EP 23 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building a Functional Food Brand - Paul Frantellizzi episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 18, 2025 · 39 MIN

EP 23 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building a Functional Food Brand - Paul Frantellizzi

from Leading For Wellness · host Liesl Bernard

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  -----  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:  [email protected]  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  -----  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:  [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

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EP 23 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building a Functional Food Brand - Paul Frantellizzi

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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...

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