🥗 What's REALLY In Your Food? The App Exposing It All 🔍

This week on Thirsty Thursdays, I sit down with Galen Karlan-Mason, founder & CEO of GreenChoice — a public benefit food health intelligence company that has analyzed over 1 million foods across the US using science, data, and AI! 🌎💡

Watch on YouTube!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• 🍎 GreenChoice scores every food across 4 dimensions: Nutritional Quality, Processing Level, Ingredient Safety & Climate Footprint
• 📱 The app is 100% FREE — download "Green Choice Food Scanner" in your app store right now
• 🛒 Over 70% of grocery store foods are ultra-processed or contain a harmful ingredient — you deserve to know what you're eating!
• 💊 60% of US adults have a diet-related disease — most of which are preventable through food choices
• 🏛️ 22 states have now restricted SNAP benefits from being used to purchase soda and candy — a seismic shift for the F&B industry
• 💰 For every $1 spent on healthy food benefits, studies show $3 in healthcare savings
• 🌿 About ⅓ of global greenhouse gas emissions are tied to our food system — every purchase is a vote
• 🧪 GreenChoice's science advisory board ensures zero brand influence on scores — brands cannot pay to change their ratings
• 🔄 The platform is helping retailers, healthcare systems, and consumers align around food as medicine
• 📊 GreenChoice tracks over 150 million data points and 1,000+ dietary, health & sustainability attributes

💬 Galen's message: "Times of not knowing what's in our food are behind us. People want to know what they're buying is safe for themselves and their families."

👇 Drop a comment: What app do YOU use to check what's in your food?

�� Subscribe & hit the bell so you never miss a Thirsty Thursday! @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Kate Jerkens at Uncle Nearest, Erica Duecy with Business of Drinks and Caitlyn LuBell at BoozeBiz and we discuss the beverage industry changes and updates in 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 YouTube🚀✨🍹

The beverage alcohol industry is in the middle of a massive reset. 🍷📉
In this powerhouse panel, JessieO sits down with leaders from whiskey, recruiting, consulting, and beverage strategy to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes. 

From distributor consolidation and exploding RTDs to THC beverage regulation, tariffs, inflation, and consumer spending shifts… this conversation is packed with real-time data, analytics, and honest insight from the front lines of the beverage business.

💥 Key Takeaways:

📦 RNDC, Reyes & distributor consolidation explained
💸 Why $25 cocktails are becoming the new normal
🍹 RTD growth, Surfside momentum & Tito’s comeback
🌿 THC drinks, hemp regulation & cannabis beverages
📉 Why emerging brands are struggling right now
📲 How Hampton Water used TikTok & community to explode growth
🧠 Why sales teams matter more than ever
🌎 How tariffs & global politics are impacting beverage imports
🚚 Why warehouse space & inventory are becoming major problems
🔥 The future of distribution, portfolio strategy & consolidation

👉 If you work in wine, spirits, beer, THC beverages, RTDs, distribution, marketing, or hospitality… this episode is a MUST WATCH.

🎯 CTA:
Subscribe, like, and share this episode with your beverage industry community! 🍻

Comment below: What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry right now?

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Buyers can’t find brands = lost sales. Learn how Drink Distro connects suppliers & buyers in real time with data, distribution visibility & faster decisions 🍷📊  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  

👉🎬 Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/wVPVdF4Zr1o

🔥 Engaging Summary

This episode breaks down a major gap in the beverage industry: visibility. If buyers can’t find your product, it doesn’t get sold. Simple.

Josh Ochoa shares how Drink Distro is changing the game by connecting suppliers and buyers in real time.

DrinkDistro solves visibility for Wine & Spirit brands by creating a connection between buyers searching for products and the brands that want to be found.

For Buyers to Search: https://drinkdistro.com/

For Brands to List: https://drinkdistro.com/learn-more

💡 Key Takeaways:

Buyers struggle to find who distributes products
Suppliers lose sales without visibility
Real-time search = faster decisions
Data signals demand before sales reports
Simplicity wins in a complex system

👉 CTA (Call to Action)
If you’re a brand, supplier, or buyer — this is your wake-up call. Watch now and rethink how you drive sales.


🎇 Follow us!👏😋🥂🍾☕ 🍵 🍶🍸 🍻 🍷 🍺🍽 🍸 🍹 🥃 🍺 🍔
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Website (Podcast): https://thirstythursdaysat3pmest.buzzsprout.com/
***********************************************************************
C-Suite Do's Dont's to Start Bev Brand: https://youtu.be/b3Oy_RhqXmE
Taylor's Daily Advice to Get What You Want: https://youtu.be/ohF_Q1d6Ddk
Insights into Starting a Beverage Brand https://youtu.be/DT81i4bfYek
2X Sales?  Focus on these 5 Things https://youtu.be/3Mk_mepe4YQ

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In this episode of the Thirsty Thursdays Podcast, I talked with Michael Fors, founder of Liquid Jazz Experience a new way of thinking how to experience your wine while it opens up. Very Innovative Product and perfect for an elevated Restaurant Experience! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

 🎥 Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/efObWn3pG5c

This episode isn’t about wine… it’s about experience, community, and unlocking better answers through simple innovation.

Michael Fors built something that changes how we experience flavor in real time—and the results are wild.

💡 Key Takeaways:

•  🍷 Same bottle, different experience (data doesn’t lie) 
•  🔬 Science + analytics unlock flavor
•  ⏱ 4 minutes = massive impact
•  🤝 Community drives the magic
•  🚀 Experience > product in today’s sales environment

👉 CTA: Want better growth and smarter decisions? Start thinking experience-first. Subscribe for more real-time insights.

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Launching a beverage brand in 2026? 🍹 Learn the do’s & don’ts, data, analytics, sales strategy, and real-time insights from industry experts. Build smarter, grow faster 🚀  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  

📊 Engaging Summary 
This panel breaks down the real answer behind launching a beverage brand today—and why most fail before they ever see growth.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
📉 Data over ego: Build for the market, not yourself
📊 Velocity wins: Sales per account beats distribution count
🧠 Know your “why” or your brand dies early
🌍 Start small, scale smart (1 market → proof → expand)
💰 Cash burn kills brands faster than competition
🧪 Test, learn, adjust in real time
🤝 Community + relationships = real growth
⚠️ Legal + compliance mistakes = expensive setbacks
👉 This isn’t theory. It’s real-world analytics + execution.

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In this episode of the Thirsty Thursdays Podcast, I talked with Mika Shino, founder of Issei Mochi Gummies, to discuss her incredible journey from Kyoto, Japan to building one of the most innovative better-for-you snack brands in the U.S. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

Mika shares how her background in jazz, opera, technology, and international work with the UN shaped her creative approach to entrepreneurship. With no formal experience in the food industry, she set out to create a healthier candy option after feeling uneasy about giving her children traditional gummy candies filled with artificial ingredients and gelatin.

What started as homemade treats for her two boys quickly became a neighborhood favorite as their friends began asking for them too. From that small kitchen experiment, the idea was born—and the brand grew from there. 

Issei Mochi Gummies—a unique, rice-based gummy made from simple ingredients like rice and water, delivering a chewy texture with all-natural flavors. The product is gluten-free, vegan, and intentionally less sweet, offering a cleaner alternative in the candy aisle. She 

Mika explains the difficult early stages of launching the brand, including the challenge of finding manufacturers willing to work with her clean ingredient requirements. She even hand-managed production for the first order when Whole Foods placed an exclusive launch across 170 stores, requiring over 3,000 pounds of mochi gummies.

The conversation explores the cultural meaning behind the brand name Issei, which pays tribute to first-generation Japanese immigrants who bring the best of their heritage to America. Mika also shares how building the company in the U.S. helped open doors to exporting the product back to Japan, where entering the food industry without family connections is extremely difficult.

Jessie and Mika also discuss:

• The inspiration behind mochi gummies and their clean ingredient philosophy
 • Lessons from launching in Whole Foods and Sprouts
• Her Target launch
• Winning Most Innovative New Product at the Sweets & Snacks Expo
• Being named #2 Female Founder by Inc Magazine in 2024
• How jazz philosophy influences her leadership and business mindset
• Why personal customer engagement is central to her brand

Mika also offers honest insight into the realities of entrepreneurship—from manufacturing struggles to retail scaling—and shares advice for founders: start before you feel ready and don’t let fear of failure stop you.

This episode is a powerful story about culture, innovation, and building a mission-driven brand that brings healthier snacks—and immigrant spirit—to the global stage.

Learn more about Issei Mochi Gummies:
https://mochigummies.com

Media features:
CBS Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJRBx1BN5dM

Food Institute Spotlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIyAypJ-rj4

🎧 Listen to more conversations with founders, innovators, and beverage & CPG leaders on Thirsty Thursdays at 3PM EST.

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Amanda Swift Co-Founder at Swift Distillery that produces a Texas based Single Malt with Scottish Two-Row barley and yeast! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

 🎬 Watch on YouTube Here 👉🍿 

Texas single malt, women in whiskey, bourbon barrels & Sauternes finish 🥃 Amanda Swift shares distilling, aging in Texas heat & UK Amazon launch. Craft spirits story @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

🔥 Engaging Summary

Amanda Swift, Co-Owner of Swift Distillery in Austin, Texas, joins me to talk science, single malt, Texas aging, and building a craft spirits brand from the ground up 🥃

From studying fire ants 🐜 to crafting award-winning whiskey, Amanda shares what makes Texas distilling different — and why bold decisions build great brands.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅ Why Texas heat accelerates whiskey aging
 ✅ The difference between Sauternes & Oloroso cask finishes
 ✅ Why grain & yeast choices define your flavor profile
 ✅ The truth about bourbon barrels vs French oak
 ✅ Why alcohol sales are harder in the U.S. than the UK
 ✅ How Amazon UK changes craft spirits strategy
 ✅ The power of women leadership in whiskey

This episode blends science, entrepreneurship, flavor, and fearless growth.

🥃 Try Swift Distillery & taste the difference
 🌍 Explore Texas single malt on Amazon UK
 🎙 Subscribe for more founder stories in food & beverage
 💬 Comment: Are you team Oloroso or Sauternes finish?
 👍 Like, share & support independent craft distillers

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Pete Olander Founder at Drink Happie, and we discuss the differences in Delta 8-10, the timing of why Cannibis was changed from Sechedule 1 to 3 Classification by Trump so research can be done and the odd timing of the FM 4121 Banning Cannibis in various formats in the goverment opening last November! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

THC drinks, CBD vs Delta-9, hemp regulation, functional mushroom beverages & cannabis laws explained 🍄🍒 Inside the $1B hemp beverage boom! 

Watch Here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nbPK6S-S7II

🔥 Engaging Summary

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Jessie Ott sits down with Pete Olander, founder of Drink Happy, to break down the fast-growing world of THC beverages, CBD drinks, hemp regulation, and functional mushroom wellness.

From Delta-9 vs Delta-8 confusion to Schedule 3 cannabis shifts and the future of hemp drinks in grocery and liquor stores — this is the real talk the beverage industry needs. 🍹🌿

They also taste test THC microdose drinks and mushroom-infused beverages (Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi) and discuss why low-dose THC could disrupt alcohol.

🚀 Key Takeaways

✅ Delta-9 is naturally occurring — Delta-8 & Delta-10 are synthetic
✅ THC beverages are tested multiple times before reaching consumers
✅ Hemp drinks are a billion-dollar category in 2025
✅ Functional mushrooms are exploding in wellness retail
✅ Schedule 3 cannabis could unlock more medical research
✅ Beverage regulation may follow the alcohol model
✅ Microdose THC = controlled experience vs dispensary high-dose products
✅ AI & real-time sales data are helping emerging beverage brands scale

This episode blends entrepreneurship, wellness, beverage innovation, and policy insight into one powerful conversation.

We cover:
• Hemp beverage compliance & testing standards
• Cannabis beverage distribution models
• Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane & Reishi
• Real-time Amazon beverage sales data
• The billion-dollar hemp drink market

If you’re in food & beverage, CPG, wellness, cannabis retail, or alcohol distribution — this conversation is essential. 🚀

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Rob Minucci CEO & Co-Founder at TalkHouse Encore and we discuss how he has used his experience in operations to build out a CRM and win Accounts and Distributors! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

How do RTD brands actually scale? 🍺 Rob Minucci, CEO of TalkHouse Encore, breaks down data, operations, CRM, distributors & real-world sales strategy for CPG growth. @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 

 “Everything I’ve built is based around systems, processes, and procedures that are repeatable—with as little human intervention as possible.”  Rob Minucci

Watch Here!  https://youtu.be/AeZl7vXfigo

Most RTD brands chase hype.
TalkHouse Encore built systems.

In this episode, Jessie Ott sits down with Rob Minucci, CEO & Co-Founder of TalkHouse Encore, to break down how operations, data, and distributor trust drive real growth in CPG and beverage.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
 • Why beer distributors outperform spirits distributors for RTDs
 • How CRM + real-time data create sales accountability
 • Building velocity before chasing expansion
 • Why on-premise still matters (40% of sales!)
 • How systems beat guesswork every time
 • Using tastings + analytics to drive reorders

This is a masterclass in execution over noise.

How Rob’s Team Actually Differentiates (and Why It Works)

Most RTD brands compete on flavors, packaging, or hype.
 Rob and the TalkHouse Encore team compete on execution.

That difference shows up in a few very specific ways.

They build systems before scale
While many brands rush distribution, Rob’s team focused early on operational processes that remove friction. Sales, inventory, distributor activity, and account follow-ups are tracked in real time. Less guessing. More control.

They designed a CRM for beverage reality
Instead of forcing reps to live in bloated software, they built a CRM that works the way beverage teams actually work:

• Simple inputs
• Shelf photos
• Account scoring
• Inventory flags
• Route efficiency

It’s not “data for reporting.”
 It’s data that drives action in the field.

They treat distributors like partners, not order takers
Rob’s team doesn’t just hand off the brand and hope for the best. They create clarity for distributors by:

• Showing exactly where velocity is working
• Identifying underperforming accounts early
• Making it easier for reps to win

That builds trust — and trust gets priority.

They use focus as a competitive advantage
Instead of chasing national presence, they went deep in hard markets. Fewer states. Better execution. Higher velocity. 

They win on-premise to pull through off-premise
With roughly 40% of sales on-premise, TalkHouse uses bars and restaurants as marketing engines. Sampling, education, and activation create demand that shows up later in retail 

They remove ego from pricing and product decisions
Pricing wasn’t set to “fit the shelf.” It was set to reflect quality, margin, and sustainability. The mixed vodka + tequila variety pack wasn’t trendy — it was intentional differentiation that helped open doors fast.

👉 CTA:
 Share this with a founder who needs systems, not hype

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Jeanne M. Sullivan and we discuss the THC/CBD potential ban in 2026! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [https://youtu.be/1MSPWwJeCwA]🚀✨🍹

What’s really going on with the hemp beverage ban? 💥 Investor Jeanne Sullivan breaks it all down—laws, money, loopholes, and the path forward. 🚫🌿  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 

🧠 Summary and Takeaways:

What started with a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill could end with a billion-dollar industry being banned in 2026. Jeanne Sullivan, veteran investor and cannabis industry expert, walks us through:

🌿 The origin of legal hemp beverages
🧃 The explosion of CBD/THC drinks in retail
🚫 The proposed 2026 ban slipped into HR 4121
💰 The economic impact on Total Wine, BevMo, and beyond
🧠 Why regulators don’t understand the category
📉 The alcohol industry’s evolving stance
🇪🇺 Why Europe is welcoming cannabis while the U.S. restricts it
💥 The consumer backlash that could turn the tide

🎯 CTA: Watch, share, and speak out. Contact your representative and help save the hemp beverage category before it disappears.

I downloaded H.R. 4141 and had Chat GPT summarize it and here's the output told me: 

"This bill does not explicitly ban CBD or THC drinks — but it gives FDA the power to effectively eliminate hemp-derived THC beverages unless strict limits, age gates, and retail controls are adopted." 

Well, who's in charge of that? How do we make that happen? We need to be very vocal about this bill!!

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Kate Jerkens at Uncle Nearest and Caitlyn LuBell at BoozeBiz and we discuss the beverage industry in 2025 and 2026. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

👀📹 Watch here: 👉👉 [PASTE HERE]🚀✨🍹

2025 was a reset year for beverage 🍷🍺🍹 RTDs surged, NA grew, costs spiked & hiring shifted. We break down data, trends, distributor chaos & what’s coming in 2026. 👀  👉 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

2025 shook the beverage industry to its core 🍸📉. From RTD dominance and NA growth, to California distributor chaos, premium pricing pressure, and talent market stress, this episode breaks it all down—no fluff, just real talk.

Key Takeaways 🔑

• 📉 Growth slowed—but didn’t stop
• 🍹 RTDs are winning on convenience & price
• 🚫 NA still struggles with sugar + shelf life
• 🏬 Distribution strategy > national expansion
• 🧠 Storytelling + velocity matter more than ever
• 💼 Hiring is tighter, salaries pressured
• 🔄 2025 = reset | 2026 = change + growth

🎯 Why this matters:
If you’re building, selling, hiring, or distributing in beverage—this episode helps you see the chessboard, not just the pieces.

Describe 2025 and 2026 in One Word

Jessie Ott
2025:

“My word was to level up on the "experience” of enjoying a cocktail.

2026:

"My word is "hopeful". I’m hoping that this is the new foundation of what’s to come.”

Caitlyn LuBell
2025:

“My word for 2025 was "evolution.”

2026:

“My word for 2026 is "growth"… we can only go up from here.”

Kate Jerkens
2025:

“I think "reset" was a great word. I still think reset is applicable.”

2026:

“Mine is "change"… something’s got to change and I believe it will.”

⏱️ Chapter Descriptions

• 0:00 Welcome + Why 2025 Was a Reset
• 1:02 Meet the Guests (BoozeBiz & Uncle Nearest)
• 2:30 Who Really Holds the Money? Generational Wealth
• 5:22 Economic Signals: Growth, Inflation & LEIs
• 7:18 Premiumization & Consumer Behavior
• 9:40 Inventory Digestion & Distributor Reality
• 11:30 California Distribution Chaos Explained
• 15:42 Smaller Distributors vs Big Houses
• 18:00 Pricing Wars & National Market Impact
• 21:44 Military, Multi-Outlet & Channel Performance
• 22:26 RTDs, NA Mixers & Brand Winners
• 25:30 The Real Cost of $30 Cocktails
• 29:00 Why RTDs Win on Convenience & Cost
• 33:55 Hiring Challenges & Salary Compression
• 41:10 Tastings, Education & Velocity
• 45:15 Why 2025 Was a Reset Year
• 50:07 Unemployment & Workforce Mismatch
• 56:20 Words for 2026: Growth, Change, Hope
• 59:00 Final Thoughts + What Comes Next

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Lawrence Bremer Founder of  St. Buena Vida Non-Alc Wine! Happy Dry January! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

What if Dry January actually felt like a celebration? 🍾
In this episode, Lawrence Bremer, founder of St. Buena Vida, shares how tech, taste, and logistics come together in one of the most innovative NA wines on the market.

🔥 Top Takeaways:
• 🤰 The origin story: a pregnancy, a bottle, and a surprise sip
• 🔬 Aroma capture tech that makes NA wine taste real
• 🚛 Global supply chain: Spain ➝ Germany ➝ U.S.
• 🥂 Crisp, clean bubbles with finish & balance
• 📈 Real sales data — not hype
• 🧠 Analytics mindset meets wine innovation
• 🧘 30 calories per glass = wellness crowd win

🎯 Whether you’re skipping booze or sipping smarter, this is a must-watch.
👇 Tap play and learn how NA wine is finally worth the pour.

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What are the 7 cocktails every drink is based on? 🍹 Dive into tiki, bitters, fire tricks & cocktail history w/ bartender legend Dr. Cush! 🎙️@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/azJZrXe5R2Q

💡 What happens when a comedian turns into LA’s best bartender? You get Dr. Cush’s Exotic Drinks — a one-man show mixing cocktail science, bar wisdom & some hilarious fire tricks 🔥🍊

✨ Highlights from the episode:

• 🍹 The 7 cocktails that rule all other cocktails
• 🔥 His signature drink: Dr. Cush’s Exotic Old Fashioned
• 📚 Why bartending is more books than booze
• 🍍 How pineapples became the symbol of hospitality
• 🧊 The lost art of ice (yes, really!)
• 🎭 From improv heel to hospitality hero
• 💻 Building an online bar community during COVID
• 💥 Flaming citrus, tiki wars, and cold pizza cocktails

🎯 CTA: Subscribe for weekly food & bev innovation talks 🎙️ — and try making the Hemingway Daiquiri or your own signature drink!

0:00 Intro to Dr. Cush 🍸  
1:00 From comedy to cocktails  
5:00 The 7 cocktails theory explained  
12:00 Punch vs daiquiri: tiki breakdown  
17:00 Cocktail vs experience: why it matters  
25:00 Building an online bar community  
31:00 Hemingway Daiquiri tutorial 🍹  
41:00 The Dr. Cush Exotic Old Fashioned (🔥)  
50:00 Shelf-stable lime juice recipe  
1:03:00 State of the booze industry  
1:10:00 Signature drink + fire tricks  
1:20:00 Cocktail nerd history tour  
1:30:00 Outro & cocktail class invite

Mentors in Drinks and Tiki 

Steve the Bartender

Created Drinks Website: Kindred Cocktails    Discovered: Pseudo Juice Calculator

Dave Arnold - Technique Liquid Intelligence

Jeffrey Beachbum Berry Owns Latitude 29 in New Orleans 

Martin & Rebecca Cate own Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco

Wrote James Beard Award-winning “Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki

David Wondrich Drinks Historian and author, Link to his Books and awards

Sammy Ross Best Bar Dudes of All Time 

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Maria Littlefield, Co-founder of Owl's Brew made with only premium clean ingredients! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

Explore how Owl’s Brew is reinventing RTD drinks with real tea & botanicals 🍋🌿 and transparent labels that consumers love. 🍹💥 Clean cocktails explained + brand story!  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩  

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Maria Littlefield, Co‑Founder of Owl’s Brew, shares how they built a clean‑ingredient RTD brand long before it became a trend. 🍹 From brewing tea in buckets at events to scaling canned cocktails in 22+ states, Owl’s Brew stands out in a crowded market by choosing real tea, botanicals, and juice instead of artificial flavors and lab compounds.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
• 🧪 Clean Ingredients First: Real tea and botanicals create authentic flavor.
• 📜 Transparent Labels: They fought to list sugar & nutrition — most spirits don’t.
• 📊 Consumer Shift: People now read labels and demand real food quality in drinks.
• 🛒 Retail Noise: RTD shelves are crowded — deep consumer pull is bigger than shelf presence.
• 🤝 Brand DNA: Authentic stories and community build loyal drinkers.

Buy them today! https://www.theowlsbrew.com/

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Ruby Honerkamp Founder and Co-CEO of Talkhouse Encore created in honor of the iconic Hamptons venue, Stephen Talkhouse! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

Ruby Honerkamp talks TalkHouse Encore 🍊🍸 RTDs, real tequila, vodka, & legacy bar roots in the Hamptons 🎤🎶 A brand built on taste, data, & community ❤️‍🔥 

Ruby grew up in the music venue and shares a story of wearing her best dress for Sting as a kid. Her parents founded and manage the venue. Created out of a way to pivot from COVID "Talkhouse Encore" was born. It honors the top drinks requested at the bar and is made with fresh ingredients.

🎤 From the stage to the shelf! Ruby Honerkamp, Founder of TalkHouse Encore, brings the soul of an iconic East Hampton live music venue into every can. These tequila & vodka RTDs are no boardroom – they’re grassroots, authentic, and crushable. Ruby shares the startup journey, operational smarts (hello KPIs), flavor formulation secrets, and the hustle of scaling without selling out.

💡 Top Takeaways:

• Built on heritage, not hype
• Tequila & vodka-based RTDs with real fruit juice
• Flavor-first, calorie-smart
• Strong local focus > chasing every market
• CRM-driven growth & velocity KPIs
• Distribution done right: beer-style mindset
• Authentic storytelling builds sub-communities
• Howard Stern & Metallica fans approved 🎸🎧

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Discover the 7‑hat framework for entrepreneurs from Yuval Selik on mindset 🧠, health 💪, relationships ❤️, business 💼, investing 📈, giving back 🌍 & purpose ✨. Transform your life + venture!  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩  

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Yuval Selik breaks down the 7 Hats every founder must wear for real success:
• Hat 1: Self & Mindset 🧠 – Your internal world drives your impact
• Hat 2: Athlete/Health 💪 – Your body is your business asset
• Hat 3: Relationships ❤️ – People fuel your platform
• Hat 4: Entrepreneur 💼 – Build the thing & scale smart
• Hat 5: Investor 📈 – Protect your nest‑egg before growth
• Hat 6: Philanthropist 🌍 – Contributions complete your legacy
• Hat 7: Seeker/Spiritual ✨ – Connection to something bigger than profit
Key Take‑aways:

You can’t neglect your foundation and expect business to thrive

Cash flow + margin beat hype — especially in CPG/retail

Data & analytics matter: don’t fly blind in shelf‑business

Fulfilment comes from balance, not burnout
Call to Action:
👉 Hit Like, Subscribe, and drop a comment: Which hat are you ignoring?
👉 Share this episode with another founder who needs balance!

Mentors

Jim Rohn,  Tony Robbins,  Wayne Dyer,  Your Clients

CPG Pioneers

GT Dave Created GT's Living Foods Kombucha Pioneer

Seth Goldman Just Ice Tea

John Paul DeGioria Patron

Books

E-Myth Revisited

Ramping Up Your Brand by James Richardson

Jobs to be Done 

When Coffee and Kale Compete by Alan Klement

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This week 📢I talk🎙️with Jeni Jonte Veteran. Entrepreneur. Mindset Mentor.  #Veterans #NAVY #Mindset 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

In this powerful episode, Jeni Jonte shares her journey from serving as a Navy physical therapist to launching her own mindset coaching business, Eliminate Impossible. We explore the tools that helped her shift from burnout to breakthrough—and how she now empowers entrepreneurs to rewire their beliefs and unlock their next level of success.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• 🎖 Lessons from military service & deployment
• 💡 How Bob Proctor’s teachings changed everything
• 🧠 Why mindset is 95% of success
• 💼 Building a coaching business from scratch
• 📚 Recommended books & resources
• 🧒 Parenting with mindset techniques
• 💰 Breaking income ceilings through subconscious rewiring
• 🌊 The importance of paddle boarding, laughter & nature

🙌 CTA:
 👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe if you’re on a journey of growth!
 👉 Connect with Jeni at bringonpossible.com

 

St Augustine, FL Museum: https://lightnermuseum.org/

Get in Touch!

jeni@eliminate-impossible.com

www.eliminate-impossible.com

www.bringonpossible.com

Books

Psycho Cybernetics

Neville Goddard any book

Mentors & Resources

https://kathleencameronofficial.com/

https://karenbrook.com/

https://www.uniquespeakerbureauint.com/speakers/kim-calvert

👉 New episodes weekly — catch us every Thursday!

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🔥 What happens when a Special Forces veteran applies battlefield strategy to hedge fund investing? 

You get David Walker — ex-Green Beret, West Point grad, MBA from Kellogg, hedge fund founder, and author of Don't Be Stupid: A Green Beret's Guide to Investing. This episode is packed with leadership gems, military-to-Wall Street grit, market insights, and actionable lessons for anyone chasing success with resilience and precision.

🎙 In this Veteran Special, Jessie Ott interviews David about:

• Transitioning from Special Forces to finance
• How military leadership translates to elite investing
• Building Jedburg Advisors and what “staying nimble” means on Wall Street
• The power of mentorship, education, and managing risk like a Green Beret
• The real inflation story, disruptive innovation, and the future of robotics in warfare and industry

👊 This is for entrepreneurs, veterans, investors, and anyone who wants to build a bulletproof mindset.

📚 Get his book: Don’t Be Stupid — all proceeds go to the Green Beret Foundation.

🔗 Connect with David Walker:
📘 Book: Don’t Be Stupid (All proceeds to the Green Beret Foundation)
💼 LinkedIn: David J Walker

 📧 Email: DaveJWalker11@gmail.com

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Ryan Malkin breaks down legal tips for launching alcohol, non-alcoholic, THC & CBD brands. Co-packing, DTC, trademarks, & more! 🎙️💼 

Watch now on Thirsty Thursdays @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

https://youtu.be/l5uyOu7b4yA

"How to start an alcohol brand legally"

📘 Video Summary with Key Takeaways:

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, host Jessie Ott sits down with Ryan Malkin, Principal Attorney at Malkin Law and creator of Set the Bar, to provide a comprehensive legal roadmap for launching any type of beverage brand — alcoholic, non-alcoholic, or cannabinoid-infused. 🍷🍹🍋🌿

💡 Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Co-packing vs. self-manufacturing
• 🧾 The truth about distribution contracts
• 🚫 Common legal pitfalls (and lawsuits!)
• 🏛️ DTC shipping laws by state
• 📦 Labeling and compliance mistakes
• 🔍 Why trademarks should be filed early
• 📱 Modified DTC and the truth about Flaviar, GoPuff, Drizly
• 🌿 Hemp vs. Marijuana-derived THC
• 🧠 ADA compliance & website lawsuits
• 💬 How to build a support network that keeps you protected

This is a must-watch for beverage entrepreneurs navigating today's regulatory minefield — with actionable advice, real-world examples, and a dose of wit. 🧠🥃💬

📣 CTA (Call To Action):

💥 Like this episode? Smash that like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share with a founder who needs legal clarity!

 📥 Download your free legal startup cheat sheet
                  Alc and Non Alc       Hemp THC

 📝 Reach out to Ryan via https://www.malkinlawfirm.com/  and follow us @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

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📢I talk🎙️with Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

 When Costco canceled her order at the start of COVID, El Guapo CEO Christa Cotton was ready to close shop. Instead, she pivoted online — and sold out in weeks.

 Now her New Orleans brand is in 3,000 stores and won Tory Burch & James Beard awards. Here’s how she turned crisis into cocktail success 🍸✨ 

From near bankruptcy to 882% growth 💥 Christa Cotton of El Guapo Bitters shares her journey from Georgia to New Orleans, mentorship, resilience & building a cocktail empire 🌿🥃 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

Engaging Summary + Key Takeaways:
In this Thirsty Thursdays episode, host Jessie Ott sits down with Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo Bitters, to explore her journey from small-town Georgia roots to leading one of America’s most respected non-alcoholic cocktail brands.

🍸 Key Takeaways:

• 🚀 Pivoted to 92% DTC sales during COVID → 882% growth in weeks
• 🏆 Earned the Tory Burch Foundation Founders Award & James Beard Fellowship
• 🌿 Built El Guapo on sourcing transparency, sustainability & bar inclusivity
• 💪 Mentorship & community power her journey from distillery to global distribution
• 💫 Launched canned NA bitters & sodas — now in 3,000 stores across 8 countries

🎧 Watch for inspiration on resilience, brand building & beverage innovation!

Call-to-Action:
👉 If you love stories of bold entrepreneurs reshaping the beverage industry, hit 👍 and subscribe to @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST.
💬 Which part of Christa’s story resonated most with you?

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 📢I talk🎙️with Mike Fata, CPG Exit, Author of Grow and Investor and Mentor for many companies and individuals 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Watch the Full Episode Here

Professional Speaker, Best Selling Author, Founder and CEO, Chairman of the Board, Investor, Advisor, Ambassador, Host and Producer

 Mike Fata went from a 10th grade dropout weighing 300 lbs to building and selling three CPG companies for NINE FIGURES. 🤯 On this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Mike shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, how he founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, and the mindset that turned adversity into abundance.

💥 Topics Covered:

• Losing 100 lbs and turning it into a business
• Building the global leader in hemp foods 🌱
• Selling to private equity + exiting big 💰
• Mentorship, peer networks (YPO), and mass mentorship resources 📚
• The real grind of building a CPG brand—no shortcuts here

Why he's all-in on helping the next generation of founders through FataFleishman.org, 60 Second Pitch, and more 🎯

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

→ Free mentorship tools: https://fatafleishman.org

→ Mike’s book "Grow": https://mikefata.ca

→ Mike on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikefata🙌

Follow  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩   for more inspiring interviews from founders, makers, and brand builders!

#entrepreneurship #cpgfounders #hemp #mentorship #thirstythursdays #mikefata #manitobaharvest #founderstory #cpgsuccess #growbook #jakekarls #60secondpitchEmbark on a transformative 

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Precision ethanol reduction, low-alcohol wine, tech-driven beverage innovation, and AI insights collide in this epic chat with Altr CEO Richard Schatzberger! 🍷💡🔥  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩ 

🍷 Can wine still be wine without the ethanol? That’s the question Richard Schatzberger, CEO & Founder of Altr, set out to answer — and the answer just might flip the $1.7T global alcohol industry on its head.

In this week’s episode of Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST, I sat down with Richard to explore:

🚀 His incredible journey from building Motorola’s first camera phone to co-founding Siri and Viv (acquired by Apple and Samsung)

🍇 His personal path to sobriety and the realization that alcohol-free doesn’t mean experience-free

🧪 How Altr’s membrane technology differs radically from traditional ethanol reduction like spinning cone and reverse osmosis

🧠 The human-centered, flavor-first mindset behind "The Velvet Blade" tech

🛠️ Why Altr's first customers are winemakers — and how the tech is designed to retain terroir, mouthfeel, and aroma

💡 How a dream (yes, literally) became a global beverage startup backed by Beam Suntory and FTW Ventures

💬 "We're not here to kill ethanol," Richard explains, "we’re here to give people choice. Whether you want 14%, 4%, or 0% — it should still taste like wine."

🎯 Key Takeaways:

Altr’s tech is already outperforming other low-alc products on taste with early testers preferring Altr-processed wines over originals

Consumer behavior is changing fast — “zebra striping” and sober social rituals are rising, but the quality gap remains

Tech isn’t the enemy of craft — It’s a tool to preserve it

🔗 Learn more or join their beta program at: altrfilter.com

🧠 If you’re a heritage-forward winemaker or innovative brand looking for the next chapter in premium beverage — this episode is for you.

👉 Follow me for more beverage innovation, brand spotlights, and industry disruption from farm to shelf.

#ThirstyThursdays #BeverageTech #WineInnovation #LowAlcohol #SoberCurious #MembraneTech #BeverageFounders #FutureOfWine

Mentors

Dag Kittlaus

Ken Grossman, the founder of Sierra Nevada.

Brian Frank,fantastic lead investor FTW Ventures

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From JAG to Gin – How One Veteran Couple is Disrupting Spirits Discovery

🕒 By Jessie Ott | Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST
🎙️ Featuring: Mike & Dolly Waskiewicz, Co-Founders of The Bar Book

What if your next favorite spirit wasn’t sitting on a shelf—but in your pocket? That’s the question Mike and Dolly Waskiewicz set out to answer when they created The Bar Book, a revolutionary app that matches people with spirits based on taste, not brand.

These two aren't your typical startup founders—they’re U.S. Army veterans with decades of service, including careers in JAG, global deployments, and legal leadership. Their pivot from the courtroom to the cocktail world is not only inspiring—it’s solving a real market problem.

💡 Why The Bar Book Matters

For consumers, choosing a spirit often means guessing based on a label, a friend’s recommendation, or blind luck. For brands, especially small or veteran-owned producers, getting discovered is an uphill battle.

The Bar Book bridges that gap—think “Dating App for Spirits” meets WSET-certified palate intelligence. It helps you:

• Discover new brands by flavor profile
• Save and track your favorites
• Explore cocktails and where to find them
• Connect with bars and bartenders in real-time
• Give smaller brands visibility based on taste, not budget

🔍 What Makes It Different?

Mike and Dolly are building The Bar Book as a family-run, veteran-powered venture, with real user needs in mind. It’s not about algorithms from Silicon Valley—it’s about the real flavor experience.

And in 2025, they’re opening up the platform to onboard brands, bars, and industry partners. The goal? To democratize discovery and create a community-first platform for the spirits world.

🥃 A Few Takeaways from the Episode:

✅ How their military mindset helps them lead with clarity and kindness
 ✅ Why flavor tech is the future of beverage discovery
 ✅ Their favorite spirits, bars, and cocktail must-haves
 ✅ Why data matters—but people matter more
 ✅ And how they’re helping veterans & craft distillers shine 🌟

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: [Thirsty Thursdays YouTube Playlist]
🔗 Explore The Bar Book: https://www.thebarbook.com

📲 Free for consumers. Brand onboarding opens 2025.

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📢I talk🎙️with Debbie Wildrick, Founder of Debbie Wildrick👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Watch the Premiere Here @ 3PM EST May 22!

In this Thirsty Thursdays episode, host Jessie Ott sits down with the legendary Debbie Wildrick—Founder of Debbie Wildrick Consulting and the “Queen of Beverages.” 🌟

Debbie takes us through her incredible journey from merchandising grocery aisles in Texas to leading the $4B beverage business at 7-Eleven, helping launch iconic brands like Vitamin Water, Honest Tea, and Fiji. 💧🔥

We discuss:

• How to scale brands in the modern retail world 🏪
• The startup hustle: launching FRS with Lance Armstrong 🚴‍♂️
• Her “10 Pillars of a Successful Company” program for founders 📈
• The power of mentorship and sponsorship 🙌
• Why today’s brands need differentiation and distribution to win 💡

If you’re in the CPG, food & bev, or startup world—this one’s a must-listen. 🎙️

🖱️ Connect with Debbie: https://www.debbiewildrick.com
📄 Download her free resource on market opportunity: https://free.debbiewildrick.com

👇 Drop your questions in the comments & don't forget to subscribe for more Thirsty Thursdays!

📢 Hashtags:
#BeverageIndustry #StartupLife #WomenInBusiness #ConsumerGoods #BrandBuilding #RetailStrategy #CPGFounders #ThirstyThursdaysPodcast #DebbieWildrick #MentorshipMatters

🔑 Tags:
Debbie Wildrick, Jessie Ott, Thirsty Thursdays, Beverage Consultant, 7-Eleven Executive, CPG Strategy, Functional Beverages, Fiji Water, Vitamin Water, Honest Tea, Startup Growth, FRS, Mentorship, Women in Beverage, Brand Launch

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From flatboats to today’s bourbon boom 🥃 Maggie Kimberl shares history, mentorship & industry challenges 🌍 Don’t miss this deep dive! 🎙️  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Jessie Ott sits down with Maggie Kimberl, content editor of American Whiskey Magazine. From bourbon’s roots in Louisville to the global whiskey boom, Maggie shares the fascinating journey of America’s native spirit — and her own rise as a respected writer and Kentucky Colonel.

🔑 Takeaways:
🥃 Bourbon’s origins: flatboats, Bourbon Street & barrel-aging myths
🌳 Sustainability challenges: glass, oak, and the emerald ash borer
🌾 Innovation: heirloom grains & experimental finishes
🤝 Mentorship: Fred Minnick, Michael Veach & industry collaboration
🌍 Beyond Kentucky: Texas, Colorado & California’s whiskey wave

👍 Like this video if bourbon is part of your story
💬 Comment your favorite bourbon (or NA whiskey alternative!)
🔔 Subscribe for weekly insider conversations on beverage innovation
🔗 Share with your network of spirits enthusiasts

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RTDs, THC drinks, NA growth, Gen Z’s return to alcohol, and the RNDC→Reyes CA shakeup—what’s next for 2025? Insights from Uncle Nearest, Booze Biz & Business of Drinks 🎙️  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩  

Watch here on YouTube!  https://youtu.be/NJwLcZqJ9Cs

This quarter’s Thirsty Thursdays roundtable brings Kate Jerkens (Uncle Nearest), Caitlyn LuBell (Booze Biz), and Erica Duecy (Business of Drinks) to decode what’s really moving the beverage market in 2025.

🔍 What we cover

Macro pressure vs. “non-essential” spend: Rising student/auto debt and delinquencies are squeezing discretionary purchases—especially for younger consumers. 

Gen Z is drinking again: New IWSR Bevtrac data shows Gen Z alcohol participation rebounding toward other cohorts. 

NA momentum (esp. beer): No-alcohol leads no/low with ~+7% volume CAGR through 2028; NA beer is surging globally. 

THC beverages 101: Rapid retail growth (hemp-derived and dispensary channels), dosage strategy (2–5mg “sessionable” vs. 10mg “value”), and the Farm Bill/regulatory watch. 

Distribution shakeup: RNDC exits California; Reyes and mid-tier distributors step in—opening doors for some brands and bottlenecking others. 

Functionality as table stakes: Hydration, adaptogens, gut-health cues, and mood-positioning (“calm/energy/focus”) now drive trial—especially in NA/THC.

💡 Takeaways

Follow the consumer, not the category: RTDs, NA, and THC are winning because they fit occasions (casual, at-home, brunch, “zebra striping”).

Plan for compliance volatility: THC bevs = opportunity + regulatory risk. Track state rules and the Farm Bill timeline. 

Rethink route-to-market: Mid-sized distributors can give brands real focus post-RNDC, but onboarding capacity is tight. 
winebusiness.com

CTAs:
• 👍 Like if you value real-talk data.
• 💬 Comment: Where’s your 2025 bet—RTDs, NA, or THC?
• 🔔 Subscribe for quarterly roundtables and weekly briefs.
• 🔗 Share with your sales/marketing team.

Subscribe for data-driven beverage insights every Thursday @3pm ET, drop a comment with your 2025 category bet, and share this with a colleague who needs the update.

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🍇 Meet Washington Syrah winemaking legends as they debate terroir, clone selection, barrel vs. stave aging & NA wines! Winemaker gold right here 🎯  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩   #Syrah #winetalk 

🎙️✨ In this epic winemaker roundtable, Jessie Ott sits down with Washington Syrah royalty including David Rodriguez, Trey Busch, Caleb Foster, Bob Betz, and Dichotomy Wines.

🍷 The crew covers:
🔬 Clone selection & vineyard elevation tricks
🪵 Barrel aging vs. staves — winemaker hot takes!
🌍 Terroir & the soul of Syrah
🚫 Why NA wine still "misses the point"
🍇 Whole cluster fermentation & stem inclusion
🎧 Vinyl labels & vineyard storytelling

🔥 Top Takeaways:
The Rocks District Syrah is instantly recognizable 🪨
Clone and site matter more than most drinkers realize 📍
Winemakers are NOT sold on non-alcoholic wine 😬
Rootstock vs. own-rooted vines: a passionate debate 🌱
💬 "If you're using staves in stainless, you're just adding flavor—not transformation."

This episode is a must-watch for wine lovers, sommeliers, and industry insiders. 🎯

🍷 This is the Washington Syrah conversation you didn’t know you needed! Jessie Ott of @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST hosts a powerful LIVE roundtable with some of the GOATs of West Coast winemaking—David Rodriguez, Trey Busch, Bob Betz, Caleb Foster & Jarred & Rosie Signer-Jenner.

From clone selection and vineyard elevation to stave vs. barrel aging, and even the impact of rootstock and whole-cluster fermentation, this is winemaking geekery at its finest! 🤓💥

Plus: brutal honesty on non-alcoholic wines 😬, the secrets behind The Rocks District 🍇, and why Washington Syrah needs its own Sideways moment.

Whether you're a sommelier, wine nerd, or casual drinker—this episode delivers 🔥 insight, laughs, and storytelling gold. 🎙️🍷

Welcome to Thursday Thursdays at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time hosted by Jessie Ott where she talks about **beverage innovation**. She interviews pioneers from **agriculture** to glass and invites listeners to subscribe for new episodes. This podcast is all about the **drink** industry and explores subjects from **farming** to the finished product. Make sure to subscribe for more!

#thirsty #thirstythursdays #fnbinnovation #WashingtonSyrah #SyrahInWashington #Winemaking2025 #WinePodcast #SyrahSecrets #TerroirExplained #AVADeepDive #WinemakerWisdom #WholeCluster #BarrelVsStave #PhelpsClone #OldVineSyrah #NextGenWinemakers #WineInnovation #WashingtonWine #WallaWallaSyrah #RattlesnakeHills #SnipesMountain #SyrahStory #WineAndClimate #GenZWine #WineEducation #PodcastWine #WineTrends #WineYouTube #WineTech #FoodAndBeverage #AVATales #WineInsights #SyrahRoundtable #Vinification #WineFuture #CraftWinemaking #ModernWine #WineDebate #WineryLife #WineCommunity #WineCulture #SyrahLovers #WineGeeks #WineMarketing #BeverageInnovation #GenZMarketing #WineCollaboration #LiquidOnTheLips

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Live tasting with 5 top Washington Syrah winemakers discussing terroir, clones, staves, high‑altitude vineyards & vintage trials 🍇 Watch with  ⁨@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST⁩  

Youtube: https://youtu.be/DDyejw2eqX8

📌 Summary:
In this episode, I hosted a Washington Syrah tasting featuring five winemaking legends: Bob Betz MW, David Rodriguez, Trey Busch, Rosie Signer‑Jenner & Caleb Foster. They poured their signature Syrahs and went deep into vine clones, site selection, barrel vs. stave aging, trellising influence, stem inclusion, Rocks District terroir, and why Washington Syrah still flies under the radar.

Takeaways:
🌍 WA Syrah blends altitude, sandy loess & cobble soils for unique savory, earthy, floral notes
🧾 Oak staves add flavor—but barrels remain essential for stabilizing wine
🌿 Whole cluster fermentation adds spice & freshness—mirroring Northern Rhône style
🚜 Vineyard choices (trellis, rootstock, block trials) deeply shape final flavor
🎯 WA winemakers are fearless experimenters—cloning, harvesting earlier, terroir expression

CTA:
🍷 Want to taste along? Grab these wines or barrel samples via show notes!
💬 Comment your dream Syrah pairing or favorite WA bottle

🔖#thirsty #thirstythursdays #fnbinnovation #WashingtonWine #Syrah #WallaWalla #RocksDistrict #WashingtonSyrah #WinemakersRoundtable #WineTasting #WineIndustry #WineEducation #WineInnovation #BetzWinery #Enodav #DichotomyVineyards #SleightOfHandCellars #GunpowderCreek #StonyVine #TerroirDriven #WholeClusterFermentation #OakStaves #WinemakingTechniques #VineyardTrials #WineYouTube #MasterOfWine #SyrahLovers #WAWinemakers #CannedWine #Viniculture #VineyardStories #CraftWine #SmallProduction #TastingRoomTalk #WineCommunity #VineyardDiversity #ExperimentalWine #WineStorytelling #ViralWineTasting #WineTrendsetters #Shorts #viral #viralshorts #shorts #foryou

Welcome to Thirsty Thursdays, where Jessie Ott explores **wine tasting** with experts from Washington! This episode features an in-depth look at **wine flavors** and **winemaking**, emphasizing the distinctive qualities of **Washington wine**. Discover insights into **wine education** and production straight from the **vineyard**.

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 📢, of VP of Beverages of Robobank and Host of Liquid Assets👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

“The Great Disconnect?” 

 📹 Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pkpWJLFHrd8

We’ve all heard the headline: “Gen Z is drinking less.” But beneath that clickbait is a more complex—and more urgent—story. On this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, I sat down with Bourcard Nesin, VP of Beverages Research at Rabobank, to ask: What’s actually driving this generational shift? His answers were eye-opening, data-backed, and refreshingly honest. 

✅ Gen Z isn’t anti-alcohol—they’re just not showing up to the party.
Isolation, delayed independence, and over-parenting have disrupted the social environments where alcohol typically thrives.

✅ Health isn’t the full story.
Saying “I care about my health” doesn’t mean someone is healthy—it may mean they’re already experiencing issues.

✅ Cannabis is not the enemy. Loneliness is.
Bourcard argues that alcohol’s real competition isn’t THC—it’s a cultural shift away from shared experiences.

✅ The industry’s blind spot: Identity.
Young consumers today are more likely to be women or people of color, yet most marketing still targets legacy demographics.

✅ Advice for brands? Stop chasing volume. Start building meaning.
Whether it’s RTDs or wine, storytelling and cultural alignment matter more than SKU count.

Why It Matters:

The U.S. beverage alcohol industry is in its worst decline in decades—and it's not just cyclical. As Bourcard puts it, “The goal isn’t growth. It’s survival.” If your brand isn’t thinking differently (and inclusively), you're already behind.

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📢I talk🎙️with KC Hensley, of Momo's Michelada Mix👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Just in time for International Michelada Day on July 12th!! 

From bootstrapped beginnings to statewide success, KC Hensley shares how a trip to Nicaragua inspired Momo’s Michelada Mix — a tomato-free, top-rated drink that’s shaking up bars across Texas. 💥

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Jessie Ott and KC talk:

• The origin story of Momo’s (and its “Stupid Rim Salt” 🤯)
• Why tajín can ruin a michelada
• What it’s like launching a CPG startup during a pandemic
• Tips for entrepreneurs, bartenders, and cocktail creators
• How Whole Foods came knocking
• KC’s early "business" renting his dad’s VHS tapes (yep, you read that right 😂)

🔗 Shop Momo’s: https://www.momosmicheladamix.com
📍 Find it near you: Store locator on the website
📅 Michelada Day is July 12th – celebrate with the good stuff!

—

🧃 Follow @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST for more bev-industry stories, tastings, and founders shaking up what we sip.

#micheladamix #momosmichelada #bevindustry #drinktrends #founderstory

📌 Keyword Tags

Momo’s Michelada, KC Hensley, michelada mix, stupid rim salt, bartender startup story, tajin michelada, tomato-free michelada, craft cocktail trends, Austin beverage brands, beer cocktail, Thirsty Thursdays podcast, drink entrepreneur, Whole Foods beverage startup, Texas CPG founders, michelada tasting, rim salt alternatives, startup beverage story, drink mix innovation, Latina founder tribute, military to mixology

🔥 Hashtags

#MicheladaMix #StupidRimSalt #DrinkBetter #TexasDrinks #AustinStartup #LatinoOwned #FemaleInspired #CPGStartup #DrinkDifferently #BartenderLife #MicheladaDay #TomatoFreeCocktail #FoundersPodcast #ThirstyThursdays #MicheladaMovement

“Michelada mix without tomato”

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📢I talk🎙️with Jeff Foss, of Suavecito Tequila👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Watch the Premiere Here @ 3PM EST May 22!

From agave farm to Total Wine top seller 🌱🥃 — discover how Suavecito Tequila went viral with zero additives, full sustainability & no celebrity hype! #FNBinnovation  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  

Jeff Foss of Suavecito Tequila joins Jessie Ott on 🎙️ Thirsty Thursdays to share how a family-run tequila brand grew from a failed agave sale to a national bestseller—with zero shortcuts. 🌟

The momentum gamechanger was giving Suavecito to all 72 Emmy Award Winners in the volume started to double, triple, etc...and was picked up in all Total Wine Stores all over the US. Great exposure for an amazing brand.

🌟 Key Takeaways:
🌱 The origin story: from agave farm to tequila pivot during the 2008 recession
🔥 Why they use agave nectar (not sugar) to create a smoother, additive-free spirit
🧪 Aged longer than industry standards: 8-month Reposado, 2-year Añejo, 5-year Extra
🌍 Eco-friendly distilling: worm composting & zero-waste production
💼 Growth strategy: how Total Wine helped them scale to 32 states
🧠 No celebrity endorsements—just grassroots hustle & great tequila

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📢I talk🎙️with Christy Serrato, CEO and Founder of PairAnything👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Discover how Christy Serrato turned her love of Filipino cuisine into a tech-powered wine pairing startup 🍷🔥 Learn how PairAnything is changing the wine game with personalization! 

In this Thirsty Thursdays episode, Jessie Ott sits down with Christy Serrato, founder of PairAnything 🍷💡 From delivering pizzas to launching AI-powered retail tech, Christy’s story is a masterclass in innovation, culture, and hustle.

🎯 Top Takeaways:
🚀 How a UC Davis pitch and Filipino dish inspired a tech startup
🍽️ Why personalization is the future of wine retail
🧠 AI, machine learning & wine: explained simply
🤝 Building tech with your customers, not for them
💥 Retailers + wineries win when you connect the dots

📣 Call to Action (CTA):
If you love wine, tech, and founder stories that actually matter, hit that subscribe button and drop a 🍷 in the comments!

🔔 Don’t miss more inspiring founders on @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST — Subscribe now!

PairAnything

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📢I talk🎙️with Jon Macaskill about his Navy and SEAL service and his transition to Mindfulness Coach, Dad, and Podcast Host! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 You can have him as a personal coach or team leadership coach as well as learn Mindfulness on his Podcast ​ ⁨@mentalkingmindfulness⁩  

Text Mindful to 33777 to reach Jon!

Or via his Website:  https://frogmanmindfulness.com/

Join Navy SEAL-turned-leadership coach Jon Macaskill 🇺🇸 as we dive into emotional fitness, grit, and elite training 💪. Veteran stories, mindfulness & more! 🎙️  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  

In this powerful episode of Thirsty Thursdays, I sit down with former Navy SEAL Jon Macaskill 🎖️, now a leadership coach, mindfulness advocate, and podcast host. From underwater demolition to inner healing, Jon shares his inspiring path from elite operator to emotional educator.

🎯 Top Takeaways:
🎖️ What it really takes to become a Navy SEAL — from Hell Week to BUD/S
🧘 The role of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in high-stress careers
🧠 How to pivot from military life to entrepreneurship
🌍 Life lessons from Bahrain, deployments, and leadership
🎙️ Launching a successful podcast: Men Talking Mindfulness

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📢I talk🎙️with Ardashia Townsend about Food & Beverage Industry Trends! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 She is the Content Director, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal. Owned by Informa

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/xookuXBgrjA

This week on Thirsty Thursdays, Jessie Ott welcomes Audarshia Townsend, Content Director at Supply Side Food and Beverage Journal, to unpack the biggest trends shaking up the F&B world in 2024! 🍽️💥

From the growth of cold-pressed RTDs and functional beverages 🧃, to the rise in women’s wellness and clean labels 🌿—this episode is a deep dive into what’s next in food & beverage 🧠✨.

🚨 Key Takeaways:

• 📉 Supply chain & regulatory shake-ups and their impact on product innovation
• 🍹 RTD 2.0: Cold-pressed cocktails + fresh ingredient formulations
• 🧃 Better-for-you beverage trends (gut health, low sugar, functional ingredients)
• 🌱 Women’s health driving demand for nutrient-dense snacks & protein-rich beverages
• 🔥 Chicago’s vibrant food & bev scene and how it influences national trends
• 🎧 Music, fashion & culture as part of the F&B experience (hello, clubstaurants!)

 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insider convos with F&B leaders every week. Hit the 🔔 to stay updated with what’s shaking in food & drink innovation!

 🎯 Drop your favorite 2024 F&B trend in the comments ⬇️

#thirsty #thirstythursdays #fnbinnovation #foodandbeverage #beverageindustry #2024trends #foodtrends2024 #rtd #betterforyou #functionalbeverages  #womenshealth #guthealth #cleaneating #lowcaloriesnacks 

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📢I talk🎙️with Julie Milroy, Erica Duecy, Caitlyn LuBell and Katharine Jerkens about the Beverage Industry Recap of Q1! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/TL7uKLkEb8s

🚀 Dive into the latest beverage industry trends from Q1 2025! Discover insights on non-alcoholic drinks, functional beverages, and market shifts. Stay ahead in the F&B world! 🍹📈 #BeverageTrends #ThirstyThursdays #FNBInnovation  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST  

🌟 In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays Podcast, we explore the pivotal developments in the beverage industry during Q1 2025. Key highlights include:​

📊 The rise of non-alcoholic beverages and the 'sober curious' movement​
🥤 Innovations in functional and health-focused drinks​
🌍 Impact of recent tariffs on imported beverages​
📈 Emerging consumer preferences shaping the market​
🍹 Nostalgic flavors making a comeback​

Gain valuable insights to navigate the evolving beverage landscape.​

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📢I talk🎙️with Patricia Vasconcelos  Founder-The Paire Agency- Crafting Brand Stories and Execution for Taste and Space. Wine and Spirits. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

From Jack Daniel’s in NYC to $167K luxury spirits, Patricia Vasconcelos spills the 🍸 on nightlife, brand building, & global travel. Must-watch for F&B pros! 

Watch here on YouTube!  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 

In this episode of Thirsty Thursdays, Jessie Ott sits down with industry powerhouse Patricia Vasconcelos, founder of The Paire Agency. Patricia shares her incredible journey from launching Corralejo Tequila at 27, to shaping luxury spirits portfolios at LVMH and William Grant.

📍 Key Takeaways:
🇸🇻 From El Salvador to Philly to global brand building
🥃 Sold her first spirits brand at 27
💃 Why Miami’s AM dance parties are changing nightlife
💼 Jack Daniel’s, Corralejo, LVMH, and launching her own agency
🎯 Her mission to merge sales, marketing, & hospitality
🔥 The rise of non-traditional distribution and the mid-tier brand opportunity
👩‍💼 The importance of mentorship, especially for women in bev-alc

👀 Expect stories, strategies, and laughs — from dodging gunshots on her first day of alcohol sales to clocking 2M airline miles for brand launches.

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📢I talk🎙️with Dr. Ken Thompson, Army Veteran & CEO of Trendsetter Spirits, shares his powerful journey from military service to launching a Veteran-supporting liquor brand!  #Veterans #Spirits 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

100% OF PROFITS GO TO VETERANS!

@ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST Watch on Thursday, March 27th! @3PM

💥 Dr. Ken Thompson’s Inspiring Journey: From combat in Iraq to a Ph.D. in education, proving resilience against all odds.
🥃 The Birth of Trendsetter Spirits: A Veteran-owned liquor brand giving back 100% of profits to support homeless veterans.
🛠️ Breaking into Total Wine: How Trendsetter Spirits got accepted into multiple Total Wine locations in record time!
🔥 Exclusive Tastings & New Flavors: A deep dive into their Spiced Rum, Mango Pineapple, and Platinum White Rum—crafted for smooth sipping!
📢 How You Can Support: Trendsetter Spirits is on a mission! Expanding into more states & military bases. Want to help? Let’s connect!

💬 COMMENT below: Which flavor are you excited to try?
👍 LIKE & SHARE this video to support Veteran-owned businesses!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with game-changers in the food & beverage industry!

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📢I talk🎙️with Jake Karls Owner of Mid-Day Squares! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂 😁

How did Midday Squares go from a condo kitchen to 9,000 stores? 🤯🔥 Jake Karls shares the power of authenticity, brand storytelling & social media marketing! 💡 WATCH NOW! 🎥 @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 

💥 The Power of Authenticity in Branding with Jake Karls 💥

What makes Midday Squares a standout brand in the food industry? Authenticity, storytelling, and human connection! 🏆 From dancing in grocery aisles 🕺 to building a $100M brand, Jake Karls spills all the secrets.

Key Takeaways

✅ Turn customers into friends – Build real emotional connections
✅ Show the REAL journey – Wins & struggles create brand loyalty
✅ Energy & positivity attract people – Brands need personality!
✅ Small wins = Big success – Growth is a process, not overnight
✅ Resilience is everything – Keep pushing forward, even in tough times

🚀 Want to grow your brand? Watch & learn from the best!

🔥 Want to build a brand that stands out? Meet Jake Karls, the high-energy co-founder of Midday Squares! 🤩 From hand-delivering bars to Costco success, this episode dives into:

🔹 Brand storytelling – Why sharing real moments builds customer loyalty
🔹 Authenticity & social media – How viral dancing videos helped drive sales
🔹 Scaling a business – From startup struggles to $100M vision
🔹 Retail strategy – Why Midday Squares chose the refrigerated section
🔹 Entrepreneurial mindset – How resilience & small wins lead to success

If you're in food & beverage, marketing, or entrepreneurship, this episode is for YOU! 💯 Subscribe for weekly insider tips on brand growth & innovation! 🎬

📢 Where to Buy Midday Squares: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon & more!
🔗 Website: www.middaysquares.com

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🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Ian Perez, the visionary behind Brand Arc at MHW, who is helping beverage brands break into the U.S. market! 🍸✨

💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ How Ian went from Ireland to NYC 🌍
✅ Inside Brand Arc’s innovative approach 🚀
✅ What it takes to launch a successful alcohol brand 🍾
✅ Challenges & trends in the alcohol industry 🔥
✅ Marketing, sales & compliance secrets 🏆

🌟 If you're in the beverage space—or just love the behind-the-scenes of your favorite drinks—this episode is a must-watch! Subscribe for more! 🎧

🚀 How do brands successfully launch and scale in the alcohol industry? 🍸 Ian Perez, Head of Brand Arc at MHW, reveals the secrets behind building a successful beverage brand from scratch!

In this episode, we cover:
✔️ How Ian transitioned from Ireland to New York 🌍
✔️ The power of Brand Arc & its innovative approach 🚀
✔️ Challenges & solutions in beverage brand building 🍷
✔️ How digital transformation is reshaping alcohol sales 📲
✔️ Insider tips on launching a spirits brand 🏆

💡 Whether you're a startup, beverage enthusiast, or industry pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE to stay updated with more beverage industry secrets! 🍾✨

📌 Watch now & follow @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST for new episodes every week! 🎙️🔥

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📢I talk🎙️with Isabelle Lesschaeve Owner of InnoVinum Academy! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

 🍷 Unlocking the Secrets of Wine Sensory Science! 🔬 How to Train Your Palate & Decode Flavors Like a Pro! 🍇 

Watch now! 🚀✨ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

🍷 Ever wondered how to train your palate like a wine expert? 🍇 Discover the science of taste, aroma, & sensory analysis with Isabelle Lesschaeve! 🔬✨ Watch now & elevate your wine game! 🥂

🎙 Join us for an insightful chat with wine sensory expert Isabelle Lesschaeve! 🍷 Discover how sensory science helps winemakers, industry pros, and wine lovers understand and enhance flavors!

🔥 Key Takeaways:
✔ COVID-19 & Smell Loss: 🦠 How people regained their sense of taste & smell.
✔ Sensory Science Explained: 🔬 What it is and how it helps winemakers.
✔ Consumer Preferences: 📊 Why most drinkers prefer fruity wines & how trends are evolving.
✔ How to Train Your Palate: 🏋️‍♂️ Simple daily exercises to improve your wine-tasting skills.
✔ The Future of Wine Innovation: 🚀 Using data-driven insights to improve customer experience.

🔔 Don’t miss this episode! Subscribe & explore the fascinating world of sensory science!

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📢I talk🎙️with Ken MacKenzie Founder & Owner of Fresh Victor!  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Join Caleb Foster 🍇, winemaker at Gunpowder Creek Winery, as he shares his epic journey from Connecticut to Washington wine country 🍷. Innovation, Syrah secrets, & digital pivots await!  @CalebFoster-Winemaker  

Watch now! 🚀✨ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

https://youtu.be/VaUy0fa-q6Y

🎥 In this video, you’ll learn:
✅ The story behind Fresh Victor and its founder, Ken MacKenzie.
✅ Why cold-pressed mixers are revolutionizing the beverage industry.
✅ Taste-testing 4 unique flavors: Pineapple Ginger, Three Citrus Mint, Grapefruit Sea Salt, and Cactus Pear Pomegranate.
✅ How to use Fresh Victor mixers for cocktails, mocktails, marinades, and more!
✅ Tips for entrepreneurs on building a brand and overcoming challenges.

🍹 Ready to elevate your drink game? In this video, we dive into the world of Fresh Victor, the revolutionary cold-pressed mixers that are changing the way we think about cocktails and mocktails. Join us as we sit down with Ken MacKenzie, the founder of Fresh Victor, to uncover his inspiring journey from tequila entrepreneur to creating one of the most innovative mixer brands in the industry.

From understanding how cold-pressed mixers are made to tasting four delicious flavors—Pineapple Ginger, Three Citrus Mint, Grapefruit Sea Salt, and Cactus Pear Pomegranate—this video is packed with insights for both cocktail enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Ken also shares his tips for building a brand, overcoming challenges, and staying true to your passion.

Whether you're a home bartender or a seasoned pro, Fresh Victor is your go-to for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how Ken is revolutionizing the beverage industry, one mixer at a time. 🦙

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📢I talk🎙️with Caleb Foster Owner and Winemaker at Gunpowder Creek Winery! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Join Caleb Foster 🍇, winemaker at Gunpowder Creek Winery, as he shares his epic journey from Connecticut to Washington wine country 🍷. Innovation, Syrah secrets, & digital pivots await!  @CalebFoster-Winemaker  

Watch now! 🚀✨ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST

https://youtu.be/3edKZS0pK6k

🍷 Caleb Foster, the visionary winemaker behind Gunpowder Creek Winery, shares his incredible story in this Thirsty Thursdays episode! From growing up in Connecticut to becoming a pioneer in Washington’s wine industry, Caleb’s journey is packed with inspiration. 

🌟 Learn about his passion for Syrah, overcoming rejection, the art of mentorship, and his innovative approach to digital marketing 

📱. Dive into the challenges of climate change 🌍 and explore the rich history of Washington wine. Discover how Caleb is shaping the future of winemaking while honoring traditions.

 If you’re a wine lover 🍇, entrepreneur, or fan of resilience, this episode is a must-watch! Stay tuned for insights, laughs, and bold ideas for the industry. Cheers! 🥂 

Don't forget to subscribe to @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST for more exciting interviews!

Join host Jessie Ott for an insightful journey into the ever-evolving world of the beverage industry and food and beverage innovation! 🎙️ Discover cutting-edge beverage trends and beverage development strategies as we explore product development with pioneers who are shaping the future of drinks. Tune in for expert insights into consumer trends and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes!  @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST   🚀

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📢I talk🎙️with Melissa Hoffman Co-Founder and CEO of Dauntless Performance Consulting! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

"Explore Melissa Hoffman's inspiring journey from NYC to St. Pete, launching Dauntless Performance Consulting 💼🌟. Insights on leadership, mindfulness, & business growth. 

Watch now! 🚀✨ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST"

💡 Key Takeaways:

• How Melissa transitioned from NYC to entrepreneurship in St. Pete 🌊
• The power of mindfulness & emotional intelligence in leadership 🧘‍♀️💼
• Lessons on resilience, adaptability, and embracing change 🚀✨
• Building high-performing teams and optimizing business strategies 📈💡
• Balancing wellness with a thriving career 🌞

🔥 Don’t miss Melissa’s insights on grit, personal growth, and building an impactful career.

✨ Dive into Melissa Hoffman’s incredible story on this week’s Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST! From growing up in NYC 🗽 to launching her own consultancy, Dauntless Performance Consulting, in St. Pete 🌊, Melissa shares her journey of grit, growth, and transformation.

🚀 Learn about her career pivots from the wine industry 🍷 to leadership in SaaS and how she now empowers teams through mindfulness and emotional intelligence.

💡 Melissa breaks down:

• Building high-performing teams 📈
• Leveraging mindfulness in leadership 🧘‍♀️
• Insights into the beverage industry & tech solutions 🍹💻
• The importance of resilience and adaptability 🔥

🎙 Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or industry professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Watch now and subscribe!

👉 Don’t forget to check out @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST for more amazing guests. 🌟

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📢I talk🎙️with Dr Pamela Hayes, M.D. Medical Oncologist at Texas Oncology in Dallas, TX. She specializes in Hematology and Medical Oncology! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

💬 "It's your journey. Don't compare it to anyone else." - Dr. Pamela Hayes

This summer, I was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer (DCIS)—a mild case, but still life-changing. I sat down with my oncologist, Dr. Pamela Hayes, to share my experience and spread awareness about early detection, treatment, and recovery. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/R9HIy93UP-0

🔬 Early Detection & Diagnosis

✔️ Mammograms matter! Many cases are caught early through routine screening.
✔️ Dense breast tissue = more screening (I had it & was called back for more tests).
✔️ DCIS is "stage zero" cancer, meaning the cells are abnormal but haven't spread.

💬 "Think of it like a tiger in a cage. Given enough time, it can break out." - Dr. Hayes on DCIS

🏥 Treatment Journey

📌 Biopsy & Lumpectomy: Surgery removed abnormal cells, but margins were close—so I had a second procedure.
📌 Radiation: Based on my risk score, radiation was recommended to prevent recurrence. I had 21 treatments. And I Rang the Bell!
📌 Hormone Therapy: I’m on low-dose tamoxifen for 5 years to reduce future risk.

💬 "Our goal is to make sure this NEVER comes back." - Dr. Hayes

🧬 What Increases Breast Cancer Risk?

🔸 Family history & genetics (BRCA gene mutations)
🔸 Early puberty or late menopause
🔸 Dense breast tissue (like mine!)
🔸 Obesity & lack of exercise
🔸 Alcohol consumption (moderation is key!)

💬 "Alcohol isn't the biggest risk factor, but excess can increase estrogen levels, which fuel some breast cancers." - Dr. Hayes

💪 Life After Treatment

🌿 Exercise helps! I’m walking 2-3 miles/day & doing weight training.
🍎 Balanced diet > extreme diets. No need to cut out everything!
🩺 Regular screenings & check-ups are a must.

💬 "Tiny changes make a big impact." - Dr. Hayes

💖 Final Thoughts
Breast cancer is emotionally and physically overwhelming, but having a strong support system, great doctors, and the right mindset makes all the difference. If you're going through this or know someone who is, you're not alone.

💬 "Your body is constantly working to protect you—trust it, take care of it, and stay proactive."

🎉 #GetYourBoobsSqueezed 🎉

👀 PSA, ladies! It’s time for your annual mammogram—because early detection saves lives!

💖 Mammos after 40 = Self-care & peace of mind!
💖 Takes just 20 minutes! (Faster than your Starbucks run ☕)
💖 Smash those boobs, not your chances!

👉 No excuses—schedule your mammogram today! 💕

✨Tag your besties & remind them: squeeze ‘em, save ‘em! 🎗️💪

#MammogramMagic #SaveTheTatas #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #HealthMatters

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📢I talk🎙️with David Mandell Co-Founder and CEO of Whiskey House of Kentucky, the most Innovative Whiskey Distillery and largest via their 176-acre campus in the USA and beyond! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Sound Bites

• "We bootstrapped this business."
• "You have to create the entire ecosystem."
• "You're never gonna get perfection."
• "We focus everything on our customers."
• "There's always a black swan out there."
• "YPO has been extremely powerful for me."
• "2025 will be a challenging year."
• "The industry fundamentals are very strong."

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/FsR5HYO13Lc

🔥 From Attorney to Whiskey Pioneer! 🥃✨

In this exciting episode, Jessie Ott sits down with David Mandell, co-founder and CEO of Whiskey House of Kentucky, to explore his incredible journey from the courtroom to the whiskey world. 🚀👨‍⚖️ ➡️ 🥃

David spills the tea (or whiskey!) on the highs and lows of his career, from the rise and fall of Pink Vodka to building Bardstown Bourbon Company and launching Whiskey House. 🍸📉✨ He shares valuable insights on leadership, empowering others, and creating a cohesive business ecosystem that drives success. 💪📊

This conversation dives deep into the evolution of the whiskey industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, innovative production processes, and staying humble in the face of uncertainty. 🌎🔥 David opens up about navigating the impacts of COVID-19, adapting to market changes, and his optimism for the growing international whiskey market. 🌍✨

Expect key takeaways on networking through organizations like YPO, embracing challenges, and the rewarding yet tough road of entrepreneurship. 💼🙌 If you're a whiskey enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this is your must-watch episode! 🥃🎧

🎉 Cheers to an inspiring journey filled with lessons, laughs, and a lot of whiskey wisdom! 🍻💡

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📢I talk🎙️with Erica Duecy about her foray into the beverage industry from a wonderful career at Conde Naste Publications. She now has The Business of Drinks Consulting and Podcast. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Sound Bites

"It's not just an email list anymore."
"We need to help raise up women leaders."
"Customization is a growing trend."

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/lB65un5P0Sg

Highlights include:
🍷 Authentic storytelling and branding.
📊 Data-driven marketing strategies for drinks professionals.
🌟 How wine brands can engage millennials and Gen Z consumers.
🥤 Exploring functional beverages, RTDs, and non-alcoholic trends.

Summary

🍷✨ Let’s dive into the ever-changing world of drinks, where journalism, data, and consumer trends collide! 🎙️ Erica takes us on her journey from studying anthropology to shaping stories as a journalist. She spills the tea (or wine!) on her publishing adventures and how she created SevenFifty Daily, the go-to trade publication for the drinks biz. 📰🍾

Erica and Jessie dig into all the juicy details: why authentic storytelling matters, how the wine industry is tackling big challenges, and why brands must keep up with the tastes of younger generations. 🥂🍇

They also chat about the coolest trends shaking up the industry—like innovative packaging, beverages tailored to you, and the rise of premium non-alcoholic options. 🥤✨ Plus, they highlight the power of mentorship for women in wine 🍷💪 and peek into the crystal ball for 2025, sharing how brands can stay ahead by planning smart and staying adaptable. 💡🌟

This convo is a must-listen for anyone thirsty for insight into the future of wine and beverages! 🥳📈

Batonnage Forum Advising Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow!
https://www.batonnageforum.com/

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📢I talk🎙️with Stephanie Bricken about her foray into creating a Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternative, Seraphim Social Beverage.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Seraphim are celestial beings that appear in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature. They are often depicted as having wings and serving as guardians of God's throne.

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/3Nxb4tWmX2g

🌟✨ Here's the Scoop! ✨🌟

🎤 I chat with Stephanie Bricken, founder & CEO of Seraphim Social Beverage, about her inspiring journey from fashion design to crafting non-alcoholic wine alternatives. 🍷❌ Stephanie spills the tea on meditation, travel, family, and trusting your instincts—showing how mindfulness connects to entrepreneurship. 🧘‍♀️🌍💡

🌿 Stephanie dives into her passion for holistic health and sustainability, highlighting the innovative ingredients in her blends and the energy behind her production process. 💚⚡ She uses a rare production process with crystals and music to add joy to each bottle. It's joy with every molecule and supported by science! She loves building a business that aligns with her values, and the rave reviews from customers keep her going! 🙌💬

🍹 We also explore the fun side of non-alcoholic beverages, with tasting tips, pairing ideas, and how these drinks elevate social experiences. Cheers to flavor, community, and a bright 2025 for their brand! 🥂✨

So much inspiration packed into one convo—worth a listen! 🎧🔥

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📢I talk🎙️with Julie Milroy, Erica Duecy, Caitlyn LuBell and Katharine Jerkens about the Beverage Industry Recap of 2024 in Part 2! We discuss 2024 Surprises and Outlook for 2025 in Part 2.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/UmlhEfTYOTU

Beer Distribution is Evolving

1. Beer Distributors moving into Wine, Spirits, RTD's & Sake Sales
2. Younger Consumers the base doesn't matter: Liquor, Malt, Wine
3. Moved past the Post Base world in 2024
   • Consumers are not beer, wine or liquor drinker (RTD's) drove that
4. RTD's Taking share from beer, #1 RTD is Gallo's High Noon
5. Sake - It is closer to beer than wine as it's brewed. 
6. Beer & RTD worlds continue to merge

Surprises of 2024

1. Companies Hiring Managers need to be open-minded and innovative about hiring
   • They say the #1 most important thing is people but have no hiring process
2. Marketing Opportunity for High Net-Worth Women
3. Wine RTD's Growing into 2030
4. How surprised we were no real forecasting in 2024 or into 2025
5. Alcohol companies haven't hit the mark in advertising to women
6. E-commerce only just a few years before COVID-19, and lots of growth
7. Compliance rules to know on DTC is challenging still figuring it out
8. Getting companies and brands into the Digital Game
9. 30% of the Marketing Budget should be on digital
10. Quick rise in CBD and THC's

Summary 

We discussed a shift towards alternative distribution models, particularly the growing influence of ready-to-drink (RTD) products. We emphasized the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning in order to succeed in a competitive market. 

We also discuss the importance of hiring practices, the potential of targeting high-net-worth women, and the necessity of digital transformation in the industry. 

We emphasize the need for experiential marketing to engage consumers and the surprising insights gained from their experiences in the field. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, focusing on emerging trends in e-commerce, the rise of non-alcoholic and functional beverages, and the impact of economic challenges. 

In 2025, we emphasize the importance of health and wellness in consumer choices and the need for brands to adapt to changing market dynamics. Additionally, we highlight the empowerment of women in the industry and the collaborative efforts to support each other in navigating these changes.

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📢I talk🎙️with Julie Milroy, Erica Duecy, Caitlyn LuBell and Katharine Jerkens about the Beverage Industry Recap of 2024 in Part 1! Next week we will discuss 2024 Surprises and Outlook for 2025 in Part 2.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

📽️ Watch on YouTube! 🎞️ https://youtu.be/nIHS6gXmr_A

I love this conversation. There is so much valuable content in this podcast! I was super stoked to gather these C-Suite Ladies from all around the industry to discuss 2024 and how 2024 was a reset year and evolving consumer culture around alcohol.

We end this episode with a tribute to Icon and Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver. She and her team have charted a road untaken with Uncle Nearest and she received nods of respect from our panelists. Congratulations Fawn on all your success with Uncle Nearest!

Some Major Talking Points:

2024 "A Reset Year"
1) A Start to a Major Correction (much like the post-financial crisis) 
2) Cultural Shift, Younger Consumers "Year of Flavors"
3) Price drop and margin but not seeing a volume increase 
4) Too many Brands and not enough Distributors
5) In Younger generations alcohol is culturally less important

And So many more topics uncovered!
*Raising Money Key to Starting a Brand
*Need $3-$5Mill to start a brand
*Stay Away from California!

Summary

Industry experts reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented in 2024. They explore cultural shifts in alcohol consumption, the impact of celebrity brands, and the complexities of distribution in a competitive market. 

The panelists share insights on consumer behavior, market trends, and the necessity for brands to adapt to changing dynamics. The conversation delves into the complexities of distribution in the spirits industry, highlighting the challenges faced by new brands and the evolving landscape post-pandemic. 

We discuss the rise of entrepreneurship, the importance of adequate funding, and the shift towards alternative distribution models, particularly the growing influence of ready-to-drink (RTD) products. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning in order to succeed in a competitive market.

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📢Hello Thirsty Thursdays' Peeps!! 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 

Happy Holiday Season. Yesterday was Christmas🎅 and today is the first day of Hanukkah✡️! New Years 🎇 is just around the corner!🥂 

I wanted to say thank you to all that were on the podcast and all those we are still in process to get on the podcast!

I reflect on a personally tough year, despite it being the YEAR OF THE DRAGON🐉  of which I was told that is a very sought after sign and is associated with success. Let's hope that comes true in 2025! 🙏   

My family had a rough year in 2024 so that was a challenge. However, the podcast is still continuing on strong and I have some great updates for 2025! 👏 😁 

I'm also for the first time announcing CrossRoads Solutions Hub. You can check it out here! https://innovatecrs.com/
 
I have a Sales Division and a Hub Division!

Sales: Military, Export, Cruiselines and Duty Free
Hub: Central "Hub" for businesses to use all data points to make better decisions faster. It's super cool and I cannot wait to tell you all about it.

So much exciting news to come in 2025! 💥👍 😊 

All The Best to You and Your Families & Have a Wonderful Holiday Season! 😘💫  

Jessie Ott

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📢I talk🎙️with   Ben Salisbury, President and Founder of Wine Sales Stimulator!  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁 Watch on YouTube!

My very first guest nearly 2 years ago! I will always be so grateful! Thank you, Ben!

Ben and his team help small to mid-sized companies navigate these difficult times via new methodologies and technologies. He shares his lifelong journey starting in the restaurant industry through exponential growth at Glazers and then his supplier days as VP of National Accounts for both Ste Michelle Wine Estates and Constellation Brands. These experiences gave him the skillset to start his own company, Salisbury Creative Group and his Wine Sales Stimulator course.  

Mentors
Don Pratt Glazers, Glen Yaffa, SMWE, Lattie Wise Seagrams & then VIBE
David Colmer (TGIFridays buyer), www.NancyFlorence.com

Paradigm Shift to Develop Scalable Skills for the Future of Growth
1. Digital Lead Generation, 2. Proper Use of Email Marketing, 3. Social Selling

Books Ben Recommends
Sales
Daniel Pink's To Sell is Human
Jeff Thull Mastering the Complex Sale
Tom Stanfill unReceptive
The Complete Guide to Accelerating Sales Force Performance

Time Management
Steven Covey The 7 Daily Habits
Tim Ferris The 4 Hour WorkWeek

Marketing
Donald Miller Building a Story Brand

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📢I talk🎙️with  Mara Smith, Founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

Mara is by far the most educated woman I've interviewed in our industry. She's not only a big Chicago law firm lawyer, she is also a CPA! 🎓🎓💃 🎇

She took the most amazing path from A to Z in building a tequila brand. If you want to build a brand, she's has an amazing path for you to follow!

She jumped all in from the beginning and entered and won WSWA's best tequila and mezcal category. She's well known in the Press, she even has a feature in Forbes. She's using PR to help promote her brand and has been on many TV news segments and podcasts. She's also very active in women-led initiatives helping other women.

We explore Mara's journey from a successful career in law and corporate strategy to entrepreneurship.  We talk about the importance of adaptability, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the evolving landscape of the beverage industry. She highlights the importance of quality, research, and innovative production methods, including the unique aging process in rosé wine barrels.

Entrepreneurs wanting to start a new brand must know the importance of hitting the 4 P's in today's market: Positioning, Product, Packaging, and Purpose. Also of note is the significance of packaging and branding in a crowded market. You're tequila MUST STAND APART to gain attention.

She shares her experiences, challenges, and insights as she navigated her career transitions and the inspiration behind her tequila brand. She has a strong commitment to creating a product that authentically caters to female consumers as 54% of the tequila market are women.

We then delve into the world of tequila, exploring unique flavors, food pairings, and the challenges of navigating the spirits industry as a newcomer.

Mara shares the importance of community and mentorship, and the hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs in securing funding and distribution. We end our time  discussing the future outlook for the spirits market and the balance of personal life and work as a founder.

I've never tasted anything like these tequilas. Plus they are Additive Free!

Luna Blanco
Rests in American Oak 1-2 weeks - very aromatic

Rosa Reposado
is the same blanco but goes straight into French  rose barrels 2 to 3 months
Has herbal vs citrus and unique berries. It has a lot of character and drink on ice.
Lighter than an aged repo and has mixed ages in the bottle.

Special Reserve Anejo
Offered online - Perfect Holiday Gift!🎁
Double Wine Barrel Aged Overproof at 44% ABV
Rose Barrels and then aged in Pinot Noir barrels

Congratulations Mara to you and your Inspirio Tequila team!🎉

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📢I talk🎙️with  Taylor Foxman, Founder and CEO of The Industry Collective.  👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

She is 40 UNDER 40 Beverage Alcohol VC Advisor, Rolling Stone Culture Committee Member and Entrepreneur Media Contributor.

Taylor takes us through her amazing journey about her career, why she didn’t get her MBA, her marriage, mentors and resources that have helped her get to where she is today. One mentor, in particular, helped her take the leap into the cannabis world as VP of Communications and Media, for Parallel, one of the largest privately-held cannabis companies in the US.

Taylor wakes up every morning and sets her intentions by writing down how thankful she is and the goals she wants in life. She manifests everything she wants and has found this process key to navigating her career and reaching her plans and purpose.

Currently, at The Industry Collective, she is a strategic advisor to CEOs of 40 beverage companies worldwide from the early stages through the late stage of growth. Her primary focus is working with beverage owners from underrepresented communities.

Taylor was an amazing guest with TONS of great advice and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thank you for listening and be sure subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!

Books 

Mark Manson, The Settle Art of Not Giving a F*UK
Robin Sharma The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
Sheryl Sandberg Lean In
Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People
Chris Voss, Never Split the Difference 

Other Recommended Resources

Calm for Meditation. Evernote to write down everything or you’ll forget! 

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📢I talk🎙️with Mika Shino Founder & CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies from Bethesda, MD. 👏🍷 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏 🥂  😁

If you haven't tried these yet, you are missing out. She shares her amazing story how a Whole Foods buyers' instincts kick-started this brand and how Mika with her PR philosophy landed her on the cover of Inc Magazine within two years as Inc Female Founder 2024!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 📽 🎞 
https://youtu.be/v-jW5OSs_sw

Summary

Mika Shino shares her journey from Kyoto, Japan, to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her brand, Issei Mochi Gummies. 

She discusses her cultural influences, experiences at the UN in Paris, France, and the challenges of creating a healthier candy option for children. Mika emphasizes the importance of food in brain development, the philosophy of jazz in business, and her commitment to customer engagement through personal touches in her branding.

The conversation highlights her dedication to quality and the continuous evolution of her product. In this engaging conversation, Mika shares her journey of launching a product with Whole Foods, the challenges of manufacturing, and the importance of building relationships in the industry. 

She discusses the pivotal moment at Expo West, her upcoming launches with Target, and the innovative flavors she is developing. Mika also opens up about the struggles of being a small business owner, the recognition she has received, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of starting without fear of failure.

AWARDS 2024
Inc. Magazine 2024 #2 Female Founders List
Most Innovative New Product 2024 Small Business Innovator
2024 Stevie Award Best Female Entrepreneur
World Food Innovation Award Best Snack 2024

#IsseiMochiGummies #fnbinnovation #ThirstyThursdays 

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