Ask an Influencer

Hosted by Robyn Carter and Brooke Stewart

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Jun 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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23 recent

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 openlyPractical goal setting: breaking down ambitions into small, actionable stepsThe emotional side of money: feelings of uncertainty and comparison among Gen ZHow social media influences perceptions of financial success and timelinesAdvice for young adults: managing debt, emergency savings, and early investingHow brands can authentically connect with Gen Z on financial topics

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 followersTrends 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:InstagramTikTok

May 12, 2026Episode 241 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 marketsHow polarizing reactions increase engagement and make content more shareableThe role of texture, flavor combinations, and nostalgia in snack viralityThe influence of brand packaging, limited editions, and collaborations on Gen Z’s snack choicesStrategies for food brands to appeal to Gen Z audiences with authenticity and humorThe importance of trust, real reactions, and leaving room for honest critiques in influencer marketingEmerging snack trends like hot honey, sweet corn, and Asian flavors that are capturing Gen Z’s interestThe value of storytelling, genuine ratings, and influencer voice in building brand loyaltyConnect with Hallie Parrott:TikTokInstagramYouTube

March 11, 2026Episode 144 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

March 19, 2024Episode 927 min

Ask an Influencer: Expo West Hot Takes and Helpful Hints

In this special episode of Ask an Influencer, Brooke and Robyn interview Stephanie Spanarkel, Director of Trend Practice at Jump Rope Innovation, around everything Expo West. We'll talk about 5 trends we noticed, our Best Bites of the Day, and we give our top tips for attending the event. If you want an insider's view of this incredible event, this episode is for you!

June 27, 2025Episode 1647 min

Ask an Influencer: The Fashion Icon Hiding In Your Closet, with Fashion, Music, & Self Care Influencer, Aysat

What if everything you need to amp up your style is already in your closet? On this episode of Ask An Influencer, we sit down with Aysat — a multi-talented content creator known for showing women how to achieve effortlessly chic looks (Because Everybody Has That, Right?), for her dynamic career as a singer/songwriter, and now for her luxurious new skin care brand, Ayodi. Aysat opens up about how being your authentic self is the key to performing, creating content, and finding your own personal style. Whether you follow her for outfit inspiration or original tracks, you will love her infectious energy and enthusiasm for empowering women to feel their best.This episode is full of heart, hustle, and a whole lot of style. Don’t miss it.🎧 Listen now and let us know your favorite takeaway!Follow Aysat:https://www.instagram.com/aysat_officiel/https://www.instagram.com/ayodiskin/

May 9, 2025Episode 1444 min

Ask an Influencer: Building Connection & Community, with Tony Chen

Tony Chen is a force of nature. On a mission to meet all 250,000 living Cornellians (and making impressive progress), Tony brings infectious energy and genuine curiosity to every connection he makes. His approach to building community is as inspiring as it is ambitious—with lessons for brands, activists, and anyone looking to foster meaningful connections. (We wrap with a fun game of “This or That,” too.) You’ll leave fully energized and chock full of ideas for building a community of your own. Join us!Find Tony on LinkedInOr check out his website to see the many ways he’s connecting Cornellians

April 2, 2025Episode 1348 min

Ask an Influencer: Weight Loss, Wellness & Why It's Not Your Fault with Dr Lisa Heuer

Before preventative medicine was a buzzword, Dr. Lisa Heuer was already using nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle interventions to help patients prevent—and even reverse—chronic conditions. In this inspiring conversation, Brooke and Robyn dive into Dr. Heuer’s unique approach to weight and wellness, including steps we can take today to start living better, longer. Plus, this episode wraps with a fun game of “This or That”--so don’t miss it!Follow Dr. Heuer at:https://rocklandmedicalweightloss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_heuer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaEHeuerMDMedicallySupervisedWeightManagement/

March 3, 2025Episode 1149 min

Ask an Influencer: The Points Mom - Unlocking Travel Secrets!

This may be the most useful advice we’ve heard all year! As many have “more travel” as a goal for 2025 and beyond, The Points Mom, Cindy Greenstein is here to tell us how to turn those goals into plans using credit card rewards points. Cindy shares her best strategies for collecting points and using them for free hotel stays, air travel, and for those fancy upgrades we see influencers enjoying on social media. (We love this–especially at a time when many are trying to do more with less.)This episode is packed with Cindy’s pointers. Follow her @thepointsmom_ on Instagram @thepointsmom on TikTok, and check out her website www.thepointsmom.com. Cindy offers everything from courses to 1:1 help with using rewards points to book dream vacations for your family.

July 4, 2025Episode 1735 min

Ask an Influencer - Hot Takes from the Fancy Food Show: Signs and Signals for the Year Ahead in Food, Wellness & Influence

In this special solo episode of Ask an Influencer, co-hosts Brooke Stewart and Robyn Carter trade places with our usual guests and step into the spotlight ourselves. Fresh off the floor of the 2025 Fancy Food Show in NYC — and our own hosted event and Influencer Panel at Olly Olly Market — we’re sharing what stood out, what’s shifting, and what it all might mean for the future of food and influence.From freeze-dried innovation and elevated frozen meals to beef tallow, beauty from within, and a notable pullback from plant-based, this episode offers an insider’s look at where food culture is heading — and the role influencers are playing in shaping it.If you work in food, CPG, or content creation — or just like to keep your finger on the pulse — this episode is worth a listen.Connect with Us:Follow @askaninfluencerpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, highlights from the show, and upcoming guests. Follow @jumproprinnovation for all of our Fancy Food Show highlights along with regular updates on trending topics.Leave Us a Review!If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to share it with the foodies in your life!