The Octopus Podcast

The clear, concise, to the point, no BS, in your face approach to foodservice and alternative channels for food & beverage brands. Micro-markets, vending, OCS, GPOs, college campuses, c-stores — how CPG brands actually get placed and hit 100 units/day per location. Hosted by Mike Levinson, founder of FS Octopus.

The Octopus Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Octopus Podcast, a business show with 0 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #4

  Why Most CPG Brands Waste Money at Trade Shows

  Aug 31, 202629 minS1

  <p>Trade shows are bleeding emerging brands dry, and most of the ROI everyone promises is smoke and mirrors. Shannon Peffley breaks down a radically different model for getting CPG brands in front of real buyers without wasting tens of thousands on a booth, freight, unions, hotels, and dead-end follow-up.  Mike Levinson and Shannon Peffley get blunt about what actually works in food and beverage trade shows - and what doesn’t. From the hidden costs that crush small brands to the post-show mistakes that kill momentum, this conversation cuts through the hype around Expo West and the broader trade sho...

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  Episode #3

  The TikTok Shop Playbook for Brands That Need Growth Now

  Aug 26, 202632 minS1

  <p>TikTok Shop is not a fad - it is where emerging CPG brands can still capture attention, build demand, and unlock real sales before the big brands fully crowd in. Jake Bjorseth explains why the smartest brands are betting on social commerce now, and why waiting could mean getting boxed out later. Mike Levinson and Jake Bjorseth break down the new playbook for consumer brands that want more than expensive grocery distribution and invisible ads. If you are a founder, marketer, or brand operator trying to grow a food, beverage, beauty, apparel, or other consumer product, this conversation gives...

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  Episode #2

  3 Buckets of Sales for CPG

  Aug 17, 202625 minS1

  <p>Grocery retail is a bloodbath, and if you are an emerging brand, this episode explains why chasing shelf space can be the fastest way to burn cash. Mike Levinson breaks down the three buckets every CPG brand has to understand, and makes the case that your real opportunity is not in the giant banners, but in the channels you can actually own.He lays out the ugly math behind grocery: private label already commands a massive share of revenue, national brands are under constant pressure, and if your product starts moving, buyers can copy it, undercut it, and knock...

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  Episode #1

  Welcome to the Octopus Podcast

  Aug 10, 20266 minS1

  <p>Welcome to the launch of The Octopus Podcast, where Mike Levinson takes you on an unfiltered journey through the complex world of food service and retail! In this inaugural episode, Mike shares his personal mission to educate and entertain while unraveling the mysteries of the food service industry that many find confusing.</p><p>Mike dives deep into his 25+ years of experience, revealing insights that can transform your understanding of food service beyond the grocery aisles. He discusses his unique approach to consulting and why he believes that traditional grocery retail is not the answer for success. Listeners will...

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  The Octopus Podcast

  Trailer

  Aug 8, 20260 minS0

  <p>Welcome to the Octopus Podcast with host Mike Levinson</p>

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