The mindbodygreen Podcast

We all want to optimize our time on this planet and live the healthiest, longest lives possible. Joel Dudley, Ph.D., and Chris Mason, Ph.D., the founders of Onegevity, an AI-driven healthcare service, are committed to empowering people to better understand and take charge of their health through data-driven and customized solutions. Dudley and Mason joined me on the mbgpodcast to talk about what they believe doctors should be testing for, what we should be doing daily for our microbiome, and why prevention is critical for the future of healthcare. A big topic here at mbg is longevity, and with advancements in genetic, microbiome, and blood testing we know more than ever before. In this episode, we delve deeper into all that, but here, they offer four things we can all be doing right now, today. Whether it’s longevity, cardiovascular, gut, or immune health, it’s important to remember that every part of our health story is connected. Mason and Dudley explain that it takes the whole picture to understand what’s going on inside, and they have us excited about what the future of health looks like. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Colicchio entered the NYC food scene in 1993 cooking for restaurants including Gotham Bar & Grill and then opened Gramercy Tavern in 1994. In 2001, Tom left Gramercy Tavern to open his own restaurant, Craft, to focus on serving dishes with high-quality ingredients in the simplest way possible. He is the founder of Crafted Hospitality, which includes several restaurants across the U.S. and has a mission to bring healthy food to more people. Tom is also the head judge on Bravo’s hit show, Top Chef, and uses his platforms to highlight the issue of food insecurity and food waste. Tom joined me on the mbgpodcast to talk about his path to becoming a celebrity chef and why food issues became a prominent focus for him. He talks about his eye-opening experience as the executive producer of the documentary A Place at the Table, which delves into the roots of food insecurity in the U.S. “Right now in this country, we have around 40 million people who struggle to put food on the table,” said Tom. In light of this statistic, Tom is dedicated to getting healthier meals in schools. He worked with Michelle Obama to pass the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and has testified in front of Congress to push this mission forward. He’s also a huge advocate of reducing food waste as he's seen first hand the amount accumulated by Americans daily. “What we’re throwing out is not just food, it’s the resources it takes to make that food and produce that food. It’s a lot of energy, water, and also people’s lives,” explained Tom. He also lets us in on the one doable thing he does every Friday to limit waste and save money in his home and how we can get started reducing food waste in our home. After Tom started gardening six years ago he lost 20 pounds and shifted his food philosophy to being more plant forward. He talks about why he loves to cook seasonally and the three spring veggies he can’t wait to cook with. This episode will spark greater awareness about food access and encourage you to think about ways you can be a better food consumer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lissa Rankin, M.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of Mind Over Medicine, The Fear Cure, and The Anatomy of a Calling. She’s a physician, a mystic, and the founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute. Growing up as the daughter of a physician put Rankin on the traditional Western medicine track and she trained as a physician at Duke University, the University of South Florida, and Northwestern University. After practicing as an OBGYN for eight years in San Diego, she reached an all-time low. She was pregnant with her daughter, sick on seven medications, and overwhelmed by the guilt of not living up to her patient's needs. It wasn’t until she found herself sitting on the floor ready to end her life that she discovered what she calls her inner pilot light. Lissa joined me on the mbgpodcast to discuss this challenging time in her life and how her inner pilot light saved her. At the time, this voice told her to quit her job and she did not know what was next. For two years she felt directionless, but she, ultimately, started her own practice in Marin County, California. She found more and more patients coming to her with mysterious illnesses, but instead trying to solve their conditions simply with prescriptions, Lissa asked questions like “What does your body need to heal?” When her patients started to see positive results, she began researching spontaneous remissions and unpacking the profound impact of self-healing. While physician and mystic may not sound like they go together, Lissa believes the physician is the healer and believes there is immense healing available in the spiritual world if one is willing to access it. Lissa tells real stories of people who healed when they were told they didn’t have a chance. Her blend of expertise in the traditional medical world with experience in the spiritual realm provides a fresh perspective to healing that empowers the patient. Her words will leave you inspired to take your health into your own hands and help you find out how to trust your inner voice. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of musicians on tour we think of late nights, junk food, and a whole lot of partying—in other words, we don’t think wellness. While this may be true for many, SOFI TUKKER, a Grammy-nominated musical duo featuring Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, take their wellness practices on the road with them. Sophie & Tucker joined me on the mbgpodcast shortly after releasing their new single Fantasy to talk to us about what brought them together, bringing positivity to the stage, and how they spark creativity. Sophie and Tucker attended Brown University, where they met, and as Sophie told me, “the lack of wellness [in college] is really what brought us together, and we bonded over it.” Tucker had been an all-star basketball player at Brown, then had a severe illness that caused him to be bedridden for seven months, which was what ultimately led him to pursue music. As for Sophie, she explains, “I kind of beat up my body emotionally, physically, and mentally.” It wasn’t until someone close to her was diagnosed with bipolar disorder that she realized the fragility of life and how daily choices can impact our mental health. As they set out on their collaborative journey, they related to each other’s need for greater self-care. And while they credit wellness with some of their success, they both said it comes down to a unique approach to the creative process. They explained that they see two avenues to creativity: one is to wait for inspiration to come and then get down to work and the other is to continue working through the lulls and be ready for when the creativity comes. They both have a strong work ethic, staying late in the studio and creating on tour so that when the spark comes they’re already there and ready to make it happen. In this episode we talk about:The four unexpected wellness practices they do to prep before a concertTheir favorite ways to restore energy after big showsWhat’s in the smoothie bowl they make every morningSophie and Tucker are candid about the fact that wellness is a complicated journey. For them, music is about connecting with others from a present place and sharing positive energy and they acknowledge that this isn’t possible unless they care for themselves first. When asked what the future holds, Sophie said, “I would love to be in a place where it’s clear the world that we’re creating our music, and what we’re doing stands for something much larger than Sophie and Tucker.” Their words will inspire you to take action towards your dreams, put your health first, and be unapologetically you along the way. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After watching her family members struggle with addiction and depression, and living an intensely stressful life while working for the United States Senate, Kelsey Patel found herself with debilitating back pain and anxiety. Uprooting her life, she moved to Los Angeles and was introduced to Reiki and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). At the time she was skeptical of the healing powers of these modalities, but after seeing Reiki’s positive impact on her back pain and EFT on her anxiety, she took a leap of faith and started her Reiki training. Now a certified Reiki master, yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and expert in EFT, Kelsey is transforming people’s lives helping them to recognize their authentic selves and full potential. Kelsey joined me on the mbgpodcast and explained how growing up in North Dakota she was never exposed to energetic forms of healing and it took a free Reiki session with some relief from her back pain for her to give it a chance. Kelsey started with her Reiki 1 certification where you learn how to do self-Reiki, then continued to level 2 where you learn the symbols and how to heal your past self, and finally to level 3, the master level. She explains how EFT, a practice that includes tapping on acupuncture points was helpful in opening her energy fields. In this episode you’ll hear about:How to use EFT and Reiki for stress and anxietyThe five-minute practice Kelsey recommends for getting in tune with the energy around usThe visualization she does every day to set boundariesWe discuss why she loves using weighted-blankets and yoga nidra to decompress after group sessions and how she found out she needed time to calibrate after doing healing work. With all of the healers out there, she shared her thoughts on how to begin when looking for an energy practitioner and what to look out for when you’re working with someone new. A large part of Kelsey’s work is helping people to get started on their wellness journeys, and as she reminds us, hers was no easy road. Kelsey meets people right where they are and encourages people to change the stuck stories in their heads so they can heal their emotional and physical pain. You can get started on your Reiki and EFT journey with Kelsey's mbg class Reiki Healing 101. Her words will inspire you to open your mind to new possibilities so you can step into the life you’ve envisioned. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a naturopathic medical doctor, a leading expert in post-birth-control syndrome, the author of the new book Beyond the Pill, and a member of the mbg Collective. After struggling with post-birth-control symptoms like cystic acne and amenorrhea—and hearing her doctor say she was the only person ever to experience it—she decided to make women's health her life's work. Now, she has patients reaching out to her every single day saying "You're the doctor who believes women's birth control stories." This week on the mbg podcast, I sat down with Jolene to talk about how we should be addressing the rarely talked about but long-term side effects of taking hormonal birth control. She explains the science behind what the pill is doing to our health and the implications it could have on future fertility. We also discussed why women are starting to look for other options, beyond just oral contraception. "While 100 million women are using oral contraceptives currently in the world, we are seeing a decline in the number of the new generation that is coming of age," says Jolene. We talk about why we are seeing this trend, and it comes down to people listening to what their bodies are saying. In this episode you'll hear about:The cases for which she believes the pill is necessaryHow our thyroid affects our overall health and the test women should get yearlyThe tests she recommends for those trying to conceive in the next six monthsThe gene mutation to get tested for before going on the pillSo whether you're on hormonal birth control or not, this episode is for you. Jolene is an advocate for women's health and wants you to have the full story—before you make big decisions about your health. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel like you always have to be perfect? Well, for years, Kimberly Snyder, New York Times best-selling author, nutritionist, and the author of the new book Recipes for Your Perfectly Imperfect Life, felt that way too. Throughout high school, Kimberly struggled with eating disorders and, ultimately, found yoga as a way to connect with her body and ground herself. Instead of adhering to a strict diet and exercise regimen, Kimberly strives to stay in tune with her body's needs through morning walks on the beach, a plant-based diet, and surrounding herself with people who lift her up. In this episode we talk about:What her difficult pregnancy taught her about perfectionism in the wellness worldWhy her food philosophy is all about digestion and fiber-filled foodsHer unique outlook on the cause of bloating (hint: It doesn't have to do with food) It wasn't until her mother passed away within days of her son turning one that she understood perfection came from within. "Your value is not in what you do; your value is in who you are. Just being you is enough," says Kimberly. Her openness about her challenges with body image and the lessons she's learned along the way will inspire you to find a greater love for who you are and make healthier choices. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Visit solaraymycrobiome.com to find a probiotic supplement that’s scientifically designed for your lifestyle and needs, and get 10% off with code MG10OFF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How often do you really think about your hydration? Is it just after a hot summer day? According to Kevin Rutherford, triathlete and CEO at Nuun Hydration, that's not nearly enough—and focusing more on it may be the key to optimal health. Kevin joined me on the mbgpodcast to discuss the myths of hydration (hint: gulping down water is not the most effective strategy), and why people aren’t eating enough water-based foods. He unpacks how much water you should really drink every day and shares the five hydrating fruits and veggies he loves. “More and more people are realizing that to 'take care of myself I need to do more preventative versus reactive medicine,'" says Kevin. Nuun started out with a product for the sweaty athlete and while they continue to cater to those with an active lifestyle they are also developing products like the Immunity line for people who just want to be healthier and stay healthy. In this episode you’ll hear aboutKevin’s No.1 tip for staying hydrated on a planeWhy the future is female when it comes to sports nutritionThe most effective method for upping your water intake throughout the dayKevin’s words will inspire you to think differently about how hydration affects your health, and you’ll be left with some new and creative ideas about how to increase your fluids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of you may know Lo Bosworth from MTV's Laguna Beach or The Hills, but that's so early aughts. Since her time in the reality television spotlight, Lo has taken the wellness world by storm. Inspired by her own personal struggle with anxiety, she found solace in mindfulness practices and naturopathic care that helped fill the gaps traditional medicine couldn't. She now runs Love Wellness, a female-first wellness company that aims to create a more open and honest self-care culture. She's a graduate from the French Culinary Institute, where she deepened her passion for nutrition and learned how to master the best cooking techniques in the world. We dish on how holistic self-care, from her favorite hot yoga classes to her daily skin care routine, has changed her life for the better. In this episode, you'll hear about:Lo's best tips and tricks to calm a racing mindWhat she eats in a day, including her staple breakfast that powers her through her morningsLo's honest opinion on social media, and whether or not she actually uses it"Personally, I was struggling in the category of women's personal care," she tells us. "I saw so many different doctors, and it was finally when my doctor started recommending more natural or homeopathic approaches to healing my body that I started to get better."Lo's self-care journey will inspire you to take the next step in your health no matter where you are. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah Bronfman is the founder of HBFIT, a DJ, and the author of the new book Do What Feels Good. Growing up with a mother who was a reiki healer and lover of crystals, Hannah was introduced to wellness at a young age. We talk about the career changes, illnesses, and lessons that shaped her wellness journey and led to her philosophy “do what feels good”. She joined me on the mbgpodcast to talk about what we can do to bring more diversity into wellness and the simple yet impactful actions we can take today. She also shares her struggle with leaky gut and why she believes colon hydrotherapy is critical to gut health. In this episode you’ll hear about:The gut-healing reason she doesn’t drink water during mealsHer three tips for staying well while travelingHannah’s go-to breathing exercise to use in intense moments“Wellness to me is not about eating organic food and going to boutique workout classes, wellness to me is really about those in-between moments—how you’re talking to yourself.” Hannah’s words will inspire you to push the boundaries of what society expects from you and define “healthy” for yourself. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wim Hof holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ice bath, he’s run a marathon in the desert without drinking and regulated his own body temperature and has held his breath for six minutes. It sounds crazy, but for the “Iceman” extreme cold and breath are the keys to his connection to himself. In this episode of the mbg podcast, Wim draws us into the icy depths of the sea sharing the moment 42 years ago when he first submerged under the ice and felt the power of himself “being unconditionally there." That feeling became his life-long catharsis, especially critical after his wife took her own life in 1995: "I had to survive, I went into the cold and it healed me." From there he discovered that through specific breathing techniques he could withstand any amount of cold to the point where he did not feel the low temperatures. He since has developed the famous Wim Hof method, which he says is “extraordinarily simple but also extraordinarily effective—and it is backed up by science.” Here’s what to get excited about in this podcast:How long your cold showers need to be for inflammatory suppressing benefitsThe breathing exercises you can do to master your biochemical processesThe most important life value we’re missingThrough his method, he tests what is humanly possible and has proven to suppress the inflammatory response, but, he says you don’t have to go to extremes to get benefits. Wim tells us that with the breath we can actually control our externals—relationships, stress, and biological stress. He is no doubt a professional biohacker, pushing the boundaries of what science tells us is not possible. While you may not be climbing a mountain in minus 27-degree temperatures, Wim’s unwavering belief (and proof) that the cold and breath is the source of wellbeing may inspire you to try it out. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sheeva Talebian is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. After graduating top of her class from Colombia University, she went on to get her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and continued her training at New York University where she did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Sheeva joined me on the mbgpodcast to talk about what inspired her to become a fertility specialist and why the future of fertility testing excites her. She tells about recent successes with her patients after starting to blend her traditional Western medical background with more Eastern-influenced practices such as a Traditional Chinese Medicine diet, acupuncture, and anti-inflammatory supplements. In this podcast you’ll hear about:The main reasons most couples are not getting pregnant (and the myths debunked)The less-talked about role that men’s sperm has in infertility and the conversation you need to haveThe key factors to consider when considering fertility testing and the age she recommends women start.We also discuss the role of environmental toxins and genetics in fertility and Sheeva says, “the two can collide and make it the perfect storm.” She lets us in on the first step to take when wondering about your fertility and where to go from there. For women looking to get pregnant, new mothers, or those eager to understand more, Sheeva’s wealth of knowledge surrounding the science of fertility as well as what you can do to find success in the process, is empowering and will help you captain your own ship. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marco Borges is the founder of 22 Days Nutrition, a New York Times bestselling author, and author of his new book The Greenprint. Marco joined us back in 2017 on the mbgpodcast to discuss what led him to create 22 Days Nutrition and why he’s inspired to share his passion for plant-based eating with the world. A self-proclaimed eternal optimist (and it’s true), an advocate for sustainable living, and a believer that change begins with us, Marco is one of my favorite people, and I’m so excited to have him back on the podcast. His new book The Greenprint, is a plant-based holistic lifestyle plan featuring 22 laws to help you achieve your healthiest life and more than 60 recipes you can make at home. He calls it “plant-based living defined by you,” and shares why the laws give you more freedom in your life. He approaches diet as he does all aspects of life—with a non-judgmental perspective. In this podcast you’ll hear about:Why 22 is the golden number for making sustainable change in your lifeHow to live by one of his favorite laws: Eat more, weigh lessWhy Marco believes an inclusive approach to diet is the future of wellnessFor Marco, You. We. All. could not be more integral to his outlook on living well. “What you practice you become,” he says, and this mindset ripples out to others. This podcast will inspire you to make choices that will help you to become the best version of yourself and share this light with your community and the planet. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Brown is a former pro-soccer player, a New Zealander, and the co-founder of the billion-dollar brand Allbirds. He never imagined the success of a shoe back in 2009 when it was just an idea but looking back understands why people fell in love with the product. Tim joined Jason on the mbgpodcast to talk about the journey of Allbirds, which began after he realized “the world didn't need lots more shoes, it needed one that was very, very simple.” It started as a passion project and then launched as Allbirds in 2016 after he met his co-founder Joe Zwillinger. He explains how the three pillars of Allbirds—simple design, sustainability, and comfort—came to be and why they remain at the forefront of every business decision. In this podcast you’ll hear about:Why Tim and Joe chose to make Allbirds with wool, eucalyptus fiber, and SweetFoam, a new material that replaces the petrol in EVA, which is commonly used to create the cushy foam on the bottom of your shoes, with sustainably processed sugarcaneThe three pieces of advice you need when starting a businessThe exercise he calls his meditationAllbirds is revolutionizing the sustainable retail space as they “think of sustainability not as a nice to have but a non-negotiable.” And he tells us this imperative in the fashion industry right now as they are the largest contributor of carbon emissions, making around 20 billion pairs of shoes a year on average. Whether you’re interested in starting a business, excited to hear the story behind a great brand, or are into living sustainably, Tim’s words will inspire to you to keep the planet in mind whatever your next step may be. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. David Perlmutter, is a board-certified neurologist and New York Times bestselling author of four books including the No. 1 bestseller, Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers. He is also a member of the mbg collective and spoke at revitalize in 2016 about the connection between our guts and brains way before people were talking about. And his spot-on predictions have continued. Here’s what you can expect from the podcast:How to activate the happy part of your brain through dietThe main reason we need to reduce our gluten intakeThe biggest reason people bail on the keto diet As the new year approaches, we can expect more of David’s predictions to come true, but seriously, his wealth of knowledge fuels his science-backed and innovative advice that will undoubtedly help you take your health to the next level in 2019. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Stitcher, and sign up for our podcast newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The co-founder of WelleCo, a former supermodel, and wellness entrepreneur Elle Macpherson is inspiring women all over the world to transform their health through plant-based, nutrient-rich "living" foods. On today's episode, Elle shares her story with Colleen, which sprouted from a long period of not feeling well. Frustrated by not seeing her efforts improve her health, she turned to Dr. Simone Laubscher, who gave her a green powder that helped address her lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, and poor digestion. Together, they evolved that formula into WelleCo's hero product, the Super Elixir, which is a multivitamin and mineral green powder. Since noticing positive improvements in her mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, Elle has become an advocate of nourishing the whole self by eating micronutrients and enzymes found in raw and sprouted foods, sweating in infrared saunas, and spending plenty of time outside. For her, wellness is not a destination; it's a journey that's continually evolving through trial and error and listening to what works for your body. "I've found when I am quite diligent with looking after the things that are important to me, everything else flows more easily," said Elle, and we couldn't agree more. She also shares the secret to living with purpose and the one thing you can do every day to manifest the life you want. Elle's real story and the lessons she has learned along the way will inspire you to create the life you dream about from wherever you are. To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to being a farmer and the co-founder of National Kale Day, Dr. Drew Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, and a bestselling author of 50 Shades of Kale. Drew is a passionate advocate of the functional benefits of food and often encourages dietary changes to improve mood, brain functionality, and mental health. Ever since he was a kid growing food on his family’s farm, Drew has understood the deep connection we have to food. In medical school, Drew found doctors weren’t encouraged to speak to their patients about their diets, lifestyle, or mental health: “It just struck me as left out of the conversation with so many people, I didn’t know what they were eating, their wellness regimen, or how they thought about that stuff.” He realized that if he wanted to help his patient’s mental health he had to expand the conversation. In this week’s episode, Drew and I talk about the research that encouraged him to “prescribe” food to his patients, the diet he recommends to prevent mental health concerns, and the thing everyone is doing that probably isn’t great for their mental health (we really all do it). He also shares the unexpected truth behind intermittent fasting that actually helps him fight off the hunger. Drew believes mental health and brain health are essentially the same thing. That, paired with brain health being one of mbg’s predicted wellness trends of 2019, makes this episode a must-listen before the new year. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not often you come across a company that grows out of love for each other, the planet, and high-endurance sports. But for Katie Forrest and Taylor Collins that's exactly what led to the founding of EPIC, the first-ever 100 percent grass-fed meat, fruit, and nut bar, back in 2013. Prior to EPIC, Katie, a vegan at the time, noticed an extreme drop in energy, and she had serious stomach issues and knee inflammation. It wasn't until she met with a holistic doctor who encouraged her to reincorporate grass-fed meat into her diet that she started feeling better. EPIC was born out of their want to have an easy way to consume meat on the go (or at mile 95 of a 100-mile bike ride). In this episode of the mbg podcast, I chat with Katie and Taylor about why regenerative agriculture is essential for the future of our planet (and one of my favorite mbg wellness trends of 2019) and a driving force behind their decision to partner with General Mills. EPIC is leading the movement in regenerative agriculture by launching their own products with a new seal called Ecological Outcome Verification, that engages farmers in a bottom-up approach, providing tangible outcome measurements and feedback. We talk about why they chose to include animals on their packaging, their life-changing realization about the connection between healthy animals, soil, and humans, and how living on a ranch fuels their innate passion for changing the planet from the soil up. Katie and Taylor embody our mission of You. We. All. and will inspire you to challenge the status quo in the new year. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the most exciting time of year, and that’s not just because of the holidays. It’s that time in which we roll up our sleeves, consult our experts, and predict the 11 biggest wellness trends for 2019. In this special edition episode of the mbgpodcast, our founder and CEO, Jason Wachob, and co-founder and chief brand officer, Colleen Wachob, discuss how we zeroed in on these trends, plus their five favorites to watch out for in the new year. They talk about a continued sleep revolution with innovations for blue light disruptions, why the endocannabinoid system is the new microbiome, and which unexpected part of the grocery store is about to be your go-to. Jason and Colleen also explain the making of the wellness trends, a year-long process which Jason calls “a blend of art and science.” We sort through industry data, conduct interviews with mbg collective members, and attend global trade shows, all to scope out the next big product, ingredient, or practice. Basically, if it’s good for you, we’re investigating. Our annual wellness trends have predicted some of the biggest moves in the wellness world. In 2015, for example, we talked about an increase in supplement startups, then in 2017, we predicted a rise in the ketogenic diet. And last year we called the intermittent fasting trend and that big food brands would focus on acquiring health-focused companies. This is your one-stop-shop for all you need to know about wellness in the coming year—we hope it helps you start out on the right foot. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Greenfield, is the CEO of Kion, a bestselling author of Beyond Training, and a nationally-recognized personal trainer and Ironman. He’s the father of twin boys and he and his wife make helping people live their healthiest lives a passion point for the whole family. I sat down with Ben on the mbgpodcast to talk about everything from why he practices intermittent fasting, the surprising food we are missing in our diet, and why sunlight is vital to our biology. As a nature-lover eating a plant-based diet, Ben eats fruits and veggies that are in season and even harvests wild plants when possible (his favorite forest-find is nettle). He loves experimenting with different foods, diets, and exercises and his go-to morning green smoothie is packed with wild strawberries and has a base of pau d’arco bark tea, which has similar to benefits to NAD, a molecule known to enhance stem-cell production. We discuss popular trends in the health industry like the keto diet and CBD, and he lets us in on why he thinks fats are overrated and plants are underrated. For those of us who don’t have a lot of free time and want to make one change, he says, “it all comes down to our mitochondria.” His five simple steps to boost your mitochondria production include simple things like getting outside in the sunlight and drinking plenty of water. Whether you are looking to completely revamp your health routine or make some small yet impactful changes, Ben’s candid advice and tips will help you take the next step. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Michael Roizen, is a New York Times bestselling author and the co-founder of RealAge, a famous concept that centers around the idea that our bodies are a different age than our calendar age depending on our health. He is also a professor and chair of the Division of Anesthesia, Critical Care Medicine and Pain Management, and chief wellness officer of the Cleveland Clinic. Through developing the RealAge test, personalizing care for his patients, and working to improve stress in people’s lives, Dr. Roizen provides invaluable wisdom and expertise. I sat down with Mike to discuss his book, AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out of Money Or Breaking a Hip, and preventing age-related issues—or as he calls it being “ageproof”. Mike tells me stress is the biggest ager and what he recommends we do to manage it. We also discussed his thoughts on fats, dairy, sugar, and gluten, and the must-have supplements we are missing. With so many popular diets out there—intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet, to name a few—it can be overwhelming to know what’s best for you. From personal experience and extensive research, Mike tells us how many hours we should be fasting and sleeping for the most benefits. He also shares the most underrated exercise that actually adds mass to your bones and could help you live a longer life. Whether you are young and healthy, looking to live your best life, or searching for ways to turn back your body’s clock, Mike’s abundance of knowledge and actionable advice will inspire you to live and age well. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tata Harper, founder and CEO of Tata Harper Skincare, questioned what was in her beauty products when her stepfather was advised by doctors to stay away from certain chemicals following a cancer diagnosis. She began researching those hard-to-pronounce ingredients in her products, finding tons of synthetic materials, some of which also happened to be used in car manufacturing. The Colombian-born mother of three, with a background in industrial engineering, has made it her mission to redefine the beauty industry with her non-toxic, luxury skincare line, which is handmade on an organic farm in Vermont. I first met Tata in 2013 at Organic Avenue where she was giving people facials and talking about the launch of Tata Harper Skincare. Now, five plus years later, she joined me on the mbg podcast to talk about how she found the right people, ingredients, and farm to launch a business. Working with botanists, aromatherapists, and green chemists, she found natural ways to make preservatives and emulsifiers for her Ecocert-certified products, instead of just removing parabens or sulfates. While her motto is “more is more” when it comes to your skin health she tells us her company is about being the best, not the biggest.That is exactly why they are focusing on quality as they expand into South-East Asia and Australia. A health enthusiast in all aspects, Tata shares her must-have supplements and the foods she eats for healthy skin. Whether you’ve transitioned to all-natural skin care products or just getting your feet wet, Tata’s knowledge and experience in the industry will inspire you to learn more and maybe consider taking the next step. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Singer lives in New York City, lives a “normal” life, and creates no trash. Six years ago, Lauren was studying environmental studies at NYU and actively protesting fracking, but realized she wasn’t practicing what she preached. She made the decision to cut plastic out of her life and started making her own products to live a zero waste lifestyle — but it didn’t happen overnight. In 2014, Lauren updated us on how two years of being waste free had already saved her money, changed her diet and improved her overall happiness. Now she has popularized the zero waste movement through her blog, Trash is for Tossers, where she shares the ins-and-outs of a no trash lifestyle. A pioneer in the movement, she opened Package Free, a completely package-free shop, supporting eco-friendly, single-product companies. Among these products, her own, an organic, vegan laundry detergent called The Simply Co. Six years into her journey, we caught up with Lauren on the mbg podcast to get an update on her zero waste lifestyle and how the movement has developed. We discussed how when she began, the concept of living without waste or being a minimalist was unheard of. Now, companies are now reaching out to Package Free to find out how they can eliminate plastic packaging. It can be intimidating to think about committing to a zero-waste lifestyle, and the best place to start she says, “look in your garbage can and see what you’re throwing out.” While it is easy to think our actions can’t make a difference, Lauren believes the opposite. We talked about the lifecycle of waste and how our consumption choices play a significant role in stopping climate change. If you’re interested in making sustainable and impactful changes in your life, Lauren’s experiences, advice, and simple action steps will inspire you to begin. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Taylor is the co-founder of Strala Yoga, a tai chi expert, and all-around movement guru. Mike and his wife Tara (and daughter Daisy!) are also close family friends. He studied mind-body medicine at Harvard and complementary medicine at Oxford. Because he has more than 30 years of experience with Eastern movement and healing practices, people come to him for innovative ways to relieve stress and, as he says, "to get out of their own way." At mbg we call him our "best mover," not only because he is trained in yoga, tai chi, qiqong, and martial arts but because of his deep passion for how to move well. For him, movement is a form of healing. After his brother died in his 20s, Mike sought answers beyond traditional medicine and found that many of the answers come from within, movement being a way to unlock them. "Everything you do can be a practice of moving well," said Mike, as long as you do so with ease and softness. In this podcast episode, Mike discusses the movement practices that helped him move forward—healthier and happier. We talk about what it means to live in alignment with your body and how to deepen your relationship with movement. For him it comes down to bettering ourselves so we can better the world. You. We. All. is his mantra as he looks to the future of movement and wellness. After listening, you will feel like you've known Mike for as many years as I have, and I can promise, his words will stay with you long after. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It all started at a local co-op. The place where John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, realized the secret to a long and healthy life—eating real, whole foods. Since then he has revolutionized the way we think about food. An advocate of ethical meat consumption and a pioneer in food accessibility, he has inspired millions of people to eat healthier. In 2017, Mackey joined me on the mbg podcast to talk about how his entrepreneurial career and personal passions inspired his book The Whole Foods Diet: The Lifesaving Plan For Health and Longevity. Now, more than a year later, we catch up on how the Whole Foods Market and Amazon merger went down and how two companies can "fall in love" and have a "happy marriage." With almost 40 years at Whole Foods Market under his belt, Mackey shares what he thinks is next for plant-based diets and what food and health trends he sees on the horizon. We discuss cancer-preventing veggies and how to grow the right bacteria in your gut to handle particular foods. He also shares more about his personal food journey as a plant-based eater. One thing is certain: Mackey is part of creating a healthier future armed with the Whole Foods Market mission and cutting-edge innovation. Don’t miss this one, you’ll leave excited about the future of food. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author of the award-winning parenting book The Conscious Parent as well as Out of Control: Why Disciplining Your Child Won't Work and What Willand The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting. As a clinician, she expertly integrates Eastern and Western philosophies to help parents—and entire families, for that matter—become happier and more mindful. So what are some of her thoughts on parenting? For starters, she believes that children are here to teach us as much as we are here to teach them. She also encourages parents to acknowledge and understand how their egos are playing a role in their decision-making process. Dr. Tsabary and I talk about this, how social media and technology are putting our children at a psychological disadvantage by making them less capable of handling aloneness, rejection, or waiting—and so much more. The truth is children are living such different lives than they used to, and it's up to us to make sure we're keeping our perspective while also keeping up. After sitting down with Dr. Tsabary, I have a few new thoughts on rules, discipline, and helping my daughter find her purpose. Don't miss this one! To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misty Copeland made history when she became the first African American female principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, but her ascent to become one of the most iconic dancers of her time wasn't easy. She first found ballet when she was living in a motel room with her single mother and five siblings, practically homeless and lacking food. Having dealt with food insecurity from a young age, Copeland is now a leading voice in the Naked Juice and Wholesome Wave #DrinkGoodDoGood social media campaign, which aims to bring fresh, high-quality produce to families across the country. I sat down with Copeland to talk about this incredibly important campaign, and we ended up covering a whole lot more, including how she deals with body image issues as a dancer, what balance means to her, and the unconventional approach to meditation that keeps her sane. Whether you're a die-hard Copeland fan or are new to her story, we guarantee you'll walk away inspired. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Gazzaley is an M.D. and a Ph.D., meaning he's a neurologist and a neuroscientist. If your first thought is "Wow, that must have been a lot of school"—you're not alone. He has studied the brain for decades, specifically researching the connection between technology and anxiety, depression, ADHD, and dementia. His book, The Distracted Mind, and his viral article, "The Cognition Crisis," explore how technology can both cause the problem and be a solution. In this episode of the mbg podcast, I sat down with Dr. Gazzaley to talk about just how vulnerable the human brain—especially a young human brain—is to distraction, multitasking, and "interference." We have a crisis on our hands in the form of technology changing how we think and feel, and Dr. Gazzaley believes that until we tackle this challenge, we won't be able to tackle other major challenges facing our world, like climate change. So what's the solution? We have to be better at managing technology at the level we have it and prepare for the future. Early in the development of new products and solutions, part of the conversation should be, Will this hurt people? The other part of the solution is to take control of technology and not let it control you. Listen to this week's podcast to figure out how Dr. Gazzaley is taking back control using video games. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Legend is, well, a legend in his time. The youngest and the first black man to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award (the coveted EGOT), Legend is also husband to internet sensation and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen and dad to Miles and Luna. It was the birth of his two children that first inspired Legend to think more deeply about the plight of other, less fortunate children in the US and around the world, which led to partnering with Naked Juice and Wholesome Wave as part of their #DrinkGoodDoGood social media campaign—which aims to increase access to healthy food by donating produce to food insecure areas. I sat down with Legend to talk about the initiative. We also discussed his own personal healthy habits, how he stays fit even with a hectic travel schedule, and how being a parent has changed him as a person. This episode is a must-listen if you're interested in knowing more about the man behind the beautiful music. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you live in New York, chances are you've heard of The Class by Taryn Toomey. A combination of strength training and meditative movement, it's designed to promote self-study through physical conditioning. While other workout classes might encourage you to tune out the pain, The Class will tell you to do the opposite: Listen to the negative voice in your head, and then learn from it. With devotees including Jennifer Aniston and Christy Turlington, The Class speaks to anyone looking for a toning workout with a side of pure release. In this podcast interview, I sat down with Toomey to track the evolution of her brand: from the moment she started teaching it in the basement of her apartment to how she is intentionally scaling it today. Along the way, we cover the self-care practices that keep her grounded, the importance of infusing your physical movement with meaning and observation, and how to give the pain a purpose. Enjoy. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gisele Bündchen is an internationally renowned supermodel, a global ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program, and a freshly minted author—her book, Lessons, hit shelves last week. After meeting Gisele for the first time earlier this year, it was very clear to me that she was one of "us"—a true wellness warrior, someone whose life mission was to make the world a better, healthier, and happier place, someone who truly understood that mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental well-being were all connected. I'm honored to call her a friend and a supporter of mindbodygreen—and the newest member of the mbg Collective. I was lucky enough to sit down with her at her house outside of Boston to dive deep into previously unshared facets of her life. Between her numerology readings (Gisele is an enthusiastic, borderline professional, numerologist), she opened up about the secret to making her relationship with her husband, Tom Brady, work and how having kids changed their lives. She's recently shared her struggles with anxiety for the first time ever publicly, and we explore her journey at an even deeper level, going into why and how the anxiety started and the practices she relies on to this day to feel better. She talks about the spiritual practices that have shaped her life and the various, well, lessons she's learned about meaning and purpose over the years. We also get into the nitty-gritty, more fun stuff: what she eats in a day, her morning routine, and more. Finally, we talk about our shared passion for the environment and how she thinks we all need to shift our thinking to effect real change. This episode is a must-listen if you're a fan of Gisele, an environmentalist, an anxiety sufferer, or simply a human being, trying to live the most fulfilling, satisfying life possible. Gisele will make you laugh and cry and inspire you in ways that will linger long after you've finished listening. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey stopped by the mbg office in his blue-light blocking glasses, I knew we were in for a special podcast—and I was right. Dave is the founder of the Bulletproof diet, and the Bulletproof line of products. He's also the author of a number of best-selling books, including The Bulletproof Diet and the upcoming Gamechangers. On this episode, Dave shares his personal health story and how he went from weighing 300 pounds, with brain fog, low energy, and general lack of health, to the healthy, fit person he is today. Then we get into some of the current health hot topics, discussing whether coconut oil is, indeed, pure poison (spoiler alert: it's not, but it's far more complicated than you think). I ask him to predict the future of what's going to be on your grocery store shelves, and he shares where he thinks the food industry is going, and the mega-healthy nut that he's obsessed with, but no one's heard of. He talks about why he thinks kale is terrible for you, and the dark leafy green that he recommends people eat instead. He also ranks his favorite green vegetables, his favorite fruits, and favorite nuts. He also analyzes the positives and pitfalls of vegan, paleo, and more diets. We also get into how measure gratitude, the positive function of gratitude in your daily lives, what he does when he's having a bad day or feeling off, and who he goes to for spiritual guidance. Finally (whew!), we talk about the dangers of mold, and how to actually test for it. This is an unmissable podcast if you're interested in optimizing your health or life! To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ellen Vora is a psychiatrist, mindbodygreen Collective member, and instructor of the mindbodygreen class Managing Depression. When it comes to approaching mental health from a holistic perspective, she's one of the world's best. Her goal is to help her patients manage their mental health with diet and lifestyle changes as much as possible, only turning to medications as temporary tools or as a last resort. This episode of the mindbodygreen Podcast is for anyone who struggles with a mental health condition, knows or loves someone suffering from one, or simply wants to optimize their mood and energy levels. She starts off by teaching me about the link between chronic inflammation and anxiety and depression—something called the inflammatory cytokine model of depression—and explains why depression is like the flu. She also makes a compelling case for blood sugar imbalance being one of the underlying causes of anxiety. Dr. Vora also shares the best foods to eat to support mental stability and resilience (spoiler alert: turmeric and black pepper, ginger, avocados, beets, and dark leafy green vegetables are just a few) and shares the one food she avoids in honor of her mental health. Dr. Vora's approach is gentle, holistic, and takes the whole person into account—body, mind, and spirit. Don't miss it! EPIC Provision's makes products that help employ agricultural practices that improve the lives of animals, support human health, and regenerate the land around us. Save 20% on your next epicbar.com purchase with promo code MBGPODCAST now through March 1, 2019. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest needs no introduction. As the most accomplished Olympian of our time—and any time, for that matter—Michael Phelps is a wellness icon for the ages. In addition to pushing what the human body is capable of, we can thank Phelps for using his celebrity status to bring often-taboo topics like depression to the surface. I was lucky enough to sit down with the 23-time Olympic gold medalist to learn about one of his latest initiatives: water conservation. This is Phelps' second year partnering with Colgate on their #EveryDropCounts initiative, which aims to show how the simple act of turning off the tap while you brush your teeth can add up to significant water savings. Through the course of this episode, he shares how his growing family conserves water at home and why the water access issue strikes such a chord with him personally. And of course, I had to ask about the more esoteric fitness and recovery practices that Phelps has helped popularize. We talk about his experience with cupping, visualization, the Graston technique(using a stainless steel tool to soothe muscle knots), and more. Phelps also dives into (sorry, had to) how his diet has evolved since the Olympic days, his laid back approach to parenting, and the guilty pleasure sugar he can't seem to give up. This one's a can't-miss episode for any Phelps fan. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., is a world-renowned mental health expert, the CEO of IGNTD, and the host of the IGNTD Podcast. His new book, The Abstinence Myth, is all about overcoming addiction and transforming your life without judgment or shame. Dr. Jaffe is well-known for questioning the status quo and the rules we've been living by when it comes to addiction and sobriety. His wife, Sophie Jaffe, is the woman behind Philosophie, a line of superfoods that are designed to promote health from the inside out. In this episode of the mbg podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jaffe to talk about his journey from dealing drugs and using meth to get through exams during college to becoming a researcher, lecturer, author, and successful entrepreneur. He gets candid about what he learned about life and humanity from spending an entire year in jail. Today, Dr. Jaffe's goal is to help as many people as possible recover from their own addictions and improve their lives. His approach is unique in that it doesn't always require a person to quit their addiction first. Instead, he works on improving other issues first so that the person has built enough confidence and has the internal and external resources to get rid of whatever substance, activity, or toxic behavior they are leaning on. This episode is a must listen for anyone struggling with addiction, who has a loved one that struggles with addiction, or who wants to radically transform their life. OMAX is now offering mbg podcast listeners an awesome deal: 70 percent off a one-month supply of Cognitive Boost, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Go to omaxboost.com/mindbodygreen to take advantage of this great offer. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By now, you've probably at least heard of Simple Mills: The line of gluten-free and paleo-friendly cookies, crackers, baking mixes, and frostings taking over grocery aisles around the country. But we bet you didn't know the story of the brand's founder and CEO, Katlin Smith. Smith launched the health food brand at the ripe age of 24 after seeing how cutting out dairy and gluten completely transformed her life. She first set out to, as she says, "raise the standards of what healthy food looks like" by cooking up GF-muffin mix in an industrial kitchen on the weekends while balancing a full-time job in consulting. Back then, she couldn't even afford a mixer, but Smith didn't let setbacks stand in the way of her goal to add more nutrition to the center aisles of the grocery store. She started off demo-ing her mixes in three Whole Foods Market stores and the rest is history. Now, Simple Mills has 28 products sold in 12,000 stores across the country (and we're not talking specialty health shops either—you can find the brand in Target and Kroger.) We asked Smith for her best advice on creating a product that will have real traction and handling stress amidst 15-hour workdays. Tune in to learn her favorite meal prep hack, her take on the biggest trends in health food, and why you'll never find turmeric in her products. OMAX is now offering mbg podcast listeners an awesome deal: 70 percent off a one-month supply of Cognitive Boost, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Go to omaxboost.com/mindbodygreen to take advantage of this great offer. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I sat down with Dr. Dean and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai—directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center and authors of The Alzheimer's Solution—to talk about all things brain health, a topic that is more important now than ever before. Did you know that half of the people who live to the age of 85 will have Alzheimer's? It's quickly becoming the most pressing health issue facing our world today. As we learned at revitalize 2018, when the Sherzais quickly won over the crowd with their well-rounded perspective on brain health—the Sherzais are on a mission to prevent Alzheimer's, slow its progression, help patients and families cope, and hopefully soon even find a cure. There's no doubt about it: They have a lot of hard-earned knowledge to share. In this episode of the mbg podcast, you'll learn about the lifestyle factors that are hurting your brain the most. High on this list is multitasking. Many of us think we're skilled at performing more than one task at a time, but the Sherzais explain that multitasking isn't just bad for your brain, it's impossible—since you just end up doing a lot of different things poorly instead of a few things well. On the flip side, establishing deep focus on one task is one of the healthiest activities for your mind. We also talked about how finding a sense of purpose can take time—but it's well worth the time and effort—and why it's so important to use technology mindfully in parenting. Don’t miss it! Promote energy, immunity and vitality with Om Mushroom Superfood Powders. Grown in the U.S., Certified Organic and Gluten-Free with no added sugars or fillers, Om Mushroom Powders are the perfect superfood boost to smoothies, coffee or any recipe. Learn more about Om at ommushrooms.com and enjoy a 20% offer for mindbodygreen listeners. Use the code: MBG20. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever had a Perfect Bar, you understand the hype. The protein-packed snack stuffed with superfoods has picked up a serious cult following, thanks to its simple filling ingredients and downright addicting flavor (a box of the dark chocolate peanut butter bars has been known to disappear from the mbg office fridge in about three seconds flat). Co-founded by siblings Bill and Leigh Keith in 2005, the initial idea for the brand actually dates back to long road trips their large family took decades ago. In this podcast episode, the duo recounts how their father, Bud Keith, would use his background in nutrition and mind-body medicine to make a healthy snack product his (thirteen!) children would actually want to eat. Bud would ground up whole-foods supplements, mix them with peanut butter, honey, and protein, and the results were a sweet, hearty treat that he deemed "perfect." Nowadays, there are still at least 20 superfoods—like kale, spinach, alfalfa, and celery—slyly packed into every refrigerated bar, and the Keith children are managing the business in their late dad's honor. Bill is the acting CEO, Leigh is President, and sister Charisse handles quality control, but everyone in the family has pitched in to turn the product into a success story. More than just a feel-good family brand, Perfect Bar is also trying to do right by its employees and the planet with a variety of social and environmental responsibility programs. Bill and Leigh dive into all of that and more over the course of the hour. Along the way, they recount how they overcame periods of intense debt to create one of the fastest-growing bar brands in the world, describe the key to eating sugar more healthily, and predict the future of snacking. We hope you enjoy it. OMAX is now offering mbg podcast listeners an awesome deal: 70 percent off a one-month supply of Cognitive Boost, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Go to omaxboost.com/mindbodygreen to take advantage of this great offer. Promote energy, immunity and vitality with Om Mushroom Superfood Powders. Grown in the U.S., Certified Organic and Gluten-Free with no added sugars or fillers, Om Mushroom Powders are the perfect superfood boost to smoothies, coffee or any recipe. Learn more about Om at ommushrooms.com and enjoy a 20% offer for mindbodygreen listeners. Use the code: MBG20. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Functional medicine expert, mbg class instructor and Collective member, and my dear friend Will Cole, D.C., IFMCP, grew up in a wellness-focused household. But after 10 years of struggling with poor digestion and low energy on a carb-heavy, vegan diet, he knew there had to be a better way to eat plant-based. That's when he discovered the brain-boosting benefits of the ketogenic diet and fueling his body with healthy fats. If you haven't heard of the ketogenic diet yet, it's a high-fat, moderate protein, low-carb diet (we've written a lot about it on mindbodygreen). It's typically associated with eating lots of meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal products. But in his new book, Ketotarian, Will shares how to meld the two seemingly opposite diets—ketogenic and vegan—to get the best of both worlds. On this week's episode, I sat down with Will to explore what ketosis is, what it's not, and who should (and shouldn't) try going keto. We talked about the pitfalls of a conventional ketogenic diet and how it can work for a plant-based eater. He also shared his knowledge about how parasites can heal your inflammation and how to find your unique carb sweet spot. Finally, he shared the first thing he drinks every morning (spoiler: It's not butter coffee) and his favorite keto-friendly dessert recipe that had me drooling. Don't miss this one! OMAX is now offering mbg podcast listeners an awesome deal: 70 percent off a one-month supply of Cognitive Boost, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Go to omaxboost.com/mindbodygreen to take advantage of this great offer. Promote energy, immunity and vitality with Om Mushroom Superfood Powders. Grown in the U.S., Certified Organic and Gluten-Free with no added sugars or fillers, Om Mushroom Powders are the perfect superfood boost to smoothies, coffee or any recipe. Learn more about Om at ommushrooms.com and enjoy a 20% offer for Mind Body Green listeners. Use the code: MBG20. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. To join our podcast email newsletter, please visit our signup page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicolas Jammet, Jonathan Neman, and Nathaniel Ru know what sweetgreen customers want because they are sweetgreen customers. More than 10 years ago, they were frustrated by the lack of affordable and delicious food that was also healthy and made them feel good, so the three then-college seniors set out to make salad cool. In 2007, they opened the first sweetgreen and immediately knew they were on to something. They have since grown the ingredient-driven, fast-casual chain to 86 locations across the United States and continue to innovate and elevate healthy food. I sat down with Nicolas and Jonathan to talk about their mission of connecting communities to healthier food, what "passion with a purpose" means, and how they build trust with their customers. They explained how a salad restaurant ended up hosting a music festival, the combination of art and science behind everything they do, and where they find the local artists that decorate their stores (spoiler: in line at sweetgreen). We also touched on the emotional experience of eating, food fatigue, sweetgreen's constantly evolving menu, and why they no longer serve bacon. Nicolas and Jonathan also dive into tackling food waste, introducing more sustainable ingredients, and educating consumers about the true cost of real food. If you love sweetgreen as much as we do, this one is a must-listen. Hungryroot delivers weekly boxes of healthy convenience foods that customers can use to make a variety of inspiring and delicious dishes. All our food is plant-based and gluten-free, and comes either ready to eat or ready in less than 15 minutes. Use code mbg to get $25 off your first two deliveries with a total savings of $50. Promote energy, immunity and vitality with Om Mushroom Superfood Powders. Grown in the U.S., Certified Organic and Gluten-Free with no added sugars or fillers, Om Mushroom Powders are the perfect superfood boost to smoothies, coffee or any recipe. Learn more about Om at ommushrooms.com and enjoy a 30% offer for Mind Body Green listeners. Use the code: MBG30 To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Sebastiani is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. At the age of 8, Jon got his taste of working as an entrepreneur on his family’s vineyard in Sonoma Valley, founded in 1894 as one of the wine region’s first vineyards. He continued to work on the business side of the family brand throughout his 20s and early 30s, until the company was sold in 2005. After a self-proclaimed identity crisis of sorts, Jon shifted his focus to his own health, which led him to run in the New York City Marathon, and shortly after, put him on the fast track to launching a jerky brand, KRAVE. Now, his passion for wellness influences the majority of his business endeavors as founder of Sonoma Brands, one of the most well-respected and innovative venture capitalist firms in natural consumer packaged goods right now, with investors in wellness favorites like Hu Kitchen and True Botanicals. In this episode, we trace Jon’s entrepreneurial spirit from his beginning wine days to the genesis of Sonoma Brands, the trend of mission-driven food companies, and how he uses his savvy business chops to tap into the heart of the wellness industry and introduce products that are bold and accessible to all. We also talk about the tough side of family business, what it was like to sell his company to Hershey, and how to elevate classic, old-fashioned snacks with a modern twist to the masses with health, innovation, and wellness in mind. If you’re curious about the future of small food brands, the tricky business of wellness and fast trends, and how to combine grit and passion as an entrepreneur, this episode’s the one for you. Enjoy! Go to TryOmax.com/mindbodygreen to get a box of Omax3 Ultra-Pure, for FREE! Omax3 comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it and really feel the Omax difference! Hungryroot delivers weekly boxes of healthy convenience foods that customers can use to make a variety of inspiring and delicious dishes. All our food is plant-based and gluten-free, and comes either ready to eat or ready in less than 15 minutes. Use code mbg to get $25 off your first two deliveries with a total savings of $50. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jasmine Hemsley has been a force in the wellness world since she started the world-famous Hemsley + Hemsley brand alongside her sister Melissa in 2014. Their first book, The Art of Eating Well, flipped the script on dieting and proved that eating well can be delicious, soul-satisfying, and not at all restrictive. Since this book became an international best-seller, Jasmine has served as a food consultant to a celebrity clientele, penned two more cookbooks, and traveled the world sharing her food philosophy with the masses. Along the way, she stumbled into a food philosophy that would ultimately change her life: ayurveda. The answer to why she always preferred hot, stewy foods and would take a burger over a salad any day, ayurveda is an ancient Indian approach to whole-body healing that focuses on centers of heat within the body. It extends far beyond food and touches on how we can find balance across our lives. Though it dates back around 5,000 years, its remedies for everything from poor digestion to anxiety continue to prove effective today. In this episode, Jasmine, a longtime friend of mbg, mbg Collective member, and workshop host at mbg's revitalize event last month, takes us through the three different ayurvedic personalities, or doshas, and how to find out which one you are. Along the way, she dispels some of the leading myths about practice, lists the little ayurvedic-approved tweaks that she can't live without, and provides top tips for anyone looking to dive deeper into this timeless approach to healing. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erik Oberholtzer is a renowned professional chef who spent 10 years in some of the best fine dining kitchens in California. After getting his start at Chez Panisse, he cooked everywhere from Lark Creek Inn to Left Bank to Shutters on the Beach. Inspired by his relationships with local farmers and his access to fresh ingredients, he became passionate about finding a way to bring farm-to-fork to the masses. In 2006, he opened Tender Greens, a slow-foods-meets-fast-food restaurant in Culver City with an emphasis on affordable chef-created dishes. It has since grown to 28 locations spanning across both coasts and is backed by hospitality giant Danny Meyer. In this week’s episode, Erik and I discuss how he cultivates culture at Tender Greens, America’s shifting relationship with food, and why it’s an exciting time to be in the food space. We also talk about the "forgotten foods" you might be seeing on the Tender Greens menu soon, his commitment to regenerative agriculture, the collision of technology and food, and the power of partnership in growing a business. Go to TryOmax.com/mindbodygreen to get a box of Omax3 Ultra-Pure, for FREE! Omax3 comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it and really feel the Omax difference! To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Tanzeem Bhatia, M.D., is a superwoman in her own right. She's not just an M.D.—she has functional medicine, integrative, and holistic physician training, and she's a certified nutritionist, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Whew! She might be one of the most qualified medical professionals to help women, as she's seen thousands through her practice and has noticed a few patterns in the way health issues present themselves. Her book, Superwoman Rx, speaks to her experience by demystifying common health problems women face—low energy, unwanted weight gain or loss, and hormone-related issues, to name a few—by breaking them down into five different archetypes. Dr. Taz has been part of the mindbodygreen family since the early days. She's a class instructor, part of mbg's Functional Nutrition Program, and a longtime contributor. In this podcast episode, Dr. Taz and I discuss the reason we're facing a women's health crisis in the first place; how each of the five archetypes named in her book can start to take charge of their own health; what blood tests to run when going to your doctor; nuances about thyroid, gut, and metabolic health; the best herbs women can add to their diets; and much, much more. One question Dr. Taz asks all of her patients is: Why are you trying to take control of your health? She believes that the answer will help clarify the right path for you and motivate you on your journey. If you're someone who has struggled with these issues, or know someone who has, if you prefer taking the more natural route with your body, if you're dealing with information overload, or could benefit from a detailed primer on women's holistic health and well-being, this episode is for you. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weleda is a green brand that goes way, way back—it's been around since 1921. Originally a plant-based medicine company, over the years it has evolved into a natural beauty powerhouse that calls on the power of plants for its nourishing products. In this episode, Rob Keen, who has served as Weleda's CEO for North America since 2016, gives us an inside look into the green beauty industry. He predicts the ingredients that are about to shake up our routines, describes what's next for skin care, and talks about what it will take for natural products to become the new normal. Along the way, he touches on issues of access in the natural beauty space, gives tips for spotting "faux natural" brands, and shares the nonnegotiable beauty products to add to your repertoire. For Weleda, at the end of the day, it's all about going back to the basics. Though the company is nearly a century old, its ingredient list has remained relatively unchanged since the beginning, which speaks volumes about its sourcing. "People and nature have a symbiotic relationship," he tells mbg. "When they’re working together, it creates health." Now that's something we can get on board with. Enjoy this episode! Thrive Market's catalog includes 5,000 of your favorite premium, organic products up to 50% off and delivered straight to your door. Thrive Market is on a mission to make healthy living, affordable and accessible to everyone! Go to thrivemarket.com/mindbodygreen for a 30 day free trial and $60 off organic groceries with free shipping. KIND makes delicious, healthy snacks using whole ingredients. All of KIND’s snacks are crafted with delicious, wholesome ingredients like nuts, fruits and whole grains to keep your body and your taste buds happy! Enjoy 50% off and free shipping on your first Snack Pack when you subscribe to it through Snack Club, KIND’s monthly snack subscription service. Go to kindsnacks.com/MBG for more details. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max Lugavere is a filmmaker, health science journalist, TV personality, brain health expert, and author of the New York Times best-selling book Genius Foods. For Max, brain health isn't just a trend; it's personal. After his mother was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease at just 58, Max dedicated himself to understanding the link between diet, lifestyle, and cognitive function. After almost 10 years of research, he is sharing his brain optimizing philosophy to boost brain power, stimulate cognitive function, and prevent decline. In this episode of the podcast, Max and I talk about how modern dietary shifts may be messing with our brain, why conditionally essential nutrients are so important, and which foods to avoid to beat brain fog (spoiler: It's not just gluten!). He also makes a case for why red meat deserves a place in our diet, why sleep is non-negotiable, and how exercise stimulates the brain. This past weekend, he took the stage at mbg revitalize 2018 to bust common brain health myths and share his hard-earned knowledge with all of us. Max's science-backed evolution-based food recommendations will not only benefit your brain, but they will help you feel and perform better right now. To learn which nutrient-dense foods you need for a brain-boosting diet, check out this week's podcast. Go to TryOmax.com/mindbodygreen to get a box of Omax3 Ultra-Pure, for FREE! Omax3 comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it and really feel the Omax difference! To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nutritionist, functional mediation practitioner, cognitive behavioral therapist, mindbodygreen class instructor and collective member, and dear friend Dana James has helped more than 3,000 women clean up their eating habits and move closer to their happy weight over the course of her career. Dana's emphasis on psychology is unique: She believes that in order to lose weight, we need to first address the mental blocks that are holding us back. In her 12 years as a practitioner, she's identified the four personality archetypes that most people fall into. Her brand new book, The Archetype Diet: Reclaim Your Self-Worth and Change the Shape of Your Body, dives into how to find your archetype, identify the mental and hormonal blocks keeping you from your healthiest life, and conduct mind-body exercises that will leave you feeling vibrant. It's a must-read for anyone struggling with their weight or just looking to clean up their relationship to food a bit. In this jam-packed podcast, Dana introduces the four archetypes and provides some loose food guidelines for each. From there, the Columbia-trained nutritionist breaks down all of the healthy eating trends of today, weeding out fact from fiction. Tune in to hear her take on why sugar is not addictive, how to really tell if you have a gluten sensitivity, why nuts aren't as great as people make them out to me, why you should never intermittent fast if you're stressed, and so, so much more. Go to TryOmax.com/mindbodygreen to get a box of Omax3 Ultra-Pure, for FREE! Omax3 comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it and really feel the Omax difference! To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never heard of a chicken or lobster mushroom? Then you haven't talked to Julie Piatt. As the co-author of the new book The Plantpower Way: Italia: Delicious Vegan Recipes for the Italian Countryside, Julie can tell you all about them and will reassure you that they're vegan. This isn't the first book she's written with her husband, Rich Roll—the duo published their first vegan lifestyle book, The Plantpower Way, together back in 2015, and it became an instant hit. Between their success in the publishing world and Rich's own inspiring story of transforming himself from couch potato to endurance athlete (all of which is detailed in Rich's first book, Finding Ultra), it's safe to say that Rich and Julie—who are dear friends of ours, members of the mbg Collective, and mbg class instructors—are a wellness power couple. In this podcast episode, which is the very first one Colleen and I have ever hosted with another couple, you'll learn all about how Rich and Julie keep the spark alive in their relationship while working together, how they've navigated financial hardships, the secret ingredients to make your Italian cuisine vegan, and what work-life balance really means to them. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Wilson is the journalist, entrepreneur, and author behind the I Quit Sugar empire who has helped people around the world give up the sweet stuff for the sake of their health. She is also a lifelong sufferer of anxiety. Her latest book, First We Make the Beast Beautiful, is a stunning account of how Sarah copes with anxiety and a must-have handbook for anyone who wants to understand the often illusive mental illness a little better. In this episode, Sarah—a longtime friend and contributor to mbg—dives into the practices and routines that have helped her reframe her anxiety as a "beautiful beast" instead of a straight-up monster. It's rich with practical information that anyone can benefit from, from how to talk your way down from a panic attack to how to help a friend or loved one through their anxious moments. She also covers the sugar-anxiety connection and shares some fascinating science on how the anxious brain works and how we can train ours to do things differently. Tune in to snag Sarah's No. 1 tip for maintaining good health, staying present in the age of social media, and simplifying your life for the sake of your sanity. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, I'm honored to present this podcast. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. David Perlmutter made waves years ago with the release of his book Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar—Your Brain's Silent Killers, which elucidated the connection between gluten, inflammation, and various modern diseases long before the mainstream media caught on. He's also a long-time member of the mbg family (and now an official collective member!)—he spoke at revitalize in 2016 about the connection between our guts and brains before anyone else was discussing it. Now, the neurologist is back with a new release of the book and tons of modern science back info on what we should actually put in our bodies. In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the science of eating for both brain and body health, including a fascinating discussion about Alzheimer’s—he shared some statistics that blew even my mind! We also talk about how, as he says, "the most important shift in the human lifestyle choice paradigm has been a shift from a diet that was fundamentally deriving its calories from fat, protein, and fiber to one that was deriving most of its calories from carbohydrates, with the introduction a couple hundred years ago from processed carbohydrates"—and what exactly that shift has done to our bodies. We also get into eating for DNA, whether sugar or grains are worse for your body, the ketogenic diet, and much, much more. This is a fascinating episode for anyone interested in eating for better brain health and better health generally. To contact Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please e-mail [email protected]. For all sponsorship inquiries, please e-mail [email protected]. Want to join our podcast newsletter? Sign up here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices