Eat Play Crush with Mary Shenouda

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 Intro * 00:41 What were you reading this morning? * 01:12 Listening to a podcast to keep up with tech updates * 03:11 Take a look at Andre’s impressive resume * 04:16 If you were asked what you do for a living, what would you say? * 06:35 Growing up in an environment surrounded by struggles * 11:04 What were you trying to proof against a small-town mindset * 12:20 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 you * 21:19 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 generation * 35:46 Healthcare situation nowadays * 39:26 Are we losing grit? * 44:07 We all have a human side in us * 46:40 What’s wrong with you? * 50:40 Not everyone wants to go viral * 54:01 There are three types of Americans * 58:21 We’re always told to humble ourselves * 01:01:54 Do you think everybody has a purpose? * 01:07:10 Surround yourself with people who can help bring out the best in you Follow Andre Iguodala: * https://twitter.com/andre [https://twitter.com/andre] * https://www.instagram.com/andre [https://www.instagram.com/andre] * https://www.youtube.com/@pointforward [https://www.youtube.com/@pointforward] * https://www.instagram.com/pointforward/ [https://www.instagram.com/pointforward/] * The Sixth Man: A Memoir [https://www.amazon.com/Sixth-Man-Memoir-Andre-Iguodala/dp/0525533982] Follow Mary Shenouda: * https://www.instagram.com/paleochef [https://www.instagram.com/paleochef] * https://paleochef.com/ [https://paleochef.com/] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef [https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef]

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 Intro * 00:45 The Origins of You * 01:52 Being a therapist can be restorative for some * 05:08 The “I Got This” mindset * 06:34 Continue to expand your skill set * 19:35 It’s harder to say, “I’m not fine.” * 14:00 Our gifts come through our survival * 18:30 Origin is the first time we question our worth * 20:33 How do you become an effective listener? * 24:30 How your behavior is protecting you from something, always * 26:15 Do you understand yourself? * 28:11 The Worthiness Wound * 32:12 “I don’t want to be responsible for someone else.” * 35:54 How your story gets internalized makes a huge difference * 38:32 Can you handle someone else’s emotional baggage? * 39:41 The Belonging Wound * 44:58 “You’re so unique, just like everybody else.” * 46:50 We can rationalize things and still need to connect to our emotion about it * 51:18 The Trust Wound * 55:32 The Safety Wound * 56:39 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 media * 01:08:24 The narrative: “You didn’t get into this field to earn money.”    * 01:15:11 Unsolicited advice are never helpful * 01:18:59 You're intimidating because you're too masculine * 01:22:54 When embodied anger rises into our head * 01:28:37 When saying you’re not okay makes everyone else uncomfortable * 01:31:20 Can therapists self disclose to genuinely connect with clients? * 01:34:44 What is EMDR Therapy? * 01:37:32 Something is always happening at home * 01:41:36 How unexpressed emotions manifest into the body * 01:48:23 Relationships with our family can become complicated * 01:52:10 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 life * 02:02:17 What is an End of Life Doula?  Follow Vienna Pharoan: * https://viennapharaon.com/ [https://viennapharaon.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmft [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmft] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/vienna-pharaon-lmft-a7a66346/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vienna-pharaon-lmft-a7a66346/] * The Origins of You: How Breaking Family Patterns Can Liberate the Way We Live and Love [https://www.amazon.com/Origins-You-Breaking-Patterns-Liberate/dp/0593539915] * This Keeps Happening with Vienna Pharaon [https://link.chtbl.com/MbIsEOxc] Follow Mary Shenouda: * https://www.instagram.com/paleochef [https://www.instagram.com/paleochef] * https://paleochef.com/ [https://paleochef.com/] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef [https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef]

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 Intro * 01:26 Can we share our weaknesses openly? * 04:43 It was the best party ever that I didn’t get to enjoy * 07:40 Constantly working on getting through severe anxiety * 09:21 When did you start doing keto? * 16:04 Perfectionism is the core issue of everything * 19:10 Just being raw and real online and offline * 20:56 When you start to fear not being able to sleep * 25:40 What is Jersey Shore? * 28:40 Why did it become a hit? * 30:49 It was the first of its kind * 31:31 I almost had a law degree * 32:24 Do you get fulfillment from doing reality TV? * 34:06 What makes us feel different?  * 36:59 I didn’t want to limit myself * 39:00 Link between lack of sleep and heightened anxiety * 45:06 The perception change to help you sleep better * 52:14 You can train your brain to not overreact  * 55:02 OCD, structure, rigidity, and perfectionism * 59:16 Getting a sense of what you can and can’t eat * 01:02:59 What is something people don’t know about you? * 01:05:14 Your food has a face Follow Vinny Guadagnino: https://www.instagram.com/vinnyguadagnino [https://www.instagram.com/vinnyguadagnino] https://twitter.com/vinnyguadagnino [https://twitter.com/vinnyguadagnino] https://www.facebook.com/vinnyguadagnino/ [https://www.facebook.com/vinnyguadagnino/] https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyguadagnino [https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyguadagnino] https://www.youtube.com/user/VINNYGUADAGNINO [https://www.youtube.com/user/VINNYGUADAGNINO] https://vinnygshop.com/ [https://vinnygshop.com/] Something Went Wrong W/ Vinny [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-went-wrong-w-vinny/id1723528993] Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef [https://www.instagram.com/paleochef] https://paleochef.com/ [https://paleochef.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/] https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef [https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef]

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 Intro * 00:36 Figuring out why I was sick and in pain * 09:27 Do what you love and build on that * 13:08 Are you always the big kid? * 14:37 The feeling that you’ve dislocated from life * 17:06 Overcoming suicidal thoughts, guilt, and reaching out to someone who’s struggling * 22:43 Who is Tait Fletcher? * 27:11 Dog Brothers, stick fighting, and martial arts * 30:10 Built to be strong, tough, and tenacious * 32:39 Community is built and defined differently before  * 34:25 From mixed martial arts to building a space to train athletes * 43:59 Meeting a Ukrainian mobster and getting introduced to Carl * 45:28 Filming at a defunct prison in Santa Fe, getting opportunities in other films * 54:07 Pharmaceutical companies are trying to kill us * 56:09 Nutrition is a tool to control your life * 58:06 We don’t anything about what formulates our body * 01:00:38 Putting attention into something that you want to focus on * 01:03:14 Getting a concussion during a match * 01:05:37 Ignored symptoms, continued training, health neglect * 01:12:40 Can head concussions cause other health problems? * 01:17:36 Growth is not a light switch, it’s like a slow road * 01:19:33 The film business is wild * 01:22:43 Logan’s positive effect on his community * 01:26:49 You just need to keep trying     * 01:32:09 How to find Tait online Follow Tait Fletcher: https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/ [https://www.instagram.com/taitfletcher/] https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher [https://www.youtube.com/c/TaitFletcher] https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/ [https://www.facebook.com/tait.fletcher/] Follow Mary Shenouda: https://www.instagram.com/paleochef [https://www.instagram.com/paleochef] https://paleochef.com/ [https://paleochef.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/] https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef [https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef]

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 Intro * 00:12 It’s my birthday week and this is how I started as a performance chef * 06:51 Tested for gluten intolerance, came out with Celiac disease * 13:47 Getting asked to cook for my first client * 17:37 Timing, luck, opportunity, and the choice to follow through * 22:37 I just had to leave San Francisco * 27:36 Eggs are my go-to food * 28:26 Foods that can help with focus * 32:25 Thoughts on genetic testing * 34:06 Send more jokes * 34:53 Trying new food  * 37:59 Blue zone diet versus paleo diet * 40:19 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 secrets Follow Mary Shenouda: * https://www.instagram.com/paleochef [https://www.instagram.com/paleochef] * https://paleochef.com/ [https://paleochef.com/] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryshenouda/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef [https://www.tiktok.com/@paleochef]