JENNY MAXWELL: Mom of 6, Founder of JAMBAR, Creator of Energy Bars episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 6, 2026 · 49 MIN

JENNY MAXWELL: Mom of 6, Founder of JAMBAR, Creator of Energy Bars

from The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins · host The Mother Runners I Whitney Heins

Send us Fan MailJenny Maxwell founded PowerBar with her husband Brian while she was still in college. As two elite runners, they wanted quick pre-run nutrition that wouldn't upset their stomachs. Eventually, they sold PowerBar to Nestle and also started a family with six kids. When the youngest was an infant, Brian's heart stopped while running and he passed. Jenny's story is one of strength and perseverance. (She ran her first marathon at the age of 13!). She found solace in running and strength in motherhood. She also eventually found a new passion, drums--which eventually led to finding a new energy bar company, JAMBAR. JAMBARs are delicious and so nutritious bars that also are packed with protein. Jenny opens up about:🌀how she carried on after suddenly losing Brian 🌀The beginnings of founding PowerBar🌀the void JAMBAR fills🌀And, her secrets for LONGEVITY in running, as a runner of 45 years,  so much more.PS: I was sent JAMBAR samples but JAMBAR did not sponsor this episode! RESOURCES:Website: jambar.comTHANK YOU, SPONSORS!:💗PREVINEX natural & EFFECTIVE SLEEP supplement. Save 15% with code WHITNEYSLEEP.💗LAGOON SLEEP PERFORMANCE PILLOWS customized & optimized sleep. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 — Introduction and who’s living in the house2:10 — Parenting advice and raising productive kids3:14 — Her first marathon at age 136:10 — Brian’s Olympic marathon background8:55 — How Power Bar began11:02 — Early production and mail-order startup days15:28 — Selling Power Bar to Nestlé17:32 — Brian’s passing and its impact23:37 — Starting drums and music as a new outlet26:05 — The origin of Jam Bar and healthier ingredientsWhitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.www.themotherrunners.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Jenny Maxwell founded PowerBar with her husband Brian while she was still in college. As two elite runners, they wanted quick pre-run nutrition that wouldn't upset their stomachs. Eventually, they sold PowerBar to Nestle and also started a family with six kids. When the youngest was an infant, Brian's heart stopped while running and he passed. Jenny's story is one of strength and perseverance. (She ran her first marathon at the age of 13!). She found solace in run...

NOW PLAYING

JENNY MAXWELL: Mom of 6, Founder of JAMBAR, Creator of Energy Bars

0:00 49:13

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins?

This episode is 49 minutes long.

When was this The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins episode published?

This episode was published on July 6, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Send us Fan MailJenny Maxwell founded PowerBar with her husband Brian while she was still in college. As two elite runners, they wanted quick pre-run nutrition that wouldn't upset their stomachs. Eventually, they sold PowerBar to Nestle and also...

Can I download this The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!