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.

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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

Lisa Odenweller is a pioneering wellness entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Kroma Wellness, a modern functional nutrition brand dedicated to simplifying healthy living for busy, high-performing lifestyles. With over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, Lisa has committed her career to making premium, science-backed nutrition accessible, delicious, and effortless.

Before launching Kroma, Lisa founded Beaming, one of Southern California’s most influential wellness café brands, renowned for its clean nutrition and culinary creativity. After successfully scaling Beaming into a multi-location business and exiting in 2018, she turned her focus to addressing a deeper problem: the overwhelming, flavorless, and unsustainable nature of many wellness routines. With Kroma, she introduced a first-of-its-kind 5-Day Whole Body Reset and a range of instant, shelf-stable, adaptogen-rich products that enable people to nourish themselves with joy, ease, and purpose—anytime, anywhere. Lisa’s ability to merge functional nutrition with indulgent flavor and modern lifestyle design has established her as a category innovator and a leading voice in the next era of wellness.

Beyond Kroma, Lisa is a mom of 3 grown kids, a passionate mentor to female founders, a frequent speaker on health and entrepreneurship, and a tireless advocate for making wellness more intuitive, empowering, and enjoyable

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In this episode of the Leading for Wellness podcast, Liesl Bernard interviews Lisa Odenweller, founder of Kroma Wellness and Beaming, discussing her journey in the wellness industry, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned from adversity. Lisa shares insights on self-worth, the importance of energy in business, and her innovative approach to nutrition with Kroma. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, personal growth, and the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in fundraising. Lisa also highlights her daily rituals for maintaining positivity and energy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellness and Entrepreneurship

03:06 The Journey of Beaming: A Superfood Cafe

05:56 Lessons from Adversity: Overcoming Challenges

08:51 Self-Reflection and Healing: The Path to Growth

11:51 Building Self-Worth and Confidence

14:54 The Importance of Energy in Business

17:38 Fundraising Insights for Female Entrepreneurs

20:54 Creating a Nutrition System: The Chroma Brand

23:30 Daily Rituals for Energy and Positivity

26:34 The Power of Community and Support

29:22 Innovations and Future Vision for Chroma

32:36 Conclusion and Special Offers

Contact Lisa Odenweller:

https://kromawellness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kromawellness/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com

Ari Raz is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive in the natural foods industry, renowned for his leadership and innovative contributions.

Before joining The Coconut Cult in August 2021, Ari co-founded Once Upon a Farm, a company specializing in cold-pressed baby food, where he held the positions of CEO and later President from 2015 to 2021. Once Upon a Farm is currently on a $250M revenue run rate and valued at over $1B.

His tenure was marked by significant growth and the establishment of the brand as a trusted name in children's nutrition.

Under Ari's leadership, The Coconut Cult has grown from a $2.7M annual revenue business to a $36M revenue run rate actual and $57M revenue run rate if capacity existed to fill all orders.

His strategic vision continues to propel The Coconut Cult toward new heights in the plant-based yogurt market.

He is also the President of Naturally San Diego, a nonprofit organization and business network that fosters sustainability and responsible business practices, stimulates conscious growth, supports entrepreneurship, and develops leadership in the San Diego natural products community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ari Raz and His Journey

01:01 Inspiration from Family and Early Experiences

05:45 The Birth of Once Upon a Farm

10:51 Branding and Marketing in the Food Industry

15:09 The Role of Jennifer Garner in Once Upon a Farm

24:12 Commitment to Growth

26:00 Navigating Leadership Transitions

28:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business

30:51 Manifestation and Intuition in Entrepreneurship

33:54 Building Naturally San Diego

40:22 Personal Biohacks for Entrepreneurs

48:05 Mindfulness and Global Awareness

Contact Ari Raz:

president@naturallysandiego.org

https://naturallysandiego.org/

https://thecoconutcult.com/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@kalonstaffing.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this inspiring episode, Liesl Bernard interviews Susan Buckwalter Hartman, co-founder of Recoup Beverage, discussing her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, the unique aspects of Recoup's products, and the personal stories that inspired their creation.

They explore the challenges of building a brand in a competitive beverage market, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and the future plans for Recoup, including their recognition in the industry and commitment to regenerative organic practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recoup Drinks and Susan's Background

02:12 The Leap to Entrepreneurship

04:07 What Sets Recoup Apart

09:10 The Unique Ingredients of Recoup

12:42 Challenges in Building a Brand

15:48 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life

18:46 Future Plans for Recoup

22:37 Recognition and Industry Impact

Contact Susan Buckwalter Hartman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-buckwalter-hartman-704a19a/

https://www.instagram.com/recoupwellness/

https://www.recoupwellness.com/

Connect with Liesl Bernard:

liesl@kalonstaffing.com

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

www.leadingforwellness.com

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

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