Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

Duke Stump shares the origins of Tractor Beverage Co, what they decided to create organic beverages from recognizable ingredients, and their unique focus on moments and ecosystems rather than trying to fit into categories. Discover how their ‘business as unusual’ philosophy drives innovation, unconventional marketing strategy, community engagement, and positive impact. Learn about the five metrics they focus on in their Organic Impact Tracker, and get details on their impact initiatives like their Tractor Beam publication, Mad Farmer Tour, We The Soil movement, and the Farmhand Foundation. We then wrap up with Duke sharing insights learned from his past work...

Hank Watt shares the inspiring story of how he discovered the miracle berry and turned it into a successful business that was featured on Shark Tank and promoted by Jennifer Garner. Learn how the berry makes sour taste sweeter than sugar, how it helped Hank control his emotional eating, how he and his partner built the business, and future potential of this revolutionary product that can transform taste and improve health. 

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Les Szabo discusses the Purpose Pledge, a holistic framework for companies aiming to operate with integrity and in alignment with their higher purpose. He discusses why the Purpose Pledge was created, how they decided to focus on companies working in food and agriculture, and how they settled on their 10 commitments. The conversation highlights the need for shared standards, systems of support, and collaboration to drive systemic change in business practices. Tune in to hear how Les and the team plan to scale the pledge in the future, and how your brand can join the movement.

Join us as Dr. Jeffrey Burke, a pioneer in the natural products industry with over 47 years of experience, shares his insights on the evolution of the industry, the power of plants, the beauty of supplements, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and how storytelling can inspire change. Discover practical advice and inspiration for health, sustainability, and building a better world.

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Christopher Gergen shares how his goal of bringing more capital to systems change led him to supporting the regenerative movement in his role as the CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. We talk about the growth of the movement, including the increase in consumer awareness and the in the number of certified brands, as well as all the new data on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Chris shares how Regenerative Organic Certified® is different from other regenerative certifications, including their role as a Catalyst Partner in the Purpose Pledge. The conversation then shifts into the biggest barriers to growth t...

Evan Harrison shares his journey from working in radio, digital media, and live events to becoming the CEO of Kiss The Ground, a leading nonprofit championing Regeneration and healthy soil as a solution for human and planetary health. We talk about the organization's innovative content strategies, like their three feature-length documentary films, mini docs, 5 with a Farmer reels, 11 with Evan series, shopping guides, and the brand collaborations that help them reach new audiences. Then we dive into the $500,000 in farmer grants they awarded last year and their new research that shows consumer understanding of regenerative agriculture has increased threefold...

What is the role of philanthropy, business, and government in creating long-term impact? Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, joins us to explores why “either/or” thinking can limit progress, and why the most effective solutions often come from a both/and approach. We talk about how nonprofits are pioneering solutions to problems before there’s a marketplace, how the billionaires bailing on The Giving Pledge are missing the bigger picture, and how the new wave of businesses are deciding that profitability and positive impact can go work together. Kate then tells us about 1% for the Planet, how the me...

Adam Hiner, CEO of Pacha, shares insights on product innovation, sustainable practices, and the journey of building a healthy and regenerative food brand. We talk about the happy accidents and consumer feedback that lead to making new and better products, like their new gluten-free, sourdough buckwheat tortillas! Adam then shares why Pacha joined the Purpose Pledge, the challenges of building a CPG brand (like cashflow), the benefits of self-manufacturing, and why passion is essential for success in this industry. Tune in to get advice from a leader who’s built multiple successful brands while leading with integrity.

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Chanya Punyakumpol, co-founder of Taan Thai, shares how a personal frustration when cooking Thai food at home sparked the creation of her brand. Instead of tracking down obscure Thai ingredients only to throw most of them away after one dish, she created perfectly portioned meal kits that contain exactly what you need, eliminating food waste without sacrificing authenticity.

She talks about sourcing real Thai ingredients directly from Thailand and building close relationships with local farms and factories near her production facilities. Chanya also reflects on the growing wave of ethnic foods making their way...

Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of Zego, shares how she’s leveraging a $3 Million USDA grant to expand Zego’s capacity and enhance the U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain through the acquisition of a processing facility. She talks about the importance of listening to farmers, explains why Montana oats are the cream of the crop, and shares how she’s helping build the future of purity verified and nutrient dense foods. Discover how her inclusive approach supports U.S. farmers, reduces costs for brands, and promotes a better food future for all.

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Kristin Fracassi, founder & CEO of Root & Splendor, and Alecia Nelson, the COO, share the origin story of a premium non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover - developed by a mom of four who went down a rabbit hole on natural product ingredients and didn't like what she found. Kristin talks about working with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists, the moment when lab results confirmed her product matched the efficacy of big-name brands, and why full ingredient transparency is a non-negotiable for the brand. Alecia shares what it's like to join a brand she watched grow from the dream stage...

This conversation explores the critical issues surrounding seed sovereignty, the threats posed by UPOV, and the collaborative efforts to promote food integrity and indigenous seed saving through the 'Free the Seed' campaign. Megan Westgate of Non-GMO Project and Lauren Cardeli of A Growing Culture talk about how they came to work together on this issue and share insights on the importance of biodiversity, community-led seed libraries, and the power of storytelling in transforming the food system. They then share how you can get involved in the campaign and join their learning journey. 

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Val Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo, co-founders of Rif Care, share the story behind their brand, the first period care company to make products from hemp fiber and what it took to build that supply chain from scratch. Val and Rebecca talk about what conscious business really means in the feminine care space, where greenwashing is rampant and efficacy can't be sacrificed for sustainability's sake. They dig into the barriers they pushed through with scouring manufacturers, connecting dots across countries, and even how to deliver their first products themselves. We also zoom out on the broader women's health movement gaining...

Gagan Levy discusses his book 'Start Your Own Damn Cult,' exploring how ancient yoga principles can be applied to leadership, business, and building authentic movements. The conversation covers the eight codes derived from the eight limbs of yoga, practical applications for leaders, and the importance of play, integrity, and systemic thinking in creating regenerative impact. Gagan’s shares examples of movement building led by his agency, Guru, and talks about most surprising challenges he’s faced leading his agency for the past 17 years. We then wrap up by talking about how we all need more compassion for ourselves, each...

Jason Schwartze, founder of Moonglade Craft Soda, shares the decades-long journey from a kitchen obsession with perfecting ginger beer to a freshly launched line of certified organic farmers market-inspired craft sodas. He talks about his background as a park ranger and agricultural inspector, how that shaped his passion for regenerative farming and ocean health, and why joining 1% for the Planet felt less like a business decision and more like an extension of who he already was. Jason digs into the innovations that made Moonglade possible, from solving the carbonation problem in organic beverages to discovering a mushroom fiber extract...

Discover the inspiring story of Audra Query, founder of Girl Meets Dirt, who transitioned from a Wall Street career to building a seasonally rooted, award-winning preserves business on Orcas Island. This episode explores her journey of intentional living, embracing seasonality, and balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with a meaningful lifestyle. We talk about the benefits of doing things the hard way, the challenges of running a business on an island, and resisting the pressure to scale. Enjoy!

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Scott Zimmerman, CEO and founder of Loli's Foods, shares the story behind his brand of clean, fresh, and functional sauces, dips, and dressings and why manufacturing locally in Southern California isn't just a values choice, it's a competitive advantage.

He discusses how self-manufacturing gave Loli's the control they needed to source the right ingredients and build deep relationships with regional retailers. Scott talks about the innovation happening on the outer perimeter of the store, where fresher, cleaner products are finally getting the shelf space they deserve, and shares his vision for a food system built around real...

Three Latin-American food brands saw the opportunity to go further, faster, together – so they took it. Stefanie Garcia Turner of Tuyyo, Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde, and Regina Trillo of Nemi share how they met, why they decided to merge their businesses and brands, and what their vision is for the new brand, unified under Tuyyo. The three woman-and-minoroty-owned brands share a mission of amplifying their Latin-American food culture through authentic and innovative latin foods, representation food culture, and community impact . Learn how this strategic merger will allows each leader to lean into their strengths, and how collaboration aligned on...

This is the Steaz comeback story! Hear how the brand founders were brought back into the company to help renew the purpose and passion of the brand, which led to a collaboration with Wild Orchard to launch the first line of Regenerative Organic Certified ® canned teas! We speak with Eric Schnell of Beyond Brands, who was one of the original founders of Steaz, to learn more about the history of Steaz and his vision for the reboot. Then Mike Fransz, Director of Marketing for Nova Naturals, the company that owns and manages the Steaz brand now, shares why they b...

Gage shares his best practices for attending Natural Products Expo West – the biggest trade show in the United States for the better-for-the-world product industry! Tune in to hear 10 tips for making the most of the show, based on Gage’s ~15 years of experience attending Expo West as a brand, packaging, booth, and campaign designer who’s helped some of the industry most beloved brands stand out at the show. Tune into the episode or read below for his top tips! You can also download a copy here for easy reference later. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8...

Holly shares her journey as a nutritional scientist and formulating chemist, and how that experience led her to develop JostArriba, an instant coffee with added brain health and mental well-being benefits. We discuss the nootropic and adaptogen ingredients, like Reishi, Lions Mane, Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine, and how Holly obsessed over not just the functionality of the ingredients, but how the final product tastes. She then talks about the formation of her brand, Eightbillion, and the rigorous process of becoming a Certified B Corp, which reflects her commitment to ethical practices and community support. We wrap up by talking about...

Karl Strovink, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee, discusses the brand's evolution, its commitment to quality and sustainability, and the innovative approaches being taken to redefine coffee experiences. He highlights the importance of community, the role of creativity in coffee culture, and the challenges posed by climate change. Strovink also shares insights on leadership and the significance of caring in building a better world.

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The conversation centers around the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a USDA initiative aimed at supporting farmers in transitioning to organic practices. Ben Bowell and Jessy Beckett Parr discuss the program's origins, goals, and the collaborative efforts of various organizations involved. They highlight the importance of technical assistance, mentorship, and community building in fostering a successful organic farming network. The discussion also touches on the program's impacts, future sustainability, and the significance of respect and collaboration in achieving a better world for agriculture.

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In this episode, Cassidy Johnston shares her journey from growing up in the city to becoming a first-generation large scale beef producer and ranch consultant. She talks about a college research project exploring the relationship between environmentalists and ranchers and how that led her to an internship where she met her husband, and eventually to her life on a farm. She discusses the complexities of ranching at scale, the importance of animal welfare, her thoughts on regenerative and organic practices, and the communication challenges that arise ag people and non-ag people make assumptions about each other. Cassidy advocates for...

In this conversation, Madelyn Morris, co-owner of Mickelberry Gardens, shares insights into her journey of creating a honey herbal wellness brand that specializes in oxymels – a tonic made of honey, vinegar, and herbs. She discusses the benefits of oxymels, the importance of sourcing local and organic ingredients, and the value of B Corp certification. Madelyn share their founding story, the challenges they faced in the early years of the business, and what they’ve been able to accomplish in their 15 years in business. She offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of passion and adaptability in business, and we wr...

In this episode, Allison Carey, VP of Marketing at Raw Sugar Living, talks about the brand’s mission to provide better-for-you hair and body products at an affordable price, while also lifting spirits through positive messages, images, and experiences. She touches on the Gen Z consumer’s desire for authenticity, education, and values-alignment in the brands they support, and how the brand appeals to that generation through their raw voice and integrity. Allison sheds insights into their product development guardrails, and the importance of creating products that are safe for sensitive skin, kids, and even fur kids (dogs). We disc...

In this conversation, John Tran talks about joining Vita Coco to help evolve their sustainability and social impact programs at the same time that were becoming a publicly traded company and going through the rigorous B Corp Certification process. He shared how they shifted their impact efforts from a collection of passion projects to a more coordinated and comprehensive ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness. John then detailed some impact programs, like their ambitious goal of distributing and planting 10 million seedlings and trees globally! This conversation also covers the health benefits...

In this conversation, Jasen Urena and Ted Robb tell us how New Barn became part of the NestFresh family, and how the two brands are helping each other scale their positive impact. From New Barn’s long journey toward becoming Regenerative Organic Certified, to NestFesh’s 30+ years of being early adopters of certifications like Non-GMO Verified, Certified Humane, and Humanely Hatched, both brands love to push the industry forward. The conversation touches on the importance of supporting family farms, protecting animal welfare, and making the world better for future generations. Jasen and Ted wrap up by sharing what’s next f...

In this conversation, Paul Schiefer, president of Amy's Kitchen, shares the inspiring founding story of the company, which began with a quest for better frozen meals. He discusses the innovative approaches to product development, the importance of company culture and values, and the value of embracing complexity in business. Paul highlights Amy's commitment to sustainability and their B Corp status, emphasizing the impact of organic and vegetarian practices. He also shares insights on the future vision for the company, the importance of curiosity and passion in entrepreneurship, and personal reflections on food and life.

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In this conversation, Kevin Bayuk shares what inspired them to create the Next Economy MBA program, who it’s for, and what the curriculum covers. We talk about the shortcomings of the existing MBA programs and the need for one that goes beyond basic ESG frameworks. Bayuk talks about how they’ve used participant feedback to continuously evolve the program, and how their alumni continue to stay engaged after graduating. We then talk about the Next Economy MBA book, which serves a nice introduction to topics in the program, the other technical assistance Lift Economy provides, and what new offe...

In this episode, Syed and Amer share how family tragedy, living around the world, and experience in the packaged good industry all led them to launch their own food brand, Auntie Rana’s. They share how their marketing strategy resulted in landing 300 influencers, 4-5 retail partners, and loads of press by the week of their official launch. The discussion covers their 100 year family history in business, their connection to and passion for the food industry, and why they’ve decided to donate 5% of their product to wildlife conservation. Syed and Amer and excited to be the first to introduce Nort...

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner, founder of Foodbevy, discusses the Foodbevy Insider Boxes, which deliver curated food and beverage products to food enthusiasts and CPG industry pros. He explains the process of selecting products, the themes behind each box, and the importance of community feedback in deciding which foods to feature. Buckner walks through some of the products you’ll find in the upcoming Winter 2025 box, and teases possible future collaborations, like their box featuring the Naturally Rising Pitch Competition finalists. We wrap up by talking about Buckner’s mission of supporting emerging brands and providing valuable resources for food...

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan’s personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in today's market, which empowers them to grow without the need for outside capital, and explains how they took a fresh look at their products and team to reignite growth – emphasizing the importance of mainstream taste, brand authenticity, and co...

In this conversation, Lex Evan ®, founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes, discusses the growth of his brand, focusing on the wildly successful launch of his new chilled oat bars and the strategic decisions made to optimize product offerings for retail. The conversation highlights the brand's commitment to organic ingredients and radical ingredient transparency, the challenges and successes in co-manufacturing, and the importance of maintaining product quality. Lex discusses the recent $1 Million investment round and how that will help unlock the next stage of growth, including new product innovations, scaled manufacturing, and increased marketing efforts. As he grows the brand, Le...

In this conversation, Whitney Douglas, Director of Sales at Living Alchemy, discusses the transformative power of fermentation in health supplements and its historical significance. She explains how Living Alchemy uses fermentation to enhance the potency and digestibility of their products, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition. The discussion also covers the launch of their new book, 'The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation,' which aims to educate readers on the benefits of fermentation and provide practical tips and recipes. Whitney shares insights on the importance of returning to natural health practices and the need for unity in the wellness...

In this conversation, Sara Stender Delaney, founder of Sarilla Beverage, shares her journey from her roots in Vermont, to her transformative experiences in Rwanda, and what inspired her to create a non-alcoholic organic tea spritzer company. She discusses the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and her commitment to social impact and mental health. Sara emphasizes the need for personal growth and responsibility in creating a better world, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, community, and sustainability.

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In this conversation, Bryon White, co-founder of Yaupon Brothers, discusses the unique qualities and benefits of Yaupon, the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America. He shares insights into the history of Yaupon, its cultivation, and the innovative flavored blends that have emerged. The discussion also covers their recent influencer branded products and the importance of building authentic relationships with influencers for successful marketing. We discuss the challenges faced by the CPG industry, and the role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable farming practices. Bryon emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to understand their customers and the significance of leaving the...

In this conversation, Simón Sacal, CEO and co-founder of Solely, shares his journey toward building a company focused on creating healthy fruit snacks made entirely from real fruit. He explains the challenges of using real fruit in manufacturing, the importance building a reliable supply chain, and how the patented innovations that unlocked their ability to make indulgent yet nutritious products. He then shares vision for the future of the company, advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, and how he believes that aligned incentives in the food system can lead to a better world.

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In this conversation, Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg Live Foods, shares insights into the company's rich legacy, innovative product development, and commitment to wellness. She discusses the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating market trends, the role of B Corp certification, and lessons learned from her previous experience in the toy industry. Rona emphasizes the significance of efficacious ingredients in their products and offers advice for aspiring marketers. The conversation also touches on creative uses for apple cider vinegar and the vision for a better world where everyone has access to healthy food.

In this conversation, Jason Burke, founder of New Primal, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up. He shares how growing up poor influenced his mindset, the importance of resilience, how he overcame his challenges with fundraising, and that authenticity wins in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the evolution of his brand and the importance catering to an underserved consumer segment — in his case, women and children. The discussion concludes with insights on personal growth and his vision for a better world through access to wholesome food.

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