In this inspiring episode of The Mountain, host Dave Carberry welcomes Seth Goldman, the pioneering entrepreneur behind Honest Tea, Eat the Change, and Just Ice Tea. Seth shares his remarkable journey from launching a startup in his kitchen to building one of the most recognized organic beverage brands, only to face an unexpected setback when Coca-Cola discontinued Honest Tea. But instead of giving up, Seth took this challenge as an opportunity to reimagine his mission, leading to the birth of Just Ice Tea, a brand committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and fair-trade practices.

Seth and Dave dive into the realities of scaling a purpose-driven business, exploring how Eat the Change is disrupting the food and beverage industry with climate-friendly snacks and beverages. Seth candidly discusses the difficulties of bringing sustainable products to market, the evolving landscape of consumer preferences, and the lessons learned from decades of experience in mission-based entrepreneurship. They also explore the branding and distribution strategies that have helped Just Ice Tea gain rapid traction in both large retailers and small corner stores across the country.

Beyond business, this conversation highlights the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the role of conscious capitalism in shaping a better future. Seth reflects on his commitment to giving back, supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and using business as a force for good. He also shares his thoughts on how businesses can balance profit with purpose and why fair-trade initiatives are critical to creating sustainable supply chains that benefit both consumers and farmers worldwide.

For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, or the future of ethical food and beverages, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in as Seth Goldman and Dave Carberry discuss how to turn setbacks into opportunities, why branding matters in mission-driven businesses, and what it takes to scale a socially responsible company in today’s competitive market.

📌 Listen now and get inspired to climb your own mountain of change!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davecarberry.substack.com

Overview

This is Episode #3 of The Mountain Podcast, also known as the “Hot Potato Session #3” from Needworking. In this episode, host Dave Carberry welcomes communication expert Lynda Wilner Katz from Successfully Speaking. Their conversation centers on effective public speaking and how to present oneself confidently in both virtual and in-person settings.

Key Topics Discussed

* The Three Pillars of CommunicationLynda breaks down effective communication into three areas:

* Visual: How body language, gestures, pacing, and even subtle habits (like eye-rolling) impact audience perception.

* Vocal: The importance of tone, clarity, pacing, and managing accents. She notes that speaking too fast or in a monotone can hinder message delivery.

* Verbal: What is actually said—ensuring that content is organized, engaging, and free of distracting word fillers (e.g., “um” and “ah”).

* Managing Nervousness and Word FillersBoth speakers discuss common pitfalls such as nervousness, rapid speech, and the overuse of filler words. Lynda emphasizes the value of pausing—not only to slow down and collect thoughts, but also to make the delivery more engaging and digestible for the audience.

* Tailoring Communication for Different SettingsThe conversation highlights challenges unique to virtual meetings versus in-person presentations. Lynda offers practical tips, such as proper camera placement for maintaining eye contact and keeping notes within the camera’s view to sustain audience connection.

* Improving Messaging and Executive PresenceLynda explains her approach to coaching clients—including entrepreneurs, rising leaders, and non-native English speakers—to refine their messaging. Rather than simply listing services, she advises framing communication in terms of the benefits received (for example, “I help you speak, sound, and look like a leader”).

Episode #3 of The Mountain Podcast delivers actionable insights into enhancing public speaking skills by aligning visual, vocal, and verbal elements. Lynda’s practical tips—from managing nerves and eliminating filler words to tailoring messages for different audiences—offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to boost their communication skills and present themselves with greater executive presence.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davecarberry.substack.com

Podcast Episode Description:

In this episode, we delve into the essentials of funding your innovative product or idea. Our guest, Rick Leimbach, founder of Carrollton Partners and Startup Portal, shares his expertise on various crowdfunding platforms, including Kickstarter, StartEngine, and Netcapital. We also explore how Substack successfully utilized crowdfunding to expand its platform, highlighting the benefits of engaging with a community to support and share products they believe in.

About Rick Leimbach:

Rick Leimbach is a seasoned financial advisor and CPA with extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer. In 2012, he founded Carrollton Partners to provide public and private companies with guidance on financial reporting, corporate governance, and funding strategies. Building on this commitment to business growth, he launched Startup Portal in 2021, aiming to assist startups in achieving their financial and corporate governance objectives at an affordable price point. Rick's diverse background includes roles such as CFO for Game Trading Technologies and Telkonet, Inc., corporate controller for Ultra Bridge, Inc., and manager of corporate accounting for Snyder Communications, Inc. He is a member of both the MACPA and AICPA.

Fundamentals of Crowdfunding:

Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital through the collective effort of a large number of individuals, typically via online platforms. It allows entrepreneurs to showcase their products or ideas to a broad audience, enabling them to secure funding without traditional financial intermediaries. Platforms like Kickstarter, StartEngine, and Netcapital provide avenues for creators to present their projects, set funding goals, and offer incentives to backers. This approach not only facilitates access to capital but also helps in building a community around the product, fostering early customer engagement and validation.

Substack's Crowdfunding Success:

Substack, a platform that enables writers and creators to publish content and monetize it through subscriptions, exemplifies effective use of crowdfunding. In 2023, Substack launched an equity crowdfunding campaign, raising approximately $7.8 million from over 6,600 investors. This initiative allowed the company to expand its services while involving its user community in its growth journey. Substack's model demonstrates how crowdfunding can serve as a powerful tool for platforms aiming to democratize content creation and distribution.

By understanding these fundamentals and learning from successful examples like Substack, entrepreneurs can effectively leverage crowdfunding to bring their products and ideas to market, engaging a community of supporters who are invested in their success.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davecarberry.substack.com

Welcome to the very first Hot Potato Session! In this kickoff episode, Dave Carberry sits down with Joe Mattiko, founder and president of Acumen CPG, to dive into the challenges and strategies behind launching new products in today’s competitive landscape.

Joe shares expert insights on taking a product from ideation to implementation, offering practical tips for startups and emerging brands. They discuss everything from creating impactful branding and product imaging—like choosing the right color schemes—to targeting the right personas and assembling a team that can accelerate your go-to-market strategy, even on a small business budget.

With nearly three decades of experience working with industry giants like Hasbro, Gillette, and P&G, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge on avoiding common pitfalls, reducing costs, and speeding up time to market. You’ll also hear about his work with iconic brands such as Star Wars, Transformers, Crest, Swiffer, CoverGirl, and Hunnyball.

As a bonus, Dave’s love for DC Comics’ The Flash sparks a fun conversation on character lifespans and brand evolution—highlighting how even superheroes can teach us lessons about product growth and market relevance.

Join us for this insightful, candid discussion on product development, brand strategy, and the power of needworking. This is just the beginning of many Hot Potato Sessions to come!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davecarberry.substack.com