ContenderCast with Justin Honaman

Welcome to the ContenderCast with Justin Honaman, a leadership and Consumer Industries entrepreneurship conversation centered on shining a light on bright ideas. The ContenderCast is the top global Consumer Industries entrepreneurship podcast. Justin is a digital commerce leader, author, communicator, and Consumer Products / Retail industry thought-leader based in Atlanta, Georgia. Every winner started as a contender!

RON JOHNSON :: SHOP DIFFERENT: HOW RETAIL REVEALED APPLE’S GENIUS 10/19/2026

RON JOHNSON :: SHOP DIFFERENT: HOW RETAIL REVEALED APPLE’S GENIUS What does it take to think differently, lead boldly, and keep moving forward when even your biggest ideas don’t go as planned? In this episode of the ContenderCast, Justin sits down with legendary retail executive Ron Johnson, former CEO of JCPenney, the leader who helped transform Target, and the architect behind Apple’s groundbreaking retail stores and Genius Bar. Ron shares lessons from working alongside Steve Jobs, the thinking behind his new book Shop Different, what extraordinary success, and failure, taught him about leadership, and why bringing people along may matter just as much as having a bold vision. They also explore the future of retail in an AI and agentic commerce world, why human connection still matters, and how Ron’s definition of leadership has evolved through decades of innovation, reinvention, and resilience. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/43257148

BITE TOOTHPASTE BITS 10/12/2026

BITE TOOTHPASTE BITS Lindsay McCormick is founder and CEO of Bite. Kick the tube with Bite Toothpaste Bits to help end the 1 billion toothpaste tubes entering landfill and oceans each year. Lindsay is reinventing toothpaste because it's something we put into our bodies by brushing it into our gums and mouths twice a day, every single day of our lives. Flip the label on your typical toothpaste tube and it is full of chemicals, fillers and unnecessary ingredients, all packaged in plastic that will inevitably end up in a landfill. These tubes are thrown out every year filled with ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan and artificial dyes and preservatives that are harmful to our health. Lindsay is building Bite to provide a healthier, more sustainable toothpaste. Bite is in fully recyclable, and refillable glass bottles. Lindsay joins Justin to unpack Bite’s growth and future plans! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/43047703

YOUNG CEO SQUAD 10/08/2026

YOUNG CEO SQUAD After 25 years in corporate marketing, Suzanne Appel turned her entrepreneurial drive into Young CEO Squad, helping kids build real businesses and the confidence to lead. Suzanne joins Justin to discuss her journey as a solo founder and mom, bringing entrepreneurship to more than 300 classrooms nationwide, and exploring AI as a tool for young entrepreneurs. With every kit sold helping fund workshops and scholarships, she’s working to ensure opportunity reaches kids in every zip code—one kid business at a time. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/43145123

VACATION DARTS 10/05/2026

VACATION DARTS Vacation Darts is a lifestyle and apparel brand founded by Joey Coffin, a 36-year-old former Yelp restaurant manager based in Vancouver (originally from Toronto). A "vacation dart" refers to a cigarette that is smoked exclusively while on vacation. The tongue-in-cheek motto behind the brand is that "vacation darts don't count". It is a rule-free mindset representing the permission to drop everyday expectations, enjoy minor indulgences, and not take life too seriously. After printing an initial batch of hats in Toronto in mid-2024 (which sold out quickly and even had people offering to buy the hat right off his head), Coffin launched online sales in February 2025. Joey joins Justin to discuss launching and growing the Vacation Darts brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/43023138

LOFTY POPS 09/28/2026

LOFTY POPS Natalie Heiter is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Lofty Pops, a fast-growing, Detroit-based handcrafted ice pop brand. She launched the venture alongside her brother and business partner, Philip Stakich, in July 2024. The siblings debuted Lofty Pops with an initial kiosk at the Detroit Zoo in July 2024. Philip brought prior food-truck and operations experience from running Marilyn's Detroit, while Natalie leveraged her background in marketing and advertising. The brand focuses on real-fruit, chef-crafted, and certified USDA Organic ice pops made with zero artificial colors, flavors, or junk. Natalie joins Justin to unwrap this lofty brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/43000468

THE COFFEE STOPPER™, THE FLUSHER BLOCKER™, & THE SIPPIE CLIPPIE™ 09/21/2026

THE COFFEE STOPPER™, THE FLUSHER BLOCKER™, & THE SIPPIE CLIPPIE™ Cara Brzezicki is the inventor of The Coffee Stopper, a small, reusable silicone accessory that helps prevent coffee from splashing out of takeout lids. It came from one of those everyday annoyances that made Cara wonder, "Why has nobody solved this?" Cara was not a product-development expert when she started. She simply saw a problem, believed there had to be a better solution, and figured out how to bring the idea to life. Since launching, she has learned the hard way about manufacturing, patents, retail, distribution, marketing, and all the persistence required to get a physical product into consumers' hands. The Coffee Stopper has been featured on the cover of Inventors Digest and has been interviewed twice by the producers of Shark Tank. She has also had the product carried by local retailers and pursued wholesale and distribution opportunities. Cara joins Justin to discuss taking new product ideas and converting them into consumer products. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/42925557

NULASTIN 08/03/2026

NULASTIN Welcome to NULASTIN. They are a transformational beauty brand built on routine, results and longevity science. Their clinically proven, elastin replenishing formulas support healthier looking hair, visibly fuller lashes and brows and resilient skin. Your journey with NULASTIN goes beyond before and afters. It’s about reaching confidence milestones that help you feel like you again. Award winning media personality and professional athlete Leah Garcia founded NULASTIN® in 2016 after living the hair loss journey firsthand and being told there wasn’t much she could do about it. Refusing to accept that answer, Leah sought real solutions and discovered elastin, the protein responsible for skin resilience and, more importantly, anchoring hair. That discovery became the foundation of NULASTIN and the beginning of our elastin powered mission. Leah joins Justin to share the NULASTIN story! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/42265250

DR. NOZE BEST 07/19/2026

DR. NOZE BEST You deserve the best care for your child’s health. At Dr. Noze Best they bring hospital-grade efficiency and safety right to your home with innovative healthcare products developed by a pediatric ENT that support a healthier, happier respiratory system for your baby. Christy Brown is the CEO of Dr. Noze Best. Under her leadership, the brand has scaled rapidly, expanding into major retailers like Target and Walmart while championing hospital-grade, wearable pediatric care products like the NozeBot. Christy joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/42122125

WAIĀKEA HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC BEVERAGES 06/22/2026

WAIĀKEA HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC BEVERAGES Waiakea® was founded in Hilo, Hawai'i in 2012 as the first Hawaiian volcanic water and triple bottom line premium water of its kind, adapting an unparalleled platform of healthy, sustainable, and ethical attributes and initiatives. Their mission is to provide healthy Hawaiian volcanic water with the blessing of indigenous kupuna and konohiki, while contributing to and promoting clean water access, conservation, and education for those in need in Hawai'i and throughout the world. Co-founder and CEO Ryan Emmons joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing beverage brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/41623050

SUPERTEAMS: THE SCIENCE AND SECRETS OF HIGH-PERFORMING TEAMS 06/14/2026

SUPERTEAMS: THE SCIENCE AND SECRETS OF HIGH-PERFORMING TEAMS Ron Friedman, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist who helps leaders build high-performing teams. He is the bestselling author of The Best Place to Work and Decoding Greatness. His new book, Superteams: The Science and Secrets of High-Performing Teams, reveals what the best teams do differently. Superteams reveals what the best teams do differently, based on the most comprehensive study of elite groups ever conducted. After surveying thousands of teams, award-winning social psychologist Ron Friedman found that the most successful teams aren’t the ones that collaborate most, get along best, or put in the longest hours. What really sets them apart is the way they manage their energy and attention, bring out the best in one another, and keep improving over time. Ron joins Justin to dive deep into Superteams. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/41623030

COCO5 :: WHAT COCONUT WATER WISHES IT TASTED LIKE 06/08/2026

COCO5 :: WHAT COCONUT WATER WISHES IT TASTED LIKE Made with real ingredients, 5 electrolytes, and a natural taste you’ll love, Coco5 is perfect for at the gym, on the go—and even the morning after a long night out. Treat yourself to active hydration that’s actually good. Real good. That’s Coco5. Jim Reynolds joins Justin to discuss this high-growth brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/41524920

SNAKKIDZ 06/01/2026

SNAKKIDZ Snakkidz was born out of a simple yet powerful eureka moment: Why should parents have to choose between a snack that’s healthy and one that’s fun and tasty? They decided it was high time to blend the best of both worlds into every bite, making snack time the highlight of the day, not just another hurdle to overcome. They are all about making ‘healthy’ the new ‘happy’ for snack time for kids and parents alike! CEO and co-founder Steve Weiss joins Justin to unpack this fast-growing food brand. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/41214865

LENSDIRECT :: YOUR VISION YOUR WAY 05/25/2026

LENSDIRECT :: YOUR VISION YOUR WAY LensDirect is a family-owned, New York-based online retailer specializing in contact lenses, eyeglasses, and specialized lens replacements for existing frames. Operating for over 30 years, they offer major brand contacts, LensDirect branded eyewear, and a popular mail-in service that replaces old lenses with new prescriptions. CEO, Ryan Alovis joins Justin to share the LensDirect story! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/41140560

ZICO COCONUT WATER, GROUNDFORCE CAPITAL & AN ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE TO FREEDOM 05/18/2026

ZICO COCONUT WATER, GROUNDFORCE CAPITAL & AN ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE TO FREEDOM Mark Rampolla built ZICO Coconut Water over nine years and sold it to Coca-Cola for over $200M. Then seven years later, bought it back. Now he’s rebuilding it bigger than ever, going for $1B+, and documenting the entire process. Mark also leads GroundForce Capital, a $600M firm investing in companies like Liquid Death, Bobbie, and Humm Kombucha. And he’s using this rebuilt operating system—FreedomOS—to take ZICO past where it was when he sold it the first time. Not with more grind. With more clarity, more ease, and more fun. Mark joins Justin to discuss beverage, entrepreneurship and more. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40915635

EVERBOWL 05/08/2026

EVERBOWL Everbowl is a Southern California-based fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in customizable superfood bowls and smoothies aimed at promoting a healthy, "unevolved" lifestyle. Founded in 2016, it features fruit-based bases like acai, pitaya, and graviola topped with fresh fruit, granola, and nuts. Founder Jeff Fenster joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40731265

ALAFFIA :: CLEAN, GREEN, FAIR TRADE BEAUTY 05/04/2026

ALAFFIA :: CLEAN, GREEN, FAIR TRADE BEAUTY Olowo-n’djo Tchala (Olo) is the founder of Alaffia, the fair-trade beauty brand he built for two decades. Olo joins Justin to discuss launching and growing this clean, green, fair-trade brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40728330

PAKING DUCK :: CUSTOM PACKAGING FOR CPG BRANDS 04/26/2026

PAKING DUCK :: CUSTOM PACKAGING FOR CPG BRANDS Jason Wong is the award-winning Founder and CEO of Paking Duck, a revolutionary packaging manufacturing company that's redefining how consumer brands bring products to market. Born in Hong Kong and immigrating to America at age 8, Jason combines his bicultural perspective with serial entrepreneurial success—starting his first business at age 14 and achieving his first major win at 23 with Doe Lashes, building it to a $15 million valuation in one year from a $500 investment after solving his girlfriend's struggle with uncomfortable false lashes. Through Paking Duck's award-winning Packaging Network Model and proprietary AI-powered tools, Jason has created a strategically-partnered manufacturing business that serves everyone from Fiji Water to emerging beauty brands, delivering the speed, flexibility, and creative freedom that traditional factories cannot provide. His approach embodies innovation, transparency, and founder empowerment, turning packaging from an operational headache into a strategic advantage for scaling consumer brands. Jason joins Justin to unpack Paking Duck products and services! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40704485

LOONEN :: STILL & SPARKLING SPRING-SOURCED PURIFIED WATER 04/20/2026

LOONEN :: STILL & SPARKLING SPRING-SOURCED PURIFIED WATER When Clara Sieg was pregnant with her daughter, she became acutely aware of what she was putting in and on her body. She focused on avoiding toxins and plastics, and there seemed to be thoughtful alternatives in nearly every category - from food to personal care to home cleaning. But when it came to water, things got murky. She couldn’t make sense of what was actually in tap water, and the more she learned about bottled water, the more she becamse interested in developing a new better-for-you product. What started as an effort to protect her growing family quickly became an interest in creating something better. That’s how Loonen was born. Co-founder Clara Sieg joins Justin to unpack the Loonen story. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40577620

AMERICAN VINEGAR WORKS 04/13/2026

AMERICAN VINEGAR WORKS Boston-based American Vinegar Works is bringing artisanal vinegar back to the US, reviving a centuries-old fermentation process from the 1820s, transforming it into a modern craft brand that meets growing consumer demand for authentic, clean-label, premium pantry staples. The vinegar market is a $10.8B global industry, and specialty vinegars are among the fastest-growing categories, projected to expand nearly 7% annually. Founder Rodrigo Vargas joins Justin to share how artisanal vinegar is not just a culinary trend, but a growing landscape of consumer demand and what it takes to reimagine a historic American industry in 2026. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40572150

SUCCESS IS A NUMBERS GAME: ACHIEVE BIGGER GOALS BY CHANGING THE ODDS 04/06/2026

SUCCESS IS A NUMBERS GAME: ACHIEVE BIGGER GOALS BY CHANGING THE ODDS Every goal that you’re pursuing has two hidden numbers attached to it—a probability of success and a probability of failure. Whether you’re trying to start a business, run a marathon, get a promotion, earn a pilot’s license, grow a bumper crop of tomatoes, or sign an acting deal, these two percentages are always lurking in the shadows predicting what is going to happen. But most of us never think about them. We assume our odds are unknowable and unchangeable. This dangerous lie leads millions of people to fail at goals where they were perfectly capable of succeeding. You can choose a smarter path. Author Kyle Austin Young joins Justin to discuss his new bestselling book. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40529345

PEESPORT PREMIUM PEE BOTTLE 03/30/2026

PEESPORT PREMIUM PEE BOTTLE PeeSport is America’s #1 Pee Bottle Company. They’re making life easier and more fun for thousands of people. Their product is fun, useful, and life changing. Thousands of truckers, travelers, clinics, festival-goers, and adventurers trust PeeSport for relief on the go. But they are not just selling pee bottles, they are building something bigger. A brand that makes people laugh, that’s all about adventure, and that’s going to be as wild as Red Bull one day. Founder Henry Snow joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40503345

COOKTOP SAFETY 03/23/2026

COOKTOP SAFETY Introducing the world’s first AI-powered, fully automatic safe smart cooking system () and SensorAI – AI innovators specializing in predictive and preventative technology solutions. The CTS focus is on aging in place, multi-family and student housing, IoT connected kitchen and SaaS. Cooktop Safety (CTS) founder and CEO David Eby joins Justin to discuss innovation in tech and AI. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40269720

HIGH LEVEL SCIENCE 03/16/2026

HIGH LEVEL SCIENCE High Level, co-founded by Ashley Parker Angel and Bobby Klebanoff, is revolutionizing the wellness industry with a unique dual-business model. When the worlds of entertainment and medicine come together, something extraordinary happens. Ashley Parker Angel, known for his dynamic stage presence and transformation coaching, and Dr. David Rizik, a global leader in cardiovascular medicine, teamed up to create High Level Science — a line of medical-grade supplements redefining wellness with a foundation in solid science and real-world performance. Their groundbreaking formulations include High Level Heart + Body + Mind, designed to support overall physiological wellness, and High Level Man, a 12-in-1 advanced men’s vitality formula crafted to help support energy, endurance, circulation, and overall wellness with clean, science-informed ingredients. Ashley Parker Angel and Bobby Klebanoff join Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand. /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40269690

JULIE ORIGINALS :: DESERT DWELLERS FLASH CARDS 03/09/2026

JULIE ORIGINALS :: DESERT DWELLERS FLASH CARDS From concept to completion, creating the Desert Dwellers Flash Cards has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. These flash cards blend education and fine art, designed to captivate young minds and foster a love for the unique wildlife of the desert. Julie Bonner joins Justin to discuss how to best leverage creative design with consumer products! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40269705

SIPSY 03/02/2026

SIPSY Hala Shamas is the Founder and CEO of Sipsy, a discover-driven alcohol retail and e-commerce platform redefining how consumers discover and shop for spirits. With a background in digital growth and brand building, she has scaled Sipsy from a startup concept into a multi-channel business spanning brick-and-mortar retail, nationwide shipping, and tech-enabled e-commerce. Hala blends data-driven strategy with community-led content, using education and storytelling to turn liquor shopping into an experience, not just a transaction. Hala joins Justin to discuss this growing alco-bev retail brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40184075

BREAKWATER SUPPLY 02/23/2026

BREAKWATER SUPPLY Josh Lipinski is the founder of the Breakwater Supply outdoor brand which is a digital-first ecommerce retailer that sells specialized waterproof backpacks, shoes, and other outdoor gear. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Josh worked for over 15 years in tech as a Software Engineer and Senior Manager in the Boston area. He currently leads all day-to-day operations of Breakwater Supply, which involves sourcing and product development, marketing and advertising, logistics, fulfillment, and web development. Josh joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/40128775

SPICED UP SEASONINGS :: FROM CHEF CALVIN HARRIS 01/26/2026

SPICED UP SEASONINGS :: FROM CHEF CALVIN HARRIS With decades of culinary experience, Chef Calvin Harris is on a mission to transform home cooking. He launched Spiced Up to tackle a common problem: the trade-off between convenience and taste. Chef Calvin understands that busy lives often lead to dining out or ordering in. Yet, he believes that home-cooked meals can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. That’s why he created Spiced Up seasoning blends—making it easy for anyone to whip up delicious, nutritious meals at home. Cooking is Chef Calvin’s love language. He’s passionate about helping home cooks create amazing meals that bring families together. With Spiced Up, he proves that anyone can cook and that great taste should never be sacrificed for convenience. Chef Calvin joins Justin to uncap this spicy brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/39653940

MAIA YOGURT :: GRASS-FED GOODNESS. FULL OF LOVE, NOT SUGAR. 01/19/2026

MAIA YOGURT :: GRASS-FED GOODNESS. FULL OF LOVE, NOT SUGAR. At Maia, they believe that great yogurt is about more than just flavor—it's about texture. Their commitment to crafting the perfect yogurt results in a thick, creamy consistency that stands out from the rest. Each cup of Maia spends its final hours of production settling into its rich, velvety texture, right in the cup. For the ultimate experience, they recommend enjoying Maia’s thick, creamy texture by gently scooping into it rather than stirring. This way, you savor every smooth bite, just as we intended. Founder Hamilton Colwell joins Justin to unpack this delicious yogurt brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/39613320

CHEEKY COCKTAILS 01/12/2026

CHEEKY COCKTAILS Founded by bartenders and used behind bars at five-star hotels, stadiums, resorts (and in your home!) Cheeky is a line of badass cocktail mixers designed to unleash your creativity. They believe everyone can be a mixologist with a bit of guidance and access to the best ingredients. So, they source the highest-quality raw materials, make non-alcoholic cocktail mixers to the specifications used in craft cocktail bars, and provide recipes, tips, and tricks on using them in your creations. Founder April Wachtel joins Justin to unpack this “cheeky” brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/39468350

SHADY LADY HATS 01/05/2026

SHADY LADY HATS As a mom, business owner and woman on the go, Allyson Mandelbaum was faced with the eternal question, “How can I look cute, but still have dirty hair?” ...And that is how Shady Lady was born. Allyson loves wearing hats but could never find the perfect one. They were either too stiff, too big, had team names, or adorned with cheesy catch phrases. After a lot of unsuccessful searching, she came to only one conclusion: If she couldn’t find the hat of her dreams, she had to make it. Designed in Fairfield, CT and available for kids and adults, Shady Lady hats are inspired by fun times with fabulous girlfriends and beach days that turn into cozy nights around the fire pit. At Shady Lady they want you to have fun and not take yourself too seriously because every lady is a little bit shady. Allyson joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing “shady” brand! /episode/index/show/jhonaman/id/39531975

ContenderCast with Justin Honaman

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