Tag: Diana Fryc

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Kombucha Like You’ve Never Seen featuring Holly Lyman, Wild Tonic

December 6, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a drink that tasted great and gave you a boost — without the unhealthy ingredients?

Holly Lyman thought so too. That’s why she started experimenting with beverages using the Jun culture. It’s a rare cousin of kombucha, an ancient ferment known as an elixir of life and enlightenment. While kombucha uses cane sugar, the Jun culture is made from honey. There’s plenty of folklore surrounding its origins — some say the monks used it for energy. The Jun culture has been passed on for generations but never commercialized… until now.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Holly Lyman, Founder and Queen Bee of Wild Tonic, to discuss her journey to create a revolutionary, healthy beverage. Holly talks about how she discovered the amazing qualities of honey, her transition from art to beverages, and the challenges she overcame while building up Wild Tonic.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Holly Lyman describes her transition from a career in art to fermentation and the connection between the two
  • How Holly developed Wild Tonic and why she chose the Jun culture for brewing
  • The process of learning to ferment and brew
  • Personal and professional challenges Holly overcame while building up Wild Tonic
  • How did Holly’s team of experts come together?
  • Holly shares her proudest moments
  • Advice for women trying to break into the beverage industry
  • The amazing qualities of honey
  • Holly gives a shout out to other trailblazing leaders in the beverage industry
Gooder Podcast

Kombucha Like You’ve Never Seen featuring Holly Lyman, Wild Tonic

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About Holly Lyman

Holly Lyman is the Founder of Wild Tonic, a brand of Good Omen Bottling. She is an encaustic artist from Alaska who has mastered the ancient art of Jun kombucha, among other ferments, and grows many of the ingredients on her ranch in Sedona. Holly’s interest in fermentation stems from her days as an artist, using beeswax as her main medium. This transformed into working with honey, which later transitioned into a fascination with a rare ferment known as Jun. After years of brewing experiments with this live culture, Wild Tonic was born.

Holly’s company is recognized by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a certified women-owned business. She also prioritizes the promotion of women into management positions and considers it a foundation of her company.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Holly Lyman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-lyman-96814540/

Website: https://www.wildtonic.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

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Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Natural Flavoring — The Real Deal featuring Maria Littlefield, Owl’s Brew

November 29, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Unfortunately, when a food label says “natural flavoring,” their origins are still a little hazy. To earn the “natural” label, the FDA only requires that the original base is something from the earth. That means your raspberry flavoring could be made from animal by-products or other unclean ingredients.

Unless you’re talking about Owl’s Brew. When they say your drink is raspberry flavored — it was made from real, red, and ripe raspberries. No chemicals, no sugar substitutes, and no funny business. Just amazingly delicious and totally clean boozy teas.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Maria Littlefield, Co-founder and COO of Owl’s Brew, to discuss her journey to revolutionize the brewing business. Maria talks about why she started making boozy teas, how she upheld the standard of real, fresh ingredients, and the importance of empowering young women in the beverage industry.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Maria Littlefield shares the inspiration behind Owl’s Brew
  • Maria describes the development process of their boozy beverages
  • How Maria knew she was on the right track
  • Maria’s biggest lesson: learning to be a leader
  • Owl’s Brew’s efforts to empower women in the beverage industry: Wise Women Collective
  • How Owl’s Brew raised money for a new business in the middle of a pandemic
  • Why most “natural” ingredients aren’t actually natural
Gooder Podcast

Natural Flavoring — The Real Deal featuring Maria Littlefield, Owl’s Brew

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About Maria Littlefield

Maria Littlefield is the Co-founder and COO of Owl’s Brew. Owl’s Brew makes boozy beverages with 100% real ingredients. Their fresh-brewed tea, fruit, and botanicals have no artificial flavors, sugar substitutes, or parabens. Maria has been chosen by Forbes as “30 Under 30” among food and beverage entrepreneurs and has been selected as “35 Under 35 Food Entrepreneurs” by the Specialty Food Association.

Maria is also the Co-author of Wise Cocktails, a book about tea cocktails. She graduated from Skidmore College and lives in New York City. Previously, she was a Partner at Brew Lab Tea and the Director of Integrated Marketing at Talent Resources.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Maria Littlefield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-littlefield-47267b16/

Website: https://www.theowlsbrew.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Re-Think Your Energy Drink featuring Kristin Schroeder, Moonlight Beverage Company

November 22, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

What ingredients do you think of when someone says “energy drink?” Caffeine, amino acids, and sugar? What about nitric oxide? 

If you’ve got a blank stare — that’s OK. The knowledge of nitric oxides’ amazing health benefits is just beginning to emerge. Scientists have coined it the “miracle molecule.” The Moonlight Beverage Company has a mission to make nitric oxide more accessible by blending it with amino acids, ribose, caffeine, and vitamin B for an incredible energy drink that benefits your brain, heart, and body. But how did this journey begin? 

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Kristin Schroeder, Co-founder and CEO of Moonlight Beverage Company, to discuss how they have reinvigorated energy drinks with nitric oxide. Kristin talks about the health benefits of nitric oxide, the inspiration behind Moonlight Beverage Company, and how she works with her husband to bring their mission to life.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Kristin Schroeder shares the story behind Moonlight Beverage Company
  • What are the health benefits of nitric oxide?
  • Kristin describes her background in chemical engineering, business, and interior design
  • Kristin shares how company responsibilities are divided amongst her family
  • What was the development phase like for Moonlight Beverage Company?
  • Kristin gives a shout-out to other powerhouse female leaders in CPG
Gooder Podcast

Re-Think Your Energy Drink featuring Kristin Schroeder, Moonlight Beverage Company

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About Kristin Schroeder

Kristin Schroeder is the Co-founder and CEO of Moonlight Beverage Company. The company recently launched two patented first-to-market beverages that harness the power of nitric oxide, known as the miracle molecule. Wingman Smart Energy is a performance beverage made with amino acids and natural ingredients, and Love Life is an enhanced intimacy beverage.

Kristin has a strong technical background in manufacturing, tech service, product development, and intellectual property as a chemical engineer and co-inventor of three US patents. After gaining business experience at a Fortune 100 company, Kristin switched gears. She earned an AASD in Interior Design and ran her own residential design company until joining forces with her husband to launch Moonlight Beverage Company.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Kristin Schroeder : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-schroeder-a22286206/

Website: https://moonlightbeverage.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Innovation Comes From You — Not Your Degree featuring Fumi James (Watanabe), PepsiCo

November 15, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

In a large organization like PepsiCo, it’s easy to feel intimidated by the world-class leaders surrounding you. How can you overcome your fears in order to contribute?

Remember that you’re in the room for a reason. It doesn’t matter if you have a PhD from a prestigious university or a degree from a community college. You’ve honed your skills over years of success and failure through the hard knocks of life. Your unique perspective and experiences are a strength to any organization. What makes you different from everyone else is exactly what makes you valuable — no one can replace you.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Fumi James, the Senior Director of Global Foods and Breakthrough Innovations Brand Design for PepsiCo, to discuss why experience outweighs advanced degrees. Fumi shares the story of her humble beginnings, how she developed a strategic design mindset, and why she values portfolios over educational background. She also talks about how to cultivate a work environment that values diversity and inclusion.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Fumi James describes her role at PepsiCo and how it’s shifted to focus on sustainability
  • How Fumi used her passion for the arts to build a career in graphic design and branding
  • The mindset shift from decoration to strategic thinking
  • Fumi describes the moment she felt empowered to take her career to the next level
  • What lessons did Fumi learn from her challenges and setbacks?
  • The power of saying “no”
  • Advice for creative thinkers who are just starting out
  • How you can cultivate an environment where both introverts and extroverts feel free to contribute
  • What are brands losing when they don’t nurture and grow diversity in design?
  • Why Fumi prioritizes portfolios over advanced degrees
  • Fumi gives a shout out to other creative women in the industry and discusses trends she’s tracking
Gooder Podcast

Innovation Comes From You — Not Your Degree featuring Fumi James (Watanabe), PepsiCo

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About Fumi James (Watanabe): 

Fumi James (Watanabe) is the Senior Director of Global Foods and Breakthrough Innovations Brand Design for PepsiCo. Fumi is a passionate, creative thinker experienced in leading teams to deliver beautiful and purpose-driven brand design. She’s helped lead the design for campaigns like the “Pepsi Generation” and Pure Leaf’s “No is Beautiful.” Fumi is also a champion of creative diversity and maximizing individual strengths in a team.

Fumi began her 15+ years of branding and retail expertise at Starbucks Coffee Company before joining PepsiCo in 2016. As the Creative Manager at Starbucks, she built a top-performing in-house design team, managed multiple re-brandings and promotions, and led packaging redesigns.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Fumi James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fumiw

Website: https://design.pepsico.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepsico_design/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Eliminating Food Waste With Delicious Products featuring Jenny Costa, Rubies in the Rubble

November 8, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Nearly one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste. That staggering statistic begs the question: is there a better way to utilize the food on our planet?

How about delicious fruit and vegetable chutneys? Rubies in the Rubble gathers produce that’s rejected from traditional markets for a funny shape, under or over-ripeness, or other minor defects. Instead of throwing them in the bin, they’re blended into tasty spreads like Apple & Cranberry Chutney, Pear & Fig Relish, and Banana Ketchup. Due to their efforts, Rubies in the Rubble have saved 351,600 kilograms of fruits and vegetables.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Jenny Costa, Founder and CEO of Rubies in the Rubble, to discuss her creative solution for eliminating food waste. Jenny shares how growing up on a farm taught her life-long lessons about sustainability, the journey to scale her dream from startup to major operation, and how both people and the planet benefit from eliminating food waste.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Jenny Costa shares the history of Rubies in the Rubble
  • How Jenny developed delicious chutneys from perfectly good produce that would have otherwise been wasted
  • What’s the process of scaling a small business into a major operation?
  • Never put out a product with your branding that you don’t absolutely love
  • Why Jenny loves the phrase “do gooder”
  • Simplifying your brand’s message
  • The broken food system that generates massive amounts of food waste
  • How the banana ketchup came to life
  • Jenny gives a shout-out to fellow inspiring female entrepreneurs
Gooder Podcast

Eliminating Food Waste With Delicious Products featuring Jenny Costa, Rubies in the Rubble

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About Jenny Costa: 

Jenny Costa is the Founder and CEO of Rubies in the Rubble, the UK’s leading anti-food-waste brand. Rubies in the Rubble make great-tasting condiments using ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. Jenny made her first batch of relishes from surplus vegetables and fruits in 2011 in her small kitchen. Now, she works with farmers and producers across the country to put surplus fruits and vegetables to good use.

Jenny received an MA in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Edinburgh. She worked in Institutional Sales at Odey Asset Management for a year and a half before starting Rubies in the Rubble. Since then, she’s won numerous awards including Investec Food and Drink Award Entrepreneur (2014), Marie Claire’s Women at the Top Award (2014), and Good Housekeeping’s Food Hero Award (2013).

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Jenny Costa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-costa-685b474a/

Website: https://rubiesintherubble.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubiesintherubble/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Chasin’ Better-For-You Dreams featuring Sydney Chasin, Chasin’ Dreams Farm

October 25, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Tasty snacks often come with an unfavorable ingredient list, and healthy snacks have a rap for bland flavors. Is there any way to find the best of both worlds?

Chasin’ Dreams Farm has the snack for you. What looks like tiny popcorn actually has no corn at all — it’s popped sorghum. It’s got all the flavor without any genetically modified ingredients. Gluten-free from the age of seven, Sydney Chasin grew up experimenting with alternative ingredients to make delicious snacks. Now, she shares her creations with healthy snack eaters across the globe.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Sydney Chasin, Founder of Chasin’ Dreams Farm, to discuss her journey to create a fun, healthy snack company. Sydney talks about her decision to start a company straight out of college, lessons she learned the hard way, and her advice for young, fellow entrepreneurs.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Sydney Chasin shares her inspiration for creating Chasin’ Dreams Farm
  • The decision to ditch corporate life in favor of the entrepreneurial path
  • Why popped sorghum?
  • Partnering with Mondelēz International CoLab
  • Lessons Sydney learned the hard way
  • Advice for startup owners: narrow your focus on your target customer
  • Sydney’s proudest accomplishment: building a sustainable company that can operate without her
Gooder Podcast

Chasin’ Better-For-You Dreams featuring Sydney Chasin, Chasin’ Dreams Farm

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About Sydney Chasin: 

Sydney Chasin the Founder of Chasin’ Dreams Farm, a new snack brand made from tiny, popped sorghum. The US-grown sorghum is a drought-resistant, regeneratively farmed crop that is naturally gluten-free — meaning it’s as good for you as it is for the planet. Chasin’ Dreams Farm is now the home for better-for-you, more FUN for you, clean-label snacks.

Sydney received a BA in Financial Services with Entrepreneurship from Edinburgh Napier University. During school, she was the President of Napier University European Language Society and the Financial Services Student Programme Leader. Upon graduating, she began laying the foundation for her first company, Chasin’ Dreams Farm, named after the family farm where she grew up.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Sydney Chasin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-chasin-074a158a/

Website: https://chasindreamsfarm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasindreamsfarm/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Investing From Soil to Shelf featuring Robyn O’Brien, rePlant Capital

October 18, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Many people assume that in order to create healthier food, all you have to do is find the right ingredients. But is that really all it takes?

Robyn O’Brien understands that to provide nutritious foods, you have to go back to the roots — actually, the dirt around the roots. Food is only as healthy as the soil it grows in. For decades, farmers have dumped chemicals into the soil of our produce and planted genetically modified seeds. Only 1% of currently-owned farmlands are organic. In order to change the status quo, farmers will have to overcome old traditions and financial roadblocks. What’s being done to help farmers transition to a more planet-friendly approach?

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Robyn O’Brien, Co-founder and Managing Director of rePlant Capital, to discuss how her team is investing in a more organic future. Robyn talks about how rePlant is empowering farmers to produce organic foods, why soil health is essential to restoring nutrition, and the inequality embedded in the US agricultural system.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Robyn O’Brien explains the roots of rePlant Capital
  • The life-changing science of soil health
  • The downward spiral of chemical-injected farming
  • Why society is slowly turning towards whole foods
  • Robyn discusses the racism embedded in the US agricultural system
  • Backlash Robyn received from her 2011 TEDx Talk that laid out the truth behind organic vs. chemical farming
  • How did Robyn’s previous finance experience lead to where she is today?
  • Robyn’s proudest moments in her career
  • What’s next for rePlant?
  • Removing the seat belt of fear to encourage change for farmers
  • Redefining success and failure
Gooder Podcast

Investing From Soil to Shelf featuring Robyn O’Brien, rePlant Capital

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About Robyn O’Brien: 

Robyn O’Brien is the Co-founder and Managing Director of rePlant Capital, a financial services firm dedicated to assisting US farmers’ transition to regenerative and organic agriculture. rePlant Capital aims to accomplish this by deploying a series of proprietary funds, with the ultimate goal of reversing climate change.

Robyn is a globally recognized voice in the food industry and has been called “food’s Erin Brockovich” by The New York Times. Her TEDx talk (based on her book, The Unhealthy Truth) exposes the shortcomings of our food system and has been viewed millions of times — it’s even influenced policy, legislation, and product formulation. Additionally, Robyn has advised CEOs and executives at multinational CPG companies, startups, and farm organizations for the last 15 years.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Robyn O’Brien : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-o-brien-a395b42/

Website: https://www.replantcapital.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Whole Food Nutrition for Long-Term Cognitive Health featuring Erika Lepczyk, Memore

October 11, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Some people believe that fighting Alzheimer’s is a lost cause. If it’s in your genes, there’s nothing you can do about it, right?

Erika Lepczyk dug into the causes of Alzheimer’s and found out that only 2% of cases are hereditary — meaning that there is a chance to prevent and slow the disease. She’s dedicated her career to educating people about cognitive health and creating functional blends that fill the gaps in whole food nutrition. Her goal is to create a prevention-based solution, rather than just another treatment option or quick-fix. 

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Erika Lepczyk, Co-founder and CEO of Memore, to discuss her journey to prevent cognitive diseases through whole food nutrition. Erika talks about why she started Memore, her past DTC experience that aided the start of a new company, and lessons she’s learned during her entrepreneurial journey. 

In this episode we learn: 

  • Erika Lepczyk shares the inspiration behind Memore
  • Creating a culture of prevention and education
  • Erika’s prior experience with e-commerce and DTC — and how that helped when starting Memore
  • The moment Erika knew she was on the right path
  • Lessons learned on the journey of creating Memore: don’t be afraid to fail fast, but make it a fast fail
  • Erika’s proudest moments
  • The importance of taking time for yourself
  • What’s next for Memore?
  • Advice for people considering a startup
Gooder Podcast

Whole Food Nutrition for Long-Term Cognitive Health featuring Erika Lepczyk, Memore

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About Erika Lepczyk: 

Erika Lepczyk is the CEO and Co-founder of Memore, an innovative brand dedicated to sustaining long-term cognitive health. Memore offers functional blends that provide convenient and versatile ways to fill nutritional gaps with whole food nutrition. Memore’s blends have shown to be effective in slowing decline and reducing Alzheimer’s risk by as much as 53%.

Erika aims to help break the common misconception that Alzheimer’s is hereditary — only 2% of cases are. By introducing the world to Memore’s functional blends, she hopes to educate consumers on preventive health and the positive impact that high-quality, whole food ingredients have on brain activity. Erika is a graduate of Michigan State University and has over 15 years of experience working with DTC brands.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Erika Lepczyk: http://linkedin.com/in/erika-lepczyk-279a6121b/

Website: https://yourmemore.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

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Food for a Bigger Cause featuring Regina Anderson, Food Recovery Network

October 4, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Some folks think that people are homeless and hungry as a result of poor decisions. But with 42 million people going hungry across the US, there are obviously much bigger factors at play. What are people doing to find a solution?

Food Recovery Network is partnering with universities in 46 states to bring perfectly good cafeteria food — that would normally get thrown away — to hungry communities. It was started by four university students who saw food that could be purchased at 4:59 getting tossed into the garbage at 5:01. Why not use it to feed people? Since then, it’s grown into a nationwide effort to reduce food waste and help struggling communities.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Regina Anderson, Executive Director of the Food Recovery Network, to discuss how they’re stopping hunger across the country. Regina talks about the reality of food deserts, why we should refrain from judging the poor, and how she found a passion for nonprofits.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Regina Anderson explains the roots of Food Recovery Network
  • How much food is their team recovering?
  • The real problem of food deserts
  • How is CPG contributing to the cause?
  • Challenges at Food Recovery Network
  • How did Regina discover her passion for helping the hungry?
  • Being poor isn’t an indicator of poor life decisions
  • Regina’s path into the nonprofit world
  • How is Regina approaching diversity and inclusion at Food Recovery Network?
  • Regina’s advice: try a variety of job roles, perfection is not the goal, and learn about finances
  • It’s simple to be part of the solution — do something today
Gooder Podcast

Food for a Bigger Cause featuring Regina Anderson, Food Recovery Network

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About Regina Anderson: 

Regina Anderson is the Executive Director of Food Recovery Network, the largest student-led movement fighting food waste and working to end hunger in America. Regina joined the team in 2015 and is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and fundraising efforts for Food Recovery Network. She works with stakeholders, partners, and the team at national headquarters to make food recovery the norm and not the exception.

Regina has worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. At the Coro Center for Civic Leadership in Pittsburgh, she worked with employers in all sectors to establish internship programs and to match talented individuals with those opportunities. At Independent Sector and LIFT in Washington, DC, Regina worked to raise awareness of the nonprofit sector’s abilities to solve society’s most complex issues.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Regina Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginadmanderson/

Website: https://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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Using Your Passion to Drive Your Company’s Mission featuring Liz Myslik, Loft Growth Partners

September 27, 2021  |  an article by Diana Fryc

Building a business is exceptionally difficult. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Often, it’s one of the greatest joys and challenges that people face in their lives — second only to raising children.

Liz Myslik understands the personal and professional journey of building a business. As an entrepreneur with years of experience growing brands in the health food industry, Liz understands the operational, financial, marketing, and sales sides, as well as the most important part — the people. She knows there are people out there like her: folks who are following their passion to make the world a better place. As Liz says, do what’s right for the world and business will follow.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, Diana Fryc is joined by Liz Myslik, Partner at Loft Growth Partners, to discuss why staying true to your passion to help the world will reap better long-term results. Liz talks about her father’s advice that changed her career outlook, the difference between mission-driven and money-hungry companies, and resources for new business owners looking for investors.

In this episode we learn: 

  • Liz Myslik describes the mission of Loft Growth Partners
  • Advice from her father that inspired Liz to find her passion — and then find a way to contribute
  • Liz’s advice: Make decisions that are right for the world and business will follow
  • Liz shares her take on diversifying workplace leadership
  • How does Liz distinguish between mission-driven companies and the ones just in it for the money?
  • Resources for entrepreneurs in the better-for-you food industry
  • Why did Liz join the team at Loft Growth Partners?
  • Advice for up-and-coming women entrepreneurs
  • Two paths into investing: financial education or an operational background
  • Resources for new business owners looking for investors
Gooder Podcast

Using Your Passion to Drive Your Company’s Mission featuring Liz Myslik, Loft Growth Partners

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About Liz Myslik: 

Liz Myslik is a Partner at Loft Growth Partners. Loft Growth Partners invest in consumer brands that promote happier, healthier living to build great businesses that have a lasting impact. Clients include brands like The Seaweed Bath Co., Blue Dog Bakery, and Fat Snax.

Liz has spent nearly 20 years leading emerging consumer brands across the food, beverage, and fitness industries. She has been named a “Kingmaker in Consumer & Retail” by Forbes, one of the “Most Influential Women in Food & Drink” by Fortune, and a “Wonder Woman in the Natural Products Industry” by New Hope Media. Liz is also a Board Member for No Cow, The Seaweed Bath Co., Fat Snax, and Flock.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Liz Myslik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmyslik/

Website: https://www.loftgrowthpartners.com/

Show Resources: 

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.

Diana Fryc

For Diana, a fierce determination to pursue what’s right is rooted in her DNA. The daughter of parents who endured unimaginable hardship before emigrating from Eastern Europe to the U.S., she is built for a higher purpose. Starting with an experience working with Jane Goodall to source sustainably made paper, she went on to a career helping Corporate America normalize the use of environmentally responsible products and materials before coming to Retail Voodoo.

Connect with Diana

Don‘t see what you need?

Just drop us a line and we‘ll talk

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