Investor, entrepreneur, and longtime business journalist Darren Rovell shares the lessons he's learned backing breakout brands like Athletic Brewing and Biena Snacks, building his own company, Kickstand Cocktails, and evaluating hundreds of startups every year. He explains what separates investable founders from the rest and how emerging brands can carve out an advantage – even in the most competitive categories.

Consumer expectations are changing fast, and brands of every size are being forced to adapt. In this episode, we discuss what PepsiCo's response to GLP-1s and inflation signals for CPG. We also dive into Vita Coco's acquisition of a super-premium rival, and sample everything from cereal-inspired protein shakes and date-sweetened cola to birch water and caffeinated banana milk.

How do you build a $150M CPG brand after your first retail opportunity falls apart? For Little Spoon, the answer was to stop waiting for retail and start building a direct relationship with its customers. In this episode, co-founder Angela Vranich breaks down the decisions, challenges, and operating principles that turned an early setback into the foundation for one of the biggest success stories in modern CPG.

Can a brand built on purpose survive when its mission is put at risk? The hosts examine the high-stakes battle over Ben & Jerry's social identity, discuss what founders can learn about building a mission-driven business that lasts, and spotlight emerging brands proving that great products—not just great stories—win loyal customers.