The Total Entrepreneur: Mind, Body, Spirit

John M Torrens, Ph.D.
  • 5.0 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Dr. John Torrens, an award-winning professor and entrepreneur, as he guides high-performing entrepreneurs, founders, and executives on a journey to redefine success. In The Total Entrepreneur: Mind, Body, Spirit, you'll learn how to balance business success with a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle. Each episode blends cutting-edge academic research with real-life insights from entrepreneurs, health experts, and researchers. Discover evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout, improve well-being, and create a life where purpose, productivity, and wellness thrive together.

  1. Making Your Corporate Job Optional - Leveraging Skillsets, Building Systems, and Mastering Time Freedom with Billy Keels

    21H AGO

    Making Your Corporate Job Optional - Leveraging Skillsets, Building Systems, and Mastering Time Freedom with Billy Keels

    What if the most valuable asset in your portfolio isn't your 401 (k), but your agency? In this episode, John sits down with Billy Keels, a former corporate executive who spent 26 years navigating 86 different countries before successfully making his high-level career "optional". Billy bridges the gap between the specialized world of the C-suite and the generalist grit of entrepreneurship, proving that you don't have to quit your job to start building your legacy. Billy challenges the illusion of corporate security, arguing that everyone has the same 168 hours a week; the only difference is who has a say over how they are utilized. From the "Lone Wolf" syndrome that kills side businesses to the emotional resilience required to survive a "year that happens for you," this conversation is a blueprint for senior leaders ready to reclaim their time and diversify their income without risking their principal role. Key Points Discussed: 00:00 - The "Optional" Job Concept: Realizing that working because you want to is a total game-changer for mental ease.04:00 - The Three Pillars of Optionality: Clarity, integration of your current career, and controlling your own income.09:00 - Transferable Skills: How corporate leadership and sales are the exact same tools needed for entrepreneurship.12:00 - The Lone Wolf Trap: Why trying to "brute force" a business alone is the fastest path to failure.16:00 - Stages of Life: Why age 50+ is a "superpower" stage for new business owners.19:00 - The 168-Hour Rule: Navigating the paradox of gaining time freedom while still putting in the work.25:00 - Going Long: The philosophy of remote investing and preparing for the "eventual end" of every professional relationship.31:00 - Investing in Relationships: Why men need "sit in the mud" friends to process the emotional toll of business.35:00 - The "Happening For Me" Reframe: Using 2023's challenges as a catalyst for growth and resilience.38:00 - The Legacy of Journaling: Keeping video and written records since 1995 to track personal evolution.43:00 - The Barcelona Schedule: Adapting to European life and the impact of early "final meals" on sleep data.Resources Mentioned: Make It Optional - https://www.makeitoptional.comThe Going Along Podcast by Billy Keels - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-long-podcast-with-billy-keels/id1518643887Connect with Billy Keels: Website - https://www.billykeels.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billykeels/Connect with Dr. John M. Torrens: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmtorrens/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnmtorrens/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjohntorrens

    48 min
  2. Lifespan vs. Healthspan: Mastering Your Biomarkers and the Science of Personalized Nutrition with Gil Blander

    FEB 19

    Lifespan vs. Healthspan: Mastering Your Biomarkers and the Science of Personalized Nutrition with Gil Blander

    What if you could move your medicine cabinet from the bathroom to the refrigerator? In this episode, John sits down with Gil Blander, an MIT-trained scientist and the founder of InsideTracker, to demystify the complex world of longevity science. Gil’s journey began in the labs of Israel and MIT, studying premature aging syndromes and the "longevity genes" that allow organisms to live significantly longer. Frustrated by a one-size-fits-all approach to health, he founded InsideTracker in 2009 to provide entrepreneurs and high-performers with a data-driven blueprint of what is actually happening inside their bodies. Gil challenges the fear of "living too long" by redefining longevity not just as Lifespan (how long you live), but as Healthspan (how long you live in peak health). From the impact of "sitting as the new smoking" to the personalized "superfoods" that acted as medicine for John and Gil, this conversation provides a practical guide for anyone ready to stop guessing and start tracking. Key Points Discussed: 00:00 - The Entrepreneur’s Sleep Preparation: Why analyzing your day an hour before bed is the key to mental clarity. 02:00 - Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Shifting the focus from simply surviving to thriving in old age. 03:00 - The Science of Aging: Gil’s background at MIT and the study of Sirtuins (the "longevity proteins"). 06:00 - Building Something from Nothing: The jump from scientist to entrepreneur and the persistence required to face 100 "no's". 11:00 - The Truth About Caloric Restriction: Why Gil is less "bullish" on extreme calorie cutting for humans than for mice. 17:00 - The Big Four Lifestyle Pillars: The essential roles of Exercise, Sleep, Social Relationships, and Movement. 21:00 - Future Tech: Epigenetic reprogramming, senolytics, and the quest for the 150-year lifespan. 25:00 - Resistance Training & Aging: Why lifting weights is non-negotiable, especially for women in post-menopause. 28:00 - The Habit Score: How John used InsideTracker to identify and fix a critical deficiency in REM sleep. 31:00 - Alcohol’s Hidden Cost: Why "one or two drinks" isn't as healthy as we were told and how it affects next-day decision-making. 36:00 - InnerAge Explained: The difference between DNA methylation (Horvath Clock) and blood-based biological age. 42:00 - Gil’s Personal Protocol: Mastering the morning workout, CrossFit, and the "Avocado Superfood" discovery. Resources Mentioned: InsideTracker - https://www.insidetracker.com Longevity by Design Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/zw/podcast/longevity-by-design/id1566067452 Connect with Gil Blander: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilblander/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gilblander X - https://x.com/gblander1 Connect with Dr. John M. Torrens: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmtorrens/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnmtorrens/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjohntorrens

    46 min
  3. Biohacking, Functional Mushrooms, and the Science of Human Performance with Julian Mitchell

    FEB 12

    Biohacking, Functional Mushrooms, and the Science of Human Performance with Julian Mitchell

    What if the secret to elite performance isn't another cup of coffee, but a 10,000-year-old fungal network? In this episode, John sits down with Julian Mitchell, the CEO and co-founder of Life Cykel, to explore the frontier of functional psychology and biotechnology. Julian’s journey is anything but linear, starting as a sports physiotherapist for elite English Premier League athletes and Formula One drivers before pivoting to build a global mushroom empire. Julian breaks down the "overnight success" myth, revealing the decade of vertical integration and scientific rigor required to move from a garage startup to a brand endorsed by the world's top biohackers . He pulls back the curtain on the supplement industry, exposing how common "grain fillers" are robbing consumers of potency and providing a simple at-home test to ensure your supplements are actually working for you . From the REM-sleep benefits of Lion’s Mane to the ATP-boosting power of Cordyceps, this conversation is a masterclass in engineering a life, and a business, built on resilience and biological harmony. Key Points Discussed: 00:00 - Debunking Mycelium Myths: Why the "roots" of the mushroom are often more powerful than the fruit.01:00 - The Sustainability Origin Story: How Life Cykel began by repurposing coffee waste in sea containers.03:00 - From the Premier League to the Lab: Lessons in elite performance from the world’s top athletes.05:00 - The Extraction Advantage: Why eating raw mushrooms isn't enough and the science of bioavailability.08:50 - The Iodine Test: A simple way to check if your mushroom powder is mostly starch.11:00 - Lion’s Mane & The Brain: Improving REM sleep, dreaming, and neuroinflammation.14:00 - Cordyceps vs. Caffeine: Sustainable energy production via the mitochondria.18:00 - Scientific Rigor: Peer-reviewed studies on immunity and neuronal outgrowth.20:00 - The 10-Year "Overnight Success": Building infrastructure and avoiding the "white label" trap.24:00 - The Surfer’s Recovery: How Lion’s Mane supported Owen Wright’s journey back from a traumatic brain injury.33:00 - Entrepreneurial Resilience: Managing cortisol and the "Sunday Church" of nature.41:00 - The Future of Longevity: Diving into NAD+, precursors (NR/NMN), and Shilajit.Connect with Julian Mitchell: Email: Julian@lifecykel.comInstagram: @lifecykelFacebook: facebook.com/LifeCykelLife Cykel Official Website: lifecykel.comConnect with Dr. John M. Torrens: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmtorrens/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnmtorrens/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjohntorrens

    51 min
  4. Using Intuition for Business Growth & Manifesting Sustainable Success with Teresa Wornstaff

    FEB 5

    Using Intuition for Business Growth & Manifesting Sustainable Success with Teresa Wornstaff

    What if the most powerful business tool you own isn’t your balance sheet, but your intuition? In this episode, John sits down with Teresa Wornstaff, a seasoned corporate consultant turned spiritual mentor, to bridge the seemingly distant worlds of business strategy and spiritual consciousness. Teresa challenges the traditional metrics of success, arguing that when you align your business with your soul's purpose, financial abundance becomes a natural outcome rather than the sole objective. She shares her personal journey of suppressing her innate intuitive gifts to fit into the corporate mold, only to rediscover them as her greatest asset for leadership and decision-making. She demystifies concepts like manifestation, soul contracts, and energy management, offering practical tools for entrepreneurs to tap into their "sixth sense." From handling toxic competition to redefining KPIs with heart, Teresa provides a blueprint for building a business that honors both the bottom line and the human spirit. This is a transformative conversation for founders who feel there must be a better way to lead, and for anyone ready to stop living by default and start leading with intention. Key Points Discussed: 00:00 - Redefining Success: Money as an Outcome, Not the Goal.03:47 - Merging Spiritual Ethics with Business KPIs.08:50 - Teresa’s Journey: Suppressing Intuition to Fit Corporate Norms.13:20 - Demystifying Intuition: Expanding Beyond the Five Senses.17:00 - Soul Contracts and The Alchemy of an Intentional Life.24:00 - Growing Up Gifted: Seeing Energy and Dissonance.30:00 - How to Manifest: Intention vs. Goals.34:00 - The Power of Thought: Moving from Criticism to Creation.38:00 - Conditional Happiness vs. Living in Joy Now.42:00 - Handling Conflict: Curiosity, Neutrality, and Patience.45:00 - Daily Practices to Sharpen Your Intuition.Resources Mentioned A Manual for Humanity by Teresa Wornstaff - https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Humanity-Blueprint-Finding-Purpose/dp/B0FP68PZ37Workbook for Wisdom by Teresa Wornstaff - https://www.amazon.com/Workbook-Wisdom-Integration-Official-Companion/dp/B0FXWDH5XMConnect with Teresa Wornstaff Website - TeresaWornstaff.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/teresa.wornstaffLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-wornstaff/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@teresawornstaffYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@teresawornstaffConnect with Dr. John M. Torrens LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmtorrens/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnmtorrens/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjohntorrens

    51 min

  5. JAN 30

    The Rise of AI Employees, Bootstrapping to Exit & Pragmatic Optimism with Jeff Knauss

    The biggest risk in entrepreneurship isn't failure, but the regret of never trying at all. In this episode, John sits down with Jeff Knauss, a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Arcovo AI, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and the human grit required to build something from nothing. Jeff shares his transition from a successful exit with his previous agency, Digital Hive, to diving headfirst into the "rabbit hole" of AI to build digital employees that automate mundane tasks and empower human creativity. Jeff opens up about his deeply personal origin story, being adopted from South Korea into a working-class family that taught him the value of hard labor. He candidly discusses the unglamorous reality of bootstrapping a business, the health crisis that forced him to rethink his "all-in" mentality during COVID, and why he describes himself as a "pragmatic optimist". From his philosophy on angel investing to his philanthropic mission to end generational poverty, Jeff offers a masterclass in self-awareness and resilience. A grounding and forward-looking conversation for aspiring founders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to turn personal adversity into fuel for a life of impact. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - The Rise of the AI Workforce & Arcovo AI. 08:20 - From South Korea to Upstate NY: An Origin Story. 14:14 - The Reality of Bootstrapping & The "First Year" Struggle. 19:30 - Burnout, Health Scares, and Finding Balance. 23:25 - Navigating COVID and Autoimmune Disease. 26:20 - Building to Sell: The Exit to Employee Ownership (ESOP). 30:17 - Why Retirement Didn't Stick. 34:36 - Philanthropy and Ending Generational Poverty. 38:32 - The Power of "Pragmatic Optimism". 42:00 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs. If you’re interested in: The rise of the "Digital Employee" and the AI revolution. The power of "Pragmatic Optimism". Why work-life balance is often a myth for founders. Turning personal luck into a fight against generational poverty. The unglamorous reality of bootstrapping a business. …this episode will redefine how you view luck, labor, and the future of work. 🎙️ Guest: Jeff Knauss 🏙️ Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Bootstrapping, Philanthropy, Resilience, Pragmatic Optimism 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, science, and the future of society.

    47 min
  6. Unlearning Diet Culture: Healthy Fats, Blood Sugar Balance, and Gut Health with Katie Kirklin

    JAN 22

    Unlearning Diet Culture: Healthy Fats, Blood Sugar Balance, and Gut Health with Katie Kirklin

    What if the secret to healing your body isn't about restricting what you eat, but rethinking how you eat? In this episode, John sits down with Katie Kirklin, a functional nutritionist and former pediatric oncology nurse, to explore the powerful connection between what we eat, how we digest it, and our overall well-being. Katie shares how her own journey through a landscape of diet culture and personal health struggles led her away from the traditional medical model and toward a more holistic, preventive approach to nutrition. Katie breaks down common nutrition myths, explaining why highly processed "health foods" often lead to blood sugar rollercoasters and how reintroducing healthy fats, like real butter, can be a game-changer for satiety and metabolic health. She dives deep into the mechanics of digestion, offering practical, simple tips for busy entrepreneurs, such as the importance of chewing thoroughly, the role of stomach acid, and how a 10-minute post-meal walk can flatten your glucose curve. Katie also provides actionable advice on gut health, including what your poop can tell you about your digestion, how to select a quality probiotic, and why pasture-raised eggs are a nutritional powerhouse. An enlightening and practical conversation for anyone looking to cut through the noise of fad diets and build a sustainable, nourishing relationship with food that fuels both body and mind. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - From Nursing to Functional Nutrition. 02:51 - Volunteering on a Hospital Ship in West Africa. 05:09 - Unlearning Diet Culture & The Power of Healthy Fats. 11:29 - Rethinking Cholesterol and Statins. 15:34 - Digestion 101: The Importance of Chewing & Stomach Acid. 20:43 - The Gut-Brain Connection & Eating the Rainbow. 23:29 - What Your Poop Says About Your Health. 26:00 - Probiotics, Fermented Foods, and Reducing Toxic Burden. 29:41 - Why Pasture-Raised Eggs Are Worth the Investment. 34:42 - The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: Cereal vs. a balanced Breakfast. 40:23 - Managing Blood Sugar on the Go: Protein, Fat, and Fiber. 43:24 - Indulging Intentionally & The Power of a Post-Meal Walk. If you’re interested in: Rethinking what it means to eat "healthy." Why butter isn't the enemy. How to balance your blood sugar without giving up dessert. The connection between your gut, brain, and stress levels. Why "pasture-raised" eggs are worth the extra cost. …this episode will change how you fuel your body and mind. 🎙️ Guest: Katie Kirklin 🏙️ Topics: Functional Nutrition, Gut Health, Metabolic Health, Blood Sugar Balance, Holistic Wellness, Entrepreneurial Health 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, science, and the future of society.

    49 min
  7. Building Community Without Burning Out: Leadership, Discipline & Self-Care with Alex Canavan

    JAN 15

    Building Community Without Burning Out: Leadership, Discipline & Self-Care with Alex Canavan

    What if the secret to commanding a boardroom lies in the discipline, improvisation, and grit learned on a dance stage? In this episode, John sits down with Alex Canavan, founder of the CNY Women's Network, to explore how she transitioned from a solo career as a makeup artist to building a massive media and PR platform that connects thousands of women in Central New York. Alex candidly shares the "labor of love" required to grow a community from scratch, revealing the moment she realized she had built a support system for everyone but herself. Alex draws powerful parallels between her background as a serious dancer and the demands of entrepreneurship, discussing how the arts taught her to "fake it till you make it," improvise when plans fail, and perform even on the days she doesn't feel like it. She also breaks down the rigorous physical and spiritual routines that sustain her high-energy lifestyle, from strength training and strict sleep hygiene to managing ADHD through breathwork and a simplified decision-making wardrobe. An empowering conversation for community builders, female founders, and high-performers who want to master the art of discipline while nurturing their mental and spiritual well-being. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to CNY Women's Network. 04:08 - The Isolation of Being a Founder. 06:00 - The Importance of Rest and Delegation. 08:50 - How Dance Training Prepares You for Business. 12:50 - Physical Health: Walking Pads and Strength Training. 18:00 - Sleep Hygiene and Eating the Same Thing Daily. 24:00 - Managing ADHD and Nervous System Regulation. 26:00 - Spirituality, Faith, and Gratitude Practices. 31:12 - Why "Success Loves Speed" Can Be Dangerous. 35:00 - Future Aspirations and Overcoming Fear.

    41 min
  8. From Survival to Strength: Healing, Resilience & the Power of Breath with Aimee Goodwin

    JAN 9

    From Survival to Strength: Healing, Resilience & the Power of Breath with Aimee Goodwin

    What if the path to true healing isn't just about curing the body, but learning how to breathe through the storm? In this episode, John sits down with Aimee J., a resilience coach and author of The Mountains We Climb, to discuss her transformative journey from debilitating Lyme disease to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Aimee shares how a mysterious illness that went undiagnosed for five years eventually led her to discover her life’s purpose: helping people navigate chronic illness and emotional overwhelm. She breaks down practical, science-backed tools for managing anxiety and "fight or flight" responses, including specific breathing techniques like the "5-5-7" method that can be used anywhere from a boardroom to a traffic jam. Aimee also opens up about the profound lessons found in grief, the power of "pausing" before reacting, and why she believes we shouldn't judge our struggles but rather ask what they are teaching us. A deeply moving conversation for anyone facing chronic pain, burnout, or emotional exhaustion who wants to reclaim their peace and build unshakeable resilience. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Aimee and Her Story 03:35 - The Mystery of Lyme Disease Symptoms 07:08 - Misconceptions: Lyme from a Spider Bite? 10:13 - Discovering Community and Hope Online 15:00 - Understanding the "Fight or Flight" Epidemic 20:00 - The Science of Breathwork and Physiology 24:00 - Practical Tools: The 5-5-7 Breathing Method 28:00 - The Power of the "Pause" Button 34:00 - Overcoming the Inner Critic and Imposter Syndrome 37:00 - Finding Purpose in Grief and Loss 41:00 - Grief as Glitter: A New Perspective

    43 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Join Dr. John Torrens, an award-winning professor and entrepreneur, as he guides high-performing entrepreneurs, founders, and executives on a journey to redefine success. In The Total Entrepreneur: Mind, Body, Spirit, you'll learn how to balance business success with a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle. Each episode blends cutting-edge academic research with real-life insights from entrepreneurs, health experts, and researchers. Discover evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout, improve well-being, and create a life where purpose, productivity, and wellness thrive together.

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