Shelf Talks
Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for female founders, product-based entrepreneurs, and emerging brands who want to learn how to get their products into retail stores and thrive once they’re there.
Hosted by Roberta Townes, a seasoned retail buyer, each weekly episode features unfiltered conversations with founders who’ve landed on shelves at top retailers. You’ll learn exactly how they pitched to buyers, built retail partnerships, scaled wholesale distribution, and grew brand awareness all while navigating the real challenges of building a product-based business.
If you’re ready to turn your product into a retail success story, discover what retail buyers look for, and gain insider tips on wholesale strategy, retail readiness, and in-store growth, this is your podcast.
New episodes drop every week, subscribe to Shelf Talks and learn how to get your brand retail-ready and thriving on the shelf.
Also if you are looking for more knowledge, host Roberta Townes book 'Shelf Talk: A Step by Step guide to getting your Product in Retail Stores' is available on Amazon.
Episodes
SHELF BITES: How De Soi Won Retail in a Brand-New Category (with Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi)
SHELF BITES: How Jessica Taylor of Ezra Coffee Launched in H-E-B: The Real Strategy Behind Getting on Shelf
Olivia Abrams, Co-Founder of TiCK MiTT on Building a Brand, Shark Tank and Launching in Retail
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Rachel Kane, Co-Founder of SprinkleBites
The Co-Founder Behind SprinkleBites: Rachel Kane on Creating a New Category
The 5 P’s of Retail Success: How to Get Your Product Retail-Ready in 2026
5 Retail Metrics Every Founder Should Track (Even if you Hate Numbers)
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Maree Glading, Founder of evre. Skincare
How a Mom Turned a Skincare Gap Into a Shelf Worthy Brand: The Story of evre. with Founder Maree Glading
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Aliett Buttelman, Co-Founder of Fazit Beauty
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Shizu Okusa, Founder & CEO of Apothekary
How Apothekary’s Shizu Okusa Blends Eastern Traditions with Modern Retail Success
Rapid Retail Questions with Lisa Curtis, Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods
Lessons from a Superfood Founder: Staying True in a Trend-Driven Market with Lisa Curtis, Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods
One Year of Shelf Talks Podcast! Reflecting on this Amazing Journey
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Denise Woodard, Founder and CEO of Partake Foods
Partake Foods Founder Denise Woodard on Raising $30M and Scaling Smart in Retail Stores
5 Competitive Shopping Tips That Can Make or Break Your Pitch
The Art of Continuity in Branding with Laura Viola Maccarone, Founder of Rizbee Studio
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Jessica Taylor, Founder of Ezra Coffee
Jessica Taylor on Blending Coffee, History, and Heritage with her Brand Ezra Coffee Co.
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Nina Lombardo and Anna Kotler, Co-Founders of O'ts Cookies
Nina Lombardo & Anna Kotler: Building O’ts Cookies Into a Shelf-Ready Brand
The Local Advantage: 10 Reasons Why Starting in Local Stores Builds Stronger Brands