Welcome to The Johnjay Van Es Podcast!

Episodes

What You Think Is Healthy Might Be Hurting You
29
Jan. 23, 2026

What You Think Is Healthy Might Be Hurting You

Forget the shiny wellness trends . This episode with Dr. Daniel Pompa goes straight to the stuff that actually moves the needle. We pull apart hydrogen water hype, plastic-lined cans, and wellness marketing, then build a real plan for heart health that actually works. A preventive cardiologist breaks down the basics that beat biohacks every time: sleep, sunlight, clean food, movement, and stress resilience. You’ll learn what lab markers actually matter, how to track them, and how to improve them...
Regeneration Is the NEW HEALTH HACK Everyone Misses
Jan. 16, 2026

Regeneration Is the NEW HEALTH HACK Everyone Misses

Want the real story on stem cell treatments? Dr. Rafael Gonzalez breaks down what actually works, what is marketing hype, and why the results come from signaling, not new organs. You’ll learn: What culture-expanded umbilical cord lining cells do Why dosing changes by goal, from autoimmune to performance Real patient results, and what to expect The lifestyle habits that make treatments stick If you’re comparing options or just curious about regenerative medicine, this episode gives you clear answ...
Stop Chasing Quick Fixes and Start Training Your Brain!
28
Jan. 9, 2026

Stop Chasing Quick Fixes and Start Training Your Brain!

Pressure doesn’t disappear under the bright lights; it explodes. We chat with the Phoenix Suns’ performance psychiatrist about how players keep their cool, bounce back from injury, and avoid the flashy “quick fixes” that don’t actually work. We break down what really moves the needle: CBT, mindfulness, sleep hacks, confidence drills, and rehab routines that actually stick. Plus, we get into the NBA’s substance rules, ketamine buzz vs real benefits, and why rituals beat hype every time. If you wa...
15-Year-Old Recker Eans Now Pop Star — Here’s How!
27
Jan. 2, 2026

15-Year-Old Recker Eans Now Pop Star — Here’s How!

What happens when a 15-year-old turns raw talent into a real music career without losing himself? We sit down with Recker Eans and his firefighter dad to hear the story from birthday drum kits to a Republic Records deal and a boy band boot camp with choreographers behind Justin Bieber and Janet Jackson. We cover early Disney gigs, intense dance and vocal sessions, and how Wrecker stays true to himself while navigating contracts, stylists, and stage life. Family keeps it grounded—dad’s lessons in...
You Won’t Believe This Teen Went From Intern to President
26
Dec. 26, 2025

You Won’t Believe This Teen Went From Intern to President

She started as a 16-year-old HR intern just trying to pay for acrylic nails. Now she runs Phoenix Raceway. This episode is a full-throttle career story. Growing up in the West Valley, buying a condo at 21, learning money early, and saying yes to an opportunity that felt way bigger than the job description. She breaks down how she learned NASCAR by walking garages, talking to pit crews, and obsessing over ticket sales. We get into the fun stuff, too. Hip hop pre race concerts, Spanish language he...
This Soul Food Is More Than a Meal — It’s a Statement!
25
Dec. 19, 2025

This Soul Food Is More Than a Meal — It’s a Statement!

From a family kitchen to iconic restaurants, Larry “Lolo” White shares how he turned home recipes into Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles and a growing hospitality empire. Hear stories from his record-label days, celebrity encounters, and lessons on staffing, consistency, and running community-driven restaurants that double as destination dining. We also dive into his personal reset—losing 50 pounds, fitness routines, and using health to fuel business and family life. If you love stories of grit, flavor, ...
The Secret Sauce Behind a Pizza Empire with Joseph Ciolli
24
Dec. 12, 2025

The Secret Sauce Behind a Pizza Empire with Joseph Ciolli

Build a global pizza empire without selling out, that’s the story of CEO, Joseph M. Ciolli, behind 50+ Grimaldi's locations and a clean-label sauce brand sold on Amazon, Walmart, and 5,000 stores worldwide. We dive into heritage, franchising internationally, keeping quality over shortcuts, and scaling retail without losing the soul of the brand. He also shares a personal health reset with trigger point work, herbal protocols, and blood-guided decisions that turned a scary resting heart rate into...
Gadgets Can’t Fix Health, But This Can!
23
Dec. 5, 2025

Gadgets Can’t Fix Health, But This Can!

Boost your heart health with simple, science-backed habits that actually work. Preventive cardiologist, Dr. Jack Wolfson, shares how sleep, clean food, movement, stress management, and toxin reduction improve heart function and lower cardiovascular risk. Learn practical tips to track lab markers like hs-CRP, omega-3, and glutathione, plus daily signals that show progress. Say goodbye to wellness fads and focus on strategies that deliver real results. Watch, share, and comment with the one habit ...
The Van Es Couple Reveals the Secret That Keeps Them Solid
22
Nov. 28, 2025

The Van Es Couple Reveals the Secret That Keeps Them Solid

Phones crashed, callers vanished, and even a Disneyland giveaway went sideways— but Johnjay Van Es and his wife, Blake, turned chaos into laughs and real talk. We dive into life at home, rescue dogs, LovePup Family Fest, and the little rituals that keep their marriage and family steady. Listeners push them into honest stories about first impressions, teasing, chores, and the mantra that keeps them going: something wonderful is going to happen today. If you love real couples, real laughs, and hea...
Is Content Overload Killing Real Learning? Let's Find Out with Pardis Mahdavi
21
Nov. 21, 2025

Is Content Overload Killing Real Learning? Let's Find Out with Pardis Mahdavi

We kick off nervous and end up in one of our boldest chats yet. Our guest, Pardis Mahdavi, has stared down traffickers, survived 33 days in detention, and spent 18 hours in a sealed shipping container with 31 women. She breaks down human trafficking, higher education, and resilience with honesty and sharp insight. We dive into meditation, psychedelics for healing, and practical ways to build agency and make better choices. Packed with wild stories, real talk, and life lessons, this episode will ...
Better Questions = Real Trust. Here’s Why!
20
Nov. 14, 2025

Better Questions = Real Trust. Here’s Why!

Chris Tuff went from rock bottom to a life built on better questions, saved asks, and everyday courage. We get into fun, practical tips for actually connecting—why “saving your asks” beats the LinkedIn spam, how a quick video message packs more punch than email, and how to turn small talk into something real. Chris also shares his daily habits that keep him grounded and family routines that help teens survive the chaos. Packed with wild stories, laughs, and easy-to-try ideas, this episode shows ...
Radio Host Turned Wellness Fairy Godmother. Here’s the Story!
19
Nov. 7, 2025

Radio Host Turned Wellness Fairy Godmother. Here’s the Story!

What if half the “food” in your pantry is actually just keeping you tired and craving more? Let's unpack that. From leaving pop radio to starting Culture Apothecary, we share the real-life health wake-up that changed everything, plus the easy swaps that make a difference fast: raw milk, sourdough, beef tallow, and salt that actually has minerals in it. We talk red light, travel hacks, and why not every wellness trend is made for every body. No fluff, just stuff that works. Hit follow, share this...
Would You Hire for Culture Fit Over Credentials?
18
Oct. 31, 2025

Would You Hire for Culture Fit Over Credentials?

What if hiring your next CEO started with a real conversation instead of a job post? Max Hansen, co-founder of Y Scouts, shares how he turned recruiting into a purpose-driven adventure, matching leaders to roles that actually fit who they are, not just what’s on their resume. We get into covert searches, culture fits, and why great leaders don’t need a script. Plus, Max opens up about his own routines, from hiking Camelback to testing cold plunges and chasing adventure with his family. Hit play ...
What Happens When You Challenge Your Body and Mind Daily?
17
Oct. 24, 2025

What Happens When You Challenge Your Body and Mind Daily?

The Foundry: Hot Yoga, Sweat, and Community A tiny hot studio, a stubborn dream, and a community forged in 105 degree. This is how Nicole built The Foundry, a yoga network where people come to sweat, heal, and start over. We dive into first classes that feel impossible, the discipline of the 26 and 2, and the calm that comes when you stay in the room. Nicole shares what keeps students coming back, shorter classes for busy schedules, Pilates for strength and form, and HIIT to complement flexib...
Not Your Average 21-Year-Old: Building Habits, Not Hype
16
Oct. 17, 2025

Not Your Average 21-Year-Old: Building Habits, Not Hype

What do you get when a 21-year-old skips college, gets married young, and starts building a life from pure purpose? A story that’s equal parts guts, growth, and gratitude. We talk about how a move to Molokai shaped everything, how Lifebook turned self-discovery into structure, and how new tools like Lumen help turn big visions into daily habits that stick. It’s a mix of real talk, reflection, and a few laughs about figuring out life as you go. Tune in for inspiration, practical takeaways, and ma...
From Rehab to Rebrands: The Comeback Story You Didn’t Expect
15
Oct. 10, 2025

From Rehab to Rebrands: The Comeback Story You Didn’t Expect

Joe Polish: Recovery, Marketing & the Business of Being Human What if the same principles that heal trauma could also build great businesses? Entrepreneur and recovery advocate Joe Polish shares how connection, not competition, drives both healing and success. He opens up about addiction, shame, and authenticity, then breaks down how ethical marketing works: educate, don’t manipulate. Joe’s ELF filter easy, lucrative, fun, shows how to build trust, design community, and create work that sustains...
What Do You Gain from Thousands of Hikes If Not Fitness?
14
Oct. 3, 2025

What Do You Gain from Thousands of Hikes If Not Fitness?

Restaurateur Craig DeMarco (Postino, Le Grande Orange) has logged 4,600+ hikes up Camelback Mountain, not for fitness, but as a daily meditation that shaped his approach to parenting, partnership, and community. In this episode, Craig shares the rituals that endure slow hikes, mindful practices, optimized sleep, and prevention-focused health, along with insights on marriage, parenting, and creating neighborhood hubs like Air Guitar. From meditation to music memories, it’s a conversation about li...
How Close Are We to Training the Body to Kill Cancer?
13
Sept. 26, 2025

How Close Are We to Training the Body to Kill Cancer?

What if your immune system already knows how to fight cancer, if only it could see it? In this episode, immunotherapy pioneers Dr. Matt Halpert, Dr. Dan Rubin, and Dr. Rafael Gonzalez explain how their breakthrough at Immunoscene “removes the blindfold” from your body’s natural defenses using your own immune cells. They share powerful patient stories, the science behind dendritic cell therapy, and why preserving tumor tissue before conventional treatment could change future options. If you or so...
My Sister’s Job Is Way Cooler Than I Thought
12
Sept. 19, 2025

My Sister’s Job Is Way Cooler Than I Thought

Elvia Van Es Oliva didn’t just “break into” reality TV; she built a whole career out of it. From her very first job as a temp on Rescue 911 to interviewing Steven Spielberg and eventually running shows for Gordon Ramsay’s studio, her story is packed with crazy behind-the-scenes moments and hard-won lessons. Oh, and there’s a love story too; she met her husband while producing a million-dollar reality competition (he lost the prize but got the girl). In this episode, Elvia spills on what it’s rea...
Are We All Just Zombies in Disguise?
11
Sept. 12, 2025

Are We All Just Zombies in Disguise?

What if you’re being zombified right now, by your phone, your gut microbes, or even your dog? Dr. Athena Aktipis, the “Zombie Professor,” breaks down how unseen forces influence our thoughts and behaviors in ways we don’t realize. From smartphone addiction hacks to the surprising science of pets, microbes, and even cancer cells, she shows how playful ideas can unlock serious insights about being human. 👉 Hit play and subscribe for more conversations that make you see the world differently.
The Van Es Family Birthday Special
10
Sept. 5, 2025

The Van Es Family Birthday Special

Family takes the spotlight as JohnJay rings in his birthday with wife Blake and oldest son Jake in a crossover conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, funny, and real. From marriage communication (including why John admits he goes to bed angry) to health experiments like stem cell treatments in Mexico, the trio opens up with surprising honesty. They share insights on parenting, navigating the empty nest phase, and even the little rituals like weekend backgammon that keep their bond strong. Wh...
What If Every Argument Was a Chance to Get Closer?
9
Aug. 29, 2025

What If Every Argument Was a Chance to Get Closer?

What happens when an engineer and a nurse discover their true calling as marriage coaches? Meet Aaron and Jocelyn Freeman, the couple behind a relationship coaching movement that’s helped thousands of partners shift from surviving to thriving. From almost breaking up after a gym date to building a coaching brand with nearly a million followers, their story is full of real-life lessons. They share how their own clashing conflict styles became the foundation for practical tools that couples can ac...
Turning ADHD Struggles Into Stories
8
Aug. 22, 2025

Turning ADHD Struggles Into Stories

What if all the scattered thoughts, half-finished projects, and “doom piles” weren’t flaws but part of how your brain is uniquely wired? ADHD expert and author Meredith gets real about her late diagnosis and how finally understanding her brain turned years of frustration into self-acceptance. She breaks down why ADHD minds think in “spider webs” instead of straight lines, how that can be a struggle in structured settings but a total superpower in creative ones, and why embracing chaos might just...
Behind the Scenes With the Van Es Family
7
Aug. 15, 2025

Behind the Scenes With the Van Es Family

What do you get when a radio show spinoff turns into a no-filter family chat? JohnJay Van Es and his wife Blake sit down with their son Kemp, who takes over the interview chair with listener questions and his own take on growing up as one of three boys. From hilarious “boy mom” moments and fart-joke confessions to heartfelt reflections on marriage, parenting, and family traditions, this episode is part comedy, part life lesson, and 100% real. Pull up a seat at the table and join the conversation...