Shows
Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)Tips to Crush Expo West with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesGage shares his best practices for attending Natural Products Expo West – the biggest trade show in the United States for the better-for-the-world product industry! Tune in to hear 10 tips for making the most of the show, based on Gage’s ~15 years of experience attending Expo West as a brand, packaging, booth, and campaign designer who’s helped some of the industry most beloved brands stand out at the show. Tune into the episode or read below for his top tips! You can also download a copy here for easy reference later. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8...
2026-02-1226 min
Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)Conscious Use of Water with Jonas Böck of SavwaIn this conversation, Gage and Jonas discuss the innovative kitchenware product SAVWA, designed to promote water conservation by capturing and reusing gray water in households. Jonas shares his personal journey of awareness regarding water waste, the challenges faced during product and supply chain development, and the importance of sustainability in the materials design. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for SAVWA, the vision for a future with conscious water usage, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways:
SAVWA aims to raise awareness about water usage in households.
The average American household g...
2025-06-261h 00
Cheers & Tiers: Design Leadership Tales Retold013: Gage Mitchell of AIGA Seattle and moreWhen your idea of fun is starting or reviving entire AIGA chapters, you know community is in your DNA. From launching a student group in Colorado to helping restart Seattle, Gage Mitchell has been at the center of design communities wherever he lands. Along the way, he’s pioneered programs like Design for Good and Changemakers, built frameworks like the Path to Impact Workbook, and—of course—helped fuel retreat traditions involving pyramids, cowboy hats, and 6 a.m. send-offs. Key TakeawaysLeadership is built by doing: Gage founded or revived multiple AIGA chapters—from his college...
2025-06-0754 min
Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)165 - Ask Great Questions with Karin Hibma Cronan of CronanWhat’s in a brand name? Everything, according to today’s guest, Karin Hibma Cronan, a renowned brand strategist, and co-founder of Cronan, as we explore the role of questions in the art of naming and branding. Cronan is known for creating iconic brand identities and names that resonate with audiences. Their work has helped shape the success of major corporations, non-profits, and startups alike, making them a trusted partner in the world of strategic design. In our conversation, we discuss how the name of a brand or product sets the tone of the experience, the common attributes of a go...
2024-08-271h 21Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)164 - Mission Meets Retail with Alli Ball of Food Biz WizWhat does it take for a mission-driven brand to thrive in the competitive world of retail? In this episode, we explore the intersection of retail success and mission-driven branding with Alli Ball, the visionary founder and CEO of Food Biz Wiz. Food Biz Wiz is a consulting and coaching company dedicated to helping emerging food brands succeed in the competitive retail market. Known for her impact on the food industry, Alli has empowered countless emerging food brands through her Retail Ready® program and award-winning podcast. In our conversation, we dive into the critical elements consumers want in mission-driven brands, t...
2024-08-2057 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)163 - Better Snack Options with Ashley Nickelson of B.T.R. NationVending machines might be convenient, but they are not exactly known for their nutritious, high-quality snacks, and it’s high time they got an upgrade! Today's guest is Ashley Nickelsen Founder, CEO, and Chief Snack Officer at B.T.R. Nation, a company on a mission to fix our broken food system, one snack at a time. Join us, as we dig into the problem with junk food in America, the reasons behind Ashley’s decision to build a healthier snack company, and what keeps her going in the face of each new entrepreneurial challenge. Learn about the rules that...
2024-08-131h 15Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)162 - Decarbonize Media with Avril Tomlin-Hood of boaWhile many businesses and individuals are answering the call to be more impact-driven and sustainably conscious, few understand just how damaging their digital footprint is to their endeavors. Today we are joined by Avril Tomlin-Hood, the Founder and CEO of boa - a Vancouver, BC-based media buying agency focused on elevating sustainably-conscious brands. Avril is here to speak about our digital carbon footprints, particularly regarding media and advertising, and how we can band together to decarbonize our online world. We discover how our online exploits impact the real world, how small and simple adjustments can make a big difference...
2024-08-0556 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)161 - Sustainable Seafood with Crave Fishbar, Gra-Bar Fresh Seafood, and American UnagiSustainable aquaculture may just be the long-awaited answer to responsible food consumption, and today's three remarkable guests are here to explain why this is most certainly the case. Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming three seafood brands to the show – Crave Fishbar, Gra-Bar Fresh Seafood, and American Unagi – which are represented by Todd Mitgang, Bart Molin, and Sara Rademaker, respectively. Sara, Bart, and Todd begin with how they became passionate about seafood before explaining the particular industry pain points that their brands are set on solving. Then, we learn about how the quality of seafood is measured and what...
2024-07-3054 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)160 - Eat Your Nutrients with Sara Cullen of GEMAre you worried about the nutritional benefits of the food you eat? Do you lack the energy you need to get through the day, despite healthy eating habits? In this episode, we sit down with Sara Cullen, Founder and CEO of GEM, to discuss why so many people suffer from nutrient deficiencies and how her company delivers delicious, effective, and holistic solutions. GEM is a nutrition company dedicated to transforming human and planetary health through the power of food. It is on a mission to deliver delicious nutrition to everyone while building a healthier food system. In our conversation...
2024-07-1958 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)159 - Celebrity Brands with Samyr Laine of Freedom Trail CapitalFrom Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow to Fenty by Rihanna, Casamigos by George Clooney to Feastables by MrBeast, celebrities are increasingly leveraging their influence to launch products and lifestyle brands. But what makes celebrity brands successful? Today’s guest is an Olympian and entrepreneur with a proven track record of successfully launching, managing, and scaling billion-dollar businesses and brands. When it comes to advising companies and vetting opportunities, Samyr Laine knows what it takes to win! In 2023, Samyr started Freedom Trail Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in consumer brands at the intersection of influence, culture, and lifestyle. In th...
2024-07-121h 11Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)158 - Curious Creatives with Diana Ingles of RootleboxWhat if your actions had a ripple effect? Instead of waiting for someone else to be the solution, what if you took charge of your own sphere of influence? Diana Ingles is an Eco-conscious Designer at Rootlebox and she joins the conversation today to discuss her journey to working in sustainable solutions, unpack some of the problems with consumer culture, and explore how we are approaching our work differently as designers. As well as getting an insight into Diana’s work at Rootlebox, you’ll learn more about the philosophy behind Modern Species. You’ll also hear about...
2024-07-0544 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)157 - Growing Organic with Matt McLean of Uncle Matt's OrganicTo stay relevant as a CPG brand, you need to be willing to evolve, and it’s no different in the organic industry. Today, we sit down with Matt McLean, Founder and Chief Uncle of Uncle Matt's Organic, to uncover the journey behind the nation's number-one organic juice brand. Uncle Matt’s Organic has grown from a small family operation to a leader in the organic industry, offering a range of delicious and healthy beverages. In our conversation, Matt shares the origins of his company, the biggest challenges they’ve faced, and the innovations that have propelled its growth over 2...
2024-06-2856 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)156 - Recycled Plastic Yarn with Lauren Choi of The New Norm (Climify)Welcome to this special Climify and Brands For A Better World crossover episode, as we sit in on Eric Benson's conversation with Lauren Choi.We all know about those infamous red cups that flood American streets in a plague of crimson litter. But did you know that these same cups - that are considered unrecyclable by many - are recycled to make sustainable fashion wear? That is the mission of today's inspirational guest, the Climate Entrepreneur and Founder of The New Norm Fabrics, Lauren Choi. Lauren joins us to share her journey in climate entrepreneurship, and we...
2024-06-221h 04Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)155 - Frozen for a Reason with Rachel Drori of Daily HarvestWhat if frozen food could revolutionize the way we eat, nourish our bodies, and save the planet? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Drori, the visionary founder of Daily Harvest, to delve into the benefits of sustainably sourced frozen food. Daily Harvest is a plant-based meal delivery service that offers a variety of chef-crafted, pre-portioned, and frozen meals made from organic fruits and vegetables. Join us as Rachel delves into the mission and values driving her company, how frozen food helped her start eating healthier, why direct-to-consumer was the best approach for the brand, and its entry...
2024-06-1453 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)154 - A Smoothie Transition with Alex Bayer of Genius DreamsWe all know just how difficult it can be to enter the world of CPG, let alone thrive in it. But what may be even harder is knowing when it's time to let go of the brand you've worked tirelessly to build. Today we are joined by the former CEO and Co-Founder of Genius Juice and current Founder and Manager Partner at Genius Dreams, Alex Bayer. In our conversation, Alex walks us through the highs and lows of founding a CPG business, the tightrope of fine margins that the industry forces you to walk, the main things to consider...
2024-06-071h 11Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)153 - Change Through Cooking with Alison Cayne of Haven's KitchenBeyond simply being delicious, food can be a means to start conversations, cross cultural divides, and even inspire social change. In this episode of Brands for a Better World, you’ll hear from Alison Cayne, Founder of NYC-based Haven’s Kitchen, about how she combined her passion for cooking with her desire to change people’s lives for the better and turned it into a purpose-driven career. Join us as we delve into the social impacts of our food systems, why home cooking is good for our health, the health of our communities, and the health of the planet, and th...
2024-05-311h 06Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)152 - Donuts for Health with Kathrin Henon of Planet BakeAmerica has a major sugar problem, which is evident in the fact that the United States consumes more sugar than any other country in the world! To explain how her company is helping to ease this particular pain point across the country, we are joined today by the Founder and CEO of Planet Bake, Kathrin Henon. Kathrin begins by explaining how her German background and America's diabetes problem combined to inspire her to help solve the sugar problem in the United States. Then, our guest explains why she adopted a vegan and sugar-free diet before walking us through the...
2024-05-2444 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)151 - Diverse Foods & Families with David Fullner & Daniel Auld of Kekoa FoodsHave you ever found yourself in a grocery store, staring at rows of bland baby food jars and thinking, “There's got to be a better way?” Today, we sit down with David Fullner and Daniel Auld to discuss how their company, Kekoa Foods, is revolutionizing the baby food space. Kekoa Foods specializes in producing organic baby food and aims to provide nutrient-rich, natural, and organic food options that promote healthy infant development. In our conversation, we unpack how trying to find healthy, palate-expanding baby food for their son prompted starting their company, why variety in a baby’s diet is vit...
2024-05-1757 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)150 - Manifesting & Evolving with Kate Flynn of Sun and SwellSun and Swell is a wholesome food brand that’s on a mission to create a healthier and more sustainable food industry. Today we are joined by Sun and Swell’s Co-Founder and CEO, Kate Flynn, who walks us through the power of manifestation and how the practice has helped to transform all aspects of her life. Kate explains how manifestation works, the key components of purpose-driven manifestation, how manifesting helped her overcome many life and business challenges, and the role of masculine and feminine energies in determining how you manifest and what you prioritize as important. We uncover the...
2024-05-101h 08Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)149 - Good Stuff Takes Time with Matt Thomas of Brew Dr.Get ready to unlock the secrets behind one of the most captivating beverages of our time: kombucha! Today, we sit down with Matt Thomas, Founder of Brew Dr., to delve into the world of kombucha brewing. We discuss how his kombucha company originally started as a tea company, the motivation behind launching his kombucha brand, and the shifts that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted in his business approach. Tuning in, you’ll hear about his exciting new SIPJOY product line, what makes kombucha so unique, and how Brew Dr. is making the world a better, healthier place through its products. Jo...
2024-05-0337 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)148 - The Brand is the Product with Christopher Gavigan of The Honest CompanyWhat matters more, the product or the brand? As today’s guest Christopher Gavigan explains, the brand and the product should be one and the same and therefore equally important! Christopher is the founder of multiple businesses and initiatives, including The Honest Company and Prima – wellness brands that are centered on health and sustainability – and he joins us today to share his insights as a conscious leader and brand pioneer. After getting to the roots of Christopher’s passion for creating sustainable brands, we learn about Healthy Child Healthy World and The Honest Company, and how the former paved the way...
2024-04-2657 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)147 - Not Potato Chips with Betty Lu of Confetti Fine FoodsDo you find yourself craving the crunch of potato chips but worry about their health and environmental implications? In this episode, we are joined by Betty Lu, Founder and CEO of Confetti Snacks, to delve into the world of sustainable snacking. Confetti Snacks specializes in creating delicious gourmet snacks using nutrient-rich vegetables infused with unique flavors from around the world. In our conversation, we discuss her experience traveling the world looking for unique flavors, her creative process behind the idea for a colorful veggie chip, how she acquired funding to test the concept, and how Confetti Snacks is making...
2024-04-191h 02Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)146 - Inclusive Baking with Kimberle Lau of Bake Me HealthyHow can we bake a better world, one delicious bite at a time? Join us as we delve into the world of sustainable and inclusive baking with plant-based baking mama Kimberle Lau, Founder of Bake Me Healthy. Bake Me Healthy is a company that specializes in providing baking mixes crafted with clean, plant-based ingredients. It is more than just a baking mix company; it's a movement toward inclusive, sustainable, and convenient baking that prioritizes health, taste, and the planet. In our conversation, we discuss her entrepreneurial origins in skincare, how her food intolerances motivated her to start a plant-based...
2024-04-1257 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)141 - Organic Trade Shows with Jamie Lamonde of Kindship GroupWhen you have a greater diversity of people at the table sharing their voices and insights, you inevitably get better solutions. Joining us today is Jamie Lamonde, CEO and Founder of Kindship Group, whose core mission is to scale and grow businesses for good. We talk with Jamie about her recent trip to Germany to attend BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food, how the experience compares to Natural Products Expo West, and her top tips for getting the most out of any trade show experience. Our conversation gets into some of the key differences between Am...
2024-03-0851 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)140 - Feel Good Snacks with Laurel Orley of Daily CrunchThere is a certain magic in creating a tasty snack that instantly fills one with joy, and when others are battling to match your experience, you know you’ve birthed something truly special! Daily Crunch is a nut-snacks unicorn and today, we are joined by its co-founder and CEO, Laurel Orley, who explains what makes her brand different from the rest and why its competitors struggle to keep up. Our conversation explores the value of being Women-Owned certified, how Daily Crunch prioritizes mental health, the power of upcycling, and so much more. Tune in to discover the difference between le...
2024-03-0151 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)139 - Future Proof Foods with Adam Maxwell & Kelsey Tenney of Voyage FoodsAre you ready to sink your teeth into the future of food? In this episode, we are joined by Adam Maxwell, CEO, and Kelsey Tenney, VP of R&D, from Voyage Foods, to discuss future-proofing the food industry with sustainable and delicious alternatives. Voyage Foods is a food technology company on a mission to create a future where sustainability, accessibility, and flavor go hand in hand in our food. In our conversation, we delve into their motivation for crafting tasty alternatives to ingredients with vulnerable supply chains, how they are changing lives with allergy-free peanut butter, their goals for...
2024-02-2356 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)138 - Super Kale with Lisa Curtis of Kuli KuliKale is often considered the go-to green superfood. In the Battle of the Supergreens, however, moringa (or “super kale”) is a formidable opponent! While working with women farmers in West Africa, Lisa Curtis was introduced to the profound healing and energizing powers of moringa. Out of that experience, Lisa created Kuli Kuli, a Certified B Corp that allows Americans to experience the power of superfoods like moringa while also empowering farmers around the world. Today, this award-winning entrepreneur and thought leader joins us to share the incredible health benefits of moringa, Kuli Kuli’s journey from Peace Corps...
2024-02-1649 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)137 - Peace Out Plastic with Kelly Perkins of Spinster SistersPlastic pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts. The beauty and personal care industry alone generates around 120 billion units of packaging annually. Today’s guest has a vision to change that. Kelly Perkins is the Founder and CEO of Spinster Sisters, a B Corp-certified women-owned plant-based water and plastic-free skin, hair, and body care brand on a mission to make the best products for people and the planet. Join us as we dive into Kelly and Spinster Sisters’ journey toward becoming plastic-negative, the hurdles faced in eliminating plastic from their supply chain, and the motivations behind their deci...
2024-02-0942 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)136 - Pitch to Win with Kat Weaver of Power to PitchHave you ever wondered what sets thriving entrepreneurs apart? The secret lies in a single skill: effective pitching. In today’s episode, we sit down with Kat Weaver, Chief Executive Officer at Power to Pitch, to discuss mastering the art of pitching for startups. Power to Pitch is a dynamic platform that equips founders with the tools and knowledge to craft winning pitches, compelling stories, and robust fundraising strategies. In our conversation, we delve into why successful pitching is critical for founders, the formulae for a great pitch, common mistakes people make, how she helps raise more capital through su...
2024-02-0239 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)135 - Upcycling Experiences with Will Nitze of IQBARMany of us know what upcycling means as it pertains to physical things, but what does it mean to upcycle your personal experiences? Joining us today is Will Nitze, the Founder of IQBAR – a company that produces ready-to-eat brain foods. Will is here to talk about what it means to upcycle your personal experiences for them to be more valuable to your future self and others, and in our discussion, we extend this metaphor to discover how downcycling, recycling, and reusing play out in the human experience. If curiosity is getting the better of you (and to find out wh...
2024-01-2654 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)134 - Better Candy Bar with Stu Davidoff of GiganticTraditional candy bars have a LOT of sugar. And, while it may not be great for our health, most of us still believe that our taste buds prefer that level of sweetness. But what if the optimal level of sweetness were actually way more subtle than we thought, and required only a small amount of sugar? Joining us today is Stu Davidoff, Founder of Gigantic Candy Bars, to talk about his mission to create a better ‘sorta sweet’ candy bar with less junk and more fun. He tells us about the formulation process behind their products, how they hit the...
2024-01-1942 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)133 - Better Actions with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesFeeling inspired by the new year and the recent episode on changing behaviors, this episode focuses on motivating actions that will lead to a better 2024 and world for all. Compounding small actions over time creates a significant impact, and this episode will challenge you to take that first step in helping create a better tomorrow. One thing a day, week, or month, it is totally up to you. In this episode, I offer listeners 54 ideas to help get started. From eating healthily to protecting your time, unpack ways to create a better you before creating a better world. Discover...
2024-01-1238 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)132 - Changing Behaviors with Nick Budden of Flavor ForwardCan a brand, product, or marketing strategy change the world? Maybe not directly, but today’s guest believes that he can positively influence consumer behavior for a healthier and more sustainable future. Nick Budden is an innovation strategist on a mission to create $500 million in healthy, sustainable food innovation by 2030. He founded Flavor Forward Strategy to help food brands innovate with purpose and, in today’s episode, he joins us to talk about the psychology of behavior change, how you can use these principles to make a positive change in your life, and how brands can inspire life-changing behaviors thro...
2024-01-051h 12Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)131 - Self Care & Latin American Botanicals with Rebekah Jensen of Sanara SkincareSustainable and green skincare products have become increasingly popular due to their focus on environmentally friendly practices and natural ingredients, but have we tapped into nature’s full potential? In this episode, we embark on a rejuvenating exploration of self-care and Latin American botanicals with the insightful Rebekah Jensen, Founder of Sanara Skincare, to discuss the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs, the untapped potential of Latin American botanicals, and her battle with cancer while trying to grow her business. We delve into her self-care practices that have been a guiding light through adversity and gain invaluable insights into balancing th...
2023-12-2652 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)130 - Brand, Impact & Packaging with Adam Peek of the People of PackagingThere’s nothing wrong with having beautiful, eye-catching packaging that grips a shopper from first sight. But what use is a pretty package if the contents inside are already spoiled? For this unique cross-show episode of Brands for a Better World, our resident host, Gage Mitchell turns interviewee as special guest, Adam Peek dons the host’s chair. Adam is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Meyers and also the host of the People of Packaging Podcast, and he’s here to discuss all things related to packaging and sustainability. We explore how brands can build trust and commun...
2023-12-2227 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)129 - Regenerative Organic Agriculture with Patagonia Provisions and Paul LightfootThe brand Patagonia is renowned for its purpose-driven mission of finding solutions to problems, collectively working to battle climate change and help save our home planet. One of the solutions they’re focusing on is regenerative organic agriculture and food sourcing because, after all, everything we consume and eat has a profound impact on our planet. Today’s guest is part of that team working to create systems that foster healthier and “better-for-the-world” food practices. We are excited to introduce, Paul Lightfoot. Paul is the General Manager of Patagonia Provisions, the food business of Patagonia, and the Board Chair of...
2023-12-1347 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)128 - Climate Neutral with Austin Whitman of The Change Climate ProjectThe transition away from fossil fuels may be daunting, but achieving a clean, net-zero future promises a world that is not only environmentally sustainable but also remarkably hopeful. Joining us today is Austin Whitman, CEO of The Change Climate Project, an initiative that offers Climate Neutral Certification and helps companies accelerate on the path to net zero. In our conversation, we break down everything you need to know about their Climate Neutral Certification program, the importance of addressing climate change as a collective, what we as individuals can do to help, plus a whole lot more. To hear all...
2023-12-0542 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)127 - 1% for the Planet with Kaylee DuncansonWorking together to support the planet and its people is imperative, and 1% for the Planet has made it easier than ever for businesses to donate their time and money to this invaluable cause! Today, we are joined by Kaylee Duncanson, Membership Manager at 1% for the Planet, to discuss their mission and how you can get involved. Tuning in, you’ll find out what 1% of the Planet is, how it was created, how businesses can qualify, some of the ways that you can donate, and so much more! You’ll also learn how to support businesses that are part of 1% for...
2023-12-0137 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)126 - Minority-Owned Fellowship with Katrina Tolentino of Naturally NetworkIf we truly want to live in a just and equitable society, we need to embrace diversity everywhere, from the board of directors to the factory employees to the product we buy. Today’s guest, Katrina Tolentino, understands this concept well as she is on the frontlines of supporting diversity in her industry through her role as the Executive Director of Naturally Network, an organization that creates change in the natural and organic products ecosystem through community-based programming. Katrina joins us to talk about the Minority-Owned Fellowship and how this program helps to transform the lives of those who ge...
2023-11-2934 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)124 - Women-Owned with Elizabeth Walsh of WBEC EastEntrepreneurship is difficult for anyone but it is a whole lot more difficult for women who are carrying centuries of barriers, making running a business more difficult. Today we are joined by the president of the Women’s Business Enterprise Center (WBEC) East to discuss all things women-owned businesses and Women-Owned Impact Certification. You will hear all about what the certification entails, when it is necessary and when it isn’t, the barriers women face in the world of entrepreneurship, and how WBEC helps them overcome those barriers. You don’t want to miss this one so press play now!
2023-11-2230 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)123 - Upcycled Certified with Angie Crone of Upcycled Food AssociationIn this episode, we dive into the heart of the food waste crisis and explore innovative strategies to combat the staggering issue of food waste with Angie Crone, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association. The Upcycled Food Association is a nonprofit trade association focused on reducing food waste by growing the upcycled food economy through research, strategy, networking, and policy advocacy. In our conversation, we unpack the complexity of the food waste problem, the Upcycled Certified® Program, why solving the food waste problem is essential for combating climate change, and how trailblazing food brands are making it easier to b...
2023-11-1642 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)122 - Plastic Neutral Certified with Anjali Malpani of rePurpose GlobalIn this episode, we unpack plastic-neutral certification, the immense scale of the global plastic problem, and how rePurpose is helping combat the plastic pollution crisis. Joining us today is Anjali Malpani, Senior Business Partnerships Manager at rePurpose Global, a pioneering company focused on combating plastic waste through empowering brands and businesses. To understand how the plastic-neutral certification is driving meaningful change in the fight against plastic pollution and how you can support the brands that are making a tangible difference in the world, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:
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2023-11-1442 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)121 - Community Over Competition with Spencer Lynn, North Regional Manager of KOSLearning from the successes and mistakes of others can help us all to go from strength to strength. Spencer Lynn is the North East Regional Manager of KOS, a health and wellness brand on a mission to improve everyday nutrition and make the world a healthier place. During this conversation, Spencer shares his journey to working in nutrition, how the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, inspired the founders of KOS, and how the brand is providing better nutrition to households and donating 10 million meals to those in need. Tune in to learn from this episode’s inspiring guest. ...
2023-11-1057 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)120 - Keep Evolving with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesHere at Evolve CPG, we’re all about evolution. It’s time for us to practice what we preach and announce what’s next in our pipeline. In order for us to evolve in a way that works for you, we need your help. In this short episode, we fill you in on what’s new in the Evolve CPG community and how you can get involved! Although change can be unsettling, it’s necessary (and a far cry better than irrelevancy). Tune in to find out what’s next for Evolve CPG, how to leave feedback, and why your experie...
2023-05-1003 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)119 - Over 1 Million Meals Donated with Richa Gupta of Good Food for GoodCould the for-profit, for-purpose model be the most sustainable business model for making an impact? Today we are joined by Richa Gupta, Founder of Good Food For Good to share her entrepreneurial journey. She fills us in on her buy-one-feed-one business model and what inspired it, and shares her feelings on the non-profit model. We learn about her transition from fashion to food and what informed her approach to health and nutrition, before discussing the differentiating characteristics of impact-driven people. Tune in to learn how Richa is feeding the masses one delicious, nutritious sauce at a time!
2023-04-2658 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)118 - Speaking The Truth is Powerful with Miyoko Schinner formerly of Miyoko's CreameryWhile activism and change-making can require us to exercise emotional intelligence and perform certain balancing acts, there is also a power in standing up and unequivocally stating what you believe in. Miyoko Schinner is a champion of putting the truth in plain sight and allowing the cards to fall as they may, and today she sits down to talk about her inspiring journey through impact entrepreneurship and the lessons she has learned along the way. The conversation centers on her commitment to being honest and outspoken, and we discuss her difficult exit from her company, Miyoko's Creamery, vegan activism...
2023-04-211h 00Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)117 - Deliver on Flavor & Sustainability with Alec Jaffe of Alec's Ice CreamAs public interest in sustainability grows, there are more and more consumers looking for ways to eat the foods they enjoy with less impact on the world around them. This means that today’s CPG brands are forced to innovate when it comes to both flavor and sustainability to meet the increasing demand for affordable, climate-friendly, and perhaps most importantly, delicious products. Today, we are joined by Alec Jaffe, the Founder and CEO of Alec’s Ice Cream, to learn how he created the world’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified ice cream brand, which makes our planet a bett...
2023-04-1248 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)116 - Passion and Entrepreneurship with Jordan Buckner of FoodbevyEntrepreneurs are able to build their businesses because of the passion that fuels them, which also gives them purpose, helps them focus, and develops their resiliency. Jordan Buckner is joining us today to help us unlock the power of passion and purpose. He is the Founder of Foodbevy, a community platform aimed at helping founders in food and beverage grow from startup to scale. We discuss the differences between passion and purpose and how to align the two, before examining how you can improve your life by focusing more energy on what you are passionate about. By tuning in...
2023-04-0546 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)115 - Margins, Capital, Time & Purpose with Jared Kligerman of The Think TankThere is much to consider when launching a product in the retail space. Joining us today to discuss the tribulations he faced through the process of launching (and subsequently closing) Wander Nut Butters, is The Think Tank’s president, Jared Kligerman. Jared’s mission with The Think Tank is to aid small businesses in standing out from the crowd and engaging customers. In this episode, we find out how his experience of running his own small business made him a better advisor, and what he learned through the process. He shares his marketing approach and touches on the four corn...
2023-03-301h 18Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)114 - Why Not All Salt is Real Salt with Darryl Bosshardt of RedmondMuch has been said in the last few decades about salt and its effects on our health. And more recently, some of the claims around its dangers have come into question and been clarified. Here on the show today is Darryl Bosshardt of Redmond, a company dedicated to making clean and natural salt more available to everyone. Our conversation centers on some of the misconceptions of the past and present, and what individuals should really be concerned about when considering their salt intake and general diet. We also get to discuss Redmond's company history and values, and what sets...
2023-03-221h 03Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)113 - Food That Won't Slowly Kill You with Bobbi Giudicelli of Read The IngredientsChanging your behavior is no easy feat, especially when it comes to food. And for Bobbi Giudicelli, it took several dramatic health setbacks (both for herself and two close family members) to take action and truly re-examine how her relationship with food was affecting her quality of life. This led her to co-found Read The Ingredients, a company that produces some of the cleanest, healthiest, vegan, and gluten-free packaged meal alternatives available on the market. In today’s conversation, we draw on Bobbi's experience to explore the food industry: why it's broken and how processed food and big pharma ar...
2023-03-151h 08Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)112 - The Benefits of Mushrooms with Parker Olson of ForijDuring his junior year in college, Parker Olson embarked on the first of a series of nutritional experiments that would change the course of his life in ways he could never have imagined. After becoming aware of the incredible properties of functional mushrooms during one of these experiments, Parker became the youngest board member of the Puget Sound Mycological Society and subsequently founded Forij, a granola product packed with mushroom extracts that are both very healthy and very delicious (as strange as it sounds!). During this episode, Parker talks about his scrappy approach to entrepreneurship (his dedication to the...
2023-03-0848 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)110 - Air, Water, Tea and Your Health with Michael D. Ham of Wild Orchard TeasWhat has become known as conventional agriculture is part of the reason for the state of grave environmental degradation we find ourselves living in, which is having negative impacts on our health. Although regenerative farming may be a new term, it’s actually an ancient practice based on the way nature intended us to consume food. Through Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas, Michael Don Ham is doing his part to improve the health of our natural ecosystems and our bodies. In this episode, you will hear about the benefits of regenerative methods and products and what sets Wild Orchard apart fr...
2023-02-2253 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)109 - No More Designing Pretty Trash with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesEver wondered about Gage Mitchell's journey into his current work and the early days of Modern Species? Today Gage gives listeners a short but sweet introduction to the career pivot he made about 15 years ago, what brought about this change, and the principles that he built into the foundations of his agency. Gage also talks about his prioritization of impact, indispensability, and avoiding the worst traps of capitalism, before sharing the four rules he baked into Modern Species from the start. So if you want a bite-sized shot of inspirational history, press play....
2023-02-1509 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)108 - Purpose Baked Into the Business with Matt Kreutz of Firebrand Artisan BreadsAt Firebrand Artisan Breads, making exceptional baguettes and brioche (which they do) is secondary to their mission of creating meaningful work for people who are often not given those opportunities. Matt Kreutz, the founder of Firebrand and our guest on today’s show, founded the company with the goal of making a positive impact on his community by hiring homeless and previously incarcerated people. During this episode, Matt explains how his open hiring policy, his commitment to living wages (and additional benefits), and his acceptance of the messiness that comes with the people-first approach has led Firebrand to become a...
2023-02-0859 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)107 - Bringing Purpose to Pet Food with Jess Berger of Bundle x JoyAll product markets and areas of business can benefit from a purpose-driven approach, and the pet food space is no different! Joining us for this episode is the Founder and CEO of Bundle x Joy, Jess Berger, and we have a fascinating chat with Jess about her winding career path and her passion for pets. We explore some important ideas around intentionality, the big mission that drives Jess, and some of the major issues that Jess has with the pet food industry at present. As a true pluralist, Jess is currently completing her doctorate in marketing and is staunchly...
2023-02-0155 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)106 - Start Living Unchained with Subtle DistinctionsBreaking free from the shackles that we give ourselves can be one of the biggest challenges each of us faces, especially when these are shielded from our view. Today we sit down with Matt D'Amour and Linwood Paul from personal growth and development company, Subtle Distinctions, to talk about how they approach helping their clients transcend limiting beliefs, get over the fear of success, and step out of safety into an authentic and courageous version of themselves! The conversation covers the power of the stories we tell ourselves, how to go about 'installing new software', and applying the laws...
2023-01-2554 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)105 - Cash, Community, or Customers with Jordan Buckner of FoodbevyEntrepreneurs need to be creative and forward-thinking to build a successful and sustainable business. Although making money is the main objective of any business, entrepreneurs are focused on much more than profit margins or the bottom line. Today's guest, Jordan Buckner, overcame many challenges while starting and running his own companies and realized that startups need help to succeed in the food and beverage space. He subsequently founded Foodbevy, a company helping aspiring entrepreneurs establish their brands in the food and beverage industry. In our conversation, we discuss his entrepreneurial journey, how to leverage fundraising platforms effectively, three aspects...
2023-01-181h 00Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)104 - Over Deliver on Experience with Lex Evan of Lexington BakesThroughout a person’s career, they acquire many skills beneficial to entrepreneurism. Recognizing those skills creates fantastic opportunities to pursue your passions and follow your dreams. In this episode, we talk to Lex Evan, the Founder, CEO, and chef of the first conscious and sustainable bakery. Lexington Bakes is a luxury bakeshop creating decadent, handmade desserts using consciously sourced ingredients. Lex is known for his audacious and inventive personality and for turning big ideas into reality. He is also deeply passionate about positively impacting society and the planet through effective leadership and entrepreneurship. In our conversation, we hear about hi...
2023-01-111h 06Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)102 - The Joyful Freelancer: Work-Life Balance is a Waste of Time with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesHow do you grow your “brand” as a freelancer? Does the hype around the importance of a healthy work-life balance make sense? This week, we feature an episode of The Joyful Freelancer that our very own Gage Mitchell was on recently to answer these questions. The host of the podcast, Katherine Gustafson, evoked Gage to delve into some of his favorite social media rants, how to engineer your life to be more fulfilling, and his approach to growing mission-driven brands. Tuning in, you’ll hear the origin story of EvolveCPG and Modern Species, the value of marrying work with your p...
2022-12-2837 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)101 - The Creative Shit Show: Sustainable Shit Show with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesHow can a brand use the power of design to make the world a better place? This episode features our very own Gage Mitchell’s interview on The Creative Shit Show Podcast, where he talks in-depth about designing solutions that make a positive impact on our environment. Gage talks about the power of design, how it can make a meaningful impact, and why it is important to note the responsibilities that come with it. Gage discusses why he is passionate about B-Corp, its relationship to globalization, and how it all relates to designer and customer awareness. Tune in to fi...
2022-12-2154 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)100 - Defining Better for the World with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesWe spend a lot of time talking about better-for-the-world products, brands, and businesses. But what does that really mean? During our milestone episode, we are reflecting on the types of advice and stories that are shared on the show by guests who are working to do better in different ways. We take a detailed look at what it means for purpose-driven brands to be committed to better for the world. We also explore real-world examples of industry leaders who are successfully infusing business strategy with their values before touching on the role of supportive policies in encouraging more businesses...
2022-12-1537 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)094 - Shifting Toward Sustainability with Alicia Lahey of Humble SnacksConscious consumerism has grown exponentially in recent years, with shoppers expecting more transparency and less waste from the brands they choose to support. While shifting towards more sustainable business practices obviously has a positive impact on the environment, there are also a number of benefits for your brand, which you’ll learn more about in today’s episode! To help us explore this topic, we are joined by Alicia Lahey, Co-Founder and CEO of Humble Snacks, Canada’s first organic potato chip packaged in 100% plastic-free, compostable bags. We discuss Alicia’s experience in big food, why she and her husband...
2022-11-0252 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)092 - Nobody Can Do This Alone with Caroline Cotto of Renewal MillDid you know that up to 40% of food in the USA goes to waste every year? In this episode of Evolve CPG, Caroline Cotto is here to discuss how conscious consumers and brands can fight this problem. Caroline is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Renewal Mill, President of the Upcycled Food Association, and she also is passionate about all things health, wellness and, food! Finding partners with the same mission is imperative and today, Caroline shares how her company found success with the help of theirs. We also discuss the importance of making sustainability a factor in the...
2022-10-1952 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)091 - Start with Health with Mark Samuel of IWON OrganicsNutrition is key to living healthy but is a challenge due to the demands of work and life. Unhealthy snacks are what many people rely on to keep themselves energized throughout the day; often leaving them feeling tired, cranky, and hungry for more. What if there was a healthy alternative? In this episode, we speak to Mark Samuel, the Founder of IWON Organics; a company providing people with healthy, organic meals and snacks that make people feel good. Mark has had a life-long obsession with health and fitness and is passionate about helping people make better meal and lifestyle...
2022-10-1237 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)090 - Donations Beat Discounts Andrew Forman of GivzDiscounts are the default incentive to grow sales for many businesses. However, a change in consumer behavior is causing them to hack into margins and deteriorate brand value. In this episode, we speak to Andrew Forman about an alternative approach gaining traction in the marketing space, donation incentives! Starting in finance as an investment banker, Andrew decided to pursue an MBA degree at Harvard. After studying, he wanted to make a social impact while following his ambitions in business, culminating in him starting Givz; an e-commerce marketing platform with a twist. Givz is a digital commerce platform that grows...
2022-10-0551 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)089 - TikTok and Vulnerability with Erica Rankin of Bro DoughSocial media can be a fantastic way to grow your brand and increase sales, but this is easier said than done, especially for people that are not extroverts. In this episode, we speak to Erica Rankin, CEO, and Founder of Bro Dough, a healthy plant-based cookie dough alternative. Erica is driven by her passion for health and fitness but also enjoys indulging in the finer things in life, particularly cookie dough! She combined these loves with her ambitions and competitive nature to start Bro Dough. Although not a natural extrovert, Erica was able to step outside of her shell...
2022-09-2841 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)088 - The Keys to Success with John Foraker of Once Upon a FarmTo make a true impact, your mission needs to be baked into the DNA of your brand from the get-go. Joining us today to share the keys to the success of an impact-driven brand is John Foraker, Co-Founder and CEO of nutrition-focused kids’ food brand, Once Upon a Farm. In this episode, we discover the most valuable lessons John learned from scaling Annie’s Homegrown, how he came to partner with actress and Once Upon a Farm co-founder, Jennifer Garner, and how he weaves impact into the brands he builds. Tune in for this revealing episode on scaling without comp...
2022-09-211h 01Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)087 - Importing Food Culture with Amy Zitelman of Soom FoodsAlthough not particularly new to the US market, tahini has historically been found gathering dust at the bottom of the shelf in the international foods aisle instead of being celebrated in the kitchen for its versatility. Today we are joined by Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-Founder of Soom Foods, to talk about the various culinary uses of tahini, why she and her sisters started importing it, and the sustainable, regenerative qualities of the sesame crop and supply chain. Tune in to hear from this inspiring entrepreneur who refused to allow the lack of evidence for a thriving tahini market...
2022-09-141h 01Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)086 - Simplify to Amplify with Fred Hart of InteractDesign is so much more than aesthetics; it’s a tool for business. Today’s guest, Fred Hart, is a Partner and the Creative Director at Interact, a branding and design agency similar in many ways to our own. Fred’s passion for design began with sneakers and has since transitioned to food. Interact’s approach is underpinned by the principles of “simplify to amplify” and “brave design” and, during this conversation, we discuss the work they do with small, niche brands, as well as larger, more mainstream ones (Fred might even change your perspective on “big food!”) We also zoom out and ta...
2022-09-0857 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)085 - Help People Along the Way with David Simnick of SoapboxWhat are you doing to make the world a better place and help those around you? Creating change in the world requires dedication and handwork, leaving very little time to run a business, but what if you could use business as a tool for good? This is the approach of today’s guest, David Simnick, CEO and Co-Founder of Soapbox and Managing Partner at Impact Driven Brands. David believes that creating and running impactful businesses is how entrepreneurs can help meet the needs of society and help make the world a better place. In this episode, we discuss his ea...
2022-08-3148 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)084 - Be Willing to Lose Everything with Adam Hiner of PachaSetting out and starting a business takes courage, determination, and the ability to learn as you go. It also requires a certain commitment to the foundational causes of the work. For Adam Hiner, our guest on today's show, combining his passion for food and regenerative agriculture with his work ethic and growing knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape has enabled him to build two really inspiring and conscientious brands. Adam is the CEO and Founder of Pacha, a gluten-free, grain-free, sprouted, fermented, paleo, and plant-based bread company, as well as the Co-Founder of Boochcraft, through which he and his team...
2022-08-2459 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)083 - Follow Your Passion with Fred Haberman of Freak Flag OrganicsSuccess within the CPG space is an arduous undertaking that requires immense drive and passion for overcoming the inevitable challenges. Following your passion is a fundamental driver of today’s guest, Fred Haberman, an entrepreneur whose businesses reflect his values and ideals. One of those businesses, Freak Flag Organics provides ultra-organic foods with extra-amazing flavors to help people create healthy dishes right at home. In our conversation, he explains how his various businesses act as a platform to communicate ideas to help drive change, the challenges with the CPG space, and the hard lessons he has learned during his 28 ye...
2022-08-171h 04Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)082 - 2021 HITS: Prioritizing Brand Messaging with Pilar Ochi of Alter EcoWe're re-running our most successful episodes of 2021 because there are some insights that we have to go back to. This time, we speak about brand messaging for sustainable CPG products with Pilar Ochi, Vice President of Marketing at Alter Eco, a sustainable sweet snacks company.Making a sustainable CPG product a household name doesn’t sound as challenging as it is. Today we speak to Pilar Ochi, Vice President of Marketing at Alter Eco, a sustainable sweet snacks company. She joined the company because this was the first brand she found that does more for peop...
2022-08-1054 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)081 - Will it Get Recycled with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesIt sounds confusing, but the word ‘recyclable’ doesn’t always mean that something can, in fact, be recycled. Hopefully, by the time you get to the end of this episode, you’ll have a greater understanding of the complexities of the recycling system as a whole. Through careful distillation of the procedural and consumer-based processes, you can begin to distinguish between greenwashing and truly recyclable products. Object, consumption, recovery, and market are all relevant to the conversation, along with contamination, consumer power, and demand. Join us to hear all this and more today! Key Point...
2022-08-0339 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)080 - Better Food Packaging in 30 Questions with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesThe way your product is packaged is almost as important as the product itself. Your packaging helps potential customers decide whether they should pick your product off the shelf, or go for one of your competitors’ products instead. During this episode, Gage covers 30 questions relating to product packaging within the realms of messaging, images, branding, form, and (of course) sustainability. From, “How would I use it?” to, “Is the packaging recyclable/compostable?” tune in to hear how you can use these 30 key questions as a guide to help you create better food packaging and sell more products as a result!
2022-07-2739 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)078 - 2021 HITS: Reaching Green Consumers with Carolyn Parrs of Mind Over MarketsWe're re-running our most successful episodes of 2021 because there are some insights that we just have to go back to. This time, we speak about how to market sustainability with Carolyn Parrs, CEO of Mind Over Markets.So many businesses struggle to find the right words to market their sustainable and social impact products. Today’s guest is Carolyn Parrs, CEO of Mind Over Markets, and she joins us to talk about the green consumer and the best ways to market sustainability. The purpose behind Mind Over Markets is to help sustainable and social impact businesses market the...
2022-07-1354 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)076 - People, Planet, Balance, and Growth with Michelle Miller of The Green Marketing AcademyThe green marketing space is one that is in constant flux and to be a part of it requires a steady commitment to learning and adjusting. Michelle Miller has dedicated herself to aiding brands and organizations that wish to stay abreast of the latest learnings and contribute to a better culture of sustainability wherever possible. Michelle is the Founder and CEO of The Green Marketing Academy, as well as the owner and Creative Director of Minty Made, and on today's show, we get to hear from our guest about how she uses these vehicles to make a difference through...
2022-06-2956 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)075 - When Everything Goes Wrong with Sadrah Schadel of No Evil FoodsNo entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, but even the biggest ones can be overcome with enough passion, drive, and support. Today’s guest is Sadrah Schadel, founder and CEO of No Evil Foods, a nationwide plant based protein company which she and her life partner started in their kitchen in 2014 with just $5000. After a few major hurdles which we discuss during today’s episode, they got to a point where they were weeks away from running out of money and having to shut their doors. Tune in to hear about the rise, fall, and recent rebrand of No Evil...
2022-06-221h 04Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)074 - Focus on Your Fans with Dr. James Richardson of Premium Growth SolutionsDo you want to maximize the odds of scaling your brand to $100 million and beyond? Then, you need to learn the rules of exponential growth for consumer brands! In today’s episode, we speak with Dr. James Richardson, Founder of Premium Growth Solutions and author of Ramping Your Brand: How to Ride the Killer CPG Growth Curve, about the actual data behind how brands grow and the importance of retaining customers. Based on years of anthropological research into how and why people pay for premium-priced consumer packaged goods, Dr. Richardson outlines his approach to thinking smarter about growth as a...
2022-06-1533 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)073 - Get Creative with Your Giving at the 1% for the Planet Global SummitLooking for ideas and inspiration to improve your contributions to worthy causes? In this episode we share a panel discussion from the recent 1% for the Planet Global Summit, in which we talked about some exciting ways that 1% for the Planet is enabling companies to connect, give back, and make a difference! We look at the examples of our four panelists, Isabelle Bicaci from Outer, Jack Dyer from Topa Topa, Shanon Tysland from Experience Momentum, and Stella Murray, who is an Architectural Lighting Designer and individual contributor. We unpack the worthwhile monetary and non-monetary opportunities that our panel found impactful...
2022-06-0852 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)062 - Make it Easy with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesContinuing last week's episode about the problem with using motivation as a marketing tool, our host, Gage Mitchell, joins us to dive into the things a brand should focus on if they want to build a new behavior on consumers.Find the Key Points of the Episode on our website: https://www.evolvecpg.com/the-show/make-it-easy-gage-mitchell-modern-speciesFind more about Modern Species: https://modernspecies.com/Join our FREE community for CPG leaders: https://community.evolvecpg.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-cpg/As an ever-evolving...
2022-03-2413 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)061 - The Problem with Motivation with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesWhile motivation and education can be effective in the right circumstances and the correct order, the bottom line is: if you're dumping your marketing dollars into motivation and education only, you're draining your brand of valuable time and money! In this mini-episode, your host Gage Mitchell goes solo to dive into the reasons why you shouldn't rely purely on education or motivation tactics in your marketing, with numerous recognizable scenarios that show why motivation can be unpredictable and inconsistent. We also look at why education only works with specific types of products and doesn't really serve you i...
2022-03-1615 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)052 - Better Food Products with Jonathan Deutsch of Drexel Food LabIn today’s episode, we’re speaking with Jonathan Deutsch about the art and science of food product research, development, and testing.Jonathan is a professor of Culinary Arts and Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the founder & director of Drexel University’s Food Lab. Find more about him here Drexel Food Lab is a food product development and culinary innovation lab focused on improving the health of people, the planet, and economies, as well as engaging their students in real-world product development and product design projects. Learn more -Join...
2022-01-1246 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)050 - A Framework for Communications with Molly Gaines of Kindship GroupThe world of brand messaging and public relations is evolving at a rapid pace in response to new technologies and societal shifts. In order to thrive, companies need to react to these trends and adjust accordingly. Our guest today is Molly Gaines, the Strategic Communications and Engagement Director at the Kindship Group, with a background in journalism and a love for storytelling! With Molly's help, we tackle the central importance of authentic, relevant, and clear brand communications, and how Kindship helps purpose-driven brands survive and scale in today's climate. We also look at Molly's personal story, the huge impact...
2021-12-291h 01Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)046 - Food Systems & Climate Change with Jonathan Reinbold of Thomas FoodsWhen we look at the sectors that are contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture is responsible for 15 to 20 percent, but today’s guest believes that the food industry has an opportunity to do better; a lot better! Today, we speak with Jonathan Reinbold, Sustainability Director for Thomas Foods, about the food industry’s impact on our health and the environment and the progress being made to turn any negative impacts into positive ones. Jonathan has worked in sustainability, agriculture, and climate action for over a decade now, and his experience spans sustainability strategy, CSR reporting, non‐profit manage...
2021-12-0148 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)045 - Giving Bulk a Brand with Jason Freeman of Farmer Direct OrganicTo create a CPG product that is 100% organic, 100% traceable back to the family farm, and 100% tested for pesticides and herbicides is no small feat. In today's episode, we speak to someone who has done just that. Jason Freeman is the Founder and CEO of Farmer Direct Organic, a certified organic supplier of beans, grains, legumes, and all sorts of healthy whole foods to stores across the US and Canada. Today we discuss the challenges of traceable supply chains, affordable plastic-free packaging, finding the right investors, the rise in superweeds, the need for more widely-used environmentally-friendly farming techniques, and the...
2021-11-241h 03Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)044 - Prioritizing Brand Messaging with Pilar Ochi of Alter EcoMaking a sustainable CPG product a household name doesn’t sound as challenging as it is. Today we speak to Pilar Ochi, Vice President of Marketing at Alter Eco, a sustainable sweet snacks company. She joined the company because this was the first brand that she found that does more for people and the planet than they talk about. While this sounds like any marketer’s dream, narrowing down the messaging and the direction the brand should be taking when you have so much to say has been quite a challenge. Today she joins us to discuss how she sett...
2021-11-1753 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)041 - A Transparent Food System with Colleen Kavanagh of Zego FoodsThe general trend towards healthier living and better information about nutrition has many layers, with one of the main tenets being an increase in transparency from food brands about the ingredients used and their sources. Today we are joined by Colleen Kavanagh, the CEO and Co-Founder of ZEGO Foods, to talk about how the company is enabling its customers to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and supporting achievement on multiple levels. Colleen shares some of her personal journey with nutrition and how this led into her career, the important shifts in the industry in recent years, how public policy...
2021-10-2751 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)040 - Growing Organic Certification with Jessica Beckett Parr of CCOFThe California Certified Organic Farmers, or CCOF, extends across the US and certifies more operations than any other organic certification company or organization in the country. This week we get together with Jessica Beckett Parr to discuss her work as director of the CCOF Foundation, and how her devotion to agriculture was shaped from a young age. Tuning in you’ll hear about the history of CCOF as well as the history of certification and organic farming in America. Jessica shares her expansive knowledge on the many benefits of organic and why it has such an important role to pl...
2021-10-2049 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)036 - Check Your Zipcode Culture with Linwood Paul & Matt D'Amour of Subtle DistinctionsCompany culture is one of the pillars that will define an organization's outcomes, and the more intentionality and balance that can be brought into a workspace, the better for all involved. Linwood Paul and Matt D'Amour join us on the show today to talk about the idea of the business zip code, and how geography and assumptions can negatively impact the systems and processes at any business. Our guests are the cofounders of Subtle Distinctions, where they help cultivate thoughtful leaders and better companies as a result. In our conversation, we get into the importance of balancing different approaches...
2021-09-2219 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)035 - Reaching Green Consumers with Carolyn Parrs of Mind Over MarketsSo many businesses struggle to find the right words to market their sustainable and social impact products. Today’s guest is Carolyn Parrs, CEO of Mind Over Markets, and she joins us to talk about the green consumer and the best ways to market sustainability. One of the big themes in today’s conversation is how to get people to adopt your sustainable product. People fall into different tiers according to their devotion to buying green products and this begs the question of which group to target so that you can make the most impact. Also...
2021-09-1554 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)034 - Investing In Sustainability with Ryan Williams of NextWorld EvergreenGoing green is set to be big business in the coming years, thanks, in part, to growing consumer demand for products that are good for the planet. But this can also be good news for brands, as embedding Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into your core strategy can help deliver long-term value. In today’s episode, we speak with Ryan Williams, Operating Partner of NextWorld Evergreen, about how brands and investors are taking sustainability seriously, even when some experiments fail. Ryan also shares his tips for purpose-driven brands seeking mission-aligned equity and explains why profitability is the single mo...
2021-09-0828 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)033 - Growing a New Garden Brand with Jason Rider & Morgan Rider of Thriving DesignThe world of 3D printing and the cannabis space are two areas that have seen massive progress in the last few years. The intersection between these two spheres is what inspired today's guests to build the simple yet ingenious C-Bite! Joining us to talk about the C-Bite are the co-founders of Thriving Design, brother and sister team, Jordan and Morgan Rider! In our conversation, we get to hear about the steps that led up to Jason's invention of the C-Bite and how he asked Morgan to get involved to make a business out of his experimentation. We also talk...
2021-09-0147 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)032 - Persuasive Branding with Gage Mitchell of Modern SpeciesNo matter what kind of brand you are running, in order to be successful and create an impact, you need to be able to connect with a community and build an audience. Today we are doing things a little differently, and instead of interviewing a guest, Gage breaks down the principles detailed in the book, Influence, by Robert Cialdini, and applies them more particularly to the type of branding we are most interested in. The six psychological principles are reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity. If you have not yet read the book, it is...
2021-08-2527 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)031 - Cultivating Heartset with Linwood Paul & Matt D'Amour of Subtle DistinctionsIn order to make the best possible decisions, we need to use all the tools available to us, and not just the rational mind, that often dominates our choices. This is where the concept of heartset comes into the conversation, and in this episode, we are joined by two inspiring guests to explore the idea of heartset and how to utilize this important tool for the benefit of ourselves, those around us, and the work and projects in which we are involved. Linwood Paul and Matt D'Amour are the cofounders of Subtle Distinctions, where they help cultivate thoughtful and...
2021-08-1826 minBrands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)030 - Business as a Force for Good with Veena Harbaugh Of B Lab US & CanadaPopularity and awareness of the B corp certification have been growing steadily and the burgeoning space is showing no signs of slowing down. Today we get to chat with Veena Harbaugh, who is the Director of Marketing and Communications for B Lab U.S. & Canada, about the topic of B corps and how her work at B Lab aims to champion this important step for the business world. In our conversation, we get into the multifaceted nature of B corp companies, why the growing number of businesses with the certification is creating a rising tide, and how the marketing...
2021-08-1148 min