Leading For Wellness

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

EP05: Gary Seelhorst - Psychedelics and Functional Wellness for Elite Performance

“There’s a lot of tradition and culture involved with the treatment and consumption of psychedelics that needs to be honored because of the nature of how all of it really started out years and years ago. We’re just kind of coming about it right now, and there’s a lot of wisdom there that we can understand,” says Gary Seelhorst, a pharma, biotech, and functional wellness executive. In this episode, he joins Liesl Bernard to talk about how psychedelics and functional wellness are redefining treatment for conditions like PTSD and depression, especially for veterans and elite athletes. Gary explains why diagnostics and preparation are important, and why integration work is often the most transformative part of the healing process.
 
Drawing from his personal health journey and years in big pharma, Gary discusses the need for a holistic shift in wellness—one that prioritizes root causes over symptoms. He shares actionable insights for leveraging tools like neurofeedback, meditation, and customized health protocols. 
 
Join Gary and Liesl’s discussion as they challenge conventional approaches to health and explore how psychedelics can unlock new paths for resilience and recovery.
 
Quotes
“I started to really understand the power of plant medicine. And then it was really more an experience that I’d had just before that, in the compounding pharmacy space, that I started to learn a little bit more about what naturopaths did because they were ordering a lot of products through the compounding pharmacy, with vitamin infusions, peptides, hormones, all those kinds of things. And that’s really what I think turned me into such a fan of functional health in general, and eventually plant medicine, if indicated.” (03:29 | Gary Seelhorst)
“It’s really more about how effective the program is in which these different drugs are used, and that’s really the value. There’s a lot of pre-work you need to do in order to get to a space where it’s going to be effective—there’s the set and setting, and the dosing around the actual treatment. And then there’s all the work afterwards that needs to be employed as well, and that’s probably the biggest part.” (06:36 | Gary Seelhorst)
“As a scientist, I like to kind of test a lot of hypotheses in general and work through all the different types of psychedelics that are out there. There’s a lot of tradition and culture involved with the treatment and consumption of psychedelics that needs to be honored because of the nature of how all of it really started out years and years ago. We’re just kind of coming about it right now, and there’s a lot of wisdom there that we can understand.” (14:49 | Gary Seelhorst)
 
Links
Connect with Gary Seelhorst:
linkedin.com/in/garyseelhorst
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP04: Michael ZonFrilli - Leading the Chef-Crafted Kombucha Industry

“The beauty of kombucha, besides the big, bright flavor, are the health benefits. So, if you’re not offering those live probiotics, I just think you’re doing a disservice to the potential of kombucha for wellness and health,” says Michael ZonFrilli, creator of Bambucha Kombucha. Known for his chef-crafted, wellness-driven beverages, Michael brings both culinary artistry and a commitment to authentic kombucha into each batch he makes. By keeping his kombucha live and raw, he preserves the probiotics that contribute to gut health and overall well-being.
 
Michael joins Liesl Bernard to talk about his journey from chef to wellness entrepreneur. What does it take to build a kombucha brand that stands out? Michael believes it’s about quality, patience, and an uncompromising approach to flavor. Starting from humble beginnings, Bambucha Kombucha grew through self-funding and hard work, allowing him to stay true to his values without outside pressures.
 
Michael’s culinary background infuses each flavor he creates. His kombucha blends take inspiration from around the world, like the Thai Ginger, which features flavors like fresh lime leaf and lemongrass, and the Mango Masala, a nod to Indian Ayurvedic spices. Creating a drink that feels genuine and layered, something both delicious and meaningful, is at the heart of his work.
 
Outside of work, Michael shares his wellness practices, which include surfing, music, and time with his family. These habits keep him grounded, bringing energy and perspective back to his craft. His story speaks to anyone passionate about wellness and authenticity. Bambucha Kombucha is available at natural grocers along the West Coast and ships nationwide. For kombucha fans and the curious alike, it’s a chance to experience a drink that’s chef-crafted and wellness-focused at every level.
 
Quotes
“The beauty of kombucha, besides the big, bright flavor, are the health benefits. So, if you’re not offering those live probiotics, I just think you’re doing a disservice to the potential of kombucha for wellness and health.” (04:11 | Michael ZonFrilli)
“There’s nothing else like kombucha. You’re not going to get that anywhere else. There’s something magical about the fermentation process that converts organic cane sugar into those beneficial acids and probiotics… there’s something in kombucha that makes people crave it and almost need it.” (24:31 | Michael ZonFrilli)
“I’m grateful to be able to create something that I love. Just as a chef, as a culinary instructor, we’re all about that creation of something delicious and always trying to, as chefs say, you’re only as good as your last plate. Now, I’m only as good as my last can of kombucha. The striving never stops. We’re not a giant factory; we’re a medium-sized brewery. Every batch is crafted, every batch is tested and tasted, and tweaked if necessary. The beauty of kombucha is that it is a living, breathing culture that has almost a will of its own.” (31:48 | Michael ZonFrilli)
Links
Connect with Michael ZonFrilli:
https://www.bambuchakombucha.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bambuchakombucha/
https://www.facebook.com/bambuchakombucha/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zonfrilli-6169994a
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP03: Broccoli - The Miracle Superfood

“Broccoli microgreens are the most potent antioxidant compound. They contain sulforaphane, which is beneficial for the immune system, has anti-cancer properties, and so forth. They’re also linked to longevity and anti-aging,” says Vladi Delsoglio, the CEO of Ederra, a farm-to-body functional food company. He joins Liesl Bernard in this episode to share how a personal health scare—being diagnosed with fatty liver disease—opened his eyes to the incredible power of broccoli microgreens. What started as a quest to heal himself turned into the creation of a supplement that pairs these nutrient-packed microgreens with lion’s mane mushrooms, a blend designed to support both physical health and cognitive function.
 
Vladi points out the importance of knowing where your supplements come from. His company takes transparency seriously and uses only high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms. With so many Americans missing out on key nutrients, especially fruits and vegetables, Vladi’s product aims to make getting those essentials easier and more effective.
 
But Ederra’s mission goes beyond supplements. Vladi shares his vision for expanding the product line to serve not only adults but also children and even pets. His goal? Building a community that prioritizes health and wellness through real, functional foods. Tune in and you’ll be rethinking your own health routine—and wondering how early you should start investing in your well-being.
 
Quotes
“Broccoli microgreens are the most potent antioxidant compound. They contain sulforaphane, which is beneficial for the immune system, has anti-cancer properties, and so forth. They’re also linked to longevity and anti-aging.” (08:45 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“The American diet has a huge deficiency in vegetables and fruits. Why? Because people here are highly productive, super busy, multitaskers, which means that all day they’re always on the run, working, creating, and so forth… One of the main reasons why we incorporate the broccoli microgreens is because there’s the sulforaphane. It’s so potent, so powerful that it’s like you are eating one pound of broccoli each scoop.” (10:08 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“Being beautiful doesn’t start from outside, it starts from inside.” (11:54 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“The two main pillars of our life are health and time, and we really need to respect them as much as possible.” (13:35 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“We don’t want to be perceived as a powder company, as a supplement company. We are creating a community. Matter of fact, we are working closely with nutritionists. We are working closely with the one-star Michelin chefs.” (23:45 | Vladi Delsoglio)
 
Links
Connect with Vladi Delsoglio:
Website: ederralyfe.com 
IG: tryederra 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP02: John Stockman, CEO of Nordic Naturals – Leading the Global Omega-3 Market

“80% of consumers in the US are deficient in Omega-3s,” shares John Stockman, the CEO of Nordic Naturals, a company that is known for their commitment to wellness through high-quality supplements. He joins Liesl Bernard to share his journey from the corporate world to leading a brand that's focused on delivering the purest, most potent, and freshest Omega-3 supplements. How much do you really know about the role Omega-3s play in your health? John breaks down the benefits for joint, heart, and brain function and why more people need to be paying attention to their Omega-3 levels.
 
In this episode, John talks about Nordic Naturals’ unique approach to wellness, not just through their products but in how they support their employees. From meditation and yoga to encouraging physical activity, it’s all about balance. John even shares his personal wellness routine—Omega-3s, multivitamins, probiotics, and daily exercise—and how it has made a noticeable difference in his own life. Want to learn more about why quality supplements matter and how they can elevate your overall well-being? Tune in to this episode to discover how Nordic Naturals is leading the way in educating consumers on the importance of Omega-3s and proactive wellness.
 
Quotes
“What I loved about Nordic Naturals was that they truly believe in their purpose, which is helping people find better health for a better life. You could see it immediately when I met the people who work there; that’s why they chose to be part of the company. They really focus on doing what’s right and ensuring they have the highest quality products, which was inspiring.” (01:35 | John Stockman) 
“We talk about purity, potency, and freshness, and that’s what Nordic Naturals is all about: having the purest fish oil, the most potent (meaning the highest concentration of fish oils), and the freshest fish oils. We achieve this by owning our supply chain.” (03:46 | John Stockman) 
“Omega-3s are found in every cell of your body and serve many functions. They can support arthritis and joint health, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, enhance heart health, and contribute to cognition and brain health.” (17:01 | John Stockman) 
“Our vision is to help basically eradicate the Omega-3 deficiency. And to do that, we measure by how much household penetration we have in the U.S.” (18:30 | John Stockman)
“Many nutritionists would say, ‘We would rather have people taking Omega-3s because they’re in every cell of your body, and they do all these other things compared to some of these other forms of supplementation.’ But it’s our job to educate people on that, and so, that’s really our vision.” (18:56 | John Stockman) 
 
Links
Connect with John Stockman:
nordicnaturals.com
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP01: NutraCode CEO Shaun Ahuja on Innovation in Supplement Delivery Systems

“I think there will be an ever-growing interest in wellness, but also in how supplements will propel us forward into the next decade, century, and beyond,” says Shaun Ahuja in this first episode of “Leading for Wellness.” Host Liesl Bernard, CEO of Kalon Executive Search and Staffing, sits down with Shaun to talk about his journey as the founder and CEO of Nutracode, a New York-based company known for its innovative supplement delivery systems.
 
Shaun talks about how Nutracode is pushing the boundaries of supplement innovation by developing formats like liquid and beadlet capsules designed to boost both effectiveness and consumer appeal. He shares how creativity plays an important role in product development and how his team works closely with clients to bring cutting-edge solutions to market. Reflecting on the industry’s rapid transformation, especially in a post-COVID landscape, Shaun envisions a future where personalized supplements, driven by advancements in AI and biotechnology, reshape the way we think about wellness.
 
How does Shaun maintain balance while running a company? In this episode, he also opens up about his wellness routine and the habits that help him stay grounded. Tune in for a conversation on industry innovation, plus get an inside look at the wellness practices Shaun swears by—showing just how essential holistic health is for both personal and professional success.
 
Quotes
“Our customers are very much big on creating something brand new from scratch that’s never been seen before in the market. And I think that’s what drives their success and what motivates myself to also infuse some of the creativity into the products that we make.” (01:50 | Shaun Ahuja) 
“We can create peppermint oil beadlets, which are great for digestion. And that protects the actives and it protects you. And it’s also a more optimal method or mechanism to deliver it for the purpose it’s meant to.” (04:50 | Shaun Ahuja)
“Yoga, I found, is probably the greatest agent for de-aging or longevity. Yoga might be the number one natural remedy.” (07:03 | Shaun Ahuja)
“The supply chain, you know, you think of it as a chain, but it’s actually more like a circle. We’re all in this together. I know it sounds kind of ‘kumbaya,’ but it’s funny because you never know when your vendor or your client might reverse roles. Your client could become your supplier, or vice versa. That’s actually true for us—we even have some of our competitors who are our customers. It’s unusual how business works or goes through cycles. So, the moral of the story for me is: work with people you get along with, respect everyone, and give back and forth.” (10:48 | Shaun Ahuja)
“I think there will be an ever-growing interest in wellness, but also in how supplements will propel us forward into the next decade, century, and beyond.” (24:53 | Shaun Ahuja)
 
Links
Connect with Shaun Ahuja:
https://nutracode.life/
Mail: info@nutracode.life
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Leading For Wellness - Trailer

Welcome to Leading For Wellness, the podcast where we explore the intersection of business success and holistic health. Join Liesl Bernard, the CEO of Kalon Executive Search, as she talks with visionary entrepreneurs and executives who are transforming the wellness industry. Subscribe to Leading For Wellness and join our community of wellness leaders today.