DrinkUp Live Podcast

In this episode, Adam Smith and Sam Anderson welcome Dan Koukol, co-founder and CEO of Digit, a software company focused on streamlining supply chain management for manufacturers. Dan shares his extensive background in manufacturing, including his experience as a consultant and operator, which led him to create Digit. The conversation delves into the challenges small and mid-sized manufacturers fa...

In this conversation, Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu shares her journey from immunology research to creating a skincare line that emphasizes the importance of science in beauty products. She discusses the challenges of being a founder, the lessons learned from failures, and the significance of understanding the science behind skincare. Dr. Karpuzoglu emphasizes the need for acute inflammation in the body and...

Daily Industry Brief on what is happening in beverages.

In this conversation, Eric Ranks shares his inspiring journey from facing personal health challenges to founding 22 Salute, a social enterprise aimed at supporting veterans and first responders. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the mission behind his products, which include unique spirits and coffee. Eric emphasizes the need for commun...

In this episode, Adam Smith and Samuel Anderson engage with Joey Gamer from Gamer Packaging to discuss the critical role of packaging in the beverage industry. They explore the history of Gamer Packaging, the importance of packaging design, and the challenges new brands face in bringing their products to market. The conversation delves into market trends, consumer feedback, and the financial consi...

“Welcome to the DrinkUp Podcast – Daily Industry Brief, where we break down what’s happening in the beverage business and what it actually means for brands, distributors, and operators.” On January 2, 2026, the story isn’t alcohol versus non-alc—it’s who owns the whole drinking repertoire. Big light lagers are still lagging the beer category, bourbon production is getting trimmed, and mainstream m...

Welcome to the DrinkUp Podcast , Daily Industry Brief, where we break down what’s happening in the beverage business and what it actually means for brands, distributors, and operators.” The headline today: regulators and consumers are teaming up, intentionally or not, to push the industry toward lower sugar, more moderation, and more direct connections with drinkers. California’s new spirits shipp...

In this episode of the Drink Up Podcast, Sam Anderson and Adam Smith welcome Dana Hork, co-founder of Beers with Friends, a creative marketing agency. Dana shares the inspiration behind the agency's name and its innovative approach to marketing, focusing on agility and creativity within constraints. The conversation delves into the agency's unique five-day sprint model, client engagement s...

n this conversation, Sam Anderson and Adam Smith discuss the challenges faced by founders in scaling their businesses, particularly in the beverage industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding cost structures, focusing on specific markets, and building brand awareness. The discussion also touches on strategies for engaging customers and navigating opportunities, as well as the pitfalls...

In this engaging episode of Drink Up, host Samuel Anderson welcomes Jay Williams, founder of Freebird, to discuss his journey from real estate to the beverage industry. They explore the challenges and triumphs of launching a new brand, the importance of personal branding, and the unique identity of Freebird. Jay shares insights on market strategy, distribution, and the significance of community en...

In this conversation, Amanda and Sebastian share their journey of creating immunity shots after facing challenges in their business. They discuss the benefits of adaptogens and their role in promoting health and wellness, particularly in relation to immunity, heart health, and energy levels.

In this engaging conversation, Robert shares his extensive journey through the beverage and real estate industries, emphasizing the importance of connection, teamwork, and patience in achieving success. The discussion covers various topics, including the dynamics of cash and carry businesses, the challenges of importing products, and the role of social media in brand growth. Robert's insights...

In this conversation, Paulo Lacerda Sobral discusses the misconceptions surrounding cannabis, emphasizing its potential benefits when used thoughtfully. He advocates for education and destigmatization of cannabis, suggesting that it can help individuals reframe their problems and manage stress, rather than simply numbing their experiences. Sobral shares his personal insights on how cannabis has ai...

In this engaging conversation, Eric Martindale discusses his journey in the retail media landscape, sharing insights on the importance of digital marketing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of the retail market. He emphasizes the need for brands to adapt and pivot in response to market changes, particularly with the rise of AI and digital platforms. Eric also reflects on...

In this conversation, James Warren emphasizes the importance of listening to consumers to understand their true needs and desires. He argues that effective brand differentiation and successful market execution stem from this deep understanding. Furthermore, he highlights the role of storytelling as a fundamental human element that engages customers and enhances brand connection, especially in an e...

🎙️ New Episode: Drink Up Live: Mastering Pricing Strategies for Beverage Brands This week, Samuel Anderson and Adam Smith sit down with  Tom Harris (Ruby Pro Software)  and  Dave Moore  to unpack the art and science of pricing in the alcohol industry. From understanding true costs and depletion allowances to negotiating with distributors and leveraging technology for smarter pricing, this episode...

In this engaging conversation, Mike Levinson, founder of FS Octopus, shares insights into the food service and beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding target markets, building brand awareness, and setting realistic expectations for success. He discusses the challenges brands face in retail and food service, the role of social media and e-commerce, and the need for emotional...

In this conversation, Matthew Stafford shares his remarkable journey from a concrete business owner to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to explore online business, including his initial foray into selling t-shirts and the subsequent growth of his e-commerce ventures. Matthew emphasizes the importance of data, optimization, and understanding consum...

In this engaging conversation, Sean Miller from Package Group shares the inspiring journey of G4 Tequila, detailing the challenges and triumphs of building a brand in the competitive spirits industry. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, teamwork, and finding purpose in business, while also exploring innovations like Racia. The discussion highlights the significant impact that success can...

In this engaging conversation, Samuel Anderson and Adam Smith speak with Lisa Fagan, the founder of Promolytics, about the importance of consumer engagement in the alcohol industry. They discuss the challenges brands face in tracking marketing effectiveness and how Promolytics provides real-time data collection and analysis to bridge the gap in marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the...

In this episode, Samuel Anderson and Adam Smith engage with Larry, the founder of Swipe It, to explore the world of gift cards and their impact on small businesses. They discuss the evolution of gift cards, consumer behavior, and the importance of supporting small businesses. Larry shares his journey from starting a meal plan service to pivoting into the gift card industry, emphasizing the role of...

In this conversation, Sam Anderson, Michael Galef, and Adam Smith discuss the intricacies of branding, data analysis, and the importance of understanding consumer insights in the beverage industry. Michael shares his journey from brand management to data-driven marketing, emphasizing the role of data in making informed decisions. The discussion covers key metrics for brand performance, the signifi...

In this engaging conversation, Sam Anderson, Dan Abel Jr., and Adam Smith delve into the rich history of Bissinger's, a chocolate company with a legacy spanning over 350 years. Dan shares insights into his family's journey in the chocolate business, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of maintaining quality and craftsmanship in their products. The discussi...

In this engaging conversation, Mike Murphy shares his extensive background in public relations, politics, and the beverage industry. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, community engagement, and maintaining integrity in business. The discussion covers various aspects of public relations, including how it supports marketing and sales, the significance of goodwill, and the role o...

In this engaging conversation, Sam Anderson and Tamany, an intellectual property attorney, discuss the importance of IP law for startups, the challenges of navigating legal issues in the beverage industry, and the value of having a trusted attorney. They explore the concept of being 'stuck' in one's career, the significance of building a moat around a brand, and the potential consequen...