The Firebelly Social Show

Hosted by Firebelly Marketing

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221

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Firebelly Social Show features food and beverage brands that are on a mission to make the world better.

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June 12, 202641 min

Maxine Henderson On The Bollygood Story

Maxine Henderson is the Founder and CEO of Bollygood, an Indian-inspired sparkling beverage brand bringing the flavors of nimbu pani to a modern audience. Launched in the fall of 2021, Bollygood offers sparkling lemonade and limeade and is now available in major retailers, including Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, Walmart, Market District, Giant, and several independent stores. Maxine was born in London, Ontario, Canada, to parents who immigrated from Kerala, India, in the 1960s. She earned her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Western University in 1999. After graduating, Maxine began her career at Motorola in Atlanta, GA, where she worked in product management and circuit design. Maxine is an active member of Eastern Star Church. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Alan, and their four children: Jacob, Joshua, Brooke, and Jonah. Alan Henderson is a former Indiana University All-American and 12-year NBA veteran who has since built a career as an entrepreneur, inventor, and brand builder. He is the founder of Henderson Spirits Group, whose mission is to "Diversify the Bar" through award-winning spirits brands inspired by real African Americans in spirits history. He also works alongside his wife, Maxine, on Bollygood, an Indian-inspired sparkling beverage brand, helping with operations, strategy, and growth. In this episode… Some drinks do more than quench thirst; they transport you to another place. Imagine tasting something that carries the warmth of a family kitchen, centuries of culture, and vibrant, unexpected flavors. How do you capture all of that in a modern beverage? According to Maxine Henderson, a founder deeply rooted in her South Indian heritage, it begins with authenticity. Bollygood is her personal story, a modern twist on the nimbu pani she grew up with, made healthier for today's audience. By blending familiar ingredients like lemon, basil, and cumin into a refreshing, approachable drink, she invites everyone to experience her culture in a way that feels effortless and inclusive. The result is more than a beverage — it's a connection to family, tradition, and flavor. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Maxine Henderson and Alan Henderson of Bollygood to discuss building a culturally inspired beverage brand. They explore the origins of nimbu pani, making Indian flavors accessible, and engaging with curious consumers. Maxine and Alan also share advice for founders on staying authentic and scaling with purpose.

June 5, 202635 min

From Wellness To Flavor: The Pacific Soul Story

Carolina Ramirez Nogales is the Co‑founder and CEO of Pacific Soul, a brand creating healthy, convenient, and joyful freeze-dried superfruit snacks inspired by Colombian roots. She co‑founded Pacific Soul to make healthy, convenient, and joyful nutrition accessible, inspired by her family's health journey and supporting Colombian farmers. Before founding Pacific Soul, Carolina was Head of Product Marketing at Solugen and Global Strategic Marketing Manager at Huntsman Corporation. The brand champions clean, single-ingredient foods and sustainable sourcing while redefining how families nourish themselves. Oliver Pinto Bautista is the Head of Operations at Pacific Soul, a brand creating healthy, convenient, and joyful freeze-dried superfruit snacks inspired by Colombian roots. He has over 14 years of experience driving operational excellence across diverse industries and scaling businesses. Before Pacific Soul, he was the General Manager at CareRev, leading cross-functional teams to 3X revenue growth and 4X active-user growth. Oliver holds an MBA and has expertise in strategic operations, analytics, and supply chain leadership. In this episode… When life moves fast, nutrition often takes a back seat. But what if snacking could be both a joyful experience and a meaningful boost for your health without ever feeling like a compromise? For Carolina Ramirez Nogales and Oliver Pinto Bautista, the key lies in combining vibrant flavor with intentional nutrition. They explain that Pacific Soul's freeze-dried superfruits preserve natural vitamins and antioxidants while offering a playful, fun experience. By blending the richness of Colombian superfruits with convenient, on-the-go snacks, they've created a way for busy parents and professionals to enjoy wellness without sacrificing taste or joy. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Carolina Ramirez Nogales and Oliver Pinto Bautista of Pacific Soul to discuss blending nutrition with flavor, crafting snacks from Colombian superfruits, and making wellness fun and convenient. They also share tips on building brand awareness and bringing exotic flavors to the mainstream.

May 29, 202619 min

The World Of Coffee Round Up

Emily McIntyre is the CEO of Swift Coffee Sourcing, a boutique importer specializing in ethically sourced, high-quality coffee from Peru and Ethiopia. Under her leadership, Swift has nearly quadrupled growth expectations in its first year and boasts a newsletter open rate of over 50%, exemplifying her impact as a storyteller and connector in the specialty coffee industry. A former journalist, world traveler, and consultant to over 100 companies, Emily is known for her unconventional career path, operational expertise, and ability to blend narrative with business strategy. Andrew Aussie is the President and Co-founder of Earnest Eats, a food brand creating breakfast innovations for coffeehouses and foodservice. A longtime food industry leader and former Kashi marketing executive, he has spent decades building, positioning, and scaling better-for-you food brands. Andrew also co-founded Purely Righteous Brands, which supports natural and organic brands with strategy, innovation, design, and go-to-market solutions. Kyle Lopez is the Co-owner of Good For Nothing (GFN) Coffee, a San Antonio-based coffee roaster built around creativity, community, and high-quality coffee. GFN Coffee focuses on playful, approachable coffee experiences while sourcing from sustainable farms and highlighting producers from origins such as Colombia, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Kyle is especially passionate about equipment, brewing methods, and coffee innovation, and he sees hospitality as one of the most important shifts happening in the coffee industry today. In this episode… Coffee is shifting, but not in the way purists might expect. At the World of Coffee, the biggest conversations were not just about origin, equipment, or technique, but about hospitality, community, beauty, and what makes people feel connected again, so where is the industry really headed next? For Emily McIntyre, Andrew Aussie, and Kyle Lopez, the answer is a return to human connection. Emily sees coffee entering a more colorful, expressive, and hospitality-driven era; Andrew points to the energy of independent coffeehouses and the vulnerability of building something buyers and guests can believe in; and Kyle says baristas and owners are re-engaging with what hospitality means inside the cafe. Together, their perspectives show an industry becoming more open, more creative, and more focused on care as the thing that turns coffee into culture. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is at the World of Coffee, where he speaks with Emily McIntyre of Swift Coffee Sourcing, Andrew Aussie of Earnest Eats, and Kyle Lopez of GFN Coffee about the evolving coffee industry. They discuss the return of hospitality, the rise of maximalist design, and the strength of independent coffee. They also share insight on community, innovation, and Colombia's growing influence.

May 22, 202651 min

David Abadin And DisCo's Mission To Disrupt Distribution

David Abadin is the Founder of DisCo, a company modernizing food distribution by providing transparent, technology-driven solutions for emerging and mission-driven brands. Under his leadership, DisCo helps brands reduce the hidden friction of traditional distribution, retailer relationships, and alternative channels while enabling greater transparency and control through custom pricing and real-time data sharing. David's background includes nearly a decade on the purchasing side of food distribution and a role on the Advisory Board at Sharing Excess. In this episode… For many emerging food and beverage brands, distribution becomes the challenge they didn't fully see coming. The product may be strong, the story may resonate, and the demand may be real, but the path to the shelf can still be expensive, opaque, and hard to control. What would it look like if distribution worked with founders instead of feeling like a necessary evil? A better distribution model starts with transparency, shared data, and incentives that actually support brand growth. David Abadin brings years of purchasing and distribution experience to the conversation, explaining why founders need clearer pricing, fewer hidden costs, and more visibility into where their products go. Rather than treating grocery as the only meaningful channel, David encourages brands to think about offices, gyms, hotels, coworking spaces, and other overlooked places where consumers engage with food. The takeaway is practical: founders can protect margins, brand equity, and momentum by asking better questions, understanding their contracts, and choosing partners who act like an extension of the brand. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with David Abadin, Founder of DisCo, about why food distribution needs more transparency and better incentives. David shares how brands can avoid hidden costs, use data to guide growth, and explore alternative sales channels beyond retail.

May 15, 202640 min

Brooks Addington: TÖST Is Rewriting Celebration Culture

Brooks Addington is the CEO of TÖST Beverages, a company renowned for its sophisticated, non-alcoholic sparkling beverages. With over two decades of experience in consumer goods and finance, he has successfully expanded TÖST's distribution to over 10,000 accounts across all 50 US states and eight countries. Under his leadership, TÖST has partnered with major national retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, HEB, and Walmart. Additionally, Brooks serves as a board member and founding partner of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), contributing to the growth and development of the non-alcoholic beverage sector. In this episode… Celebration does not always need alcohol to feel meaningful. As more people look for ways to raise a glass without compromise, the bigger question becomes: how do you create a beverage that honors the moment instead of imitating what used to be in it? For Brooks Addington, the answer starts with building something that stands on its own. Drawing on his experience leading a premium alcohol-free beverage brand, Brooks explains that TÖST was never meant to be a "mock" version of anything; it was designed to offer sophistication, mouthfeel, depth, aroma, and a sense of occasion without the use of alcohol. That shift matters because it moves the conversation away from what a drink is missing and toward what it can make possible: more inclusive, intentional, and memorable celebrations. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Brooks Addington, CEO of TÖST Beverages, about rewriting celebration culture. They discuss category confusion in non-alcoholic beverages, building TÖST as an occasion-led brand, scaling into thousands of stores, and why cans are opening up new moments. Brooks also shares advice on using AI to support brand experiences.

May 8, 202640 min

David Mesa: Keepin' It Real In CPG

David Mesa is the President of We Grow CPG, a boutique sales management agency offering elevated sales partnerships to the CPG industry. The agency's core expertise lies in helping emerging brands expand their distribution by building aggressive and strategic revenue plans from the seed stage to the late stage. With over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry, David has extensive knowledge in developing unique brands that stand out in a competitive marketplace. Additionally, he is the Founder of 4T Mesa Consulting and serves as a Strategic Advisor at both TIG Brands and Pricklee. David is also a US Marine Corps veteran. In this episode… Shelf placement can feel like a big win, but in CPG, that's often where the real work begins. Once a product is in front of shoppers, what actually makes it move? The answer, David Mesa explains, is velocity: the ability to turn shelf placement into actual sales. He explains that brands must think beyond distribution and look at the full picture: pricing, packaging, shelf placement, merchandising, trade spend, and whether the product truly fits the retailer's customer. When brands treat the shelf like the starting line instead of the finish line, they have a much better shot at building lasting growth. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with David Mesa, President of We Grow CPG, about what it really takes to grow in CPG today. They discuss why getting on the shelf is not enough, how merchandising drives sales velocity, and why founders need honest consumer feedback. David also shares advice on choosing the right retail strategy.

May 1, 202641 min

Sean Klimson On Sharing Stories And "Together Talks"

Sean Klimson is the Owner of Klimson Logistics Solutions (KLS), a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in nationwide LTL and FTL trucking and transportation services. Under his leadership, KLS has earned a strong reputation for customer service while building a growing client base, particularly within the food, beverage, and CPG space. Sean has also built a strong personal brand, with over 21,000 LinkedIn followers, and is the creator of Together Talks, a platform that features more than 235 founders and industry leaders, sharing authentic stories and fostering meaningful connections within the entrepreneurial community. In this episode… Connection starts when people feel safe enough to tell the truth. In a world full of polished content and quick takes, what happens when the focus shifts back to real stories? For Sean Klimson, the answer is simple: sharing stories gives people a way to be seen, supported, and understood. Drawing from his experience creating a platform for founder conversations, Sean explains that the most powerful moments often come when people step back, reflect on where they started, and realize how far they've come. That kind of honesty does more than build content; it builds trust, community, and meaningful relationships. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Sean Klimson, Owner of Klimson Logistics Solutions (KLS), about sharing authentic stories through Together Talks. They explore why founder stories matter, how safe conversations create connection, and why giving without expecting a return can lead to lasting relationships. Sean also shares advice on supporting others by speaking up, commenting, and making referrals.

April 24, 202618 min

[Expo West Series] What Actually Wins In CPG

Elizabeth Corbett is the President of Enterprise Sales at AE Global, a custom packaging design and supply chain solutions provider. With over two decades of experience, she has developed sustainable packaging solutions for prominent brands such as Starbucks, Tiffany & Co., and Estée Lauder. Specializing in the cannabis sector for the past eight years, Elizabeth is passionate about creating environmentally responsible and sustainable packaging solutions. David Mesa is the President of We Grow CPG, a boutique sales management agency offering elevated sales partnerships to the CPG industry. The agency's core expertise lies in helping emerging brands expand their distribution by building aggressive and strategic revenue plans from the seed stage to the late stage. Additionally, David is the Founder of 4T Mesa Consulting and serves as a Strategic Advisor at both TIG Brands and Pricklee. Patrick O'Sullivan is the CEO of Promise Gluten Free, a company dedicated to producing high-quality, great-tasting gluten-free baked goods for consumers worldwide. He brings over 30 years of global experience in the consumer goods industry, with expertise in food manufacturing, brand building, and sales across multiple continents. Under Patrick's leadership, Promise Gluten Free has expanded internationally, earning rave reviews and positioning itself to become the leading gluten-free bread brand in the US by 2029. Jason Woodward is the Owner of Clear Alaskan Glacial, a premium bottled water brand sourced from Alaska's Eklutna Glacier. Under his leadership, the company emphasizes sustainability, offering naturally alkaline water with a high pH and minimal processing. His commitment to environmental stewardship and quality has positioned the Clear Alaskan Glacial as a respected name in the fine water industry. In this episode… It becomes clear that the future of CPG isn't just about what's on the shelf — it's about the people behind the brands, the ideas shaping them, and the perspectives driving the industry forward. So what happens when community, creativity, and real-world insight come together in one place? At Expo West, packaging expert Elizabeth Corbett emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and premium presentation in differentiating products, while also questioning overused trends such as protein fortification and GLP-1 positioning. Growth strategist David Mesa emphasizes a people-first approach, focusing on building strong relationships, supporting brands, and fostering community as a core driver of success. Patrick O'Sullivan, a leader in gluten-free innovation, stresses the importance of product quality, superior nutrition, and meeting real consumer needs to create loyal advocates. Meanwhile, marketing leader Jason Woodward points out the gap between hype and true product value, reinforcing that authentic sourcing and quality should lead brand storytelling. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is live from Expo West, talking with founders, marketers, and industry leaders who are shaping the next wave of CPG. From conversations about community building and brand growth to insights on emerging trends, product innovation, and what actually resonates with consumers, this episode captures the energy, ideas, and perspectives that are pushing the industry ahead.

April 17, 202610 min

[Expo West Series] Where Brands, Flavors, And Missions Collide

Gian Facenda is the Founder of Root2Sales, a company that helps emerging food and beverage brands scale their sales and retail presence. With deep experience in CPG, he works closely with brands to navigate distribution, broker relationships, and go-to-market strategy. Kirk Homenick is the President of Hardbite, a premium snack brand known for crafting small-batch kettle chips with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Under his leadership, the company has focused on product innovation, including unique cooking methods like beef tallow and carefully sourced potatoes. Eric Martindale is the Founder and CEO of Elite Commerce Group, a full-service agency specializing in Amazon and retail media. Under his leadership, the company has driven over half a billion dollars in retail sales for clients, maintaining a strong focus on testing and innovation to stay at the forefront of digital marketing. Taysia Stein is the Co-founder of pi00a, a frozen pizza brand creating globally inspired Neapolitan-style pizzas made with imported Italian double-zero flour. The company combines bold, international flavors with a mission to create job opportunities for the deaf community. In this episode… The food and beverage space is highly competitive, making it difficult for brands to stand out while staying true to their mission. Companies must balance innovation, quality, and meaningful connections in a crowded market. How can brands differentiate themselves and build lasting relationships? At Expo West, Gian Facenda highlights the importance of understanding market trends like global flavors and functional ingredients to stay relevant. Gian emphasizes that trade shows are not about aggressive selling but about building relationships and strengthening visibility within the industry. Kirk Homenick stresses the role of craftsmanship and differentiation through quality ingredients and unique processes to create standout products. Eric Martindale reinforces the idea that service providers should prioritize existing relationships and brand presence over hard selling. Taysia Stein demonstrates how combining strong product innovation with a clear social purpose can create both impact and consumer loyalty. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with founders, operators, and industry insiders about what's actually driving growth in today's CPG landscape. From flavor trends and product development to the importance of relationships and community, this episode offers a closer look at the forces shaping how modern food brands are built.

April 10, 202615 min

[Expo West Series] Protein, Wellness, And The Food Shift

Colin Long is the VP of Sales at SuckerPunch, a food brand reinventing pickles with bold flavors and functional benefits. Colin helps lead the growth of a brand redefining the pickle category with bold flavors and functional benefits. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded its reach across retail and into performance-driven markets like professional sports. Rachel Klein is the Director for CPG Growth at PLEASE & THANK YOU, a nationally recognized coffee and cookie brand known for its premium ingredients and cult-favorite chocolate chip cookies. Rachel focuses on scaling retail presence while maintaining the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and product excellence. Brooke Vaughn is the Founder and CEO of PLEASE & THANK YOU, a nationally recognized coffee and cookie brand known for its premium ingredients and cult-favorite chocolate chip cookies. She has grown the company from a neighborhood café in Louisville into a multi-location brand with an expanding CPG and retail presence, including ready-to-bake and gluten-free cookie dough. The brand has been voted America's Favorite Cookie Shop twice by USA Today, highlighting its strong customer loyalty and high-quality products. Brooke is also the Co-founder of Kentucky Duchess, a live directory supporting women in Kentucky's food economy. Gage Mitchell is the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Modern Species, a sustainable brand design agency helping launch, evolve, and grow better-for-the-world brands to scale their positive impact. Under his leadership, the agency has spent more than 15 years partnering with B Corps and mission-focused companies to build brands that align profit with purpose. In addition to running his agency, Gage hosts the Brands for a Better World podcast, where he explores how business can be a force for good. Robert Cogan is the Owner of Power Full Energy USA Inc., a cross-border distribution company helping food and beverage brands scale across the US and Canada through sourcing, regulatory support, and retail expansion. He represents Melting Forest at Expo West, a functional beverage brand creating mushroom-powered drinks to support energy, focus, and stress relief. Known for his strong industry relationships, Robert connects brands with distribution opportunities and accelerates their growth across North America. In this episode… The future of food isn't just about innovation for its own sake — it's about purpose, performance, and the stories behind the brands. From functional benefits to family-driven roots, today's founders are rethinking how everyday products can better serve real needs. So what does it look like when quality ingredients, personal experience, and intentional design come together to reshape familiar categories? At Expo West, that shift is playing out across the show floor. Pantry staples are being reimagined as functional solutions, like pickle products designed for hydration and electrolyte support. At the same time, indulgent categories like cookie dough are being elevated with premium ingredients and gluten-free innovation. Meanwhile, broader trends like protein, dairy, tea, and plant-based foods continue to evolve, with brands refining formulations, exploring new sources, and focusing on both performance and flavor. Beyond products, there's a growing emphasis on farmer-led brands, regenerative practices, and a more connected, community-driven industry. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is live from Expo West, connecting with founders and industry leaders who are shaping the future of food and beverage. From functional snacks to heritage-inspired treats and emerging category trends, this episode highlights how purpose-driven entrepreneurs are building brands that are not only innovative, but meaningful.