The Kara Goldin Show

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835 Allyson Mandelbaum: Founder & CEO of Shady Lady May 06, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Allyson Mandelbaum, Founder & CEO of Shady Lady — a women’s hat brand redefining fit, function, and confidence by designing hats specifically made for women. After spending over 20 years as a reality TV producer, Allyson made a bold career pivot at 40 to solve a problem she personally experienced: hats simply didn’t fit women properly. What started as a frustration turned into a mission-driven brand focused on better design, comfort, and helping women feel confident in what they wear.
In this episode, Allyson shares what it’s like to start over later in your career, how she validated a product idea with no prior experience in fashion or business, and the lessons she learned from expanding too quickly early on. We also talk about why “unisex” design often misses the mark, how to build a brand around a specific unmet need, and the importance of staying focused on your core product. Plus, Allyson opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with family life, trusting your instincts, and why it’s never too late to build something meaningful. A must-listen for founders, career pivoters, and anyone looking to turn a simple idea into a powerful brand.

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To learn more about Allyson Mandelbaum and Shady Lady:
https://www.shopshadylady.com
https://www.instagram.com/shop_shadylady/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-mandelbaum-13322977/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Shady-Lady-100047634133154/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/835

834 Melisse Shaban: CEO of Aramore May 04, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore — a longevity science company redefining how we approach aging through cellular health. With decades of experience building and scaling science-driven brands, Melisse is now leading Aramore at the intersection of biotech, skincare, and supplements, with a mission to move beyond surface-level beauty and address aging at its source.
In this episode, Melisse breaks down the science behind NAD+ and why it’s becoming such a powerful conversation in both wellness and skincare. She shares what most people misunderstand about aging, how to separate real innovation from marketing hype, and why the future of skincare lies in supporting how our cells function—not just how our skin looks. We also dive into what it takes to bring complex science to consumers in a clear and trustworthy way, how Aramore is approaching both topical and internal solutions, and what’s next for the longevity category.
A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone curious about the future of beauty, wellness, and aging—and how science is reshaping all three.

To learn more about Melisse Shaban and Aramore:
https://www.aramore.com
https://www.instagram.com/aramoreskincare/
https://www.instagram.com/melisseshaban/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisse-shaban/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/834

833 Bryan Boches: Co-Founder & CEO of Safe Catch May 01, 2026

Show notes

Can one personal frustration — and a simple question — actually lead to changing an entire industry standard?
On today’s episode, we welcome Bryan Boches, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe Catch — the only seafood company in the world that tests every single fish for mercury. What started as a deeply personal moment — when Bryan’s pregnant wife was told to eliminate tuna from her diet due to mercury concerns — quickly turned into a much bigger realization: why wasn’t anyone solving this problem at scale?
Instead of accepting the status quo, Bryan set out to fix it. After developing breakthrough proprietary technology capable of screening every fish for mercury, he approached major seafood companies — and was met with resistance. So he did what great founders do: he built his own brand. Today, Safe Catch is in over 19,000 retail locations, setting a new benchmark for transparency, safety, and accountability in seafood.
In this episode, Bryan shares what it really takes to challenge a legacy industry, the uphill battle of introducing higher standards into an established supply chain, and why incumbents often resist meaningful change. We discuss the science behind mercury testing, how to educate consumers without creating fear, and what it means to build trust in a category where transparency hasn’t always been the norm. Bryan also opens up about the realities of scaling a mission-driven business, navigating retailer relationships, and staying committed when others won’t follow.
If you’re interested in building with purpose, disrupting entrenched industries, or turning a personal problem into a scalable solution — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Bryan Boches and Safe Catch:
https://www.safecatch.com/
https://www.instagram.com/safecatchfoods/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanboches/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/833

832 Chia-Lin Simmons: CEO of LogicMark Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Can personal safety evolve from a reactive alert system into a proactive, AI-driven platform — and reshape how we think about independence and care?
On today’s episode, we welcome Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark — a company transforming from a traditional medical alert provider into a modern, connected care platform built around prevention, prediction, and everyday peace of mind. LogicMark is redefining what it means to feel safe, combining wearable devices, mobile apps, and AI-powered insights to support not just seniors, but anyone seeking greater control over their personal safety.
As the population ages and millions of families navigate the growing demands of caregiving, LogicMark is focused on building solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and deeply human. Under Chia-Lin’s leadership, the company has expanded beyond hardware into a broader ecosystem designed to empower independence, reduce caregiver burden, and bring smarter, more responsive technology into the home and daily life.
In this episode, Chia-Lin shares how she’s leading the company’s transformation into an AI-enabled platform, what it takes to innovate in a highly regulated and deeply personal category, and why empathy is a critical driver of product development in health tech. We also discuss the rise of the “silver tsunami,” the expanding definition of personal safety across demographics, and how technology can realistically support both users and caregivers in meaningful ways.
If you’re interested in the future of health tech, the evolving care economy, or what it takes to reinvent a legacy company for a modern world — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Chia-Lin Simmons and LogicMark:
https://www.logicmark.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chia-lin-simmons/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/832

831 Michael Marquis: CEO of Raw Sugar Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Can you take a clean beauty brand built on accessibility — and evolve it into a global “everyday luxury” powerhouse without losing what made it special?
On today’s episode, we welcome Michael Marquis, CEO of Raw Sugar Living — the personal care brand known for bringing clean, high-quality products to the masses at an accessible price point. With more than 30 years of experience across global consumer giants like Johnson & Johnson — where he led iconic brands including Listerine, Clean & Clear, and OGX — Michael brings a unique combination of operational discipline and brand-building expertise to Raw Sugar’s next chapter.
Since joining the company in 2022, Michael has led Raw Sugar through a period of rapid growth and transformation, expanding distribution across major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS while strengthening the brand’s foundation in clean, vegan-friendly formulations and its signature design. Now, he’s guiding the company through a major evolution — reimagining the brand with updated packaging, improved formulas, and a sharper positioning around “accessible everyday luxury.”
In this episode, Michael shares what it takes to execute a thoughtful rebrand without alienating loyal customers, how to build and sustain strong retail partnerships, and why operational excellence is critical when scaling in a competitive category. We also discuss the evolution of the clean beauty market, shifting consumer expectations around transparency and ingredients, and how leadership — including his perspective as a father — shapes both company culture and long-term strategy.
If you’re interested in scaling consumer brands, navigating rebrands, or building products that balance quality, accessibility, and growth — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Michael Marquis and Raw Sugar:
https://www.rawsugarliving.com
https://www.instagram.com/rawsugarliving/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmarquis/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/831

830 Brad Neumann: Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Saint James Iced Tea Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Can you really reinvent a category as established as iced tea — and scale to 15,000+ doors in just a few years?
On today’s episode, we welcome Brad Neumann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Saint James Iced Tea — one of the fastest-growing brands in the ready-to-drink beverage space. Launched in 2022, Saint James is bringing a fresh perspective to a legacy category with organic ingredients, low-to-no sugar formulations, and bold, modern branding designed for today’s consumer.
With a background at Red Bull and Anheuser-Busch — where he became one of the youngest Directors — Brad brings deep industry experience to the table, along with a track record of helping scale beverage startups to successful exits. That expertise has fueled Saint James’ rapid rise, with the brand growing to over 15,000 retail doors and selling more than 900,000 cases in 2025 alone.
In this episode, Brad shares what he saw in the iced tea category that others were missing, how he approached building a differentiated product from day one, and the strategies behind Saint James’ breakout growth. We discuss the power of brand partnerships — including collaborations with HBO’s White Lotus, Juicy Couture, and LOOP Beauty — and how to translate awareness into real retail velocity. Brad also breaks down the realities of scaling quickly in a crowded market, maintaining brand integrity, and what founders need to know about building momentum without losing focus.
If you’re interested in the future of beverages, scaling a high-growth CPG brand, or what it takes to stand out in a competitive category — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Brad Neumann and Saint James Iced Tea:
https://www.saintjamestea.com
https://www.instagram.com/saintjamestea/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradneumann/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/830

829 Marc Jonna: Co-Founder & President of Plum Market Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

What if the grocery store wasn’t just a place to shop — but an experience designed around quality, hospitality, and trust?
On today’s episode, we welcome Marc Jonna, Co-Founder and President of Plum Market — the specialty grocery chain redefining what a premium food experience can be. A third-generation grocer, Marc grew up in the business, stepping into leadership of his family’s seven-store operation at just 19 before it was acquired by Whole Foods in 1998. After serving on Whole Foods’ national leadership team, Marc and his brother Matt set out to build something different — launching Plum Market in 2007 as a deliberate response to what they believed the industry was missing.
Today, Plum Market has grown into a 35+ location business spanning grocery, airports, and foodservice, with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced products, chef-driven prepared foods made entirely from scratch, and a hospitality-first approach to retail. With a clear point of view — from defining “local” as within 350 miles to curating a mix of artisanal and everyday essentials — the brand has carved out a unique position in an increasingly competitive landscape.
In this episode, Marc shares what he learned growing up in a family-run grocery business, his experience inside Whole Foods during a pivotal moment in its growth, and how those lessons shaped the vision for Plum Market. We discuss the realities of grocery economics, why most retailers struggle to balance quality and scale, and how Marc has built a business that prioritizes both experience and discipline. He also opens up about scaling a family-owned company in a world of publicly traded competitors, evaluating new opportunities like airports and new markets, and staying true to a clear mission while expanding nationwide.
If you’re interested in the future of grocery, building experience-driven retail brands, or what it really takes to compete — and win — in a complex, low-margin industry, this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Marc Jonna and Plum Market:
https://www.plummarket.com
https://www.instagram.com/plummarket/
https://www.instagram.com/marc.jonna
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-jonna-3a9b4649

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/829

828 Pam Sherman: Author of Play You Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, I welcome Pam Sherman, Author of the new book Play You: The Role of a Lifetime — Bridge the Believability Gap to Boost Confidence, Connection, and Impact. Pam is an actor, leadership consultant, and President of The ShermanEDGE who has spent her career helping leaders ignite audiences with who they truly are. A former lawyer turned professional actor — a transition profiled in People Magazine — Pam now works with Fortune 50 companies and global leadership organizations, including YPO, EO, and Vistage, guiding leaders to communicate with greater authenticity and impact.
In Play You, Pam introduces the concept of the “Believability Gap” — the space between who we are and how we show up. Drawing on techniques from the stage, she reveals how acting tools can help leaders embody their core character more fully, strengthen confidence, and connect more powerfully with teams and audiences. The book challenges the common belief that authenticity alone is enough, showing instead that believability — the ability to truly inhabit your message — is what drives influence and trust.
In this episode, Pam shares how her unconventional journey shaped her leadership philosophy, why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have, and how small shifts in presence can dramatically change the way others experience us. We discuss overcoming self-doubt, navigating toxic cultures, breaking the “fourth wall” in everyday communication, and how teams can collaborate more effectively when individuals close their believability gap. A compelling conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone ready to step into their own role of a lifetime.
Whether you’re looking to boost confidence, reconnect with your purpose, or increase your impact, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help you “play you” more fully — starting now. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about Pam Sherman and Play You:
https://www.thepamsherman.com/play-you
https://www.thepamsherman.com
https://www.instagram.com/thepamsherman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-sherman/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/828

827 Kevin Keller: Co-Founder of Fulton & Roark Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to build a modern luxury brand — without outside funding — and still grow at triple-digit rates?
On today’s episode, we welcome Kevin Keller, Co-Founder of Fulton & Roark — the American fine fragrance brand redefining how fragrance is designed, experienced, and sold. Launched in 2013 with just $11,000 and no outside investment, Kevin and his co-founder Allen Shafer set out to create products that felt more personal, practical, and modern — starting with their now-signature solid fragrance, a portable alternative to traditional sprays.
Since then, Fulton & Roark has grown into a nationally distributed brand carried in hundreds of retail locations, including Neiman Marcus and luxury hotel properties, while maintaining a strong direct-to-consumer business that drives the majority of its sales. With thoughtful product expansion into extrait de parfum, grooming, and body care, the company has built a loyal following by staying disciplined in its approach to design, storytelling, and customer experience.
In this episode, Kevin shares how he built Fulton & Roark from the ground up without outside capital, the importance of balancing DTC and wholesale in a competitive category, and how to scale profitably while staying true to your brand. We also discuss what “modern luxury” really means today, how consumer expectations around fragrance and grooming are evolving, and why intentional product development is critical to long-term success. Kevin also reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a founder, what he would do differently, and what’s next for the brand.
If you’re interested in building a capital-efficient business, redefining a legacy category, or creating products that truly resonate with modern consumers — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

To learn more about Kevin Keller and Fulton & Roark:
https://www.instagram.com/fultonandroark/
https://www.fultonandroark.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwilliamkeller/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/827

826 Jash Mehta: Co-Founder & CEO of Pop & Bottle Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Jash Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of Pop & Bottle — a plant-based latte brand redefining what ready-to-drink coffee, matcha, and tea can look like when clean ingredients and real flavor come first. Inspired by California’s farm-to-table culture and a desire to eliminate mystery ingredients and refined sugars from her daily latte ritual, Jash began experimenting in her apartment with the goal of creating something better. What started as a personal solution has grown into a national brand carried by major retailers across the U.S.
In this episode, Jash shares what it takes to build a clean-label beverage brand in an incredibly crowded category, why matcha is having such a moment, and how ingredient transparency builds lasting trust with consumers. We also talk about scaling without compromising values, innovating with functional ingredients, and how motherhood has shaped Jash’s leadership style and decision-making as a founder and CEO. A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone interested in building better-for-you brands with intention and integrity.

To learn more about Jash Mehta and Pop & Bottle:
https://www.popandbottle.com
https://www.instagram.com/popandbottle/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pop-and-bottle/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jashmehta/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/826

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