Episoder

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Reza Amin, PhD, Founder and CEO of Bastion Health, and Dr. Justin Houman, Medical Director at Bastion Health.

    Bastion is at the forefront of transforming men's health care, an area often stigmatized and not prioritized. As a comprehensive men's specialty virtual clinic, Bastion integrates prostate, reproductive, and sexual health services, making strides in how men access and manage their health.

    Reza shares his motivation for founding Bastion, driven by his fertility journey and the loss of his grandfather to prostate cancer. Dr. Houman elaborates on Bastion's mission to break traditional healthcare models by offering comprehensive men's health services directly to patients' homes. This approach addresses common physical health issues and tackles psychological barriers to seeking treatment.

    Reza and Dr. Houman explore the inherent challenges of delivering specialized men’s health care through telehealth, such as the limitations around physical examinations. They detail how Bastion overcomes these hurdles by leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and establishing a comprehensive network for patient referrals, ensuring that telehealth serves as a robust extension of traditional healthcare services.

    They also elaborate on educating patients about the importance of regular screenings and proactive health management, aiming to empower men with the knowledge to take charge of their health effectively.

    Bastion Health is revolutionizing the way companies offer health benefits by integrating their specialized men's health services into employer programs. This approach not only enhances accessibility and convenience for employees but also assists organizations in nurturing a healthier workforce, leading to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

    Enjoy!

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Olaya, Founder & CEO of Dexter.

    Dexter is transforming early education by building its own schools that serve as a replacement to the traditional schooling system from preschool to high school.

    Michael shares his journey from mechanical engineer and physics enthusiast to educator. His passion for teaching began in Silicon Valley and expanded internationally, influencing his decision to redefine education back in his hometown of Woodshaw Falls. Starting with STEM workshops, Dexter quickly evolved into a full educational program.

    The conversation explored Dexter's foundational principles, particularly its emphasis on "correct instruction," which aligns with classical education methods proven to be more effective than many modern educational strategies. Michael emphasizes the importance of direct instruction and rigorous standardization in improving educational outcomes.

    Michael criticized the existing educational models, which rely too heavily on failing progressive methodologies and inappropriate technology use in classrooms.

    He challenges the effectiveness of trendy educational theories like socio-emotional learning (SEL) and learning styles, which he argues lack empirical support. By discussing how Dexter utilizes evidence-based practices and direct instruction, listeners can better understand the contrast between Dexter's methods and those of traditional public schools. This reinforces the importance of adopting approaches that are scientifically validated rather than simply popular or progressive.

    Despite the tech-heavy trends in modern education, Dexter adopts a more measured approach, using technology to streamline operations rather than as a primary instructional tool. This distinction underscores a critical aspect of Dexter's philosophy that technology should support, not replace, human teaching and interaction, which is vital for effective learning.

    He argues for a competitive, standardized approach similar to models used in healthcare and aviation, which he believes will drive improvements in education through market dynamics and parental choice.

    Additionally, Michael discusses the potential impact of school choice, envisioning a future where education is more about efficacy and less about adherence to outdated norms. He highlights how competition can lead to innovation and better educational practices, much like other sectors have experienced.

    Listen to learn about Dexter's role in shaping a future where education focuses on developing critical thinkers and competent problem solvers, equipped to navigate and enhance tomorrow's world.

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  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon sits down with Andy Hoang, the innovative mind behind Aviron, the first gaming rower in the world.

    Despite his aversion to rowing, Andy has successfully positioned Aviron at the intersection of gaming and fitness, creating a gamified rowing experience that's captivating a new customer who is not your typical fitness enthusiast.

    In the conversation, they delve into Andy's journey from his basement in 2016 to steering Aviron through a pivotal pandemic pivot, which skyrocketed the company's growth and solidified its place in the at-home fitness market.

    Andy also reveals the unique dynamics of his team, a diverse group of individuals not typically found in the fitness or rowing world, which has been instrumental in shaping Aviron's innovative approach.

    Additionally, gain insights into how Andy Hoang's Vietnamese heritage and values instilled by his refugee parents have played a pivotal role in his entrepreneurial journey, fueling his passion and resilience in navigating the competitive landscape of the fitness industry.

    Discover how Aviron's unique blend of competitive spirit, gaming mechanics, and fitness challenges is crafting a new category in the fitness industry, pushing the boundaries of what a workout can be.

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon had the pleasure of speaking with William Hicks, Co-Founder & CEO of Magic Mind.

    William shared his journey from creating keto-friendly Italian snacks, called lupini beans at Brami to joining James Beshara at Magic Mind, a coffee alternative and drink aimed at enhancing mental performance without the caffeine crash.

    Magic Mind combines adaptogens and nootropics with a lighter dose of caffeine to support focus and productivity. In our conversation, we dug into the brand's evolution, touching on its broader vision for mental performance.

    William offered great insights into scaling a wellness brand, the importance of stress management, and cultivating mental wealth.

    Get 20% off!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon chats with Spencer Rascoff, a serial entrepreneur and investor.

    Currently, Spencer is the Co-founder and Chairman of several ventures including Pacaso, heyLibby, Recon Food, Queue, dot.LA, and 75 & Sunny Ventures. Before transitioning to his role as a full-time investor/operator, he co-founded Zillow and Hotwire, two major players in the tech landscape.

    As Zillow's CEO for ten years, Spencer led the company to impressive heights. Under his leadership, Zillow not only grew to over 4,500 employees and achieved $3 billion in revenue but also reached a market capitalization of $15 billion. Prior to Zillow, Spencer started and sold Hotwire to IAC for $685 million in 2003.

    Through his family office, 75 and Sunny Ventures, Spencer now invests in PropTech and a diverse range of other startups.

    In the podcast, Spencer delves into the current dynamics of PropTech, especially how fluctuating mortgage rates are affecting real estate and venture capital. He offers valuable insights on overcoming these challenges and underscores the importance of effective management in economic downturns. Additionally, Spencer provides practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating down rounds and the complexities of market dynamics.

    The conversation also explores the critical role of company culture in business success. Spencer is also super bullish about HR tech solutions that foster effective and engaging work environments.

    Last but not least, Spencer shares his perspective on the potential of the LA tech scene, propelled by the intersection of technology, media, and entertainment. And his renewed commitment to health, emphasizing regular exercise and improved diet, particularly following his father's passing. He highlights the significant role of sleep and healthy eating, including his daily green juice, in enhancing his overall well-being.

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Chip Conley, Founder & CEO of the Modern Elder Academy,a school dedicated to helping people reinvent themselves in midlife. He was also the Former Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy at Airbnb, Founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and more.

    Chip is a world-renowned expert on aging and wisdom. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder".

    Jon and Chip discussed the importance of midlife transitions and how to navigate them successfully. Chip shared insights on the challenges and opportunities of midlife, and how to find meaning and purpose in the second half of life, build new relationships, learning new skills, and even, transitioning to a new career.

    Chip also drew on his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and as a person who has reinvented himself several times throughout his life. He will also touch upon his time as a successful hotelier starting and selling JdV by Hyatt, his work with Airbnb, and his involvement with the Esalen Institute.

    Whether or not you are in your midlife, the conversation will be interesting for anyone aspiring to live a meaningful life.

  • On this episode of WellBuit, Jon spoke to Dugal Bain-Kim, Co-founder and CEO of Lifeforce.

    They delved into the evolving landscape of healthcare, discussed the shortcomings of the current system, particularly in preventative care, and LifeForce's mission to establish enduring health partnerships that prioritize proactive wellness.

    They discussed the company's strategic founding with luminaries like Tony Robbins and Dr. Peter Diamandis, who have been instrumental in shaping LifeForce's trajectory and broadening its reach.

    The conversation also ventured into the future of health memberships and insurance, underscoring the shift towards value-based care models that reward long-term health savings.

    Highlighting the critical role of biomarkers in health assessment, Dugal emphasized the need for individualized optimal ranges, especially concerning hormones, to enhance quality of life. He shared his personal health practices, including supplementation based on biomarker data, intermittent fasting, and a blend of hot and cold therapies, reflecting LifeForce's holistic approach.

    The conversation also addresses the challenge of behavior change in health, the power of connecting lifestyle adjustments to personal values, and the potential expansion of LifeForce into parts of the wellbeing journey.

    Check out Lifeforce and enjoy!

  • On this special edition episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Bauer, author of Israel Joruney: Eight Days in One of the World's Most Complex Countries.

    Michael Bauer a professional educator and tour guide who specializes in geopolitical tours in Israel and has developed workshops on various topics: Israeli-Arab relations, Israel's minority populations, Israel’s borders and neighbors, Middle East politics, and history.

    As a field educator and tour guide with 26+ years of experience, he has led adventure tours around Israel, Jordan, the Sinai desert and Turkey, as well as dozens of educational programs in Poland and Germany.

    Michael currently teaches Middle Eastern History in several Pre-Army institutes and provides security briefs, lectures, and seminars to a variety of groups and international institutions. He has guided senators and Parliament members from different countries, military intelligence Units, celebrities from the entertainment industry, university students and faculty members and presidents, and more.

    Michael served as a commander in the paratroop forces as his mandatory IDF service and for many years on reserves. He is married with five children, and lives with his family on Kibbutz Bet Guvrin in Southern Israel.

    This a unique episode and break from our typical programming, but we hope to continue bringing more timely and relevant content to our listeners.

    Enjoy

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Isaac Larian, the visionary Founder & CEO of MGA Entertainment, the world’s largest privately-owned toy company behind the iconic Bratz dolls.

    The journey begins with Isaac recounting his challenging childhood in Iran, marked by poverty and pivotal experiences that shaped his relentless entrepreneurial drive and resilience.

    Isaac delves into how he got into the toy industry, sharing the inspiration behind the creation of Bratz dolls, and why he envisioned a fresh, modern, and inclusive alternative to Barbie. The discussion gets intense as Isaac opens up about his grueling legal battle with Mattel, the powerhouse behind Barbie.

    With a portfolio of over 100 innovative toy brands, MGA's journey boasts around 14 brands that have each generated sales ranging from $100 million to $10 billion. Isaac's leadership philosophy at MGA is deeply rooted in a culture of 'what's next,' emphasizing innovation and a hands-on approach.

    He credits the company's groundbreaking success to this ethos, coupled with a flat organizational structure that eschews corporate politics and encourages individual ownership and accountability.

    Furthermore, Isaac's approach to life and business is influenced by his spiritual journeys, particularly his transformative experiences with Vipassana meditation in India. He underscores the importance of mental clarity and inner peace, not just for personal well-being, but for fostering resilience and clear-mindedness in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

    Isaac's profound love for children is the heart of his work in the toy industry, driving his philosophy that the primary purpose of toys is to bring joy and foster imagination in young minds. He firmly believes that when passion leads business, financial success will follow, emphasizing that his legacy lies in resilience, perseverance, and never giving up in the face of adversity.

    The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the broader aspects of the power of play, and the importance of strong family and mentorship bonds. Isaac's journey serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of success, underscoring the significance of passion, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for what one does.

    Enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon sat down with Dr. Scott Sherr, a leading physician, founder, and expert in hyperbaric therapy and health optimization.

    Dr. Scott shared how he was introduced to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) during medical school, and what spurred his curiosity about its transformative effects in other realms of medicine and wellness.

    He shared an overview of how HBOT works and the various ways he's using the treatment in his practice.

    Dr. Scott has also founded multiple other health-focused companies and they dug into the way HBOT has impacted his perspective of taking a data-driven approach towards wellbeing as well as other alternative treatments he's used in his practice for health optimization.

    For example, Dr. Scott emphasized the importance of caution when taking supplements, advocating for personalized testing to ensure they align with individual health needs and avoid potential imbalances.

    Seaking of supplements, Dr. Scott discussed methylene blue and its applications, introducing the concept of a 'tiroche', a product that dissolve between the upper teeth and gum, ensuring near 100% bioavailability. Highlighting the cognitive benefits of certain supplements, Dr. Scott discussed the advantages of nicotine as a cognitive enhancer, and the potential of his focus product, Blue Carnitine.

    Enjoy!

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Anne Mahlum, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of SolidCore, Ambition, and Back On My Feet.

    They dive into Anne's insights on entrepreneurship and the role of physical exercise in overall health, longevity, and achieving personal goals.

    At Solidcores, she had to navigate the intricacies of creating her own type of pilates machine, fundraising, and making pivotal decisions for growth, especially during the Pandemic.

    Her successful exit from Solidcore stands as proof of her knack for crafting a brand and fitness concept that truly resonates with people's needs.

    Anne isn't one to take breaks or travel. After Solidcore, she's diving right back into entrepreneurship with her new venture, Ambition.

    Anne doesn't hold back when discussing body image. She voices her frustration with the fitness industry's hesitancy to address physical goals directly and its failure to help individuals achieve their desired physical appearance.

    She debunks myths about weightlifting for women, champions the benefits of strength training, and underscores the significance of hydration for overall well-being.

    Beyond fitness, Anne shares her favorite books, products, and a recent impactful podcast episode featuring Scooter Braun. She stresses the importance of genuine friendships and imparts lessons she's learned about gratitude and setting the right expectations in leadership.

    This episode paints a comprehensive picture of wellness, spanning from the physical to the mental, and delves into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

    Enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Jason & Colleen Wachob, founders of Mindbodygreen.

    🌿 They journeyed through their personal health stories, from Colleen's experience with a pulmonary embolism to Jason's deep dive into biomarkers and the transformative power of supplements, which shed light on the broader wellness landscape.

    💪 From the yoga wave of the 2010s to the current emphasis on strength training, they discussed the ever-evolving wellness trends. Colleen underscored the importance of building strength for longevity, while Jason emphasized the significance of regular health testing.

    📖 They gave an exclusive preview of their new book, "The Joy of Well-being," which champions the role of joy and connection in our wellness journey, introducing the concept of "Joy span."

    🌐 The Wachobs shared the intricacies of running a mission-driven business, the importance of profitability, and the nuances of working together as a couple. They also explored mindbodygreen's evolution, from its initial focus on advertising to its innovative ventures into health coaching certificates and supplements.

    🥑 A fun tidbit: Jon once tried to send Jason a bag of avocados to his hotel room after spotting him in Westwood, a gesture that speaks to the genuine admiration he has for their work!

    🧘‍♀️ Whether you're a wellness guru or just embarking on your health journey, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice. Dive in and embrace the joy of well-being with the Wachobs!

  • In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to the co-founder of Alaffia, Olowo n'djo Tchala.

    Their conversation delves into OT's journey from Togo to the United States, his experiences growing up in a large family, and the cultural values that have shaped him. The story of how he met his partner, Prairie Rose Hyde, in Togo and followed her to the U.S., where he pursued his education and eventually co-founded Alaffia, is shared.

    The mission, product, and ethos of Alaffia are explored, focusing on the creation of natural body care products that not only benefit the consumer but also the communities in West Africa where the ingredients are sourced. OT emphasizes the importance of fair trade, community empowerment, and preserving cultural knowledge in their business model.

    Listeners will also hear about OT's experiences of learning English, attending community college, and eventually transferring to UC Davis. He speaks about the challenges of balancing family life, education, and starting a business, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective and approach to business.

    Finally, the growth and evolution of Alaffia are discussed, from its humble beginnings in a mobile home in Olympia, Washington, to its current global presence. OT speaks about the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession and how they overcame them, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

    Check out Alaffia, and enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Joshua Bonhotal, Founding Team Member at Future and Investor at TXV Partners.

    In their conversation, they dove into Josh's background as a strength and conditioning coach in the NBA at the Chicago Bulls and in the NCAA at Purdue University. Josh shared how this led the founders of Future to personally recruit him in their early days to build out their coaching operation.

    They spoke about Future's mission, product, and ethos around building the future of personal training. And Josh's role in develping their coach tools, playbooks, and best practices, as well as how he went about building and hiring a world-class coaching team as full-time employees.

    Finally, Josh spoke about how his experience at Future led him to the world of investing. Josh has transitioned into a full-time investor role at TXV. TXV is a thematic investment firm focusing on Human Performance, defined as five modalities around: food, sleep, movement, mental health, and work.

    Check out Future, and enjoy this fun conversation with Josh Bonhotal.

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Gigi Brett, Co-Founder of Batelle.

    Batelle uses a combination of online education and virtual coaching to teach parents how to put their child to bed in 5 minutes and sleep throughout the night.

    Gigi explains that the biggest influencing factor in children's sleep is the parent, and changing parent behavior is key to improving children's sleep patterns. They got into how Batelle offers a hyper-personalized experience tailored to each family's unique needs and circumstances, taking into account variables like co-sleeping, siblings sharing a room, and multiple caregivers.

    Gigi also shared her personal journey and how she transitioned from studying law to focusing on healthcare and education. She discusses the impact of sleep deprivation on parents' careers, mental health, and overall well-being, highlighting the need for a solution to this common problem.

    Tune in to learn more about Batelle Sleep School and how they're addressing challenges for parents around children's sleep. WellBuilt listeners and the JOON community can get 15%+ off the Sleep School program here.

    Enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon had a blast chatting with his dear friend, Carly Stein Kremer, Founder of Beekeeper's Naturals. Join them as they explored the fascinating world of bees and their vital role in our ecosystem and food supply.

    Carly took us on an amazing journey through the history of honey, sharing its significance beyond just its sweet taste. They also delved into the lesser-known but nutritionally dense superfoods that bees produce, from propolis to royal jelly and pollen. And explored how these incredible substances are meticulously crafted by bees themselves and their unique benefits for human health.

    They dove into Carly's personal connection with bees and how her own health journey influenced the development of Beekeeper's Naturals' diverse product line. As well as her and their team's commitment to product innovation, and the thoughtful process behind it all.

    Carly also shared her expertise on how she and Beekeeper's Naturals approach dosages and how to maximize the bioavailability of bee products to ensure you receive the full benefits of these superfoods.

    Finally, they chatted thorugh the sourcing of bee-based products, and Beekeeper's Naturals' environmentally sustainable supply chain practices.

    Expect to learn more about the extraordinary world of bees and the profound impact they have on our health and the health of our planet.

    Check out Beekeeper's Naturals and enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Ben Mand, the CEO of Harmless Harvest.

    Harmless Harvest is a pioneer in the organic coconut water space.

    They explored the founding story of Harmless Harvest and discussed how Ben, leveraged his extensive consumer packaged goods background, to lead the company through a transformation in terms of their operation, brand, and financial performance.

    Jon and Ben dug into their path towards regenerative organic and zero-waste practices, and how they decided to introduce coconut yogurt as well as other SKUs to utilize every part of the coconut.

    In addition to changes around the supply chain and their operation, Ben also shared his perspective on how they leveraged inclusive practices around employee engagement, company culture, hiring, and pay equity, to improve the company's performance from the inside out.

    Check out Harmless Harvest, and enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Jill Koziol, Co-founder & CEO of Motherly.

    Motherly is a digital platform that aims to empower modern motherhood by providing trusted and inspiring content, community, and commerce.

    Jill shared her story of why she founded Motherly and her vision for the platform. They also explored the current state of motherhood as well as why we're only at the beginning of an emerging landscape of products and services tailored to meet the needs of mothers.

    Jill explained how mothers have purposely been overlooked but are now getting the attention they deserve from both brands and employers because of women's purchasing power, education, and leadership roles in business and the household.

    Jill also shared insights from Motherly's State of Motherhood Survey, discussed her own wellness journey, and how and why she began prioritizing her own health.

    Check out Motherly, enjoy, and happy early Mother's Day!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Jason Whitson, Co-Founder & CEO of Wellcore, and Ryan Lester, Physician Assistant and part of the Wellcore Clinical Team.

    Wellcore provides a hormone optimization program via telehealth. In their conversation, they got into how Wellcore works including their at-home blood draw, virtual consultation to review labs, and the hormone treatment itself.

    They delved into Jason and Ryan’s unique backgrounds, and how their respective digital health and clinical experiences, guided the team to combine technology and existing scientific research to create the first-of-its-kind remote hormone optimization program.

    They also touched upon their own wellness journeys, and how Jason’s personal health struggles as well as how he overcame them made this leadership role perfect for him.

    WellBuilt listeners can visit this link or use the VIP code WELLBUILT to get their Wellcore Assessment Kit for $19 - $180 dollars off.

    Check out Wellcore and enjoy!

  • On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Dylan Beynon, Founder & CEO of Mindbloom.

    Mindbloom provides at-home ketamine therapy.

    In their conversation, they got into Dylan’s personal reasons for starting Mindbloom, and how they came up with their telehealth model for helping people combat anxiety or depression, and improve their mental health.

    Since ketamine treatments are currently one of the only legal forms of psychedelic-assisted therapy, which other promising psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA pending FDA approvals for therapeutic use - many digital and in-person ketamine-focused companies have recently propped up. This increase in access has also led to concerns and critique around potential side effects, addictiveness, and the overall health impact of prolonged use.

    Dylan was happy to dive into where the industry stands, unpack some of the critiques in recent hit pieces, and share his thoughts about how we can think about the industry’s goals for long-term safety and efficacy.

    It was also great to learn about Dylan’s passion for health and wellness and personal development, as well as how he strives to create a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous learning at Mindbloom.

    Check out Mindbloom, and enjoy!