Episodios

  • A Mess-Free, Shelf-Stable Snack with Austin Patry and Sophia Karbowski
    Jul 9 2024
    Consumers today crave convenient, healthy snacks they can feel good about. They want healthier options with more flavor, satisfaction, and transparency. However, creating a mess-free, shelf-stable snack without compromising taste or nutrition is challenging. realsy understands this need and created snacks that are the perfect pick-me-up, pre-workout fuel, and guilt-free treat, proving that health and convenience can go hand in hand. In this episode, Jen talks with Austin Patry and Sophia Karbowski, the Co-Founders of realsy. As young entrepreneurs aspiring to do big things, Austin and Sophia became business partners in college in 2017 while studying entrepreneurship. They started their first business with an unrelenting mission to spread healthy vibes all over the country, growing from a single food truck to health food cafes on college campuses across the country. Since then, Austin and Sophia have entered the CPG (consumer packaged goods) space with a strong desire to make their genuinely nutritious food options more accessible and convenient. Austin and Sophia talk with Jen about their journey from starting a smoothie and acai bowl cafe in college to launching realsy as a consumer packaged goods brand. They discuss how realsy provides a convenient and nutritious snacking option, how they developed their unique product, and the challenges they faced in creating a shelf-stable, mess-free snack. Finally, Austin and Sophia share their vision for the future of realsy and their commitment to providing consumers with clean, convenient snacks. In this episode: [01:15] - How Sophia and Austin became business partners [05:04] - What it takes to produce on-the-go nut butter-filled dates [06:49] - What sets the Medjool date apart from other dates [07:48] - What makes realsy a great snack [10:16] - The ingredients of realsy snack bars [12:27] - Where and how realsy ingredients are produced [14:08] - Where to find realsy products [16:03] - The nutritional benefits of realsy snacks Quotes [04:13] - "We created realsy because dates are a produce item. We decided to take something that was a produce item and make it easier to take on the go, fun, interesting, convenient, and that tastes amazing with the nut butter on the inside." ~ Sophia Karbowski [05:38] - "We wanted to create something shelf-stable that's portable, lightweight, and not a mess. It is not only shelf-stable but also has a consistency that's not oozing out and a little bit thicker." ~ Austin Patry [11:20] - "What does nutrition mean to us? It really is just whole foods and ingredients that you recognize. It's as simple as that." ~ Austin Patry [11:51] - "You shouldn't be eating anything you can't picture holding the separate ingredient in your hand. If you can't imagine what one of the ingredients looks like in the palm of your hand, then you shouldn't be eating it." ~ Sophia Karbowski Links Austin Patry on LinkedIn Sophia Karbowski on LinkedIn realsy realsy snacks on Instagram Fresh Thyme Hungryroot Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify
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    21 m
  • The Secret to Delicious & Healthy Tortilla Chips with Steven Rofrano
    Jun 25 2024
    There are many types of tortilla chips available, but not all are created equal. Most chips on the market are made with corn and cooked in seed oils. MASA offers a healthy alternative with their handmade chips, fried in beef tallow and prepared via nixtamalization, an ancient technique used by the Aztecs for centuries to enhance the healthful benefits of corn. In this episode, Jen talks with Steven Rofrano, Co-Founder and CEO of Ancient Crunch, maker of MASA chips. Steven shares how he started a company that makes tortilla chips free from preservatives and unhealthy seed oils. He also explains how MASA chips are made and emphasizes the dangers of seed oils and their impact on our health. Key Takeaways [01:20] - What MASA means. [02:56] - What inspired Steven to start a chip company. [06:21] - The beginnings of Steven's snack innovation journey. [08:30] - The digestibility and cultural significance of corn chips. [10:08] - The traditional process of making corn chips. [13:03] - Why MASA uses only organic corn for its chips. [15:19] - How seed oils impact American diets. [17:52] - The dangers of seed oils in human health. [21:29] - The taste and texture of MASA chips. [23:48] - The best frying fat for ultimate tortilla chips. Quotes [03:48] - "The chip market may seem saturated, but it's actually completely vacant because there are no good chips in the chip aisle." ~ Steven Rofrano [15:41] - "Seed oils are the single largest toxic thing people consume in the largest quantities. They are unstable in the biology of humans." ~ Steven Rofrano [22:02] - "MASA chips are thicker than your normal chip. They're much sturdier and hardier, so you can sink your teeth into them. They're very satisfying and better than any other tortilla chip you've ever had." ~ Steven Rofrano Links Steven Rofrano MASA Chips Seed Oil Scout Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    29 m
  • Making People Healthier, One Cell at a Time with Jessica Kane
    Jun 11 2024
    The human body is a complex ecosystem. Like any ecosystem, it thrives on a foundation of healthy building blocks. With so many toxins, pollutants, and stressors in our environment today, prioritizing cellular health and fortifying the cell membrane plays a key role in achieving optimal health and wellness. In this episode, Jen talks with Jessica Kane, Chief Marketing Officer at BodyBio. Jessica drives growth through innovative, data-driven strategies in both B2C and B2B markets. With a focus on driving customer acquisition and brand building, Jessica leverages her strategic, creative, and analytical expertise to promote wellness and transformative health solutions. Jen and Jessica talk about cellular health and how the cell membrane is the gatekeeper, controlling what enters and exits our cells. They also discuss how cell membranes break down as we age, the effects of toxins in our cells, and how BodyBio can strengthen and support cellular health. Key Takeaways [01:15] - A brief history of BodyBio. [02:24] - What it means to make people healthier, one cell at a time. [04:00] - How aging affects the cell membranes. [05:01] - Creating a healthier cell. [08:14] - How phospholipids relate to cell integrity and dementia. [09:06] - Foods that can help maintain good cellular health. [10:05] - How BodyBio sources raw materials. [11:23] - The difference between brain and cell health supplements and gut health supplements. [14:42] - What actions affect cell membranes. [15:30] - Signs of deteriorating cellular membranes. [16:53] - Protecting cell membranes against modern threats. [17:17] - Where people can find BodyBio. [17:53] - Transformative cellular health and recovery stories. Quotes [03:05] - "There is nothing more root in the body than ourselves. So, if you strengthen and build your cellular health, all your body's systems are able to function better." ~ Jessica Kane [03:22] - "If your cells are unhealthy and you have a leaky cell membrane and a leaky cell wall, toxins are getting in and changing your epigenetics. They're altering your health." ~ Jessica Kane [05:17] - "There are so many different claims about cellular health these days. But the most important thing is strengthening your cell membrane because that's where the cell's activity happens." ~ Jessica Kane Links Jessica Kane on LinkedIn BodyBio Terry Wahls The University of Iowa Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    21 m
  • The Benefits of Fresh Food for Dogs with Dr. Jennifer Kwon
    May 28 2024
    Commercially produced kibble has been a go-to option in canine diets. While undeniably convenient, these dry foods may often contain fillers, byproducts, and preservatives that may not be ideal for a dog's overall health. A growing trend in pet nutrition emphasizes a diet rich in fresh, whole ingredients. This shift to fresh food emphasizes minimally processed meals that retain nutritional value, making those nutrients more bioavailable and digestible for canines to absorb and utilize. In this episode, Jen talks with Dr. Jennifer Kwon, Director of Veterinary Partnerships Education and Outreach at JustFoodForDogs, a pioneer in fresh pet food. Dr. Kwon is passionate about promoting pet health and well-being through nutrition. She has been with JustFoodForDogs since its inception and has played a key role in developing healthy and balanced dog diets. With her expertise and dedication, Dr. Kwon has helped countless pets improve overall vitality and thrive on real, fresh food. Jen talks with Dr. Kwon about the importance of feeding dogs real and fresh food. Dr. Kwon explains the difference between food and feed when it comes to dog nutrition. She sheds light on the benefits of feeding dogs a diet free from processed kibble and addresses common health issues in dogs, such as obesity, skin issues, and allergies, as well as how a fresh diet can help alleviate these problems. Key Takeaways [02:10] - The founding of JustFoodforDogs. [03:05] - The difference between food and feed for dogs. [04:40] - The potential impact of pet food on dog's health. [06:06] - Why fresh food matters for dogs. [07:59] - The different types of food and flavors available at JustFoodForDogs. [09:11] - How to determine the best diet for dogs and how to order. [10:44] - JustFoodForDogs' approach to traveling and refrigeration. [11:53] - Testimonials about dog's transformations after consuming JustFoodForDogs products. [13:40] - Sensitivities of dogs to certain foods. [16:17] - Dog snacks from JustFoodForDogs. [18:36] - JustFoodForDogs adoption program. Quotes [06:28]- "Fresh food really matters because, just as we see in human health, consuming fresh whole foods plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of our pets. Fresh whole foods are cooked minimally. That makes the nutrients more bioavailable and digestible, leading to better nutrient absorption." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon [09:44] - "We believe that every dog is an individual. Just like humans, everyone is different. And because we're so bio-individual, we don't want a cookie-cutter diet for everybody." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon [19:32] - "We want more lives, more love, and more dogs to live longer and healthier." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon Links Dr. Jennifer Kwon JustFoodForDogs JustFoodForDogs on Instagram JustFoodForDogs on Facebook JustFoodForDogs on X / Twitter Shawn Buckley PAWS Chicago Korean K9 Rescue Wags and Walks Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    24 m
  • Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Fruit Snacks with Simón Sacal
    May 14 2024
    The food industry has long recognized the consumer demand for clean, healthy snack options. However, many store-bought snacks, while appearing healthy on the surface, contain hidden sugars, additives, and preservatives. Solely recognizes these needs and is up to the challenge. They lead the clean snacking movement by offering simple, transparent, and delicious snacks made with whole, organic fruits. Their commitment to using only a few natural ingredients sets them apart from other brands that rely on artificial ingredients. In this episode, Jen talks with Simón Sacal, Founder and CEO at Solely. With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Simón is a pioneer in creating healthy snack options. He started Solely by inventing a technology to make fat-free potato chips and has since expanded the brand to include fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón's mission is to provide consumers with clean, nutritious, and guilt-free snacks made from ingredients that humans have used for thousands of years. Simón talks with Jen about how Soley uses real ingredients, like organic fruit, to create their fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón also shares how he sources organic fruits and the challenges in developing these products. He highlights the significance of organic farming in ensuring that the fruits used in their products are free from harmful chemicals. Key Takeaways [01:30] - An overview of Simon's background and how Solely got started. [02:59] - The fat-free movement. [05:04] - The challenges of creating clean and simple snacks. [07:21] - The challenges companies face in creating clean snacks. [09:18] - Solely's source for organic fruit. [11:15] - Solely's fruit jerky products and their taste profile. [14:57] - How Solely's fruit gummies are produced. [16:02] - Harmful ingredients in popular fruit snack brands. [20:13] - How Solely produces its pasta options: spaghetti squash and green banana. [23:34] - The best way to get Solely products. Quotes [04:08] - "At Solely, we go far beyond better for you. We do good for you. So, we only have food that humans have been eating for thousands of years and that we know nourishes and is good for you." ~ Simón Sacal [09:34] - "Being close to the farmers is a huge part of the business in many ways. It makes it sustainable. It makes it human. It makes it work. It's the only way you can really control the fruit and make it long-term sustainable." ~ Simón Sacal [10:19] - "Sometimes, you think you're eating clean because the ingredients look clean. But if you have a lot of pesticides on the product, it could be even worse than having something that is not perceived as clean. So, we make a huge effort to go organic." ~ Simón Sacal Links Simón Sacal on LinkedIn Solely Fruit Snacks Solely on Amazon Jimbo's Naturally Costco Kroger Albertsons Target Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    27 m
  • Simple Ingredients and Big Impact with Nick Meyer
    Apr 30 2024
    Have you ever craved more snacks after eating one? That's because sugary snacks often leave us wanting more. But Bearded Brothers offers a refreshing change in the crowded snack market by providing healthier options. In this episode, Jen talks with Nick Meyers, President of Bearded Brothers, about how his journey into Bearded Brothers began, why organic ingredients are essential to their mission, and their special Yo bars designed for kids. In this episode: [01:49] - How and why Nick got involved in Beared Brothers. [05:25] - Why organic ingredients and clean labels are important to Beared Brothers. [13:36] - Nick talks about Beared Brothers Yo Bars for kids. [17:27] - Where you can find Bearded Brothers. Quotes [03:53] - “You look on the back, you read the ingredients, you know the ingredients, and not only do you know them, you feel good about them.” ~ Nick Meyer [09:27] - “You want to eat clean and feel good about it, but you want to enjoy your food too.” ~ Nick Meyer [12:29] - “When we created a lot of these bars, we wanted to stick to the cleanest ingredients possible.” ~ Nick Meyer Links Nick Meyer LinkedIn Bearded Brothers Breaded Brothers Instagram Costco Amazon Whole Foods Market Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Get 25% off your Bearded Brother purchase. Use the code Wakeup at https://www.beardedbros.com.
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    21 m
  • The Journey to Gluten-Free Cookies with Addison LaBonte
    Apr 16 2024
    Chronic pain often serves as a wake-up call, signaling the need for lifestyle and diet changes. While these kinds of changes can be tough, Addison LaBonte is on a mission to make it easier with better-for-you desserts made with real ingredients. Addison is the founder of Sweet Addison’s. Her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a painful condition that forced her to change her lifestyle. Unable to run, she tried a gluten-free diet and healthier eating habits out of desperation. When she found relief, it sparked an idea – why not create delicious cookies that fit her new lifestyle? In this episode, Addison talks with Jen about her journey to healing chronic pain by changing her diet, the benefits of going gluten-free, and creating Sweet Addison’s.. Key Takeaways [01:40] - How Addison was diagnosed with compartment syndrome. [07:31] - Who should explore gluten-free. [08:27] - Why Addison named her cookie company Sweet Addison’s. [09:25] - Products made by Sweet Addison’s and their ingredients. [19:22] - Why Sweet Addison’s doesn’t compromise on flavor. [24:23] - Sweet Addison’s mission. [25:28] - Where you can find Sweet Addison’s cookies. Quotes [05:20] - “To say that becoming gluten-free and reading food labels was life-changing is an understatement for me.” ~ Addison LaBonte [07:31] “When people say, do you think everybody should become gluten-free? I say honestly, yes.” ~ Addison LaBonte [20:08] - “One of the biggest feedbacks I get from people is, I can't believe that something this healthy can taste this good.” ~ Addison LaBonte Links Addison LaBonte Instagram Sweet Addison’s Sweet Addison’s Instagram The University of Maine Chips Ahoy! Mrs. Fields Famous Amos Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Get 10% off your Sweet Addisons purchase! Use code: Wakeup10 at https://sweetaddisons.com.
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    29 m
  • A Water Sommelier’s Take on Bottled Water with Martin Reise
    Apr 2 2024
    As a water sommelier, Martin Reise spends his days creating content about water and sharing his knowledge with others. As a child, he noticed that water could have different tastes, sparking his curiosity. Disappointed by the limited water options available in restaurants, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Martin reveals some surprising truths about water. He explains why certain types, like alkaline water, may not be as beneficial as they seem. He also sheds light on the practices of major water brands, exposing how some of them bottle purified tap water and market it as something more. He believes that the best water is pure and natural, without any additives. He is skeptical of labels like "alkaline water" or "vitamin water," urging consumers to be wary of marketing gimmicks. In this episode, Jen talks with Martin about his journey into this unconventional career, the complexities behind water labels in the grocery store, and the secrets of water tasting. Key Takeaways [01:33] - How Martin became a water sommelier. [03:46] - Why some people are more sensitive to the taste of water. [06:15] - The most hydrating types of water. [13:00] - How to choose water at the grocery store. [15:33] - Martin breaks down different types of water. [22:05] - Martin’s take on infused water. [23:54] - Why Martin doesn’t drink distilled water. [25:18] - How purified water is affecting people’s health. [26:36] - Martin talks about water intoxication. [30:08] - Martin discusses his book and water-tasting box. [37:44] - Should you filter tap water in your house? Quotes [07:11] - “Electrolytes is just a fancy marketing word for minerals.” ~ Martin Reise [16:32] - “All these water producers are thinking, how can I convince the American people to buy tap water in a plastic bottle.” ~ Martin Reise [23:58] - “Distilled waters are for small appliances, I’m not a small appliance.” ~ Martin Reise Links Martin Reise Instagram Martin Reise Youtube Martin Reise Die Welt des Wassers Pepsi Coca Cola Costco FDA Vitamin Water Smart Water Essentia Water Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    42 m