Tourganic: Healthy Living on the Road

My conversation in this episode is with bassist Noga Shefi. Noga is now the bass player for a band I love, Rubblebucket and also helms her own project. I dug having the opportunity to catch up with Noga and hear her story of moving from Israel to the states as a young musician, taking on a diagnosis of Crohns with a intense focus on diet and eventually reversing the effects of the disease altogether without the use if pharmaceuticals, steroids or immunosuppressants. Intro music: 'Do you?' from DB3 album 'Firebrand' Episode interludes are taken from: Noga Shefi "MHA" + "Catch", Yafo "Fire is Over"  In this conversation: Coming up in Israel through the Army Diagnosis Crohns Disease Minimal diet- Eliminate foods that cause inflammation Cure through food- Trying different diets Healing through Meditation/Yoga Transitioning to Veganism Kelly Brogan- A Mind of Your Own Gut Biome/Gut Brain Connection Daily diet- Mushroom elixers- Food Bag- Preparation Healthy Food on the Go Intermittent Fasting on the Road Healthy Hospitality rider Yoga on the road Importance of Morning fitness Meditation helping with stage fright- more present

My conversation this week is with drummer, multi instrumentalist, activist and all around inspirational guy Chris St Hillaire. After more than a decade with his band the London Souls, Chris is now touring with Sinkane. Chris is also a founding member of the Sound Mind Collective who's "aim is to to connect independent musicians and artists with our local communities to encourage meaningful positive growth through education, social justice advocacy and creativity." Chris insight into the connecting the worlds of activism and music is inspiring and so important Intro music: 'Do you?' from DB3 album 'Firebrand' Episode interludes are taken from: Chris St. Hillaire "Strangers" and "Road March", London Souls "Steady Are You Ready" and Sinkane "Everybody"   In this conversation: Sound Mind Collective Operating in a conscious way SMC and community based issues beyond music ie policing- mentorship to incarcerated kids Musician business workshops Lack of organizing in younger musicians Activism on tour and linking with local communities Eating healthy on a budget while on tour Journey to plant-based diet Ethical treatment of animals Growing up in Trinidad Standard American Diet= SAD Food=Culture Life on the road forcing the issue with regards to health- That being the catalyst for change Plant-based diet+ change in playing, life on tour, approach and mental clarity/focus Daily schedule- Juice bar in the morning Show preparation- Positive mindstate above all Developing an activist mentality in musicians Interconnectedness of issues London Souls Sinkane Importance of valuing relationships in building a music career Goals: long term vs short term Leave room for your goals to evolve

It is such an honor to kick off the 2nd season of the Tourganic Podcast with the legendary Sonny Rollins. Sonny is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, whose career spanned nearly 70 years. The saxophone master has released over 60 albums as a leader as well as collaborating/recording with the preeminient lumineers of jazz such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey just to name a few. His daily Williamsburg bridge practice sessions during his 1959 sabbatical have become iconic piece of New York history. Sonny has been on a lifetime spiritual quest to expand his consciousness and a path of discovery that he has worked to achieve through a committed Yoga practice since the late 50’s. His journey continued when he moved to India to live in an ashram and commit fully to his spiritual practice. Sonny's words are inspiring, thought provoking and deeply meaningful. This episode covers a lot of ground. Intro music: 'Do you?' from DB3 album 'Firebrand' Episode interludes are taken from: Sonny Rollins 'Road Shows, Vol.3'  In this conversation: What led him on the path of spiritual and enlightening quest  Losing the ability to play Sax because of illness and acceptance Role Yoga plays in his life Connection between spiritual pursuit and musical output Traveling to the Ashram and living in India Autobiography of a Yogi Self Realization fellowship When you play your horn, that is meditation Being truly present and in the now when playing+Creating is next level Connection between practice and achieving flow state mentality Performance vs practice mindstate Performance – Make your mind blank and let the music play you- passive  Never feeling like he can get to ‘that’ place every night Consciousness of health and spirituality in the 50’s leading to the 60’s Daily Yoga practice on the road Different types of yoga to develop Using practice to achieve Self realization- self betterment The importance of long tones- Slowing down- positivity

This episode's guest is bassist Pete Shand from the New Mastersounds. Pete is a road warrior and has been through the hard partying cycle of touring and now is striving to create a more sustainable way of life on the road through a plant-based diet and daily stretching routines. Physical issues with his back also forced Pete to take a hard look at touring lifestyle and search for answers on how to continue to keep bringing his talents to the world. In this conversation: His daughters influence on going vegetarian and finding a healthy way to maintain on the road Making the most of your time offstage while on tour to improve your show performance  The importance of stretching for his back problems and physical issues Daily plantbased protein shake w flax/chia seeds coconut water and garden of life greens Avoiding burnout over years on the road Getting back to show ready before tours Discipline of being in the military and transferring those skills after discharge Perspective gained from traveling Link of simplicity and vegetarian diet Preparation for gigs and constantly feeling like you have to work harder than the next guy  The role of the bass player

This episode's guest is bassist Pete Shand from the New Mastersounds. Pete is a road warrior and has been through the hard partying cycle of touring and now is striving to create a more sustainable way of life on the road through a plant-based diet and daily stretching routines. Physical issues with his back also forced Pete to take a hard look at touring lifestyle and search for answers on how to continue to keep bringing his talents to the world. In this conversation: His daughters influence on going vegetarian and finding a healthy way to maintain on the road Making the most of your time offstage while on tour to improve your show performance  The importance of stretching for his back problems and physical issues Daily plantbased protein shake w flax/chia seeds coconut water and garden of life greens Avoiding burnout over years on the road Getting back to show ready before tours Discipline of being in the military and transferring those skills after discharge Perspective gained from traveling Link of simplicity and vegetarian diet Preparation for gigs and constantly feeling like you have to work harder than the next guy  The role of the bass player

This episode's guest is Rapper Kuf Knotz. Kuf has been putting out killer records and touring all over for years and does so while maintaining a vegan lifestyle and sharing his positive message throughout the world. In this conversation: Not having phone for a year and the freedom he gained from that experience Personal crisis and tragedy leading to growth Kuf’s spiritual path and exploration His path to veganism, stemming from his fathers death and learning from his family medical history Dr. Malachi York Importance of fasting 3 to 4 month cycle of diet: Fasting/Cleanse>Raw foods>Strict Vegan>Vegan His record Positive Light and making a positive album in the current culture of hiphop and how that record was a direct result of a raw diet. The effect that had on writing, lyrics, message Touring plant based vegan as a band and what that brought to the band as a whole, the performances and the value of eating together/building together XPN- Community outreach through music The importance of belief in your self and how that connects with health and maximizing your performance   Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcasts app and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Kuf Knotz

This episode's guest is Rapper Kuf Knotz. Kuf has been putting out killer records and touring all over for years and does so while maintaining a vegan lifestyle and sharing his positive message throughout the world. In this conversation: Not having phone for a year and the freedom he gained from that experience Personal crisis and tragedy leading to growth Kuf’s spiritual path and exploration His path to veganism, stemming from his fathers death and learning from his family medical history Dr. Malachi York Importance of fasting 3 to 4 month cycle of diet: Fasting/Cleanse>Raw foods>Strict Vegan>Vegan His record Positive Light and making a positive album in the current culture of hiphop and how that record was a direct result of a raw diet. The effect that had on writing, lyrics, message Touring plant based vegan as a band and what that brought to the band as a whole, the performances and the value of eating together/building together XPN- Community outreach through music The importance of belief in your self and how that connects with health and maximizing your performance   Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcasts app and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Kuf Knotz

This episode's guest is Kalmia Traver- singer, saxophone player, songwriter, band leader and completely inspiring individual Kalmia Traver from the bands Rubblebucket and Kalbells. We cover a lot of territory in this episode from her transformation as a sax player in the horn section to front woman of an successful touring band. Her battle with cancer and the amazing story of touring while undergoing treatment and what helped her get through that time to her current state of living cancer free. We talk about how that experience affected her diet and the discipline to maintain that level of nutrition on the road. We also get into how mindfulness and meditation was a crucial factor in her survival and ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Kalmia's story is an inspiration to all of us who face tough challenges in our lives and how to look those straight in the face and beat them back. Her ability to thrive in the toughest of moments is incredible. In this conversation: -Transformation from section sax player to frontwoman -‘Cancer Tour’- How that reality shaped her growth as a performer and transcended to a mindfulness practice -Inspiration sources- Tara Brach​ Podcast, Power of Now- Eckhart Tolle, Kelly Brogan Melding eastern and Western healing techniques -Touring with Cancer and the affect on diet and nutrition. Whole foods, organic, No sugar, No meat, minimal grains/seeds must be sprouted, sour dough bread, goat milk but no dairy, greens and veggies, lots of fats, fermented foods -Salad Backpack!! And touring with a Nutribullet -Playing shows and performing while fighting cancer causes a shift in perspective and elevated the connection with fans -Sowing the seeds of self love and working to eliminate insecurities -"The best career is the one that combines your greatest strengths with fulfilling what the world needs the most" -Breaking through exhaustion and physical ’barriers’ on tour -Rising above our perceived capabilities -The healing process of creativity and Kalmia's goal of not only healing herself but others through music Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Kalbells

This episode's guest is Kalmia Traver- singer, saxophone player, songwriter, band leader and completely inspiring individual Kalmia Traver from the bands Rubblebucket and Kalbells. We cover a lot of territory in this episode from her transformation as a sax player in the horn section to front woman of an successful touring band. Her battle with cancer and the amazing story of touring while undergoing treatment and what helped her get through that time to her current state of living cancer free. We talk about how that experience affected her diet and the discipline to maintain that level of nutrition on the road. We also get into how mindfulness and meditation was a crucial factor in her survival and ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Kalmia's story is an inspiration to all of us who face tough challenges in our lives and how to look those straight in the face and beat them back. Her ability to thrive in the toughest of moments is incredible. In this conversation: -Transformation from section sax player to frontwoman -‘Cancer Tour’- How that reality shaped her growth as a performer and transcended to a mindfulness practice -Inspiration sources- Tara Brach​ Podcast, Power of Now- Eckhart Tolle, Kelly Brogan Melding eastern and Western healing techniques -Touring with Cancer and the affect on diet and nutrition. Whole foods, organic, No sugar, No meat, minimal grains/seeds must be sprouted, sour dough bread, goat milk but no dairy, greens and veggies, lots of fats, fermented foods -Salad Backpack!! And touring with a Nutribullet -Playing shows and performing while fighting cancer causes a shift in perspective and elevated the connection with fans -Sowing the seeds of self love and working to eliminate insecurities -"The best career is the one that combines your greatest strengths with fulfilling what the world needs the most" -Breaking through exhaustion and physical ’barriers’ on tour -Rising above our perceived capabilities -The healing process of creativity and Kalmia's goal of not only healing herself but others through music Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Kalbells

Wenzl McGowen is an incredible force on the saxophone and member of the band Moonhooch. This episode includes practical life advice for the touring musician, why the band went vegan together, the depth of the impact that meditation has had on his life as a musician and well constructed concepts about the nature of the universe and cosmos. We cover lots of ground in this episode from his upbringing on a completely isolated commune in Portugal to his touring life with Moonhooch. In this conversation: The dynamics of touring with a band and concepts of conflict/resolution Playing in the moment and striving for freedom with his instrument and the tools he is using to achieve the 'flow state' Wenzl's path of Meditation. How he got into it, what it means and how it has manifested on his life including how meditation has transformed his stage experience Upbringing in a commune in Portugal. Lessons learned from his father who created and ran the commune and turning negative experiences into positive lessons in life Making the transition from living completely isolated on a commune with no outside influence to coming to NYC at age 18 for school   How and why Wenzl became vegan. The significance of the band doing it together   How Moonhooch tours maintaining health on the road. Bringing a portable kitchen, cooking in the green room, foraging for wild plants and supporting co-ops   Daily and pre-show rituals on tour Goals with his saxophone playing: Strategies to break out of preconceived patterns and musical ‘vocabularies’ and evolve to a system more based on numbers and shapes. How he is implementing this concept   Influential books and documentaries in his life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Moonhooch

Wenzl McGowen is an incredible force on the saxophone and member of the band Moonhooch. This episode includes practical life advice for the touring musician, why the band went vegan together, the depth of the impact that meditation has had on his life as a musician and well constructed concepts about the nature of the universe and cosmos. We cover lots of ground in this episode from his upbringing on a completely isolated commune in Portugal to his touring life with Moonhooch. In this conversation: The dynamics of touring with a band and concepts of conflict/resolution Playing in the moment and striving for freedom with his instrument and the tools he is using to achieve the 'flow state' Wenzl's path of Meditation. How he got into it, what it means and how it has manifested on his life including how meditation has transformed his stage experience Upbringing in a commune in Portugal. Lessons learned from his father who created and ran the commune and turning negative experiences into positive lessons in life Making the transition from living completely isolated on a commune with no outside influence to coming to NYC at age 18 for school How and why Wenzl became vegan. The significance of the band doing it together How Moon Hooch tours maintaining health on the road. Bringing a portable kitchen, cooking in the green room, foraging for wild plants and supporting co-ops  Daily and pre-show rituals on tour Goals with his saxophone playing: Strategies to break out of preconceived patterns and musical ‘vocabularies’ and evolve to a system more based on numbers and shapes. How he is implementing this concept  Influential books and documentaries in his life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Moonhooch

Tom Garrington is not only a great drummer but also a committed vegan, animal rights activist and outspoken advocate for the plant-based movement. In this conversation: The "Best Speech You'll Ever Hear" and the moment where Tom's life changed direction and he became a strict vegan How Tom has been able to positively affect so many others and help them make the transition to a vegan diet The concept of voting with your dollar and the power we possess as consumers Developing the skills to face adversary and see difficult moments as oppurtunities for growth Specific documentaries, Vlogs, websites, activists and books that have been influential in Tom's path to veganism How important keeping an open mind has been in Tom's success as a musician and in his learning about the impacts of veganism  Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Tom Garrington Quartet and Justin Piper (Tom Garrington on Drums)

Tom Garrington is not only a great drummer but also a committed vegan, animal rights activist and outspoken advocate for the plant-based movement. In this conversation: The "Best Speech You'll Ever Hear" and the moment where Tom's life changed direction and he became a strict vegan How Tom has been able to positively affect so many others and help them make the transition to a vegan diet The concept of voting with your dollar and the power we possess as consumers Developing the skills to face adversary and see difficult moments as oppurtunities for growth Specific documentaries, Vlogs, websites, activists and books that have been influential in Tom's path to veganism How important keeping an open mind has been in Tom's success as a musician and in his learning about the impacts of veganism  Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Tom Garrington Quartet and Justin Piper (Tom Garrington on Drums)

I was recently asked by a guest on the podcast what Tourganic is all about. This short episode is a my response. I describe the journey of how and why I created the Tourganic blog and then made the move to expanding it into a podcast. Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis

Eric Benny Bloom is the trumpet player extraordinaire from the bands Lettuce, Pretty Lights and his group Sonic Bloom. Eric is both hilarious and insightful when it comes to discussing health on the road. In this conversation: What factors contributed to Eric making the transition to being vegan and how that affected his life overall and as a musician on the road What making the transition to a plant-based diet did for Eric’s trumpet playing Making the move to New Orleans and what continues to inspire him about being a part of the musicians community in NOLA Living as a vegan in New Orleans, a city traditionally characterized with a diet rich in animal products Show preparation, his diet on show days and eating before performances The importance of being truly educated about your endeavors and taking chances in life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Eric Benny Bloom

Eric Benny Bloom is the trumpet player extraordinaire from the bands Lettuce, Pretty Lights and his group Sonic Bloom. Eric is both hilarious and insightful when it comes to discussing health on the road. In this conversation: What factors contributed to Eric making the transition to being vegan and how that affected his life overall and as a musician on the road What making the transition to a plant-based diet did for Eric’s trumpet playing Making the move to New Orleans and what continues to inspire him about being a part of the musicians community in NOLA Living as a vegan in New Orleans, a city traditionally characterized with a diet rich in animal products Show preparation, his diet on show days and eating before performances The importance of being truly educated about your endeavors and taking chances in life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Eric Benny Bloom

Drummer Stephen Chopek is an inspiring example of someone who is committed and unwavering in his pursuit of health of mind, body and spirit on the road. In this conversation: Making the transition from career drummer sideman to front man and solo artist. What that progression has entailed and what he has learned. Motivating factors in Chopek’s transition to being a plant-based vegan- Master Cleanse, empathy for Animals, listening to his body on tour in order to find out how he could perform at his highest level. The life changing experience of doing a 10 day Vipassana silent meditation retreat and how that has manifested in his everyday life and his music i.e. the power of decision making, the concepts of impermanence and acceptance. What Chopek gained by cutting out alcohol on the road and how that set him up for a morning routine that has enabled him to thrive. Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme songs 'The Path' and 'Shirtmaker's Brawl' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Stephen Chopek and Stephen Chopek/Charlie Hunter Live

Drummer Stephen Chopek is an inspiring example of someone who is committed and unwavering in his pursuit of health of mind, body and spirit on the road. In this conversation: Making the transition from career drummer sideman to front man and solo artist. What that progression has entailed and what he has learned. Motivating factors in Chopek’s transition to being a plant-based vegan- Master Cleanse, empathy for Animals, listening to his body on tour in order to find out how he could perform at his highest level. The life changing experience of doing a 10 day Vipassana silent meditation retreat and how that has manifested in his everyday life and his music i.e. the power of decision making, the concepts of impermanence and acceptance. What Chopek gained by cutting out alcohol on the road and how that set him up for a morning routine that has enabled him to thrive. Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme songs 'The Path' and 'Shirtmaker's Brawl' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Stephen Chopek and Stephen Chopek/Charlie Hunter Live

My guest this week is keyboard player Adam Ahuja. Adam is a creative and virtuosic musician with a commitment to his craft and deep awareness of the positive affect music can have on people and culture. In this conversation: Strategies and ideas to stay focused and 'in the moment' on stage The importance of creating blocks of time in life to to help to find your path and discover what truly fulfills you. The balance between being committed to your vision and maintaining flexibility in the process What caused Adam to make the shift to eating a plant-based diet and how compassion for animals was the motivating factor in that decision The affect a focused meditation practice had on Adam's life and his music specifically Creating positive change in the world through music and how that is a central concept to Adam's mindset Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Adam Ahuja and The Flowdown

My guest this week is keyboard player Adam Ahuja. Adam is a creative and virtuosic musician with a commitment to his craft and deep awareness of the positive affect music can have on people and culture. In this conversation: Strategies and ideas to stay focused and 'in the moment' on stage The importance of creating blocks of time in life to to help to find your path and discover what truly fulfills you. The balance between being committed to your vision and maintaining flexibility in the process What caused Adam to make the shift to eating a plant-based diet and how compassion for animals was the motivating factor in that decision The affect a focused meditation practice had on Adam's life and his music specifically Creating positive change in the world through music and how that is a central concept to Adam's mindset Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Adam Ahuja and The Flowdown

My guest this week is saxophone player Johnny 'Bones'. Johnny has been touring with The California Honeydrops for close to decade and he displays some serious skills on the sax. His solos are memorable to anyone attending a Honeydrops show. Johnny's approach to touring, his diet and his focus on health of mind, body and soul are an inspiration. In this conversation: Johnny's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his ability to thrive on the road, overall wellbeing and happiness.  Thee crucial role that meditation, mindfulness and yoga have played in his life. When Johnny began to feel that classic 'run down' feeling after years on the road and how living a plant-based diet helped to turn that around. Connections between musicians and athletes as performance based mindsets where you must be at your highest level night after night and the discipline that it takes to maintain that consistency Books, Documentaries and other sources that have significantly changed Johnny's life and provided inspiration along the way Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road

My guest this week is saxophone player Johnny 'Bones'. Johnny has been touring with The California Honeydrops for close to decade and he displays some serious skills on the sax. His solos are memorable to anyone attending a Honeydrops show. Johnny's approach to touring, his diet and his focus on health of mind, body and soul are an inspiration. In this conversation: Johnny's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his ability to thrive on the road, overall wellbeing and happiness.  Thee crucial role that meditation, mindfulness and yoga have played in his life. When Johnny began to feel that classic 'run down' feeling after years on the road and how living a plant-based diet helped to turn that around. Connections between musicians and athletes as performance based mindsets where you must be at your highest level night after night and the discipline that it takes to maintain that consistency Books, Documentaries and other sources that have significantly changed Johnny's life and provided inspiration along the way Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road

Virtuoso bass player Garrett Sayers has been laying down killer bass lines for his band the Motet for over a decade. As the band continues to tour nonstop, he has been a consistent example of how living healthy on the road is possible. Throughout his great career, Garrett has performed alongside a host of amazing artists and leads his own trio as well. In this conversation: Garrett's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his ability to thrive on the road, overall wellbeing and happiness.  The point in which Garrett had reached his limit with physical pain and discomfort and cured his ailments through the process of an Elimination Diet. The revelation of living a gluten free, plant-based vegan diet and the benefits that brought for him. Connections between the discipline of health and music and how there is really no difference in his approach to both of these essential aspects of his life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road

Virtuoso bass player Garrett Sayers has been laying down killer bass lines for his band the Motet for over a decade. As the band continues to tour nonstop, he has been a consistent example of how living healthy on the road is possible. Throughout his great career, Garrett has performed alongside a host of amazing artists and leads his own trio as well. In this conversation: Garrett's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his ability to thrive on the road, overall wellbeing and happiness.  The point in which Garrett had reached his limit with physical pain and discomfort and cured his ailments through the process of an Elimination Diet. The revelation of living a gluten free, plant-based vegan diet and the benefits that brought for him. Connections between the discipline of health and music and how there is really no difference in his approach to both of these essential aspects of his life Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road!

Bass player Jordan Scannella is a force to be reckoned with. Jordan constantly tours internationally with the group Tortured Soul and manages to do this while living a plant-based lifestyle focused on health and maintaining wellness. Years ago, Jordan had a crazy experience of a 3 month prison stint in Japan for a minor offense and during that time he wrote all the lyrics for his first solo album, which grew to him fronting his own hiphop/funk band- Jorscan. In this conversation: Jordan's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his overall wellbeing and ability to thrive on the road.  How a juice fast propelled Jordan into a higher state of awareness of diet and how that transcended into his musicality and all aspects of his life. Jordan's run in with the law and incarceration for possession of a tiny amount of pot in Japan. How he took something that could have shook his psyche and derailed his career and turned it into a truly positive force in his life that continues to affect him daily.  Beyond being a extremely gifted bass player and overall musician, Jordan is great human being with much wisdom to offer to the world. His path is an inspiration and I hope you enjoy the second episode of the Tourganic podcast.  Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road

Bass player Jordan Scannella is a force to be reckoned with. Jordan constantly tours internationally with the group Tortured Soul and manages to do this while living a plant-based lifestyle focused on health and maintaining wellness. Years ago, Jordan had a crazy experience of a 3 month prison stint in Japan for a minor offense and during that time he wrote all the lyrics for his first solo album, which grew to him fronting his own hiphop/funk band- Jorscan. In this conversation: Jordan's path and why/how he went plant-based and how that decision has affected his overall wellbeing and ability to thrive on the road.  How a juice fast propelled Jordan into a higher state of awareness of diet and how that transcended into his musicality and all aspects of his life. Jordan's run in with the law and incarceration for possession of a tiny amount of pot in Japan. How he took something that could have shook his psyche and derailed his career and turned it into a truly positive force in his life that continues to affect him daily.  Beyond being a extremely gifted bass player and overall musician, Jordan is great human being with much wisdom to offer to the world. His path is an inspiration and I hope you enjoy the second episode of the Tourganic podcast.  Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road!  

This Tourganic Short features highlights from my conversation with Joe Tomino (Episode #1) Besides being an amazing and accomplished drummer Joe Tomino is yoga instructor, vegan food chef and totally inspiring individual. Throughout Joe's career as a drummer he has toured and recorded with many greats including: Matisyahu, The Fugees, Mike Patton, Lauryn Hill and his group Dub Trio. In this conversation: Joe’s path and why/how he went 100% plantbased and how that decision has affected his overall wellbeing and ability to thrive on the road. Joe’s Yoga practice and the transition from student to teacher and some of the parrellels with being a life long student and teacher of music. Joe’s biking on tour and how the bike has become a crucial element of how he rolls Some of Joe’s concepts behind vegan cooking, nutrition, show preparation and some of his major influences along the way I hope you dig this episode as much as I did. Joe Tomino is someone who can offer much of wisdom and inspiration and it was an honor to have this conversation with him for the Tourganic Podcast.

Besides being an amazing and accomplished drummer, Joe Tomino is yoga instructor, vegan food chef and totally inspiring individual. Throughout Joe's career as a drummer he has toured and recorded with many greats including Matisyahu, The Fugees, Mike Patton, Lauryn Hill and his group Dub Trio. In this conversation: Joe’s path and why/how he went 100% plantbased and how that decision has affected his overall wellbeing and ability to thrive on the road.  Joe’s Yoga practice and the transition from student to teacher and some of the parellels with being a life long student and teacher of music. Joe’s biking on tour and how the bike has become a crucial element of how he rolls Some of Joe’s concepts behind vegan cooking, nutrition, show preparation and some of his major influences along the way. I hope you dig this episode as much as I did. Joe Tomino is someone who can offer much wisdom and inspiration and it was an honor to have this conversation with him for the premiere of the Tourganic Podcast. Check out www.tourganic.com for the full show notes and more