This exclusive episode of The Natural List was recorded live from the bustling show floor on the final afternoon of Newtopia Now 2025! Our co-host Jessica Rubino grabs New Hope Network insiders Bill Giebler and Grace Burleson for their raw, unfiltered reactions while the energy of the event is still buzzing around them.

This isn’t your average post-show recap. Check out this week’s episode of The Natural List to get an on-site pulse check for what stood out to our team while at Newtopia Now. You’ll get the candid observations that only come from that "still-on-the-floor" perspective.

The trio discusses how our two keynote sessions, by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and CEO of GNC, Michael Costello, highlighted the trends that emerged on the show floor and the importance of transparency and relationship building.

With so many emerging and first-time exhibitor brands, this year’s Newtopia Now was one to remember. Listen to the full episode for our on-site thoughts on content, exciting product innovations and more. Additional in-depth reporting coming soon on newhope.com!

In this episode:

-             1:19 Our team reveals which products made it into their bags—and which insights stuck in their minds

-             4:33 Just because one meeting doesn’t lead to a placement or a deal, don’t give up

-             5:10 How transparency–between retailers, brands and customers–builds trust

-             6:50 Newtopia Now is for nurturing connections across the supply chain

-             7:30 Quick highlights from the show floor

-             7:51 Innovative distribution channels and working with artists for packaging design

-             8:59 Protein is still everywhere, even fizzy water and desert

-             11:59 “Keep CPG weird and wonderful” highlighting beverage growth and innovation

-             13:48 This spicy sauce has eye-catching branding and flavor combinations

-             14:12 High Level Science is bringing specialization into supplements

-             15:40 A co-op approach to the trade show floor finds success with the Clean Living Founder Collective, the Angel Group, Startup CPG and more

-             16:05 Gen Z-focused clean skincare making waves

-             17:32 The unexpected chicken broth renaissance across multiple categories

-             18:20 The Newtopia Now spirit is alive and well with so many emerging, first-time exhibiting brands!

Prefer watching your podcasts instead of just listening? Check out our YouTube!