Cracking the Egg Marketing Code With Ed Hoffman
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce talks with Ed Hoffman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the American Egg Board, about cracking the egg marketing code. Ed explores audience targeting, creator partnerships, and campaigns that increase consumption. He also touches on immersive media, AI, measurement, and career self-advocacy.
Redefining Hydration and Clean Beverage Innovation With Jordan Pilosof
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce sits down with Jordan Pilosof, Co-founder of SaltWater Co., to discuss clean hydration and functional beverage innovation. Jordan shares how athletics shaped the brand, why sampling drives adoption, and how clean positioning helps products stand out. He also touches on co-packing, AI in CPG, and finding the right partners to scale.
Launching a Unique Wellness Product in Today’s Market With Sara Couch
Sara Couch shares how Splendor Water grew from a family story into a wellness brand, scaling from DTC to retail with smart strategy decisions.
Future-Proofing Creator Businesses With Laurie Buckle
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce talks with Laurie Buckle, Founder and CEO of CookIt Media, about future-proofing creator businesses. Laurie explains how creators can diversify beyond brand deals, why authentic content outlasts algorithm changes, and how long-term partnerships benefit brands and creators. She also touches on AI, in-person relationships, and emerging food and supplement trends.
Unlocking Growth Through Strategic Branding and Design With Fred Hart
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce is joined by Fred Hart, Brand and Design Consultant at Hart Brands, to discuss unlocking growth through strategic branding and design. Fred covers how design fuels each stage of growth, why retail context matters, and how simplification strengthens brand communication. He also shares insights on research, AI, naming, and building brands with room to evolve.
The Four C’s of Brand Growth With Jake Ahles
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce chats with Jake Ahles, Founder and Creative Director of Morel Creative, to discuss why cohesive storytelling drives brand growth. Jake shares insights on the Four C’s framework, how to avoid common brand mistakes, and strategies for connecting with buyers and consumers. He also touches on using AI thoughtfully and auditing content to refine messaging.
Proven Marketing Strategies for Food and Beverage Brands With CJ Bruce
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss scaling food brands through data-driven marketing. He explains how marketing audits and competitor analysis shape strategy, why micro-influencers often outperform larger creators, and how storytelling and performance marketing work together to drive growth. CJ also talks about using AI to streamline marketing workflows and unlock new creative opportunities.
Building Resilient Brands, Not Hype Unicorns With WavenDean Fernandes
WavenDean Fernandes shares how CPG founders can build resilient brands through human connection, packaging, product taste, and purpose.
Building An Authentic, Resilient Food Brand From Scratch With Sonya Patel
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce is joined by Sonya Patel, Founder of PUR Spices, to discuss building an authentic and resilient food brand from the ground up. Sonya explores the realities behind scaling in CPG, navigating Amazon versus retail, and staying grounded in your non-negotiables. She also shares advice on pivoting through supply chain challenges and staying true to your brand.
Navigating Creative Tension To Build Iconic Brands With Nikki Peyraud and Alexander Deleuse
CJ Bruce sits down with BOTH/AND co-founders Nikki Peyraud and Alexander Deleuse to explore how creative tension, collaboration, and embracing uncertainty lead to stronger, more meaningful brand outcomes.
Scaling Impactful Food Brands With Aubrea Alford
In this episode of The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce sits down with Aubrea Alford, Founder of Starflower Marketing, to explore how food brands can grow with both purpose and performance. From scaling a national hummus brand to leveraging innovations like HPP, Aubrea shares practical insights on driving sustainable growth while balancing creativity and data-driven strategy.
Breaking Into Grocery Retail and Winning Shelf Space With Brandie Miller and Will Miller
In The Missing Ingredient, CJ Bruce talks with Mochi Love co-founders Brandie and Will Miller about building their brand from scratch. They discuss leveraging their complementary strengths, scaling production while maintaining quality, and using AI to streamline operations.