The Story of a Brand

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of Malk Organics, and talk about the journey of not just leading a clean-label brand but rebuilding it from the inside out.

Jason shares how a deeply personal career pivot led him to a mission-driven company that’s transforming the plant-based milk category, one clean ingredient at a time.

We get into the weeds from SKU rationalization and shelf life extension to the emotional...

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Abel, Co-founder and CEO of Pilot Project Brewing, a first-of-its-kind beverage incubator helping brands navigate one of the most competitive and complex CPG categories: beverages.

From launching home-brew experiments in his garage to opening multi-location tasting rooms and scaling more than 20 innovative brands, Dan shares the real story behind building an incubator that acts more like a rec...

In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, President, CEO, and Chairwoman of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering brand behind the kefir movement in the U.S.

We dive deep into Julie’s incredible family story, from escaping the Soviet Union with just $116 to building a nearly $200M company that now owns 95% of the global kefir category. Julie shares how her father’s dream, her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, a...

In this episode, I chat with Charlie Weisman, the creative force behind Staff, a brand that’s reimagining the most overlooked items in your home such as plungers, lint rollers, and oven mitts with joy, color, and a whole lot of personality.

What started as a quirky side project during the COVID lockdown turned into a design-forward brand now making waves with retailers, collaborators, and ev...

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Abel Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer of Bissinger’s, one of the oldest chocolate companies in the world, dating back to 1668.

We dive into this remarkable brand’s royal beginnings in France, its journey to the U.S., and how Dan and his family have preserved Bissinger’s timeless quality while modernizing its operations for today’s consumer. Dan shares the heartfelt moments that fueled their purpos...

Ever wonder why restaurant aprons haven’t changed in a hundred years? 

In this episode, I sat down with father-son duo Kevin and Kieran Hoy of Smart Apron to discuss how they’re transforming a tired, overlooked product into a modern-day solution for food service workers and beyond. What started with a stitched-up fanny pack has become a functional, durable, and smartly designed product used by everyone from restaurant servers to N...

What does it take to build a premium wellness brand in one of the world's most regulated, misunderstood, and competitive industries? 

In this episode, I sit down with David Hartigan, Founder and CEO of Hemp Heros, to talk about the real story behind his mission-driven CBD and functional mushroom company. From managing MMA fighters to becoming one of the few B Corp-certified hemp brands, David shares how a single moment of belief c...

What happens when two creative minds, a thriving agency founder and a comedian-turned-creator, team up to launch a better-for-you hydration brand?

You get VitaWild—a deliciously clean and thoughtfully formulated hydration and immunity blend that’s winning hearts (and taste buds). 

In this episode, I sit down with Jacques Spitzer and James Schrader, co-founders of VitaWild, to talk about their passion for product integrity, build...

What do you get when you combine a great-grandmother’s Swedish cookie recipe, a mother-daughter duo, and a lot of grit?

You get Spritzal, a clean-label cookie brand disrupting the cookie aisle with shortbread bites made from real, simple ingredients.

In this episode, I sit down with Taylor Walker, COO and Co-founder of Spritzal, to talk about how a family recipe evolved into a brand that’s winning over retailers, shoppers, and s...

What happens when two passionate entrepreneurs set out to reinvent the non-alcoholic drinking experience? 

In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Spring and Sophia Racciatti, Co-Founders of Ooso, to discuss their journey of creating a sparkling tea inspired by natural wine. From late-night kitchen experiments to landing on retail shelves, they share how they built a brand that brings complexity, sophistication, and design-forward...

Women’s health should be accessible, judgment-free, and rooted in real solutions, but that hasn’t always been the case. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Norwood, Co-founder of Winx Health, to discuss how her brand is challenging outdated norms, improving access to essential products, and leading the charge in reproductive and vaginal health. From over-the-counter emergency contraception to at-home testing, Winx Health is re...

Jewelry isn’t just about sparkle—it’s about storytelling, sentiment, and capturing life’s most meaningful moments.

In this episode, I sit down with Simone Kendle, CEO of Wove, to discuss how this brand redefines the fine jewelry experience with custom designs, technology, and a personal touch. From engagement rings to viral moments, Simone shares how Wove is making luxury jewelry more accessible, personal, and deeply meaningful.

...

What if prenatal and reproductive health went beyond pregnancy? 

In this episode, I sit down with Ayla Barmmer, Founder & CEO of FullWell, to discuss the critical role of nutrition in fertility, pregnancy, and overall reproductive wellness for both women and men. 

As a registered dietitian and integrative health expert, Ayla shares how evidence-based formulations, transparency, and education are changing the landscape of prenatal...

Most sparkling water brands sound the same, look the same, and talk to the same consumer but Mike Pilkington, Co-founder & CEO of Key Sparkling Water, saw an opportunity to do things differently.

In this episode, we discuss how Key Sparkling Water is challenging the status quo with real ingredients, crafted carbonation, and a bold new approach to branding.

Mike shares insights on building a brand that stands out in a crowded mar...

What if you could naturally support your body’s appetite regulation without injections or synthetic drugs?

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kennedy, CEO of Calocurb, to dive into a revolutionary approach to hunger management and GLP-1 activation.

Backed by 14 years of research and $30 million in funding, Calocurb is a clinically tested, plant-based supplement designed to help consumers take control of their cravings and po...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Yash Chavan, the founder of Saral, to talk about what’s changed in influencer marketing, what’s working right now, and how brands can build long-term, authentic partnerships with influencers.

We dive into the evolution of the influencer space, why attention is the new currency, and how brands can stop wasting money on the wrong influencer deals. Yash breaks down his game-changing strategy—one th...

If you love stories of resilience, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit, today’s episode is exactly that.

Meet Molly Blakeley, the powerhouse founder of Molly Bz Cookies, who went from being a single mom with just $150 to her name to building a nationally recognized brand. Molly’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—full of hustle, creative problem-solving, and an unstoppable mindset.

We talk about the highs and lows of building a...

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of CHOMPS, the fastest-growing food brand in the U.S. 

From humble beginnings to over $500 million in retail sales, Pete and Rashid have built a brand redefining the snacking industry with high-quality, healthy, and delicious meat snacks.

What I love about this conversation is how Pete and Rashid...

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published on May 26, 2022. Our interviews on The Story of a Brand Shows are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URLs in these archive episodes are still relevant.

In this episode of The Story of a Brand, I interview Anthony Ciavirella, Co-founder of Manmade. 

Anthony and his co-founders are redefining men’s essentials with a focus on q...