Eat Play Crush with Mary Shenouda

https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/

Tait Fletcher: The Law of Reciprocation, Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts, The Hidden Impact of Concussions and Finding Your Community Jan 25, 2024

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
43:59 Meeting a Ukrainian mobster and getting introduced to Carl
45:28 Filming at a defunct prison in Santa Fe, getting opportunities in other films
54:07 Pharmaceutical companies are trying to kill us
56:09 Nutrition is a tool to control your life
58:06 We don’t anything about what formulates our body
01:00:38 Putting attention into something that you want to focus on
01:03:14 Getting a concussion during a match
01:05:37 Ignored symptoms, continued training, health neglect
01:12:40 Can head concussions cause other health problems?
01:17:36 Growth is not a light switch, it’s like a slow road
01:19:33 The film business is wild
01:22:43 Logan’s positive effect on his community
01:26:49 You just need to keep trying
01:32:09 How to find Tait online

Follow Tait Fletcher:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher

https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/

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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 Jan 11, 2024

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?
43:03 I black seed oil worth the hype?
44:16 What movies do I watch?
44:56 How did I learn to make recipes?
47:52 How to become a private chef
55:44 Skin care secrets

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From A Performance Chef: 6 Health Tips and 3 Powerful Questions To Crush 2024 Jan 04, 2024

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
51:53 What topics do you want me to cover?

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Jon Bier: Mastering the Art of PR, Media Manipulation Tactics, Creating Value For Consumers Dec 27, 2023

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?
01:09:19 Mini bars are out of touch nowadays
01:17:23 Consumer-based solution when dealing with clients
01:20:13 Everyone has different needs and how you change your lifestyle
01:22:37 What does your supplementation look like?
01:26:58 What made you start a podcast?
01:30:24 Living a life on a farm

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Adam Bornstein: Why You Can’t This Screw Up, The Power of Persistence, and Building A Powerful Personal Brand Dec 20, 2023

“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
47:22 Tips to keep people interested in your product
52:09 When the customer acquisition cost is too messed up
56:38 There is no magic pill to make things work
01:02:44 Why did you write the book?
01:14:00 The way people are educated about nutrition is so backwards
01:20:31 You Can’t Screw This Up was the perfect title
01:21:33 Addressing issues about cost, convenience, and compliance
01:22:56 How do you set yourself up for success?

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Logan Gelbrich: Choosing The Harder Path (Going Right), Adaptive Leadership, and Loneliness Of Achievement Dec 13, 2023

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:

00:00 Intro
03:49 Who is Logan Gelbrich?
07:02 Leaving the corporate life and moving into LA
09:54 Creating a space for anyone to aspire to reach their highest potential
12:59 Exposing yourself to high performers
18:21 It started off with a very singular mindset
19:39 How to create value from a successful CEO
23:16 From an underdog team to hosting the game
27:51 Pursuing peak performances and flow state
31:56 How to not be a leader when you’re supposed to be one
34:49 The true meaning of leadership
40:46 Our troubles generally exceed our ability to reconcile
48:28 Sacrifices for the little moments, for the small wins
55:15 Feeling sad despite the growing success
59:51 It’s not flexing, it’s shrinking to not stand out
01:01:50 How do you keep yourself grounded?
01:05:34 Having meaningful connections with people
01:08:57 The Hold the Standard Summit
01:11:42 Adaptive leadership addresses two types of challenges
01:14:33 The creation of Deuce gym
01:17:24 Traversing the gap between where we are and where we can be
01:19:45 Creative problem solving while pivoting to a different business industry
01:24:49 Growth comes when life grows on them
01:29:53 How can you show up better?
01:34:10 Why asking for honest feedback is difficult
01:38:07 Community support does wonders for people
01:39:57 When do you know if you've made it?
01:42:15 Where to find Logan online

Follow Logan Gelbrich:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-gelbrich-72714248/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063648906174

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6llftpbtL3N6WCU6X0jRw

https://www.deucegym.com/gym/

Going Right: A Logical Justification for Pursuing Your Dreams

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Mark Sisson: Entrepreneurship, Having It All, and Foot Health (Meet Peluva) Dec 06, 2023

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
34:30 “Everything I created was for me first”

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

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Max Lugavere: From Adversity to Advocacy to “Genius Life” and Redefining Purpose Nov 29, 2023

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:

00:00 Intro
01:34 Max’s journey from med school to filmmaking
04:39 Working for Al Gore
07:11 Becoming a hand model
08:37 Co-hosting and balancing screen time
09:56 Not knowing what to do after the job ended
13:04 Being vulnerable and emotional
14:02 People turning their back on you as soon as you become no value to them
16:11 Trusting the process during challenging times
21:49 How Max’s passion for health was awaken
25:57 Advocating for dementia
28:03 Fortune cookie messages and manifestation
31:24 Deciding to go all in on something
33:17 Max’s formula to success
36:08 How to accept criticisms
38:36 Max on releasing a documentary
41:45 Advice for someone who wants to prioritize their wellness
47:58 Adapting diets for changing needs
49:58 Exploring concussion-related health issues
52:03 How reading a book about ketogenic diet influenced his bodybuilding journey
54:43 Heavy lifting, muscle growth, and injury risks
57:48 Max shares the positive impact of change on his overall well-being
1:00:13 How to date when you’re purpose driven?
1:01:08 Going through life stages and finding meaning in relationships
1:03:44 Being in a relationship with someone who has their life together
1:05:10 What does stability look like?
1:06:11 It’s okay to not know everything in life
1:08:07 Max’s non-negotiable habits
1:09:44 Rediscovering simple flavors in cooking
1:12:31 Opinion on eating oatmeal before workout
1:14:51 The debate around sugars and sweeteners
1:16:59 What’s next for Max?

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Jay Ferruggia: Crush Imposter Syndrome, Create A Winning Team Culture and Connect With Anyone Nov 22, 2023

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://jasonferruggia.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/JasonFerruggia

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonferruggia/

https://jasonferruggia.com/podcast/

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