Responsibility and accountability form the bedrock of personal integrity and growth. While being responsible means acknowledging our role in actions and decisions, understanding their impact, accountability is the bridge that transforms responsibility into tangible growth, requiring us to answer for our choices and learn from them. Together, they craft a powerful narrative of self-awareness, pushing us to navigate life with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Today’s guest needs no further introduction, but for those who don’t know him yet, Andre Iguodala is a legendary basketball player. During his career, Andre played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. He played a crucial role in the Warriors' success, contributing to 4 NBA championships with the team. Andre was recognized for his outstanding performance and impact on the court, earning the NBA Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in 2015. Embark on a captivating storytelling journey with Andre as the conversation unfolds organically, spanning from Andre's morning routine and tech insights to his small-town upbringing and the struggles that shaped him. Exploring individuality, emotional intelligence, and the significance of teamwork, this episode navigates the complexities of life, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. As Andre shares his non-negotiables in collaboration and insights on responsibility in young athletes, he touches on contemporary issues, including healthcare and the perceived decline of grit in society. In the concluding moments, Andre imparts a powerful reminder to surround oneself with those who uplift and bring out the best.

Valuing your worthiness involves recognizing and appreciating your inherent value as a human being, independent of external factors or validation from others. By nurturing a positive relationship with yourself and honoring your inherent worth, you can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, confidence, and resilience in all areas of your life. Today, let’s welcome renowned relationship expert Vienna Pharaon. Vienna is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought after relationship therapists. She has practiced therapy for over fifteen years and is the founder and owner of the group practice, Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy. Vienna and Mary touch on the essence of human existence and the dynamics of relationships. Explore the origins of our identity and the restorative power found in therapy and discover the delicate balance between self-assurance and vulnerability, and the importance of expanding our skill sets to navigate life's complexities. Together, they unpack the intricate landscape of emotional wounds that shape our interactions and perceptions. From the struggle with self-worth to the challenges of belonging and trust, we uncover the layers of our innermost struggles. Along the way, we challenge societal narratives and misconceptions about therapy, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections and emotional honesty. Join us as we unravel the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and self-discovery in this transformative episode.

Anxiety is like a tricky friend we all know. It's not just everyday worry; it's that feeling when your mind won't quiet down, and your heart races for no clear reason. It makes normal stuff feel like a big deal. Living with anxiety means sometimes facing those fears and finding moments to relax. It's not a flaw but just part of being human. . Reality television personality, actor, author, and podcast host Vinny Guadagnino joins Mary in a raw and authentic conversation about embracing vulnerabilities and overcoming anxiety. They talk about diverse topics, ranging from the initiation into the world of keto to the psychological intricacies of perfectionism. Unfiltered authenticity is championed, emphasizing the importance of being raw and real both online and offline. Sleep, anxiety, and the profound link between them surface, unveiling the potential for perception change to facilitate better sleep. Practical insights follow, offering tools to train the mind to avoid overreaction. As the episode draws to a close, personal revelations abound—from navigating OCD, structure, and rigidity to gaining a sense of dietary boundaries. The revelation that "your food has a face" serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked interconnectedness of our choices.

Building a community where you can work on personal growth, be your genuine self, and thrive in what you do best is what we all need. We need people that will push us to our limit and influence us to become better, stronger, and wiser. Actor, stuntman, former professional MMA fighter, and entrepreneur Tait Fletcher joins Mary in a vulnerable and genuine conversation about growth and healing. Tait Fletcher is known for his roles in movies and TV shows, including appearances in "Breaking Bad," "John Wick," and "The Mandalorian." They kick things off by diving into the quest to understand Mary’s pain and illness, a journey that became the catalyst for significant transformation. They also explore the importance of doing what you love and building on those passions, navigating the complex emotions of always feeling like the 'big kid,' and the profound sense of disconnection from life. The narrative takes a poignant turn as we address the weight of suicidal thoughts and the crucial act of reaching out to those in need. From the evolution of communities to the film industry's wild twists, the two dive deep into the mysteries of our bodies, the slow road of growth, and the positive impact one can have on their community. This conversation is a tale of resilience, revelation, and the unwavering pursuit of well-being. It's a reminder that growth is a journey, and sometimes, all we need to do is keep trying. What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro 00:36 Figuring out why I was sick and in pain 09:27 Do what you love and build on that 13:08 Are you always the big kid? 14:37 The feeling that you’ve dislocated from life 17:06 Overcoming suicidal thoughts, guilt, and reaching out to someone who’s struggling 22:43 Who is Tait Fletcher? 27:11 Dog Brothers, stick fighting, and martial arts 30:10 Built to be strong, tough, and tenacious 32:39 Community is built and defined differently before 34:25 From mixed martial arts to building a space to train athletes 43:59 Meeting a Ukrainian mobster and getting introduced to Carl 45:28 Filming at a defunct prison in Santa Fe, getting opportunities in other films 54:07 Pharmaceutical companies are trying to kill us 56:09 Nutrition is a tool to control your life 58:06 We don’t anything about what formulates our body 01:00:38 Putting attention into something that you want to focus on 01:03:14 Getting a concussion during a match 01:05:37 Ignored symptoms, continued training, health neglect 01:12:40 Can head concussions cause other health problems? 01:17:36 Growth is not a light switch, it’s like a slow road 01:19:33 The film business is wild 01:22:43 Logan’s positive effect on his community 01:26:49 You just need to keep trying 01:32:09 How to find Tait online Follow Tait Fletcher: https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/ Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef https://paleochef.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

In a very personal episode, Mary sits down to talk about her personal journey. She had suffered a lot in her younger years not knowing she had gluten intolerance and later found out that she had full-blown Celiac. The choice was either to depend on what the doctors tell her and be on medication all her life or start working on herself. Mary assessed her food choices and stumbled upon a paleo diet and how to restart gut health. As she ventured more into eating food that worked for her, she got her first client which then started the chain of clients that ultimately led to her becoming a performance chef. It’s a journey truly worth sharing. In the second part of the episode, Mary answers some questions from her community where she gladly shares her tips on nutrition, proper diet, and eating right for optimal performance.  

Embracing the cliché "New year, new you" as a powerful motivator, many of us strive to shed the burdens of the past and reinvent our journey with the turn of the calendar. Life itself often prompts us to reassess, recalibrate, and make substantial changes. Decisions, inherently uncertain, become stepping stones to accumulated experience and wisdom, shaping our readiness for transformative shifts. In our first episode of 2024, Mary invites you to reflect on three pivotal questions she initiates her year with: What do you want to start doing, stop doing, and continue doing? Honest responses to these inquiries pave the way for a purposeful path in the coming year. Mary imparts invaluable advice on dietary enhancements for a healthier, more energized body. She explores the intricacies of a gut reset, providing personalized insights into navigating this process successfully. The episode also offers a succinct recap of enlightening conversations with revered experts from past interviews. If you haven't tuned in yet, now's the perfect time to dive into these wealths of knowledge.

The goal was always to solve problems for people. This is one of the mantras that Jon Bier lives by and has helped him succeed in what he does best. Jon Bier is the founder and chief executive of Jack Taylor PR, a boutique public relations agency with offices in Brooklyn and Venice Beach. Jon sits down with Mary in a conversation that revolves around PR, winning clients, growing a brand, and running a successful business. There is no shortcut to success and Jon knows the kind of work one needs to put in to get to the top. It’s not an easy task to tackle, but it is definitely now impossible to achieve. The duo talks about how providing value to your customers can help you win them over, the tactics used by people who manage to build a billion-dollar brand, and the importance of focusing on consumer-based solutions when dealing with client needs and requests. Jon also shares snippets of his life before he became a PR brand himself, how he found love, life living on a farm, and how changing his lifestyle has made him a changed man.

“The hardest part of improving your fitness and nutrition is finding someone that understands why you struggle.” And the best person who can help you overcome this struggle is someone who has helped prominent and successful people overcome the same struggle themselves. Born Fitness is one of the leading brands when it comes to getting back in shape and taking care of your overall health and wellness. And the man behind this is Adam Bornstein. Adam is a nutrition advisor for LeBron James, Cindy Crawford, Lindsey Vonn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's also the founder of Pen Name Consulting, the former Chief Nutrition Officer at Ladder, and the Vice President of Nutrition for FitOn, the largest fitness app in the world. With candor and authenticity, Adam unravels the layers of his career evolution and shares pivotal moments that shaped his path. Discover how to become so exceptional that clients can't ignore you, drawing from Adam's rich experiences in working with industry giants like Tim Ferris and managing Arnold Schwarzenegger's media infrastructure. The episode isn't just about professional success; it delves into the human aspects of keeping people engaged in your product, dismantling the illusion of a magic solution, and why Adam wrote the book, "You Can't Screw This Up." The conversation extends to the challenges of nutrition education and practical solutions to issues of cost, convenience, and compliance. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain access to Adam's strategies for setting up for success, adding layers of authenticity and wisdom to the narrative.

Before the success of Deuce Gym, Logan Gelbrich was a professional baseball player turned fitness professional and entrepreneur. He is known for his work in the fitness and wellness industry, particularly in the realm of strength and conditioning. His expertise extends to areas like strength training, functional fitness, and holistic well-being. As a former athlete himself, Logan understood the importance of strength training. When he founded the Deuce Gym, his goal was to create a safe space for people, especially aspiring athletes, to develop and maximize their full potential. Logan sits down with Mary to talk about the early days of Deuce Gym and why he built it, insights on creating value from a successful CEO, the nuances of leadership, the challenges of reconciling troubles, and the art of making sacrifices for small wins. We also touch on personal struggles amid growing success, understanding when to stay grounded in the most challenging situations, fostering meaningful connections ultimately leading to a bonded community, and the profound impact of pursuing your purpose while in service to others. With Logan's continuous journey for personal growth, we get to listen to his approach to creative problem-solving, and the commitment to showing up better every day. Explore the world Logan is building and gain insights into when one truly knows they've made it.

Mark Sisson is an OG in the health and wellness space, celebrated for advocating primal/ancestral living. He’s the author of the popular “The Primal Blueprint” and the man behind the influential 'Mark's Daily Apple' platform which led to becoming the founder of Primal Kitchen which sold for $200 million just a few short years after it launched and can be found on almost every store shelf nationwide. Mark is no stranger to going against the grain and taking on challenges as a lifetime triathlete, creating solutions and products to solve for himself first before taking it to market and he’s on a mission to do that again with Peluva, shoes designed to offer a comfortable, barefoot-like experience. In this episode, Mark shares his journey into the 'Primal' lifestyle out of necessity as a professional athlete back before there was any such thing as sponsors or endorsements, rolling up his sleeves in true entrepreneurial spirit to support his passion. He shares insights from his story from doing odd jobs like painting houses to support his running passion to hitting it big with Primal Kitchen to the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and why family always comes first for him. Mark also dives into the story behind 'Peluva'—the shoes he created for comfy, barefoot walking. He spills the beans on getting the best shoe designers on board and the long process of making these shoes just perfect. Join us as Mark dishes out advice for folks looking to start their own thing and shares why he thinks everyone can benefit from wearing Peluva shoes. It's a chat that's all about good vibes, cool shoes, and making life a bit comfier!

Max Lugavere is a health expert breaking boundaries in nutrition and wellness. With bestselling books like Genius Foods and Genius Kitchen, he's shown how food and health are a power duo. His podcast, The Genius Life, is a sanctuary for millions seeking health enlightenment. Max is also a familiar face on TV, from The Rachael Ray Show, The Today Show, PBS’s Brief but Spectacular, and The Doctors, along with features in VICE, Fast Company, The New York Times, People Magazine, and CNN. In this episode, Max shares his journey from the glitz of TV hosting to the depth of health and nutrition advocacy. He shares the ups and downs of his career transition, moving away from the camera's allure to discover a new purpose. Hear about the twists and challenges that reshaped Max's path, including moments of doubt and family health crisis. Join us as Max also opens up about vulnerability, the changing tides of relationships, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life. Explore his insights on health, fitness, and even the intricacies of stable relationships in the modern world. This episode will surely teach you how to live a genius life!

Jay Ferruggia is more than a fitness coach; he's a legend in the industry. With a remarkable journey that began in the underground gym scene and led to global recognition as a fitness expert. He’s works with athletes and organizations across the NFL, MLB, and WWE both from a strength and conditioning perspective but also being recognized as a leader in player development when it comes to mental toughness, connection, and leadership. In this episode, we'll have a candid conversation with Jay as he shares his remarkable journey from the early days in the underground gym scene to becoming a globally recognized fitness expert with stops along the way from his health scare, heavy Hip Hop influence, and why he things improv belongs in every sports organization. Join me as we uncover the secrets to Jay's success and delve into how he connects with people on a deeper level to foster transformation. You'll discover that the path to a stronger, healthier, and happier you might be simpler than you think and maybe add as song or two to your training playlist.

Today I welcome a good friend of mine and thought leader, Mark Groves. Mark Groves is a human connection specialist, motivational speaker, and author who is known for his work in the field of personal development and relationships. He often shares insights and advice on topics related to self-improvement, emotional intelligence, and building healthy and fulfilling relationships. Mark is the creator of “Create the Love” platform, where he offers guidance and resources to help people navigate the complexities of modern relationships. In this episode we dive deep into the intricacies of personal growth and meaningful relationships. We also talk about learning to trust ourselves, the power of walking away and choosing to prioritize self-care by developing healthy mind and body rituals. Whether you're seeking insights into personal development, relationship dynamics, or the keys to lasting happiness, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.

Today I welcome one of my favorite humans to the Eat Play Crush Podcast, Tim Ferriss. You probably know him as the author of the NYT Best Seller, The 4-Hour Work Week, a book that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. He also authored The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, and The Tools of Titans. If that isn't enough he is also the host of a top podcast called "The Tim Ferriss Show," where he interviews a wide range of influential individuals from different fields, exploring their strategies for success and personal growth. Tim and I go back in time to 2012 as we talk about ways he and I have evolved personally as well as professionally over the last decade. We revisit stories from when Tim caught me talking to the Caribou I was preparing for the first time for his dinner party to topics ranging from his thoughts on leaving a legacy, mental health, the importance of celebrations, poetry, and a few more unique gems I’ll leave you to hear in the episode. Performance Spotlight aka Free Game: Stick around for this segment, today's highlight is Black Cumin Seed Oil aka Nigella Sativa. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. If anything stands out to you, share it on social and tag me, @paleochef. Be well. Do Good. Trust your Gut.

Today I welcome and kick off the Eat Play Crush Podcast with my incredible client and friend, Lupita Nyong’o. She has graced our screens in iconic roles and is the recipient of multiple awards, including an Academy Award. Lupita is someone that embodies total commitment to her craft and in this conversation, she takes us through her remarkable experience and transformation preparing for her role in Wakanda Forever which required intense training as well as prep for her upcoming role which required an entirely different body composition . We also discuss how those experiences compared to her prep for the first Black Panther movie, before she and I began working together to unlock her personal nutrition design. Lupita shares the behind-the-scenes experience of our work together, what performance nutrition means to her, and how changing the way she ate allowed her to get into optimal shape to embody her character Nakia once again but also how it expanded her own self awareness and relationship to food in her everyday life. Lupita delves into the challenges, learnings, and dedication required and how that experience transcended into her habits off the screen. Beyond that, we also talk about her personal journey preparing for these roles while so much is going on in the world as well as in her personal life and how she keeps herself grounded and where she draws inspiration. You are sure to be drawn in, inspired, and empowered by this episode.

Welcome to the Eat, Play, Crush podcast. I am your host, Mary Shenouda. Over my career as a performance chef and specialist to some of the most elite athletes and entertainers, I found that the gap between what they do and what you can accomplish is much more relatable than we make it seem. Performance and wellness should be inclusive, and I believe that if you have a body, you're performing at some level, whether you're a world-class athlete or simply someone like you and me. And it goes far beyond just nutrition. So my aim with this podcast is to share real-life stories, tips, and not tricks to inspire and make a difference so that you may eat well, play hard, and crush life.