WellBuilt

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon chats with Spencer Rascoff, a serial entrepreneur and investor.

Currently, Spencer is the Co-founder and Chairman of several ventures including Pacaso, heyLibby, Recon Food, Queue, dot.LA, and 75 & Sunny Ventures. Before transitioning to his role as a full-time investor/operator, he co-founded Zillow and Hotwire, two major players in the tech landscape.

As Zillow's CEO for ten years, Spencer led the company to impressive heights. Under his leadership, Zillow not only grew to over 4,500 employees and achieved $3 billion in revenue but also reached a market capitalization of $15 billion. Prior to Zillow, Spencer started and sold Hotwire to IAC for $685 million in 2003.

Through his family office, 75 and Sunny Ventures, Spencer now invests in PropTech and a diverse range of other startups.

In the podcast, Spencer delves into the current dynamics of PropTech, especially how fluctuating mortgage rates are affecting real estate and venture capital. He offers valuable insights on overcoming these challenges and underscores the importance of effective management in economic downturns. Additionally, Spencer provides practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating down rounds and the complexities of market dynamics.

The conversation also explores the critical role of company culture in business success. Spencer is also super bullish about HR tech solutions that foster effective and engaging work environments.

Last but not least, Spencer shares his perspective on the potential of the LA tech scene, propelled by the intersection of technology, media, and entertainment. And his renewed commitment to health, emphasizing regular exercise and improved diet, particularly following his father's passing. He highlights the significant role of sleep and healthy eating, including his daily green juice, in enhancing his overall well-being.

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Chip Conley, Founder & CEO of the Modern Elder Academy,a school dedicated to helping people reinvent themselves in midlife. He was also the Former Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy at Airbnb, Founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and more.

Chip is a world-renowned expert on aging and wisdom. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder".

Jon and Chip discussed the importance of midlife transitions and how to navigate them successfully. Chip shared insights on the challenges and opportunities of midlife, and how to find meaning and purpose in the second half of life, build new relationships, learning new skills, and even, transitioning to a new career.

Chip also drew on his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and as a person who has reinvented himself several times throughout his life. He will also touch upon his time as a successful hotelier starting and selling JdV by Hyatt, his work with Airbnb, and his involvement with the Esalen Institute.

Whether or not you are in your midlife, the conversation will be interesting for anyone aspiring to live a meaningful life.

On this episode of WellBuit, Jon spoke to Dugal Bain-Kim, Co-founder and CEO of Lifeforce.

They delved into the evolving landscape of healthcare, discussed the shortcomings of the current system, particularly in preventative care, and LifeForce's mission to establish enduring health partnerships that prioritize proactive wellness.

They discussed the company's strategic founding with luminaries like Tony Robbins and Dr. Peter Diamandis, who have been instrumental in shaping LifeForce's trajectory and broadening its reach.

The conversation also ventured into the future of health memberships and insurance, underscoring the shift towards value-based care models that reward long-term health savings.

Highlighting the critical role of biomarkers in health assessment, Dugal emphasized the need for individualized optimal ranges, especially concerning hormones, to enhance quality of life. He shared his personal health practices, including supplementation based on biomarker data, intermittent fasting, and a blend of hot and cold therapies, reflecting LifeForce's holistic approach.

The conversation also addresses the challenge of behavior change in health, the power of connecting lifestyle adjustments to personal values, and the potential expansion of LifeForce into parts of the wellbeing journey.

Check out Lifeforce and enjoy!

On this special edition episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Bauer, author of Israel Joruney: Eight Days in One of the World's Most Complex Countries.

Michael Bauer a professional educator and tour guide who specializes in geopolitical tours in Israel and has developed workshops on various topics: Israeli-Arab relations, Israel's minority populations, Israel's borders and neighbors, Middle East politics, and history.

As a field educator and tour guide with 26+ years of experience, he has led adventure tours around Israel, Jordan, the Sinai desert and Turkey, as well as dozens of educational programs in Poland and Germany.

Michael currently teaches Middle Eastern History in several Pre-Army institutes and provides security briefs, lectures, and seminars to a variety of groups and international institutions. He has guided senators and Parliament members from different countries, military intelligence Units, celebrities from the entertainment industry, university students and faculty members and presidents, and more.

Michael served as a commander in the paratroop forces as his mandatory IDF service and for many years on reserves. He is married with five children, and lives with his family on Kibbutz Bet Guvrin in Southern Israel.

This a unique episode and break from our typical programming, but we hope to continue bringing more timely and relevant content to our listeners.

Enjoy

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Isaac Larian, the visionary Founder & CEO of MGA Entertainment, the world's largest privately-owned toy company behind the iconic Bratz dolls.

The journey begins with Isaac recounting his challenging childhood in Iran, marked by poverty and pivotal experiences that shaped his relentless entrepreneurial drive and resilience.

Isaac delves into how he got into the toy industry, sharing the inspiration behind the creation of Bratz dolls, and why he envisioned a fresh, modern, and inclusive alternative to Barbie. The discussion gets intense as Isaac opens up about his grueling legal battle with Mattel, the powerhouse behind Barbie.

With a portfolio of over 100 innovative toy brands, MGA's journey boasts around 14 brands that have each generated sales ranging from $100 million to $10 billion. Isaac's leadership philosophy at MGA is deeply rooted in a culture of 'what's next,' emphasizing innovation and a hands-on approach.

He credits the company's groundbreaking success to this ethos, coupled with a flat organizational structure that eschews corporate politics and encourages individual ownership and accountability.

Furthermore, Isaac's approach to life and business is influenced by his spiritual journeys, particularly his transformative experiences with Vipassana meditation in India. He underscores the importance of mental clarity and inner peace, not just for personal well-being, but for fostering resilience and clear-mindedness in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

Isaac's profound love for children is the heart of his work in the toy industry, driving his philosophy that the primary purpose of toys is to bring joy and foster imagination in young minds. He firmly believes that when passion leads business, financial success will follow, emphasizing that his legacy lies in resilience, perseverance, and never giving up in the face of adversity.

The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the broader aspects of the power of play, and the importance of strong family and mentorship bonds. Isaac's journey serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of success, underscoring the significance of passion, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for what one does.

Enjoy!

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon sat down with Dr. Scott Sherr, a leading physician, founder, and expert in hyperbaric therapy and health optimization.

Dr. Scott shared how he was introduced to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) during medical school, and what spurred his curiosity about its transformative effects in other realms of medicine and wellness.

He shared an overview of how HBOT works and the various ways he's using the treatment in his practice.

Dr. Scott has also founded multiple other health-focused companies and they dug into the way HBOT has impacted his perspective of taking a data-driven approach towards wellbeing as well as other alternative treatments he's used in his practice for health optimization.

For example, Dr. Scott emphasized the importance of caution when taking supplements, advocating for personalized testing to ensure they align with individual health needs and avoid potential imbalances.

Seaking of supplements, Dr. Scott discussed methylene blue and its applications, introducing the concept of a 'tiroche', a product that dissolve between the upper teeth and gum, ensuring near 100% bioavailability. Highlighting the cognitive benefits of certain supplements, Dr. Scott discussed the advantages of nicotine as a cognitive enhancer, and the potential of his focus product, Blue Carnitine.

Enjoy!

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Anne Mahlum, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of SolidCore, Ambition, and Back On My Feet.

They dive into Anne's insights on entrepreneurship and the role of physical exercise in overall health, longevity, and achieving personal goals.

At Solidcores, she had to navigate the intricacies of creating her own type of pilates machine, fundraising, and making pivotal decisions for growth, especially during the Pandemic.

Her successful exit from Solidcore stands as proof of her knack for crafting a brand and fitness concept that truly resonates with people's needs.

Anne isn't one to take breaks or travel. After Solidcore, she's diving right back into entrepreneurship with her new venture, Ambition.

Anne doesn't hold back when discussing body image. She voices her frustration with the fitness industry's hesitancy to address physical goals directly and its failure to help individuals achieve their desired physical appearance.

She debunks myths about weightlifting for women, champions the benefits of strength training, and underscores the significance of hydration for overall well-being.

Beyond fitness, Anne shares her favorite books, products, and a recent impactful podcast episode featuring Scooter Braun. She stresses the importance of genuine friendships and imparts lessons she's learned about gratitude and setting the right expectations in leadership.

This episode paints a comprehensive picture of wellness, spanning from the physical to the mental, and delves into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Enjoy!

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Jason & Colleen Wachob, founders of Mindbodygreen.

🌿 They journeyed through their personal health stories, from Colleen's experience with a pulmonary embolism to Jason's deep dive into biomarkers and the transformative power of supplements, which shed light on the broader wellness landscape.

💪 From the yoga wave of the 2010s to the current emphasis on strength training, they discussed the ever-evolving wellness trends. Colleen underscored the importance of building strength for longevity, while Jason emphasized the significance of regular health testing.

📖 They gave an exclusive preview of their new book, "The Joy of Well-being," which champions the role of joy and connection in our wellness journey, introducing the concept of "Joy span."

🌐 The Wachobs shared the intricacies of running a mission-driven business, the importance of profitability, and the nuances of working together as a couple. They also explored mindbodygreen's evolution, from its initial focus on advertising to its innovative ventures into health coaching certificates and supplements.

🥑 A fun tidbit: Jon once tried to send Jason a bag of avocados to his hotel room after spotting him in Westwood, a gesture that speaks to the genuine admiration he has for their work!

🧘‍♀️ Whether you're a wellness guru or just embarking on your health journey, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice. Dive in and embrace the joy of well-being with the Wachobs!

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to the co-founder of Alaffia, Olowo n'djo Tchala.

Their conversation delves into OT's journey from Togo to the United States, his experiences growing up in a large family, and the cultural values that have shaped him. The story of how he met his partner, Prairie Rose Hyde, in Togo and followed her to the U.S., where he pursued his education and eventually co-founded Alaffia, is shared.

The mission, product, and ethos of Alaffia are explored, focusing on the creation of natural body care products that not only benefit the consumer but also the communities in West Africa where the ingredients are sourced. OT emphasizes the importance of fair trade, community empowerment, and preserving cultural knowledge in their business model.

Listeners will also hear about OT's experiences of learning English, attending community college, and eventually transferring to UC Davis. He speaks about the challenges of balancing family life, education, and starting a business, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective and approach to business.

Finally, the growth and evolution of Alaffia are discussed, from its humble beginnings in a mobile home in Olympia, Washington, to its current global presence. OT speaks about the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession and how they overcame them, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Check out Alaffia, and enjoy!

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke with Joshua Bonhotal, Founding Team Member at Future and Investor at TXV Partners.

In their conversation, they dove into Josh's background as a strength and conditioning coach in the NBA at the Chicago Bulls and in the NCAA at Purdue University. Josh shared how this led the founders of Future to personally recruit him in their early days to build out their coaching operation.

They spoke about Future's mission, product, and ethos around building the future of personal training. And Josh's role in develping their coach tools, playbooks, and best practices, as well as how he went about building and hiring a world-class coaching team as full-time employees.

Finally, Josh spoke about how his experience at Future led him to the world of investing. Josh has transitioned into a full-time investor role at TXV. TXV is a thematic investment firm focusing on Human Performance, defined as five modalities around: food, sleep, movement, mental health, and work.

Check out Future, and enjoy this fun conversation with Josh Bonhotal.