My Food Job Rocks!

In this conversation, Felice Thorpe, founder of Felice Foods, shares her extensive experience in the food industry, particularly in dairy and cheese. She discusses her approach to influencer marketing, the importance of brand positioning, and the unique challenges faced by both small and large food brands. Felice emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer expectations and market trends, while also providing insights into the current state of the dairy industry. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of niche expertise and passion in achieving success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam and Robert Mulligan discuss Robert's journey in the food science industry, touching on his educational background, various roles in manufacturing, consulting, and product development, particularly at Keurig and Motif FoodWorks. They explore the challenges and innovations in food tech, the importance of sensory analysis, and the impact of good coworkers on job satisfaction. Robert shares insights on flavor science and the current state of the food tech industry, reflecting on his experiences and the lessons learned throughout his career. Adam and Robert explore the evolving landscape of food tech, the challenges of navigating layoffs, and the importance of effective resume writing. They discuss the dynamics of Spindrift, the role of sensory experience in food products, and how improv can enhance professional life. The conversation also touches on the social aspects of Dungeons and Dragons as a means of building friendships and the value of embracing silliness in both personal and professional settings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jia Liao, founder of Hot Pot Queen, shares her journey of launching her food brand, which is rooted in her family's legacy. She discusses the challenges of manufacturing and shipping products from China to the U.S., including navigating tariffs and customs. Jia emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her products and the need for transparency in business operations. She also shares her experience of starting a YouTube channel to document her entrepreneurial journey and connect with her audience. Jia shares her journey as an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building her brand, Hot Pot Queen, in the competitive CPG market. She discusses the importance of community, personal branding, and innovative marketing strategies while balancing family life. Jia emphasizes the value of feedback and the role of trade shows in growing her business, all while maintaining a positive outlook despite the hurdles posed by tariffs and market dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Du, SVP of operations and co-founder of Apeel Sciences, shares her journey from a high school chemistry enthusiast to a leader in food preservation technology. She discusses her academic background in engineering chemistry, her research experiences, and the innovative solutions her team is developing to combat food waste. The conversation delves into the science behind their plant-based coating technology, which mimics the natural protective layers of fruits and vegetables, and highlights the urgent need to address the global food waste crisis. We then discuss Apeel's journey in the food industry, focusing on sustainable materials and innovations in food preservation. She highlights the importance of food in our lives, the challenges faced in building a market for sustainable products, and the need for consumer education. The discussion also covers the impact of Apeel on supply chains and future directions for the company, including the development of plant-based alternatives to traditional pesticides. Jenny offers advice for aspiring professionals in the food industry, emphasizing the diverse skills needed to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Adam Yee interviews David Ziskind, managing partner at Mack Global Advisors, focusing on the intricacies of building food and beverage facilities. David shares his journey into the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding facility infrastructure, sanitary design, and the differences between brownfield and greenfield projects. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of construction, explaining CAPEX and OPEX, and discusses the challenges faced in the food tech sector, particularly regarding capital expenditures and operational costs. In this conversation, David Ziskind discusses the complexities of facility design and expansion in the food manufacturing industry. He explores the decision-making process between operating expenses (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX), the impact of tariffs on construction costs, and the importance of workforce training and development incentives. Ziskind also provides a step-by-step guide to building a factory, emphasizing the significance of understanding costs, location considerations, and the benefits of food parks. He shares insights on gaining industry knowledge and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Matt DiLeo, VP of R&D at LO Life Systems, discusses his journey in plant biotechnology, the importance of plant pathology, and the role of genetic engineering in food production. He shares insights on the startup culture in biotechnology, the transition from academia to industry, and the innovative approaches ELO Life Systems is taking in molecular farming to produce natural sweeteners. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the ag biotech sector and the significance of sustainable food production. Adam and Matt DiLeo explore the fascinating world of sweeteners, particularly monk fruit and stevia, and the methods of molecular farming and precision fermentation. They discuss the complexities of growing and testing plants, the intersection of genetic engineering and consumer preferences, and the role of plant scientists in agriculture. The conversation also delves into sustainable practices in agriculture, the potential of co-products, and innovative future ideas for molecular farming. Matt shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the field, emphasizing the importance of informational interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Adam and Alex Wendling delve into the intricacies of the flavor industry, exploring Alex's journey into flavor development, the art and science behind creating flavors, and the challenges of managing supply chains. They discuss the shift from traditional food products to supplements, the competitive landscape of flavor houses, and the increasing regulatory demands in the industry. Alex shares insights on the excitement of working in a constantly evolving field and the importance of supporting smaller brands in their growth. In this conversation, Alex Wendling discusses the current market trends in food manufacturing, particularly the shift towards onshoring production in the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of strategic contracting to stabilize pricing and manage supply chain risks. We also cover forecasting demand for ingredients, building supplier networks, and navigating regulatory changes in the flavor industry. Alex highlights the need for education and resources in flavor science, sharing insights on how to better understand and engage with the industry. Alex’s Linkedin:  Alex Wendling - President - Custom Flavors | LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Adam Yee has he chats with Andrew Zimmern about his career, advice on trying new food and about his new show, Wild Game! Adam then talks about his sabbatical and the food in 9 different countries. Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef,writer and passionate global citizen. As the creator, executive producer and host of the Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, MSNBC’s What’s Eating America, the Emmy-nominated Family Dinner, Outdoor Channel’s Wild Game Kitchen and Field to Fire, and the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. - Links on where to find Andrew Zimmern Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Atchison, CEO of Puris Holdings, shares her journey in the food industry, focusing on the evolution of Puris from a seed breeding company to a leader in pea protein production. She discusses the importance of innovation in overcoming taste challenges associated with pea protein and delves into the complexities of the global supply chain and trade dynamics affecting the pea market. In this conversation, Nicole discusses the evolving landscape of the pea market, particularly focusing on the impact of tariffs and trade flows. She explains the complexities of anti-dumping measures and their implications for American manufacturers. The discussion also highlights the challenges and opportunities within modern manufacturing, emphasizing the need for innovation and the potential for career growth in this sector. Nicole shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing parallels between sports and business perseverance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Cooney shares his journey from a journalism major to becoming a managing partner at Lever VC, discussing his diverse career in nonprofit work focused on animal advocacy and the transition to food technology. He elaborates on the establishment of Lever VC and Lever Foundation, their missions, and the impact they aim to create in the food and agriculture sectors. Nick also addresses current trends in food tech, the challenges faced in the market, and his insights on investment strategies. Additionally, he introduces his new book, 'What We Don't Do,' which emphasizes the importance of action in creating positive change. In this conversation, Nick Cooney discusses the ethical implications of inaction in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of giving and the impact it can have on reducing suffering. He explores motivations behind charitable actions, the illusion of scarcity, and the influence of consumerism on happiness. Cooney also addresses the role of public figures as role models in philanthropy and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards making a difference in the world.Where to find Nick https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcooney1/ https://www.amazon.com/What-We-Dont-Do-Suffering/dp/B0DBGC8V99 Nick Cooney is the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Lever VC and the author of What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More (Regalo Press, 2025). His work has been covered in hundreds of media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, TIME, the Los Angeles Times, NBC, Forbes, and similar. Nick is also the founder and board chair of Lever Foundation, a non-profit focused on advancing a humane and sustainable food system, and previously founded and co-founded the non-profits The Humane League and the Good Food Institute. He is the author of several previous books on how to effectively carry out charity work, including How to Be Great at Doing Good and Change of Heart, and advises on philanthropic giving. He lives in the greater New York City region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices