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In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra interviews Celebrity Chef Jesús “Yisus” Díaz—two-time Emmy Award winner, the star of  Despierta América star, champion of Mira Quien Baila, and author of Delicious Cooking with Chef Jesús.

🌿 Beyond his celebrated career, Chef Jesús is leading a movement to inspire healthier eating and purposeful living. In this insightful conversation, he shares:

• His culinary journey from Venezuela to becoming a household name.
• The mission behind promoting healthy eating and how it transforms lives.
• The five key lessons he wishes he knew earlier, valuable for both chefs and entrepreneurs.
• Insights on leadership, resilience, and creativity in building a mission-driven career.
• Actions society, communities, and policymakers can take to support healthier lifestyles.

✨ This episode is part of a collaboration with Authority Magazine and Crunchy Mama Box, and the full interview can also be read on both platforms.

👉 Connect with Chef Jesús:
Website: chefjesusdiaz.com
Instagram: @chefjesus
TikTok: @chefjesusdiaz

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

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Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

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What happens when a layoff pushes you to step into your true calling?

In this episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Hady Méndez, founder of Boldly Speaking and author of Calladita no More, to share how being laid off in 2023 became the catalyst for launching a business rooted in self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, and authentic entrepreneurship.

With over 25 years of experience in DEI and leadership, Hady opens up about:

• Transforming a setback into a thriving purpose-driven company
• The courage it takes to speak boldly and build an authentic brand
• Serving both organizations and underestimated leaders through Boldly Speaking
• Writing her book “Calladita No More” in response to challenges in the DEI space
• Overcoming financial uncertainty without sacrificing values
• Why boundaries, community, and imperfection are key to entrepreneurial success

This conversation is packed with insights for founders, changemakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that matter.

📌 Learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and create a company that reflects your mission and values.

 📖 Get your copy of the Calladita no More Book
🌐 Visit Hady's Website Boldly Speaking
🔗 Follow Hady Mendez on LinkedIn
📸 Instagram: @calladitanomorebook

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

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iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

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Domestic violence is not always visible—it can be physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial.

In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra speaks with Catherine Jones, former Victim Advocacy Program Coordinator at the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, about recognizing the signs, offering support, and connecting survivors with life-changing resources.

In this episode, you'll learn:
✔️ How to recognize the many forms of domestic violence
✔️ Practical ways to help someone who may be experiencing abuse
✔️ The vital role organizations like the YWCA play in empowering women and rebuilding lives
✔️ Why community involvement is key to lasting change

Since 1899, the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley has been serving women and families—providing safe housing, advocacy, job training, and essential support. Every day, they help survivors leave with renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.

Although Catherine is now on a different career path, her mission to do good in the world remains strong. We are deeply grateful for the insight she shared on such an important topic—it is mission-driven people like her who continue to make a difference and inspire change.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this episode will inspire you to take action.

💜 Support their mission: YWCAKNOX.COM

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

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iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

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In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with yoga teacher, author, and wellness advocate Sarah Ezrin—a purpose-driven entrepreneur whose work uplifts her community through mindfulness, vulnerability, and healing movement.

From her early experiences with body image and self-worth to becoming a published author and respected voice in the yoga and wellness space, Sarah shares how her personal journey shaped the mission behind her business.

In this episode, you'll learn:
✔️ How Sarah built a wellness business rooted in authenticity and community care
✔️ The moment in a yoga class that transformed how she teaches and connects
✔️ Why vulnerability is a powerful leadership tool
✔️ Practical daily rituals for balance as a mother entrepreneur
✔️ Her vision for creating emotional support spaces for caregivers

Whether you're a mom looking to turn your passion into purpose, or simply seeking guidance on building a meaningful business—Sarah’s story offers heart, wisdom, and actionable inspiration.

🙏 Deep gratitude to Sarah Ezrin for sharing her truth, tools, and mission with us.

📖 Order Sarah's book The Yoga of Parenting

Support Sarah:

🌐 Visit Website
📸 Follow on Instagram
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us a text

What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business that changes lives?

In this inspiring episode, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Marta Han and Zsofia Jamieson, founders of The Fertility Class, to explore how they built a mission-driven company focused on natural fertility and hormone health.

🌿 Learn how they combined their expertise in movement, nutrition, and mindfulness to create a program that helps women reconnect with their bodies, balance hormones, and embrace wellness—whether trying to conceive or seeking vibrant health at any stage of life.

💡 Gain valuable insights into:
 ✔️ Identifying a gap in the wellness market
 ✔️ Turning personal passion into a scalable business model
 ✔️ Building a brand that empowers and educates

This episode isn’t just for those curious about fertility—it’s for anyone dreaming of starting a business that makes a real difference.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to launch your own mission-driven venture.

Explore and Support  The Fertility Class:

🌐 Visit Website
📸 Follow on Instagram
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

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How do you turn a personal health crisis into a mission-driven business that educates, empowers, and connects an entire community?

Nicole Fey did just that. As the founder of the East Tennessee Wellness Directory, she’s built a platform that bridges holistic health practitioners and wellness seekers—while integrating sustainability and education at its core.

In this episode, Nicole shares her journey from battling chronic fatigue to creating a business model that supports both practitioners and underserved communities. She and Wanda Malhotra dive deep into:

 ✅ Building and monetizing a wellness directory
 ✅ Diversifying outreach beyond social media
 ✅ Educating consumers on holistic health modalities
 ✅ Sustainability as a business and lifestyle strategy
 ✅ Challenges of scaling impact in the holistic wellness space

Whether you’re a founder, wellness entrepreneur, or simply passionate about sustainable health solutions, Nicole’s story will inspire you to align your business with purpose and impact.

Explore and Support Nicole's Work:

🌐 Visit Her Website ETwellnessdirectory.com
📸 Follow on Instagram
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empower

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the no

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us a text

What does it take to turn your passion for music into a mission-driven entrepreneurial journey?

In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Mat Charley of Raynes—a British-American band blending uplifting music with a powerful sense of purpose.

Mat shares how Raynes came together, their journey from songwriting sessions to international tours, and how they overcame challenges like navigating the pandemic and balancing creativity with the business side of music.

You’ll hear how the band partnered with Pollinator Partnership to support environmental causes, why staying authentic is key to their success, and how their music has become a source of healing and connection for fans around the world.

🎧 Whether you’re an aspiring musician, music student, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to keep going, build a thriving business, and use your art to make a difference.

✨ Support and Follow Raynes:
🎵 Instagram: @raynesmusic
📺 YouTube:  @Raynesmusic
🎟️ Upcoming Shows
🐝 Support the Pollinator Partnership

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us a text

What if a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for not only your greatest healing—but also your life’s mission?

In this transformative episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Emily Kicklighter, founder of The Whole Elephant Coaching. After a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, Emily radically reimagined her health, her purpose, and how she could empower others to heal—through holistic practices, regenerative farming, retreats, and food literacy.

Emily’s journey is both personal and profoundly entrepreneurial. Together, Wanda and Emily explore big, soul-level questions:

✨ How does healing begin when medicine reaches its limits?
 🌱 Why is soil health inseparable from human health?
 🦋 What happens when we trust the body’s wisdom—and use it to guide others?

This conversation is a powerful invitation for anyone navigating illness, burnout, or life transitions—and for visionaries ready to transform their own experiences into a business or mission that helps others heal. Emily’s story reminds us that healing isn’t just a journey—it can become your life’s work.

🎧 Perfect for: seekers, healers, cancer thrivers, coaches, and anyone ready to reclaim their wellness and inspire transformation in others.

🔗 Click here to read about Emily’s Radical Remission Retreat at the magical Valaterra.  

Explore and Support Emily's Work:

🌐 Visit Her Website
📸 Follow on Instagram
▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamabox

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empow

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

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Dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Leslie Dobson, clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and advocate for personal growth.

From walking the halls with psychopaths to thriving as a professional, wife, and mom, Dr. Dobson shares her wisdom on overcoming imposter syndrome and setting boundaries that protect your energy.

Discover the power of collaboration among women, the art of balancing truth-seeking with emotional support, and practical tips for recognizing red flags in relationships.

Gain exclusive insights into her book, The Friend Cleanse, and learn how to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling friendships.

Dr. Dobson is also featured in Women in Wellness, sharing her empowering journey as one of 35 inspiring women.

This episode is a masterclass in building confidence and navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. 🌟

Explore and Support Dr. Leslie Dobson’s Work:

🌐 Visit Her Website
📸 Follow on Instagram
📖 Buy The Friend Cleanse
🎬 Find Her on TikTok
▶️ Watch Her Podcast on YouTube

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness on Amazon or on our website: 

 🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box and discover certified wellness products: 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

iheart

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @crunchymamab

Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of the Mission-Driven Founders podcast, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Sondra Kellog of the Empowered Soul Network to explore how purpose and community shaped her entrepreneurial journey.

Through the heartfelt story of Crunchy Mama Box, Wanda shares her take on building a business rooted in love, motivation, and a mission to empower others.

Her reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and purposeful living could be the inspiration you need—whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a dedicated parent, or someone seeking deeper meaning in life.

Tune in to uncover actionable insights, reignite your passion, and take the next bold step toward a life of intention and impact.

Watch the video interview, where Wanda shares her journey and insights—on YouTube.

🎥 Follow Sondra on Youtube

🌐 Follow Sondra on Facebook 

🌿 Join us as we celebrate innovation, empowerment, and the movement toward a more mindful, compassionate future. Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders on your favorite platform and never miss a story that inspires change!

📖 Get your copy of Women in Wellness 

🌍 Explore Crunchy Mama Box 

✨ Learn more about the CMB Certification Program

🎧 Subscribe to Mission-Driven Founders

Spotify

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iheart

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Discover how the CMB Certification Program empowers brands, giving them the recognition they deserve for creating clean, eco-friendly, and socially responsible products. The certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about their health by guiding them toward truly green products.

Join us as we elevate wellness and sustainability into a global movement—because together, we can make ethical living the norm, not the exception.

Support the show