Natural Products Marketer Podcast

Most people buy probiotics like they buy shampoo: grab the brand they recognize and hope for the best. But probiotics are living microorganisms, and the difference between “works” and “waste of money” often comes down to details most labels don’t make clear like refrigeration, shelf time, and whether a capsule can survive stomach acid long enough to open where it matters. We sit down with Nikita A...

If you sell supplements or natural products and you market online, you can’t assume you’re “too small” for regulators to notice. We sit down with compliance expert Asa Waldstein to map the real enforcement trends we’re seeing, from FDA warning letters to behind-the-scenes demand letters that can escalate into expensive litigation. We also dig into what happens after a warning letter, why the respo...

What if the label isn’t telling the whole truth—and your reputation is on the line? In this episode, we sit down with Deleo de Leonardis, Co-founder and CEO of Purity-IQ , to unpack the hard realities of private label and white label, why identity testing isn’t enough, and the practical steps small stores can use to verify what’s in the jar before it ever reaches a shelf. We start with the leverag...

What happens when mentorship, grit, and a love for community collide? Brian joins us to share how a summer job at a natural products store became a 20‑year journey to ownership—and how that path is shaping a smarter, stronger future for independent retail. From surviving cancer to chairing SENPA’s Emerging Leaders, Brian brings a rare mix of empathy and execution that turns big ideas into daily wi...

Growth doesn’t always come from bigger budgets; it often comes from better neighbors. We share a step-by-step case study of how a local retailer climbed from a 12% year-over-year decline to a 12% gain by running just two partner-led events per month—and we unpack every piece of the system so you can copy it with confidence. We start where most owners get stuck: finding the right partners and makin...

Aromatherapy can be more than a pretty scent—it can be a reliable wellness tool and a powerful retail differentiator. We sat down with Pranarōm’s national educator, Liza Dawkins, to unpack how safety, sourcing, and smart training turn essential oils into solutions customers can trust. From countering social media hype to using batch testing and Certificates of Analysis, we share practical steps to...

Search is slipping, social buries links, and great employees aren’t browsing job boards. That’s the new reality for natural products retailers, and it’s exactly why we’re leaning into programmatic ads and geofencing to reach both customers and potential hires where they actually are—on their phones, inside apps, and in connected TV. Dan Kraus of Shift Advertising walks through how precise geofence...

Mass channels can cut price, but they can’t replace trust. We sat down with a veteran of 36 years in natural products to unpack how independent retailers win by returning to the industry’s roots: education, transparency, and community. From the Soho stage to day-to-day floor conversations, we trace what actually moves the needle—reading labels with intent, demanding real third-party testing, and t...

The retail landscape for natural products has changed dramatically, especially since the pandemic pushed more consumers toward Amazon and online shopping. How can independent health food stores not just survive but thrive in this environment?  Jake Kivico, representing the third generation of family ownership at Nature's Finest in Phoenix, Arizona, reveals their strategic approach to building...

A personal tragedy transformed Kristina Hall's life when her father was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer during her senior year of college. This devastating news sparked a journey into the world of nutrition and supplements as Kristina witnessed how dramatically food choices and targeted supplementation could improve quality of life during cancer treatment. This awakening led Kristin...

Imagine running your natural products business without the constant financial anxiety that plagues so many entrepreneurs. What if cash flow wasn't a mystery, and paying yourself was non-negotiable instead of an afterthought? That's the promise of Profit First, and our guest Ron Saharyan breaks down exactly how this revolutionary system works. According to Ron, co-founder of Profit First...

Are you tired of letting perfectionism hold you back from achieving your business goals? This episode dives deep into the idea that striving for perfection can often lead to stagnation rather than success. Join us as we unpack the common challenges that many business owners face when battling their inner critic and fear of failure. Through engaging stories and insights from marketing expert Seth G...

Looking to revolutionize your retail strategy and create an unforgettable shopping experience? Discover the secrets of sensory marketing as Tina and Amanda explore how scents and music can transform consumer behavior in ways akin to a luxurious spa visit. From the increasing allure of adaptogenic and botanical-infused beverages reshaping traditional drinking habits to innovative practices like &qu...

Discover how to transform your workplace into a sanctuary of safety, engagement, and productivity with insights from our special guest, renowned business writer and speaker Mike Michalowicz. Mike, known for his groundbreaking books like "Profit First" and "All In," shares his expertise on compassionate leadership and the art of building unstoppable teams. With a blend of humor...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sarah Burden, a fervent advocate for natural supplements. Discover how a single pivotal encounter reshaped her views on health and beauty, fueling her passion for natural remedies. Sarah delves into the significance of proving the efficacy of natural products through human clinical trials, shedding light on how these rigorous tests can win over skeptic...

Ever wondered how intuition can play a role in product selection for health stores? Join us in an enlightening discussion with Ed Jones from Nutrition World in Chattanooga, as he unravels his meticulous approach to curating high-quality products on his shelves. Discover the unique blend of intuition, social media insights, and rigorous certificates of analysis that Ed employs to ensure only the be...

Unlock the secrets to mastering pricing strategies in the natural products industry with insights from our expert guests, Chase Ballard and Micah Corrigan. Discover how adopting MAP pricing as a standard can revolutionize your market approach and keep your customers coming back for more. We'll explore the common pitfalls of sticking to full MSRP pricing and how this can skew consumer percepti...

Unlock the secrets of dietary supplement regulations with our esteemed guest, Asa, a seasoned regulatory consultant with a background in clinical herbalism. Discover the intricacies of FDA oversight in the supplement industry and learn why the notion that dietary supplements are unregulated is a myth. Asa's journey from herbal studies in Boulder to advising companies on maintaining compliance...

Discover the secrets to thriving in the natural products industry with our special guests, Micah Corrigan and Chase Ballard. Dive into Micah's unique journey that began in the health food retail scene of Hawaii and led to his entrepreneurship in Wisconsin with Great Naturally Electrolytes. Meanwhile, Chase shares his inspiring transformation from an unhealthy lifestyle to a wellness-focused c...

Renee Southard's journey from battling personal health challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate in the natural products industry is nothing short of inspiring. Her story, rooted in her own struggles with allergies and the quest for natural remedies, mirrors the experiences of many who seek holistic well-being. As the owner of Organic Marketplace and president of SENPA, Re...

Unlock the secrets of success in small-scale retail with Alina and Lauren, the inspiring co-owners of Mastel's, as they share their journey of transforming an 800-square-foot natural products store into a beloved local hub in Minnesota. Discover how they expertly manage over 4,000 SKUs in their bustling shop, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere full of energy and community spirit. Alina and Laur...

What happens when a career in litigation and pharmaceuticals leads to a groundbreaking natural health venture? Meet Tina Anderson from Just Thrive Health, who takes us on her remarkable journey from the courtroom to the world of gut health and probiotics. Learn about the early hurdles she faced, such as cold-calling health food stores and setting up their e-commerce platform. Discover the pioneeri...

Discover how Brenda Watson's personal health struggles with autoimmune issues in the 1980s became the catalyst for a groundbreaking career in the natural products industry. Brenda shares her journey from traditional medicine to the healing power of natural remedies, leading her to open numerous health clinics in Florida. With expertise in nutrition, colonics, and herbology, Brenda has transfo...

After 30 Years of DSHEA, is this regulation meant to protect the natural products industry or keep us from moving forward? In this 90-minute panel discussion brought to you by SENPA and the Natural Products Marketer team, you'll learn: Historical Insights Understand the origins and monumental impact of DSHEA from those who lived it. Practical Lessons Equip yourself with actionable strategies...

Could the key to disrupting the natural products industry be as simple as embracing naivety and rapid prototyping? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Mike Maddock, our guest who will be speaking at the upcoming SOHO Expo event in Orlando. We explore how disruptors bring innovative approaches and fresh perspectives that often elude larger companies. Mike dives deep into his extensive expe...