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The most overlooked aisle in the grocery store may be ripe for reinvention. Riff is betting on it. We dig into the new shelf-stable meal kit brand launched by Sir Kensington's co-founder Mark Ramadan and Eleven Madison Park chef Daniel Humm. We also discuss Battle Bars' attempt to broaden its appeal in the protein bar category and what investor network The Angel Group wants to see from emerging CPG brands. Show notes: 0:20: Angels In The Parking Lot. We Riff On Riff. Winning The Battle. Phenomenal Education. – The hosts recap the recent Taste Radio meetup in San Diego, featuring live interviews with Maddie Serviente of The Angel Group and Chuck Casano, founder and CEO of Pitaya Foods. They also preview upcoming Nosh Live, BevNET Live and Brewbound Live events in Los Angeles. The conversation then turns to Riff, a new brand of elevated pasta and noodle meals designed to compete with familiar names such as Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni and now available nationwide at Target. The hosts discuss the opportunity to reinvent familiar categories through better food, branding and consumer appeal, while emphasizing that taste remains critical to a brand's success. They also spotlight Battle Bars' brand refresh, including redesigned packaging and reformulated protein bars, and discuss how the changes were informed in part by the significant role women play in the protein bar category and are intended to broaden the brand's appeal. Ray offers a mea culpa over Goodles' reported acquisition price, while the hosts discuss Sol-ti's growth in the wellness shot category and its recent $30 million fundraise. They wrap with All Phenoms, a sparkling functional beverage that illustrates both the opportunity and challenge of communicating multiple functional benefits while maintaining a clear consumer proposition. Brands in this episode: Riff, Sir Kensington's, Hugh Kitchen, Hamburger Helper, Rice-A-Roni, Jif, Life, Goodles, Chef Boyardee, Super Coffee, Battle Bars, Sol-ti, All Phenoms, Wild Wonder, Olipop, Poppi
Introverts have earned a certain set of stereotypes regarding how they interact with other people, and with the world in general. This episode clarifies what really tends to be happening in an introvert's inner world.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We have lost several notable figures in recent weeks, and many of us have been grieving. What are the reasons that each of us do so?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
When is it most appropriate for those with greater racial privilege to speak up, or to sit back and listen. This episode shares some of my own lessons and experiences.Episode 220: You're On TrainMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We may have past moments of embarrassment that still live in us. They may be serious enough to affect our sleep or our decision-making. How do we let them go?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
If arranging our physical spaces can encourage positive energy in our lives, can we do the same thing for our daily routines and our weekly schedules?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Often, the way to figure out whether it's time to make a change is to pick up on the small things that could have been signs to do so along the way.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionEpisode 10: The Call CycleMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sometimes willing a creative idea into your mind works. For all of the times when it doesn't, however, you have to make your own inspiration by other means.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Not only is it important to establish a strong foundation for yourself, but also to re-establish it as needed when faced with questions and hostility from those around you.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I wasn't sure what I would find when I began my doctoral studies, but I did find it.I Stepped Away to Spend More Time with My ClassworkMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Remembering and giving thanks for my dearly departed dog, Luna.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sabbatical was a lot of things, and I'm still trying to figure out what they were.Episode 212: The Pre-Sabbatical EpisodeThe Life That She DeservedMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The story of Mt. Rushmore begins with the story of the state in which it is found: South Dakota.Audio Clips Used (Theme):“President Franklin D. Roosevelt attends dedication of Jefferson sculpture at Mount Rushmore -SDPB” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqCm4SSgQvc)“Trump in South Dakota: Mount Rushmore Will Never Come Down” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU-GvozCC2g)“Journey Discussions: The Mount Rushmore Vision” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PRlGbE_kWk&t=443s)“Episode 73 - Gutzon Borglum, The One Man War” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzZkYActJxQ&t=79s)“Mount Rushmore Interview 1” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZtSa-BOPuQ&t=2s)“Mount Rushmore - Documentary Films” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUo0GlWqhaw&t=3187s)Theme Music:“Anchor Crawl,” written and performed by Cody Martin. License available upon request.Episode Music (License available upon request):“Every Life Matters,” written and performed by Cody Martin.“Darkest Space,” written by Dustin Ransom; performed by Lost Ghosts.“A Kind Word,” “Echoes of Solitude,” and “Stroll the Westbury,” written by Adrian Dominic Walther; performed by Moments.“High Above” and “Wilderness,” written by Stephen Keech; performed by Wild Wonder.“LightHeart,” written by Joshua Sudduth; performed by TAYME
I'll be taking a sabbatical from my denominational work in May and June. Here's why I'm taking it now, and what I'm planning to do, (and not do).Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
A reading from my new novel, Dunamis. SPOILER WARNING for major plot points of the preceding novel, Mirrobius.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
There are those inevitable items on our to-do lists that we'd rather avoid due to their difficulty, or the discomfort that they may cause for us. This episode explores a different way to approach them.Meditations for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.John 20:1-18Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sometimes we get so bogged down in the imperfections of what we're doing that we can miss how good it turned out to be.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
If you were asked to write a six-word story that conveyed who you are, how would you approach it?No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and FaithThe Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My experience at this year's Cleveland Fan Expo was very different, and gave me a newfound appreciation and respect for some much-maligned elements of Star Wars.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I have a new novel out in the world, and I want to tell you more about it.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We often have such good intentions about self-care that can quickly become sabotaged or rationalized away. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Several episodes ago, I talked about how well-rested I've been. So of course that didn't last. Here are some ways to work through bouts of insomnia.Episode 201: Nowhere to Be, Nothing to DoMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio for Sunday, February 15, 2026.Matthew 17:1-9Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sometimes the simplest realization can help us get the rest that we need.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
This is my 200th episode, and I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Abscission is the process by which trees shed their leaves as part of their preparation for winter. We can learn something from this process as we move into new seasons of our lives.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on January 18, 2026.John 1:29-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sauna has become an important practice for me the past few years. Here are some things that I have learned from the experience.Wintering by Katherine MayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We have ways to display achievements for ourselves and others, but the deeper work of ongoing dedication and practice can't be measured so easily.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We still have just over a month until 2026 begins, but I've already been thinking about what I hope that it brings.Mirrobius: A NovelTri-VocationalMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The increased dark and cold that this time of year brings can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode explores what to watch for, and what to do in response.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote extensively about the practice of reciting Gathas, short verses that reframe mundane activities. This week's episode explores the practice and considers its application.The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat HanhGathas for Daily Living Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety TimesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon for All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025, at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio.Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The Johari Window is a self-awareness tool perhaps not as widely known as some of its counterparts. In this week's episode, I provide a brief introduction and explain its possibilities.Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Martial artists and other athletes learn "contact courage" in order to become more comfortable applying their techniques on other people. Scenarios elsewhere in our lives necessitate this same kind of comfort and courage as well.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The story of an unexpected side quest that my work team encountered when we attended an event in Lexington, Kentucky.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Allison chats to bestselling, award-winning author Tim Winton about ‘Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder', his first picture book in 20 years, illustrated by Cindy Lane – and his best tips for young writers.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | megandaley.com.au
The sermon on my first Sunday at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on October 5, 2025.Luke 17:5-10Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Emanuel UCC in Doylestown, Ohio on September 28, 2025.Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I'm making a change in my vocational life, and I want to share it with you.Episode 178: What's the Worse Part?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Just like Jason Segel's character in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, we may be putting off a creative dream. What is it, and how could you begin pursuing it?Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMirrobius: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I recently had COVID again, and skipped a week of recording a new episode as a result. Here are all the reasons why that was a good idea.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Congregational UCC in Canton on August 24, 2025.Luke 13:10-17Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Dover Congregational UCC in Westlake, Ohio on August 17, 2025.Hebrews 11:29-12:2Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Our house flooded the other week, and we're still sorting through the aftermath. This episode tells the story, as well as identifies what can help us get through such difficult times.Episode 180: They Bring ThemselvesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The sermon at New Vision UCC in Canton, Ohio on August 3, 2025.Luke 10:1-11Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
How do we handle disappointment related to what we create? When only so many people engage with or purchase our work? This episode explores this question, and encourages you to keep going.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on July 20, 2025.Luke 10:38-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Trump Tariffs and how they will affect CPG Brands and consumers, Emerging Brands New Launches in Retail, and Expo West Gouging The controversial Trump Tariffs announced over the weekend will be going into effect on Tuesday, February 4th, placing up to a 25 % tariff on all goods with exception to energy which is at 10 %. Canada has since retaliated and is threatening to impose their own tariffs on up to $300B worth of US goods coming into Canada starting in February. According to Trump: He has said he plans to impose tariffs for three reasons. “Number one is the people that have poured into our country so horribly and so much,” he said on Thursday. “Number two are the drugs, fentanyl and everything else that have come into the country. Number three are the massive subsidies that we're giving to Canada and to Mexico in the form of deficits.” These tariffs are expected to affect thousands of CPG brands manufacturing and shipping from Canada and Mexico, resulting in higher prices in retail, and potentially affecting velocities and a reduction in sales for these brands looking to continuing to grow in retail According to Mike Fata, Founder of Manitoba Harvest, an entrepreneur who resides in Canada, his latest Linkedin Post says: "Remember, We can be pro-family, pro-team, and pro-country, without crapping on others" In retail expansion news: Glonuts has expanded to Texas and is rolling out to 153 HEB Stores. Also, it may be slightly old news, but WIld Wonder has also expanded nationally in Whole Foods New Hope's Expo West is catching some flack for their high prices for this year's Natural Products Expo West Show, with badge passes costs for manufacturers, suppliers, and other business service companies as high as $4,500 per person. This definitely locks out some emerging brands and service providers looking to grow their business and network