The Cassandra Podcast

EP 100. Emerging Cannabis Consumers with Miss Grass CEO Kate Miller Apr 20, 2022

Today, on our latest episode of the Cassandra Podcast, Cassandra welcomes Kate Miller, the founder and CEO of Miss Grass. In this conversation, we talk about Gen Z’s attitude around cannabis culture, how the industry is evolving as more states move to legalization, and other highlights from Cassandra's cannabis report, released today.

EP 099. Talking Intuitive Creation with EniThingIWant founder Eniola Kolawole Mar 25, 2022

Today, on our latest episode of the Cassandra Podcast, Cassandra welcomes Eniola Kolawole, the Gen Z founder of EniThingIWant, an artist collective and creative agency. In this conversation, Eniola talks about the concept of “intuitive creation,” how to listen to your inner voice, and the importance of not settling when it comes to careers. Tune in for this chat that will inspire you to reimagine the future.

EP 098. Next-Gen Rom-Coms with Meet Cute Founder Naomi Shah Jan 28, 2022

Today, on our latest episode of the Cassandra Podcast, Cassandra welcomes Naomi Shah, the founder and CEO of Meet Cute, a media company that produces modern, scripted rom-coms. What started as an audio series — think “Sleepless in Seattle” reimagined for Gen Z and in podcast form — has recently expanded into video and written stories as well. Naomi talks with us about the value of feel-good storytelling, the importance of nuanced storylines, and the shift towards happily-for-nows rather than happily-ever-afters. She also touches on how her startup learned to build trust with their listeners through an emphasis on relatable characters and an inclusivity of all kinds of love. And with February 14 just a few weeks away, our discussion covers trends we’re seeing for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

EP 097. The Case For A Human Experience Oct 21, 2021

Today, on our latest episode of the Cassandra Podcast, Cassandra welcomes back Emily Albright Miller, Senior Vice President of Big Red Rooster. Listen in to gain inside knowledge on what’s currently happening in the retail and QSR space, as well as some predictions and guidance for brands going into the holiday season. Miller shares some recent insights about how vital the human component is to a positive brand experience. In her research, Miller spoke to both consumers as well as workers about current labor shortages, brand expectations and the consumer journey. With assumptions that tech can fill some of these gaps, Miller explains why this may not be the right long-term strategy. This week, we’re making a case for the human element as we guide listeners through the ripple effect these gaps can have.

Big Red Rooster, a JLL company, is a multidimensional brand experience firm creating transformative human experiences that get results.

EP 096. Diversity Begets Diversity: A Conversation with New Majority Ready Sep 16, 2021

In today’s Cassandra Podcast, we spoke with Jackie Hernandez and Oswald Mendez, co-founders of New Majority Ready about some of the biggest headlines and implications that are coming out of the 2020 US Census. The huge increase in the number of people that are multiracial and the fact that over 90% of the new generation of Hispanics is US-born, are two areas that we explore. As it is National Hispanic Heritage Month, we also discussed the concepts of heritage and identity, and what they mean for Gen Zs today. Lastly, Jackie and Oswald shared some examples of brands (including Vault by Vans x Frida Kahlo, Ulta, Fenty Beauty & Crocs) that are leading in this space.

New Majority Ready’s mission is to help companies realize the impact America’s current Cultural Transformation has on their business and create a path that will lead to new sources of growth through the lens of the New Majority, through designing audience strategies that drive growth, developing content and storytelling for marketers to deliver brand messaging and helping evolve companies’ culture and go-to-market strategies. More info about New Majority Ready is available here. And see more of their perspectives on the 2020 Census here. To see the presentation that Cassandra and New Majority Ready shared at the recent Insights Association IDEA Forum, please visit https://vimeo.com/580011727

EP 095. Making a Meme: Behind the Viral Trend, a conversation with Doing Things Media. Aug 26, 2021

On our newest episode of the Cassandra Podcast, Cassandra spoke with Todd Anderman, President, and Matthew Stanton, Head of Marketing, of Doing Things Media. Doing Things Media owns and operates 25 of the most meme famous handles across social media such as @animalsdoingthings, @middleclassfancy and more. With clever content aligning to top trends, their accounts have amassed roughly 60 million followers. Listen in as we go “behind the meme,” discussing the definition of a meme, the evolution of memes into new industries, and the future of meme culture. We’ll also learn how brands can craft share-worthy imagery to Millennial and Gen Z audiences, content that not only makes them feel understood, but happier and more connected with their friends.

EP 094. Equity and Diversity in the Wine and Food Industry Jun 04, 2021

On this week’s episode, Maryam Ahmed, President & CEO of Maryam + Company, joins Cassandra’s Kathy Sheehan and Michael Corti to discuss commitment to equity and diversity in the wine and food industry.

EP 093. Exploring the Business of Cannabis Apr 30, 2021

On this week’s episode, Kathy Sheehan and Michael Corti of Cassandra are joined by Sharon Kevil, Founder + CEO of Forti Goods and Tekisha Harvey, Co-founder of CannaCurious.

EP 092. Segmentation in the Cassandra Report Apr 02, 2021

Featuring Kathy Sheehan, Chanon Cook, and Michael Corti on why segmentation is important.

Cassandra’s segments uncover the unique personalities and perspectives contained within each generation, because when brands understand the key consumer archetypes within these groups, they can more effectively create for, communicate, and engage with each of them. Cassandra has divided the populations of Gen Zs into parts, or as we refer to them—segments, which are definable, accessible, and most importantly, actionable.

Unpacking Cassandra’s Gen Z Segmentation with Chanon Cook Jan 29, 2021

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Chanon Cook, Cassandra's Vice President. Chanon and Nina unpack Cassandra's latest report on Gen Z segmentation and get to explore some of these segments individually.

Cassandra’s segments uncover the unique personalities and perspectives contained within each generation, because when brands understand the key consumer archetypes within these groups, they can more effectively create for, communicate, and engage with each of them. Cassandra has divided the populations of Gen Zs into parts, or as we refer to them—segments, which are definable, accessible, and most importantly, actionable.

Exploring Pivot Coldbrew with Founder David Stroud Jan 22, 2021

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by David Stroud, Founder and President of Pivot Coldbrew, which was featured in this Thursday's Cassandra Daily on new adaptogenic and nootropic coffee drinks. David gives us his insight into the brand’s "chillbrew" coffee beverage, which encompasses a precision-crafted blend of cold brew, adaptogens, and nootropics with clinically proven benefits. The result is smart, stable energy with no jitters or caffeine crash, and it’s packaged in a handy, ready-to-drink format.

Gen Z Fintech Initiatives, Innovative Fragrance Tech, & Other Trends Jan 15, 2021

On this week's episode, our host Nina Rupp recaps fintech initiatives geared toward increasing Gen Z's financial literacy, innovative fragrance tech, an update on sports amid the ongoing pandemic, and qualitative data around young people's entertainment habits.

Why You Should Chew Your Ice Cream: Exploring My/Mochi with Russell Barnett Jan 08, 2021

On this week’s episode (the first of the new year!), our host Nina Rupp is joined by Russell Barnett, the Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer of My/Mochi Ice Cream. Russell and Nina explore all aspects of the My/Mochi brand, which is currently America's fastest-growing frozen novelty that owns 80% of the mochi ice cream category in retailers and 98% of the category in convenience stores. In three years on the market, My/Mochi products are available in over 30,000 retailers including 7-Eleven, Wegmans, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix, and the company is doing around $175 million in retail sales annually, which is projected to double in the next two years.

'Sleep in a Can': Exploring Som with Brad Marks Dec 11, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Brad Marks, the CMO of Som Sleep. Som is a sleep drink that's engineered to help consumers fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night, and Brad and Nina talk all about the beverage, why sleep hygiene is absolutely essential, and even unpack some Cassandra research around health and sleep that further supports Som's market positioning.

Accelerated Trends: Retail & The Pandemic Dec 04, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Emily Albright Miller, Vice President of Strategy & Insights at Big Red Rooster, a JLL company. Emily shares some truly can't-miss insights around consumer behavior as it relates to retail and shopping in light of the pandemic, and Nina and Emily outline three major areas of trend acceleration happening in this vertical.

Big Red Rooster, a JLL company, is a multidimensional brand experience firm creating transformative human experiences that get results.

TikTok Houses, Next-Gen Fitness Platforms, & Other Trends Nov 20, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp recaps this week's Cassandra Dailies, covering innovative healthcare models that are growing amid the Covid-19 pandemic, better-for-you baking mixes, next-gen interconnected fitness platforms, and content collectives known as TikTok houses.

"Generation Z is Not a Monolith" Nov 13, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Michael Corti, Cassandra's VP of Business Development. Michael shares insights around the polarization affecting today's Gen Zs (captured in this Cassandra Daily article on how modern young adults feel about last week's presidential election) and Cassandra's quant-based segmentation.

Reese's Candy-Dispensing Door, Data-Driven Farm Tech, & Other Trends Oct 29, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp recaps this week's Cassandra Dailies, which include exciting agtech innovations that will redefine the future of farming, new diversity and equity training programs, the rise of virtual floral arranging classes, and brands' Halloween initiatives, which celebrate "Spooky Season" amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Next-Gen Beauty Crowdsourcing Ft. Christopher Skinner Oct 23, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Christopher Skinner, Founder and Principal at School House. Chris and Nina take a deep dive into the topic of what crowdsourced beauty looks like and means today (spoiler alert: it looks a lot more like emotional and purpose-driven brand conversations). Chris possesses a wealth of knowledge around the topic, and he lends us valuable insights from his experience and his multi-disciplinary background.

School House is an NYC-based beauty branding agency that specializes in cut-through strategy, engaging creative and immersive environments for the world’s most in-demand beauty brands.

Slack's Sneakers, Gen Z-Led Social Media Networks, & Other Trends Oct 16, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp recaps buzzy cross-industry shoe collabs, language learning apps, Gen Z-led social media networks, and what our Cassandra Collective members say about the modern day voting process.

Report Recap: Cassandra's Lens on Race, Activism, & Equality Oct 09, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Kathy Sheehan, Cassandra's Senior Vice President. Kathy and Nina explore Cassandra's two latest reports, The Race & Activism Report and The Everyday Equality Report, surfacing and discussing key insights within both.

Exploring Parks Project ft. Keith Eshelman Oct 02, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Keith Eshelman, the co-founder and CEO of Parks Project. Keith recorded his segment from a yurt in his backyard (seriously... how cool is that?) and he and Nina explore everything about the standout for-profit business, which was created solely to give back to our national parks. Parks Project was featured in the Cassandra Daily Newsletter in a roundup of cause-oriented merch, and just hit a milestone of giving $1 million back to national parks back in August.

Not only does each collection of Parks Project apparel help fund any number of projects in our national parks—including vital wildlife conservation efforts, trail restorations, visitor education and more—but the merch is dope: it’s vintage-inspired (there’s tons of 70’s and 80’s inspired graphics and details), taps into 2020’s tie-dye craze, and is perfect for wearing around the house between those socially-distant outdoor adventures.

Anatomy of a Sustainable Fashion Brand with Kordal's Jia Yee Ni Sep 25, 2020

On this week’s episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Jia Yee Ni, Director of Production and Design at Kordal, a sustainable womenswear brand that’s based in Brooklyn. Jia Yee and Nina take a deep dive into what it truly means to be a sustainable brand, how that looks during the pandemic, and shifting consumer attitudes and behaviors around ethical consumption.

Sustainable Soap for Remarkable Times ft. Ari Bloom Sep 18, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp is joined by Ari Bloom, Founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands. A-Frame's first brand, Keeper, was featured in a Cassandra Daily roundup of refillable and sustainable personal care brands that were selected for their innovative approach to mitigating single-use plastic and water waste. Ari and Nina discuss the larger whitespace for brands to address these pressing issues and outline exactly how Keeper and A-Frame are doing just that. Ari has a noteworthy background in fashion, tech, and even food, and his insights as they relate to multiple verticals as well as the topic at hand are not to be missed.

New Avocado Treats, At-Home Fashion Campaigns, & Other Trends Sep 11, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp recaps smart cycling accessories, at-home photoshoots from major fashion brands, and new avocado treats.

Newsworthy Nuggets, Outdoor Workouts, & Other Trends Aug 28, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp recaps chicken nugget news you didn't know you needed, home hygiene products, wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, and creative outdoor workout classes.

Think BIG with CJ Wallace and Willie Mack Aug 21, 2020

We have a very profound episode this week: our host Nina Rupp is joined by CJ Wallace, son of The Notorious B.I.G., and Willie Mack, two of the cofounders of Think BIG. Think BIG is a social impact company that advocates for cannabis legalization, criminal justice reform, and the reinvestment in communities most affected by the over-policing of marijuana. CJ and Willie discuss these critical endeavors while also giving insight into how brands can join them in the fight for human rights and social justice during this pivotal time.

Disrupter DTC Brand Alert Ft. July's Co-Founders Aug 14, 2020

Our host Nina Rupp is joined by Muhammad Saigol and Erik Rauterkus, the co-founders of July. July is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) air conditioner brand that Fast Company described as “the Warby Parker of air conditioners.” This label is pretty on-the-nose, for July offers an air conditioner that is designed around both the user experience of installing and using a window AC and a more modern, appealing aesthetic. July was featured in Cassandra Daily a few weeks back, and Nina, Muhammad, and Erik discuss all facets of this exciting and disruptive brand.

Exploring GoldieBlox's Curiosity Camp Ft. Ferrell McDonald Aug 07, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Ferrell McDonald, the Chief Marketing Officer of GoldieBlox. GoldieBlox is an award-winning, mission-driven company fighting to close the gender gap in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) by equipping girls with tools—including awesome toys, games, and entertainment—to build their confidence and pursue their dreams. GoldieBlox’s Curiosity Camp was recently featured in Cassandra Daily, and Nina and Ferrell fully explore this exciting initiative.

Virtual Summer Camps, Creative Craft Beer Initiatives, & Other Trends Jul 31, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Cassandra's designer, Teena Homes. Teena is such an integral part of Cassandra Daily, and she lends her lovely personality and interesting insights to the Daily topics of the week, which include data-driven weight loss gadgets, brands launching virtual summer camps for kids, the rise of hand masking, and some creative craft beer initiatives in the era of Covid-19.

Modern Sexual Wellness with Sustain's Meika Hollender Jul 17, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by the inimitable Meika Hollender, founder and president of Sustain. Meika tells us all about the brand, which offers consumers shame-free and natural products for periods & sex, and highlights Sustain's latest initiative to redefine modern sex education, which you can learn more about at www.sexpectmore.com.

Shade-Inclusive Brands, Bubble Dining, & Other Trends Jul 10, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps the three Dailies from this short holiday week: cross-industry brands offering shade-inclusive products, cacao fruit-flavored beverages, and restaurants using creative isolation techniques to protect patrons during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Data-Driven Research On Youth & Pride Month Jun 26, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Kade Hall, Cassandra's Director of Insights and Research. Kade and Nina unpack quantitative and qualitative research around youth and Pride Month, which was featured in Thursday's Cassandra Daily.

Exploring Beauty Pie with Marcia Kilgore Jun 18, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by the dazzling Marcia Kilgore, serial entrepreneur and founder of Bliss Spa, Fit Flop footwear, and most recently, Beauty Pie, for an in-depth conversation about the disruptor beauty brand and why consumers so readily turn to beauty in times of crisis.

How Do We Close The Open Office? Jun 12, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by the brilliant Kadie Yale, Design Historian and Theorist. Kadie and Nina unpack the future of work and the future of the workplace itself, a topic that we explored in The Education, Work & Success Perspective, Cassandra's latest report in our Life Interrupted: Cassandra Special Edition series.

Listeners who want to reach out to Kadie can find her at www.designologyco-op.com, and those who are interested in Cassandra membership can email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

White Claw 70, Blue Jeans Go Green, & Other Trends May 29, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps the three Dailies from this short holiday week: telemedicine startups servicing women's contraceptive needs, wellness-oriented hard seltzers, and denim brands tackling water conservation initiatives. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Chatting with Lesley Eccles: Founder and CEO of Relish May 21, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by the brilliant Lesley Eccles, the founder and CEO of relationship training app Relish. Lesley and Nina discuss all aspects of the app and why it’s so important to prioritize sustained relationship maintenance, especially right now in the era of Covid-19. Cassandra has further explored this topic in depth in our Relationship & Community Perspective report as part of our Life Interrupted: Cassandra Special Edition series, which covers youth attitudes and behaviors under Covid-19.

'Indoor Fashion': Exploring Quarantine Merch May 08, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by two of the creatives behind the 'Indoor Fashion' quarantine merch featured in Tuesday’s Daily, titled Stay In, In Style: Antoine, who is one of the founders of multi-disciplinary French creative studio Services Généraux, and Gautier, who brought the creative vision behind the merch to life.

Life Interrupted: Millennials & Gen Z & Covid-19 May 01, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Melanie Shreffler, Vice President at Cassandra. They discuss Life Interrupted, Cassandra's new series of biweekly special edition reports that dispense insights, current trends, and future implications for brands and marketers in the Covid-19 era based on Cassandra's ongoing research among Millennials and Gen Z. For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and accessing these reports, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

Beauty Remedies for Screen-Soaked Skin, The Rise of Crispy Skin Snacks, & Other Trends Apr 24, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps three Dailies from the week: brands hosting live proms, graduations, and weddings, skincare products that protect against overexposure to blue light, and new, crispy 'skin snacks.' For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and learning more about what’s explored in this podcast, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chocolate Bars, TikTok Trends in Quarantine, & Other Trends Apr 17, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps three Dailies from the week: TikTok trends in an era of quarantine, artisanal chocolate bars made with extra virgin olive oil, and brands helping our healthcare heroes, who are fighting Covid-19 on the front lines. For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and learning more about what’s explored in this podcast, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

CBD Ice Cream + Research Around Covid-19 Apr 10, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps a lighter topic—CBD ice cream—before she's joined by Josh Weichhand, the Managing Director of Marketing for Chaco. Nina and Josh chat about Chaco’s Covid-19 Crisis Response, as the brand has pivoted to producing protective masks to mitigate the shortage of PPE. For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and learning more about what’s explored in this podcast, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

Research Around Covid-19: Fashion's Role + Intergenerational Insights Apr 03, 2020

For our season 6 kickoff, Nina Rupp hosts two very special guests in an episode that is packed with information surrounding various Covid-19 reporting and insights.

First, Nina catches up with Tessa Clark, a Project Runway alum who also designs her own brand, Grind and Glaze, which she sells at Idlewild, Tessa’s exquisite, multi-brand boutique. Tessa and Nina delve into Christian Siriano’s PPE initiative (Siriano mentored Tessa on Project Runway) and discuss all things fashion in the time of Covid-19.

Next, Nina is joined by David Albert, Managing Director of Engine Insights, who shares intergenerational insights from CARAVAN® omnibus surveys, which quickly capture insights from thousands of people around the globe.

For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and learning more about what’s explored in this podcast, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

Research & Conversation Around Covid-19: Part 2 Mar 27, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is once again joined by Danielle Hemsley, Cassandra's Director of Research Strategy. The two discuss Cassandra's latest qualitative insights around Covid-19. Nina also introduces Cassandra's latest report, The Purpose & Polarization Report, which launched yesterday. For more information on becoming a Cassandra member and accessing our syndicated reports, please email Michael.Corti@cassandra.co.

Research & Conversation Around Covid-19: Part 1 Mar 20, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Danielle Hemsley, Cassandra's Director of Research Strategy, who shares qualitative insights around Covid-19. As the podcast pivots to incorporate Cassandra's research on the cultural effects and shifts brought on by this pandemic, let us know what you want to hear and learn about by emailing us at info@cassandra.co.

Oat Milk Chocolate Bars, Brands Saying Get Out(side), & Other Trends Mar 13, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, our host Nina Rupp recaps shoppable ad experiences, oat milk chocolate bars, museum-inspired brand experiences, and brands launching initiatives that help consumers get off their devices and get outside. For more information on the rest of this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Fried Chicken Crocs, Tesla's Electric Cybertruck, & Other Trends Mar 06, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, our host Nina Rupp recaps new social media platforms, some seriously foodie footwear (including KFC's fried chicken Crocs!), automakers debuting electric trucks and SUVs, and a quick rundown of Thursday's Daily, where we asked youth in the Cassandra Collective what they thought about brands getting behind #IWD. For more information on the rest of this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Next-Gen E-commerce Platforms: A Conversation with MikMak's Rachel Tipograph Feb 28, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Rachel Tipograph, founder and CEO of MikMak, an e-commerce platform for multichannel brands (which we recapped in Thursday's Daily). Rachel drops some serious insight: we get into how she started MikMak, pivoted MikMak's model from consumer- to -business-facing, and the challenges brands face when playing in this space today—and how MikMak is addressing these very pain points. For more information on the rest of this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Influencer Incubators, High-Tech At-Home Workouts, & Other Trends Feb 21, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, our host Nina Rupp recaps new at-home workout tech, the proliferation of travel planning apps, and social media influencer incubators. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Brands Launching New Wellness Supplements — With a Special Guest Star! Feb 14, 2020

On this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, our host Nina Rupp is joined by Colleen Wachob, the co-founder of mindbodygreen. Mindbodygreen is a wellness media company that was included in Monday's Daily on brands launching beauty- and wellness-focused supplements. Nina and Colleen chat about supplements+, mindbodygreen's new line of supplements, and the wellness space in general. For more information on the rest of this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Viral Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, Super Bowl Ads, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Feb 07, 2020

For the first birthday of the podcast, as well as our 50th (!) episode, our host Nina Rupp is joined by the original co-founder and co-host of The Cassandra Daily Podcast: Meredith Hirt. They recap ear piercing and tattoo startups, this past Sunday's Super Bowl ads, fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes, and new discreet smart tech that debuted at CES 2020. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Next-Gen Wellness Shots & Brands Getting Creative On TikTok — With a Special Guest Star! Jan 31, 2020

On this week’s episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp is joined by Will Reedy, the co-founder of Rooted Shots. They chat about Rooted Shot's unique new offering, which we covered in Wednesday's roundup of next-gen wellness shots. Nina also recaps brands seeding social challenges to consumers on TikTok in order to raise organic, delight-driven brand awareness. For more information on this week's additional topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Lab-Grown Dairy, Burger King's Subscription Coffee Service, & Other Trends Jan 24, 2020

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps startups pioneering lab-grown dairy products, brands unrolling subscription beverage services, and our first digest covering Cassandra's Q4 2019 The Culture of Influence report. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Startups Disrupting The Bridal Industry — With a Special Guest Star! Jan 17, 2020

We have a special episode this week: our host Nina Rupp is joined by Michael Landry, a luxury operations and client experience manager. Michael has been working in luxury retail (in both the bridal and the ready-to-wear verticals) for twenty years, and he lends his incredible expertise to the topic of startups disrupting the bridal industry. Michael and Nina have a ball as they do a deep dive into this topic and explore the many fascinating components that go into picking the perfect wedding dress. For more information on this week's additional topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Ear Piercing Studios, Algae Shoes, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Jan 10, 2020

The Cassandra Daily Podcast is back with a fabulous guest to kick off the new year (and the new decade). Our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Rachel Krupa, founder and CEO of Krupa Consulting and The Goods Mart. Rachel and Nina have a ball chatting about the topics of the week, which include in-home nail art printers, shoes made from algae, DTC jewelry brands opening piercing studios, and new brand VR initiatives, as well as Rachel's work with The Goods Mart and her eponymous consulting firm. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Trash Cocktails, Ranch-Themed Holiday Merch, & Other Trends Dec 20, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps next-gen recycling technologies, non-CBD brands branching into CBD, closed-loop cocktail initiatives, and holiday merch from beloved food brands. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily. This is Nina's last episode before the holiday break, but the podcast will return with a new episode January 10th. Happy Holidays from the Cassandra team!

Cannabusiness By & For POC, Portable Nut Butter Packs, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Dec 13, 2019

This week, our host Nina Rupp recaps the Daily topics of the week (new podcast deals, portable nut butter packs, cannabusiness initiatives by and for people of color, and fast food giants tapping into cultural trends for kids' meal toys) before being joined by Kassia Graham, Director of National Programs and Social Media at Cannaclusive. Kassia gives Nina valuable insight into the topic of socially-equitable cannabusiness by and for people of color. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Ok Boomer Merch, News Apps That Combat Media Burnout, & Other Trends Dec 06, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps veggie ice cream, "ok boomer" merch (along with other Gen Z fashion lines that speak to the social causes those in this generation care about), news apps that fight media burnout and polarizing sensationalism, and brand initiatives that support digital wellness. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

New CBD Sparkling Waters, Wellness Within Your Car, A Deep Dive Into Acupuncture, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Nov 22, 2019

We have a truly fascinating episode for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Dr. Shari Auth, the co-founder and chief healing officer of buzzy acupuncture startup WTHN. Dr. Auth and Nina do a deep dive into the types of healing modalities (but especially acupuncture) that WTHN offers and how WTHN is democratizing the health & wellness space, especially for Millennials. They also touch on the Daily topics of the week and how health & wellness are relevant to each. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

"Satisfying Videos," The Explosion of Esports, Social Clubs for Creatives of Color, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Nov 15, 2019

We have a real breath of fresh air for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Cheryl Johnson, a Freelance Marketing and Social Media Strategist, who curated Wednesday's Daily on social spaces for professionals and creatives of color. They fully recap this topic, which benefits beautifully from Cheryl's lens and experience in this space. Nina also recaps brands entering the esports market, new astrology-based initiatives that reach for the stars, and a new type of entertainment trend called "satisfying videos," which lives under the idea of contentless content. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

The Dead Plant Trend, Jellyfish Chips, & Other Trends Nov 08, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps the "dead plant" trend, next-gen seafood snacks (including jellyfish chips), digital brands launching book clubs, and new 5G applications. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Oat-Based Beauty, Tinder's 'Swipe Night' & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Nov 01, 2019

We have a treat (no tricks here!) for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Emily Flannery, Assistant Director and Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati (side note: she's also Nina's trend and insights mentor). They recap Gen Z-targeted social chatroom apps, new high-tech clothing offerings, soothing and anti-inflammatory oat-based beauty, and brands debuting choose-your-own-adventure marketing initiatives. Emily and Nina also discuss both stan culture and cancel culture, which Nina is writing about for Cassandra's upcoming Q4 Culture of Influence report. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Boozy Kombucha, Adaptive Halloween Costumes for Kids, & Other Trends Oct 25, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps influencer marketing tools, hard kombucha beverages, big brands debuting adaptive offerings for consumers with special needs (including some adorable adaptive Halloween costumes for children), and the rise of niche co-working spaces. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

CBD Kombucha, Zero Waste Travel, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Oct 18, 2019

We have a treat for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Permele Doyle, the founder and president of influencer agency Billion Dollar Boy, who chats with Nina about the culture of influence to kick off Cassandra’s upcoming Q4 report on this very topic. They also recap gender-inclusive toys, better-for-you craft kombucha brands, new sustainable tourism initiatives, and the second Burnout Report teaser that went out on Thursday. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Talking Burnout with Anne Helen Petersen Oct 04, 2019

We have a treat for our listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Anne Helen Petersen, Senior Culture Writer at Buzzfeed News, whose article How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation sparked the current conversation around burnout. In this special edition of The Cassandra Daily Podcast, they talk about the history behind Anne's viral article, Anne's forthcoming book on burnout, and what it would take to solve this seemingly inescapable issue, which Cassandra explored in-depth in our recent Burnout Report. Nina will be back to recapping the Dailies on October 18th! For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Boozy Cold Brew, Burnout & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Sep 27, 2019

We have a treat for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by April Hautea, Nina's fellow Insights Writer at Cassandra, who chats with Nina about "Feeling The Burn" in regards to Cassandra's newly-released Burnout Report. Nina also recaps boozy cold brews, major food brands debuting pick-up only concepts, and auto giants releasing electric vehicles. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Next-Gen Sex Toys, The Summer of Hard Seltzer, & Other Trends Sep 20, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast our host Nina Rupp recaps next-gen sex toys, hard seltzer (which is pretty much the official beverage of summer 2019), minimalist phones, and apps that reward youth for unplugging from their digital devices. Nina also puts out a call for all your questions related to burnout: submit your questions and queries about this topic to info@cassandra.co or Nina's work email nina.rupp@cassandra.co. Alternatively, you can hit her up on Instagram @niinarupp. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Bug Bites, The Rise of Digital Clothing & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Sep 13, 2019

We have a treat for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by April Hautea, Nina's fellow Insights Writer at Cassandra, who chats with Nina about Cassandra's upcoming Burnout Report. Nina also recaps edible insects (or "bug bites"), the rise of digital clothing, brands' initiatives around going carbon neutral, and luxury fashion brands releasing mobile video games. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Designer Doomsday Bunkers, Gaming Wearables, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Aug 30, 2019

We have a treat for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by John Cardosi, Designer at Union Design, who gives Nina his lens on the topics of the week. They recap designer doomsday bunkers, gaming wearables, next-gen A.I.- and data-driven skincare lines, and zero-waste restaurants. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

The Rise of Meatless Burgers, High-Fat Keto Sweets, & Other Trends Aug 23, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast Nina Rupp recaps parenting apps, keto sweets, apps that encourage sexual education and wellness, and the rise of new meatless burgers. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Mood-Boosting Music Apps, Luxury Labels Launching Restaurants, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Aug 16, 2019

We have a treat for listeners this week: our host, Nina Rupp, is joined by Lynzie Riebling, the VP of Insights & Strategy at Revolt Media & TV, who gives Nina her brilliant lens on the topics of the week. They recap mood-boosting music apps, luxury labels launching restaurants, gaming smartphones, and mindful journaling apps, plus the exciting things Lynzie's up to at Revolt. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

A.I. Art, Startups Innovating Music, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Aug 09, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I briefly touch on the four Daily topics of the week (startups innovating music, the confluence of A.I. and art, new mental health apps, and tech-inspired initiatives that improve the lives of the elderly) in a broader conversation about brands using creativity to improve the lives of their young consumers. Joining me this week is a special guest star! Kathy Sheehan, Cassandra's new Senior Vice President, participates in this conversation with me. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

New Niche Dating Apps, Healthy Puffed Snacks, & Other Trends Aug 02, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap movie theaters launching ticket subscription services, healthy puffed snacks, new dating apps that cater to niche audiences, and next-gen dental care services. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

The Rise of Oat Milk Ice Cream, Modern High-Protein Cereals for Millennials, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest Star! Jul 26, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap the rise of oat milk ice cream, sneaker brands making use of upcycled materials, modern high-protein cereals that target Millennials, and brands using geo-targeting to give consumers the goods on the go. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! April Hautea, Cassandra's Insights Writer, chats with me about our mutual feelings on these healthy treats and gives listeners a peak into our upcoming Q3 Burnout report. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Bespoke Beverages, Brands Design Experiential Testing Rooms, & Other Trends Jul 19, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap bespoke beverages, retailers showing how their products withstand the weather, brands launching short-form, high-quality mobile entertainment, and the growing popularity of reusable food storage bags. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Fish Alternatives, Gender-Fluid Fashion Lines, & Other Trends — Plus a Special Guest! Jul 12, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap on-demand petcare services, social shopping platforms, startups pioneering alternatives sources of fish, and gender-fluid fashion lines. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! Melanie Shreffler, Cassandra's Senior Director of Insights, chats with me about our recent Retail Report and gets us pumped for our upcoming Q3 report on Burnout. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Occult-Inspired Products, Brands Championing Female Empowerment in Sports, & Other Trends Jun 21, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap refillable beauty products, brands advocating for female empowerment in sports (specifically for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup), occult-inspired products, and electric bike/moped rideshare programs. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Sexy Tourism Campaigns, High (As in 4/20) Spirits, & Other Trends — Plus A Special Guest! Jun 14, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast I recap 90s-inspired makeup palettes, sexy (and funny) travel campaigns, tech-enabled made-to-measure clothing, and brands concocting cannabis-infused beverages. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! Julia Makhalova, Cassandra's Associate Director of Brand Strategy, chats with me about our upcoming Retail Report and gives her observational insights on innovative retailers. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Chicken Nugget Ice Cream, Biscuit-Carrying Fanny Packs & Other Trends — Plus A Special Guest! Jun 07, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap brands releasing functional foodie accessories (including the titular biscuit-holding fanny pack), sweets gone savory (e.g., chicken nugget ice cream), apparel brands continuing to launch rental services, and brands debuting product-adjacent beauty experiences. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! April Hautea, an Insights Writer at Cassandra, chats with me about our upcoming Retail Report and gives me her take on our topics. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Boozy Ice Cream, Branded Pool Floats & Other Trends May 31, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap booze-adjacent ice cream, startups tackling menopause, and cool branded pool floats. Also, it's our dear co-host Meredith's last podcast episode! For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Private Label Beauty Brands, Mental Health Awareness Month Campaigns, & Other Trends May 24, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap adaptogenic skincare, brands releasing private label beauty lines, branded campaigns for Mental Health Awareness Month, and the fashion industry's use of deadstock materials. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Game-Training A.I., Vinyl's Continued Revival, & Other Trends May 17, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap game-training A.I., vinyl's continued revival, youth-focused student loan services, and beauty brands launching customization tools. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Virtual Influencers, Facial Recognition, & Other Trends May 10, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap personalized packaging, the rise of virtual influencers, facial recognition tech, and modern male fertility services. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Mood-Boosting Beauty, Sonic Branding, & Other Trends May 03, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap sonic branding, mood-boosting functional beauty products, brands launching products and services for children, and branded meal kits. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Fyre Festival-Inspired Marketing, Branded Luxury Residences & Other Trends Apr 26, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap beauty & grooming initiatives for men, how the fiasco of Fyre Festival inspired various marketing efforts, branded luxury residences, and customizable headphones. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

New Superfruit Beverages, High-Tech Astrology Apps, & Other Trends — Plus A Special Guest! Apr 19, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap aronia berry superfruit beverages, tech-driven astrology apps, modern fertility services, and brands staging plays for entertainment-loving consumers. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! Rachel Braun Scherl, who has been building businesses on female sexual health and wellness from menstruation to menopause for over a decade, and is also the author of Orgasmic Leadership, gives us her lens on modern sexual wellness. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Safe Sex Campaigns, Color Changing Gins, & Other Trends Apr 12, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap autonomous delivery robots, color changing gins, brands releasing safe sex campaigns, and fashion brands turning to plant-based dyes. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

CBD Spa Treatments, New Nitro Beverages, & Other Trends Apr 05, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap CBD spa treatments, drawing-themed products and experiences, non-coffee nitro beverages, and size-inclusive fashion brands. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

The Drybar of Botox, 'Death' Drawing Classes, & Other Trends Mar 29, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap online networking services, brands hosting classes in the arts, new scent-based products, and single-focus service models. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Sex Ed Apps, Moon-Based Beauty, & Other Trends Mar 22, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap next gen sex ed apps, brands developing streaming platforms for gaming, off-peak restaurant "surge pricing", and moon-based beauty products. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Sleep-Friendly Sweets, Branded Game of Thrones Products, & Other Trends — Plus A Special Guest! Mar 15, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap sleep-friendly sweets, boozy dog parks, Game of Thrones-themed products, and mental health apps that incorporate CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Plus, this week we feature a special guest star! Melanie Shreffler, our Senior Director of Insights, talks about her recent SXSW panel. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Fried Chicken ASMR, Furniture Rental Subscriptions, & Other Trends Mar 08, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap subscription models for furniture rentals, live shopping apps, hotels with co-working spaces, and on-brand ASMR. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Beer Brewed From Food Waste, Breaking The Stigma Around Periods, & Other Trends Mar 01, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap beer brewed from food waste, layaway apps for Millennials, different formats that are fighting the stigma against menstruation, and the global rise of rage rooms. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Steak Sauce-Scented Candles, Branded Hospitality, & Other Trends Feb 22, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap some deliciously-scented candles, concerts hosted on social virtual reality platforms, and brands branching into hospitality. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Zodiac-Based Customization, Birth Control Delivery, & Other Trends Feb 15, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap zodiac-based customization, new podcast streaming platforms, birth control delivery, and celebrating grandma's cooking. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Food-Dispensing Billboards, Alcohol-Monitoring Wearables, & Other Trends Feb 07, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap in-store eSports arenas, food-dispensing billboards, autism-friendly theme parks, and alcohol-monitoring wearable tech. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Boozy Vending Machines, Publisher Beauty Brands, & Other Trends Feb 01, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap boozy vending machines, publisher beauty brands, new applications for solar technology, and AR board games. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Keeping Cereal Alive, Toothpaste in a Pill, & Other Trends Jan 30, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap clothing rental services, brands keeping cereal alive (despite Millennials' best attempts to kill it), innovative and eco-friendly beauty and grooming products, and skincare and hair care brands that are using A.I. to create highly-customized products for each individual consumer. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Breakup Boosters, a Spotlight on Salmon, & Other Trends Jan 28, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap 3D audio headphones, branded communities built around passion points, services for a better breakup, sleep-assisting products, and salmon's turn in the culinary spotlight. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

Sad Desk Lunches, High-Tech Weatherproof Apparel, & Other Trends Jan 25, 2019

In this week's episode of The Cassandra Daily Podcast we recap lunchbox innovations, remote simultaneous music listening apps, hospitality brands building social connections, eco-friendly beauty & grooming brands, and high-tech weather apparel. For more information on this week's topics, visit https://www.cassandra.co/daily.

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