Taste Radio

This week we’re joined by the globetrotting, bizarre food eating television show host Andrew Zimmern, who pulls no punches when it comes to his thoughts on the business of health and wellness foods. We also meet with James McLaughlin, the CEO of influential and trendsetting coffee company Intelligentsia and discuss its unique approach to the cafe business.

Shake Shack COO Zach Koff explains how the restaurant chain’s surprisingly simple business philosophy led to stunning success; Zak Normandin, CEO, Dirty Lemon takes us on a deep dive inside its innovative detox-to-your-doorstep business model.

Christopher Kimball, the founder of Milk Street and America’s Test Kitchen, explained his perspective that, at its core, there is nothing “authentic” about food, which he views as a “river that keeps moving,” shared his stance on buzzy trends and why flavor is what’s missing in the discussion about organics.

Drew Harrington and Amanda Klane, the millennial masterminds behind frozen Greek yogurt company Yasso, on the keys to building an $80 million brand. How Cali’flour founder Amy Lacey created a thriving direct-to-consumer business for her brand of innovative, vegetable-based pizza crusts.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the young, ambitious leaders of two trendsetting brands: Rip Pruisken, the co-founder and CEO of fast-growing snack company Rip Van Wafels, and Ely Key, the co-founder, president and CEO of innovative beverage maker Up Mountain Switchel.

Acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Rick Bayless discusses why authenticity has been the guiding principle throughout his career and is an indispensable asset in the food business. Susie Fogelson, who for 15 years guided marketing efforts for the Food Network explains why transparency is an opportunity for brands to tell a story. Meet Jamie Meltzer, the founder of upscale fruit jerky brand Watermelon Road, who was victorious in NOSH Live’s Pitch Slam 4.

Banza co-founder/CEO Brian Rudolph on why mentors and cold calling were key to his fast-growing brand. Measuring the impact of influencers and unconventional marketing strategy with MatchaBar co-founder/CEO Graham Fortgang. Meet the founders of Simply Soupreme, Jackie Greene & Taylor Rossi, who were victorious in BevNET Live’s New Beverage Showdown 15.

In this week’s episode we’re joined by two groundbreaking entrepreneurs and beverage innovators: Rhonda Kallman, the co-founder of Samuel Adams and Boston Harbor Distillery and Califia Farms co-founder and CEO Greg Steltenpohl.

Nothing says 4th of July like BBQ, fireworks and a special edition of Taste Radio, and in this episode we feature insights and business lessons from four remarkable leaders — JUST founder/CEO Josh Tetrick, REBBL CEO Sheryl O’Loughlin, RXBAR co-founder/CEO Peter Rahal, and Jagermeister CEO Jeff Popkin — who joined us on the podcast in the first half of 2018.

Industry insider and Presence Marketing founder/CEO on how the natural foods industry has “grown up” and his approach to identifying disruptive brands and concepts; Taza Chocolate founder/CEO Alex Whitmore on how a focused and uncompromising approach to quality has differentiated Taza from the competition and why only recently the company decided to accept outside investment for the first time