In this episode, we sit down with Jess Kravit, founder of Exalted Alchemy, to dive deep into the world of herbalism, natural wellness, entrepreneurship, and energetic healing. Jess breaks down what it really means to be a clinical herbalist in a modern world that’s both disconnected from nature and hungry for authenticity.

From her journey with food-as-medicine and flower essences to the intentional, vibe-rich creation of her skincare, tinctures, and candles, Jess shares how she’s built a business that feels like an extension of self — and how she's learned to separate her identity from her brand. The conversation covers everything from garlic’s antiviral powers to the FDA's impact on herbalists, flower essence therapy, and the real energy behind making something by hand.

00:00 – Intro & Meet Jess
00:01:11 – The Reality of Running a Product-Based Business
00:03:39 – Community & Entrepreneurial Friendships
00:04:58 – Herbalism Origins: From Vegetarianism to Clinical Study
00:07:03 – Toxic Skincare & Ingredient Awareness
00:08:25 – Food Disconnection & the Pharma Parallel
00:10:02 – Taste as Medicine: Why Capsules Aren’t Enough
00:11:34 – Exalted Alchemy Product Overview
00:13:03 – Skincare, Naming Products & Childhood Dreams
00:16:05 – Developing Ritual Products & Specialty Collaborations
00:17:36 – Top Go-To Herbs: Nettles, Elderberry & Garlic
00:20:01 – Garlic Suppositories & Alternative Treatments
00:21:27 – The Legal Limits of Herbalists
00:24:01 – Herbalism Is Ancestral Memory
00:25:21 – Customer Education & Skepticism
00:28:18 – Product Matching for Mental Health
00:31:11 – Flower Essences vs. Herbal Remedies
00:34:10 – Saint John’s Wort & Nerve Support
00:35:38 – Infusing Brand with Personality — and Separating from It
00:38:25 – Vibes, Intention & Energy in Products
00:41:15 – Making Tinctures, Face Oils & Energetic Skincare
00:44:16 – Flower Essences: How They’re Made
00:47:09 – Mental Health & Emotional Healing with Flower Essences
00:54:04 – From Survival to Thriving with Plants
00:58:11 – Live Demo: Grounding Spray Experience
01:00:16 – Candle Rituals & Gemini Moon Energy

#Herbalism, #HerbalMedicine, #NaturalHealing, #HolisticHealth, #PlantMedicine, #EnergeticHealing, #FlowerEssenceTherapy, #FoodAsMedicine, #AlternativeMedicine, #EnergyHealing, #VibrationalHealing, #HealingJourney, #SpiritualWellness, #ConsciousLiving, #RitualsMatter, #HealingVibes, #MentalHealthAwareness, #GroundingPractices, #RestIsProductive, #MindBodySoul, #BurnoutRecovery, #ConsciousBusiness, #SpiritualEntrepreneur, #WellnessBrand, #AuthenticBranding, #CreativeEntrepreneur, #FounderStory, #PodcastInterview, #WellnessPodcast, #HealingPodcast, #YouTubePodcast, #WomenInWellness, #HealingConversations, #HolisticLiving

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"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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In this powerful and unfiltered episode, the hosts sit down with Bryce Eckwall, founder of Q29 Productions, for a deep conversation about the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, healing, and self-worth.

The episode opens with a behind-the-scenes look at how real conversations are sparked—before the mics even turn on. The trio discusses the balance between structure and spontaneity in podcasting and how authenticity builds trust and connection. Bryce shares how podcasting became a gateway to deeper relationships and business opportunities, even calling it "the new business card" for entrepreneurs.

What follows is a raw and inspiring story of transformation. Bryce recounts how a chance encounter with Daymond John of Shark Tank led to one of the most pivotal moments in his creative career. But the story goes far beyond that—it’s about the grind, the waiting, the follow-ups, and the quiet self-belief it takes to break through.

The conversation deepens into themes of sobriety, addiction, and how the obsessive nature that once fueled destructive habits can be redirected into creative success. All three participants open up about their journeys with substance use, routine, anxiety, and overthinking—highlighting the mental toll that high-performance creative work can take.

They explore the line between ego and intention in content creation. Is sharing your story self-promotion or service? How do creators navigate the blurred boundary between personal healing and public storytelling? Bryce speaks candidly about building his personal brand, facing criticism, and realizing that showing up consistently—and imperfectly—is often more valuable than going viral.

As the conversation unfolds, topics range from:

• Mindset, routines, and mental health
• The power of storytelling in branding
• Authenticity vs. clickbait in social media
• Fear of failure in both business and personal relationships
• How content creation becomes therapy

The episode culminates in a powerful exchange on self-worth, vulnerability, and the pressure to be seen. The hosts also share personal reflections—on fatherhood, imposter syndrome, growth, and how podcasting has become a meaningful act of service in their own lives.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creator, or someone navigating your own transformation, this episode is a reminder that behind every success is a story of struggle—and that your story is worth telling.

Big thanks to Bryce ( https://www.instagram.com/brycewallll/ ) for both hosting us and joining us on this episode. Be sure to check out Bryce and the team at Q29 productions at their website:

https://www.q29productions.com/

and their instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/q29video

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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This week we sit down with Steve Strong of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast for a deeply honest conversation about personal transformation. Steve opens up about his experiences with trauma, mental health, and the emotional weight he carried from childhood into adulthood. We explore how stubbornness shaped him, how tabletop role-playing games became a space for healing and connection, and the unexpected lessons found in the restaurant industry and fantasy storytelling alike. It’s a raw, reflective, and ultimately hopeful conversation about becoming the person you needed when you were younger.

0:00 our guest this week is Steve Strong, part of the “Dungeons in the Attic” podcast

3:30 Steves thoughts on the current state of mental health

5:50 Steve’s love for Kid Cudi

10:00 the value of asking yourself and others important questions

12:00 the power of connecting with people through the service industry

17:00 Atlas from Greek mythology and carrying the burdens of others on your shoulders

19:30 “The person I am now is all the things that I was never given as a child”

23:00 the traumatic and isolating events in Steve’s life that forced him to fix himself or kill himself

27:00 lessons in humility and stubbornness

32:00 a transforming compliment from his stepfather

35:00 You can always work a little bit day by day on yourself

36:30 “my thing now is trying to elevate people, not bury them”

43:45 Steve’s origin in the restaurant industry

48:00 getting addicted to being around other people and avoiding loneliness

51:00 Breaking down Dungeons and Dragons and other story based tabletop RPGs

54:00 escaping reality through these games

57:00 describing the cinematic world of “Dungeons in the Attic”

1:06:00 these games are about the journey, not a winner or loser

01:12:00 prioritizing story over rules in a rules-like game

1:19:00 Steve’s council

1:27:00 Be sure to check out

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

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This week, we're joined by actor, improv teacher, and creative soul Connor Bond for a deep, hilarious, and honest conversation about what it really means to navigate life, creativity, and identity. We talk about Connor’s journey through different seasons of growth, from teaching improv to kids to finding purpose beyond traditional career paths. He shares the emotional balancing act of doing work that matters—learning to embrace both the anxiety and the excitement that come with it.

We explore how skills from improv and acting can cross over into everyday life, including the importance of connection, vulnerability, and staying rooted in the present. Connor shares his personal philosophies on the relationship between narrative, game theory, and character building, and how letting go of ego has reshaped his approach to both his craft and his personal growth.

Along the way, we dive into everything from existential philosophy to childhood wonder, discussing authors like Wittgenstein and Kierkegaard, the surprising lessons you learn from babies, and the idea that "everything is a coincidence—and that's okay." Connor also reflects on learning to accept life’s ups and downs without labeling every experience as good or bad, and why finding joy in imperfection might be the real secret to it all.

The episode wraps with a fun, improv-inspired challenge, a hilarious reflection on Connor’s early exposure to Eraserhead, and a heartfelt discussion about the struggle—and beauty—of living authentically in a chaotic world.

Find Connor online here: https://www.connorbondactor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bond_connorbond/

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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This episode is a vulnerable look into the tug-of-war between ambition and self-acceptance. Steve and JP explore the quiet, often overwhelming internal dialogue that comes with trying to grow—physically, mentally, emotionally—while constantly questioning if you're doing enough. From the guilt of taking a day off, to spiraling thoughts about falling behind, to the fear of actually becoming the best version of yourself, this conversation unpacks the complex relationship we have with discipline, identity, and self-worth.

They dig into the concept of imposter syndrome, not just as a label, but as a real emotional experience that colors everything from creative work to personal wellness. There's also an honest discussion about breaking free from the need to control outcomes, and instead learning to live in the gray area—where progress isn’t always visible, but presence is everything.

For anyone who’s ever wrestled with the voice that says you’re not doing enough, or questioned your place in the life you’re building—this one’s for you. It’s a raw reminder that seeking the answers is part of the work.

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Manny Jimenez — a real estate agent, martial artist, and man of deep faith — for an honest conversation about identity, growth, and staying grounded in a world full of noise. Manny opens up about his personal journey, from navigating insecurities in his youth to becoming a disciplined and purpose-driven man rooted in spiritual values.

He shares how his faith has shaped his approach to life and business, the lessons he’s learned through martial arts, and why vulnerability and emotional honesty are essential to true masculinity. We dive into the challenges of staying authentic on social media, letting go of ego, and learning to embrace the hard stuff — because failure is just feedback.

This episode is a reminder that strength doesn’t mean perfection, and that staying rooted in your values — especially faith and family — is the real foundation for becoming who you’re meant to be.

Check out Manny on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mannysellsupstate

1:00 the willingness to be kind despite people thinking it may not be genuine

3:00 Who is Manny Jimenez? And how did he get here?

4:30 the reality and expectations of social media

5:30 God has already made you “enough” and being your best self

6:30 Don’t let material things change what you are rooted in

7:30 The origin of Manny’s Christian faith

10:00 Your faith is more than your belief, it’s about action

12:00 dealing with insecurity and growing into yourself with family dynamics

14:30 the people who shaped Manny to be who he is authentically today

16:30 the bold moment where Manny faced his insecurity as a teenager

19:00 Failure is feedback

20:00 The discipline and vulnerability of martial arts

29:00 Life is simple, but it’s not easy

32:30 life is just the art of becoming who you are

35:00 the importance of men being vulnerable and having conversations about your feelings

39:30 dealing with the stereotype of what it means to be a man and defining that for yourself

45:00 you need people in your life that don’t let you quit

47:00 being a rooted man in your masculine energy

50:00 asking yourself the question “Is this the man I want to be?”

57:00 You have to know the price of the things you want in life

1:00:00 being your authentic self on your career journey

1:07:00 the origin of the name “Who Thought We’d Be Here?”

1:17:00 Gratitude brings me back to baseline, even in a huge victory

1:25:00 Steve reflects on becoming a father soon

1:30:00 Manny reflects on remembering that our parents are humans who make mistakes too

1:38:00 Manny’s council

1:45:00 Will you say yes to the negative thoughts then they pop into your head?

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

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How many days have you lived? We kick off this episode with a little math problem to put time into perspective. Then, we reflect on the journey of this podcast, the variety of guests we have lined up, and the growing pains of figuring out what it means to turn a passion into a business.

The conversation turns deep as we discuss the struggle of trying to figure things out before the answers are even meant to be clear. We talk about the dangerous habit of comparing your journey to someone else’s, letting go of victimhood, and analyzing the role our egos play in how we react to life’s challenges. It’s all about taking ownership of your emotions—whether good or bad—and learning to not take everything so personally.

We also touch on the idea that the past is a trap, and the future is uncertain, so how do we navigate life without getting stuck in either? The discussion leads us into Sahil Bloom’s concept of the five types of wealth—time, social, mental, physical & financial—and how redefining wealth can completely change the way we approach life. Most of us aren’t chasing money; we’re chasing freedom.

From there, we dive into the balance between business and creativity—how do we maintain passion while also keeping our work sustainable? And we ask ourselves the big questions: What should we talk about on the podcast? What are the boundaries? What are the conversations that need to happen, even if they’re uncomfortable?

One of those uncomfortable topics is addiction—specifically, the struggle with pornography, loneliness, and how shame plays a massive role in personal battles. We break down how the person who judges you the most is often yourself, and how self-forgiveness is crucial in moving forward.

The episode closes with a discussion on energy—redirecting it into things that truly matter, finding fulfillment from within rather than external validation, and learning how to break free from distractions and addictions that keep us from our highest potential.

It’s a deep, thought-provoking episode that tackles ego, emotions, personal growth, and what it really means to build a fulfilling life.

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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!