WellBuilt

On this episode of WellBuilt, Phil Graves, CEO of Meati™, joins the podcast to discuss how mycelium-based protein is reshaping the future of food.

With a background spanning corporate finance, sustainable venture investing at Patagonia's Tin Shed Ventures, and regenerative agriculture at Wild Idea Buffalo, Phil's path to Meati was anything but conventional. Moving from grass-fed bison ranching to an alternative protein startup, his work has always centered around rethinking food systems for sustainability, scalability, and health.

The conversation covers:

✅ The rise of mycelium-based protein and how it differs from traditional plant-based alternatives

✅ Meati's fermentation process, which can produce the equivalent protein of hundreds of cows in just days

✅ Challenges in the food system, from greenwashing to ingredient transparency, and how consumers can shop more consciously

✅ The role of regenerative agriculture and how Meati complements a balanced diet, including responsibly sourced animal protein

✅ The future of food tech, Meati's plans for scaling production, and how they aim to drive down costs for accessibility

Phil also shares leadership lessons from his time at Patagonia, insights into building mission-driven companies, and how he balances life as a CEO, triathlete, and father of three.

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Pranitha Patil, Co-Founder and COO of Function Health, about redefining preventive healthcare through comprehensive diagnostic testing and actionable insights.

Pranitha shared how her personal health struggles—including PCOS, pre-diabetes, and high cholesterol—led her to question the traditional healthcare system. After years of self-experimentation and navigating a system that often prioritizes reactive treatment over proactive health management, she co-founded Function Health to give people access to deeper health insights and data-driven solutions.

Function Health offers an annual membership that provides extensive lab testing for 160 biomarkers, giving members the ability to track their health over time. Unlike conventional physicals that offer only a snapshot, Function's model is built around continuous monitoring and empowering people with the tools and knowledge to take control of their well-being.

In this conversation, Pranitha and Jon explored the gaps in the healthcare system, the challenges of advocating for yourself as a patient, and how Function is democratizing access to lab testing that was once only available through elite functional medicine doctors. They also discussed the importance of behavior change—how simply having data isn't enough, but the right guidance and support can help people translate insights into meaningful action.

Pranitha shared insights from Function's 100,000+ members, revealing common trends in metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and nutrient deficiencies, and how people are using this data to make lasting improvements. She also touched on how AI and machine learning will play a role in helping individuals personalize their health journey.

Tune in to learn how Function Health is shifting the healthcare paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive self-care.

WellBuilt listeneres and the JOON community can skip Function Health's 400,000-person waitlist! Use this link to get access.

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Devon Lévesque and Albert Matheny, Founders of Promix, about simplifying health and nutrition while balancing mental, physical, and entrepreneurial challenges.

Devon and Albert shared how their complementary skill sets and shared passion for health led to building Promix, a brand focused on whole foods and clean supplements designed to meet real-life needs. From Devon's upbringing on a farm to Albert's experience as a food scientist and athlete, their personal journeys shaped Promix's ethos of prioritizing simplicity, transparency, and affordability in health.

The discussion touched on their emphasis on foundational health principles, like prioritizing whole foods over supplements and focusing on movement, community, and clean living. They reflected on the pitfalls of overcomplicating wellness and offered actionable advice on returning to basics—good nutrition, sunlight, and meaningful relationships. The duo also critiqued wellness trends that promote unnecessary complexity, encouraging listeners to embrace sustainable and straightforward health habits.

Devon and Albert opened up about how they structure their lives around core values like family, health, and community. Devon highlighted the importance of scheduling adventures and health priorities first, allowing work to fit around what matters most. Albert added that health must be treated as a non-negotiable, like eating or sleeping, and shared insights on building resilience through flexible routines and adaptable mindsets.

Devon also shared his practice of taking on annual "Masogi" challenges—feats with a 50/50 chance of success—to push his mental and physical limits. From bear crawling the New York Marathon to summiting Everest, these experiences have shaped his mindset and informed Promix's mission to inspire growth through health and movement.

The founders also delved into their approach to product development, prioritizing authenticity, and real solutions over fleeting trends. They shared their belief in making health accessible to all, cutting out unnecessary costs and middlemen, and creating products that align with their transparent and community-driven ethos.

Make sure to follow Devon and Albert on Instagram/LinkedIn and check out Promix to learn more about their products and philosophy on health and wellbeing.

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Mark Samuel, Founder of IWON Organics and President of Unbun Foods, about navigating health, family, and entrepreneurial challenges while building innovative brands in the better-for-you food space.

Mark shared his 22-year journey across various industries, eventually finding his niche in health-conscious better-for-you CPG brands. He reflected on growing IWON Organics into a recognizable name in the healthy snack market and discussed his recent transition to Unbun Foods, where he is leading a brand refresh and preparing for innovative new product launches.

Mark also discussed his 80/20 approach to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of building a healthy relationship with food by balancing discipline and enjoyment.

He highlighted how discipline, rather than fleeting motivation, has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional success. Mark also opened up about navigating mental health challenges and how exercise and making consistent, health-conscious choices have been essential to his well-being.

The conversation delves into Mark's philosophy on discipline as a foundation for personal and professional growth, the evolving expectations of health-conscious consumers, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Mark's candid insights on building resilience, prioritizing health, and the realities of parenting offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in both life and business.

Make sure to follow Mark on LinkedIn for more insights into health, fitness, and building better-for-you brands.

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Justin Mares, Co-Founder and CEO of TrueMed, to explore how innovative healthcare incentives can shift the chronic disease narrative in America.

Justin shared his journey from building better-for-you CPG brands like Kettle & Fire, Perfect Keto, and non-aloholic Surely Wines, which now collectively generate over $100 million in annual revenue. These ventures deepened his understanding of systemic flaws in the U.S. food and healthcare systems, leading him to focus on chronic disease prevention and wellbeing.

With Truemed, Justin is addressing a critical gap in healthcare by unlocking the potential of HSA and FSA accounts, allowing consumers to use pre-tax dollars for wellness-related expenses, including exercise programs, supplements, and recovery tools. This model shifts the focus from reactive "sick care" to proactive health solutions, tackling the root causes of chronic diseases like diabetes and metabolic dysfunction.

In the broad-ranging discussion, Justin reflects on the misaligned incentives that have driven poor health outcomes and emphasizes the need for scalable, long-term interventions. The discussion covers the troubling rise in chronic diseases, with nearly 40% of children in the U.S. showing signs of pre-diabetes or diabetes, and highlights how systemic incentives have encouraged unhealthy behaviors.

Make sure to check out TrueMed and follow Justin on X to learn more. Justin also writes a substack newsletter, The Next, which explores what's next, in health, startups, and society.

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Joe Barsi, President of California Giant Berry Farms.

California Giant Berry Farms is a leader in the berry industry, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. As a family-owned and operated company, Cal Giant has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality berries while supporting its community and employees.

Joe shares the inspiring journey of Cal Giant, from its humble beginnings 40 years ago in Watsonville, California, to becoming one of North America's largest berry companies. He highlights the company's mission to deliver premium berries and nourish the community, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and resilience in their operations.

The conversation dives into the unique challenges and innovations in berry farming, including the meticulous process of growing and harvesting strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Joe explains how Cal Giant maintains its high standards by working closely with long-term grower partners and investing in sustainable practices.

Joe also discusses Cal Giant's dedication to employee well-being, including their partnership with JOON. He shares how JOON's flexible wellness benefits have positively impacted employees' lives, supporting their diverse health and wellness needs.

This episode offers valuable insights into the agricultural industry, the importance of sustainability, and the commitment to community and employee well-being. Joe's passion for berries and dedication to making a positive impact shine through in this engaging conversation.

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Reza Amin, PhD, Founder and CEO of Bastion Health, and Dr. Justin Houman, Medical Director at Bastion Health.

Bastion is at the forefront of transforming men's health care, an area often stigmatized and not prioritized. As a comprehensive men's specialty virtual clinic, Bastion integrates prostate, reproductive, and sexual health services, making strides in how men access and manage their health.

Reza shares his motivation for founding Bastion, driven by his fertility journey and the loss of his grandfather to prostate cancer. Dr. Houman elaborates on Bastion's mission to break traditional healthcare models by offering comprehensive men's health services directly to patients' homes. This approach addresses common physical health issues and tackles psychological barriers to seeking treatment.

Reza and Dr. Houman explore the inherent challenges of delivering specialized men's health care through telehealth, such as the limitations around physical examinations. They detail how Bastion overcomes these hurdles by leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and establishing a comprehensive network for patient referrals, ensuring that telehealth serves as a robust extension of traditional healthcare services.

They also elaborate on educating patients about the importance of regular screenings and proactive health management, aiming to empower men with the knowledge to take charge of their health effectively.

Bastion Health is revolutionizing the way companies offer health benefits by integrating their specialized men's health services into employer programs. This approach not only enhances accessibility and convenience for employees but also assists organizations in nurturing a healthier workforce, leading to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

Enjoy!

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Olaya, Founder & CEO of Dexter.

Dexter is transforming early education by building its own schools that serve as a replacement to the traditional schooling system from preschool to high school.

Michael shares his journey from mechanical engineer and physics enthusiast to educator. His passion for teaching began in Silicon Valley and expanded internationally, influencing his decision to redefine education back in his hometown of Woodshaw Falls. Starting with STEM workshops, Dexter quickly evolved into a full educational program.

The conversation explored Dexter's foundational principles, particularly its emphasis on "correct instruction," which aligns with classical education methods proven to be more effective than many modern educational strategies. Michael emphasizes the importance of direct instruction and rigorous standardization in improving educational outcomes.

Michael criticized the existing educational models, which rely too heavily on failing progressive methodologies and inappropriate technology use in classrooms.

He challenges the effectiveness of trendy educational theories like socio-emotional learning (SEL) and learning styles, which he argues lack empirical support. By discussing how Dexter utilizes evidence-based practices and direct instruction, listeners can better understand the contrast between Dexter's methods and those of traditional public schools. This reinforces the importance of adopting approaches that are scientifically validated rather than simply popular or progressive.

Despite the tech-heavy trends in modern education, Dexter adopts a more measured approach, using technology to streamline operations rather than as a primary instructional tool. This distinction underscores a critical aspect of Dexter's philosophy that technology should support, not replace, human teaching and interaction, which is vital for effective learning.

He argues for a competitive, standardized approach similar to models used in healthcare and aviation, which he believes will drive improvements in education through market dynamics and parental choice.

Additionally, Michael discusses the potential impact of school choice, envisioning a future where education is more about efficacy and less about adherence to outdated norms. He highlights how competition can lead to innovation and better educational practices, much like other sectors have experienced.

Listen to learn about Dexter's role in shaping a future where education focuses on developing critical thinkers and competent problem solvers, equipped to navigate and enhance tomorrow's world.

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon sits down with Andy Hoang, the innovative mind behind Aviron, the first gaming rower in the world.

Despite his aversion to rowing, Andy has successfully positioned Aviron at the intersection of gaming and fitness, creating a gamified rowing experience that's captivating a new customer who is not your typical fitness enthusiast.

In the conversation, they delve into Andy's journey from his basement in 2016 to steering Aviron through a pivotal pandemic pivot, which skyrocketed the company's growth and solidified its place in the at-home fitness market.

Andy also reveals the unique dynamics of his team, a diverse group of individuals not typically found in the fitness or rowing world, which has been instrumental in shaping Aviron's innovative approach.

Additionally, gain insights into how Andy Hoang's Vietnamese heritage and values instilled by his refugee parents have played a pivotal role in his entrepreneurial journey, fueling his passion and resilience in navigating the competitive landscape of the fitness industry.

Discover how Aviron's unique blend of competitive spirit, gaming mechanics, and fitness challenges is crafting a new category in the fitness industry, pushing the boundaries of what a workout can be.

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon had the pleasure of speaking with William Hicks, Co-Founder & CEO of Magic Mind.

William shared his journey from creating keto-friendly Italian snacks, called lupini beans at Brami to joining James Beshara at Magic Mind, a coffee alternative and drink aimed at enhancing mental performance without the caffeine crash.

Magic Mind combines adaptogens and nootropics with a lighter dose of caffeine to support focus and productivity. In our conversation, we dug into the brand's evolution, touching on its broader vision for mental performance.

William offered great insights into scaling a wellness brand, the importance of stress management, and cultivating mental wealth.

Get 20% off!