Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

By Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesBusiness Health & Fitness Nutrition Arts Marketing Food

Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG) episodes

February 09, 2024137 - Peace Out Plastic with Kelly Perkins of Spinster Sisters
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts. The beauty and personal care industry alone generates around 120 billion units of packaging annually. Today’s guest has a vision to change that. Kelly Perkins is the Founder and CEO of Spinster Sisters, a B Corp-certified women-owned plant-based water and plastic-free skin, hair, and body care brand on a mission to make the best products for people and the planet. Join us as we dive into Kelly and Spinster Sisters’ journey toward becoming plastic-negative, the hurdles faced in eliminating plastic from their supply chain, and the motivations behind their decision to obtain B Corporation certification. If you are passionate (or even curious) about the urgent need for action to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic products, then this episode of Brands for a Better World with Kelly Perkins is a must-listen!

Key Points From This Episode:
Peace Out Plastic: Spinster Sisters’ journey to become plastic-negative
Why Kelly believes that the growing awareness of plastic usage is important.
Various hurdles Spinster Sisters has faced in eliminating plastic from their products.
Highlights Kelly has seen from their Peace Out Plastic Campaign.
The decision to obtain B Corporation certification and the associated benefits.
What sparked Kelly’s interest in creating toxic-free personal care products.
How her business and product line have expanded since founding Spinster Sisters.
Shampoo bars and their increasing popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Kelly Perkins on LinkedIn
Kelly Perkins on Instagram
Spinster Sisters
Spinster Sisters on Facebook
Spinster Sisters on Instagram
Spinster Sisters on TikTok
FSC
rePurpose Global
Ep. 122: Plastic Neutral Certified with Anjali Malpani of rePurpose Global
Ep. 30: Business as a Force for Good with Veena Harbaugh Of B Lab US & Canada
Amy Aquino on Instagram
Nancy Birtwhistle on Instagram
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on X
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
43 min
February 02, 2024136 - Pitch to Win with Kat Weaver of Power to Pitch
Have you ever wondered what sets thriving entrepreneurs apart? The secret lies in a single skill: effective pitching. In today’s episode, we sit down with Kat Weaver, Chief Executive Officer at Power to Pitch, to discuss mastering the art of pitching for startups. Power to Pitch is a dynamic platform that equips founders with the tools and knowledge to craft winning pitches, compelling stories, and robust fundraising strategies. In our conversation, we delve into why successful pitching is critical for founders, the formulae for a great pitch, common mistakes people make, how she helps raise more capital through successful pitching, and more. To discover invaluable insights and tips to elevate your pitching game and propel your entrepreneurial journey to new heights, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:
Introduction and background to today’s guest, Kat Weaver.
Power to Pitch and the services it provides founders.
Why successful pitching is not just relevant for fundraising.
Kat shares the secret sauce to a successful pitch.
The power of ‘keeping it simple’ and knowing your audience.
Pitching pitfalls and common mistakes people make.
Hear how Kat practices her pitching skills.
Tips and tricks to enhance your confidence when pitching.
Strategies for weaving a brand’s impact into a pitch.
Details about the Power to Pitch program and how it works.
Insights into the latest fundraising market trends.
Navigating founders’ fundraising and market expectations.
Kat answers a rapid-fire round of pitching-related questions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Kat Weaver on LinkedIn
Power to Pitch
Power to Pitch on YouTube
Power to Pitch on Instagram
Start with Why
Katherine Gold on LinkedIn
Goldbug
Episode: Upcycling Experiences with Will Nitze of IQBAR
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on X
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
40 min
January 26, 2024135 - Upcycling Experiences with Will Nitze of IQBAR
Many of us know what upcycling means as it pertains to physical things, but what does it mean to upcycle your personal experiences? Joining us today is Will Nitze, the Founder of IQBAR – a company that produces ready-to-eat brain foods. Will is here to talk about what it means to upcycle your personal experiences for them to be more valuable to your future self and others, and in our discussion, we extend this metaphor to discover how downcycling, recycling, and reusing play out in the human experience. If curiosity is getting the better of you (and to find out why that’s a good thing!), press play now.

Key Points From This Episode:
What it means to upcycle your experiences.
Examples of downcycling, recycling, and reusing as found in the human experience.
Understanding what works for you and what doesn’t.
Why it’s important to process correctly and have great channels of distribution.
The necessity of curiosity, and the power of storytelling.
Will explains what gives him his edge and unique creative style.
The ins and outs of IQBAR.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Will Nitze on LinkedIn
Will Nitze on Instagram
Will Nitze on X
IQBAR
Will Nitze LinkedIn Post on Curiosity
Adam Brown on LinkedIn
Four Sigmatic
Mark Samuel
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on X
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
55 min
January 19, 2024134 - Better Candy Bar with Stu Davidoff of Gigantic
Traditional candy bars have a LOT of sugar. And, while it may not be great for our health, most of us still believe that our taste buds prefer that level of sweetness. But what if the optimal level of sweetness were actually way more subtle than we thought, and required only a small amount of sugar? Joining us today is Stu Davidoff, Founder of Gigantic Candy Bars, to talk about his mission to create a better ‘sorta sweet’ candy bar with less junk and more fun. He tells us about the formulation process behind their products, how they hit the perfect level of sweetness, and their commitment to sourcing better, healthier, and more ethical ingredients. We get into the typical junk you can expect to find in most candy bars, why most people don’t even notice his products have less sugar, and the instrumental lessons he’s learned after three years on the market. If you want to learn more about how to find that sweet spot, whether it’s in business or with candy bars, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:
The story behind the founding of Gigantic Candy Bars.
What inspired Stu to create his ‘sorta sweet’ candy bars.
How they found the perfect level of sweetness for their products.
Why most people don’t notice the reduced sugar in Gigantic products.
The excessive amount of sugar (and other junk) found in most candy bars.
Why Stu chose to prioritize non-GMO ingredients.
Entrenched supply chain issues within the cocoa industry.
Gigantic’s commitment to sourcing only fair trade cocoa.
Their decision to only use plant-based, vegan ingredients.
How they formulated vegan caramel for their candy bars.
Other iterations on the traditional candy bar, and why Stu found them lacking.
Ways that brands mislead consumers about the sugar contents of their products.
Instrumental lessons Stu has learned after three years on the market.
We end with our set of rapid-fire questions for Stu!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Stu Davidoff on LinkedIn
Gigantic Candy Bars
Gigantic Candy Bars Store Locator
Fix & Fogg
Fix & Fogg Everything Butter
glonuts
Lex Evan
Lexington Bakes
Lex Evan on LinkedIn
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on X
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
43 min
January 12, 2024133 - Better Actions with Gage Mitchell of Modern Species
Feeling inspired by the new year and the recent episode on changing behaviors, this episode focuses on motivating actions that will lead to a better 2024 and world for all. Compounding small actions over time creates a significant impact, and this episode will challenge you to take that first step in helping create a better tomorrow. One thing a day, week, or month, it is totally up to you. In this episode, I offer listeners 54 ideas to help get started. From eating healthily to protecting your time, unpack ways to create a better you before creating a better world. Discover how supporting fair trade, fostering mental health in the workplace, engaging with local communities, and making eco-conscious choices can collectively shape a future we all want to be a part of. Taking better actions is not just a philosophy. It is a roadmap for meaningful change. To hear about the various actions individuals, brands, businesses, and communities can take to contribute to a better world, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:
Learn to eat better, dance freely, and master the art of self-kindness.
Championing sustainability and exposing greenwashing villains.
Transforming workplaces into happy spaces, donating profits, and setting impact goals.
Discover how small acts in your community can create a ripple of positive change.
Hear easy tips for recycling, sustainable transportation, and loving the Earth.
Insights into Gage’s playbook on future-proofing your life.
The secret sauce that makes Modern Species a beacon of change.
Final words of wisdom for building a better world.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Better Action Slides
Episode 132: Changing Behaviors with Nick Budden of Flavor Forward
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on X
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World Email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
39 min
January 05, 2024132 - Changing Behaviors with Nick Budden of Flavor Forward
Can a brand, product, or marketing strategy change the world? Maybe not directly, but today’s guest believes that he can positively influence consumer behavior for a healthier and more sustainable future. Nick Budden is an innovation strategist on a mission to create $500 million in healthy, sustainable food innovation by 2030. He founded Flavor Forward Strategy to help food brands innovate with purpose and, in today’s episode, he joins us to talk about the psychology of behavior change, how you can use these principles to make a positive change in your life, and how brands can inspire life-changing behaviors through their products and marketing. We also share some recommended reads and resources, recipes to make vegetables taste better in 2024, and much more! If you're intrigued by the potential for brands to shape a better world, this episode is your gateway to understanding how you can become an agent of positive change. Tune in to be inspired to make a meaningful impact, one choice at a time.

Key Points From This Episode:
How brands can inspire better behaviors by solving common problems in innovative ways.
Examples of brands making a meaningful impact by influencing consumer behavior.
Three elements that must converge for a behavior to occur (according to BJ Fogg).
Benefits of employing process-oriented goals over outcome-oriented goals.
Surprisingly simple and reliable strategies to build sustainable habits.
Ways to reframe existing motivations rather than trying to create a new motivation.
Why New Year’s resolutions typically don’t last and incremental changes work better.
Consistency over intensity: why it's better to start with easy, practical, and enjoyable routines.
Small interventions that add up to improve your daily lifestyle.
The “nudge” that helped Nick make positive changes in his own life.
Books to help you change your habits, ride the CPG growth curve, and even live longer!
Why you should find ways to make vegetables taste good in 2024.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Flavor Forward Strategy
Nick Budden on LinkedIn
Fogg Behavior Model
Tiny Habits
Atomic Habits
The Power of Habit
Nudge
Ramping Your Brand
The Blue Zones
Liquid Death
GoodPop
Pledge Good Foundation
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World Email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1 hr 13 min
December 26, 2023131 - Self Care & Latin American Botanicals with Rebekah Jensen of Sanara Skincare
Sustainable and green skincare products have become increasingly popular due to their focus on environmentally friendly practices and natural ingredients, but have we tapped into nature’s full potential? In this episode, we embark on a rejuvenating exploration of self-care and Latin American botanicals with the insightful Rebekah Jensen, Founder of Sanara Skincare, to discuss the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs, the untapped potential of Latin American botanicals, and her battle with cancer while trying to grow her business. We delve into her self-care practices that have been a guiding light through adversity and gain invaluable insights into balancing the demands of work and rest. As usual, we end our conversation with our rapid-fire questions for Rebekah. Tune in and discover how cultural wisdom can lead to products that create an impact and enhance the soul with Rebekah Jensen!

Key Points From This Episode:
Rebekah explains the value of self-care routines for entrepreneurs.
How solving her own skincare problems led her to launch a company.
Discover how her kitchen was the start of Sanara Skincare.
Overcoming market downturns and hurdles when launching.
Finding the gap in the market regarding Latin American botanicals.
Tapping into cultural wisdom to create a positive impact.
Rebekah’s experience of battling cancer while growing a business.
The power of reconnecting with her body and her spiritual side.
Some self-care practices that have helped Rebekah.
Keeping a balance between the demands of work and rest.
Details about Sanara Skincare’s incredible range of products.
Staying on top of the latest industry trends to keep competitive.
We end with our set of rapid-fire questions for Rebekah!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Rebekah Jensen on LinkedIn
Sanara Skincare
Sanara Skincare on Facebook
Sanara Skincare on YouTube
Sanara Skincare on Instagram
Sanara Skincare on TikTok
The Alchemist
Zappos
Naturally Network
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World Email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
53 min
December 22, 2023130 - Brand, Impact & Packaging with Adam Peek of the People of Packaging
There’s nothing wrong with having beautiful, eye-catching packaging that grips a shopper from first sight. But what use is a pretty package if the contents inside are already spoiled? For this unique cross-show episode of Brands for a Better World, our resident host, Gage Mitchell turns interviewee as special guest, Adam Peek dons the host’s chair. Adam is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Meyers and also the host of the People of Packaging Podcast, and he’s here to discuss all things related to packaging and sustainability. We explore how brands can build trust and community with consumers before unpacking the role of packaging in food sustainability and preservation, how brands can get the most out of their packaging, and why it’s important for brands to simplify and clarify their on-packaging message.

Key Points From This Episode:
Today, special guest, Adam Peek interviews Gage about packaging and sustainability.
How brands can create connections and build community and trust with consumers.
The role of packaging in food sustainability and preservation.
How brands can use packaging to communicate their authentic commitment to sustainability.
Why it’s important for brands to simplify and clarify their message.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Adam Peek
Adam Peek on LinkedIn
Adam Peek on Instagram
Adam Peek on X
Adam Peek on TikTok
People of Packaging Podcast
Meyers
‘The good news about packaging and the hope it offers for the future’ | Adam Peek | TEDxSaltLakeCity
Utah HS Hoops Podcast
Vicki Strull
Impact-Driven Gift Guide 2023
Brand Pollinators
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact-Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28 min
December 13, 2023129 - Regenerative Organic Agriculture with Patagonia Provisions and Paul Lightfoot
The brand Patagonia is renowned for its purpose-driven mission of finding solutions to problems, collectively working to battle climate change and help save our home planet. One of the solutions they’re focusing on is regenerative organic agriculture and food sourcing because, after all, everything we consume and eat has a profound impact on our planet. Today’s guest is part of that team working to create systems that foster healthier and “better-for-the-world” food practices. We are excited to introduce, Paul Lightfoot. Paul is the General Manager of Patagonia Provisions, the food business of Patagonia, and the Board Chair of Regenerative Organic Alliance, the non-profit that administers Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™). In our conversation today, we dive into the why behind Patagonia’s journey into the food industry, what inspired their collaborative craft beer program and delve into the Regenerative Organic Movement. To hear about Patagonia’s only acquisition and explore its initiatives to solving the environmental crisis, be sure to start listening now. Enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:
Patagonia Provisions: why a clothing company decided to start a food company.
How Kernza® Grain happened and the why behind the collaborative craft beer program.
Patagonia’s journey from the apparel business to the food business.
Patagonia Provision’s pursuits and ambitions in the food industry.
Patagonia’s first and only acquisition and why crackers were the next space to invest in.
What fires Paul up about the Regenerative Organic Movement (and what irks him).
What ‘Regenerate, Rejoice, Restore’ means to Paul.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Paul Lightfoot on LinkedIn
Paul Lightfoot on X
Patagonia Provisions
1% for the Planet
Regenerative Organic Alliance
The Land Institute
Kernza® Grain
Yvon Chouinard
Patagonia Provisions: Unbroken Ground (Film)
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
48 min
December 05, 2023128 - Climate Neutral with Austin Whitman of The Change Climate Project
The transition away from fossil fuels may be daunting, but achieving a clean, net-zero future promises a world that is not only environmentally sustainable but also remarkably hopeful. Joining us today is Austin Whitman, CEO of The Change Climate Project, an initiative that offers Climate Neutral Certification and helps companies accelerate on the path to net zero. In our conversation, we break down everything you need to know about their Climate Neutral Certification program, the importance of addressing climate change as a collective, what we as individuals can do to help, plus a whole lot more. To hear all the details about the impact of these initiatives and how you can get involved, be sure to tune in for a conversation that is not only informative but also deeply inspiring!

Key Points From This Episode:
What The Change Climate Project is and how they support other companies.
A breakdown of their Climate Neutral Certification program.
How they built their diverse community of leading consumer brands and volunteers.
The many challenges facing humanity and why everyone should be focused on addressing the climate change crisis.
Companies that are currently certified and where listeners can learn more and support them.
Austin answers our rapid fire questions with a special holiday twist.
Learn about the Modern Species Impact Driven Gift Guide and how to use it over the holiday season!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Austin Whitman on LinkedIn
The Change Climate Project
The Change Climate Project on LinkedIn
Modern Species
Modern Species Gift Guide
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World Website
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
Impact Driven Community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
43 min

About Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

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We're bringing you the stories behind the people and products building a more just, healthy, and regenerative future for us all. Tune in weekly and together, we’ll learn about why these better…

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Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG) episodes

About Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)