Sharone Hakman on Food as Medicine, Authentic Entrepreneurship & Mindful Cooking

In this episode of The Experts Podcast, Dr. Jenelle Kim sits down with Sharone Hakman, a celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, who may be recognized from MasterChef, Food Network, or National Geographic. Sharone is the founder of the popular food brand Chef Hak’s and co-founder of the wellness line Sunny Within. This is more than a food story. Sharone opens up about growing up in LA, navigating a tough childhood, leaving corporate finance behind, and finding purpose through cooking. He shares why food is about connection, how becoming a parent shifted his priorities, and why authenticity matters more than anything when building a business or a life you love. What you’ll take away: Why cooking can be meditative and healing How to embrace discomfort and uncertainty on the path to growth The power of eating intentionally, locally, and seasonally Behind-the-scenes of launching Chef Hak’s and Sunny Within Lessons in resilience, purpose, and living authentically Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Sharone Hakman: From MasterChef to mindful entrepreneurship 03:30 – Leaving finance behind: Finding purpose through food 07:45 – Growing up in LA: Resilience, family, and love 13:10 – Parenthood as a turning point 17:50 – Embracing discomfort to grow 22:20 – Food as medicine: Intentional and seasonal eating 30:40 – Building Chef Hak’s: Flavor meets purpose 34:00 – Launching Sunny Within: Holistic wellness made simple Links & Resources: 🌿 JBK Wellness Labs 🍽️ Chef Hak’s Products ☀️ Sunny Within Supplements 🎓 Dr. Kim’s Living Meditation Course Connect with Dr. Jenelle Kim: Instagram / TikTok / LinkedIn / Facebook → @drjenellemkim Connect with Sharone Hakman: Instagram → @sharonehakman | chefhaks.com | sunnywithin.com #SharoneHakman #ChefHak’s, #SunnyWithin #MasterChefalumni  #mindfulcooking #foodasmedicine #holisticwellness #entrepreneurship #DrJenelleKim #TheExpertsPodcast #intentionaleating #celebritychefstories #authenticliving #growthmindset