Behind Her Empire is focused on highlighting self-made women leaders & entrepreneurs and how they tackle their career, money, family and life.
Each episode covers their unique journey and what it really takes to build an empire with key lessons learned along the way. The goal of the series is to empower you to see what’s possible & inspire you to create financial freedom in your own life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Behind Her Empire is focused on highlighting self-made women leaders & entrepreneurs and how they tackle their career, money, family and life.
Each episode covers their unique journey and what it really takes to build an empire with key lessons learned along the way. The goal of the series is to empower you to see what’s possible & inspire you to create financial freedom in your own life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Missy Tannen is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Boll & Branch, the luxury bedding brand that made organic, ethically made sheets a household staple.
Missy’s path to entrepreneurship began far from business. After eight years as a third-grade teacher, she stepped away to raise her three daughters, never imagining she would one day build one of the most successful bedding brands in the country. What started as a simple search for better sheets led Missy and her husband, Scott, to uncover an industry lacking transparency. Determined to do better, they learned everything from cotton to supply chains from scratch and launched Boll & Branch in 2014 with a mission to create beautiful, responsibly made bedding at an honest price. What began at their kitchen table has since grown into a $200 million brand, sold at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, with stores expanding nationwide.
In this week’s episode, Missy shares her transformation from teacher to entrepreneur, the pivotal moments that shaped Boll & Branch’s early years, and how one unexpected newspaper story changed everything. We get into the scrappy stuff—wiring their savings to a factory they had never visited, making tech packs in PowerPoint, washing fabric samples in her laundry room, and missing a holiday launch after a production disaster. Missy reflects on building their supply chain from the ground up, facing zero-sales days before the brand took off overnight, and learning to balance growth, motherhood, and self-doubt while staying true to her purpose. This conversation is your reminder that you do not need experience or a roadmap to build something extraordinary, only grit, heart, and the courage to keep going.
*Note from Yasmin: After five amazing years of weekly episodes, I’m shifting Behind Her Empire to an every-other-week schedule. This new rhythm gives me a bit more space to focus on building my own empire and to bring you even deeper, more intentional episodes. I’m so grateful to have you on this journey and can’t wait to keep sharing powerful stories every other week.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Missy about:
* Missy’s upbringing and early teaching career. [03:31]
* How the idea for Boll & Branch came about. [07:30]
* Sourcing ethical cotton and building fair trade supply chains. [15:48]
* The process of finding the right partners. [18:22]
* The process behind their first PO. [22:44]
* Navigating early challenges with her husband and co-founder. [24:24]
* The Wall Street Journal feature that changed everything. [33:25]
* Balancing rapid growth with personal values. [39:36]
* The evolution of Boll & Branch and leading with authenticity. [46:31]
* Managing moments of overwhelm while building a business. [49:31]
* Overcoming perfectionism in leadership. [53:50]
* Navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship. [59:18]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Missy:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollandbranch/
* Website: https://www.bollandbranch.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Perimenopause is something nearly every woman will experience, yet many don’t recognize what’s happening until symptoms begin to disrupt daily life. This week, my co-founder Kaya and her sister sit down with Dr. Mariza Snyder for an open and honest conversation about perimenopause.
Together, they bring personal experience and curiosity to the discussion, unpacking what’s really happening in the body during this stage and how women can navigate it with more ease and support.
Dr. Mariza explains the first signs of perimenopause, which can vary widely and affect the entire body well beyond the breasts and ovaries. She breaks down what happens inside the body during this transition, how it can lead to surprising changes in daily life, and the key tests that can help women navigate this phase while protecting their brain and metabolic health. Dr. Mariza also shares why stress management, community, and movement are essential tools for empowering ourselves through this time.
This episode is brought to you by Beeya:
* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya’s seed cycling bundle.
* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
Follow Kaya:
* https://www.instagram.com/kayapurohit/
Follow Dr. Mariza:
* Website: https://drmariza.com/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/
* Check out her hormones and metabolism reset program here: https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-reset-course/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kim Vaccarella is the founder and CEO of Bogg Bag, the durable, washable, and colorful tote designed to carry it all with ease, from beach days to everyday adventures.
Kim’s journey to building Bogg Bag was anything but linear. A mom of two with a full-time job, she sketched the idea for a sturdier beach tote after one too many sandy, soggy days at the shore. Turning that sketch into reality meant dipping into her children’s college savings, navigating failed prototypes, and surviving a shipment disaster that nearly sank the company. She pitched the concept to investors, auditioned for Shark Tank four times, and kept going even when the odds looked impossible. For nearly a decade, Kim built Bogg slowly and steadily on the side, determined to protect her vision and move at her own pace. That persistence paid off. Today, Bogg Bag is a thriving $100 million brand carried in major retailers like Nordstrom, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with millions of bags in the hands of customers across the country.
In this week’s episode, Kim gets super detailed about the many ups and downs on bringing this business to life - from the risks she took to place her first big order, the moments she nearly walked away, and the lessons she learned about patience, resilience, and staying true to her path. We talk about the turning points that defined her journey—from manufacturing challenges and early rejections to grassroots growth and viral moments, and the leap of faith she took when she left her 26-year career to focus on Bogg full time. Kim also shares why she ultimately turned down a massive nine figure acquisition offer and what it means to build a business on your own timeline. If you’ve ever doubted your pace or questioned your path, Kim’s story proves that slow growth can be just as powerful.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Kim about:
* Why slow and steady growth builds sustainable businesses. [02:27]
* Kim’s early drive for financial independence. [07:31]
* How a beach day sparked the idea for Bogg Bag. [10:14]
* Early prototypes and industry rejections. [17:16]
* Selling the first 300 bags. [19:22]
* Funding the first batches through savings and family support. [20:50]
* Manufacturing disaster and Hurricane Sandy. [23:11]
* Factory challenges and key lessons. [29:15]
* Finding the right long-term manufacturing partner. [32:57]
* Auditioning for Shark Tank four times. [36:09]
* Raising her first $120K from trusted connections. [37:15]
* Leaving her 26-year career. [41:20]
* The million-dollar sales milestone and early COVID pivots. [42:12]
* Going viral with Peloton moms. [44:25]
* Why Kim turned down a $100M acquisition deal. [53:18]
* Navigating imitators and fierce competition. [59:25]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Kim:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boggbags/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimvaccarella/
* Website: https://boggbag.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing one of our top episodes with Stacy Sims, MSC, PhD, a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who aims to revolutionize exercise nutrition and performance for women.
Have you ever wondered why one week you feel like you’re crushing it in the gym, and the next you just don’t have the energy? Newsflash: women are NOT small men. Our hormones fluctuate throughout the month, which has subtle (and sometimes obvious) impacts on every area of our lives—including exercise.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* Exercise myths that need to be busted
* If women really need to cycle sync their workouts
* What women need to know about cold therapy
* How to know if you’re eating enough
* Why creatine isn’t just for gym bros
* And more…
Dr. Stacy has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato, focusing on female athlete health and performance and pushing the dogma to improve research on all women. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers, several books and is a regularly featured speaker at professional and academic conferences, including those by USOC and USA Cycling.
With the unique opportunities, Silicon Valley has to offer, during her tenure at Stanford, she had the opportunity to translate earlier research into consumer products and a science-based layperson's book, Roar, written to explain sex differences in training and nutrition across the lifespan. Both the consumer products and the book challenged the existing dogma for women in exercise, nutrition, and health. This paradigm shift is the focus of her famous "Women Are Not Small Men” TEDx talk.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Stacy:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims/
* Website: https://www.drstacysims.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jennifer Meyer is the founder and creative director of Jennifer Meyer Jewelry, a fine jewelry brand handmade in Los Angeles.
Jennifer’s story starts early. At six, she was discovering her love for jewelry while creating pieces with her grandmother. Fast forward: she hustled her way into getting a job at Glamour magazine, then worked in fashion and PR with Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani. In 2005, she finally followed her passion she felt for years and launched her brand at her kitchen table, teaching herself everything from molds to pricing. Her big break came when Jennifer Aniston wore the leaf necklace in The Break-Up, and suddenly her pieces were on the shelves at Barneys and Net-a-Porter. Nearly two decades later, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry has become a Hollywood staple, worn by everyone from Reese Witherspoon and Taylor Swift to Selena Gomez and so many more.
In today’s episode, Jennifer gets real about what it took to build from zero. We talk about how her upbringing & working at a young age shaped her resilience, the scrappy hustle that got her first big break at Glamour, and the leap from side passion to a real business. She shares the chaos of those early orders, the moment Jennifer Aniston put her work on the map, and what it was like to scale while raising her daughter. We dig into money lessons from her dad, why she chose slow and steady growth, and how to bet on yourself when there’s no roadmap. Jennifer also opens up about navigating comparison, leaning into social and how it’s impacted her business, and redefining what success means to her over the years. If you’ve ever felt “not enough,” this conversation will remind you that passion, persistence, and kindness can take you farther than you think.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Jennifer about:
* Why staying focused and trusting your passion has guided her career. [02:46]
* Early work experiences and family influences that shaped her values. [05:26]
* Building work ethic and discipline from a young age. [09:06]
* From Glamour to Ralph Lauren and the lessons she carried forward. [12:05]
* The pivotal decision to pursue jewelry design full-time. [20:04]
* Confronting fear and taking the leap into entrepreneurship. [22:59]
* Scrappy beginnings and the early challenges of launching her brand. [26:40]
* How Jennifer Aniston wearing her jewelry became a breakthrough moment. [29:00]
* Landing Barneys at the same time and learning how to manage momentum. [32:26]
* Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship from the very start. [39:29]
* Why investing in yourself is always worth it. [45:07]
* The importance of leading with kindness and authenticity. [47:44]
* How her definition of success has evolved over the years. [49:36]
* Navigating emotional challenges and the resilience it takes to keep going. [51:35]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Jennifer:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmeyerjewelry/
* Website: https://jennifermeyer.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why do mood shifts, cravings, and PMS happen before your period? Dr. Sarah Hill, author of “This is Your Brain on Birth Control” and “The Period Brain”, breaks down the latest science on hormones, the luteal phase, and how progesterone affects the brain and body.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* How to survive and thrive in the luteal phase
* Why PMS exists (and its functional purpose)
* How progesterone impacts mood and stress
* The connection between birth control and attraction
* What contributes to postpartum depression
* And more…
Sarah E. Hill, Ph.D. is an award-winning researcher, consultant, writer, scientist, communicator, and professor. With almost 25 years of research experience, she's authored 100+ research publications, and two books that have changed the conversation about hormones and birth control for women. She earned her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin with Dr. David Buss and has called Texas home since moving here for graduate school in 2000. She has used the latest science on the dynamic changes in women’s hormonal states to write her newest book, "The Period Brain" with the goal of helping people feel seen, heard, and understood.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Sarah:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahehillphd/
* Website: https://www.sarahehill.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joan Nguyen is the co-founder and CEO of Bumo, a platform revolutionizing childcare with flexible, on-demand options for families.
Raised by Vietnamese refugee parents who taught her that education was both a privilege and a pathway, Joan’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 20 years old when she founded MeriEducation with $3,000 in savings, eventually growing it into an Inc. 5000 company. Years later, as a working mother, she teamed up with Chriselle Lim to launch Bumo in 2019. From pitching over 200 investors with repeated rejections, to losing her home in the LA wildfires, to pivoting the company into a virtual school in just eleven days during the pandemic, Joan has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Today, Bumo has raised over $10 million and built a nationwide marketplace connecting families with thousands of licensed childcare providers.
In this week’s episode, Joan opens up about the pivots that shaped her journey. She shares what it was like navigating survival mode versus thriving mode as a founder, building a supportive community, and finally breaking through with investors. We talk about the challenges of fundraising and adapting quickly during the pandemic to save her business. Joan also shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, setting boundaries as a parent and leader, and the power of asking for help. If you’ve ever faced setbacks that felt impossible to overcome, this conversation is proof that your hardest seasons can set the stage for your biggest breakthroughs.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Joan about:
* The power of pivots and why Joan always leads with serving her community. [02:21]
* How every job and connection came full circle in her entrepreneurial journey. [04:34]
* Lessons in resilience and perspective from her refugee parents. [07:35]
* Surviving vs. thriving: the mindset shift as a founder. [09:51]
* Losing her home, kids’ school, and 300 daycares in the LA fires. [11:29]
* Running a fashion line and tutoring before choosing education. [13:50]
* From “glorified intern” to co-founder & CEO of Bumo. [18:57]
* Pitching 200+ investors and the early rejections. [23:31]
* Building community with the Bumo Digest parenting newsletter. [25:35]
* Landing her first lead investor (& literally breaking open doors). [28:16]
* Pivoting during the pandemic and launching a virtual school. [30:45]
* Why 2022–2023 were some of Bumo’s hardest years. [33:40]
* The traction and proof points that led to raising $10M. [40:26]
* How Joan has evolved as a leader. [41:28]
* The power of focus, hiring right, and clear communication. [51:18]
* Setting boundaries as a founder and parent. [47:08]
* Why asking for help can change everything. [51:07]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Joan:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumoparent/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joan.bumo/
* Website: https://wp.bumo.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, we’re doing a solo episode. I’ve invited my co-founder at beeya wellness and sister-in-law, Kaya Purohit, to join me for a candid conversation where we dive into the top questions from our community.
From wellness routines to business strategy, we’re getting real on how we actually live, work, and build behind the scenes. We get into things like:
* The wellness fads we tried (and why they left us drained)
* The daily rituals that keep us grounded while running a fast-paced startup
* The best business advice we’ve ever received—and how it keeps us sane
* The marketing lesson that completely changed the way we grow beeya
* The messy truth of building a brand, from product development headaches to customer wins
We’re keeping it honest, a little messy, and hopefully super helpful - we hope you enjoy this one!
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Kaya:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayapurohit/
Follow Beeya:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beeyawellness/
* Website: https://beeyawellness.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Melinda Maria Spigel is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Melinda Maria Jewelry, a leading e-commerce jewelry brand.
From a young age, Melinda was drawn to creativity and jewelry, spending hours sketching and experimenting with designs. What began as a childhood passion quickly evolved into something bigger when, at 23, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She started selling her handmade pieces out of a Starbucks, sometimes making $1,000 a day, until her bold, statement designs began catching the eyes of stylists and celebrities. That early momentum would eventually grow into a namesake brand worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift, and featured in major retailers around the world.
In this week’s episode, Melinda opens up about the real journey behind the brand: how she overcame fear of judgment, why authenticity is her biggest competitive edge, and what it really took to build a company from scratch while raising three kids. We talk about the hustle of her early days, the grassroots strategies that got her into celebrity hands, the lessons she learned navigating challenges during key growth stages, and how passion continues to fuel her resilience and long-term success. Melinda’s story is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity, and a reminder that true success isn’t about a perfect path but about showing up with courage, again and again.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Melinda about:
* Why authenticity is the foundation of brand-building. [03:03]
* Melinda’s relationship with creativity growing up. [07:16]
* Discovering her passion for jewelry at a young age. [09:00]
* Hustle and scrappiness in the early days. [11:47]
* Driving growth through community engagement. [13:46]
* Navigating challenges during key growth stages. [19:08]
* Lessons on fulfillment and growth. [28:07]
* Finding the right manufacturer and why it matters. [38:10]
* Content creation and showing up authentically online. [41:32]
* Taking time for family and returning full-time. [45:01]
* How passion sustains resilience and long-term success. [53:55]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Melinda:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindamaria_jewely/
* Website: https://www.melindamaria.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of conflicting advice on hormones, aging, and how to truly take care of your body, you’re not alone. From social media trends to quick-fix solutions, it can be hard to know what actually works and what’s just noise. In this conversation, Dr. Amy Killen breaks down complex science into clear, actionable insights. You’ll walk away not only with knowledge, but also with a sense of empowerment to make decisions that support your long-term vitality, energy, and confidence as hormones shift throughout life.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* Misconceptions about estrogen
* How to navigate hormone shifts in midlife
* The latest science on HRT
* When hormone testing really matters
* The truth about creatine, red light & collagen
* When women age the fastest
* And more…
Dr. Amy Killen is a longevity and regenerative physician, entrepreneur, and international speaker. A former ER doctor, she now helps people look and feel their best through lifestyle medicine, hormones, peptides, and cutting-edge regenerative therapies. She is the founder of the Human Optimization Project and co-founder/Chief Medical Officer of Humanaut Health, while also pioneering advanced stem cell procedures in her Utah-based practice.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Amy:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amybkillen/
* Website: https://dramykillen.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ty Haney is the founder of Outdoor Voices, the brand that made moving your body feel cool, inclusive, and fun again.. She’s also the founder of Joggy, a natural energy brand, and TYB (“Try Your Best”), a fast-growing platform helping brands build stronger communities through its community commerce model.
Ty started Outdoor Voices as a college project, and it ended up becoming one of the most recognizable names in activewear. She had this fresh take on movement and community that made the brand stand out and quickly grow into a national success. At its peak, Outdoor Voices was bringing in over $160 million in revenue under her leadership and became a playbook for how community can drive real growth. After stepping away, Ty didn’t slow down - she launched Joggy and later TYB, which now powers over 200 companies like Rare Beauty, Poppi, and Urban Outfitters.
In today’s episode, Ty gets real about the full arc of Outdoor Voices from its scrappy beginnings to becoming a national brand, and then the tough moments that led her to step away. She opens up about the challenges behind the scenes, what it felt like to walk away from something she built, and why she’s now coming back to the company with a fresh perspective. We also dive into what she’s learned launching Joggy from scratch, building TYB with powerhouse brands, and how she rebuilt her confidence through it all. Ty shares the lessons she wishes more founders talked about - why ownership equals control, how to manage your time and energy, and why trusting yourself is everything. This one’s for anyone who’s building, rebuilding, or just figuring it out as they go, Ty’s story is packed with honesty, grit, and the kind of inspiration we all need to hear.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Ty about:
* Why ownership equals control in business. [02:16]
* Childhood influences and early entrepreneurial spirit. [05:16]
* The origin story of Outdoor Voices. [07:57]
* Outdoor Voices’ unique approach to activewear. [14:08]
* Product development challenges behind the scenes. [15:57]
* Fundraising and relationship-building lessons. [22:23]
* Scaling Outdoor Voices and the biggest lessons she learned. [28:23]
* Why a strong team makes all the difference. [29:29]
* The decision to leave Outdoor Voices. [30:40]
* Motherhood and personal growth. [37:04]
* Starting over with Try Your Best and Joggy. [39:52]
* Rebuilding her confidence from the ground up. [44:04]
* Time management and how Ty sets her priorities, managing three companies. [47:19]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Ty:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_haney/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorvoices/
* Website: https://www.outdoorvoices.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is your mouth making you sick? Turns out, your mouth is the gateway to your whole body’s health, yet most of us don’t realize just how much our oral care impacts everything from digestion to heart health. Whether you want to prevent cavities, avoid unnecessary dental work, or learn holistic strategies for keeping your mouth healthy, this conversation will open your eyes to the bigger picture of oral wellness.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* How oral health is deeply connected to overall health
* The role of saliva and minerals in keeping teeth strong
* Early signs of poor oral health (and how to address them)
* How breastfeeding impacts jaw development in babies
* The fluoride debate—what you need to know
* Why so many kids (and adults) need braces today
* The surprising link between mouth breathing and dental health
* And more…
Dr. Staci Whitman is a leading authority in functional dentistry. With a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care, she’s dedicated to creating a cavity-free world. Dr. Staci is a triple board-certified in pediatrics, integrative dentistry, and naturopathic dentistry and is one of only five dentists in the world to have her Functional Medicine Certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine. She founded one of the country’s leading Functional Pediatric Dental offices, where she takes a whole-body and holistic approach to her care. She co-founded the Institute of Functional Dentistry, launching in 2025, and lectures globally on Functional Dentistry and the Oral Systemic Connection.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Get 15% off at fygg.com with code BEEYA.
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Staci:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_staci/
* Website: https://linktr.ee/doctorstaci
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kadi Lee is a celebrity hair colorist and the co-founder of Highbrow Hippie, a luxury beauty and wellness brand rooted in clean ingredients, intentional rituals, and timeless beauty.
Growing up in a small town outside New York, Kadi learned to care for her own textured hair at just eleven, sparking a passion for beauty that would shape her life. That passion took her from a college side hustle to training at Aveda and working in some of New York City’s top salons. In 2019, she and her longtime friend Myka Harris brought that experience to Venice Beach, launching Highbrow Hippie — a beauty and wellness destination that embodies clean living and a laid-back California vibe, which we’re going to talk all about today. She’s become a go-to for celebrity clients from Julia Roberts to Meghan Markle to Gwyneth Paltrow.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear how Kadi built Highbrow Hippie from the ground up, learning every part of running a business completely from scratch. She went from figuring out fundraising to creating products with zero prior experience — all while trusting her instincts at every turn. We talk about how her early life shaped her independence, the hustle that led to her first big break, and the leap of faith it took to launch a luxury beauty brand in the middle of a global pandemic. Kadi shares powerful lessons on financial literacy, learning to delegate, and staying clear on your vision when the path forward feels uncertain. She also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of building a business, the moments she almost walked away, and the support that helped her push through. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something from nothing, Kadi’s story will inspire you to take the leap.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Kadi about:
* How Kadi’s upbringing shaped her independence. [02:33]
* Early jobs and discovering her passion for hair. [06:26]
* Kadi’s first big break in the industry. [09:57]
* The inspiration behind Highbrow Hippie. [11:10]
* Navigating the challenges of starting a business during a pandemic. [21:08]
* Trusting your gut when making big business decisions. [24:01]
* Why financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurs. [32:00]
* Brand vision and the power of visualization. [38:17]
* From product iteration to their first official launch. [37:09]
* Navigating product development. [39:45]
* Lessons from joining an accelerator and raising capital. [45:43]
* The emotional impact of receiving support from clients and community. [50:44]
* How perseverance and hard work lead to lasting success. [55:46]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Get 15% off Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness with code Empire15 at highbrowhippie.com
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Kadi:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highbrowhippie/
* Website: https://highbrowhippie.com/
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Face taping, red light, microneedling—oh my! With so much conflicting skincare advice online, it’s hard to know what actually works and what’s just hype. In this episode, we’re joined by world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe to cut through the noise and bring you the science-backed truths about healthy, glowing skin.
From morning routines to active ingredients, acne myths to the gut-skin connection, Dr. Bowe shares her top tips for simplifying your skincare and healing your skin from the inside and out.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* The only morning skincare routine you actually need
* How to properly use active ingredients without damaging your skin
* The connection between gut health and skin health
* Foods that naturally boost collagen and support healthy aging
* Tips for treating acne-prone skin (without overdoing it)
* A dermatologist’s take on how to approach skin treatments
* The truth about face taping vs. Botox
* And more…
Dr. Whitney Bowe is a board-certified dermatologist, award-winning research scientist, and the founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty—one of the fastest-growing skincare brands on the market. She’s the force behind the viral skin-cycling trend and the best-selling author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin, where she dives into the powerful link between gut health, mental health, and skin. Whether she’s treating celebrities or educating millions online, Dr. Bowe brings science-backed skincare to the forefront. Her mission is helping you glow from the inside out.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Bowe:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwhitneybowe/
* Website: https://drwhitneybowebeauty.com/
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Elizabeth Stein is the Founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, the number one granola brand in America and a trailblazer in the natural foods industry.
Her journey began far from the aisles of Whole Foods. In 2008, she was working as a certified holistic nutrition counselor, focused on helping people one-on-one. But when she brought a batch of homemade gluten-free blueberry muffins to a local triathlon to promote her practice, something unexpected happened: people went crazy for them. That moment sparked an idea. From her tiny New York City apartment, Elizabeth started selling muffin mixes and hand-delivering orders. Over time, she pivoted to granola, a bold move that would put her on the map. What began as scrappy kitchen experiments turned into Purely Elizabeth, now sold in over 30,000 stores nationwide. With backing from General Mills and a cult following among health-conscious shoppers, she’s built more than a food company — she’s built a movement.
In our conversation, Elizabeth takes us behind the scenes of what it really looks like to build a food company from the ground up, starting with no industry experience and a whole lot of curiosity. She shares how she created her first product (yes, those famous blueberry muffins), and how one pivot led her to granola, now the brand’s bestseller and the product that took everything to the next level. We talk about bootstrapping for seven years, early manufacturing struggles, and the moment a Whole Foods buyer gave her a shot that changed everything. Elizabeth also opens up about walking trade show floors to get noticed, teaching herself how to fundraise, and learning to trust her gut long before she felt ready. She gets honest about the personal growth it takes to scale a business, from building confidence to setting boundaries, and why letting go of perfection was one of the best decisions she ever made.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Elizabeth about:
* Starting a business without all the answers. [03:09]
* The power of ambition and a strong support system. [05:34]
* How Elizabeth’s interest in wellness first started. [08:46]
* Studying nutrition and building business skills. [16:17]
* Creating the first product: blueberry muffins. [18:27]
* How pivoting opened new opportunities. [22:07]
* Navigating early manufacturing challenges. [29:35]
* Why trade shows became key turning points. [31:13]
* Breaking into Whole Foods. [33:56]
* Finding the right co-packer to scale. [36:07]
* Pivoting to launch their now-popular granola line. [43:09]
* Approaching investors and their first fundraise. [47:32]
* Elizabeth’s biggest area of growth: confidence. [53:22]
* Learning to say no and create healthy boundaries. [57:07]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Elizabeth:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purely_elizabeth/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamelizabethstein/
* Website: https://purelyelizabeth.com/
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Thinking about having kids someday, or just curious about your body? This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand fertility, whether you're planning ahead or just want to feel more connected to your cycle.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* Why fertility matters even if you’re not trying for kids
* The truth about birth control and future fertility
* Which fertility tests to get and how to improve egg quality
* A crash course on how reproduction works
* How to track your cycle and use the Fertility Awareness Method
* What sperm health has to do with the bigger picture
* And more…
Unlike many physicians, Natalie has a whole body approach to medicine, fusing lifestyle and functional medicine with science backed facts to help people conceive and understand their bodies. Dr. Crawford has helped thousands of patients and followers learn about their bodies and their fertility, empowering them with education and learning to advocate for themselves in their own fertility journeys. Natalie also hosts the successful As a Woman Podcast with over 5 million downloads.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Natalie:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/
* Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/
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Angela Vranich is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Little Spoon, a company that’s become the go-to destination for fresh, healthy meals for kids.
Angela’s journey to transforming kids’ food was anything but traditional. While still in college, she was cold-calling brands and building a grassroots food marketing startup out of her dorm room, eventually growing it to over 100 team members nationwide. After graduating, she landed a job in food television, thinking that was her dream, until she realized she didn’t just want to talk about food, she wanted to change it. That spark came when she walked down the baby food aisle and saw how outdated it all felt. The idea for Little Spoon was born, but turning it into a real product was far from easy. Angela had zero experience bringing a physical product to life, had to shut down her first business, and was constantly figuring things out as she went. Still, she launched Little Spoon in 2017, and it took off, selling over a million meals in its first year. Since then, it’s become a go-to for parents across the country, delivering over 35 million fresh meals for babies, toddlers, and big kids.
In this episode, Angela gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of building a company from scratch, the pivots, the rejections, and the moments she questioned it all. We talk about the power of what she calls “healthy naiveté” and how sometimes not knowing what you’re up against is what gives you the courage to take the leap anyway. She opens up about shutting down her first venture after college and the biggest lessons she learned there about what to do and not to do in business. We also dive into what it actually takes to scale fresh food at a national level, why going direct-to-consumer gave Little Spoon a major advantage, and how Angela learned to surround herself with the right people, ask for help, and celebrate the small wins.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Angela about:
* Surrounding yourself with experts can guide your journey. [03:00]
* How healthy naivete fuels bold decisions. [04:04]
* Lessons from launching a business in college. [07:28]
* Managing people as a first-time student founder. [11:52]
* Shutting down her first venture and pivoting. [14:03]
* Spotting a gap in the baby food market. [17:54]
* The first steps in building Little Spoon. [20:28]
* Figuring it out: cold calls and scrappiness. [23:49]
* Product challenges in fresh baby food. [26:53]
* Retail hurdles and going DTC instead. [30:48]
* Building brand awareness from scratch. [34:51]
* Why a strong team makes all the difference. [36:19]
* Staying grounded through business highs and lows. [40:24]
* Delegating and making the most of your time. [42:38]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Angela:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelavran/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlespoon/
* Website: https://www.littlespoon.com/
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We’re busting myths and breaking down the science behind some of the most misunderstood topics in wellness, starting with cycle syncing. Is it really the key to better workouts, or just another trend? We dive into what the research actually says and why women may not need totally different fitness advice after all.
We also explore how muscle, fat loss, and bone health shift as we age—and what you can actually do about it. If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting hormone advice, this episode is your no-BS guide to what’s real, what’s hype, and what your body actually needs.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* How cycle syncing advice misses the mark
* What we’re getting wrong about fasted training
* The truth about cortisol face
* What women need to know about Ozempic and GLP-1s
* Muscle-building basics for beginners
* And more…
Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple is a muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from McMaster University and an M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on how ovarian hormones influence exercise-induced adaptations, helping bridge the gap between female physiology and evidence-based training.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Colenso-Semple is an experienced strength and conditioning coach and sports nutrition expert. She brings years of hands-on experience to her science communication, making complex topics accessible and actionable. She is also a co-owner of the MASS Research Review, where she helps distill cutting-edge research for athletes, coaches, and health professionals.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Lauren:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencs1/
* Website: https://www.drlaurencs.com/
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Kristin Charbo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Glonuts, the better-for-you donut brand redefining indulgence with clean ingredients and low sugar.
But her journey didn’t start in food or even in business. Kristin spent over 15 years in luxury hospitality, opening hotels for brands like Mandarin Oriental and PUBLIC in New York. It wasn’t until a PCOS diagnosis in her early 20s that she was forced to rethink her relationship with food, wellness, and ultimately, her career. That health wake-up call eventually sparked the idea for a nostalgic, blood-sugar-friendly treat she wished existed. What started as a “healthy donut thing” from a coffee cart quickly took on a life of its own, leading Kristin and her partner Grover to deliver over 100,000 donuts from their one-bedroom apartment and even use their wedding money to rebrand the business. Today, Glonuts is one of the most exciting brands in wellness snacking, stocked everywhere from Erewhon to H-E-B markets and other retailers all across the US.
In this episode, Kristin gets real about what it actually takes to build something from nothing—when you don’t have a blueprint, just a product people love and the grit to figure it out. She opens up about the mental rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the scrappy early days of hand-delivering donuts, and the power of iterating on feedback. We talk about the challenges of fundraising as a female founder, how she built a network of powerhouse women who now double as investors and advisors, and why personal growth is just as critical as business growth. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own thing or in the thick of figuring it out as you go, Kristin’s story is your reminder that success isn’t always linear but it always starts with taking the first messy step.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Kristin about:
* Glonuts began as an unexpected leap into entrepreneurship. [03:07]
* The early days of building Glonuts + getting feedback. [04:55]
* When Kristin first felt the entrepreneurial itch. [11:34]
* Kristin’s upbringing and relationship with food. [15:14]
* Getting fired from corporate + going all in on Glonuts. [18:15]
* Starting Glonuts from their home kitchen. [20:13]
* How they got into Erewhon. [21:35]
* Navigating the tough moments as a founder. [26:27]
* Debunking the myth of overnight success. [33:08]
* The unique challenges women face in fundraising. [34:38]
* Investing in branding can significantly impact business success. [41:48]
* Finding the right co-packer and the exact steps she took. [45:50]
* Personal growth is a significant part of the entrepreneurial journey. [54:16]
* The power of journaling for reflection and gratitude. [56:14]
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Kristin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinfromglonuts/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatglonuts/
* Website: https://eatglonuts.com/
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Ever feel like your body’s changing and no one gave you the memo? In this candid and empowering episode, we unpack the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause—what’s really happening with your hormones and why it can feel like everything from your mood to your memory is shifting. We dive into how this phase of life impacts sleep, mood, memory, libido, and long-term health. Dr. Jones also breaks down the latest thinking on hormone replacement therapy, clears up common misconceptions, and shares how supportive tools like seed cycling can offer natural relief.
If you’re navigating perimenopause or want to prepare for it with clarity and confidence, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode you’ll learn:
* What your hormones are really doing in every decade
* The truth about HRT from a doctor’s perspective
* How perimenopause affects mood, sleep, memory, and libido
* The top chronic diseases women face and their hormonal ties
* How seed cycling can support you through perimenopause
* And more…
Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health (MPH), was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health and was on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council. She co-hosted the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast that has over 10 million downloads and now hosts her own, Hello Hormones podcast.
This episode is brought to you by beeya:
* Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances.
* Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10
Follow Yasmin:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/
* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/
Follow Dr. Carrie:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejones/
* Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/
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