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 takes to break into a heavily regulated, traditionally male-dominated industry, how she defines “premium” in today’s ingredient-conscious world, and the lessons she’s learned scaling quickly without compromising quality. From retail strategy to brand storytelling to mindful drinking, this conversation is a masterclass in turning personal inspiration into a polished, high-growth consumer brand.
If you’re interested in the future of mindful drinking, building mission-driven companies, or how founders successfully reinvent themselves, this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

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 find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Meredith Mills-Merritt and The Original Southside:
https://www.drinksouthsides.com
https://www.instagram.com/drinksouthsides/
https://www.instagram.com/meredithleahmerritt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithleahmills/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/theoriginalsouthside/

Sponsored By:

AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

RULA - Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/822

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 world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Lauren Stephens and Dudley Stephens:
https://www.dudleystephens.com
https://www.instagram.com/laurendudleystephens/
https://www.instagram.com/dudleystephens/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dudley-stephens/

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/821

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 land.
In this episode, Andy shares why leaders underestimate the communication risk of change, how different “flavors” of change require different messaging strategies, and why technology has made communication easier — but often less effective. We discuss the power of recognition, the importance of planning communication like a setlist, and how small, intentional interactions can dramatically shift engagement and alignment inside organizations.

Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or simply trying to show up with more clarity and impact, this conversation offers actionable insight into how communication can elevate performance at every level. Don’t miss it!

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 find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Andy Freed and Lead Like the Boss:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfreed/
https://www.instagram.com/afreed29/

Sponsored By:

AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Quince - Go to Quince.com/karagoldin for free shipping and 365-day returns

Gruns - Save up to 52% off with code GOLDIN at Gruns.co

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/820