3 Squares: Dishing On the Food Industry

Why do big companies struggle to innovate – even when they have plenty of great ideas? In the August edition of 3Squares Live!, Charlie Arnot, Susan Schwallie and Kevin Ryan dig into the organizational roadblocks that can derail innovation. From a lack of focus and momentum to the “dilution effect” that can water down a promising idea, the trio explores why innovation can get stuck – and what organizations can do differently. Plus, Kevin puts Charlie and Susan to the test with a state fair-themed quiz featuring corny dogs, butter sculptures, fried dough, Disney churros and more. Grab a seat at the table for a conversation about focus, momentum and making good ideas happen – with a little fair food fun on the side. Tune in for the August edition of 3Squares Live! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the July 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Charlie, Susan and Kevin explore how inflation, technology and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the supermarket experience. From auto-replenishment and click-and-collect to the growing importance of fresh, sensory shopping, the trio examines why the traditional grocery store may be on the cusp of its next major evolution. Register for 3Squares at foodintegrity.org for a monthly serving of food industry insights! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From college classrooms to Whole Foods shelves! On the June edition of CFI’s 3Squares Live! hear from Eli and Grace, the founders of Absurd Snacks. They share how a senior year project became a thriving snack business, complete with sleepless nights, cross-country supply runs, product pivots – and plenty of persistence! Join us for a conversation about food innovation, consumer trends, allergen-friendly foods and the realities of building a food brand from the ground up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do food prices feel higher than inflation reports suggest? In this episode of CFI’s 3Squares Live! economist Ricky Volpe breaks down the real drivers of food inflation, from labor shortages and energy costs to supply chain pressures. Listen in for a data-driven look at what’s behind the prices you see at the grocery store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do condiments have in common with cereal? More than you’d expect. In this episode of 3Squares Live! from The Center for Food Integrity, the conversation explores how changing lifestyles are reshaping the way we eat and why condiments are becoming a major force in the food system. From convenience and flavor to private label, digital retail and brand influence, the discussion looks at what’s driving this shift and what it means for the future of food. Plus, grow your gardening knowledge with Kevin's food quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does trust look like in a world of AI, influencers and information overload? In this month’s 3Squares Live , we dig into how consumer expectations around food and agriculture are evolving, from ingredient transparency and sourcing to the rise of personalized digital discovery. Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ joins us to explore what’s driving these shifts, how trust is being redefined across generations and why more information doesn’t always mean more clarity. Listen in as Sherry shares insights on where trust is headed and what it means for food and ag leaders today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie, Susan and Kevin sit down with John “JP” Parrish, Chief Commercial Officer of Oats Overnight, on the Friday, Feb. 27, edition of 3Squares Live! Hear how one man’s dream to make breakfast better has caught the attention of more than 2.4 million customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do dietary guidelines still influence how people eat or have influencers replaced them? That’s one of the big questions tackled in the January 2026 edition of 3Squares Live! Join hosts Charlie Arnot, Kevin Ryan and Susan Schwallie as they welcome Jess Steier, CEO and founder of Unbiased Science. She discusses the new food pyramid and its impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal ball not required! Tune into the Dec. 19 edition of 3Squares Live! as our insightful and witty hosts break down what’s ahead for food and nutrition in 2026 – from shifting consumer expectations and policy debates to technology’s growing role in how we eat and shop. Charlie, Susan and Kevin – along with special guest Janet Helm, MS, RDN, founder of Food at the Helm – serve up some surprises! Register for 3Squares Live! – brought to you the last Friday of each month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A storyteller and marketer at heart, Back to Nature Foods CEO Jennifer Jorgensen knows what it takes to turn legacy brands around. Register for the Fri., Nov. 21, edition of 3Squares Live! to learn about her career, which was built on transforming and growing some of the biggest names in CPG. Jennifer will bring fresh insights on innovation, brand distinctiveness and what it takes to reinvigorate brands through unique and disruptive strategies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for 3Squares Live! October Edition with Bryan Malenius of Chick-fil-A! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we communicate science – particularly when it comes to hot button topics? Join us for the Fri., Sept. 26, edition of 3Squares Live! as Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP, founder and CEO of Unbiased Science, digs into engaging the skeptics and how to make science make sense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s next for wellness in the grocery aisle? Find out on the Fri., Aug. 29, edition of 3Squares Live! Stacy Bates, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, with H-E-B – the popular San Antonio-based supermarket chain – shares what makes H-E-B’s wellness strategy unique, how brand partnerships can support customer health and why nutrition literacy matters in today’s influencer-driven world. Don’t miss this look at how retailers and brands can collaborate for healthier communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join 3Squares Live! for the July 2025 edition as Charlie, Susan and Kevin discuss MAHA, how CPG is responding and new consumer research that sheds light on two distinct consumer segments and how to engage on emerging topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in for the June 2025 edition of 3Squares Live! will GLP-1s change the face of the food industry? Learn more about trends in functionality and food and test your road trip food knowledge! What was the original intended name for Funyons? 3Ssquares Live! is brought to you by The Center for Food Integrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The negative impacts of tariffs on food in the U.S. may not be felt for months, but they’re coming, according to Dr. Ricky Volpe, Ph.D., professor of agribusiness at Cal Poly and former USDA economist. On the May edition of 3Squares Live! Volpe talks about the trickle-down effects and potential food inflation at historic levels. Tune in to learn more! Register today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when consumers have nowhere to hide from inflation? In the April 2025 edition of 3Squares Live!, Charlie, Kevin and Susan unpack how economic uncertainty, tariffs and a shifting supply chain are reshaping consumer behavior and ag markets. From the resilience of private label to the pressure on snacks and QSR, it's a fascinating look at what’s changed (and what hasn’t) since the Great Recession. Plus, test your knowledge of foods invented during the Great Depression in Kevin’s quiz, including the inspiration for iconic Kraft mac and cheese! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consumer expectations are shifting. How is one of America's largest grocery retailers keeping up? Erin Rolfes, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations for Kroger, joins 3Squares Live! Friday, March 28, to discuss how the company is evolving to meet the needs of its 62 million customers. Don’t miss her insights on changing consumer expectations and the future of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune into 3Squares Live! for the February 2025 edition to see how one city is tackling climate change through food. Neeti Jain, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, discusses how New York is cutting carbon emissions through plant-powered menus and sustainable food procurement. Learn about the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge as businesses work to build a healthier, more resilient food system. And see how you fare in Kevin's spices, herbs and extracts quiz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start the year with bold predictions as Charlie, Susan and Kevin dish on what’s cooking in the food industry this year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.