Shows
Emerging Brands PodcastSage MatchaIn this episode, I’m joined by Larry Yu, founder of Sage Matcha—a brand on a mission to bring the magic of ceremonial-grade matcha to your daily routine, no matter how busy life gets. Originally from New Jersey, Larry’s love for matcha started in high school. But it was during his time at NYU Tisch—navigating long hours, creative hustle, and constant movement—that the idea for a more convenient, high-quality matcha latte was born. Sage Matcha’s single-serve sticks combine ceremonial-grade matcha with oat milk powder, organic ingredients, and superfood blends, making it easy to sip somet...2025-06-2237 min
Baseball and BBQBabe Ruth's Great-Grandson, Brent Stevens and Author, Kelly Bennett Discuss Out of the Mouth of Babe While Alex Fei of Roto-Q 360, Hunter Breshears of Plainville Farms, and Stefan Nicodemou of Saucy Rascals Discuss Their ProductsEpisode 296 features Babe Ruth's great-grandson, Brent Stevens and author, Kelly Bennett discussing Out of the Mouth of Babe, while National BBQ Festival participants, Alex Fei of Roto-Q 360, Hunter Breshears of Plainville Farms, and Stefan Nicodemou of Saucy Rascals discuss their products
Kelly Bennett is the author of many award-winning books for children. She first joined us on episode 243 to discuss her book, The House That Ruth Built. She is back to introduce her newest book, Out of the Mouth of Babe which she worked on with Brent Stevens, Babe Ruth’s great-grandson, and Stu Dressler, a long...2025-06-211h 18Emerging Brands PodcastHigh Mesa Chile CoIn this episode, I’m joined by Brock Giles, founder of High Mesa Chile Co.—a modern Southwest kitchen crafting small-batch sauces, condiments, and cocktail mixers inspired by the bold flavor of flame-roasted chiles. Brock’s brand is rooted in a deep love for flame-roasted chiles and a passion for turning regional ingredients into shelf-worthy staples that elevate everyday meals. Inside the Episode How Brock turned his obsession with flame-roasted chiles into a growing line of Southwest-inspired pantry staples How the brand has evolved to cocktail mixers, hot sauces, braising sauces, mustards, pickled items...2025-06-1126 minEmerging Brands PodcastBawiIn this episode, I’m joined by Victor Guardiola, founder of Bawi—a better-for-you sparkling agua fresca brand inspired by his Mexican roots. Victor grew up drinking aguas frescas made with fresh fruit and a lot of sugar. When he couldn’t find a version that honored the tradition but felt better for the body, he created one himself. Bawi is a love letter to culture and community—crafted with real ingredients, bold flavor, and a fresh take on a nostalgic classic. Through the brand, Victor is not only sharing a drink he grew up loving—he’s helping re...2025-06-1136 min
The Splitting Smart PodcastWhen Veterans Divorce Ep 61 (Part 1)Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.This one’s powerful. If you or someone you love has worn the uniform, you already know that the battles don’t always stop when deployment ends. And when veterans divorce, there’s usually a whole lot beneath the surface leading up to the split. In this episode of The Splitting Smart Podcast, I’m sitting down with someone I deeply respect: Hon. Mark Johnson (Ret.), an Iraq War vet, Bronze Star recipient, and the judge on the Veterans Court in Riversid...2025-06-0450 minEmerging Brands PodcastSeenayaSaman and Maha are the mother-daughter duo behind Seenaya, a skincare brand born from a deep love of their Pakistani heritage and a desire to share its generational beauty rituals with the world. Inspired by family’s remedies and the natural ingredients they grew up with, they created Seenaya to preserve and celebrate the power of ancestral skincare—blending traditions with modern science. With each product, they’re not just offering results-driven skincare—they’re building a bridge between generations and creating a global community rooted in authenticity, culture, and nature. Inside the Episode: How Seenaya gr...2025-06-0331 min
Helping Families Be HappyTeaching Perseverance Through Sports: Babe Ruth’s Enduring Influence with Kelly BennettIn this episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, Christopher Robbins, host and co-founder of Familius Publishing, converses with author Kelly Bennett. They delve into Bennett's book "Out of the Mouth of Babe," which explores the life and legacy of baseball legend Babe Ruth.
The discussion covers Ruth's early life challenges and his indelible impact on baseball and popular culture. Bennett shares anecdotes and quotes from Ruth, illustrating how his character and achievements offer valuable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and positivity. The episode highlights how understanding Ruth's history can inspire both children and adults today.
2025-05-2817 minEmerging Brands PodcastSaladSprinklesBlakely and Jordan are best friends who share a love of good design and great food. They met in art school fifteen years ago and have been working in the creative industry ever since. Together, they created SaladSprinkles; a toasted flavored rice puffs that put crunch in every bite! They’re are vegan, gluten-free, and women-owned. #NoMoreCroutons Learn their story of launching SaladSprinkles! Inside the episode How Blakely and Jordan balance busy careers and family while building an emerging brand The inspiration behind creating SaladSprinkles Strategy for reaching new re...2025-05-0629 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastThe High Cost of an Angry Divorce Ep 60Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.They were supposed to be spending their golden years traveling, relaxing, and maybe spoiling any grandkids. Instead? They spent two years locked in a bitter divorce that racked up over $100K in legal fees—and that’s just one side.In this episode, I’m walking you through the story of my client "Jeremy," a retired man who did everything right. He offered fair settlements. He tried to keep it calm. He just wanted to move on with his life. But his ex was...2025-05-0525 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastHeartbreak or Hormones? How HRT Could Save Your Marriage (Part 2) Ep 59Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Feel like something’s “off?" It might not be you—it might be your hormones.I’m back with Dr. Diana Hoppe—OB/GYN, hormone expert, and breast cancer survivor—to get into what most doctors still aren’t telling you about hormone therapy. We’re talking about foggy thinking, the myths around hormone replacement theory, and what you can do to feel like yourself again.If you’ve ever asked, “What’s happening to me?.... You’re going to want to listen t...2025-04-2119 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastHeartbreak or Hormones? How HRT Could Save Your Marriage Ep 58 (Part 1)Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Think your marriage is falling apart? It might actually be your hormones. Kelly sees people walk into her office every day ready to end their marriage—sometimes without realizing that hormones (theirs or their spouse’s) might be the real issue. Dr. Diana sees it too. Together, they break down how perimenopause, menopause, and hormone imbalance can show up as brain fog, anxiety, low libido, or emotional burnout—and how many women don’t get real answers until it’s too late. In...2025-04-0731 minEmerging Brands PodcastBeny YogurtBeny Yogurt is your daily probiotic supplement - a delicious organic dairy yogurt made specifically for your gut. Kirsten (Kiki) recently jumped ship to co-found Beny Yogurt, a high-protein, low-carb dairy yogurt packed with the probiotic benefits of a supplement—no pills required. Though this is Kiki's first foray into the food CPG space (prior she worked in private equity at Alpine Investors), it is by no means a surprise to anyone who knows her. Kiki grew up in Northern California and comes from a family of dairy farmers. She holds a Bachelor's from Stanford University in Huma...2025-04-0129 min
Football Is FamilyKelly Bennett, author of Out of the Mouth of BabeFootball Is Family is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sports' Yesteryear.EPISODE SUMMARYToday we talk to author Kelly Bennett about her new work "Out of the Mouth of Babe". This is a football podcast, but I love it when people are invested in topics and people and are passionate about those things. Kelly is the perfect example of just that. You can tell in her knowledge and her excitement that she knows Babe Ruth. You will enjoy this interview as much as I did as its host.2025-03-2037 minEmerging Brands PodcastParty OfBetter, bolder snacks. Born of four Thai-American sisters with a love for the unexpected, Party Of makes crushable snacks with serious flavor. Just like us, our snacks are a joyful blend: familiar yet surprising. Authentic yet accessible. Inside the episode Founder story of 4 sisters launching a snack brand Brand story of Party Of Strategy to launch and stand out in a crowded snack market Advice to an emerging brand founder who’s creating a new product Sponsored by Hummingbirds2025-03-1926 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastWhen Divorce & Faith Collide (Pt 2): When to Turn to Your Church—And When to Look Elsewhere Ep 57Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Divorce can feel overwhelming—even when faith is a big part of your life. Many people turn to their church for guidance, but what if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your pastor? What if the advice you’re given doesn’t match up with what you know is best for you and your family? What is there is abuse? In this episode, Kelly Bennett, Esq., continues her conversation with Denny Brewer—a longtime family law attorney, Executive Pastor, and General Counsel at...2025-03-1735 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastWhen Divorce & Faith Collide: Finding Strength When Your Marriage Is Ending Ep 56Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Hey friends, divorce can shake your faith to the core, right? Whether you’re struggling with guilt, a fear of being judged by your faith community, or questioning what your beliefs say about divorce, you’re not alone. What if the very thing you’re afraid of could actually be a source of healing and strength? In this episode, Kelly Bennett, Esq., chats with Denny Brewer, Board Certified Family Law Specialist, about the impact of divorce on faith. They br...2025-03-0340 minEmerging Brands PodcastCENTERAlex Center is a Brooklyn-based designer and founder of CENTER. They're building brands people love. Learn what's catching Alex's eye in CPG, why his clients stand out in the marketplace, and so much more. 2025-02-1333 minEmerging Brands PodcastDesert DustBy day Rick Marino is a tour manager traveling the world with artists and when not on the road he's building Desert Dust. A brand built around his love for the desert by bottling up one of the Desert's best kept secrets, Dates. Here's the adventurous story of how it's happening!2025-02-1137 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastDivorce Anxiety is Real—Here’s How to Handle It #55Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Hey friends, let’s talk about something that keeps so many people up at night: divorce anxiety. If you’re in the middle of a divorce or a custody battle, you know how easy it is to get stuck in a cycle of worry. The “what ifs” never stop, and before you know it, you’re running on empty—exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: Worrying won’t change the outcome. What will make a difference is lear...2025-02-0316 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastCustody Issues? Get a Fair Deal Without Losing Your Career or Kids #54Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Hey friends, this one’s for all the hardworking parents out there trying to figure out how to juggle a busy career and the emotional rollercoaster of divorce and custody. Let’s be real: divorce is tough enough, but when you’re the breadwinner, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions. You’ve poured a lot into your career—long hours, late nights, sacrificed weekends—and now you’re asking, “Is all of that going to work against me...2025-01-0645 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastDivorce Without Destroying Your Business or Career, #53Text us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.An ending is a new beginning,Hey friends, this is it—the grand finale for On Fire Empire! Next stop? Our big, bold rebrand to The Splitting Smart Podcast! But before we fully dive into this exciting new era, we need to tackle something major: how to keep your career or business thriving during a divorce.Let’s face it—divorce is messy. But here’s the deal: it doesn’t have to take down everything you’ve built. Whether you’re a sma...2024-12-1718 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #52: The Next Chapter? Splitting SmartText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.You talked, we listened.Friends, I’m thrilled to have you back for an episode that marks a big shift in our journey together. Today, I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes as we prepare for an exciting rebrand of the On Fire Empire podcast. After hearing your feedback about what you truly need, we’re evolving to become The Splitting Smart Podcast. This isn’t just a name change—it’s a new direction that helps you navigate lif...2024-11-2509 minEmerging Brands PodcastEat Gold OrganicsEat Gold Organics founder Brandon Milbradt, combines her passion for storytelling and wellness to create chocolate bars that blend science and enchantment. Drawing from her personal experiences and commitment to functional foods, she has crafted plant-based chocolate infused with adaptogens, mushrooms, and nootropics, designed to nourish both body and mind. Collaborating with experts in nutrition, ethnobotany, and award-winning chocolatiers, Brandon ensures every bar is a balance of flavor, health, and sustainability. Her mission is rooted in authenticity and a love for the planet, creating indulgent, healing chocolate that spreads joy and well-being to all. On...2024-11-2130 minEmerging Brands PodcastFor The Love OfWith an extensive background in brand marketing, working at Snap Inc., Intuit, and Publicis Groupe, Megan Pruett took her newfound sobriety and transformed it into a business that is on its way to revolutionize the non-alcoholic industry. For The Love Of is a premium alcohol-removed wine company. Our brand was designed for all wine lovers who are intoxicated by the rich flavors, earthy aromas, and delicate textures of wine for one reason and one reason only—the love of it. Learn about the unique wine process of For The Love Of and how Megan is pr...2024-11-0933 minEmerging Brands PodcastPink SaltThe original Pink Salt concept was launched in 2019 at the Fulton Galley Food Hall, located on Chicago’s famed “Restaurant Row.” Completing only brief stages at Au Cheval and Nico Osteria, opening and running a restaurant was a bold leap. Using the space as a launchpad, Pink Salt quickly became one of the city’s most sought-after Thai establishments. During the pandemic, Pink Salt transitioned into a pop-up series, diving deeper into regional Thai cuisines and exploring the nuances of Thai food. Reviving traditions while creating new ones, Palita handcrafted sauces and pastes that brought her menus to life...2024-11-0827 minEmerging Brands PodcastAbby Studnicka, CEO & Founder Archie & AlfredArchie & Alfred was founded by Abby Studnicka, a passionate animal lover who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of pets and their owners. Abby grew up surrounded by animals and developed a deep love for them from a young age. Archie & Alfred is more than a dog product line; it's a lifestyle brand for the on the go pet parent looking for everyday products that blends effortlessly into an everyday wardrobe, while keeping the comfort and safety of your pet in mind. Learn how Abby created the brand and scaling!2024-10-1423 minEmerging Brands PodcastIlay Karateke, Co-founder and CEO BEZIA McKinsey consultant turned into a cheesemaker, Ilay is out to make labneh a thing as the co-founder and CEO of BEZI. During her time at Columbia, Ilay fell in love with the city, built her community through dinner parties at her home, known as Cafe Ilay, and completed her “business school summer internship” at a Mediterranean farm, milking cows and sheep, and learning to make cheese from scratch. Ilay left McKinsey to help launch Getir’s US operations, where she spent 2.5 years overseeing merchandising, commercial, and marketing departments. It was during this period...2024-10-1429 min
Local Marketing School#18: Lessons Learned with Emerging Brands | Kelly Bennett, With Kelly BennettIn this week's discussion, Emily chats with Kelly Bennett, brand strategist and advisor at With Kelly Bennett and host of the Emerging Brands Podcast. Kelly Bennett is a New York City based brand strategist and advisor launching CPG food & beverage brands. They work with early-stage founders to differentiate brands and products in the marketplace, speak directly to their target audience, drive consumer demand (even before launching), and create buzz for consumers, media & retailers. Kelly also hosts ‘Emerging Brand Podcast’ interviewing founders building the coolest emerging brands. We chatted through ways to position your brand for success in terms of packa...2024-09-2635 minEmerging Brands PodcastLeah & Yasaman, Co-founders good girl snacksLeah and Yasaman met in college and have always connected deeply through their shared Middle Eastern backgrounds. With a blend of Persian, Egyptian and Tunisian cultures between them, their love for the flavors of their origins transcends with good girl snacks™. After scrolling on TikTok, they quickly realized how much Gen Z loved pickles (a food category that could be kinda boring). They quit their jobs and made it their mission to offer a product Gen Z is sure to obsess over! good girl snacks first product Hot Girl Pickles has gone viral and created a cult fo...2024-09-0129 minEmerging Brands PodcastJash Mehta, Co-founder & CEO Pop & BottlePop & Bottle began with two great friends - Jash and Blair - who bonded over their love of coffee and endless quest to find coffee products that met their quality and health standards. From blending homemade almond milk and cold brew coffee in their own kitchens, Pop & Bottle was born. From launching in Whole Foods, scaling production facilities, to selling their one millionth latte, fundraising, and doubling sales… Co-founder Jash Mehta brings us behind the scenes!2024-09-0123 minBaseball and BBQAuthor of The House That Ruth Built, Kelly Bennett and Big Unc's, Nick Wilson, Maker of Premium Sauces and RubsAuthor of The House That Ruth Built, Kelly Bennett and Big Unc's, Nick Wilson, Maker of Premium Sauces and Rubs
Kelly Bennett is the author of many award-winning books for children. However, her latest book, The House That Ruth Built can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Illustrated by Susanna Covelli, it is as stated quite eloquently on her website, a "historical non-fiction picture book celebrating baseball, Babe Ruth & the first baseball stadium in the world. The House That Ruth Built recreates the excitement—on and off the field—of that 1923 opening day game in Yank...2024-06-151h 29Emerging Brands PodcastTara Hankinson, Co-Founder & Co-CEO TALEA Beer Co.Talea Beer is a female-founded brewery making easy-to-love beers (and a personal favorite of mine). Founded by two friends LeAnn and Tara, they found the need for craft beer to meet the needs and wants of women. As they explain ‘From confusing packaging and bearded bros with attitudes to dark, industrial taprooms, the male-dominated industry was lacking an approachable, inclusive perspective and voice’. Co-founder Tara Hankinson takes us behind the brand to learn more of their story, brand differentiators, brand messaging, strategy to scale, and vision. This is a great episode for a food & beverage foun...2024-04-2923 min
Rooted in RetailCreating a Memorable Brand Story with Kelly BennettIn the world of branding, it's not just about logos and slogans—it's about building an unforgettable narrative. Meet Kelly Bennett, a seasoned brand strategist based in New York City, here to guide indie retailers through the art of crafting compelling brand stories. For over a decade, Kelly's been the creative mastermind behind numerous award-winning brands. Beyond that, she's the founder behind an emerging brand incubator, with a diverse portfolio spanning food and beverage, home, lifestyle design, and media.This episode is perfect for independent retailers seeking to elevate the...2023-12-1742 minEmerging Brands PodcastNina Zilka, Co-founder & CEO Alder New YorkNina Zilka, Co-founder & CEO Alder New York, shares how she and her best friend started a skin care brand with no background in skin care. She talks about the journey of taking their formulation to small batch manufacturing, where sustainability plays a role in their brand, and why skin care doesn’t have to be complicated. PS. I use their skin care and LOVE it!2023-08-2735 min
Walking On AirNordic Walking and Type 2 Diabetes with Kelly BennettIn episode 53, I talk to Kelly Bennett from Cornwall, who is the director of Walk Kernow, which she set up in 2012 , after having personally experienced the benefits derived from Nordic Walking. Kelly wanted to share her love for walking along with its physical and mental health benefits. Walk Kernow has also become a place for Walk Kernow Members to socialise & enjoy other activities, making Walk Kernow a whole fitness, wellbeing and lifestyle group. Today Kelly talks about the positive effects that nordic walking can have on people with type 2 diabetes, having had first hand e...2023-05-1729 minEmerging Brands PodcastSara Berks, Founder MinnaI’m excited to introduce Sara Berks to the podcast! Sarah is the founder of Minna (a brand I have become obsessed with!). Minna’s textiles and home decor has been taking over my New York City apartment and I love their shop in Hudson, New York. In today’s episode we talk about Sara’s backstory into how Minna came to be, working with fair trades, and Minna’s vision and much more!2023-05-0821 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #51: Intentional Living - Why YOU Need to Get Intentional ASAPText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Are you living and running your business with INTENTION?You may be asking...what actually is Intentional Living and how the heck do you achieve it?As we roll into the holidays and into the new year, I thought this would be a timely topic to discuss.This week on the On Fire Empire Podcast, we talk about intentional living. Living with intention is first knowing what you want! Think about that for a moment, do...2022-12-1207 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #50: Gaining Perspective and Enjoying The Holidays With IntentionText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Are you dreading the holidays?I know sometimes we think, "oh I have to see that odd ball family member that has such weird views and if I have to listen to them again..."Let's turn that on its head and get intentional about how we roll into the holidays.This week on the On Fire Empire Podcast, we are getting personal. With the holidays coming up it is a good time to practice keeping ourselves...2022-11-2315 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #49: Quiet QuittingText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.This week on the On Fire Empire Podcast, I am discussing Quiet Quitting, a new trend that has been in the news since summer 2022. It all started with a seventeen second video on Tik Tok. (I know right!?)Simply, Quiet Quitting is when someone is not outright quitting their job, but they are quitting the idea of going above and beyond; still performing their duties, only doing the bare minimum.We cannot let this trend invite scarcity into...2022-11-0725 min
Emerging Brands PodcastWhy You’re Feeling Stuck with Marketing and How to Fix ItI’m so excited to talk about this topic with you today which is all about marketing. A lot of people in my incubator can feel lost with marketing their products or services because they don’t know where to start or feel uncertain of their story and branding. I talk a lot about this topic in my incubator, speaking events, and with others. Enjoy today's episode! Topics Discussed Marketing is From the Soul What is unique about your story, products and branding? What is your story? The importance of your product. The Experience arou...2022-11-0625 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #48 - Q&A with Kelly: Trial Separation? Divorce? A Spouse Refuses Marriage CounselingText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.On this shorty-episode, Kelly takes a call from Christy. Christy and her husband have a rocky marriage, and he won't go to counseling. Christy's thinking that maybe a trial separation is in order - but hubby is super prickly and she doesn't know how to broach the subject.With her lawyer hat squarely in place, Kelly hears Christy's question for the first time and gives Christy practical advice that only a super-seasoned divorce and mediation lawyer can give. Listen in and learn: 2022-09-0516 minEmerging Brands PodcastClosing a Chapter Brings New StoriesHello friends. It’s Kelly and I’m comin’ at you with a new solo episode today. As much as I love doing interviews, I wanted to take you behind the scenes to show you what I've been working on. I’ve been busy working on new projects, meeting new creators, and experimenting with new ideas that I can’t wait to tell you. This episode is a must listen if you want to hear all what I’ve been up to behind the scenes. THANK YOU For your continuous support! In this epis...2022-08-2423 minEmerging Brands PodcastWhere to Focus Next to Build Your Lifestyle BrandHey everyone! It’s Kelly and today is a solo episode for you. I decided on a solo episode as I am catching up on my website with the previous interviews we’ve had on the podcast so far. I’m so thankful for everyone who said yes- THANK YOU! The idea behind the podcast is to do a deep dive and go behind the scenes of what it takes to build an emerging lifestyle brand through the eyes of creative direction (why, hello there ;) ). This week, I go deeper into nine areas where you can focus on build...2022-08-1024 minThe Splitting Smart PodcastEpisode #46 - Business Trinity: How to Hire a Team of Peak PerformersText us your feedback or questions - we'd love to hear from you.Are you stuck with bad hiring decisions because you’ve been in desperate need of employees? In the age of the “hiring desert” - not enough qualified job candidates to go around - this happens quite frequently. But there are steps you can take today to start turning your hiring practices around.In this episode, Kelly shares three crucial components to hiring the right employees. These are tried and true methods learned over Kelly's 35 years in business.1) Hire intentionally and method...2022-08-0849 minEmerging Brands PodcastCharlotte Righton, Founder Endless Love CreativeGetting involved with markets doesn’t have to be scary! That is Charlotte Righton’s goal- to make markets enjoyable for both creatives and shoppers! Having engaging markets isn’t all what Charlotte does, she even hosts Life Drawings that are not so intimidating and more connecting based. Everything Charlotte does is what I love about bringing creatives and community together. For those who are nervous about joining a market, I hope this episode inspires you to join and start connecting with other creatives! 2022-07-2727 min