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Eric Ries had a 40-page business plan. An Excel model so complicated it would crash Excel. A team of elite students, real investors, and a working product. What he didn't have was a strategy -- and he didn't realize it until after the startup collapsed. Episode page with video, links, and more The moment of clarity came in a Boston job interview. A panel of consultants asked what he'd learned. He gave them practical tips. They told him that wasn't strategy. Sitting there, he realized he didn't actually know what the word meant. That category error -- mistaking a polished plan for a strategy -- is the mistake that eventually became The Lean Startup. In this episode, Eric traces the line from that dorm-room failure to his new book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. He argues that many of the so-called best practices founders are trained to follow aren't pillars of capitalism at all -- they're modern inventions with a poor track record. We get into the Whole Foods unraveling and why John Mackey couldn't simply cut prices, the prehistory of Costco through Sol Price's fiduciary duty to the customer, and what Jim Sinegal built into Costco's governance that has held for four CEOs and forty years. We also look at Novo Nordisk's industrial foundation structure -- a hundred-year-old design that makes companies six times more likely to survive fifty years -- and why most founders have never heard of it. A conversation about strategy, structure, and the quiet ways good companies go bad.
John Mackey built Whole Foods Market from a small natural foods store into a $13.7 billion company acquired by Amazon — but his greatest lessons came from moments of crisis, not victory. From the emotional relief of going public to the life-changing impact of 9/11, the pressure of activist investors, and the cultural battle after the Amazon merger, Mackey reveals what it really takes to build a mission-driven company that lasts.Key TakeawaysBoldness creates momentumJohn Mackey says that when you begin something with purpose and determination, the world starts to shift. The money, people, and opportunities begin to appear.Culture is built through authentic appreciationMackey believes appreciation is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to transform relationships, meetings, morale, and organizations.The Amazon deal was about more than moneyThe Whole Foods sale was not just a financial transaction. Mackey saw it as the best stakeholder solution for customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and the future of the company.Health is the next great frontierThrough Love Life, Mackey is now focused on holistic wellness, longevity, food, fitness, medical care, community, and helping people make more conscious choices.Timestamps00:00 - The “food awakening” that changed John Mackey's life forever00:39 - The boldness advice that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset02:03 - What John Mackey did the day Whole Foods went public05:04 - The terrifying 9/11 moment that changed his future09:44 - Why going public is not the “holy grail” most founders think it is10:14 - The mistake Whole Foods made before activist investors attacked13:59 - The hostile meeting that forced Mackey to consider selling Whole Foods16:30 - The question that made Amazon the answer18:30 - What really happened when John Mackey met Jeff Bezos22:18 - The surprising reason the $13.7B Amazon deal was all cash28:08 - John Mackey's honest reaction to Randall Kaplan's Extreme Preparation™31:15 - The simple meeting ritual Mackey says can transform company culture37:28 - The three practices Mackey says can transform your life41:12 - John Mackey's next mission after Whole Foods44:46 - The rapid-fire answers that reveal Mackey's true definition of successAbout John MackeyJohn Mackey is the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, one of the most influential grocery and natural foods companies in the world. He helped build Whole Foods from a small natural foods store into a publicly traded company that became a national leader in organic food, conscious capitalism, team-based culture, and mission-driven retail.In 2017, Whole Foods Market was acquired by Amazon in a landmark $13.7 billion transaction, one of the most significant retail acquisitions of the decade. Mackey is also a bestselling author, entrepreneur, advocate for conscious capitalism, and founder of Love Life, a new holistic health and wellness company focused on food, fitness, longevity, medical care, emotional well-being, and community.About the Host — Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence, where he interviews the world's most accomplished leaders, founders, athletes, entertainers, and change-makers to uncover the habits, mindsets, and strategies behind extraordinary success.Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall works with founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, and high performers to help them prepare more deeply, communicate more effectively, and create better outcomes in business and life.What was your biggest takeaway from John Mackey's story — the Amazon deal, the power of appreciation, the health mission behind Love Life, or his advice on forgiveness?Drop your thoughts in the comments below.If this conversation inspired you, please like the video.Subscribe to In Search of Excellence for more conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, and high performers.Share this episode with someone who is building a company, leading a team, or trying to become the healthiest version of themselves.Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
What does it really take to build a company from one store in Austin, Texas into Whole Foods Market, a global brand with more than 540 stores, $22 billion in annual sales, and a $13.7 billion acquisition by Amazon?John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, joins Randall Kaplan to reveal the hard-earned lessons behind entrepreneurship, resilience, fear, failure, raising capital, work ethic, conscious capitalism, and the life-changing moments that shaped one of America's most iconic business founders.Key TakeawaysFear is the biggest limiter of human potential. John explains why fear of failure, fear of judgment, and even fear of success stop people from answering their own “hero's journey.”Failure only becomes failure when you quit. From getting cut from the basketball team to losing money in the early days of Whole Foods, John shows how setbacks can become turning points.No job is beneath you. Dishwashing, bussing tables, bagging groceries, and entry-level work build discipline, humility, work ethic, and service.Entrepreneurs must learn to sell the dream. Whether raising $45,000 from friends and family or pitching venture capitalists on Sand Hill Road, persistence and conviction matter.Business is a community of relationships. The Whole Foods flood taught John that customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and lenders are all stakeholders in a shared mission.About Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence, where he interviews world-class entrepreneurs, leaders, athletes, entertainers, and high achievers about the habits, failures, mindsets, and preparation behind extraordinary success.Randall is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a global leader in cloud services and cybersecurity, and was an early investor in companies including Google. Over the course of his career, he has advised and invested in numerous companies and worked closely with founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, and high performers.Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall helps ambitious leaders accelerate success by building the discipline, strategy, mindset, and preparation required to perform at the highest level.If you found value in John Mackey's story, take a moment to like this video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and share it with someone building something difficult.Comment below:What lesson from John Mackey's journey resonated with you most—failure, resilience, work ethic, raising capital, or conscious capitalism?Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
The best leaders build profit by putting people first. Lead with heart, and watch your business grow stronger, faster, and for the long term. In this episode of The Fulfillionaire, you learn why heart led leadership creates profitable growth, stronger teams, and steadier cash flow. You hear how love, purpose, and emotional intelligence shape culture, decisions, and results. With insights from John Mackey, Co-founder of Whole Foods Market and CEO of Love.Life, who shares how a multi‑billion business was built by putting people first and thinking beyond shareholders. Leadership is how you show up. Clarity and care expand them. You'll learn to think win‑win‑win. Better outcomes for you, your team, customers, and community. Fewer costly mistakes. For small business owners, this is practical. Stop forcing deals. Build systems that protect cash flow and support consistent growth. Watch the full episode of Why Heart Led Leadership Creates Profitable Growth. John Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market and CEO of Love.Life, widely recognized for pioneering a heart-led approach to business that blends profitability with purpose. Over 44 years as CEO, he grew Whole Foods Market from a single Austin store into a global enterprise with more than 540 locations and $22 billion in annual sales. A champion of Conscious Capitalism, Mackey has helped redefine leadership by showing how ethical values, stakeholder care, and human-centered vision can drive lasting business success. He is the co-author of the bestselling books Conscious Capitalism and Conscious Leadership, which have inspired leaders worldwide to build companies rooted in meaning and impact. Website: https://johnpmackey.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjohnmackey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjohnmackey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjohnmackey X: https://x.com/iamjohnmackey Linktree: https://linktr.ee/iamjohnmackey JP Newman is the founder of Fulfillionaire and CEO of Thrive FP, known for helping high-achievers align financial success with deeper human connection and purpose. With over $1.4 billion in real estate transactions and hundreds of investors coached, he brings a powerful blend of strategy, psychology, and emotional intelligence to the world of investing and negotiation. JP teaches that the best deals are built by understanding people, energy, and intention. Through his Fulfillionaire™ movement, he helps leaders stop operating from fear and start making decisions rooted in clarity and alignment. His approach redefines negotiation as a human-centered skill that turns insight into influence and lasting success. IG: https://www.instagram.com/jpnewman_/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-newman-45a1ba/
KK GAA Supporters Club Chairman John Mackey chats to CRKC at the Leinster GAA Championship Promotion in MacDonagh Junction 28.03.2026
Rich Eisen reacts to the 1st round mock draft of Field Yates and his thoughts on Jeremiyah Love falling to the Washington Commanders with the 7th pick and whether the Steelers will take a QB with the 21st pick. NFL Draft prospect Eli Stowers joins the show and discusses his mindset heading into the draft, on his transition to the TE position, who he liked as a QB growing up, challenge of playing tight end, on winning the John Mackey award, on winning the academic Heisman, on which teams he has visited, on what teams will get if they draft him, where he will be at the draft. Rich Eisen discusses two iconic movies that have anniversaries today: The Breakfast Club and The Godfather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recently, two long-standing outdoor industry businesses, Alpenglow Expeditions and Thomson Bike Tours, were acquired by Milky Way Park. But while acquisitions are nothing new to the outdoor industry, the way it came together (and continues to develop) is worth a closer look. On this episode, iconic athlete and Alpenglow founder Adrian Ballinger joins Milky Way Park's founder Matthew Lloyd-Thomas to share the story. Show Notes: Adrian Ballinger: https://www.instagram.com/adrianballinger/ Alpenglow Expeditions: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/ Matthew Lloyd-Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lloyd-thomas-541a9614/ Milky Way Park: https://www.milkywaypark.com/ Chernin Group: https://tcg.co/ Unrivaled Sports: https://www.unrivaledsports.com/ Emily Harrington: https://www.instagram.com/emilyaharrington/ Thomson Bike Tours: https://www.thomsonbiketours.com/ Aiden Charles (Coach): https://www.charlescoaching.com/coaches/ The Duffel Shuffle Podcast: https://www.duffelshufflepodcast.com/ DangerStik: https://www.youtube.com/@DangerStikTV Mt Everest Ski Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjZvFY6__qw Centium AI: https://www.centium.ai/ BPC - Brand, Product, Content Luft Bike Shop: https://luftlosangeles.com/ Zipp 404 Wheels: https://www.sram.com/en/zipp/models/wh-404-ftld-b1 Keith McNally "I Regret Everything" (Book): https://amzn.to/40BXhBO Derek Thompson - Fatherhood: https://www.derekthompson.org/p/three-reasons-to-be-a-parent Lenz Heated Socks: https://lenzproducts.com/ Broken Arrow Skyrace: https://www.brokenarrowskyrace.com/ Tangle Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tangle/id1538788132 Freehub Magazine: https://freehub.com/ John Mackey on David Senra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8zqsiePKsg Jason Fried on David Senra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdDCtMA1gSw Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-nature-media Meet us on Slack: https://www.launchpass.com/second-nature Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondnature.media Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.secondnature.media Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@secondnaturemedia
What do you get when you combine a major flood and near-bankruptcy? For Whole Foods cofounder John Mackey, the answer reshaped his business into a household name. He takes us back to the night his first store was destroyed, showing how shifting from a win-lose mindset to a "win-win-win" worldview helped him achieve success — and why it can work for you, too. After, Modupe teases what she would add to improve John's "win-win-win" perspective.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Senra: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- John Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he also served as the company's CEO for 44 years (1980–2022). More recently, Mackey is the co-founder of Love.Life, a wellness company focused on a holistic approach to health. He is an entrepreneur, author and advocate for conscious capitalism who spent over four decades building the natural foods industry. Under his leadership, Whole Foods grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, in 1980 to the world's largest natural and organic foods retailer, with over 500 stores across North America and the United Kingdom before its acquisition by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion. After dropping out of the University of Texas at Austin, Mackey opened SaferWay Natural Foods in 1978 with Renee Lawson Hardy. He merged SaferWay with Clarksville Natural Grocery in 1980 to create Whole Foods Market. He became known for pioneering high-quality natural foods retail, championing stakeholder-oriented business philosophy and popularizing the concept of conscious capitalism. His accomplishments include building Whole Foods into a Fortune 500 company, co-founding the Conscious Capitalism movement with Raj Sisodia, serving as CEO of Whole Foods for 44 years until his retirement in 2022, co-authoring "Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business" in 2013 and "The Whole Foods Diet" in 2017 and launching Love.Life in 2023 to focus on longevity and integrative medicine. Episode show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/john-mackey Made possible by Ramp: https://ramp.com Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/senra Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Fanatical Entrepreneurs: Why Work Feels Like Play (00:02:18) The Missionary vs. Mercenary Co-Founder Conflict (00:06:16) The Shirtless Hitchhiking Hippie and Johnny Rockefeller (00:08:12) Entrepreneur Confidence: Solving Puzzles and Cracking the Code (00:10:19) Flying Under the Radar: How Supermarkets Ignored Whole Foods (00:10:52) Venture Capitalists Are Hitchhikers With Credit Cards (00:14:03) Builder Entrepreneurs vs. Serial Entrepreneurs (00:16:31) Time Is the Only Filter I Trust (00:20:52) How Walmart Accidentally Fueled Whole Foods' Success (00:24:01) The Jaw-Drop Effect: When Customers First Walked In (00:27:17) Growth Through Acquisition: Building Geographic Platforms (00:29:19) Secret Allies: The Natural Foods Network (00:33:17) Mrs. Gooch's and the Revelation of Scale (00:34:52) Missionaries Sharing Financial Statements and Building Friendships (00:38:10) Never Competing Head-On With Friends (00:41:22) Going Public and Creating Liquidity for the Network (00:42:00) Continuous Learning: The Michael Dell Principle (00:44:10) Steve Jobs and Spotting Markets With Second-Rate Products (00:46:50) The Joy of Watching Team Members Become Millionaires (00:48:09) Capitalism: The Greatest Thing Humans Ever Invented (00:55:59) Cult Brands Are Built by Evangelists (00:58:01) Passion Is Infectious: The Reality Distortion Field (01:00:08) From Busboy to CEO: The Resume of an Entrepreneur (01:02:57) Learning From Near-Death Experiences (01:04:05) Money Means Freedom: Early Work Ethic (01:05:25) Shoe Dog as the Benchmark: Belief Is Irresistible (01:09:16) Documenting Time: Why Chronology Matters in Memoirs (01:11:14) Rockefeller, Bezos, and Musk: The Master Strategists (01:14:39) Using Doubt as Fuel: The Slow Burn of Proving People Wrong (01:20:04) Daniel Ek and Having No Ceilings (01:23:09) How His Father Shaped His Ambition (01:25:52) Firing His Father From the Board: The Hardest Decision (01:28:01) His Mother's Deathbed Wish and Lasting Regret (01:34:47) The Ceremony of Forgiveness (01:36:17) MDMA Therapy and Breathwork: Accessing Deeper Consciousness (01:38:54) The Entrepreneurial Journey as a Spiritual Journey (01:40:45) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
David Senra Key Takeaways Acquisition strategy as a competitive moatWhole Foods scaled to 550 stores by acquiring roughly 25 regional natural food markets early, inheriting their geographical-intellectual capital and local teams while competitors dismissed them as “hippies selling to hippies.”This allowed systematic expansion into new territories with established infrastructure rather than cold-starting each marketDifferentiation during competitor distractionWhile traditional grocers fixated on competing with Walmart on price (a losing battle), Mackey deliberately moved opposite by competing on quality and serviceThe market leader's dominance actually created Whole Foods' opportunity by forcing everyone else to play the wrong gameFounder-VC timeline misalignment as an existential riskA warning to entrepreneurs: Venture capitalists operate on 7-year return windows while builders think in decadesVCs are “hitchhikers with credit cards” who will try to accelerate growth artificially to pull forward exits, often destroying businesses that need patient capitalHis core advice: never surrender control to VCs regardless of their promisesThe forgiveness ceremony as a leadership toolAfter firing his own father from the board (necessary for company progression) and experiencing permanent regret from his final alienated conversation with his dying mother, Mackey now practices explicit “ceremonies of forgiveness” with key relationshipsSpeaking the words aloud and mutual exchange creates measurable relationship transformation that compounds over timePassion as a reality distortion fieldEntrepreneurs are “panhandlers for dreams” whose infectious belief systems recruit others into their visionThe most successful cult brands (Apple, Tesla, and early Whole Foods) are built by enthusiasts first, not marketing departmentsPhil Knight'sShoe Dog exemplifies this: evangelism for running itself created Nike, just as Mackey's evangelism for healthy living created Whole FoodsRead the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgJohn Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he also served as the company's CEO for 44 years (1980–2022). More recently, Mackey is the co-founder of Love.Life, a wellness company focused on a holistic approach to health. He is an entrepreneur, author and advocate for conscious capitalism who spent over four decades building the natural foods industry. Under his leadership, Whole Foods grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, in 1980 to the world's largest natural and organic foods retailer, with over 500 stores across North America and the United Kingdom before its acquisition by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion. After dropping out of the University of Texas at Austin, Mackey opened SaferWay Natural Foods in 1978 with Renee Lawson Hardy. He merged SaferWay with Clarksville Natural Grocery in 1980 to create Whole Foods Market. He became known for pioneering high-quality natural foods retail, championing stakeholder-oriented business philosophy and popularizing the concept of conscious capitalism. His accomplishments include building Whole Foods into a Fortune 500 company, co-founding the Conscious Capitalism movement with Raj Sisodia, serving as CEO of Whole Foods for 44 years until his retirement in 2022, co-authoring "Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business" in 2013 and "The Whole Foods Diet" in 2017 and launching Love.Life in 2023 to focus on longevity and integrative medicine. Episode show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/john-mackey Made possible by Ramp: https://ramp.com Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/senra Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Fanatical Entrepreneurs: Why Work Feels Like Play (00:02:18) The Missionary vs. Mercenary Co-Founder Conflict (00:06:16) The Shirtless Hitchhiking Hippie and Johnny Rockefeller (00:08:12) Entrepreneur Confidence: Solving Puzzles and Cracking the Code (00:10:19) Flying Under the Radar: How Supermarkets Ignored Whole Foods (00:10:52) Venture Capitalists Are Hitchhikers With Credit Cards (00:14:03) Builder Entrepreneurs vs. Serial Entrepreneurs (00:16:31) Time Is the Only Filter I Trust (00:20:52) How Walmart Accidentally Fueled Whole Foods' Success (00:24:01) The Jaw-Drop Effect: When Customers First Walked In (00:27:17) Growth Through Acquisition: Building Geographic Platforms (00:29:19) Secret Allies: The Natural Foods Network (00:33:17) Mrs. Gooch's and the Revelation of Scale (00:34:52) Missionaries Sharing Financial Statements and Building Friendships (00:38:10) Never Competing Head-On With Friends (00:41:22) Going Public and Creating Liquidity for the Network (00:42:00) Continuous Learning: The Michael Dell Principle (00:44:10) Steve Jobs and Spotting Markets With Second-Rate Products (00:46:50) The Joy of Watching Team Members Become Millionaires (00:48:09) Capitalism: The Greatest Thing Humans Ever Invented (00:55:59) Cult Brands Are Built by Evangelists (00:58:01) Passion Is Infectious: The Reality Distortion Field (01:00:08) From Busboy to CEO: The Resume of an Entrepreneur (01:02:57) Learning From Near-Death Experiences (01:04:05) Money Means Freedom: Early Work Ethic (01:05:25) Shoe Dog as the Benchmark: Belief Is Irresistible (01:09:16) Documenting Time: Why Chronology Matters in Memoirs (01:11:14) Rockefeller, Bezos, and Musk: The Master Strategists (01:14:39) Using Doubt as Fuel: The Slow Burn of Proving People Wrong (01:20:04) Daniel Ek and Having No Ceilings (01:23:09) How His Father Shaped His Ambition (01:25:52) Firing His Father From the Board: The Hardest Decision (01:28:01) His Mother's Deathbed Wish and Lasting Regret (01:34:47) The Ceremony of Forgiveness (01:36:17) MDMA Therapy and Breathwork: Accessing Deeper Consciousness (01:38:54) The Entrepreneurial Journey as a Spiritual Journey (01:40:45) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. 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In this reload of one of our most popular episodes, Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey shares his founder story, explaining why conscious capitalism leads to profound good in the world and offering tips for today's education entrepreneurs. Here's one gem from the interview: "If you can make a profit, it proves that your business model is good," said Mackey. "That's the way you could do the most good in the world. That's the beauty of capitalism . . . If you have a good school, we need more of them. And how are you going to do it unless you can make money and reinvest it?" *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
"Singing in a choir, you're trying to about five things at the same time, and sometimes you're not even doing it in the language you have spoken your entire life. Sometimes I had to just start with rhythm on one pitch and then build that step by step by step. In the process, I was always trying to teach voice. If the voice mechanism shuts down, that's where you get into problems and they stop engaging. You have to let people in rehearsals make mistakes, especially early on. It's so important. If you think rhythm, tone, rhythm-tone-text, rhythm-tone-dynamics, rhythm-tone-articulation, rhythm-tone-expression, that's six times I should have gone through that section. Then I saw that these kids were actually digging it, getting into it, and they felt that they were learning something."For the past 40 years, Richard Zielinski has taught at five universities, worked as a music director in numerous churches, and has conducted orchestras, choruses and stage productions throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Zielinski recently retired as the Director of Choral Activities, Chair of Graduate Choral Studies at the University of Oklahoma and as Director of Music Ministries at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Prior to his appointment at the University of Oklahoma, Richard directed choral programs at University of South Florida (Tampa), Indiana State University (Terre Haute), Mercer University, (Macon, Georgia), State University of New York at Plattsburgh. He has also served as Music Director for the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, Elgin Choral Union (IL), Vermilion Festival Chorus (IL), and Terre Haute Masterworks Chorale (IN). In 2005, Richard founded and serves as conductor of the Zielinski Singers. This 40-voice professional chorus combines the talents of the finest choral singers in the United States producing performances, tours and recordings of choral works by American composers.Richard currently serves as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the 51st Classical Music Festival and Orchestra located at the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria. He is also a recipient of the Gold Medal of Achievement for his artistic achievements and musical contributions in Eisenstadt, Austria as principal conductor and artistic director of the Classical Music Festival. In 2025 Zielinski was awarded the honorary badge “Meritorious for Polish Culture” from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland for his 32 years of artistic work in Poland. In 2012, Zielinski and members of the city of Norman, Oklahoma, founded a professional orchestra, The Norman PHILharmonic. The PHIL's mission is four-fold: to be an innovative and standard-setting orchestra, to commission new works from American composers, to collaborate with area arts programs, and to excite the youth of America about symphonic music. Throughout his career Zielinski has collaborated with composers Norman Dello Joio, Libby Larsen, John Mackey, Michael Daugherty, Samuel Adler, Eleanor Daley, Marek Jasinski, Rosephanye Powell, Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, James Oliverio, Stephen Paulus, Krzysztof Penderecki and has commissioned numerous works from many of these composers.To get in touch with Rick, you can find him on Facebook (@richard.zielinski.77) or visit richardzielinski.com.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Timestamps:00:00 Why 2025 fire protection data matters02:47 2025 fire protection industry report preview06:28 Why fire protection businesses need a tech stack08:42 Inspection dollars vs service proposals11:46 Deficiency approvals and compliance platforms17:05 Common fire inspection deficiencies24:53 NFPA questions and inspection data quality29:42 Growth of regional fire protection companies36:40 2026 outlook and Al in fire inspection
What do you get when you combine a major flood and near-bankruptcy? For Whole Foods cofounder John Mackey, the answer reshaped his business into a household name. He takes us back to the night his first store was destroyed, showing how shifting from a win-lose mindset to a "win-win-win" worldview helped him achieve success — and why it can work for you, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Raj Sisodia has spent his life asking one question: Can business make people's lives better instead of draining them? He holds a PhD in Marketing and Business Policy from Columbia University, co-founded Conscious Capitalism with John Mackey, the founder of Whole Foods Market, and has advised global companies from Tata Group to AT&T. But his path started in a factory in Bombay, earning a hundred dollars a month, before he built one of the most influential ideas in modern business thinking. "I didn't like biology, so I became an engineer. I didn't like finance, so I became a marketing professor. But business turned out to be about head and wallet — nothing about heart or spirit." That realization led him to study companies that people love working for and trust buying from. The result became Conscious Capitalism — a way of running a business that joins purpose, profit, and care. "Profit is the oxygen that keeps you alive. But no human lives just to make red blood cells. In the same way, no company should live just to make profit." Raj's research showed that companies built on four simple pillars — Purpose, Stakeholders, Conscious Leadership, and Caring Culture — outperformed the S&P 500 by nine to one over a decade. They made more money precisely because they cared more. When he met Bob Chapman, a manufacturing CEO from Missouri, Raj saw these ideas come alive. Chapman bought a failing plant, promised no layoffs, and told workers they would figure it out together. Men who had once been laid off without warning wept as they told Raj their lives had changed. "I had sixty dollars in the bank and a new baby. That job saved my family." From that came the book Everybody Matters. Chapman told him, "Leadership is the stewardship of the lives entrusted to us." Raj calls such companies healing organizations — places that reduce suffering and bring more joy into the world. Now, with artificial intelligence reshaping work, Raj argues that AI will amplify our intentions: "A knife in a surgeon's hand saves lives. The same knife in another hand can end one. AI is the same — it depends on who we are when we use it." He believes the leaders who thrive will be those who bring consciousness to technology, not fear.
Like a whole generation of young Irish men, John Mackey emigrated to the UK in the 1950s in search of work.At 87 and living alone in north London, the Kilkenny man who never married was sociable, charming and always dapper in his trilby hat. He was beloved by his nieces and nephews.On May 6th he headed to his local supermarket for some shopping and, as he'd increasingly stopped cooking for himself, a takeaway of chips and sausages.On his way home he was set upon by Peter Augustine (59) who stole his shopping and food, and having beaten the frail man, left him for dead.Augustine's two-week trial ended last week in the Old Bailey with a guilty verdict. He will be sentenced on November 28th.For Irish Times London correspondent Mark Paul, Mackey's murder had a particularly poignancy. He was one of a dwindling number of 1950s emigrants who left a very different Ireland to make their home in London.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times
We welcome Dr. Christian Gonzalez, a naturopathic doctor and somatic healing expert known for helping people reconnect with their bodies to unlock real emotional and physical health; Anna Gudmundsen, tech entrepreneur and CEO of Sensate, a company using sound and infrasonic vibration to calm the nervous system; and Michael Robertson, co-founder of Love Life, the new longevity and wellness hub created with Whole Foods founder John Mackey. Together, they join Sebastian for a raw and forward-thinking conversation on conscious leadership, emotional intelligence, and the future of integrative wellbeing—exploring how nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and authentic connection can reshape the way we lead, work, and live, blending science, spirituality, and purpose into a new model of conscious capitalism grounded in community and human potential.Topics Discussed:Nervous system regulation and executive performanceVagal tone, HRV, and stress resilienceThe cost of chronic fight-or-flightCreativity, clarity, and nervous system healthBiohacking meets conscious leadershipRedefining healthcare through prevention and communityTech's impact on the human nervous systemThe future of wearables and personalized wellnessSomatic healing and unprocessed traumaAuthenticity and emotional awareness in leadershipSpirituality in entrepreneurshipBuilding conscious company culturesRecovery as a performance toolSleep, strength, and longevityPeptides, stem cells, and the next era of healthLeading with presence, empathy, and an open heartConnect with Christian on InstagramConnect with Anna on InstagramConnect with Michael on LinkedIn Connect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com
What really happened behind Amazon's $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods? In this episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, John Mackey, founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, reveals why he walked away from the company he built over 44 years. We dive into how Whole Foods went from a single vegetarian store to a 540-store empire that revolutionized American eating habits. We also discuss why only 0.5% of Americans are vegan despite the plant-based movement, why protein obsession is misguided, and how Erewhon is disrupting the company he created. John Mackey founded Whole Foods Market in 1980 and served as CEO until 2022, growing it from a single store in Austin to a Fortune 250 company. He's the author of "Conscious Capitalism" and "The Whole Story," and now leads Love.Life, a revolutionary wellness center combining health, fitness, and medical care under one roof. What We Discuss: 03:27 - Why Erewhon has become "the new Whole Foods" and John's strategy to compete 07:46 - How John built Whole Foods with zero business education 14:50 - From pickles on hamburgers to vegetarian: John's food awakening at age 22 21:21 - The 100-year flood that almost destroyed Whole Foods after 9 months 26:50 - The hostile takeover attempt 29:17 - Meeting Jeff Bezos: The six-week whirlwind romance with Amazon 51:56 - Why John only took $1 salary for his last 16 years (and never got paid) 59:26 - Conscious Capitalism: The four pillars of building a purpose-driven business 01:09:00 - Love.Life: The one-stop wellness center that's "Whole Foods for health" 01:21:14 - Why only 0.5% of Americans are vegan and vegan restaurants are failing 01:24:42 - The protein myth: Why Americans eat too much protein and not enough fiber …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from John Mackey: Instagram:@iamjohnmackey Website: https://johnpmackey.com/
In this special episode of Investing on Purpose, JP Newman celebrates the three-year milestone of the show by reflecting on its evolution and announcing a new direction based on audience feedback. Joined by Alex King, the producer of the show, they discuss the concept of 'Investing on Purpose,' its impact, and the transformative power of a purpose-driven approach to wealth and fulfillment. JP shares his personal journey from a successful yet unfulfilling career in commercial real estate to discovering the importance of purpose and meaning. The episode ends with an exciting announcement about the show's rebranding to 'Fulfillianaire,' focusing even more on the themes of 4D wealth: purpose, health, time, and relationships. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Milestones 00:25 Meet the Producer: Alex King 00:34 Evolution of the Show 01:01 Impact Stories and Feedback 01:37 The Vision for Fulfilling Entrepreneurs 01:56 The Role of the Producer 03:59 The Importance of Purpose in Business 04:55 From Real Estate to Meaningful Impact 10:45 Inspiration Behind the Podcast 14:50 Lessons Learned from Podcasting 17:04 Financial Literacy and Fulfillment 22:39 Reflecting on the Journey 23:43 The Game of Financial Planning 24:24 Crypto and Financial Democracy 25:59 Inspiration from John Mackey 28:44 Evolution of the Show 30:42 The Concept of Four Dimensional Wealth 32:02 The Fulfilling Air Workshop 46:19 The Transition to Fulfilling Air
MBRYONICS, a Galway-based leader in photonic satellite optical communication networks, has opened its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan and announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years in Galway. MBRYONICS currently has a headcount of 100 employees, and these new roles will be in the areas of production, engineering, sales, and marketing support. This represents a major step forward in its mission to deliver the "internet in space" and strengthen Ireland's role in the global space economy. Founded in 2014, MBRYONICS has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of satellite optical and photonic transport systems, working with clients in the public and private sectors. The Photon-1 launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between MBRYONICS, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland's ESA Delegation. This sustained partnership has been instrumental at every stage of the company's journey - from early research and technology funding development to scaling internationally - culminating in the company's creation of the first volume manufacturing facility for advanced satellite optical communications technologies in Galway. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said: "MBRYONICS' Photon-1 facility is a landmark for Ireland's space sector and a direct outcome of more than a decade of close collaboration between the company, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Ireland's ESA Delegation. This is another great example of how partnering with ESA has enabled the development of world-leading technology here in Ireland that is now ready for large-scale production and global deployment. It demonstrates how Ireland's membership of ESA not only drives innovation but also creates high-value jobs, boosts exports, and positions our country at the forefront of the fast-growing global space economy. We look forward to continuing these important partnerships between industry in Ireland and ESA." The Photon-1 New Product Introduction facility integrates design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities under one roof, enabling the rapid and scalable deployment of advanced optical communication terminals for satellite constellations. It marks the company's transition from breakthrough R&D to large-scale production, with future expansion planned in the western region and internationally to serve major programmes including the EU's IRIS constellation as well as their international public and private customers. Photon-1 manufacturing facility, located in Dangan Galway will manufacture MBRYONICS's flagship optical communications terminal product StarCom, with initial capacity for 500 units a year. John Mackey, CEO of MBRYONICS, said: "We are proud to open Photon-1, the first of our volume production facilities, right here on the Wild Atlantic Space Coast in Galway. As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology. We are deeply grateful to Minister Burke, Enterprise Ireland, and the Irish Delegation to ESA for joining us on this landmark day, and to our dedicated team, investors, and customers whose commitment made this possible. Photon-1 is not just a commercial milestone for Mbryonics - it is a symbol of Ireland's 50-year journey with ESA and our nation's growing role in the trillion-Euro global space economy. Mbryonics is strategically positioned to supply the technologies, infrastructure, operations, and talent that will power this new space era. For us, Photon-1 is just the beginning - the launch pad for what comes next as we look forward to continuing to grow and scale, with our photon-2 site already secured in Shannon for high volume manufacturing with a capacity for production of more than 5,000 units a year." Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, said: "MBRYONICS' success is built on more than a decade of innovation and sustained collaboration with the European Space Agency and Ireland's ...
In this thought-provoking episode of the SuperLife Podcast, Darin sits down with John Mackey, co-founder and visionary leader behind Whole Foods Market, to explore the philosophy of Conscious Capitalism, the power of purpose in business, and the future of food. Together, they dive into leadership lessons from building a global brand, the four pillars of Conscious Capitalism, and the role of love, integrity, and trust in creating a thriving organization. Mackey also shares deeply personal insights into his own journey, the challenges of staying true to your mission in a profit-driven world, and his latest passion project: building healthier, more sustainable communities through food. What You'll Learn: [00:00] Darin introduces John Mackey and sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on purpose-driven leadership and conscious business. [02:15] John reflects on the origins of Whole Foods Market, starting from a small natural food store in Austin to becoming a global supermarket chain. [05:40] The early challenges of convincing investors and the market that healthy, organic food could be profitable. [08:52] John's “aha moment” that capitalism could be more than just profit-making — the seed that grew into Conscious Capitalism. [12:25] How the four pillars of Conscious Capitalism (Higher Purpose, Stakeholder Integration, Conscious Leadership, and Conscious Culture) emerged. [15:48] Stories from Whole Foods' journey that illustrate putting purpose over short-term gains. [18:30] Why purpose isn't enough — the importance of aligning stakeholders, leadership, and culture for lasting impact. [21:10] Addressing the critics: the misconception that conscious business is “soft” or anti-profit. [24:42] Mackey's thoughts on leadership as a service and why love belongs in the workplace. [27:55] How Whole Foods balanced high-quality standards with scalability in a fast-growing market. [31:40] The Amazon acquisition — what changed, what stayed the same, and lessons learned from merging with a corporate giant. [36:15] John's insights on food systems, sustainability, and the health crisis in America. [39:50] Why personal health is a leadership responsibility — and how his plant-based lifestyle influences his work. [42:28] Mackey's new ventures after Whole Foods: building a movement to make healthier eating accessible for all. [46:03] The role of entrepreneurs in solving the planet's biggest problems. [50:17] Advice for young leaders: How to stay true to your purpose in a noisy, profit-driven world. [53:44] Darin's closing thoughts and a call to action for listeners to integrate conscious principles into their own lives and businesses. Thank You to Our Sponsors Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find More From John Mackey Conscious Capitalism – Book co-authored by John Mackey Conscious Capitalism OrganizationLearn more about LoveLifeInstagram: @iamjohnmackey Find More From Darin Instagram: @darinolienPodcast: superlife.com/podcastsWebsite: superlife.comBook: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway "Business can be one of the most powerful forces for good in the world — if we align purpose, people, and profits in service of something greater than ourselves." — John Mackey
ACIM Quote:I am not the victim of the world I see (ACIM, W-31)Today's Guest:John Mackey was the Co-Founder of Whole Foods and Now https://love.life/ John shares his journey of finding A Course in Miracles and forgiving his Mother and her deathbed wish.You can learn more about John in his recent book, The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism. On Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Story-Adventures-Love-Capitalism/dp/B0D15QGMTX/Book Mentioned: Gifts from a Course in Miracles: Accept This Gift, A Gift of Peace, A Gift of Healing By: Frances Vaughn & Roger Walshhttps://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Course-Miracles-Accept-Healing/dp/0874778034/The ACIM Audio App Has Arrived:The ACIM Audio is now on both Android phones and iPhones. This easy-to-use app brings the profound teachings of A Course in Miracles directly to your mobile device, making it easier to immerse yourself in the Course anytime, anywhere.Android here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.acim.audioIphone (iOS) here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/a-course-in-miracles-audio/id6443662668The ACIM Audio App puts the entire Course in the palm of your hand. Read-Along Mode: Experience synchronized text and audio for enhanced comprehension and focus. Smart Auto Bookmarks: Seamlessly navigate between the Text and the Workbook without ever losing your place.Curated Prayers: Access nearly 200 different prayers from the Course in the Meditate tab.Stay Connected with Us, Join The Miracle Voices Email List: https://www.miraclevoices.org/email-signup/Feel Inspired to Make a Love Offering? Visit: https://www.miraclevoices.org/donateThink your Forgiveness Story Would Inspire Listeners? Submit your forgiveness story here: https://www.miraclevoices.org/form
In a world where healthcare often focuses on treating illness rather than promoting wellness, what does it really take to live a healthy, vibrant life? In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, to explore his journey from building one of America's most iconic food companies to rethinking health, purpose, and consciousness. We talk about his new venture, Love.Life, and how it fits into a bigger philosophy that includes conscious capitalism and living with meaning. You can catch our full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. We unpack: • What psychedelic insights can teach you about health and consciousness • How conscious capitalism can create “win-win-win” outcomes in your life • Steps you can take to break free from habits driving weight gain and poor health • Why building the right community accelerates your health journey • What living with purpose can do for your well-being at every stage of life This conversation reinforces a belief we both share: that true health comes from love, community, and a comprehensive approach. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman's Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Seed, PerfectAmino, Function Health, BON CHARGE, Big Bold Health and Pique. Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to bodyhealth.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off your first order. Join today at FunctionHealth.com/Mark and use code HYMAN100 to get $100 toward your membership. Head to boncharge.com and use code DRMARK for 15% off your order. Get 30% off HTB Immune Energy Chews at bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK30. Receive 20% off FOR LIFE + a free Starter Kit with a rechargeable frother and glass beaker at Piquelife com/Hyman.
Ask Me How I Know: Multifamily Investor Stories of Struggle to Success
If you keep slipping into patterns you thought you outgrew—this episode unpacks why. Learn how your defaults formed, how to shift them, and why small changes work better than pressure.You're dependable, high-capacity, and maybe a little tired of being “the one who holds it all.” In this episode, we unpack why you default to overgiving, overthinking, or overworking—and how to rewire from identity, not guilt. Learn how your brain prioritizes survival over alignment, and why your defaults aren't flaws—they're invitations to recalibrate. Includes a personal story, a founder example, and today's micro-recalibration to support your shift.In This Episode, We Cover:How overgiving, overworking, and overthinking are not personality traits—they're nervous system defaultsWhy high performers repeat old patterns even after “doing the inner work”The neuroscience behind survival-mode behavior (and how to rewire it)How to spot the beliefs fueling your default reactionsWhy small, identity-aligned shifts create lasting transformationJulie's personal recalibration story from podcastingA founder example of ILR in practice: John Mackey of Whole FoodsA micro-recalibration practice to help you stop performing and start realigningToday's Micro-RecalibrationNotice the default that still feels familiar—but no longer true.Ask:When I'm stretched, what do I revert to?What belief is hiding underneath that behavior?What's one subtle shift I can try next time that aligns with who I'm becoming?If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Visit jaspr.co/DRG and use code DRG for $300 OFF for a limited time Sign up for our newsletter! https://drchristiangonzalez.com/newsletter/ In this transformative episode, John Mackey shares his journey from a $45,000 vegetarian co-op in Austin to revolutionizing how America thinks about food. His psychedelic awakening showed him "there's only the one being" - a realization that became the foundation for conscious business practices serving customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment equally. We explore the four pillars of conscious capitalism: higher purpose beyond profit, stakeholder philosophy where everyone wins, conscious leadership focused on mission over compensation, and conscious culture where people flourish. John reveals how Whole Foods' self-insurance data exposed the health crisis - 10% of employees consumed 90% of healthcare dollars on preventable chronic diseases. This led to his newest venture: Love.Life, a 45,000 sq ft wellness revolution in Manhattan Beach featuring healthy food, state-of-the-art fitness, biohacking recovery, integrative medicine, and three indoor pickleball courts. It's designed as medicine for loneliness - creating community connections that heal both business and personal relationships. John's core philosophy: "Just love everyone all the time, no exceptions." Life is an eternal adventure with nothing to fear. Choose love moment by moment, practice forgiveness and gratitude, and remember - what we put out into the world reflects back to us. Business can be a force for healing when built on consciousness rather than pure profit. Be sure to like and subscribe to #HealThySelfHosted by Doctor Christian Gonzalez N.D. Follow Doctor G on Instagram @doctor.gonzalezhttps://www.instagram.com/doctor.gonzalez/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Rapid Fire Questions 3:28 - Life-Changing Psychedelic Experience & Spiritual Awakening 7:25 - How LSD Knocked Him Off His Traditional Path 12:04 - Starting Whole Foods 21:01 - The Great Flood That Nearly Destroyed Whole Foods 25:51 - The Four Pillars of Conscious Capitalism 36:52 - "Love Is All There Is" 49:11 - The Genesis of Love Life 59:03 - Inside Love Life
What if your life is a dream, and you're the one creating it? Whether you're building a business, healing your body, or simply trying to live with more love, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom, hard-won insight, and soul. In this expansive and deeply personal episode, I sit down with Whole Foods Market Co-Founder and Conscious Capitalism pioneer John Mackey, who shares his next bold chapter: a transformational new venture called Love.Life. A 45,000-square-foot wellness center designed to help people become the healthiest version of themselves. And it happens to be 8 minutes from my new home! Am I a powerful manifestor or what!? :) Love.Life is designed to be a one-stop destination for holistic healing, integrating food, fitness, functional medicine, and leading-edge recovery modalities. John shares powerful insights on forgiveness, self-responsibility, and how tuning into your inner guidance system can shift your entire reality. From business to spirituality, leadership to relationships, John opens up about the values that shaped his journey and the inner practices that keep him aligned. He reflects on decades of experience as a mission-driven entrepreneur, the spiritual insights, and the deep importance of building a life (and a business) fueled by love. Together, we explore how to build a culture rooted in purpose and integrity, what most CEOs get wrong about leadership, and why happiness is the compass that can guide us toward our true path. LINKS John Mackey's on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjohnmackey/ Love.Life website: https://love.life/ Love.Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficiallove.life/ The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nXcisa Key Moments You'll Love:
John Mackey is the visionary founder of Whole Foods Market, one of the world's largest natural and organic foods retailers, which he sold to Amazon in 2017. Now leading Love.Life, his wellness-focused venture, John has spent over four decades studying consciousness, spirituality, and what it means to live an awakened life. A student of A Course in Miracles for 41 years, he recently shared his remarkable journey in his memoir "The Whole Story." In this profound conversation, John reveals the spiritual principles that transformed his relationship with failure, rejection, and his own ego—turning them into the very forces that fueled his extraordinary success.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why John's inner voice told him his future wife was "more conscious" than him on their first date—and how learning to trust that voice changed everything• The "Old Bob" technique: How naming and befriending your ego transforms it from your worst enemy into a manageable backseat passenger• Why you're guaranteed to make every mistake twice (and why that's actually perfect for your growth)• The simple daily test that reveals whether you're expanding toward your purpose or contracting away from it• How rejection becomes "redirection" when you understand you're planting seeds that may bloom years later• Why taking full responsibility for your life as "your dream" unlocks miraculous synchronicities and connections• The morning ritual that keeps you grounded and heart-centered no matter how chaotic your day becomes• How to love yourself unconditionally while maintaining the highest standards—without the self-criticism that cripples most high achieversThe path to greatness isn't about avoiding obstacles—it's about alchemizing them into wisdom, strength, and deeper love. John Mackey's journey from a young entrepreneur plagued by self-doubt to a conscious leader who built one of America's most beloved companies proves that your greatest challenges can become your most powerful teachers. Listen to the full episode to discover how to transform your inner world and create the life your soul is calling you to live.Connect with John:Website: https://love.life/Instagram: @iamjohnmackeyConnect with Raj:Instagram: @raj_janaSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Step into the world of impact investing with this captivating episode of Female VC Lab! Host Barbara Bickham sits down with Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, for an illuminating conversation on reshaping capitalism for the greater good. Discover how Najada’s journey from communist Albania to leading global VC strategies at Visa Foundation fuels her passion for social responsibility, small business empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Find out what’s next in venture capital, why AI and emerging markets are top of mind, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Visa Foundation backs entrepreneurs while driving lasting social impact. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or changemaker, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights on building a more equitable future. Guest Information Guest Name: Najada Kumbuli Bio: Najada Kumbuli is the Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, where she champions impact investing and ecosystem growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. Leveraging her unique upbringing in Albania and global expertise, Najada leads a holistic investment strategy with a focus on inclusion, sustainable growth, and measurable social impact. Links: Visa Foundation Website: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/visa-foundation.html LinkedIn: Najada Kumbuli LinkedIn Episode Outline Origins & Inspiration for Impact Investing Najada shares her powerful personal journey from communist Albania to global investing, revealing what motivated her to pursue impact investing and advocate for “conscious capitalism.” Learn more about impact investing from the Visa Foundation Visa Foundation’s Investment Thesis & Global Strategy A deep dive into how the Visa Foundation’s thesis centers on championing small businesses with access to capital, digital tools, and financial skills—spanning micro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria to high-growth startups in India. Visa Foundation Annual Report: See their latest impact and portfolio highlights Trends Shaping the Future of Venture Capital Najada gives her perspective on what’s ahead for VC: the expanding role of AI and deep tech, greater discipline in investing, increased attention to emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, and the rise of responsible, impact-driven investments. Acquired Podcast – a favorite resource mentioned by Najada Resources for Founders & Fund Managers Discover how to get connected with the Visa Foundation, access reports, and tap into support and tools for scaling your impact-driven business. Contact Visa Foundation or access their resources Further Reading & Resources: Visa Foundation Impact Report: Read here Book: “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia Acquired Podcast Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara Bickham About the Host: Barbara Bickham is a veteran technologist, investor, and founder committed to amplifying women’s voices in venture capital. She brings her expertise in innovation, investing, and entrepreneurship to every episode of Female VC Lab. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com Community & Calls to Action Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Support the show by leaving a review! [Apple Podcasts Link] Contact the show: femalevclab@trailyn.com Follow us on social media: X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Instagram: @femalevclab Join the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, X, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.
Tommy Meskill, London Correspondent, interviews the family of 87-year-old Irish man John Mackey who was fatally injured in North London last month.
When Tamara Mellon's father lent her the seed money to start a high-end shoe company, he cautioned her: “Don't let the accountants run your business.” Little did he know that over the next fifteen years, the struggle between “financial” and “creative” would become one of the central themes as Mellon's business.Mellon grew Jimmy Choo into a billion dollar brand and her personal glamour made her an object of global media fascination. Vogue photographed her wedding. Vanity Fair covered her divorce and the criminal trial that followed. The Wall Street Journal reported on her relentless battle between “the suits” and “the creatives" and Mellon's triumph against a brutally hostile takeover attempt.But despite her eventual fame and fortune, Mellon didn't have an easy road to success. Her early life was marked by a tumultuous and broken family life, battles with anxiety and depression, and a stint in rehab. Determined not to end up unemployed, penniless, and living in her parents' basement under the control of her alcoholic mother, Mellon honed her natural business sense and invested in what she knew best—fashion.In creating the shoes that became a fixture on Sex and the City and red carpets around the world, Mellon relied on her own impeccable sense of what the customer wanted—because she was that customer. What she didn't know at the time was that success would come at a high price—after struggles with an obstinate business partner, a conniving first CEO, a turbulent marriage, and a mother who tried to steal her hard-earned wealth.Now Mellon shares the whole larger-than-life story, with shocking details that have never been presented before. From her troubled childhood to her time as a young editor at Vogue to her partnership with the cobbler Jimmy Choo, to her very public relationships, Mellon offers an honest and gripping account of the episodes that have made her who she is today.In My Shoes is a definitive book for fashion aficionados, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone who loves a juicy true story about sex, drugs, money, power, high heels, and overcoming adversity. This episode is what I learned from reading In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara Mellon. -----Ramp gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save time and money.-----Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Jeff sits down with Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey to explore his bold new venture, Love Life—a cutting-edge wellness center combining integrative medicine, longevity science, and healthy living. They discuss the tension between profit and purpose, what it takes to build (and let go of) a mission-driven company, and why love—not fear—should guide business and life.This podcast is supported by:Stemregen: Get 20% off your first order at stemregen.co/commune with the code COMMUNEPODTia Join Tia today at AskTia.com and enter promo code COMMUNE25 and get the first 3 months of your annual membership FREEPuori Go to Puori.com/COMMUNE use promo code COMMUNE to save 20% on a one-time purchaseSunlightenVisit Sunlighten.com/commune today and use code ‘Commune' when you fill out the Get Pricing form to save up to $1,400 on your transformative wellness journeyBiohackingGo to biohackingconference.com and get a 30% discount on ticket with the discount code COMMUNE30
After a stock market shakeout stunts Whole Foods' growth, co-founder John Mackey finds himself struggling to protect the grocery store chain from circling predators. And he knows if he loses this battle, everything he worked to build could be cast aside.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For Sonya Gafsi-Oblisk, business has never just been about what's on the shelves—it's about creating real connections, building trust, and staying true to a higher purpose. As Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market, Sonya brings a modern, customer-first perspective to one of the world's most iconic conscious brands.In this episode, Sonya walks us through her career journey—from the high-energy environments of PepsiCo and Walmart to her leadership role at Whole Foods. She shares what it truly means to put customers—and the planet—at the center of every decision. From their unwavering commitment to quality standards to innovations like the Seafood Code of Conduct, Sonya offers an insider's view into how purpose continues to guide the company's strategy and culture.We also explore how Whole Foods is evolving its digital experiences while staying rooted in its founding values, and what it takes to maintain a strong, authentic culture following the retirement of co-founder John Mackey. Throughout the conversation, Sonya reflects on Whole Foods' larger mission: not just selling groceries, but nourishing people and the planet—and how that mission is more relevant than ever.If you're curious about how a global brand can grow, innovate, and still lead with heart, Sonya's story offers powerful lessons in what conscious leadership looks like in action.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction to Higher Purpose and Leadership Transition01:13 Meet Sonya: Whole Foods' Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer02:48 Sonya's Journey and Marketing Philosophy05:33 Whole Foods' Commitment to Quality and Conscious Marketing33:41 Sustaining a Conscious Company34:30 Transition and Culture Nurturing36:41 Growing with Purpose Initiative39:54 Conscious Leadership Insights44:18 Whole Foods Foundation and Merchandising Strategy
CEO John Mackey is on a mission to take Whole Foods national. But he is about to run into major opposition. And to succeed in his quest, he must face down rebellious employees, ambitious rivals, animal rights activists and his own father.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When Texas hippie John Mackey opens an organic supermarket, he gets high on running a business. But when his ambitions sink its profits, sparks fly between him and his co-founders. They clash over the question of whether to chase a bigger dream or enjoy the money they're already making.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this thought-provoking conversation, John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods, and JP Newman, real estate investor and founder of Thrive FP, explore the future of conscious capitalism, entrepreneurship, and the power of purpose-driven business. John shares insights from his journey building Whole Foods, how he navigated challenges, and his evolving perspective on leadership and impact. JP dives into the philosophy of 4-D Wealth, revealing why financial success alone isn't enough—and how true wealth is about purpose, relationships, and creating lasting change. Together, they discuss... ✅ How business can be a force for good ✅ The future of capitalism and conscious leadership ✅ Lessons from scaling Whole Foods into a global brand ✅ How to align purpose with profit in your own business
Glenn Van Peski shares his journey from free-range kid to ultralight backpacking pioneer and accidental entrepreneur. His experiences include a cross-country bicycle adventure at 17, surviving an airplane incident, and founding Gossamer Gear, a multi-million dollar company, without ever taking a salary from it.Glen, known by his trail name "Legend," is celebrated for his significant contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian, his backpacking journey began when he led his son's Scout troop in their backpacking program.• Growing up as a "free-range kid" in Southern California before moving to Massachusetts after parents' divorce• Cycling 4,200 miles across America after high school graduation in 1976• Finding civil engineering career through chance encounter• Learning to sew from his mother as a basic life skill• Starting Gossamer Gear by making ultralight backpacks for himself, then reluctantly for others• Keeping his day job as a civil engineer rather than relying on his gear company for income• Meeting Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey, who purchased majority stake in Gossamer Gear• Writing "Take Less, Do More" after years of encouragement from Mackey• Being influenced by his mother's generous spirit and motto "noblesse oblige"• Practicing contentment while maintaining curiosity about new possibilities• Donating all profits from his book to the Pacific Crest Trail AssociationTo connect with Glen: https://www.glenvanpeski.com/Send BEHAS a text.Support the showTo Share - Connect & Relate: Share Your Thoughts and Shape the Show! Tell me what you love about the podcast and what you want to hear more about. Please email me at behas.podcats@gmail.com and be part of the conversation! To be on the show Podmatch Profile Thank you for listening - Hasta Pronto!
Former Navy SEAL Alden Mills shares his battle-tested strategies for building mental toughness. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to push past fear 2) How to master the mindset loop 3) How to direct your emotions Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1040 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT ALDEN — Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. He is a three-time bestselling author, the Inc. 500 CEO of Perfect Fitness, and the founder of multiple businesses. Throughout his time as a businessman founding and leading multiple companies, he has been awarded over 40 patents.A former Navy SEAL, he is a three-time platoon commander and ranked #1 platoon commander each time. Alden teaches people, teams, and organizations to Be Unstoppable. Entrepreneur magazine recently ranked him the #1 top virtual speaker. • Book: Unstoppable Mindset: How to Use What You Have to Get What You Want • Website: Alden-Mills.com • Get a free copy of Randy's e-book by visiting his Contact Form and writing down Pete or Awesome in the “How did you hear about us?” field! — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul, Written and Selected from the World's Sacred Texts by Leo Tolstoy • Book: Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, and Carter Phipps • Book: Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross • Past episode: 957: How to Push Past Discomfort and Expand Your Comfort Zone with Dr. Marc Schoen — THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Earth Breeze. Get 40% off your subscription at earthbreeze.com/AWESOME• BambooHR. See all that BambooHR can do at bamboohr.com/freedemoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What I learned from having an intense and fun 3 hour dinner with Michael Ovitz. 1: Mediocrity is always invisible until passion shows up and exposes it.2: There's no ceiling on where you can push your profession.3: Don't be unequally yoked. Pick partners that have the same ambition as you.4: Read biographies. Know everything about the history of your industry.5. Have a profound sense of belief. The world is very malleable. 6: There's opportunity hiding in plain sight.7: By endurance we conquer. 8: Work 10% less. Optimize for the long term. 9. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.10: Retirement is lame.----Ramp gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save more. ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
At the core of Michael Ovitz's success is his relentless work ethic and commitment to mastering his craft. 50 years ago he founded Creative Artists Agency. CAA starts out as just five young guys in a run down office and eventually becomes the most powerful agency in the world. Ovitz's autobiography explains how that happened. As the Wall Street Journal wrote: When the history of Hollywood is written, few people will have played a larger role than Michael Ovitz. This episode is what I learned from reading (for the 2nd time!) Who Is Michael Ovitz?: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Most Powerful Man in Hollywood by Michael Ovitz. ----Ramp gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save more. ----Vesto: All of your company's financial accounts in one view. Connect and control all of your business bank accounts from one dashboard. Go to Vesto and schedule a demo with the founder Ben. Tell him David sent you. ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by LMNT, Chaunce and Badger are serving up tips for this year's class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. We're covering everything from social dynamics and budgeting to mental prep, diet, why you should document your hike, some listener submission tips, and much more. We also give a rundown of advice from previous episodes in case you want to dig even deeper into getting ready for the Appalachian Trail. Whether you're hitting the AT this year, planning for a future trek, or know someone who is, this episode is for you. Or for them. We wrap the show with the latest on the mass layoffs hitting National Park and Forest Service employees, an update from our friends at Rebuild Hot Springs Area on how the funds raised through the Badger Sponsorship are helping with recovery efforts (plus ways you can still get involved), what our trail names would be if they had to be food-centric, and the Triple Crown of Backpacker Radio starter-pack episodes. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30. Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33. [divider] Panel with Zach and Chaunce Time stamps & Questions 00:09:50 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! Sign up for the Trek's newsletter 00:13:30 - Introducing Zach and Chaunce 00:18:00 - Tips from past AT episodes, #138 and #140 00:30:30 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Don't rush to find your trail family 00:35:15 - Zach's Tip #1: Document your hike 00:40:35 - Listener Submission #1: Your shit will dry 00:41:28 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't take things too seriously 00:43:33 - Zach's Tip #2: Electrolytes 00:48:55 - Listener Submission #2: Don't overplan and don't rush 00:51:47 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Add ⅓ to ½ over your estimated budget 01:03:20 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare for your thru-hike 01:12:25 - Chaunce's Honorable Mention: Train for downhills 01:17:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: Mass Layoffs of National Park and Forest Workers Threaten the Future of America's Trails by Katie Jackson Rebuild Hot Springs QOTD: If your trail name had to be a food, what would it be and how would you earn it? Triple Crown of BPR starter pack episodes #112: Beginner Backpacking Mistakes #246: Girl Stuff 3.0: Hiking as a New Mom, Pink Blazing, and Fearmongering #14: Data, Chaunce Gets Covered in Poo, and the LWCF #4: The Real Hiking Viking Pt II, Scariest Moments from the Trail, and Thru-Hiking Nutrition #35: Weezer on Hiking Sober, Processing Grief, and Metamorphosis on the Pacific Crest Trail #205: Warren Doyle: Appalachian Trail Legend on His Record 18 Completed AT Traverses #1: The Real Hiking Viking #49: Matt “Pretzel” Mason on Shaking Down New Thru-Hikers, Gear Advice, Wildland Firefighting, and Also Everything #260: John Mackey, Whole Foods Co-Founder, on His Thru-Hiking Experience, Co-Owning Gossamer Gear, and Entrepreneurship #55: Kevin Nealon #43: Clay Bonnyman Evans on AT Cults, Trail Murder Statistics, and YouTube Vlogger Scam Artists #132: Jack “Quadzilla” Jones #17: Thru-Hiking Injury Prevention and Recovery Tips with Dr. Emily Kelly #69: Will “Akuna” Robinson Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
Episode 02 - John Mackey: The Whole Story This episode of the Psychedelics Then and Now podcast features an all new interview with Zach and John Mackey that was recorded live in Austin, TX thanks to Psychedelic Society of Texas. John takes us through an oral history of his early life in Austin and how Whole Foods grew from a fledgling local natural food grocer to an international revolution that changed the way we think about food, nutrition and health. And yes, there are some very poignant psychedelic stories that influenced John and helped to shape his path. The intro content features a snippet from a 1982 talk from William Burroughs recorded at Naropa Univeristy and is part of the Timothy Leary Estate collection. John Mackey is an American businessman and writer. He is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market and was the CEO of the company from its inception in 1980 until 2022. Named Ernst & Young entrepreneur of the year in 2003, he is one of the most influential advocates in the movement for organic food. John's new book 'The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism' is out now.
John Mackey is the founder of Whole Foods Market. In this episode, he discusses his views on Capitalism, what it takes to build a massive business, and why now is the best time in history to be alive. John gave this talk as part of our NFT Mastermind experience. If you want to be in the room for other conversations like these, head to https://capitalism.com/events Want to start your $1M business? Download our free playbook at https://capitalism.com/playbook Timestamps: (0:00) - Introduction (1:45) - How Psychedelics sparked the idea for Whole Foods Market (6:45) - How Whole Foods Began (10:00) - There's nothing to be afraid of (16:45) - Fear vs. Love (22:00) - Having No business background (28:00) - John's thoughts on Capitalism (32:00) - Whole Foods being a co-op (35:00) - John's podcast on Joe Rogan (37:50) - “Conscious Capitalism” (55:00) - Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods
In this episode, John Mackey takes us from the inception of SaferWay—the precursor to Whole Foods—to building one of the most successful natural food empires in the United States. He shares how a life-altering experience shifted his consciousness about food and health, leading him to pioneer the organic food movement. Learn about the delicate balance between staying true to personal ideals and adapting to market realities, as Mackey discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of listening to customers, and the resilience needed to overcome crises, like the flood that nearly destroyed his first store. This conversation is packed with lessons on visionary leadership, the tension between idealism and business growth, and the power of staying committed to a mission. In this episode, John Mackey takes us from the inception of SaferWay—the precursor to Whole Foods—to building one of the most successful natural food empires in the United States. He shares how a life-altering experience shifted his consciousness about food and health, leading him to pioneer the organic food movement. Learn about the delicate balance between staying true to personal ideals and adapting to market realities, as Mackey discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of listening to customers, and the resilience needed to overcome crises, like the flood that nearly destroyed his first store. This conversation is packed with lessons on visionary leadership, the tension between idealism and business growth, and the power of staying committed to a mission. John Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he was the CEO of the company from 1980 to 2022. He is the author of the bestselling book, Conscious Capitalism. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: https://fs.blog/membership/ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast
What I learned from rereading Instant: The Story of Polaroid by Christopher Bonanos. ----Ramp gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save more. ----Founders Notes gives you the superpower to learn from history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. You can search all my notes and highlights from every book I've ever read for the podcast. Get access to Founders Notes here. ----Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book----Episode Outline: — The most obvious parallel is to Apple Computer. Both companies specialized in relentless, obsessive refinement of their technologies. Both were established close to great research universities to attract talent. Both fetishized superior, elegant, covetable product design. And both companies exploded in size and wealth under an in-house visionary-godhead-inventor-genius. At Apple, that man was Steve Jobs. At Polaroid, the genius was Edwin Land. Just as Apple stories almost all lead back to Jobs, Polaroid lore always seems to focus on Land.— Both men were college dropouts; both became as rich as anyone could ever wish to be; and both insisted that their inventions would change the fundamental nature of human interaction.— Jobs expressed his deep admiration for Edwin Land. He called him a national treasure.— Books on Edwin Land:Land's Polaroid: A Company and the Man Who Invented It by Peter C. Wensberg (Founders #263)A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War by Ronald Fierstein (Founders #134)Land's Polaroid: A Company and the Man Who Invented It by Peter C. Wensberg (Founders #133)The Instant Image: Edwin Land and the Polaroid Experience by Mark Olshaker (Founders #132)Insisting On The Impossible: The Life of Edwin Land and Instant: The Story of Polaroid(Founders #40)— Biography about Steve Jobs: Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli— Edwin Land of Polaroid talked about the intersection of the humanities and science. I like that intersection. There's something magical about that place. There are a lot of people innovating, and that's not the main distinction of my career. The reason Apple resonates with people is that there's a deep current of humanity in our innovation. I think great artists and great engineers are similar, in that they both have a desire to express themselves. In fact some of the best people working on the original Mac were poets and musicians on the side. In the seventies computers became a way for people to express their creativity. Great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were also great at science. Michelangelo knew a lot about how to quarry stone, not just how to be a sculptor. — Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson (Founders #214)— Book on Henry Ford:I Invented the Modern Age: The Rise of Henry Ford by Richard Snow (Founders #9)The Autobiography of Henry Ford by Henry Ford (Founders #26) Today and Tomorrow Henry Ford (Founders #80) My Forty Years With Ford by Charles Sorensen (Founders #118)The Story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison's Ten Year Road Trip by Jeff Guinn (Founders #190) — Another parallel to Jobs: Land's control over his company was nearly absolute, and he exercised it to a degree that was compelling and sometimes exhausting.— When you read a biography of Edwin land you see an incredibly smart, gifted, driven, focused person endure decade after decade of struggle. And more importantly —finally work his way through.— Another parallel to Jobs: You may be noticing that none of this has anything to do with instant photography. Polarizers rather than pictures would define the first two decades of lands intellectual life and would establish his company. Instant photos were an idea that came later on, a secondary business around which his company was completely recreated.— “Missionaries make better products.” —Jeff Bezos— His letter to shareholders gradually became a particularly dramatic showcase for his language and his thinking. These letters-really more like personal mission statements-are thoughtful and compact, and just eccentric enough to be completely engaging. Instead of discussing earnings and growth they laid out Land's World inviting everyone to join.— Land gave him a four-word job description: "Keeper of the language.”— No argument in the world can ever compare with one dramatic demonstration. — My Life in Advertising by Claude Hopkins (Founders #170)— The leap to Polaroid was like replacing a messenger on horseback with your first telephone.— Hire a paid critic:Norio Ohga, who had been a vocal arts student at the Tokyo University of Arts when he saw our first audio tape recorder back in 1950. I had had my eye on him for all those years because of his bold criticism of our first machine.He was a great champion of the tape recorder, but he was severe with us because he didn't think our early machine was good enough. It had too much wow and flutter, he said. He was right, of course; our first machine was rather primitive. We invited him to be a paid critic even while he was still in school. His ideas were very challenging. He said then, "A ballet dancer needs a mirror to perfect her style, her technique.— Made in Japan: Akio Morita and Sony by Akio Morita.— Another parallel to Jobs: Don't kid yourself. Polaroid is a one man company.— He argued there was no reason that well-designed, wellmade computers couldn't command the same market share and margins as a luxury automobile.A BMW might get you to where you are going in the same way as a Chevy that costs half the price, but there will always be those who will pay for the better ride in the sexier car. Rather than competing with commodity PC makers like Dell, Compaq and Gateway, why not make only first-class products with high margins so that Apple could continue to develop even better first-class products?The company could make much bigger profits from selling a $3,000 machine rather than a $500 machine, even if they sold fewer of them.Why not, then, just concentrate on making the best $3,000 machines around? — Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products by Leander Kahney.— How To Turn Down A Billion Dollars: The Snapchat Story by Billy Gallagher — Books on Enzo FerrariGo Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans by A.J. Baime. (Founders #97) Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics, and The Making of an Automotive Empire by Luca Dal Monte (Founders #98) Enzo Ferrari: The Man and The Machine by Brock Yates (Founders #220) — Soul in the game. Listen to how Edwin Land describes his product:We would not have known and have only just learned that a new kind of relationship between people in groups is brought into being by SX-70 when the members of a group are photographing and being photographed and sharing the photographs: it turns out that buried within us—there is latent interest in each other; there is tenderness, curiosity, excitement, affection, companionability and humor; it turns out, in this cold world where man grows distant from man,and even lovers can reach each other only briefly, that we have a yen for and a primordial competence for a quiet good-humored delight in each other:we have a prehistoric tribal competence for a non-physical, non-emotional, non-sexual satisfaction in being partners in the lonely exploration of a once empty planet.— “Over the very long term, history shows that the chances of any business surviving in a manner agreeable to a company's owners are slim at best.” —Charlie Munger----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
John Mackey is a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, and a pioneering advocate for conscious capitalism. This conversation explores John's journey from hippie to CEO and his unconventional business philosophy. We explore conscious capitalism, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, value-based business success, embracing challenges, spiritual practices in leadership, and finding intention through service. He also shares insights on personal growth and organizational culture that could transform how you approach business and life. John is a true original. And this conversation is a masterclass in conscious leadership. Enjoy! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today's Sponsors: Seed: Use code RICHROLL25 for 25% OFF your first order
John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, is one of the most consequential American entrepreneurs of our time. Whole Foods began in 1980 as a small hippie health food store in Austin, Texas. Under Mackey's leadership, it grew into the largest organic foods supermarket chain in the United States, selling to Amazon in 2017 for nearly $14 billion. It's not an exaggeration to say that the company revolutionized the food industry, mainstreaming health-consciousness for a mass market. Despite the company's crunchy progressive brand, Mackey is a staunch capitalist and a steadfast defender of free markets. He popularized the term “conscious capitalism,” which marries capitalism and social responsibility, emphasizing the role of businesses in creating a sustainable and ethical impact on society at large. Today, a conversation about what it takes to build a company like Whole Foods, what it is like to have enormous wealth, the role of unions in the American economy, and why he kicked his own father off the board of the company. And to read Mackey's full story, check out his new book, The Whole Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SUMMIT OF GREATNESS IS 30 DAYS AWAY! Get your tickets before they're gone at lewishowes.com/tickets. Welcome back to The School of Greatness! In today's episode, we have a legendary guest who has revolutionized the way we think about business and wellness. John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods, joins us to share the incredible journey that led him to create one of the most successful and beloved brands in the world. We'll dive into his philosophy of conscious capitalism, the powerful role love has played in his leadership, and his latest venture, Love Life, which is all about helping people become the best versions of themselves. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of the most visionary entrepreneurs of our time!Buy his book for yourself and a friend! The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and CapitalismIn this episode you will learnThe journey of creating Whole Foods and the philosophy behind conscious capitalism.How spiritual experiences shaped John Mackey's approach to business and life.The misconceptions about capitalism and how it can be a win-win for all stakeholders.The importance of creating value for others as a path to financial and personal success.Insights into John's new venture, Love Life, and its mission to enhance health and wellness.For more information go to www.lewishowes.com/1654For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Eckhart Tolle – https://link.chtbl.com/1463-podRhonda Byrne – https://link.chtbl.com/1525-podJohn Maxwell – https://link.chtbl.com/1501-pod