Taste Radio

Behind the camera, Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh has taken on all types of challenges in filmmaking, from shooting low-budget indie movies with a handheld camera to helming blockbuster franchise flicks starring some of Hollywood's biggest names (the "Ocean's Eleven" series). However, as he tells it, that's nothing compared to running a spirits brand. "This is like shooting a movie every day for the rest of your life," he said in an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. "There's just no pause button. And if you slow down, the person behind you with their brand is just going to run right over you." Soderbergh is the creator of Singani63, a unique spirit distilled from grapes indigenous to the Andes Mountains of Bolivia. Previously a devoted vodka drinker, Soderbergh fell for singani while on location (in Bolivia) filming the movie "Che" in 2007 and felt compelled to bring it to the U.S. market. Technically defined as a brandy, singani is relatively unknown to American consumers and Soderbergh has had a front row seat to the challenges of launching a brand with a high education factor. As part of our conversation, Soderbergh discussed how he's leaned on his experience as a storyteller to drive the creative vision for the brand, parallels between the movie and beverage businesses and why he's having more fun running a spirits company than filmmaking. In our second interview, we go from singani to Sheets-- as in Nate Sheets, the founder and CEO of the top-selling honey brand in America, Nature Nate's. A former marketing executive, Sheets started with a single beehive but now has a company that will produce over 20 million lbs. of honey this year. Sheets explained how the combination of a highly effective label revamp and an intense focus on micro-marketing and innovation helped fuel the company's evolution. He also discussed why his wear-it-on-your-sleeve spirituality has been a key component of the company's mission and business strategy. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we're joined by Hansen Sheih, the founder of One Culture Foods, a maker of Asian-inspired sauces and instant noodle cups. Show notes: 2:30: A Sweet and Spicy Homecoming: The hosts crunch and munch their way through a swath of snacks brought back from the Sweets & Snacks Expo, an annual convention showcasing new candy and snack products. They also feel the heat from samples of Olde Virden Red Hot sprinkles and chat about a recent interview with Mike Brown, the founder of "World's Strongest Coffee" brand Death Wish Coffee. 13:51: Interview: Steven Soderbergh, Filmmaker & Creator of Singani63 -- From critically acclaimed films "Sex, Lies and Videotape" and "The Limey" to Hollywood blockbusters "Erin Brockovich," and "Traffic," Soderbergh has been hailed as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. While the Academy Award-winning director continues to make his mark in the movie business, he's hoping to do the same off-screen as a beverage entrepreneur. We sat down with Soderbergh at ThirstBoston, an industry event showcasing innovation and education in the world of craft cocktails, where he spoke about his unique spirit brand Singani63 and his experience wading through the beverage business. 36:33: Interview: Nathan Sheets, President/Chief Steward, Nature Nate's -- In an interview recorded at BevNET HQ, Sheets discussed the rise of Nature Nate's from its humble beginnings to being the number one honey brand in America. As part of our conversation, he explained how micro-marketing has yielded significant traction for the brand and why he believes that "if you're not failing enough, you're not trying enough new things." 58:41: Elevator Talk: Hansen Sheih, Founder/CEO, One Culture Foods -- A maker of sauces and instant noodle cups infused with global flavors, One Culture Foods is focused on creating convenient, crafted products for at-home chefs and everyday consumers alike.

Pretty much everyone has heard of Pirate's Booty, the ubiquitous puffed cheese snack known for its quirky branding and eat-the-whole-bag appeal. If you're in the food and beverage business, you might have heard of Robert Ehrlich, the creator of Pirate's Booty. But to know the name is not necessarily to know the man. Inventive, eccentric, fearless, creative, and above all fun, Ehrlich has been extremely successful as a food entrepreneur; the sale of Pirate's Booty netted him over $70 million. Money, however, hasn't changed his passion for new and innovative ways to disrupt the food business. Inthis episode of Taste Radio, Ehrlich discussed what he's learned from the Pirate's Booty days, his approach to brand and product ideation, and why he may be creating new snacks until he's 99 years old. Also in this episode: a conversation with Jim, Jake and Jordan DeCicco, the brothers and founders of Sunniva Super Coffee, a brand of functional coffee drinks enhanced with MCT oil and protein. While the DeCicco brothers have only been in business for a couple years, their youthfulness in age (Jim, the oldest brother, is just 25) and experience hasn't stopped them from getting off to a roaring start, highlighted by an appearance on "Shark Tank" earlier this year. The DeCiccos discussed the origins of Sunniva, swimming with the Sharks and how their networking prowess has resulted in a roster of remarkable relationships (including WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and NFL legend Boomer Esiason). And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we're joined by Breezy Griffith, the co-founder and CEO of Skinny Dipped, a young, fast-growing brand of chocolate-covered almonds. Show notes: 2:25: Network With Interesting Folks and Hire Them: The hosts riff on networking opportunities at the upcoming BevNET Live and NOSH Live Summer 2018 conferences, with 1,000 industry professionals expected to attend the events. They also chat about a recent Boston Magazine profile on Bill Creelman, the founder and CEO of surging sparkling water brand Spindrift, featuring context on the man, brand and category from BevNET CEO John Craven, who's quoted extensively in article; the U.S. launch of U.K.-based brand and New Beverage Showdown 13 finalist Ugly Water; and BevNET's affordable and effective job board. 10:15: Interview: Rob Ehrlich, Founder, Pirate's Booty/Vegan's Rob's -- Recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2018, Ehrlich discussed his post-Pirate's Booty business ventures, including Skinny Pop and Vegan Rob's. He explained why he's "always taking pitches," constantly iterating and innovating with Vegan Rob's by focusing on fast-moving trends and staying close to the ground by listening to feedback from "store employees, to consumers, to the kids to even the people on the line who make the products." 29:24: Interview: The Brothers DeCicco, Founders, Sunniva Super Coffee -- We've heard many Taste Radio guests say that you can't make it in the food and beverage business without hustle. Well, the word defines Jim, Jake and Jordan DeCicco, brothers and founders of Sunniva Super Coffee. In an interview recorded at BevNET HQ, they explained how their hard-charging approach to business and networking has resulted in the brand's early success and an appearance on the ABC hit show "Shark Tank." 54:04: Elevator Talk: Breezy Griffith, Co-Founder/CEO, Skinny Dipped -- Launched on a dining room table in Seattle, Skinny Dipped, a young, fast-growing brand of chocolate-covered almonds was co-founded by Breezy Griffith, who shared with us the vision and grand plans for the brand, all included in this edition of Elevator Talk. Brands in this episode: Madi, Spindrift, Ugly Drinks, Pirate's Booty, Vegan Rob's, Sunniva Super Coffee, Skinny Dipped

When it comes to entrepreneurship, Clayton Christopher believes that "you can't read the book; you gotta live it." And live it he has; Christopher is best known as the co-founder of Sweet Leaf Tea, acquired by Nestlé Waters in 2011, and Deep Eddy Vodka, which just five years after its launch was sold to Heaven Hill Distilling for a reported $400 million. Yet even as a highly successful entrepreneur and investor, Christopher, currently the co-founder and managing director of private equity firm CAVU, has always looked beyond simply achieving a desired end result. In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, he urged business owners "to appreciate and cherish the journey," a perspective that will yield a rare and valuable currency few will ever grasp. As part of our conversation, Christopher also delved into why he believes that "the need for human capital is greater than it's ever been," how board and management teams can most effectively work together, and why entrepreneurs should spend less time on adding new distribution and instead focus on "creating a success story" inside individual stores. This episode also features an interview with another "kitchen to exit" entrepreneur: John McDonald, the founder of iconic craft beer company Boulevard Brewing. McDonald, who founded Boulevard nearly three decades ago, is something of a godfather in the beer business. In our conversation, he spoke about the origins of the company and its early days as a pioneer of the craft beer category through to its 2013 acquisition by Duvel Moortgat USA. And in this week's edition of Elevator Talk, we hear from Kabir Gambhir, the founder and CEO of innovative beverage brand Bevea. Show notes: 2:42: Four Letter Brands LIVE -- The hosts chat about recent visits to BevNET HQ by BKON, maker of innovative brewing machines and Waku, a wellness tea brewed with 20 super herbs from the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. The hosts also discuss the speaker lineups at the upcoming BevNET Live Summer 2018 and NOSH Live Summer 2018. 12:09: Interview: Clayton Christopher, Co-Founder, Sweet Leaf Tea/Deep Eddy Vodka/CAVU -- At Natural Products Expo West 2018, Christopher sat down BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman and discussed his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and how he advises and invests in fast-growing brands. 36:58: Interview: John McDonald, Founder, Boulevard Brewing Co. -- Boulevard has led the craft scene in the Midwest and is the largest specialty brewer in the region. Brewbound assistant editor Justin Kendall recently visited Boulevard HQ in Kansas City, Missouri and as part of their conversation, McDonald shared war stories from Boulevard's journey and why he never allowed himself to believe that the company was going to succeed. 1:04:50: Elevator Talk: Kabir Gambhir, Founder/CEO, Bevea -- Gambir is the founder and CEO of Bevea, a recently launched brand that markets innovatic tonics made with organic coffee fruit, ginger and botanicals. Kabir recently visited BevNET's West Coast branch in San Diego, where he joined us for an interview included in this edition of Elevator Talk. Brands in this episode: BKON, Waku, Coolhaus, Hippeas, Chef'd, Biena, Kodiak Cakes, Essentia, Vita Coco, Sweet Leaf Tea, Deep Eddy Vodka, Boulevard Brewing Co., Bevea

If you are going to have the occasional indulgent dessert, at least make sure it's worth indulging on. Greg Fleishman, a veteran CPG executive and co-founder of organic baking kit brand Foodstirs, has made that the simple guiding principle of Foodstirs, the organic baking kit brand he helped launch alongside co-founder Galit Laibow and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2014. Launched as a direct-to-consumer subscription service before expanding into retail, the brand has set out to disrupt a sleepy baking mix category with innovative products that merge high-quality, sustainable ingredients and indulgent flavors. In an interview with the Foodstirs founders included in this episode of Taste Radio, Gellar explained that they view themselves as customers of the brand as much as owners, an outlook that's shaped how Foodstirs considers innovation and ingredients. "I think we've elevated sourcing when it comes to baking," Gellar said. "I feel very confident in saying there is no baking mix whose ingredients cannot only be sourced as ethically [and] that tastes as delicious as ours. It's been a personal mission for us. And when I say personal mission, I mean that literally." Listen to our full interview with Gellar, Laibow and Fleishman in which they discuss Foodstirs' rapid growth, the brand's approach to new product development and innovation, and why they see the brand as taking a new tack on fresh for center store grocery. Also included in this episode: a conversation with Dan Schorr, the founder and CEO of provocative ice cream brand Vice Cream. As part of our discussion, Schorr explained how his personal journey as marketing executive and cancer survivor has shaped the business and marketing strategy behind the "unapologetically indulgent" Vice Cream brand, which has grown quickly in the two years since its launch and now available in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the U.S. We also review a spate of significant name leadership changes and corporate earnings reports with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero and chat with Matt Oscamou, the co-founder of Weller, a brand of hemp-infused coconut bites in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: 2:21: Bust a Move -- The hosts banter about the recent office expansion at BevNET HQ. Landis chats about his recent visit to probiotic beverage company Urban Farm Fermentory. The hosts also discuss the speaker lineups at BevNET Live and NOSH Live. 11:28: Interview: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Galit Laibow & Greg Fleishman, Co-Founders, Foodstirs -- Speaking of our live events… if you attended or livestreamed our NOSH Live Winter 2016 conference you may recall our interview with the founders of Foodstirs, a maker of organic baking kits. In the time since Foodstirs has ramped up its retail presence and extended its product mix. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg met up with Sarah, Galit and Greg at Natural Product Expo West 2018 where they spoke about the mission, positioning and business strategy behind the brand. 35:29: Interview: Dan Schorr, Founder/CEO, Vice Cream -- A provocative ice cream brand is trying to scoop the competition with an "unapologetically indulgent" approach. It's called Vice Cream, and there's a compelling backstory to the brand and founder, Dan Schorr, who visited BevNET HQ for a conversation about the origins of Vice Cream and its unorthodox approach to marketing. 59:57: In the Newsroom -- BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero joins the podcast to discuss notable leadership changes and earnings reports in the non-alcoholic beverage business. 1:03:12: Elevator Talk: Matt Oscamou, Co-Founder, Weller -- Weller, a brand of sweet and savory hemp-infused coconut bites, is promoted as "a new kind of wellness." We caught up with co-founder Matt Oscamou at Expo West 2018, where he gave us the pitch on Weller and how it's attempting to make its mark in the snack aisle, all included in this edition of Elevator Talk.

Here's a hypothetical question: What if we were to tell you that one could start a food company and in less than five years sell it for $600 million? Would that be something you'd be interested in? (That was a rhetorical question.) As unlikely as it sounds, that's exactly what happened to Peter Rahal, the co-founder and CEO of RXBAR. Launched in 2013, RXBAR, which markets clean label protein bars, quickly became one of the fastest growing snack brands in the U.S. The company had net sales of approximately $120 million in 2017 and in October was acquired by the Kellogg Company for the aforementioned $600 million. We recently sat down with Rahal to discuss the incredible growth of RXBAR, including the decision that sparked a major turning point for the brand, and how being "miserably uncomfortable for the past five years" has helped him grow as a leader. Here's another hypothetical question: what if you could buy a countertop appliance that would enable you to make RXBARs at home? How about one that could make your favorite style of beer? Well, you're in luck! That's if you want the magic beer machine, not the protein bar one; that doesn't exist…. yet. Founded in 2010, PicoBrew is a fast-growing maker of automatic brewing appliances designed for small craft beer producers and homebrewers. Co-founder and CEO Bill Mitchell joined us for an interview about how the appliances are disrupting the beer industry's traditional three-tier system, the company's long-term vision is and how he expects it to evolve and expand into other beverage categories. Now, how about a snack with that homebrewed beverage? Consider AvoLuv, a new brand of chips made from avocados. Founder and CEO Eric Healy spoke with us about the development and business strategy behind AvoLuv and what he's looking for from investors -- all included in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: 2:35: Trendspotting In South America -- Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg recently returned from a trip to Chile and Argentina and shared her thoughts on food culture, interesting ingredients, and novel brands in the two countries. The hosts also chat about recent visits to BevNET HQ from the founders of Ruby Rockets and Nitro Beverage Co. and encourage other brand owners to make a trip to see us. 9:58: Interview: Peter Rahal, Co-Founder/CEO, RXBAR -- Six months after the sale of RXBAR, Peter Rahal spoke with Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg about the launch and rapid development of the company. Among topics of discussion: how Rahal, a self-described introvert, was forced into uncomfortable situations that eventually made him a better leader; how the brand's revamp was a "leap of faith" and why Rahal believed that the company "couldn't play the same game, from a design perspective, as everyone else," and "needed to take a risk." 39:13: Interview: Bill Mitchell, Co-Founder/CEO, PicoBrew -- In its eight years on the market, PicoBrew has has attracted significant interest from consumers, professional brewers and investors, having raised $20 million from 50 funding partners, including Zx Ventures, the global incubation arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Mitchell sat down with Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and discussed the company's origins and business strategy, including how it plans to disrupt the market for hyperlocal craft beer. 1:04:39: Elevator Talk: Eric Healy, Founder/CEO, AvoLuv -- We met Eric Healy at Natural Products Expo West 2018, where the founder and CEO spoke with us about his avocado-based snack brand AvoLuv and the innovation behind its unique products. Brands in this episode: The Not Company, RxBar, Coronado Brewing Co., Rogue Ales, Avoluv

Courtney Reum wants food and beverage entrepreneurs to ask themselves one question: how can I make my company more 'techable'? Reum is the co-founder of M13, a brand development and investment firm focused on "accelerating businesses at the nexus of consumer products, technology, and media." Founded in 2016, M13 has investments in many well-known brands, including Lyft, Pinterest, Blue Bottle Coffee, Pressed Juicery and Snap. In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Reum, who along with brother Carter launched M13 following the sale of their spirit brand Veev, spoke about his belief that the fundamentals for food and beverage business are evolving and, how companies can use technology to directly reach and better understand their consumers. "We're getting so much data where it's easier than ever to find your tribe, to get cohort data, that almost every brand its techable to some degree," Reum said. Hear much more from Reum in our interview, including lessons from the rapid development of Veev, how brands can best identify white space in a crowded consumer products marketplace and M13's philosophy regarding investment and incubation. Also in this episode: A conversation with Wing Lam, the wild and winsome co-founder of Wahoo's, the iconic Southern California-based restaurant chain which serves Mexican cuisine tinged with Brazilian and Asian flavors. Lam discussed how Wahoo's, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has maintained and nurtured the spirit of its first location as it has expanded and how the company, known for its partnerships with surfers and surf-focused brands, identifies authentic partnerships. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we're joined by Simon Cheng, the CEO and co-creator of Pique Tea, a brand of "cold brewed tea crystals" that dissolve in water. Show notes: 2:23: From One Costa to the Another -- A couple of our esteemed hosts took some much deserved time off last week. Mike was in Costa Rica while John Craven visited Santa Monica; the pair discussed notable libations and foods during their travels. Ray chatted about attending a premiere event for the HBO drama "Westworld," and the show's partnership with Westward Single Malt Whiskey, described as "a grain-to-glass celebration of the American pioneer spirit." 9:18: Interview: Courtney Reum, Co-Founder, Veev/M13 -- Recorded at M13 offices in Beverly Hills, Courtney Reum discussed the backstory and mission behind the investment/incubation/accelerator firm. As part of the conversation, Reum explained how M13 was created "as a company for starting companies where we use a playbook approach of repeatable behaviors… to demonstrate success across different brands and categories" and why they "really believe in the convergence of consumer brands, media and tech." 43:33: Interview: Wing Lam, Co-Founder, Wahoo's -- If you've spent any time in Southern California and hankered for a fish taco, you've probably been to Wahoo's. We sat down with co-founder Wing Lam at the company's location in Torrance, Calif and discussed how Wahoo's which just celebrated its 30th anniversary and has over 60 locations in the U.S. and one in Japan, has grown over the years and how it's become an institution in surfer/extreme sports community. 1:00:06: Elevator Talk: Simon Cheng, CEO/Co-Founder, Pique Tea -- Simon Cheng is the CEO and co-creator of Pique Tea, the maker of "cold brewed tea crystals" that dissolve in water. We caught with Simon at Expo West 2018 and connected for this edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: Brands in this episode: Westward Single Malt Whiskey, KeVita, Pressed Juicery, Kite Hill, Blue Bottle Coffee, Daily Harvest, Rebloom, Chomps, Pique Tea

A self-described "entrepreneurial junkie," Lance Collins -- despite remarkable success in the beverage business -- is itching for his next fix. Collins, the creator of Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor and Core, is already quite wealthy, so why is he still chasing the juice (so to speak)? In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Collins explained that he's addicted to the next big idea and to see it succeed, believes that he has to run faster than anyone else. "My whole thing is, it's not the big eat the small, it's the fast eat the slow," Collins said. "And we're really fast in our decisions, and I think we make the right ones." Listen to our full-length conversation with Collins in which he spoke about his amazing journey as an entrepreneur, which includes both staggering success and colossal failure (think $10 million losses), his approach to branding and innovation and why he aims to be "the pulse before the trend." Also included in this episode: An interview with Jordan Silbert, who is the founder and CEO of Q Drinks, a premium cocktail mixer brand that has played a key role in the growth and evolution of the category and, by extension, the carbonated beverage aisle as a whole. Silbert spoke about Q Drinks' role ushering in a new era for cocktail mixers, why he's careful with every dollar, and the advisors and mentors that helped shape the brand's success. Show notes 1:27: Kiwis and Coffee -- Food and beverage samples were aplenty this week and the hosts noshed and sipped on a few interesting products, including those from new healthy snack brands and cold brew coffee makers. 9:52: Interview: Lance Collins, Founder, Fuze/BodyArmor/Core -- The hosts visited über entrepreneur Lance Collins, who's the founder of iconic beverage brands Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor and Core, at his home in Beverly Hills, where they spoke about his incredible career, lessons learned and his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. 38:24: Interview: Jordan Silbert, Founder/CEO, Q Drinks -- It's been a decade since he launched the premium cocktail mixer brand, and while he admits that he's not the most patient entrepreneur Silbert has played the long-game nonetheless. Hear how financial discipline, hustle and perseverance has paid dividends for Q Drinks. Brands in this episode: Rind Snacks, Point Blank Cold Brew, Sandows, Riff Cold Brew, Beacon Blend, Growing Roots, Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor, Core, Q Drinks

The notion that one might have to sacrifice some flavor when choosing healthier food options never entered Daphne Oz's mind. An influential chef, New York Times-bestselling author, and Emmy Award-winning television host of ABC's "The Chew," Oz has for years sought to dispel the notion that healthy eating means depriving oneself of tasty food. "I've spent my career trying to make people understand that eating well, fueling your body, letting your body thrive on good food -- it should be delicious. It should not be a sacrifice; it should feel like an indulgence," Oz said in an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. That perspective was a big part of her motivation to invest in Pure Spoon, a maker of high pressure processed organic purees for babies and children. In our conversation, Oz, who also joined Pure Spoon as its Chief Innovation Officer, praised the brand and its products as representative of the fresh, flavorful and eminently healthy food that consumers will embrace given the opportunity to try them. She also discussed how, as a writer, TV personality and social media influencer, she attempts to educate consumers about healthy eating in an authentic and meaningful way. Also in this episode: an Elevator Talk double feature with pitches from the founders of two innovative food brands -- No Evil Foods and Ayoba-Yo -- and accompanying feedback from the hosts. This episode is presented by RISE Brewing Co. Show notes: 1:59: ATX, Pies and Videotape -- Ray chats about a recent visit to Austin and notes the city's embrace of homegrown brands, including Waterloo, Mighty Swell, HeyDay, High Brew and Shiner. Landis talks about a new video that details the application process for BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown. Craven explains what we do with samples that come into the office: added to our databases, photographed for social media, reviewed, consumed. Mike and Ray note that the samples often offer a glimpse into emerging trends. 10:05: Interview: Daphne Oz, Chief Innovation Officer, Pure Spoon; Former Host, The Chew -- Daphne Oz is a chef New York Times-bestselling author, and Emmy Award-winning television host, and chef who co-hosted the ABC show "The Chew" for six seasons. She recently joined Pure Spoon, a brand of healthy HPP organic purees for babies and kids as the company's Chief Innovation Officer. Mike Schneider met up with Oz at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where they spoke about her roles as an influencer and industry expert and her transition to entrepreneurship with Pure Spoon. 37:24: Elevator Talk: We've got another extended edition of Elevator Talk, featuring Sadrah Schadel, Co-Founder, No Evil Foods, a brand of plant-based meat products, and Wian van Blommestein, the owner of Ayoba-Yo, a brand of South African meat snacks. Brands in this episode: Waterloo, Mighty Swell, HeyDay Coffee, High Brew Coffee, Shiner, Topo Chico, Pure Spoon, No Evil Foods, Ayoba-Yo

Here's a novel recipe: Start with equal parts of Amazon and Whole Foods. Add a dash of Costco. Blend and serve. What's in front of you is a healthy serving of Thrive Market, and co-founder and co-CEO Nick Green wants everyone to have a plate. An e-commerce, membership-based retailer, Thrive Market was founded in 2015 with a mission "to make the world's highest quality natural and organic products affordable for every American family." For an annual fee of $60, members get access a broad range of grocery items priced 30–50 percent below retail and shipped free. The model appears to be working: to date, Thrive has attracted over a half-million members with an average annual income of $70,000, according to Green, who joined us for an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. As part of our conversation, Green spoke about Thrive's rapid development and the convergence of trends that have made the platform attractive to investors, brands and consumers. He also explained that while social mission-driven businesses often have "an inherent dynamic tension in between that mission and the business," for Thrive "they're actually the same thing." "If we make healthy living affordable for everyone, there's tens of billions of dollars [worth of] business to be built," Green said. "And if we succeed in building that business, we're going to have done something really good." Also in this episode, we hear short business pitches from the founders of a couple upstart companies -- Dave Burchianti, the founder of sparkling juice brand Hubble and Mary Kosir, the founder of WholeMe, a brand of whole food snacks -- in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. The pitches are followed by feedback and constructive criticism from the hosts. This episode is presented by RISE Brewing Co. Show notes: 2:07: They're Much Better Live -- The hosts chat about the upcoming BevNET Live and NOSH Live Summer 2018 events along with features and content highlights for the shows. 9:24: Interview: Nick Greene, Co-founder & Co-CEO, Thrive Market -- Thrive is an e-commerce membership-based retailer offering natural and organic food products at reduced costs. BevNET and Project NOSH editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman met with Thrive co-founder and co-CEO Nick Green at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where they discussed the company's business model and rapid development. 37:59: Let's hear from the founders of a couple upstart companies in an extended edition of Elevator Talk, followed by thoughts and some constructive criticism on their pitches. First up is Dave Burchianti, the founder of sparkling juice brand Hubble followed by Mary Kosir, the founder of WholeMe, a Minneapolis-based brand of whole food snacks. Brands in this episode: Hubble, WholeMe

Will and Jaden Smith are global icons who's popularity transcends both film and music and across multiple generations of fans. So why have they taken a cautious approach to promoting JUST Water, the sustainable water brand co-founded by the Smiths in 2015? "This was a brand that was missionized and born of a child's care. We wanted to make sure that wasn't something that was overshadowed by celebrity endorsement," Will Smith said in a recent interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. As part of our conversation, Will and Jaden discussed how their roles as co-founders of JUST Water have evolved and how they're strategically using their media platforms to support the development of the sustainable water brand. This episode also includes an Elevator Talk extravaganza, featuring elevator pitches from the founders of four upstart food and beverage brands -- Honey Mamma's, Phit, Doctor D's and Naughty Noah's -- along with accompanying feedback from the hosts. This episode is presented by Ruby Rockets. Show notes: 1:28: The Celeb Effect: The hosts discuss the impact and evolution of celebrity investment in food and beverage brands, including Vitaminwater, Bai, Street King, Soda Shaq and Newman's Own. 8:09: Interview: Will & Jaden Smith, Co-Founder, JUST Water -- BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery sat down with Will and Jaden Smith at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where the global icons discussed their role as investors in and advocates for JUST Water, the brand's recent move into flavored SKUs and how they're using their media platforms to support the development of the sustainable water brand. 21:49: Elevator Talk: We're just weeks away from the summer 2018 editions of BevNET Live and NOSH Live and with them, the events' signature brand competitions, the New Beverage Showdown and NOSH Pitch Slam. We thought it a good opportunity for an extended edition of Elevator Talk where we'll hear from a few upstart brands and offer a few words of feedback on their pitches. Christy Goldsby, the CEO/founder, Honey Mama's, which makes honey-sweetened, cacao-based snacks Christopher Moss, the CEO of Phit, a brand of alkaline water enhancers Stuart Dimson, the co-founder, Dr. D's, a maker of sparkling probiotic beverages JimmyTay Trinh, the founder of Naughty Noah's, a brand of Vietnamese instant Pho noodle soups. Brands in this episode: JUST Water, Vitaminwater, Bai, SK (Street King) Energy, Danny DeVito's Limoncello, Soda Shaq, Newman's Own, Honey Mama's, Phit, Doctor D's, Naughty Noah's