On the Side with Jackie London

This week on The Business of Wellness, I'm joined by Stevi Gable Carr, Founder & CEO of WISe Wellness Guild, to talk all things CPG wellness branding — what works, what doesn't, and what it actually takes to create real impact in this space.Stevi shares how WISe has become a trusted partner to brands like Kroger and P&G, helping them go beyond the buzzwords to build community, credibility, and meaningful engagement through wellness. From brand strategy and consumer insights to storytelling that resonates (and doesn't just ride a trend), this conversation is packed with insights for anyone building—or rethinking—a wellness brand in 2025.We also talk about WellNXT, the national movement Stevi co-founded to bring wellness back to real life through in-person events and connection-first activations.If you work in brand marketing, consumer goods, wellness, or media—or you're just trying to cut through the noise—this one's for you.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction to Wellness and Personal Journey02:47 The Intersection of Brand and Product05:50 Fear-Driven Marketing and Consumerism09:04 The Fundamentals of Wellness12:03 The Audacity to Live by Your Design15:06 Navigating Leadership and Expectations17:53 The Importance of Prioritization21:00 The Three Rs of Resilience23:51 Relighting Your Spark27:04 Current Trends in the Wellness Landscape36:18 The Seed Oil Debate and Market Responses37:13 Brand Strategies: Unilever vs. PepsiCo40:13 Building Trust in Wellness Brands41:49 Retailers and Consumer Accountability44:21 The Role of Community in Wellness47:12 Tailoring Wellness to Community Needs51:30 Generational Differences in Wellness Needs56:09 The Intersection of Wellness and Arts01:02:20 Starting a Wellness Brand: Key ConsiderationsKeywords:wellness, branding, marketing, resilience, leadership, consumerism, self-care, health, personal development, strategy, seed oils, wellness brands, Unilever, PepsiCo, consumer trust, community wellness, generational wellness, arts and wellness, wellness brand strategy, optimization in wellnessGrab a...

In this episode of The Business of Wellness, Jaclyn London, RD breaks down everything from Expo West 2025—the biggest trade show in natural and functional foods. From the latest wellness trends (dragon fruit, GLP-1 marketing, and caffeine + protein combos) to behind-the-scenes industry buzz (the influence of MAHA, the show's winners and losers) and updates to the FDA's proposed Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label (FOPNL), I'm giving you behind-the-scenes intel on the nutrition news you need to know about, the brands to keep an eye on, and the influencers and policy changes that are shaping the food industry today.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The top 13 trends shaping food and beverage in 2025The truth about front-of-pack nutrition labeling and why it's (likely to be) a waste of time & resources Regenerative Agriculture Certified and the status of sustainability claimsHow brands are marketing to GLP-1 users—and why some of it is just hypeThe rise of dates, pulses, electrolytes, tropical fruit, protein everything, and more prebiotic sparkling watersWhy single-serve snacks and aluminum cans are taking over grocery aislesThe wildest moments from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) panel and what it means for the future of food policyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to the Business of Wellness01:48 Expo West 2025 overview03:00 Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling panel & proposed policy12:51 Trends from Expo West 2025 - 13 trends to watch in wellness, CPG food & beverage; dietary supplements & personal care.21:52 Emerging ingredients and innovations29:43 The future of food marketing30:13 The nutritional value of dates33:03 Mochi mania: The new snack trend36:07 Mood and morality themes in food & beverage branding39:40 The rise of pulses and legumes42:46 Raw honey: A functional food rebrand44:30 Plant-based vs. animal-based products47:28 The Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect in nutrition media49:00 MAHA Updates: The MAHA panel, behind-the-scenes insights, updates in the RFK Jr. Agenda & the food industry's response thus far59:26 Expo West recap and closing thoughtsConnect with Jaclyn London, RDSubscribe to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeFollow @jaclynlondonrd on

In this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD, Jaclyn takes a deep dive into statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his senate confirmation hearings for Secretary of Health, and discusses the urgent need for reform in America's nutrition policy and the lack of meaningful solutions to combat the chronic disease epidemic driven by U.S. food and healthcare systems. She highlights the missed opportunities exposed during RFK Jr.'s  hearings on Capitol Hill, and why sweeping federal regulations and RFK Jr.'s proposed strategies for improving American health ultimately miss the mark. Then, Jaclyn outlines five actionable policies to improve public health, including integrating cooking education in schools, reforming the Farm Bill to increase access to fresh veggies and fruit, incentivizing food service and restaurants to reduce added sugar, saturated fat and sodium in their menu offerings, tightening marketing regulations for products targeting kids & parents, and the most meaningful step in Making America Healthy Again and reversing the chronic disease epidemic : Getting nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian covered by insurance. Jaclyn also discusses the importance of transparency in the food industsry, how and why she believes that free market strategies and deregulatory policies can work by shifting incentive structures and focusing on strategic inititaives. She breaks down why bipartisan support is possible, and why these changes are essential for making healthier eating habits accessible to all Americans. If you've ever wondered what real food policy reform should look like, this episode is a must-listen. Timestamps: 02:58 - Five Key Policies to Improve Public Health 05:48 - Why Cooking Education in Schools is Essential 09:06 - Reforming the Farm Bill for Better Food Access 12:10 - Strengthening Marketing Regulations for Kids' Food 14:58 - How Local Agriculture Can Improve Community Health 18:07 - Combating Misleading Food Marketing 20:53 - Simplifying Food Labels for Consumer Clarity 24:21 - Innovative Strategies in the Produce Aisle 30:13 - The Need for Insurance Coverage for Nutrition Counseling 37:32 - The Best Strategies for a Healthier America 46:22 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action Follow Jaclyn London, RD: Instagram X (formerly Twitter) LinkedIn Follow The Business of Wellness on All Podcast Platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music

In the Season 3 premiere of The Business of Wellness, host Jaclyn London, MS, RD, dives deep into the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, spearheaded by RFK Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health. With her unique expertise as a registered dietitian, consultant, and author, Jaclyn unpacks the promises, pitfalls, and scientific inaccuracies in MAHA's approach to food, nutrition, and public health. Jaclyn brings her professional insight into the broader systemic issues behind America's rising rates of chronic disease and why focusing on food additives, seed oils, and GMO crops distracts from meaningful public health solutions. She also explores how media narratives, wellness influencers, and Washington's incentive structure fuel confusion about food and health. In this episode, Jaclyn breaks down: The MAHA movement's stated goals, including transparency in food production, promoting regenerative agriculture, and reforming the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The science (or lack thereof) behind claims about artificial food dyes, glyphosate, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods. Why removing artificial ingredients from products won't solve America's public health crisis. Free-market, bipartisan approaches to solving America's health crisis  Listen to Learn: What MAHA's critiques of Big Food and Big Pharma get right—and wrong—about food and health. Why food additives, seed oils, and GMO crops are NOT the root causes of America's chronic disease crisis (and where to look instead...) How media, Big Tech, Big Wellness, and policy incentives create confusion about food and nutrition. Evidence-based, free-market solutions to improve health that could gain bipartisan support. The critical role of dietitians and practitioners in connecting science, policy, and consumer behavior. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Season 3 and RFK Jr.'s MAHA Movement 04:57 – Behind RFK Jr.'s nutrition philosophy and Jaclyn's unique perspective 11:31 – MAHA's goals: Transparency, Big Food, and Dietary Guidelines reform 20:31 – Where concerns about food additives come from 28:32 – Individual experiences vs. public health science 31:11 – The erosion of trust in public health institutions and food safety 38:14 – Global nutrition policy vs. America's food culture 45:09 – Big Tech, Big Wellness, and their role in public health narratives 54:10 – What's wrong with the Dietary Guidelines vs. the Advisory Committee 01:00:50 – Who should profit from helping Americans get healthier? About Jaclyn London, MS, RD: Jaclyn London is a registered dietitian, author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked), and host of The Business of Wellness. As a consultant and media expert, Jaclyn helps brands, investors & policymakers to build practical, science-based strategies to help consumers live healthier lives. Follow The Business of Wellness on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more evidence-based insights into the intersection of nutrition, business, culture,  and public health Rate, review & share your questions about & topic suggestions on MAHA for future episodes. Connect w/  @jaclynlondonrd on Instagram  

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness Podcast with host, Jaclyn London, RD! Today, Jaclyn sits down with Katia Pryce the CEO and founder of DanceBody. Katia shares her journey of starting and growing her dance fitness business, starting as a performer and realizing that people would pay her to work out with them, leading her to start Dance Body in 2013. She initially rented studio space and focused on building a community of dancers and fitness enthusiasts. As the business grew, she developed a structured formula for the classes optimized for scale, and hired performers who understood the dedication and commitment required. The business evolved before the pandemic, with a shift to digital streaming and a focus on building a hybrid model of in-person and online classes. Katia emphasizes the importance of community and creating a unique brand identity; the importance of being intentionality in business, and the struggle of saying no to specific opportunities so that you can focus on what matters. She shares her decision to focus on digital expansion rather than opening a new brick-and-mortar studio and emphasizes the value of organic brand awareness. Katia also highlights the need for a balanced approach to fitness, debunking the myth of low-impact workouts and emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular training and strength-building as we age.  Listen to this episode if you're interested in: Starting a business based a creative passion. Learning how to build a strong community as the secret ingredient for the growth and sustainability of a business. Adapting to changing customer behaviors and preferences is essential for business evolution. How focusing on a specific niche and delivering exceptional value in that area can differentiate a brand. Why being intentional in business and saying no to tempting opportunities is crucial for success. Driving organic brand awareness through Instagram & YouTube Why a hybrid approach to a fitness business model is important, and the types of training that are most effective for long-term health & longevity— including cardiovascular fitness & stregnth-training— as we age.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and personal journey  05:05 - Developing a product, scaling a business, and building brandy equity & loyalty in the fitness space 08:16 - The rise of boutique fitness and the value of community  13:57 - Shifts in the wellness industry over the past decade 20:07 - Boutique fitness trends over the last decade & what's new & next for brands 30:01- The power of saying “no” 34:22 - Organic brand awareness 45:12 - Establishing a strong omnichannel business model in fitness 52:16 - Digital expansion & the future of fitness  Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.

In this episode of The Business of Wellness Podcast, host Jaclyn London, MS, RD, takes a deep dive into the world of Gen Z, exploring how nutrition myths in media and marketing uniquely affect this dynamic consumer demographic. Join Jaclyn as she uncovers the truths about Gen Z's approach to food, health, and wellness, and provides actionable strategies for dietitians and health professionals to better connect with and support this generation. Discover why Gen Z is the most informed generation yet, and how their digital-native status influences their food and health decisions. Learn about the common misconceptions surrounding their concerns for sustainability, diet culture, and reliance on influencers. Jaclyn shares key insights on the importance of clinical effectiveness, the role of healthcare provider recommendations, and the renewed interest in offline connections for optimizing mental health. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to understand and engage with Gen Z consumers, from dietitians and wellness enthusiasts to industry insiders. Tune in to learn how you can leverage these insights to make a meaningful impact on Gen Z's health and well-being. Key Topics: Understanding Gen Z's demographics and characteristics The impact of digital-native status on food and health decisions Debunking myths about Gen Z's nutrition and health behaviors Strategies for dietitians to connect with Gen Z The importance of offline connections and mental health optimization Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.  Follow Us:

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! This week, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with renowned New York City-based cardiologist, internal medicine and concierge medicine physician,  Dr. Erica Jones, MD, for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes, honest conversation about obesity medications and the alarming rise in the rate of cancer diagnoses among young adults. Why GLP-1's, why now? Dr. Jones explains the cardiovascular benefits that make GLP-1 medications a desirable tool in modern medical practic; the benefits vs. risks of taking these medications for weight-loss and management; the ideal population who will benefit from taking GLP-1's; how these medications are altering patients' food tastes and eating patterns, and how permanent they are; the most common (and uncommon) side effects of GLP-1 medications, their severity, and Dr. Jones' tips for predicting & understanding patient tolerance. Then, we get into the long-term considerations for use of GLP-1's, including a critical discussion on the rapid & widespread adoption of GLP-1's, long-term risks of using these medications (what we know and what we don't know yet…), and the need for comprehensive evaluation and medical nutrition therapy. We also dive into the media coverage about obesity medications: How is the celebrity endorsement of GLP-1's impacting everyday patients? Dr. Jones shares her perspective on that, and in what ways the media portrayal of GLP-1's has influenced interest and/or the cultural discourse about weight-loss. Jaclyn shares her perspective on the efficacy of Medical Nutrition therapy as a part of the clinical picture for patients adopting GLP-1's as an intervention for obesity, and they conclude on this topic by sharing considerations for long-term use– including what the packaging insert says vs. what's happening in real life physicians' offices. Next, Jaclyn & Dr. Jones dive into the concerning data from the American Cancer Society about the rising rates of cancer diagnosis in young people; Princess Catherine of Wales' cancer diagnosis at the age of 42; the contributing factors that may be playing a role in this concerning statistic; new modalities for screening; lifestyle related risk factors for specific types of cancers; new & emerging technologies for cancer treatment; balancing what's new and available to us as screening tools with creating & cultivating feelings overwhelm, anxiety & fear; the pros and cons of full-body MRI screenings, and Dr. Jones' most effective strategies for determining what interventions are right for most. Tune in for a comprehensive and enlightening episode that discusses a medical practitioner's real-life experience with prescribing GLP-1 medications and all of the myriad complexities & questions that accompany this treatment modality, plus a thoughtful discussion on the emerging cancer trends affecting younger adults today. Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.  Follow Us:

On today's episode of The Business of Wellness, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with fertility nutrition expert Rachelle Mallik, MA, RD, to unpack the complex world of reproductive care and nutrition therapy. Rachelle shares her journey into the nutrition and fertility space, highlighting her experiences and observations from her time at Weill Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine and in practice today as a nutrition expert and practitioner in the fertility space. Then, they discuss common misconceptions about nutrition and fertility and discuss what the latest research says about the relationship between fertility, weight, and overall health. Rachelle dives deep into how factors like PCOS can impact nutrition status and offers practical advice for women navigating nuanced nutrition-related questions and concerns with their medical teams. They also tackle the challenges of navigating the healthcare system in 2024 as it pertains to reproductive care. Rachelle discusses the frequent issues her patients face and provides insights on distinguishing between legitimate resources and scams in the nutrition and fertility landscape. Jaclyn and Rachelle end by debunking the biggest myths and areas of confusion in fertility nutrition, the trends Rachelle hopes will continue, and those she wishes would disappear. Plus, hear about the most frustrating trends she's encountered in the wellness space to date. Don't miss this episode packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice for anyone interested in fertility and nutrition.  Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.  For more:

Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! Today, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with Melissa Bentivoglio, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Frame. Frame is the first at-home, digitally-connected Pilates reformer and fitness device, changing the landscape of at-home fitness. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from ballet to entrepreneurship, offering insights into her innovative approach to fitness, the challenges of navigating the industry, raising capital, being a mom of three, and her vision for the future of at-home wellness technology.  On this episode of The Business of Wellness Podcast: Melissa's Ballet Background and Career Trajectory: Discover how Melissa's background in ballet influenced her career and led to the creation of Frame. Launching Frame: Learn about the inspiration behind Frame and how Melissa developed an at-home Pilates solution for all fitness levels. Navigating the Fitness Industry: Explore why Melissa chose Pilates, her insights into the current fitness market, and how she identified Frame's unique value proposition. Creative Process & Raising Capital: Melissa discusses her creative process, the journey of securing funding, and the challenges she faced as a female CEO. Balancing Family and Business: Get a glimpse into Melissa's life at home and how she balances being a wife, mother of three, and business leader. Future Goals for Frame: Hear about Melissa's goals for Frame, including her vision for the company over the next decade and the potential for at-home fitness technology to disrupt the market. Top Trends in Tech and Wellness: Melissa shares the latest trends in the tech-meets-wellness space and how Frame is challenging industry norms, plus: Find out what Melissa considers the most annoying trend in the wellness industry since starting Frame. Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.  Follow Us:

Hank Cardello is a former food industry executive with Coca-Cola, General Mills and Cadbury-Schweppes turned renowned author, speaker and public health champion. He currently serves as Senior Director of  Leadership Solutions Program for Health + Prosperity, an initiative of Business for Impact at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, and is the author of the book Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat and the landmark report "Better-for-you Foods: It's Just Good Business."  We tackle some of the biggest questions, topics and myths affecting the food industry today, including: Key learnings from research & experience in the consumer packaged food industry from an industry insider-turned-public health advocate  What's really behind America's obesity epidemic? Are processed foods really optimized for “addiction?”  The main objectives of Big Food companies: Why their objectives are often misaligned with media & marketing perception The unique roles of marketing vs. science and regulatory affairs divisions within food companies The role of government in Big Food, plus what it's like to working with the FDA on behalf of a food company The rise of ultra-processed foods: Are they uniquely to blame for chronic disease incidence & risk? Better-for-you foods: Why this category presents a unique opportunity for the food industry to adapt without sacrificing profitability Social media's role in shifting public opinion and what this means for food companies in 2024+ Highlights from Hank's experience inside the industry, including his role in developing the original go-to-market strategy for Diet Coke and how he got his start recipe-testing for Betty Crocker    Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.   

Stephanie Middleberg is an NYC-based Registered Dietitian, author, & founder of Middleberg Nutrition based in New York City. She joins me today to discuss her new book out this week, The Big Book of Pregnancy Nutrition: Everything Expectant Moms Need to Know for a Happy, Healthy Nine Months and Beyond.  We discuss: The link between birth control and nutrient deficiency: What to know before you start trying to conceive  Weight changes during what to expect & how to handle changing weight (or not!) during first trimester Macronutrient & hydration basics: What to know about carbs, protein, fat and electrolytes during each trimester Key lab results: What health practitioners should keep an eye on when working with patients who are trying to conceive and in their first trimester Guidance for buying prenatals: What to buy, what to avoid, and what your OBGYN won't tell you Debunking the biggest pregnancy nutrition myths: Cheese, alcohol, caffeine, weight gain, and more. Environmental toxins and pregnancy: What we should know vs. what we don't know yet, and how NOT to get swept up in the wellness economy  Managing diet-related conditions during pregnancy: Managing Gestational Diabetes & hypertension Foods that actually induce labor: Which ones are evidence-based to induce labor in the last few weeks of pregnancy The fourth trimester: How to fuel and prepare once the baby arrives    Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.   

My guest today is Susie Hewson, Founder and CEO of Natracare, the world's first brand of organic and natural period products founded in 1989. At 40 years old and a mother of two, Susie disrupted a billion-dollar industry by bringing her first product to market. Now in her 70's, Susie continues to steer the ship of her 30 year old global brand, advocate for best manufacturing practices in personal care products, and champion science-based strategies for creating efficacious and sustainable solutions for today's consumer.  We discuss:  What you need to know about plastics in personal care products: Why Susie's dedicated her professional life to creating products she can stand behind from a personal health & sustainability standpoint  What it means to be a mission-based company in 2024: Why purpose is integral to brand identity in consumer products Starting out as a female founder in the 1980's & ‘90's: What motivated Susie to continue pursuing her mission of changing product development for period products, and her experience securing funding, expanding the company, and expediting business growth  Marketing and distribution before social media: How Susie raised awareness & gained visibility for her products before content marketing existed Trends in the sustainability space: The difference between a flash-in-the-pan marketing trend vs. a category disruption  Why age can be an asset as a business leader  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

My guest today is Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, award-winning author of, Read It Before You Eat It – Taking You from Label to Table, and creator of the website and blog called, BetterThanDieting.com.  Bonnie is a media personality, spokesperson, motivational speaker, journalist, and corporate and brand consultant whose messages are laced with her culinary passion as a foodie, her credible guidance as an advisor and her wit and wisdom as a mom. Bonnie brings 30+ years of industry experience to this conversation, along with her vast knowledge of the dietetics profession and media.  We discuss:  The biased premise of the latest dietitian hit piece in The Washington Post,  which is propagates the myth that dietitians and Big Food are colluding to keep Americans obese and sick What is “Big Food:” Why ignoring its impact on the American and global  food system is ignorant and misguided The anti-diet movement: What's intended by practitioners who identify as “anti-diet,” and the perception vs. reality of this term on social media Social media vs. real life practice: Given that Gen Z uses social media search engines as their primary method of seeking information, do practitioners have even greater responsibility to creatively  deliver credible, evidence-information online in ways that are optimized for virality?   What it means to be an expert with influence vs. an influencer: How dietitians are distinctly different from influencers in the digital & social media space, and how dietitians might rethink their approach to marketing and media in 2024+ The authors' negative bias towards dietitians:: Myth-busting key points made in this article, including dietitians being compensated by Big Food; General Mills' #derailtheshame campaign (and the pros and cons of this marketing alignment); keywords that indicate bias in media, and how to know when you're reading/watching/listening to something with a clearly biased point of view on scientific topics Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

…annnddd we're back!  My guest today is Linda Boardman, the Chief Executive Officer of Bragg Live Food Products since 2019. Previously, she was president of Branch Brook Holdings, an investment partnership between Swander Pace Capital, Jefferson Capital Partners and United Natural Foods, Inc. that invests in natural and specialty product companies. Linda currently serves on the board of directors of Oregon Ice Cream (Alden's Organic), Reliance Vitamin Company and PlantFusion.  Previously, she was board president of Frontier Natural Product Cooperative (Simply Organic and Aura Cacia) and was a board director of Kicking Horse Coffee Company.  Prior to joining Branch Brook, Linda was president of Applegate Farms, the leading brand of natural and organic deli meats. She also led the private label group at Whole Foods Market, known for its 365 brand.  Linda started her career in the food industry at Ocean Spray Cranberries, where she worked in brand management and communications. We discuss:  Linda's background & experience: What brought her into the food industry and her experience starting out at Ocean Spray  Leading private label for Whole Foods Market: What she learned about retail & product development from this unique experience Brand building for consumer products: What Linda's learned throughout her tenure and across her myriad experiences working in the specialty & natural food industry What food companies should  know about investors: What investors are looking for in 2024, the current state of investing, and advice for someone looking to gain traction and secure funding in the specialty food space Linda's tenure and experience at Bragg: What's interested her about the role of CEO, what she's learned from her time leading Bragg thus far, and what it means for Bragg to be a category leader in apple cider vinegar  Behind the scenes of product development and route-to-market at Bragg: What sets them apart from other food companies at which Linda has worked  The most important brand decisions business leaders can make in the specialty foods space  Trend forecasting for 2024+: Linda's top predictions in the specialty & natural foods space for this year and beyond     Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.   

Dr. Rachel Goldman is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, consultant & Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine specializing in health behavior change, stress management, eating behaviors, the treatment of obesity and weight management. We discuss:  Rachel's background, education & training and some of her consulting highlights, including the 2022 film, The Whale starring Brendan Fraser and sharing a stage with the queen herself, Oprah Winfrey   What media gets right & wrong about obesity medications (including the names we use to discuss this type of treatment), plus who for whom GLP-1's like Ozempic are really intended? Is obesity really a disease? Why/when it IS, when it's NOT, and the distinction between obesity as a chronic condition vs. an unintentional misuse of language. Making the most of GLP-1 medications: How to increase efficacy, tolerance & medication adherence for patients just starting on these meds– which interventions actually work, and when/why do other adjuvant interventions backfire?  Setting patients up for success on GLP-1's, including defining what that looks like; how long patients should be on GLP-1 medications, and what other lifestyle factors are necessary to consider before prescribing/taking one of these weight-loss medications?  The rise of new behavioral modification as a result of “quieting food noise.” Plus, what the term “food noise” actually means and why it's so hot right now in media & marketing. The need for interdisciplinary approaches when prescribing & treating patients with obesity. Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness Podcast with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.   

Dr. Jaime Zuckerman is a licensed clinical psychologist, media pro, author, podcast host, and nationally-recognized expert on narcissism and recovery from narcissistic abuse.  We discuss:  New Year's Resolutions: How they're made, the psychology behind them, and why we just can't seem to quit them year over year. Plus, why these come up so frequently for Dr. Z in private practice/with her population of clients, and the similarities/differences between individuals' unique  New Year's resolutions  The top mistakes people make when making New Year's Resolutions: Why Dr. Z thinks most of them are too broad, too difficult, set-up for failure, and generally don't reflect the realities of someone's everyday life.  How to set up a New Year's resolution that'll actually work for you: What the “key ingredients” of a good resolution actually are; why you need structures & systems in place to turn your best laid plans into real life action, and what to do when you feel like you have “no time” or “no bandwidth” for your specific goals What actually inspires individuals to make their first appointment with a licensed clinical psychologist and/or registered dietitian (like Dr. Z & me, respectfully) and why the answer to this is more surprising & nuanced than you might think  How Dr. Z counsels someone to approach goal-setting & actualization without creating increased anxiety/depression, setting oneself up to failure, or falling into the trap of setting goals that are misaligned with your values.  2023 therapy trends to say goodbye to forever– what are they, where did they come from, why Dr. Z thinks they've gained traction on social media, and a little trend forecasting on the biggest therapy trends for 2024 (which ones are legit vs. not this year).   Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN. 

Faye McCray is Head of Content for Livestrong.com & Well + Good, and she joins me to discuss, unpack & deep-dive on Well + Good's top wellness trend predictions for 2024. We discuss:  Data selection & curation: How Faye & her team approach this annual trend forecast– what information they used, how they source ideas, the process of following leads & pitching ideas, and ultimately, how this epic list comes together & is ready to publish.  Faye's legal background (!!!) and experience prior to joining the team at Well + Good and Livestrong.com, and what brought her into health journalism. Differences in product marketing vs. trend forecasting: How to distinguish between popular products vs. what's part of a more macro evolution in the wellness industry.   Each of Well + Good's top trends of 2024, including:  How the  Real Estate Industry Is Bringing Wellness to Your Doorstep How Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Fitness is Getting Smarter  Why Nixtamalized Corn Will Stalk Up Your Pantry Shelves Supporting Your Hair Health & Longevity Throughout Your Lifespan  Home Scents & Why They Matter How the Red Hot Sauna Industry May Soon Optimize Your Sweat Session What is Strength-Training Your Skin (and Why Is It Having a Moment)?   The Next Generation of Postpartum Care & What We Need to Know About It  How Everyday Gear Will Perform At-Home Medical Testing  Eating for Wellness in 2024 & Why It's Much More Celebratory   

Frances Largeman-Roth is a Registered Dietitian & the author of the new cookbook, Everyday Snack Tray.   We discuss:  Frances' background & experience in cookbook publishing, and how she discovered the concept for Everyday Snack Tray A behind the scenes look at & deep-dive into the world of cookbook publishing: What works, what doesn't work, and her expert advice for anyone thinking about/wondering about what it would be like to write, develop recipes for, and publish a cookbook in 2024 and beyond. Marketing and distribution of books: Which marketing methods and tactics convert into book sales? What's the difference between marketing and public relations, and which one matters most when it comes to generating buzz for a new book?  Frances' recipe development process: What inspired her to create this specific type of content, why snack trays make for the ultimate family-friendly meal, and how to use food as a means of celebration any time of year.  Best practices including food safety, food styling, and flavor-balancing tips and tricks that'll instantly take your snack tray game to the next level (before your copy even arrives). 

Welcome back to this week's REPLAY episode of The Business of Wellness!   Before we get into some exciting trend forecasting content for 2024 (my favorite kind of content), I thought we'd take a moment to look back at the biggest food, nutrition & wellness trends of 2023.   What did I get right? Where did I go awry? Which trends did you see everywhere this year, and which ones of these were a total miss?! Don't be shy….I'd really love to hear your feedback in the form of a review, listeners!   Today's episode is a replay of part TWO of my two episode series on 2023 trend forecasting in food, nutrition & preventative health, which originally aired in December, 2022.   In this episode, I forecast five big-bucket trends in the food, nutrition, fitness, & preventative health space–  with examples of brands that were currently leading the way as change-makers for their industries at large. These include:  Personalized Experience vs. Personalization  Immersiveness & accessibility of wellness products– anytime, anywhere  Refocusing mental health on mood, cognition, & heart health  Redefining the buzzword, “hormone balance” and what this means for everyday consumers  Predicting the role of Chat GPT & generative AI on the wellness industry at large Hyper-specific nostalgia in the food industry: Sicily, Nigeria, and 2002    Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD  

Welcome back to this week's REPLAY episode of The Business of Wellness!  Before we get into some exciting trend forecasting content for 2024 (my favorite kind of content), I thought we'd take a moment to look back at the biggest food, nutrition & wellness trends of 2023.  What did I get right? Where did I go awry? Which trends did you see everywhere this year, and which ones of these were a total miss?! Don't be shy….I'd really love to hear your feedback in the form of a review, listeners!  Today's episode is a replay of part one of my two episode series on 2023 trend forecasting in food, nutrition & preventative health, which originally aired in December, 2022. This episode specifically deep-dives on three key areas of opportunity for consumer wellness brands. I get into why I think doing each of these three things can help brands, businesses, products, and services to not only survive the forthcoming economic downturn, but actually thrive during a challenging & competitive period.  We discuss:  What is "wellness" and why is it so difficult to define? Our current healthcare model (& why it's more closely aligned with "sickcare") Trepidation among health professionals to discuss weight in a conversation about preventative health The relationship between food and health (and how this impacts everything else we do in the name of "self-care.") Redefining our current understanding of self-care  Plus, three ways to recession-proof a wellness brand, including:  Focus on your unique value proposition (intentionality) vs. ideology Provide services and/or products that eliminate barriers to behavior change Provide opportunities for customers to build meaningful connection  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD.  __

Kathrin Hamm is the CEO & founder of Bearaby, a sustainable, beautifully crafted  & hyper-functional weighted blanket that's designed to promote better sleep quality & longer sleep duration.  We discuss:  A personal quest for better rest: How it led her to exploring the world of textiles & consumer products, and how Kathrin's role at the World Bank influenced her founder's journey The triumphs and challenges of developing a DTC product: What she wished she'd known sooner, and where she found small wins along the way Product design & technology vs. brand & marketing: Kathrin's preference for one vs. the other, and what she's learned about both in launching Bearaby Defining sustainability & functional design for today's consumer: What she's learned thus far, and what every/all founders in similar spaces and sectors of the wellness industry  should know about developing and scaling a consumer product in 2023 and beyond Trend forecasting: What's ahead in the wellness industry for 2024+

Today I'm deep-diving on all things GLP-1 agonist medications and forecasting their impact on the CPG food and beverage industry for 2024 and beyond. Specifically, I discuss:  How GLP-1's change individuals' food preferences, overall intake, and alter taste perception  How the rise of GLP-1's as the pharmaceutical industry's “blockbuster” might affect the food industry in the short and long-term, and how food companies could start to approach this topic as they prepare their product roadmaps for the future What are some specific concerns among individuals taking GLP-1's as it relates to food and beverage products, and their own personal tolerance to specific foods in light of medication side effects? GLP-1's and early satiety: We discuss how the medications create feelings of early satiety– what this means for practitioners, how this affects individual patients, and how the MNT for GERD and early satiety may be beneficial when considering / seeking to understand this patient population more effectively Alcohol, coffee, single-serve convenience foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, tomato-based products, eggs, veggies and fruit, and high saturated fat, high refined carb food products– what do all of these products have in common, and which ones of these will be better tolerated by individuals taking GLP-1's vs. not Side effects of GLP-1's that affect diet and lifestyle, and how these translate to CPG foo and beverage industries and product roadmaps/financial forecasting  My most fascinating finding of all: How tolerance to GLP-1 medications may be promoted through nutrition education & adopting diet & lifestyle shifts BEFORE STARTING the medication vs. referring to a dietitian/receiving nutrition education AFTER starting a GLP-1. I talk about why the lack of nutrition education & counseling may be affecting medication tolerance and ultimately, affecting a patient's ability to adhere to the medication long-term due to diet-related side effects. The foods & beverages NOT AFFECTED by GLP-1's that still demand attention for the sake of helping individuals achieve better cardiometabolic health.   

I'm running it back this week to one of your all-time favorite episodes from January, 2022 with the brilliant & talented Kate Lemere. Kate is a Chief Instructor and Founding Trainer at Barry's Chicago. She sat down with me for a proper smackdown of all things diet culture (and so much more).     We discuss:  How to get (and stay) informed from credible sources  Fitness questions she's asked the most (and her answers to all of 'em) How to approach finding a routine that works for you Why Bala Bangles are kinda stupid (!!!)   I also cover a listener q+a in this episode on the topic of Dry January– my thoughts on this phenomenon, what to know if you're considering trying it in 2024.   

Ali Wing is the CEO of Oobli, a new line of food & beverage products sweetened with sweet proteins in place of sugar and traditional non-nutritive sweeteners that are ubiquitous on the market today. We discuss:  Ali's background in healthcare & CPG: How she became interested in this product/technology, the opportunity at the intersection of biotech and CPG food & beverage, and what makes Oobli a different company to work for vs. others throughout her career.  What are sweet proteins? A deep dive on this new biotechnology, commercial/chemical application, and the possibilities for use, including what makes them different vs. other types of sweeteners designed to mimic carbohydrate metabolism.   Brand storytelling: The challenges & breakthroughs Ali's experienced as CEO of Oobli in telling the story of the products and the technology behind them in ways that empower healthcare professionals and consumers to get curious about (and ultimately become brand champions of) Oobli.  Trend forecasting 2024: What does Ali think is new & next in food, beverage & biotech? What she's excited by, and what puts her to sleep when it comes to nutrition & wellness trends. 

Martin, Mathias & Mads Klarborg are the sons of Etly Klarborg, founder & designer of Klarborg, a Danish design brand with the primary goal of spreading joy, happiness, and hygge through its whimsical cast of characters. On today's episode, we discuss:  Growing up Klarborg: The trials & triumphs of working for a family owned & operated company– how this helps achieve business objectives, how it (sometimes) gets in the way, and what each Klarborg brother values most about their role within the Klarborg empire.  Holiday 365: What it means to work for a company that's primarily focused around the holiday season; how this impacts business strategy & planning throughout the year, and what the Klarborg brothers see as their primary advantage to working for a company that's rooted in togetherness,  celebration, love & cherishing the  holiday spirit above all else. (I'll be honest, I'm imagining their work life a bit like Santa's Workshop…) Hygge for Improving Mental Health: What this word really means, what it does NOT mean, and how it's been commercially applied to-date in the United States. Plus, how the concept has evolved in the U.S. for American brands &  consumers, and what we're getting right (and wrong) about bringing this concept to life with more authenticity  in our everyday lives. Exporting Hygge: How do you export a mindset/vibe/feeling/practice that's built around community in an increasingly digital world? The Klarborg brothers debunk hygge myths & discuss the concept of exporting Danish wellness for U.S. consumers.

Ben Witte is the founder & CEO of Recess, a better-for-you beverage brand that I can *actually* stand behind as a Registered Dietitian (!!!).  On today's episode, we discuss:  The state of “better-for-you” food & beverage products: How Recess has approached brand positioning differently from other brands in the category by prioritizing & perfecting their product, first and foremost, & focusing on evidence-based claims vs. social media trends & CPG fads.  Going to market with Recess: From product ingredient sourcing & supply chain to direct-to-consumer sales & top of funnel marketing, we discuss how the concept for Recess was born & ultimately, how this business grew since inception in 2016.  CBD beverages & the non-alcoholic beverage space: What's happening in each of these sub- sectors? What accounts for the massive rise in consumer  interest for each of these product categories, and how does Recess differentiate itself from others in these increasingly crowded corners of the market? What does Recess do differently from a product development standpoint, and how does Recess' supply chain play a front-and-center role in determining product marketing & health claims?  Trend forecasting for 2024: What are the biggest up & coming food, nutrition & wellness trends for better-for-you brands in the CPG space? Ben & I start scratching the surface & begin  to answer this BIG question  as we near the end of the year.  

Julie Alvin is the SVP of content at TheSkimm & a trusted digital media executive, content strategist, and editor with expertise in women's health & lifestyle media. She's previously held roles at Bustle Digital Group, Time, Inc., and Refinery29, overseeing coverage of everything from news and politics to health, career, money, style, and entertainment. She is a former adjunct professor at NYU's Master's in Publishing program and a founding member of Chief Executive Women's network. Julie's appeared on Fox News, CBS, ABC, Cheddar, and other networks discussing topics like the #MeToo movement, the cost of fertility treatments, and the gender wage gap. On today's episode of The Business of Wellness, we discuss:  Data & highlights from The Skimm's State of Women survey– what are women concerned about when it comes to health & wellbeing in a post-pandemic world? What are the chief concerns among women of all ages as it relates to their health?  Discerning myth vs. fact on social media & across digital content: What does it mean to be an “expert” in 2023? What are TheSkimm's editorial standards that help champion appropriate subject-matter experts for specific topics, content platforms & distribution channels?  The past decade's media  evolution/revolution: What's different about media today? Post-pandemic? What are readers looking for from content platforms & channels, and from health professionals? How can media help women feel more empowered when it comes to their personal health, advocating for themselves & their families, and having the right information that helps arm them for any/every interaction with our current healthcare system?   

Udo Erasmus is a pioneer in food product development, specifically in the development of manufacturing standards of food oils, including flax oil. He's the founder of Udo's Choice, a supplement brand and global leader in creating cutting edge health products specializing in healthy oils, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and greens. He's also the author of, Fats that Heal Fats that Kill, & holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Udo has impacted millions of lives by delivering his fresh message on how to achieve better health & wellbeing in his books & on his social media platforms. We discuss…  Udo's background & humble beginnings as a child during WWII, as well as his experience much later (in the 1980's) with pesticide poisoning.  A deep dive into the chemistry, product development, manufacturing, processing, distribution & storage of seed oils, including: Why Udo believes that seed oils are the least beneficial category of oils for human health, and how this led him to pioneer the technology to create flaxseed oil and a billion-dollar product/industry from nothing but passion, inspiration, & his desire to make a more nutrient dense product for consumers.  Udo's understanding of, “Total Sexy Health,” which considers all of the elements of whole health, including mental health, presence and awareness, and more. Udo's study of psychology and advice for navigating change: He delves into topics such as: Why is change so difficult? How is change rooted in our memories, related to past trauma, connected to unresolved emotions, and more? How can we better direct our attention and cultivate calmness in our life? 

Rachel Engelhart, MA, RD, is a Washington, D.C.-based Registered Dietitian, licensed professional counselor and certified intuitive eating counselor who brings a Health At Every Size®-informed approach to eating disorder recovery for patients of all ages.  Hot topics we discuss on today's episode: The Ozempic of it all (3:00): What to know about GLP-1's from the perspective of an expert in eating disorder recovery; how to navigate working with patients who are taking/considering these medications, and how a Health At Every Size® approach squares with the rise in obesity medicine in research and practice.  THAT Washington Post article (23:30): A thoughtful and nuanced look at all sides of each topic covered in this article, including dietitians' code of ethics and responsibility to disclose financial relationships; the scientific evidence behind each contested topic, including what the research says about the health impact of including aspartame and sugar in your diet; the bias of the article's authors (and the premise of the article at large), and how we might consider speaking about controversial topics in nutrition MORE effectively to differentiate between evidence-based nutrition information and personal opinion.  Post-pandemic shifts in people's relationships with food & body (39:30): The power & significance of social connections on public health outcomes & individual health, and how lack of social connection affects us physically and psychologically. 

Pro podcast host  Jenny Hutt joins me on the podcast today to chat about grief; our mutual grievances with nutrition & health information on social media (and social media influencers); panic within the dietetics profession (and what's causing it/what to know about it), and how to navigate working with a health professional when it's not working for you.  TW: Grief. Skip to 27:00 to bypass our discussion about navigating loss. 

Denis Kaser is head of international marketing for Le Gruyère AOP. He has extensive experience in the marketing world, including with food and drink companies. He is passionate about sharing the stories of the people behind Le Gruyère AOP and his home country of Switzerland, in addition to the promotion of what has been consistently named the world's best cheese. We discuss:  Le Gruyere AOP production in Switzerland: From the care & animal welfare practices employed to maintain the health of the dairy cows, to the aging process and optimal climate conditions for creating the ideal (and most delicious) wheel of  Le Gruyere AOP.  International food product marketing, plus how and why marketing a commodity product from Switzerland is so different from traditional CPG food product marketing around the world.  Denis' marketing background and experience, and what makes working for Le Gruyere AOP so special, unique, and different.  Key learnings about the storytelling of food production that any food marketer will want to hear. 

Joanna Sapir is a wellness business coach who teaches holistic wellness & healthcare practitioners how to build better businesses by streamlining their processes, creating systems to take back their time, build a steady monthly income, and have more repeat clients in their businesses.  We discuss:  How to say “no” and make more money as a result Beating practitioner burnout: How to avoid it, and how to stop it once it starts Programs vs. hourly sessions: Why systems, containers, and programmatic approaches are part of Joanna's methodology (and why they're more effective than hourly rates for healthcare practitioners) The Freelancer Trap: What is it, how to avoid it, and how to get out of it once you're in Marketing your business vs. running your business: How to succeed at both Converting leads into repeat customers— Joanna's step by step process for getting this done Creating consistency in your business and in revenue streams  

Today on The Business of Wellness Podcast: Justin Levy is the Executive Director of Conscious Alliance, a Colorado-based hunger relief organization, and Randy Gilbride is the VP Commercial Operations at Sunrise Strategic Partners. This summer, Conscious Alliance announced that Sunrise Partners will join their family of annual donors, starting with a meal distribution event last month to support children facing food insecurity as the school year came to a close. Sunrise contributed financially to the event, providing 10,000 meals to local families in need. In addition to their monetary donation, Sunrise employees will donate 10 hours of their time individually to volunteer at Conscious Alliance's national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, CO, for a total of 100 hours annually. I wanted to learn more about this unique partnership in among for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the food space, so Justin and Randy join me for a candid conversation about it all.   We discuss: Their unique individual backgrounds and experiences working in different areas of the food industry; why this partnership makes sense at this moment, and how growth capital investment can help move the needle forward in ending hunger in the U.S.; why collaboration is so important;  what makes for a great collaborator across industries; how these organizations will continue to work together to support their individual missions of providing nutritious meals for people who need it, and what's next for each of their respective organizations. If you're interested in food investment, early stage investing, behind-the-scenes in non-profit work, the work that goes into food venture capital investing, and what a venture capitalist looks for before investing in a CPG food and beverage company, this episode is for you.  —

In this solo episode, Jaclyn London, MS, RD, will dive deep into the WHO's classification of aspartame as a group 2b carcinogen, analyze the statement as a Registered Dietitian, evaluate the media coverage surrounding this topic, explore the wording of the statement, and ultimately answer the pressing question: Is it safe to drink Diet Coke? Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! Today, I start the episode by looking at the World Health Organization's classification of aspartame as a group 2b carcinogen. This classification means that aspartame has the potential to cause cancer in humans. However, it's crucial to understand the nuances and limitations of this classification. As a Registered Dietitian, it's my job to translate scientific information into practical advice. When it comes to the WHO's statement, it's essential to consider the dosage and exposure levels at which aspartame may pose a risk. Studies that have raised concerns about aspartame's safety often use extremely high doses that far exceed typical human consumption. We go through the statement step by step, with analysis and potential for application mixed in.  Remember: Numerous reputable organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the American Cancer Society, have conducted extensive reviews and concluded that aspartame is safe for consumption within the recommended daily limits. It's also undergone rigorous testing and extensive studies for several decades. The weight of scientific evidence supports its safety when consumed in moderation, even for individuals who may have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. Next, I examine the wording of the World Health Organization's statement. The use of terms like "carcinogen" can be misleading without proper context: The Group 2b classification does not mean that aspartame is as hazardous as substances like tobacco or asbestos. Rather, it signifies that there is limited evidence and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Plus, WHO's classification system places aspartame in the same category as coffee, pickled vegetables, and talcum powder, which may create unnecessary alarm. It's important to recognize that these substances are not considered equally risky, and the WHO's classification system is primarily intended as a tool for prioritizing further research. Last, I'll wrap up this episode by saying  confidently that it is safe to consume Diet Coke, or any beverage containing aspartame, within the recommended limits. Moderation is key when it comes to any food or drink, including those containing artificial sweeteners. Aspartame has undergone thorough testing and regulatory scrutiny, and it is considered safe by numerous regulatory bodies around the world. It's important to remember that individual sensitivities or allergies may vary, and if you have concerns or specific health conditions, it's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional. ___ This episode of The Business of Wellness is one of my favorites, but I'd love to hear what you think. Please let me know your thoughts about this episode and the podcast, by leaving a 5-star rating and a review? Keep your eyes peeled: This podcast is moving to Patreon any day now (!!!), so stay tuned for updates via my instagram: @jaclynlondonrd   

Heather Sachs, MS, RD, is a dietitian with expertise working in science & regulatory affairs for some of the most relevant food companies of our time, including Coca-Cola, KIND, and Blue Apron. We discuss everything about the business of science and regulatory affairs at CPG food & beverage companies of all sizes, including: Navigating health claims on food products and packaging; what it means to be in compliance for CPG food brands; weighing the outcomes of taking risks on product labels; evaluating the efficacy and strength of the evidence before making a claim about a food product; how Heather got into this line of work, and what keeps her interested in helping consumers navigating food product packaging claims at the supermarket. We also talk about Heather's experience working at KIND when they challenged the FDA's definition of “healthy” in 2015, and what she thinks of the current proposed definition/changes to the “healthy” definition for food product packaging (released in 2022).  This episode is so much fun and so insightful– I can't wait to hear what you think. Please let me know your thoughts about this episode, the podcast, and Heather by leaving a 5-star rating and a review?  Keep your eyes peeled: This podcast is moving to Patreon any day now (!!!), so stay tuned for updates via my instagram: @jaclynlondonrd 

Today I'm thrilled to welcome Tara Vander Dussen to The Business of Wellness Podcast!  Tara is a fifth generation dairy farmer best known online as @thenewmexicomilkmaid. She's also an environmental consultant, mom of two girls, farm wife and co-host of the Discover Ag podcast (with which I am currently obsessed). We discuss: Dairy myths, farming myths, food and nutrition myths, agriculture myths…basically, you name a myth about food and nutrition, it's covered on this episode of the podcast. We talk about Tara's background and upbringing on a dairy farm, how she got into environmental science (and what it actually means to practice as an environmental scientist in real life); her work day-to-day on a dairy farm; what it's like to produce dairy at scale and where/how her product's supply chain is produced and ultimately sold; the unsung benefits of milk that you might not know about, and why we both think that the Got Milk? Campaign of the 1990's was so damn brilliant.  This episode is so much fun and so insightful– I can't wait to hear what you think.

Everyone's talking about it, but even if you don't pay much attention to Vanderpump Rules or burgeoning businesses of its cast members, I think you're going to want to listen to today's episode of The Business of Wellness for some specific  food, nutrition & wellness tips for both brands and consumers.  So, what exactly is the unsung wellness  hero of #scandoval? You're going to have to listen to the episode to find out. Spoiler: You'll buy (and eat)  these at Something About Her, which (should be) opening any day now…

Leah McGrath, RD, LDN, is a retail dietitian, trusted advisor, &  the founder of BuildUp Dietitians, a community of dietetics professionals and students to share evidence-based information & professional resources. She's also a voice of reason in the cluttered space of nutrition communications, setting the record straight on Twitter and through her weekly Substack newsletter.  We discuss: Gut health & other food product packaging claims that don't mean anything Gen Z food & nutrition trends and the shifting perception of “healthy eating” in 2023 Media narratives on food & health and the origins of nutrition misinformation Farming practices that actually promote sustainability in our food system  The under-discussed topic of sodium in food products & meals consumed outside of the home Seed oils, dairy vs. non-dairy milk, olive oil in coffee, probiotic cookies, potato milk (aka, vodka) & the rise of the wellness industry Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome back to the Business of Wellness! Today's solo episode is a deep-dive on the Bud Light controversy from a food & beverage marketing standpoint. We take a hard look at what better-for-you brands can and should learn from Bud Light's many missteps throughout the handling of this controversy and discuss: Why defining & staying true to your unique value proposition as a food & bev brand is integral to driving key marketing & brand strategy decisions; why taste is ultimately the key driver of customer retention throughout a product & brand's lifecycle, and why having clear values and a strategy in place that reflects those values  creates unshakeable brand loyalty among customers. I also share what I've learned about influencer marketing strategies from working with big brands and working for them; some background on Bud Light's VP of Marketing; why Bud Light's non-apology and lack of accountability got them into hot water, and why choosing NOT to stand behind their top talent will be one of their greatest hurdles to overcome. We also get into the ins and outs of beer distributors, why these relationships matter, and what it says to customers that Bud Light is giving cases of beer away for free to these key customer touch-points.  Plus, we go behind the scenes on  product development and R&D for food & beverage brands, the latest Anheuser Busch InBev earnings call highlights,  and how so much of where this all began with Bud Light is rooted in diet culture (yes, you read that correctly). Trust me, folks—  you don't want to miss this episode!  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD! Please be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts; share your thoughts on Bud Light with me by leaving a review, and a 5-star rating.

Lauren Manaker, MS, RD, LD, CLEC, CPT is a Charleston-based dietitian, cookbook author, freelance writer, media expert, and women's health dietitian specializing in fertility, pregnancy & infancy through early childhood nutrition.  We discuss: -Nutrition tips for women trying to conceive naturally and via IVF: What advice to heed vs. ignore about nutrition & early pregnancy -What to look for in a prenatal vitamin; how to optimize food & nutrient intake during the “two week wait,” and practical tips for navigating this tricky time period -Nutrition during each pregnancy trimester: What to know, what nutrients to focus on, and how to include more foods you need in your daily meals and snacks -Fertility, pregnancy & lactation myths, busted: Which  supplements you DON'T need; the latest research on lactation cookies, and why babies under 1 year don't need yogurt pouches. -Why there's no one-size fits all approach to first foods/baby-led weaning, and what Lauren recommends instead  -Your nutrition & fertility, pregnancy, lactation & early childhood nutrition questions, answered! Lauren answers the questions you shared with me via Instagram. __ Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Want to hear a part II with Lauren? Let me know by leaving a review. 

Brigitte Zeitlin, MPH, RD, is a NYC-based women's health coach, founder of BZ Nutrition, and a powerhouse entrepreneur. She joins me today to discuss building her own private nutrition counseling practice from the ground up & what she's learned from her seven years of experience as a founder & owner of a nutrition counseling private practice. We discuss: Navigating a culture of scarcity vs. building a culture of abundance for health practitioners and entrepreneurs  Key learnings from building a virtual practice vs. following a traditional brick & mortar business model Balancing priorities & structuring a schedule that reflects your business objectives  What it means to build “community” in 2023 (why this expression is often misused, and how Brigitte builds & cultivates connection through her practice & programs) Drowning out the “white noise” in the wellness space, and why this is a necessity for business growth and personal development Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Daniela Elazari, RD, is the Director of Well-Being in the Office of Work/Life at Columbia University.  We discuss: The pros, cons, and applications of the evolution of employee weight-loss programs  to employee wellness activations over the past decade The biggest myths and misconceptions about programmatic approaches to workplace wellbeing  How to implement a program for your employees even if you “have no budget for that.”  Tips for employers: Characteristics of a credible & effective workplace wellbeing program vs. the telltale signs of ones that are (stealthily) scams.  Workplace wellbeing KPI's: How do you know if it's “working,” the questions to ask your employees, and the specific  data insights you'll need to create better programs in the future.  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.  Follow & rate The Business of Wellness 5-stars on Apple Podcasts please share feedback by leaving a review!  (I read them all!)  Follow, rate & review The Business of Wellness on Spotify Business owners, investors & entrepreneurs: Hire me to consult *Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician.   

Listeners, it's time for a food & nutrition news update. Today I'm covering some of the biggest topics in consumer food & nutrition from the first few months of 2023 including: WeightWatchers Acquires Sequence, Telemedicine Company Focused on Obesity Medicine– the pros, the cons, the media coverage, and my take as WW's former head of nutrition & wellness. Nature Medicine's recent study findings linking erythritol to cardiovascular disease and the media fallout/aftermath that followed Plus: What you need to know about erythritol and is it safe for you to use? Revisiting the topic of monosodium glutamate as a food additive/flavor enhancer: Do Americans have good (evidence-based) reasons to fear this ingredient? Is bias against MSG racially motivated? Could MSG be a savior to all public health ails?  We'll get into all of this and more on today's solo episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD, so please let me know what you think by leaving a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome back, listeners! My guest today is Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, CDN (listen to part one with Vanessa, here). She's the CEO & co-founder of Culina Health, and today we're discussing everything from venture capital in health tech to her latest funding round; the intersection of wellness & entrepreneurship, and the misinformation that's running rampant about food, nutrition & health amongst VC's & capital allocators.  We discuss: Why investing  in biotech & consumer electronics for “metabolic health” is missing the mark The business of healthcare: How & why type II diabetes & obesity are fattening the wallets of those who benefit from rising healthcare costs  The state of dietetics:  Licensure vs. certification; the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' recent misplaced efforts that are cannibalizing the dietetics profession, and why evidence-based practitioners need to start advocating for their credentials    What the media gets wrong (and right) about the politicization of food & nutrition   Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Adriana Bevilaqua (AG) is the Chief Creative Officer at M.Booth, a global PR & marketing agency in NYC.  We discuss: Having a diverse & versatile media diet & why it fosters creativity at work & compassion in relationships The future of AI for food & beverage brands and how we can better leverage AI tools to optimize creativity  Defining “longtermism” - one of AG's (most)  fascinating trend predictions of 2023: What it is, what it's not, and why it's hitting a nerve for  Gen X & Millennials right NOW What brands are getting it “right” in food & beverage, and the hallmarks of brands who are missing the mark Finding inspiration in everyday routines & new experiences & how to translate new  ideas into meaningful work you're truly passionate about  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Ken Rusk is the founder of Rusk Industries, Inc., a construction business entrepreneur, & Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life  We discuss: Career confinement by way of student loan debt: Why alternative pathways to success matter now more than ever Ditching the tired, overused trope, “get out of your comfort zone!”( & why your comfort zone is an empowering place to start building a successful career)  Identifying & honing the skills you actually need to succeed at any trade  Building resilience & unlocking freedom– even  in the face of career setbacks  Strategies for discovering new career opportunities in 2023+ Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. Be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Kristen Hong is a blogger, content creator,  kitchen organizer, and cookbook author of Fridge Love (https://hellonutritarian.com/fridge-love-cookbook/). She's also the brains behind the wildly popular Instagram account, @hellonutritarian (https://instagram.com/hellonutritarian?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=).  We discuss: How & why self-care starts with kitchen organization (& how anyone, anywhere can get started ASAP)  Why & how an investment in food shopping, ingredient storage, kitchen appliances & preservation techniques can ultimate lower you future healthcare costs Tips & tricks for storing fresh ingredients  Strategies for maximizing your supermarket shopping in the face of rising food cost How to extend  the life & versatility of your grocery haul for nutrient density and ingredient versatility Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.

Rajeev Kapur is the CEO of 1105 Media & author of, “Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption.” We discuss: What exactly do Gen Z & Millennial employees really want from their employer? The fundamental sales skills every business owner should master   Why transitioning to an omnichannel marketing & lead gen strategy is critical in a post-pandemic economy  Defining “enlightened leadership” and the unique ways wellness brands can leverage specific strategies for employee satisfaction & customer retention  How to leverage data as an accountability tool for preventative health practitioners & business owners Why current geopolitical problems provide opportunities for private strategic initiatives that both (1) generate revenue and (2) benefit customers, employees, & shareholders  A live case study (!): Navigating content marketing & brand activation challenges for preventative health & wellness brands in February (American Heart Month, Black History Month) 

*If you like today's episode of The Business of Wellness, please leave a 5-star rating & review!  Chris Smith is the cofounder of Curaytor (an Inc. 500 fastest-growing business) and the author of, The Conversion Code, A Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing and Sales that Will Grow Your Business Faster– a book-turned-blueprint for business owners & entrepreneurs. Small business owners, health practitioners, service providers, sales managers & marketing leaders: You're going to want to listen, take notes & start reading.  We discuss: The subtle-yet-powerful relationship between health & design (...and why there's much greater overlap in field of nutrition science & real estate than you think) The future of content marketing in 2023 and how it can be best leveraged for improving ROI from marketing & sales  this year  How to differentiate your brand in the increasingly (overwhelmingly?!) crowded world of social media marketing to increase lead conversion rate and reduce cost per lead  Defining, prioritizing, optimizing, and leading with your personal & professional strengths to grow revenue & become invaluable to stakeholders & customers

The one & only Amy Gorin, MS, RD, CDN joins me to discuss her Master the Media program; background in magazine journalism, and how health professionals can leverage expertise in media work to create an entirely new revenue stream.  We cover:  The significance of having a media presence: How it can help you build your business & generate a new revenue stream at any/every stage of small business development An approach you haven't already heard to finding your niche (and what this actually means for health professionals) The mindset shift no one teaches us in graduate school (and how it can be a game-changer for your bottom line)  Negotiation vs. conversation: Finding the brand partnership that's right for you  Check out these links to join the Master the Media program today:   Sign up for the upcoming FREE Master Class, January 18-19th  Join Amy's coaching program today  Thanks for listening to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, MS, RD. If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know by rating the podcast 5-stars and sharing your feedback in a review.