ReConnected

Luke Abbott
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast—a home for sharing, understanding and growth for the retail grocery store industry. During each episode, we will meet an amazing member of our community as we learn about their story and jointly explore the intricacies and challenges of our supply chain. Through it all, we'll remember and honor that everything starts with the real people who spend so much of their lives supporting the retail food supply chain. We will bring together the voices of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers as we journey together to help our industry reconnect.We're excited to have you join us. 

  1. 12/05/2025

    Episode 33 - Reconnected with Pere Selles

    In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with the remarkable Pere Selles, a man whose life is a tapestry of adventure, business acumen, and cultural exchange. Pere shares his journey from Barcelona to the United States, where he carved out a niche in the food industry by introducing Spanish cuisine to American palates. With anecdotes of his early days selling olive oil from the trunk of his car to his current role with the Jose Andres Group, Pere's story is one of resilience and innovation. Listeners will be inspired by his tales of building a business from the ground up, fostering relationships with small family producers in Spain, and his ongoing mission to bring authentic Spanish flavors to the U.S. market. Beyond business, Pere's zest for life is evident in his adventurous spirit, from mountain biking across the U.S. to his plans for a road trip to Baja California. This episode is a celebration of cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, and living life to the fullest.

    59 min

  2. 09/03/2025

    Episode 32 - Reconnected with Elliot Begoun

    In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott of Vdriven engages in a thought-provoking conversation with a special guest, Elliot Begoun, about the evolving landscape of the food industry. They delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, exploring themes of resilience, innovation, and the importance of questioning the status quo. The discussion touches on the significance of board diversity, the impact of consumer behavior on business models, and the need for systemic change in the industry. With insights into the dynamics of omni-channel retail and the future of shopping, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersection of business and consumer trends. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of the modern market and drive meaningful change.

    53 min

  3. 08/20/2025

    Episode 31 - Reconnected with Lara Dickinson

    In this episode of the Reconnected podcast, we sit down with Laura Dickinson, a visionary leader in the natural products industry. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to founding One Step Closer, a network dedicated to embedding purpose in business. We explore the challenges and triumphs of creating sustainable supply chains, the importance of regenerative business practices, and the power of community in driving meaningful change. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of conscious capitalism.

    1h 2m

  4. 07/30/2025

    Episode 30 - Reconnected with Casey Gaston (Whole Foods Market)

    In this episode, we sit down with Casey Gaston, current Executive Leader of Whole Body & Supplements at Whole Foods Market and former Leader of the Local and Emerging Brands program.  With over 21 years at Whole Foods Market, Casey shares her path from oncology nursing to holistic wellness and supplements, ultimately stepping into a leadership role at the nation’s largest natural retailer. Casey shares valuable insights into what it truly takes for early-stage brands to succeed—from the power of purpose-driven retail to lessons learned working with emerging brands. She unpacks the vision behind Whole Foods Market’s LEAP accelerator and what helps products stand out on shelf, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the retailer’s approach to identifying and nurturing promising new brands. Get ready to be inspired as Casey shares how passion, perseverance, and strategic clarity can turn bold ideas into meaningful growth for emerging brands.

    52 min

  5. 07/09/2025

    Episode 29 - Reconnected with Bart Jan Manten

    In this episode of The Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with Bart Jan Manten—musician-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Neolea, a premium olive oil brand born in Greece. Bart shares his unconventional path from the Dutch music scene to olive groves in Corfu, blending creativity with sharp business instincts to build a brand rooted in authenticity, innovation, and purpose. Bart opens up about transforming traditional olive oil production through cutting-edge techniques, launching the iconic white bottle, and making high-quality olive oil more accessible with Neolea’s new “Pan & Plate” line. From his early influences to his work as an angel investor, Bart’s journey is a powerful reminder that our past experiences—no matter how unrelated they seem—can shape the most meaningful ventures.

    1h 7m

  6. 06/25/2025

    Episode 28 - Reconnected with Jordan Buckner

    In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, Luke Abbott sits down with serial entrepreneur Jordan Buckner to unpack the wild, inspiring ride from his early ventures like Chopbox and Tea Squares to building Foodbevy—a platform helping food & beverage founders navigate the chaos of CPG. Jordan gets real about what worked, what flopped, and the panic attack that forced him to hit pause and rethink everything. From scrappy kitchen startups to pitching major retailers with DIY packaging, this conversation dives into the hidden struggles behind “success,” the power of knowing when to pivot, and how Jordan turned failure into fuel for something bigger.

    58 min

  7. 06/18/2025

    Episode 27 - Reconnected with Kathryn Shah

    In this deeply inspiring episode of The Reconnected Podcast, Luke Abbott sits down with Kathryn Shah, co-founder of Spring & Mulberry, for a raw conversation about building a purpose-driven brand from personal transformation.  Kathryn shares how her battle with cancer became the catalyst for reimagining sweetness—ushering in a new era of refined-sugar-free indulgence. From her high-powered days at Unilever, LVMH, and Pantone to launching Spring & Mulberry with a bold vision for whole food-based luxury, Kathryn reveals the trials, triumphs, and insights behind her journey.

    52 min

  8. 04/30/2025

    Episode 26 - Reconnected with Angela Marturano

    In this enlightening episode of the Reconnected Podcast, Luke Abbott sits down with Angela Marturano, Co-Founder and President of Orchid Holistic Search, a values aligned executive search firm in natural products, and a true connector in the natural products industry.  From her early days selling craft beer to launching a boutique recruiting firm during the 2008 crash, Angela shares her unconventional journey into purpose-driven hiring. Broadcasting from her regenerative farm in Costa Rica, she dives deep into how holistic recruiting means more than matching résumés—it’s about aligning values, energy, and company culture. They explore the rise of women in CPG, the power of community, and Angela’s retreats designed to reconnect female leaders with nature and themselves. Plus, a thoughtful dive into the role of AI in recruiting, the importance of knowing your "why," and the value of embracing both masculine and feminine strengths in leadership. Whether you're a founder, recruiter, or just curious about balancing business with meaning, this episode is full of insight, vulnerability, and joy.

    47 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast—a home for sharing, understanding and growth for the retail grocery store industry. During each episode, we will meet an amazing member of our community as we learn about their story and jointly explore the intricacies and challenges of our supply chain. Through it all, we'll remember and honor that everything starts with the real people who spend so much of their lives supporting the retail food supply chain. We will bring together the voices of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers as we journey together to help our industry reconnect.We're excited to have you join us. 

Information

  • Creator
    Luke Abbott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ReConnected
  • Show Website
    ReConnected