Mission-driven Founders

Send us Fan Mail Step into the heartwarming intersection of design, wellness, and the bond we share with our pets with Mario Arbore, founder of Square Paws and an architect with over 30 years of experience. Mario is transforming the way we think about living spaces, showing how thoughtful, pet-focused design can elevate both human and animal well-being. In this exclusive interview, Mario shares in...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Cristy Kisner, founder of Cristy’s Kitchen, to explore her inspiring journey from a small town in Peru to opening a bakery in Roswell, Georgia that serves gluten-free, dairy-free, organic, and allergy-friendly meals.  Cristy shares how she built a business around wellness and inclusivity, offering meals that are both nou...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to show up anyway — especially when life doesn’t go as planned? In this heartfelt episode, I switch roles and step into the guest seat with the incredible Lizbeth Meredith, author, speaker, and host of the Persistence U podcast. Together, we talk about my chapter in Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery ,...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders , we sit down with Gabriela Alves Toulier, a celebrated Brazilian actress who transitioned from the spotlight of Globo TV, SBT, and theater to a profound new calling—helping women heal and awaken through soul therapy. Gabi shares her remarkable journey from performing on screen to guiding others on their inner journeys of transformation....

Send us Fan Mail You asked, and we listened. Building on our last episode about “food as medicine,” we’re taking a deeper dive with Geri Brewster, RDN. She is a nationally recognized dietitian with over 35 years of experience and a holistic, “whole person” approach to nutrition.  In this conversation, Geri reveals how what’s on your plate, and what’s in the soil, directly shapes mental health, pre...

Send us Fan Mail What if food could be your most powerful medicine?  On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Dr. Deb Kennedy, PhD nutritionist, chef, author, and pioneer of the Food is Medicine movement. Dr. Kennedy shares how she founded the Food Coach Academy, a groundbreaking platform that empowers individuals to harness food as medicine through science-based training and c...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, we sit down with Tatiana Alonso, CEO of Gerando Falcões International, who transformed a grassroots initiative in one favela into a global nonprofit movement impacting over a million lives.  Tatiana shares how she went from corporate law to mission-driven leadership, the challenges of breaking cycles of poverty, and the groundbreaking pr...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Mission-Driven Founders , we sit down with Dawn LaFontaine, founder of Cat in the Box, who turned her love for cats into a profitable, mission-driven business. 🐾 Dawn shares how she identified a gap in the pet market, overcame startup challenges, and built a brand that seamlessly balances innovation, design, and wellness. Her journey offers actionable insights...

Send us Fan Mail Join Wanda Malhotra on Mission-Driven Founders as she sits down with Natalie Lauraine, a global wellness innovator transforming lives through art, voice, and meditation. Natalie is a leading meditation teacher on Insight Timer with over 7,000 five-star reviews, a sober coach to artists, and founder of Joy Media, connecting wellness brands to luxury hotels and major festivals world...

Send us Fan Mail What if one idea could change an entire generation? In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders , host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Garner Hall, a remarkable teenage entrepreneur and founder of Brain Nourishment—a movement helping young people and adults alike reduce screen time, overcome phone addiction, and reclaim focus and well-being. Garner proves that age is no barr...

Send us Fan Mail What if the best chapter of your life is still ahead of you? In this powerful episode of Mission-driven Founders , host Wanda Malhotra sits down with the stunning and radiant Dr. Nina Cash—a true example that age is just a number and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Beautiful inside and out, Nina embodies both grace and strength, proving that positivity, persistence, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders, host Wanda Malhotra interviews Celebrity Chef Jesús “Yisus” Díaz—two-time Emmy Award winner, the star of  Despierta América star, champion of Mira Quien Baila , and author of Delicious Cooking with Chef Jesús . 🌿 Beyond his celebrated career, Chef Jesús is leading a movement to inspire healthier eating and purposeful living. In this ins...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a layoff pushes you to step into your true calling? In this episode of Mission-driven Founders , host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Hady Méndez, founder of Boldly Speaking and author of Calladita no More, to share how being laid off in 2023 became the catalyst for launching a business rooted in self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, and authentic entrepreneurship....

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra sits down with yoga teacher, author, and wellness advocate Sarah Ezrin—a purpose-driven entrepreneur whose work uplifts her community through mindfulness, vulnerability, and healing movement. From her early experiences with body image and self-worth to becoming a published author and respected voice in the yoga an...

Send us Fan Mail Domestic violence is not always visible —it can be physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial. In this powerful episode of Mission-Driven Founders, Wanda Malhotra speaks with Catherine Jones, former Victim Advocacy Program Coordinator at the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, about recognizing the signs, offering support, and connecting survivors with life-ch...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business that changes lives? In this inspiring episode, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Marta Han and Zsofia Jamieson, founders of The Fertility Class , to explore how they built a mission-driven company focused on natural fertility and hormone health. 🌿 Learn how they combined their expertise in movement, nutrition, and mindf...

Send us Fan Mail How do you turn a personal health crisis into a mission-driven business that educates, empowers, and connects an entire community? Nicole Fey did just that. As the founder of the East Tennessee Wellness Directory , she’s built a platform that bridges holistic health practitioners and wellness seekers—while integrating sustainability and education at its core. In this episode, Nico...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to turn your passion for music into a mission-driven entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of Mission-Driven Founders , Wanda Malhotra sits down with Mat Charley of Raynes—a British-American band blending uplifting music with a powerful sense of purpose. Mat shares how Raynes came together, their journey from songwriting sessions to international tours, and ho...

Send us Fan Mail What if a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for not only your greatest healing—but also your life’s mission? In this transformative episode of Mission-driven Founders , host Wanda Malhotra sits down with Emily Kicklighter, founder of The Whole Elephant Coaching. After a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, Emily radically reimagined her health, her purpos...

Send us Fan Mail Dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Leslie Dobson, clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and advocate for personal growth. From walking the halls with psychopaths to thriving as a professional, wife, and mom, Dr. Dobson shares her wisdom on overcoming imposter syndrome and setting boundaries that protect your energy. Discover the power of collaboration among women,...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of the Mission-Driven Founders podcast, Wanda Malhotra sits down with Sondra Kellog of the Empowered Soul Network to explore how purpose and community shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Through the heartfelt story of Crunchy Mama Box, Wanda shares her take on building a business rooted in love, motivation, and a mission to empower others. Her reflections...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exclusive interview with Anthony Hamilton Jr., the celebrated professional dunker, social media sensation, and music artist. Known for his electrifying basketball skills and magnetic personality, Anthony has captivated millions worldwide. In this inspiring conversation, Anthony shares his journey from humble beginnings to global stardom, offering insights into how h...

Send us Fan Mail In this impactful episode, Wanda sits down with Anna Resende, health coach at Mamma Terra and author of Living Your Best Life in College. Anna dives deep into the pressing challenges young adults and families face today, including weight gain, mental health struggles, and the journey to holistic wellness. Through her book and coaching, Anna equips college students and their famili...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Wanda sits down with Nitika Chopra, founder of Chronicon and a powerful voice for the chronic illness community. Diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at a young age, Nitika transformed her personal health challenges into a mission to empower others to thrive—not just survive.  From hosting influential talk shows to creating an engaged online...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re thrilled to introduce Susie Kaplar, a passionate bat rehabilitator on a mission to save these misunderstood creatures and educate the world about their critical role in our environment.  Bats are nature's unsung heroes, playing a vital role in organic farming by acting as natural pest controllers. Discover how they protect crops by devouring harmful ins...