Send us a text On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Cristy Kisner, founder of Cristy’s Kitchen, to explore her inspiring journey from a small town in Peru to opening a bakery in Roswell, Georgia that serves gluten-free, dairy-free, organic, and allergy-friendly meals. Cristy shares how she built a business around wellness and inclusivity, offering meals that are both nourishing and delicious. Discover the stories of families positively impacted by her approach, a...

Send us a text What does it really mean to show up anyway — especially when life doesn’t go as planned? In this heartfelt episode, I switch roles and step into the guest seat with the incredible Lizbeth Meredith, author, speaker, and host of the Persistence U podcast. Together, we talk about my chapter in Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery, titled “What Germany Taught Me About Showing Up Anyway.” I open up about how a lost suitcase and a ...

Send us a text On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Gabriela Alves Toulier, a celebrated Brazilian actress who transitioned from the spotlight of Globo TV, SBT, and theater to a profound new calling—helping women heal and awaken through soul therapy. Gabi shares her remarkable journey from performing on screen to guiding others on their inner journeys of transformation. Through modalities like Family Constellation, Quantum Being, Theta Healing, and Yoga Philosophy, she...

Send us a text You asked, and we listened. Building on our last episode about “food as medicine,” we’re taking a deeper dive with Geri Brewster, RDN. She is a nationally recognized dietitian with over 35 years of experience and a holistic, “whole person” approach to nutrition. In this conversation, Geri reveals how what’s on your plate, and what’s in the soil, directly shapes mental health, prevents chronic conditions, and fosters emotional well-being in younger generations. Her transfo...

Send us a text What if food could be your most powerful medicine? On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Dr. Deb Kennedy, PhD nutritionist, chef, author, and pioneer of the Food is Medicine movement. Dr. Kennedy shares how she founded the Food Coach Academy, a groundbreaking platform that empowers individuals to harness food as medicine through science-based training and culinary skills. From redefining nutrition counseling to aligning with national health strategi...

Send us a text On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Tatiana Alonso, CEO of Gerando Falcões International, who transformed a grassroots initiative in one favela into a global nonprofit movement impacting over a million lives. Tatiana shares how she went from corporate law to mission-driven leadership, the challenges of breaking cycles of poverty, and the groundbreaking programs that are reshaping communities with dignity, resilience, and hope. Her journey offers p...

Send us a text On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Dawn LaFontaine, founder of Cat in the Box, who turned her love for cats into a profitable, mission-driven business. 🐾 Dawn shares how she identified a gap in the pet market, overcame startup challenges, and built a brand that seamlessly balances innovation, design, and wellness. Her journey offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to launch, grow, or pivot a business—no matter their stage in life. Key Tak...

Send us a text Join Wanda Malhotra on Mission-Driven Founders as she sits down with Natalie Lauraine, a global wellness innovator transforming lives through art, voice, and meditation. Natalie is a leading meditation teacher on Insight Timer with over 7,000 five-star reviews, a sober coach to artists, and founder of Joy Media, connecting wellness brands to luxury hotels and major festivals worldwide. In this episode, Natalie shares her journey of using her voice as a healing tool, creating im...

Send us a text What if one idea could change an entire generation? In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Garner Hall, a remarkable teenage entrepreneur and founder of Brain Nourishment—a movement helping young people and adults alike reduce screen time, overcome phone addiction, and reclaim focus and well-being. Garner proves that age is no barrier to creating meaningful impact and inspiring change. His journey—from recognizing the negative ef...

Send us a text What if the best chapter of your life is still ahead of you? In this powerful episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with the stunning and radiant Dr. Nina Cash—a true example that age is just a number and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Beautiful inside and out, Nina embodies both grace and strength, proving that positivity, persistence, and resilience can transform dreams into reality. Her journey—from academia and advocacy to becoming a S...

Send us a text In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra interviews Celebrity Chef Jesús “Yisus” Díaz—two-time Emmy Award winner, the star of Despierta América star, champion of Mira Quien Baila, and author of Delicious Cooking with Chef Jesús. 🌿 Beyond his celebrated career, Chef Jesús is leading a movement to inspire healthier eating and purposeful living. In this insightful conversation, he shares: His culinary journey from Venezuela to becoming a household name...

Send us a text What happens when a layoff pushes you to step into your true calling? In this episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Hady Méndez, founder of Boldly Speaking and author of Calladita no More, to share how being laid off in 2023 became the catalyst for launching a business rooted in self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, and authentic entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of experience in DEI and leadership, Hady opens up about: Transforming a setback ...

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with yoga teacher, author, and wellness advocate Sarah Ezrin—a purpose-driven entrepreneur whose work uplifts her community through mindfulness, vulnerability, and healing movement. From her early experiences with body image and self-worth to becoming a published author and respected voice in the yoga and wellness space, Sarah shares how her personal journey shaped the mission behind her business. In ...

Send us a text Domestic violence is not always visible—it can be physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial. In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra speaks with Catherine Jones, former Victim Advocacy Program Coordinator at the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, about recognizing the signs, offering support, and connecting survivors with life-changing resources. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ How to recognize the many forms of domestic vio...

Send us a text What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business that changes lives? In this inspiring episode, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Marta Han and Zsofia Jamieson, founders of The Fertility Class, to explore how they built a mission-driven company focused on natural fertility and hormone health. 🌿 Learn how they combined their expertise in movement, nutrition, and mindfulness to create a program that helps women reconnect with their bodies, balance hormones, and embrac...

Send us a text How do you turn a personal health crisis into a mission-driven business that educates, empowers, and connects an entire community? Nicole Fey did just that. As the founder of the East Tennessee Wellness Directory, she’s built a platform that bridges holistic health practitioners and wellness seekers—while integrating sustainability and education at its core. In this episode, Nicole shares her journey from battling chronic fatigue to creating a business model that supports both ...

Send us a text What does it take to turn your passion for music into a mission-driven entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Mat Charley of Raynes—a British-American band blending uplifting music with a powerful sense of purpose. Mat shares how Raynes came together, their journey from songwriting sessions to international tours, and how they overcame challenges like navigating the pandemic and balancing creativity with the business s...

Send us a text What if a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for not only your greatest healing—but also your life’s mission? In this transformative episode of Mission-driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Emily Kicklighter, founder of The Whole Elephant Coaching. After a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, Emily radically reimagined her health, her purpose, and how she could empower others to heal—through holistic practices, regenerative farming, retrea...

Send us a text Dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Leslie Dobson, clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and advocate for personal growth. From walking the halls with psychopaths to thriving as a professional, wife, and mom, Dr. Dobson shares her wisdom on overcoming imposter syndrome and setting boundaries that protect your energy. Discover the power of collaboration among women, the art of balancing truth-seeking with emotional support, and practical tips for recognizing red f...

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of the Mission-Driven Founders podcast, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Sondra Kellog of the Empowered Soul Network to explore how purpose and community shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Through the heartfelt story of Crunchy Mama Box, Wanda shares her take on building a business rooted in love, motivation, and a mission to empower others. Her reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and purposeful living could be the inspiration you need—whet...