Podcasts about Poppi

The fastest way to find out if your strategy holds water? Put it in the market.  For more than a decade, Cheeky Cocktails has built a following with premium syrups and juices designed to elevate at-home cocktails.  Now, founder and CEO April Wachtel is pushing the brand into a first-of-its-kind functional tonic, and shares how real-world feedback is reshaping everything from where the product belongs on the shelf to how she's thinking about Cheeky's next chapter. For CPG founders, it's a compelling case for embracing iteration rather than waiting for perfection. Show notes: 0:20: April Wachtel, Founder & CEO, Cheeky Cocktails – April discusses her unconventional path from working in restaurants as a teenager to becoming a craft cocktail bartender, spirits brand ambassador and consultant before launching her own company. She reflects on the evolution from her original brand, Swig and Swallow and how she ultimately relaunched the business just as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated at-home cocktail culture. April explains how her experience as a bartender, cocktail instructor and consumer shaped Cheeky's portfolio of premium syrups and juices, as well as its newest product, Cheeky Lime Tonic, which she describes as a functional tonic with fiber and 40–70% less sugar than traditional tonics. April details the extensive R&D and consumer feedback that went into developing the tonic and explains why she believes entrepreneurs should get products into the market quickly to test their assumptions and learn from real-world reactions. She also discusses Cheeky's evolving retail strategy and the challenge of building a company around two distinct product lines and the possibility that the tonic could eventually become the primary focus of Cheeky. April  also shares how intuition, personal experience and data have each influenced her entrepreneurial decisions, emphasizing the importance of following instinct while validating ideas with market research and consumer feedback. Brands in this episode: Cheeky Cocktails, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop

Sam's database on how long it takes to become a millionaire: https://clickhubspot.com/elkv Episode 855: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) talk to Allison Ellsworth, the founder of Poppi.   — Links: • Poppi - https://drinkpoppi.com/  • Josie Rushing - https://josiesrushing.com/  • Orion - https://orionsleep.com/  • Nello - https://drinknello.com/  • Preston Lane - https://www.onprestonlane.com/  • Blue Land - https://www.blueland.com/  — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton (joinhampton.com): My community for founders. Average member does $25m/year. Many of the guests are members. Get after it...apply: http://joinhampton.com/mfm — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com  • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Shaan uses Mercury across all of his companies. you can too: http://mercury.com/  Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., Members FDIC • I run all my newsletters on Beehiiv and you should too + we're giving away $10k to our favorite newsletter, check it out: beehiiv.com/mfm-challenge My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano /

What does it take for an emerging CPG brand to go from promising to investable? Brian Folmer, founder of FirstLook and FirstLook Ventures, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he evaluates the next generation of consumer brands. FirstLook is a "Shark Tank in a box" platform that vets hundreds of brands before putting a select group of products in the hands of nearly 100 investors, while FirstLook Ventures takes that deal flow a step further by funding emerging companies alongside its investor community.  Brian reveals what catches his attention—from traction and valuation to market potential, founder quality and the elusive "X factor"—and shares why some brands make the cut while others don't. He also explains why overpricing a company can stall a fundraise, how potent consumer pain points can create breakout opportunities, and why today's shift toward cleaner, less-processed products is creating new opportunities for CPG founders. Show notes: 0:20: Brian Folmer, Founder, FirstLook & FirstLook Ventures – Brian chats about his background and foray into CPG investment before explaining First Look's model and the criteria the company uses to vet hundreds of brands and select a group of products to present monthly to its investor members. The First Look Ventures founder also breaks down the factors that influence investment decisions, including valuation, sales traction, retail interest, market size, pricing, category potential and founder quality. Using Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Zoli Gummy Pops and Magna as examples, he discusses what makes brands stand out and the importance of solving a clear consumer need. He also addresses regulatory and legal risk, the shift toward cleaner and less-processed products, the growing use of AI to build more efficient companies and the "X factor" he looks for in founders. Folmer explains why an inflated valuation can slow a fundraise, why a large market matters and what founders can do to get investors' attention, including keeping outreach concise and making pitch decks mobile-friendly. Brands in this episode: Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Gruns, Zoli Gummy Pops, Poppi, Vita Coco, Siete, Vaquero Bandito, Primal Queen, Magna, Ugly Drinks

The Kiddos hung out with Spider-man Today! Shay Mitchell is like RICH Rich, and Ariana Grande brought Cynthia Erivo on stage in London.A Woman is Passionate about a Barn and after we read the People article, Brittany reach out and She Joins the Show!The story of Poppi and it's Co-founder and play Red Flag on the Date!Plus it's Hot To Go where we are tracking some high profile engagements. Over/Under and Coatmaxxing!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, we have been told that providing value means teaching something. More tips, more how-tos, more educational content. But education is only one way your content can be valuable. In this episode, I'm breaking down six different types of value your content can provide, from practical education and perspective shifts to storytelling, and more. We'll also talk about why relying too heavily on educational content can make your personal brand feel replaceable, and how creating a wider range of value gives people more reasons to follow you, engage with you, and care about your perspective. If you want to build a personal brand where people don't just follow you for what you can teach them, but because they genuinely want your take, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn The 6 different ways your content can provide value Why valuable content doesn't always have to teach something The difference between perspective shifts, breakthroughs, and problem awareness How storytelling and identity-driven content build stronger connection Why mixing different types of value can turn views into actual audience growth   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

Even in a tough fundraising market, investors are still writing checks. The question is: to whom? This week, we break down the latest CPG investment data and examine why protein-packed, dye-free, and ingredient-conscious startups continue to stand out with investors. We also take a closer look at the emerging products generating buzz – including protein candy, mushroom lemonade, snacking croutons, and tinned protein bars – and what they say about the future of food and beverage. Show notes: 0:20: A Timely Story. Which Direction? Head North. Algae Oil Is Hot. Jacked Up. Crunch, Sip, Snack. – The hosts open the episode by discussing the rapid rise of better-for-you candy, prompted by a recent New York Times article highlighting the category's momentum. While debating the role of alternative sweeteners and whether consumers ultimately prefer lower-sugar formulations or products made with real sugar, they also discuss how the success of brands like Poppi has inspired entrepreneurs to apply similar better-for-you playbooks to adjacent categories. The conversation then shifts to investment trends, drawing on Northhall's Q2 2026 Food, Beverage & CPG Financing Report to examine which early-stage concepts are attracting the most investor interest. They highlight recent funding rounds for companies such as Buffs and Algae Cooking Club, along with large-scale M&A activity driven by major corporations repositioning their portfolios around evolving consumer preferences. The hosts also turn their attention to a range of new products, including protein bars packaged in sardine-style tins, snacking croutons, Korean-style bone broth, and mushroom-infused sparkling lemonade. They discuss merchandising strategies, consumer appeal, and whether these unconventional formats and flavors have the potential to break into the mainstream. Brands in this episode: Rotten, Original Tiniez, Chewerz, Happy Candy, Better Sour, SmartSweets, Joyride, Good Greed, Poppi, Olipop, Buffs, Algae Cooking Club, Jacked Granny, RXBAR, David, Croots, Kushi,  Pepperidge Farm, Reclamation, Brodo, Brio Drinks, Goldie

If you've ever felt like your niche is too limiting, you're constantly running out of content ideas, or there are parts of your life you want to share but don't know how they fit your brand, this episode is for you. Rather than abandoning your niche or trying to reinvent your brand, you'll learn how to build a more flexible and creative content strategy by refining your niche through four different filters. We'll break down why niches often leave personal brands feeling boxed in, how an alternative method can give you permission to expand your ideas without confusing your audience, and why two personal brands can share the exact same niche while building completely different personal brands. What you'll learn from this episode: How to make your niche more marketable and social media friendly How to use your identity, ideas, format, and experiences as creative filters. Why profiles in the same niche can build completely different personal brands. How to make everyday experiences like travel, relationships, or life updates relevant to your audience without feeling off-brand.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

Join host Justin Forman for a candid conversation with Stephen Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand that went from a Dallas farmers market stand to one of the largest exits in beverage history when PepsiCo acquired it for $2 billion. Stephen walks through the pivotal decisions that shaped Poppi's rise — rewriting the formula a week before Shark Tank, the branding fight that determined whether Poppi would be sold as a health product or a soda, and the negotiating table where his team turned down a $1 billion offer because it “didn't feel right.” But the most striking part of Stephen's story isn't the exit — it's what came after. He opens up about the identity crisis, isolation, and unexpected grief that followed closing the deal, and how wrestling with purpose in the months afterward reshaped his understanding of calling, generosity, and what he calls this next season: not retirement, but “preferment.” Throughout, Stephen traces how his faith — dormant since he was a teenager — was reawakened through the entrepreneurial journey itself, from a providential tax refund that arrived the week his mortgage was due, to the conviction that let him walk away from billion-dollar offers that didn't align with what he and his team believed was right. Key Topics: •      From a Wyoming kitchen to Shark Tank to a $2 billion PepsiCo acquisition •      The branding pivot that turned an apple cider vinegar tonic into a prebiotic soda •      Why Stephen's team walked away from a $1 billion Pepsi offer and a $1.65 billion Keurig Dr Pepper offer •      The unexpected identity crisis and isolation that followed the exit •      Moving from a Mormon upbringing to a faith renewed through entrepreneurship •      Setting up a Donor Advised Fund and learning to give with the same rigor used to build a business Notable Quotes: “Sitting where we are now, a $2 billion exit from a farmers market stand is just wild.” - Stephen Ellsworth “Pepsi is a huge system. If you're gonna buy us, buy us.” - Stephen Ellsworth “The idea of coming to know God more fully through [the entrepreneurial journey] is one of the greatest side benefits of the whole equation.” - Justin Forman

Consumer expectations are changing fast, and brands of every size are being forced to adapt.  In this episode, we discuss what PepsiCo's response to GLP-1s and inflation signals for CPG. We also dive into Vita Coco's acquisition of a super-premium rival, and sample everything from cereal-inspired protein shakes and date-sweetened cola to birch water and caffeinated banana milk. Show notes: 0:20: Chi, Summer. Is Ce Real? Pep Rally. Coco + Copra. Date Drink. The Two a Yous. It's French. — Ray and Melissa lament how quickly summer is slipping away, but they're looking ahead to Taste Radio's upcoming meetup in Chicago. Meanwhile, Mike is mixing up an unconventional concoction he swears will improve his physique. Melissa then leads a conversation about PepsiCo's response to GLP-1 adoption and persistent inflation, prompting a discussion about how major CPG companies are balancing lower prices on core products with innovation in premium and functional offerings—a dynamic that's creating both headwinds and opportunities for emerging brands. The hosts also examine Vita Coco's acquisition of premium coconut water brand Copra, viewing it as a strategic move to expand across multiple price tiers and compete more directly with Harmless Harvest. Ray samples Unpop's date-sweetened cola and highlights Tuyyo agua fresca hydration sticks, NYMBL high-protein ice cream, and OOZ birch water, while Melissa gives high marks to Halfday iced tea and Matcha DNA's powdered matcha lattes. Brands in this episode: Spylt, Miils, Doritos, Carbone, Copra, Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, Jolt Cola, Olipop, Poppi, Nixie, Stiller's, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Halfday, Nymbl, Protein Pints, David, Tuyyo, Unpop, OOZ, Matcha DNA, Minor Figures

If you've been showing up consistently on Instagram but feel like you're posting on autopilot, this episode is your invitation to hit reset. Rather than chasing more content or trying to "beat the algorithm," I'm sharing the strategic shifts I'm making for the rest of the year to build a stronger personal brand, create more memorable content, and use Instagram as part of a larger marketing ecosystem instead of expecting it to do everything on its own. Whether you've been feeling stuck, uninspired, or simply know your current strategy isn't producing the results you want anymore, this episode will help you rethink how you're approaching Instagram so you can finish the year with more intention, creativity, and momentum. What you'll learn from this episode: Why optimizing individual posts is less important than building a memorable account. How to identify what you actually want to become known for. The difference between teaching information and creating original thinking. Why content series outperform disconnected posts. How to turn your everyday work and experiences into a sustainable content engine. The mindset shift from trying to sound smart to becoming recognizable. Why Instagram should support your broader marketing ecosystem instead of carrying your entire business. The identity shifts that will help you stay consistent long after motivation wears off. How to stop posting on autopilot and intentionally reset your strategy for the rest of the year.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

No one saw this one coming on The Masked Singer South Africa! Travel content creator Popi Sibiya was revealed as the celebrity behind Pap & Wors, leaving the detective panel completely stumped. Despite clues about her engineering degree, big family and life-changing career switch, detectives Somizi, J'Something, Sithelo Shozi and guest panellist Jason Goliath guessed everyone from Ayanda Thabethe and Anele Zondo to Candice Modiselle, but not a single one landed on Popi. The episode also introduced the show's first-ever masked duo, Sheep, while Gogga, Koeksister and Pap & Wors battled it out on stage. In the end, Pap & Wors was sent home, where Popi admitted she'd loved every minute of the experience. The Masked Singer South Africa airs Saturdays at 7pm on SABC 2. Hang out with Anele and The Club on 947 every weekday morning. Popular radio hosts Anele Mdoda, Frankie du Toit, Thembekile Mrototo, and Cindy Poluta take fun to the next level with the biggest guests, hottest conversations, feel-good vibes, and the best music to get you going! Kick-start your day with the most enjoyable way to wake up in Joburg. Connect with Anele and The Club on 947 via WhatsApp at 084 000 0947 or call the studio on 011 88 38 947Thank you for listening to the Anele and the Club podcast..Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 to 09:00 to Anele and the Club broadcast on 947 https://buff.ly/y34dh8Y For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/gyWKIkl or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/K59GRzuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swim with us as we dive into S17E5, featuring bagged olives, birthing gowns, tourniquets for children, and blooming tea. Also, send us your thoughts on Poppi: do you think it's a refreshing healthy bev (Alyssa), or foul sweetened sock nectar (Sylvie)? Hey, Chums! Welcome to the officially unofficial Shark Tank podcast, with friends & co-hosts Alyssa and Sylvie (plus: guest appearances by noted "tank guy," Ralph). We break down each episode's drama, intrigue, and offers (or lack thereof) each week, so swim on back for more chum about Lori Greiner, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetzky, Kendra Scott, Robert Herjavec, and more.

For years, we believed that if we wanted more sales, the answer was simple: post more. But today's content doesn't work that way. In this episode, I'm breaking down why wanting immediate sales from your content can actually hold your business backand why sales are the result of trust, positioning, consistency, and strategy rather than a single post (or multiple). We'll talk about the unrealistic expectations many entrepreneurs place on their content, why consistency alone isn't enough, how entitlement can quietly keep you stuck, and what you should focus on instead if your goal is to generate more clients and revenue. If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I just need my content to start making sales," this episode will help you understand what your content is actually responsible for and how to build a marketing system that creates sustainable sales instead of chasing quick wins. What you'll learn from this episode: Why posting more no longer guarantees more sales. The biggest misconception entrepreneurs have about "sales content." The difference between activities that generate sales today and activities that build future sales. How entitlement can quietly keep you from improving your content. The importance of implementing feedback instead of defending your current strategy. What to do if you genuinely need sales right now while your content strategy catches up. How to stop expecting your content to be an instant sales machine and start using it as a long-term business asset.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

CPG's next big ideas often emerge in unexpected places. In this episode, we explore what founders across food and beverage can learn from the rapid rise of hard sodas and hard sports drinks, as alcohol brands borrow from health, wellness and functionality to connect with younger consumers. The Taste Radio team is joined by Brewbound reporter Zoe Licata to discuss why familiar flavors, better-for-you positioning and shifting consumer behaviors are fueling these fast-growing categories—and whether they're poised for long-term success or destined to become another fleeting trend.   They also unpack the surprising split between Costco and Deschutes Brewery, what it reveals about the evolving role of private label and retail strategy, and why Guinness has become one of the world's hottest beer brands by winning over an entirely new generation of drinkers. Show notes: 0:20: Harry Calling. Inspired Imbibing. $40M Is A Crooked Number. Lyte Come Lately. Crafty Costco. – Zoe and John share their experiences of seeing Harry Styles perform at Wembley Stadium and discuss how drinking culture among younger consumers in the U.K. differs from that in the U.S. The conversation explores Gen Z's evolving relationship with alcohol, the pandemic's lasting impact on drinking habits, and how brands are leaning into nostalgia and familiar flavors to connect with legal-age younger consumers. They also examine why alcohol companies are borrowing cues from the better-for-you beverage category, and the marketing challenges of positioning products with wellness-inspired messaging despite alcohol's inherent health limitations. Along the way, they spotlight the surprising rise of alcoholic sports drinks modeled after electrolyte beverages and viral drinking trends like BORGs. The discussion then turns to beer, where the hosts unpack the unexpected end of Costco's long-running private-label partnership with Deschutes Brewery, producer of the retailer's popular Kirkland Signature Helles Lager and Vintage Ale. The episode concludes with a look at Guinness' remarkable resurgence, exploring how the iconic stout has become one of beer's biggest success stories by winning over younger consumers through social media, the viral "Split the G" challenge, and the growing realization that it's lighter, more sessionable, and far more approachable than many first-time drinkers expect. Brands in this episode: Simply, Fresca, Owl's Brew, Bai, Crooked Pop, Poppi, Super Lyte, Surfside, Stateside Hard Seltzer, Gatorade, Spiked Ade, Pedialyte, Electrolit, Hoist, Deschutes, Guinness, Diet Pepsi

In this episode, I explore why simply sharing expertise isn't enough in today's content landscape. While knowledge is widely accessible, what truly resonates with people is the interpretation and application of that knowledge through your personal experiences and insights. Discover how perspective, storytelling, and personal experience can elevate your content strategy and boost genuine engagement and sales. What you'll learn from this episode: The shifting role of expertise versus perspective in content marketing Why knowledge alone no longer creates scarcity or trust The importance of sharing personal experiences and stories How perspective builds stronger communities and authority The difference between sharing life and using life as evidence How to turn experiences into marketable, engaging content   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today.

Ali Riley & Kelley O'Hara break down 3 of the biggest NWSL matches of the weekend, and tell you which player DELIVERED the biggest win of the week. With Gotham's roster already loaded with stars, and Sam Kerr set to debut, who's starting? Ally Sentnor has Angel City cooking, and Orlando is back in the win column! Then Kelley breaks down the USWNT & USMNT split of World Cup prize money, and how the long fight for equality has gotten them here. Plus Kelley and Poppi take Wimbledon! This episode is presented by Amazon Prime. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:37 USMNT & USWNT Split World Cup Money 03:45 FIFA Make Men's & Women's World Cup Prize Money Equal??? 07:15 Ali Lost the Bet 08:44 Ali's Paint Ball Disaster! 13:27 Competitive Board Games with the USWNT 15:30 Marta's Back on the Score Sheet 20:07 Kelley Got Bean Boozled 21:20 Ally Sentnor Has Angel City HOT 24:47 Gotham's Star Studded Roster 26:59 Queens Classic 31:42 Esther DELIVERED 34:48 Ali Takes Sideline Reported SERIOUSLY 40:09 The Hardest Type of Broadcasting? 45:14 Critiquing Former Teammates & Friends 48:58 Not Kelley Crying About Taking Poppi to Wimbledon 52:30 Ali's World Cup Game Didn't Go as Planned… 55:09 Alright, Bet Just Women's Sports is the leading digital media platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports. In a world where women's sports have been historically underfunded and under-promoted, Just Women's Sports exists to shine a light on all the stories, athletes and moments that define and fuel the space. Through original podcasts, premium video programming, social media, editorial content, a newsletter, and exclusive merchandise and live events, Just Women's Sports is committed to making it both easy and fun to be a women's sports fan. Listen to Time Wasting here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-wasting/id1522055041 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RTMyWpdSBY9I4vO528qX3?si=4ffbdaf315814b19&nd=1&dlsi=8ead3e4fd463490d iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-time-wasting-68461888/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6f36ad8-f5e2-4478-8650-3f6f8805810b/time-wasting Add us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timewastingpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@timewastingpod? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He built an eight-figure brand without raising a dollar of outside capital. Now he's sharing exactly how he did it. J.W. reveals the playbook behind one of the adult non-alcoholic category's earliest success stories. He explains why he bet on the sober curious trend years before it became mainstream, how direct-to-consumer sales fueled profitable growth from day one, and why relentless product refinement – not rapid expansion – has been the foundation of the brand's success.  J.W. also discusses customer acquisition, retail strategy, premium pricing and the long-term vision that's guiding Curious Elixirs as it aims to redefine how people drink socially. Show notes: 0:20: JW Wiseman, Founder & CEO, Curious Elixirs – JW shares how his experience owning bars and drinking heavily inspired him to create one of the first premium non-alcoholic cocktail brands. He talks about developing the concept in 2013 and launching in 2015, and how he validated demand through Kickstarter, early consumer feedback and press coverage. JW explains why Curious prioritized profitability, premium pricing and digital marketing early on, how constant product refinement and customer feedback have fueled loyalty, and why focusing on how products make consumers feel has been central to the brand's success. He also discusses building an eight-figure business without outside investment, leveraging DTC data to expand into retail, thoughtfully approaching distribution and channel strategy, and balancing innovation with disciplined focus. He emphasizes Curious Elixirs' long-term mission to make premium non-alcoholic beverages a normal part of social occasions while proving that sustainable growth, strong customer relationships and unwavering product quality can build an enduring brand.  Brands in this episode: Curious Elixirs, LesserEvil, Poppi

Today, I'm joined by Stephen Ellsworth, founder of poppi.   Originally launched at farmers markets as "Mother Beverage," poppi rebranded in 2020 and scaled rapidly before being acquired by PepsiCo for nearly $2B.   In this episode, we discuss cultivating consumer obsession.   We also cover:   How 2.5 years at farmers markets became the ultimate R&D Why the $50M revenue milestone matters Landing a deal on Shark Tank Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.drinkpoppi.com/  Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenellsworth_/    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com  to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities. Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:49) Background and poppi origin story (02:40) Mother Beverage to poppi journey (04:50) Two-year R&D at farmers market (06:20) Shark Tank and capital inflection (08:12) Rebranding decision and strategy (11:00) 2020 timing and category alignment (12:40) Intuition-driven product development (13:40) COVID acceleration (14:45) $50M inflection point (16:20) Founder preferences: zero to one vs. scaling (17:50) Product obsession and team building (18:40) 15–20% better formula (20:00) poppi playbook and thinking differently (21:50) Democratizing better-for-you foods (25:30) PepsiCo acquisition concerns (28:45) Large incumbents vs. innovation (31:00) Post-acquisition emotions (35:15) Preferment vs. retirement (37:30) What's next (39:15) Conclusion

Are you feeling isolated in your niche or overwhelmed by the idea that there's no one to inspire you? Do you feel overly reliant on content to create your own ideas and feel like it's hindering your ability to get ahead? This episode dives into how you can unlock your creativity by leveraging your unique experiences, observations, and perspectives to create compelling content that stands out. Discover how to build a personalized content formula that transforms your limitations into your greatest strength. What you'll learn from this episode How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own content path The four levels of inspiration: content, format, brand, and principles How to collect inspiration from multiple sources rather than mimicking one account How to turn personal experience and daily observation into original content ideas Why being first in your space can become a creative advantage   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Allison Ellsworth is the co-founder of Poppi. Allison joins Adam to share her journey building a multi-billion dollar brand and her best lessons and advice. Allison and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: entrepreneurship, leadership, passion, purpose, pushing your comfort zone, marketing, branding, balancing conviction with feedback, and more.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupMost list-growth advice assumes you have a website people visit. Cove Soda doesn't. They sell zero sugar soda in roughly 7,000 retail doors with no real DTC store, which means no site traffic, no purchase pop-ups, and no easy email capture.Zoe Kahn runs marketing for Cove as interim VP. In this episode she breaks down how a retail-first brand still builds a direct, owned channel, why she treats in-person events as the acquisition surface, and how she competes in a soda aisle that already has Olipop and Poppi running Super Bowl ads.What you'll get:The event tactic that grows an email and SMS list without DTC: trade a full can for an opt-inHow to segment by geography so US news goes to US fans and Canadian news goes to Canadian fansHow she picks which events to sample at, and why marketing assets in a state change the mathUsing Amazon attribution links to test creative and copy when you have no DTCA clear take on why an oversaturated category is not a reason to quitThe early-career mistake that shipped roughly 700 wrong orders, and what it taught herWho this is for: retail-first and omnichannel operators, beverage and CPG founders, retention and lifecycle marketers, and anyone who has been told they can't build a list without DTC.What to steal: the can-for-email swap at events, geographic list segmentation, and an event-selection checklist built on demographic fit and asset location.0:00 Intro3:16 Building a Canadian Brand in the US7:55 How Cove Soda Stands Out in a Crowded Market10:09 Using QR Codes to Grow Email and SMS Lists17:50 Practical AI Workflows for Marketing TeamsSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Allison Ellsworth, Co-Founder at Poppi discusses the creation of her beverage company and the rise of wellness drinks. She speaks with Bloomberg's Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec at Uncharted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever told yourself "I'll do content once I have a team," this episode is for you. Most people think their content problem is a delegation problem, but today we're getting honest about what's really going on. The lie sounds like this: once I hire, content gets easier. But execution getting easier doesn't mean content leaves your job. You can outsource editing, design, even posting, but never the face, the strategist, and the thought leader behind your brand. We're breaking down why even multi-billion dollar founders are still the ones recording and leading their content, no matter how big their team gets. The founders making millions aren't creating less content, they're creating more, because they built the skill first. This episode shows you why content is leadership, not admin work, and what it actually takes to become a content leader instead of just a content creator. In today's episode, we're chatting about: Your content problem isn't a hiring problem, it's a leadership problem Execution gets easier with a team, but responsibility never leaves your plate Content creator vs. content leader "I'll have more time later" is a trap, growth adds responsibility, not free time Storytelling and perspective can't be outsourced, only practiced   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Episode 179 features an entertaining recording at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA with a live audience conversation and tasting hosted by Poppi Monroe, the U.S. Central Regional Sales Manager for Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Joined by a room full of women working throughout the Atlanta wine industry, Kelly sits down with Poppi to explore her fascinating career journey from acting in film and television to building a successful career in wine sales, brand development, and distributor management. Today, Poppi oversees six Southern states for one of Champagne's most celebrated houses, and she shares insights on leadership, relationship-building, navigating a competitive industry, and how experiences from previous careers continue to shape her approach to the wine business. Throughout the discussion, guests enjoy and react to a guided tasting of Laurent-Perrier Champagnes paired with caviar, courtesy of Arrivato Imports. Laurent-Perrier has been crafting fresh and elegant Champagnes for over 200 years. The House is family- and female-run plus fiercely independent. The energy from the audience brought synergistic curiosity, candor, and plenty of thoughtful insights, creating an atmosphere that sparked meaningful conversations about wine, career growth, and the experiences women encounter throughout the industry. Whether you're passionate about Champagne, interested in wine careers, or simply enjoy hearing stories from people making wine more human and accessible, this episode delivers an inspiring and engaging conversation from start to finish.Special thanks to Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits for sponsoring this live audience recording and to Chris McLlyod for helping to make this whole tasting experience possible.Recorded May 6, 2026-----------------*** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 228 Complete store reset, Pepsi hooks up with Poppi in the prebiotic dept and this isn't a chosen career.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 228 Complete store reset, Pepsi hooks up with Poppi in the prebiotic dept and this isn't a chosen career.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Pepsi just spent nearly $2 BILLION acquiring prebiotic soda brand Poppi.At first glance, it looks like a smart business move.But beneath the headlines lies a much bigger question:What happens when the companies that spent decades selling us sugar suddenly start selling us health?In this episode, Louise breaks down:✔ Why Pepsi bought Poppi ✔ The rise of prebiotic sodas ✔ The truth about gut health marketing ✔ Why wellness has become a billion-dollar industry ✔ The difference between healthy ingredients and healthy outcomes ✔ How women can avoid falling for expensive health shortcutsThis isn't about whether Poppi is good or bad.It's about learning how to separate health from health marketing.Because strength isn't something you buy.It's something you practice.#GutHealth #Poppi #Pepsi #womenshealth #strengthtraining #wellnessindustry #slaypodcast

When PepsiCo acquired Poppi for nearly $2 billion in early 2025, everyone assumed Olipop would be next. Rumors swirled, negotiations stalled with Coca-Cola, and then...Olipop walked away. Critics claimed they missed the peak of the prebiotic soda mania. But the truth could be much more rebellious. In this video, I break down why Olipop's independence isn't a failure, analyze Olipop's impressive financial health ($700M+ in tracked sales), and explore three hidden paths for unlocking their future enterprise value.In this video, you'll learn more about:Olipop "Mistiming Myth": Why critics are wrong about Olipop missing the prebiotic trend.Red Bull & Monster Energy Factor: How alternative distributors could change the convenience store game.Gut Health M&A Roll-Up Strategy: How Olipop could clone the Simply Good Foods playbook to target an IPO in 12-18 months.Food Tech Pivot: Transforming OliSmart into a B2B ingredient supplier.What do you think? Should Olipop sell to Coke, or should they build an independent gut-health empire?

Produced by ContentMonsta.comAllison Ellsworth shares her personal story of transforming health struggles and a homemade soda experiment into the nearly $2 billion brand, Poppi. The conversation explores the realities and challenges of entrepreneurship, especially as a woman and a mother, highlighting the importance of pushing past excuses, relentless resourcefulness, community support, and redefining work-life balance. Listeners gain both practical and inspirational insight into betting on themselves, following big dreams, and creating lasting impact for their families and communities.Key Points/Topics CoveredOvercoming personal health struggles and the origin of PoppiNavigating entrepreneurship as a woman and a motherThe leap from homemade product to business, including the Shark Tank experienceImportance of support systems, avoiding excuses, and personal growth in leadership rolesAchieving work-life balance, embracing “mom guilt,” and instilling values in the next generationTime Stamps00:00 – Overcoming health issues and creating Poppi in the kitchen00:46 – Building the business: farmer's markets, Whole Foods, and manufacturing06:08 – The Shark Tank journey and pivotal moments07:55 – Advice for moms and women in entrepreneurship12:02 – Managing mom guilt and setting boundaries for work-life balance14:37 – Instilling values in children and company culture15:37 – Encouragement for women in entrepreneurship and future aspirations Produced by ContentMonsta.com

I recently coached over 10 clients in just a couple of weeks, and I kept hearing the same thought patterns come up again and again. So I wanted to share them with you because if any of these have been creeping into your head, they might be exactly what's holding you back. Content success is way more psychological than most people think. The 5 Thoughts I See Sabotaging Clients (And How to Flip Them) 1. "I've Already Tried That" I hear this one all the time. "I tried reels, I tried carousels, I tried being vulnerable." But here's the truth: most of us have sampled a strategy, not actually tried it. Posting twice doesn't count. Have you posted 50 reels? Have you done 30 storytelling posts? Have you been consistent for three full months? Instead of "I've tried that," ask yourself: "Have I actually mastered this yet? Have I found my signature style in this format?" 2. "That Doesn't Work" This one is dangerous because the second you decide something doesn't work, you stop being curious about it and curiosity is what drives creativity. What you usually mean is, "that hasn't worked for me yet." Huge difference. While you're writing off talking videos, someone else is making a million dollars in a week with simple yapping-style content. The question I want you to ask instead: "What would need to happen for this to work?"  3. "I Can't Because ..." I don't have enough followers. My niche is too saturated. I have kids. I have a full-time job. I get it. But the moment you create a condition for your success, you create a reason to delay it. The goalpost just keeps moving. Instead, ask yourself: "How can I make this work despite my circumstances?" Because people are doing it with the same limitations you have. 4. The Frustration Loop Frustration narrows your thinking. Creativity expands it. When you're frustrated, you want immediate answers. When you're in a creative headspace, you want to explore, discover, and try again. Same flopped video, two totally different responses: "I'm done with this" vs. "Okay, interesting. Here's what I'm trying next."  5. Not Giving Content Enough Time Content doesn't have an end date. Even MrBeast, with hundreds of millions of subscribers, is still sitting down analyzing metrics trying to figure out how to grow. You're going to figure out your first 5K, then your 100K, then your first million, and there will always be a next level. So stop thinking of content as something you're going to "figure out and be done with." It's a forever practice, just like selling is in your business.  CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

If there was a Mount Rushmore of brand builders, investor Rohan Oza would be on it. He's been the driving force behind $8 billion in exits for vitaminwater, Poppi, and more. Oza joins host Jeff Berman to reveal his playbook for success.Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I've been wanting to record this episode for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. In this episode, I'm sharing a framework I came up with while coaching a client and it completely changed the way she thought about her content. I'm calling it "first-date-friendly content," and if you've been posting consistently but still not seeing the results you want, this one's for you. I start by breaking down why so much content just isn't landing. The honest answer is that most of us are talking to our audience like we're already three years into a relationship, when they haven't even been on a first date with us yet. I talk about the difference between posting for your hottest followers versus the majority of your audience, and why thinking about that broader group is actually what unlocks real reach and performance. From there, I walk you through my 4-part Hook Scorecard. The 4 things I look for in every hook: is it relatable? Is it surprising? Is it specific? And can a complete stranger understand it without any prior context? I also share 4 hook structures that actually work and how you can mix and match them depending on what you're trying to say. I also get into why being more specific, not broader, is what gets the right people to stop scrolling. And I break down the difference between a statement and a hook because if your first line feels complete and "finished," it's not doing its job. A hook is an invitation, not a conclusion. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes. BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

"The status quo is in all of our hands," says TRUFF co-founder Nick Guillen — a mindset that has guided the brand since day one. TRUFF built its reputation by breaking the rules. Now, as the company expands beyond its viral hot sauce with a major rebrand, new product lines, and a retail-focused growth strategy, Nick and co-founder Nick Ajluni are focused on scaling the business without losing the edge that made it a phenomenon. In this episode, the entrepreneurs discuss the strategy behind TRUFF's refreshed packaging, more accessible pricing, and new aioli line, as well as how they balance data and instinct when developing products. They also explain why bringing in an experienced CEO was a pivotal move for the company's next chapter and share their vision for evolving TRUFF from a disruptive startup into a lasting, category-defining condiment brand. Show notes: 0:20: Nick Ajluni & Nick Guillen, Co-Founders, TRUFF – The founders reflected on TRUFF's evolution from a digitally native, Instagram-driven luxury hot sauce brand into a broader premium condiment company focused on making "elevated culinary experiences more accessible" and a mission to become America's leading premium condiment brand. They also discussed TRUFF's recent brand refresh, describing it as a careful "renovation" rather than a reinvention and one that could support a more accessible pricing strategy without sacrificing the premium quality, distinctive branding, or culinary standards that built the company's reputation. They talk about the brand's innovation strategy which balances data, retailer feedback, consumer trends, and intuition while maintaining rigorous product development standards. The founders also highlight investments in talent, operations, and product quality and praise new CEO Essy Wolbe for her combination of CPG expertise, culinary passion, and cultural alignment with the founders' vision. Looking ahead, they say that their goal is not simply distribution growth or a potential acquisition, but building an enduring brand that reshapes how consumers think about condiments. Brands in this episode: TRUFF, Red Bull, Cholula, Tate's Bake Shop, Happy Coffee, Heinz, Liquid I.V., Poppi, Health-Ade, Simple Mills

This episode we are discussing food and drink regulations. A lawsuit that was recently settled involving Poppi, the pre-biotic soda brand, paid out to consumers on the basis that their claims around gut health were not founded in scientific evidence. Other than using science to help lawyers decide what can scientifically and legally be defined as a pancake, science influences many aspects of policy and laws, generally known as regulations. Today I talked with Neal Fortin, an attorney, the director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, and a professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University, and Jeffery Glazer, who works at the UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic with a focus on food and beverage regulation. Both had some great insights into the world of food and drink laws. This episode was produced by Colin Hemme with music by John Leja. Thank you to Professors Neal Fortin and Jeffery Glazer for the interviews. This podcast is funded in part by an Associated Students of Madison viewpoint neutral grant. Contact request@asm.wisc.edu for accommodation information.

If you've ever deleted a draft, spiraled after a post flopped, or found yourself checking your analytics like you're waiting on a text back, this episode is for you. Most people think their content problem is strategy, but today we're getting honest about what's really going on. A toxic relationship with content looks like emotional dependency on metrics, disappearing after bad posts, and constantly shape-shifting your ideas for approval. We're breaking down the 3 self-trust creator profiles: low, medium, and high, so you can identify exactly where you are right now and understand how content may be having too much emotional control over your confidence and identity. The fastest-growing creators trust themselves before they get the validation, and this episode shows you how to do the same. You'll walk away with a 4-stage plan to rebuild self-trust: detaching your nervous system from performance, creating original ideas without seeking approval, building evidence that you can handle visibility, and developing a sustainable creative rhythm that you can actually repeat. This episode is your reminder that you're not going to stop posting. So it's time to decide, commit, and stop giving your brain the option to bail. Building a personal brand requires you to show up, and that starts with learning to trust yourself in the process first. In today's episode, we're chatting about: Your content problem isn't strategy — it's your relationship with content Checking analytics obsessively is the content version of waiting on a text back Low self-trust creators copy others, panic over metrics, and need validation to keep going High self-trust creators post before they feel ready and recover quickly from bad posts Stop giving your brain the escape route — no more "I'll just start a new account" Posting practice is the skill; self-trust is what makes it sustainable You're not going to quit, so decide and commit CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes. BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.    

Is there a carbonation crisis bubbling up across the beverage industry? For decades, beverage executives stayed awake worrying about the war on sugar, anti-alcohol laws, and Gen Z trends. Today, the biggest liability might be the bubbles themselves. A massive shift in human biology and consumer habits is quietly threating the multibillion-dollar packaged beverage landscape:Surge in Gastrointestinal Distress: Roughly two-thirds of adults regularly suffer from distressing digestive symptoms like bloating and IBS. Their first medical directive? Cut the carbonation.GLP-1 Effect: Weight-loss medications chemically delay gastric emptying. When trapped carbon dioxide hits a slow-moving stomach, it causes intense pain, nausea, and reflux. GLP-1 households cut their spending on sugary, carbonated drinks by nearly 10% within just six months.The alcohol sector (particularly traditional beer) is facing an existential contraction. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic brands are rapidly launching defenses...Functionality: Rebranding fizz into a gut-health hero using prebiotic fibers (e.g., Olipop, Poppi).Going "Fizz-Free": Growing massive platforms with non-carbonated energy drinks (e.g., CELSIUS). Altering the Gas: Experimenting with nitrogenation for a creamy, stomach-friendly mouthfeel.What's next? Expect front-of-pack labeling to evolve. Standardized visual "fizz scales" and terms like “lightly effervescent” will soon become mainstream retail standards.The modern consumer's biology has fundamentally changed. Executives who view digestive health and GLP-1 side effects as a passing trend are misjudging the market. The bubble hasn't popped yet, but it's noticeably losing air!

What actually gets investors to say yes in today's CPG market? In this episode, we revisit conversations with founders, operators and investors at Taste Radio's NYC Meetup who share candid advice on why disciplined growth, financial transparency and strong regional traction matter far more than hype – and why some of the biggest opportunities may be hiding in overlooked legacy categories. The hosts also dive into the rise of luxury and small-format grocery, including Whole Foods' Daily Shop concept and premium retailers like Laurel Supply and Nude Miami, and how brands like Ripi and Olipop are adapting their positioning, packaging and messaging to win with today's consumers. Show notes: 0:20: Nude & Bougie. Rip It. New For The Kids? Beefy Snacks, Pickle Beer & Soccer Chips. – The hosts discuss Whole Foods Market's expansion of its smaller "Daily Shop" concept into urban neighborhoods, alongside emerging upscale retailers like Laurel Supply in Los Angeles and Nude Miami. The conversation also touches on how emerging brands navigate this landscape, highlighting frozen pasta company Ripi as an example of a premium brand betting heavily on elevated packaging, product quality, and strong branding from day one to win placements at Whole Foods and Target. The hosts also dive into Olipop's newly announced refresh of its shelf-stable soda line, examining how the updated packaging and "feel-good soda" positioning appear designed to broaden the brand's mainstream appeal and attract younger consumers. They also sample Beest's beef-based charcuterie trail mixes, Ginny's adaptogenic sparkling beverages, Mooksi's overnight oat bites, Chestnut Sports Club's low-alcohol citrus lager, Pabst Blue Ribbon's Grillo's Pickles collaboration beer, Garrett Popcorn's hot honey flavor, Pop Off's limited-edition prebiotic soda, and Lay's World Cup-inspired chip flavors.  31:40: Interviews from Taste Radio's NYC Meetup – Stephen Plattman of accounting and advisory firm Anchin emphasizes the importance of establishing strong financial foundations early. Lucinda Capital founder and early-stage investor Mayur Aras encourages founders to prioritize strong regional traction and operational discipline over rapid expansion and also shares insights on how to move investors from "maybe" to "yes." He also noted growing excitement around innovation in overlooked legacy categories rather than short-lived trend-driven products. NextFoods CMO Lella Rafferty explains how recovery brand Cheribundi has shifted from a commodity juice positioning toward science-backed recovery and sleep solutions, leveraging credibility with athletes while introducing more portable formats like shots and gummies for "everyday athletes." Wandering Bear Coffee founder Matt Bachmann reflected on the company's evolution from boxed cold brew into a broader premium coffee platform, explaining how innovation in format and occasion has fueled growth while requiring increasingly sophisticated operational planning. Brands in this episode: Bai, Crooked Pop, Olipop, Poppi, Bloom, Mountain Dew, Beest, Rind Snacks, Parm Crisps, Ginny, Mooski, Chestnut Sports Club, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Grillo's Pickles, Garrett's Popcorn, Mike's Hot Honey, Pop Off, Lay's, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Chobani, Habiza, Laurel's Coffee, Wandering Bear Coffee

This episode came from something I've been coaching my clients on pretty consistently lately. We'll do the work on their positioning, their messaging, their content pillars, all the things, and then I'll notice this pattern where they're still not posting. But it's not because they don't know what to say. It's because they've convinced themselves they need something else first. A better script. A better camera. Better hooks. A better setup. Something. And I had to give this a name, so I'm calling it posting practice. Because here's the thing nobody really talks about: the skills you're waiting to magically have? The natural confidence, the charisma, the ability to speak smoothly on camera, the creative ideas on demand? Those are built by posting. That's it. That's the whole secret. You cannot think your way into them, journal your way into them, or course your way into them. In this episode, I'm getting into: Why the polished creators you admire didn't start polished, you're just not seeing the awkward videos and the hooks that flopped. The difference between treating posting like a performance vs. treating it like practice (and why this shift changes everything). What's actually underneath "I need a better script", because it's usually not about the script. The six skills that literally only get built through posting practice: speaking and communication, creative idea generation, audience awareness, on-camera presence, emotional resilience, and speed of execution. Why posting practice is its own form of fitness, like, you're building endurance, stamina, and tolerance for visibility. How I balance strategy and posting practice with my 1:1 clients so they're moving fast without posting into a void.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Work with me 1:1 inside private coaching to master your marketing and content and become your audience's favorite person to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today!  

Allison Ellsworth built Poppi from a homemade prebiotic soda to a $2 billion brand acquired by Pepsi… but you already know that. Today, Allison talks about what happens afterward, and how to follow-up a successful first act. Allison opens up about the unexpected grief of letting go of a company that was her identity, and the pressure of building a new company after a successful exit. She also digs into advice for anyone who has a different money mindset than their spouse, and how to find common ground.  Plus, Allison shares how she's talking to her three young kids about money and work— and why her kids waving her off with "Have fun, Mom" is her greatest parenting win. Check out Nicole's financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole's company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab's Instagram and Nicole Lapin's Instagram Keep up with Allison on Instagram and TikTok Here's what Nicole covers with Allison:  00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab?  01:10 When the Wire Hit 03:20 What People Get Wrong About "Billionaire" Headlines  04:15 The $50K Investment That Went Bankrupt Overnight  05:50 What Skills Transfer From Running a Company to Managing Wealth (And What Don't) 07:30 Running Your Personal Finances Like a Business  09:00 The Grief Nobody Warns Founders About  11:05 Separating Your Identity From Your Company  13:00 Founder-Led Content and What's Coming Next in Brand Building  15:20 Building the Second Company Differently  17:40 Self-Funding vs. Taking on Investors  19:30 The Emotional Payoff of Returning Money to Early Investors  21:45 Making 44 People Millionaires  22:00 Lessons From Being a Shark on Shark Tank 23:30 Female Founders, Mom Guilt, and "Spreadsheets in the Bedsheets"  26:40 Opposite Money Mindsets in a Marriage  31:30 Why Allison Has No “Fear Gene” 33:30 Raising Kids With Money Values 36:55 How to Talk to Your Kids About Work Without Losing Them  39:00 Buying Back Time 41:00 Secure the Bag 45:25 Allison Ellsworth's Tip You Can Take Straight to the Bank

From beef tallow fries to real sugar gummies and olive oil potato chips, the hottest brands in CPG are winning — and raising serious money — by reimagining old-school ingredients for modern consumers. The hosts unpack why investors are pouring millions into "back-to-basics" brands, including frozen fry startup Jesse & Ben's. We also meet with Better Sour co-founders Bella Hughes and Semira Nikou to discuss the brand's new gummy line and upcoming launch at Whole Foods. Show notes: 0:20: Sour, Sugar, Success. Bolt HQ. Taste Awareness. Where's The Beef? Olive Fry. Smart Bevs & Bars. – The hosts preview the episode's interview with Better Sour co-founders Bella Hughes and Semira Nikou and sample products from the brand's new real sugar line of gummies. They also recap Taste Radio's lively meetup in Austin, held at Nutrabolt headquarters and discuss how emerging food and beverage brands can build awareness at BevNET Live via sampling opportunities at the event. The discussion turns to frozen fry brand Jesse & Ben's, which recently raised a $10 million Series A round by differentiating itself through avocado oil and beef tallow preparation, elevated branding, and premium positioning. The team debated whether consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for upgraded versions of everyday staples, citing the success of brands like Graza, whose expansion into olive oil potato chips was praised as another example of innovative branding transforming a familiar category. The episode wrapped with rapid-fire product tastings and commentary on emerging functional beverage and snack trends, including nootropic drinks, tingling non-alcoholic beverages, and clean-label snack bars. 32:18: Interview: Bella Hughes & Semira Nikou, Co-Founders, Better Sour – Bella and Semira discuss the launch of their new line of real sugar gummies debuting exclusively at Whole Foods Market this summer. The entrepreneurs discuss how the brand extension moves Better Sour beyond its original low-sugar offerings while maintaining its focus on bold flavor, plant-based ingredients, and "foodie"-driven candy innovation. Brands in this episode: Better Sour, Poppi, Bachan's, Siete, New Barn Organics, Jesse & Ben's, Ore-Ira, Alexia, Graza, Brightland, Rind, Aura Bora, Neautonic, Disco Fizz, Caddy Snacks, Sour Patch Kids

If you've ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to post on Instagram, this episode is for you. I promise, it's not what you think. This topic actually came from a recent coaching call where so many of my clients had the exact same question: What do I even post right now? And what I've realized is that when people think they have a content ideas problem, they actually have a decision-making problem. A confidence problem, at it's core.  So in this episode, I'm breaking down the real reasons you don't know what to post and what to actually do about it. Here's what we cover: Why you need to know your goal with every post. You know what to post, but you fear the outcome.  You have too many ideas and no priorities. You're consuming more than you're deciding.  What to do instead: Ask yourself: what is this post supposed to do? Attract, connect, or convert? Get clear on what you want to be known for and what conversations you want to own. Think about what feels honest and strategic right now. Break it down to the smallest version of the idea. Reverse engineer from your CTA and pull one teaching from it. Whether you're in a visibility season, a trust-building season, or a conversion season, the content you need looks different for each, and I walk you through all of it. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

In this episode, I'm joined by digital strategist Sara Wilson, who coined the term “digital campfires” in Harvard Business Review, to explore why community is becoming one of the most important growth channels for CPG challenger brands. Sara works with brands including Nike, Netflix, YouTube, Airstream, Yahoo, PopSockets and Prince Street Pizza, helping them understand how to show up inside the communities where influence, identity and belonging are really being shaped.This conversation completely EVOLVED how I think about social media and its role in driving brand growth - genuinely.We talk about why the most important conversations may no longer be happening publicly on Instagram or TikTok, but in DMs, WhatsApp groups, niche communities, gaming spaces, Substack, Reddit and beyond.Sara shares why brands need to stop thinking only about reach and followers, and start thinking much more deeply about identity, transformation and the communities their consumers already belong to.Watch the episode on Youtube here.What You'll Learn Why Sara believes the future of influence is happening inside “digital campfires”.  The three types of digital campfires: private messaging, micro-communities and shared experiences.  Why relevance matters more than reach if you want people to share your brand.  How brands like Poppi and McDonald's have embedded themselves into communities.  Why founders need to understand the transformation their brand offers. Key Topics Discussed Community as a growth channel.  Why DMs and private spaces matter.  The “OMG, that's so me” effect.  Identity, belonging and relevance.  Why brands should embed into existing communities.  Poppi's winning 'sorority' strategy.  McDonald's Grimace and Mets community moment.  How to create high-value community engagement.  Why sampling and discounts are not enough.  How founders can rethink brand strategy through a community-first lens. Useful LinksConnect with Sara Wilson on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/saraewilson/Sara Wilson's newsletterhttps://communitycatalysts.substack.com/Sara Wilson's websitehttps://swprojects.co/We love inspiring you and helping your business to grow! PLEASE share the love by sharing this episode with another founder building a challenger brand, a colleague or a mate who loves thinking about community, culture and the future of brand growth. Don't forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to Brand Growth Heroes on your favourite podcast app, and even LEAVE A REVIEW - both of these actions make a MASSIVE difference to our mission to help more founders just like you.Join our community on Instagram, LinkedIn, and find out more about the programmes and courses Fiona runs, as well as the NextGen CPG WhatsApp group for founders leaning in to the value that a leadership approach to engaging with AI can unlock for businesses like yours.**** Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm.****If you're a founder, you already know how much energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with consumers.But scaling a CPG business also brings legal complexities that can make or break your growth journey - from contracts and regulatory compliance to protecting your intellectual property.That's why we're proud to partner with Joelson, the leading commercial law firm specialising in helping founders of scaling consumer brands.Joelson works with brands like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze and Pulsin, and advised the innocent founders on their landmark sale to Coca-Cola - and still work with them at JamJar Investments today!***The fabulous team at Joelson is offering a free legal consultation to any CPG founder listening -  Book your session today!**CreditsThanks to our Sound Engineer Gyp Buggane at Ballagroove.com.

I'm literally recording this right before heading to my rebrand photo shoot, and I'm still in the thick of the in-between. Here's the thing though: I don't see that as a problem because I know how to coach myself through it! Whether you're rebranding, shifting your offers, leaving a job, or just feeling that something needs to change but not quite knowing what that looks like yet, today's episode is your field guide. What we're getting into: What "identity vertigo" actually is  The grief that nobody warns you about when you're letting go of something that used to work Why staying busy feels like progress but often isn't Why the way you talk to yourself during reinvention actually matters more than you think The 3 questions I've been asking myself (and my clients): Who am I becoming and am I okay with that?  What am I actually afraid of, specifically?  What am I no longer willing to pretend?  The biggest things I want you to take away: You don't have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Action gives you the next clue. Most decisions feel permanent, but they're not. Treat the reversible ones like experiments. That person you admire who "reinvented overnight"? They spent years in the in-between. You just didn't see it. CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Allison and Stephen Ellsworth hyperscaled their healthier soda brand Poppi to a truly gigantic exit to Pepsi – nearly $2 billion – and changed an entire category. The married co-founders talk with host Jeff Berman about what it takes to juggle a growing company and family at the same time, how savvy social media strategy helped them stand out, and what happens when you decide to run a Superbowl ad ... four days before the Big Game.Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Okay, so last week I talked about marketing to your client's problems and how that requires a unique POV. But I kept coming back to the vulnerability piece because I feel like it deserves its own conversation. Here's the thing:"just be vulnerable" has never really worked for me. And I don't think it works for a lot of us, especially if you're a service provider whose story doesn't obviously connect to your niche. Especially if you're an immigrant or a Women of Color who has spent years showing the cleaned-up, polished version because you thought the messy parts were a disadvantage. That was me. For a long time, I was tapping into an alter ego to feel safe in entrepreneurship. It helped me cross 7 figures, But it wasn't the full picture. In this episode I'm sharing the actual framework I personally use and share with my private coaching clients. What We Get Into: The reason vulnerability feels cringe or performative (it's not you, it's the framework you're using). Circumstance / Identity — You've been where they are. Maybe not exactly, but close enough that they trust you get it more than anyone else would. Feeling — Even if they haven't lived your experience, they've felt what you felt. Loneliness, people-pleasing, boxing yourself in, not wanting to do the thing you were supposed to do. Aspiration — You want what they want. You know what it actually costs. Not the highlight reel version — the real cost. You don't have to share everything. You don't have to be vulnerable 24/7. And if you can't find the through line right now, don't force it. But most of the time, the block isn't that the through line doesn't exist, it's your thoughts about whether you're allowed to use it.   CONNECT: Connect with me on Instagram to see how I apply what I talk about on the episodes. Get more marketing insights from me beyond the episodes.   BEYOND THE EPISODE: Get private consulting and coaching on your marketing to become your audience's favorite personal brand to follow and buy from. Learn more. Learn how to launch like celebrity brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode using the Campaign Crash Course™. Get it today! Reinvent the way you market and 3x your audience, demand, and sales with Industry's Choice. Learn more. Get support with all of your design needs for your next campaign with Sales Studio. Get started.  

Today's episode is a blast from the past. Think back to your favorite childhood snacks: Lunchables, Dunkaroos, SlimFast bars, and fat-free everything. Did these foods quietly wire you for a lifetime of complicated food choices? If you've ever wondered why you're chasing charcuterie boards and still tracking diet trends, this episode will hit differently. Jenn Trepeck of Salad With a Side of Fries opens the snack drawer of nostalgia and compares iconic 90s foods side by side with their modern counterparts, reading actual ingredient labels from both eras. From Slim Jims to grass-fed jerky, from Crystal Light to electrolyte packets, the names have changed, but the marketing playbook looks surprisingly familiar. The 90s were a wild time for nutrition, and the truth about what was actually in these foods might shock you. This one is equal parts fun, eye-opening, and genuinely useful.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How the fat-free diet culture of the 90s quietly transformed into today's protein-packed wellness obsession, and why they are more similar than different.✅ The shocking differences in food labels from the 90s versus today, using real ingredient comparisons from Wonder Bread, Kraft Mac and Cheese and McDonald's French Fries.✅ Why do so many modern processed foods contain lab-made additives, cheaper fillers, and synthetic ingredients and what economic incentives are driving those formulations?✅ How the thin ideal has returned with new tools, including GLP-1 medications and social media, echoing the same harmful messaging that defined 90s diet culture.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to a nostalgic deep dive into 90s diet culture and iconic snack foods04:34 Blast from the past: Hamburger helper, fruit roll-ups, Shake ‘n Bake, Lunchables and Kids Cuisine09:18 Comparing SnackWell's to today's Halo Top and the evolution of "guilt-free" processed foods10:47 From SlimFast bars to protein shakes, how fat-free diet culture shaped a generation's eating habits and the upgrade from mystery meat to clean protein-packed snacking12:32 I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and spray dressings; then versus now in food additives and fats15:32 Dunkaroos to Nutella Dippers and Capri Sun to cold-press juice, beloved nostalgia snacks revisited20:37 Reading real food labels, Wonder Bread's original ingredients versus today's chemical-laden version and Kraft Mac and Cheese24:36 McDonald's French Fries in 2000 had three ingredients; today's list is a chemistry lesson28:22 Food dyes and how to change the food industry33:42 Diet culture is back, the return of the thin ideal, heroin chic, and skeletal beauty standards driven by social media36:15 Biohacking, orthorexia, and GLP-1 medications and new names for the same old diet culture pressure39:19 Is 90s nostalgia fueling heroin chic, or is heroin chic fueling 90s nostalgia43:13 Processed food chemicals, plastics, and rising colon cancer rates and the long-term health cost of 90s snack foods44:01 Convenience culture of the 90s versus today KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Grüns landed a $1.2 billion acquisition less than three years after launch. Added protein still dominates shelf space – but how much runway does the trend really have left? Meanwhile, bottled water is facing growing scrutiny as its long-standing "health halo" begins to crack. We unpack the headlines and trends shaping innovation across food and beverage – and what they reveal about where CPG is headed next. Show notes: 0:20: Brad Is Back. Big Green Deal. Do We Need Protein In This? On To Austin. The Plastic Problem. – BevNET and Nosh senior reporter Brad Avery joins the show as the hosts unpack Unilever's acquisition of fast-growing functional gummy brand Grüns, and why strong repeat purchase and DTC momentum can drive outsized valuations even without broad retail distribution. From there, the conversation turns to the still-surging "protein in everything" wave, with a look at new protein-forward launches spanning chips, pasta, soda, and coffee, and a candid debate over which formats feel intuitive versus engineered. The hosts also dig into how brands are factoring in the rise of GLP-1 drugs when shaping innovation pipelines. Ray thanks attendees of Taste Radio NYC Meetup, highlights the upcoming Austin meetup, and previews BevNET Live NYC 2026. Brad shares insights from his recent reporting on the bottled water category, where concerns around microplastics and packaging are beginning to chip away at its long-standing health halo – though behavior change remains early. The episode wraps with a tasting of sour innovations, from date-based candy alternatives to low-sugar gummies. Brands in this episode: Grüns, Goli, Athletic Greens, Liquid I.V., Koia, Khloud, Purely Elizabeth, Kaizen, Protein Pints, Pop Tarts, Laird Superfoods, Crisp Power, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, C4, Bloom, Ballpark, Essentia, Path Water, Open Water, Icelandic Glacial, DADDL, Behave, Warheads

Celebrity might open the door, but execution is what blows it wide open – and Khloud is proving it. Co-founded by Khloé Kardashian, the fast-growing functional snack brand has raced from launch to 29,000 doors in just months, secured nationwide placement in Starbucks, and expanded beyond its flagship protein popcorn with a new line of protein chips. But Khloud's momentum isn't just about star power. In this episode, co-founder and CEO Jeff Rubenstein – a seasoned CPG operator with leadership experience at Vita Coco and Poppi – shares candid lessons on execution, early pricing missteps, and why celebrity alone doesn't build a lasting brand. He also breaks down how balancing mass visibility with grassroots community-building is key to long-term success.Show notes: 0:20: Jeff Rubenstein, Co-Founder & CEO, Khloud – Jeff discusses his entrepreneurial journey from Coca-Cola to building multiple successful brands and now leading Khloud. He explains Khloud's focus on "female, fun, functionality, and flavor," positioning its products as stylish, better-for-you snacks that stand apart from traditionally male-oriented functional products. Jeff emphasizes that Khloud's success goes beyond celebrity backing and shares key lessons from scaling quickly, including operational challenges like supply shortages, the importance of investing early in the right manufacturing and operations partners, over-promoting and underestimating demand. He expects Khloud to evolve from a product-driven company into a brand-driven one, aiming to create emotional connections with consumers. Brands in this episode: Khloud, Vita Coco, Coca-Cola, Poppi, Doritos, Alani Nu, Quest, Pringles, Lays, Fritos

In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I sit down with Poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth to discuss the biggest transition in marketing history: the shift from social media to "interest media." I challenge you to stop relying on outdated "potential reach" and start posting one to three times a day on LinkedIn and TikTok. I also dive into why branding is an art form that requires humility and why replying to your comments is the most underutilized growth hack in the game.You'll learn about:Potential Reach vs. Actualized ReachWhy LinkedIn is the New Facebook 2012The Effect of TikTok for B2C BrandsHow to Build a Brand Community Through Radical ListeningWhy Ego is the Greatest Barrier to Your Business Scaling

Husband and wife Allison and Stephen Ellsworth have 3 kids and 3 Super Bowl commercials - Because together they created Poppi, the better-for-you soda disruptor that PepsiCo bought for $1.95 Billion last year.Their biggest fight? The day they sold the company.They've got a spreadsheets/bedsheets policy you don't want to miss.Work/Life Balance? That's the wrong question for entrepreneurs.Plus, Stephen plays the Newlywed game, TBOY-style.In this live interview from State Theater in Austin, we discuss the Ellsworth's full-circle moment: They got a deal on shark tank, grew Poppi's stock 100,000%, then came back to Shark Tank… as Sharks.In this interview, you'll hear how Allison and Stephen design a business based on vibes, why the marketing metrics don't matter, how distribution is destiny… and why you celebrate the wins in Italy.It's one part TBOY hangout, one part couples counseling, and we had so much fun on-stage with them, Jack even stole their drinks.NEWSLETTER:https://tboypod.com/newsletter OUR 2ND SHOW:Want more business storytelling from us? Check our weekly deepdive show, The Best Idea Yet: The untold origin story of the products you're obsessed with. Listen for free to The Best Idea Yet: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/NEW LISTENERSFill out our 2 minute survey: https://qualtricsxm88y5r986q.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp1FDYiJgt6lHy6GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Linkedin (Nick): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/Linkedin (Jack): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ About Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today's top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, The Best One Yet is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.