Explore every episode of the podcast Eat Play Crush with Mary Shenouda
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| Andre Iguodala: Why You Do What You Do, Evils Of Fame, & Breaking Free From Small-Town Mindset | 07 Mar 2024 | 01:10:19 | |
Responsibility and accountability form the bedrock of personal integrity and growth. While being responsible means acknowledging our role in actions and decisions, understanding their impact, accountability is the bridge that transforms responsibility into tangible growth, requiring us to answer for our choices and learn from them. Together, they craft a powerful narrative of self-awareness, pushing us to navigate life with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Today’s guest needs no further introduction, but for those who don’t know him yet, Andre Iguodala is a legendary basketball player. During his career, Andre played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. He played a crucial role in the Warriors' success, contributing to 4 NBA championships with the team. Andre was recognized for his outstanding performance and impact on the court, earning the NBA Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in 2015. Embark on a captivating storytelling journey with Andre as the conversation unfolds organically, spanning from Andre's morning routine and tech insights to his small-town upbringing and the struggles that shaped him. Exploring individuality, emotional intelligence, and the significance of teamwork, this episode navigates the complexities of life, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. As Andre shares his non-negotiables in collaboration and insights on responsibility in young athletes, he touches on contemporary issues, including healthcare and the perceived decline of grit in society. In the concluding moments, Andre imparts a powerful reminder to surround oneself with those who uplift and bring out the best. What We Discussed:
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| Unmasking Negative Behavioral Patterns, Emotional Healing and Restoration, & Embracing Your Uniqueness with Vienna Pharaon | 12 Feb 2024 | 02:06:59 | |
Valuing your worthiness involves recognizing and appreciating your inherent value as a human being, independent of external factors or validation from others. By nurturing a positive relationship with yourself and honoring your inherent worth, you can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, confidence, and resilience in all areas of your life. Today, let’s welcome renowned relationship expert Vienna Pharaon. Vienna is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought after relationship therapists. She has practiced therapy for over fifteen years and is the founder and owner of the group practice, Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy. Vienna and Mary touch on the essence of human existence and the dynamics of relationships. Explore the origins of our identity and the restorative power found in therapy and discover the delicate balance between self-assurance and vulnerability, and the importance of expanding our skill sets to navigate life's complexities. Together, they unpack the intricate landscape of emotional wounds that shape our interactions and perceptions. From the struggle with self-worth to the challenges of belonging and trust, we uncover the layers of our innermost struggles. Along the way, we challenge societal narratives and misconceptions about therapy, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections and emotional honesty. Join us as we unravel the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and self-discovery in this transformative episode. What We Discussed:
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| Max Lugavere: From Adversity to Advocacy to “Genius Life” and Redefining Purpose | 29 Nov 2023 | 01:18:44 | |
Max Lugavere is a health expert breaking boundaries in nutrition and wellness. With bestselling books like Genius Foods and Genius Kitchen, he's shown how food and health are a power duo. His podcast, The Genius Life, is a sanctuary for millions seeking health enlightenment. Max is also a familiar face on TV, from The Rachael Ray Show, The Today Show, PBS’s Brief but Spectacular, and The Doctors, along with features in VICE, Fast Company, The New York Times, People Magazine, and CNN. In this episode, Max shares his journey from the glitz of TV hosting to the depth of health and nutrition advocacy. He shares the ups and downs of his career transition, moving away from the camera's allure to discover a new purpose. Hear about the twists and challenges that reshaped Max's path, including moments of doubt and family health crisis. Join us as Max also opens up about vulnerability, the changing tides of relationships, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life. Explore his insights on health, fitness, and even the intricacies of stable relationships in the modern world. This episode will surely teach you how to live a genius life! What We Discussed:
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| Jay Ferruggia: Crush Imposter Syndrome, Create A Winning Team Culture and Connect With Anyone | 22 Nov 2023 | 01:22:43 | |
Jay Ferruggia is more than a fitness coach; he's a legend in the industry. With a remarkable journey that began in the underground gym scene and led to global recognition as a fitness expert. He’s works with athletes and organizations across the NFL, MLB, and WWE both from a strength and conditioning perspective but also being recognized as a leader in player development when it comes to mental toughness, connection, and leadership. In this episode, we'll have a candid conversation with Jay as he shares his remarkable journey from the early days in the underground gym scene to becoming a globally recognized fitness expert with stops along the way from his health scare, heavy Hip Hop influence, and why he things improv belongs in every sports organization. Join me as we uncover the secrets to Jay's success and delve into how he connects with people on a deeper level to foster transformation. You'll discover that the path to a stronger, healthier, and happier you might be simpler than you think and maybe add as song or two to your training playlist. What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro 02:13 Jay’s journey in sports training 04:22 There was no concrete marketing strategy 06:42 Coaching with attitude and results resonated with anyone 08:56 Bringing swag in the gym 10:04 Surviving tuberculosis and hitting rock bottom 12:13 Talking recovery slow and started training people 13:22 Getting recognition from local media and started making money 14:12 Overspent hard earned money and eventually went broke 16:43 Jay rebuilds himself and started started getting book deals and magazine 19:54 First time inviting people over and it felt so natural 20:41 Getting tattoos to boost your ego 21:48 Hip-hop influence on training and culture 23:10 Creating a culture of unity and solid support for each other 25:17 Jay shares how to create an atmosphere of unity and build relationships in any crowd 30:30 The three elements of charisma to break down anyone’s wall 31:36 This is what you need to do to get better at what you do 34:48 The ability to make a quick connection and being fully present with someone 37:13 Getting genuine interest and attention from the person you just met 40:34 How do you approach someone who looks nervous and uncomfortable? 42:32 Introduction to improv in sports 47:40 Becoming comfortable in public speaking 51:01 Getting learning and influence from leaders in the industry 55:17 Breaking free from the overtraining myth 57:01 Different training approach for different body types 1:00:28 Understanding minimal effective dose 1:03:25 Prioritizing nutrition and sleep 1:06:48 Wacky dances and gift of friendship 1:09:44 What’s next for jay? 1:13:22 Writing your own rules 1:16:40 Imposter syndrome Follow Jay Ferruggia: https://www.instagram.com/jayferruggia https://www.youtube.com/user/JasonFerruggia https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonferruggia/ https://jasonferruggia.com/podcast/ Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef | |||
| Mark Groves: Trust Your Sensitivity, Dating For Purpose-Driven Achievers, and The Gift of Endings | 15 Nov 2023 | 01:45:10 | |
Today I welcome a good friend of mine and thought leader, Mark Groves. Mark Groves is a human connection specialist, motivational speaker, and author who is known for his work in the field of personal development and relationships. He often shares insights and advice on topics related to self-improvement, emotional intelligence, and building healthy and fulfilling relationships. Mark is the creator of “Create the Love” platform, where he offers guidance and resources to help people navigate the complexities of modern relationships. In this episode we dive deep into the intricacies of personal growth and meaningful relationships. We also talk about learning to trust ourselves, the power of walking away and choosing to prioritize self-care by developing healthy mind and body rituals. Whether you're seeking insights into personal development, relationship dynamics, or the keys to lasting happiness, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. Episode highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:30: Intro question: Dropped off at LAX, what car would you be driving and what song is playing? 02:50: How we met 03:30 Mark’s experience with the gut reset 06:15 Men and their inverse relationship to sensitivity and how it correlated with the fast 10:30 The importance of mastering your impact 15:00 Marks past relationship and when he wanted to call it off 19:00 Internal conflicts and how they impact our external 20:05 The realization that really helped Mark leave the relationship 24:40 The perspective shift that he needed 25:17 “Do you want to step up?” 32:30 What led Mark to research relationships and they truth of staying together 39:45 What inspired “Create the Love” 45:15 Relationship advice that has evolved over time 49:30 “Am I still curious?” 54:00 Understanding that your partner may not be the priority in your life 58:25 How to do things that make us both come alive and the importance of having individual purpose 01:02:14 The power of contributions in relationships 01:05:02 Mark unpacks his relational pattern 01:09:20 The most powerful words your partner can say 01:14:30 The closing ceremony 01:21:25 Shifting focus from chasing someone to focus on myself 01:22:30 When we get what we need through lessons 01:26:45 The power of clarity and alignment 01:29:15 Finding richness in being alone before entering a relationship 01:31:50 Allowing space to freely express emotions including anger 01:35:55 The influence culture plays on relationships 01:39:00 How negative emotions invite us to reflect 01:39:55 The power of honoring your truth
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| Tim Ferriss: Defining Legacy, Gratitude, And The Price of Power | 08 Nov 2023 | 01:17:11 | |
Today I welcome one of my favorite humans to the Eat Play Crush Podcast, Tim Ferriss. You probably know him as the author of the NYT Best Seller, The 4-Hour Work Week, a book that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. He also authored The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, and The Tools of Titans. If that isn't enough he is also the host of a top podcast called "The Tim Ferriss Show," where he interviews a wide range of influential individuals from different fields, exploring their strategies for success and personal growth. Tim and I go back in time to 2012 as we talk about ways he and I have evolved personally as well as professionally over the last decade. We revisit stories from when Tim caught me talking to the Caribou I was preparing for the first time for his dinner party to topics ranging from his thoughts on leaving a legacy, mental health, the importance of celebrations, poetry, and a few more unique gems I’ll leave you to hear in the episode. Performance Spotlight aka Free Game: Stick around for this segment, today's highlight is Black Cumin Seed Oil aka Nigella Sativa. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. If anything stands out to you, share it on social and tag me, @paleochef. Be well. Do Good. Trust your Gut. Episode Highlights:
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| Lupita Nyong'o: Building Her Wakanda Forever Body, Intuitive Nutrition, and Lessons From Rock Bottom | 01 Nov 2023 | 01:06:52 | |
Disclaimer: Before we get into today's episode, a quick disclaimer that this was recorded prior to the SAG AFTRA strike. Today I welcome and kick off the Eat Play Crush Podcast with my incredible client and friend, Lupita Nyong’o. She has graced our screens in iconic roles and is the recipient of multiple awards, including an Academy Award. Lupita is someone that embodies total commitment to her craft and in this conversation, she takes us through her remarkable experience and transformation preparing for her role in Wakanda Forever which required intense training as well as prep for her upcoming role which required an entirely different body composition. We also discuss how those experiences compared to her prep for the first Black Panther movie, before she and I began working together to unlock her personal nutrition design. Lupita shares the behind-the-scenes experience of our work together, what performance nutrition means to her, and how changing the way she ate allowed her to get into optimal shape to embody her character Nakia once again but also how it expanded her own self awareness and relationship to food in her everyday life. Lupita delves into the challenges, learnings, and dedication required and how that experience transcended into her habits off the screen. Beyond that, we also talk about her personal journey preparing for these roles while so much is going on in the world as well as in her personal life and how she keeps herself grounded and where she draws inspiration. You are sure to be drawn in, inspired, and empowered by this episode. Episode Highlights:
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| 0: Trailer | Eat Play Crush with Mary Shenouda | 21 Oct 2023 | 00:00:57 | |
Welcome to the Eat, Play, Crush podcast. I am your host, Mary Shenouda. Over my career as a performance chef and specialist to some of the most elite athletes and entertainers, I found that the gap between what they do and what you can accomplish is much more relatable than we make it seem. Performance and wellness should be inclusive, and I believe that if you have a body, you're performing at some level, whether you're a world-class athlete or simply someone like you and me. And it goes far beyond just nutrition. So my aim with this podcast is to share real-life stories, tips, and not tricks to inspire and make a difference so that you may eat well, play hard, and crush life. | |||
| Vinny Guadagnino: The Dark Side of Health “Optimization", Debilating Anxiety Attacks, and Pushing Past Perceptions | 01 Feb 2024 | 01:11:02 | |
Anxiety is like a tricky friend we all know. It's not just everyday worry; it's that feeling when your mind won't quiet down, and your heart races for no clear reason. It makes normal stuff feel like a big deal. Living with anxiety means sometimes facing those fears and finding moments to relax. It's not a flaw but just part of being human. . Reality television personality, actor, author, and podcast host Vinny Guadagnino joins Mary in a raw and authentic conversation about embracing vulnerabilities and overcoming anxiety. They talk about diverse topics, ranging from the initiation into the world of keto to the psychological intricacies of perfectionism. Unfiltered authenticity is championed, emphasizing the importance of being raw and real both online and offline. Sleep, anxiety, and the profound link between them surface, unveiling the potential for perception change to facilitate better sleep. Practical insights follow, offering tools to train the mind to avoid overreaction. As the episode draws to a close, personal revelations abound—from navigating OCD, structure, and rigidity to gaining a sense of dietary boundaries. The revelation that "your food has a face" serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked interconnectedness of our choices. What We Discussed:
Follow Vinny Guadagnino: https://www.instagram.com/vinnyguadagnino https://twitter.com/vinnyguadagnino https://www.facebook.com/vinnyguadagnino/ https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyguadagnino https://www.youtube.com/user/VINNYGUADAGNINO Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef | |||
| Tait Fletcher: The Law of Reciprocation, Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts, The Hidden Impact of Concussions and Finding Your Community | 25 Jan 2024 | 01:34:15 | |
Building a community where you can work on personal growth, be your genuine self, and thrive in what you do best is what we all need. We need people that will push us to our limit and influence us to become better, stronger, and wiser. Actor, stuntman, former professional MMA fighter, and entrepreneur Tait Fletcher joins Mary in a vulnerable and genuine conversation about growth and healing. Tait Fletcher is known for his roles in movies and TV shows, including appearances in "Breaking Bad," "John Wick," and "The Mandalorian." They kick things off by diving into the quest to understand Mary’s pain and illness, a journey that became the catalyst for significant transformation. They also explore the importance of doing what you love and building on those passions, navigating the complex emotions of always feeling like the 'big kid,' and the profound sense of disconnection from life. The narrative takes a poignant turn as we address the weight of suicidal thoughts and the crucial act of reaching out to those in need. From the evolution of communities to the film industry's wild twists, the two dive deep into the mysteries of our bodies, the slow road of growth, and the positive impact one can have on their community. This conversation is a tale of resilience, revelation, and the unwavering pursuit of well-being. It's a reminder that growth is a journey, and sometimes, all we need to do is keep trying. What We Discussed:
Follow Tait Fletcher: https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/ Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef | |||
| My Story PT.1: From Dropping Out of High School to Quitting Corporate and How Overcoming Celiac Disease Led Me to Becoming a Performance Chef | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:56:48 | |
In a very personal episode, Mary sits down to talk about her personal journey. She had suffered a lot in her younger years not knowing she had gluten intolerance and later found out that she had full-blown Celiac. The choice was either to depend on what the doctors tell her and be on medication all her life or start working on herself. Mary assessed her food choices and stumbled upon a paleo diet and how to restart gut health. As she ventured more into eating food that worked for her, she got her first client which then started the chain of clients that ultimately led to her becoming a performance chef. It’s a journey truly worth sharing. In the second part of the episode, Mary answers some questions from her community where she gladly shares her tips on nutrition, proper diet, and eating right for optimal performance. What We Discussed:
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| From A Performance Chef: 6 Health Tips and 3 Powerful Questions To Crush 2024 | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:54:05 | |
Embracing the cliché "New year, new you" as a powerful motivator, many of us strive to shed the burdens of the past and reinvent our journey with the turn of the calendar. Life itself often prompts us to reassess, recalibrate, and make substantial changes. Decisions, inherently uncertain, become stepping stones to accumulated experience and wisdom, shaping our readiness for transformative shifts. In our first episode of 2024, Mary invites you to reflect on three pivotal questions she initiates her year with: What do you want to start doing, stop doing, and continue doing? Honest responses to these inquiries pave the way for a purposeful path in the coming year. Mary imparts invaluable advice on dietary enhancements for a healthier, more energized body. She explores the intricacies of a gut reset, providing personalized insights into navigating this process successfully. The episode also offers a succinct recap of enlightening conversations with revered experts from past interviews. If you haven't tuned in yet, now's the perfect time to dive into these wealths of knowledge. What We Discussed:
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| Jon Bier: Mastering the Art of PR, Media Manipulation Tactics, Creating Value For Consumers | 27 Dec 2023 | 01:33:52 | |
The goal was always to solve problems for people. This is one of the mantras that Jon Bier lives by and has helped him succeed in what he does best. Jon Bier is the founder and chief executive of Jack Taylor PR, a boutique public relations agency with offices in Brooklyn and Venice Beach. Jon sits down with Mary in a conversation that revolves around PR, winning clients, growing a brand, and running a successful business. There is no shortcut to success and Jon knows the kind of work one needs to put in to get to the top. It’s not an easy task to tackle, but it is definitely now impossible to achieve. The duo talks about how providing value to your customers can help you win them over, the tactics used by people who manage to build a billion-dollar brand, and the importance of focusing on consumer-based solutions when dealing with client needs and requests. Jon also shares snippets of his life before he became a PR brand himself, how he found love, life living on a farm, and how changing his lifestyle has made him a changed man. What We Discussed:
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| Adam Bornstein: Why You Can’t This Screw Up, The Power of Persistence, and Building A Powerful Personal Brand | 20 Dec 2023 | 01:31:46 | |
“The hardest part of improving your fitness and nutrition is finding someone that understands why you struggle.” And the best person who can help you overcome this struggle is someone who has helped prominent and successful people overcome the same struggle themselves. Born Fitness is one of the leading brands when it comes to getting back in shape and taking care of your overall health and wellness. And the man behind this is Adam Bornstein. Adam is a nutrition advisor for LeBron James, Cindy Crawford, Lindsey Vonn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's also the founder of Pen Name Consulting, the former Chief Nutrition Officer at Ladder, and the Vice President of Nutrition for FitOn, the largest fitness app in the world. With candor and authenticity, Adam unravels the layers of his career evolution and shares pivotal moments that shaped his path. Discover how to become so exceptional that clients can't ignore you, drawing from Adam's rich experiences in working with industry giants like Tim Ferris and managing Arnold Schwarzenegger's media infrastructure. The episode isn't just about professional success; it delves into the human aspects of keeping people engaged in your product, dismantling the illusion of a magic solution, and why Adam wrote the book, "You Can't Screw This Up." The conversation extends to the challenges of nutrition education and practical solutions to issues of cost, convenience, and compliance. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain access to Adam's strategies for setting up for success, adding layers of authenticity and wisdom to the narrative. What We Discussed:
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| Logan Gelbrich: Choosing The Harder Path (Going Right), Adaptive Leadership, and Loneliness Of Achievement | 13 Dec 2023 | 01:35:35 | |
Before the success of Deuce Gym, Logan Gelbrich was a professional baseball player turned fitness professional and entrepreneur. He is known for his work in the fitness and wellness industry, particularly in the realm of strength and conditioning. His expertise extends to areas like strength training, functional fitness, and holistic well-being. As a former athlete himself, Logan understood the importance of strength training. When he founded the Deuce Gym, his goal was to create a safe space for people, especially aspiring athletes, to develop and maximize their full potential. Logan sits down with Mary to talk about the early days of Deuce Gym and why he built it, insights on creating value from a successful CEO, the nuances of leadership, the challenges of reconciling troubles, and the art of making sacrifices for small wins. We also touch on personal struggles amid growing success, understanding when to stay grounded in the most challenging situations, fostering meaningful connections ultimately leading to a bonded community, and the profound impact of pursuing your purpose while in service to others. With Logan's continuous journey for personal growth, we get to listen to his approach to creative problem-solving, and the commitment to showing up better every day. Explore the world Logan is building and gain insights into when one truly knows they've made it. What We Discussed:
Follow Logan Gelbrich: https://www.instagram.com/functionalcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-gelbrich-72714248/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063648906174 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6llftpbtL3N6WCU6X0jRw Going Right: A Logical Justification for Pursuing Your Dreams Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef | |||
| Mark Sisson: Entrepreneurship, Having It All, and Foot Health (Meet Peluva) | 06 Dec 2023 | 01:03:58 | |
Mark Sisson is an OG in the health and wellness space, celebrated for advocating primal/ancestral living. He’s the author of the popular “The Primal Blueprint” and the man behind the influential 'Mark's Daily Apple' platform which led to becoming the founder of Primal Kitchen which sold for $200 million just a few short years after it launched and can be found on almost every store shelf nationwide. Mark is no stranger to going against the grain and taking on challenges as a lifetime triathlete, creating solutions and products to solve for himself first before taking it to market and he’s on a mission to do that again with Peluva, shoes designed to offer a comfortable, barefoot-like experience. In this episode, Mark shares his journey into the 'Primal' lifestyle out of necessity as a professional athlete back before there was any such thing as sponsors or endorsements, rolling up his sleeves in true entrepreneurial spirit to support his passion. He shares insights from his story from doing odd jobs like painting houses to support his running passion to hitting it big with Primal Kitchen to the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and why family always comes first for him. Mark also dives into the story behind 'Peluva'—the shoes he created for comfy, barefoot walking. He spills the beans on getting the best shoe designers on board and the long process of making these shoes just perfect. Join us as Mark dishes out advice for folks looking to start their own thing and shares why he thinks everyone can benefit from wearing Peluva shoes. It's a chat that's all about good vibes, cool shoes, and making life a bit comfier! What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro 00:38 The story behind how Mark and I first met 02:31 How would Mark introduce himself today 03:38 Getting into the Primal lifestyle 08:01 Painting houses and doing different jobs to support his running career 13:18 Why Mark’s success is earned 14:12 Pre-Primal Blueprint ventures 19:25 Building “Primal Kitchen” 24:53 The ups and downs of being an entrepreneur 26:49 Mark on selling Primal Kitchen to Kraft Heinz Company 27:57 Managing stress and discomfort 30:50 Family first, success second 35:11 What inspired “Peluva”? 40:29 Hiring the best shoe designers in the world 43:01 The iterations and wear tests to perfect each shoe design 45:07 “My foot came home…” 46:53 Creating this footwear is Mark’s gift to the world 50:49 The adjustment period of wearing barefoot shoes 56:34 Why Peluva’s are the best shoes for athletes 58:49 How and where non-athletes can wear Peluvas? 1:00:19 Long term effects of wearing Peluva shoes 1:02:23 The meaning behind the name “Peluva” 1:03:34 An advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Follow Mark Sisson:
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| Jake Karls - Mid-Day Squares: From Bankrupt to 50 Million Bars Sold, Building Out Loud, and Burnout | 08 Mar 2025 | 01:18:34 | |
Being unapologetically yourself means embracing every part of who you are, without fear of judgment or rejection. It’s about standing tall in your truth, knowing that your quirks, flaws, and unique qualities are what make you extraordinary. When you stop seeking validation from others and start owning your story, you unlock the freedom to live authentically, create fearlessly, and connect deeply with those around you. True success begins when you show up as the most honest version of yourself, unapologetically and with confidence. Today, let's welcome Jake Karls, the co-founder and "Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, a revolutionary chocolate brand focused on authentic connections and clean, functional ingredients. Known for his bold personality and unconventional approach to business, Jake has built a loyal community by sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship. Passionate about storytelling, community building, and making people feel something, Jake brings energy and heart into everything he does, both in business and life. Throughout the episode, Jake tells his story in a way that’s both inspiring and eye-opening. He begins by recounting his early ventures, including throwing college parties and a fitness business that went bankrupt, before finding his footing with Mid-Day Squares. Jake, now known as the "Rainmaker" for his ability to build genuine connections, opens up about the emotional toll of building a brand, from struggling with burnout to battling anxiety and self-doubt. Despite his success, Jake shares the importance of therapy and the challenges of balancing mental health with the demands of running a rapidly scaling company. As the conversation unfolds, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Mid-Day Squares, from hand-making bars in a tiny condo to building a full-scale chocolate factory. Jake highlights the importance of storytelling in creating a loyal fan base, showing how sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship has been key to the brand's growth. He also touches on his personal struggles with health, reflecting on how years of putting the business first left him feeling exhausted and disconnected from his own body. Now, he's on a journey to prioritize self-care and rediscover the joy in both life and business. What We Discussed:
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