Best Founder at Ember Podcasts (2024)

1
Introducing: Dear Bri, an advice column for community strategy, fiascos, and drama! 1:57

2d ago1:57

1:57

Welcome to Dear Bri, an advice column for community strategy, fiascos, and drama. On this podcast, I collect anonymous letters from real-life community creators and bring on an expert from the community space to help you feel a little less alone and a lot less crazy. Should I build my community on Slack? Is membership the way to go? How do I create…

1
How PepsiCo’s Greg Lyons Support His Team’s Challenger Mindset 23:37

3h ago23:37

23:37

PepsiCo is transforming how we think about beverages, pushing boundaries beyond the bottle. Greg Lyons, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo's Beverages North America Portfolio, shares his insights on driving this innovation. In this interview, Lyons discusses embracing a challenger mindset, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding into new ca…

1
From Scrambled Eggs to Global Success: The Story of Ember's Entrepreneurial Journey 28:25

23d ago28:25

28:25

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey laun…

1
How the Operators and Founder of KIND Snacks Are Redefining Consumer Growth-Stage Investing 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operationa…

1
Nori’s Journey from DTC Startup to Clothing Care Industry Disruptor 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

In a landscape dominated by established brands, Nori emerged as a disruptor in the ironing industry. Where others saw a commodity, Nori pioneered innovation where few dared to venture. I sat down with Nori CEO and Co-Founder, Courtney Toll, to delve into her journey from launching Nori despite investor skepticism to navigating the complexities of h…

1
How Sunday’s Customer-Centric Approach Revolutionized Direct-to-Consumer Lawn Care 18:57

2M ago18:57

18:57

In the competitive landscape of direct-to-consumer brands, Sunday's innovative approach to lawn care is setting it apart. By focusing on a seamless end-to-end customer experience, Sunday has redefined how consumers interact with and care for their outdoor spaces. This strategy not only ensures high customer retention but also positions Sunday as a …

1
How Coconut Cult Blends Innovation and Community in the Yogurt Aisle 27:20

3M ago27:20

27:20

From humble beginnings in a kitchen, Coconut Cult has become a pioneering brand in the world of functional foods. I sat down with the Coconut Cult leadership team including founder Noah Simon-Waddell and CEO Ari Raz to learn more about their journey. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of self-manufacturing, how they have fostered communi…

1
How BODYARMOR Embraces the Mamba Mentality To Fuel Innovation and Growth 22:01

3M ago22:01

22:01

BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports hydration since 2011. Founded by Mike Repole, the brand has witnessed a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry through game-changing innovation. Federico Muyshondt, CEO of BODYARMOR, took over leadership of the brand shortly after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. I sat down with Muyshondt to di…

1
How Catalina Crunch Took The Fight To Sugary Breakfast Cereals and Snacks 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Catalina Crunch has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to low-carb, high-fiber foods. Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, whose personal journey with type one diabetes sparked the creation of Catalina Crunch, the company has rapidly evolved from a passion project to a thriving business. I sat down with Kaliannan to learn more about the brand…

1
How Cabinet Health is Pioneering Sustainable Healthcare, One Plastic-Free Pill bottle at a Time 24:48

4M ago24:48

24:48

Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare. In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson. I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generatio…

1
From Homemade Burritos to Frozen Food Icon: The Journey of Red's Founder, Mike Adair 22:59

4M ago22:59

22:59

In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the …

1
MìLà's Culinary Journey: From Restaurant Success to CPG Triumph in the Evolving Landscape of Asian Cuisine 17:38

5M ago17:38

17:38

In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspe…

1
The Pathfinder's Trailblazing Journey: Crafting a Niche in Non-Alcoholic Spirits by Redefining Socializing 19:34

5M ago19:34

19:34

In the ever-evolving landscape of spirits, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root emerges as a groundbreaking non-alcoholic alternative, not merely mimicking traditional spirits but carving its own niche with a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and complexity. I sat down with Co-founder Chris Abbott to learn more about their journey through the inspirat…

1
Navigating The New Reality Of CPG Investing with Siddhi Capital 33:21

5M ago33:21

33:21

Unlike many of her peers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, Melissa Facchina comes from a background in Operations with a focus on food and beverages. Today, Facchina is the Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital, which was born from a joint venture between her operating firm, Siddhi Ops, and the family office of her co-founding partners Steven …

1
Why DEUX’s Founder Believes Your Need To Learn The Rules Before You Break Them 21:36

7M ago21:36

21:36

DEUX has the lofty goal to offer a healthier alternative to iconic food brands like Nestle. I sat down with Sabeena Ladha, founder of DEUX, a better-for-you snack brand of edible cookie dough,donut holes and dessert spreads, to share her journey from extensive experience in big CPG, McKinsey, and venture capital to disrupting the consumer category.…

1
From Potato Chips to Fruity Jerky: Solely's Unconventional Entrepreneurial Path 24:13

7M ago24:13

24:13

Soley is the fastest-growing natural fruit snack brand in the US and their unique approach saves 1.6 million pounds of fruit per year. I sat down with Solely's founder, Simon Sacal, to discuss this extraordinary journey from attempting a fat-free potato chip to pioneering a unique and sustainable vertical supply chain for disruptive fruit-based pro…

1
How PSA Built an Industry Leader Around Grading And Authentication 22:29

8M ago22:29

22:29

Over the past five years, the collectibles world of sport and trading cards has seen a massive resurgence as a new generation of collectors have discovered the “Hobby”. This growth has led to innovative new business models like Loupe with box breaking and Goldin with auctions. But perhaps the biggest beneficiary has been Professional Sports Authent…

1
How HOP WTR Is Changing The Non-Alc Category 21:31

9M ago21:31

21:31

Coming out of the global pandemic, consumers have increasingly been searching for non-alcoholic alternatives. Hop Water has been one of the fastest growing categories, with sales up nearly 200% in the past year. The market leader in this space is HOP WTR, a sparkling hop water crafted with a proprietary blend of stress-busting hops, adaptogens (ash…

1
How Clevr Created A Functional Take On Coffee Shop Favorites 23:49

10M ago23:49

23:49

Inspired by their own morning routines, Hannah Mendoza and Roger Coppola co-founded Clevr Blends. As pioneers in the better-for-you coffee category, Hannah and Roger have reshaped classic cafe-style drinks like Matcha, Chai, and Coffee lattes, and infused them with adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and better-than-barista ingredients. Along the way…

1
Can Chicken Make A Better “Potato” Chip? 18:49

10M ago18:49

18:49

Jason Wright set out to create a first-of-its kind nutrient-dense protein chip for nutrition-conscious snackers. As the founder of WILDE, he’s done just that by using chicken breast, egg whites and bone broth in a familiar chip format. I sat down with Jason to learn more about his journey with WILDE, why he chose to manufacture in his own facility …

1
How Sovos Brands Grew Rao’s 9X in Six Years 18:02

1y ago18:02

18:02

In the world of business, many acquisitions fail to live up to lofty growth expectations. But with Rao’s, Sovos Brands has created a playbook of what works, growing the brand over 9x since acquiring it in 2017. I sat down with Yuri Hermida, the Chief Growth Officer of Sovos Brands, to discuss the company's journey to building Rao’s into a billion-d…

1
How Magic Spoon Brought Innovation To The Breakfast Table 21:09

1+ y ago21:09

21:09

Before the founders of Magic Spoon tackled the cereal aisle, their first startup was a line of protein bars using cricket protein called Exo. While the business was eventually sold, it taught them the importance of product-market fit and the difficulty of building a category from scratch. I sat down with Gabi Lewis, co-founder of Magic Spoon to dis…

1
How TRUFF Embraced Partnerships For Growth 21:58

1+ y ago21:58

21:58

Over the past few years, TRUFF has partnered with brands ranging from Hidden Valley Ranch and Taco Bell to Super Mario Brothers and Warren Lotas. Despite the diversity of these partnerships, all have a common authenticity that unifies them. I sat down with co-founder Nick Ajluni to talk about their journey building the brand and why they have made …

1
The Story Of Mad Rabbit: Identifying A Pain Point In The Tattoo Industry 17:53

1+ y ago17:53

17:53

Since launching on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Mad Rabbit has changed the game in the tattoo aftercare market. They are doing so by bringing change to an industry that is thousands of years old but one that has been largely resistant to innovation until recently. I sat down with Oliver Zak, co-founder of Mad Rabbit, to talk abou…

1
Why Charlotte’s Web Partnered With Major League Baseball To Educate The World About CBD 21:04

1+ y ago21:04

21:04

Over a decade ago, Charlotte’s Web created the CBD category and despite a roller coaster in the market, they remain the category leader today. As the category leader, they view it as their job to educate the industry and the general public on the benefits of CBD. In pursuit of this mission, at the end of 2022, Charlotte's Web became the first “Offi…

1
How CookUnity Brings The Best Chefs In The World To Your Kitchen Table 20:50

1+ y ago20:50

20:50

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants across the country encountered a situation that they never imagined. But thanks to the CookUnity, chefs were able to turn to a new platform to get their recipes and food onto kitchen tables across the country. And for many of them, they have found a new source of revenue that allows them to reach more …

1
Standing in a Higher Perspective 28:11

1+ y ago28:11

28:11

Ep. 21- Standing in a Higher Perspective In this episode: - The value in seeing life from different angles - The importance of recognizing emotion and I am statements - Identifying our Sacred Ground - The movie Inside Out: https://amzn.to/3ItCWpL Connecting with Kristina: Ready to take your life to the next level? Your next expansion? Have a projec…

1
Goals, Expectations and Faith 22:42

1+ y ago22:42

22:42

Are you setting Outcome Goals or Output Goals? What expectations have you consciously or unconsciously set for yourself? Where does Faith live for you? Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://amzn.to/3GvD5XE To Book a Breakthrough Session: https://calendly.com/kristinacrooks/breakthrough-session?month=2023-01…

1
How to Prepare for a Difficult Conversation 50:09

1+ y ago50:09

50:09

E18- How to prepare for a difficult conversation Charity Youngblood is a Digital Producer and host of the podcast, Life’s Questions & Lessons. Life’s Questions & Lessons ( https://anchor.fm/lifesquestionsandlessons ) is a 5-minute podcast where Charity shares the tool she used to create an extraordinary life: self-reflection. Her hope is that you’l…

1
How Goodles Is Bringing Fun To The Mac And Cheese Aisle 24:52

1+ y ago24:52

24:52

If there is one staple of nearly every household with children, it is a pantry with boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese (or maybe Annie’s). But Jen Zeszut and the team at Goodles are out to change that, while making it ok for adults to admit that boxed mac and cheese doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. I sat down with Zeszut, the CEO and Co-Founder of Go…

2y ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Be Alink is a restoration architect, woodworker and inventor of The Alinker, a 3-wheeled walking bike that allows active people with mobility challenges to remain active. She was born and raised in the Netherlands and spent 10 years on community reconstruction in Kenya, The Sudan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. In 2008 she immigrated…

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