Dr. Sandra Carter, M.A., MPH, Ph.D. is a pioneer in preventative medicine, sports performance, and integrative health — and a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the functional mushroom industry. After decades in public health and disease prevention, Dr. Carter founded M2 Ingredients at the age of 55, bringing scientific rigor and mission-driven innovation to a field on the cusp of mainstream awareness.

As Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the largest functional mushroom supplier in the Western Hemisphere, Dr. Carter built M2 Ingredients with a clear conviction: while others in the industry debated marketing semantics, she focused firmly on science, research, and measurable impact. She anticipated the noise that would inevitably follow the mushroom boom — and knew that real data and clinical research would be the most powerful differentiator.

Under her leadership, M2 has invested heavily in scientific validation, assembling the largest team of scientists in the industry and leading research on mushroom-derived compounds, gut health, immune support, and cognitive function. This unwavering commitment to science has positioned M2 as the go-to partner for brands seeking integrity, innovation, and efficacy.

In parallel, Dr. Carter also built a national consumer brand — now sold in Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Target — helping bring the benefits of functional mushrooms to millions. Widely recognized as a category architect, she continues to lead with clarity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of fungi, food, and evidence-based wellness.

-------

In this conversation, Liesl Bernard interviews Sandra Carter, founder of Om Superfoods and M2 Ingredients, discussing her journey from a successful career in preventive medicine to becoming an entrepreneur in the functional mushroom industry. Sandra shares key milestones in her business, the importance of focus and discipline, and the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the significance of mentorship, community, and data-driven research in building a successful brand. The discussion also covers the health benefits of mushrooms, the future of the industry, and Sandra's personal practices for maintaining balance and intuition.

Chapters

00:00 Founding Success: Milestones in Entrepreneurship

02:52 Transitioning Careers: From Medicine to Entrepreneurship

05:54 Navigating Challenges: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

08:49 Vision and Discipline: Keys to Business Success

11:48 Building a Brand: The Journey of Om Superfoods

14:50 Sales Strategy: The Hands-On Approach

17:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Gaining Confidence

20:50 Mentorship and Community: Learning from Others

23:36 Data vs. Vision: Balancing Insights for Future Growth

25:24 Articulating Confidence in Ideas

26:25 The Impressive Mushroom Facility

29:55 Health Benefits of Mushrooms

34:12 The Future of Mushroom Products

38:44 Cultivating Intuition and Connection

43:20 Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning

45:28 Finding Purpose in Life

Contact Sandra Carter:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-carter-3b6b3241/

https://ommushrooms.com/

https://m2ingredients.com/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this episode, Liesl Bernard interviews Rafea Naffa, PhD bioanalytical chemist, Scientific Advisor for AIDP, about the critical role of magnesium in human health.

They discuss the importance of magnesium for various bodily functions, its bioavailability, and the different forms of magnesium supplements available. Rafea emphasizes the need for daily magnesium intake, the symptoms of deficiency, and the impact of magnesium on brain health and hormonal balance.

The conversation also touches on recent research and clinical studies that highlight the benefits of magnesium supplementation, particularly in improving cognitive performance and sleep quality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Magnesium and Its Importance

02:00 The Role of Magnesium in the Body

05:58 Bioavailability and Sources of Magnesium

10:47 Understanding Magnesium Forms and Their Functions

13:01 Magnesium's Impact on Brain Health

16:00 Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

21:41 Magnesium and Hormonal Balance

25:40 Research and Clinical Studies on Magnesium

29:40 Daily Magnesium Intake and Recommendations

38:26 Personal Insights and Recommendations on Magnesium

Contact Rafea Naffa:

https://aidp.com/

rafea@aidp.com

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this conversation, Liesl Bernard interviews Tom Aarts, a leading authority in the global wellness industry. Tom shares his journey in the nutrition sector, his passion for mental health, and his proud accomplishments, including the founding of the Nutrition Business Journal and the NBJ Summit. He discusses the importance of personalized nutrition, the impact of AI, and the growing trend of biohacking. Tom also reflects on the political landscape's influence on the wellness industry and shares insights on successful strategies for companies. He emphasizes the significance of mindset and spirituality in health and concludes with his aspirations for a legacy that contributes to solving major health issues like Alzheimer's.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Aarts and His Journey

02:59 The Importance of Nutrition and Mental Health

06:05 Proud Accomplishments in the Wellness Industry

08:48 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions in Wellness

12:09 The Future of Personalized Nutrition and AI

14:59 Biohacking and Wellness Trends

17:53 Political Landscape and Its Impact on Wellness

20:40 Keys to Success in the Wellness Industry

23:49 Personal Health Journey and Longevity Practices

27:03 Mindset, Meditation, and Mental Health

29:52 Legacy and Future Aspirations

Contact Tom Aarts:

https://www.nbjsummit.com/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com