Wellness Founders Podcast

Jordan Carroll
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

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.

  1. [13] Wellness Space Construction, Launch Strategies, and Raising Funds | Jake Wright of ilo Studios

    MAR 10

    [13] Wellness Space Construction, Launch Strategies, and Raising Funds | Jake Wright of ilo Studios

    In this episode of the Wellness Founders Podcast, host Jordan Carroll speaks with Jake Wright, founder of Show Up and co-founder of ilo Studios, about his journey in the wellness industry. They discuss the challenges of launching wellness spaces, the importance of community, and the integration of mindfulness practices. Jake shares insights on building a business in Spain, investor relations, and the vision for creating spaces that promote health and connection. Guest Bio: Jake Wright is a wellness founder, osteopath, and community builder based in Barcelona. He’s the co-founder of ilo Studios, a community-driven sauna and ice bath house blending breathwork, science, and Nordic recovery traditions. What started as Show Up (sunrise beach sessions that grew into a 300-person community) has now turned into a funded wellness hospitality concept that recently opened. Jake brings a grounded, business-minded approach to wellness—focused on real experiences, founder-led storytelling, and building spaces where joy, effort, and community intersect. Connect with Jake: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjakewright/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/showup.barcelona/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilostudios/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilostudios_/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showup.barcelona/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjakewright/ 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

    41 min
  2. [12] Skincare R&D in a Hotel, Pharma to Holistic, & Why Simple Works | Natalie Gardner of Dr. Doug's

    12/31/2025

    [12] Skincare R&D in a Hotel, Pharma to Holistic, & Why Simple Works | Natalie Gardner of Dr. Doug's

    Natalie's husband, Dr. Doug, formulated a 7-ingredient balm in a hotel room while preparing for an ultra-marathon. What was meant to be used for himself started as a side-business, and ultimately turned into Natalie leaving a multi-decade career in pharma and biotech to help run the business. As a team, they eventually earned trust from dermatologists, holistic practitioners, and endurance athletes with their brand Dr. Doug's Balms. She breaks down what it actually takes to scale a wellness brand without compromising values. The conversation explores education-first e-commerce, resisting “bright shiny objects,” navigating AI’s impact on small brands, and why witnessing your product change lives in person is still the most meaningful KPI. Guest Bio: Natalie is the co-founder of Dr. Doug’s Balms, a neurologist-developed body care brand built around clean ingredients, real science, and products people actually finish. With a background in biotech and pharma, she leads brand, education, and growth while her husband, Dr. Doug, a neurologist and endurance athlete, oversees formulation and R&D. Together, they’re building a trusted wellness brand that turns complex science into simple, effective recovery and skincare solutions. Connect with Natalie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nygardner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drdougsbalms/ Website: https://www.drdougs.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdougs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdougsbalms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKoVKFiUiTi5Jdsx6UOLpQ 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

    37 min
  3. [11] Billionaire Landscape Design, Costa Rican Farms, & Energetic Profits | Graham Weiner of Okhra

    12/11/2025

    [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
  4. [10] Raising $18M, The Future of AI Studio Software, & Taking on MindBody | Laura Munkholm of Walla

    12/04/2025

    [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
  5. [9] Brain-Tech, Noise Pollution, & Nervous System Resets | Alex Doman of Advanced Brain Technologies

    11/27/2025

    [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
  6. [8] Wellness Investing, Ultramarathons, & Franchising at 19 Years Old | Eloiza Tecson of EY Ventures

    11/19/2025

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

    11/11/2025

    [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
  8. [6] The Amazon Growth Levers for 0 → 2,000 Units/Month | Nick Velardi of Primal Being Organ Supplements

    11/04/2025

    [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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jordan Carroll
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wellness Founders Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wellness Founders Podcast