The Business of Wellness

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness Podcast with host, Jaclyn London, RD! Today, Jaclyn sits down with Katia Pryce the CEO and founder of DanceBody. Katia shares her journey of starting and growing her dance fitness business, starting as a performer and realizing that people would pay her to work out with them, leading her to start Dance Body in 2013. She initially rented studio space and focused on building a community of dancers and fitness enthusiasts. As the business grew, she developed a structured formula for the classes optimized for scale, and hired performers who understood the dedication and commitment required. The business evolved before the pandemic, with a shift to digital streaming and a focus on building a hybrid model of in-person and online classes. Katia emphasizes the importance of community and creating a unique brand identity; the importance of being intentionality in business, and the struggle of saying no to specific opportunities so that you can focus on what matters. She shares her decision to focus on digital expansion rather than opening a new brick-and-mortar studio and emphasizes the value of organic brand awareness. Katia also highlights the need for a balanced approach to fitness, debunking the myth of low-impact workouts and emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular training and strength-building as we age. 

Listen to this episode if you’re interested in:

• Starting a business based a creative passion.
• Learning how to build a strong community as the secret ingredient for the growth and sustainability of a business.
• Adapting to changing customer behaviors and preferences is essential for business evolution.
• How focusing on a specific niche and delivering exceptional value in that area can differentiate a brand.
• Why being intentional in business and saying no to tempting opportunities is crucial for success.
• Driving organic brand awareness through Instagram & YouTube
• Why a hybrid approach to a fitness business model is important, and the types of training that are most effective for long-term health & longevity— including cardiovascular fitness & stregnth-training— as we age. 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and personal journey 

05:05 - Developing a product, scaling a business, and building brandy equity & loyalty in the fitness space

08:16 - The rise of boutique fitness and the value of community 

13:57 - Shifts in the wellness industry over the past decade

20:07 - Boutique fitness trends over the last decade & what's new & next for brands

30:01- The power of saying “no”

34:22 - Organic brand awareness

45:12 - Establishing a strong omnichannel business model in fitness

52:16 - Digital expansion & the future of fitness 

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.

🎙️Subscribe to The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product

🎙️Follow me on Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advivce provided by your physician.

Key words: dance fitness, entrepreneurship, community, hybrid model, digital streaming, brand identity, intentionality, saying no, digital expansion, organic brand awareness, balanced fitness, cardiovascular training, strength-building

In this episode of The Business of Wellness Podcast, host Jaclyn London, MS, RD, takes a deep dive into the world of Gen Z, exploring how nutrition myths in media and marketing uniquely affect this dynamic consumer demographic. Join Jaclyn as she uncovers the truths about Gen Z’s approach to food, health, and wellness, and provides actionable strategies for dietitians and health professionals to better connect with and support this generation.

Discover why Gen Z is the most informed generation yet, and how their digital-native status influences their food and health decisions. Learn about the common misconceptions surrounding their concerns for sustainability, diet culture, and reliance on influencers. Jaclyn shares key insights on the importance of clinical effectiveness, the role of healthcare provider recommendations, and the renewed interest in offline connections for optimizing mental health.

This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to understand and engage with Gen Z consumers, from dietitians and wellness enthusiasts to industry insiders. Tune in to learn how you can leverage these insights to make a meaningful impact on Gen Z’s health and well-being.

Key Topics:

• Understanding Gen Z’s demographics and characteristics

• The impact of digital-native status on food and health decisions

• Debunking myths about Gen Z’s nutrition and health behaviors

• Strategies for dietitians to connect with Gen Z

• The importance of offline connections and mental health optimization

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD. 

Follow Us:

• 🎙️Subscribe to The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

• 🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

• 🎙️Follow me on Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd

Additional resources:

• Ketchum PR Gen Z Food Report

• McKinsey’s Future of Wellness 

• MyFitnessPal: 2% of Nutrition Information on TikTok is Accurate

• McKinsey’s What’s New in Consumer Wellness

• Ketchum PR Gen Z RD Report 

Optimize your understanding of Gen Z’s unique food and health behaviors with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, on The Business of Wellness Podcast & share your feedback on the episode by following the show & leaving a review. 

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! This week, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with renowned New York City-based cardiologist, internal medicine and concierge medicine physician,  Dr. Erica Jones, MD, for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes, honest conversation about obesity medications and the alarming rise in the rate of cancer diagnoses among young adults.

Why GLP-1’s, why now? Dr. Jones explains the cardiovascular benefits that make GLP-1 medications a desirable tool in modern medical practic; the benefits vs. risks of taking these medications for weight-loss and management; the ideal population who will benefit from taking GLP-1’s; how these medications are altering patients' food tastes and eating patterns, and how permanent they are; the most common (and uncommon) side effects of GLP-1 medications, their severity, and Dr. Jones’ tips for predicting & understanding patient tolerance. Then, we get into the long-term considerations for use of GLP-1’s, including a critical discussion on the rapid & widespread adoption of GLP-1’s, long-term risks of using these medications (what we know and what we don’t know yet…), and the need for comprehensive evaluation and medical nutrition therapy. We also dive into the media coverage about obesity medications: How is the celebrity endorsement of GLP-1’s impacting everyday patients? Dr. Jones shares her perspective on that, and in what ways the media portrayal of GLP-1’s has influenced interest and/or the cultural discourse about weight-loss. Jaclyn shares her perspective on the efficacy of Medical Nutrition therapy as a part of the clinical picture for patients adopting GLP-1’s as an intervention for obesity, and they conclude on this topic by sharing considerations for long-term use– including what the packaging insert says vs. what’s happening in real life physicians’ offices. Next, Jaclyn & Dr. Jones dive into the concerning data from the American Cancer Society about the rising rates of cancer diagnosis in young people; Princess Catherine of Wales’ cancer diagnosis at the age of 42; the contributing factors that may be playing a role in this concerning statistic; new modalities for screening; lifestyle related risk factors for specific types of cancers; new & emerging technologies for cancer treatment; balancing what’s new and available to us as screening tools with creating & cultivating feelings overwhelm, anxiety & fear; the pros and cons of full-body MRI screenings, and Dr. Jones’ most effective strategies for determining what interventions are right for most.

Tune in for a comprehensive and enlightening episode that discusses a medical practitioner’s real-life experience with prescribing GLP-1 medications and all of the myriad complexities & questions that accompany this treatment modality, plus a thoughtful discussion on the emerging cancer trends affecting younger adults today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD. 

Follow Us:

• 🎙️Subscribe to The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

• 🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

• 🎙️Follow me on Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd  

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

On today's episode of The Business of Wellness, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with fertility nutrition expert Rachelle Mallik, MA, RD, to unpack the complex world of reproductive care and nutrition therapy. Rachelle shares her journey into the nutrition and fertility space, highlighting her experiences and observations from her time at Weill Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine and in practice today as a nutrition expert and practitioner in the fertility space. Then, they discuss common misconceptions about nutrition and fertility and discuss what the latest research says about the relationship between fertility, weight, and overall health. Rachelle dives deep into how factors like PCOS can impact nutrition status and offers practical advice for women navigating nuanced nutrition-related questions and concerns with their medical teams. They also tackle the challenges of navigating the healthcare system in 2024 as it pertains to reproductive care. Rachelle discusses the frequent issues her patients face and provides insights on distinguishing between legitimate resources and scams in the nutrition and fertility landscape. Jaclyn and Rachelle end by debunking the biggest myths and areas of confusion in fertility nutrition, the trends Rachelle hopes will continue, and those she wishes would disappear. Plus, hear about the most frustrating trends she's encountered in the wellness space to date. Don’t miss this episode packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice for anyone interested in fertility and nutrition. 

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD. 

For more:

• 🎙️Subscribe to The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

• 🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

• 🎙️Follow me on Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd  

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! Today, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with Melissa Bentivoglio, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Frame. Frame is the first at-home, digitally-connected Pilates reformer and fitness device, changing the landscape of at-home fitness. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from ballet to entrepreneurship, offering insights into her innovative approach to fitness, the challenges of navigating the industry, raising capital, being a mom of three, and her vision for the future of at-home wellness technology. 

On this episode of The Business of Wellness Podcast:

Melissa's Ballet Background and Career Trajectory: Discover how Melissa’s background in ballet influenced her career and led to the creation of Frame.

Launching Frame: Learn about the inspiration behind Frame and how Melissa developed an at-home Pilates solution for all fitness levels.

Navigating the Fitness Industry: Explore why Melissa chose Pilates, her insights into the current fitness market, and how she identified Frame’s unique value proposition.

Creative Process & Raising Capital: Melissa discusses her creative process, the journey of securing funding, and the challenges she faced as a female CEO.

Balancing Family and Business: Get a glimpse into Melissa’s life at home and how she balances being a wife, mother of three, and business leader.

Future Goals for Frame: Hear about Melissa’s goals for Frame, including her vision for the company over the next decade and the potential for at-home fitness technology to disrupt the market.

Top Trends in Tech and Wellness: Melissa shares the latest trends in the tech-meets-wellness space and how Frame is challenging industry norms, plus: Find out what Melissa considers the most annoying trend in the wellness industry since starting Frame.

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD. 

Follow Us:

• 🎙️Subscribe to The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

• 🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

• 🎙️Follow on Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd 

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

Hank Cardello is a former food industry executive with Coca-Cola, General Mills and Cadbury-Schweppes turned renowned author, speaker and public health champion. He currently serves as Senior Director of  Leadership Solutions Program for Health + Prosperity, an initiative of Business for Impact at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, and is the author of the book Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat and the landmark report "Better-for-you Foods: It’s Just Good Business." 

We tackle some of the biggest questions, topics and myths affecting the food industry today, including:

• Key learnings from research & experience in the consumer packaged food industry from an industry insider-turned-public health advocate 

• What’s really behind America’s obesity epidemic? Are processed foods really optimized for “addiction?” 

• The main objectives of Big Food companies: Why their objectives are often misaligned with media & marketing perception

• The unique roles of marketing vs. science and regulatory affairs divisions within food companies

• The role of government in Big Food, plus what it’s like to working with the FDA on behalf of a food company

• The rise of ultra-processed foods: Are they uniquely to blame for chronic disease incidence & risk?

• Better-for-you foods: Why this category presents a unique opportunity for the food industry to adapt without sacrificing profitability

• Social media’s role in shifting public opinion and what this means for food companies in 2024+

• Highlights from Hank’s experience inside the industry, including his role in developing the original go-to-market strategy for Diet Coke and how he got his start recipe-testing for Betty Crocker 

Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

🎙️Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

🎙️Follow me @jaclynlondonrd  

*Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

Stephanie Middleberg is an NYC-based Registered Dietitian, author, & founder of Middleberg Nutrition based in New York City. She joins me today to discuss her new book out this week, The Big Book of Pregnancy Nutrition: Everything Expectant Moms Need to Know for a Happy, Healthy Nine Months and Beyond. 

We discuss:

• The link between birth control and nutrient deficiency: What to know before you start trying to conceive 

• Weight changes during what to expect & how to handle changing weight (or not!) during first trimester

• Macronutrient & hydration basics: What to know about carbs, protein, fat and electrolytes during each trimester

• Key lab results: What health practitioners should keep an eye on when working with patients who are trying to conceive and in their first trimester

• Guidance for buying prenatals: What to buy, what to avoid, and what your OBGYN won’t tell you

• Debunking the biggest pregnancy nutrition myths: Cheese, alcohol, caffeine, weight gain, and more.

• Environmental toxins and pregnancy: What we should know vs. what we don't know yet, and how NOT to get swept up in the wellness economy 

• Managing diet-related conditions during pregnancy: Managing Gestational Diabetes & hypertension

• Foods that actually induce labor: Which ones are evidence-based to induce labor in the last few weeks of pregnancy

• The fourth trimester: How to fuel and prepare once the baby arrives 

Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

🎙️Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

🎙️Follow me @jaclynlondonrd  

**Advice on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

My guest today is Susie Hewson, Founder and CEO of Natracare, the world’s first brand of organic and natural period products founded in 1989. Susie disrupted a billion-dollar industry by bringing her first product to market. Now in her 70’s, Susie continues to steer the ship of her 30 year old global brand, advocate for best manufacturing practices in personal care products, and champion science-based strategies for creating efficacious and sustainable solutions for today’s consumer. 

We discuss: 

• What you need to know about plastics in personal care products: Why Susie’s dedicated her professional life to creating products she can stand behind from a personal health & sustainability standpoint 

• What it means to be a mission-based company in 2024: Why purpose is integral to brand identity in consumer products

• Starting out as a female founder in the 1980’s & ‘90’s: What motivated Susie to continue pursuing her mission of changing product development for period products, and her experience securing funding, expanding the company, and expediting business growth 

• Marketing and distribution before social media: How Susie raised awareness & gained visibility for her products before content marketing existed

• Trends in the sustainability space: The difference between a flash-in-the-pan marketing trend vs. a category disruption

•  Why age can be an asset as a business leader 

Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

🎙️Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

🎙️Follow me @jaclynlondonrd  

**Advice on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician.

My guest today is Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, award-winning author of, Read It Before You Eat It – Taking You from Label to Table, and creator of the website and blog called, BetterThanDieting.com.  Bonnie is a media personality, spokesperson, motivational speaker, journalist, and corporate and brand consultant whose messages are laced with her culinary passion as a foodie, her credible guidance as an advisor and her wit and wisdom as a mom. Bonnie brings 30+ years of industry experience to this conversation, along with her vast knowledge of the dietetics profession and media. 

We discuss: 

• The biased premise of the latest dietitian hit piece in The Washington Post,  which is propagates the myth that dietitians and Big Food are colluding to keep Americans obese and sick
• What is “Big Food:” Why ignoring its impact on the American and global  food system is ignorant and misguided
• The anti-diet movement: What’s intended by practitioners who identify as “anti-diet,” and the perception vs. reality of this term on social media
• Social media vs. real life practice: Given that Gen Z uses social media search engines as their primary method of seeking information, do practitioners have even greater responsibility to creatively  deliver credible, evidence-information online in ways that are optimized for virality?  
• What it means to be an expert with influence vs. an influencer: How dietitians are distinctly different from influencers in the digital & social media space, and how dietitians might rethink their approach to marketing and media in 2024+
• The authors’ negative bias towards dietitians:: Myth-busting key points made in this article, including dietitians being compensated by Big Food; General Mills’ #derailtheshame campaign (and the pros and cons of this marketing alignment); keywords that indicate bias in media, and how to know when you’re reading/watching/listening to something with a clearly biased point of view on scientific topics

Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

🎙️Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

🎙️Follow me @jaclynlondonrd

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician. 

…annnddd we’re back! 

My guest today is Linda Boardman, the Chief Executive Officer of Bragg Live Food Products since 2019. Previously, she was president of Branch Brook Holdings, an investment partnership between Swander Pace Capital, Jefferson Capital Partners and United Natural Foods, Inc. that invests in natural and specialty product companies. Linda currently serves on the board of directors of Oregon Ice Cream (Alden’s Organic), Reliance Vitamin Company and PlantFusion.  Previously, she was board president of Frontier Natural Product Cooperative (Simply Organic and Aura Cacia) and was a board director of Kicking Horse Coffee Company.  Prior to joining Branch Brook, Linda was president of Applegate Farms, the leading brand of natural and organic deli meats. She also led the private label group at Whole Foods Market, known for its 365 brand.  Linda started her career in the food industry at Ocean Spray Cranberries, where she worked in brand management and communications.

We discuss: 

• Linda’s background & experience: What brought her into the food industry and her experience starting out at Ocean Spray 

• Leading private label for Whole Foods Market: What she learned about retail & product development from this unique experience

• Brand building for consumer products: What Linda’s learned throughout her tenure and across her myriad experiences working in the specialty & natural food industry

• What food companies should  know about investors: What investors are looking for in 2024, the current state of investing, and advice for someone looking to gain traction and secure funding in the specialty food space

• Linda’s tenure and experience at Bragg: What’s interested her about the role of CEO, what she’s learned from her time leading Bragg thus far, and what it means for Bragg to be a category leader in apple cider vinegar 

• Behind the scenes of product development and route-to-market at Bragg: What sets them apart from other food companies at which Linda has worked 

• The most important brand decisions business leaders can make in the specialty foods space 

• Trend forecasting for 2024+: Linda’s top predictions in the specialty & natural foods space for this year and beyond  

Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

🎙️Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts & leave a 5-star rating & review 

🎙️Hire me to consult before you invest in or get to work on that better-for-you product  

🎙️Follow me @jaclynlondonrd  

**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician.