"Nutrition is the gateway drug to spirituality."
In this episode of Grocery Pulse, George Goodwin sits down with holistic health coach Mike Schmidt to discuss the powerful intersection of gut health, identity, and the grocery industry. Mike opens up about his personal journey—battling 10 years of chronic acne and a 16-month period of burnout—and how he used "food as medicine" to transform his life and his business.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness Transformation
02:32 Personal Journeys and Health Challenges
05:17 The Role of Food in Healing
08:10 Consumer Trends in Health and Nutrition
10:58 Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance
13:39 Navigating Grocery Stores for Healthier Choices
16:15 The Impact of Emotional Well-being on Nutrition
19:23 The Science Behind Food Quality
21:50 Kobu: A New Approach to Probiotics
24:38 Final Thoughts on Health and Nutrition
28:27 The Role of Electrolytes and Natural Hydration
29:31 Nutrition for Athletes: The Importance of Clean Fuel
32:06 Japanese Wisdom in Nutrition and Eating Habits
35:54 Lessons from Okinawa: Community and Simple Diets
38:12 The Impact of Food Choices on Health and Economy
41:50 Investing in Health: The Long-Term Benefits of Nutrition
45:50 Consumer Choices and the Food Industry's Response
48:34 Integrity in Food Choices: A Path to Self-Respect
51:31 Listening to Your Body: The Key to Healthy Eating
52:31 Coping Mechanisms and Health Trends
57:29 Listening to Your Body
01:02:18 Holistic Health and Daily Habits
01:04:11 Gratitude and Mindfulness
01:05:09 Future Endeavors and Community Engagement
George and Mike dive deep into:
The "Why" Behind the Brand: Why passion-led companies (like Goodwin’s Organics and Kōbu) are the most impactful.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why 90% of your serotonin is made in your gut and how that affects your daily confidence.
Navigating the "Grocery Casino": Tips for avoiding "greenwashed" labels and sticking to the nutrient-dense edges of the store.
The Future of Kōbu: George shares the science behind Kōbu's 33 billion probiotics and the mission to "inspire, encourage, and motivate."
Whether you are a CPG founder, a retail professional, or someone looking to optimize your own health, this conversation offers a raw look at how the food we sell—and eat—shapes who we become.
Connect with Mike Schmidt:
Connect with George Goodwin:
Kōbu: enjoykobu.com
LinkedIn: George Goodwin