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Health, Happiness, Planet

Health, Happiness, Planet

By: Juan Eduardo Steigerwald
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Join Juan Steigerwald, a former senior corporate executive and founder of an environmentally friendly digital training company, on "Health, Happiness & Planet" podcast, where we explore simple and actionable steps towards a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. Discover tips, tricks, and alternative solutions to harmful products, so you can take care of yourself and our planet. Our goal is to show you the facts and explain the action steps that you can implement to feel healthier, happier, and contribute to a better future. Tune in and let's make the world a healthier and happier place.Juan Eduardo Steigerwald Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Debunking the Plastic Recycling Myth with Susan Keefe
    Jun 27 2025
    What if I told you that the plastic cup you just tossed into a Starbucks recycling bin will never actually be recycled?Our guest is Susan Keefe. Susan founded a consulting business called Eco Forward, which is certified as a California Green Business and she also works as, the Southern California Director for Beyond Plastics. She’s, an environmental advocate fighting to reduce single-use plastics via education and the creation/enforcement of strong plastic policies. She also works to expose false recycling claims and demand honesty from corporations and local municipalities.Last year, Susan personally investigated Starbucks' so-called "recyclable" plastic cups alongside her colleague, retired chemical engineer, Jan Dell. They brought the story to CBS television to prove that, despite the custom-labeled recycling bins found in many Starbucks stores, the plastic cups and lids aren’t being recycled at all. The reason? It’s not economically or technically feasible, and there’s no market for them. The plastic waste ends up in landfill, or worst incinerated.is It’s piling up, and consumers are being misled.But thanks to relentless advocacy and media investigations, Starbucks has finally begun transitioning away from plastic cups in certain states—a small but crucial first step.In this episode, we’ll dive into Susan’s groundbreaking investigation, why corporate accountability is critical, and what you can do to be part of the solution. If you’ve ever believed in the power of recycling, you need to hear this conversation. Timestamps: 03:20 Introduction to Sustainability and Personal Journey.07:45 Environmental Awakening.15:40 Investigating Corporate Responsibility: The Starbucks Case.20:00 The Reality of Plastic Recycling.24:15 The Economics of Plastic Waste.30:00 Recycling or Exporting Waste?31:40 Microplastics and Their Impact.33:15 Health Risks of Plastics.36:50 Corporate Responsibility: Starbucks' Shift.43:40 “We're All Plastic People Now”.47:45 Beyond Plastics Organization: Susan’s New Role.51:10 Government Accountability.53:45 The Reality of Plastic Waste and Greenwashing.59:00 Taking Action: Community Engagement for Sustainability.01:04:55 Empowering Consumers: Small Steps Towards Change.01:10:20 Innovations in Sustainability: Opportunities Ahead.01:13:30 Susan’s Definition of Happiness. Books mentioned in the conversation:Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul HawkenToms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin Documentaries mentionedToxic TownWe're All Plastic People Now Recommended reads:The Fraud of Plastic Recycling | Center for Climate IntegrityThe Fraud of Advanced Recycling | Center for Climate Integrity Where to find Susan Keefe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-keefe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoforward.socal/Instagram Beyond Plastics: https://www.instagra m.com/beyondplastics/Website Beyond Plastics: https://www.beyondplastics.org/staff/susan-keefeWebsite: https://www.eco-forward.comBlueSky: @stopplasticwaste Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetInstagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Kindness is the New Luxury with Michelin-Star Vegan Chef Alexis Gauthier
    Jun 6 2025
    What if I told you that one of the most celebrated French chefs, trained in the art of rich sauces, foie gras, and fine meats, completely abandoned it all? That he turnedhis Michelin-starred restaurant into a 100% vegan dining experience—not because he had to, but because he believed it was the right thing to do? Well, that’s exactly what today’s guest, Alexis Gauthier, did.For years, Alexis thrived in the world of fine dining, mastering the traditions of French cuisine. But deep down, something didn’t sit right. He started questioning the use of animals in food and the ethics behind it. In 2014, he made a personaldecision to go vegan. But he didn’t stop there. In 2021, he shocked the culinary world by removing all animal products from his restaurant’s menu, turning Gauthier Soho in London into a groundbreaking, fully plant-based fine dining experience.This wasn’t just a career change—it was a statement. Alexis believes that French gastronomy doesn’t need meat to be indulgent, creative, or extraordinary. He’s proving that plant-based cuisine isn’t a limitation—it’s an unexplored frontier, full of possibilities.Today, we’ll dive into his journey, the challenges he faced, and why he believes the future of food is completely animal-free. We’ll also talk about the emotional side of his transformation, what it meant for him as a chef, a business owner, and a person who once built his career on dishes he can no longer stand behind.So, whether you’re a food lover, a chef, or just someone curious about where the future of dining is headed, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Timestamps: 03:10 The Journey of a Chef: From Traditional to Vegan.05:05 The Impact of Culinary Choices on the Planet.06:00 Emotional Transformation to Veganism.09:50 Convincing a Team: The Shift to Plant-Based Cuisine.12:35 The Awakening: Connecting with Animals.15:05 The Ethics of Eating: Facing the Reality of Animal Suffering.16:20 The Culinary Revolution: Discovering New Flavors.19:35 Alexis’s Restaurants in London. 20:25 The Role of Restaurants in Promoting Veganism.21:10 Consulting for Change: Empowering Chefs Through Plant-Based Thinking.23:30 The Michelin Guide: Making Plant-Based Cuisine More Mainstream.29:30 Creating Cruelty-Free Caviar.32:50 The Confusion of Veterinary Ethics.34:50 The Disconnection Between Animal Care and Consumption.39:05 Animal Consciousness: Changing How We See Ourselves.41:10 The Compassionate Revolution: A Vision for the Future.43:20 Personal Transformations Through Veganism.46:30 Navigating the Transition to a Plant-Based Lifestyle; Dos and Don’ts.52:00 What’s Next: The Future of Plant-Based Cuisine.55:15 Defining Happiness: Alexis’s Personal Reflection. Book mentioned in the conversation:“Antispeciste” by Aymeric Caron Alexis’s Restaurants in London:Gautier Soho: Vegan Restaurant & Private Dining Rooms, London - Gauthier SohoStudio Gauthier: Studio Gauthier, Vegan Restaurant, London123V: 123V Restaurant Where to find Alexis Gaultier:Website: https://www.alexisgauthier.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauthierinsoho/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gauthiersohoTwitter: https://x.com/gauthiersoho Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetInstagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.
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    1 hr
  • Raising GenV: Vegan Parenting for a Kinder Tomorrow with Naomi Hallum
    May 9 2025

    What if the simplest act—choosing what we put on our plates—had the power to change the world and create a kinder, healthier future for all of us? Welcome to another episode of Health, Happiness & Planet!I’m your host, Juan, and today we’re diving into a conversation that challenges how we think about food, parenting, and the power of everyday choices.

    Joining us is Naomi Hallum, CEO of Generation Vegan—or GenV—a global nonprofit supporting plant-based living for the good of our health, our environment, and the animals we share this planet with. She’s also the voice behind Raising GenV, a podcast that explores what it means to raise compassionate kids in a world that doesn’t always align with those values.

    Naomi is no stranger to pushing boundaries. She’s made headlines with her bold offers—£1,000,000 to the UK Prime Minister and $1 million to Barack Obama and other prominent leaders—to adopt a vegan diet for a month. Through these initiatives, Naomi inspires people worldwide to rethinktheir relationship with food.

    Beyond her activism, she’s a mom raising her child on a plant-based diet, showing that true compassion begins at home.

    Whether you're a parent, a curious listener, or someone exploring the vegan topic, if you care about the future of our planet and all its inhabitants, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

    Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Naomi Hallum. Let’s explore how our everyday choices can shape a brighter future for all.


    Timestamps:

    03:15 Naomi’s Journey and Transition to Veganism.

    10:05 The Ethical and Health Aspects of Veganism.

    11:55: Understanding the Vegan Lifestyle and Its Impact.

    20:40 Demographics of Veganism: Entry Points and Motivations.

    28:30 Gen V: Resources for Transitioning to Veganism.

    30:55 Meeting People Where They Are: Accessibility in Veganism.

    34:50 Raising Gen V: The Podcast and Parenting Vegan.

    41:55 Raising Vegan Children: A Parental Perspective.

    43:40 The Million Dollar Vegan Challenge.

    47:05 The Power of Individual Choices.

    52:25 The Influence of Big Ag and Health Care

    58:25 Exciting Projects and Future Campaigns.

    01:04:45 Earthshot Prize-Environmental Award Platform.

    01:05:30 Naomi’s Definition of Happiness.

    Where to find Naomi

    Instagram private: https://www.instagram.com/naomialiciahallum/

    Instagram GenV: https://www.instagram.com/genv_eng/

    Website: https://genv.org/

    Instagram Raising GenV: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggenv/

    Podcast Raising GenV: https://raisinggenv.org/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenVeng

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomialiciahallum/

    Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:

    Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/

    Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet

    Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/

    LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/

    YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034

    Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

    If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category.


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    1 hr and 13 mins
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