Choosing to Live: Overcoming Depression with Jensen Cummings

What does it take to reinvent yourself when the world, and your identity, shift beneath your feet?

In this week's episode, Aimee sits down with her cousin Jensen Cummings, a fifth-generation chef turned entrepreneur and podcaster, for a raw conversation about his journey from severe depression and burnout to healing through plant medicine and somatic practices. 

Jensen shares how he's redefining success, learning to find worth beyond performance, and discovering meaning in "one honest moment" at a time.

They take us through:

- How to navigate major life transitions with adaptability and vision

- How performance-based self-worth leads to burnout and depression

- Why failure can be a powerful teacher (if you let it)

- The role of plant medicine in breakthrough healing experiences

- How to stay grounded when your identity is shifting

- How to tune your nervous system for higher levels of success

- Finding meaning in authentic moments vs. chasing achievements

- Channeling intensity purposefully rather than destructively

And so much more!

Jensen Cummings is a fifth-generation chef turned storyteller, strategist, podcaster, sportscaster, and youth coach. 

Jensen brings more than 120 years of restaurant family legacy into his professional journey. He’s hosted 500+ podcast episodes about food, agriculture, sports, sustainability, and more, all with one mission: to amplify the worth and work of those who ‘feed’ their communities.

From dynamic interviews to solo storytelling, he creates content that informs, entertains, and fosters connections. His podcasting expertise spans a range of topics, including restaurants, food, business, sustainability, agriculture, mental health, climate change, sports, and lifestyle, where his versatile voice and sharp interviewing skills shine.

His experience includes high-end kitchens, menu development, craft beer expertise as a Certified Cicerone, and founding innovative concepts like Brewed Food Fermentation and Denver Culinary Events. Beyond the kitchen, he has successfully raised over $5 million in charitable funds through culinary and community initiatives, demonstrating his ability to lead impactful projects that unite people around shared passions.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jensen dedicates time to his local community as a youth sports coach for his children. This role combines his love for sports with his commitment to fostering growth and teamwork in young athletes. 

Jensen’s unique combination of skills, from storytelling and voice work to event planning and team building, make him a sought-after leader and collaborator. Whether creating engaging podcast episodes, spearheading community initiatives, or mentoring the next generation of athletes, Jensen is driven by a passion for connecting people and elevating experiences.
Learn more and connect with Jensen:

https://www.bestservedpodcast.com/media

Facebook - 

@Jensen Cummings

@Best Served Podcast

Instagram - 

@JensenCummings

@BestServedPodcast

Tik Tok - 

@JensenCummings 

@ChefJensenCummings

@BestServedPodcast

Connect with Aimee:

Instagram: @aimeetakaya 

Facebook: Aimee Takaya 

Learn more about Aimee Takaya, Hanna Somatic Education, and The Radiance Program at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freeyoursoma.com⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠