In this episode, I’m joined by Brock Giles, founder of High Mesa Chile Co.—a modern Southwest kitchen crafting small-batch sauces, condiments, and cocktail mixers inspired by the bold flavor of flame-roasted chiles. Brock’s brand is rooted in a deep love for flame-roasted chiles and a passion for turning regional ingredients into shelf-worthy staples that elevate everyday meals.

Inside the Episode

• How Brock turned his obsession with flame-roasted chiles into a growing line of Southwest-inspired pantry staples

• How the brand has evolved to cocktail mixers, hot sauces, braising sauces, mustards, pickled items, and other spicy condiments

• Advice for makers transitioning from farmers markets into wholesale and retail

This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Cornish, founder of Froot Thief—the bold, better-for-you fruit snack brand, now one of the fastest-growing fruit snack brands across the United States. With over 20 years in the food industry, Jonathan has developed products for major retailers—but launched Froot Thief to shake up the fruit snack aisle with clean ingredients, a playful identity, and a mission to win over both kids and parents.

Inside the Episode

• How Jonathan’s background in food product development shaped Froot Thief

• The strategy behind building a snack brand that’s fun for kids, trusted by parents, and built to scale

• Advice for CPG founders launching in competitive categories

This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.

In this episode, I’m joined by Victor Guardiola, founder of Bawi—a better-for-you sparkling agua fresca brand inspired by his Mexican roots. Victor grew up drinking aguas frescas made with fresh fruit and a lot of sugar. When he couldn’t find a version that honored the tradition but felt better for the body, he created one himself.

Bawi is a love letter to culture and community—crafted with real ingredients, bold flavor, and a fresh take on a nostalgic classic. Through the brand, Victor is not only sharing a drink he grew up loving—he’s helping reshape the narrative around what Latino-inspired beverages can be in today’s market.

Inside the episode

• How Victor’s upbringing and heritage inspired him to launch a better-for-you version of a beloved drink

• The strategy behind balancing authenticity and health while bringing aguas frescas to a broader audience

• Advice for founders navigating identity, storytelling, and product innovation

This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.