Unstoppable | A Conversation With Change Makers

What if the grocery store wasn’t just a place to shop — but an experience designed around quality, hospitality, and trust? On today’s episode, we welcome Marc Jonna, Co-Founder and President of Plum Market — the specialty grocery chain redefining what a premium food experience can be. A third-generation grocer, Marc grew up in the business, stepping into leadership of his family’s seven-store operation at just 19 before it was acquired by Whole Foods in 1998. After serving on Whole Foods’ national leadership team, Marc and his brother Matt set out to build something different — launching Plum Market in 2007 as a deliberate response to what they believed the industry was missing. Today, Plum Market has grown into a 35+ location business spanning grocery, airports, and foodservice, with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced products, chef-driven prepared foods made entirely from scratch, and a hospitality-first approach to retail. With a clear point of view — from defining “local” as within 350 miles to cu

On today’s episode, I welcome Pam Sherman, Author of the new book Play You: The Role of a Lifetime — Bridge the Believability Gap to Boost Confidence, Connection, and Impact. Pam is an actor, leadership consultant, and President of The ShermanEDGE who has spent her career helping leaders ignite audiences with who they truly are. A former lawyer turned professional actor — a transition profiled in People Magazine — Pam now works with Fortune 50 companies and global leadership organizations, including YPO, EO, and Vistage, guiding leaders to communicate with greater authenticity and impact. In Play You, Pam introduces the concept of the “Believability Gap” — the space between who we are and how we show up. Drawing on techniques from the stage, she reveals how acting tools can help leaders embody their core character more fully, strengthen confidence, and connect more powerfully with teams and audiences. The book challenges the common belief that authenticity alone is enough, showing instead that believability

What does it take to build a modern luxury brand — without outside funding — and still grow at triple-digit rates? On today’s episode, we welcome Kevin Keller, Co-Founder of Fulton & Roark — the American fine fragrance brand redefining how fragrance is designed, experienced, and sold. Launched in 2013 with just $11,000 and no outside investment, Kevin and his co-founder Allen Shafer set out to create products that felt more personal, practical, and modern — starting with their now-signature solid fragrance, a portable alternative to traditional sprays. Since then, Fulton & Roark has grown into a nationally distributed brand carried in hundreds of retail locations, including Neiman Marcus and luxury hotel properties, while maintaining a strong direct-to-consumer business that drives the majority of its sales. With thoughtful product expansion into extrait de parfum, grooming, and body care, the company has built a loyal following by staying disciplined in its approach to design, storytelling, and cus

On today’s episode, we welcome Jash Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of Pop & Bottle — a plant-based latte brand redefining what ready-to-drink coffee, matcha, and tea can look like when clean ingredients and real flavor come first. Inspired by California’s farm-to-table culture and a desire to eliminate mystery ingredients and refined sugars from her daily latte ritual, Jash began experimenting in her apartment with the goal of creating something better. What started as a personal solution has grown into a national brand carried by major retailers across the U.S. In this episode, Jash shares what it takes to build a clean-label beverage brand in an incredibly crowded category, why matcha is having such a moment, and how ingredient transparency builds lasting trust with consumers. We also talk about scaling without compromising values, innovating with functional ingredients, and how motherhood has shaped Jash’s leadership style and decision-making as a founder and CEO. A must-listen for founders, operators, a

On today’s episode, we welcome Robbie Salter, Co-Founder of Jupiter — the clinically proven, salon-grade scalp care brand redefining how dandruff is treated. What started as a personal frustration during an intense period of work stress led Robbie to discover that the dandruff category hadn’t meaningfully evolved in decades. Most products forced consumers to choose between efficacy and experience — outdated drugstore formulas that worked but felt embarrassing, or premium haircare that looked good but didn’t actually treat the condition. Jupiter was created to bridge that gap. Through extensive consumer research and early demand testing, Robbie and his Co-founder Ross Goodhart uncovered a major opportunity to modernize the category. They built Jupiter as a science-backed brand that treats dandruff at the root while also acknowledging the role lifestyle, stress, and environment play in scalp health. By combining clinically proven formulas with clean ingredients, elevated design, and stigma-breaking education,

On today’s episode, we welcome David Rabie, Founder and CEO of Tovala — the smart oven and chef-prepared meal service transforming how people cook and eat at home. What started as an idea while David was earning his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has grown into a category-defining business that combines food, software, and hardware to make fresh meals easier than ever. With a simple scan of a QR code, Tovala’s countertop smart oven automatically cooks chef-prepared meals using thousands of tested cook combinations — eliminating the need for planning, chopping, or cleanup. Inspired by the everyday challenge of finding time to cook fresh meals at home, David combined his passion for food and technology to build a completely new model for modern home cooking. Since launching in 2017, Tovala has sold more than 40 million meals nationwide and built one of the most loyal customer bases in the meal delivery category. By vertically integrating the oven, software, and food experience, the c

On today’s episode, we welcome Kahh Spence, Founder and CEO of Samir Grey — a luxury fragrance and personal care brand rooted in family, legacy, and emotional connection. After more than a decade shaping culture as a celebrity hairstylist and image architect for artists including Cardi B, Kelly Rowland, Normani, and Victoria Monét, Kahh stepped into a new chapter: building a brand of his own grounded in storytelling, representation, and self-expression. Samir Grey was born from something deeply personal. Inspired by the women who raised him, the brand redefines modern luxury as an accessible act of self-love — offering clean, vegan, cruelty-free fragrance and essentials designed to feel intimate, grounding, and enduring. What began as a creative vision evolved into a mission-driven company that uses scent as a tool for memory, identity, and empowerment — expanding beauty beyond aesthetics into emotional ritual. In this episode, Kahh shares what it takes to move from creative collaborator to founder and CEO,

On today’s episode, we welcome Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside — the premium gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand redefining what “clean” and “craft” mean in the spirits industry. Inspired by her mom Leah’s beloved gin, lemonade, and mint summer cooler, Meredith transformed a nostalgic family recipe into a fast-growing national brand. With a background in prestige beauty, she approached beverage the way few founders do — with precision around formulation, ingredient transparency, and sensory experience. The result is a 10% ABV cocktail made with certified organic, vegan, gluten-free ingredients, sweetened with 100% sugarcane, and crafted with a proprietary gin distilled in Vermont. Since launching in 2024, The Original Southside has expanded into 20+ markets and landed at retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine — all while building a bold, vintage-meets-modern brand identity that stands out on shelf and at major cultural events. In this episode, Meredith shares what it

On today’s episode, we welcome Lauren Stephens, Co-Founder of Dudley Stephens — the cult-favorite apparel brand redefining everyday essentials and making the turtleneck cool again. What began as a reimagined fleece silhouette has grown into a beloved, functional-yet-fashionable brand known for timeless design, versatility, and effortless polish. In this conversation, Lauren shares how focusing on one iconic piece helped build a loyal following, why simplicity can be a powerful differentiator in a crowded fashion market, and what it takes to scale thoughtfully without chasing trends. We talk about building a brand with family, balancing function and fashion, creating wardrobe staples that last, and how intentional storytelling can turn a single product into a movement. A thoughtful episode for founders, creatives, and anyone building something meant to stand the test of time.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Andy Freed, author of the new book Lead Like the Boss. With more than 30 years of experience leading organizations through growth and transformation, Andy has built his career around a powerful belief: communication isn’t just part of leadership — it is leadership. From coaching CEOs to guiding global coalitions — and serving as Chairman of the Board at Virtual, Inc. — Andy has seen firsthand that strategy succeeds or fails based on how well leaders communicate. In Lead Like the Boss, Andy challenges leaders to rethink how they show up in moments that matter. Drawing inspiration from Bruce Springsteen concerts and decades of executive experience, he introduces practical tools like the “Think, Feel, Do” framework — three questions every leader should answer before any meeting, presentation, or major change initiative. The book reframes leadership as performance — not in a theatrical sense, but in the intentional preparation, sequencing, and presence that shape how messages la

On today’s episode, we welcome Bobby Bitton, Co-Founder & CEO of O Positiv Health — the women’s wellness brand on a mission to turn taboo into mainstream conversation. Inspired by his sister’s struggle with severe PMS and backed by his training as a Stanford nutritionist, Bobby helped launch the first-ever PMS gummy and build what is now the #1 women’s health brand on Amazon, with over 25 million bottles sold. In our conversation, Bobby shares how O Positiv scaled from a bold DTC idea into a national retail powerhouse, why humor and authenticity can coexist with science and credibility, and what it takes to build trust in historically overlooked health categories. We also discuss the role of education and data in shaping modern health brands, sibling dynamics in business, and how tackling stigma can unlock both cultural and commercial impact. A powerful episode for founders, operators, and anyone passionate about building brands that truly serve.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Nayan Patel, Founder of Auro Wellness — the science-driven wellness and skincare brand centered on the power of topical glutathione, often called the body’s “master antioxidant.” A pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience in advanced biochemistry, Dr. Patel has dedicated his career to understanding how oxidative stress impacts the body and how to support cellular health more effectively. In this conversation, we explore why glutathione plays such a critical role in detoxification, energy, and healthy aging — and why traditional delivery methods often fall short. Dr. Patel shares the science behind Auro’s patented antioxidant delivery system, how topical application can improve absorption, and why internal health and external beauty are deeply connected. We also discuss misconceptions around detox, the future of longevity science, and what it takes to build a brand rooted in rigorous research. A thoughtful episode for anyone interested in cellular health, innovation,

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Vy Nguyen, Co-CEO of Avocado Green Brands and Founder of Brentwood Home — a leader building one of the most recognized names in organic, non-toxic mattresses and sustainable home goods. Vy’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he launched Brentwood Home with his own capital, focused on wellness, craftsmanship, and vertical integration. In 2018, he helped bring Brentwood Home together with Avocado to form Avocado Green Brands — creating a unified company built around transparency, long-term thinking, and products designed to be better for people and the planet. Today, Avocado has become a trusted name for consumers seeking healthier homes without compromising on quality or growth. In this episode, Vy shares what it really takes to operationalize sustainability at scale, how to build long-term trust with consumers, and why mission must live beyond marketing and inside every department. From leadership structure to supply chain decisions, this conversation is a thoughtf

On today’s episode, we welcome Sunny Beutler, CEO of Sunrider International — the global wellness company founded by her parents in 1982 and known as the Original Herbal Wellness & Beauty Experts. After beginning her career in law, Sunny stepped into the family business and now leads the 40+ year-old brand as it blends ancient Eastern herbal traditions with modern Western science across nearly 50 countries. In this episode, Sunny shares what it takes to re-energize a legacy company while honoring its roots, how she balances family dynamics in business, and why holistic wellness is more relevant than ever. We also discuss leadership, motherhood, cultural heritage, and scaling with integrity. A meaningful conversation for founders, next-generation leaders, and anyone navigating legacy and reinvention.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also

On today’s episode, we welcome Hannah Barnstable, CEO & Co-Founder of Seven Sundays — the certified B Corp breakfast brand on a mission to flip the cereal aisle on its head. What began as a farmer’s market side hustle after Hannah left her investment banking career has grown into one of the largest natural cereal brands in the U.S., now found in Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco, Target, and more. Inspired by a honeymoon discovery of real muesli in New Zealand, Hannah set out to prove that breakfast could be made with 100% real ingredients — no refined sugars, artificial flavors, dyes, preservatives, GMOs, or glyphosate. In this conversation, we talk about building a mission-driven CPG brand from scratch, pioneering upcycled ingredients in cereal, scaling sustainably, and redefining what the American morning routine can look like. A thoughtful episode for founders, operators, and anyone passionate about real food, better systems, and building brands with purpose.   Are you interested in sponsoring and adverti

On today’s episode, we welcome Thomas Bowman, Co-Founder & CEO of Eclipse Foods — the plant-based dairy company built on one bold idea: replicate real dairy, don’t compromise on it. A classically trained chef who worked in 16 Michelin-starred kitchens before moving into food innovation, Thomas brings culinary precision and food science together to create non-dairy products that truly match the taste, texture, and functionality of conventional dairy. In this conversation, Thomas shares his journey from fine dining to leading R&D at JUST, where he helped bring products like JUST Mayo to market, and how those lessons shaped Eclipse from day one. We talk about the “replication, not alternative” philosophy, the science behind building dairy without the cow, scaling disruptive food products, and what it really takes to change consumer behavior in a legacy category. A must-listen for founders, food innovators, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable dairy.   Are you interested in sponsoring and a

On today’s episode, we welcome Lucia Smigel, CEO & Co-Founder of Supersmile — the pioneering oral care brand she built alongside her late husband, Dr. Irwin Smigel, known as the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry.” What began with a clinical breakthrough in tooth bonding evolved into a global brand built on one core belief: the mouth is the gateway to total health. Lucia shares how a personal observation — that traditional toothpaste was too abrasive for bonded teeth — led to the creation of Calprox®, a patented, non-abrasive whitening formula that changed the category. We talk about building a brand from science, leading in a male-dominated industry, stepping fully into CEO after loss, and carrying forward a multi-generational, women-led legacy. A powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and building something meant to last.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at 

On today’s episode, we welcome Kailey Bradt, CEO of Sonsie — the clean, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare brand redefining mindful beauty through high-performance essentials rooted in simplicity and self-acceptance. A chemical engineer and former beauty founder, Kailey represents a new generation of leaders bringing technical rigor, sustainability, and product-first thinking to an industry often driven by hype. In this episode, Kailey shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship to CEO, what she had to unlearn transitioning from founder to leader, and how she’s helping build a slower, more intentional beauty brand. We talk about translating authenticity into formulation, raising the bar on sustainability with compostable packaging, and leading with credibility in a high-visibility space. A thoughtful conversation for founders, operators, and anyone building brands grounded in integrity and innovation.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the To

On today’s episode, we welcome Steve Weiss, CEO and Co-Founder of Snakkidz — a fast-growing brand on a mission to make healthier snacking easier and more accessible for families. With allergen-free, low-sugar snacks made from organic ingredients and no seed oils, Snakkidz is helping redefine what parents can expect from the snack aisle. Driven by a passion for food literacy, Steve built Snakkidz to give parents more confidence in what they’re feeding their kids — proving that convenience and nutrition don’t have to be a trade-off. As the brand continues to grow nationwide, its focus remains simple: create snacks families can trust. In this episode, Steve shares why he started Snakkidz, the lessons he’s learned as a founder, and what it takes to stand out in a crowded category. We discuss navigating food labels, the evolving definition of “healthy,” and how brands can better support modern families. A great conversation for founders, parents, and anyone interested in building products that solve real everyda

On today’s episode, we welcome Krissy Cela, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Oner Active and Founder of EvolveYou — a global fitness brand built to help women feel strong, confident, and supported in their bodies. What began as Krissy’s personal frustration with finding functional, flattering activewear for women who lift has grown into one of the fastest-growing fitness brands in the world, built entirely from the ground up and fueled by a deeply engaged community. Krissy shares how she built Oner Active without outside funding by staying hyper-connected to her audience and designing products that solve real needs. We talk about building a brand by women, for women in a male-dominated industry, why community has been the brand’s greatest growth driver, and how authenticity and purpose can scale alongside profitability. Krissy also opens up about expanding the brand ecosystem through EvolveYou, advocating for women’s health, and redefining what strength looks like — both in fitness and in leadership. Thi