Associate Category Manager Bekah Kropp had the opportunity to interview key contributors to The Buyer’s Desk podcast, including hosts Angela Bozo and Chris Sorenson, Podcast Manager Kim Route, and Podcast Team Member Madeleine Ware. Additionally, the team shared what listeners can expect from season 3 of The Buyer’s Desk podcast and gave an exciting sneak peek at INFRA's new podcast, Common Roots, which launched this year and already has two episodes out!
Interview Recap
What should members and listeners expect this year for The Buyer’s Desk in terms of changes, new additions, etc.?
Angela Bozo: This year, we want to focus on being more transparent about INFRA and making the podcast more INFRA-centric. We want our listeners and members to learn more about INFRA and what we do.
Chris Sorenson: Through re-evaluation, we’ve taken a closer look at how we present the podcast to retailers and partners, ensuring the information we share is both accessible and engaging. We assessed what has worked well for the podcast and are committed to continuing those successful practices.
Kim Route: We have a great podcast team that brings a lot of clever and creative ideas to the table. Everyone is committed to putting in the effort to make this podcast the best it can be.
Why were the podcast episodes changed to weekly?
Chris: We made this transition because we wanted the episodes to be short, sweet, and to the point. Shorter episodes make it easier for those working in grocery retail to listen. We’re taking a more tactical approach this year, so members can easily apply the information learned from the podcast to their stores.
What are some main themes listeners should expect this year that are different from last year?
Angela: We want to maintain the spirit of the podcast while balancing big themes and more focused topics. This year, we’ll also dive deeper into specific categories.
Chris: I’m especially excited about the episodes that will explore technical topics, such as Automation and AI. We’ll also look closer at certifications like B Corps, which I think will be valuable for listeners.
What are the main goals for this year? Is there anything you are particularly excited about for this year's podcast?
Kim: One of our most popular episodes in 2023 was about independents, where we interviewed INFRA board members about why independent businesses are so important. This year, we’ll have another episode titled Independence Matters, and I’m really looking forward to sharing that with our listeners.
Chris: I’m excited about an upcoming episode at the Peace Coffee roastery. We’ll be touring their facility and talking to their team about how they source and roast their coffee beans. This year, we’ll feature more voices and perspectives than ever before!
Angela: I am excited to find out! We are continuing to collaborate and connect more with partners and members.
What does the weekly cadence look like for The Buyer’s Desk this year?
Chris: We are taking the familiar format and breaking it into a 4-week rotation. The schedule is flexible, as we like to keep things fresh and mix it up from time to time.
Madeleine, can you talk a bit about the second podcast we have started this year, Common Roots? How does it differ from The Buyer’s Desk? How can members access this podcast, and how will they know when the next podcast episode will be?
Madeleine: Common Roots was created to coincide with INFRA’s 20th anniversary. We wanted to celebrate this milestone by providing members with a platform to share their stories. This podcast is member-centered and offers a space for members to highlight what they are most proud of.
Madeleine: As part of the 20th-anniversary celebration, we will feature 20 different member interviews. These episodes will include a wide range of INFRA members, each interview will include a mix of common leading questions and personalized ones tailored to their unique experiences. This ensures that every story feels authentic and reflects the individuality of each member.
Madeleine, what should members expect to see on social media in terms of podcast content?
Madeleine: We’ll be sharing posts on our social channels with each episode’s release, along with sneak peeks of upcoming episodes!
How can members and listeners access both podcasts?
Madeleine: You can find both podcasts on our MOA page under the ‘Who We Are’ tab. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Boomplay, or Deezer.