Best Real Talk With Ezra Podcasts (2025)

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A Breath of Fresh Air With Brian Eno 1:30:28

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5h ago1:30:28

1:30:28

Brian Eno’s music opens up worlds I love to step into during trying times. And this conversation with Eno did the same thing. Eno is a trailblazing musician and producer who’s worked on seminal records by U2, David Bowie, the Talking Heads and Coldplay, among others. But Eno isn’t just a great collaborator with other artists; he’s also a great coll…

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Matt McCusker on Bad Bunny Super Bowl, Life as a Drug Dealer, + Schulz is Back 2:04:33

2d ago2:04:33

2:04:33

YERRR – Andrew’s back, and things get weird fast. From Bad Bunny hot takes to getting robbed, getting caught, and gangs, this episode goes off the rails.We got:– Native flutes & nocturnal emishes– Weddings, parenting guilt & TikTok scams– Sydney Sweeney tributes, and Matt on guitarAll that and more on this week’s episode of FLAGRANT. INDULGE.0:00 I…

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5 Competitive Shopping Tips That Can Make or Break Your Pitch 14:30

9h ago14:30

14:30

Send us a text Are you pitching your product to the wrong retailers? In this solo episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes breaks down one of the most overlooked steps in preparing for retail success: competitive shopping. If you’re a founder with a product-based business struggling to figure out which retailers are the right fit for your brand,…

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Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines 1:08:52

5d ago1:08:52

1:08:52

The writer Ta-Nehisi Coates was harshly critical of my response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. In an article in Vanity Fair, he suggested I was whitewashing Kirk’s legacy, comparing it to the whitewashing of the Southern cause after the Civil War. So I wanted to have Coates on the show to talk out our disagreement, as well as some deeper question…

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Dr. K on Fixing Your Anxiety, Redpill Men Are Good, & Beating Cheap Dopamine 2:43:06

9d ago2:43:06

2:43:06

YERRR – the boys linked up with Healthy Gamer GG for a marathon deep dive into the mind, ego, and trauma. Dr. K makes this episode part therapy, part philosophy, part “bro-yap,” and it gets real.Dr. Alok Kanojia and the boys are talking:– Mid-life crisis and almost becoming a monk– Emotional baggage, procrastination, and why diagnoses don’t always …

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Trump Is Building the Blue Scare 1:26:30

9d ago1:26:30

1:26:30

This is McCarthyism 2.0. Since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the Trump administration has been speed-running an attack on the “radical left.” And the tactics it has been using are darkly reminiscent of the Red Scare of the 1940s and ’50s. So what can that period teach us about the current moment and what the Trump administration might do next? How …

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The Art of Continuity in Branding with Laura Viola Maccarone, Founder of Rizbee Studio 38:24

8d ago38:24

38:24

Send us a text Your packaging isn’t just a pretty box—it’s the first impression that determines whether buyers and consumers pick your product off the shelf. In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes sits down with Laura Maccarone, founder of Rizbee Studio, to unpack how packaging and visual branding directly connect to retail success. If…

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Spencer Cox Wants to Pull Our Politics Back From the Brink 54:46

14d ago54:46

54:46

The Utah governor is trying to model a different kind of leadership in a very dangerous political moment. The Trump administration seems intent on using the assassination of Charlie Kirk to crack down on what it calls “the radical left.” But Spencer Cox doesn’t believe that suppression will make Americans safer. For years now, Cox has been thinking…

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Jimmy Kimmel FIRED, & Charlie Kirk Reaction w/ Mark Normand 2:10:03

15d ago2:10:03

2:10:03

YERRR – the boys brought in the assassin Mark Normand and things got hilariously unhinged real quick.BUT FIRST, Akaash, Alexx and Mark discuss Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension from TV and what it means.All that and way more on this week’s episode of FLAGRANT. INDULGE.Want 🔥 YouTube title options for this one too?0:00 – Intro0:10 - Reaction to J…

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Peter Attia on Growing Muscle Fast, Danger of Cold Plunge, & How You Are Ruining Your Testosterone 1:57:16

17d ago1:57:16

1:57:16

YERRR – the boys sat down with Dr. Peter Attia to break down the real science behind longevity, healthspan, and why most “biohacks” are straight-up BS.We’re talkin’:– Cold plunges, Zyn, fasting & the truth about supplements– Creatine, caffeine, cholesterol, and sperm counts (!?)– Stem cells, TRT, peptides, and the fake science behind the hype– How …

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We Are Going to Have to Live Here With Each Other 1:55:36

17d ago1:55:36

1:55:36

This is an episode in two parts. First, my thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder, now that I’ve had a few days to process it, and to see the unfolding reactions and responses on both sides. Then a conversation with Ben Shapiro — one that was recorded shortly before Kirk’s assassination, but that has a different significance after it. This episode conta…

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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Jessica Taylor, Founder of Ezra Coffee 3:23

15d ago3:23

3:23

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jessica Taylor, Founder of Ezra Coffee and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Jessica specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What is a learning that you didn…

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Jessica Taylor on Blending Coffee, History, and Heritage with her Brand Ezra Coffee Co. 33:24

18d ago33:24

33:24

Send us a text On this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes sits down with Jessica Taylor, founder of Ezra Coffee, to share how she turned a pandemic idea into a fast-growing retail brand. Jessica reveals what it really takes to go from small-batch coffee experiments at home to winning shelf space at major retailers like H-E-B and Central Ma…

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Are You Garbage on Phillies Karen, Airplane Etiquette, & Nasty Hotel Stories 1:43:41

23d ago1:43:41

1:43:41

YERRR – the boys are in full garbage mode this week, diving into bad habits, Philly chaos, and BBQ betrayals.We’re talkin’:– Akaash getting diesel in grandma’s garage– Taking leftovers, ghosting dinners, and tipping drama– Hawaiian shirts, Philly ball snatchers, and dessert cucking– Classy joints, tour bus budgets, and the ultimate garbage beer tas…

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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Nina Lombardo and Anna Kotler, Co-Founders of O'ts Cookies 4:47

24d ago4:47

4:47

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Nina Lombardo and Anna Kotler, co-founders of O'ts Cookies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Nina and Anna specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What i…

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Nina Lombardo & Anna Kotler: Building O’ts Cookies Into a Shelf-Ready Brand 35:32

25d ago35:32

35:32

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, I sit down with Anna Kotler and Nina Lombardo, the powerhouse duo behind O’ts Cookies—a brand bringing globally inspired flavors to the classic oatmeal cookie. We dive into how Nina’s background in packaging design and Anna’s experience in brand management came together to transform a farmers’ market f…

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If Democrats Have a Better Plan, I’d Like to Hear It 22:13

26d ago22:13

22:13

In a few weeks the government’s funding will run out. If Democrats vote for a new spending bill, they will be funding Trump’s autocratic takeover. What should they do? Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book rec…

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Ex-CIA Explains China’s Superpower Rise, Israel/Hamas, and Epstein’s FBI Ties | Andrew Bustamante 2:29:49

30d ago2:29:49

2:29:49

YERRR – this week the boys go deep state mode with an unfiltered look at the CIA, Mossad, and America’s relationship with Israel. From Epstein’s real role, to Trump’s chaotic intel briefings, to why Oct 7th caught everyone off guard—this one’s full spy thriller meets Flagrant insanity.If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the curtai…

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The Supreme Court Is Backing Trump's Power Grab 56:32

1M ago56:32

56:32

Trump was losing in the courts. He’s not anymore. In the early months of the administration, the courts were proving a powerful check on President Trump, blocking many of his boldest actions. But those were the lower courts. In the past few months, the Supreme Court has weighed in, and it has handed Trump win after win after win. So what do these d…

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The Local Advantage: 10 Reasons Why Starting in Local Stores Builds Stronger Brands 18:50

1M ago18:50

18:50

Send us a text Should you launch straight into mass retail—or start smaller in your local market? If you’ve been frustrated and second-guessing where to begin, this episode of Shelf Talks is for you. Roberta breaks down 10 powerful reasons why starting local can set your brand up for long-term retail success. From lowering your risk and getting rea…

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Charlamagne tha God on Taylor Swift Engagement, Lil Nas X Arrested, & If Trump is Dying 1:59:33

1M ago1:59:33

1:59:33

YERRR – this week the boys go fully unhinged. From Lil Nas X stunts to Trump possibly dying, it’s chaos in every direction. – Taylor Swift’s engagement – Trump, Putin, Epstein out the cycle – Gavin Newsom’s PR glow-up – AI Will Smith, Jada & Tupac, Atlanta legends, and more Plus: Cracker Barrel controversy, flag burning, and why gingers might actua…

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Trump Is Building His Own Paramilitary Force 1:08:15

1M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

ICE now has the biggest budget of any law enforcement agency in America. “ICE and Customs and Border Protection have long been the most rogue, kind of renegade and certainly pro-Trump police agencies in the federal government,” explained Radley Balko, a journalist who’s covered policing for decades. “What I think we are seeing right now is Trump is…

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Atheist Bible Expert On Why God Doesn’t Exist, Wes Huff, & If Jesus Was The Real Messiah 1:41:34

1M ago1:41:34

1:41:34

YERRR – Alex O’Connor is back and we’re diving deep into Jesus, the Gospels, and the wild early days of Christianity.Was Jesus actually God? Did he have siblings? What’s up with Mormonism, Gnostic gospels, and Revelations? Alex breaks it all down.All that and more on this week’s episode of FLAGRANT. INDULGE.0:00 Intro00:25 Utility of religion4:35 T…

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10 Proven Ways to Get in Front of Retail Buyers (and Stay Top of Mind) 21:10

1M ago21:10

21:10

Send us a text In this special solo episode of Shelf Talks, I’m breaking down 10 proven ways to connect with retail buyers and stay top of mind—without feeling stuck, invisible, or ignored. As a retail buyer myself, I’ve seen what works (and what gets passed over). From leveraging LinkedIn the right way, to using trade shows, accelerator programs, …

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MAHA Is a Bad Answer to a Good Question 1:22:26

1M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

“Make America Healthy Again” is a great idea — somebody should try it. A lot of the concerns animating the MAHA movement — chronic disease, the unhealthiness of the American diet, how profits warp our health care system — are serious issues. But Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hasn’t taken major actions to address them. Instead he’s gutted funding for scient…

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Philosopher on Why Being Nice is Selfish, Is Incest Bad? &, Testing our Ethics! | Alex O'Connor 2:03:07

1M ago2:03:07

2:03:07

YERRR – Alex O’Connor joins the boys to break down the wildest moral questions you’ve never wanted to answer. From siblings and animal relationships to split brains and trolley problems, it’s philosophy at its most unhinged.Deep thoughts, dark hypotheticals, and big laughs.All that and more on this week’s episode of FLAGRANT. INDULGE.0:00 Who has t…

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Your Questions (and Criticisms) of Our Recent Shows 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

I do my best to respond to your critiques of some of our recent episodes. We got an overwhelming response to my interviews with the Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, the national conservativism theorist Yoram Hazony and the human rights lawyer Philippe Sands on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. So in this subscriber-only Ask Me Anyt…

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Pitch Perfect: 4 Keys to Winning Over Retail Buyers 19:21

2M ago19:21

19:21

Send us a text In this solo episode of Shelf Talks, I breaks down the exact formula you need to craft a winning retail pitch. Whether you’re preparing for a virtual meeting or flying out to meet a buyer face-to-face, I reveal the four must-have elements every pitch needs—your brand story, curated product assortment, data that excites buyers, and a …

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Trump vs. the U.S. Economy 1:23:40

2M ago1:23:40

1:23:40

What is going on with the economy right now? There are a lot of mixed signals. President Trump slashed taxes, but he’s also bringing in a lot of money through tariffs. Inflation is creeping up, but the stock market keeps rising. Eye-wateringly large investments are flowing to A.I., which could lead to an explosion of productivity but also mass job …

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Ralph Barbosa on Netflix Fame, Getting Recognized at Jiffy Lube, & His Love for Tom Hanks 2:05:43

2M ago2:05:43

2:05:43

YERRR – Texas’ own Ralph Barbosa is on Flagrant and it was straight vibes. Is Ralph a weeaboo? Is he addicted to junk car hustles on Facebook Marketplace? Ralph brings his chill comedic genius to the Flagrant table to explain it all.We're talking Bobby Lee, taping specials, drinking games, crowd work magic, and an Epstein-Tom Hanks crossover that s…

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When Is It Genocide? 1:42:44

2M ago1:42:44

1:42:44

In December 2023, when South Africa accused Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice, I thought it was wrong to do so. Israel had been attacked. Its defense was legitimate. The blood was on Hamas’s hands. But over the last year, I have watched a slew of organizations and scholars arrive at the view that whatever Israel’s war on …

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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Caroline McGinley, Founder of La Gringuita Cookies 3:18

2M ago3:18

3:18

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Caroline McGinley, Founder of La Gringuita Cookiesand took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Caroline specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What is a learning t…

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Celebrity Scandals and Viral Moments 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

"Celebrity Scandals and Viral Moments"Welcome to the HILL OF BEANS PODCASTHosted by Ezra Hill & Casey Lucas From political shakeups and tech breakthroughs to celebrity scandals and viral moments, we dive headfirst into what’s hot right now. No scripts, no prep—just raw reactions, sharp takes, and real talk on the biggest headlines of 2025. If it’s …

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Frozen Dough & Sharpie Labels: How Caroline McGinley Took her Brand La Gringuita to Whole Foods 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Caroline McGinley, founder of La Gringuita, a cookie brand that started in her kitchen and has grown into a successful retail product. Caroline shares her journey from baking cookies in Uruguay to navigating the complexities of the U.S. market, including her experiences with Who…

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"No Prep, All Punch" 33:45

2M ago33:45

33:45

Welcome to the HILL OF BEANS PODCAST Hosted by Ezra Hill & Casey Lucas "No Prep, All Punch" Ezra Gets a Colon Check Ezra thought it was just another doctor’s visit… until the gloves snapped. In this episode, we follow Ezra—a regular guy who finally gave in and scheduled that long-overdue colonoscopy. From world events and political shakeups to why …

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Kam Patterson on crazy Kill Tony moment, Kevin Hart advice, & challenging Schulz 1:54:14

2M ago1:54:14

1:54:14

YERRR – Kam is in the building and it’s a certified classic! Kam breaks down his wild ride from the court to the comedy stage. The boys get into Kill Tony pressure, Disney adult weirdos, bad coaches, and Mark somehow being an Orlando legend?? Kam opens up about getting his big movie role, taking advice from Kevin Hart, and why being delusional migh…

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Mahmoud Khalil Tells His Story 1:22:28

2M ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Mahmoud Khalil was a leader in Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian protests. In March, he was arrested by ICE agents and held for more than 100 days in a Louisiana detention facility. The Trump administration claims Khalil is deportable — even though he has a green card, married to a U.S. citizen — because he poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy…

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FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Heather Sloan & Enwei Li, Founders of Heali Medical 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 13 - Roberta interviews Heather Sloan and Enwei Li, co-founders of Heali, a wellness company that innovates in the sports, beauty, skincare, and aging sectors. They discuss their backgrounds, the inception of Heali, the challenges faced during product development, and their unexpected success …

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Behind Trump and Vance Is This Man’s Movement 1:18:51

2M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Vice President JD Vance gave a speech recently that deserved more attention than it got. Accepting an award at a right-wing think tank, he argued that there’s a fundamental brokenness in how we define who is an American. He explained that this is the root of many of our country’s problems: a national identity that has become too broad. That was als…

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Fareed Zakaria Breaks Down the Future of AI, Israel v. Gaza, & Why China Won’t Fail 2:50:44

2M ago2:50:44

2:50:44

YERRR – the boys brought in global brainiac Fareed Zakaria to explain literally everything going on in the world right now – and this man did not miss. From Trump’s tariffs and broken promises to the AI revolution and why the middle class keeps getting bodied, Fareed breaks it all down with surgical precision.He dives deep on Israel’s aggression, U…

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Casey Returns to the Mic! 33:20

2M ago33:20

33:20

Casey Returns to the Mic! After some time away, we’re thrilled to welcome back a familiar voice to the show—Casey, our longtime co-host and fan favorite. Welcome to the HILL OF BEANS PODCAST Hosted by Ezra Hill & Casey Lucas Known for her quick wit, heartfelt insight, and unmistakable laugh, Betty helped shape the heart and rhythm of the program fo…

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Best Of: Barbara Kingsolver on ‘Urban-Rural Antipathy’ 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

“It’s so insidious, people don’t realize it,” Barbara Kingsolver told me, describing the prejudice against “country people.” Kingsolver is one of those “country people,” as well as a literary legend in her own time, who set out to write the “great Appalachian novel.” And I think she did. “Demon Copperhead” won the Pulitzer Prize in 2023, and we tap…

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FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Jamika Martin, Founder of Rosen Skincare 59:10

2M ago59:10

59:10

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 4 - Jamika Martin, founder of Rosen Skincare, discusses her journey from formulating her products in her college apartment to launching a successful skincare brand now in over 700 Ulta stores. Jamika shares insights on the challenges and learnings from starting her business, including the impo…

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Is Decarbonization Dead? 1:17:01

2M ago1:17:01

1:17:01

Biden passed the most ambitious climate legislation in American history. Trump just shredded it. What does that mean for the future of renewable energy in America? Where does the climate movement go from here? And is it too late for us to avert climate catastrophe? To answer these questions, I invited onto the show two climate experts: Jesse Jenkin…

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Epstein Files Blocked, Trump Cancelled Colbert? & Zohran's Chances in NYC with Ezra Klein 3:00:10

2M ago3:00:10

3:00:10

YERRR – this one’s a political rollercoaster with Ezra Klein in the building, and nothing’s off limits. From Mike Johnson shutting down the Epstein vote to Trump’s sketchy second‑term plans, Ezra helps the boys connect the dots on conspiracies, power grabs, and why reform feels impossible.They get deep into Project 2025, the rising cost of educatio…

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Voices from a Haunted Tour 55:28

2M ago55:28

55:28

"Voices from a Haunted Tour: A Guest Reflects on Annabelle, Dan Rivera, and the Paranormal Road" Welcome to the HILL OF BEANS PODCAST Hosted by Ezra Hill and Casey Lucas In this chilling and deeply personal episode of Hill of Beans Podcast, hosts Ezra Hill and Casey Lucas sit down with Frank Smith, a fellow paranormal investigator and discuss the l…

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Rapid Retail Questions with Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi 3:51

2M ago3:51

3:51

Send us a text In this rapid-fire Retail Readiness Round, Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, drops powerful insights for any founder getting ready to hit store shelves. From packaging tips that stop customers in their tracks to the underrated magic of being on-shelf at Whole Foods, Scout shares what she wishes she knew before launching into retail. We t…

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Why American Jews No Longer Understand One Another 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

The consensus that held American Jewry together for generations is breaking down. That consensus, roughly, was this: What is good for Israel is good for the Jews; anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism; and there will someday soon be a two-state solution that reconciles Zionism and liberalism — or, at the very least, Israel is seeking such a soluti…

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47 & Figuring It Out "PART 3" 27:53

2M ago27:53

27:53

A Life Coach & Therapist’s Guide to Real Growth in the Messy Middle Welcome to the HILL OF BEANS PODCAST Hosted by Ezra Hill, 47 & Figuring It Out "PART 3" You’d think by 47, we’d have it all figured out. Spoiler: we don’t — and that’s okay. Welcome to 47 & Figuring It Out, the podcast where licensed therapist and certified life coach Lelyn Jaynen …

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Scaling Smart: Product, Pricing & Pivoting with Scout Brisson CEO of De Soi 45:28

2M ago45:28

45:28

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, I’m joined by Scout Brisson — co-founder of functional cookie dough brand Deux and current CEO of De Soi, the non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded with Katy Perry. Scout takes us inside her journey from management consulting to leading not one, but two standout brands in the crowded world of CPG. We…