MIKUNA is redefining plant protein with Chocho, a nutrient-dense superfood grown regeneratively at high altitudes in the Andes. Rooted in Ecuadorian heritage, their products deliver clean, powerful nutrition while supporting regenerative agriculture and empowering local farming communities. They believe in fueling people and protecting the planet, one scoop at a time. Mikuna was founded by fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former professional athlete, Ricky Echanique. On this episode, Ricky is taking us behind the brand.

• Ricky Echanique’s founder story as a fifth-generation Ecuadorian farmer and former professional athlete

• Why Ricky created a brand to bring Chocho to new markets

• Strategy marketing Chocho in the United States

• Advice for an emerging brand founder marketing an unknown ingredient to most US consumers

NOON blends age-old adaptive, cognitive-enhancing plant technology, like functional mushrooms, with neuroscience to create next-generation, science-backed delights that support peak mental performance. Jane Wong, co-founder, CCO, and CEO of NOON, is a globally sought-after creative leader with over 15 years of expertise in design, technology, and innovation. And she’s taking us behind NOON.

• Jane Wong’s story going from design and technology to CPG

• NOON’s brand story of creating a science-backed gummy

• Strategy going to market and standing out

• Advice to emerging CPG founders

Hanni is bodycare so easy to use, it's impossible to forget. no creams, lotions or scrubs here, all of their products are unlike anything you've seen before and are made for one reason only - to make life easier. Inspired by this gap in the market, Leslie Tessler created Hanni, named after her youngest daughter, Hannah. The brand launched with a fresh approach to bodycare—prioritizing simplicity, nourishment, and high-performance formulas that transform the skin with minimal effort. Hanni’s award-winning products are clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and clinically tested to deliver visible results. From the cult-favorite Splash Salve, which locks in moisture while you’re still in the shower, to the Shave Pillow, a waterless alternative to traditional shaving creams, Hanni is setting a new standard in bodycare.

• Leslie Tessler’s personal story of becoming a bodycare founder

• How Hanni brings something new to a crowded bodycare market with innovation and function

• Strategy to launch at Sephora

• Advice to an emerging brand founder building a CPG brand

Better, bolder snacks. Born of four Thai-American sisters with a love for the unexpected, Party Of makes crushable snacks with serious flavor. Just like us, our snacks are a joyful blend: familiar yet surprising. Authentic yet accessible.

• Founder story of 4 sisters launching a snack brand

• Brand story of Party Of

• Strategy to launch and stand out in a crowded snack market

• Advice to an emerging brand founder who’s creating a new product

Sponsored by Hummingbirds

The Real Cereal Company reinvents classic cereals with organic, clean ingredients. With zero added sugar, gluten-free, and non-GMO options, they bring nostalgic crunch to modern, health-conscious consumers. Tom Binder, Co-Founder of The Real Cereal Company brings 10+ years of experience in marketing and sales. Tom shares his passion about disrupting traditional industries with innovative, consumer-focused solutions.

• Tom’s founder story bringing 10+ years of experience

• The Real Cereal Company’s brand story

• Strategy behind creating a clean cereal brand and who they worked with to go to market

• Advice for an emerging brand founder

Sponsored by Hummingbirds

Such a fun conversation with Nate Rosen, founder Express Checkout on his deep dive of Expo West. We got to talk shop about our hot takes of what we discovered!

• Brands that caught Nate & Kelly’s attention

• Trends we discovered at Expo West (and Nate’s thoughts on trends)

• Advice for emerging founders on when to show at Expo West

• And more!

Sponsored by Hummingbirds

Freestyle Snacks is reimagining olives as we know them to give olive lovers what they deserve: all of the taste, with none of the hassle. Easy, on the go snacking with premium marinated olives from Greece. Nikki Seaman is the founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks. Her background is in management consulting and CPG, previously working at Bain and Whisps.

• Nikki’s career from management consulting to CPG founder

• Brand story behind Freestyle Snacks

• Strategy behind launching and building in airports

• Advice to emerging brand founders

Springdale Ventures an early-stage consumer VC firm lead diligence on investments and support portfolio companies. They’re passionate about elevating emerging consumer brand entrepreneurs and the ecosystem that supports them. On this episode, Mollye Santulli Senior Associate at Springdale Ventures takes us behind the scenes.

• What types of brands Springdale Ventures looks for

• How your founder story makes you stand out from the crowd

• When venture capital makes sense for your brand

• Mollye’s advice to emerging brand founders

Sarah Delevan is a Financial Consultant, podcast host, and “good food” advocate with over 15 years experience building and supporting regional and sustainable food systems.  As the Founder and CEO of Sarah Delevan Consulting, and The Good Food CFO,  Sarah’s work over the last 10 years has focused on supporting mission-driven food businesses, farmers, ranchers and fishers in achieving profitability and financial sustainability to secure their much needed place within our food system. At the heart of all of her work is a belief that access to real food is a right, not a privilege. She is also committed to educating consumers and lawmakers about the way that food business is done within the industry at large, and fighting for meaningful change.

• Sarah’s career path to become a financial consultant

• Why Sarah created The Good Food CFO

• Strategic advice for understanding how profitable your business truly is

• Advice for food founders who want to build a sustainable business

Seremoni Fish is a new standard and philosophy for the very best fish. Their team is modernizing and scaling an ancient Japanese fishing technique that ensures the highest quality, freshest fish while supporting the entire fishing supply chain – all the way from boat to plate. Saif Khawaja is transforming the seafood industry through his ventures Shinkei Systems and Seremoni, merging traditional Japanese fishing techniques, like the Ike-Jime method, with modern technology to elevate the entire fish consumption experience.

• Saif Khawaja’s story behind starting the brand

• The importance of conscious fish consumption

• Strategy behind working with Michelin chefs

• Advice to an emerging brand founder