocacy and Policy34:29 - Driving Organic Forward: Legislative Efforts and Challenges39:54 - The Importance of Transparency and Trust in Organic44:13 - Integrity in Growth: Balancing Desirability and Feasibility49:31 - Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration in Organic55:34 - The Value of Community and Advocacy in Organic61:38 - Investing in the Future: Intergenerational Responsibility01:01:05 - Harnessing Hopelessness: Community as a Catalyst for Change

In this conversation, Jen Brush, VP of Innovation and Product at Guayaki, discusses the origins and benefits of Yerba Mate, the evolution of Guayaki's product offerings, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and community. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the beverage market, building brand loyalty, and the exciting transition to the new brand name, Yerba Madre, which reflects the company's mission and heritage. We touch on the brand's commitment to shade-grown Yerba Mate, which takes more time and money but yields a better product and is better for the environment than sun-grown Yerba Mate. Jen also shares her personal journey with Lupus and how it influences her perspective on innovation and the food industry. We then wrap up by talking about the growing tea movement and the importance of a people-centric business model in creating a better world. Takeaways:Yerba Mate is a unique, naturally caffeinated leaf with health benefits.Guayaki, now Yerba Madre, prioritizes sustainability and community relationships.The brand aims to make Yerba Mate accessible to all consumers.Product innovation is guided by consumer preferences and market trends.Building brand loyalty is essential for success in a competitive market.The convenience store channel presents new opportunities for growth.Guayaki's, now Yerba Madre's, bright yellow branding helps it stand out on shelves.The company has a strong community of brand ambassadors.The transition to Yerba Madre reflects the brand's evolution and heritage, and aims to enhance brand recognition.Focus on product quality is key to retaining customers.Shade-grown Yerba Mate is better for the environment and flavor.A people-first approach leads to positive business outcomes.The tea industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation.Personal health experiences can shape professional perspectives.Collaboration and partnerships are key to impact initiatives.Continuous improvement is essential in business practices.Community engagement is vital for a better world.Kindness and empathy can create a positive impact. Sound Bites:"Yerba Mate is a naturally caffeinated leaf.""It has both caffeine and theobromine (found in chocolate), and offers a more smooth form of energy with less jitters and less crash. So it's a magical leaf and tree."“My goal is to create products that have a little bit for everyone. If we're going to drive awareness about our brand, our mission – the devotion we have to our people and our Yerba Mate – we want to meet people where they are, right?”“Our Ambassadors are brand loyalties. They'll tell you that Guayaki has changed their life. Not just the products, but the brand and what we've done and where've we've been.”"Yerba Madre means mother herb in Spanish.""The more the merrier in the Yerba Mate category. We want to build a category and we want more people to know about the magic of Yerba Mate.”"She told me to always lead with yes. And she would say, yes is the answer.”"I think a better world really puts people at the center of what you do and how you think. Be kind and empathetic. I think that that trickles down organically.” Links:Jennifer Brush on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-brush-05a8444/Guayaki, now Yerba Madre - https://yerbamadre.com/Yerba Madre on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yerbamadre/Yerba Madre on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@officialyerbamadreYerba Madre on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinkyerbamadreYerba Madre on Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/OfficialYerbaMadre/Yerba Madre on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yerba-madre/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Introduction to Yerba Mate and Guayaki, now Yerba Madre06:05 - The Unique Flavor and Health Benefits of Yerba Mate08:55 - Guayaki's, now Yerba Madre's, Product Evolution and Innovation Strategy12:05 - Navigating the Beverage Market and Retail Challenges15:12 - Building Brand Loyalty and Community Engagement18:02 - The Future of Guayaki: New Branding (Yerba Madre) and Product Launches35:05 - Rebranding and Heritage in Yerba Mate38:31 - Sustainability and Impact Initiatives42:07 - Regenerative Practices and Biodiversity45:09 - People-Centric Business Models52:25 - Personal Insights and Industry Trends60:23 - Advice and Personal Favorites

In this conversation, Vilma Livas, Chief Marketing Officer at Nature's Bakery, discusses the brand's purpose of providing healthier snack options for families and the importance of convenience, taste, and value in their product development process. We touch on the impact of the company's acquisition by Mars and how it has allowed for growth and innovation, particularly with new products like the Oatmeal Crumble and Hearty Bar. Vilma shares insights into her consumer-centric approach to product development and the importance of both consumer insights and retail partnerships in launching new products in the CPG industry. She shares the background behind the development of Nature's Bakery's newest innovation — the Hearty Bar. Then we wrap up by discussing Vilma's involvement with Women on Boards, advocating for greater representation of women in leadership roles, and her vision of a better world which includes democratizing access to healthy food options for all consumers. Takeaways:Nature's Bakery aims to nourish families and make healthy snacking accessible.The brand focuses on convenience, offering products that are easy to consume on the go.Consumer research revealed a full family audience for their snack bars, from toddlers to grandparents.The product design emphasizes great taste and better-for-you attributes.The acquisition by Mars has provided resources for scaling and innovation.Nature's Bakery maintains a commitment to its brand purpose despite ownership changes.The product development process starts with identifying consumer needs and iterating ideas.Collaboration with diverse teams enhances creativity in product development.The Oatmeal Crumble was developed to address the need for convenient breakfast options.A consumer-centric approach is crucial for successful product innovation. It's crucial to put personal bias aside for better outcomes.Retailers have their own goals that must be understood.Empathy in business relationships leads to better partnerships.Involving retailers early in product development increases success.Healthy snacks must appeal to both parents and children.Women are underrepresented in board positions despite their influence.Accessibility to healthy food is a significant issue.Consumer demand drives the need for better food options. Sound Bites:“Everything we do is this balance of three things that we hold dear: 1 - great taste; 2 - better-for-you; and 3 - accessibility.”“Start with the consumer. What's the job to be done? What is the problem we're trying to solve here?”“Being owned by a much larger organization has allowed us to accelerate the rate at which we can scale.”“Stay focused on the goal, not the path that we're taking to get there.”"Retailers are gatekeepers to the shelf.""Be empathic, show up and learn.""Kids are very discerning about their snacks."“If you think about the purchasing power of women, you would expect to see that they also influence the direction and course of companies, but they're not at the table.”“A better world is one where we've democratized better for you food, by making it available and accessible to all.” Links:Vilma Livas on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vdlivas/Nature's Bakery - https://naturesbakery.com/Nature's Bakery on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/naturesbakery/Nature's Bakery on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/naturesbakery/Nature's Bakery on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@naturesbakeryNature's Bakery on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@naturesbakery1316Nature's Bakery on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nature-s-bakery/…Women on Boards - https://www.wobproject.com/Women on Boards on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wob-project/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Introduction to Nature's Bakery and Brand Purpose06:03 - Understanding the Family Focus in Healthy Snacking08:58 - The Importance of Convenience and Product Design12:12 - Balancing Taste, Value, and Health in Product Development14:55 - Navigating Brand Growth and Acquisition Challenges18:07 - Leveraging Resources from Larger Corporations21:08 - Innovations: Oatmeal Crumble and Hearty Bar23:51 - The Product Development Process Explained26:56 - Iterating Ideas and Consumer-Centric Design32:30 - Consumer Insights and Retail Partnerships38:12 - Innovating with the Hearty Bar43:28 - Empowering Women on Boards48:38 - Personal Favorites and Future Trends53:47 - A Better World Through Accessible Food

In this conversation, Michael Fisher, founder and CEO of Rotten, shares his journey of building a candy brand from scratch with zero experience in the industry. He talks about the initial trap that many startup CEOs fall into, himself included, of chasing the symbols of success instead of focusing on the business fundamentals. Michael then shares his personal connection to candy and the creative process behind building a brand narrative that emotionally resonates with consumers. During the conversation, we touch on the power of learning from advisors, the role of Kickstarter in validating his product concept, and his focus on healthier ingredients while maintaining great taste. Michael also shares insights on creative collaboration, the challenges of competing in the candy industry, including navigating legal issues with larger brands, and his vision for a better world through diverse product options.Key points from this episode:Transitioning from a startup CEO mindset to a real business is crucial.Learning from advisors and networking is key to success.Kickstarter served as a validation tool for Rotten's concept.A personal connection to candy inspired the brand's focus.Building a brand narrative is essential in a competitive market.World-building with engaging characters enhances brand identity through rich and engaging storytelling.The candy industry is brand-dominated, requiring strong branding to compete for loyalty.A significant portion of consumers are purchasing less candy due to health concerns.The brand aims to attract consumers who have never purchased better-for-you candy before.Formulation challenges are common when creating healthier candy options.The brand has undergone multiple reformulations to improve product quality.Legal challenges from larger brands can be daunting, but also indicate market presence.The goal is to provide consumers with better options that taste great.A better world means offering diverse food options, including healthier choices. Sound Bites:"It's really hard to remember that there isn't a playbook. What's going to work for your brand is going to be a unique path.""I stopped buying a lot of candy, actually, and I missed it. I missed the experience of eating candy.”"I really wanted to have a focus on building a strong brand that people could love.""We have worlds that haven't been explored, you know, Freektopia and all these fun places.”“More than a third of consumers in our category, non-chocolate candy, reported purchasing less candy over the last year. And the number one reason they report that is health and diet concerns."“We are showing that there is demand from people and people are willing to pay a premium for candy that still tastes incredible and gives them some of these health benefits.”“We're gonna win here is if someone eats our candy and it's their favorite candy, regardless of the health benefits.""So that was a fun time for me to play around in my kitchen, but I quickly learned that it's a very technical product to make." Links:Michael Fisher on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-fisher1/Rotten - https://eatrotten.com/Rotten on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eatrotten/Rotten on Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eatrottenRotten on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@eatrottenRotten on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/eatrotten/posts/…Dr James Richardson - Evolve CPG episode 74 - https://modernspecies.com/brands-for-a-better-world-podcast/focus-on-your-fans-dr-james-richardson-premium-growth-solutions?rq=rampingRamping Your Brand Book - https://www.rampingyourbrand.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters: 03:00 Introduction to Michael Fisher and Rotten06:09 The Transition from Startup CEO to Real Business08:49 Learning the CPG Landscape12:00 The Role of Advisors and Networking14:59 Kickstarter: A Launchpad for Validation18:11 Personal Connection to Non-Chocolate Candy21:05 Building a Brand with a Narrative23:55 World Building in Brand Development28:31 Creative Collaboration in Candy Design31:49 Building Emotional Connections with Consumers33:01 Competing in the Candy Industry39:05 Formulation Challenges and Product Development47:42 Navigating Legal Challenges with Big Candy53:39 A Vision for a Better World through Options

In this conversation, Dr. Aaron T. Dossey discusses the surprising amount of land clearing around the globe for agriculture and its detrimental effects on the environment, including biodiversity loss and climate change. The solution, according to our guest, is insect protein as a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock because of the efficiency and nutritional benefits of growing insects for food. Dr. Dossey shares his journey into the field of entomophagy, detailing how he transitioned from a passion for insects to founding All Things Bugs LLC where he focuses on the commercialization of insect-based food products. In this conversation, Dr. Aaron T. Dossey discusses the challenges of the insect protein market, the processing techniques he developed, the hurdles faced in scaling production, and the importance of consumer acceptance. Dr. Dossey emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry and shares his vision for a sustainable future where insect protein becomes a mainstream food source.Key points from this episode:Land clearing contributes significantly to climate change.Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation.Insect protein is more sustainable than traditional livestock.Insects require less water and resources for production.Insects provide complete proteins and essential nutrients.Funding opportunities can drive innovation in sustainable food sources.Product development in insect protein is complex but necessary.Scaling insect farming can address food security issues.Serendipity plays a role in entrepreneurial success.Innovative processing techniques can enhance the quality of insect protein.Market challenges include competition from lower-quality products.Consumer acceptance is crucial for scaling insect protein products.Collaboration within the industry can lead to more efficient practices.Raising awareness about the benefits of insect protein is essential.Funding and investment are critical for growth in this sector.Sustainable practices can make insect protein a viable alternative.The ingredient price must be competitive for widespread adoption.Consumer products can help normalize insect protein in diets.A better world includes more wild spaces and equitable economic systems. Sound Bites“It appears that land clearing potentially is a bigger problem than climate change.""We're losing species faster than we can track.""Insects are really a no-brainer when you really look at their benefits, their efficiency, all the positive attributes and lack of negative – other than perception, there really aren't a lot of negative attributes.""Insects use very little water compared to livestock. For example I see usually around 1% water use compared to beef, or something in that range.”"Insects are complete proteins, unlike many plants.""We need to scale up sustainable technologies quickly.""We need to reduce beef and dairy consumption.""We are the R&D labs for major food manufacturers." LinksDr Aaron T Dossey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarontdossey/All Things Bugs - https://allthingsbugs.com/All Things Bugs on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/allthingsbugs/All Things Bugs on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AllthingsbugsAll Things Bugs on X - https://x.com/AllThingsBugsAll Things Bugs on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/AllThingsBugsAll Things Bugs on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@allthingsbugsAll Things Bugs: Leader in Insects as a Sustainable Bioresource - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGWStYQC_YBugs In Space: Biomimicry Solution for Sustainable Food on the Moon, Mars and Earth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp0S-Gfk_tAInsects as Sustainable Food Ingredients (Book) - https://shop.elsevier.com/books/insects-as-sustainable-food-ingredients/dossey/978-0-12-802856-8Invertebrate Studies Institute - https://isibugs.org/Invertebrate Studies Institute on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/isibugs/Invertebrate Studies Institute on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InvertebrateStudiesInstitute/Invertebrate Studies Institute on X - https://x.com/ISIBugsInvertebrate Studies Institute Research Video - https://vimeo.com/user48219928Griopro (Ingredient) - https://griopro.com/Some videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGWStYQC_Yhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp0S-Gfk_tAhttps://vimeo.com/user48219928…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio

In this conversation, RJ Bee, the executive director of Heritage Radio Network, shares the story of how the network was founded and how they transitioned from a local radio station to a diverse podcasting platform focused on food systems storytellers. We discuss the mission-driven initiatives of Heritage Radio Network, like the fellowship program that trains fellows in food storytelling and podcasting, and the importance of community support for the nonprofit. RJ and Gage then discuss the interconnectedness of food systems, the challenges faced by farmers, and the potential of technology to innovate sustainable practices. RJ shares his vision for a better world, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption and the role of businesses in creating positive change. Key points from this episode:Heritage Radio Network started as a pirate radio station in shipping containers.The network has evolved from local radio to a national podcasting platform.COVID-19 significantly changed recording practices, with a shift to remote recording.Community engagement is crucial for the network's mission and growth.The network categorizes its podcasts into food industry and business, food culture and systems, and food news and trends.In-person gatherings are being reintroduced to foster community connections.The future of audio-only podcasting with platforms shifting towards prioritizing video content.Heritage Radio Network has a mission-driven approach to podcasting.The fellowship program trains individuals in food storytelling.Community support is crucial for nonprofit organizations.Farmers are facing significant challenges in the current climate.The food system is interconnected with various social issues.Innovations in food technology can lead to healthier eating.Technology can play a role in improving food sustainability.A better world involves responsible consumption and giving back.Capitalism can coexist with environmental responsibility.Storytelling is a powerful tool for food advocacy.

What's in a brand name? Everything, according to today's guest, Karin Hibma Cronan, a renowned brand strategist, and co-founder of Cronan, as we explore the role of questions in the art of naming and branding. Cronan is known for creating iconic brand identities and names that resonate with audiences. Their work has helped shape the success of major corporations, non-profits, and startups alike, making them a trusted partner in the world of strategic design. In our conversation, we discuss how the name of a brand or product sets the tone of the experience, the common attributes of a good name, how Karin is the inspiration behind the names of many well-known brands, and the importance of asking great questions when forming strategy. Gain insights into her interactive approach to working with clients, what strategic intent is, how a brand's identity can evolve, and more. Tune in to learn how you can harness the magic of a name and the power of great questions with Karin Hibma Cronan!Key Points From This Episode:The fundamentals of a name and her approach to finding a brand's identity.Explore the differences between brand identity and strategic identity. Learn about the secret sauce to making a compelling brand name. Challenges of designing a name and the limitations trademarks impose.Hear about the common pitfalls to avoid when creating a brand name.Discover why a holistic approach to branding and identity is vital.Insights into the power a name has in communicating a brand experience.How a brand name can evolve with a company's product or service. Asking good questions to identify problems and create solutions.Karin shares her method of developing the right questions to ask. Examine examples of bad questions and the impact they can have. Uncover how to understand the ‘why' behind a person's answer. She explains what a better world means to her.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Karin Hibma Cronan on LinkedInCronanClimate DesignersThe Climify PodcastXincaFoodsDavid EaglemanInner Cosmos PodcastThe Right Question Changes EverythingWalking ManModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

What does it take for a mission-driven brand to thrive in the competitive world of retail? In this episode, we explore the intersection of retail success and mission-driven branding with Alli Ball, the visionary founder and CEO of Food Biz Wiz. Food Biz Wiz is a consulting and coaching company dedicated to helping emerging food brands succeed in the competitive retail market. Known for her impact on the food industry, Alli has empowered countless emerging food brands through her Retail Ready® program and award-winning podcast. In our conversation, we dive into the critical elements consumers want in mission-driven brands, the potential pitfalls of over-investing in a company's mission, and how purpose-driven values can enhance brand loyalty. Discover why aligning packing, product, and purpose is essential for brand success, how to craft a successful sales pitch, why transparency is fundamental for consumers, and much more. Join us to learn how to transform your brand's mission into a powerful tool for growth and loyalty in the retail market with Alli Ball of Food Biz Wiz!Key Points From This Episode:How sustainable and innovative retail brands communicate their value.Alli explains the omnichannel nature of the retail industry. How mission-driven brands fit into the traditional retail space. Attributes that are becoming a top priority for consumers. Recommendations for learning about trends in the wholesale space.Why you should never base a sales pitch on certifications. Hear about the mission-driven red flags that retail buyers avoid. The disconnect between what consumers value and buying behavior.Differences between direct-to-consumer and direct-to-retailer sale pitches.Common mistakes mission-driven brands make in marketing a product.Core concepts of the Retail Ready® program and how it benefits brands.Discover why product packaging is vital for convincing the consumer. Background about Alli, the Retail Ready® course, and Food Biz Wiz's mission.What shifted her interest to working with brands and retailers.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Alli Ball on LinkedInFood Biz WizFood Biz Wiz on InstagramFood Biz Wiz PodcastBi-Rite XincaFoodsFortuneFortune ArticleB.T.R. NATION‘Better Snack Options with Ashley Nickelson of B.T.R. Nation'Liquid Death Modern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Vending machines might be convenient, but they are not exactly known for their nutritious, high-quality snacks, and it's high time they got an upgrade! Today's guest is Ashley Nickelsen Founder, CEO, and Chief Snack Officer at B.T.R. Nation, a company on a mission to fix our broken food system, one snack at a time. Join us, as we dig into the problem with junk food in America, the reasons behind Ashley's decision to build a healthier snack company, and what keeps her going in the face of each new entrepreneurial challenge. Learn about the rules that guide her product development process, the higher prices that accompany better ingredients, and the strategies that are helping Ashley keep her costs down. We also get into B.T.R.'s recent collaboration with Blue Bottle, the launch of their phenomenal co-branded chai spice bar, and much more. Tune in to hear all of Ashley's fascinating insights and discover how B.T.R. Nation is reinventing the modern vending machine!Key Points From This Episode:Ashley's mission to fix America's broken food system with healthier snacks.Changes in American policies that would lead to a much-improved food system.Why Ashley is determined to reinvent the modern vending machine, especially in hospitals.Her parents' cancer diagnoses: why it was foundational to the founding of B.T.R Nation.Naming B.T.R. in honor of her parent's mantra: to be ‘bold, tenacious, and resilient'.The conscious decision to name B.T.R. Nation to sound like ‘better nation'.B.T.R's guiding principles: low sugar, simple ingredients, and their never-ever list.Tackling the higher prices associated with quality ingredients.How they are instituting product development rules that prioritize health over cost.Why transparency is essential when it comes to ingredient lists.Simplifying B.T.R.'s messaging to reflect the needs of consumers.How they are building their own third-party logistics (3PLs).The exciting outcomes from B.T.R.'s collaboration with Blue Bottle.Ashley's vision for a better world: why health should be a right, not a privilege.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Ashley Nickelson on LinkedInB.T.R. NationBlue BottelClimify PodcastModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

While many businesses and individuals are answering the call to be more impact-driven and sustainably conscious, few understand just how damaging their digital footprint is to their endeavors. Today we are joined by Avril Tomlin-Hood, the Founder and CEO of boa - a Vancouver, BC-based media buying agency focused on elevating sustainably-conscious brands. Avril is here to speak about our digital carbon footprints, particularly regarding media and advertising, and how we can band together to decarbonize our online world. We discover how our online exploits impact the real world, how small and simple adjustments can make a big difference, the platforms and campaign styles that promote a low digital footprint, and the importance of being B Corp certified if sustainability is one of your priorities. Be sure to tune in to discover how Avril and her team at boa are making big strides in decarbonizing our media, and how she has made it her personal mission to create a better world for all.Key Points From This Episode:How what we do online impacts the real world; finding the carbon footprint of digital media. The smaller things that impact digital footprints (file size, page brightness, auto-refresh, etc.).How making invisible systems, visible will lead to better decisions on sustainability. What Avril means by “decarbonize media”, and how she and her team go about it. Why it's important to pay attention to where and how your ads are targeted. A closer look at how boa audits its clients to determine the work that needs to be done. Simple adjustments that make a big difference. Avril details all the good things that are happening in sustainable, impact-driven marketing. Understanding how consumers rank sustainability on their list of priorities. Effective platforms and campaign styles for reducing your digital footprint. How Avril developed her passion for sustainability, and how she integrated it into her career. The modern importance of a B Corp certification.Ad Net Zero, Purpose Disruptors, Poshmark, Value Village, Solitaire Townsend, and more! Avril's vision for a better world. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Avril Tomlin-Hood on LinkedInAvril Tomlin-Hood on InstagramboaIn With the New MakeenaWorldie Unboxed Ad Net ZeroPurpose Disruptors Poshmark Value Village Clean Creatives MyBacon | MyForest Foods Solitaire Townsend on LinkedInModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Sustainable aquaculture may just be the long-awaited answer to responsible food consumption, and today's three remarkable guests are here to explain why this is most certainly the case. Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming three seafood brands to the show – Crave Fishbar, Gra-Bar Fresh Seafood, and American Unagi – which are represented by Todd Mitgang, Bart Molin, and Sara Rademaker, respectively. Sara, Bart, and Todd begin with how they became passionate about seafood before explaining the particular industry pain points that their brands are set on solving. Then, we learn about how the quality of seafood is measured and what it means to be 100% sustainable. To end, our guests explain the vital role of education in sustainability, so tune in to discover how you as a consumer can go about making better and more sustainable food choices. Key Points From This Episode:The industry pain points that today's guests are set to solve, and the role of sustainability.What it means to be 100% sustainable, and the obstacles that stand in the way of this goal.The role of education in adopting and upholding sustainable cultures.How to get consumers to make more sustainable choices. Taste versus nutrition; farmed versus wildcut – understanding seafood's quality metrics. How sustainable aquaculture benefits other industries as well.Sara's vision for the future of eel farming and sustainable aquaculture as a whole.Our guest's advice for industry newbies who want to make a big impact within sustainability.How Sara Rademaker, Todd Mitgang, and Bart Molin developed their passion for seafood.What a better world looks like for Sara, Todd, and Bart. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Sara Rademaker on LinkedIn American UnagiTodd Mitgang on SFNCrave Fishbar Crave SushibarTaco VisionBart Molin on LinkedInBart Molin on FacebookGra-Bar Fresh Seafood ClimifyModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Are you worried about the nutritional benefits of the food you eat? Do you lack the energy you need to get through the day, despite healthy eating habits? In this episode, we sit down with Sara Cullen, Founder and CEO of GEM, to discuss why so many people suffer from nutrient deficiencies and how her company delivers delicious, effective, and holistic solutions. GEM is a nutrition company dedicated to transforming human and planetary health through the power of food. It is on a mission to deliver delicious nutrition to everyone while building a healthier food system. In our conversation, we discuss how she developed the first-ever real food multivitamin, the origins of her scientific advisement board, the transformative health benefits experienced by GEM's customers, why food is medicine, and much more. Tune in to uncover the secrets of nutrition rooted in real food and how GEM is improving diets and revolutionizing the food system with Sara Cullen!Key Points From This Episode:Problems and gaps in the food system and how GEM is providing solutions. How Sara's health issues led her to GEM and fixing the current food system.The product development process and why she chose bit-sized food as the form factor.Learn about the importance of product innovation in achieving GEM's mission. GEM's multifaceted approach to improving human and planetary health.Challenges and hurdles of creating the first-ever real food multivitamin.Unique packaging problems of storing and transporting a food multivitamin.Why evidence-based approaches to product development are vital to GEM.How Sara created a scientific advisor panel for GEM and why. The exciting results of GEM's consumer perception study.Sara's entrepreneurial roots and hard lessons from her career journey.What GEM is currently focusing on and its plans for the future.Final takeaways for listeners and our round of rapid-fire questions with Sara!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Sara Cullen on LinkedInSara Cullen on InstagramGEMGEM on InstagramGEM on TikTokVenture For America Daily Harvest CitruslabsNo Evil FoodsEpisode 144: When Everything Goes Wrong with Sadrah Schadel of No Evil FoodsThe One ThingLet My People Go SurfingPatagoniaModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

From Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow to Fenty by Rihanna, Casamigos by George Clooney to Feastables by MrBeast, celebrities are increasingly leveraging their influence to launch products and lifestyle brands. But what makes celebrity brands successful? Today's guest is a former Olympian and entrepreneur with a proven track record of successfully launching, managing, and scaling billion-dollar businesses and brands. When it comes to advising companies and vetting opportunities, Samyr Laine knows what it takes to win! In 2023, Samyr started Freedom Trail Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in consumer brands at the intersection of influence, culture, and lifestyle. In this episode, Samyr discusses the rise of celebrity-backed and founded brands, the companies his fund is invested in, his criteria for matching investors with brands, and his efforts to address venture capital inequities. Join us for an insightful conversation as Samyr shares his expert opinion on building a successful brand in today's crowded market. To discover the secrets behind some of the most influential celebrity ventures and get inspired to take your own entrepreneurial journey to the next level, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:The “perfect storm” of influencers, actors, musicians, and more building their own brands.Why authenticity and purpose are key to the success of influencer and celebrity brands.What makes brands investable: the value of knowledge, expertise, and connections.How Freedom Trail Capital is challenging inequities in the venture capital market.Networks and certifications that can benefit minority-owned brands and enterprises.Insight into Samyr's criteria for ensuring a good fit between brands and investors.Why celebrity involvement is the last step in Freedom Trail's due diligence process.How celebrities can hinder business operations (and how they can do better).The relevance of a brand's growth trajectory in Samyr's investment strategy.Expanding on the role of synergistic partnerships in Freedom Trail's investment portfolio.Reasons that Samyr would turn down a big check due to product-market-mission fit.How A/B testing could increase the impact of mission-driven brands and products.Renais gin by Emma Watson and other celebrity brands that Freedom Trail invests in.Personal favorite CPG brands, the power of perseverance, meaningful quotes, and more in the lightning round with Samyr Laine!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Samyr LaineFreedom Trail CapitalSamyr Laine on LinkedInSamyr Laine EmailNaturally Network Minority-Owned FellowshipMinority Business Enterprise (MBE) CertificationPronghornAfroTechGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

What if your actions had a ripple effect? Instead of waiting for someone else to be the solution, what if you took charge of your own sphere of influence? Diana Ingles is an Eco-conscious Designer at Rootlebox and she joins the conversation today to discuss her journey to working in sustainable solutions, unpack some of the problems with consumer culture, and explore how we are approaching our work differently as designers. As well as getting an insight into Diana's work at Rootlebox, you'll learn more about the philosophy behind Modern Species. You'll also hear about some of the organizations, resources, and movements we're most excited about. This is an empowering conversation between two sustainable designers leveraging their abilities to create the change the world desperately needs. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode:Introducing Diana Ingles, Eco-conscious Designer at Rootlebox. Her background in food and sustainability, from growing up in a family homestead to finding her ikigai. Inevitable shifts that occur once you start to question societal practices. Nurturing curiosity during the pursuit of sustainable solutions.Stepping into the spaces that need your support instead of waiting for someone else to.Factors that attract clients to Modern Species; from aligned values and resonant work to portfolio clients.The promising prospect of seaweed as a sustainable material. Nature's waste-free processes and the emergence of sustainable packaging trends.New and old traditions of upcycling food to extract nutritional value and eliminate waste.Algae ink printing and education with Rootlebox. The philosophy behind Brands for a Better World.Underutilized educational resources such as 1% for the Planet. Different ways to contribute revenue and time.Challenges associated with building a more sustainable future.Different ways of responding to broken systems.Practical takeaways from this conversation. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Diana Ingles on LinkedInRootleboxWild RoutedClimify PodcastUpcycled Foods Inc.1% for the PlanetModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

To stay relevant as a CPG brand, you need to be willing to evolve, and it's no different in the organic industry. Today, we sit down with Matt McLean, Founder and Chief Uncle of Uncle Matt's Organic, to uncover the journey behind the nation's number-one organic juice brand. Uncle Matt's Organic has grown from a small family operation to a leader in the organic industry, offering a range of delicious and healthy beverages. In our conversation, Matt shares the origins of his company, the biggest challenges they've faced, and the innovations that have propelled its growth over 25 years. We explore how Uncle Matt's has navigated shifts in consumer preferences, why Matt decided to buy back the brand after successfully exiting, and their exciting decision to expand beyond juice. Discover the broader trends in the organic market, Matt's insights on differentiating your brand in a competitive industry, and the inspiring story of how passion, perseverance, and dedication to quality can transform your vision into reality!Key Points From This Episode:Matt's journey from a small farm to creating and leading Uncle Matt's Organic.Challenges and successes over 25 years in the organic industry.Strategies for managing risk when starting a new venture.Innovations that propelled the company's growth.Their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices.How the organic industry has grown over the past two decades.Navigating shifts in consumer preferences for organic products (including juice).Strategic decisions that fueled Uncle Matt's success.Insights on staying competitive in the organic market.Matt's successful exit selling his brand to Dean Foods, and why he bought it back.Expanding into the tea market and the range of products they're developing.Broader trends and future outlooks in the organic industry.Inspirational (and practical) lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and organic advocates.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Matt Mclean on LinkedIn Uncle Matt's Organic Worldie Unboxed Podcast John Maxwell Leadership Gary Hirshberg Stonyfield OrganicGeorge Siemon Organic ValleyArjan Stephens on LinkedInNature's Path Modern SpeciesGage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Welcome to this special Climify and Brands For A Better World crossover episode, as we sit in on Eric Benson's conversation with Lauren Choi.We all know about those infamous red cups that flood American streets in a plague of crimson litter. But did you know that these same cups - that are considered unrecyclable by many - are recycled to make sustainable fashion wear? That is the mission of today's inspirational guest, the Climate Entrepreneur and Founder of The New Norm Fabrics, Lauren Choi. Lauren joins us to share her journey in climate entrepreneurship, and we begin by learning about the great work being done at The New Norm. We discuss the role of climate entrepreneurs in educating those around them, how Johns Hopkins encourages students to break new ground in climate change and sustainability, the dangers of greenwashing, why consumers are at the forefront of meaningful change, and so much more. Enjoy.Key Points From This Episode:Today we join the Climify podcast as Eric Benson sits down with Lauren Choi. Lauren explains how and why she birthed her sustainable fabrics company, The New Norm.How the FastForwad accelerator helped her career ambitions, and why it should be standard across all universities. How she manages the demands of working in multiple industries simultaneously.The specific materials that The New Norm is focused on producing. How Johns Hopkins approached climate change and sustainability while Lauren was a student.Her advice to educators on how to coach students through potentially groundbreaking ideas. What every new or prospective climate entrepreneur needs to know. The role of climate entrepreneurs in educating consumers and other service providers.Lauren's thoughts on greenwashing and the role of circular-design products in combating misinformation. Why consumers are always at the forefront of inciting impactful change. How educators should be supporting student entrepreneurs.How The New Normal delivers on its impact-driven metrics like transparency and accountability.Using her experiences as a case study, Lauren shares some helpful advice for other women founders.The sustainability project that she would implement in every classroom.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Lauren Choi on LinkedInLauren Choi on InstagramThe New NormThe New Norm on InstagramThe New Norm on TikTok  Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures FastForwardCradle to Cradle Eric Benson on LinkedInClimify PodcastModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

What if frozen food could revolutionize the way we eat, nourish our bodies, and save the planet? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Drori, the visionary founder of Daily Harvest, to delve into the benefits of sustainably sourced frozen food. Daily Harvest is a plant-based meal delivery service that offers a variety of chef-crafted, pre-portioned, and frozen meals made from organic fruits and vegetables. Join us as Rachel delves into the mission and values driving her company, how frozen food helped her start eating healthier, why direct-to-consumer was the best approach for the brand, and its entry into the retail market. We discuss her recent decision to step back from her role as CEO, the steep learning curve of the food space, how the company navigated a product recall, and how Daily Harvest's overall mission keeps her motivated. Join us to unlock the secrets of frozen food's potential to transform your diet, health, and the world with Rachel Drori of Daily Harvest!Key Points From This Episode:Rachel's passion for sustainability and Daily Harvest's mission.The light bulb moment behind launching her first line of frozen food.Her reasons for pursuing the direct-to-consumer model. Building brand awareness as a way to enter the retail market.Transitioning Daily Harvest's product lines and business model.Daily Harvest's efforts to help farmers shift to sustainable farming.Unpack why regenerative and organic farming is essential.The sustainability, nutritional, and quality benefits of frozen food.Learn about the opportunities the retail market offers. Why educating the consumer is a core value of the company.Discover how she got celebrity investors interested in the company.Explore how the pandemic positively impacted the company. She shares valuable lessons from her entrepreneurial journey. Her new role in the company and why she stepped down as CEO.Find out what she has planned next for Daily Harvest.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Rachel Drori on LinkedInRachel Drori on InstagramDaily HarvestEpisode: A Smoothie Transition with Alex Bayer of Genius DreamsAmerican Farmland Trust (AFT)California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)Serena WilliamsParis Hilton Wild OrchardModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

We all know just how difficult it can be to enter the world of CPG, let alone thrive in it. But what may be even harder is knowing when it's time to let go of the brand you've worked tirelessly to build. Today we are joined by the former CEO and Co-Founder of Genius Juice and current Founder and Manager Partner at Genius Dreams, Alex Bayer. In our conversation, Alex walks us through the highs and lows of founding a CPG business, the tightrope of fine margins that the industry forces you to walk, the main things to consider when it's time to close shop forever, and the importance of making time for self-care as a dedicated entrepreneur.Key Points From This Episode:Alex Bayer shares the lessons he learned in founding, growing, and closing a CPG brand. How Alex got into CPG, and what inspired him to co-found Genius Juice. Whether it's better to have a large or small product catalogue. The biggest highs and most notable lows from Alex's 10 years at Genius Juice. How they navigated the innate CPG challenges of operating within fine margins.Key factors to be aware of when entering the refrigerated-products market.The ins and outs of Alex's decision to close the doors on Genius Juice.Taking a look at the processes of shutting a business down, and how to do it the right way.Navigating burnout and protecting your well-being as an entrepreneur. The services that Alex's consulting business, Genius Dreams offers and the clients it serves.Homemade smoothies, golfing, the CPG Vibes podcast, and Mark Samuel.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Alex Bayer on LinkedInAlex Bayer on InstagramGenius DreamsGenius Juice GPG VibesAflacHiTouchMelaAura Bora Mid-day SquaresTaste RadioStartup CPGGenesis Nutrition15 Minutes of Genius Mark Samuel on LinkedInModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Beyond simply being delicious, food can be a means to start conversations, cross cultural divides, and even inspire social change. In this episode of Brands for a Better World, you'll hear from Alison Cayne, Founder of NYC-based Haven's Kitchen, about how she combined her passion for cooking with her desire to change people's lives for the better and turned it into a purpose-driven career. Join us as we delve into the social impacts of our food systems, why home cooking is good for our health, the health of our communities, and the health of the planet, and the immense power that everyday consumers hold to drive meaningful policy change. We also discuss how Alison's podcast, In the Sauce, helped her speed up her CPG learning curve, the ways that Haven's Kitchen has evolved based on customers' needs and in response to the world at large, why the best marketing strategies are common sense, and so much more! To learn about the many compelling ways that food can transform communities and encourage people to create a better world through cooking, be sure to tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:The important role that cooking plays in supporting the local economy and agriculture.An understanding of the correlation between home cooking and better food systems.Why we shouldn't underestimate the power that consumers have to drive policy change.What led Alison to start a cooking school in the middle of her Master's program.From urban planning and policy to food studies: how Alison's interests have evolved.The story behind Alison's cookbook and Haven's Kitchen's range of sauces.How the In the Sauce Podcast helped Alison accelerate her CPG learning curve.The personal satisfaction that Alison gets from being a connector in her industry.Insight into Alison's unique CPG product strategy, supply chain, and packaging.Common barriers to feel-good home cooking that Haven's Kitchen seeks to simplify.Theory versus practice: why the best marketing strategies are usually common sense.The Haven's Kitchen initiative that donates 1% of gross profit to community-based organizations that fight inequity and hunger.New products, new channels, and more: what the future holds for Haven's Kitchen.Alison's favorite non-food hobby, best piece of advice, and more in the lightning round!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Haven's KitchenAlison Cayne on LinkedInIn the Sauce PodcastThe Haven's Kitchen Cooking School: Recipes and Inspiration to Build a Lifetime of Confidence in the KitchenTiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change EverythingModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

America has a major sugar problem, which is evident in the fact that the United States consumes more sugar than any other country in the world! To explain how her company is helping to ease this particular pain point across the country, we are joined today by the Founder and CEO of Planet Bake, Kathrin Henon. Kathrin begins by explaining how her German background and America's diabetes problem combined to inspire her to help solve the sugar problem in the United States. Then, our guest explains why she adopted a vegan and sugar-free diet before walking us through the ins and outs of Planet Bake, the wonders of allulose, the value of avocado oil, and the problematic culture of brands hiding certain troublesome ingredients. We also learn about Kathrin's education and how it informed the way she built her brand, the important lessons she's absorbed as a founder, the future of Planet Bake, and why she loves being involved in research and development.Key Points From This Episode:The (worrying) state of diabetes in America.Beyond the sugar: The ins and outs of Planet Bake. Why Kathrin chose to adopt a plant-based, zero-sugar diet.Why our guest reveres allulose as the perfect sweetener, and her list of sweeteners to avoid.Understanding her choice to use avocado oil in Planet Bake's products.The way her degree in Strategic Design and Management influenced how she built her brand.How some brands hide problematic ingredients but Planet Bake is fully transparent.The biggest lessons she's learned as a founder and brand-builder.What Planet Bake aims to achieve in the next 5 years, including its in-house chocolate line.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kathrin Henon on LinkedInKathrin Henon on InstagramPlanet Bake‘The Declaration of Allulose and Calories from Allulose on Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels'Daniel Lubetzky Frontline ImpactModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Have you ever found yourself in a grocery store, staring at rows of bland baby food jars and thinking, “There's got to be a better way?” Today, we sit down with David Fullner and Daniel Auld to discuss how their company, Kekoa Foods, is revolutionizing the baby food space. Kekoa Foods specializes in producing organic baby food and aims to provide nutrient-rich, natural, and organic food options that promote healthy infant development. In our conversation, we unpack how trying to find healthy, palate-expanding baby food for their son prompted starting their company, why variety in a baby's diet is vital, how the company contributes to and celebrates diversity, and the hard lessons from their entrepreneurial journey. Discover why you don't need to know everything about business to be an entrepreneur, the ups and downs of the CPG learning curve, why you don't need to sweat the small stuff, and more. Join us as we explore how Kekoa Foods is nourishing the next generation with David Fullner and Daniel Auld!Key Points From This Episode:How the premature birth of their son caused the start of their business.Discover the company's ethos around diversity and community.Hear how they learned the fundamentals of running a business.Fostering healthy adventurous eaters with their baby food products.Find out where the habit of making their own food originated.Why it essential to involve children in making and cooking food.Ways their backgrounds and skills make for a good partnership.Learn about the lessons and unexpected challenges they overcame.Explore the current product range that Kekoa Foods has on offer.Their biggest wins and what they have planned for the company.Recommendations and resources for startups in the CPG space.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:David Fullner on LinkedInDaniel Auld on LinkedInKekoa FoodsEverything Is FigureoutableSprouts Farmers MarketRutgers University Food Innovation CenterModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Sun and Swell is a wholesome food brand that's on a mission to create a healthier and more sustainable food industry. Today we are joined by Sun and Swell's Co-Founder and CEO, Kate Flynn, who walks us through the power of manifestation and how the practice has helped to transform all aspects of her life. Kate explains how manifestation works, the key components of purpose-driven manifestation, how manifesting helped her overcome many life and business challenges, and the role of masculine and feminine energies in determining how you manifest and what you prioritize as important. We uncover the world of limiting beliefs and discover how Kate has transcended hers, the toxic cultures that we can avoid both in life and at work, the undeniable power of intention, and the gift of failing forward. We also learn more about Sun and Swell including the brand's origin story and history, where it currently stands in the market, its office setup, why it values simplicity, and why it reveres its B Corp and WBENC certifications. To end, our rapid-fire questions explore the human desire to understand our basic needs and wants, and we discover why trusting the universe is a key element of Kate's philosophy. Key Points From This Episode:How Kate Flynn discovered manifesting, and how it's helped transform her life and business. Understanding why the concept of manifesting has had such a major impact on Kate. The importance of patience, resilience, and a determined mindset for manifesting. Kate's entrepreneurial challenges and how she's overcome them. Balancing masculine and feminine energies, and making room for adequate downtime.The limiting beliefs that Kate has transcended. Exploring the toxic cultures that manifest at home and at the office. The power of intention. Sun and Swell's origin story and history, and where the brand stands today.Embracing the chaos of growth, failing forward, simplicity, and prioritizing. Why Sun and Swell values its B Corps certification and being women-owned. Shine, trusting the universe, kindness, and leaving the world better than you found it.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Sun and Swell FoodsSun and Swell Foods on Instagram Kate FlynnKate Flynn on LinkedInKate Flynn on XKate Flynn on Instagram Kate Flynn Email Manifesting | Kate Flynn on LinkedIn Bryan Flynn on LinkedInCIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa  Women Owned WBENCPatagoniaYvon ChouinardModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteImpact Driven Community

Get ready to unlock the secrets behind one of the most captivating beverages of our time: kombucha! Today, we sit down with Matt Thomas, Founder of Brew Dr., to delve into the world of kombucha brewing. We discuss how his kombucha company originally started as a tea company, the motivation behind launching his kombucha brand, and the shifts that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted in his business approach. Tuning in, you'll hear about his exciting new SIPJOY product line, what makes kombucha so unique, and how Brew Dr. is making the world a better, healthier place through its products. Join us today as we sip on wisdom, unravel the magic of kombucha, and glimpse into the future of the beverage revolution!Key Points From This Episode:Matt's background and his entrepreneurial start in the tea business.How his kombucha business started from a single seed.The Kombucha SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) fermentation process.How the pandemic caused a shift in Matt's business approach.Balancing the growth of a sustainable business with entrepreneurial goals. Food culture trends and the growing interest in kombucha.Motivations behind Brew Dr.'s SIPJOY product range. What Matt has planned for the future trajectory of the company.Why Brew Dr. has chosen to use no artificial ingredients.Core values that drive Brew Dr.'s approach to making a difference.The evolution of the CPG industry toward sustainability. Challenges Matt has faced along his entrepreneurial journey.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Matt Thomas on LinkedInBrew Dr.SIPJOYNixieSpindrift1% for the PlanetModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

What matters more, the product or the brand? As today's guest Christopher Gavigan explains, the brand and the product should be one and the same and therefore equally important! Christopher is the founder of multiple businesses and initiatives, including The Honest Company and Prima – wellness brands that are centered on health and sustainability – and he joins us today to share his insights as a conscious leader and brand pioneer. After getting to the roots of Christopher's passion for creating sustainable brands, we learn about Healthy Child Healthy World and The Honest Company, and how the former paved the way for the latter. Then, we discover the role that Jessica Alba played in the genesis of The Honest Company, what Christopher's current work entails, why it's vital to build and support impact-driven brands in all industries, and the pain points that Christopher was trying to alleviate with Prima. To end, we learn how our guest views success, how he's navigated difficult obstacles as an entrepreneur, why he values consistency over intensity, and his vision of utopia.    Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming Christopher Gavigan as he explains what drove him to family health.Where and how he developed his instinct for creating brands. How Healthy Child Healthy World helped birth The Honest Company. The importance of building and supporting impact-driven brands. Understanding Jessica Alba's role in bringing The Honest Company to life. Christopher's current job title and role, and how it's changed over the years. The problems that he was trying to solve with the other company that he founded, Prima. Core attributes that he looks for or builds into a company to ensure success. The most surprising and difficult challenges that he's faced as an entrepreneur. Hu Chocolate, spending time outdoors, consistency over intensity, and reading.Christopher names Yvon Chouinard as an impact-driven leader who is worthy of our praise.Our guest's vision of a better world. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Christopher GaviganChristopher Gavigan on LinkedInChristopher Gavigan on XChristopher Gavigan on Instagram Christopher Gavigan EmailThe Honest Company Prima Healthy Child Healthy WorldHealthy Child Healthy WorldJessica Alba on Instagram  Hu Kitchen The Creative Act Patagonia | Yvon ChouinardModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Do you find yourself craving the crunch of potato chips but worry about their health and environmental implications? In this episode, we are joined by Betty Lu, Founder and CEO of Confetti Snacks, to delve into the world of sustainable snacking. Confetti Snacks specializes in creating delicious gourmet snacks using nutrient-rich vegetables infused with unique flavors from around the world. In our conversation, we discuss her experience traveling the world looking for unique flavors, her creative process behind the idea for a colorful veggie chip, how she acquired funding to test the concept, and how Confetti Snacks is making a positive impact on people and the planet. She also shares why authentic, genuine connections with end consumers are essential for success and answers our round of rapid-fire questions. Join us as we unwrap the story behind Confetti Snacks and explore the delicious possibilities of mission-driven snacking for a healthier, happier world. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Her motivation for traveling the world and what she learned from the experience.Betty's idea of “travelpreneurship” and the value of traveling for entrepreneurs. Why she founded Confetti Snacks and what she hopes to achieve with the company.How she was able to acquire her initial investment from the Singapore Government.Learn about how she was able to enter the US market and her plans to scale.The company's product range and why they are better for people and the planet.Ways her products stay true to its cultural inspirations while communicating its mission.Upcycling and how Confetti Snacks is helping the fight against food waste. Opportunities sustainability offers and reasons why companies should embrace it. Confetti Snacks' ColorForHunger program and the impact it is making. She shares lessons from her career and valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs.Explore the real value of a brand and how to build a loyal customer base. Hear how listeners can support Confetti Snacks in achieving its mission. Rapid-fire questions: her favorite vegetable, country, impact-driven leader, and more!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Betty Lu on LinkedInConfetti SnacksConfetti Snacks on InstagramConfetti Snacks on LinkedInConfetti Snacks on FacebookConfetti Snacks on XConfetti Snacks on AmazonColorForHungerDo the KIND ThingKIND SnacksModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

How can we bake a better world, one delicious bite at a time? Join us as we delve into the world of sustainable and inclusive baking with plant-based baking mama Kimberle Lau, Founder of Bake Me Healthy. Bake Me Healthy is a company that specializes in providing baking mixes crafted with clean, plant-based ingredients. It is more than just a baking mix company; it's a movement toward inclusive, sustainable, and convenient baking that prioritizes health, taste, and the planet. In our conversation, we discuss her entrepreneurial origins in skincare, how her food intolerances motivated her to start a plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-free baking business, the importance of supporting women-owned companies, and why her products are better for people and the planet. She also shares valuable lessons from her entrepreneurial journey and indulges us with our rapid-fire question round. Join us as we delve into the sweetness of conscious baking to a healthier, happier planet, one delectable treat at a time with Kimberle Lau of Bake Me Healthy. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Hear about her start in skincare and why she pivoted to plant-based baking.The opportunity she saw for an inclusive, healthy, and sustainable baking business.Why she finds the food industry more exciting than the beauty and skincare industry.Discover how she transitioned from baking for herself to developing a baking brand.She shares details about her research and development process. The role Drexel Food Lab played in creating the Bake Me Healthy product range. How her company champions upcycling techniques to combat food waste.Explore her passion for women-owned businesses and sustainability.Ways the Certification for Women-Owned Businesses offers support.Uncover her journey to sourcing sustainable packaging for her products.Unpack the hurdles and limitations of making compostable packaging. She shares the biggest lesson from her professional career.Gain insights into her approach to innovation and customer feedback.Find out how listeners can support Bake Me Healthy.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kimberle Lau on LinkedInBake Me HealthyDrexel Food Lab The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification for Women-Owned BusinessesUpcycled Food Association (UFA)1% for the Planet Food RescueOutcast FoodsHumble Chips (Humble Snacks)Nowhere BakeryJust Date Pallavi PandeDtocsModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Setting out and starting a business takes courage, determination, and the ability to learn as you go. It also requires a certain commitment to the foundational causes of the work. For Adam Hiner, our guest on today's show, combining his passion for food and regenerative agriculture with his work ethic and growing knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape has enabled him to build two really inspiring and conscientious brands. Adam is the CEO and Founder of Pacha, a gluten-free, grain-free, sprouted, fermented, paleo, and plant-based bread company, as well as the Co-Founder of Boochcraft, through which he and his team introduced the market to organic hard kombucha! In our chat, we get to hear from Adam about the important steps on his evolving path, the morals that ground his work, and some of the challenges he has faced and overcome so far. If you would like to hear about true innovations in the food sector, how Adam approached business during the pandemic, and the power of intuition in a data-filled world, listen in with us!Key Points From This Episode:Adam talks about regenerative agriculture and how Pacha is involved and supports this movement. Challenges in the baked goods space: distribution, freshness, packaging, and more. The environmental and social initiatives that Adam and Pacha have linked with so far.A little about the organic, hard kombucha company that Adam started called Boochcraft.  Advice from Adam for aspiring CPG business owners on the realities of running a business and using intuition.How Pacha was birthed at the beginning of the pandemic and Adam's attitude towards riding that wave.Demand for kombucha and the surprising demographics that gravitated towards the products.  Adam's journey before launching Pacha; selling mortgages, restaurants, catering, and more!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Modern Species Adam Hiner ob LinkedInPacha   BoochcraftRate RabbitUnity VibrationJuneShineTrilogy Sanctuary1% for the Planet CCOFEpisode 31 - Cultivating Heartset with Linwood Paul & Matt D'Amour of Subtle Distinctions Episode 37 — Nailing The Pitch with Kayla Castañeda of Agua BonitaGage Mitchell on LinkedInEvolve CPGEvolve CPG CommunityEvolve CPG on YouTubeEvolve CPG email

No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, but even the biggest ones can be overcome with enough passion, drive, and support. Today's guest is Sadrah Schadel, founder and CEO of No Evil Foods, a nationwide plant based protein company which she and her life partner started in their kitchen in 2014 with just $5000. After a few major hurdles which we discuss during today's episode, they got to a point where they were weeks away from running out of money and having to shut their doors. Tune in to hear about the rise, fall, and recent rebrand of No Evil Foods!Key Points From This Episode:Factors that inspired Sadrah and her life partner, Mike, to found No Evil Foods.An overview of the journey of No Evil Foods from Sadrah and Mike's kitchen in upstate New York to a nationwide plant based meat provider.Factors that are foundational to the company culture at No Evil Foods, and the award they won as a result!Major hurdles that No Evil Foods has been presented with over the past few years. Sadrah shares the challenges they experienced during the process of scaling their manufacturing. How No Evil Foods differs from many other plant-based protein brands.Lessons that Sadrah learned through dealing with her employees' desire to form a union.The value of being transparent and showing vulnerability as a leader.The rebranding that No Evil Foods has recently undergone.Valuable advice for other entrepreneurs. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Modern Species Sadrah Schadel on LinkedInNo Evil FoodsNo Evil Foods on InstagramNo Evil Foods on FacebookNo Evil Foods on TwitterClimate DesignersClimify Podcast on InstagramGage Mitchell on LinkedIn

Conscious consumerism has grown exponentially in recent years, with shoppers expecting more transparency and less waste from the brands they choose to support. While shifting towards more sustainable business practices obviously has a positive impact on the environment, there are also a number of benefits for your brand, which you'll learn more about in today's episode! To help us explore this topic, we are joined by Alicia Lahey, Co-Founder and CEO of Humble Snacks, Canada's first organic potato chip packaged in 100% plastic-free, compostable bags. We discuss Alicia's experience in big food, why she and her husband made the shift to a more sustainable lifestyle, and why she didn't want to launch her own brand unless it came in better packaging, plus so much more. To find out how you can continue to innovate in the natural and organic snack category and ensure that your packaging mirrors the philosophy of your brand, you won't want to miss today's episode of EvolveCPG!Key Points From This Episode:Some of the challenges that come with adopting sustainable packaging solutions.Why Alicia and her husband were so committed to creating eco-friendly bags.Lessons learned from SunChips' infamously noisy packaging.A look at Humble's partnership with A Plastic Planet to develop their plastic-free bag.The importance of investing in plastic-free or plastic-neutral initiatives.Limitations of compostable packaging and how Humble seeks to solve them.How proving sustainable packaging successful will move the needle for larger brands.Alicia's take on the future of better snacking (and where there's room for innovation).Other product categories that Humble will expand into in the future.The inspiration behind their ‘humble' brand name. Why communication is key when working with your spouse in your family business!Hurdles Alicia and her husband had to overcome to get their product on shelves.Valuable fundraising tips for other purpose-over-profit founders.Identifying (and filling) a gap in the market for organic, light, crispy, skin-on potato chips.Insight into Alicia's research and development process for Humble Snacks.How Alicia found her way into the CPG industry, starting with driving a truck!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Humble SnacksAlicia Lahey on LinkedInAlicia Lahey on InstagramA Plastic PlanetrePurpose GlobalModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInEvolve CPGEvolve CPG CommunityEvolve CPG on YouTubeEvolve CPG Email

To make a true impact, your mission needs to be baked into the DNA of your brand from the get-go. Joining us today to share the keys to the success of an impact-driven brand is John Foraker, Co-Founder and CEO of nutrition-focused kids' food brand, Once Upon a Farm. In this episode, we discover the most valuable lessons John learned from scaling Annie's Homegrown, how he came to partner with actress and Once Upon a Farm co-founder, Jennifer Garner, and how he weaves impact into the brands he builds. Tune in for this revealing episode on scaling without compromising culture, and committing to making an impact.Key Points From This Episode:Introducing John Foraker, Co-Founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm.John's advice for scaling an impact-driven brand.The importance of baking impact into the DNA of your brand.The three most valuable lessons John learned from scaling Annie's Homegrown.How and why both John and actress Jennifer Garner got involved with Once Upon a Farm.The fundamental belief that drives John to use business as a force for positive social change.The benefits of the public benefit corporation model.Hiring advice and criticism of the historical corporate mindset.The importance of authenticity as a leader (and the danger of imitation).Reframing the term “organic”.How John married his passion for food and farming with business.The value of graduate studies and continuous learning in business.Once Upon a Farm's purity promise and their partnership with Save the Children.The evolving nature of B Corp.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:John Foraker on LinkedInOnce Upon a FarmOnce Upon a Farm on InstagramJennifer GarnerJennifer Garner on InstagramAnnie's HomegrownModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInEvolve CPGEvolve CPG CommunityEvolve CPG on YouTubeEvolve CPG email

When you have a greater diversity of people at the table sharing their voices and insights, you inevitably get better solutions. Joining us today is Jamie Lamonde, CEO and Founder of Kindship Group, whose core mission is to scale and grow businesses for good. We talk with Jamie about her recent trip to Germany to attend BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food, how the experience compares to Natural Products Expo West, and her top tips for getting the most out of any trade show experience. Our conversation gets into some of the key differences between American and European food industries, the state of the organic movement and its relationship to non-GMO, regenerative, and biodynamic movements, and Jamie's hopes for the future of these industries. Join us for an expansive conversation on global food industries, trade shows, and why greater inclusion and diversity are essential for a better world!Key Points From This Episode:The upcoming Natural Products Expo West trade fair.What we are most excited about for Expo West.Tips to help get the most out of Expo West.An overview of BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food.How BIOFACH compares to Expo West.Jamie's takeaways from her first trip to BIOFACH in Germany.The diversity of businesses that Jamie saw at BIOFACH.Some notable differences between the US and European food industries.Key insights from conversations on organic farming and regenerative agriculture at BIOFACH.Embracing how the regenerative movement can enhance organic, not compete against it.How bad actors and infighting within the movement can discourage consumers.A reminder of the concerted efforts being made to prevent organic fraud.Jamie answers our rapid-fire questions on favorite foods, impact-driven leaders, and more!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Jamie Lamonde on LinkedInKindsdhip GroupIFOAMRegeneration InternationalNatural Products Expo WestBIOFACHEpisode 10: Mission and Marketing with Jamie Lamonde of Kindship GroupModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

There is a certain magic in creating a tasty snack that instantly fills one with joy, and when others are battling to match your experience, you know you've birthed something truly special! Daily Crunch is a nut-snacks unicorn and today, we are joined by its co-founder and CEO, Laurel Orley, who explains what makes her brand different from the rest and why its competitors struggle to keep up. Our conversation explores the value of being Women-Owned certified, how Daily Crunch prioritizes mental health, the power of upcycling, and so much more. Tune in to discover the difference between learning in corporate and learning on-the-go, and how ruined plans may actually be a saving grace for budding entrepreneurs. Tune in now!    Key Points From This Episode:What makes Daily Crunch unique, and why other nut companies struggle to keep up. Daily Crunch's highest-performing products and flavors.Laurel defines “upcycled” and explains why we should all be excited about it.Why Daily Crunch prioritizes mental health and how this manifests throughout the brand.The value and impact of being certified by Women Owned. How the company navigates brand partnerships. The advantages of throwing out the playbook and embracing the pivot.How Laurel's background and skills in media have helped her as a CPG entrepreneur. Her biggest wins and struggles since co-founding Daily Crunch during the pandemic.Cashew nuts, Japan, self-care, hot yoga, Daniel Lubetzky, and sustainability. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Daily Crunch  Daily Crunch on InstagramLaurel Orley on LinkedInNatural Products Expo West Upcycled Food Association Cleveland Kitchen Women Owned ‘Episode 124 - Women-Owned with Elizabeth Walsh of WBEC East'Modern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Are you ready to sink your teeth into the future of food? In this episode, we are joined by Adam Maxwell, CEO, and Kelsey Tenney, VP of R&D, from Voyage Foods, to discuss future-proofing the food industry with sustainable and delicious alternatives. Voyage Foods is a food technology company on a mission to create a future where sustainability, accessibility, and flavor go hand in hand in our food. In our conversation, we delve into their motivation for crafting tasty alternatives to ingredients with vulnerable supply chains, how they are changing lives with allergy-free peanut butter, their goals for expanding beyond their existing products, and their approach to future-proofing the food industry. Finally, we wrap up with a rapid-fire food-themed question round. Tune in and discover how to make food better for people and the planet with Adam Maxwell and Kelsey Tenney of Voyage Foods!Key Points From This Episode:How Adam and Kelsey met and their motivation for starting Voyage Foods.Uncover the supply-chain issues associated with our favorite foods.Discover how their mission with chocolate extends to other products, like coffee.Their approach to tackling food industry problems before they happen.Unpack their goal of making sustainable food accessible to everyone, forever.Learn how crafting allergin-free products forms part of their mission.How their food science backgrounds inform their future-proof approach.Mentoring and helping other food companies to grow along the way.Balancing transparency with protecting their R&D developments.Hear about the initial powerful reactions from customers to their products.What aspect of Voyage Foods people resonate with the most.Insights into the challenges and hurdles of working in the food CPG space.The future vision of the company and the impact it hopes to create.Their commitment to incorporating upcycled ingredients.A food-theme round of rapid-fire questions for Adam and Kelsey!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Voyage FoodsVoyage Foods on LinkedInVoyage Foods on XVoyage Foods on FacebookVoyage Foods on InstagramAdam Maxwell on LinkedInKelsey Tenney on LinkedInAlter EcoTony's ChocolonelyUpcycled Food Association (UFA) Indra Nooyi Modern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Kale is often considered the go-to green superfood. In the Battle of the Supergreens, however, moringa (or “super kale”) is a formidable opponent! While working with women farmers in West Africa, Lisa Curtis was introduced to the profound healing and energizing powers of moringa. Out of that experience, Lisa created Kuli Kuli, a Certified B Corp that allows Americans to experience the power of superfoods like moringa while also empowering farmers around the world. Today, this award-winning entrepreneur and thought leader joins us to share the incredible health benefits of moringa, Kuli Kuli's journey from Peace Corps to grocery store, and some of the strategies the brand uses to educate consumers about its nutritious superfood products. We also touch on how Kuli Kuli is pioneering the future of food, delicious ways to add moringa to your diet, and so much more. To find out how Lisa is aligning mission and product to revolutionize the superfood industry, be sure to tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:The incredible health benefits of moringa compared with kale.Building a brand that empowers farmers and delivers nutritious superfood products.How Kuli Kuli is pioneering the future of food through the plants of the present.When Lisa first learned about moringa as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger.Tactics that Kuli Kuli uses to educate consumers about the power of moringa.Certifications and business initiatives that make Kuli Kuli a force for good.The combination of luck and preparation that launched the success of Kuli Kuli.Ways that regenerative agriculture can be more profitable than conventional agriculture.How you can use moringa to boost energy, reduce blood sugar, and more.Different ways to consume moringa, whether fresh, powdered, or frozen.Where you can get your hands on Kuli Kuli's products (at a discounted rate!)Lisa's favorite superfoods, indulgent snacks, impact-driven leaders, and more.What “better for the world” means for communities, packaging, and consumers.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Lisa CurtisLisa Curtis on LinkedInLisa Curtis on XKuli Kuli Foods20% Discount Code for First-time Customers: MODERNSPECIES‘Battle of the Greens: Moringa vs. Kale'MUDWTRAlter Eco Truffle ThinsJacqueline NovogratzThe Blue SweaterModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts. The beauty and personal care industry alone generates around 120 billion units of packaging annually. Today's guest has a vision to change that. Kelly Perkins is the Founder and CEO of Spinster Sisters, a B Corp-certified women-owned plant-based water and plastic-free skin, hair, and body care brand on a mission to make the best products for people and the planet. Join us as we dive into Kelly and Spinster Sisters' journey toward becoming plastic-negative, the hurdles faced in eliminating plastic from their supply chain, and the motivations behind their decision to obtain B Corporation certification. If you are passionate (or even curious) about the urgent need for action to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic products, then this episode of Brands for a Better World with Kelly Perkins is a must-listen!Key Points From This Episode:Peace Out Plastic: Spinster Sisters' journey to become plastic-negativeWhy Kelly believes that the growing awareness of plastic usage is important.Various hurdles Spinster Sisters has faced in eliminating plastic from their products.Highlights Kelly has seen from their Peace Out Plastic Campaign.The decision to obtain B Corporation certification and the associated benefits.  What sparked Kelly's interest in creating toxic-free personal care products.How her business and product line have expanded since founding Spinster Sisters.  Shampoo bars and their increasing popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kelly Perkins on LinkedInKelly Perkins on InstagramSpinster SistersSpinster Sisters on FacebookSpinster Sisters on InstagramSpinster Sisters on TikTokFSCrePurpose GlobalEp. 122: Plastic Neutral Certified with Anjali Malpani of rePurpose GlobalEp. 30: Business as a Force for Good with Veena Harbaugh Of B Lab US & CanadaAmy Aquino on InstagramNancy Birtwhistle on InstagramModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Have you ever wondered what sets thriving entrepreneurs apart? The secret lies in a single skill: effective pitching. In today's episode, we sit down with Kat Weaver, Chief Executive Officer at Power to Pitch, to discuss mastering the art of pitching for startups. Power to Pitch is a dynamic platform that equips founders with the tools and knowledge to craft winning pitches, compelling stories, and robust fundraising strategies. In our conversation, we delve into why successful pitching is critical for founders, the formulae for a great pitch, common mistakes people make, how she helps raise more capital through successful pitching, and more. To discover invaluable insights and tips to elevate your pitching game and propel your entrepreneurial journey to new heights, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Introduction and background to today's guest, Kat Weaver.Power to Pitch and the services it provides founders. Why successful pitching is not just relevant for fundraising.Kat shares the secret sauce to a successful pitch.The power of ‘keeping it simple' and knowing your audience.Pitching pitfalls and common mistakes people make.Hear how Kat practices her pitching skills.Tips and tricks to enhance your confidence when pitching.Strategies for weaving a brand's impact into a pitch.Details about the Power to Pitch program and how it works.Insights into the latest fundraising market trends.Navigating founders' fundraising and market expectations. Kat answers a rapid-fire round of pitching-related questions.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kat Weaver on LinkedInPower to PitchPower to Pitch on YouTubePower to Pitch on InstagramStart with WhyKatherine Gold on LinkedInGoldbugEpisode: Upcycling Experiences with Will Nitze of IQBARModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Many of us know what upcycling means as it pertains to physical things, but what does it mean to upcycle your personal experiences? Joining us today is Will Nitze, the Founder of IQBAR – a company that produces ready-to-eat brain foods. Will is here to talk about what it means to upcycle your personal experiences for them to be more valuable to your future self and others, and in our discussion, we extend this metaphor to discover how downcycling, recycling, and reusing play out in the human experience. If curiosity is getting the better of you (and to find out why that's a good thing!), press play now.  Key Points From This Episode:What it means to upcycle your experiences. Examples of downcycling, recycling, and reusing as found in the human experience.Understanding what works for you and what doesn't.Why it's important to process correctly and have great channels of distribution.The necessity of curiosity, and the power of storytelling. Will explains what gives him his edge and unique creative style. The ins and outs of IQBAR. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Will Nitze on LinkedInWill Nitze on InstagramWill Nitze on XIQBAR Will Nitze LinkedIn Post on Curiosity Adam Brown on LinkedIn Four Sigmatic Mark SamuelModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Traditional candy bars have a LOT of sugar. And, while it may not be great for our health, most of us still believe that our taste buds prefer that level of sweetness. But what if the optimal level of sweetness were actually way more subtle than we thought, and required only a small amount of sugar? Joining us today is Stu Davidoff, Founder of Gigantic Candy Bars, to talk about his mission to create a better ‘sorta sweet' candy bar with less junk and more fun. He tells us about the formulation process behind their products, how they hit the perfect level of sweetness, and their commitment to sourcing better, healthier, and more ethical ingredients. We get into the typical junk you can expect to find in most candy bars, why most people don't even notice his products have less sugar, and the instrumental lessons he's learned after three years on the market. If you want to learn more about how to find that sweet spot, whether it's in business or with candy bars, be sure to tune in!Key Points From This Episode:The story behind the founding of Gigantic Candy Bars.What inspired Stu to create his ‘sorta sweet' candy bars.How they found the perfect level of sweetness for their products.Why most people don't notice the reduced sugar in Gigantic products.The excessive amount of sugar (and other junk) found in most candy bars.Why Stu chose to prioritize non-GMO ingredients.Entrenched supply chain issues within the cocoa industry.Gigantic's commitment to sourcing only fair trade cocoa.Their decision to only use plant-based, vegan ingredients.How they formulated vegan caramel for their candy bars.Other iterations on the traditional candy bar, and why Stu found them lacking.Ways that brands mislead consumers about the sugar contents of their products.Instrumental lessons Stu has learned after three years on the market.We end with our set of rapid-fire questions for Stu!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Stu Davidoff on LinkedInGigantic Candy BarsGigantic Candy Bars Store LocatorFix & FoggFix & Fogg Everything ButterglonutsLex EvanLexington Bakes Lex Evan on LinkedInModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Feeling inspired by the new year and the recent episode on changing behaviors, this episode focuses on motivating actions that will lead to a better 2024 and world for all. Compounding small actions over time creates a significant impact, and this episode will challenge you to take that first step in helping create a better tomorrow. One thing a day, week, or month, it is totally up to you. In this episode, I offer listeners 54 ideas to help get started. From eating healthily to protecting your time, unpack ways to create a better you before creating a better world. Discover how supporting fair trade, fostering mental health in the workplace, engaging with local communities, and making eco-conscious choices can collectively shape a future we all want to be a part of. Taking better actions is not just a philosophy. It is a roadmap for meaningful change. To hear about the various actions individuals, brands, businesses, and communities can take to contribute to a better world, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Learn to eat better, dance freely, and master the art of self-kindness.Championing sustainability and exposing greenwashing villains.Transforming workplaces into happy spaces, donating profits, and setting impact goals.Discover how small acts in your community can create a ripple of positive change.Hear easy tips for recycling, sustainable transportation, and loving the Earth.Insights into Gage's playbook on future-proofing your life.The secret sauce that makes Modern Species a beacon of change.Final words of wisdom for building a better world. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Better Action SlidesEpisode 132: Changing Behaviors with Nick Budden of Flavor ForwardModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World EmailImpact Driven Community

Can a brand, product, or marketing strategy change the world? Maybe not directly, but today's guest believes that he can positively influence consumer behavior for a healthier and more sustainable future. Nick Budden is an innovation strategist on a mission to create $500 million in healthy, sustainable food innovation by 2030. He founded Flavor Forward Strategy to help food brands innovate with purpose and, in today's episode, he joins us to talk about the psychology of behavior change, how you can use these principles to make a positive change in your life, and how brands can inspire life-changing behaviors through their products and marketing. We also share some recommended reads and resources, recipes to make vegetables taste better in 2024, and much more! If you're intrigued by the potential for brands to shape a better world, this episode is your gateway to understanding how you can become an agent of positive change. Tune in to be inspired to make a meaningful impact, one choice at a time.Key Points From This Episode:How brands can inspire better behaviors by solving common problems in innovative ways.Examples of brands making a meaningful impact by influencing consumer behavior.Three elements that must converge for a behavior to occur (according to BJ Fogg).Benefits of employing process-oriented goals over outcome-oriented goals.Surprisingly simple and reliable strategies to build sustainable habits.Ways to reframe existing motivations rather than trying to create a new motivation.Why New Year's resolutions typically don't last and incremental changes work better.Consistency over intensity: why it's better to start with easy, practical, and enjoyable routines.Small interventions that add up to improve your daily lifestyle.The “nudge” that helped Nick make positive changes in his own life.Books to help you change your habits, ride the CPG growth curve, and even live longer!Why you should find ways to make vegetables taste good in 2024.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Flavor Forward StrategyNick Budden on LinkedInFogg Behavior ModelTiny HabitsAtomic HabitsThe Power of HabitNudgeRamping Your BrandThe Blue ZonesLiquid DeathGoodPopPledge Good FoundationPizza Hut BOOK IT! ProgramModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World EmailImpact Driven Community

Sustainable and green skincare products have become increasingly popular due to their focus on environmentally friendly practices and natural ingredients, but have we tapped into nature's full potential? In this episode, we embark on a rejuvenating exploration of self-care and Latin American botanicals with the insightful Rebekah Jensen, Founder of Sanara Skincare, to discuss the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs, the untapped potential of Latin American botanicals, and her battle with cancer while trying to grow her business. We delve into her self-care practices that have been a guiding light through adversity and gain invaluable insights into balancing the demands of work and rest. As usual, we end our conversation with our rapid-fire questions for Rebekah. Tune in and discover how cultural wisdom can lead to products that create an impact and enhance the soul with Rebekah Jensen!Key Points From This Episode:Rebekah explains the value of self-care routines for entrepreneurs.How solving her own skincare problems led her to launch a company.Discover how her kitchen was the start of Sanara Skincare.Overcoming market downturns and hurdles when launching.Finding the gap in the market regarding Latin American botanicals.Tapping into cultural wisdom to create a positive impact.Rebekah's experience of battling cancer while growing a business. The power of reconnecting with her body and her spiritual side.Some self-care practices that have helped Rebekah.Keeping a balance between the demands of work and rest.Details about Sanara Skincare's incredible range of products.Staying on top of the latest industry trends to keep competitive.We end with our set of rapid-fire questions for Rebekah!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Rebekah Jensen on LinkedInSanara SkincareSanara Skincare on FacebookSanara Skincare on YouTubeSanara Skincare on InstagramSanara Skincare on TikTokThe AlchemistZapposNaturally Network Modern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World EmailImpact Driven Community

There's nothing wrong with having beautiful, eye-catching packaging that grips a shopper from first sight. But what use is a pretty package if the contents inside are already spoiled? For this unique cross-show episode of Brands for a Better World, our resident host, Gage Mitchell turns interviewee as special guest, Adam Peek dons the host's chair. Adam is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Meyers and also the host of the People of Packaging Podcast, and he's here to discuss all things related to packaging and sustainability. We explore how brands can build trust and community with consumers before unpacking the role of packaging in food sustainability and preservation, how brands can get the most out of their packaging, and why it's important for brands to simplify and clarify their on-packaging message.Key Points From This Episode:Today, special guest, Adam Peek interviews Gage about packaging and sustainability. How brands can create connections and build community and trust with consumers.The role of packaging in food sustainability and preservation. How brands can use packaging to communicate their authentic commitment to sustainability. Why it's important for brands to simplify and clarify their message.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Adam PeekAdam Peek on LinkedInAdam Peek on InstagramAdam Peek on XAdam Peek on TikTokPeople of Packaging Podcast  Meyers‘The good news about packaging and the hope it offers for the future' | Adam Peek | TEDxSaltLakeCity Utah HS Hoops Podcast Vicki Strull Impact-Driven Gift Guide 2023 Brand PollinatorsModern Species  Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on Twitter Brands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact-Driven Community

The brand Patagonia is renowned for its purpose-driven mission of finding solutions to problems, collectively working to battle climate change and help save our home planet. One of the solutions they're focusing on is regenerative organic agriculture and food sourcing because, after all, everything we consume and eat has a profound impact on our planet. Today's guest is part of that team working to create systems that foster healthier and “better-for-the-world” food practices. We are excited to introduce, Paul Lightfoot. Paul is the General Manager of Patagonia Provisions, the food business of Patagonia, and the Board Chair of Regenerative Organic Alliance, the non-profit that administers Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™). In our conversation today, we dive into the why behind Patagonia's journey into the food industry, what inspired their collaborative craft beer program and delve into the Regenerative Organic Movement. To hear about Patagonia's only acquisition and explore its initiatives to solving the environmental crisis, be sure to start listening now. Enjoy!Key Points From This Episode:Patagonia Provisions: why a clothing company decided to start a food company.How Kernza® Grain happened and the why behind the collaborative craft beer program.Patagonia's journey from the apparel business to the food business. Patagonia Provision's pursuits and ambitions in the food industry.Patagonia's first and only acquisition and why crackers were the next space to invest in.What fires Paul up about the Regenerative Organic Movement (and what irks him). What ‘Regenerate, Rejoice, Restore' means to Paul.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Paul Lightfoot on LinkedInPaul Lightfoot on XPatagonia Provisions1% for the PlanetRegenerative Organic AllianceThe Land InstituteKernza® GrainYvon ChouinardPatagonia Provisions: Unbroken Ground (Film)Modern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

The transition away from fossil fuels may be daunting, but achieving a clean, net-zero future promises a world that is not only environmentally sustainable but also remarkably hopeful. Joining us today is Austin Whitman, CEO of The Change Climate Project, an initiative that offers Climate Neutral Certification and helps companies accelerate on the path to net zero. In our conversation, we break down everything you need to know about their Climate Neutral Certification program, the importance of addressing climate change as a collective, what we as individuals can do to help, plus a whole lot more. To hear all the details about the impact of these initiatives and how you can get involved, be sure to tune in for a conversation that is not only informative but also deeply inspiring!Key Points From This Episode:What The Change Climate Project is and how they support other companies.A breakdown of their Climate Neutral Certification program.How they built their diverse community of leading consumer brands and volunteers.The many challenges facing humanity and why everyone should be focused on addressing the climate change crisis.Companies that are currently certified and where listeners can learn more and support them.Austin answers our rapid fire questions with a special holiday twist.Learn about the Modern Species Impact Driven Gift Guide and how to use it over the holiday season!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Austin Whitman on LinkedInThe Change Climate ProjectThe Change Climate Project on LinkedInModern Species Modern Species Gift GuideGage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World CommunityBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

Working together to support the planet and its people is imperative, and 1% for the Planet has made it easier than ever for businesses to donate their time and money to this invaluable cause! Today, we are joined by Kaylee Duncanson, Membership Manager at 1% for the Planet, to discuss their mission and how you can get involved. Tuning in, you'll find out what 1% of the Planet is, how it was created, how businesses can qualify, some of the ways that you can donate, and so much more! You'll also learn how to support businesses that are part of 1% for the Planet. To hear more about how you can contribute to our planet, press play now! Key Points From This Episode:What 1% for the Planet is, how businesses qualify, and why the donations are based on revenue, not profits. Different ways to donate to the organization and the most popular way businesses are giving, beyond monetary donations. How 1% of the Planet was founded and born from a passion for the planet. The wide range of causes the organization supports and how they expand their network. How many businesses are part of the organization and how to support businesses part of 1%. What inspired Kaylee to get involved in 1% for the Planet. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kaylee Duncanson on LinkedInKaylee Duncanson on Instagram1% for the PlanetImpact-Driven Gift GuideModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on XBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World CommunityBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World EmailImpact Driven Community

If we truly want to live in a just and equitable society, we need to embrace diversity everywhere, from the board of directors to the factory employees to the product we buy. Today's guest, Katrina Tolentino, understands this concept well as she is on the frontlines of supporting diversity in her industry through her role as the Executive Director of Naturally Network, an organization that creates change in the natural and organic products ecosystem through community-based programming. Katrina joins us to talk about the Minority-Owned Fellowship and how this program helps to transform the lives of those who get involved. We also learn about what it means to “naturally network” and how businesses and individuals can evolve by adopting the philosophy. To learn more about the importance of diversification and what it means to be impact-driven, press play now!  Key Points From This Episode:What Naturally Network's Minority-Owned Fellowship (MOF) is and how it works. Fighting back against the old-white-boys club: the transformative nature of the MOF. What it means to “naturally network”, and why it's so important. Other programs and offerings from Naturally Network, and how you can get involved.  Katrina's holiday-themed rapid round of questions. Our guest's definition of being impact-driven. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Katrina Tolentino on LinkedInKatrina Tolentino on InstagramKatrina Tolentino on XNaturally Network  Naturally Network's Minority-Owned Fellowship ‘Episode 96 - A Sense of Belonging with Katrina Tolentino of Naturally Network'Impact-Driven Gift Guide SupplySide WestModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World CommunityBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact-Driven Community

As humans, we have managed to destroy the natural balance of the earth and now, we have to work hard to return it to its normal state. In this episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Whitlow from the Regenerative Organic Alliance to discuss regenerative organic certification. Tuning in, you'll hear all about why this certification is important, what it entails, the differences between regenerative practices and regenerative organic practices, and more! We even share a few companies that have the certification. You don't want to miss out! Thanks for listening in!Key Points From This Episode:How the Regenerative Organic Alliance and the certification program were formed.Elizabeth explains regenerative organic certification and what it entails. The fundamental differences between regenerative practices and regenerative organic practices. Where to find regenerative organic certified products. What Elizabeth is most proud of in the Regenerative Organic Alliance. What ‘impact-driven' means to Elizabeth. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Elizabeth Whitlow on LinkedInRegenerative Organic AllianceCCOFAbove FoodAlec's Ice CreamDr. Bronner'sNew LeafWild Orchard Impact Driven Gift GuideModern Species 

Entrepreneurship is difficult for anyone but it is a whole lot more difficult for women who are carrying centuries of barriers, making running a business more difficult. Today we are joined by the president of the Women's Business Enterprise Center (WBEC) East to discuss all things women-owned businesses and Women-Owned Impact Certification. You will hear all about what the certification entails, when it is necessary and when it isn't, the barriers women face in the world of entrepreneurship, and how WBEC helps them overcome those barriers. You don't want to miss this one so press play now!Key Points From This Episode:What makes a business eligible for Women-Owned Impact Certification and why Elizabeth thinks it's important. The kinds of people certification is beneficial for and why someone would jump through hoops to get it. The common barriers and challenges Elizabeth sees for female entrepreneurs. How the WBEC organization was founded and what it focuses on. The differences between the WBEC national and regional organizations. Elizabeth's proudest accomplishments at WBEC East and how to support women-owned businesses. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Elizabeth Walsh on LinkedInElizabeth Walsh on XWBEC EastImpact-Driven Gift GuideModern Species Gage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on TwitterBrands for a Better World WebsiteBrands for a Better World CommunityBrands for a Better World on YouTubeBrands for a Better World emailImpact Driven Community

In this episode, we dive into the heart of the food waste crisis and explore innovative strategies to combat the staggering issue of food waste with Angie Crone, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association. The Upcycled Food Association is a nonprofit trade association focused on reducing food waste by growing the upcycled food economy through research, strategy, networking, and policy advocacy. In our conversation, we unpack the complexity of the food waste problem, the Upcycled Certified® Program, why solving the food waste problem is essential for combating climate change, and how trailblazing food brands are making it easier to be a part of the collective solution. Join us in this fascinating conversation and discover the urgency and compelling opportunities that lie in contributing to a sustainable, food waste-conscious future. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Overview of the food waste problem and the upcycling food process.Why solutions are needed and background about the Upcycled Food Association.The organization's mission and how the upcycled food movement has grown.Learn about the Upcycled Food Association's approach to providing solutions.Examples of how food waste can be made into something new.Angie highlights some of the organization's main achievements. Discover the rigorous upcycle certification process and its requirements.Explore why upcycling food is the best way of combating climate change.Insights into the positive impacts on the environment from upcycling food. Hear the benefits of upcycling food throughout the supply chain.Opportunities upcycling provides to regenerative agriculture practices.She explains where listeners can buy certified upcycled food products.A holiday-round of rapid-fire questions for Angie.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Upcycled Food AssociationUpcycled Food Association on XUpcycled Food Association on LinkedInUpcycled Food Association on InstagramUpcycled Food Association on FacebookUpcycled Food Association on YouTubeAn Everlasting MealEpisode: The #1 Climate Change Solution with Turner Wyatt of Upcycled Food AssociationEpisode: Upcycling Opportunities with Daniel Kurzrock of ReGrainedBrands For A Better World: Upcycled EpisodesThe EPA Wasted Food ScaleMarket Hall FoodsModern Species Modern Species Gift GuideGage Mitchell on LinkedInGage Mitchell on Twitter