In this conversation, Liesl interviews Duffy MacKay, Senior Vice President of Dietary Supplements for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

Duffy shares his extensive background in the supplement industry, discussing the evolution of dietary supplements, the role of CHPA in ensuring quality and access to self-care products, and the challenges faced by the industry today.

He emphasizes the importance of education for consumers, the need for stricter regulations, and the future focus on integrating dietary supplements into overall wellness. Duffy also shares his personal health practices and the significance of community in navigating the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Duffy MacKay and His Journey

03:08 The Role of CHPA in Dietary Supplements

06:11 Consumer Access and Product Quality Initiatives

08:55 Challenges Facing the Dietary Supplement Industry

11:55 The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Trust

15:05 Future Focus of CHPA and Regulatory Changes

18:06 Navigating the Dietary Supplement Landscape

20:48 Personal Health Practices of Duffy MacKay

23:53 Conclusion and Future Events

Contact Duffy MacKay:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/duffy-mackay-6ab19b12/

Dmackay@chpa.org

https://www.chpa.org/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

Scott Dicker is a recognized thought leader in the natural products and active nutrition industries, known for transforming complex market data into clear, actionable insights. As a leading voice in the space, Scott is a frequent keynote speaker at major industry conferences, where he helps brands, retailers, suppliers, and investors understand not just where the market is today — but where it’s heading next.

With a background rooted in data‑driven analysis and strategic storytelling, Scott has built a reputation for spotting emerging trends early and translating them into practical strategies that drive growth. His work at SPINS, where he serves as Sr. Director of Market Insights, has made him a go‑to expert for companies seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving health, wellness, and CPG landscape.

Whether he’s breaking down the latest consumer behavior shifts, forecasting category growth, or revealing the next big opportunity in wellness, Scott brings clarity, depth, and forward‑thinking perspective to every conversation. His engaging style and ability to make data meaningful have made him a sought‑after guest for podcasts, panels, and stages across the country.

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In this episode, Liesl Bernard welcomes Scott Dicker, the Senior Director for Market Insights at SPINS, to discuss the latest trends in the supplement and wellness industry. Scott shares his unconventional journey from being a sports nutritionist to leading market insights at SPINS, where he analyzes consumer behavior and industry trends. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how shoppers' preferences are evolving and how brands can adapt to meet these changes. Scott also highlights the release of SPINS' 2026 prediction report, which identifies key trends such as conscious consumption, anywhere commerce, and the rise of non-human participation in product discovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trends in Supplements

04:27 Scott Dicker's Journey in Nutrition and Data

08:25 Key Insights from the 2026 Prediction Report

12:50 Emerging Categories: Joint Health, Energy, and Hormones

19:29 The Rise of Personalized Nutrition

22:24 Trends in Sleep and Mood Support

27:35 Final Thoughts and Personal Health Practices

Contact Scott Dicker:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-dicker-6a83b965/

https://www.spins.com/resources/report/2026-trend-predictions/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

Paul is a passionate and motivational leader with results-oriented entrepreneurial vision and a unique ability to bring great value to every relationship and business opportunity. A former native of NYC, Paul has a 40+ year history and experience with start-ups, executive management, the organic food industry, two-term Mayor, Police Commissioner, filmmaker, and a national sales and marketing director for Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. He currently leads the team@ Joyful Humans & Blue Toad® developing microdose delivery formats, MGBA support nutrient-rich supplements, protein bars, tinctures, powders, drinks, chocolate, etc., all utilizing Nootropics, Ayurvedic Botanicals, Hemp/ Cannabis/ Mushroom products.

Prior to creating Joyful & the Toad, Paul was the Chief Innovation Officer for Stanley Brothers Cannabis (founders of Charlotte's Web), he founded the country's premiere co-manufacturer of functional-foods, GOOD SUPERFOODS® (winner of NUTRACON & SSW Editors Choice) and Superfood Innovation Lab® where he innovated for iconic clients such as; USANA, Melaleuca, NuSkin, NewWays, Young Living, Scentsy, Modere, Dr. Mercola, Onnit Nutrition, Walmart, Garden of Life, Kroger, Labrada Nutrition, and many more. Paul also founded the country’s first organic vending distribution company (NextGen Vending®), and developed that industry’s first PLA-based biodegradable water bottle (Earthpure Organics®).

His beautiful family, core values, sense of community, and a powerful work ethic inspire Paul to be his best everyday

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In this conversation, Liesl Bernard interviews Paul Frantalisi, a serial entrepreneur in the functional food space, about his journey from battling chronic Lyme disease to founding Joyful Humans, a brand focused on addressing metabolic health. Paul shares his experiences with alternative healing methods, the challenges of building a successful chocolate company, and the impact of a health crisis that led him to prioritize wellness. He discusses the importance of gut health, the role of psychedelics in his healing journey, and the innovative products Joyful Humans offers to promote homeostasis and balance in the body.

Save 25% off with CODE: Leading25

https://www.joyfulhumans.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Frantelisi and Joyful Humans

01:42 The Journey into Functional Foods

04:32 From Struggles to Success: Building a Chocolate Company

08:33 Navigating Challenges and Innovations in the Industry

10:16 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business

11:26 Health Crisis: A Wake-Up Call

13:57 Healing Through Lifestyle Changes

16:25 Exploring Spiritual Practices and Microdosing

19:54 The Science of Happiness and Wellness

21:02 The High of Running and Healing Journeys

22:08 Inspiration Behind Joyful Humans

24:06 The Power of the Name 'Joyful'

25:39 Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction

28:34 Biohacking for Health and Balance

31:21 Spiritual Practices and Psychedelics

34:37 The Vision and Strategy for Joyful Humans

Contact Paul Frantellizzi:

https://www.joyfulhumans.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfrantellizzi/

https://www.instagram.com/joyful.humans/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this conversation, Ari Gordon discusses the evolution of his company, Like and Likes, which helps brands grow on TikTok and Meta. He shares insights on the differences between the two platforms, the importance of effective content creation, and the costs associated with advertising on TikTok.

Ari also emphasizes the role of influencer marketing and the necessity of having a strategic approach to social media marketing, especially for CPG brands. The discussion highlights the changing landscape of consumer behavior and the growing importance of digital marketing in driving sales.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Like and Likes

02:38 Understanding TikTok vs. Meta for CPG Brands

06:01 Navigating Advertising Costs on TikTok

10:54 The Backend of TikTok: A Competitor to Amazon

13:37 Influencer Marketing Strategies on TikTok

17:39 Agency vs. In-House Marketing: Finding the Right Fit

20:21 The Evolving Landscape of Consumer Behavior

21:09 Finding and Working with Influencers

Contact Ari Gordon:

https://likeandlikes.ai/

Ari@likandlikes.ai

Instagram: arialgordon

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

Dr. Sandra Carter, M.A., MPH, Ph.D. is a pioneer in preventative medicine, sports performance, and integrative health — and a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the functional mushroom industry. After decades in public health and disease prevention, Dr. Carter founded M2 Ingredients at the age of 55, bringing scientific rigor and mission-driven innovation to a field on the cusp of mainstream awareness.

As Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the largest functional mushroom supplier in the Western Hemisphere, Dr. Carter built M2 Ingredients with a clear conviction: while others in the industry debated marketing semantics, she focused firmly on science, research, and measurable impact. She anticipated the noise that would inevitably follow the mushroom boom — and knew that real data and clinical research would be the most powerful differentiator.

Under her leadership, M2 has invested heavily in scientific validation, assembling the largest team of scientists in the industry and leading research on mushroom-derived compounds, gut health, immune support, and cognitive function. This unwavering commitment to science has positioned M2 as the go-to partner for brands seeking integrity, innovation, and efficacy.

In parallel, Dr. Carter also built a national consumer brand — now sold in Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Target — helping bring the benefits of functional mushrooms to millions. Widely recognized as a category architect, she continues to lead with clarity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of fungi, food, and evidence-based wellness.

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In this conversation, Liesl Bernard interviews Sandra Carter, founder of Om Superfoods and M2 Ingredients, discussing her journey from a successful career in preventive medicine to becoming an entrepreneur in the functional mushroom industry. Sandra shares key milestones in her business, the importance of focus and discipline, and the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the significance of mentorship, community, and data-driven research in building a successful brand. The discussion also covers the health benefits of mushrooms, the future of the industry, and Sandra's personal practices for maintaining balance and intuition.

Chapters

00:00 Founding Success: Milestones in Entrepreneurship

02:52 Transitioning Careers: From Medicine to Entrepreneurship

05:54 Navigating Challenges: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

08:49 Vision and Discipline: Keys to Business Success

11:48 Building a Brand: The Journey of Om Superfoods

14:50 Sales Strategy: The Hands-On Approach

17:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Gaining Confidence

20:50 Mentorship and Community: Learning from Others

23:36 Data vs. Vision: Balancing Insights for Future Growth

25:24 Articulating Confidence in Ideas

26:25 The Impressive Mushroom Facility

29:55 Health Benefits of Mushrooms

34:12 The Future of Mushroom Products

38:44 Cultivating Intuition and Connection

43:20 Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning

45:28 Finding Purpose in Life

Contact Sandra Carter:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-carter-3b6b3241/

https://ommushrooms.com/

https://m2ingredients.com/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this episode, Liesl Bernard interviews Rafea Naffa, PhD bioanalytical chemist, Scientific Advisor for AIDP, about the critical role of magnesium in human health.

They discuss the importance of magnesium for various bodily functions, its bioavailability, and the different forms of magnesium supplements available. Rafea emphasizes the need for daily magnesium intake, the symptoms of deficiency, and the impact of magnesium on brain health and hormonal balance.

The conversation also touches on recent research and clinical studies that highlight the benefits of magnesium supplementation, particularly in improving cognitive performance and sleep quality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Magnesium and Its Importance

02:00 The Role of Magnesium in the Body

05:58 Bioavailability and Sources of Magnesium

10:47 Understanding Magnesium Forms and Their Functions

13:01 Magnesium's Impact on Brain Health

16:00 Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

21:41 Magnesium and Hormonal Balance

25:40 Research and Clinical Studies on Magnesium

29:40 Daily Magnesium Intake and Recommendations

38:26 Personal Insights and Recommendations on Magnesium

Contact Rafea Naffa:

https://aidp.com/

rafea@aidp.com

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com

In this conversation, Liesl Bernard interviews Tom Aarts, a leading authority in the global wellness industry. Tom shares his journey in the nutrition sector, his passion for mental health, and his proud accomplishments, including the founding of the Nutrition Business Journal and the NBJ Summit. He discusses the importance of personalized nutrition, the impact of AI, and the growing trend of biohacking. Tom also reflects on the political landscape's influence on the wellness industry and shares insights on successful strategies for companies. He emphasizes the significance of mindset and spirituality in health and concludes with his aspirations for a legacy that contributes to solving major health issues like Alzheimer's.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Aarts and His Journey

02:59 The Importance of Nutrition and Mental Health

06:05 Proud Accomplishments in the Wellness Industry

08:48 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions in Wellness

12:09 The Future of Personalized Nutrition and AI

14:59 Biohacking and Wellness Trends

17:53 Political Landscape and Its Impact on Wellness

20:40 Keys to Success in the Wellness Industry

23:49 Personal Health Journey and Longevity Practices

27:03 Mindset, Meditation, and Mental Health

29:52 Legacy and Future Aspirations

Contact Tom Aarts:

https://www.nbjsummit.com/

Contact Liesl Bernard:

liesl@leadingforwellness.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/

www.leadingforwellness.com