On this episode I sat down with Lee Theisen, the Chocolate Guru (@chocolate_guru). Lee teaches the history, science and art of chocolate at UCLA, is an author, chocolate festival judge, avid world traveler and art scholar.

Now why an episode on chocolate? After all this show is about connection and leveling up our world, so where does the food fit into this?

Well I love to break it to you, there is more to chocolate than meets the eye. For thousands of years it has been produced and consumed as a means of connection. First by the ancient Olmec’s and Aztecs to reach the gods then by the Europeans as a social lubricant in the chocolate houses, and as we all know has become synonymous with love, romance and seduction in the modern world. It’s now a hot item in the superfoods isle because for its proven benefits on the mind and body.

But why is this? We dive into the history of cacao and it’s mythological symbolism, it’s effects on the mental and emotional chemistry of human beings, as well as it’s nutritional and medicinal properties. Lee also shares thoughts on the state of the craft Chocolate industry, where its evolving in the near future, and how to know if you’re getting quality chocolate or the toxic candy stuff.

All this said, it was a blast chatting with the Guru and if you have the slightest interest in chocolate and all it’s magic, I think you will enjoy this show and maybe even love chocolate even more after listening.

And if you’re really into it, the guru is working on a book on the comprehensive history of chocolate, and organizing a chocolate festival in the coming year, so you can give him a follow on Instagram @chocolate_guru to follow along his journey.

Website: http://www.chocolate-guru.com/