July 24, 2025

Sharone Hakman on Food as Medicine, Authentic Entrepreneurship & Mindful Cooking

35 minutes

In this episode of The Experts Podcast, Dr. Jenelle Kim sits down with Sharone Hakman, a celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, who may be recognized from MasterChef, Food Network, or National Geographic. Sharone is the founder of the popular food brand Chef Hak’s and co-founder of the wellness line Sunny Within.

This is more than a food story. Sharone opens up about growing up in LA, navigating a tough childhood, leaving corporate finance behind, and finding purpose through cooking. He shares why food is about connection, how becoming a parent shifted his priorities, and why authenticity matters more than anything when building a business or a life you love.

What you’ll take away:

Why cooking can be meditative and healing

How to embrace discomfort and uncertainty on the path to growth

The power of eating intentionally, locally, and seasonally

Behind-the-scenes of launching Chef Hak’s and Sunny Within

Lessons in resilience, purpose, and living authentically

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Sharone Hakman: From MasterChef to mindful entrepreneurship

03:30 – Leaving finance behind: Finding purpose through food

07:45 – Growing up in LA: Resilience, family, and love

13:10 – Parenthood as a turning point

17:50 – Embracing discomfort to grow

22:20 – Food as medicine: Intentional and seasonal eating

30:40 – Building Chef Hak’s: Flavor meets purpose

34:00 – Launching Sunny Within: Holistic wellness made simple

Links & Resources:

🌿 JBK Wellness Labs

🍽️ Chef Hak’s Products

☀️ Sunny Within Supplements

🎓 Dr. Kim’s Living Meditation Course

Connect with Dr. Jenelle Kim:

Instagram / TikTok / LinkedIn / Facebook → @drjenellemkim

Connect with Sharone Hakman:

Instagram → @sharonehakman | chefhaks.com | sunnywithin.com

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