Healthy Hustle Spotlight

From a traditional butcher shop in Switzerland to building one of the most premium bone broth brands in the U.S. — this episode features Thomas Odermatt, founder of Butcher’s Bone Broth. We dive into how old-world craftsmanship became a modern CPG business, why in-house manufacturing is central to quality, and what it means to build a legacy brand instead of chasing quick exits. Thomas shares his approach to retail growth, brand education, and turning bone broth into a daily health ritual, and why “the jiggle” is the ultimate sign of a superior product.

In this episode, we speak with George Ho and Brian McDermott of Frönen about leading through change and building consumer brands with long-term thinking. They discuss stepping into leadership during a transition, earning trust with investors and retail partners, and making disciplined decisions that prioritize consistency, quality, and credibility over short-term wins. The conversation offers a candid look at how thoughtful operations, product standards, and leadership mindset compound over time, and why playing the long game matters in today’s consumer landscape.

This conversation dives into the realities of today’s retail landscape and what emerging brands need to know. We chat with Rachel Krupa, founder of The Goods Mart in NYC and Krupa Consulting, to cover the art of curation, how consumers are actually shopping, the importance of team education, and the power of anecdotal data. You’ll learn what retailers look for, how to prepare your product and pitch, and how to spot trends with staying power.

In this episode, we sit down with brand and marketing expert Ruth Fittock to unpack what truly makes a challenger brand break through. With nearly 20 years of experience in health and wellness, Ruth shares how smart positioning, radical transparency, and clear consumer messaging separate winning brands from the rest. She also dives into her approach to angel investing, the founder qualities she looks for, and how operators can balance data, intuition, and creativity.

In this episode, Sam Moore shares his journey from a high-performing software sales executive to building Hazlo — a functional beverage brand redefining how we drink. We talk about his personal experience with alcohol, the rise of the sober curious movement, and how Hazlo is creating a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or experience. Sam breaks down his product philosophy, strategic partnerships, and his long-term vision of helping people live happier, healthier lives, without the downsides of booze.

In this episode, we chat with Katie Cella to explore what today’s investors are really looking for — and how founders can better tell their story, demonstrate traction, and build meaningful relationships with capital partners. We also break down how aspiring investors can start angel investing, make confident decisions, and contribute to a more diverse, future-focused investment landscape.

In this episode, Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila, shares her journey from being a corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom to launching a tequila brand focused on additive-free products. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, the wide space she identified in targeting female consumers, and her commitment to social impact through her brand. Mara emphasizes the need for strategic growth, innovative marketing, and community collaboration while navigating the complexities of the spirits industry.

In this episode, Sam Abramson — who was serving as CEO of Just Date at the time of recording and has since transitioned out of the role — shares the origin story of the brand, which began with a focus on creating healthier sweeteners from dates. The conversation covers the evolution of their product line, including the introduction of date-sweetened chocolate and foodservice clients, and the importance of consumer behavior in shaping their offerings. Sam emphasizes the significance of taste and health benefits in their products, as well as the challenges and strategies involved in marketing and distribution. The conversation also touches on the company’s lean approach to growth and future goals, including expanding their presence in retail and e-commerce.

In this episode, Rachel Simons, founder of Seed & Mill, shares her journey from being a media lawyer to a food entrepreneur, highlighting the evolution of her brand dedicated to sesame products. She discusses the growing popularity of tahini and halva, the health benefits of sesame, and the company's innovative expansion into ice cream. Rachel also addresses the challenges of brand communication, the importance of community engagement, and the lessons learned from parting with co-founders. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the significance of building relationships in the food industry.

In this episode, Howard Fischer shares his journey from traditional finance to impact investing, highlighting the importance of using capitalism as a tool for social change. He discusses the mission of Gratitude Railroad, the investment strategies employed, and the significance of authenticity in founders. Howard emphasizes the need for professionalism in impact investing and the role of policy in facilitating change. He also explores the intersection of film, literature, and social impact, offering insights into the future of sustainable investing and the importance of investor relationships.