WellBuilt JOON

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Reza Amin, PhD, Founder and CEO of Bastion Health, and Dr. Justin Houman, Medical Director at Bastion Health.
Bastion is at the forefront of transforming men's health care, an area often stigmatized and not prioritized. As a comprehensive men's specialty virtual clinic, Bastion integrates prostate, reproductive, and sexual health services, making strides in how men access and manage their health.
Reza shares his motivation for founding Bastion, driven by his fertility journey and the loss of his grandfather to prostate cancer. Dr. Houman elaborates on Bastion's mission to break traditional healthcare models by offering comprehensive men's health services directly to patients' homes. This approach addresses common physical health issues and tackles psychological barriers to seeking treatment.
Reza and Dr. Houman explore the inherent challenges of delivering specialized men’s health care through telehealth, such as the limitations around physical examinations. They detail how Bastion overcomes these hurdles by leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and establishing a comprehensive network for patient referrals, ensuring that telehealth serves as a robust extension of traditional healthcare services.
They also elaborate on educating patients about the importance of regular screenings and proactive health management, aiming to empower men with the knowledge to take charge of their health effectively.
Bastion Health is revolutionizing the way companies offer health benefits by integrating their specialized men's health services into employer programs. This approach not only enhances accessibility and convenience for employees but also assists organizations in nurturing a healthier workforce, leading to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
Enjoy! 

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Olaya, Founder & CEO of Dexter.
Dexter is transforming early education by building its own schools that serve as a replacement to the traditional schooling system from preschool to high school. 
Michael shares his journey from mechanical engineer and physics enthusiast to educator. His passion for teaching began in Silicon Valley and expanded internationally, influencing his decision to redefine education back in his hometown of Woodshaw Falls. Starting with STEM workshops, Dexter quickly evolved into a full educational program.
The conversation explored Dexter's foundational principles, particularly its emphasis on "correct instruction," which aligns with classical education methods proven to be more effective than many modern educational strategies. Michael emphasizes the importance of direct instruction and rigorous standardization in improving educational outcomes.
Michael criticized the existing educational models, which rely too heavily on failing progressive methodologies and inappropriate technology use in classrooms.
He challenges the effectiveness of trendy educational theories like socio-emotional learning (SEL) and learning styles, which he argues lack empirical support. By discussing how Dexter utilizes evidence-based practices and direct instruction, listeners can better understand the contrast between Dexter's methods and those of traditional public schools. This reinforces the importance of adopting approaches that are scientifically validated rather than simply popular or progressive.
Despite the tech-heavy trends in modern education, Dexter adopts a more measured approach, using technology to streamline operations rather than as a primary instructional tool. This distinction underscores a critical aspect of Dexter's philosophy that technology should support, not replace, human teaching and interaction, which is vital for effective learning.
He argues for a competitive, standardized approach similar to models used in healthcare and aviation, which he believes will drive improvements in education through market dynamics and parental choice.
Additionally, Michael discusses the potential impact of school choice, envisioning a future where education is more about efficacy and less about adherence to outdated norms. He highlights how competition can lead to innovation and better educational practices, much like other sectors have experienced.
Listen to learn about Dexter's role in shaping a future where education focuses on developing critical thinkers and competent problem solvers, equipped to navigate and enhance tomorrow's world.
 
 

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon sits down with Andy Hoang, the innovative mind behind Aviron, the first gaming rower in the world.
Despite his aversion to rowing, Andy has successfully positioned Aviron at the intersection of gaming and fitness, creating a gamified rowing experience that's captivating a new customer who is not your typical fitness enthusiast.
In the conversation, they delve into Andy's journey from his basement in 2016 to steering Aviron through a pivotal pandemic pivot, which skyrocketed the company's growth and solidified its place in the at-home fitness market. 
Andy also reveals the unique dynamics of his team, a diverse group of individuals not typically found in the fitness or rowing world, which has been instrumental in shaping Aviron's innovative approach.
Additionally, gain insights into how Andy Hoang's Vietnamese heritage and values instilled by his refugee parents have played a pivotal role in his entrepreneurial journey, fueling his passion and resilience in navigating the competitive landscape of the fitness industry.
Discover how Aviron's unique blend of competitive spirit, gaming mechanics, and fitness challenges is crafting a new category in the fitness industry, pushing the boundaries of what a workout can be.
 
 

In this episode of WellBuilt, Jon had the pleasure of speaking with William Hicks, Co-Founder & CEO of Magic Mind.
William shared his journey from creating keto-friendly Italian snacks, called lupini beans at Brami to joining James Beshara at Magic Mind, a coffee alternative and drink aimed at enhancing mental performance without the caffeine crash.
Magic Mind combines adaptogens and nootropics with a lighter dose of caffeine to support focus and productivity. In our conversation, we dug into the brand's evolution, touching on its broader vision for mental performance.
William offered great insights into scaling a wellness brand, the importance of stress management, and cultivating mental wealth.
Get 20% off! 
 

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon chats with Spencer Rascoff, a serial entrepreneur and investor.
Currently, Spencer is the Co-founder and Chairman of several ventures including Pacaso, heyLibby, Recon Food, Queue, dot.LA, and 75 & Sunny Ventures. Before transitioning to his role as a full-time investor/operator, he co-founded Zillow and Hotwire, two major players in the tech landscape.
As Zillow's CEO for ten years, Spencer led the company to impressive heights. Under his leadership, Zillow not only grew to over 4,500 employees and achieved $3 billion in revenue but also reached a market capitalization of $15 billion. Prior to Zillow, Spencer started and sold Hotwire to IAC for $685 million in 2003.
Through his family office, 75 and Sunny Ventures, Spencer now invests in PropTech and a diverse range of other startups.
In the podcast, Spencer delves into the current dynamics of PropTech, especially how fluctuating mortgage rates are affecting real estate and venture capital. He offers valuable insights on overcoming these challenges and underscores the importance of effective management in economic downturns. Additionally, Spencer provides practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating down rounds and the complexities of market dynamics.
The conversation also explores the critical role of company culture in business success. Spencer is also super bullish about HR tech solutions that foster effective and engaging work environments.
Last but not least, Spencer shares his perspective on the potential of the LA tech scene, propelled by the intersection of technology, media, and entertainment. And his renewed commitment to health, emphasizing regular exercise and improved diet, particularly following his father's passing. He highlights the significant role of sleep and healthy eating, including his daily green juice, in enhancing his overall well-being.
 
 
 
 

On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Chip Conley, Founder & CEO of the Modern Elder Academy,a school dedicated to helping people reinvent themselves in midlife. He was also the Former Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy at Airbnb, Founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and more. 
Chip is a world-renowned expert on aging and wisdom. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder". 
Jon and Chip discussed the importance of midlife transitions and how to navigate them successfully. Chip shared insights on the challenges and opportunities of midlife, and how to find meaning and purpose in the second half of life, build new relationships, learning new skills, and even, transitioning to a new career.
Chip also drew on his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and as a person who has reinvented himself several times throughout his life. He will also touch upon his time as a successful hotelier starting and selling JdV by Hyatt, his work with Airbnb, and his involvement with the Esalen Institute.
Whether or not you are in your midlife, the conversation will be interesting for anyone aspiring to live a meaningful life.