Mike Lombardo, the co-founder of better-for-you iced tea brand Halfday, shares the journey of transforming a college side hustle into a fast-growing challenger brand. He opens up about the brand’s early missteps, how Halfday secured coveted shelf space at Whole Foods, partnered with one of New York City’s most influential distributors, and how a last-minute decision led to a major investment.

Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of RTD coffee and more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200M investment in Bloom. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovation and examine whether energy or indulgence is driving consumer demand.

When Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy joined Woody Creek Distillers, it wasn’t a Hollywood deal – it was a neighborhood one. In this episode, he and award-winning bartender Sean Kenyon discuss how Woody Creek evolved from a small-town operation into a nationally respected brand, all while staying true to its roots: crafting world-class spirits at accessible prices.

From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour’s rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor – while also spotlighting Toom’s strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip into a national brand. Plus, the challenges of adaptogen overload.