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.
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F*ck It, Full Send: Olivia Tiedemann on Hashimoto’s, Burnout, Reinvention, and Betting on Herself
Episode 17
Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 01:21:01
What happens when you stop living the life you think you’re supposed to live and fully bet on yourself? Olivia Tiedemann’s path to becoming a private chef and building an audience of millions was anything but planned. After a turbulent adolescence, she traveled to a remote island in Madagascar, found her way into restaurant kitchens, attended culinary school in Ireland, and spent years working in an industry that she loved but eventually left her burned out and deeply unhappy.
Olivia shares what led her to walk away, how being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s forced her to pay closer attention to her body and food, and how reclaiming her health created space for the next version of her life.
We also talk about the private-chef opportunity that changed everything, the first cooking video she almost didn’t post, her creative process, navigating sudden attention, and why success has not changed the way she wants to work or live.
In this episode:
Olivia’s nonlinear path into cooking
Leaving New York to volunteer in Madagascar at 18
Restaurant culture, burnout, and walking away
Her Hashimoto’s diagnosis and personal health journey
Learning how different foods affected her body
Becoming a private chef in the Hamptons
Creating the videos that changed her career
Going from relative anonymity to an audience of millions
Protecting creativity from views, expectations, and outside pressure
Her upcoming cookbook and Bite Me series
Why letting go can create room for something better
Olivia’s experience with Hashimoto’s, fasting, and dietary changes is personal to her. This conversation is for educational and informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Jake Karls - Mid-Day Squares: From Bankrupt to 50 Million Bars Sold, Building Out Loud, and Burnout
Episode 16
Saturday, March 8, 2025 • Duration 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:
Andre Iguodala: Why You Do What You Do, Evils Of Fame, & Breaking Free From Small-Town Mindset
Episode 15
Thursday, March 7, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
00:41 What were you reading this morning?
01:12 Listening to a podcast to keep up with tech updates
03:11 Take a look at Andre’s impressive resume
04:16 If you were asked what you do for a living, what would you say?
06:35 Growing up in an environment surrounded by struggles
11:04 What were you trying to proof against a small-town mindset
12:20 Did you know you are different in some ways?
Unmasking Negative Behavioral Patterns, Emotional Healing and Restoration, & Embracing Your Uniqueness with Vienna Pharaon
Episode 14
Monday, February 12, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
00:45 The Origins of You
01:52 Being a therapist can be restorative for some
05:08 The “I Got This” mindset
06:34 Continue to expand your skill set
19:35 It’s harder to say, “I’m not fine.”
14:00 Our gifts come through our survival
18:30 Origin is the first time we question our worth
20:33 How do you become an effective listener?
24:30 How your behavior is protecting you from something, always
26:15 Do you understand yourself?
Vinny Guadagnino: The Dark Side of Health “Optimization", Debilating Anxiety Attacks, and Pushing Past Perceptions
Episode 13
Thursday, February 1, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
01:26 Can we share our weaknesses openly?
04:43 It was the best party ever that I didn’t get to enjoy
07:40 Constantly working on getting through severe anxiety
09:21 When did you start doing keto?
16:04 Perfectionism is the core issue of everything
19:10 Just being raw and real online and offline
20:56 When you start to fear not being able to sleep
25:40 What is Jersey Shore?
28:40 Why did it become a hit?
30:49 It was the first of its kind
31:31 I almost had a law degree
32:24 Do you get fulfillment from doing reality TV?
34:06 What makes us feel different?
36:59 I didn’t want to limit myself
39:00 Link between lack of sleep and heightened anxiety
45:06 The perception change to help you sleep better
Tait Fletcher: The Law of Reciprocation, Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts, The Hidden Impact of Concussions and Finding Your Community
Episode 12
Thursday, January 25, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Figuring out why I was sick and in pain
09:27 Do what you love and build on that
13:08 Are you always the big kid?
14:37 The feeling that you’ve dislocated from life
17:06 Overcoming suicidal thoughts, guilt, and reaching out to someone who’s struggling
22:43 Who is Tait Fletcher?
27:11 Dog Brothers, stick fighting, and martial arts
30:10 Built to be strong, tough, and tenacious
32:39 Community is built and defined differently before
34:25 From mixed martial arts to building a space to train athletes
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
Episode 11
Thursday, January 11, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
00:12 It’s my birthday week and this is how I started as a performance chef
06:51 Tested for gluten intolerance, came out with Celiac disease
13:47 Getting asked to cook for my first client
17:37 Timing, luck, opportunity, and the choice to follow through
22:37 I just had to leave San Francisco
27:36 Eggs are my go-to food
28:26 Foods that can help with focus
32:25 Thoughts on genetic testing
34:06 Send more jokes
34:53 Trying new food
37:59 Blue zone diet versus paleo diet
40:19 What has been your favorite thing about starting a podcast?
41:41 Have you celebrated the launch of the EPC podcast?
From A Performance Chef: 6 Health Tips and 3 Powerful Questions To Crush 2024
Episode 10
Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
01:17 The 3-question prompt I start my year with
05:20 This is why I have a PhD in uncertainty
08:37 I started simplifying everything in my life
14:56 Recommendations from a performance chef
18:07 What’s my go-to food?
19:41 Ingredients and supplements to consider
22:01 Incorporate small bites of movements throughout the day
23:25 Your emotional well-being is top priority
25:26 The proper way to reset your gut
30:34 Checkout Eat Play Crush podcast’s awesome guests
Jon Bier: Mastering the Art of PR, Media Manipulation Tactics, Creating Value For Consumers
Episode 9
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Sticking to the paleo chef
04:18 Who is Jon Bier?
06:18 Looking back when he practiced law
08:21 This is how Mary met Jon
10:20 How the fear of failure became a powerful motivator
13:25 How to crush PR and bring in more clients
15:35 Solving big problems for brands and helping people
18:07 Providing value to you and your consumers
21:50 People who built billion-dollar brands
28:10 The tale of Cerro Gordo
33:36 Joe Rogan’s brand builder tactics
36:11 When the brand doesn’t have a future
39:49 Jeans preferences and functional clothing
42:43 Becoming a husband, a dad, and a family man
49:38 From being carefree and free-spirited to the current Jon
52:47 People use vulnerability and human emotions to sell products
58:59 How do you express your anger?
01:04:33 Media manipulation to hike up interest in the market
01:06:51 What do you think about aliens?
Adam Bornstein: Why You Can’t This Screw Up, The Power of Persistence, and Building A Powerful Personal Brand
Episode 8
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 • Duration 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:
00:00 Intro
01:03 Adam retells his journalism journey and how he became a fitness editor
09:23 The leap you can take if you keep pursuing your goals
14:22 Everything is evolving and so does the men’s health industry
19:14 Reflecting on being a negligent parent
27:57 Feeling unwelcomed in an event where Adam and Mary met
36:17 Working with Tim Ferris
40:28 Be so good that prospect clients can’t ignore you
44:22 Managing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daily media infrastructure
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