Adam Yee interviews Zachary Cartwright, a principal food scientist and sales engineer at AquaLab. They discuss the integration of AI in podcasting, the importance of science communication, and the nuances of water activity in food science. Zachary shares his journey from biochemistry to food science, emphasizing the significance of effective communication and networking in career development. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Zachary's podcast, The Drip, and how his hobbies, such as yoga and DJing, influence his professional life. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring food scientists and the importance of mentorship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During my trip to Japan I met Schyler Cole and had a great talk with her so I decided to interview her. Her journey is very interesting! Schyler Alexandra Cole is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Value Create Ventures in Tokyo, building a revenue-based financing venture to fill funding gaps for SMEs and startups. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with food: while earning her BA in Economics at Stanford, her research led her to found a social enterprise creating a marketplace for culturally competent food and health resources—an experience that shaped her commitment to more equitable investment of financial, social, and human capital.   Recognizing parallels between the Southeast US and Japan in entrepreneurship and startups, Schyler earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Tokyo, focusing on funding strategies for diverse startups. She has worked across venture-backed Silicon Valley startups, VC firms, and think tanks in the US and Japan, specializing in pre-seed/seed stage investments. She advises organizations including Shibuya Startup Support and Women in Tech Japan, and shares content on the future of funding great ideas, building impactful solutions, and centering wellness across Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schylercole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schyleracole/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schyler.cole Substack: https://bewelldowellnow.substack.com/about Website: https://www.schylercole.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam sits down with Alice Wistar, Head of Growth & Strategy at Palate Insights, for a chat about her career, her role as Chief of Staff for startups, and some insights on food service. Alice shares how she accidentally fell into her dream career from pivoting from med school ambitions to vegan gastronomy in Peru, to a crash-course MBA at Black Sheep Foods during the plant-based boom. They unpack what a Chief of Staff actually does inside a fast-moving startup, why plant-based lamb was both a triumph and a branding trap, the maddening truth behind food-service distribution, and how real-world sensory testing is shifting away from sterile lab rooms and into restaurants and grocery aisles. Alice also breaks down the rise of “balanced proteins,” the data chefs are giving her team, and why taste, trust, and supply chain reliability matter more than anyone wants to admit. If you’re obsessed with food innovation, startup chaos, consumer behavior, or just love a good origin story, this episode delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Atcheson, the Executive Director of Food Policy Pathways, discusses her journey into food policy, the importance of understanding policy definitions, the role of data in shaping food policies, and the influence of lobbying. She shares insights on navigating government structures, implementing innovative programs, and building a career in food policy. Rachel emphasizes the need for collaboration and the importance of getting involved in food policy advocacy to create impactful change in the food system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seth Waite shares his unique journey from studying political science to becoming a partner at a biopsychology firm. He discusses the importance of understanding consumer behavior, the transition from law school to nonprofit work, and how these experiences shaped his approach to marketing. Seth emphasizes the significance of talking to customers, understanding their emotional needs, and using data to inform marketing strategies. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights innovative tools for market research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Satoshi Umino, CEO of Sustainable Food Asia interviewed me while I was in Japan at his office in front of a live audience. This podcast has been edited to remove the Japanese translation. I chat about the following trends happening in the USA: What's happening now: Protein, Tariffs, Labubu Economy What's not happening now: Plant-based, Sustainability Initiatives, Regenerative Trends that will persist for a decade: AI, Biotech, MAHA Trends that are important to watch: Reactive Supply Chain, Fiber and research, The Katseye model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Laurette Rondenet, CEO of Edlong Flavors, shares her journey in the food industry, the challenges of running a family business, and the importance of mentorship and leadership. She discusses the evolution of Edlong, the significance of decision-making in business, and the dynamics of company culture. Laurette emphasizes the need for awareness in the food science field and the interconnectedness of the industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support among competitors. She also touches on her personal branding efforts and the future of food science. Connect with Laurette: Website LinkedIn Instagram YouTubeApple Podcasts Edlong   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video Company, discusses the significance of video marketing in the B2B sector, emphasizing the importance of mid-funnel content and the buyer's journey. He introduces the 'video marketing trifecta'—differentiation, demonstration, and validation—as essential components for effective video content. Tim also shares insights on overcoming camera shyness, the differences between B2B and B2C marketing strategies, and the role of social media, particularly LinkedIn, in engaging potential clients. He concludes with practical tips for creating evergreen content and leveraging video to build trust and drive conversions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee shares his journey into food science, detailing his early influences, educational experiences, and the challenges he faced in the food industry. He discusses the importance of networking, the role of AI in food science, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including product development and consulting work. Adam emphasizes the need for consistency and the value of starting small while pursuing one's passions. He also reflects on the impact of technology on the food industry and shares insights on how to inspire the next generation of food scientists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Scott is a best-selling author, inspirational keynote speaker, and organizational development consultant. Through his books, workshops, keynotes, and licensed content, he inspires audiences at Fortune 500 companies, Universities, and community organizations nationwide to become their best, deliver their best, and experience the best life possible. Taylor leverages his personal experiences and twenty years working in the hospitality industry for Disney Parks and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels and Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to connect with and inspire leaders at all levels. Link tree:https://linktr.ee/TaylorScott?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbI4VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBCamkzQ3czalpodlFTTjBVAR4PRXAVjERBeo3DVyrFpCfu6d_euxSOIIuWEGViTmqB2ajuDMWzX1a3tWsx3w_aem__xxSxqpGc1z4TAcKtFQfQQF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Lafleur shares her journey from studying biology to becoming a food scientist and entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences in product development competitions, her time at Mattson, and the challenges of transitioning to a startup. Caroline emphasizes the importance of understanding the target market, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the role of branding in the food industry. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for resilience, creativity, and a focus on core values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Sebastian Zorn, the head team performance dietitian for the Los Angeles Rams. They discuss Sebastian's journey into sports nutrition, his experiences at various colleges, and the unique challenges and opportunities in professional sports nutrition. Sebastian shares insights on the principles of sports nutrition, the impact of trends like NIL on college athletics, and the future of AI in nutrition. He also provides advice for aspiring nutritionists and discusses the importance of protein in athletes' diets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Myles Powell, CEO of Myles Comfort Foods, discussing his journey from corporate America to the food industry. Myles shares his experiences with product development, transitioning from barbecue sauces to frozen foods, and the challenges of scaling a CPG brand. He emphasizes the importance of clean labeling, navigating retail partnerships, and the impact of the pandemic on consumer behavior. The discussion also covers marketing strategies for food entrepreneurs and offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lewis Bollard, Programme Director for Farm Animal Welfare at Open Philanthropy, discusses the critical intersection of technology and advocacy in improving animal welfare. He highlights the alarming rise in chicken consumption and the inhumane conditions in factory farming. Lewis emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions, such as In-ovo sexing technology, and the need for corporate responsibility in animal welfare. He also shares insights from a successful fundraising campaign that engaged new donors in the cause, illustrating the growing global concern for animal welfare and the potential for change in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Robert Irvine shares his journey from a young boy interested in cooking to a renowned chef and television personality. He discusses the leadership skills he gained from his military background and how they shaped his approach to managing teams in the culinary world. Robert emphasizes the importance of food as a vehicle for community building and healing, particularly for veterans. He also highlights the mission of the Robert Irvine Foundation, which focuses on mental and physical health for veterans and their families. Throughout the conversation, Robert shares impactful stories and offers valuable advice for aspiring chefs and leaders, underscoring the significance of relationships and helping others in creating a positive change in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam Yee interviews Vincent, an Asian American food innovator and founder of Dang Foods. They discuss Vincent's journey from his educational background at Cornell to the inception of his company, which focuses on coconut chips. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the food industry, sourcing ingredients, and the importance of product strategy. Vincent shares insights on funding, growth challenges, and the role of Asian brands in the market, as well as advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on international competition and the dynamics of the food market. Learn more about Vincent: Sappan LLC How I Built This How I Built This - Art of Letting Go Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Jaime Tulley shares her journey from a background in food science and pre-med studies to becoming a co-founder and COO of Hey Day Canning Co. She discusses her early experiences in the food industry, the challenges of launching a canned food brand, and the innovative approaches they are taking to revitalize the canned food aisle. Jaime emphasizes the importance of passion, adaptability, and collaboration in entrepreneurship, as well as the unique marketing strategies that have helped Hey Day gain traction in a competitive market. Jaime is a scientist by training and food manufacturing expert by trade. After spending several years doing nutrition-focused cancer research with the National Institute of Health, she decided to pivot into the world of food manufacturing where she felt she could have a more immediate positive impact on human health.Her first role in CPG was Plant Manager for Columbia Gorge Organic, a nationally distributed cold-pressed juice company. At Columbia George, Jaime got her feet wet (quite literally, often standing in a puddle of juice) managingthe front lines of the plant and overseeing all facets of Quality, Food Safety, and Operations.Seeking a role with more capacity for growth, Jaime joined Sweet Earth as the very first hire to lead Quality, R&D, and Operations. At Sweet Earth, Jaime built out the 30,000 square foot facility that would support the brand’s rise from $1M to $25M in revenue — doing everything soup to nuts from formulating dozens of new products across categories, designing production lines, implementing QA systems, hiring and training production teams, and instilling a culture of continuous improvements to drastically improve margins while maintaining quality. Jaime led the operational merge with Nestle, migrating major product lies from Sweet Earth's facility and launching new Sweet Earth products at Nestle plants all over the country.Prior to starting Heyday, Jaime was the VP of Operations at Catapult Commercialization Services, where she provided R&D and commercialization consulting services for startups in categories including dairy alternatives, meat alternatives, functional beverages, hot sauces, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Buckner, founder and CEO of Foodbevy, shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early ventures in the food industry to the challenges faced with his first company, T-Squares. He discusses the importance of product differentiation, the emotional toll of closing a business, and the transition to building Foodbevy as a community for emerging food brands. Jordan emphasizes the significance of personal mission statements, funding strategies for CPG brands, and the launch of the Foodbevy Insider program, which connects consumers with new products. Throughout the discussion, he offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry. Jordan Buckner is on a mission to help food and beverage companies build successful businesses, and launched Foodbevy.com to create a pipeline for companies to grow from startup to scale by reducing the resource and network gaps. Jordan previously co-founded TeaSquares, a line of superfood energy bars designed to help people stay focused and alert so they could achieve their passions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dane Atkinson is the Founder and CEO of Odeko, the operations partner helping independent coffee shops run and grow through smart software, next-day delivery, and a modern supply chain. Since launching Odeko in 2019, Dane has focused on giving small businesses enterprise-level tools, and he led the company through over $280M in funding to further scale that mission. Before Odeko, he served as CEO of Squarespace from 2007 to 2011 and later founded SumAll, a data-analytics platform built for SMBs. A long-time mentor and advocate for entrepreneurs, he regularly shares practical lessons on earning trust, using AI thoughtfully, and building systems that let local businesses compete with national brands. Today, Odeko supports tens of thousands of cafés across the U.S., enabling owners to spend less time on logistics and more time serving their communities. Adam and Dane talk about ADHD, his time at Squarespace and owning a coffee shop, and Table Top Role Playing Games, where Adam pitches his book, Interns in the Dark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fred Hart is a brand consultant, creative director, and design strategist obsessed with building and studying CPG brands. Over the last decade, he's built a 30-person branding agency, transformed over 137 CPG brands, won an industry record 5 Designalytic Design Effectiveness Awards in the last five years, and been entrusted by visionary founders and Fortune 500 companies to craft strategic design that moves businesses forward. Fred shares his journey from running a successful design agency to creating an open-source agency model. He discusses the differences in branding strategies between small and large companies, the impact of influencer marketing, and the evolving landscape of the food industry. Fred emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior, the rise of private label brands, and the current trends in protein and plant-based products. He offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and designers, highlighting the significance of storytelling and audience engagement in branding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices