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.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Mark Samuel, Founder of MARK’S SNACKS, to discuss building a better relationship with food. They explore why clean, minimalist ingredients matter, how balanced snacking actually supports a healthier lifestyle, and what drives Mark’s mission to cut through nutritional fear-mongering. Mark also shares why movement, mindset, and honesty are the real pillars of long-term well-being.
Diana Fryc On Voodoo Brands, Good Design Street Cheese & More
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Diana Fryc, Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Voodoo Brands, to discuss brand evolution, good design, and consumer connection. They explore the rise of better-for-you products, the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions, and why alt-channel strategies matter. Diana also shares her excitement for Seattle’s evolving food scene and, of course, her passion for great cheese.
From Kitchen To Community: The Auntie Rana’s Story
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Syed Khaleque and Amer Khaleque, Co-founders of Auntie Rana’s, to discuss how they transformed homemade recipes into a purpose-driven food brand. They explore the story behind the Naga chili, how their marketing blends authenticity with innovation, and why wildlife conservation is central to their mission. Syed and Amer also share how family values shape their vision for community and connection through food.
Stories Of Innovation and Impact In Food & Beverage
In this special compilation episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Jordan Buckner, Brooks Addington, Matt Oscamou, and Matt McLean share their insights and stories. Tune in to learn how they are shaping the future of food and beverage and inspiring the next wave of industry innovation.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Matt McLean, CEO and Founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic, about how family and farming heritage powered the rise of a leading organic beverage brand. They explore Matt’s early export roots, the transformation of Florida’s groves, and how innovation led to teas, lemonades, and functional juices. Matt also talks about becoming the official orange juice of the Orlando Magic.
In this special compilation episode of the Firebelly Social Show, William Spencer, Asma Khan, Rob Garwitz, Will Nitze, and Ray Cole share how they are changing the food and beverage landscape. Tune in to discover how you can make more informed choices in what you eat and drink.
Troy Bolotnick On How It’s Possible To Have Great Branding And Great Liquid
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney sits down with Troy Bolotnick, CEO of Filmland Spirits, to discuss how it’s possible to have great branding without sacrificing authenticity. They explore why bold labels matter in bourbon, how storytelling fuels brand loyalty, and the balance between creativity and compliance. Troy also shares lessons learned from building a spirits brand during COVID-19.
Duncan Alney On Food Revolutions And Social Media Magic
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is interviewed by Dr. Jeremy Weisz of Rise25 to discuss how storytelling helps food and beverage brands build authenticity. They explore trends shaping the industry, how social media supports brand growth, and why distribution beyond retail is critical. Duncan also discusses supporting mission-driven founders through podcasting.
Eric Martindale On The Importance Of Brand Awareness
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Eric Martindale, Founder and CEO of Elite Commerce Group, about the importance of brand awareness in e-commerce growth. They explore how awareness impacts profitability, why off-platform traffic gives brands an edge, and how retail media drives ROI. Eric also talks about the future role of AI search in shaping brand visibility.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney speaks with John Roulac, Founder and CEO of Coco Clean, to talk about the courage it takes to challenge entrenched systems. They discuss his journey from hemp pioneer to eco-innovator, the mission to replace 100 million plastic detergent bottles, and strategies for making sustainable products mainstream. John also shares insights on building company culture and fostering authenticity in business.
Crafting Identity: Anna Ison on Design, Culture, and Entrepreneurship
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Anna Ison, Founder and Principal Creative at Auros Design, to discuss designing food and beverage brands that win on the shelf. They explore how strategic packaging drives brand recognition, why longevity matters more than trends, and the power of cohesive portfolio systems. Anna also shares her journey as a minority creative and advises on building courage in design.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jordan Buckner, Founder of Foodbevy, about how he empowers emerging brands with practical tools and a strong support network. Jordan explains why community matters more than ever, how to use LinkedIn strategically, and what separates successful founders from the rest. He also shares insights into the Foodbevy Insider Box and how it drives product discovery.
