What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2020 to turning it into a season of health, family growth, and professional alignment, Jason shares the lessons that reshaped his life. They dig into why feedback is a superpower, how family core values can anchor decision-making, and why you should always “turn it around” to check your ingredients. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone hungry for better living, this conversation will fuel your next move.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – A Big Hello + Matt’s Book Drops with a Surprise Offer
• 00:00:45 – Step Into the Eternal Optimist Vibe
• 00:01:42 – Meet Jason Bronstad: CEO, Dad, Game-Changer
• 00:02:17 – From 315 Pounds to Purpose: Jason’s Radical Reset
• 00:05:18 – Tooth Fairy Tales, Peso Jackpots, and Parenting Wins
• 00:07:03 – When Unemployment Opens the Door to a New Mission
• 00:09:58 – Ego on the Mat: Lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• 00:13:47 – Why Feedback Might Be Your Greatest Superpower
• 00:24:47 – Counseling, Connection, and a Marriage Reinvented
• 00:25:06 – How Match.com (and a Mother-in-Law!) Made the Match
• 00:26:02 – Hard Truths, Tough Lessons, and Turning Points
• 00:28:12 – Breaking Old Patterns and Sharing the Load at Home
• 00:30:22 – Sponsor Spotlight: Take a Breath & Be Cool, Baby
• 00:31:35 – From Food & Bev to Finding Passion in Pure Quality
• 00:33:23 – Saying “Yes” to MALK Organics and Its Clean-Label Cause
• 00:40:03 – What Your Gut Really Wants: The Case for Natural Ingredients
• 00:41:57 – Building a Family “BRO Code” to Live By
• 00:45:52 – How to Discover the Values That Drive Your Life
• 00:46:51 – Final Nuggets + Where to Find Jason Online
• 00:47:43 – Tournament Glory: Jiu-Jitsu, Grit, and Kids in Your Corner
• 00:49:31 – Wrapping It Up with Gratitude and Optimism

Links And Resources:

• Connect on Linkedin
• Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement
• Front Row Dads
• Malk Organics
• Malk Organics Instagram 
• Malk Organics Facebook

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!