Ask an Influencer

Hosted by Robyn Carter and Brooke Stewart

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Trends & Innovation expert Robyn Carter, & Influencer Marketing powerhouse Brooke Stewart have partnered to launch the new podcast “Ask an Influencer.” In each episode, they’ll dig into insights and perspectives alongside notable Influencers and content creators to shed light on trends in food, personal care, fitness, travel, fashion, and even entrepreneur life. “Ask an Influencer” is a show for anyone who wants a crystal ball to help them understand how trends are evolving and why. It’s a place where marketers and aspiring entrepreneurs can discover how they can harness those trends to bring something exciting and relevant to the marketplace. With 15+ years of experience inspiring successful innovation for some of the world’s most beloved brands, from ice cream to snacks to beauty, skin care, toys and beyond, Robyn & Brooke are leading forces in helping brands to become category game-changers.

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29 recent

September 30, 202645 min

Ask an Influencer: How Much Protein Do We Really Need? Gen Z Dietitian Cassandra Lepore Breaks It Down

Brooke and Robyn talk with Cassandra Lepore, the registered dietitian behind Dietitian Cass, about how Gen Z approaches food, wellness, and online nutrition advice. Cassandra shares why credentials matter and why balance is more useful than perfection for consumers and brands alike. With protein all the rage, she also unlocks how much protein we really need (hint: it's a lot less that you think).... Follow Cassandra: https://www.instagram.com/dietitiancass/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@dietitiancass See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 18, 202643 min

Ask an Influencer: Chef Julia Wants to Get Gen Z in the Kitchen

Gen Z knows what they want to eat. Their feeds are full of recipe inspo, restaurant finds, high-protein hacks and beautifully plated meals. But knowing what looks good, and knowing how to actually make it, are two very different things. This week, Brooke and Robyn sit down with Julia Chebotar, aka Health Chef Julia , to talk about the gap between food inspiration and actual kitchen confidence. Why does a generation that consumes so much food content sometimes lack the techniques and the patience to cook from scratch? And how can we help them to be successful in the kitchen? Julia shares how growing up around food, working in and eventually managing her family’s vegan café, and later studying nutrition helped set her on the path to becoming a private chef in New York City. She also takes us behind the scenes of that world, from celebrity clients to private yachts — unusual requests included. Julia also unpacks the wellness trends shaping what Gen Z wants to eat right now, from creatine and fiber to protein-packed everything, and what’s genuinely worth paying attention to versus what’s mostly hype. She also makes the case for why a few basic cooking skills may be one of the most useful wellness tools Gen Z can have. Because saving the recipe? That’s the easy part. Actually making it? That’s another story. instagram.com/healthchefjulia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 21, 202640 min

Ask an Influencer: How Gen Z Can Have it All, Just Not All At Once

What if being healthy isn’t about giving everything up but learning how to have it all, just not all at once? This week on Ask an Influencer , Brooke and Robyn sit down with Hunter Stoler, aka @HealthWithHunter , a certified health coach and creator known for making wellness feel simpler, more realistic and a lot less restrictive. Hunter shares how his own 50-pound weight-loss journey evolved from focusing on the number on the scale to thinking much more holistically about the foods, products and everyday choices that make him feel his best. His philosophy? Control the controllables, skip the all-or-nothing thinking, and make changes you can actually sustain. We get into why Gen Z (and plenty of the rest of us) can be drawn to wellness shortcuts, how to balance health goals with foods you genuinely enjoy, why the best healthy swap has to deliver more than a “better-for-you” label, and how consumers are becoming savvier about what’s actually inside the products they buy. Follow Hunter: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthwithhunter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthwithhunter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 31, 202637 min

Ask an Influencer: Gen Z Searches for Wellness Without the Overwhelm

Gen Z is redefining wellness—moving away from perfection, complicated routines, and fear-based messaging in favor of a simpler, more realistic approach to feeling good. In this episode of Ask an Influencer, Robyn and Brooke sit down with Candice, the wellness creator behind Thrive with Candice and a future registered dietitian, to explore how younger consumers are approaching health differently. Candice shares how she makes wellness information easier to understand, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what brands need to know to build trust with Gen Z. In this episode, we discuss: Candice’s mission to simplify health and wellness for her audience How Gen Z’s approach to wellness differs from previous generations The tension between social media’s quick-fix culture and a more holistic view of health Why foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management still matter most How to make healthier choices without complicated routines or an all-or-nothing mindset The importance of accessibility and affordability in wellness What authenticity looks like in brand partnerships and product recommendations How brands can connect with Gen Z through credible, relatable, and transparent messaging The natural wellness brands Candice trusts—and what earns that trust Connect with Candice: Instagram TikTok YouTube See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 8, 202631 min

Ask An Influencer: SPECIAL EDITION Hot Takes from the Fancy Food Show

Join Brooke & Robyn as we break down our best bites and biggest take-aways from the Fancy Food Show. From 5-minute meals to unlocks in protein to foods made for women, by women, we’ve got you covered. This one is full of hot takes and humor, for food lovers and industry followers alike! Featured Brands: Marro Sparkling Bone Broth (@ drinkmarro ) Tiny Tomato (@eattinytomato) Lasso (@eatlasso) Cotto (@getcotto) Wani Cakes (@wanicakesco) Female Rage Hot Sauce (@femaleragehotsauce) Strip Jerky (@thestripjerky) Oval Coffee Roasters (@ oval.nyc ) Saturday Sauce (@sababa_foods) Injera Club (@redfoxspices) Nomie (baby food) (@getnomie) Ripi Foods (@ripifoods) McConnell’s Ice Cream (@mcconnellsicecreams) Adirondack Ice Cream (@adirondackcreamery) From the Farm (ice cream) (@fromthefarm_co) Rivo Protein Ice Cream (@rivoproteinicecream) Boostcous (@boostcous) Willow Flour (@willowflourco) Moo’d Up (@moodupmilk) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

June 23, 202647 min

Ask An Influencer: Gen Z says BlackGirlShowerTok=Hygiene Heroes

On this episode, we welcome Kaniya Williams (@kaniyajanaeee,) a Gen Z influencer showing us how to build self care and hygiene routines that make us feel fresh, confident, and put together. From shower rituals to scent layering, Kaniya takes us inside #showertok and sheds light on the functional, the emotional, and the need for an internet “big sister” to get real about care for all the lady bits and so forth. Equally importantly, Kaniya breaks down the power of representation, particularly when it comes to personal care products. She shares what representation really looks like, how it drives choice, and the brands that are getting it right. This episode is a must for beauty & personal care brands who want to understand how reach Gen Z in a meaningful way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

June 12, 202651 min

Ask an Influencer: Gen Z on becoming "happy, healthy, hot, + rich"

In this episode, we get real about finances with Grace Lemire, a creator bringing financial literacy to Gen Z. Grace is all about transparency, sharing real, actionable strategies for saving, spending, and enjoying life while paving her own path to financial freedom. She offers smart tips and an inspiring perspective on investing in yourself today while making sure Future You is financially covered. This episode offers an inside look at how Gen Z is defining success and working towards it. Whether you're a brand looking to connect with Gen Z, an aspiring influencer, a financial professional, or just starting your own money journey, there’s valuable advice here to help you move forward with confidence. Key topics: The impact of transparency in personal finance, including sharing income and expenses openly Practical goal setting: breaking down ambitions into small, actionable steps The emotional side of money: feelings of uncertainty and comparison among Gen Z How social media influences perceptions of financial success and timelines Advice for young adults: managing debt, emergency savings, and early investing How brands can authentically connect with Gen Z on financial topics See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

May 29, 202645 min

Ask an Influencer: Gen Z Says Self-Care is Your Super Power

In this episode of Ask an Influencer, Brooke and Robyn sit down with creator Enasha Olivia to explore her journey into authentic self-care, beauty routines, and how she’s inspiring women to embrace their natural selves while prioritizing mental health and self-love. Discover how her relatable content helps break taboos and encourages self-expression among Gen Z. In this episode we cover: Enasha’s approach to creating content centered around grooming, self-love, and intentional living. The importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust with her followers Trends in Gen Z beauty: embracing natural hair, clean beauty, and minimalism. The movement from over-consumption to self-care and minimalism. Connect with Enasha Olivia: Instagram TikTok See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

May 12, 202641 min

Ask an Influencer - Snack Bait: What Makes Gen Z Stop Scrolling

In this episode, we chat with Hallie Parrott, a Gen Z food and snack creator, about how her candid reactions and unique content have built a loyal following. We dive into the factors that make snacks go viral, the importance of nostalgia, and how brands can better connect with Gen Z through authenticity and creativity. Key topics: The rise of quirky, unexpected snacks and Hallie’s discovery process through store visits and international markets How polarizing reactions increase engagement and make content more shareable The role of texture, flavor combinations, and nostalgia in snack virality The influence of brand packaging, limited editions, and collaborations on Gen Z’s snack choices Strategies for food brands to appeal to Gen Z audiences with authenticity and humor The importance of trust, real reactions, and leaving room for honest critiques in influencer marketing Emerging snack trends like hot honey, sweet corn, and Asian flavors that are capturing Gen Z’s interest The value of storytelling, genuine ratings, and influencer voice in building brand loyalty Connect with Hallie Parrott: TikTok Instagram YouTube See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

March 11, 202644 min

Ask an Influencer: Expo West Trends & Snack Discoveries

Season 3 of Ask an Influencer kicks off from the floor of Expo West. Brooke, Robyn, and Kevin (@snackeatingsnackss) break down the biggest trends shaping the future of food—from protein-packed everything and global flavor mashups to scavenger hunts and the surprising return of bread. They share their favorite snack discoveries, standout brand activations, and marketing ideas brands can learn from, plus insider advice for companies trying to stand out at Expo. Expect product highlights, emerging brands to watch, and a behind-the-scenes look at the energy driving the natural foods industry right now. Featured brands: @moodupmilk @snackbacktonature @kingarthurbaking @saffronroadfood @jesseandbens @jajupierogi @egglifefoods @churnfoods @belgianboys @drinkhotgirlsoda @freestylesnacking @flybyjing @goodpop @little.latke @queenstreetbakery @tattooedcheffoods See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .