Podcast: The Kara Goldin Show

On today’s episode, we welcome Charles Coristine, CEO of LesserEvil — one of the fastest-growing better-for-you snack brands in the country.
Charles’ entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin in the food industry. In fact, he left a successful career on Wall Street and took a chance on a struggling popcorn company that was worth less than $1 million at the time. With no food industry experience but a strong belief that consumers deserved snacks made with better ingredients, he set out to transform LesserEvil into something much bigger.
In this episode, Charles shares the lessons he learned from betting on himself, building a challenger brand in a crowded category, and scaling LesserEvil from a small popcorn company into a national snack brand. We also discuss product innovation, the creation of fan favorites like Moonions and Cheezmos, what it takes to stay true to your mission as you grow, and how he approached the company’s acquisition by Hershey.
Charles’ story is a powerful reminder that some of the biggest opportunities come from seeing potential where others see problems.
Listen and learn!

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Charles Coristine and LesserEvil:
https://www.lesserevil.com
https://www.instagram.com/lesserevilsnacks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-coristine-7b611b13/

Sponsored By:

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Rythm Health – Rythm is offering our listeners 15% off your first month and free shipping at RythmHealth.com/KARAGOLDIN

IM8 – Get a free Welcome Kit and 5 free Travel sachets plus 10% off with code KARAGOLDIN at IM8HEALTH.com/karagoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/860

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 860 Charles Coristine: CEO of LesserEvil

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00:00 / 00:27:35

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Mireille Vega, also known as Dr. Mimi V, Founder and CEO of VGAM — a PhD biochemist, former biotech executive, and the pioneer behind Skin Science 3.0.
Mireille’s story starts in a Montreal drugstore, where she was a teenager standing in the skincare aisle trying to decode ingredient labels that made no sense. Years later, after building a career in immunology and biotech, personal health crises in her own family changed the way she looked at ingredients, trust, and what we put on our bodies every day. That journey led her to create VGAM, a skincare company focused on the skin microbiome and the idea that skin is not just a surface — it is a living system shaped by hormones, stress, inflammation, aging, environment, and real life.
In this episode, Dr. Mimi V shares why she believes skincare needs less marketing noise and more real science. We talk about Skin Science 3.0, what most brands miss about hormones, midlife, menopause, and sensitive skin, and why the microbiome matters. She also breaks down what consumers should question when they hear words like “clean,” how to spot skincare claims that don’t hold up, and what it means to build trust as a scientist-founder in one of the noisiest categories in beauty.
This is a must listen.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Dr. Mireille Vega and VGAM:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.mimichemistry/
https://www.instagram.com/vgambiome.ca
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mireillevega/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vgam-biome/
https://www.youtube.com/@MimiChemistry
https://www.drmimi.ca/onehumanskin
https://vgambiome.ca/products/nomad-skin-onboarding-routine

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Physician’s Choice – Go to Amazon or PhysiciansChoice.com and use code PCPODCAST10 for 10% off your entire order

Stamps.com – Go to Stamps.com and use code kara to get sixty days risk-free!

Wayfair – Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less.

Gruns – Save up to 52% off with code GOLDIN at Gruns.co

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/859

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 859 Dr. Mireille Vega: Founder & CEO of VGAM

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00:00 / 00:31:21

Building clean beauty before clean beauty was even a category — that’s the magic ✨

On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Sasha Plavsic, Founder of ILIA Beauty — a brand that helped redefine what modern makeup could be.
We talk about how Sasha turned her own skin struggles into a category-shaping brand, why she set out to bridge the gap between natural and prestige beauty, and what it took to launch ILIA with just six lip tints in Vancouver. We also get into product discipline, the overuse of the term “clean beauty,” scaling without compromising standards, and staying creative after acquisition.
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to build before the market is ready, trust your instincts before the world catches up, or create a beauty brand that actually lasts — check out the interview on my podcast. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts 🎧

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Sasha Plavsic and ILIA Beauty:
https://www.iliabeauty.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iliabeauty/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-plavsic-0355b58/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Naturium – Give your skin the affordable, luxurious glow up it deserves. Go to Naturium.com/KARAGOLDIN for 10% off your first purchase today.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Odoo – Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level by visiting Odoo.com

Upwork – Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/858

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 858 Sasha Plavsic: Founder of ILIA Beauty

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00:00 / 00:29:24

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Heather Rogers, double board-certified dermatologist, Founder of Doctor Rogers Skincare, and Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology — a trusted voice of reason in a skincare world overloaded with trends, hype, and too many products.
After years of seeing hundreds of patients each week, Dr. Rogers noticed a pattern: people were overdoing it. Damaged skin barriers. Irritation. Reactive skin. Confusing routines. Products promising results but often creating more problems. That frustration led her to build Doctor Rogers Skincare, a streamlined, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested line focused on fewer products, scientifically grounded ingredients, and formulas designed to support healing, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier.
In this episode, Dr. Rogers breaks down what actually matters in skincare — and what does not. We talk about barrier-first skincare, why sensitive skin is so often misunderstood, the biggest myths and overhyped trends in the industry, and how consumers should think about terms like “clean,” “clinical,” and “medical-grade.” She also shares what it’s like to build a consumer brand as a practicing dermatologist, what she refused to compromise on, and why simplifying your routine may be one of the best things you can do for your skin.
This is a must listen.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Dr. Heather Rogers and Doctor Rogers Skincare:
https://www.doctorrogers.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drheatherrogers/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-d-rogers-md-0503701a/
https://www.instagram.com/doctorrogers/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Rythm Health – Rythm is offering our listeners 15% off your first month and free shipping at RythmHealth.com/KARAGOLDIN

Momentous – Get up to 35% off your first order at LiveMomentous.com, promo code KARAGOLDIN

Odoo – Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level by visiting Odoo.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/857

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 857 Dr. Heather Rogers: Founder of Doctor Rogers Skincare

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00:00 / 00:32:27

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics, the company behind Fatty15. Stephanie is a veterinary epidemiologist, author of The Longevity Nutrient, and one of the world’s leading experts on C15:0 — the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years.
Stephanie’s story starts in an unexpected place: studying aging Navy dolphins. While working to improve their long-term health, she and her team discovered C15:0, a fatty acid that may play a critical role in strengthening cells and supporting healthy aging. That discovery led to years of research, more than 100 peer-reviewed studies, dozens of patents, and ultimately Fatty15 — a science-backed supplement designed to support cellular health, longevity, and overall wellness.
In this episode, Stephanie shares how a breakthrough in dolphin health became a human health innovation, why she believes we have misunderstood certain saturated fats for decades, and what consumers should know about C15:0, cellular fragility, and healthy aging. We also talk about building trust in the crowded wellness space, turning serious science into a consumer brand, and why some of the biggest discoveries come from questioning what everyone assumes is true.
This episode is a must listen!

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson and Fatty15:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanievennwatson/
https://www.instagram.com/fatty15/
https://www.fatty15.com/

Sponsored By:

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Zocdoc – Go to Zocdoc.com/KARA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

RULA – Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/856

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 856 Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics (Fatty15)

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00:00 / 00:36:09

What if waking up in pain wasn’t something you had to accept?
On today’s episode, we welcome Evita Kunke, Co-Founder of Honeydew Sleep — a company rethinking how we sleep, starting with the pillow. After struggling with a debilitating back condition and being told surgery might be her only option, Evita discovered that the right sleep setup could completely change her health — and her life.
What started as a personal solution turned into a business. With deep roots in the sleep industry and access to dozens of existing products, Evita and her husband realized the market wasn’t solving the problem — so they built their own. Today, Honeydew Sleep is known for its handcrafted, science-backed pillows designed for proper alignment, cooling, and real comfort.
In this episode, Evita shares her journey from personal struggle to founder, what’s broken in the sleep industry, and how small changes in your sleep setup can have a massive impact on your overall health and quality of life.
If you’re interested in building a mission-driven brand, solving a real problem, or simply sleeping better — this one’s for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Evita Kunke and Honeydew Sleep:
https://honeydewsleep.com/
https://www.instagram.com/honeydewsleep
https://www.linkedin.com/company/honeydew-sleep/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evita-kunke-928a4681/

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Warby Parker – Get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/KARAGOLDIN

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

Fatty15 – Get an additional 15% off a 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to Fatty15.com/KARA and using code KARA at checkout.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/855

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 855 Evita Kunke: Co-Founder of Honeydew Sleep

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00:00 / 00:26:08

Turning activewear into technology that actually supports how you move — that’s the magic 🏃‍♀️✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Krystal Gillis, Founder and CEO of Tighties, a movement technology company redefining performance apparel through alignment, muscle activation, pain management, and movement support.
Krystal’s journey started long before Tighties. She founded and sold her first company at just 24, went on to work in the medical device world with companies including Abbott and Stryker, and later consulted on the launch of multiple companies, products, and a foundation. But it was while leading a product launch for an orthopedic company that she saw a gap she couldn’t ignore: active people needed something between traditional activewear and medical-grade support.
That insight became Tighties — wearable movement technology designed to help active people stay active. Created with clinical experts and manufactured in San Diego, Tighties is built to support better movement, improve alignment, activate muscles, and help people train, recover, and move with more confidence.
We talk about what Krystal saw in orthopedics that sparked the idea, how she brought biomechanical and clinical experts into product development, and why she doesn’t think of Tighties as just apparel. We also get into the realities of building a first-to-market category, responding to skepticism during R&D, and what it takes to communicate science-backed performance benefits in a way consumers can actually understand.
Krystal also shares what it’s like raising capital as a female founder, the lessons she’s carried from building and selling her first company, and where she believes the future of performance technology is headed.
If you are interested in what it takes to build a brand at the intersection of apparel, health, technology, and human movement — check out this interview on my podcast now. 🎧

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Krystal Gillis and Tighties:
https://tighties.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gotighties/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tighties/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-gillis-a2582611/

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AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

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As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/854

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 854 Krystal Gillis: Founder & CEO of Tighties

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00:00 / 00:26:05

What if gifting actually felt thoughtful again?
On today’s episode, we welcome Rachel Solomon, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Boarderie — a company rethinking a category that hasn’t evolved much in decades. Instead of predictable gift baskets, Boarderie delivers fully arranged, premium cheese and charcuterie boards nationwide — designed to feel more like an experience than just another package.
Launched in 2021, the company didn’t just improve the model — it challenged it. And while legacy players are seeing slower growth, Boarderie is scaling quickly, staying profitable, and tapping into what consumers actually want today: something more personal, more elevated, and more memorable.
In this episode, Rachel shares why the category was ready for change, how they’ve been able to scale so quickly without compromising quality, and what’s really driving modern gifting decisions.
If you’re building in a crowded space or thinking about how to differentiate in a legacy category — this one’s worth your time. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Rachel Solomon and Boarderie:
https://boarderie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/boarderie/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/boarderie/
https://www.instagram.com/rach_solo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-solomon-fascitelli-6a0a82119/

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AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Whatnot – Download Whatnot today and get $20 Off and free shipping on your first purchase.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/853

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 853 Rachel Solomon: Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Boarderie

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00:00 / 00:25:41

What if the future of skincare wasn’t about trends — but about real science and long-term skin health?
On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Elm Biosciences — a company combining in-office treatments with smarter at-home routines.
If you’re interested in understanding the science behind skincare, making better decisions for your skin, or staying ahead of where the industry is going — this one’s for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali and Elm Biosciences:
https://elmbiosciences.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dhbhanusali/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhaval-bhanusali/
https://bhanusalimd.com/

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Fatty15 – Get an additional 15% off a 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to Fatty15.com/KARA and using code KARA at checkout.

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LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

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Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/852

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 852 Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali: Co-Founder of Elm Biosciences

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00:00 / 00:30:34

Turning skincare into ritual — and luxury into something deeply personal — that’s the magic ✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Lejla Cas, Founder of KNESKO Skin — a brand blending advanced skincare science with energetic wellness, intention, and self-care.
We talk about building a luxury beauty brand that goes beyond surface-level results, why longevity and skin barrier health are becoming such important conversations, and how Lejla turned an unconventional vision into a globally recognized brand used in luxury spas around the world. We also dive into the launch of KNESKO’s new Gold Repair Collection and the future of beauty, ritual, and wellness.
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to build a differentiated brand, challenge traditional beauty norms, or create products that truly connect with consumers — check out the interview on my podcast. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts 🎧

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Lejla Cas and KNESKO Skin:
https://knesko.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kneskoskin/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/mrsknesko/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lejla-cas-65195054/

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LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Zazzle – Right now, save 25% on your first order at Zazzle.com

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/851

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 851 Lejla Cas: Founder of KNESKO Skin

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00:00 / 00:30:16