Eat Play Crush with Mary Shenouda

Mary Shenouda
  • 4.9 (46)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Eat, Play, Crush podcast. I am your host, Mary Shenouda. Over my career as a performance chef and specialist to some of the most elite athletes and entertainers, I found that the gap between what they do and what you can accomplish is much more relatable than we make it seem. Performance and wellness should be inclusive, and I believe that if you have a body, you're performing at some level, whether you're a world-class athlete or simply someone like you and me. And it goes far beyond just nutrition. So my aim with this podcast is to share real-life stories, tips, and not tricks to inspire and make a difference so that you may eat well, play hard, and crush life.

  1. 03/08/2025

    Jake Karls - Mid-Day Squares: From Bankrupt to 50 Million Bars Sold, Building Out Loud, and Burnout

    Being unapologetically yourself means embracing every part of who you are, without fear of judgment or rejection. It’s about standing tall in your truth, knowing that your quirks, flaws, and unique qualities are what make you extraordinary. When you stop seeking validation from others and start owning your story, you unlock the freedom to live authentically, create fearlessly, and connect deeply with those around you. True success begins when you show up as the most honest version of yourself, unapologetically and with confidence. Today, let's welcome Jake Karls, the co-founder and "Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, a revolutionary chocolate brand focused on authentic connections and clean, functional ingredients. Known for his bold personality and unconventional approach to business, Jake has built a loyal community by sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship. Passionate about storytelling, community building, and making people feel something, Jake brings energy and heart into everything he does, both in business and life.  Throughout the episode, Jake tells his story in a way that’s both inspiring and eye-opening. He begins by recounting his early ventures, including throwing college parties and a fitness business that went bankrupt, before finding his footing with Mid-Day Squares. Jake, now known as the "Rainmaker" for his ability to build genuine connections, opens up about the emotional toll of building a brand, from struggling with burnout to battling anxiety and self-doubt. Despite his success, Jake shares the importance of therapy and the challenges of balancing mental health with the demands of running a rapidly scaling company. As the conversation unfolds, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Mid-Day Squares, from hand-making bars in a tiny condo to building a full-scale chocolate factory. Jake highlights the importance of storytelling in creating a loyal fan base, showing how sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship has been key to the brand's growth. He also touches on his personal struggles with health, reflecting on how years of putting the business first left him feeling exhausted and disconnected from his own body. Now, he's on a journey to prioritize self-care and rediscover the joy in both life and business. What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:24 “My job is to make friends!”02:18 The Mid-Day Squares03:50 Life Before Building the Business15:57 Who Were the Initial Customers?24:29 “I now have limitations.” 26:20 Therapy Can Help You29:27 The Goal is to Break the Costco Record35:30 “I stopped caring about my body.”40:13 Finding Your Purpose in Life Again44:52 Energy and Vibes in the First Meeting46:52 Don’t Neglect Your Own Health Issues50:28 Transparent Storytelling54:46 The Fear of Death57:50 What Would You Do with Uninterrupted Time?01:04:01 What’s Next for Mid-Day Squares?01:07:33 How to Effectively Deal with Anxiety01:09:36 What Will Your Future Self Do? 01:12:11 New Flavors to Look Forward to

    1h 19m

  2. 03/07/2024

    Andre Iguodala: Why You Do What You Do, Evils Of Fame, & Breaking Free From Small-Town Mindset

    Responsibility and accountability form the bedrock of personal integrity and growth. While being responsible means acknowledging our role in actions and decisions, understanding their impact, accountability is the bridge that transforms responsibility into tangible growth, requiring us to answer for our choices and learn from them. Together, they craft a powerful narrative of self-awareness, pushing us to navigate life with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.   Today’s guest needs no further introduction, but for those who don’t know him yet, Andre Iguodala is a legendary basketball player. During his career, Andre played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. He played a crucial role in the Warriors' success, contributing to 4 NBA championships with the team. Andre was recognized for his outstanding performance and impact on the court, earning the NBA Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in 2015.  Embark on a captivating storytelling journey with Andre as the conversation unfolds organically, spanning from Andre's morning routine and tech insights to his small-town upbringing and the struggles that shaped him. Exploring individuality, emotional intelligence, and the significance of teamwork, this episode navigates the complexities of life, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. As Andre shares his non-negotiables in collaboration and insights on responsibility in young athletes, he touches on contemporary issues, including healthcare and the perceived decline of grit in society. In the concluding moments, Andre imparts a powerful reminder to surround oneself with those who uplift and bring out the best.  What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:41 What were you reading this morning?01:12 Listening to a podcast to keep up with tech updates03:11 Take a look at Andre’s impressive resume04:16 If you were asked what you do for a living, what would you say?06:35 Growing up in an environment surrounded by struggles11:04 What were you trying to proof against a small-town mindset12:20 Did you know you are different in some ways?13:41 When did you pick up on your emotional intelligence?16:44 What’s your workout routine now?18:51 The team that you build can make or break you21:19 What are the non-negotiables when you’re working with someone?25:55 “Knowing your role, knowing your time.”  29:01 How do you make young athletes more responsible?32:30 Why do you do what you do?34:49 There’s so much stimulus for the younger generation35:46 Healthcare situation nowadays39:26 Are we losing grit?44:07 We all have a human side in us46:40 What’s wrong with you?50:40 Not everyone wants to go viral54:01 There are three types of Americans58:21 We’re always told to humble ourselves01:01:54 Do you think everybody has a purpose?01:07:10 Surround yourself with people who can help bring out the best in youFollow Andre Iguodala: https://twitter.com/andrehttps://www.instagram.com/andrehttps://www.youtube.com/@pointforwardhttps://www.instagram.com/pointforward/The Sixth Man: A MemoirFollow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochefhttps://paleochef.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    1h 10m

  3. 02/12/2024

    Unmasking Negative Behavioral Patterns, Emotional Healing and Restoration, & Embracing Your Uniqueness with Vienna Pharaon

    Valuing your worthiness involves recognizing and appreciating your inherent value as a human being, independent of external factors or validation from others. By nurturing a positive relationship with yourself and honoring your inherent worth, you can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, confidence, and resilience in all areas of your life. Today, let’s welcome renowned relationship expert Vienna Pharaon. Vienna is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought after relationship therapists. She has practiced therapy for over fifteen years and is the founder and owner of the group practice, Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy.  Vienna and Mary touch on the essence of human existence and the dynamics of relationships. Explore the origins of our identity and the restorative power found in therapy and discover the delicate balance between self-assurance and vulnerability, and the importance of expanding our skill sets to navigate life's complexities.  Together, they unpack the intricate landscape of emotional wounds that shape our interactions and perceptions. From the struggle with self-worth to the challenges of belonging and trust, we uncover the layers of our innermost struggles. Along the way, we challenge societal narratives and misconceptions about therapy, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections and emotional honesty. Join us as we unravel the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and self-discovery in this transformative episode. What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:45 The Origins of You01:52 Being a therapist can be restorative for some05:08 The “I Got This” mindset06:34 Continue to expand your skill set19:35 It’s harder to say, “I’m not fine.”14:00 Our gifts come through our survival18:30 Origin is the first time we question our worth20:33 How do you become an effective listener?24:30 How your behavior is protecting you from something, always26:15 Do you understand yourself?28:11 The Worthiness Wound32:12 “I don’t want to be responsible for someone else.”35:54 How your story gets internalized makes a huge difference38:32 Can you handle someone else’s emotional baggage?39:41 The Belonging Wound44:58 “You’re so unique, just like everybody else.”46:50 We can rationalize things and still need to connect to our emotion about it51:18 The Trust Wound55:32 The Safety Wound56:39 How hard can origin work become?01:00:50 What are the good things to look for in a therapist?01:04:44 Misinformation about therapy on social media01:08:24 The narrative: “You didn’t get into this field to earn money.”   01:15:11 Unsolicited advice are never helpful01:18:59 You're intimidating because you're too masculine01:22:54 When embodied anger rises into our head01:28:37 When saying you’re not okay makes everyone else uncomfortable01:31:20 Can therapists self disclose to genuinely connect with clients?01:34:44 What is EMDR Therapy?01:37:32 Something is always happening at home01:41:36 How unexpressed emotions manifest into the body01:48:23 Relationships with our family can become complicated01:52:10 Sometimes, it’s easier for us to find ourselves in other people’s stories  01:56:21 A book about the final chapter in our life02:02:17 What is an End of Life Doula? Follow Vienna Pharoan: https://viennapharaon.com/https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmfthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vienna-pharaon-lmft-a7a66346/The Origins of You: How Breaking Family Patterns Can Liberate the Way We Live and LoveThis Keeps Happening with Vienna PharaonFollow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochefhttps://paleochef.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    2h 7m

  4. 02/01/2024

    Vinny Guadagnino: The Dark Side of Health “Optimization", Debilating Anxiety Attacks, and Pushing Past Perceptions

    Anxiety is like a tricky friend we all know. It's not just everyday worry; it's that feeling when your mind won't quiet down, and your heart races for no clear reason. It makes normal stuff feel like a big deal. Living with anxiety means sometimes facing those fears and finding moments to relax. It's not a flaw but just part of being human. .   Reality television personality, actor, author, and podcast host Vinny Guadagnino joins Mary in a raw and authentic conversation about embracing vulnerabilities and overcoming anxiety. They talk about diverse topics, ranging from the initiation into the world of keto to the psychological intricacies of perfectionism. Unfiltered authenticity is championed, emphasizing the importance of being raw and real both online and offline. Sleep, anxiety, and the profound link between them surface, unveiling the potential for perception change to facilitate better sleep. Practical insights follow, offering tools to train the mind to avoid overreaction. As the episode draws to a close, personal revelations abound—from navigating OCD, structure, and rigidity to gaining a sense of dietary boundaries. The revelation that "your food has a face" serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked interconnectedness of our choices.  What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro01:26 Can we share our weaknesses openly?04:43 It was the best party ever that I didn’t get to enjoy07:40 Constantly working on getting through severe anxiety09:21 When did you start doing keto?16:04 Perfectionism is the core issue of everything19:10 Just being raw and real online and offline20:56 When you start to fear not being able to sleep25:40 What is Jersey Shore?28:40 Why did it become a hit?30:49 It was the first of its kind31:31 I almost had a law degree32:24 Do you get fulfillment from doing reality TV?34:06 What makes us feel different? 36:59 I didn’t want to limit myself39:00 Link between lack of sleep and heightened anxiety45:06 The perception change to help you sleep better52:14 You can train your brain to not overreact 55:02 OCD, structure, rigidity, and perfectionism59:16 Getting a sense of what you can and can’t eat01:02:59 What is something people don’t know about you?01:05:14 Your food has a faceFollow Vinny Guadagnino: https://www.instagram.com/vinnyguadagnino https://twitter.com/vinnyguadagnino https://www.facebook.com/vinnyguadagnino/ https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyguadagnino https://www.youtube.com/user/VINNYGUADAGNINO https://vinnygshop.com/ Something Went Wrong W/ Vinny Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef https://paleochef.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    1h 11m

  5. 01/25/2024

    Tait Fletcher: The Law of Reciprocation, Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts, The Hidden Impact of Concussions and Finding Your Community

    Building a community where you can work on personal growth, be your genuine self, and thrive in what you do best is what we all need. We need people that will push us to our limit and influence us to become better, stronger, and wiser.   Actor, stuntman, former professional MMA fighter, and entrepreneur Tait Fletcher joins Mary in a vulnerable and genuine conversation about growth and healing. Tait Fletcher is known for his roles in movies and TV shows, including appearances in "Breaking Bad," "John Wick," and "The Mandalorian."   They kick things off by diving into the quest to understand Mary’s pain and illness, a journey that became the catalyst for significant transformation. They also explore the importance of doing what you love and building on those passions, navigating the complex emotions of always feeling like the 'big kid,' and the profound sense of disconnection from life. The narrative takes a poignant turn as we address the weight of suicidal thoughts and the crucial act of reaching out to those in need. From the evolution of communities to the film industry's wild twists, the two dive deep into the mysteries of our bodies, the slow road of growth, and the positive impact one can have on their community. This conversation is a tale of resilience, revelation, and the unwavering pursuit of well-being.  It's a reminder that growth is a journey, and sometimes, all we need to do is keep trying. What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:36 Figuring out why I was sick and in pain09:27 Do what you love and build on that13:08 Are you always the big kid?14:37 The feeling that you’ve dislocated from life17:06 Overcoming suicidal thoughts, guilt, and reaching out to someone who’s struggling22:43 Who is Tait Fletcher?27:11 Dog Brothers, stick fighting, and martial arts30:10 Built to be strong, tough, and tenacious32:39 Community is built and defined differently before 34:25 From mixed martial arts to building a space to train athletes43:59 Meeting a Ukrainian mobster and getting introduced to Carl45:28 Filming at a defunct prison in Santa Fe, getting opportunities in other films54:07 Pharmaceutical companies are trying to kill us56:09 Nutrition is a tool to control your life58:06 We don’t anything about what formulates our body01:00:38 Putting attention into something that you want to focus on01:03:14 Getting a concussion during a match01:05:37 Ignored symptoms, continued training, health neglect01:12:40 Can head concussions cause other health problems?01:17:36 Growth is not a light switch, it’s like a slow road01:19:33 The film business is wild01:22:43 Logan’s positive effect on his community01:26:49 You just need to keep trying    01:32:09 How to find Tait onlineFollow Tait Fletcher: https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/ Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef https://paleochef.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    1h 34m

  6. 01/11/2024

    My Story PT.1: From Dropping Out of High School to Quitting Corporate and How Overcoming Celiac Disease Led Me to Becoming a Performance Chef

    In a very personal episode, Mary sits down to talk about her personal journey. She had suffered a lot in her younger years not knowing she had gluten intolerance and later found out that she had full-blown Celiac. The choice was either to depend on what the doctors tell her and be on medication all her life or start working on herself. Mary assessed her food choices and stumbled upon a paleo diet and how to restart gut health. As she ventured more into eating food that worked for her, she got her first client which then started the chain of clients that ultimately led to her becoming a performance chef. It’s a journey truly worth sharing.  In the second part of the episode, Mary answers some questions from her community where she gladly shares her tips on nutrition, proper diet, and eating right for optimal performance.    What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:12 It’s my birthday week and this is how I started as a performance chef06:51 Tested for gluten intolerance, came out with Celiac disease13:47 Getting asked to cook for my first client17:37 Timing, luck, opportunity, and the choice to follow through22:37 I just had to leave San Francisco27:36 Eggs are my go-to food28:26 Foods that can help with focus32:25 Thoughts on genetic testing34:06 Send more jokes34:53 Trying new food 37:59 Blue zone diet versus paleo diet40:19 What has been your favorite thing about starting a podcast?41:41 Have you celebrated the launch of the EPC podcast?43:03 I black seed oil worth the hype?44:16 What movies do I watch?44:56 How did I learn to make recipes?47:52 How to become a private chef 55:44 Skin care secretsFollow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochefhttps://paleochef.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    57 min

  7. 01/04/2024

    From A Performance Chef: 6 Health Tips and 3 Powerful Questions To Crush 2024

    Embracing the cliché "New year, new you" as a powerful motivator, many of us strive to shed the burdens of the past and reinvent our journey with the turn of the calendar. Life itself often prompts us to reassess, recalibrate, and make substantial changes. Decisions, inherently uncertain, become stepping stones to accumulated experience and wisdom, shaping our readiness for transformative shifts. In our first episode of 2024, Mary invites you to reflect on three pivotal questions she initiates her year with: What do you want to start doing, stop doing, and continue doing? Honest responses to these inquiries pave the way for a purposeful path in the coming year. Mary imparts invaluable advice on dietary enhancements for a healthier, more energized body. She explores the intricacies of a gut reset, providing personalized insights into navigating this process successfully.   The episode also offers a succinct recap of enlightening conversations with revered experts from past interviews. If you haven't tuned in yet, now's the perfect time to dive into these wealths of knowledge.  What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro01:17 The 3-question prompt I start my year with05:20 This is why I have a PhD in uncertainty08:37 I started simplifying everything in my life14:56 Recommendations from a performance chef18:07 What’s my go-to food?19:41 Ingredients and supplements to consider22:01 Incorporate small bites of movements throughout the day23:25 Your emotional well-being is top priority25:26 The proper way to reset your gut30:34 Checkout Eat Play Crush podcast’s awesome guests51:53 What topics do you want me to cover?Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef https://paleochef.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    54 min

  8. 12/27/2023

    Jon Bier: Mastering the Art of PR, Media Manipulation Tactics, Creating Value For Consumers

    The goal was always to solve problems for people. This is one of the mantras that Jon Bier lives by and has helped him succeed in what he does best. Jon Bier is the founder and chief executive of Jack Taylor PR, a boutique public relations agency with offices in Brooklyn and Venice Beach. Jon sits down with Mary in a conversation that revolves around PR, winning clients, growing a brand, and running a successful business. There is no shortcut to success and Jon knows the kind of work one needs to put in to get to the top. It’s not an easy task to tackle, but it is definitely now impossible to achieve. The duo talks about how providing value to your customers can help you win them over, the tactics used by people who manage to build a billion-dollar brand, and the importance of focusing on consumer-based solutions when dealing with client needs and requests.  Jon also shares snippets of his life before he became a PR brand himself, how he found love, life living on a farm, and how changing his lifestyle has made him a changed man.  What We Discussed: 00:00 Intro00:52 Sticking to the paleo chef04:18 Who is Jon Bier?06:18 Looking back when he practiced law08:21 This is how Mary met Jon10:20 How the fear of failure became a powerful motivator13:25 How to crush PR and bring in more clients15:35 Solving big problems for brands and helping people18:07 Providing value to you and your consumers21:50 People who built billion-dollar brands28:10 The tale of Cerro Gordo33:36 Joe Rogan’s brand builder tactics36:11 When the brand doesn’t have a future39:49 Jeans preferences and functional clothing42:43 Becoming a husband, a dad, and a family man49:38 From being carefree and free-spirited to the current Jon52:47 People use vulnerability and human emotions to sell products58:59 How do you express your anger?01:04:33 Media manipulation to hike up interest in the market01:06:51 What do you think about aliens?01:09:19 Mini bars are out of touch nowadays01:17:23 Consumer-based solution when dealing with clients01:20:13 Everyone has different needs and how you change your lifestyle01:22:37 What does your supplementation look like?01:26:58 What made you start a podcast?01:30:24 Living a life on a farmFollow Jon Bier: One Day with Jon Bierhttps://www.jacktaylorpr.com/https://www.instagram.com/jacktaylorpr/Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochefhttps://paleochef.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef

    1h 34m
See All (17)

4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Eat, Play, Crush podcast. I am your host, Mary Shenouda. Over my career as a performance chef and specialist to some of the most elite athletes and entertainers, I found that the gap between what they do and what you can accomplish is much more relatable than we make it seem. Performance and wellness should be inclusive, and I believe that if you have a body, you're performing at some level, whether you're a world-class athlete or simply someone like you and me. And it goes far beyond just nutrition. So my aim with this podcast is to share real-life stories, tips, and not tricks to inspire and make a difference so that you may eat well, play hard, and crush life.

Information