Explore every episode of the podcast 3 Squares: Dishing On the Food Industry
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3Squares Live! August Edition: The Ins and Outs of Food Innovation | 30 Aug 2026 | 00:37:52 | |
Why do big companies struggle to innovate – even when they have plenty of great ideas? In the August edition of 3Squares Live!, Charlie Arnot, Susan Schwallie and Kevin Ryan dig into the organizational roadblocks that can derail innovation. From a lack of focus and momentum to the “dilution effect” that can water down a promising idea, the trio explores why innovation can get stuck – and what organizations can do differently. Plus, Kevin puts Charlie and Susan to the test with a state fair-themed quiz featuring corny dogs, butter sculptures, fried dough, Disney churros and more. Grab a seat at the table for a conversation about focus, momentum and making good ideas happen – with a little fair food fun on the side. Tune in for the August edition of 3Squares Live! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! July 2026 Edition: The End of the Supermarket as We Know It? | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:36:04 | |
In the July 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Charlie, Susan and Kevin explore how inflation, technology and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the supermarket experience. From auto-replenishment and click-and-collect to the growing importance of fresh, sensory shopping, the trio examines why the traditional grocery store may be on the cusp of its next major evolution. Register for 3Squares at foodintegrity.org for a monthly serving of food industry insights! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! June 2026 Edition: That's absurd! Hear from the Founders of Absurd Snacks | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:35:33 | |
From college classrooms to Whole Foods shelves! On the June edition of CFI’s 3Squares Live! hear from Eli and Grace, the founders of Absurd Snacks. They share how a senior year project became a thriving snack business, complete with sleepless nights, cross-country supply runs, product pivots – and plenty of persistence! Join us for a conversation about food innovation, consumer trends, allergen-friendly foods and the realities of building a food brand from the ground up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! What's Ahead for Food Inflation with Economist Ricky Volpe | 30 May 2026 | 00:38:04 | |
Why do food prices feel higher than inflation reports suggest? In this episode of CFI’s 3Squares Live! economist Ricky Volpe breaks down the real drivers of food inflation, from labor shortages and energy costs to supply chain pressures. Listen in for a data-driven look at what’s behind the prices you see at the grocery store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! April 2026 Episode: From Condiments to Cereal - Changing Lifestyles Change Eating Habits | 25 Apr 2026 | 00:33:56 | |
What do condiments have in common with cereal? More than you’d expect. In this episode of 3Squares Live! from The Center for Food Integrity, the conversation explores how changing lifestyles are reshaping the way we eat and why condiments are becoming a major force in the food system. From convenience and flavor to private label, digital retail and brand influence, the discussion looks at what’s driving this shift and what it means for the future of food. Plus, grow your gardening knowledge with Kevin's food quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! March 2026 Edition: Sherry Frey with NeilsenIQ | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:36:45 | |
What does trust look like in a world of AI, influencers and information overload? In this month’s 3Squares Live, we dig into how consumer expectations around food and agriculture are evolving, from ingredient transparency and sourcing to the rise of personalized digital discovery. Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ joins us to explore what’s driving these shifts, how trust is being redefined across generations and why more information doesn’t always mean more clarity. Listen in as Sherry shares insights on where trust is headed and what it means for food and ag leaders today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3 Squares Live! February 2026 Edition: John Parrish with Oats Overnight | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:35:38 | |
Charlie, Susan and Kevin sit down with John “JP” Parrish, Chief Commercial Officer of Oats Overnight, on the Friday, Feb. 27, edition of 3Squares Live! Hear how one man’s dream to make breakfast better has caught the attention of more than 2.4 million customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! January 2026 Edition: The New Food Pyramid with Jess Steier, Unbiased Science | 31 Jan 2026 | 00:35:09 | |
Do dietary guidelines still influence how people eat or have influencers replaced them? That’s one of the big questions tackled in the January 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Join hosts Charlie Arnot, Kevin Ryan and Susan Schwallie as they welcome Jess Steier, CEO and founder of Unbiased Science. She discusses the new food pyramid and its impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! December 2025 Edition: 2026 Predictions Show! | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:38:42 | |
Crystal ball not required! Tune into the Dec. 19 edition of 3Squares Live! as our insightful and witty hosts break down what’s ahead for food and nutrition in 2026 – from shifting consumer expectations and policy debates to technology’s growing role in how we eat and shop. Charlie, Susan and Kevin – along with special guest Janet Helm, MS, RDN, founder of Food at the Helm – serve up some surprises! Register for 3Squares Live! – brought to you the last Friday of each month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! November 2025 Edition with Jennifer Jorgensen of Back to Nature Foods | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
A storyteller and marketer at heart, Back to Nature Foods CEO Jennifer Jorgensen knows what it takes to turn legacy brands around. Register for the Fri., Nov. 21, edition of 3Squares Live! to learn about her career, which was built on transforming and growing some of the biggest names in CPG. Jennifer will bring fresh insights on innovation, brand distinctiveness and what it takes to reinvigorate brands through unique and disruptive strategies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! October Edition with Bryan Malenius of Chick-fil-A | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:36:23 | |
Join us for 3Squares Live! October Edition with Bryan Malenius of Chick-fil-A! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! September Edition: Making Science Make Sense | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:34:06 | |
How do we communicate science – particularly when it comes to hot button topics? Join us for the Fri., Sept. 26, edition of 3Squares Live! as Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP, founder and CEO of Unbiased Science, digs into engaging the skeptics and how to make science make sense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! What’s next for wellness in the grocery aisle? | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:37:28 | |
What’s next for wellness in the grocery aisle? Find out on the Fri., Aug. 29, edition of 3Squares Live! Stacy Bates, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, with H-E-B – the popular San Antonio-based supermarket chain – shares what makes H-E-B’s wellness strategy unique, how brand partnerships can support customer health and why nutrition literacy matters in today’s influencer-driven world. Don’t miss this look at how retailers and brands can collaborate for healthier communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! MAHA and Today's Consumer - How to Engage | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:36:04 | |
Join 3Squares Live! for the July 2025 edition as Charlie, Susan and Kevin discuss MAHA, how CPG is responding and new consumer research that sheds light on two distinct consumer segments and how to engage on emerging topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Will GLP-1s Change the Face of the Food Industry? | 06 Jul 2025 | 00:37:23 | |
Tune in for the June 2025 edition of 3Squares Live! will GLP-1s change the face of the food industry? Learn more about trends in functionality and food and test your road trip food knowledge! What was the original intended name for Funyons? 3Ssquares Live! is brought to you by The Center for Food Integrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! The Trickle-Down Effect of Tariffs with Dr. Ricky Volpe | 30 May 2025 | 00:37:48 | |
The negative impacts of tariffs on food in the U.S. may not be felt for months, but they’re coming, according to Dr. Ricky Volpe, Ph.D., professor of agribusiness at Cal Poly and former USDA economist. On the May edition of 3Squares Live! Volpe talks about the trickle-down effects and potential food inflation at historic levels. Tune in to learn more! Register today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Sqaures Live! Food, Tariffs and Tough Choices | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:35:44 | |
What happens when consumers have nowhere to hide from inflation? In the April 2025 edition of 3Squares Live!, Charlie, Kevin and Susan unpack how economic uncertainty, tariffs and a shifting supply chain are reshaping consumer behavior and ag markets. From the resilience of private label to the pressure on snacks and QSR, it's a fascinating look at what’s changed (and what hasn’t) since the Great Recession. Plus, test your knowledge of foods invented during the Great Depression in Kevin’s quiz, including the inspiration for iconic Kraft mac and cheese! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Evolving with Today's Consumer - Kroger's Erin Rolfes | 29 Mar 2025 | 00:31:53 | |
Consumer expectations are shifting. How is one of America's largest grocery retailers keeping up? Erin Rolfes, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations for Kroger, joins 3Squares Live! Friday, March 28, to discuss how the company is evolving to meet the needs of its 62 million customers. Don’t miss her insights on changing consumer expectations and the future of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Meet Neeti Jain and Learn How NYC is Tackling Climate Change Through Food | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
Tune into 3Squares Live! for the February 2025 edition to see how one city is tackling climate change through food. Neeti Jain, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, discusses how New York is cutting carbon emissions through plant-powered menus and sustainable food procurement. Learn about the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge as businesses work to build a healthier, more resilient food system. And see how you fare in Kevin's spices, herbs and extracts quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! 2025 Predictions - What's Cooking in the Food Industry | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:15:33 | |
Start the year with bold predictions as Charlie, Susan and Kevin dish on what’s cooking in the food industry this year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Meaty Topics with Lindsey Loken from Blondies Butcher Shop! | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:30:36 | |
In this December 2024 edition, 3Squares Live! welcomes Lindsey Loken, your resident “Blonde Butcher” and the mastermind behind the meaty paradise known as Blondies Butcher Shop in Wanamingo, Minnesota. Register for 3Squares at foodintegrity.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! with Sarah Moberg, Second Harvest Heartland | 23 Nov 2024 | 00:32:28 | |
On Fri., Nov. 22, 3Squares Live! welcomed Sarah Moberg, COO of Second Harvest Heartland, for an inspiring conversation about their mission to combat hunger in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Sarah shared how Second Harvest Heartland is tackling food insecurity through innovative partnerships, data-driven solutions and their bold vision to cut hunger in half by 2030. Register to join 3Squares Live! the last Friday of each month at foodintegrity.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Growing CPG Brands on Amazon with Chris Moe | 26 Oct 2024 | 00:33:33 | |
Join 3Squares Live! for the October 2024 edition with guest Chris Moe, co-founder and CEO of Cartograph, the leading Amazon agency behind some of the biggest startup brand CPG launches in food and beverage. Chris takes the mystery out of e-comm sales and strategy, reveals the latest trends and discusses what’s ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Weighing in on Sustainability Trends | 28 Sep 2024 | 00:35:18 | |
Join 3Squares Live! for the September 2024 edition as Charlie, Susan and Kevin talk about the latest advances in food system sustainability and Kevin stumps the crowd with his soft drink quiz! Register today at foodintegrity.org to join us live each month and find 3Squares Live! on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Climate Change with Jason Clay, World Wildlife Fund | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:32:03 | |
Join 3Squares Live! with guest Jason Clay, senior vice president, markets, executive director, Markets Institute with World Wildlife Fund. They discuss climate change, its impact on food and the innovators working toward a more resilient food system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! with Kate Graeff, VP Enterprise Trust, Deloitte | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:34:36 | |
Join 3Squares Live! as Kate Graeff, Vice President of Enterprise Trust with Deloitte, talks trust. She digs into why trust is eroding, making a business case for trust and how companies can quantify and communicate the value of trust. Learn why trust is a non-negotiable for success in today's environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Sarah Evanega of Okanagan Specialty Fruits | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:34:38 | |
Tune into the June 2024 3Squares Live! edition as Sarah Evanega, vice president of external relations with Okanagan Specialty Fruits, talks biotech. Having had a front row seat to the evolution of biotechnology over the last few decades, Sarah weighs in on the most important changes, how biotech can advance a sustainable food system and the keys to building consumer acceptance. And Kevin quizzes the crew on nostalgic food packaging! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! with Mike Kostyo of Menu Matters | 09 May 2024 | 00:29:01 | |
Join 3Squares Live! as Charlie, Susan and Kevin welcome food trends guru Mike Kostyo of Menu Matters. Learn about the biggest consumer pain points and how brands can be more consumer-centric. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Invisible Kitchens and More Kitchen Trends with Jane Freiman | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:30:54 | |
3Squares Live! welcomes Jane Freiman, Fri., March 30! Founder of Smart Kitchen Insights, Jane talks kitchen trends most likely to impact the food industry in the next five years (including invisible kitchens), and how demographics and climate change could shape the kitchen of tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Are Brands Missing the Mark? | 25 Feb 2024 | 00:32:26 | |
The Squares’ own Kevin Ryan, founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research discusses how brands may be missing the mark on consumer needs, the rise of “cozy cardio” and the next evolution in coffee. Each month, 3Squares tackle topics shaping the food industry, provide unique takes on the latest trends – and have fun doing it. Tune in to learn – and laugh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! 2024 Trends with Locke Hilderbrand of Brainwrk | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:30:44 | |
What is JOMO? Learn about the growing “homebody” movement and other important 2024 trends, including how consumers are rethinking brand loyalty, as 3Squares welcomes Locke Hilderbrand with Brainwrk, a consumer research and strategy consultancy focused on marketplace behavior and actionable forecasting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Upping Your Online Game | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:33:48 | |
What’s hot and what’s not for today’s online CPG brands? Join us for the Fri., Dec. 15, edition of 3Squares Live! Charlie, Susan and Kevin welcome guest Lucas Ballasy, CXO of Barrel NY, which partners with brands to design, build and optimize web experiences. See how food and beverage companies can up their online game! And take the holiday food quiz! Do you know how many calories the average person consumes Christmas day? Tune in and find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! The Future of Plant-Based | 19 Nov 2023 | 00:32:36 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Global Sustainability Expert Christine Daugherty | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:34:30 | |
Global sustainability heavy-hitter Christine Daugherty, who has served in roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PepsiCo and Tyson Foods, joins 3Squares Live! for the Fri., Oct. 27, edition. She discusses the state of sustainability and how companies in the food system can and are working to achieve their climate goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! AI in Food with The Spoon's Michael Wolf | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:32:38 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Food Trends Expert Darren Seifer of Circana | 26 Aug 2023 | 00:31:46 | |
Americans eat 5x a day on average and that means a lot of time in the kitchen. But how much time is it really? In this episode, 3Squares Live! welcomes Darren Seifer, Circana Food & Beverage Industry Advisor, Fri. Aug. 25, for a chat about how kitchens are changing and Americans are cooking in a post-pandemic world. Starting with the gadgets and appliances we’re buying to social media, Gen Z and technology, opportunity is everywhere to engage home cooks in new and exciting ways. And test your knowledge on fast food restaurants and founders during Kevin's quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! "The Queen of Wein" Janet Riley | 28 Jul 2023 | 00:30:25 | |
3Squares Live! welcomes Janet Riley, a food industry strategist who has led the meat industry’s response to high profile controversies and whose quick wit and knowledge of hot dog history earned her the title: “The Queen of Wien!” (A title she relishes.) Tune in as the 3Squares and their esteemed guest talk hotdog history, the “real” ingredients and why the world’s love for hotdogs isn’t going away. Register for CFI's monthly 3Squares webcast at foodintegrity.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Leading Consumer Brand Expert Sara Brooks | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:28:54 | |
Passionate about people, connections and world-changing ideas, Sara Brooks is a leading consumer brand expert and co-founder of Goldilocks, a brand strategy consultancy that works with early-stage CPG companies, helping founders discover how to keep consumers coming back for more. Sara joined 3Squares Live! Fri., June 30. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Natalie DiNicola with Benson Hill Talks Gene Editing | 19 May 2023 | 00:34:13 | |
Gene editing technology is one of today’s most promising innovations, with tremendous potential to benefit society, farming and food production. Tune in to 3Squares Live! as they welcome Natalie DiNicola, chief corporate affairs officer with Benson Hill, an early-stage technology platform company empowering innovation to improve food and agriculture. Natalie discusses the importance of the technology to farmers and food companies. And in "What the Food?!" Kevin quizzes the crew on refreshing beverages! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Kevin Ryan and Culture Matters | 01 May 2023 | 00:35:17 | |
Tune is as the 3Squares talk “spicy,” and dish on the state of start-up funding, automation in grocery retail and why innovation isn’t something companies can buy. Bonus: Take the BBQ quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Perteet Spencer of AYO Foods | 06 Apr 2023 | 00:33:01 | |
Ayo West African frozen food brand is bringing the region’s flavors to people cross the U.S., serving up hand-crafted dishes in under five minutes. Hear from co-founder Perteet Spencer about how the company is expanding culinary horizons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! What's Cooking at Wicked Kitchen | 25 Feb 2023 | 00:35:37 | |
Craveable food is on the menu at Wicked Kitchen. On the February episode of 3Squares Live! CEO Pete Speranza shares the company’s culinary mission and talks about the future of plant-based. And in “What the food?!” brush up on your chip and dip history! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! The 5 Food Industry Consequences of Ultra-Processed Food | 27 Jan 2023 | 00:36:11 | |
Nick Fereday, Executive Director, Food & Consumer Trends at Rabobank, and a member of The Center for Food Integrity Consumer Trust Insights Council, joins 3Squares Live! to talk processed food trends! What do consumers want and is the food industry doing enough? And in "What the food?!" Kevin stumps Charlie and Susan with his processed food quiz. The discovery of which food processing technique involves WWII, airplanes and a Mr. Goodbar? Tune in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! 2023 Predictions | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:38:59 | |
What’s Ahead in 2023? Join the 3Squares for the year-end edition where they talk about potential black swan events that could impact the food industry and beyond, building resilient supply chains and AI that's "fascinating and scary." And what happens when you ask an AI tool to write a poem about aspic? Tune in to 3Squares Live! each month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! Alt-Meat Trends | 19 Nov 2022 | 00:31:39 | |
After a dip in interest, where is the alt-meat market headed? Tune in to the latest episode of 3Squares Live! as Lisa Keefe, editor in chief of Meatingplace and Alt-Meat, talks about the “pandemic effect” and an alt-meat comeback. And in "What the Food?!" take the Thanksgiving quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! with Food Trends Expert Locke Hilderbrand | 03 Nov 2022 | 00:32:45 | |
The 3Squares discuss Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons and what that means for the food industry landscape. Plus, hear from food trends expert Locke Hilderbrand of Whysdom who details the challenges of marketing to Gen Z. And in “What the Food?!” Kevin stumps Charlie and Susan with the candy quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 3Squares Live! with guest Opopop | 17 Oct 2022 | 00:34:29 | |
The 3Squares dissect the new FDA definition of healthy, talk with the founders of Opopop, on a mission to liberate us from boring popcorn, and in What The Food? take the diner slang quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Joe Ens | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:28:01 | |
Can you have your cake and eat it too? This week, the 3 Squares talk with Joe Ens, CEO of High Key, a company dedicated to creating snacks you'll crave minus the sugar. Also, in What The Food? Kevin explains why calories aren’t as simple as you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Betsy Frost | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:27:07 | |
Enjoy this refreshing episode of 3 Squares where we explore the latest trends in the beverage industry. Betsy Frost joins us from Hoplark with great insights on the unique challenges in launching a beverage startup. Also in this episode, why is there sodium in our tap water? What The Food?? The reason may surprise you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Mike McCloskey | 12 Jul 2022 | 00:27:05 | |
The Squares milk this episode for all it’s worth! Mike McCloskey, founder of the billion-dollar Fairlife brand, shares the incredible story about how he created a high value, premium product in a commodity category. And at the end of the show?? Learn about Al Capone’s interest in dairy. It’s an offer you can’t refuse! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||