The Firebelly Social Show

Josh Sizemore is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history in the food and beverage industry, spearheading a swanky new pizza lounge to contribute to a groundbreaking, health-oriented snack brand. He was the CEO of Beloit Kombucha Company, a venture-backed kombucha brand with an unusual but unbelievable form factor. He is an entrepreneur with multiple successful ventures, including The CITRUS, EZ-Beverages, and Bleu'print Hospitality. Josh serves on the board and as a C-suite executive of several organizations, including the University of California, Riverside, Lionchase North America, and Create Good Foods. He is passionate about health, fitness, and helping others live their lives to the fullest.

Navigating the dynamic and competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry requires more than just ambition. Understanding the nuances of this industry and the art of thriving within it is a pursuit that many are eager to embark upon. So, what can one glean from the experiences of those who have not only weathered the challenges but have also seized the abundant opportunities this industry has to offer?

Serial entrepreneur Josh Sizemore takes us through the exciting world of food entrepreneurship, sharing stories and lessons from opening his restaurant and upcoming venture into health-focused snack brands. He talks about the joy of creating businesses prioritizing customer experiences and the importance of personal health and well-being in entrepreneurship. Josh also delves into new and innovative food products that continue to shape consumer preferences, highlighting the balance each founder must strike between hustling for success and preserving vital downtime.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Josh Sizemore, a seasoned entrepreneur, about his journey in the food and beverage sector. Josh discusses his latest new restaurant venture and its thoughtful approach to hospitality, the impact of personal hardships and health scares on his perspective on life and entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and insights on the rising "better for you" food trend.

Aisha Chottani is the Founder and CEO of Moment, a brand dedicated to improving mental wellness through adaptogen-infused beverages. A Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant, she channels her expertise and global background into crafting drinks that promote stress management. Aisha's products are crafted from natural ingredients like ashwagandha and L-theanine to encourage balance and mental clarity. Under her leadership, Moment has expanded internationally, collaborating with major distributors and retailers, and she has successfully navigated business challenges, including her appearance on Shark Tank and launching the brand during the pandemic.

A world saturated with stress often holds little room for self-care. Many people seek that perfect balance between a busy lifestyle and moments of tranquility. What if there's a product that tastes delicious and also promotes mental well-being?

Aisha Chottani dives into her path from a stressful corporate job to creating a beverage brand that champions mental wellness. Her global upbringing and professional background led her to craft adaptogen-infused drinks, providing a delicious way to manage stress. With each flavor, she aims to balance bodily wellness with pure enjoyment. She also discusses the benefits of ashwagandha and L-theanine, two fundamental ingredients in Moment's drinks. Balancing her work-life dynamic while running a startup with her husband, Aisha shares how embracing tough decisions is crucial for entrepreneurial success.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Aisha Chottani, Founder and CEO of Drink Moment, about creating a beverage that encourages calmness and mental clarity. Aisha discusses how businesses can address larger societal issues, shares her social media engagement strategies, explains the intention behind creating the Strawberry Rose flavor, and offers tips for maintaining a positive dynamic when working with a spouse in a startup.

Carlee Kelly is the Founder and Chief Product Innovator of Lettuce Eat, a company that elevates your commercial food concept and scale for international markets. A seasoned food and beverage industry expert, she is fondly known as a business-savvy entrepreneur and a nutrition science nerd. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition, channeling her passion for enhancing the food landscape toward mission-driven endeavors. Carlee specializes in plant-based nutrition and allergen-friendly foods, creating accessible, nutritious options for packaged goods. Her deep knowledge of nutrition, food systems, and business strategy makes her a valued partner to brands aiming to make a positive impact through their products.

With so many healthy options in the market, it's hard for customers to discern which products meet their nutritional needs. However, the intersection between business viability and consumer health is achievable in today's food landscape for food companies. But how can these brands achieve quality over convenience?

Food and beverage industry expert Carlee Kelly shares her experiences helping brands navigate the complex food and beverage innovation space. Having a grounded perspective as a nutritionist with an entrepreneurial vision, she sheds light on integrating innovation with nutrient density and quality in the food and beverage industry. She emphasizes the importance of brands maintaining authenticity to realize health-focused ideals despite the business challenges that come with it. Carlee dives into the significance of adaptogens, nutrigenetics, and microbiome health, highlighting how they're shaping the future of what we eat.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Carlee Kelly, Founder and Chief Product Innovator of Lettuce Eat, about innovative food development and nutrition science. Carlee shares her unique route into food innovation, the importance of meeting consumer health needs within a challenging food landscape, microbiome health and its role in today’s food choices, and the complexity behind project management in food innovation and product development.

Nadia Liu Spellman is the CEO and Founder of Dumpling Daughter, a Boston Area restaurant chain specializing in homestyle, authentic Chinese dishes with a focus on dumplings, buns, and noodles. Inspired by her family's rich culinary heritage, she launched Dumpling Daughter in 2014, successfully extending her family's legacy into the modern food scene. Nadia combines a passion for food with a drive to celebrate and preserve the memory of family gatherings centered around delicious meals. As an author, she has encapsulated the essence of her cultural experiences and recipes in a book, sharing her journey and flavors with the world.

Have you ever experienced the nostalgic bliss of biting into a dumpling that instantly transports you back to a moment of pure comfort? Can culinary traditions serve as the foundation for a thriving business? What if those traditions also told a story—a legacy of shared meals and family gatherings?

Successful entrepreneur Nadia Liu Spellman delves into how she transformed her treasured family experiences into a flourishing business that resonates with food lovers nationwide. She shares the motivation behind pursuing her passion, sparked by early memories of her parents' celebrated restaurant and intimate family dumpling-making gatherings. Nadia emphasizes the importance of preserving these stories and recipes for future generations, offering a sense of her family's history while bringing the warmth and comfort of traditional food to households through her book. She offers rich anecdotes on the deep connections between food, culture, and family, explaining how her parents' restaurant and grandmother's cooking techniques inspired her ventures.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Nadia Liu Spellman, CEO and Founder of Dumpling Daughter, about turning cherished memories into a unique culinary brand. Nadia shares how she grew her brand while maintaining the essence of her family's culinary legacy, the role of social media in reaching new customers, the inspiration behind her cookbook, and marketing strategies for boosting the visibility and growth of a food business.

Ted Dumbauld is the Founder and Co-CEO of SoNo 1420, an American maritime distillery renowned for its unique spirit offerings and award-winning bourbons. Under his leadership, SoNo 1420 has garnered double gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ted is a former nuclear submarine officer and an MIT MBA holder who ventured into the medical cannabis industry before pivoting to the spirits world. He is also the creative mastermind behind Threesome Cocktails, an innovative ready-to-mix cocktail line that provides a fresh and interactive drinking experience.

Is there a blueprint for navigating uncharted waters of innovation and tradition in the spirit sector inundated with steadfast competitors? Could one man’s journey from military service to the financial world culminate in a groundbreaking foray into the alcohol industry?

Serial entrepreneur Ted Dumbauld shares how he drew from his diverse experiences to create SoNo 1420, blending the worlds of alcohol and cannabis to craft a unique and award-winning product line. He unveils the secret behind their double gold medal victories, providing insight into the innovating world of craft distilling and how staying true to local roots can add something special to your brand. Ted discusses making waves in the spirits world with unique products like Threesome Cocktails, redefining the premixed beverage segment by emphasizing freshness and the experience of crafting a cocktail. His story is a testament to the power of pivoting careers, the importance of resilience, and the role of marketing in the growth of a beverage company.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Ted Dumbauld, Founder and Co-CEO of SoNo 1420, about distilling and marketing in the spirits industry. Ted shares the inspiration behind starting SoNo 1420 at the intersection of alcohol and the evolving cannabis space, the story behind its naming, the innovative concept behind Threesome Cocktails, and the upcoming breakthroughs in THC-infused, non-alcoholic beverages.

Laura Jakobsen is the Co-founder and CEO of RIOT Energy, a brand focused on delivering clean, plant-powered energy drinks with zero artificial ingredients. As a former competitive ski racer, Laura brings an athlete's mentality to entrepreneurship, emphasizing perseverance and performance. She's passionate about challenging the status quo of the beverage industry and prioritizing consumer wellness above all. Laura has a history of leadership roles, including her impactful tenure in the C-suite at Pinkberry. She strives to make energy drinks that are both functional and health-conscious, aligning with her vision of making the world a better place.

Are consumers informed about what goes into their energy drinks? Between artificial sweeteners and ambiguous "natural flavors," finding a genuinely clean and healthy option can seem impossible. Is there a brand listening to consumers' demands for honesty and integrity in their beverages?

Laura Jakobsen, a successful entrepreneur in the beverage space, delves into how she tackled these issues by creating RIOT Energy. Obsessed with simple, clean ingredients, she discusses the value of listening to customer feedback and staying true to the brand's foundational values. She explains the importance of being agile and adaptive in messaging to bridge the gap between health-conscious individuals and mainstream consumers. Laura provides a deep dive into the challenges and insights of scaling a mission-driven brand in the competitive beverage market.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Laura Jakobsen, Co-founder and CEO of RIOT Energy, about creating a clean alternative in the energy drink industry. Laura talks about RIOT Energy's fight against artificial ingredients and commitment to natural alternatives, how a genuine commitment to health and wellness trends can shape product development, approach to innovation and customer feedback, and self-care strategies for balanced entrepreneurship.

Jason Reposa is the Founder and CEO of Good Feels, a company specializing in cannabis-infused beverages. With over 25 years of experience in technology and product development, he boasts two successful business exits. Jason has earned recognition for his trailblazing efforts in the infused beverage space and dedication to mission-driven entrepreneurship. A father of three, he emphasizes work-life balance and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit within his family. His latest venture reflects his commitment to the environment and fair trade practices, embodying a ‘Do No Harm’ philosophy that shapes his company's operations. 

Entrepreneurs often find themselves consumed by the demands of running a business. The relentless stress and long hours can take a toll on them, leaving them drained and needing a solution to stay energized and focused. What if a product designed to ease entrepreneurial stress emerged from the founder's life-changing experience?

Jason Reposa, an expert in the cannabis-infused beverage space, delves into how a jaw-locking health scare amidst stressful business negotiations led to the birth of a company poised at the intersection of the wellness, technology, and cannabis industries. With his roots in tech and product development, Jason shares how cannabis helped him overcome immense stress and inspired him to create a product that he could proudly share with the world. He discusses his commitment to creating a tangible, purpose-driven product, focusing on the intersection of sustainability, employee well-being, and community impact.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jason Reposa, Founder and CEO of Good Feels, about revolutionizing stress reduction and enhancing our daily rituals with cannabis-infused drinks. Jason discusses the inception of Good Feels, how it maintains its light-hearted company culture while focusing seriously on work, the unique positioning of Good Feels in a competitive cannabis market, and the trends in hemp and licensed cannabis beverage sales.

Sara Delaney is the Founder and CEO of Sarilla, a company that provides alcohol-free, clean tea spritzers. With over 18 years of sobriety, she has channeled her passion for recovery into creating a healthier, more inclusive beverage option. Her transformative work in Rwanda, where she collaborated with women and genocide survivors, deepened her commitment to social impact, leading to initiatives in entrepreneurship training and trauma healing. Sara intertwined these experiences to launch Sarilla, which partners with global tea farmers for ethical sourcing. She values authenticity and refuses to compromise on ingredients or relationships, leading to an ethical and sustainable brand that stands out in the food and beverage industry.

Have you ever considered the power of a beverage business to transform lives and empower communities while providing a unique product? Imagine a brand combining personal health benefits with ethical global impact while serving delightful sips. How far can such a mission extend beyond the beverage itself?

Successful entrepreneur Sara Delaney delves into her journey from living in Rwanda and supporting women there to creating an alcohol-free beverage brand with a heart. She shares inspiring stories about her sobriety, her passion for community and ethical practices in sourcing ingredients, and the importance of maintaining personal health as a founder. With hands-on involvement in her company's details, from water sources to ingredients, Sara reveals the care and authenticity poured into Sarilla.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Sara Delaney, Founder and CEO of Sarilla, about building a socially impactful business through tea. Sara shares her inspirations for creating Sarilla, the impact of her time in Rwanda, the importance of prioritizing your health as a founder, and the value of ingredient quality and transparency in beverage production.

Robert (Bob) Zender is the Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, a brand that has carved a niche in the snack industry by being the only upcycled certified kettle chips in the marketplace. With seven years of dedicated service, Uglies has transformed "imperfect" potatoes into premium small-batch kettle chips. Bob and the Dieffenbach family have been working with agricultural communities for over 60 years, pivoting in the last seven to focus on the upcycled potato chip brand Uglies. He is passionate about creating high-quality snacks without compromising taste, texture, or environmental responsibility.

Can a snack brand help save the planet, support farmers, and feed hungry children? How does one company use its products to address the staggering amount of yearly food waste? Is it possible for something as simple as snacking to become an act of global change?

Brand marketing and business development professional Robert (Bob) Zender dives into how a family business transformed into a mission-driven powerhouse targeting food waste and hunger. He narrates the journey of Uglies, from their roots in Dieffenbach's Potato Chips to the rise of an impactful brand that leverages less-than-perfect potatoes to produce quality snacks while giving back to the community. With a strong commitment to social justice, Uglies has upcycled over 25 million pounds of potatoes, contributing to a healthier planet and well-nourished children.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Robert (Bob) Zender, Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, about upcycling imperfect potatoes into delicious snacks. Bob discusses Dieffenbach’s history and commitment to sustainability and starting Uglies, its direct impact on reducing food waste and supporting farmers, how Uglies contribute to alleviating global childhood undernourishment, and the crucial role of strategic marketing and community engagement in its growth.

Sam Mitchell is the Co-founder of roo.bru, a health-focused beverage alternative to coffee. With a background in construction management from the University of Florida, Sam drew on his competitive surfing experience and interest in nutrition to create something better than the traditional coffee experience. He prides himself on his Australian roots, incorporating wit and a cheeky sense of fun into the roo.bru brand. Under his leadership, roo.bru remains self-funded, boasting an organic, non-GMO product line focused on ethical sourcing. Sam promotes health, wellness, and passion through innovative energy tea blends.

Modern professionals need high energy and focus, yet traditional coffee often leads to jitters, anxiety, and an afternoon crash. Many professionals struggle to find a beverage that offers sustained energy without the adverse side effects of coffee. What if there was a beverage that could replace your daily coffee and benefit your body without any of the unwanted side effects?

Successful entrepreneur Sam Mitchell dives into the story behind roo.bru, the superfood-infused drink that stands out boldly in a sea of coffee alternatives. He shares the lightbulb moment that led him to create an alternative to the traditional coffee experience that caused jitteriness and crashes. By focusing on holistic health benefits and ethical sourcing, Sam developed a product that supports cognitive function, heart health, and overall well-being, offering a practical solution to the coffee dilemma.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Sam Mitchell, Co-founder of roo.bru, about launching and growing a healthy beverage brand. Sam discusses how his dissatisfaction with coffee led to the inception of a new energy drink roo.bru, how organic ingredients can offer a cognitive boost without the downsides of usual stimulants, what sets roo.bru apart, and how to balance friendship and business in a startup environment.