Wellness Founders Podcast

Jordan Carroll

The Wellness Founders Podcast explores the BUSINESS of WELLNESS. We focus on the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-building by diving deep into the stories and strategies behind the people creating the future of well-being. Each episode features a founder or leader in wellness focused hospitality, events/communities, product, digital, or tech, sharing not just their “how” but their “why,” and the movements they’re building.

Episodes

  1. [11] Billionaire Landscape Design, Costa Rican Farms, & Energetic Profits | Graham Weiner of Okhra

    DEC 11

    [11] Billionaire Landscape Design, Costa Rican Farms, & Energetic Profits | Graham Weiner of Okhra

    Graham Weiner, a landscape designer for billionaires, hostel founder, organic farmer, and probiotic beverage entrepreneur, explains how he uses plants, pollinators, and color to create environments that change how people feel, not just how a place looks. He walks through his journey from underpaid botanist in Brooklyn to designing gardens for billionaires and eventually building Lost Boyz Hostel and a stack of nature-led businesses in Costa Rica.  Graham also opens up about turning a 24/7 party lifestyle into three and a half years of sobriety, and why he now makes “energetically profitable” his main KPI for business and life.  Throughout the conversation, he highlights community and the five dimensions of health: social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual - as the real levers of long-term wellness and fulfillment. Guest Bio: Graham Weiner is a Costa Rica–based landscape designer, founder of the iconic Lost Boyz Hostel, and co-creator of an organic farm-to-table experience, and probiotic beverage brand. Trained as a botanist at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, he left the public sector to design high-end private gardens and eventually build a portfolio of nature-centered ventures serving travelers, creators, and wellness seekers. Graham’s story blends regenerative land stewardship, hospitality, and sober entrepreneurship, offering a rare perspective on how to build businesses that nourish both the land and the people on it. Connect with Graham: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grays.garden/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okhrafarms/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farm.to.table.cr/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.pantera.rosa.real/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostboyzsantateresa/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-weiner/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graham.weiner  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostboyzsantateresa   Website: https://www.haciendaokhra.com/  Website: https://www.lostboyzsantateresa.com/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990  Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page

    38 min
  2. [10] Raising $18M, The Future of AI Studio Software, & Taking on MindBody | Laura Munkholm of Walla

    DEC 4

    [10] Raising $18M, The Future of AI Studio Software, & Taking on MindBody | Laura Munkholm of Walla

    In this episode, we sit down with Laura Munkholm, President & Co-Founder of Walla, to unpack what it really takes to scale a wellness SaaS company without losing your soul (or your customers). She shares how her background in sports informs her leadership style, how years of consulting in the studio space led to Walla, and what it's been like to take on the 800-pound gorilla in the space, MindBody. Laura breaks down how their recent round of fundraising is going to fuel their AI studio software innovation, and how they've created a new category of “performance software” for studios that uses data and AI to prescribe action, not just show dashboards. We also dive into Gen Z’s rewiring of the wellness economy, why studios should market to identities instead of age brackets, and how to build a fast-paced team that stays in their strength zone instead of burning out. If you’re building software for humans with bodies, not just users with logins, this one’s for you. Guest Bio: Laura Munkholm is the President and Co-Founder of Walla, an all-in-one software platform built for boutique fitness and wellness studios. A former yoga teacher, studio manager, and consultant, she’s spent two decades in the trenches helping hundreds of studios improve retention, revenue, and client experience. At Walla, she blends her on-the-ground operator experience with product, sales, and data strategy to help founders build profitable, human-centered businesses in the booming wellness economy. Connect with Laura: Walla: https://www.hellowalla.com/make-the-switch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.munkholm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallasoftware/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramunkholm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wallasoftware/ Website: https://www.hellowalla.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@walla_software Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.munkholm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wallasoftware Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-well-well/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990  Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page

    47 min
  3. [9] Brain-Tech, Noise Pollution, & Nervous System Resets | Alex Doman of Advanced Brain Technologies

    NOV 27

    [9] Brain-Tech, Noise Pollution, & Nervous System Resets | Alex Doman of Advanced Brain Technologies

    In this conversation, Jordan Carroll and Alex Doman explore the evolution of neurotechnology and its impact on wellness, including Alex’s 25+ years in the space developing listening programs, authoring “Healing at the Speed of Sound,” and developing products to help people reset their nervous systems. They discuss the importance of timing in bringing innovative products to market, the role of AI in wellness solutions, and the significance of research and relationships in product development.  Alex shares insights on the growing issue of sound sensitivity and the effects of noise pollution, emphasizing the need for community and collaboration in the health and wellness space as well as the importance of finding quiet spaces in our increasingly noisy world. Doman also reflects on his personal journey in the neurotech field, the legacy of his family in helping those with auditory challenges, and the ongoing work with children on the autism spectrum. Guest Bio: Alex Doman is an entrepreneur, author, and product creator with over 25 years in brain health, neurotechnology, and therapeutic music. As the third generation in a family focused on human brain performance for more than eighty years, he has founded and co-founded multiple ventures including Advanced Brain Technologies, Vital Neuro, Sleep Genius, and The Movement Program. Through innovations like The Listening Program®, Sleep Genius™, and other evidence-based audio solutions, Alex’s work has helped millions worldwide improve self-regulation, focus, sleep, and overall well-being, while training thousands of professionals across medicine, therapy, and education. Connect with Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_doman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedbraintechnologies/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vital_neuro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdoman/ Website: https://advancedbrain.com/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990  Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page

    50 min
  4. [8] Wellness Investing, Ultramarathons, & Franchising at 19 Years Old | Eloiza Tecson of EY Ventures

    NOV 19

    [8] Wellness Investing, Ultramarathons, & Franchising at 19 Years Old | Eloiza Tecson of EY Ventures

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, Eloiza Tecson shares her journey in the wellness industry, discussing her early experiences as a franchisee at Orange Theory, her insights on community building, and the importance of investing in team development. She reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, including her first investment in a mental health company (with EY Ventures) and the launch of her own ventures, E20 and Lindora Wellness. Eloiza emphasizes the significance of emotional connections in leadership and the role of sports in her personal development, ultimately aiming to inspire others to embrace movement and wellness. Guest Bio: Eloiza Tecson is a wellness executive, operator, and investor known for blending human-first leadership with strategic, scalable execution. Starting her career running franchise studios at Orange Theory at only 19 years old, she developed a deep passion for community building, people development, and operational excellence. She has since supported early-stage founders, built her own EMS-driven fitness concept, and led major initiatives across the health and wellness landscape. Today, she is the  founder of EY Ventures, Co-Founder of E20, and CEO of LWI (overseeing 30 Lindora locations in Southern California). She brings together clinical research, innovative customer experience design, and a modern approach to leadership to reshape how individuals and communities experience wellness. Connect with Eloiza: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloizayvette/ LWI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lwinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloizayvette/ E20 Training: https://www.instagram.com/e20training/ Lindora Wellness Studios: https://www.instagram.com/lindora/ EY Ventures Group: https://www.instagram.com/eyventuresgroup/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    52 min
  5. [7] Underground Mexican Gyms, Brand Partnerships, and Tulum Run Parties | Tony Madalone of Run Tulum

    NOV 11

    [7] Underground Mexican Gyms, Brand Partnerships, and Tulum Run Parties | Tony Madalone of Run Tulum

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders podcast, Jordan Carroll interviews Tony Madalone, a wellness entrepreneur and community leader in Tulum, Mexico.  They discuss Tony's journey from burnout in Cleveland to moving to Mexico and accidentally creating an underground gym as well as Run Tulum, a wildly successful fitness community. The conversation explores the importance of consistency, community building, operational strategies, and the vision for a wellness ecosystem that prioritizes accessibility and connection.  Tony shares insights on creating a unique run club experience, including weekly post-run parties, the challenges of managing growth, and the future projects that aim to further enhance the wellness landscape in Tulum. Guest Bio Tony Madalone is the founder of Run Tulum and Wrshpyrslf, two wellness-driven movements transforming the fitness culture in Tulum. After burning out as an entrepreneur in Cleveland, Tony left the U.S. to rebuild his life around health, community, and purpose. What began as solo beach runs evolved into a 200-person run club and a thriving ecosystem of fitness, music, and connection that’s redefining what wellness looks like in paradise. Connect with Tony: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymadalone/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonemadalone/ Run Tulum: https://www.instagram.com/runtulum/ Wrshpyrself: https://www.instagram.com/wrshpyrslf/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll  Follow Wellness Founders: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    54 min
  6. [6] The Amazon Growth Levers for 0 → 2,000 Units/Month | Nick Velardi of Primal Being Organ Supplements

    NOV 4

    [6] The Amazon Growth Levers for 0 → 2,000 Units/Month | Nick Velardi of Primal Being Organ Supplements

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, Jordan Carroll interviews Nick Velardi, co-founder of Primal Being, a company specializing in organ supplements. They discuss Nick's journey into the supplement industry, the challenges of launching a new brand, and the importance of transparency and education in the wellness space, especially with high-quality, single source organ supplements. Nick shares insights on product development, marketing strategies, and the significance of building a brand that resonates with consumers. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of wellness and the commitment to quality and integrity in the supplement industry. Guest Bio: Nick Velardi is the co-founder of Primal Being, a rapidly growing supplement brand born from a personal health crisis that transformed into a mission to make high-quality, organ-based supplements accessible to everyone. Alongside his fiancée and co-founder Katie, Nick built the brand from their small apartment, scaling from hand-packing bottles to serving thousands of customers worldwide, driven by transparency, clean sourcing, and ancestral wellness principles. Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-velardi Primal Being: https://liveprimalbeing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalbeingsupplements/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primalbeingsupplements Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990  Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page

    51 min
  7. [5] From Bootstrapping DIY Cold Plunges to RunningMan’s Preferred Sponsor | Steven Haynes of FjORD

    OCT 29

    [5] From Bootstrapping DIY Cold Plunges to RunningMan’s Preferred Sponsor | Steven Haynes of FjORD

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, Jordan Carroll interviews Steven Haynes, founder of FjORD, a company specializing in high-quality cold plunges.  Steven shares his journey from a successful consulting career to his passion for cold water therapy, which began while training for a triathlon in Norway.  He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in building his brand, starting with a DIY cold plunge to eventually becoming the preferred cold plunge sponsor of the RunningMan conference.  He bootstrapped FjORD through event activations and community engagement, and also talks about why he quit dropshipping from China to bring all his manufacturing to the USA, and how that creates their competitive advantage. Guest Bio: Steven Haynes is the founder and CEO of FjORD Cold Plunge, a wellness and performance brand redefining recovery through premium cold water therapy. After nearly losing his business in its first year, Steven turned it around through innovation, community partnerships, and relentless product development. Today, FjORD is trusted by top wellness events like RunningMan and leading fitness communities for its quality, reliability, and results-driven approach to human performance. Connect with Steven: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fjordcoldplunge/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-c-haynes/  FjORD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fjordcoldplunge/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fjordcoldplunge  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fjordcoldplunge  Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll  Follow Wellness Founders: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    31 min
  8. [4] Behind Barcelona's 800+ Person Wellness Raves | Marc Förster Algás of Wellness Rave Barcelona

    OCT 22

    [4] Behind Barcelona's 800+ Person Wellness Raves | Marc Förster Algás of Wellness Rave Barcelona

    Jordan Carroll interviews Marc Förster Algás from Karisma, founder of a community for growth-minded entrepreneurs and creator of the Wellness Rave in Barcelona. They discuss the evolution of Marc's community-building journey, the challenges faced in creating a successful community, and the integration of wellness into events. Marc shares insights on the importance of genuine connections, the value of collaboration, and the conversation emphasizes the significance of community in personal and professional growth, and the potential for communities to become a luxury of the future. Guest Bio Marc Förster Algás is the founder of Karisma, Barcelona’s leading social club for entrepreneurs and creatives, built on the belief that your environment shapes your potential. Driven by his passion for helping others grow, meeting new people, and building meaningful experiences, Marc has transformed his love for connection and wellness into a thriving community where collaboration, creativity, and personal growth collide. Through initiatives like the Wellness Rave, he’s redefining what it means to connect and merge entrepreneurship, wellness, and vibrant energy into unforgettable experiences. Born and raised in Barcelona, half Spanish and half German, and fluent in five languages, Marc embodies a global mindset rooted in curiosity and self-improvement. When he’s not building communities, he’s traveling the world, attending music festivals, staying active, and documenting the journey of building Karisma. Connect with Marc: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc__forster/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcforsteralgas/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcforsteralgas Karisma Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karisma.club/ Karisma Website: https://www.karisma.club/ Wellness Rave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness.rave/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YjVR6OICHSlx03nsEnNMl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-founders-podcast/id1842965990  Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2531665/free_share_page

    50 min
  9. [3] The Niche Reddit Strategy That Gets RunClubs.ca 500+ Daily Users | Patrick Bollenbach of RunClubs.ca

    OCT 14

    [3] The Niche Reddit Strategy That Gets RunClubs.ca 500+ Daily Users | Patrick Bollenbach of RunClubs.ca

    In this conversation, Jordan Carroll and Patrick Bollenbach discuss the intersection of wellness and entrepreneurship, focusing on Patrick's journey in building SaaS businesses and his current venture, RunClubs.ca.  They explore the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from B2B to B2C, the importance of community in wellness, and the strategies for monetization and marketing.  Patrick shares valuable lessons learned from his product focused experiences, emphasizing the significance of niching down and engaging with communities through platforms like Reddit, which has led RunClubs.ca to gain more than 500 daily users for free, every day. Guest Bio Patrick Bollenbach is a serial entrepreneur and product designer known for building profitable SaaS tools and community-driven platforms.  His portfolio includes Recipe Kit, the #1 recipe platform for Shopify blogs; Wait.li, a simple and scalable solution for product drops and waitlists; Better Blog Comments, a modern, spam-free commenting tool for Shopify; RunClubs.ca, a lightweight directory connecting runners to local clubs across Canada; and Cuento.app, which brings book clubs to life as a service.  With a background in B2B SaaS and a growing passion for community wellness, Patrick blends product design, marketing, and entrepreneurship to create tools that help people connect, both online and in real life. Connect with Patrick: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickbolle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickbollenbach/  RunClubs.ca: https://runclubs.ca/ Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll  Follow Wellness Founders Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    48 min
  10. [2] From Near Death Experience to NomadAbs | Oheri Otobo of Nomad Abs

    OCT 7

    [2] From Near Death Experience to NomadAbs | Oheri Otobo of Nomad Abs

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, Jordan Carroll interviews Oheri Otobo, the founder of Nomad Abs, a social fitness community in Playa del Carmen.  Oheri shares his transformative journey that began with a near-death experience, leading him to move to Mexico and build a thriving fitness community.  Guest Bio After a near-death experience, Oheri relocated to Mexico in search of a deeper appreciation for life. His journey has since spanned the worlds of travel, technology, and personal transformation — from growing a YouTube travel channel to diving deep into blockchain and cloud computing. Following the loss of his father, Oheri found new purpose through programming and earned certifications in JavaScript, Python, data structures, and AWS Cloud. He's also an actor, poet, and founder of NomadAbs Mexico. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and reinvention — combining a passion for technology with a mission to live with purpose and impact. Connect with Oheri: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oheri.otobo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oheri-otobo Nomad Abs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadabsmx  Nomad Abs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nomadabs  Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll Follow Wellness Founders: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    55 min
  11. [1] From Military Life to Building Playa Del Carmen's Premier Fitness Club | Rob Harrison of PDC Fitness Club

    SEP 29

    [1] From Military Life to Building Playa Del Carmen's Premier Fitness Club | Rob Harrison of PDC Fitness Club

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, Jordan Carroll interviews Rob Harrison, the founder of PDC Fitness Club in Playa del Carmen.  Rob shares his journey from military life to creating a thriving wellness community, the challenges and successes of building a fitness club, the importance of group workouts, and the psychology behind community engagement.  Guest Bio Rob is the Co-Founder and CEO of Magnifyde LLC, an international remote sales agency helping coaches scale their businesses with proven strategies drawn from over 100,000 sales calls. A 12-year military veteran, he built a data-driven sales methodology that consistently triples client revenue while empowering sales professionals to succeed from anywhere in the world. Rob’s journey into wellness began after moving to Playa del Carmen, where he founded PDC Fitness Club. What started as personal training quickly grew into a thriving community built on group workouts, collaboration with local businesses, and a shared commitment to healthier living. His vision is to create a legacy of connection, accountability, and health consciousness promoting a wellness culture rooted in community-driven experiences. Connect with Rob: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rob.pdc LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-harrison-665699216/  PDC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdcfitnessclub Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspensir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscarroll  Follow Wellness Founders: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessfounders  Website: https://www.wellnessfounders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfounders

    58 min

About

The Wellness Founders Podcast explores the BUSINESS of WELLNESS. We focus on the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-building by diving deep into the stories and strategies behind the people creating the future of well-being. Each episode features a founder or leader in wellness focused hospitality, events/communities, product, digital, or tech, sharing not just their “how” but their “why,” and the movements they’re building.