The Kara Goldin Show

On today’s episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we welcome Mark Rampolla, Founder of ZICO Coconut Water and author of An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom. Mark introduced coconut water to the U.S. market, scaled ZICO into a global brand, and sold it to Coca-Cola for over $200 million. Years later, he bought ZICO back — and today, he’s leading it into its next chapter while also helping entrepreneurs rethink success and freedom.
Mark shares the inside story of building and selling ZICO, why he decided to buy it back, and what feels different about running it now. He also dives into the core themes of his new book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom — from why so many entrepreneurs aren’t truly free, to how success actually starts with freedom, to the daily practices and inner work that help founders reclaim their lives while building great companies. Packed with powerful insights and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for founders, leaders, and anyone chasing a vision of success that also leaves room for freedom.
Don’t miss it!

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 Mark Rampolla, ZICO, and An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom:
https://www.entrepreneursguidetofreedom.com
https://www.zico.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrampolla
https://www.instagram.com/themarkrampolla/
https://x.com/TheMarkRampolla
https://www.instagram.com/zicococonut/
https://www.facebook.com/ZicoCoconutWater/
https://twitter.com/ZicoCoconut

Sponsored By:

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

Sommsation – Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.

Function Health – My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up.

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/752

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Deborah Pagani, Founder of Deborah Pagani and Deborah Pagani Beauty. A celebrated hairstylist, jewelry designer, and now beauty entrepreneur, Deborah has spent decades shaping luxury across industries — from working with icons like Prince and Cyndi Lauper, to sparking the French pin revival with her cult-favorite hair accessories, to designing fine jewelry sold at Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman.
Most recently, she launched Deborah Pagani Beauty, a luxury haircare line years in the making. Self-funded and born out of her vision to merge indulgence with performance, Deborah created clean, high-performing formulas anchored by an addictive signature fragrance and packaged in glass bottles worthy of display. In this conversation, she shares how her career journey prepared her to disrupt multiple categories, the white space she saw in the crowded haircare industry, and what it takes to build unapologetic luxury without compromise. This episode is packed with insights for founders, creatives, and anyone interested in brand building at the highest level. Don’t miss it!

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 Deborah Pagani and Deborah Pagani Beauty:
https://www.instagram.com/deborahpaganibeauty/
https://www.instagram.com/deborahpagani/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-pagani-669bb94/
https://www.deborahpagani.com
https://www.deborahpaganibeauty.com

Sponsored By:

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

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

Square – Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin

Dell – Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/751

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Angela Caglia, Founder and CEO of Angela Caglia Skincare, the luxury brand pioneering human stem cell-derived technology in regenerative aesthetics. With over 30 years of experience as a celebrity esthetician, Angela has treated some of the world’s most iconic faces and is now leading a new era in anti-aging skincare through groundbreaking, science-backed innovation.
Angela shares the story of how she built her namesake brand to bridge high-performance results with clean, ethical formulations. We dive into the breakthrough Cell Forté Collection, what Human-Derived Stem Cell (HDSC™) Technology really means, and how regenerative beauty is changing the conversation around skin longevity. From the lessons she’s learned in building a science-first brand, to how she’s educating consumers in a crowded category, to what’s next for Angela Caglia Skincare, this episode is filled with insights for founders, beauty enthusiasts, and innovators everywhere. Don’t miss it!

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 Angela Caglia and Angela Caglia Skincare:
https://www.instagram.com/angelacagliaskincare/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/angela-caglia-skincare/
https://www.angelacaglia.com

Sponsored By:

Function Health – My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up.

SimpliSafe – Save 50% on a SimpliSafe home security system at SimpliSafe.com/KARAGOLDIN

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/750

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Doss Cunningham, Chairman and CEO of Nutrabolt, the powerhouse behind consumer-loved brands like C4 Energy, Cellucor, and XTEND. Over the last 20 years, Doss has led Nutrabolt to become the largest independently-owned active health and wellness portfolio in the world, trusted by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and millions of consumers around the globe.
Doss shares the story of how Nutrabolt scaled from a single sports nutrition brand into a global performance wellness company. We dive into the rise of C4 as one of the fastest-growing energy drinks in the U.S., why Gen Z is reshaping the wellness space, and how athlete partnerships with stars like Saquon Barkley, CJ Stroud, and even investor Kevin Hart are fueling the brand’s cultural momentum. From building sustainably while staying private, to fostering a mission-driven culture, to creating a one-of-a-kind Austin HQ that reflects the company’s vision—this episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and leaders chasing growth with purpose.
Don’t miss it!

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 Doss Cunningham and Nutrabolt:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doss-cunningham/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutrabolt/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/c4-energy/
https://www.instagram.com/c4energy/
https://www.instagram.com/nutraboltlife/
https://www.instagram.com/cellucor/
https://www.nutrabolt.com/

Sponsored By:

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/749

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Indie Lee, Founder of Indie Lee Skincare — the clean beauty brand built on resilience, transparency, and a mission to empower healthier living. Indie’s journey began in 2008, when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor that doctors believed was environmentally derived. After surviving surgery, she turned her awakening into action, creating her own skincare formulas at home and eventually launching Indie Lee Skincare in 2010.
In our conversation, Indie shares how she transformed her personal health crisis into a movement that helped shape the clean beauty industry, what it took to bring her kitchen-made formulas to market, and how the brand has evolved over the past 15 years. We talk about the challenges of pioneering clean beauty before it was mainstream, how she defines “clean” today, and the lessons she’s learned as a mission-driven founder balancing wellness, science, and growth. Indie also opens up about her most pivotal founder moments, the hardest challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of beauty and intentional living.
Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, a wellness advocate, or a founder looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Cheree Ashley and Osier:
https://www.instagram.com/osierwellness/
https://www.instagram.com/cheree_ashley/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheree-ashley/
https://osier.com/

Sponsored By:

Dell – Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc

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

Sommsation – Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/748

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Lauren Gropper, Founder and CEO of Repurpose — the compostable household goods brand that’s changing the way we think about single-use products. What started with a vision to replace wasteful plastics with plant-based alternatives has grown into a national movement, with Repurpose products now found in over 20,000 retail locations including Target, Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods. From compostable cups, plates, and cutlery to bamboo paper towels and BPA-free wine cups, Repurpose is proving that sustainability can be simple, stylish, and affordable.
In our conversation, Lauren shares how her early career in sustainable design and an eye-opening stint consulting in Hollywood inspired the launch of Repurpose. We talk about what it’s like to pioneer a new category, the challenges of educating consumers without overwhelming them, and how she’s built a mission-driven brand that has already replaced more than 727 million pieces of plastic. Lauren also opens up about the toughest challenges she’s faced as a founder, how she balances leadership with motherhood, and her bold vision for a world free from single-use plastics.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about how to build a mission-driven CPG brand, or just looking for inspiration from a founder who turned an “aha moment” into a movement, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Lauren Gropper and Repurpose:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gropper-9a62791/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/repurpose-compostables/
https://www.instagram.com/repurpose/
https://repurpose.com/

Sponsored By:

Quo – Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDIN

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

Dell – Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/747

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Matt Maroone, Co-Founder and CEO of Silver Mirror Facial Bar — the fast-growing skincare brand redefining what facials look like in today’s busy world. Silver Mirror delivers results-driven treatments designed to fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles, blending expert estheticians, clinical technology, and a welcoming environment that’s as educational as it is empowering.
In our conversation, Matt shares his journey from the music industry to beauty entrepreneurship, the leap of faith in bootstrapping Silver Mirror’s first location, and how he and co-founder Cindy Kim carved out a new space between luxury spas and clinical dermatology. We talk about shifting consumer perception to make facials a consistent routine, building a membership model that drives loyalty, and the challenges of scaling into new markets like NYC, DC, and Miami. Matt also opens up about his leadership philosophy, the risks he’s taken along the way, and his vision for where Silver Mirror will be ten years from now.
Whether you’re passionate about skincare, fascinated by entrepreneurship, or curious about how to build a service brand in a crowded category, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss. Now live 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 Matt Maroone and Silver Mirror Facial Bar:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-m-4223728/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/silver-mirror-facial-bar/
https://silvermirror.com/

Sponsored By:
Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.
LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.
Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/746

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Hannah Cheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Mimi Cheng’s — the cult-favorite dumpling brand on a mission to bring family recipes to the world in a fresh, modern way. What began in 2014 as a small New York City dumpling shop, inspired by Hannah and her sister Marian’s mom’s recipes, has grown into a thriving brand with restaurants, ready-to-eat Taiwanese meals, and soon frozen dumplings launching nationwide at Whole Foods in Fall 2025.
In our conversation, Hannah shares her journey from JP Morgan’s trading floor to running one of NYC’s most beloved dumpling spots, and how she balanced Wall Street with entrepreneurship during the early years. We dive into what has allowed Mimi Cheng’s to thrive for over a decade in a notoriously tough industry, why staying self-funded and self-operated has been key, and what it takes to expand from restaurants into CPG. Hannah also opens up about building a business with her sister, her favorite collaborations, the lessons she’s learned as an angel investor, and her vision for turning Mimi Cheng’s into more than a meal — but a lifestyle brand.
Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or simply someone who loves a great family business story, this episode is full of inspiration and insight you won’t want to miss. 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 Hannah Cheng and Mimi Cheng’s:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-cheng-9480bb7/
https://www.instagram.com/hannahjcheng/
https://www.instagram.com/mimichengs/
https://www.mimichengs.com/

Sponsored By:
Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara
LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.
Boll & Branch. Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/KARAGOLDIN

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/745

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Marguerite Adzick, Founder & CEO of Addison Bay — the women’s activewear brand blending polished style with high performance. A former Division I athlete, Marguerite launched Addison Bay in 2018 to solve a problem she knew firsthand: activewear that could keep up with the demands of real life, not just the gym.
In our conversation, Marguerite shares how she built Addison Bay from idea to nationally recognized brand, how she found white space in one of the most crowded categories in retail, and the bold bets that helped her stand out. We also talk about navigating the challenges of launching while pregnant, landing features in Vogue, Forbes, and The Today Show, and her vision for making Addison Bay a household name.
Whether you’re an activewear enthusiast, a brand builder, or a founder looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Marguerite Adzick and Addison Bay:
https://www.instagram.com/addisonbay
https://www.instagram.com/marghiwaltersadzick
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marguerite-adzick-b9992644/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/addison-bay/
https://www.addisonbay.com/

Sponsored By:

Nutrafol – For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDIN

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

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/744

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Joe Nicchi, Founder and CEO of CVT Soft Serve — the Los Angeles–based brand that turned a classic chocolate-vanilla twist into a cultural phenomenon. What started with a single soft serve truck in 2014 has grown into a beloved brand with multiple trucks, retail locations, and packaged pints that bring the CVT experience to even more fans. Along the way, Joe made national headlines when he pushed back on influencer freebie culture with his now-viral “influencers pay double” policy, reinforcing the authenticity that has defined CVT from the beginning.
In our conversation, Joe shares how he went from acting to entrepreneurship, what it’s really like to build a food business from a truck on the streets of LA, and the bold bets he’s made to grow CVT into an enduring brand. We talk about scaling beyond food trucks, the challenges of breaking into retail, and what it takes to carve out space in an ice cream market dominated by giants. Joe also opens up about the viral moment that changed everything, the toughest lessons he’s learned as a founder, and his vision for CVT’s future.
Whether you’re an ice cream lover, a fan of founder stories, or someone curious about building a brand from scratch, this episode is full of insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss. 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 Joe Nicchi and CVT Soft Serve:
https://www.instagram.com/cvtsoftserve/
https://cvtsoftserve.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cvtsoftserve/

Sponsored By:

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

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

Live It Up – Head to LETSLIVEITUP.com/KARAGOLDIN and use code KARAGOLDIN for 15% off your first Super Greens order!

Listen to Harvard Business School’s acclaimed podcast Think Big, Buy Small: https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=KaraGoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/743

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Tim Manschot, Founder and CEO of NOWATCH — the world’s first screenless wearable reimagining how we engage with technology. Instead of pulling you into endless notifications and distractions, NOWATCH blends cutting-edge biosensing with timeless, sustainable design to help you build resilience, recover faster, and live with more intention.
In our conversation, Tim shares the personal health journey that pushed he and his co-founder to commit to building a company rooted in neuroscience, mindfulness, and meaning.
We dive into what “compassionate technology” really means, how real-time stress prediction can change daily life, and the challenges of creating a whole new category in wellness wearables. From product design to consumer behavior to the future of intentional tech, this episode is filled with insights for founders, innovators, and anyone curious about how technology can support presence instead of distraction.
Whether you’re a founder, a wellness advocate, or simply someone rethinking your relationship with tech, this episode is packed with inspiration you won’t want to miss. 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 Tim Manschot and NOWATCH:
http://www.instagram.com/nowatch
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmanschot/
http://www.nowatch.com/

Sponsored By:

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

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

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

Sommsation – Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/742

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Indie Lee, Founder of Indie Lee Skincare — the clean beauty brand built on resilience, transparency, and a mission to empower healthier living. Indie’s journey began in 2008, when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor that doctors believed was environmentally derived. After surviving surgery, she turned her awakening into action, creating her own skincare formulas at home and eventually launching Indie Lee Skincare in 2010.
In our conversation, Indie shares how she transformed her personal health crisis into a movement that helped shape the clean beauty industry, what it took to bring her kitchen-made formulas to market, and how the brand has evolved over the past 15 years. We talk about the challenges of pioneering clean beauty before it was mainstream, how she defines “clean” today, and the lessons she’s learned as a mission-driven founder balancing wellness, science, and growth. Indie also opens up about her most pivotal founder moments, the hardest challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of beauty and intentional living.
Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, a wellness advocate, or a founder looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Indie Lee and Indie Lee Skincare:
http://www.indielee.com
http://www.instagram.com/indielee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/indie-lee-5b938/

Sponsored By:

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

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

ACORNS. Head to acorns.com/KARA or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/741

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Sammy Kestenbaum, Co-Founder and CEO of PRETZELIZED — the snack brand pioneering a whole new category by combining pretzels with other classics to create two favorites in one. What started with the idea for a pretzel-meets-pita-chip hybrid has quickly grown into a national brand, now found in over 15,000 doors across the country with products like oven-baked Pretzel Crackers and twice-baked Pretzel Pita Chips.
In our conversation, Sammy shares the inspiration behind PRETZELIZED, how he and his team carved out white space in the brutally competitive snack aisle, and what it takes to convince retailers to back a brand-new snack format. We talk about scaling fast, standing out against industry giants, and the bold bets he’s making to grow PRETZELIZED into a household name. Sammy also opens up about the challenges of launching something new, the lessons he’s learned from building other iconic snack brands, and his vision for the future of snacking.
Whether you’re a lifelong snacker, a food industry insider, or a founder curious about breaking into CPG, this episode is full of insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss. 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 Sammy Kestembaum and PRETZELIZED:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kestenbaum-26154418/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pretzelized/
https://www.instagram.com/pretzelized/
https://www.7milebrands.com/
https://pretzelized.com/

Sponsored By:

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

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

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

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/740

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Mark Brooks, Co-Founder and CEO of Brainiac — the science-driven snack brand on a mission to close the brain nutrition gap and give families better options that fuel brilliance. With most Americans consuming less than 20% of the Omega-3s and choline needed for optimal brain health, Mark and his team are changing that with kid-favorite snacks powered by the BrainPack®, their proprietary blend designed to support memory, mood, focus, and adaptability.
In our conversation, Mark shares the inspiration behind launching Brainiac, the personal journey he and his Co-Founder Jonathan Wolfson went through as dads that sparked the idea, and how they built the brand alongside pediatricians, neuroscientists, and nutritionists. We dive into the science of brain nutrition, the challenges of educating parents in a crowded food space, and what it takes to grow a mission-driven brand into national distribution at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and beyond. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons learned from his time leading Truvia and Thrive, the decision to certify Brainiac as a B Corp, and the future of the brain food category.
Whether you’re a parent, a wellness-focused consumer, or a founder in the CPG space, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss. 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 Mark Brooks and Brainiac:
https://www.instagram.com/brainiacfoods/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brooks-083a6458/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainiacfoods/
https://www.brainiacfoods.com/

Sponsored By:

Apple Card – Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

Square – Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/739

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Mike Adair, Founder of Red’s — the premium frozen food brand on a mission to reinvent the frozen aisle with clean, convenient, and crave-worthy options. What began with a simple idea and a nod to his beloved dog Red has grown into the largest premium frozen burrito and breakfast sandwich brand in the country. Red’s is now a staple in grocery stores nationwide, delivering real food made with fresh-baked tortillas, non-GMO ingredients, antibiotic-free meats, and cage-free eggs.
In our conversation, Mike shares how Red’s went from a small startup to a national category leader, the bold bets he made on clean ingredients before it was trendy, and why bringing manufacturing in-house was a game-changing move. We explore the realities of competing with legacy giants in the freezer aisle, how frozen food can actually drive sustainability by reducing food waste, and what it takes to balance rapid growth with relentless quality. Mike also opens up about the toughest challenges he’s faced as a founder, his perspective on the future of frozen food, and the advice he’d give to anyone building a mission-driven CPG brand today.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a frozen food skeptic, or a founder looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with stories and insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Mike Adair and Red’s:
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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/738