Podcast
Dear Citrus Diaries
Hosted by Lauren Hodgen · EN
Each episode, I'll sit down with inspiring founders + creatives who are making waves in the CPG food and beverage world. From innovative entrepreneurs to trailblazing executives to game changing creatives, we delve into their stories and who they are outside of their title. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the insights you need to succeed in the kitchen and your career.
@citrusdiaries.studio | citrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.com
39episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Elisabeth and Gina Galvin, Co-Founder of Stellar Snacks
1w ago00:35:42Tap to summarizeFounded in 2019 by mother-daughter duo Elisabeth and Gina Galvin, Stellar Snacks is the only women-owned pretzel manufacturer in the U.S. Baking pretzels from scratch daily, the brand combines artisanal craftsmanship with bold, chef-inspired flavors like Maui Monk, French Dijon, Bold & Herby, and Cinnamon Dolce.After struggling to find a pretzel manufacturer that met her standards, Elisabeth, a French food entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, partnered with her daughter to build their own bakery. Today, Stellar Pretzel Braids are vegan, non-GMO, kosher, and free from artificial flavors and top allergens, while the brand’s Artist Program showcases emerging artists on its packaging. Stellar pretzels are now enjoyed by millions of airline passengers and sold in over 7,000 retailers nationwide, including Target, Whole Foods, and Costco.IG stellar_snacks | stellarsnacks.comUse code CITRUS for 15% offFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Brit Obenauer, Founder of Home Ec
2w ago00:29:34Tap to summarizeHome Ec is a modern take on home economics, built on the belief that cooking is a life skill, not a performance. Through live, chef-led virtual classes, Home Ec helps people feel more confident and at ease in their own kitchens. Founded by Brit Obenauer, the experience is human and interactive—more like cooking alongside a friend than watching a tutorial. At its core, Home Ec is about connection, confidence, and bringing intention back to everyday cooking.IG homeec.co | homeec.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Sarah Galletti, Founder of Tattooed Chef
3w ago00:24:21Tap to summarizeSarah Galletti is the founder and creative force behind Tattooed Chef, a better-for-you food and lifestyle brand shaped by her Italian heritage and years of creative exploration. In 2017, all of her creative and culinary experience culminated with the launch of Tattooed Chef. Today, the brand produces from its facility in Italy, sourcing ingredients directly from contracted fields. Sarah’s goal remains clear: create food that tastes good, feels good, and brings people together.IG tattooedcheffoods | tattooedchef.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Lesia Dallimore, Senior Vice President of Brand & Marketing at Seremoni
3w ago00:42:02Tap to summarizeLesia Dallimore is a brand marketing executive and creative strategist known for building culturally relevant consumer brands at the intersection of food, wellness, and lifestyle. As Senior Vice President of Brand & Marketing at Seremoni, her track record of brand building, marketing strategy, and premium food retail informs their brand strategy, storytelling, partnerships, and creative direction. Seremoni Fish sets a new standard and philosophy for the very best fish. Delivering Michelin-quality wild-caught fish directly from boat to plate, the brand’s proprietary handling enhances flavor, texture and shelf life. Seremoni Grade seafood is served by top restaurants across the country like Atomix, Sushi Zo, Restaurant Daniel, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Clover Hill, Rosella, Café Carmellini and Kato and available at select grocery stores including Wegmans and FreshDirect.Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Alysa Seeland, Founder & CEO of FOND Regenerative
Jul 700:42:46Tap to summarizeAlysa Seeland is the founder and CEO of FOND Regenerative, which she started in 2015 following a life-changing personal health journey. Today, she is on a mission to support generational health through time-honored, nutrient-dense foods designed for sipping, snacking, and cooking.FOND Regenerative began as a farmers market stand, where Alysa frequently sold out even in the Texas summer heat. From there, the brand expanded into online sales and independent retail, before scaling into major grocery chains beginning in 2021. Today, FOND offers a growing portfolio of regenerative, handcrafted pantry staples, including bone broths, animal fats, and demi-glace, with plans to expand further as a foundational foods brand.In addition to leading FOND, Alysa is a busy mom of six sons. Her family lives in San Antonio, Texas, where you can often find Alysa tending to her garden and cooking wholesome meals. IG fondregenerative | fondregenerative.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Nikki Seaman, Founder of Freestyle Snacks
Jun 3000:27:47Tap to summarizeFreestyle is a woman-founded snack brand on a mission to reinvent savory snacking. Founded by Nikki Seaman, the company transforms premium olives and pickles into convenient, mess-free snacks with bold flavors and modern packaging designed for life on the go. What began as a better way to enjoy olives has evolved into a rapidly growing CPG brand that’s challenging expectations around an overlooked grocery category. By combining high-quality ingredients with thoughtful design and convenience, Freestyle is making healthy, craveable snacking easier than ever.IG freestylesnacking | freestylesnacking.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Steven Shonts, Founder of The Hermit
Jun 2300:37:24Tap to summarizeSteven is a reformed data scientist who decided to search for the perfect protein source, one that was both sustainable, abundant, and highly nutritious.The Hermit makes a one-of-a-kind calamari jerky product using American wild caught squid. With 31g of protein and zero sugar in a bag, plus all the nutritional benefits of seafood, it’s been delighting seafood lovers since its launch in June.IG thehermitsquid | thehermit.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Andrew Thomas, SVP Marketing at Archer Meat Snacks
Jun 1600:25:19Tap to summarizeAndrew Thomas is a seasoned CPG marketing executive whose career spans nearly two decades across challenger brands and global industry leaders. Archer is one of the fastest-growing meat snack brands in the U.S., redefining the category with clean-label, high-protein snacks made from real ingredients, without any fillers or junk. Available in multiple snacking formats from mini meat sticks to jerky, Archer was founded in 2011 by Eugene Kang, who has since grown the business 35.9% year-over-year, significantly outpacing the category, with the brand now on track to exceed half a billion in sales in 2026. Available in more than 30,000 retail locations nationwide, Archer continues to expand its footprint and scale production to meet surging demand.IG archerjerky | archerjerky.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Felicity Chen, Founder of DOU
Jun 900:34:56Tap to summarizeFelicity Chen is a third-generation sauce maker who grew up inside her family’s food factory. While other kids learned multiplication tables, she learned production schedules. While others smelled like detergent, she smelled like spice.She founded DOU to make Chinese pantry staples the way they’re meant to be: slowly, deliberately, and without chasing trends. Based in Northern California, Felicity works directly with her family’s original factories, treating them not as a backstory but as the core system. DOU is a lifestyle brand grounded in real craft, built around how people actually cook, eat, and live.IG eatdou | shop on AmazonFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Rachel Krupa, Founder of The Goods Mart
Jun 800:28:11Tap to summarizeFounded by Rachel Krupa, 20-year veteran in the CPG space, in 2018, The Goods Mart was an early voice in disrupting what “convenience” could look like, ahead of the recent wave of curated grocery. From the beginning, everything on the shelves has been non-GMO and made without artificial flavors, but beyond that, Rachel curates with a more real-life lens. The result is a store full of emerging brands, with The Goods Mart often acting as a first retail launchpad, giving small brands early visibility and a direct line to consumers before they scale to a more national audience.IG thegoodsmart | thegoodsmart.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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