Leading For Wellness

EP 15 - From Personal Shopper to Vegan CEO Transforming Plant-Based Eating – Madelyn Hadley

Madelyn Hadley is the founder of Madly Hadley, a San Diego-based innovative plant-based food brand. With a background as a private chef focused on plant-based cooking, she worked closely with naturopathic doctors and their patients to create delicious, health-conscious meals. Motivated by a passion to make her chef-quality, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free recipes accessible to a wider audience, she launched Madly Hadley in 2021. The brand is known for its popular products like coconut bacon bits and cashew Parmesan, which are available nationally in Sprouts and nationally in Whole Foods Market and other natural grocers. Madelyn's mission is to transform familiar foods into healthier, environmentally friendly versions that delight consumers while supporting wellness and sustainability. 
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In this inspiring episode, Liesl Bernard sits down with Madelyn Hadley, the dynamic CEO of a thriving vegan snack brand, to explore her path from personal shopper at Whole Foods to trailblazing entrepreneur. Madelyn opens up about the leap of faith that took her from grocery aisles to launching her own line of plant-based products—driven by passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to wellness. 
She shares the challenges and lessons she’s faced breaking into the competitive food industry, offering honest insights on everything from sourcing ingredients to scaling a startup. She also dives into her creative process—how she approaches product development, packaging design, and building a brand that truly resonates with today’s conscious consumer. 
Madelyn discusses the strategies she’s used to connect with customers, build a loyal following, and spread the message that healthy, flavorful food can be for everyone—no matter your dietary choices. This episode is full of practical advice, authentic stories, and empowering takeaways for anyone looking to turn their vision into reality. 
Chapters 
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Personal Shopper to CEO 
03:05 Creating Vegan Alternatives: The Inspiration Behind the Products 
05:57 Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from the Food Industry 
09:01 Vision for the Future: Expanding Offerings and Market Reach 
11:55 Mindset and Personal Practices: Staying Grounded as an Entrepreneur 
15:05 Creative Expression: The Art Behind the Brand 
18:06 Building a Team: From Solo Entrepreneur to Collaborative Efforts 
21:01 Marketing Strategies: Spreading the Word About Vegan Products 
24:06 The Broader Impact: Making Plant-Based Eating Accessible to All 
26:51 Connecting with the Community: Engaging Customers and Investors 
 
Connect with Madelyn Hadley: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-hadley-29542394/ 
https://www.madlyhadley.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/madlyhadleymagic/ 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:  
liesl@leadingforwellness.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/  
https://www.linkedin.com/company/leading-for-wellness/
www.leadingforwellness.com 
 
 

EP 14: Data Driven and Fungi Focused – The Future of Microbiome Science - Sam Schatz

Sam Schatz is the CEO of Biohm Technologies, a company pioneering microbiome-based ingredients using proprietary datasets that integrate genetic analysis, metadata, and AI. Joining Biohm in 2021 as President, he became CEO in 2023, driving business expansion, capital raising, and P&L management. Previously, Sam was Managing Director at AeroFarms, scaling it to 300+ employees. With more than 15 years of experience in management and entrepreneurship, Sam holds an MSc from London School of Economics and a BA from Columbia University and serves on leadership councils at 92NY and YPO Polaris. 
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In this episode of Leading for Wellness, Liesl Bernard interviews Sam Schatz, CEO of Biohm Technologies, about the intersection of data science and biology in understanding the human microbiome. Sam discusses the importance of both bacterial and fungal microbiome data, the balance of Candida in gut health, and the innovative testing methods used to personalize health recommendations.  
The conversation also explores the link between microbiome health and longevity, as well as Biohm's AI-driven discovery platform for developing new health products.
Sam also discusses the innovative approaches of Biohm Technologies in enhancing nutrient absorption through their product Mycosa, the importance of expanding microbiome research beyond gut health, and the future of microbiome science with a focus on postbiotics.  
He emphasizes the need for targeted formulations based on clinical data and the role of fungi in gut health.  
Additionally, he shares insights on cultivating a culture of innovation within his remote team and personal health strategies that contribute to longevity and wellbeing. 
 
Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to Biohme Technologies and Sam Schatz 
01:03 The Intersection of Data Science and Biology 
03:35 Understanding the Human Microbiome 
07:28 Researching Fungi in the Microbiome 
14:01 The Balance of Candida in Gut Health 
15:26 Personalized Microbiome Testing and Recommendations 
18:04 Improving Microbiome Health Over Time 
20:55 The Link Between Microbiome and Longevity 
22:01 Biohme's Symbiont AI Discovery Platform 
27:04 Innovative Products: Mycosa and Its Mechanism 
31:56 Enhancing Nutrient Absorption with Mycosa 
34:00 Expanding Beyond Gut Health 
35:42 The Future of Microbiome Science 
41:37 Innovating with Targeted Formulations 
46:43 Cultivating a Culture of Innovation 
52:12 Personal Health Strategies and Biohacks 
54:53 Exploring the Heart-Gut Connection 
 
Connect with Sam Schatz: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samschatz/ 
https://biohmtechnologies.com/ 
Sam@biohmtech.com 
Connect with Liesl Bernard: 
liesl@kalonstaffing.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ 
www.leadingforwellness.com 

EP13: GLP-1 - The Key to Weight Management and Optimal Health – Doug Lynch

In this episode, Liesl Bernard interviews Doug Lynch, a global executive with a three-decade experience in commercialization of clinical nutrition products, supplements, cosmetics, animal health, and proprietary actives. He’s held global executive roles and intellectual property portfolio management for proprietary ingredient companies and brands alike. He’s developed and marketed scores of consumer products over his career, is a frequent industry speaker on current and future nutrition trends, and serves as a current board member for the Organic and Natural Health Association in Washington, D.C.    
Doug Lynch discusses the significance of GLP-1 supplements in weight management and overall health.  
Doug explains the mechanism of GLP-1, its role in satiety, and the challenges associated with GLP-1 medications, including side effects and muscle loss. He also highlights the importance of dietary supplements as alternatives to GLP-1 medications and their potential in promoting longevity.  
The conversation further delves into the relationship between GLP-1, gut health, and the emerging understanding of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. 
Episode Breakdown: 
00:00 - Introduction to GLP-1 and Its Importance 
03:09 - The Mechanism of GLP-1 in Weight Management 
05:50 - Side Effects and Challenges of GLP-1 Medications 
09:05 - Dietary Supplements as Alternatives to GLP-1 
11:57 - The Role of GLP-1 in Longevity and Overall Health 
19:54 - Understanding Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics 
Links: 
Connect with Doug Lynch:
douglas@marketwellnutrition.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketwellnutritionceo/ 
https://marketwellnutrition.com/ 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard: 
liesl@kalonstaffing.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ 
www.leadingforwellness.com 
 

EP12: Taking Creatine to the Next Level - Steve Jennings

More than 30 years ago, Steve Jennings played a pivotal role in introducing the world to the benefits of creatine supplementation at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. 
In this conversation, Steve will share the reason behind why he's now leading the charge with creatine 2.0, and how we can shift our perception beyond the world of gyms and performance sports, and introduce the broader health and wellbeing benefits of creatine to the mass population. 
 
Episode Breakdown: 
 
00:00 - The Genesis of Creatine Supplementation 
08:59 - Creatine's Evolution and Its Broader Applications 
18:10 - Understanding Mitochondrial Health and Creatine 
22:54 - The Future of Creatine: Formats and Innovations 
28:05 - Understanding Creatine Stability and Usage 
32:08 - Innovations in Liquid Creatine Technology 
34:55 - The Future of Creatine in Mainstream Nutrition 
39:39 - Challenges in Creatine Manufacturing and Supply Chain 
43:39 - The Need for Onshore Manufacturing 
46:52 - The Broader Impact of Creatine on Health and Longevity 
 
Links 
Connect with Steve Jennings: 
steve@helloyeu.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjennings1/
https://www.instagram.com/creatineog/ 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
liesl@kalonstaffing.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
www.leadingforwellness.com
 

EP11: Gut Check - The Science of Peak Performance

Your gut does more than digest food. It shapes your cravings, energy, and even your mood. So how can you work with it instead of against it?
 
Liesl Bernard sits down with Sierra Simpson, founder and CEO of BrilliantBiome, to talk about the microbiome’s surprising influence on health and performance. After struggling with the effects of long-term antibiotic use, Sierra turned to science to heal herself and discovered the powerful connection between gut health and the brain. She explains how the gut-brain axis works, why enzymes and metabolites act as messengers between systems, and how small shifts in diet and lifestyle can create a big impact.
 
Can changing what you eat really improve mental clarity? How does the microbiome affect peak performance for athletes and high achievers? Sierra breaks it all down with strategies, from incorporating whole foods and fermented products to using mindfulness techniques that strengthen the gut-brain connection. Whether you’re looking for better digestion, more energy, or sharper focus, Liesl and Sierra’s conversation offers insight into how your microbiome holds the key.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
02:21 Discovering the Microbiome
06:30 Tips for a Healthy Microbiome
09:16 Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics
13:14 Future of Microbiome Testing in Healthcare
17:35 Addressing Sugar Cravings and Candida
19:04 Lifestyle Changes for Microbiome Health
22:28 Holistic Approach to Health
30:08 Microbiome and Autoimmune Disorders
32:44 Dietary Recommendations for Inflammation
36:36 Accessing Brilliant Biome Services
 
Links
Connect with Sierra Simpson:
www.brilliantbiome.com, discount code "KALON"
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP10: AI & Nutraceuticals: Innovating Health One Algorithm at a Time

AI won’t take your job. Someone who knows how to use it will. So what does that mean for the nutraceuticals industry?
 
Liesl Bernard sits down with Andy Dahlen, a veteran in consumer packaged goods and dietary supplements, to talk about how AI is shaking up nutraceuticals and personalized nutrition. With experience leading brands like General Mills, Beech-Nut, and MegaFood, Andy shares how AI is speeding up ingredient research, making product development more efficient, and giving smaller brands a real shot at competing with industry giants.
 
Consumers want supplements backed by science. Sorting through mountains of research takes time, but AI is changing that. Companies that use AI tools can cut research time dramatically, making it easier to develop innovative, science-backed products. But will businesses embrace the technology fast enough to keep up?
 
Andy also challenges leaders to get hands-on with AI. Instead of waiting for their teams to figure it out, they should be modeling its use and encouraging experimentation across departments. The companies that do will be the ones driving the future of personalized nutrition. Will yours be one of them?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Andy Dahlen’s Background in CPG and Supplements
02:03 AI in the Supplement Space
03:44 Job Impact of AI in the Industry
05:01 Tools and Efficiency in the Supplement Industry
06:40 AI’s Role in R&D and Other Areas
08:04 Recommendations for Companies to Embrace AI
12:13 AI Adoption in Different Company Sizes
15:14 Challenges in Embracing AI in the Supplement Industry
19:15 Advice for CEOs on Implementing AI
24:44 Training and Employee Involvement in AI
27:20 AI’s Impact on Job Satisfaction and Efficiency
29:10 Importance of Accurate AI Output and Data Privacy
30:00 Shifting Mindsets Towards AI Usage
31:24 Training and Skill Development for AI
32:42 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation with AI
33:29 Leadership’s Role in AI Adoption
34:07 Closing
 
Links
Welcome to AI: A Human Guide to Artificial Intelligence: Shrier, David L.: 9781647827526: Amazon.com: Books
 
HBR Podcasts: 
Why AI Isn’t Enough To Beat The Competition
The AI Skills You Should Be Building Now
Tech at Work: What GenAI Means for Companies Right Now
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP09: Dr. Hemal Patel - Groundbreaking Research on Testing Mitochondrial Health

Mitochondria fuel every cell in your body, but how often do you check in on their health? 
 
In this episode, Dr. Hemal Patel, a tenured professor at UC San Diego and Chief Scientific Advisor for Versailles Discovery, joins Liesl Bernard to unpack why these tiny powerhouses hold the key to longevity and how an innovative at-home test can provide real insights into your energy levels, resilience, and overall well-being. 
 
Dr. Patel shares research-backed strategies to improve mitochondrial function, from diet and supplementation to meditation and lifestyle shifts. Drawing on studies with NASA and collaborations with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Patel reveals how meditation influences biomarkers and why tracking mitochondrial health could change the way we approach disease prevention. Whether you’re optimizing performance or looking for ways to age well, this episode offers science-driven tools to help you take control of your health.
 
Quotes
“At the end of the day, that’s all we are, right? We’re a bag of energy that moves around and does all these crazy, amazing things. And as soon as that energy stops, we're unable to generate that energy, we die.” (03:09 | Dr. Hemal Patel)
“Mitochondria really become these gatekeepers of how well you live and how poorly you live. And if you know where you are on that continuum, it’s a great way to then start to fix that core state of who we are.” (09:56 | Dr. Hemal Patel)
“There are hundreds of products that say ‘mitochondrial improvement’ and ‘high energy’ and ‘take this and you’ll be living on cloud’ and all this stuff, right? And you take them and you don’t feel any different, or maybe you feel a little different, but you don’t really know quantitatively what’s happening.” (21:35 | Dr. Hemal Patel) 
“Mitochondria are networked organisms, so there are organisms living inside us. And so, they like to be socially connected. When they’re socializing and connecting, they’re able to sense their environment, the stressors, and adapt to it in a unique kind of way.” (17:50 | Dr. Hemal Patel) 
“Meditation seems to be one of those things that can push mitochondrial biology very rapidly. We see those same things change—the microbiome shifts, the metabolomics change, and the mitochondrial potential changes as well. So we do capture that dynamic.” (31:11 | Dr. Hemal Patel) 
 
Links
Mitochondrial Efficiency Screen: https://mescreen.com/ - use discount code KALON1 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP08: Johnny Blackburn - Navigating Trauma and Fear Effectively

Adversity often opens unexpected doors to purpose, growth, and deeper spirituality. In this episode, Liesl Bernard sits down with Johnny Blackburn, the founder and director of Mystics, a school for personal and spiritual development. 
 
Johnny shares how a life-altering injury transformed his path and led him from consulting to a deep dive into spirituality and personal development. He reflects on the power of facing difficult emotions and explains how practices like breathwork and meditation can help release trauma and unlock greater awareness. Johnny challenges us to see loss as a gateway to presence and empathy, and offers practical insights for integrating spirituality into daily life. 
 
Join Johnny and Liesl’s conversation to be reminded of how even in our toughest moments, growth is possible.
 
Quotes
“There’s a quote I love by Rumi: ‘The wound is where the light gets in.’ …I also want to note that it's important that we don't spiritually bypass because many of us in our own way… there’s a tremendous sense of loss and having everything taken away. So, I think it’s important that as we look at these things, we first meet the experience with presence and empathy and really imagine what something’s like for someone.” (04:34 | Johnny Blackburn)
“Like Alan Watts says, you can’t get wet from the word ‘water.’ So, these squiggles, our brain interprets as meaning something, but the direct felt sense of being wet is something that we experience in the present moment through our body. And so, there’s another stage of deepening spiritually where we have to actually feel and be embodied and expand open from there versus being in our minds and mentally trying to understand something.” (07:31 | Johnny Blackburn) 
“In a way, our past sort of keeps us stuck from the greater future wanting to live through us.” (17:26 | Johnny Blackburn) 
“No matter what’s happening, I can always direct my attention to my breath if there’s pain in the body, if there’s overthinking. So, bringing the attention back to the breath is a great first place to start. The breath and the body are some of the best anchors to the present moment.” (27:41 | Johnny Blackburn) 
 
Links
Connect with Johnny Blackburn:
Johnnyblackburn.net
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP07: Jim Tonkin - The Functional Beverage Guru

Mastering leadership, understanding consumer behavior, and balancing intuition with business savvy are important to success in the functional beverage world—insights Jim Tonkin has cultivated over four decades. Jim, the “Functional Beverage Guru,” joins Liesl Bernard in this episode to share his journey of creating iconic brands like Essentia Water, Zico Coconut Water, and Suja Juice. From leaving his family’s 7-Up franchise to pursuing healthier options, Jim’s story is a masterclass in leadership, consumer understanding, and the balance between gut instinct and business strategy.
 
This episode touches on the trends shaping the industry, from innovative packaging to the rise of health-focused drinks with ingredients like probiotics and turmeric. Jim also shares candid advice for entrepreneurs, including why market research and financial planning matter as much as the passion behind a great idea. His personal take on wellness and moderation ties it all together as he offers a holistic perspective on what it means to lead in the world of better-for-you beverages.
 
If you’re curious about the future of functional drinks or seeking insight into building impactful brands, Jim’s wisdom is not to be missed! What lessons will you take from his remarkable career? 
 
Quotes
“Most businesses are people-driven… I’m very, very focused on the individuals at the top of the food chain and any small entrepreneurial or startup.” (11:33 | Jim Tonkin) 
“In today’s world, for example, most players that are looking to purchase companies on the private equity or family office side, or even banks, they want companies with positive EBIT, with earnings before interest and taxes. So, if you can’t show a bottom line with some profit, it basically means you haven’t got a business.” (14:20 | Jim Tonkin) 
“Understanding consumer behavior and listening to your customer tell you what they think about your product is really, really important.” (18:10 | Jim Tonkin)
“Moderation is the key to success. So, drinking eight Diet Cokes doesn’t make it any better than drinking eight Cokes with sugar in them, in my opinion.” (38:54 | Jim Tonkin)
 
Links
Connect with Jim Tonkin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-tonkin-51021aa/
Email: jimtonkin@outlook.com
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP06: Tim Wood - CEO of Fired Up! Popcorn - From Fireman to CEO

“Our vision is to pop it fresh and have really quality popcorn with purpose. Our popcorn is with purpose because we put intentional ingredients into it,” says Tim Wood, the CEO of Fired Up! Popcorn and a full-time fireman at Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego. In this episode, Tim joins Liesl Bernard to share his journey from creating a simple, healthy snack at the fire station to building a business rooted in wellness. His dedication to quality ingredients, like pure avocado oil and turmeric, reflects a broader mission to prioritize health in every bite.
 
Tim also opens up about the challenges of being a first responder and the toll it takes on mental health. How does he face trauma and loss daily yet remain passionate about helping others? The answer lies in his commitment to mental health advocacy, which led to co-founding Burning Layers, which is an initiative providing tools for emotional resilience, especially for first responders.
 
Could stadium snacks actually fuel wellness? Fired Up! Popcorn can be the answer, as Tim envisions replacing unhealthy options with nutritious, intentional choices that serve the community. 
 
Quotes
“If we don’t face more challenges and try new things and be creative, for me personally, I’ll always be in this little rut.” (03:47 | Tim Wood)
“Mental and emotional health has been just always on the forefront of my mind to live with compassion and empathy, to understand that people are struggling in so many different ways.” (07:20 | Tim Wood)
“Our vision is to pop it fresh and have really quality popcorn with purpose. Our popcorn is with purpose because we put intentional ingredients into it.” (11:42 | Tim Wood)
“Things can always get better. Things are always changing. There is nothing permanent in this world. There’s always a shift. There’s always a change in thought. There’s always a change in an idea.” (30:25 | Tim Wood)
“We all have purpose. We all have meaning. Everybody’s different. We all have something to shine through.” (31:09 | Tim Wood)
“Sometimes all we really need is to reconnect that we’re alive and we’re not alone.” (32:33 | Tim Wood)
 
Links
Connect with Tim Wood:
https://www.fireduppopcorn.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fireduppopcorn/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-wood-6b0a08233/
https://www.instagram.com/alovingperspective/
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm