Diana Fryc is the Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Voodoo Brands, a leading brand strategy and consulting firm helping food, beverage, and wellness brands rise above the noise and drive impact. Under her leadership, Voodoo Brands has guided Fortune 500 corporations and startups through major growth challenges while expanding its strategic services. Diana also serves as Chairperson and President of Naturally Seattle, championing the growth of the Pacific Northwest's natural products community, and hosts Gooder Podcast.

In today's crowded food and beverage landscape, standing out isn't just about having a great product. It's about clarity, purpose, and connection. How do brands cut through the noise, build trust, and design packaging that not only looks good but actually sells?

Brand strategist and marketing leader Diana Fryc believes that lasting success comes from aligning strategy, design, and mission. She highlights how Voodoo Brands evolved beyond design into a full-service strategy and insights powerhouse, helping companies grow through thoughtful research, authentic storytelling, and smart commercial planning. Diana explains that "good design" isn't just beautiful — it's functional, emotional, and continues working long after purchase. By marrying aesthetic appeal with clarity and purpose, brands create long-term loyalty and cultural impact.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Diana Fryc, Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Voodoo Brands, to discuss brand evolution, good design, and consumer connection. They explore the rise of better-for-you products, the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions, and why alt-channel strategies matter. Diana also shares her excitement for Seattle's evolving food scene and, of course, her passion for great cheese.

Syed Khaleque and Amer Khaleque are the Co-founders of Auntie Rana's, a modern food brand inspired by their family's Bangladeshi heritage and their mother's homemade recipes. Together, they're reimagining traditional South Asian condiments and flavors for today's kitchens, blending authenticity with innovation. Their all-natural, preservative-free sauces have been featured by chefs and creators who champion clean, global flavors. Through Auntie Rana's, the brothers are building a purpose-driven brand that gives back — donating 5% of profits to animal and community causes while celebrating love, legacy, and the joy of eating well.

From family kitchens filled with spice and warmth to the shelves of modern grocery stores, the journey of bringing authentic cultural flavors to new audiences is never easy. How do entrepreneurs preserve tradition while appealing to a global market that's constantly evolving?

According to Syed Khaleque and Amer Khaleque, a pair of passionate founders rooted in Bangladeshi heritage, it starts with authenticity and heart. They explain that Auntie Rana's was born from their mother's recipes and their desire to modernize traditional South Asian condiments for today's pantry. They highlight the importance of quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and branding that welcomes every culture to the table. Their approach fuses deep respect for family and culture with a clear-eyed business strategy, proving that food can connect people across continents and generations.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Syed Khaleque and Amer Khaleque, Co-founders of Auntie Rana's, to discuss how they transformed homemade recipes into a purpose-driven food brand. They explore the story behind the Naga chili, how their marketing blends authenticity with innovation, and why wildlife conservation is central to their mission. Syed and Amer also share how family values shape their vision for community and connection through food.

Duncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, an award-winning, top-ranked agency that helps founders of mission-driven food and beverage brands grow their businesses and connect with their audiences through social media marketing. Duncan has worked in marketing for 30 years and brings his expertise in engaging with clients and rebuilding brands to each project. He has worked with top brands, including Netflix, Fiji Water, and Sony. Duncan is also the host of the Firebelly Social Show, a podcast featuring leaders and top entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space who are on a mission to make the world a better place.

From plant-based milks to non-alcoholic drinks, the food and beverage world is being reshaped by bold entrepreneurs. Consumers crave healthier options and authentic stories while still demanding great taste and convenience. Can brands meet these expectations and stay ahead of fast-moving trends in 2025 and beyond?

Duncan Alney, Founder of Firebelly Marketing, sits down with industry pioneers to explore how purpose-driven innovation is redefining what we drink and eat. They look at the rise of discovery boxes that spotlight new products, the booming non-alcoholic movement, and the strategies behind building trusted plant-based brands. The conversation reveals how these leaders balance growth, authenticity, and consumer health in an evolving market.

In this special compilation episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Jordan Buckner, Brooks Addington, Matt Oscamou, and Matt McLean share their insights and stories. Tune in to learn how they are shaping the future of food and beverage and inspiring the next wave of industry innovation.