The Firebelly Social Show

Jason Davis is the Founder and Brewer at Reveland Brewing and Peralta Beverage, LLC, a company dedicated to crafting elevated, high-quality non-alcoholic (NA) beers that bring real craft credibility to the fast-growing NA category. Previously, he was the R&D and Innovations Brewer at Berkeley Yeast, where he developed yeast strains and NA beer products. Jason's work earned industry acclaim, including thousands of pours at the Great American Beer Festival and key distribution partnerships. He studied brewing science at the Siebel Institute in Chicago and the Doemens Academy in Munich. In this episode… The non-alcoholic beer category is carving out a niche for beer lovers who want the complexity and taste of craft beer without the alcohol. But what does it take to create a brew that delivers the full flavor experience without the buzz? Can a non-alcoholic beer truly capture the essence of a traditional brew? According to Jason Davis, a seasoned brewer with a deep technical background, non-alcoholic brewing demands creativity and an understanding of beer's core components — texture, flavor, and mouthfeel. He explains that the absence of alcohol doesn't require sacrificing richness. Instead, brewers balance malt and hop elements to craft a beer experience that's just as satisfying. While the category is still in its early stages, Jason sees endless potential for growth, with innovation continuing to drive its evolution. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jason Davis, Founder and Brewer at Reveland Brewing, about the rise of non-alcoholic beers. They dive into the science behind crafting a truly great NA beer and discuss Jason's journey from R&D brewer to founder. The conversation explores the role of innovation in brewing, Jason's efforts to push boundaries, and the challenges and excitement of this rapidly growing category.

Kat Weaver is the CEO and Founder of Power to Pitch, a platform that helps early-stage founders craft compelling pitches and raise capital with confidence. Under her leadership, Power to Pitch has helped secure over $55 million in grants and venture funding. Kat is also a successful exited entrepreneur, active angel investor, and has built a community of over 30,000 LinkedIn followers. Her experience launching and scaling the first company straight out of her college dorm room gives her firsthand empathy for the founder's journey. In this episode… When it comes to raising capital, many founders think success lies in having a great product or pitch. But what if it's more about who you are as a founder? How do your personality, energy, and approach impact an investor's decision? According to Kat Weaver, a seasoned entrepreneur and pitching expert, the key to attracting investment isn't just about having a great product — it's about being the right type of person for the investors. "Investors are betting on you as a founder, not just your business," she explains. She goes on to highlight the importance of traits like coachability, transparency, passion, and grit. Kat emphasizes that investors are looking for founders who can adapt, pivot, and stay resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Kat Weaver, CEO and Founder of Power to Pitch, about the complex world of investor psychology. They cover the psychological mistakes founders make when raising capital, why choosing the right investor is more important than the amount of money, and how understanding investor psychology can make or break a business.

Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman are the Founders of Purplesful Snacking Popcorn, a company dedicated to creating healthy, antioxidant-rich purple corn popcorn while donating 25% of profits to children's nutrition charities. Purplesful has achieved widespread growth in both Canada and the US, including a significant launch into 400 Kroger stores, and is on a mission to donate $5 million over the next five years. Matthew is an accomplished ethical investor and three-time Profit 100 and Hot 50 CEO, while Jasmine brings her passion for philanthropy, healthy living, and hands-on leadership to the brand. In this episode… What if your favorite snack could do more than satisfy your cravings? What if it could also make a meaningful impact on communities in need? In a world where convenience often trumps purpose, is it time to rethink how we snack and the role our choices play in the bigger picture? Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman believe it is. With years of experience in the food industry, they set out to create more than just a great snack. Driven by a mission to support local communities and help children start their days with nutritious meals, they put purpose before product. As Matthew shares, the mission came first, followed by the discovery of purple corn, which made the snack both healthier and uniquely delicious. This approach reflects their commitment to making a meaningful difference while delivering a product that exceeds expectations. In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is joined by Matthew and Jasmine von Teichman, Founders of Purplesful Snacking Popcorn, to discuss the mission behind their brand and the power of combining purpose with taste. The episode covers their journey of starting with a vision before a product, how purple corn became the cornerstone of their popcorn, and the incredible impact of supporting children's breakfast programs.

Mark Samuel is the Founder at MARK'S, a seed oil-free snack brand that just launched a non-GMO kettle chip line. He also drives growth initiatives at Siddhi Capital, a leading venture firm in food and beverage. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he is known for building high-performance, mission-driven brands, and his recent launch has received rave reviews for its clean ingredients and bold approach to snacking. Outside of his work, Mark is a passionate health and fitness advocate, a dedicated father, and the host of the candid industry podcast Let's Eat. In this episode… Most people swear they want to "eat better," yet the moment stress hits, the chips come out, and all that good intention disappears. We tell ourselves it's about willpower, discipline, or the latest diet trend, but what if those aren't the real issues at all? What if the key to feeling healthier isn't restriction but a different kind of relationship with food altogether? According to Mark Samuel, a longtime champion of practical wellness and everyday movement, the answer starts with honesty. He believes most of us aren't struggling because we love snacks too much, but because we've been misled about what "healthy" even means. Mark explains that real change begins with awareness, not fear — choosing foods with simple, clean ingredients and understanding how they fit into your life. He points to the way chips live in nearly every household and uses that as a platform to talk about balance, inflammation, and marketing myths that confuse people. For him, simplifying what we eat can become a bridge to simplifying how we think about health overall, creating a more grounded, less stressful way to nourish ourselves. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Mark Samuel, Founder of MARK'S SNACKS, to discuss building a better relationship with food. They explore why clean, minimalist ingredients matter, how balanced snacking actually supports a healthier lifestyle, and what drives Mark's mission to cut through nutritional fear-mongering. Mark also shares why movement, mindset, and honesty are the real pillars of long-term well-being.

Diana Fryc is the Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Voodoo Brands, a leading brand strategy and consulting firm helping food, beverage, and wellness brands rise above the noise and drive impact. Under her leadership, Voodoo Brands has guided Fortune 500 corporations and startups through major growth challenges while expanding its strategic services. Diana also serves as Chairperson and President of Naturally Seattle, championing the growth of the Pacific Northwest's natural products community, and hosts Gooder Podcast. In this episode… In today's crowded food and beverage landscape, standing out isn't just about having a great product. It's about clarity, purpose, and connection. How do brands cut through the noise, build trust, and design packaging that not only looks good but actually sells? Brand strategist and marketing leader Diana Fryc believes that lasting success comes from aligning strategy, design, and mission. She highlights how Voodoo Brands evolved beyond design into a full-service strategy and insights powerhouse, helping companies grow through thoughtful research, authentic storytelling, and smart commercial planning. Diana explains that "good design" isn't just beautiful — it's functional, emotional, and continues working long after purchase. By marrying aesthetic appeal with clarity and purpose, brands create long-term loyalty and cultural impact. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Diana Fryc, Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Voodoo Brands, to discuss brand evolution, good design, and consumer connection. They explore the rise of better-for-you products, the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions, and why alt-channel strategies matter. Diana also shares her excitement for Seattle's evolving food scene and, of course, her passion for great cheese.