# #244 - Live Pitch Practice & Feedback

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-04-14
- Length: 50m
- Episode: 288
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-04-14-244-live-pitch-practice-feedback
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5fa16871

## Summary

Host Daniel Scharff and former retail buyer Caitlin Bricker provide live feedback to eleven CPG founders pitching at Expo West, including Divya Kumar of AyurSome Wellness, Spencer McManus of Kaviva, and Kristoffer Quiaoit of Good Journey. The hosts critique specific pitch mechanics, such as lighting, camera angles, and the use of 'uptalk,' while advising founders to lead with product proof points, velocity data, and clear ingredient transparency rather than generic market size claims. Key brands discussed include Bagelverse, Ramen Bae, Cali Nutrition, Doggo Sessions, Oh My! Dessert Butter, Theniya, and Tiara Natural Deodorant, with a focus on how to effectively communicate value to retail buyers in a virtual setting.

## Outline

1. Introduction and Pitch Practice Setup
2. AyurSome Wellness: Tea Pitch and Feedback
3. Kaviva: Kava Seltzer and Adaptogen Clarification
4. Good Journey: Low-Carb Donuts and Uptalk Critique
5. Zenbroth: Umami Seasoning and Reading from Script
6. Bagelverse: Pizza Bagels and Nostalgia Pitch
7. Ramen Bae: Protein Ramen and D2C Traction
8. Cali Nutrition: Hormonal Health Supplements
9. Doggo Sessions: Portable Dog Training Treats
10. Oh My! Dessert Butter: First-Ever Claims and Repurchase Rates
11. Theniya: Salon-Quality Cuticle Oil
12. Tiara Natural Deodorant: Mission vs. Sales Data
13. Conclusion and Final Advice

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- AyurSome Wellness (company)
- Kaviva (company)
- Good Journey (company)
- Zenbroth (company)
- Bagelverse (company)
- Ramen Bae (company)
- Cali Nutrition (company)
- Doggo Sessions (company)
- Oh My! Dessert Butter (company)
- Theniya (company)
- Tiara Natural Deodorant (company)
- Expo West (other)
- Shark Tank (other)
- Maruchan (product)
- Native (company)
- Luni (company)
- Salt and Stone (company)
- Biscoff (product)
- Trader Joe's (company)
- SPINS (other)
- NielsenIQ (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Advice Line with Sarah Kauss of S'well](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-06-20-advice-line-with-sarah-kauss-of-swell) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line: What’s Your Value?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-03-19-advice-line-whats-your-value) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Andy Dunn of Bonobos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-04-17-advice-line-with-andy-dunn-of-bonobos) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Andrew Abraham of Orgain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-05-16-advice-line-with-andrew-abraham-of-orgain) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Peter Rahal of RXBAR](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-04-10-advice-line-with-peter-rahal-of-rxbar) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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