We feature leaders of mission-driven food and beverage brands. Come listen to origin stories – and insights about current industry trends, connecting with your audience, building a community, making the world a better place, and of course, #founderlife.
Gregory Willis: Flavors, Innovation & The Green Suit
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews Gregory Willis, Founder and President of Senspire, about the future of food innovation. Gregory discusses how data integration drives smarter product development, the dangers of trend-chasing, and his philosophy on building for the whole industry. He also touches on customer-led feature design, mentorship through LinkedIn, and the art of standing out on the trade show floor.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews Jay Baer, Co-founder of Slingshot, about the evolving craft tequila landscape. Jay explains how tequila seekers discover brands, what they value most, and the critical role of peer collaboration. He also shares insights on price sensitivity, the power of social media, and the importance of storytelling in building a memorable tequila brand.
Brooks Addington On How TÖST Is Adding Meaning To The World
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Brooks Addington, CEO of TÖST Beverages, about building inclusive, alcohol-free celebrations. Brooks discusses how meaningful occasions can be elevated without alcohol, shares insights into product development and market trends, and explores the role of pricing in accessibility. He also talks about product launches, cultural shifts in drinking habits, and the importance of community connection.
[Sweets And Snacks Show] How Founders Are Transforming The Snack Aisle
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Paul Fricke, Daniel Sobek, Oliver Sindlev, Mark Tarner, Kristen Gilkison, Maxi Heidenblut, and Yechiel Weiss on standing out at the Sweets and Snacks Expo. They discuss how innovation fuels growth, retail expansion, and health-focused snacking. The group dives into brand authenticity, flavor creation, and staying agile in a saturated market.
[Sweets And Snacks Show] Founders Redefining Treats With Innovation And Inclusivity
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews Elvin Willgrass, Kyle Tilley, Jason Burke, John McCone, Kabir Khurana, Andrew Ma, and Eric Martindale, food entrepreneurs, about building inclusive treats for all. They discuss the power of innovation, flavor nostalgia, and consumer-first design. They also share insights on family-led food startups, global flavor trends, and the importance of digital retail media from six additional guests.
[Sweets And Snacks Show] Flavor Innovation & Family Roots
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews Dror Sharon, Alexandre Bennet, Joanne Montz, Tobe Armendariz, Mayasari Effendi, Matt Alvord, and Daniel Scharff, founders of renowned food brands, on how they’re redefining what it means to build impactful snack brands. They discuss heritage-inspired innovation, winning products, and ingredient transparency. They also touch on go-to-market tips, cultural storytelling, and mission-driven growth.
Massiel Villanueva On Yoga, Family And YÜJ Granola
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Massiel Villanueva, Founder of YÜJ Granola, about redefining what healthy snacking can look like. Massiel discusses the inspiration behind her product, how yoga influences her business philosophy, and her immigrant journey. She also touches on raising four kids while scaling her brand, the importance of soft-baked granola, and pitching to Walmart with courage and authenticity.
Aidan Mehigan On Rebels, Eternal Optimism & Smooth Irish Whiskey
In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Aidan Mehigan, Founder and CEO of Natterjack Irish Whiskey, about building a bold spirits brand from scratch. Aidan shares how personality-driven branding fuels growth, his process for crafting a distinctive whiskey profile, and the importance of real-life community-building. The conversation also touches on market disruption, creative marketing, and the value of optimism.
Drinking Is The Social Glue: Libby NA Wine The Newest One To Try
In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Grant Hemingway, Co-Founder of Libby Wines, about creating exceptional non-alcoholic wines that elevate social occasions. Grant discusses the cultural shift in drinking habits, the rigorous R&D behind product development, and the role of storytelling in building trust with mindful consumers. He also shares branding decisions, functional beverage trends, and future innovations in the NA wine space.
Jason Woodward: From US Navy Commander To Owner Of Clear Alaskan Glacial Water
In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jason Woodward, Owner of Clear Alaskan Glacial, about building a mission-driven premium bottled water brand. Jason discusses the power of authentic regional branding, overcoming logistics challenges in Alaska, and why a strong internal team and asking the right questions are critical to success. He also shares rebranding strategies, breaking into CPG markets, and the importance of trusted partnerships.
In the rapidly growing plant-based milk market, distinguishing oneself without sacrificing product quality presents a significant challenge. Many brands rely on shortcuts like additives, oils, and flashy marketing, which can […]
Hiring the right person for your mission-driven company can feel like navigating a maze — especially when you want someone who aligns with your values, supports your long-term vision, and […]
