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
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Alysa Seeland, Founder & CEO of FOND Regenerative
2w ago00:42:46Tap 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
3w ago00:27:47Tap 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
4w ago00:37:24Tap 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
Transcribe →Caroline Foulk, Co-Founder & CEO of Beer Girl
Jun 200:28:54Tap to summarizeCaroline Foulk’s background is rooted in storytelling. She studied Narrative Writing at the University of Southern California and built an early career in music, touring nationally with artists including Kyle, The Isley Brothers, and Marc E. BassyCaroline joined her family as they launched Wagon Wheel Brewing Company, initially expecting the role to be temporary. Instead, she found herself deeply immersed in the beer business—six years later, she remains firmly planted in the industry.As the brewery was developed, Caroline recognized the need to strengthen her financial and operational expertise. Once operational, she helped scale the business day-to-day, and it was during this period that the idea for Beer Girl was born—combining her background in storytelling, brand building, and inclusive culture with a modern, better-for-you approach to beer.IG drinkbeergirl | drinkbeergirl.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Cygne Cooper, George Youmans, and Evan Quinn of Hiyo
May 1900:28:49Tap to summarizeHiyo is an organic social tonic designed to elevate how people connect — bringing more joy, more presence, and more feel-good energy to every moment. Founded in 2021 in Venice, California, Hiyo was inspired by the desire to celebrate with intention and enjoy the social rituals people love, without compromise.Made with a proprietary blend of adaptogens, nootropics, and botanical ingredients, Hiyo delivers its signature mood-boosting “float” effect — offering stress relief and elevated social energy, without alcohol.IG drinkhiyo | drinkhiyo.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Anabel González of Good Bacteria
May 500:26:23Tap to summarizeGood Bacteria was born out of founder Anabel Gonzalez’s transformative post-partum journey. Following the birth of her son she suffered from post-partum depression, isolation and paranoia.Good Bacteria is a first-of-its kind rotating symbiotic system, created by scientists, designed to rewild the gut. Inspired by the diverse microbial inputs of nature, the system introduces a new formulation each week — clinically studied probiotic strains paired with three types of diverse prebiotic fibers and a postbiotic — designed to expand microbial diversity, strengthen gut barrier integrity, and build resilience across the whole body. IG itsgoodbacteria | itsgoodbacteria.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
Transcribe →Jane Ablaza, Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Partnerships at Once Upon a Farm
Apr 2800:23:09Tap to summarizeAs the Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Partnerships at Once Upon a Farm, Jane leads the brand’s storytelling and public outreach initiatives with vision and heart — overseeing, brand partnerships, cause marketing, influencer programs, and events. Over her seven-year journey at Once Upon a Farm, she has played a pivotal role in elevating the brand’s presence as a purpose-driven powerhouse through creative campaigns, IRL brand experiences and mission-led collaborations that champion and celebrate better nutrition and wellness for all families.IG onceuponafarm | onceuponafarmorganics.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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