Magic Minds

In this episode of the Magic Minds podcast, host James Beshara interviews Alex Snodgrass, the creator of The Defined Dish and founder of Side Dish. They discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, the similarities and differences between creating a salad dressing brand and writing a book, and how to navigate the challenges of being a creator in the digital age. Alex shares her background, from growing up in a small town in Texas to becoming a New York Times bestselling author and building her own brand. She also talks about the importance of consistency, authenticity, and setting boundaries as a creator. In this conversation, Alex and James discuss the challenges and successes of starting a CPG brand. They talk about the emotional and mental aspects of launching a product, the importance of community and trust, the difficulties of navigating the grocery store politics, and the unexpected aspects of starting a physical product. They also touch on the topics of sustainability and sourcing, personal practices for maintaining joy and integrity, and the challenges of finding the right co-manufacturers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Building a Brand 06:22 Finding Joy and Creativity in the Kitchen 09:01 The Importance of Evolving and Looking at Things from a Bird's Eye View 19:41 Navigating the Underbelly of Creating and Dealing with Criticism 27:39 Creating a Brand with a Long-Term View 32:53 The Challenge of Creating a Salad Dressing with Clean Ingredients 33:21 Starting a CPG Brand: Emotional and Mental Challenges 39:13 Navigating Grocery Store Politics 45:50 Sustainability and Sourcing 50:30 Building Community and Earning Trust 53:14 Finding the Right Co-Manufacturers 59:28 Personal Practices for Maintaining Joy and Integrity Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://www.thedailyvedantic.com⁠).

In this episode of the Magic Minds podcast, host James Beshara interviews Kayla Barnes, a leading expert in health, wellness, and biohacking. They discuss various topics related to women's health and wellness, including the rarity of true health in today's society, the impact of seed oils on chronic diseases, and simple tactics to improve health and wellness. Kayla shares her morning routine, which includes getting morning sun or red light therapy, prayer or meditation, movement, and cold therapy. She also discusses the importance of understanding women's specific health needs and the need for more research in this area. In this conversation, Kayla Barnes and James Beshara discuss various topics related to health optimization. They touch on the importance of biohacking for a healthy pregnancy, the role of community in longevity, the benefits of a morning routine, the impact of marriage on health, and the significance of sleep. They also discuss the prevalence of chronic diseases and the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing and reversing these conditions. Kayla provides insights on nutrition, the dangers of seed oils, and the importance of quality sleep. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their health and make small, sustainable changes to optimize their well-being. Chapters 00:00 The Rarity of True Health 02:06 Kayla's Morning Routine and Move to LA 03:50 Simple Tactics for Health and Wellness 13:37 Ozone Therapy and Detox 20:31 Cold Therapy and Workouts 28:26 Understanding Women's Health Needs 35:58 Biohacking for a Healthy Pregnancy and Fertility 38:17 The Role of Community in Longevity 50:54 The Power of a Morning Routine and Quality Sleep 56:56 Preventing and Reversing Chronic Diseases through Lifestyle Changes 01:07:49 The Dangers of Processed Foods and Seed Oils Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.com).

In this episode of the Magic Minds podcast, Jen Cohen shares her favorite health and wellness products. She discusses the importance of finding high-quality products and doing research in the wellness space. Some of her favorite products include Slate protein drinks, Therisage red light therapy, True Niagen NAD supplement, and Chili Sleep mattress pads. She also emphasizes the importance of starting the day with protein and avoiding calorie-dense smoothies. Additionally, she cautions against relying on vitamin IVs and highlights the importance of self-awareness and balance in one's daily routine. In this conversation, Jen Cohen shares her insights on the importance of curiosity, likability, and discipline in achieving success. She emphasizes the value of asking questions, being interested in others, and taking risks. Jen also recounts her experience of approaching Keanu Reeves for help with her demo tape, highlighting the power of putting oneself out there and not underestimating one's own potential. She encourages listeners to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to believe in their own abilities. Takeaways Find high-quality products in the wellness space and do thorough research before incorporating them into your routine. Start your day with protein to avoid spiking your blood sugar and to feel more satiated throughout the day. Be cautious of calorie-dense smoothies and be mindful of your overall calorie intake. Avoid relying on vitamin IVs unless there is a specific need or recommendation from a healthcare professional. Practice self-awareness and balance in your daily routine to achieve your health and wellness goals. Curiosity and likability are key qualities for success. Being genuinely interested in others and asking questions can open doors and create opportunities. Don't underestimate your own potential. Take risks and put yourself out there, even if it seems unlikely or challenging. Failure is a natural part of the journey to success. Embrace it as a learning opportunity and don't let it discourage you. Develop discipline and create habits that support your goals. Motivation may fluctuate, but discipline will keep you on track. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are just as capable as anyone else of achieving your goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Favorite Products 13:32 Morning Routine and Self-Care 28:23 The Power of a Consistent Wake-Up Time 37:33 Caution Against Vitamin IVs and Finding Balance 39:20 The Power of Curiosity and Likability 49:19 Taking Risks and Putting Yourself Out There 59:11 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity 01:13:32 The Importance of Discipline and Habits 01:15:22 Believing in Yourself and Your Potential Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.com).

Model, actress, and entrepreneur Brooke Burke shares insights on living a mindful life, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability. Discussion includes the power of magic, surrendering to the moment, and the energy of live audiences. Dive into this episode for wisdom on personal growth and mental performance.

Join us for a discussion with Simone De La Rue, renowned founder of Body by Simone and A-list celebrity fitness trainer, on this episode of the Magic Minds podcast. Simone shares her unique perspective on fitness that goes beyond physical appearance, touching on the importance of aligning mind, body, and spirit for meeting your true health goals. From her experience training stars like Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock, to personal anecdotes about motherhood and entrepreneurship, Simone offers invaluable insights into achieving holistic wellness. Whether you're looking to shed pounds or find balance in your busy life, this episode promises to inspire and enlighten. Don't miss Simone's candid talk on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining authenticity in the digital age and the deeper journey of personal transformation through fitness. Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

Jump into this dynamic episode of the Magic Minds podcast with the extraordinary Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and conservationist known for his fearless pursuits in the wild. In this extensive interview, Forrest shares spellbinding stories of near-death experiences, his global adventures in conservation, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of his daring expeditions. Discover the pivotal role of keystone species like sharks in maintaining ecological balance and why their preservation is crucial for our survival. Join us as Forrest breaks down complex conservation issues and reveals the intense interconnections within the natural world that impact us all. Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

In this episode of the Magic Minds podcast, James introduces David Ludwig, a cherished member of their community for over two decades. David's roles as an educator, father, neighbor, and baseball coach have deeply impacted many lives, including those of the host's own children who attend the school where David teaches. However, earlier this year, David was diagnosed with ALS, adding a new layer of significance to his presence within the community. Despite this challenging diagnosis, David continues to inspire and guide others with his profound wisdom and perspective. Join James and David as they embark on a heartfelt conversation filled with insight and reflection for all ages. Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

Join James Beshara on a riveting journey into the mind of Dr. John Vervaeke, whose work at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy is setting the internet ablaze. This episode, recorded live in Venice Beach, explores the "Awake from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series, offering profound insights into how we understand and navigate our world. Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

Bestselling author Steven Pressfield shares insights on overcoming creative blocks and achieving flow state. Discussions include the importance of embracing creativity without attachment to outcomes, exploring the spiritual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and the value of self-doubt in the creative process.

In this thought-provoking episode of Magic Minds, James Beshara jumps into the fascinating work of Dr. Donald Hoffman, a visionary challenging the very fabric of our perceived reality. With groundbreaking mathematical and scientific models, Dr. Hoffman proposes that our perceptions of reality are fundamentally flawed, sparking a captivating discussion on the nature of existence and our understanding of the world around us. Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).