Shows
QuenchSeason 8 highlightsSeason 8 of Forktales served up a fresh batch of bold voices and breakthrough ideas from across the food and beverage industry. From Sean Zecman’s insights on scaling a food distribution powerhouse to Kenny Morrison’s mission to normalize cannabis beverages, we explored innovation at every level.
Laurel Orley and Denise Woodard shared how mission-driven snacking can drive both purpose and profit, while Judy Joo redefined authenticity in modern Korean cuisine. We went local with Josh Kesler and Peter Newlin, global with Stephanie Jaeger and Clara Paye, and talked brand-building and hustle with Yanni Hufnagel and Jeff Broadhurst. Every guest brou...2025-07-1118 min
Second LifeDenise Woodard: Founder and CEO of Partake FoodsDenise Woodard is the founder and CEO of Partake, an allergy-friendly food company. Woodard started her career in pound-the-pavement sales roles at Philip Morris and FedEx, gaining robust experience in winning business by providing genuine solutions to her clients. She then spent the majority of her early career at the Coca-Cola Company, starting in sales and then finding her niche working on the emerging brands that were better aligned with her values, like Honest Tea and Health-Ade. After rising through the ranks and becoming the director of national sales for Coca-Cola’s Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB), Woodard was pr...2025-07-0756 min
grownwomanThe Founder Who Drove Cookies Store to Store—Literally, Denise WoodardShannon sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Denise Woodard, founder and CEO of Partake Foods—a company born from her daughter's food allergies and fueled by a mission of inclusivity, accessibility, and pure hustle. Denise shares the real story of how she started out pitching cookies from the back of her SUV. She gets honest about what it really takes to build something from scratch as a mom, a woman, and a first-time founder. They talk about what it means to be the face of your brand, the role of storytelling in entrepreneurship, and how family and community made all th...2025-07-0305 mingrownwoman8: Snacks with Soul: How One Allergy Sparked Denise Woodard’s Food RevolutionToday, Denise Woodard, CEO and founder of Partake Foods, sits down with Shannon to discuss the importance of storytelling, community support, and perseverance in entrepreneurship.
Denise shares her journey from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to becoming a grownwoman as a successful entrepreneur. Having been inspired by her daughter's food allergies, she started Partake in 2018. Initially, she won a $10,000 pitch competition at “Start Something Challenge” and later secured a $1 million seed round from Marcy Venture Partners. Partake has raised over $30 million and is now available in 18,000 stores nationwide, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger.
The company focu...2025-06-2443 min
This Is Small BusinessTurning Rejection into Momentum: How One Mom Started a Multimillion CPG BrandWhen Partake Foods founder Denise Woodard’s daughter had a life-threatening allergic reaction, everything changed. That moment inspired Denise to launch an allergy-friendly snack company that’s now worth millions and serves thousands of families across the U.S. But starting a food business from scratch with no baking experience and no outside funding meant taking one bold risk after another. Host Andrea Marquez talks with Denise about her transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur, how she kept going after getting 86 investor no’s (at least) until she landed a yes from Jay-Z’s VC firm, and how to validate...2025-05-2729 min
QuenchDenise Woodard – CPG entrepreneur and advocate for allergy-friendly snackingIn this very special 100th episode of Forktales, we’re joined by Denise Woodard. Denise is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a line of allergy-friendly snacks inspired by her daughter’s food allergies. As the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million publicly for a CPG food startup, Denise has become a powerful advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship, food equity, and consumer wellness.
On this episode of Forktales, Denise shares how a push from her nanny and a chance zoo encounter sparked her leap from corporate life to founder. She discusses the challenges of allergy-safe food manufacturing, evol...2025-05-0834 minForktalesDenise Woodard – CPG entrepreneur and advocate for allergy-friendly snackingDenise Woodard is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods. She launched the brand after her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. A former Coca-Cola executive, Denise became the first Black woman to publicly raise over $1 million for a CPG food startup.Partake Foods creates delicious, allergy-friendly snacks that are free from the top nine allergens. With a mission rooted in inclusivity and accessibility, the brand is now available in over 18,000 stores nationwide and continues to grow through innovation and community impact.The brand’s name, “Partake,” reflects Denise’s desire for her daughter and othe...2025-05-0834 min
Life Time TalksWhy Allergy-Friendly Foods Can Make All the Difference With Denise Woodard, founder of PartakeFood allergies are prevalent, making every day eating challenging and sometimes even dangerous for many individuals who have them. In this episode, we’re hearing from someone who has first-hand experience with these obstacles. Denise Woodard, founder of Partake, which makes allergy-friendly cookies, offers advice for how to better navigate the food world with food allergies. Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/why-allergy-friendly-foods-can-make-all-the-difference Have thoughts you’d like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at...2025-04-2929 min
Professional Jealousy PodcastEp.03 / Denise Woodard, Founder, Partake FoodsCreating a better future one cookie and a time:Denise Woodard’s journey exemplifies passion, perseverance, and purpose. From a mother seeking better food options for her child to a trailblazing entrepreneur breaking barriers in the CPG space, her story is one of transformation and impact. As Partake Foods continues to grow, so does its mission—to create an inclusive, delicious, and better future for all.Denise left her corporate role and bootstrapped the brand until becoming the first black woman to raise over a million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, she has...2025-04-1644 min
Side Hustle Pro446: Mindset Hacks For Every Business OwnerThis week we’re diving into how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success. Here’s the thing—I’ve learned over the years that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for everything you’re trying to build. Whether it’s pushing past fear to finally launch your business, staying consistent when sales are slow, or silencing that little voice in your head saying, ‘Who are you to do this?’—it all comes back to how you think and how you show up for yourself.In this episode I share:The mindse...2025-01-2327 min
The JigsawAs Scary As A Dwyane Wade StatueStep into The Living Room this week for a suspense-filled experience as the Casanegros, Josh and Bryan, invite you to their very first murder mystery night! In this special episode, Josh and Bryan take listeners on a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat adventure, weaving through chilling clues, jaw-dropping twists, and unexpected suspects. Who's the killer? How does it end? What would you do in this situation? Find out on this episode of The Jigsaw Podcast.
Bless Up:
Partake Foods - Denise Woodard - Partakefoods.com
Song of the Week:
Murder S...2024-10-311h 37
Side Hustle Pro434: How Denise Woodard Got Jay-Z, Rihanna, and HER To Partake In Her Packaged Foods Company RewindThis week we’re back for a very exciting update episode with Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly packaged food company inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing cookies around NYC, eventually becoming a Certified B Corporation and raising millions of dollars in investment capital. In this episode she shares:Her strategies to getting investors interested, including big names like HER and RihannaHow she became the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food start...2024-10-1648 minThe JigsawYou So Crazy! A Martin & Gina Love StoryDescription: Join us for a deep dive into one of TV’s most iconic couples—Martin and Gina from the Mart show! We’ll be breaking down their fiery relationship, asking the big question: Was it toxic? Using classic moments from the show and comparing them to today’s dating scene, we’ll explore how Black relationships have evolved. We’ll also discuss how friend groups, like Martin’s crew, can impact relationships for better or worse. With humor, insight, and a few real-life stories, we’ll keep it fun, real, and relatable for all the Black millennials out there navigating...2024-09-271h 51
The ChangeupDenise Woodard, Founder & CEO at Partake FoodsThis week's guest is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, Denise Woodard. Partake is a Black-owned, women-led company that offers delicious allergy-free cookies, baking mixes, pancake and waffle mixes that are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free of the top nine allergens. We talk about the very personal story of her daughter's allergies that led to her founding the company and how she scaled her kitchen to over 9,000 stores nationwide.https://partakefoods.com/2024-08-1942 min
Behind Her EmpireRihanna & Jay-Z Invested in this Brand Despite 86 No's - From Selling Cookies Out of a Car to a Multi-Million Dollar Business with Denise Woodard, Founder of Partake Foods In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes from last year with Denise Woodard. Denise is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, an allergy-friendly snack company.Denise's journey began back in 2016, while juggling a day job and the new role of mom to a daughter with multiple food allergies. Frustrated by the lack of tasty options available for her little one, she took the advice of her babysitter and decided to "do something about it." From there, Partake Foods was born.Denise started creating recipes in her home...2024-07-2950 min
Be In The Drivers SeatDenise Harris Inspires by Saving Lives and Making a DifferenceOn today's episode of Be in The Driver's Seat, hosts Regina Eileen Woodard and Dr. Teresa Moore dig into the importance of maintaining a separate identity outside of work to preserve sanity. They draw attention to the significance of embracing different roles such as spouse, parent, and caregiver.The episode features an inspiring guest, Denise Harris, an award-winning CPR instructor from Pontiac, Michigan, who has expanded her training to include various life-saving techniques.Join us for a spirited and enlightening conversation focusing on cars, credit, wellness, and the art of staying grounded amid life's demands.2024-07-2751 min
Taste RadioBlack Founders Club, Ep. 1Despite major strides taken by a new generation of bold entrepreneurs and brands, Black-owned food and beverage companies still face persistent headwinds getting on the shelves of mainstream supermarkets, finding significant investment,and scaling long-term. From a consumer and an equity standpoint, this is untenable. A significant slice – 14% – of American consumers are Black. We know that there are Black founders out there but they are not necessarily making their way into our consciousness or on the radar of much of the established CPG structure. As a resource for all founders, Taste Radio, in collaboration with Quent...2024-05-3050 min
CEOs You Should Know BostonDenise Woodard, Founder/CEO, Partake FoodsDenise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Key moments this year include that Partake Foods announced it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s! Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing (selling cookies out of her car around NYC) and self-funding (depleting her 401K and selling her engagement ring). To date, the company has raised more than $20M from investors including HER, Rihanna, Circle Up Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners (Jay-Z’s venture capital firm). Partake was named...2024-04-0801 min
So What Now? with Carla and DexEP 217:Breaking Barriers in Business with Denise WoodardDiscover the entrepreneurial spirit that is reshaping the world of allergy-friendly treats with Denise Woodard of Partake Foods. Join us as we venture into the reality of starting and scaling a business, particularly as a woman of color, where every day is a lesson in grit, innovation, and the sweet taste of success. You’re invited to a candid conversation where we not only savor Partake's delectable cookies but delve into the strategies that transformed a mom's concern into a thriving brand. This episode is a close look at real-world wisdom for anyone navigating their car...2024-04-0256 min
The Steve Harvey Morning ShowIt Started With an Allergy: Partake FoodsWhen Denise Woodard found out her daughter Vivi had severe food allergies, she went into super mom mode. She looked for food that was nutritious and fun but what she found at the store was disappointing at best. So she took to the kitchen and started making her own snacks for Vivi, laying the foundation for Partake Foods, a Black-owned, female-led company offering allergy-friendly foods. As her snacks started to gain traction, Denise realized she needed more capital—and fast—if she wanted Partake to succeed. Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Denise about...2024-03-1926 min
The UnshakeablesIt Started With an Allergy: Partake FoodsWhen Denise Woodard found out her daughter Vivi had severe food allergies, she went into super mom mode. She looked for food that was nutritious and fun but what she found at the store was disappointing at best. So she took to the kitchen and started making her own snacks for Vivi, laying the foundation for Partake Foods, a Black-owned, female-led company offering allergy-friendly foods. As her snacks started to gain traction, Denise realized she needed more capital—and fast—if she wanted Partake to succeed. Join Ben and Tanya as they chat with Denise about...2024-03-1926 min
CEOs You Should Know - PhoenixDenise Woodard, Founder and CEO of Partake FoodsDenise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Key moments this year include that Partake Foods announced it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s! Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing (selling cookies out of her car around NYC) and self-funding (depleting her 401K and selling her engagement ring). Denise was the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. As a Black woman, Denise is passionate about raising awareness of B...2024-03-1517 min
CEOs You Should Know ProvidenceDenise Woodard - CEO - Partake FoodsDenise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Key moments this year include that Partake Foods announced it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s! Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing (selling cookies out of her car around NYC) and self-funding (depleting her 401K and selling her engagement ring). To date, the company has raised more than $20M from investors including HER, Rihanna, Circle Up Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners (Jay-Z’s venture capital firm...2024-03-0117 min
Crafty Sourcer - Stay Crafty✌🏽Episode 14 - Flipping The Script with Matt Woodard & Denise PereiraDo you love it or hate it, text us here!We kick-off 2024 with a brand new episode where we flip the script and Denise goes from being the interviewer to being the interviewee. Matt & Denise talk about their individual journeys into starting their businesses, scalr & KaleidoSource. Why sourcing functions are necessary and they have some fun with a quick fire corner to give you some insights into themselves.Please remember to subscribe and rate the podcast to help others discover and enjoy our content to create more awareness on sourcing. Visit our...2024-01-0241 min
CEOs You Should Know ColumbusCEOs You Should Know Denise Woodard Partake Foods Long Interview Final UnbrandedDenise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Key moments this year include that Partake Foods announced it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s!Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing (selling cookies out of her car around NYC) and self-funding (depleting her 401K and selling her engagement ring). To date, the company has raised more than $20M from investors including HER, Rihanna, Circle Up Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners (Jay-Z’s ventur...2023-12-2617 min