The Jason Wright Show Jason Wright

The real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews, Matt McLean ventured into the organic juice business in 1999 with a passion for healthy living as well as a long family history of growing citrus in Florida. Matt’s goal was, and still is, to produce the highest quality juice, using only premium 100% organically-grown fruit that is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.







We’re not just a juice company. We’re a family rooted in organic agriculture. 







A message from Uncle Matt







My roots run deep in Florida. As a fourth-generation citrus grower and a real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews plus, father of two beautiful daughters, I ventured into the juice business with one goal: to fuel families with uncompromised nutrition.







On three acres in my dad Benny’s backyard, my family began growing oranges without harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Why? Because organic makes the most sense for you, me and the planet. Healthy soil means a healthy tree and even healthier fruit. If you ask my dad, my childhood summers spent working on the citrus groves was time well spent. Little did I know at the time that it would be a catalyst for launching Uncle Matt’s Organic in 1999.







More than two decades later, we’re busier than ever helping a new generation flourish through sustainable organic farming. It’s still a family affair around here too. My wife, Susan is at the helm of product innovation and marketing, while my father and brother, Ben McLean, oversee our grower and community relations.







Benny and Ben have spent the better part of the past decade trying to solve the citrus greening disease that has devastated Florida’s citrus industry. Sadly, Florida is ground zero for the epidemic, which in turn makes it the best place for running field trials. Everyone at Uncle Matt’s is dedicated to finding citrus greening remedies that will alleviate the heavy burden Florida farmers are facing and we’ve already made promising strides towards finding a cure. In fact, each morning, my father walks barefoot in our experimental groves to stay “grounded” and optimistic.







Because of my expert lineage of agronomists and long-term partnerships with farmers who share our values, Uncle Matt’s Organic is now the best-selling organic orange juice in the nation. Powered by 100% organically grown fruit that’s free from harmful chemicals, we’re also proud to be the first juice company in the US to be certified Glyphosate (RoundUp) Residue Free. So, take comfort in knowing that when you bring home our organic goodness, you’re feeding your family with the healthiest juice under the sun!

Voltaire said, “Judge someone by their questions not their answers.”







The best answers come from the best questions. However, they don’t always come from the best source. I suggest asking humans questions. Matching a good story with a good answer will make the answer that much richer and more meaningful.







In a day and age where we have more knowledge at our fingertips than ever, it’s easy to forget humans can still answer questions, too. In fact, most of the time, humans have the best answers because they have lived the answer to the question.

Title: The Art of Changing States: Navigating Emotional Exhaustion







In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s inevitable to encounter moments when our emotional reserves feel drained. Whether it’s due to stress at work, conflicts in relationships, or the accumulation of various pressures, experiencing emotional exhaustion is a common human experience. However, what sets individuals apart is how they respond to these moments of depletion. One powerful tool at our disposal is the ability to consciously change our state, revitalizing ourselves and navigating through challenging times with resilience and grace.







The Nature of Emotional Exhaustion







Emotional exhaustion manifests in various ways, often leaving us feeling drained, irritable, and unmotivated. It can stem from prolonged stress, unresolved conflicts, or simply the demands of modern life weighing heavily upon us. When left unaddressed, emotional exhaustion can seep into every aspect of our lives, affecting our productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.







Recognizing the Need for Change







The first step in navigating emotional exhaustion is recognizing when we’re in need of a change. Paying attention to our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations can offer valuable insights into our current state. Are we feeling increasingly overwhelmed? Do small tasks suddenly seem insurmountable? Are we snapping at loved ones or coworkers more than usual? These are all signs that it may be time to pause and recalibrate.







The Power of Changing States







Changing our state involves intentionally shifting our focus, mindset, and energy to create a more positive and empowering experience. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, including:









* Physical Activity: Engaging in physical exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, or a workout at the gym, can help release tension and boost endorphins, improving mood and energy levels.







* Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking a few moments to practice mindfulness or meditation can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner calm and clarity.







* Creative Expression: Exploring creative outlets such as writing, painting, or playing music can be a cathartic way to process emotions and cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment.







* Connection: Spending time with supportive friends, family members, or pets can provide comfort, perspective, and a sense of belonging, helping us feel rejuvenated and understood.







* Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. This may involve taking a break, setting boundaries, or seeking professional support when needed.









Embracing Change as a Constant







Incorporating regular practices of state change into our lives can not only help us navigate emotional exhaustion but also cultivate resilience and emotional intelligence over time. Rather than viewing change as a one-time fix, it’s important to embrace it as an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery.







In a world filled with constant demands and pressures, experiencing emotional exhaustion is a natural part of the human experience. However, by recognizing the signs, embracing the power of state change, and nurturing ourselves with compassion and care, we can navigate through even the most challenging times with grace and resilience. Remember, it’s not about avoiding difficult emotions, but rather learning to respond to them in ways that honor our well-being and inner wisdom. So,

Caleb Talley serves Startup Junkie Foundation as Executive Director. He joined the team in 2019 as the marketing and events director, where he was responsible for planning and carrying out the foundation’s portfolio of events and workshops geared to serve the local entrepreneurial community. Caleb is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with degrees in journalism and political science, having cut his teeth as a reporter, photographer and then opinion editor of the Times-Herald in Forrest City, Ark. During his time with the Times-Herald, he received national recognition for his work, including multiple Associated Press Managing Editors Awards for best hard news reporting and best news photography. He comes to Startup Junkie from Vowell Inc., where he served as editor of AY Magazine, the state’s largest monthly lifestyle publication, and Arkansas Money & Politics, which he helped launch from a website to the largest monthly business and political slick magazine in Arkansas. Caleb also serves on Fayetteville’s PEG Board (Public Access, Education, and Government Television), and he helped create several entrepreneurial television programs featured on Fayetteville Public Television.







Checkout Startup Junkie HERE 👉Startup Junkie

Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Reverse Aging Muscle Fibers with Resistance Training







In the pursuit of eternal youth, humanity has explored countless avenues, from skincare routines to dietary fads. However, one potent elixir of longevity lies not in a bottle or a pill but within our muscles themselves. Recent research suggests that resistance training, commonly known as weightlifting or strength training, may hold the key to reversing the aging process within our muscle fibers, offering a pathway to enhanced vitality and longevity.







The Aging Conundrum







Aging is an inevitable process, marked by a gradual decline in physiological functions and a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia. This decline in muscle health not only impacts our physical appearance but also poses significant risks to our overall well-being. Reduced muscle strength increases the likelihood of falls, fractures, and loss of independence, ultimately diminishing our quality of life as we age.







The Rejuvenating Power of Resistance Training







In the past, it was widely believed that the age-related deterioration of muscle fibers was irreversible. However, groundbreaking research has challenged this notion, revealing that resistance training can effectively reverse certain aspects of muscle aging.







Resistance training involves performing exercises that force muscles to work against an external resistance, such as weights or resistance bands. These exercises stimulate muscle growth and strength through the activation of muscle fibers, leading to various physiological adaptations.







Recent studies have shown that resistance training can induce molecular and cellular changes within muscle fibers that effectively reverse age-related decline. One such study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that older individuals who engaged in a structured resistance training program experienced significant rejuvenation of their muscle tissue at the molecular level. The researchers observed an increase in the expression of genes associated with youthful muscle function, suggesting a reversal of age-related gene expression patterns.







Moreover, resistance training has been shown to increase muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in older adults, effectively combating sarcopenia and its associated health risks. By stimulating muscle protein synthesis and enhancing muscle quality, resistance training not only preserves but also restores muscle mass and function, promoting independence and vitality well into old age.







The Importance of Resistance Training for Longevity







The implications of these findings are profound, underscoring the critical role of resistance training in promoting healthy aging and longevity. Unlike other interventions that merely mask the symptoms of aging, such as cosmetic procedures or anti-aging supplements, resistance training addresses the root cause of age-related muscle decline, offering tangible benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics.







Incorporating resistance training into our regular exercise routine can not only help us build and maintain muscle strength but also reverse the aging process within our muscle fibers, rejuvenating our bodies from the inside out. Furthermore, the functional improvements gained from resistance training, such as enhanced balance, mobility, and bone density, contribute to overall health and well-being, enabling us to live independently and actively as we age.







As we strive to unlock the secrets of longevity, let us not overlook the transformative power of resistance training. By embracing this scientifically proven method of rejuvenation,

I’ve recently fallen into one of my weirdest passions, and that’s saying a lot—just ask my wife. One day, I’ll be watching video after video about intermittent fasting; the next, I’m watching videos on boots. That’s right—boots. It drives her nuts.







She’ll come in, and I’ll be watching some video on the latest waxy flesh boot from Truman Boot Company or the limited run of Cordovan Shell boots Grant Stone has just announced. She doesn’t get it. Actually, I can’t say I do either. The only thing I know is I’m into boots. I love ’em. Little did I know, there’s an entire content creator niche dedicated to handcrafted boots.







During my scratching of this itch, I landed on the YouTube channel of a mild-mannered guy out in Baltimore named Dale Basista. Dale is the Founder of Dale’s Leatherworks. He’s also creating a space on his YouTube channel for other purveyors and lovers of heritage-style boots.







I’m a proud subscriber of Dale’s channel, and I guess you could say I’m a fan. Having just met him on my podcast and had a great conversation, I can now add “friend” to my description of Dale.







There’s an old saying: “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Well, Dale Basista loves boots. Specifically, Dale likes handcrafted heritage-style boots. Don’t believe me? Check out his YouTube channel, and you will see a portion of his collection displayed on a wall behind him. It’s a collection any boot lover would be envious of—yours truly included.







I’ve recently started paying attention to heritage-style boots. It came as a personal preference I’ve developed for buying high-quality goods. I prefer to buy fewer things that will last longer. I also love buying from brands that have a story behind them.







This is what made me a fan of the brand Rag & Bone. Yes, their jeans are ridiculously expensive, though certainly not the most expensive on the market. But there’s more to it than just jumping on a trend train. Marcus Wainwright started Rag & Bone as a response to his inability to find a pair of jeans he really liked.







What was his answer to this dilemma? Simple—make his own. Not long after moving to New York from the U.K., Wainwright set out to make himself a pair of jeans. He spent time sourcing denim from the garment district of NYC, and after much trial and error, the story of Rag & Bone began.







There’s a similarity in this story with that of Dale Basista. As someone who himself appreciates small-batch handmade goods, he decided he wanted to make his own leather courier bag. So that’s exactly what he did. I have great admiration for this.















I find it courageous for someone to take their hobby and passion to a higher level. Dale has done that. In this conversation, we discuss brands we like, how Dale got started, and what’s next. I’m so glad I reached out, and Dale accepted. This is, I hope, the first of many more conversations to come with my friend Dale Basista.