Podcasts about koia

Once Upon a Farm is officially public — and it could mark a turning point for better-for-you brands. In this episode, the hosts break down the baby food company's $198 million IPO, what its $724 million valuation signals for the CPG landscape, and why going public may be emerging as a viable alternative to traditional acquisition. Is this the start of a new era for mission-driven food brands looking to scale on their own terms? Plus, they dig into the growing battle over how "healthy" gets defined at retail. Kroger adopted FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system, which aims to guide shoppers with a balanced approach to nutrient density and ingredient quality. Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project's stricter Non-UPF Verified certification draws a hard line against processed oils, gums, and natural flavors. Are these systems complementary, competitive, or just confusing? Show notes: 0:23: Fiber Bowl. AMA In MIA. OFRM's IPO. UPF, Maybe Or No? A Burst Of Mayo, Protein & Powder. –  The hosts kick things off with lighthearted Super Bowl banter and a recap of their game-day food spreads before previewing the upcoming Taste Radio Miami Meetup at Casa La Rubia on Feb. 18. The team highlights event features including live podcast interviews, networking, brand sampling, and a new "Ask Me Anything" table hosted by Atomos Strategic Marketing, encouraging founders and industry professionals to attend. The conversation then shifts to industry news, notably Once Upon a Farm's IPO, which raised $198 million and valued the baby and kids food brand at over $724 million. The hosts discuss the rarity of successful CPG IPOs, the tradeoffs between going public and selling to a strategic buyer, and what the move could signal for other better-for-you brands. From there, they explore evolving nutrition standards, comparing FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system with the stricter Non-UPF Verified certification from the Non-GMO Project, touching on hot-button topics like processed oils, natural flavors, and consumer education. The episode also features commentary on innovative products such as Graza's olive oil mayonnaise strategy, protein soda from Joyburst, protein-enhanced fruit spreads from BamJam, and the straightforward drink mix brand Fave. Brands in this episode: Royo Bread, Once Upon a Farm, Annie's, Vita Coco, Bai, Graza, Koia, Joyburst, BamJam, Drippy, Dappie, Fave, BTR Nation, Cadence, Spindrift, Duke's

What do the hosts make of Caulipower's fitting exit, a tennis icon's investment in a corn-free (!) popcorn startup, and Padma Lakshmi's partnership with a particularly spicy CPG brand? It's a full serving of Taste Radio, complete with a taste-test of high-fiber gummy candy and a $20, creatine-packed cereal.  Show notes: 0:25: Stacking, Bro. A Plant-Based Pioneer. No Corn, Thanks. Celeb Spice. Rising Talks. Man, That's Pricy. – Mike recounts his attendance at Supply Side Global and takeaways from the annual trade show. The hosts unpack Urban Farmer's acquisition of Caulipower and praise founder Gail Becker's vision and authenticity, before highlighting tennis star Novak Djokovic's $5 million investment in Cob, a corn-free popcorn brand, and Padma Lakshmi's collaboration with Diaspora Co. They also preview the upcoming NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live events, emphasizing new opportunities like live Elevator Talk sessions where founders can pitch on stage. Later, they sample and review several innovative food and beverage products, including Shameless Snacks (fiber-rich gummies), Man Cereal (a pricey, high-protein, creatine cereal), Dirty Mountain Dew (cream soda-infused soda), Wildwonder's new holiday drink set, The Cumin Club's ready-to-eat Indian meals, and Plaid Circus non-alcoholic cocktails. Brands in this episode: Koia, Caulipower, A Dozen Cousins, Snickers, Shameless Snacks, Man Cereal, Mountain Dew, Wildwonder, The Cumin Club, Plaid Circus, Narra, Laurel's Coffee

Johnny Spoiler dives into week 8 of Summer Slash with The Shout (1978) — a surreal, Aboriginal magic–infused thriller starring John Hurt, Alan Bates, and Susannah York. Plus, retro horror fun with Puppet Master 7, Greg Sestero's pre-The Room role, Highlander reboot casting buzz, and a taste of Koia's plant protein. Indie horror, cult classics, and wild movie trivia collide here!Drink Koia https://drinkkoia.sjv.io/GKdNaLTry Paramount Plus https://paramountplus.qflm.net/Ry9G3v

Welcome to the first edition of our newest segment: The Spotlight Series. We highlight a commendable brand, investor, individual, or in this case: Distributor.Hi Touch Libations has been distributing emerging, natural brands for over 10 years in Southern CA. They have brought brands to market such as Suja, Poppi, Vive Organic, Koia, and many more. And with their partnership with LA Libations, they are now expanding to conventional stores such as Albertsons and beyond.Their model is DSD (direct store delivery) where they go to the stores and put the product right on shelf in participating stores. They literally add 'hi touch' to their products ensuring they make it to shelf and move faster with care and special attention.Join us for our first edition of the Spotlight Series! You don't want to miss this!

Anyone remember those “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books that were crazy popular in the 90s? Well…this conversation, just two Youngstown (Ohio) boys talking about protein beverages, entrepreneurship, and life, was my version of those heartwarming, motivating, and relatable stories included within those books. And that's because…I've always greatly respected (and been inspired by) Christopher Hunter, from his authenticity and transparency to his evolving professional journey and consistent personal alignment with the beverage brands he's built. And in this current chapter, Chris Hunter is leading the plant-based protein brand Koia…which was actually a “proof of concept” he initially discovered more than a decade ago when investing in better-for-you food and beverage companies. Though, more recently…Koia has grown into a market leader, expanding rapidly across the retail landscape, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. And with protein becoming more central to consumers…Chris Hunter has utilized crucial (personal insights) to identify gaps in the market and is taking Koia into new spaces (and formats) while staying true to what its target consumers want. Subscribe = Pour Decisions Podcast Thank You to Cognizin for not only being the Title Sponsor of The Beverage Forum 2025...but supporting this awesome piece of content!

Can a sober celebrity build a booming booze brand? The hosts dig into the paradox behind a high-profile actress and entrepreneur who doesn't drink – but is betting big on alcohol. Plus, a tea company rooted in a 1930s family recipe is brewing something fresh with younger consumers. With a grassroots strategy and nostalgic appeal, could it be the next big thing for Gen Z and millennials? Show notes: 0:35: Live & Not In Person. Coffee Shots. Irony Vs. Authenticity. A $30M Joyride. Evil Does Good, Again. – Was BevNET Live Summer 2025 an amazing event? The hosts can't be sure at this point. Wellness shot maker Sol-ti gets a big time partner in a deal that surprised some of the Taste Radio team. Ray goes on a classic rant about authenticity, but John tries to reel him in. Everyone is happy for BFY candy brand Joyride, as well as a new and healthier option for crunchy cheese snacks and an Indian food brand designed to create fast and convenient meals. 19:32: Kelley McShane, Owner, Granny Squibb's – Kelley discusses her journey into the beverage industry and her role in reviving and growing Granny Squibb's. She discusses the New England-based iced tea brand's mission-driven approach and how it emphasizes a grassroots growth strategy focused on the region before national expansion. Kelley also explains how the brand's nostalgic packaging and premium ingredients help it stand out and her commitment to building a sustainable, socially impactful beverage company. 33:23: Interview: Daniel Danes, Founder & CEO, TITIN – Originally from Madrid and inspired by his great-grandmother "Titin," Daniel talks about his goal of bringing high-quality, traceable olive oil to the U.S. He discussed Titin's distinctive purple squeeze bottle and how he's attempting to build trust with younger consumers via transparency and taste, while keeping prices competitive. Daniel also highlights TITIN's recent market launch in New England and why he believes the U.S. offers greater business potential than Spain. Brands in this episode: Singing Pastures, Monsoon Kitchens, Granny Squibb's, Titin, Farmer Foodie, Fancypants Baking Co., Joyride, Starbucks, Sol-ti, Spindrift, Brew Dr., Koia, Vive Organic, Betty Buzz, Betty Booze, Delola, Lesser Evil, Jack Daniel's, Coca-Cola, Cheetos, Masala Gossip

Poppi just popped – big time. But was PepsiCo's $1.65 billion acquisition driven by TikTok virality, perfect timing, or industry heavyweights like Rohan Oza? (Sorry, prebiotics, this one's not about you.) And now that the first major deal has landed, is the BFY soda space about to see a gold rush – or a bubble burst? The hosts break it all down.  Plus, we revisit standout interviews from our Miami meetup with Koia's Chris Hunter, Verlivest's Ken Sadowsky, and Matriarch Wealth Management's Stephen Santangelo.  Show notes: 0:45: Ray, Animated. Talk The Talk. Humble Pie! Zero Function. Founder Tok. The Oza Effect. More To Come? THSee, Puff Corn & NPP. – Ray has a tell or a tic – it's his signature and shares a reminder to watch OR listen to Elevator Talk. John hands a slice to Ray – who gobbles it up – before opining on the value of Poppi's prebiotics in its growth and how the company and Olipop cracked the seemingly impenetrable CSD category. Jacqui talks about the impact of Poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth's early adoption of TikTok on the brand's development, Mike discusses how investor Rohan Oza affected its trajectory and John offers a prediction on what's next for BFY CSDs. Ray shares another kind of “pop,” Mike and John crack open a couple of canna-bevs and Jacqui highlights a “salty” chili jam. 33:12: Interviews: Stephen Santangelo, Founder, Matriarch Wealth Management; Ken Sadowsky, Sr. Advisor, Verlivest; Chris Hunter, Co-Founder, Koia & Four Loko – Stephen and Ken discuss their investment strategies in food and beverage startups, emphasizing founder passion, scalability, and emerging trends like health-conscious drinks. Stephen highlights Matriarch's focus on private investments in brands such as No Bull and Junkless. Ken shares insights on personal investments in emerging brands Neau Water and Parch, while also noting Miami's growing food and beverage startup ecosystem. Chris reflects on balancing entrepreneurship with family and how his businesses evolved alongside his lifestyle. He also underscores the importance of velocity in CPG success, advocating for strong regional traction before national expansion, along with strategic pricing, in-store promotions, and consumer engagement. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, SmartWater, Vitaminwater, Pop & Bottle, Gorilla, Brez, Pink Salt, Like Air, Neau Water, BodyArmor, No Bull, Junkless, Vive Organic, Parch, Koia, Four Loko

Do you have a great product idea but worry about standing out in a sea of competitors? In this episode of the Habits and Hustle podcast, I am joined by Shannon Race, co-founder of BioMe and former head of global marketing at Vital Proteins, who shares her insights on building successful brands in crowded markets. We dive into a range of topics including the importance of product differentiation, authentic storytelling, and leveraging micro-influencers for effective marketing. We also discuss the psychology of packaging design, the evolving landscape of traditional and digital marketing, and the key factors venture capitalists consider when investing in startups.  Shannon Race co-founded bio.me, a pioneering gut health and fiber supplement company, and serves as a board member and strategic advisor for Koia plant-based protein drinks. With over 12 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, Shannon is currently a Principal at Starshot Ventures, where she leads investment strategy and advises portfolio brands. Shannon has spoken at industry events such as Create & Cultivate, BeautyCon, and BevNET.  What We Discuss: (01:00) Building Successful Brands in Venture Space (12:26) Celebrity Endorsement Impact on Brand (21:45) Revolutionizing Gut Health With BioMe (30:49) Trends in Wellness and Hormone Therapy (42:20) Entrepreneur Branding and Market Appeal (47:26) Elevating Branding Through Packaging and Storytelling (01:01:56) Enhancing Branding With Micro-Influencers …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: AquaTru: Get 20% off any purifier at aquatru.com with code HUSTLE Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. BiOptimizers: Want to try Magnesium Breakthrough? Go to https://bioptimizers.com/jennifercohen and use promo code JC10 at checkout to save 10% off your purchase. Timeline Nutrition: Get 10% off your first order at timeline.com/cohen Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Shannon Race: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bio.me/?hl=en  Website: https://bio.me/

The grind is real. And fun as heck. Exhausted, but buoyant, the hosts recap NOSH and BevNET's just-concluded winter events and specifically highlight the three pitch slam competitions and how each respective winner successfully communicated the traction and potential for their brands. Show notes: 0:25: Bowels & Beer. The Squish Wins. Viviana Approves. R Roll. Swag & Walnuts. NA FTW. Ask Away. – In the Taste Radio studio at the Marina Del Rey Marriott, the hosts chat about NOSH Live Pitch Slam winner Mochi Love and how differentiation made difference in the competition. They also talk about soju-based RTD cocktail brand Yoju, which won BevNET's Live's Cocktail Showdown, as well as Good Beverage Co, a pouch-packaged cocktail brand that also wowed judges. John and Jacqui praised New Beverage Showdown winner Recoup, before Ray and Mike highlighted a few other founders and brands that impressed them at BevNET Live. Mike praised service supplier presentations at NOSH Live, including Bay State Milling and the California Walnut Board, Ray shows love to a new non-alcoholic brand created by the CMO of an “illegal” mezcal and an NA amaro spritz, and encourages event attendees to stay in touch. He also thanks the BevNET team for their consistently incredible work.  Brands in this episode: Beer Girl, Hurray's Girl Beer, Mochi Love, Harken Sweets, Chutni Punch, Doosra, Nooish, Brune Kitchen, Tequio, Gardenista, Hoste, Buzzball, BeatBox, Yoju, Good Beverage Co., LIXIR, Recoup, Fruga, Jarritos, Mas Energy, Hike, Marquis, Loverboy, Ilegal Mezcal, Como No, Optimist Botanicals, Melo, Wildwonder, Taika, Happy Pop, Koia,   

From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the lessons learned from his past ventures and how his unique background has led him to launch another category defining brand.

Chris Hunter is a groundbreaking entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Four Loko, one of the most iconic alcoholic beverages in recent history. After navigating both success and challenges, Chris pivoted to co-found Koia, a company revolutionizing the plant-based beverage market. In his gripping memoir, Blackout Punch: An Entrepreneur's Journey from Chaos, Chris opens up about his quest for power, struggles with masculinity, and ultimate path to self-discovery. Beyond his business ventures, Chris is a dedicated father to three boys, balancing his professional successes with his commitment to family.

Maya French is a visionary entrepreneur and accomplished brand builder in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector, boasting a wealth of over a decade's experience in the industry. Notably, she co-founded Koia, the nation's leading plant protein beverage, which has achieved nationwide distribution across esteemed retailers including Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Publix, and Walmart. With a profound passion for innovation and a relentless drive for success, French has recently launched her second beverage HappyPop Mood-Boosting Energy with the mission to empower people to live happier and healthier lives through happy and functional ingredients. Elevate Your Brand is the #1 marketing podcast for entrepreneurs and “wantrepreneurs” looking for insider tips and secrets from the most exciting new and growing brands in Los Angeles and the US at large. Each week, entrepreneurial special guests join Laurel Mintz, founder and CEO of award-winning marketing agency Elevate My Brand, to discuss the marketing failures and successes that have brought their brands to the next level. Learn from real-life experiences and be inspired by leaders in your industry about how smart digital and experiential marketing can elevate your brand.Contact us: https://www.elevatemybrand.com/contact Stay connected & DM us feedback on the podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatemybrandla/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevatemybrandla/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elevatemybrand

It turns out that superheroes and ‘saints' enjoy beer and cocktails, particularly when the libations are of the non-alcoholic variety.  The hosts chat about actor Tom Holland's foray into CPG with NA beer Bero, before riffing on an enlightening collaboration between an up-and-coming wine company and personal care brand. We also feature an interview with Megan Klein, the founder and CEO of Little Saints, an innovative brand of non-alcoholic cocktails infused with functional mushrooms, who recently appeared on “Shark Tank.” Little Saints markets several canned cocktails, including a Paloma, Negroni Spritz, Ginger Mule and Spicy Margarita, and also sells a mezcal-inspired spirit called St. Ember. While the products are primarily sold direct-to-consumer, the brand is carried nationally at Sprouts and rapidly expanding distribution at other retail chains.  Show notes: 0:25: It's A Wrap. Save Money & Be The Best. Gold, Tom. Red Wine, White Teeth. Swiss Bourbon. Pita & Garlic. – Ray ties a bow on the hosts' recent visit to London and the hosts collectively encourage listeners to save money by registering for our Winter events TODAY and also nominate brands, people and products for our annual awards. They also comment on a handful of collaborations, including one between McBride Sisters wine and Colgate(!), a bourbon flavored by a well-known cocoa brand and a sparkling beverage company that's working with a lauded baking partner. The hosts also share their take on Koia's new kids' drinks, spicy delights from a British brand with Mexican roots, low- and non-alcoholic spirits, and a new line of restaurant-style pita chips that pair perfectly with a new garlic-y condiment (just ask John). 32:59: Interview: Megan Klein, Founder & CEO, Little Saints – Megan discusses how her personal interest in better-for-you adult libations led to the creation of Little Saints. She also speaks about the brand's unorthodox social media strategy, why dropping CBD from the products had a big impact on sales, why the company invests heavily in Meta ads, how Little Saints navigated a controversial issue and how she prepared for an appearance on the ABC business competition show “Shark Tank.” Brands in this episode: Little Saints, Trip, Cano Water, MUYU, Bero, McBride Sisters, Swiss Miss, Hotel Tango, Aura Bora, Magnolia Bakery, Koia, Chili Maven, Allora, Quarter Proof, Climbing Kites, Outrageous, Issa's, Momofuku

Chris Hunter started his first company at twenty-five, which makes sense once you hear what it was. The multi-time entrepreneur and creative force behind Koia sits down with the band to talk about his journey through the beverage space, beginning as a nightclub bouncer and ending as a holistic, health conscious dad. Oh, and along the way he also sparked one of the biggest beverage controversies of the 21st century and single-handedly changed federal law when he started a company that begins with “Four” and ends with “Loko”.Plus, the thing you all come to the Speakeasy for: deep dive economic analysis! Greg unpacks the increasingly popular “no tax on tips” notion and why certain thinkers love to hate it.Follow Chris on Instagram at: @__christopherhunter__Follow Koia on Instagram and TikTok at @drinkkoiaLove The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond Don't forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 

Premier Protein remains the “gold standard” in convenient nutrition, but slowdowns in its brand portfolio counterpart (Dymatize Nutrition) should be concerning. Fortunately, something always remains to be harvested…so let them not "play Koia" and be idle for much longer. BellRing Brands (NYSE: BRBR) is a portfolio that owns a collection of convenient nutrition brands like Premier Protein and Dymatize Nutrition, which was previously wholly-owned by Post Holdings. A fast-paced and busy lifestyle is pushing consumers to switch to quick and healthy meal options. This has resulted in above average categorical growth rates and increased household penetration of RTD protein shakes that promote active lifestyles. Additionally, powders are becoming more mainstream, and category proliferation has created an environment where more consumers are purchasing both every day and performance nutrition positioned protein products at grocery stores and mass retailers. Bellring Brands had a strong 2024 Q3 with net sales reaching $515.4 million, which was up 15.6% YoY. Premier Protein (~85% of BellRing Brands total revenue) grew 19.8% YoY, which came from large volume increases. Dymatize Nutrition was down 2.6% YoY, stemming from volume increases within international markets. Moreover, I provide three deep dives into the functional CPG portfolio's "hero SKU families" of Premier Protein RTD protein shakes and Premier Protein and Dymatize protein powders. Believe it or not, a whole year has passed since I even mentioned M&A in a quarterly BellRing Brands content piece...but it's the perfect time to talk again about M&A and brand portfolio architecture is now for several reasons. Firstly (and most broadly), consumers can't seem to get enough protein. There's increasingly diverse consumer cohorts that possess a heightened awareness around the value of protein. Secondly (and related), that demographic diversity, being interested for different reasons, makes protein a battleground category as it proliferates across the entire grocery store. Thirdly, the Dymatize growth story from the last few years had allowed Bellring Brands to shift M&A needs from “must have” to “nice to have,” but that seems to be ending now. Additionally, a major convenient nutrition brand portfolio competitor (i.e. Simply Good Foods) just acquired the fastest growing protein RTD liquids brand (i.e. OWYN). And then finally, plant-based protein sales have again been strong…holding their own against milk-based counterparts because top products have advanced to a point where consumers feel they are near parity in terms of flavor and texture. So, what does this all mean? The same thing I referenced in 2021…that Bellring Brands needs to find a leading plant-based protein brand to fill a portfolio gap. I believe there are a few plant-brand protein brands that are focused on building their own core customer that's outside the typical natural channel shopper…with product and branding in line with conventional protein products. So, the best option to acquire right now for Bellring Brands would be Koia. FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TWITTER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joshua-schall/support

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Childhood to Business Success08:02 Navigating Controversy: The Intersection of Alcohol and Caffeine12:56 Leadership and Team Management: Balancing Assertiveness and Empathy24:02 Cultural Impact and Brand Relevance: Adapting to Market Dynamics27:35 Journey of Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship

#290: Shannon Race is the co-founder of bio.me, a cutting-edge gut health and fiber supplement company. She is also currently the Principal at Starshot Ventures leading investment strategy and advising existing portfolio brands on marketing and brand strategy. Additionally, Shannon serves as a board member and strategic advisor for Koia plant-based protein drinks.Most notably, she served as Vital Proteins' Global Marketing Director where she played a leadership role in developing the marketing strategy that became the brand's playbook for international expansion. This strategy included an influencer program blueprint that has since been adopted by the global digital team at Nestle Health Science. Her role in marketing at Vital Proteins played a significant part in the brand's repositioning from product to lifestyle, which became a major driver in Nestle Health Science's decision to acquire the brand in June 2020. Topics discussed:How pivoting in your career can lead to growth, even if it seems like you're going "backwards"The importance of human connection in marketing for brandsWhy you may be bloating, gassy, and have leaky gut symptomsThe reality of gut health and IBS and why probiotics help your gutHow to figure out priorities in each chapter of your careerImportant questions to reflect on when it comes to female friendshipsReceive weekly personal insights from Emily's email newsletter and subscribe hereWatch Full Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatfulfillsyou/videosBILT Credit Card Info (Pay Rent and Earn Points):https://bilt.page/r/HQ06-ZV7OENJOY 10% OFF THE WHAT FULFILLS YOU? CARD GAME AT www.whatfulfillsyou.com - code "WHATFULFILLSYOU10"Follow Bio.Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bio.meFollow the What Fulfills You? Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatfulfillsyouFollow Emily Elizabeth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyeduong/Read more on the blog: https://emilyelizabeth.blog/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/what-fulfills-you-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us as we welcome Shannon Race, co-founder of Bio.me, to our podcast this week.     With over 12 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, Shannon is currently a Principal at Starshot Ventures, where she leads investment strategy and advises portfolio brands.    She also co-founded bio.me, a pioneering gut health and fiber supplement company, and serves as a board member and strategic advisor for Koia plant-based protein drinks. Shannon has spoken at industry events such as Create & Cultivate, BeautyCon, and BevNET.    Bio.me is a female-founded company dedicated to improving gut health with effective, science-backed supplements. Their products, including bio.me Daily Prebiotic Fiber, bio.me Fiber Rescue, and bio.me Daily Synbiotic, aim to rebalance the microbiome and support overall digestive wellness. Better gut health leads to more energy, better sleep, reduced bloating, and a stronger immune system.   On this episode you'll learn:   How to Create a Strong Brand Identity: Discover the essential steps to build a brand that stands out, from understanding your audience and crafting a clear message to maintaining visual consistency and sharing an authentic story.   The Power of Fiber in Boosting Gut Health: Learn how fiber supports digestion, balances the microbiome, reduces inflammation, enhances nutrient absorption, boosts immunity, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.    Key Business Tips from Shannon & Co-Founder Chloe Melas: Gain valuable insights from their experiences in growing successful brands and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Chris Hunter, founder of several successful beverage brands, including the iconic Four Loko as well as the health-focused Koia, and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer, shares the story of the gap in the market that he identified that led to the creation of Four Loko, and the process of fighting the government to keep it legal.Hear Chris's full interview in Episode 462 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 462 with Chris Hunter, founder of several successful beverage brands, including the iconic Four Loko as well as the health-focused Koia, and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer.

We're going loko! Chris Hunter, founder of several successful beverage brands, including the iconic Four Loko as well as the health-focused Koia, and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer, shares insights from his memoir, “Blackout Punch: an Entrepreneur's Journey from Chaos to Clarity”, including the gap in the market that he identified that led to the creation of Four Loko, what they SHOULD have done at the very beginning to avoid disaster later, how the role of Founder/CEO is ill-defined (and why that's a good thing), hunters vs. gatherers in sales, fighting the government to keep Four Loko legal, creating Not Your Father's Root Beer, what success means as a younger man versus now, and the value of knowing you're going to be wrong but taking the first step anyways.

Christopher Hunter is a seasoned entrepreneur best known for creating Four Loko, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that caused a stir across college campuses and beyond. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Koia, a leading plant-based protein drink company that has achieved over $100 million in annual retail sales nationwide. In this episode of DTC Pod, we uncover tactics for rapid growth in the CPG space. Christopher highlights the importance of adapting to market shifts and consumer demands, which steered his brand from a costly initial direct-to-consumer model to a more sustainable retail focus, eventually re-introducing multi-packs for platforms like Instacart and launching shelf-stable products on Amazon. With Koia now available in approximately 30,000 retail locations—including a recent nationwide partnership with Starbucks—Christopher reflects on the brand's product development and scale-up process.Shop Koia on Amazon.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Startup Challenges and Solutions2. Retail Partnerships and Scaling3. Adaptation to Regulations4. Four Loko's Market Evolution5. Koya's Strategic Growth6. Distribution and Manufacturing Strategies7. Direct-to-Consumer Shifts and TrendsTimestamps01:48 Christopher Hunter's background, how Four Loko and Koia started07:14 From managing Phusion Projects to investing in Raw Nature 5 to creating Koia09:28 How a partnership helped launch and scale Koia12:12 Troubleshooting initial production challenges at Koia14:41 Starting with natural retailers, then going to specialty and conventional ones17:23 The evolution of Koia's supply chain and operations19:57 Moving from DTC to retail, addressing customer requests, discovering an opportunity to sell on Amazon22:22 Expectations for Koia's launch on Amazon, looking at product competition25:41 Lessons learned from Four Loko, product iteration and scaling31:16 Dealing with government agencies, building a solid business foundation33:56 Consumer research and how it factors in making business decisions like product line expansionShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Christopher Hunter - Co-Founder of Phusion Projects and KoiaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Join us for our very Special LIVE Podcast from our most recent LA Industry Night! Event ft. a powerhouse panel of iconic wellness-driven Entrepreneurs and Thought Leaders in the industry! Our industry nights gather founders, influencers & creators, media, talent, tastemakers & brands for an intentional evening of good vibes, eats, drinks, goodies and live podcast! Meet your panel: David Ghiyam - Co-Founder of MaryRuth Organics and Spiritual Teacher of Kabbalah Maya J French - Co-Founder of Koia, Happy Pop & Relate Jesse Israel - Founder of The Big Quiet Lori Harder - Author & Founder of Glōci This event was our biggest and most elaborate event yet for Coffee & A Good Vibe LIVE in Los Angeles. Since the growth of the show, we have been creating a lot of Impactful events in the LIVE Events space in both Los Angeles & New York City. OUR INTENTION BEHIND OUR EVENTS: To Curate these intentional experiences to foster meaningful connections and relationships amongst Founders/ Entrepreneurs/ Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Tastemakers in various host cities. Keep an eye out for our next Industry Night / Live Event by following our IG -⁠ @coffeeandagoodvibe! ⁠ Special Mentions & Shoutout to our incredible Event Brand Partners: Retention, Alo Yoga, Goop , Remedy Place , Barry's, BLK, JS Health Vitamins , Casa Del Sol Tequila , Shipbob, Olipop , Cowboy Colostrum , Happy Pop, Koia, Relate, ALTO, Glonuts, Midday Square, MeasureMe . If you want to become a partner for one of our next events, get in touch: pr@growthesocial.com EPISODE SUMMARY: Jesse Israel: Solitude & Navigating Challenging Times Of Life  Personal insights / experience and notable takeaways from having a daily solitude practice.  How do you double down and leverage these practices navigating the hard times of life - during the adversities and storms of life i,e,, job loss, grif, heartbreak, etc.  David Ghiyam: Kabbalah & Consciousness  Ayesha will frame up the context behind this question **- backed in manifesting and creating your dream life  Ask David to explain Kabbalah to the audience, break it down.  How can one access these higher states of consciousness in order to achieve all their life's desires? Remove limiting beliefs, stop blocking themselves.   ENTIRE PANEL: Building Community How did you start building community in your respective businesses / brands?  What was the catalyst that catapulted the massive growth experienced in each of your respective communities and brands?  ENTIRE PANEL: Social Media and Growth Strategies in a digital age  How to create engaging, shareable content pieces online? How to leverage and work with various influencers / creators on the platform to amplify your brand's reach?  ENTIRE PANEL: Future Forecasting in Tech and Wellness  Digital trends in both the tech space + wellness space that you are excited about, maybe implementing into your own business / brand strategy  Areas of gaps / opportunities for founders and entrepreneurs in the audience to be aware of  ENTIRE PANEL: Relationships Question - fun closing!  LIVE Q & A with the audience Share the love & let me know your thoughts over on Instagram,⁠⁠⁠ @coffeeandagoodvibe | @ayeshasehra⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT: YOUTUBE ➟ Watch & subscribe to our channel here ➟ ⁠⁠Coffee & A Good Vibe Video Interviews ⁠⁠ To connect with Ayesha Sehra ➟ click⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠ Check out our podcast insta ➟ click ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ To learn about my Branding & PR Agency Grow The Social ➟ click ⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠

Chris Hunter, of Four Loko & Koia, shares his wild entrepreneurial journey. From the meteoric rise and regulatory battles of Four Loko to launching the plant-based protein drink Koia, Chris gets personal about the challenges of building businesses in highly regulated industries. He discusses lessons learned from tumultuous business partnerships, the decision to vertically integrate, and how personal growth and reflection have shaped his leadership style. Chris also opens up about his upbringing and how it instilled the grit and resilience needed to overcome entrepreneurial adversity. Tune in for a candid conversation on the realities of building iconic beverage brands.Chapters [00:00:00] - Introduction[00:02:58] - Chris Hunter's Background and Companies (Phusion Projects and Koia)[00:05:04] - How Success Has Changed Chris[00:12:56] - Chris's Early Years and Troubled Past[00:16:39] - Grit and Resilience in Entrepreneurship[00:17:46] - Navigating Identity as the "Four Loko Guy"[00:21:36] - Lessons Learned from Business Partnerships[00:29:26] - Operating in Highly Regulated Markets[00:33:57] - Challenges of the Ready-to-Drink Beverage Industry[00:36:20] - The Decision to Vertically Integrate[00:40:51] - The Koia Journey: Vision and Evolution[00:44:51] - Humility, Ego, and Confidence in Entrepreneurship[00:50:45] - Harnessing Emotions as Entrepreneurial Fuel[00:58:28] - The Role of Coaches, Peer Groups, and Psychedelics in Personal Growth[01:03:11] - Writing a Candid and Personal Book[01:11:17] - Rapid Fire Questions[01:14:16] - ConclusionABOUT THE HOSTS:Will Nitze is the Founder & CEO at IQBAR - America's leading "brain + body" nutrition startup. With minimal funding, Will has taken IQBAR from zero locations and zero in revenue in 2018 to 10,000+ doors and a projected $50 million in sales in 2024.Joe Lemay founded Rocketbook with business partner Jake Epstein. After being featured on “Shark Tank”, where the sharks passed on a chance to invest – Joe would go on to grow Rocketbook and sell it to BIC for 40 million dollars just three years later.Connect with  Chris:Chris' Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963678028?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_PY8TMGHWK9J8Q4ARPF1WKoia: https://drinkkoia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/

Ever wondered how a kid selling coloring books door-to-door could end up co-founding one of the hottest plant-based protein drink brands? In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly sits down with Chris Hunter, the unstoppable force behind KOIA. From hustling coloring book pictures in Youngstown, Ohio, to navigating the chaos of Four Loko, to breaking into major retailers like Starbucks with KOIA, Chris's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Chris opens up about his early entrepreneurial sparks, the financial hurdles he faced, and the resilience it took to turn his side hustles into full-blown successes. We dive deep into his innovative approach to parenting, raising kids who are already budding entrepreneurs, and the critical role of mentorship and sustainable business practices in his journey. But it's not all smooth sailing. Chris shares his raw and real experiences of dealing with regulatory crackdowns, managing towering debts, and the therapeutic process of writing his book. This episode is packed with insights on authenticity, perseverance, and learning from every misstep. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the business world, Chris Hunter's story is a powerful reminder that with grit, hustle, and a bit of chaos management, you can turn your wildest dreams into reality. Tune in for a dose of real-talk entrepreneurship that's as inspiring as it is enlightening. About Chris: Chris Hunter is a powerhouse in the beverage industry, known for his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. He's the mastermind behind several hit beverage brands, including Four Loko, Koia, and Not Your Father's Root Beer. As the co-founder of Koia, Chris has driven the company to $100M in annual sales, securing spots in Whole Foods, Sprouts, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks. His memoir, Blackout Punch, reveals the gripping story of his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Connect with Chris: Website https://drinkkoia.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/koia/ About Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Website https://thepause.ai/

Sponsor: Netsuite - Visit https://netsuite.com/WGMI to sign up for their one-of-a-kind flexible financing offer. Guest: Chris Hunter Get Chris's Book Here - Visit https://netsuite.com/WGMI Koia - https://drinkkoia.com/collections/protein LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315 Host: Brett Malinowski Twitter - https://twitter.com/thebrettway Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebrettway.eth/

Chris Hunter is the co-founder and CEO of Koia, a plant-based beverage company that produces refrigerated vegan protein shakes. He previously co-founded Phusion Projects Inc., the company behind the alcoholic energy drink Four Loko and is the author of “Blackout Punch: An Entrepreneur's Journey from Chaos to Clarity.” In this episode, we talked about business risks, resilience, distribution & marketing strategies…  

Chris Hunter, Co-Founder & CEO of Koia and Author of Blackout Punch, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and the lessons he has learned along the way. We hear about his experience co-founding Four Loko, once a highly caffeinated alcoholic beverage which experienced rapid growth but also faced challenges from government agencies. We also learn about his transition into the non-alcoholic space and how Koia came to be. Chris's motivation and resilience are nothing short of inspiring. And I can't wait for you to hear our conversation. Now on the #TheKaraGoldinShow. To learn more about Chris Hunter, Koia and Blackout Punch: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkkoia https://www.instagram.com/drinkkoia/ https://www.amzn.to/3VHbFaD https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/ https://www.drinkkoia.com/ Sponsored by The Washington Post. To access The Washington Post for just 50 cents per week, head to WashingtonPost.com/KARAGOLDIN Sponsored by Belay Solutions. Check out the top 25 Things You Can Delegate to a BELAY virtual Assistant Today. Just text KARA to 55123 to get access to this list and get started with BELAY today. Enjoying this episode of #TheKaraGoldinShow? Let me know by reaching out to me at karagoldin@gmail.com or @KaraGoldin on all networks. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/532 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Hunter, Co-Founder & CEO of Koia and Author of Blackout Punch, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and the lessons he has learned along the way. We hear about his experience co-founding Four Loko, once a highly caffeinated alcoholic beverage which experienced rapid growth but also faced challenges from government agencies. We also learn about his transition into the non-alcoholic space and how Koia came to be. Chris's motivation and resilience are nothing short of inspiring. And I can't wait for you to hear our conversation. Now on the #TheKaraGoldinShow.To learn more about Chris Hunter, Koia and Blackout Punch:https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkkoiahttps://www.instagram.com/drinkkoia/https://www.amzn.to/3VHbFaDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/https://www.drinkkoia.com/Sponsored by The Washington Post. To access The Washington Post for just 50 cents per week, head to WashingtonPost.com/KARAGOLDINSponsored by Belay Solutions. Check out the top 25 Things You Can Delegate to a BELAY virtual Assistant Today. Just text KARA to 55123 to get access to this list and get started with BELAY today.Enjoying this episode of #TheKaraGoldinShow? Let me know by reaching out to me at karagoldin@gmail.com or @KaraGoldin on all networks.Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/532

Mark Samuel interviews Chris Hunter from Koia.

Chris Hunter joins the Wavebreak Podcast to share his journey as the co-founder of Koia, and previously Four Loko. We chat about how Koia launched nationwide into Whole Foods from Day 1, building and scaling consumer brands, and so much more. Chris Hunter is the co-founder of Koia and Four Loko.Grab his book here: Blackout PunchLinks MentionedKoiaLearn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

In this episode, we explore a kōrero between two people about hongi - pressing noses in greeting.Episode dialogue:Āpera: He aha tātou e hongi ai ka tūtaki ana tātou ki a tātou?Hēmi: E whakautu ai au i tēnā pātai, me hoki ō tāua whakaaro ki a Tāne rāua ko Hineahuone.Āpera: Ko Tāne te atua nāna a Hineahuone i hanga, nē?Hēmi: Āna, i te kimi a Tāne i te uwha, nā konā ia i hanga ai i a Hineahuone.Āpera: Ko ia te wahine tuatahi? Hēmi: Koia, ā, ka mutu tā Tāne hanga i a Hineahuone, ka pā tōna ihu ki tō Hineahuone.Āpera: Ā, ka hongi rāua.Hēmi: Āe, me te aha, ka tihe, kātahi ka ora mai a Hineahuone. Mai i tērā wā, ā mohoa nei, ka hongi tātou ka tūtaki ana tātou ki a tātou.The Everyday Māori Podcast is supported by Te Mātāwai as a part of its contribution to Maihi Māori - Kia ūkaipō anō te reo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first 'Master Series' episode and we are totally pumped for this one! We are bringing CPG's foremost experts on brand building, marketing, sales, brokerage, and investing. This episode we are bringing on John Foraker, CEO and Co-Founder of Once Upon a Farm, Chris Hunter, Co-Founder and CEO of plant-based nutrition drink KOIA, Rachel Robb, Executive VP of Critical Mass Group, and Nic Mindel, Partner at Amberstone Ventures. We haven't had this much CPG brainpower at one time on our show, so you don't want to miss this series episode debut!

Shannon Graham, founder of Astranaut, has dedicated himself to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives for over 20 years. He has started projects to help with video game addiction and to empower Hispanic immigrants financially. Shannon's teamed up with leaders all over the world to make big changes. He wants to make the world a better place and believes in a future where technology and human consciousness come together. As the mind behind Astranaut, Shannon combines cryptocurrency, NFTs, and space exploration to nurture galactic visionaries and unite humanity towards a better future. -- Christopher Hunter is the Co-Founder and CEO of Koia, the 100 percent plant-based protein drink that is naturally craveable and uses simple ingredients to deliver unparalleled nutrition. He shares his journey in "Blackout Punch: From Chaos to Clarity." Hunter's book inspires readers to embrace life's challenges and turn adversity into opportunity. After seeing the huge popularity in combining caffeine and alcohol, Chris and his partners created Four Loko, a high-profile flavored malt beverage that grew to be the eight largest brewer in the country at its peak. He later created Not Your Father's Rootbeer which was sold to Pabst brewing company in 2015 and most recently created Solset Elevated Hard Seltzer. -- Like this episode? Watch more like it

This week we chat all things CPG including but not limited to the growth of prebiotic sodas (Olipop, Poppi, etc.) and how they clocked the largest year-over-year growth. We also discuss a new prebiotic soda from founder of Koia, Maya French called 'Happy Pop.' Lastly, we talk about show touring strategies at Expo West and how to get the most out of this momentous event! This week's episode is sponsored by GURU Energy and our on-going sponsor Vdriven. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and share what's going on in their lives and any current events. They also do shout-outs and answer questions live from viewers & listeners during their show.

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with seven founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2023. Our guests include John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of Celsius; Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods; Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka; Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-Founders of  Juliet; Tom Colicchio, a partner with Colicchio Kitchen; and Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of Koia. Show notes: 0:31: Interview: John Fieldly, Chairman and CEO, Celsius – Let's kick things off with John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of fast-growing energy drink brand Celsius. In this clip, pulled from an episode published on September 19, John spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why ambition is key to maintaining the brand's momentum and how he navigates disagreements with investors and shareholders. 9:57: Interview: Maya Kaimal, Founder, Maya Kaimal Foods – Next up we have Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods, a groundbreaking brand of Indian-inspired sauces, condiments and ready-to-eat dishes. In a clip pulled from an episode featured on November 28, Maya explained how the company operates and innovates at the intersection of data, trends and retailer needs, how she aligned with an investor that could support her vision, and what she's learned about hiring the right – and wrong – people. 20:36: Interview: Dan Aykroyd, Co-Founder, Crystal Head Vodka – Let's keep it going with actor, comedian and entrepreneur Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, an ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. In this clip, from our episode published on August 22, Dan spoke about what makes him an effective salesman and why he believes that his celebrity has a limited impact on the brand's past and future. 25:44: Interview: Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, Co-Founders, Juliet – Next we have Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-founders of Juliet, a premium brand of multiserve wine encased in an innovative cylindrical container. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on August 1, Allison and Lauren explained why developing a unique package was central to the planning process, and discussed their challenging, but ultimately correct, decision to change package designers. 31:29: Interview: Tom Colicchio, Partner, Colicchio Kitchen – We continue with renowned chef, restaurateur and “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio, who is also a partner with premium sauce and condiment brand Colicchio Kitchen. In this clip, pulled from an episode aired on July 18, Tom spoke about how he defines “good food” and why he's hesitant about adding an ethnic-themed line.  35:57: Interview: Chris Hunter, Co-Founder/CEO, Koia – Finally, we hear from Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on November 14, Chris spoke about the importance of setting goals in both his personal life and in business, the company's first month of profitability and why he warns entrepreneurs about short-term trends within the investment community. Brands in this episode: Celsius, Maya Kaimal Foods, Crystal Head Vodka, Juliet, Colicchio Kitchen, Koia

What can BevNET and NOSH's most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites' top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including White Claw's upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024.  Show notes: 0:35: B-Ball Brad. Mainstreaming Ultra. Who's Gonna Drink That? Controversial Kratom. – Mike's quick break from his soccer-themed brunch inspired us to learn more about Brad's lifetime Celtics' fandom. The hosts spoke about a news story that is featured in two of NOSH's top 10 most read articles of 2023 before kicking the tires on White Claw 0%, who will be the likely consumers of the beverage and whether its arrival will be a boon to the emerging market for alcohol-alternative drinks. They also discussed the launch of a new entrepreneur-led venture fund, and the controversy surrounding the functional ingredient kratom and how a high-profile lawsuit is shaping its future. Brands in this episode: White Claw, Aura Bora, Liquid Death, Luna Bay, Per Se, Ghia, Melati, Bonbuz, De Soi, Calexo, Drippy, Magic Cactus, Vital Proteins, Koia, Skinny Pop, Birch Benders, Cooper Spirits, Sweet Leaf Tea, Perfect Snacks, Feel Free

PRIME is a phenomenon. In the two years since its launch, the hydration and energy drink brand has risen to become a major player in both beverage categories and is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. What makes it so special? The hosts unpacked PRIME's appeal and remarkable success. They also discussed a head-scratching-yet-spectacular collaboration between Doritos and a Copenhagen-based spirit company, highlighted key details to include in investor pitches and featured a handful of new products, including a delightful Girl Scout cookie-inspired snack. Show notes: 0:35: The New Vitaminwater. “Weird Booze” Tasting. Unsolicited Advice For The GSOA. Hey, Babe. Advent, Evolved. – The hosts pulled back the curtain on why BevNET chose Prime as its 2023 brand of the year and why John sees parallels between it and vitaminwater. They also wondered about the pairing of a sophisticated spirit brand and one often described as “junk food,” praised NOSH's pitch slam finalists and sipped on a secret matcha-infused cream liqueur. The Newton team also snacked on chocolate mint-flavored mini waffle cones, while Jacqui showcased her favorite new advent calendar and set the stage for an on-location Taste Radio recording. Brands in this episode: PRIME, vitaminwater, Bodyarmor, Omsom, Fly By Jing, Empirical, Doritos, Four Loko, Koia, Chubby Snacks, Fishwife, Slim Jim, Tito's, Glenrothes, Tostitos, Lay's, Once Upon A Farm, Annie's, Lentiful, Zwita, Fair & Square, Lexington Bakes, Confusion Snacks, Maazah, Muddy Bites, Babe Kombucha, Evolved, Hoplark

It's rare for a single independent consumer brand to generate $100 million in annual revenue. Chris Hunter has built two of them. Hunter is the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia, a maker of refrigerated vegan protein shakes and smoothies that are sold nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Sprouts, Publix, Kroger and Safeway.  Last month, Koia added another major retail partner: Starbucks. The brand's Vanilla Bean and Cacao Bean protein shakes are now available in the coffee chain's coveted cold cases. The addition of Starbucks adds approximately 9,000 stores to the brand's existing presence in more than 25,000 retail doors.   Having crossed the $100 million threshold this year, Koia is on “a clear path to $200 million” in annual sales over the next two years, according to company president Mike Woolard. Hunter, who co-founded Koia in 2016 and also co-created and helmed controversial malternative brand Four Loko, is quick to praise his team for Koia's growth trajectory and highlighted its ability to navigate a rapidly evolving industry.  In this episode, Hunter spoke about the importance of setting goals in both his personal life and in business, lessons from an aggressive retail strategy early into the brand's development, why self-manufacturing is key to profitability and the company's future, and how to optimize the roles of celebrity partners. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Chris Hunter, Co-Founder/CEO, Koia – Hunter spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why Koia's distribution at Starbucks is an example of perseverance paying off, how setting specific goals has benefited his personal life and why he was eager to expand distribution of Koia beyond the natural channel. He also spoke about the company's first month of profitability, why Koia shifted to a vertically integrated business model and how trends fit into its innovation strategy and the development of a new cereal-inspired line. Brands in this episode: Koia, Four Loko

Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids' cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations. Show notes: 0:35: Vibin' At The WCB. It's Award Season. Uber Ray Silent Mode. A Must For Office Holiday Parties? – The team reflected on BevNET's fun and engaging meetup at our San Diego office and highlighted conversations with several entrepreneurs at the event, and also noted nomination deadlines for Best of 2023 BevNET and NOSH awards. Ray explained why he doesn't love conversing with rideshare drivers (and was roasted for it) before revealing a magnum of a certain spicy spirit, John introduced a couple of unique beers and new plant-based beverages, and Mike and Jacqui riffed on Indian-inspired lemonades and a brand of noodles with a highly functional, if esoteric, ingredient. Brands in this episode: !MPROV Booze-Free Cocktails, Sol-ti, Recoup Beverage, Togronis, Spade, Koia, Mooski, Hidden Valley, This Little Goat, Truff, Ondori, Olipop, Fishwife, Talea, Tulua, MatchaKo, MALK, GreeNoodle, Bollygood

In this episode, we explore a kōrero between two people about te pōwhiri - the pōwhiriEpisode dialogue:Āpera:He aha ngā whakaritenga mō te pōwhiri?Hēmi:Tuatahi, ka whakarite te hau kāinga i te marae, ā, ka tae atu te manuwhiri.Āpera:Kātahi ka whakaeke te manuhiri ki runga i te marae, nē?Hēmi:Āe, engari me karanga atu te hau kāinga ki te manuhiri, kātahi ka rere ngā karanga a ngā wāhine.Āpera:Kia mutu ngā karanga, ka aha?Hēmi:Ka noho te katoa. Kātahi ka tīmata ngā whaikōrero.Āpera:Mā wai e whaikōrero? Hēmi:Mā ngā tāne. Mā te tangata whenua e whakatau te ope, mā te manuwhiri e whakahoki ngā mihi.Āpera:I muri iho i ngā whaikōrero, ka waiata, nē?Hēmi:Āna, ko te mahi a te waiata he tautoko i te kōrero. Kātahi ka harirū, arā, ka hongi, ka kihi, ka whakaratarata.Āpera:Kātahi ka kai!Hēmi: Koia!The Everyday Māori Podcast is supported by Te Mātāwai as a part of its contribution to Maihi Māori - Kia ūkaipō anō te reo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore a kōrero between two people about the weather.Āpera: He pēhea te huarere i konā?Hēmi: He kino. E ua ana, waihoki, e pupuhi ana te hau.Āpera: Ka aroha, ahakoa te makariri, e whiti ana te rā i konei. He rangi mokopuna.Hēmi: Ā, taihoa ake, ka uaina te motu katoa, e ai ki ngā matapae huarere.Āpera: Kei te hōhā haere au i te takurua.Hēmi: Ahau tahi! Āpera: He pai ake te raumati i te takurua ki a au.Hēmi: Koia! He pai noa ake te raumati i te takurua. Āpera: Nau mai te waru!Hēmi: Nau mai ngā rangi paihuarere!The Everyday Māori Podcast is supported by Te Mātāwai as a part of its contribution to Maihi Māori - Kia ūkaipō anō te reo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Maya French, the founder of Koia and Joydays joins us to talk about her growth journey as an entrepreneur and startup founder. Both Koia and Joydays are mission-driven brands that are working to get healthy food and beverage products into the hands of underserved populations. Maya works hard to ensure that her products are filled with vital nutrients and wholesome ingredients to counteract unhealthy eating habits across America, ones that she's all too familiar with. Maya and I also discuss burnout and how she approaches taking breaks by finding a creative space to thrive in and coming out better on the other side. Maya also shares which key relationships have shaped her career and her outlook on what's next for her.Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/ "‌")KEY TAKEAWAYS:Brands Koia and Joydays, who are they and how do the products help consumers seeking healthy food options.The important mission behind Maya's work and how it shapes her leadership.Maya's journey to becoming an entrepreneur and mentor in the better-for-you food business.ABOUT THE GUEST:Maya FrenchCPG Entrepreneur, Cofounder Koia and founder of JoydaysLinkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-french-b706a036](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-french-b706a036 "‌")Links: [https://getjoydays.com](https://getjoydays.com/ "‌") / [https://drinkkoia.com](https://drinkkoia.com/ "‌")CHAPTERS:00:00 | Introduction02:03 | Organic Food and Health Equality03:23 | Playful Packaging04:20 | Quality Food and Value Proposition06:07 | Product Distribution and Accessibility13:23 | Applied Learnings19:23 | Mission-Driven Brand22:12 | Women Leadership25:45 | Mentorship27:19 | New Perspectives29:37 | Brand Growth30:42 | Healthy Habits32:37 | Food and Wellness Trends37:40 | Health EducationThis episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand, marketing and design consultancy focused on building, growing and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit [retail-voodoo.com/contact](http://retail-voodoo.com/contact "‌") to set up a discovery call today.Produced by Heartcast Media.https://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Pivotal is an interview-style segment that tackles topics in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) from the business leaders that live it EVERY DAY! My guest on this episode is a fellow Austintown Fitch High School alumnus that just happens to also be a beverage industry superstar. Chris Hunter shares how that Youngstown, OH upbringing shaped his brand building process that's spanned categorical opposites from Four Loko alcoholic beverages to now Koia plant-based healthy beverages. We also talk about our personal and professional evolutions that went from reckless to precautionary in a few short years. Finally, Chris shares business strategy lessons from his almost two decades in the beverage industry that's a DO NOT MISS for any current or aspiring beverage entrepreneur. These are just some of the fascinating areas we chatted about in this episode... Chris Hunter LinkedIn FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschallmba TWITTER - https://www.twitter.com/joshua_schall INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/joshua_schall FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/jschallconsulting MEDIUM - https://www.medium.com/@joshuaschall

The 23-year-old Charlotte native recently became the youngest Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association. Williams also loves video games, an industry where he's made some of his first investments, including a partnership with Oxygen Esports. We also talked about his investment in plant-based drink and smoothie business Koia and what it's like talking trash with Draymond Green on the court. For the full conversation, check out this episode of Front Office Sports original podcast My Other Passion, presented by Netsuite.

Learn how Good Pops drove a 40% increase in sales from rebranding, design effectiveness, the re-naming checklist, and the rise of Adorkable design. I talk with Fred Hart, Creative Director and Partner at Interact Brands, arguably one of the best branding agencies in the CPG world right now, having designed for Koia, Fat Snax, Califlour, and more. This episode is filled with insanely valuable info, so check it out. Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Richard Draper is the Co-Founder of Koia, an alternative asset platform offering fractionalized ownership of Whiskey, Wine, Watches, Trading Cards, and much more. Richard is also an advisor and ambassador  to NFTfi.  Links:Koia Website: https://joinkoia.com/Koia Twitter: https://twitter.com/joinkoia  @joinkoiaKoia Discord: discord.gg/ZHVu6E2XtaMy Twitter: https://twitter.com/DickieDraper   @DickieDraper Help The Louis and Kyle Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review!→ Leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-louis-and-kyle-show/id1504333834→ Reach out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisKyleShow→ Drop us an email: LouisandKyleShow@gmail.com→ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiskyleshow/→ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65567567/→ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb6qBiV1HAYcep87nKJmGhA→ Get email updates: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/LouisandKyle?via=twitter-profile-webview Special Thanks To Our Sponsor, espresso Displays:Espresso Displays are the thinnest portable touch screen monitor in the world. Recently recognized as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2021, espresso Displays give us the power of two screens anywhere we go and seriously improve our portable productivity. Learn more about espresso here: http://espres.so?utm_source=D2C&utm_medium=Podcast-Email&utm_campaign=Louis&utm_id=Channels&utm_term=Louis&utm_content=Louis

Today's episode is very special because it marks our 20th episode of the podcast! Each week since we've started the show I've truly looked forward to recording these episodes and love that we're learning, growing, and rising above our diabetes together as a community. I couldn't do this without you! This 20th episode is centered around YOU. I answer questions that I've received lately on Instagram about A1C and blood sugar specifically. The Risely team and I also put together a GIVEAWAY! One person is going to have the chance to win an epic package of: Variety pack of Koia's plant-based protein lineBanza Chickpea Pasta Frio Insulin Cooler Pack Risely's Diabetic Health JournalAll you have to do to enter is: Rate and review the Reclaim Your Rise podcast on Apple PodcastsSend a screenshot of your review to hello@riselyhealth.com OR you can send it to me at @lauren_bongiorno OR @riselyhealth on Instagram with “Reclaim Your Rise Podcast Giveaway” Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast rise!Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop for when new episodes drop.Send me a DM to introduce yourself with any feedback, questions, or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.Thank you to the Reclaim Your Rise podcast sponsor Diabetes Research Institute. You can learn more about DRI and their work here.RESOURCES FOR YOU:Register for the A1C and Insulin Sensitivity Masterclass HEREFor nutrition strategies and meal plan HEREFor reducing highs and lows during exercise HEREDisclaimer: Nothing you hear on the Reclaim your Rise podcast should be a substitute for personalized professional medical advice. Please always consult your physician or other medical professional before making any changes to your diet, insulin dosages, or healthcare plan. 

For EP. 250 of the BlockHash Podcast, Co-founder Iris Teije and Brandon Zemp discuss Koia, a platform that allows anyone to buy, trade and collect Fractions (NFTs) linked to iconic assets such as watches, whisky and Pokémon Cards. Previously Iris was the first employee at Neat, a Hong Kong-based neobank where she acquired a global customer base and raised funding from proment VCs. Iris is also a host at Finimize, the world's largest finance community. The podcast is available on… Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blockhash-exploring-the-blockchain/id1241712666 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6dc84ee4-845b-4bea-b812-b876daab2c7e/BlockHash-Exploring-the-Blockchain Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AGqU8qxIYVkxXM4q2XpO1 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iNmNhNWM0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Website: www.blockhashpodcast.com On Social Media… Website: https://www.joinkoia.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/joinkoia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinkoia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinkoia/ Find Brandon Zemp & the podcast on Social Media… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblockhash/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zempcapital/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/zempcapital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblockhash LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brandonzemp Sign up for the newsletter… (FREE) Blockchain Weekly: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/zemp (MEMBERS ONLY) Blockchain Insider: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/zemp/members