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

April 12, 2023117 - Deliver on Flavor & Sustainability with Alec Jaffe of Alec's Ice Cream
As public interest in sustainability grows, there are more and more consumers looking for ways to eat the foods they enjoy with less impact on the world around them. This means that today’s CPG brands are forced to innovate when it comes to both flavor and sustainability to meet the increasing demand for affordable, climate-friendly, and perhaps most importantly, delicious products. Today, we are joined by Alec Jaffe, the Founder and CEO of Alec’s Ice Cream, to learn how he created the world’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified ice cream brand, which makes our planet a better place not only through the way it’s created but through the smiles it creates in turn! Tuning in, you’ll hear how Alec stumbled into the joys of making ice cream as a kid, the gut-friendly benefits of A2 dairy, and his advice for other impact-driven entrepreneurs to help them shift their perspective on adversity, plus so much more! Whether you’re a CPG brand or simply someone who likes to eat delicious food while being kinder to the planet, you’ll benefit from this fascinating conversation about building “feel-good, taste-good, do-good" brands. To find out why changing your habits doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods and how Alec is creating what he calls an ice cream utopia, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:
The key to creating premium flavor profiles while also delivering on sustainability.
An understanding of what A2 dairy is and why it’s better for you.
What led Alec to become a Regenerative Organic Certified brand.
Why being “naive enough to try” played a vital role in the success of Alec’s Ice Cream.
Insight into what inspired Alec’s interest in sustainability and food systems.
How starting from scratch gave Alec’s Ice Cream a competitive advantage.
Reflecting on the growing A2 dairy trend (and the education that still needs to be done).
The surprisingly simple secret that makes Alec’s unique flavor combinations so tasty.
What tends to scare retail customers away from “weirder” flavor profiles.
Challenges that Alec’s Ice Cream faces as an impact-driven company.
The story of how Alec’s love for ice cream started with an elementary school project.
A look at Alec’s career trajectory: from sports to tech to CPG entrepreneurship.
What the future looks like for Alec’s Ice Cream and their innovative pints!
Alec’s advice for impact-driven entrepreneurs: prepare to persevere through adversity.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Alec Jaffe on LinkedIn
Alec Jaffe on Twitter
Alec’s Ice Cream
Regenerative Organic Alliance
Salt & Straw
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World – Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World Email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
49 min
April 05, 2023116 - Passion and Entrepreneurship with Jordan Buckner of Foodbevy
Entrepreneurs are able to build their businesses because of the passion that fuels them, which also gives them purpose, helps them focus, and develops their resiliency. Jordan Buckner is joining us today to help us unlock the power of passion and purpose. He is the Founder of Foodbevy, a community platform aimed at helping founders in food and beverage grow from startup to scale. We discuss the differences between passion and purpose and how to align the two, before examining how you can improve your life by focusing more energy on what you are passionate about. By tuning in, you’ll gain key insight into how Jordan and Gage relate to their passions and purpose, and what you can do as an entrepreneur who has lost the internal fire for your business.

Key Points From This Episode:
What passion is and where it comes from.
The difference between passion and purpose.
How passion is inherently found in us and also fueled by pursuing a topic of interest.
Looking at balance as it pertains to passion, purpose, and earning a living.
Prioritizing how you spend your time by centering it on your passions.
The importance of choosing a job that is aligned with your passion.
What an entrepreneur can do when they lose passion in their business.
Appreciating the process, art, and journey of business rather than focusing on the money.
Exploring Ikigai as a foundation for finding your passion.
What Jordan is passionate about and how he recognizes when his internal fire has been lit.
Gage’s various passions and interests and how they align with his purpose.
How passion can’t be turned off, but it can decay if not used/pursued.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Jordan Buckner on LinkedIn
Jordan Buckner on Twitter
Foodbevy
Ikigai
Proceed and Be Bold!
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
47 min
March 30, 2023115 - Margins, Capital, Time & Purpose with Jared Kligerman of The Think Tank
There is much to consider when launching a product in the retail space. Joining us today to discuss the tribulations he faced through the process of launching (and subsequently closing) Wander Nut Butters, is The Think Tank’s president, Jared Kligerman. Jared’s mission with The Think Tank is to aid small businesses in standing out from the crowd and engaging customers. In this episode, we find out how his experience of running his own small business made him a better advisor, and what he learned through the process. He shares his marketing approach and touches on the four cornerstones of a successful startup, namely margins, capital, time, and purpose. Tune in to find out why it’s essential to be flexible in the startup space and to never stray from the black and white when it comes to financial decision-making.

Key Points From This Episode:
The Think Tank’s succinct elevator pitch.
Learn about the impetus behind Jared Kligerman’s former company, Wander Nut Butters.
Jared’s approach to marketing.
How his experience with Wander Nut Butters aids his mission at The Think Tank.
Wander Nut Butters’ early wins and subsequent challenges.
The complexity of retail in Canada versus the US.
Insight into the nuances of altering pricing to raise margins.
The importance of thoroughly researching your category before launching a product.
An overview of the arduous process of shutting down a business.
The importance of being committed (but not attached) when it comes to business.
Requirements for a successful business: margins, capital, time, and purpose.
Key lessons Jared learned about himself through launching a brand.
The importance of knowing your strengths before striking out as an entrepreneur.
Why it’s essential to be flexible in the startup space.
How Jared got involved with The Think Tank, what they do, and what his role entails.
The expense of certain certifications.
Unpacking the danger of assumptions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Jared Kligerman on LinkedIn
Jared Kligerman on Twitter
The Think Tank
Wander Nut Butters
True Founder by Marc LaFleur
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1 hr 19 min
March 22, 2023114 - Why Not All Salt is Real Salt with Darryl Bosshardt of Redmond
Much has been said in the last few decades about salt and its effects on our health. And more recently, some of the claims around its dangers have come into question and been clarified. Here on the show today is Darryl Bosshardt of Redmond, a company dedicated to making clean and natural salt more available to everyone. Our conversation centers on some of the misconceptions of the past and present, and what individuals should really be concerned about when considering their salt intake and general diet. We also get to discuss Redmond's company history and values, and what sets them apart as an organization. Listeners will come away with some fresh perspectives on this important piece of human history, as well as a clearer understanding of how to utilize salt's benefits in their diet, so be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:
Darryl's upbringing in Redmond, the family farm, and the historic sea beds of Utah.
The truth about how salt effects on our health.
How salt and its usage have changed over the last hundred years.
Recent studies on salt intake, and holistic approaches to nutrients.
Darryl talks about real salt and how our ancestors retained its health benefits.
Why salt cannot be classified as organic!
Three questions to ask when purchasing salt; who, where, and what.
The simple process that Redmond goes through with their salt.
A little about the other products that Redmond offers and the process for launching these.
The company philosophy around intention and purpose at Redmond.
Team activities and initiatives at Redmond; supporting morale and connection.
Darryl's thoughts on B-Corps and the next generation of business ethics.
A closing wish from Darryl around intentionality and the future.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Modern Species
Darryl Bosshardt on LinkedIn
Redmond
Evidence for relationship between sodium (chloride) intake and human essential hypertension
The dietary guideline for sodium: should we shake it up? Yes!
Salt: A World History
Salt Your Way to Health
Dr James DiNicolantonio
The Salt Fix
Dr. David Brownstein
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1 hr 4 min
March 15, 2023113 - Food That Won't Slowly Kill You with Bobbi Giudicelli of Read The Ingredients
Changing your behavior is no easy feat, especially when it comes to food. And for Bobbi Giudicelli, it took several dramatic health setbacks (both for herself and two close family members) to take action and truly re-examine how her relationship with food was affecting her quality of life. This led her to co-found Read The Ingredients, a company that produces some of the cleanest, healthiest, vegan, and gluten-free packaged meal alternatives available on the market. In today’s conversation, we draw on Bobbi's experience to explore the food industry: why it's broken and how processed food and big pharma are contributing to the declining health of all Americans. Bobbi explains why Read The Ingredients felt the need to dedicate the majority of its marketing budget to educating consumers before unpacking the unique challenges they face as a niche product at a higher price point and why she would never compromise the integrity of her products (even if it meant going out of business). Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation on the shortcomings of the traditional food industry and why it’s so important to empower the small brands that are challenging the status quo!

Key Points From This Episode:
The story behind Bobbi’s company, Read The Ingredients, and how eating healthy can transform every aspect of your life.
Understanding why processed food is so damaging to our bodies.
Learn about the contents of Bobbi’s book, Freedom From A Toxic Relationship With Food.
The three key things that inspired Bobbi to change her lifestyle and pursue clean eating.
Why our food supply system is so broken and the impact this has on our overall health.
How marketing is used to trick people into believing that a product is healthy.
Big Pharma’s role in undermining the health of all Americans.
The higher price point of Read The Ingredients products, its niche place in the market, and the challenges they face in educating consumers and marketing to them.
Bobbi’s experience as a serial entrepreneur and why the food industry has been more challenging to navigate than any other.
A rundown of how the odds are stacked against smaller consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and the flaws in current distribution models.
Why Bobbi would rather go out of business than compromise the integrity of her products.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Bobbi Giudicelli on LinkedIn
Read The Ingredients
Dennis Weaver on LinkedIn
Change Your Food - Change Your Life
Organic Marketing Association
Tiny Habits
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1 hr 9 min
March 08, 2023112 - The Benefits of Mushrooms with Parker Olson of Forij
During his junior year in college, Parker Olson embarked on the first of a series of nutritional experiments that would change the course of his life in ways he could never have imagined. After becoming aware of the incredible properties of functional mushrooms during one of these experiments, Parker became the youngest board member of the Puget Sound Mycological Society and subsequently founded Forij, a granola product packed with mushroom extracts that are both very healthy and very delicious (as strange as it sounds!). During this episode, Parker talks about his scrappy approach to entrepreneurship (his dedication to the cause really comes through strongly when he shares his experience of sleeping in a tent for two years), his involvement in the psilocybin treatment space, and his thoughts on the future of functional food. Tune in today to hear how mushrooms could change your life too!

Key Points From This Episode:
The nutrition experiments that Parker started conducting on himself during his junior year in college.
How Parker became aware of the functionality of mushrooms.
The founding story of Forij and the process Parker went through to develop the Forij products.
Parker’s “claims to scrappy fame,” including the two years he spent sleeping in a tent.
Valuable takeaways from Parker’s entrepreneurship degree (and the things you can’t learn in a classroom).
Parker’s involvement in the movement to democratize psilocybin treatment.
What Parker’s role on the board of the Puget Sound Mycological Society entailed.
Parker’s thoughts on the future of functional food.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Forij
Forij on Instagram
Parker Olson on LinkedIn
Puget Sound Mycological Society
Strategyzer Series
PsiloHealth
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
49 min
March 01, 2023111 - 2022 Hits - Make People Feel Something with Jake Karls of Mid-Day Squares
We are bringing back another of our most listened episodes from 2022. This time, we’re speaking with Jake Karls, cofounder and rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, about their game-changing, show-everything style brand marketing and how he and his co-founders (his sister, Leslie, and brother-in-law, Nick) are committed to staying independent and true to themselves for the long haul.
Key Points of the Episode:
An introduction to Mid Day Squares and why they call themselves the first functional chocolate bar.
The reason why Mid-Day Squares wanted to build a modern-day Hershey.
The philosophy behind being a chocolate company that's unapologetically themselves.
Why the lack of creativity limits innovation.
Jake's thoughts on how brands can stand out by being themselves.
The beginnings of Mid-Day Squares.
The unique way Mid-Day Squares creates content about its journey and products.
Jake's thoughts on why every individual needs to know their strengths.
Why partnerships need therapy.
How Mid-Day Squares chose its social media platforms.
The different kinds of content they make for each social media platform.
The power behind 'controlling the microphone’.
The key to the authenticity factor.
Jake expands on the idea of not taking investors.
The lessons Jake has learned from his journey.
Tweetables:
“If you find your purpose, you'll likely be happier just because you'll be doing what you love every single day.” - Jake Karls [00:19:27]
“Do not yardstick. It's so dangerous. And when you stop doing that, you start to feel free.” - Jake Karls [00:41:30]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Jake Karls on LinkedIn
Mid-Day Squares
The Big Leap
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn

Modern Species
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
46 min
February 22, 2023110 - Air, Water, Tea and Your Health with Michael D. Ham of Wild Orchard Teas
What has become known as conventional agriculture is part of the reason for the state of grave environmental degradation we find ourselves living in, which is having negative impacts on our health. Although regenerative farming may be a new term, it’s actually an ancient practice based on the way nature intended us to consume food. Through Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas, Michael Don Ham is doing his part to improve the health of our natural ecosystems and our bodies. In this episode, you will hear about the benefits of regenerative methods and products and what sets Wild Orchard apart from other tea companies, as well as how Michael’s other company, RePure, is optimizing indoor air quality. To hear Michael’s story, as well as the invaluable role that you, as a consumer, play in the “better for the world” movement, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:
An overview of the Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas origin story, and the factors that make their products unique.
The three pillars of air quality and how RePure devices optimize indoor space for health.
The health benefits of regenerative consumable products (using Michael as a case study!).
Why the state of our blood is a key determinant of our health, and the factors that contribute to it.
Negative consequences of chemical agriculture.
Michael’s upbringing and how it has influenced his educational choices and entrepreneurial endeavors.
The invaluable role of consumers in the “better for the world” movement.
Michael’s thoughts on what the future of health looks like.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas
Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas on Instagram
Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas on Facebook
RePure
RePure on Instagram
Michael Don Ham on LinkedIn
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
54 min
February 15, 2023109 - No More Designing Pretty Trash with Gage Mitchell of Modern Species
Ever wondered about Gage Mitchell's journey into his current work and the early days of Modern Species? Today Gage gives listeners a short but sweet introduction to the career pivot he made about 15 years ago, what brought about this change, and the principles that he built into the foundations of his agency. Gage also talks about his prioritization of impact, indispensability, and avoiding the worst traps of capitalism, before sharing the four rules he baked into Modern Species from the start. So if you want a bite-sized shot of inspirational history, press play.

Key Points From This Episode:
The main goal: helping to grow ethical brands and scale positive impact.
Forming Modern Species and the four rules that were the foundation.
Traveling Europe and Asia, and the impactful moments that broadened Gage's mindset.
The beginning of Gage's journey into a different kind of graphic design.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World Email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 min
February 08, 2023108 - Purpose Baked Into the Business with Matt Kreutz of Firebrand Artisan Breads
At Firebrand Artisan Breads, making exceptional baguettes and brioche (which they do) is secondary to their mission of creating meaningful work for people who are often not given those opportunities. Matt Kreutz, the founder of Firebrand and our guest on today’s show, founded the company with the goal of making a positive impact on his community by hiring homeless and previously incarcerated people. During this episode, Matt explains how his open hiring policy, his commitment to living wages (and additional benefits), and his acceptance of the messiness that comes with the people-first approach has led Firebrand to become a thriving company of 100 employees with a long, bright future ahead. To hear about the life changing power of a bread-making business, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:
The inspiration behind the founding of Firebrand Artisan Breads and the impact that Matt hopes it will make on people’s lives.
Firebrand’s hiring and employment policy.
The people-first philosophy that underpins everything that Firebrand does.
Why Matt opted to use a trust model for Firebrand.
Supportive measures that Matt has put in place to equip homeless and previously incarcerated people with valuable skills and resources.
What drew Matt into the world of baked goods at age 14.
How Firebrand has evolved since its founding.
An overview of Firebrand’s Sliced Bread program.
The importance of following your own path and not getting distracted by what other people are doing (or seemingly doing).
What it means to be a good leader.
Matt’s goals for the future of Firebrand, and his hopes for the future of the industry.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Firebrand Artisan Breads
Firebrand Artisan Breads on Instagram
Firebrand Artisan Breads on LinkedIn
Matt Kreutz on LinkedIn
Modern Species
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn
Gage Mitchell on Twitter
Brands for a Better World - Evolve CPG
Brands for a Better World Community
Brands for a Better World on YouTube
Brands for a Better World email
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1 hr

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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About Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)