Food. It's intertwined with our culture, emotions, memories, and even our identities. Our relationships with food are complex and multifaceted, shaped by a myriad of factors including upbringing, geography, socioeconomic status, and personal experiences. At its core, food is a means of nourishing our bodies, providing essential nutrients and energy to fuel our daily activities. Here are the stories behind those relationships.
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#31 Evan Slaughter - Rewriting the Narrative: Addiction, Identity, and Authenticity
Friday, September 26, 2025 • Duration 51:50
In this powerful episode of Clean Plates, I sit down with Evan Slaughter (fit2serve1).
Evan is a comedian, veteran, and fitness influencer. We unpack his journey through addiction, recovery, and the evolving relationship he’s had with food, fitness, and self-worth.
Evan opens up about how food became both a source of comfort and a coping mechanism post-rehab, mirroring the addictive behaviors he was trying to overcome.
From fast food and emotional eating to developing a healthy, mindful approach to nutrition, Evan’s transformation is one rooted in authenticity and self-awareness.
Through laughter and vulnerability, Evan shares how comedy became his most authentic outlet, helping him inspire others while staying grounded in his own journey.
This episode is a raw and real look at mental health, physical transformation, and the power of being true to yourself in life, on stage, and online.
Early eating habits were unintentional, often revolving around fast food and school lunches.
Food became emotionally tied to joy, and later, a replacement for drugs during recovery.
Weight gain became a new challenge as comfort eating mirrored addictive patterns.
Shifted focus from appearance to overall health and longevity.
Comedy serves as a tool for connection, healing, and staying authentic.
Mental health is the foundation for any lasting physical change.
Real brand relationships are built through honest, relatable content.
Understanding the cycle — from fit to unfit and back — creates empathy and relatability.
"Food was not deliberate." "Post-rehab, food replaced drugs." "Comedy is my authentic voice." "Mental health first, then physical." "Authenticity builds brand relationships." "From fit to unfit and back." "Food linked to happiness and joy." "Healthy relationship with food is key." "Comedy connects and inspires." "Focus on health, not just looks."
00:00:03 – Introduction to Evan Slaughter 00:00:17 – Evan's Early Relationship with Food 00:03:05 – Post-Rehab and Food as Comfort 00:05:25 – Mental Health and Fitness Journey 00:12:22 – Comedy and Authenticity 00:21:05 – Building Brand Relationships 00:28:36 – Current Fitness and Health Goals
#30 Ryan Sprague - The Birth of a Parent: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Lifestyle Shifts
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • Duration 01:09:55
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Ryan Sprague to unpack the life-altering experience of becoming a new parent.
Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that come with fatherhood, and how embracing intentional lifestyle shifts can lead to deeper wellness.
From managing sleepless nights to making conscious dietary choices, and from finding moments of peace amidst chaos to redefining your identity, this episode offers relatable insight, inspiration, and actionable advice for parents and wellness-seekers alike.
Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or simply curious about how parenthood impacts your health and mindset, this episode is filled with real talk, vulnerability, and transformative takeaways.
The emotional and spiritual impact of becoming a new parent
Ryan’s personal journey into fatherhood
How to stay grounded during the early days of parenting
The connection between diet, energy levels, and emotional stability
Mental health tools for navigating overwhelm and burnout
Strategies for integrating wellness practices into a chaotic schedule
Letting go of perfection and embracing presence
Why community and vulnerability are vital for new parents
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Intro & welcome 03:12 – Ryan shares his initial experience as a new parent 08:45 – Identity shifts and the emotional rollercoaster of fatherhood 14:10 – The unexpected lifestyle changes that come with parenting 18:30 – Nutrition hacks for new parents: eating for energy & clarity 25:50 – The role of mental health in physical wellness 31:00 – Mindset tools for staying present under pressure 37:20 – How to ask for help and create a support system 43:10 – Letting go of the “old self” to embrace transformation 48:00 – Ryan’s message to new and expecting parents 52:00 – Outro & where to connect with Ryan
#21 Laurence Isaac: Healthy Heat and the Journey to Clean Condiments
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 58:43
In this episode of Clean Plates, we sit down with Lawrence Isaac, the founder of Sinai Gourmet Sauces, a company dedicated to creating clean, healthy, and delicious condiments. Lawrence shares his inspiring journey of crafting vinegar-free hot sauces and other products after a frustrating experience with traditional hot sauces overpowering the flavor of food. He discusses the challenges of scaling production while maintaining quality, the importance of using real ingredients, and the mission to offer healthier, lower-sodium alternatives to mainstream sauces. With a focus on clean labels and wholesome ingredients, Lawrence’s passion for providing customers with products they can feel good about is evident. Join us as we explore the world of Sinai Gourmet and hear how Lawrence and his team are revolutionizing the condiment industry.
Takeaways:
Creating a product that doesn't exist out of personal experience can lead to success
Scaling up production can be challenging, especially for fussy products
Maintaining a clean label and ensuring the quality and cleanliness of products is crucial
Processed foods have had a negative impact on our relationship with food and health
Reconnecting with real, wholesome ingredients is important for a healthier diet Sinai Gourmet focuses on making clean, healthy, and delicious condiments using real ingredients and avoiding additives and chemicals.
Their products have lower sugar and sodium content compared to mainstream brands.
They prioritize providing great products to customers who care about what they eat.
They have a loyal customer base and are constantly working on improving their manufacturing process and expanding their online presence.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Small Talk
02:24 The Inspiration Behind Sinai Gourmet Sauces
#20 Haley Paez of Mile High and Hungry: Explorations of Food, Travel, and Connection
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 59:12
In this episode of Clean Plates, I chat with Denver-based content creator Haley Paez of Mile High and Hungry. They explore the cultural significance of food, the role of social media in food culture, and the impact of food on community connections.
Haley shares her passion for baking as a way to bring people together, her travel goals to explore global cuisines, and her mission to foster stronger community ties through culinary experiences.
Tune in for a conversation about the intersection of food, culture, and social media!
Takeaways
Haley Paez is a Denver-based content creator focused on food.
Food serves as a tool for social connection and bonding.
Culinary experiences are shaped by cultural heritage and family traditions.
Baking can foster community connections, especially during challenging times.
Balancing food enjoyment with athletic performance can be challenging.
Traveling to experience authentic cuisines enhances culinary appreciation.
Food is an art form that reflects the relationship between chefs and ingredients.
Community demand for quality food is growing in places like Denver.
Quality video content can enhance food storytelling.
#19 Brandon Munoz - Rolling Through Life: Building Stir Pan Creamery and Overcoming Adversity
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 • Duration 58:50
In this sweet episode of Clean Plates, I sit down for an interview with Brandon Munoz, the owner of Stir Pan Creamery, a Colorado-based Thai rolled ice cream shop.
We discuss the inspiration behind starting the shop, the unique process of making Thai rolled ice cream, challenges faced in the early days, popular flavors, and the daily routine of running the business.
Brandon also shares his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and how it has influenced his approach to life and work.
Community and collaboration are key themes in this conversation. The importance of community support and engagement is highlighted, both in the local Breckenridge community and in Denver.
Collaboration with other businesses is also emphasized as a marketing strategy. The conversation also touches on the role of art and creativity in the business, with the owner being an art collector and incorporating art into the ice cream shops.
The unique experience of Thai rolled ice cream is discussed, with an emphasis on the texture and the process of making it.
Overall, the conversation showcases the passion and dedication of the owner and the positive impact the business has had on the community.
Takeaways:
Stir Pan Creamery is a Colorado-based Thai rolled ice cream shop known for its unique and fresh ice cream made right in front of customers.
The owner, Brandon Munoz, was inspired to start the shop after seeing the concept of Thai rolled ice cream at a festival and wanting to bring it to his hometown.
The process of making Thai rolled ice cream involves pouring a liquid ice cream base onto a freezing plate, adding ingredients, and then rolling it into thin rolls.
The shop offers a variety of flavors, including classic favorites like banana pudding and chocolate chip cookie dough, as well as unique creations like the signature flavor called 'crack' which combines banana pudding and salted Oreo.
#18 Nate Smith - Beyond the Plate: Merging Culinary Art, Primal Movement and Holistic Health
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 • Duration 57:36
On this episode of Clean Plates I dive in to a deep conversation with Nate Smith. He shares his journey in the culinary industry, highlighting his passion for merging culinary art with nutrition.
He stresses the dual importance of food as both fuel and enjoyment, emphasizing how taste and nutrition can work together. He introduces the basic survival needs—shelter, water, fire, and food—and discusses different levels of food quality.
I share my experience with addiction and the vital role of finding a community focused on holistic well-being. The conversation touches on the role of psychedelics, and the importance of intention, set, and setting.
We also explore topics like health, community, and regenerative agriculture. Nate highlights the importance of connection and community in living a fulfilling and healthy life, and introduces the concept of consilience, integrating various skills and knowledge for a holistic approach to life.
The conversation also delves into clean eating, the profound impact of nutrition on well-being, and the need for a greater appreciation of food and death.
Nate mentions his involvement in the sacred hunting movement, which fosters a relationship with food, death, conservation, and community.
Takeaways:
Food can be both fuel and enjoyable, and taste and nutrition can coexist.
The four primary concerns of survival are shelter, water, fire, and food.
There are different tiers of food quality, with wild and biodynamic food being the top tier.
Finding a community centered around holistic well-being is important for personal growth and support.
Psychedelics can have therapeutic benefits when used with intention and in a controlled environment. Connection and community are essential for finding fulfillment and achieving a healthy lifestyle.
#17 Zaqq Hernandez: An Epic Revolution in the Secrets of Weight Loss, Health and Wellness
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 47:59
In this episode of Clean Plates, a mind blowing interview with Zaqq Hernandez, who shares his remarkable weight loss journey of losing 184 pounds.
Zaqq discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of a supportive network, and how he addressed emotional eating.
He reflects on his evolving relationship with food and highlights the significance of holistic health, emphasizing nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mental well-being.
Zaqq also shares how working with a personal chef has enhanced his lifestyle and gym performance.
His transformation serves as inspiration for others to prioritize their health, as he offers practical advice and encourages listeners to follow his journey on social media. Zaqq's weight loss journey and transformation inspire others to prioritize their health and fitness.
Takeaways:
Having a healthy mindset is crucial in a weight loss journey.
A strong support system can make a significant difference in achieving weight loss goals.
Emotional eating is a common challenge that needs to be addressed during the weight loss journey.
Finding a balance between diet and exercise is essential for sustainable weight loss.
Personalized nutrition and finding what works for you is key to long-term success. Holistic health involves taking care of the body, mind, and spirit.
Eating the right food is important, but it's also crucial to get enough sleep, drink water, and take care of the mind.
Having a personal chef can make it easier to eat healthy and save time.
Eating well can improve performance at the gym and overall well-being.
Authenticity and taking small steps are key to achieving fitness goals.
Chapters:
#16 Stephen Sirvan - Crafting Success: Nutrition, Training, and Woodworking
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 • Duration 53:32
In this episode of Clean Plates I had a great time conversating with my good buddy Stephen Sirvan. Steven is an entrepreneur and the owner of Sirvan Custom Woodco in NJ.
Stephen and I dive into Stephen's training routine for the Hy-Rox race, exploring his nutrition strategies and the balance between energy needs and his woodworking responsibilities.
We discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with food, as well as the critical roles of hydration and electrolytes in performance and overall well-being.
Stephen shares insights on pre- and post-workout meals, the significance of carbohydrates for endurance athletes, and how quality ingredients play a key role in his approach to nutrition.
We also touch on Stephen's upcoming races and events, emphasizing the importance of proper fueling to optimize athletic performance and maintain health.
Takeaways
Stephen follows a training routine that includes a mix of running and CrossFit-style conditioning workouts for the Hi-Rox race.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in Stephen's training, and he focuses on consuming enough calories, carbs, and protein to support his high energy requirements.
Stephen maintains a healthy relationship with food by following an 80-20 approach, where he eats well and indulges in treats in moderation.
Hydration and electrolytes are essential for performance and overall well-being, and Stephen emphasizes the importance of consuming enough water and quality sodium.
Having a routine and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who prioritize healthy eating can help maintain a balanced diet.
Meal prepping can be beneficial for streamlining nutrition and ensuring consistent, healthy meals throughout the week. Proper nutrition is crucial for athletic performance and overall health.
Carbohydrates are an important fuel source for endurance athletes.
Quality ingredients and simplicity are key in maintaining a healthy diet.
#15 Johnny Hadac - Integrating Nutrition and Medicine: A Comprehensive Approach to Health
Friday, September 13, 2024 • Duration 01:07:06
In this episode of Clean Plates I have the ultimate experience interviewing Johnny Haddock.
Johnny is a fourth-year medical student and culinary medicine specialist dedicated to the intersection of nutrition and health.
With a personal journey that includes successful weight loss and the development of sustainable eating habits, Johnny is passionate about making nutrition accessible and enjoyable.
He emphasizes the critical role of protein in maintaining muscle mass and feeling full, and explores how proper nutrition can manage and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Johnny advocates for simple, sustainable habits like hydration, balanced protein intake, and intermittent fasting, while also delving into biohacking practices such as saunas and cold plunges.
Through his social media and upcoming cookbook, Johnny shares practical tips and macro-friendly recipes to help everyone make positive changes in their daily lives.
Takeaways
Protein is an important macronutrient for maintaining muscle mass and feeling full.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed through nutrition, specifically carbohydrate management.
Fasting has numerous health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and better insulin sensitivity.
Hydration, protein intake, and meal frequency are key factors in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Macro-friendly recipes can be affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. Nutrition is a simple and enjoyable way to maintain good health.
Poor eating habits can have long-term negative effects on the body.
Education and knowledge about nutrition are essential for making better food choices.
Biohacking practices like saunas, cold plunges, and fasting may have potential health benefits.
#14 Scott McDonald - The Regenerative Food Movement: Why It Matters and How to Get Involved
Saturday, August 31, 2024 • Duration 01:14:02
In this episode of Clean Plates I have the absolute pleasure of having a dynamic conversation with my close friend and Chef, Scott McDonald.
Scott is a culinary enthusiast, advocate for sustainable food practices, and a devoted gardener. With a deep love for the art of cooking, Scott has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of food, health, and the environment. He believes that the journey from seed to plate is a vital part of creating memorable and nourishing meals.
Scott’s passion for quality ingredients is evident in his commitment to sourcing local and organic produce, and he’s a firm proponent of regenerative farming practices. His expertise in the kitchen is complemented by his exceptional knife skills, which he views as an essential part of both efficiency and creativity in cooking.
A fervent believer in the importance of community and seasonal eating, Scott encourages his listeners to reconnect with their food and the land it comes from. He’s particularly enthusiastic about growing his own food, with a special fondness for broccoli sprouts, and finds joy in nurturing ingredients from their earliest stages.
Scott shares his insights on how to approach cooking with playfulness and creativity, reminding us all to slow down and enjoy the process. Whether he’s discussing the benefits of sustainable food practices or the simple pleasures of cooking with loved ones, Scott’s approach to food is both inspiring and accessible.
Takeaways
Passion for cooking can develop at any age and can be influenced by personal experiences with food.
The current food system needs a shift towards regenerative and organic practices.
Sourcing quality ingredients is important for health and well-being.
Community and seasonal eating can lead to a healthier food culture.
The microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health and can be influenced by the food we eat. Sourcing local and sustainable ingredients is important for our health and the environment.
Knife skills are essential in the kitchen for efficiency, safety, and presentation.
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04:03 Egyptian Cuisine and Food Memories
08:09 Creating Vinegar-Free Hot Sauces
13:59 Challenges in Scaling Up Production
19:18 The Negative Impact of Processed Foods
22:58 The Marketing Influence on Food Industry
23:28 Reconnecting with Real Ingredients
25:11 Creating Clean and Healthy Condiments
28:11 Providing Great Products for Health-Conscious Customers
31:32 Doing the Right Thing in the Right Direction
Brandon's personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction has influenced his approach to life and work, and he strives to lead by example and create a positive and supportive work environment. Community support and engagement are crucial for the success of a business.
Collaboration with other businesses can be an effective marketing strategy.
Incorporating art and creativity can enhance the overall experience for customers.
The unique texture and process of making Thai rolled ice cream sets it apart from traditional ice cream.
Passion and dedication are key drivers of success in business.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:08 The Unique Process of Making Thai Rolled Ice Cream
05:32 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Small Business
07:27 Popular Flavors and Customer Favorites
20:10 Brennan's Personal Journey and Approach to Life and Work
29:38 The Power of Community
31:30 Collaborating for Success
34:09 Art and Creativity in Ice Cream
46:37 The Unique Experience of Thai Rolled Ice Cream
Individualized approaches to nutrition and fueling are necessary, as everyone's needs and preferences are different.
Fueling the body properly is essential for optimal performance and recovery.
Takeaways
Stephen follows a training routine that includes a mix of running and CrossFit-style conditioning workouts for the Hi-Rox race.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in Stephen's training, and he focuses on consuming enough calories, carbs, and protein to support his high energy requirements.
Stephen maintains a healthy relationship with food by following an 80-20 approach, where he eats well and indulges in treats in moderation.
Hydration and electrolytes are essential for performance and well-being, and Stephen emphasizes the importance of drinking enough water and quality sodium.
Having a routine and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who prioritize healthy eating can help maintain a balanced diet.
Meal prepping can be beneficial for streamlining nutrition and ensuring consistent, healthy meals throughout the week.
Carbohydrates are an important fuel source for endurance athletes.
Quality ingredients and simplicity are key in maintaining a healthy diet.
Individualized approaches to nutrition and fueling are necessary, as everyone's needs and preferences are different.
Fueling the body properly is essential for optimal performance and recovery.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:30 The Importance of Hydration and Electrolytes
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Consistency and moderation are key to achieving and maintaining good health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:32 The Role of Protein in Weight Loss and Muscle Maintenance
07:51 Managing Type 2 Diabetes Through Nutrition
11:24 The Benefits of Fasting for Health
14:0 7Hydration, Protein, and Meal Frequency for Weight Loss
20:24 Affordable and Accessible Macro-Friendly Recipes
30:45 The Simplicity and Enjoyment of Nutrition
33:16 The Impact of Poor Eating Habits on Health
37:15 Educating and Guiding Patients towards Better Health
44:46 Creating a Cookbook and Promoting Nutrition Education
55:29 Exploring Biohacking and Optimizing Health
59:53 Consistency and Moderation for Long-Term Health
