Best X Factor Buzz Podcasts (2025)

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What Happens After You Sell to Starbucks? For George Howell, Everything. 26:48

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25m ago26:48

26:48

George Howell may have sold his company to Starbucks — but he never sold out. A pioneer of the specialty coffee movement, George began his journey in 1975 with the founding of The Coffee Connection, a beloved Boston-based chain that helped redefine what American coffee could be. Nearly two decades later, Starbucks acquired the company – but George …

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'25-26 Season Preview 55:24

1d ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, Spencer returns to preview the upcoming season with Brian and Matt. The three share thoughts on the offensive philosophies, the debate between Kalkbrenner and Diabaté, the case for LaMelo’s All-Star campaign, intriguing lineups, and more! Read the first edition of The Hive Five by Richie Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-f…

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Is THC In Target A Tipping Point? Finally, Fiber Is Sexy. 29:36

4d ago29:36

29:36

Is Target about to normalize THC drinks? The team unpacks a potentially game-changing move by the retail giant, and what it could mean for the future of cannabis beverages. They unpack the regulatory roadblocks and why the move might be a tipping point. Plus, why PepsiCo is calling fiber “the next protein,” and a look at fresh CPG innovations, incl…

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Spencer Dinwiddie Waived 19:59

5d ago19:59

19:59

James and Matt react to the recent Spencer Dinwiddie waiver. The two discuss whether the news was surprising and the implications of this transactional move for other Hornets on the roster. Complete the following survey to share your thoughts on the podcast and to be entered into a giveaway for a free Buzz Beat hat. Be sure to check out Buzz Beat P…

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Elevator Talk: All Día, Grisly's Cosmic, Sipli, Olia, Birdie 1:10:54

6d ago1:10:54

1:10:54

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from All Día, Grisly's Cosmic, Sipli, Olia and Birdie. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Andrew Guard, the founder of Right Coast Brands. He offers insightful que…

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Whose Stock Is Up? 1:11:36

8d ago1:11:36

1:11:36

With the preseason in full swing, Brian and James recap the recent GM survey and evaluate which players have raised their stock over the course of three games. The two also reflect on the other end of the spectrum and discuss whose stock has fallen. Complete this survey to be entered into a giveaway for a free Buzz Beat hat. Winner announced Octobe…

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Straightaway ‘Runs Its Own Race.’ It’s Why Costco & Shake Shack Came Calling. 37:31

8d ago37:31

37:31

In a category flooded with fast-followers and flashy branding, Straightaway Cocktails is taking a radically different path: embracing the hard way. In this episode, founder and CEO Cy Cain reveals how the Portland-based brand is carving out a distinct space in the booming ready-to-drink category by prioritizing bar-quality cocktails crafted from in…

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How Fiber, Gen X & Juice Shots Factor In The Future Of CPG 1:09:49

11d ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Fresh off an exhilarating meetup in London, the team shines a spotlight on the standout brands that captivated attendees at the event. They delve into how fiber-forward brands are reshaping their categories and why Gen X might be your brand’s unexpected secret weapon. This episode also revisits insightful interviews from Taste Radio’s San Diego mee…

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Game 1 Preseason Notes 42:59

15d ago42:59

42:59

On this episode, we dive into the opening game of the preseason vs. the Thunder. Richie and Brian tackle the defensive issues that plagued the team, the diversity of big men on the roster, and the standout performance of Kon Knueppel. Follow @BuzzBeatPod on X (Twitter) and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review! NOW AVAILABLE: 2025-26 …

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Mission, Never Accomplished. The Relentless Evolution Of Forager Project. 33:43

14d ago33:43

33:43

What kind of founder drives a U-Haul full of perishable product through the desert at 3 A.M.… and calls it progress? That’s the kind of relentless, purpose-driven hustle behind Forager Project, the plant-based food and beverage company reshaping what dairy-free can taste and feel like. In this episode, co-founders Stephen Williamson and JC Hanley o…

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Tasty & Targeted. How U.K. Brands Nail Functional Appeal. 24:01

18d ago24:01

24:01

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Elevator Talk: Statesman Marinades, Harlem Baking Company, Häppy Candy, OKO, Sun Ghee 1:04:02

20d ago1:04:02

1:04:02

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Statesman Marinades, Harlem Baking Company, Häppy Candy, OKO and Sun Ghee. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host isRifle Hughes, the co-founder of Integral CPG. He …

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Media Day Reaction 51:10

21d ago51:10

51:10

Richie and Matt highlight the key moments from Charlotte Hornets Media Day. They focus on important quotes about team dynamics, the center rotation, the team’s strategy to play faster, and leadership roles. Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We h…

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Can A ‘Girl’ Revitalize An Industry? She’s On Her Way. 43:08

22d ago43:08

43:08

Hurray’s Girl Beer isn’t just another craft brand. It’s a calculated rebellion against an industry stuck in the past. In this episode, Hurray’s founder Ray Biebuyck joins Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and Brewbound managing editor Jess Infante to share her vision for a beer brand that doesn’t just challenge convention, it openly mocks it. Witty, una…

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Milk, Money & Momentum. Slate’s Rise & A Bay Area Buzz. 29:36

26d ago29:36

29:36

Ten years ago, the idea of canned milk powering a fast-growing brand might have seemed far-fetched. And yet, Slate – which recently announced $23 million in fresh funding – has proven just how powerful a novel concept can be. What can CPG founders – and the industry at large – learn from its rise? The hosts also look back on an unforgettable meetup…

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Who Has The Most at Stake? 1:05:53

29d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

In this episode of Buzz Beat, we’re getting you ready for training camp! We’re diving into the players with the most on the line this season and talent poised to break out. We’ll also break down the strategies coaches are prioritizing. Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written…

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‘Whisper’ Success Into Existence. An Industry Icon Shows The Way. 57:35

28d ago57:35

57:35

What separates beverage brands that break out from those that burn out? In this episode, industry veteran Ken Sadowsky – often known by his sobriquet, the “Beverage Whisperer” – offers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working (and what’s not) in the fiercely competitive drinks industry. Ken, who is the executive director of the Northeastern Indep…

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Protein Is Everywhere. But Does It Belong Everywhere? 33:31

1M ago33:31

33:31

The hosts dive into the sustained wave of protein-infused consumer products – from popcorn to mashed potatoes – and debate whether the market is approaching “protein fatigue” or merely scratching the surface of a macro trend driven more by marketing than science. They also recap Taste Radio’s high-energy meetup in San Diego, spotlighting several ne…

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Elevator Talk: FUZZEE, Rise Yaupon, Släcka, Lovely Bunch, Nordic Tree Water 1:07:34

1M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from FUZZEE, Rise Yaupon, Släcka, Lovely Bunch and Nordic Tree Water. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Dr. Sebastian Dreher, the Venture Manager - North America …

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The Center Rotation 1:02:56

1M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Brian and James dive into Charlotte’s center rotation and what it could look like throughout the season. The two also tackle the bigger picture question: at what point should the Hornets consider making a win-now trade? Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and mu…

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How Halfday Went From Dorm Room To Disrupting A $9B Category 28:19

1M ago28:19

28:19

What does it take to reinvent a legacy category for the modern consumer? In this episode, Mike Lombardo, the co-founder of better-for-you iced tea brand Halfday, shares the journey of transforming a college side hustle into a fast-growing challenger brand. Fueled by a mission to improve gut health without sacrificing flavor, Mike and his co-founder…

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Chomps, Coffee & Cocktails. CPG’s Winners Are Culturally Relevant. 1:13:44

1M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of the RTD coffee category and much more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200 million investment in Bloom Nutrition. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovati…

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Starting Two-Guard? 32:23

1M ago32:23

32:23

In this episode of Buzz Beat, Richie takes a closer look at the Charlotte Hornets’ shooting guard rotation heading into the season. A big part of the conversation centers on the debate between Sexton and Knueppel for the starting spot. He makes the case for both players, weighing experience, fit, and upside as he examines what each brings to the li…

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‘Shameless’ CPG: Why William H. Macy Is All In On Woody Creek 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

When Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy joined Woody Creek Distillers, it wasn’t a Hollywood deal – it was a neighborhood one. Living just down the road from the founders in Woody Creek, Colorado, Bill – known for starring roles in the hit TV series “Shameless” and iconic films “Fargo” and “Boogie Nights” – became a true partner in the craft dis…

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Niche To National. The Brands Finding A Better Way To Scale. 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour’s rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor and placement on United Airlines – while also spotlighting Toom’s strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip int…

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Elevator Talk: Juicybite, Send Bars, Date Smarter, Keya's Snacks, Elephant Green Chili Chutney 1:05:27

2M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Juicybite, Send Bars, Date Smarter, Keya's Snacks and Elephant Green Chili Chutney. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Ken Collis, the founder and CEO of TLK …

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Nearing $90M & Surging. The Keys To Clio Snacks’ Scaling Strategy. 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

How did Clio Snacks evolve from a homemade Greek yogurt bar created in a New Jersey garage into a national brand approaching $90 million in annual sales? In this episode, company CEO John McGuckin shares the strategic blueprint behind the brand’s explosive growth, from prototype to distribution in nearly every major grocery and mass retail chain ac…

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Hornets' X-Factors 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

On this episode of Buzz Beat, Richie takes a closer look at Tidjane Salaün and examines whether the rookie forward could be the biggest X-Factor for the Charlotte Hornets this season. He also talks about other swing pieces for the 2025-26 season, including Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-fr…

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Spindrift’s Shift & Seven-Figure Raises 12:36

2M ago12:36

12:36

The hosts dissect Spindrift’s decision to discontinue its Spiked line and spotlight rising CPG stars Mooski and Painterland Sisters, each of which recently announced major funding rounds. They also preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups in the U.S. and U.K., before taking bites and sips of oat bars, cookies and a Patrick Mahomes-backed coffee brand. …

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Why Brightland Said ‘No’ to Whole Foods – Twice – And Grew Anyway 34:14

2M ago34:14

34:14

Aishwarya Iyer built one of the fastest-growing premium CPG brands by doing what many startups overlook: putting product integrity, brand trust, and strategic timing ahead of rapid retail expansion. In this episode, Aishwarya, the founder and CEO of admired pantry staples company Brightland, shares how discovering a major gap in the olive oil indus…

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Adapting To The Sober-Curious, Ozempic-Friendly Consumer 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

While alcohol consumption is cooling, the battle between clean-label ingredients and high-protein performance foods is heating up. The hosts examine what’s driving these massive shifts in consumer behavior, and how brands like David, Crisp Power and Athletic Brewing are responding. Show notes: 0:15: Not Jail, Maybe. Chicago Dollars. Less Sauce, Mor…

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Elevator Talk: Whole Moon, Solstice, Raya Fruit Water, Hawaiian Soda Co., Elixir Shots 1:10:20

2M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Whole Moon, Solstice, Raya Fruit Water, Hawaiian Soda Co. and Elixir Shots In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Allison Ball, the founder & CEO of Food Biz Wiz.…