Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The following is opaid podcast. iHeartRadio's hosting of this podcast
constitutes neither an endorsement of the products offered or the
ideas expressed.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Welcome to a Moment of Zen. Time to sit back
and relax. As model, actress, mentor and super mom, Zen
SAMs takes you on a sexy and wild ride covering
the latest in film, fashion, pop culture, cryptocurrency, fintech, cannabis,
and entertainment from the millennial mom's perspective. Here's your host,
(00:29):
Zen SAMs.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome back, beautiful New York Tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten wo R the voice of New York iHeartRadio.
I'm your host, Zen SAMs. Here's to another exciting episode.
Let's dive right in. First, in the Clean Collective series
brought to you by Society Brands, we're joined by fitness
entrepreneur and performance coach Kenny Santucci for our headliner Strong
(00:54):
Clean and Built to Last, while Low talks living and
resistance training and weighted vests are the new longevity blueprint. Then,
in the We Plate Forward series brought to you by
the We Plate Forward Foundation, we welcome Mike Longo, owner
of Crystal Fruits and Vegetables, for a look inside the
backbone of the restaurant industry and how family run businesses
(01:15):
quietly support communities while keeping kitchens supplied with fresh food. Next,
we're joined by Alison Ellsworth, co founder of Poppy, a
modern soda brand that helped reinvent the beverage aisle and
was recently acquired by Pepsicola, marking one of the most
talked about beverage exits of the decade. And finally, in
(01:36):
the Right Brain segment, brought to you by the Mililo Centers,
we explore the intersection of creativity and neuroscience with doctor
Robert Milillo Ellis Mililo, co founder of the Right Brain Series,
and artists Unique International, asking a powerful question what happens
when the classroom just doesn't speak the language of the
creative brain. Stay tuned for the Right Brain Series with
(01:58):
doctor Robert Milillo, Unique International and Elismlilo.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Coming up next, a Moment of Zen is brought to
you by the Malillo Method Centers, where Hope Truly Lives,
specializing in ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurological challenges. Doctor
Robert Malillo and his team create personalized treatment plans that
go beyond symptom management. Using advanced neuroscience, they help children
and adults reach their fullest potential. Families worldwide choose the
(02:25):
Malillo Method for answers and results. Begin your journey to
better brain health at Dr Robertmolillo dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Welcome back, beautiful New York tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of zen right here on
seven ten WR, the voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm
your host, Zenzam's Welcome Back to the Right Brain series,
brought to you by the Milillo Centers. Now, let me
ask you something. How many artists, musicians, actors, innovators have
(02:52):
we later discovered were labeled distracted, hyperactive, unfocused or not
applying themselves in school? So here's the question. What if
the classroom simply didn't speak their language? What if what
looked like distraction was actually a brain wired for rhythm
and pattern and emotion and intensity. Joining us as always
(03:14):
is world renowned neuroscientist doctor Robert Malillo, author of the
New York Time bestselling book Disconnected Kids. We're also joined
by singer songwriter and creative force Ellis Milillo, co founder
of the Right Brain podcast. She's lived through her own
journey of right brain intensity and balance, and today we
welcome artists, storyteller and sonic architect Unique International, whose sound
(03:38):
doesn't follow trends, but rather it creates them. Unique International,
welcome back to the show, Superstar. It's been quite a while.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Was a good thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
So excited to have you back, doctor Milillo, and Ellis
so refreshing to see you again, so happy to be here.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
He's great, Thank you, Unique.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I'm going to start with you. There's a pattern we
keep seeing right powerhouses who later reveal that they struggled
in traditional academic environments. And I was fascinated to hear
your story. So there's linear systems that reward compliance and repetition,
but creative brains they often operate through association and imagery
(04:18):
and rhythm. So Unique International, when you think back to school,
did it feel like you were learning in the system
built for someone else's brain.
Speaker 6 (04:27):
Absolutely, because in school they don't really teach you what
you need to know to be in life. You know,
like school is good for certain things, but as an artist,
it's no creativity. I just always felt like I was different.
I was actually a loner, believe it or not. I
was kind of a nerd. I didn't have very many friends.
(04:50):
I went home.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
By myself, and I be boxed in my head.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
It's a powerful distinction, right, Well, when you're talking to
somebody creative and I'm doctor Milow is going to break
the down for us. But when you look at some
of the statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, they
show that structured, lectured based learning, it still dominates in
most classrooms. But when you talk about creatives like you
and Ellis, even to some extent myself, right, very creative
(05:17):
divergent thinkers, the ones who generate original ideas, often score
lower in compliance metrics. So when I read that statistic,
I was like, I bet you I'm not the only one.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
My struggle was I could see the words and they
would be flipped. So sometimes words were too big, and
I would feel like it's just too hard for me,
even though I know if I just.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Tried a little harder, it would be easier.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
But my brain is mechanical, so when I get something
that's not mechanical and simple, it's not it's very hard.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
For me to do very simple things.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
Right, Yeah, So what you're describing, you know, we talked
about in the old days, there's ADD and there's ADHD, right,
and ADD means it was hard to kind of pay attention,
but not hyperactive, not impulsive. And what you're really describing
is maybe dyslexia, which we see that there's what we
(06:17):
call type one. ADHD used to be called ADD back
in the day, right, and now it's really looked at
is type one, which is more of a left brain.
And when we see a delay in that, that's often dyslexia,
which is not being able to read more easily or
flipping words or any of that, and that we usually
(06:40):
see this extreme creativity that goes along with that. So
do you feel like that might fit more what you're
talking about, that maybe you were a dyslexic.
Speaker 6 (06:49):
Absolutely absolutely, because when I read, I get nervous. It's
not that I can't read it, it's just you see,
I get nervous, Like if it's a whole bunch of
words and I got to read it, I'll try to
skim through it.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
I'll find the words that I want to hear and
be done with it. I don't want to read it.
Speaker 5 (07:10):
Yeah, almost everyone that's been on our podcast and we've
talked to like some of the top you know, upcoming
singer songwriters, create entrepreneurial athletes, actors, and in the neuroscience
is that that right brain is so big and the
left brain is held a little bit and Ellis can
speak to them her whole life. You know, Spelling and
(07:34):
like that were challenge.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
So oh yeah, I can't spell me.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Not cute when I try to spell.
Speaker 8 (07:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Did you ever feel like your emotional or creative intensity
was misunderstood, like especially in academic settings?
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Oh yeah, all the time. But here's the thing. I
played basketball, I played all the sports, but I felt
like I was still an outsider.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
I was really good at almost every sport, but nobody
wanted to give.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
Me a chance.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
The coach gave me a chance, and I did my
thing right, and they the crowd and people loved me.
But my own team, every team never loved me. I
had someone still my actual my shoes that I used
to do track.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
Meets, and right at the track meet, they stole the shoes.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Where do they live?
Speaker 4 (08:26):
I'll find thee Yeah, it was serious.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
You know what's interesting is hyperactivity isn't always excess energy, right,
Sometimes it's just understimulation because when you look at the neuropsychology,
I mean it's the writing, is there. Dopamine seeking behavior
often drives creative exploration. So actually, Ellis that intensity can
feel isolating growing.
Speaker 7 (08:49):
Up right, Oh yeah, for sure, very isolating and being
like a creative in your incredibly sensitive as well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
It's like a be a tough mixture.
Speaker 9 (09:01):
M hm.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
So Ellis, it's interesting because you know, for we've been
doing this series for a couple of months now and
we always talk about the artist's mind correlation. But it's
interesting because you mentioned once that writing for you is therapeutic, right.
You get your tension, your anxiety, and a lot of
(09:23):
people journal you write songs. I'm interested to hear your
perspective on that unique international are you? Is that therapeutic
for you? It's like almost equal journaling when you're writing
a song.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
When I write a song, there's starts going through my
through my mind. I don't just write. I create magic.
I'm not a I don't just write a song. It's
got to make sense to me even today every four days,
like I'll get it in the film where I need
to go down to the studio and just either make
(09:57):
a beat or write something. So I've got over ten
thousand songs. We'll just say that because yeah, and they're
all good songs. Well, because I don't make like I
said in the beginning, just to recap, I don't make
songs that don't make sense period. All my songs have
feelings and messages or how I felt that day. I'd
(10:21):
like to relate to the world, not myself. I like
to relate to the world when I write.
Speaker 7 (10:26):
I love to hear how other songwriters write and come
up with things. Like some of my friends like everything
that they that I say is like a play on words,
and they mix it around like it's like a puzzle
pieces in their head. Other people it's like metaphors other people,
you know, like he just said, it's like it's all
it's all fascinating to me, how how the words come
through to people and how they understand them.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
So I always love to hear about it from other songwriters.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Mean too.
Speaker 10 (10:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
I remember as a parent of Ellis, you know, she
showed music talent very early on, but when she was young,
you know, she would at a young age go upstairs
into her room after soccer practice and player guitar and
right and that was we knew her mother and I
knew that was her way, that was her therapy.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well, we are at the end of our date, my
dear friends, Thank you so much for coming on and
really being open and vulnerable and having a really raw conversation.
It really makes all the difference. So learn more. You
could head directly to doctor Mililo's website at doctor Robertmlilo
dot com. You can check him out on the ground
at doctor Robert Mililo. You can check out the beautiful,
incredibly talented Ellis at Velvet Ellis Underscore and at the
(11:36):
Right Brain Podcast, and of course do check out our
incredible guests, Unique Unique I in T's Worlds. That was
the Right Brain series brought to you by the Mililo Centers.
We'll be right back after this.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
A Moment of zen is brought to you by the
Right Brain Podcast, where creativity meets neuroscience. Hosted by doctor
Robert Malilo and his daughter, artist Velvet Ellis, they dive
into the science of right brain thinking, creativity, and natural
ways to support mental health, from musicians and actors to
experts in brain optimization. Each episode gives you tools to
(12:08):
unlock your potential and think differently. Tune in weekly and
follow them on Instagram at the Right Brain Podcast where
Science meet Soul.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
Welcome back, beautiful Tri State Area and beyond. You're listening
to a moment of Zen right here on seven to ten,
wore the voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host,
Zen Sam's Welcome back to the Clean Collective segment brought
to you by Society Brands and Wolf Tactical. Now, Today's
conversation sits right at the intersection of three powerful trends
(12:37):
that are reshaping the way we think about health. Low
Talk's living, resistance training, and the growing popularity of weighted vests.
Because the wellness conversation is in fact evolving very rapidly.
It's no longer just about how we look. It's about
how long we can stay strong, metabmodically healthy and mobile
as we age. To help us unpack this conversation, I'm
(12:58):
thrilled to welcome expert on the microphone, someone who lives
and breathes performance, fitness and longevity. Joining us right now
is Kenny Santucci. He's a fitness expert, a wellness coach,
and an entrepreneur. Today he's become one of New York's
most recognized fitness personalities, working as a trainer, wellness advocate,
and a host within the health and performance space, helping
(13:19):
people build stronger, healthier lifestyles through those smarter training and
sustainable habits. Welcome to the show, Superstar.
Speaker 11 (13:25):
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
I'm so excited. So let's talk about the low talks
living basics. You know, let's start with something we're hearing
everywhere right now, that low talks living buzzword. Consumers Kenny
are becoming far more aware of the ingredients in their homes,
their food, their personal care products, even their workout gear.
And when you look at the stats the National Institute
(13:48):
of Environmental Health Sciences, certain common chemicals found in everyday
consumer products can function as endocrin disruptors, potentially interfering with
the body's hormone signaling systems. So many people have no idea.
So when they hear the term load talks living, but
they aren't sure what it actually means. From your perspective,
what are the biggest sources of toxic exposure in everyday life?
(14:10):
And where should people start if they want to reduce
their toxic load.
Speaker 11 (14:14):
You know, you could only avoid so much. It's like
trying to avoid rain drops in the rain. You know,
we we have to pick and choose our battles. But
I think the most important part, or the most important
thing that we have to pay attention to, is our food.
Right what goes into our body. You know, what chemicals
we're putting in our food, where we're getting our food from,
how we're consuming it, how much we're consuming. And I
(14:37):
think that's where most people should start. But yes, I
mean it's everywhere and anywhere, and it's kind of hard
to avoid. But there's chemicals and you know, cheaper ways
to do everything. I think we've come so far as
a society and as a capitalistic society that people are
you know, it's like if there's a cheaper, easier way
(14:58):
to do it, we're going to tend to do it
because that's what helps people make money.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
Yeah. I love that perspective, but you're right, food is
the very basic So when people realize that small, manageable
shift right there, you know, don't processed foods or ultra
ultra processed foods. Stick to you know, clean, fresh, organic,
produce you know, lean meats, chickens, and of course high
high protein. Of course you set you always advocate for that,
but all of that can add up and suddenly it
(15:25):
becomes much more accessible to now know that the ball
is in your court and you have the control to
eliminate some of these very basic things. So let's talk
about the strength deficit problem. So there's a major analysis
published in the lancelet and it suggested that over ninety
percent of American adults show at least one marker of
(15:48):
metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance or elevated inflammation. And one
of the most effective tools for improving metabolic health well
strength training. Right, So, muscle isn't just about movement. It's
metabolically active tissue that helps regulate blood, sugar, hormone and
overall energy balance. So, Kenny, when we're hearing more about
(16:08):
declining muscle mass and metabolic health in America, why is
resistance training becoming one of the most important tools for
that long term health and longevity?
Speaker 11 (16:16):
Well, I mean, listen, resistance training is the answer to
a lot of what's been going on in the medical
industry for the past fifty sixty years. Right, something happens,
and a lot of doctors don't want the liability of
someone hurting themselves or you know, getting sued, so their
advice to everyone for a very long time was don't
(16:38):
do anything. There needs to be some other solutions. So
I think we've gotten a lot of bad advice over
the years, to stop moving, to stay in bed, to
always rest. But the body's meant to move. It's only
this is only the first time, and this is the
first time in human history that we're advised to do less.
You know, we didn't have a choice. Before. You had
(16:59):
to hunt high to gather. You had to walk and
travel and do things because we needed water and we
needed food. Now it's everything's at our fingertips. I go
down the block, there's seven coffee shops just on my corner.
I mean, I think the lows hanging fruit is walking.
So I encourage people to walk, to move as much
as it possibly can. It's in our nature to want
(17:19):
to do these things. So our body was meant to move,
So I encourage people to move as much as possible.
I don't care what it is, yoga, pilates, running, jiu jitsu, dancing,
just do something, move more because we move less than
ever before in human history.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Let's talk about the rise of the weighted vests. Everywhere
I see on so I turned my social media on
and everyone's wearing a weighted vest. And one of the
tools gaining that incredible traction right now is a company
called Wolf Tactical. What's fascinating is that it mimics something
our bodies historically adapted to. Back to what you've been saying, right,
what are we naturally inclined to do as humans? Carrying loads,
(17:57):
climbing hills, perform physical tasks throughout daily life? Right? And today,
athletes and trainers and longevity experts like yourself are incorporating
weighted vests into simple activities like walking. What you just
alluded to, I am not of the mindset just yet.
I've put on the weighted vest during my workout, but
I haven't put it on to walk around. What makes
(18:19):
them so effective? And why are more health experts now
recommending them.
Speaker 11 (18:23):
Weight bearing or weighted vest or heavy carries, farmers carries,
whatever you want to call them. I mean, these are
great tools for people to start building up muscle growth. Obviously,
you're not going to be a bodybuilder and be like oh,
I'm just going to go for a walk with a
way to vest On. But I think people starting out
a weighted vest is an absolutely great tool for people
(18:44):
to use because this is a simple, easy, effective way.
It's like, hey, you're walking, and that's now become easy
for you. Now it's time to up that game a
little bit and try to challenge yourself. I think it's
a fabulous tool for most people to get started.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
That's amazing because it it really now transforms something as
simple as daily walk into a powerful training opportunity. I
love how you just frame that. So for someone who
has never lifted weights or used a weighted vest, start
with five. That's probably the smartest and safest way to
begin incorporating that resistance training into the routine. But what's
the next fundamental step after they've increased from five to ten?
(19:22):
What do you recommend?
Speaker 11 (19:23):
Well, I think there's listen, you'll be surprised about how
strong you actually are. I was explaining to a client
yesterday's sixty five years old, and he was telling me,
he's like, you know, I'm not sure if I should
be able to pick this up. I go, well, the
most important thing is actually given them a try right,
you never know what you're capable of doing until you try,
so I encourage people to try. If ten pounds feels
(19:45):
light or it's easy, then gradually move up. One of
the things that I have a lot of my client
suit with the weight to best is lunges. I think
it's a It's one of the major movements of the body. Right,
we have seven major movements in the body. It's probably,
in my opinion, one of the most important and most forgotten.
I encourage people to start using a way to vest
and even doing walking lunges. With a way to vest,
(20:07):
it will increase the intensity. It's a movement that we
should practice more. It should be done more often than
it actually is nowadays.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
That's fantastic advice. Thank you for coming on, my friend.
Speaker 11 (20:18):
Thank you so much for.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Having me to follow Kenny and to learn more about
his work. You can find him directly on the Gram
at Kenny Santucci and you can explore at Strong New
York again on Instagram. More of his fitness and wellness
content also lives at the strengthclub dot com. So you
go directly to the strengthclub dot com and at Strength
Club NYC. I'm your host Zenzams. You'll be right back
(20:42):
after this.
Speaker 2 (20:42):
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(21:04):
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Speaker 3 (21:12):
Welcome back, beautiful New York Tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten WR the voice of New York iHeartRadio.
I'm your host, zen Zams. This is the Weplate Forward segment,
brought to you by the Weplate Forward Foundation, where we
spotlight leaders whose businesses not only in power industries, but
who also believe in strengthening the communities around them. We're
(21:34):
gonna be talking about Crystal Foods and our incredible guest,
Mike Longo, thirty years in the produce game, the relationship
business behind New York's food industry now in one of
the most competitive dining capitals in the world. The success
of a restaurant often hinges on something deceptively simple, the
quality and consistency of its ingredients. Yet behind every great
(21:57):
dish is a powerful supply chain few ever see. Today,
we're going to step into the relationship driven world of
produce distribution, where timing, trust, and decades of experience determine
whether kitchens across the New York metropolitan area receive the
products that keep their menus and reputations strong. Mike, Welcome
to the Jota Superstar.
Speaker 12 (22:18):
Thank you so much. Then, I really appreciate your time today.
Appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Okay, So I want to talk about the relationship business
because that's the foundation of I think everything that you've built.
Because the produce business, it really is often described as
a relationship industry as much as a food industry, right,
And when you look at the Produce Marketing Association, nearly
eighty percent of restaurant purchasing decisions come down to consistency
(22:42):
and trust with suppliers. Now, you've been in the business
for more than thirty years, what does it actually take
to build those kind of long term relationships? With the
chefs and the growers and the customers.
Speaker 12 (22:55):
Well, I appreciate that question because I don't think people
realize how difficult that piece of it is. You think
you just get a fruit and a vegetable and you
drop it off. Most of it is about the relationship.
We don't necessarily deal with the owners of the businesses.
We deal with the chef, who definitely is a big
decision maker as far as you know. They want to
(23:16):
keep their job, so it's based on consistency. So they
want to come to, you know, a producer like me
who can deliver something that's the same every single day
to make sure that the plate that their customer receives
is always consistent. And they know that with using Crystal,
it's always going to be the same every single day.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
Yeah, And I think that's something people underestimate, right, the
idea that a distributor isn't just delivering boxes of produce.
I mean, you're really delivering confidence to a kitchen that
depends on you every single day.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
Our goal is to basically be as seamless as we can,
so now you don't have to think about is Crystal
going to get that product at the specific time what
we try and do the best we can, or say
like key drops. So now we have the faith, because
we're like a partner or a teammate to these restaurants
(24:08):
that we can have that product for them in their
refrigerator prior to them even getting there, which, honestly, if
we weren't as serviceable as the company that we are today,
if they were open for lunch and we got there
at five o'clock in the afternoon, it doesn't do anybody
any good. So if we can get there the best
we can in the middle of the night, two, three,
four o'clock in the morning, they have their product and
(24:30):
it's seamless for them and it's better for us.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
There you go. Now, let's chat about what people don't see.
So most diners never think about what happens between the
farm and the kitchen. According to USDA, fresh produce often
travels thousands of miles and passes through multiple distribution points
before reaching a restaurant or market. Mike, walk me through
what a typical day in your world looks like and
(24:53):
what people would be surprised to learn about the logistics
behind getting fresh produced into kitchens across the Tristate area.
Speaker 12 (25:00):
So we have a full team that will do Obviously
we do inventory on a daily basis. We're doing the purchasing,
say from you know, California, so we're working out not
just buying the product we're actually getting, we're doing the
trucking ourselves as well. So we have to find truckers.
It has to be competitive because obviously price point is
(25:20):
very important. We get the trucking, it's it's sent to us.
We're watching the trucking the entire time. We're checking to
make sure the refrigeration is stayed on for the two
and a half days that it takes to get there, because,
like I said earlier, any product that is not the
correct temperature is it's a perishable commodity. It'll get worse
(25:40):
every second that it's not refrigerated. So we have to
track that. So the traceability part of that is very
very difficult, and we trace it to make sure that
it's at the optimal temperature. And then we have a
team that has to you know, basically pick the orders.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
We have to.
Speaker 12 (25:58):
We have a team that takes in orders, whether it
be live, we have many different ways to receive the
orders from the restaurants. But then we have to pick it,
we have to put it on a truck and then
we have drivers that come in. It never ends, unfortunately.
Like I said, it's from start to finish. It is
a twenty four hour job.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
You really never sleep. So one of the things we
love highlighting in this particular series is the idea that
successful businesses can also create meaningful community impact. And across
the country, local business owners contribute billions of dollars annually
to charitable and community initiatives. That's according to the National
Filanthropic Trust. So why is it important for you, Mike
(26:41):
personally to support initiatives like we Play Forward Foundation and
other initiatives alike, be it locally or even nationally.
Speaker 12 (26:49):
Well, I think having a successful business, you say to yourself,
how can I give back? How can I give back
to the neighborhood. How can I give back to whatever
you feel best about? And when I thought about what
we would do with trying to help out organizations, I
was trying to look around and find the most like
(27:10):
minded people. And I met the gentleman that we Played
Forward and I hit it off in a way that
it was easy. I thought they what they wanted to
do was to help out all different types, all different kinds,
and not necessarily just going after you know, the big,
(27:32):
you know words of you know, cancer and things like that.
They were looking for things that were a little bit
outside the box that maybe other foundations weren't really going
to help. Not that people aren't, but I thought the
concentration on going for something that was a little bit
different than what everybody was going for and being like minded,
(27:52):
I thought that was the best group to go with.
And I just think what they stand for and what
they're trying to help has been absolutely amazing since the
time that I started with them.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
I echo that sentiment for those of you listening and watching.
What Mike is referring to is how we play forward.
Foundation has stepped up and made the cure San Filipo
syndrome a focal point in their campaign towards the fight
care of combating San Filipo Syndrome. Now, I'd be remiss
if I didn't talk about something that you mentioned. You said,
(28:26):
Holy Chick mother Cruster.
Speaker 12 (28:31):
It sounds great coming out of your voice. Yes, anymore.
Holy Chick mother Cruster is a restaurant that just opened
in Franklin, New Jersey. It's a chicken obviously, Holy Chick
Mother Cruster is Detroit style pizza. And we want to
try and take the you know this world by storm
and think that we have a creative name, and we
(28:53):
have as creative as our name is, I think our
product is even better. And I think that we're going
to try and open up everywhere we can. And I
want everybody to be able to say Holy Chick Mother
Cruster and make it, you know, on the forefront of
people's homes, just like they would with some of our competitors,
(29:14):
where they would go on a weekly basis. That's what
I want Holy Chick Mother Crust to be.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
We just added a nude bird to the Urban Dictionary.
If you'd like to learn more, you can visit Crystalproduce
dot com. You can also go to Signature Beverage dot
net and you can follow them on the ground at
Crystal Fruits and Vegetables. And you definitely want to check
out that incredible restaurant, Holy Chick Mother Cruster. You could
just google that. It's in Franklin, New Jersey. You're listening
(29:40):
to a Moment of Zen right here on seven ten
wo R, the Voice of New york iHeartRadio. This has
been the We Plate Forward segment brought to you by
the We Play Forward Foundation, where we highlight leaders who
remind us that behind every thriving industry are people who
understand the power of relationships, reliability, and giving back. You're
listening to a moment of Zen right here on seven
ten WO are the voice of New York iHeartRadio. We'll
(30:02):
be right back after this. A moment of Zen is
brought to you by Once Upon a Coconut. Discover the
refreshing taste of one hundred percent pure coconut water that
actually tastes great, not to be sweet, with no artificial
flavors or added sugar. It's packed with electrolytes to keep
you hydrated throughout your day, and with ten percent of
profits going to charity, every sip makes a difference. Pure taste,
(30:24):
pure goodness. Experience Nature's Gatorade, Visit Once Upon a Coconut
or Nature's Gatorade dot Com. Welcome back, beautiful New York
Tri state area and beyond. You're listening to a moment
of Zen right here on seven to ten WR, the
voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Zen Sam's
Welcome Back to the WR feature of the month, we're
(30:45):
chatting soda. That's right, Americans still drink tens of billions
of gallons of soft drinks every year, Yet today's consumers,
especially millennials and Gen z, are increasingly looking for beverages
with less sugar, functional and radients and brands that align
with modern wellness lifestyles. That shift created an opportunity for
(31:06):
a new generation of founders to rethink what soda could be,
and our next guest did exactly that. Alison Ellsworth is
the co founder of Poppy, the modern soda brand she
created after experimenting in her kitchen with a drink made
from apple cider, vinegar, fruit juice, and sparkling water that
actually tasted great. What started as a product sold at
(31:27):
local farmers' markets in Texas quickly captured national attention after
appearing on Shark Tank, helping Poppy grow into one of
the fastest growing beverage brands in the United States, and
in twenty twenty five. Just about a year ago, Poppy
made headlines when Pepsi and Co. Acquired the company for
one point nine five billion dollars, marking one of the
(31:49):
most significant beverage startup exits of the decade. Alison has
since been recognized by Time one hundred, Next Inks Female
Founders List and at age leading with while helping lead
a movement that's redefining what soda looks like for the
next generation. Alison Elsworth, Welcome to the show, Superstar.
Speaker 8 (32:08):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (32:09):
I'm so excited. The kitchen story origin that you first
recounted on our show like two years ago, three years
ago is what stood with me. And it's one of
the things people love most about your stories that it
didn't just start in a lab or a corporate boardroom.
It started in your own kitchen. So I kind of
want to touch on that. Take us back to the moment, right,
What problem were you trying to solve for yourself and
(32:31):
when did you kind of realize that this might be
more than just a personal health experiment. Yeah?
Speaker 8 (32:35):
Absolutely so, Yes, did start in my kitchen, but it
came after a really long period of trying to figure
out why didn't feel good, horrible skin problems, my stomach
always hurt and had a total lack of energy, And
I discovered that reading labels on what you consume can
really change how you look at the food you put
(32:56):
into your body. So I went gluten free. I started
eating like organic, and I started drinking apple cider vinegar,
and I saw a huge change in the way that
I felt. The only problem is apple cider vinegar alone
is so gross, Like it's so gross. I don't know
the people that can take like a shot every day.
I actually think that's like, actually wild, and you're amazing
(33:19):
if you can do that. But I wanted to create
something that was better for you and tasted good, and
if you kind of think about it, those two things
don't typically go together. And that's when I kind of started,
like having my husband try it. We took a local
farmer's market, and really when we realized we had a
business was Whole Foods actually came by our booth at
Farmer's Market and they were like, hey, this should be
(33:41):
in retail, and I was like, oh wait, this is
a business, not a hobby.
Speaker 10 (33:44):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
And it's incredible how many category defining brands be in
exactly that way. Right, somebody's simply trying to solve a
personal problem. So let's talk. I want to talk about
the cultural brand. So building a cultural band, because essentially
that's what you did. You got them to notice you
and then came, you know, the next step. So what
fascinates so many people about Poppy is that it didn't
(34:06):
grow through the traditional beverage marketing, is what we're saying.
It grew through you. The brand exploded on social media,
building a loyal community, generating billions of views on platforms
like TikTok, which you know, not many founders are on
TikTok before the brand gets recognition. So with celebrity fans
including a lot of our artists and athletes and influencers
(34:27):
endorsing it, what was your philosophy around building that community.
How did you realize early on that culture and digital
storytelling would be just as important as the product itself.
Speaker 8 (34:37):
Yeah, absolutely so Really Poppy launched the first week at
COVID March third, twenty twenty. I remember we were going
out to a big conference and Expo West is what
it's called, and we set up our booth and they
said this is canceled and this was supposed to be
our launch, and at the time we were really devastated.
So me desperate to just connect with our community and
(34:58):
try to just find a new way to min I
turned to TikTok and at the time no brands were
using the platform. It was a wild wild West. And
really what worked is one night I sat down and
I just told my story of how I started in
my kitchen, talked about the product and the fact that
I was nine months pregnant on Shark Tank and I
hit post and I literally will never forget going to
(35:21):
bed and waking up and we had done one hundred
thousand dollars on Amazon. We'd done like the grocery store
shelves that we were in were cleared. It was like
this whole revolution that everyone's like, wait, this is a
platform that you can connect with your community digitally. And
now six years later in the grocery store there's a
modern soda set sitting right next to the big brands,
(35:42):
and that did not exist six years ago. So I
think our community and being so digital first was really
what built that and allowed it to happen.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
So then came the milestone that captured the attention of
the entire business world. In twenty twenty five, Pepsi announced
it was acquiring you for one point ninety five billion
and really bringing your brand into one of the largest
beverage portfolios on the planet. So when that announcement became public,
What did it represent for you personally, not just as
a business milestone, but as the culmination of the journey
(36:14):
you started years earlier in your kitchen.
Speaker 8 (36:16):
So for me, it's the largest exit of a female
founder and beverage ever. I truly lived the American dream,
like I made this in my kitchen. I get to
have Poppy be the soda my kids and grandkids, no
with soda, to create a legacy, Like that's every entrepreneur's dream.
So for this to happen, a lot of people might ask,
(36:37):
you know, like was this always the plan to like
sell to a strategic And it's a yes no answer.
So yes, because they have some of the best distribution,
Like we want to get Poppy to as many people
as possible. In order to do that, you have to
partner with someone like Pepsi, and it professionalizes the business
and the resources. But no, I didn't build a brand
(36:58):
to sell it. I built a brand that can and
lasts for the next twenty thirty, forty fifty one hundred
years from now. And so I think that it represents
that the American dream is live and well.
Speaker 3 (37:08):
Very well said. And those are the kinds of entrepreneurial arcs,
if you call them, that inspire the next generation of
founders that are watching this very space. And at the
same time, I mean, you're raising three boys, very important
to mention and managing life as a founder, but also
more importantly as a wife and mother. Right, So, when
you look back at the beginning of this journey, what
(37:29):
advice would you give the younger version of Alison and
what message would you share with women who are dreaming
about building something of their own one day?
Speaker 8 (37:39):
Embarrassment is the most under explored emotion when it comes
to success. You actually have to be willing to put
yourself out there and look stupid for a while to
figure it out. Right, I think in this world of
social media, everyone's a little bit scared everything has to
be perfect. You're kind of have to throw perfect out
(37:59):
the wind. You don't need the perfect brand or the
perfect product or the perfect job to start out with.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
You just have to start.
Speaker 8 (38:05):
Start awkwardly, start messy, start without knowing, and then you
were going to learn from that. So I always say, like,
first comes embarrassment, then you're going to work through that
refinement of it. Then you're going to gain clarity, and
then that's where confidence comes. And a lot of people say, Alison,
why are you so confident? I was not always confident, right,
(38:27):
And I think that's really important for people to hear. Right,
every successful speaker once shook on stage. On top of it,
I think like every single person you've admired or looked
up to has been embarrassed or done something stupid and
made a full of themselves to get there. Every leader
has wondered if they deserve to stand in that room.
And so I think really like embracing that awkwardness and
(38:49):
then refining it then comes confidence. So I think a
lot of people see success overnight. There's no such thing
as success overnight. It comes from high highs, low lows,
hard work, and have a good network. Get a good network.
Speaker 3 (39:04):
Amen, we're at the end of our date, my dear.
I can't thank you enough for coming on and being
so transparent and so empowering and showing us you know
that you can have it all, and that it really
just starts with a passion vision, the proper roadmap and
living your truth. And so congratulations on all your success.
Speaker 8 (39:21):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 3 (39:23):
You can learn more at drink Poppy dot com. And
follow Allison on the ground at Allison Ellsworth. That's double
L on the Allison and double L on the Ellsworth.
You're listening to a Moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten, wore the Voice of New York iHeartRadio.
We'll be right back after this.
Speaker 2 (39:38):
A Moment of Zen is brought to you by Melia
Hotels International, from Melorca to the world. Our story began
over six decades ago and continues across some of the
most sought after destinations on Earth, from luxury hotels that
blend Mediterranean character with European prestige, to destination designed all
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(40:02):
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We are Melia. Discover more at Melia dot com.
Speaker 9 (40:09):
Hi, I'm Sari Katz, celebrity injector and founder of Skin
by Sara Aesthetics, and I'm gonna give you this week's
beauty segment or a Moment of Zen. Does botox kill
your empathy? Great question, and I'm hearing it so often.
Why because people are so concerned with the long term
side effects of botox. But let me get further into
this where does this all stem from? There is something
(40:31):
called the facial feedback hypothesis from thinkers like Charles Darwin
and current modern day psychologists like Paul Ekman. They believe
that not only do our facial expressions contribute to emotion,
but they amplify or reinforce our emotions. So, for example, frowning,
if we actually can frown, does that give us a
(40:52):
feedback to our brain that we're frustrated, angry, even sad? Possibly,
And in fact, there are some studies that show that
those who received botox in the frown muscles did report
less frustration, less stress, less sadness, and overall a more
calming sensation. So can botox actually be used for benefit
(41:13):
as opposed to the harm of your empathy feedback loop?
Does it kill your ability to relate to others? Absolutely not.
We know this both from studies and clinical feedback from
patients that people still have empathy for others. People are
still sympathizing and relating to their friends and family and coworkers,
and people still have their own personalities of course, because
(41:34):
we're not actually turning off emotion, we're just relaxing muscles.
That's how botox works. So my recommendation for you is,
don't stop getting botox because you're afraid of not feeling
sympathy or empathy. Yet the botox have less of those
expressions that show that you're a little concerned about what
that other person's saying, and have a more empathetic, wholehearted
(41:56):
connection with the people around you, because botox will not that.
My name is Sari Katz. I'm here to talk to
you about beauty secrets all day long, all week long,
all month long for a moment of Zen.
Speaker 2 (42:08):
A moment of Zen is brought to you by Skin
by Sarah. Nationally recognized injectors, Sari kats is redefining cosmetic
treatments with an approach that's subtle, precise, and confidence driven.
Whether you're new to injectables or looking for an expert touch,
sarih creates results that enhance your natural features, never mask them,
(42:29):
discover what personalized esthetics should feel like. To learn more,
visit skin by Sari dot com or follow at skin
by Sara on Instagram.
Speaker 3 (42:38):
Welcome back, beautiful Tri State Area in New York City
and beyond. You're listening to a moment of Zen right
here on seven to ten Wor, the voice of New
york iHeartRadio. I'm your host Zenzam's Now, this is a
moment I've been waiting to introduce. We are officially expanding
the Going Deep series, bringing you closer to the conversations
(42:58):
that live at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and influence,
and today marks the debut of a powerhouse new voice
joining our lineup. Joining us as a co contributor host
is none other than the Loneker, host of Lumisk Skincare,
home of the globally recognized co two Lift, a brand
that has redefined regenerative beauty and skin recovery at scale.
(43:22):
But beyond that, Lana is a storyteller, a truth seeker,
and someone who isn't afraid to ask the questions that
most people won't. And for her very first feature, she
sits down with a director whose work has quietly and
consistently shaped the visual language of modern television. If rivera
powerhouse behind the lens, known for directing some of the
(43:43):
most culturally defining stories of our time, including Power the
Chi and Chicago PD. His work doesn't just capture stories,
it builds world's rooted intention, identity, and real life stakes.
So without further ado, I'm going to pass the microphone
to our Going Deep host Lone Occur for an exclusive
conversation with legendary director If Rivera. Take a listen.
Speaker 13 (44:06):
If welcome to the show.
Speaker 10 (44:07):
Thank you for having me, Lana, oh so special.
Speaker 13 (44:10):
If what creative pivot or reinvention you think changed your
career the most, because you said you started off with
music videos and then you went into TV and television
and movies, right, what do you think changed that for you?
Speaker 14 (44:22):
You know, with the way times change and social media,
and you know, with the rapid, fast paced you got
to get it out, got to get it out right,
which introduced you know, you get the Instagram, but the tiktoks,
you have all these things. The music video started really
slowing down because now it's just about those twenty seconds,
(44:46):
thirty seconds right to get things going. So I started
seeing the signs and I was like, okay, I have
to pivot. I have to start thinking about what's next.
And you know, I was always around fifty cents and
even during the when he got into television and.
Speaker 10 (45:00):
Started to shoot power, I was always.
Speaker 14 (45:03):
There like a sponge, just taking it in, take it
in and taking it in and I eventually, you know,
started taking acting classes. I can understand actors. I would
go to plays by myself just so I can kind
of understand the world.
Speaker 10 (45:19):
Until I felt that was ready, you know.
Speaker 14 (45:21):
And when I was, I just took a bunch of
meetings and you know, Lion Skating Stars were the first
ones to invest in me, and they gave me the
opportunity to shoot an episode.
Speaker 10 (45:33):
You know.
Speaker 14 (45:33):
These episodes were like, you know, twelve million dollars, you
know what I'm saying, And so that's a lot of
money to kind of gamble in a first time director,
but again, it's the belief, and they believed in me,
you know, and I went in and crushed it and
that was the start wow of everything moving forward.
Speaker 10 (45:52):
Narrative.
Speaker 2 (45:52):
Yeah wow.
Speaker 13 (45:53):
So what I'm hearing from you is you really invested
in your skill set. I mean, not necessarily call me
from that background. You invest in that you did your
own not only through education formal education with the classes,
but you actually did investigative work and then you put
yourself out there and you had the confidence and then
believe in other people believed in that with you.
Speaker 10 (46:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 14 (46:14):
Yeah, you know, I did get an episode, and I
remember getting picked up in my trailer and being brought
to set and we had a night shoot and I
never forget, like I'm in the van and I'm driving
down the city and I see all these city blocks
with like you know, tons of trailers and equipment and
(46:38):
so on.
Speaker 10 (46:40):
And I remember getting on set and I.
Speaker 14 (46:41):
Get out the van and there were hundreds of like
production crew members and the actors were standing there and
the producers and I remember they looked at me, and
the producer was like, Okay, Eve, so what are we
doing right?
Speaker 10 (46:58):
Like that was my first time.
Speaker 14 (47:00):
Oh my god, I almost died, Like I wanted to
drop dead. And I started having what they call that
think it's imposter syndrome or something like that. You know,
I started doubting myself and I was nervous. But you know,
it takes it takes a lot to want to, you know,
(47:21):
get into any field and just be confident enough and
just be brave enough to step out and say I'm
going to do it.
Speaker 12 (47:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (47:29):
Yeah, very interesting. Tell me going back to the imposter
syndrome thing, because that's pretty typical. I think when you
start anything in the beginning, you don't feel you own it.
How did you snap out of it? What what?
Speaker 10 (47:39):
What?
Speaker 13 (47:39):
What went through your brain? What made you realize that, no,
this is where I belong.
Speaker 14 (47:45):
Well, I knew that from doing production for like fifteen
years doing music videos and commercials, that I knew production
and I knew people.
Speaker 10 (47:55):
And you know, it was just this fear of.
Speaker 14 (48:01):
Seeing how big things became, right, because like when I'm
doing music videos, it's you know, small crew equipment, but
getting on set of a you know, television production.
Speaker 10 (48:13):
Of film, it's massive. And I've learned to.
Speaker 14 (48:20):
Like, you know, how they put blinders and horses right, Yes,
So I've learned to mentally put that on when I
get on set, and I just kind of focus on
what my job is, and what it is is directing
the talent and talking to my crew members about what
I want and just kind of you know, black out
(48:41):
everything every noise, right, and just kind of like keep
myself in its protective shell of confidence and just kind
of like you know, and I just move forward with purpose.
Speaker 7 (48:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (48:54):
You know, so it's interesting you say that I was
at the Optimologist this week. I think I was telling
you I was getting a lens transfer, but as we're
doing my eye exam, and you know, you look through
and you have to see the letters. I it was hazy,
but then they put they put like a lens over
with just holes. So it wasn't anything that was prescription.
(49:18):
It was just holes. You know, you have to look
through the holes, and what a difference you could actually
stay clear. That's just the ability or that's just the
magic of focus, and that's kind of pretty much what
you do. And I think with anyone if you were
to ask how they get out of that imposter syndrome,
it's really just focusing on what they're doing and then
eventually they own it, you know.
Speaker 8 (49:34):
Right.
Speaker 13 (49:35):
Interesting, So who are you when the cameras aren't rolling?
Speaker 14 (49:40):
You know, it's funny, you know, people tend to think that,
you know, you kind of lived as entertainment lifestyle and
you're out and about and you're going to all these
red carpets and all these events and venues and stuff
like that, when for me, it's the opposite.
Speaker 10 (50:00):
Like you call me, I'm home, you know what I mean.
I'm watching TV, I'm reading a book, whatever.
Speaker 14 (50:05):
The case is. I look for peace and quiet. I'm
a homebody. I'm a homebody off camera.
Speaker 13 (50:13):
Yeah, so how conscious are you of the legacy that
you're going to leave behind them, because you you know,
we've seen a lot about your heard a lot about
your work, how you've what you've done to get here.
You know, you're you know when you're not working right now,
you're kind of your quiet. Your piece is important to you.
(50:34):
Tell me a little bit about the legacy you want
to leave behind.
Speaker 14 (50:37):
I did not go to film school. I was on welfare.
You know, I was broke. I mean, my family was broke.
Speaker 10 (50:45):
You know. I remember standing online with my mom just
to get government cheese, you know what I mean.
Speaker 14 (50:50):
But to have the drive two in the dream to
to succeed in something, whatever that may be, whether it's sports,
to whether it's entertainment.
Speaker 11 (51:01):
You know.
Speaker 14 (51:03):
The legacy that I want to leave behind is that
all these kids that come from where I come from
could look back and remember and say, well he did it,
I can do it too, you.
Speaker 10 (51:14):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 14 (51:15):
It wouldn't be about like you know, you know, look
at my mansion and you know, like doesn't matter. Denzel
said it best right. You can't take it with you
when you're gone, you know what I mean. So for me,
it's not about that at all.
Speaker 3 (51:28):
Yeah, I love it. I love it.
Speaker 13 (51:30):
The last question, when you think of longevity not just
as time right, but as impact that endures, what does
going deep mean to you? And how has depth really
shaped the legacy that you're still building.
Speaker 14 (51:47):
Going deep means going all in. You cannot have anything.
You have to take the time to really dedicate yourself
and for me is really honing in, locking in.
Speaker 10 (52:04):
Blinders on. Yeah, focus and just go deep.
Speaker 2 (52:10):
Very good.
Speaker 15 (52:10):
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Well that's a wrap, My dear friends. We are at
the end of our date. Remember to continue to listen
to me right here on seven to ten WR the
voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Zenzam's join
me every Saturday, or go directly to a moment of
(52:59):
zen dot com for live listening links and episode downloads
in your city. Thank you for listening to us. It's
been an absolute pleasure being your host. Thanks again to
all of our partners and sponsors that continue to make
the show possible. And remember that happiness is the only
thing that multiplies when you share it. We'll be back
next week.
Speaker 1 (53:15):
The proceeding was a paid podcast. iHeartRadio's hosting of this
podcast constitutes neither an endorsement of the products offered or
the ideas expressed.
The following is opaid podcast. iHeartRadio's hosting of this podcast
constitutes neither an endorsement of the products offered or the
ideas expressed.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Welcome to a Moment of Zen. Time to sit back
and relax. As model, actress, mentor and super mom, Zen
SAMs takes you on a sexy and wild ride covering
the latest in film, fashion, pop culture, cryptocurrency, fintech, cannabis,
and entertainment from the millennial mom's perspective. Here's your host,
(00:29):
Zen SAMs.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome back, beautiful New York Tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten wo R the voice of New York iHeartRadio.
I'm your host, Zen SAMs. Here's to another exciting episode.
Let's dive right in. First, in the Clean Collective series
brought to you by Society Brands, we're joined by fitness
entrepreneur and performance coach Kenny Santucci for our headliner Strong
(00:54):
Clean and Built to Last, while Low talks living and
resistance training and weighted vests are the new longevity blueprint. Then,
in the We Plate Forward series brought to you by
the We Plate Forward Foundation, we welcome Mike Longo, owner
of Crystal Fruits and Vegetables, for a look inside the
backbone of the restaurant industry and how family run businesses
(01:15):
quietly support communities while keeping kitchens supplied with fresh food. Next,
we're joined by Alison Ellsworth, co founder of Poppy, a
modern soda brand that helped reinvent the beverage aisle and
was recently acquired by Pepsicola, marking one of the most
talked about beverage exits of the decade. And finally, in
(01:36):
the Right Brain segment, brought to you by the Mililo Centers,
we explore the intersection of creativity and neuroscience with doctor
Robert Milillo Ellis Mililo, co founder of the Right Brain Series,
and artists Unique International, asking a powerful question what happens
when the classroom just doesn't speak the language of the
creative brain. Stay tuned for the Right Brain Series with
(01:58):
doctor Robert Milillo, Unique International and Elismlilo.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Coming up next, a Moment of Zen is brought to
you by the Malillo Method Centers, where Hope Truly Lives,
specializing in ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurological challenges. Doctor
Robert Malillo and his team create personalized treatment plans that
go beyond symptom management. Using advanced neuroscience, they help children
and adults reach their fullest potential. Families worldwide choose the
(02:25):
Malillo Method for answers and results. Begin your journey to
better brain health at Dr Robertmolillo dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Welcome back, beautiful New York tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of zen right here on
seven ten WR, the voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm
your host, Zenzam's Welcome Back to the Right Brain series,
brought to you by the Milillo Centers. Now, let me
ask you something. How many artists, musicians, actors, innovators have
(02:52):
we later discovered were labeled distracted, hyperactive, unfocused or not
applying themselves in school? So here's the question. What if
the classroom simply didn't speak their language? What if what
looked like distraction was actually a brain wired for rhythm
and pattern and emotion and intensity. Joining us as always
(03:14):
is world renowned neuroscientist doctor Robert Malillo, author of the
New York Time bestselling book Disconnected Kids. We're also joined
by singer songwriter and creative force Ellis Milillo, co founder
of the Right Brain podcast. She's lived through her own
journey of right brain intensity and balance, and today we
welcome artists, storyteller and sonic architect Unique International, whose sound
(03:38):
doesn't follow trends, but rather it creates them. Unique International,
welcome back to the show, Superstar. It's been quite a while.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Was a good thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
So excited to have you back, doctor Milillo, and Ellis
so refreshing to see you again, so happy to be here.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
He's great, Thank you, Unique.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I'm going to start with you. There's a pattern we
keep seeing right powerhouses who later reveal that they struggled
in traditional academic environments. And I was fascinated to hear
your story. So there's linear systems that reward compliance and repetition,
but creative brains they often operate through association and imagery
(04:18):
and rhythm. So Unique International, when you think back to school,
did it feel like you were learning in the system
built for someone else's brain.
Speaker 6 (04:27):
Absolutely, because in school they don't really teach you what
you need to know to be in life. You know,
like school is good for certain things, but as an artist,
it's no creativity. I just always felt like I was different.
I was actually a loner, believe it or not. I
was kind of a nerd. I didn't have very many friends.
(04:50):
I went home.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
By myself, and I be boxed in my head.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
It's a powerful distinction, right, Well, when you're talking to
somebody creative and I'm doctor Milow is going to break
the down for us. But when you look at some
of the statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, they
show that structured, lectured based learning, it still dominates in
most classrooms. But when you talk about creatives like you
and Ellis, even to some extent myself, right, very creative
(05:17):
divergent thinkers, the ones who generate original ideas, often score
lower in compliance metrics. So when I read that statistic,
I was like, I bet you I'm not the only one.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
My struggle was I could see the words and they
would be flipped. So sometimes words were too big, and
I would feel like it's just too hard for me,
even though I know if I just.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Tried a little harder, it would be easier.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
But my brain is mechanical, so when I get something
that's not mechanical and simple, it's not it's very hard.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
For me to do very simple things.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
Right, Yeah, So what you're describing, you know, we talked
about in the old days, there's ADD and there's ADHD, right,
and ADD means it was hard to kind of pay attention,
but not hyperactive, not impulsive. And what you're really describing
is maybe dyslexia, which we see that there's what we
(06:17):
call type one. ADHD used to be called ADD back
in the day, right, and now it's really looked at
is type one, which is more of a left brain.
And when we see a delay in that, that's often dyslexia,
which is not being able to read more easily or
flipping words or any of that, and that we usually
(06:40):
see this extreme creativity that goes along with that. So
do you feel like that might fit more what you're
talking about, that maybe you were a dyslexic.
Speaker 6 (06:49):
Absolutely absolutely, because when I read, I get nervous. It's
not that I can't read it, it's just you see,
I get nervous, Like if it's a whole bunch of
words and I got to read it, I'll try to
skim through it.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
I'll find the words that I want to hear and
be done with it. I don't want to read it.
Speaker 5 (07:10):
Yeah, almost everyone that's been on our podcast and we've
talked to like some of the top you know, upcoming
singer songwriters, create entrepreneurial athletes, actors, and in the neuroscience
is that that right brain is so big and the
left brain is held a little bit and Ellis can
speak to them her whole life. You know, Spelling and
(07:34):
like that were challenge.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
So oh yeah, I can't spell me.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Not cute when I try to spell.
Speaker 8 (07:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Did you ever feel like your emotional or creative intensity
was misunderstood, like especially in academic settings?
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Oh yeah, all the time. But here's the thing. I
played basketball, I played all the sports, but I felt
like I was still an outsider.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
I was really good at almost every sport, but nobody
wanted to give.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
Me a chance.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
The coach gave me a chance, and I did my
thing right, and they the crowd and people loved me.
But my own team, every team never loved me. I
had someone still my actual my shoes that I used
to do track.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
Meets, and right at the track meet, they stole the shoes.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Where do they live?
Speaker 4 (08:26):
I'll find thee Yeah, it was serious.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
You know what's interesting is hyperactivity isn't always excess energy, right,
Sometimes it's just understimulation because when you look at the neuropsychology,
I mean it's the writing, is there. Dopamine seeking behavior
often drives creative exploration. So actually, Ellis that intensity can
feel isolating growing.
Speaker 7 (08:49):
Up right, Oh yeah, for sure, very isolating and being
like a creative in your incredibly sensitive as well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
It's like a be a tough mixture.
Speaker 9 (09:01):
M hm.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
So Ellis, it's interesting because you know, for we've been
doing this series for a couple of months now and
we always talk about the artist's mind correlation. But it's
interesting because you mentioned once that writing for you is therapeutic, right.
You get your tension, your anxiety, and a lot of
(09:23):
people journal you write songs. I'm interested to hear your
perspective on that unique international are you? Is that therapeutic
for you? It's like almost equal journaling when you're writing
a song.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
When I write a song, there's starts going through my
through my mind. I don't just write. I create magic.
I'm not a I don't just write a song. It's
got to make sense to me even today every four days,
like I'll get it in the film where I need
to go down to the studio and just either make
(09:57):
a beat or write something. So I've got over ten
thousand songs. We'll just say that because yeah, and they're
all good songs. Well, because I don't make like I
said in the beginning, just to recap, I don't make
songs that don't make sense period. All my songs have
feelings and messages or how I felt that day. I'd
(10:21):
like to relate to the world, not myself. I like
to relate to the world when I write.
Speaker 7 (10:26):
I love to hear how other songwriters write and come
up with things. Like some of my friends like everything
that they that I say is like a play on words,
and they mix it around like it's like a puzzle
pieces in their head. Other people it's like metaphors other people,
you know, like he just said, it's like it's all
it's all fascinating to me, how how the words come
through to people and how they understand them.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
So I always love to hear about it from other songwriters.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Mean too.
Speaker 10 (10:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
I remember as a parent of Ellis, you know, she
showed music talent very early on, but when she was young,
you know, she would at a young age go upstairs
into her room after soccer practice and player guitar and
right and that was we knew her mother and I
knew that was her way, that was her therapy.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well, we are at the end of our date, my
dear friends, Thank you so much for coming on and
really being open and vulnerable and having a really raw conversation.
It really makes all the difference. So learn more. You
could head directly to doctor Mililo's website at doctor Robertmlilo
dot com. You can check him out on the ground
at doctor Robert Mililo. You can check out the beautiful,
incredibly talented Ellis at Velvet Ellis Underscore and at the
(11:36):
Right Brain Podcast, and of course do check out our
incredible guests, Unique Unique I in T's Worlds. That was
the Right Brain series brought to you by the Mililo Centers.
We'll be right back after this.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
A Moment of zen is brought to you by the
Right Brain Podcast, where creativity meets neuroscience. Hosted by doctor
Robert Malilo and his daughter, artist Velvet Ellis, they dive
into the science of right brain thinking, creativity, and natural
ways to support mental health, from musicians and actors to
experts in brain optimization. Each episode gives you tools to
(12:08):
unlock your potential and think differently. Tune in weekly and
follow them on Instagram at the Right Brain Podcast where
Science meet Soul.
Speaker 3 (12:17):
Welcome back, beautiful Tri State Area and beyond. You're listening
to a moment of Zen right here on seven to ten,
wore the voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host,
Zen Sam's Welcome back to the Clean Collective segment brought
to you by Society Brands and Wolf Tactical. Now, Today's
conversation sits right at the intersection of three powerful trends
(12:37):
that are reshaping the way we think about health. Low
Talk's living, resistance training, and the growing popularity of weighted vests.
Because the wellness conversation is in fact evolving very rapidly.
It's no longer just about how we look. It's about
how long we can stay strong, metabmodically healthy and mobile
as we age. To help us unpack this conversation, I'm
(12:58):
thrilled to welcome expert on the microphone, someone who lives
and breathes performance, fitness and longevity. Joining us right now
is Kenny Santucci. He's a fitness expert, a wellness coach,
and an entrepreneur. Today he's become one of New York's
most recognized fitness personalities, working as a trainer, wellness advocate,
and a host within the health and performance space, helping
(13:19):
people build stronger, healthier lifestyles through those smarter training and
sustainable habits. Welcome to the show, Superstar.
Speaker 11 (13:25):
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
I'm so excited. So let's talk about the low talks
living basics. You know, let's start with something we're hearing
everywhere right now, that low talks living buzzword. Consumers Kenny
are becoming far more aware of the ingredients in their homes,
their food, their personal care products, even their workout gear.
And when you look at the stats the National Institute
(13:48):
of Environmental Health Sciences, certain common chemicals found in everyday
consumer products can function as endocrin disruptors, potentially interfering with
the body's hormone signaling systems. So many people have no idea.
So when they hear the term load talks living, but
they aren't sure what it actually means. From your perspective,
what are the biggest sources of toxic exposure in everyday life?
(14:10):
And where should people start if they want to reduce
their toxic load.
Speaker 11 (14:14):
You know, you could only avoid so much. It's like
trying to avoid rain drops in the rain. You know,
we we have to pick and choose our battles. But
I think the most important part, or the most important
thing that we have to pay attention to, is our food.
Right what goes into our body. You know, what chemicals
we're putting in our food, where we're getting our food from,
how we're consuming it, how much we're consuming. And I
(14:37):
think that's where most people should start. But yes, I
mean it's everywhere and anywhere, and it's kind of hard
to avoid. But there's chemicals and you know, cheaper ways
to do everything. I think we've come so far as
a society and as a capitalistic society that people are
you know, it's like if there's a cheaper, easier way
(14:58):
to do it, we're going to tend to do it
because that's what helps people make money.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
Yeah. I love that perspective, but you're right, food is
the very basic So when people realize that small, manageable
shift right there, you know, don't processed foods or ultra
ultra processed foods. Stick to you know, clean, fresh, organic,
produce you know, lean meats, chickens, and of course high
high protein. Of course you set you always advocate for that,
but all of that can add up and suddenly it
(15:25):
becomes much more accessible to now know that the ball
is in your court and you have the control to
eliminate some of these very basic things. So let's talk
about the strength deficit problem. So there's a major analysis
published in the lancelet and it suggested that over ninety
percent of American adults show at least one marker of
(15:48):
metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance or elevated inflammation. And one
of the most effective tools for improving metabolic health well
strength training. Right, So, muscle isn't just about movement. It's
metabolically active tissue that helps regulate blood, sugar, hormone and
overall energy balance. So, Kenny, when we're hearing more about
(16:08):
declining muscle mass and metabolic health in America, why is
resistance training becoming one of the most important tools for
that long term health and longevity?
Speaker 11 (16:16):
Well, I mean, listen, resistance training is the answer to
a lot of what's been going on in the medical
industry for the past fifty sixty years. Right, something happens,
and a lot of doctors don't want the liability of
someone hurting themselves or you know, getting sued, so their
advice to everyone for a very long time was don't
(16:38):
do anything. There needs to be some other solutions. So
I think we've gotten a lot of bad advice over
the years, to stop moving, to stay in bed, to
always rest. But the body's meant to move. It's only
this is only the first time, and this is the
first time in human history that we're advised to do less.
You know, we didn't have a choice. Before. You had
(16:59):
to hunt high to gather. You had to walk and
travel and do things because we needed water and we
needed food. Now it's everything's at our fingertips. I go
down the block, there's seven coffee shops just on my corner.
I mean, I think the lows hanging fruit is walking.
So I encourage people to walk, to move as much
as it possibly can. It's in our nature to want
(17:19):
to do these things. So our body was meant to move,
So I encourage people to move as much as possible.
I don't care what it is, yoga, pilates, running, jiu jitsu, dancing,
just do something, move more because we move less than
ever before in human history.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Let's talk about the rise of the weighted vests. Everywhere
I see on so I turned my social media on
and everyone's wearing a weighted vest. And one of the
tools gaining that incredible traction right now is a company
called Wolf Tactical. What's fascinating is that it mimics something
our bodies historically adapted to. Back to what you've been saying, right,
what are we naturally inclined to do as humans? Carrying loads,
(17:57):
climbing hills, perform physical tasks throughout daily life? Right? And today,
athletes and trainers and longevity experts like yourself are incorporating
weighted vests into simple activities like walking. What you just
alluded to, I am not of the mindset just yet.
I've put on the weighted vest during my workout, but
I haven't put it on to walk around. What makes
(18:19):
them so effective? And why are more health experts now
recommending them.
Speaker 11 (18:23):
Weight bearing or weighted vest or heavy carries, farmers carries,
whatever you want to call them. I mean, these are
great tools for people to start building up muscle growth. Obviously,
you're not going to be a bodybuilder and be like oh,
I'm just going to go for a walk with a
way to vest On. But I think people starting out
a weighted vest is an absolutely great tool for people
(18:44):
to use because this is a simple, easy, effective way.
It's like, hey, you're walking, and that's now become easy
for you. Now it's time to up that game a
little bit and try to challenge yourself. I think it's
a fabulous tool for most people to get started.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
That's amazing because it it really now transforms something as
simple as daily walk into a powerful training opportunity. I
love how you just frame that. So for someone who
has never lifted weights or used a weighted vest, start
with five. That's probably the smartest and safest way to
begin incorporating that resistance training into the routine. But what's
the next fundamental step after they've increased from five to ten?
(19:22):
What do you recommend?
Speaker 11 (19:23):
Well, I think there's listen, you'll be surprised about how
strong you actually are. I was explaining to a client
yesterday's sixty five years old, and he was telling me,
he's like, you know, I'm not sure if I should
be able to pick this up. I go, well, the
most important thing is actually given them a try right,
you never know what you're capable of doing until you try,
so I encourage people to try. If ten pounds feels
(19:45):
light or it's easy, then gradually move up. One of
the things that I have a lot of my client
suit with the weight to best is lunges. I think
it's a It's one of the major movements of the body. Right,
we have seven major movements in the body. It's probably,
in my opinion, one of the most important and most forgotten.
I encourage people to start using a way to vest
and even doing walking lunges. With a way to vest,
(20:07):
it will increase the intensity. It's a movement that we
should practice more. It should be done more often than
it actually is nowadays.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
That's fantastic advice. Thank you for coming on, my friend.
Speaker 11 (20:18):
Thank you so much for.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Having me to follow Kenny and to learn more about
his work. You can find him directly on the Gram
at Kenny Santucci and you can explore at Strong New
York again on Instagram. More of his fitness and wellness
content also lives at the strengthclub dot com. So you
go directly to the strengthclub dot com and at Strength
Club NYC. I'm your host Zenzams. You'll be right back
(20:42):
after this.
Speaker 2 (20:42):
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(21:04):
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Speaker 3 (21:12):
Welcome back, beautiful New York Tri State area and beyond.
You're listening to a moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten WR the voice of New York iHeartRadio.
I'm your host, zen Zams. This is the Weplate Forward segment,
brought to you by the Weplate Forward Foundation, where we
spotlight leaders whose businesses not only in power industries, but
who also believe in strengthening the communities around them. We're
(21:34):
gonna be talking about Crystal Foods and our incredible guest,
Mike Longo, thirty years in the produce game, the relationship
business behind New York's food industry now in one of
the most competitive dining capitals in the world. The success
of a restaurant often hinges on something deceptively simple, the
quality and consistency of its ingredients. Yet behind every great
(21:57):
dish is a powerful supply chain few ever see. Today,
we're going to step into the relationship driven world of
produce distribution, where timing, trust, and decades of experience determine
whether kitchens across the New York metropolitan area receive the
products that keep their menus and reputations strong. Mike, Welcome
to the Jota Superstar.
Speaker 12 (22:18):
Thank you so much. Then, I really appreciate your time today.
Appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Okay, So I want to talk about the relationship business
because that's the foundation of I think everything that you've built.
Because the produce business, it really is often described as
a relationship industry as much as a food industry, right,
And when you look at the Produce Marketing Association, nearly
eighty percent of restaurant purchasing decisions come down to consistency
(22:42):
and trust with suppliers. Now, you've been in the business
for more than thirty years, what does it actually take
to build those kind of long term relationships? With the
chefs and the growers and the customers.
Speaker 12 (22:55):
Well, I appreciate that question because I don't think people
realize how difficult that piece of it is. You think
you just get a fruit and a vegetable and you
drop it off. Most of it is about the relationship.
We don't necessarily deal with the owners of the businesses.
We deal with the chef, who definitely is a big
decision maker as far as you know. They want to
(23:16):
keep their job, so it's based on consistency. So they
want to come to, you know, a producer like me
who can deliver something that's the same every single day
to make sure that the plate that their customer receives
is always consistent. And they know that with using Crystal,
it's always going to be the same every single day.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
Yeah, And I think that's something people underestimate, right, the
idea that a distributor isn't just delivering boxes of produce.
I mean, you're really delivering confidence to a kitchen that
depends on you every single day.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
Our goal is to basically be as seamless as we can,
so now you don't have to think about is Crystal
going to get that product at the specific time what
we try and do the best we can, or say
like key drops. So now we have the faith, because
we're like a partner or a teammate to these restaurants
(24:08):
that we can have that product for them in their
refrigerator prior to them even getting there, which, honestly, if
we weren't as serviceable as the company that we are today,
if they were open for lunch and we got there
at five o'clock in the afternoon, it doesn't do anybody
any good. So if we can get there the best
we can in the middle of the night, two, three,
four o'clock in the morning, they have their product and
(24:30):
it's seamless for them and it's better for us.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
There you go. Now, let's chat about what people don't see.
So most diners never think about what happens between the
farm and the kitchen. According to USDA, fresh produce often
travels thousands of miles and passes through multiple distribution points
before reaching a restaurant or market. Mike, walk me through
what a typical day in your world looks like and
(24:53):
what people would be surprised to learn about the logistics
behind getting fresh produced into kitchens across the Tristate area.
Speaker 12 (25:00):
So we have a full team that will do Obviously
we do inventory on a daily basis. We're doing the purchasing,
say from you know, California, so we're working out not
just buying the product we're actually getting, we're doing the
trucking ourselves as well. So we have to find truckers.
It has to be competitive because obviously price point is
(25:20):
very important. We get the trucking, it's it's sent to us.
We're watching the trucking the entire time. We're checking to
make sure the refrigeration is stayed on for the two
and a half days that it takes to get there, because,
like I said earlier, any product that is not the
correct temperature is it's a perishable commodity. It'll get worse
(25:40):
every second that it's not refrigerated. So we have to
track that. So the traceability part of that is very
very difficult, and we trace it to make sure that
it's at the optimal temperature. And then we have a
team that has to you know, basically pick the orders.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
We have to.
Speaker 12 (25:58):
We have a team that takes in orders, whether it
be live, we have many different ways to receive the
orders from the restaurants. But then we have to pick it,
we have to put it on a truck and then
we have drivers that come in. It never ends, unfortunately.
Like I said, it's from start to finish. It is
a twenty four hour job.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
You really never sleep. So one of the things we
love highlighting in this particular series is the idea that
successful businesses can also create meaningful community impact. And across
the country, local business owners contribute billions of dollars annually
to charitable and community initiatives. That's according to the National
Filanthropic Trust. So why is it important for you, Mike
(26:41):
personally to support initiatives like we Play Forward Foundation and
other initiatives alike, be it locally or even nationally.
Speaker 12 (26:49):
Well, I think having a successful business, you say to yourself,
how can I give back? How can I give back
to the neighborhood. How can I give back to whatever
you feel best about? And when I thought about what
we would do with trying to help out organizations, I
was trying to look around and find the most like
(27:10):
minded people. And I met the gentleman that we Played
Forward and I hit it off in a way that
it was easy. I thought they what they wanted to
do was to help out all different types, all different kinds,
and not necessarily just going after you know, the big,
(27:32):
you know words of you know, cancer and things like that.
They were looking for things that were a little bit
outside the box that maybe other foundations weren't really going
to help. Not that people aren't, but I thought the
concentration on going for something that was a little bit
different than what everybody was going for and being like minded,
(27:52):
I thought that was the best group to go with.
And I just think what they stand for and what
they're trying to help has been absolutely amazing since the
time that I started with them.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
I echo that sentiment for those of you listening and watching.
What Mike is referring to is how we play forward.
Foundation has stepped up and made the cure San Filipo
syndrome a focal point in their campaign towards the fight
care of combating San Filipo Syndrome. Now, I'd be remiss
if I didn't talk about something that you mentioned. You said,
(28:26):
Holy Chick mother Cruster.
Speaker 12 (28:31):
It sounds great coming out of your voice. Yes, anymore.
Holy Chick mother Cruster is a restaurant that just opened
in Franklin, New Jersey. It's a chicken obviously, Holy Chick
Mother Cruster is Detroit style pizza. And we want to
try and take the you know this world by storm
and think that we have a creative name, and we
(28:53):
have as creative as our name is, I think our
product is even better. And I think that we're going
to try and open up everywhere we can. And I
want everybody to be able to say Holy Chick Mother
Cruster and make it, you know, on the forefront of
people's homes, just like they would with some of our competitors,
(29:14):
where they would go on a weekly basis. That's what
I want Holy Chick Mother Crust to be.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
We just added a nude bird to the Urban Dictionary.
If you'd like to learn more, you can visit Crystalproduce
dot com. You can also go to Signature Beverage dot
net and you can follow them on the ground at
Crystal Fruits and Vegetables. And you definitely want to check
out that incredible restaurant, Holy Chick Mother Cruster. You could
just google that. It's in Franklin, New Jersey. You're listening
(29:40):
to a Moment of Zen right here on seven ten
wo R, the Voice of New york iHeartRadio. This has
been the We Plate Forward segment brought to you by
the We Play Forward Foundation, where we highlight leaders who
remind us that behind every thriving industry are people who
understand the power of relationships, reliability, and giving back. You're
listening to a moment of Zen right here on seven
ten WO are the voice of New York iHeartRadio. We'll
(30:02):
be right back after this. A moment of Zen is
brought to you by Once Upon a Coconut. Discover the
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or Nature's Gatorade dot Com. Welcome back, beautiful New York
Tri state area and beyond. You're listening to a moment
of Zen right here on seven to ten WR, the
voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Zen Sam's
Welcome Back to the WR feature of the month, we're
(30:45):
chatting soda. That's right, Americans still drink tens of billions
of gallons of soft drinks every year, Yet today's consumers,
especially millennials and Gen z, are increasingly looking for beverages
with less sugar, functional and radients and brands that align
with modern wellness lifestyles. That shift created an opportunity for
(31:06):
a new generation of founders to rethink what soda could be,
and our next guest did exactly that. Alison Ellsworth is
the co founder of Poppy, the modern soda brand she
created after experimenting in her kitchen with a drink made
from apple cider, vinegar, fruit juice, and sparkling water that
actually tasted great. What started as a product sold at
(31:27):
local farmers' markets in Texas quickly captured national attention after
appearing on Shark Tank, helping Poppy grow into one of
the fastest growing beverage brands in the United States, and
in twenty twenty five. Just about a year ago, Poppy
made headlines when Pepsi and Co. Acquired the company for
one point nine five billion dollars, marking one of the
(31:49):
most significant beverage startup exits of the decade. Alison has
since been recognized by Time one hundred, Next Inks Female
Founders List and at age leading with while helping lead
a movement that's redefining what soda looks like for the
next generation. Alison Elsworth, Welcome to the show, Superstar.
Speaker 8 (32:08):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (32:09):
I'm so excited. The kitchen story origin that you first
recounted on our show like two years ago, three years
ago is what stood with me. And it's one of
the things people love most about your stories that it
didn't just start in a lab or a corporate boardroom.
It started in your own kitchen. So I kind of
want to touch on that. Take us back to the moment, right,
What problem were you trying to solve for yourself and
(32:31):
when did you kind of realize that this might be
more than just a personal health experiment. Yeah?
Speaker 8 (32:35):
Absolutely so, Yes, did start in my kitchen, but it
came after a really long period of trying to figure
out why didn't feel good, horrible skin problems, my stomach
always hurt and had a total lack of energy, And
I discovered that reading labels on what you consume can
really change how you look at the food you put
(32:56):
into your body. So I went gluten free. I started
eating like organic, and I started drinking apple cider vinegar,
and I saw a huge change in the way that
I felt. The only problem is apple cider vinegar alone
is so gross, Like it's so gross. I don't know
the people that can take like a shot every day.
I actually think that's like, actually wild, and you're amazing
(33:19):
if you can do that. But I wanted to create
something that was better for you and tasted good, and
if you kind of think about it, those two things
don't typically go together. And that's when I kind of started,
like having my husband try it. We took a local
farmer's market, and really when we realized we had a
business was Whole Foods actually came by our booth at
Farmer's Market and they were like, hey, this should be
(33:41):
in retail, and I was like, oh wait, this is
a business, not a hobby.
Speaker 10 (33:44):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
And it's incredible how many category defining brands be in
exactly that way. Right, somebody's simply trying to solve a
personal problem. So let's talk. I want to talk about
the cultural brand. So building a cultural band, because essentially
that's what you did. You got them to notice you
and then came, you know, the next step. So what
fascinates so many people about Poppy is that it didn't
(34:06):
grow through the traditional beverage marketing, is what we're saying.
It grew through you. The brand exploded on social media,
building a loyal community, generating billions of views on platforms
like TikTok, which you know, not many founders are on
TikTok before the brand gets recognition. So with celebrity fans
including a lot of our artists and athletes and influencers
(34:27):
endorsing it, what was your philosophy around building that community.
How did you realize early on that culture and digital
storytelling would be just as important as the product itself.
Speaker 8 (34:37):
Yeah, absolutely so Really Poppy launched the first week at
COVID March third, twenty twenty. I remember we were going
out to a big conference and Expo West is what
it's called, and we set up our booth and they
said this is canceled and this was supposed to be
our launch, and at the time we were really devastated.
So me desperate to just connect with our community and
(34:58):
try to just find a new way to min I
turned to TikTok and at the time no brands were
using the platform. It was a wild wild West. And
really what worked is one night I sat down and
I just told my story of how I started in
my kitchen, talked about the product and the fact that
I was nine months pregnant on Shark Tank and I
hit post and I literally will never forget going to
(35:21):
bed and waking up and we had done one hundred
thousand dollars on Amazon. We'd done like the grocery store
shelves that we were in were cleared. It was like
this whole revolution that everyone's like, wait, this is a
platform that you can connect with your community digitally. And
now six years later in the grocery store there's a
modern soda set sitting right next to the big brands,
(35:42):
and that did not exist six years ago. So I
think our community and being so digital first was really
what built that and allowed it to happen.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
So then came the milestone that captured the attention of
the entire business world. In twenty twenty five, Pepsi announced
it was acquiring you for one point ninety five billion
and really bringing your brand into one of the largest
beverage portfolios on the planet. So when that announcement became public,
What did it represent for you personally, not just as
a business milestone, but as the culmination of the journey
(36:14):
you started years earlier in your kitchen.
Speaker 8 (36:16):
So for me, it's the largest exit of a female
founder and beverage ever. I truly lived the American dream,
like I made this in my kitchen. I get to
have Poppy be the soda my kids and grandkids, no
with soda, to create a legacy, Like that's every entrepreneur's dream.
So for this to happen, a lot of people might ask,
(36:37):
you know, like was this always the plan to like
sell to a strategic And it's a yes no answer.
So yes, because they have some of the best distribution,
Like we want to get Poppy to as many people
as possible. In order to do that, you have to
partner with someone like Pepsi, and it professionalizes the business
and the resources. But no, I didn't build a brand
(36:58):
to sell it. I built a brand that can and
lasts for the next twenty thirty, forty fifty one hundred
years from now. And so I think that it represents
that the American dream is live and well.
Speaker 3 (37:08):
Very well said. And those are the kinds of entrepreneurial arcs,
if you call them, that inspire the next generation of
founders that are watching this very space. And at the
same time, I mean, you're raising three boys, very important
to mention and managing life as a founder, but also
more importantly as a wife and mother. Right, So, when
you look back at the beginning of this journey, what
(37:29):
advice would you give the younger version of Alison and
what message would you share with women who are dreaming
about building something of their own one day?
Speaker 8 (37:39):
Embarrassment is the most under explored emotion when it comes
to success. You actually have to be willing to put
yourself out there and look stupid for a while to
figure it out. Right, I think in this world of
social media, everyone's a little bit scared everything has to
be perfect. You're kind of have to throw perfect out
(37:59):
the wind. You don't need the perfect brand or the
perfect product or the perfect job to start out with.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
You just have to start.
Speaker 8 (38:05):
Start awkwardly, start messy, start without knowing, and then you
were going to learn from that. So I always say, like,
first comes embarrassment, then you're going to work through that
refinement of it. Then you're going to gain clarity, and
then that's where confidence comes. And a lot of people say, Alison,
why are you so confident? I was not always confident, right,
(38:27):
And I think that's really important for people to hear. Right,
every successful speaker once shook on stage. On top of it,
I think like every single person you've admired or looked
up to has been embarrassed or done something stupid and
made a full of themselves to get there. Every leader
has wondered if they deserve to stand in that room.
And so I think really like embracing that awkwardness and
(38:49):
then refining it then comes confidence. So I think a
lot of people see success overnight. There's no such thing
as success overnight. It comes from high highs, low lows,
hard work, and have a good network. Get a good network.
Speaker 3 (39:04):
Amen, we're at the end of our date, my dear.
I can't thank you enough for coming on and being
so transparent and so empowering and showing us you know
that you can have it all, and that it really
just starts with a passion vision, the proper roadmap and
living your truth. And so congratulations on all your success.
Speaker 8 (39:21):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 3 (39:23):
You can learn more at drink Poppy dot com. And
follow Allison on the ground at Allison Ellsworth. That's double
L on the Allison and double L on the Ellsworth.
You're listening to a Moment of Zen right here on
seven to ten, wore the Voice of New York iHeartRadio.
We'll be right back after this.
Speaker 2 (39:38):
A Moment of Zen is brought to you by Melia
Hotels International, from Melorca to the world. Our story began
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We are Melia. Discover more at Melia dot com.
Speaker 9 (40:09):
Hi, I'm Sari Katz, celebrity injector and founder of Skin
by Sara Aesthetics, and I'm gonna give you this week's
beauty segment or a Moment of Zen. Does botox kill
your empathy? Great question, and I'm hearing it so often.
Why because people are so concerned with the long term
side effects of botox. But let me get further into
this where does this all stem from? There is something
(40:31):
called the facial feedback hypothesis from thinkers like Charles Darwin
and current modern day psychologists like Paul Ekman. They believe
that not only do our facial expressions contribute to emotion,
but they amplify or reinforce our emotions. So, for example, frowning,
if we actually can frown, does that give us a
(40:52):
feedback to our brain that we're frustrated, angry, even sad? Possibly,
And in fact, there are some studies that show that
those who received botox in the frown muscles did report
less frustration, less stress, less sadness, and overall a more
calming sensation. So can botox actually be used for benefit
(41:13):
as opposed to the harm of your empathy feedback loop?
Does it kill your ability to relate to others? Absolutely not.
We know this both from studies and clinical feedback from
patients that people still have empathy for others. People are
still sympathizing and relating to their friends and family and coworkers,
and people still have their own personalities of course, because
(41:34):
we're not actually turning off emotion, we're just relaxing muscles.
That's how botox works. So my recommendation for you is,
don't stop getting botox because you're afraid of not feeling
sympathy or empathy. Yet the botox have less of those
expressions that show that you're a little concerned about what
that other person's saying, and have a more empathetic, wholehearted
(41:56):
connection with the people around you, because botox will not that.
My name is Sari Katz. I'm here to talk to
you about beauty secrets all day long, all week long,
all month long for a moment of Zen.
Speaker 2 (42:08):
A moment of Zen is brought to you by Skin
by Sarah. Nationally recognized injectors, Sari kats is redefining cosmetic
treatments with an approach that's subtle, precise, and confidence driven.
Whether you're new to injectables or looking for an expert touch,
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(42:29):
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by Sara on Instagram.
Speaker 3 (42:38):
Welcome back, beautiful Tri State Area in New York City
and beyond. You're listening to a moment of Zen right
here on seven to ten Wor, the voice of New
york iHeartRadio. I'm your host Zenzam's Now, this is a
moment I've been waiting to introduce. We are officially expanding
the Going Deep series, bringing you closer to the conversations
(42:58):
that live at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and influence,
and today marks the debut of a powerhouse new voice
joining our lineup. Joining us as a co contributor host
is none other than the Loneker, host of Lumisk Skincare,
home of the globally recognized co two Lift, a brand
that has redefined regenerative beauty and skin recovery at scale.
(43:22):
But beyond that, Lana is a storyteller, a truth seeker,
and someone who isn't afraid to ask the questions that
most people won't. And for her very first feature, she
sits down with a director whose work has quietly and
consistently shaped the visual language of modern television. If rivera
powerhouse behind the lens, known for directing some of the
(43:43):
most culturally defining stories of our time, including Power the
Chi and Chicago PD. His work doesn't just capture stories,
it builds world's rooted intention, identity, and real life stakes.
So without further ado, I'm going to pass the microphone
to our Going Deep host Lone Occur for an exclusive
conversation with legendary director If Rivera. Take a listen.
Speaker 13 (44:06):
If welcome to the show.
Speaker 10 (44:07):
Thank you for having me, Lana, oh so special.
Speaker 13 (44:10):
If what creative pivot or reinvention you think changed your
career the most, because you said you started off with
music videos and then you went into TV and television
and movies, right, what do you think changed that for you?
Speaker 14 (44:22):
You know, with the way times change and social media,
and you know, with the rapid, fast paced you got
to get it out, got to get it out right,
which introduced you know, you get the Instagram, but the tiktoks,
you have all these things. The music video started really
slowing down because now it's just about those twenty seconds,
(44:46):
thirty seconds right to get things going. So I started
seeing the signs and I was like, okay, I have
to pivot. I have to start thinking about what's next.
And you know, I was always around fifty cents and
even during the when he got into television and.
Speaker 10 (45:00):
Started to shoot power, I was always.
Speaker 14 (45:03):
There like a sponge, just taking it in, take it
in and taking it in and I eventually, you know,
started taking acting classes. I can understand actors. I would
go to plays by myself just so I can kind
of understand the world.
Speaker 10 (45:19):
Until I felt that was ready, you know.
Speaker 14 (45:21):
And when I was, I just took a bunch of
meetings and you know, Lion Skating Stars were the first
ones to invest in me, and they gave me the
opportunity to shoot an episode.
Speaker 10 (45:33):
You know.
Speaker 14 (45:33):
These episodes were like, you know, twelve million dollars, you
know what I'm saying, And so that's a lot of
money to kind of gamble in a first time director,
but again, it's the belief, and they believed in me,
you know, and I went in and crushed it and
that was the start wow of everything moving forward.
Speaker 10 (45:52):
Narrative.
Speaker 2 (45:52):
Yeah wow.
Speaker 13 (45:53):
So what I'm hearing from you is you really invested
in your skill set. I mean, not necessarily call me
from that background. You invest in that you did your
own not only through education formal education with the classes,
but you actually did investigative work and then you put
yourself out there and you had the confidence and then
believe in other people believed in that with you.
Speaker 10 (46:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 14 (46:14):
Yeah, you know, I did get an episode, and I
remember getting picked up in my trailer and being brought
to set and we had a night shoot and I
never forget, like I'm in the van and I'm driving
down the city and I see all these city blocks
with like you know, tons of trailers and equipment and
(46:38):
so on.
Speaker 10 (46:40):
And I remember getting on set and I.
Speaker 14 (46:41):
Get out the van and there were hundreds of like
production crew members and the actors were standing there and
the producers and I remember they looked at me, and
the producer was like, Okay, Eve, so what are we
doing right?
Speaker 10 (46:58):
Like that was my first time.
Speaker 14 (47:00):
Oh my god, I almost died, Like I wanted to
drop dead. And I started having what they call that
think it's imposter syndrome or something like that. You know,
I started doubting myself and I was nervous. But you know,
it takes it takes a lot to want to, you know,
(47:21):
get into any field and just be confident enough and
just be brave enough to step out and say I'm
going to do it.
Speaker 12 (47:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (47:29):
Yeah, very interesting. Tell me going back to the imposter
syndrome thing, because that's pretty typical. I think when you
start anything in the beginning, you don't feel you own it.
How did you snap out of it? What what?
Speaker 10 (47:39):
What?
Speaker 13 (47:39):
What went through your brain? What made you realize that, no,
this is where I belong.
Speaker 14 (47:45):
Well, I knew that from doing production for like fifteen
years doing music videos and commercials, that I knew production
and I knew people.
Speaker 10 (47:55):
And you know, it was just this fear of.
Speaker 14 (48:01):
Seeing how big things became, right, because like when I'm
doing music videos, it's you know, small crew equipment, but
getting on set of a you know, television production.
Speaker 10 (48:13):
Of film, it's massive. And I've learned to.
Speaker 14 (48:20):
Like, you know, how they put blinders and horses right, Yes,
So I've learned to mentally put that on when I
get on set, and I just kind of focus on
what my job is, and what it is is directing
the talent and talking to my crew members about what
I want and just kind of you know, black out
(48:41):
everything every noise, right, and just kind of like keep
myself in its protective shell of confidence and just kind
of like you know, and I just move forward with purpose.
Speaker 7 (48:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (48:54):
You know, so it's interesting you say that I was
at the Optimologist this week. I think I was telling
you I was getting a lens transfer, but as we're
doing my eye exam, and you know, you look through
and you have to see the letters. I it was hazy,
but then they put they put like a lens over
with just holes. So it wasn't anything that was prescription.
(49:18):
It was just holes. You know, you have to look
through the holes, and what a difference you could actually
stay clear. That's just the ability or that's just the
magic of focus, and that's kind of pretty much what
you do. And I think with anyone if you were
to ask how they get out of that imposter syndrome,
it's really just focusing on what they're doing and then
eventually they own it, you know.
Speaker 8 (49:34):
Right.
Speaker 13 (49:35):
Interesting, So who are you when the cameras aren't rolling?
Speaker 14 (49:40):
You know, it's funny, you know, people tend to think that,
you know, you kind of lived as entertainment lifestyle and
you're out and about and you're going to all these
red carpets and all these events and venues and stuff
like that, when for me, it's the opposite.
Speaker 10 (50:00):
Like you call me, I'm home, you know what I mean.
I'm watching TV, I'm reading a book, whatever.
Speaker 14 (50:05):
The case is. I look for peace and quiet. I'm
a homebody. I'm a homebody off camera.
Speaker 13 (50:13):
Yeah, so how conscious are you of the legacy that
you're going to leave behind them, because you you know,
we've seen a lot about your heard a lot about
your work, how you've what you've done to get here.
You know, you're you know when you're not working right now,
you're kind of your quiet. Your piece is important to you.
(50:34):
Tell me a little bit about the legacy you want
to leave behind.
Speaker 14 (50:37):
I did not go to film school. I was on welfare.
You know, I was broke. I mean, my family was broke.
Speaker 10 (50:45):
You know. I remember standing online with my mom just
to get government cheese, you know what I mean.
Speaker 14 (50:50):
But to have the drive two in the dream to
to succeed in something, whatever that may be, whether it's sports,
to whether it's entertainment.
Speaker 11 (51:01):
You know.
Speaker 14 (51:03):
The legacy that I want to leave behind is that
all these kids that come from where I come from
could look back and remember and say, well he did it,
I can do it too, you.
Speaker 10 (51:14):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 14 (51:15):
It wouldn't be about like you know, you know, look
at my mansion and you know, like doesn't matter. Denzel
said it best right. You can't take it with you
when you're gone, you know what I mean. So for me,
it's not about that at all.
Speaker 3 (51:28):
Yeah, I love it. I love it.
Speaker 13 (51:30):
The last question, when you think of longevity not just
as time right, but as impact that endures, what does
going deep mean to you? And how has depth really
shaped the legacy that you're still building.
Speaker 14 (51:47):
Going deep means going all in. You cannot have anything.
You have to take the time to really dedicate yourself
and for me is really honing in, locking in.
Speaker 10 (52:04):
Blinders on. Yeah, focus and just go deep.
Speaker 2 (52:10):
Very good.
Speaker 15 (52:10):
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Well that's a wrap, My dear friends. We are at
the end of our date. Remember to continue to listen
to me right here on seven to ten WR the
voice of New York iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Zenzam's join
me every Saturday, or go directly to a moment of
(52:59):
zen dot com for live listening links and episode downloads
in your city. Thank you for listening to us. It's
been an absolute pleasure being your host. Thanks again to
all of our partners and sponsors that continue to make
the show possible. And remember that happiness is the only
thing that multiplies when you share it. We'll be back
next week.
Speaker 1 (53:15):
The proceeding was a paid podcast. iHeartRadio's hosting of this
podcast constitutes neither an endorsement of the products offered or
the ideas expressed.
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