How to Optimize Your Brain Health: Using Functional Mushrooms for Focus and Clarity with Patrick Blanchette | E28

From selling insurance to learning how to grow mushrooms, Patrick Blanchette has found purpose in his work.  He is founder of Union City Farms, a gourmet mushroom farm.  After I read an article online where Patrick was quoted in saying, ”I could literally do my entire job without thinking” I knew I had to reach out and have him on the podcast.  We talked about how he found meditation which led him to leaving his career in insurance and finding purpose in growing mushrooms.  Patrick emphasizes the negative impact of processed food and chemicals on our collective consciousness and shares how changing our diet can improve sustainability and well-being. He also delves into the healing properties of psilocybin mushrooms, the importance ignoring negative thoughts, and the expansion of his mushroom shop. In this episode we explore the power of purpose, holistic living, and the positive impact of following one's heart.Bio: Born as a twin, Patrick Blanchette has always been competitive, leading him to a career in sales. He started off selling Kirby vacuum cleaners, which gave him valuable experience in talking to people and learning sales. This led him to explore different sales options, eventually landing him in the insurance industry. While it was fun at first, Blanchette started asking the bigger questions in life like why are we here, and what is our purpose.  That led him to believe selling insurance wasn't his reason for being here.  That's when he quit and started looking for his purpose.  He found it in mushroom farming and opened Union City Farms, a grower of gourmet mushrooms.  ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way📍 Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:34 – From Insurance Industry to Mushroom Farmer01:10 – Early Life, Home Life, and Path to Insurance02:11 – The Challenges and Successes in Insurance Sales03:39 – Why Patrick Left His Insurance Career for Purposeful Living04:31 – Discovering Mindfulness, Meditation, and Spiritual Growth05:26 – Using Meditation for Personal Transformation and Business Growth07:02 – Making the Leap: Transitioning from Career to Farming09:52 – Facing Fears and Embracing Change12:23 – The Power of Alone Time, Meditation, and Following Your Heart16:22 – Why Mushrooms? Choosing a Niche for Sustainable Agriculture20:46 – Building Union City Farm and Exploring Mushroom Varieties25:19 – Lifelong Learning: Reading, Documentaries, and Growth28:01 – Reflections on Education, Learning, and Personal Passion29:44 – What to Expect at Union City Farm’s Storefront31:38 – Farmers Markets, Community, and Future Expansion Plans33:10 – The Health Benefits of Mushrooms and Cooking Inspiration36:51 – Defining Purpose & Spreading Love Through Food38:06 – Psychedelics, Healing, and the Future of Mushrooms40:26 – How to Visit and Connect with Union City Farm41:06 – Closing 💡Key TakeawaysIn this episode you'll learn:How to change your career How to overcome the fear of change How to pursue passion over profitHow to start a sustainable farming business How to benefit health from eating mushroomsHow to intentionally liveHow to know where your food comes fromHow to use meditation to make better decisions   🚀 Start Here If You’re New1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 452. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 483. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39 👥How To ConnectWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comWatch on YouTubeSubstackInstagramLinkedInWTOP MerchFeedback Form WTOP.comBook recommendations Dr. Joe Dispenza - Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New OnePema Chödrön - Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and FearsConnect with Patrick:Follow Patrick on IGFollow Patrick on FBGo to Union City Mushroom Farmhouse