Nourished with Nora
Join me as I sit down with world-renowned experts to explore the truth about food, health, and how to nourish ourselves and our families—one conversation at a time.
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#14: Breaking Restaurant Habits: A Chef’s Blueprint for Change
09/04/2025
#14: Breaking Restaurant Habits: A Chef’s Blueprint for Change
In this episode of Nourished with Nora, Nora sits down with Chef Johanna Hellrigl—mom, restaurateur, and visionary behind Alma, one of the most sustainable restaurants in the country. Recently featured in The New York Times and celebrated for her leadership in rethinking restaurant culture, Johanna is proving that food, health, and planetary wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Together, Nora and Johanna explore: The principles that guide Alma’s mission-driven approach How sustainability and health go hand-in-hand for both guests and restaurant teams Why “question everything” has become a core philosophy for shifting food systems The hidden health risks of plastics and what it takes to change restaurant norms The power of primary foods—community, relationships, joy—alongside what’s on the plate The balancing act of being a chef, entrepreneur, and mom while pushing for systemic change Johanna also shares her passion project with Dr. Manasa Mantravadi: designing stainless steel containers to replace ubiquitous plastic deli containers—bringing real solutions from restaurants into homes and schools. Learn more about Alma: Follow Johanna: @chefjohannaherrigel on Instagram
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#13: Clean Water, Healthy Families: Rorra Founders on Filtration, Wellness, and the Future of Water
08/21/2025
#13: Clean Water, Healthy Families: Rorra Founders on Filtration, Wellness, and the Future of Water
On this episode of Nourished with Nora, I’m joined by Brian Keller and Charlie Carlisle, the co-founders of Rorra, the award-winning water filtration company that’s transforming how families think about water. From stainless steel countertop systems to filtered shower heads, Rorra is helping people drink and bathe in water that’s cleaner, safer, and healthier—without the plastics or compromises of traditional filters. We discuss: - The personal stories that inspired Rorra—from Brian’s daughter’s eczema journey to Charlie’s experience with Denver’s lead water crisis. - Why water quality is as foundational to health as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. - The risks of aging water infrastructure and hidden contaminants like PFAS and microplastics. - How Rorra’s design preserves minerals for taste and health while filtering out what’s harmful. - Stories from families and athletes already experiencing the benefits of Rorra water. - What’s next for Rorra, from new product launches to their long-term vision for public health impact. As a mom and wellness advocate, I’ve tried countless filters—Rorra is the one I trust. 👉 Learn more or try Rorra here:
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#12: Plastic-Free Plates: Dr. Manasa Mantravadi’s Vision for Healthier Kids
08/07/2025
#12: Plastic-Free Plates: Dr. Manasa Mantravadi’s Vision for Healthier Kids
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a pediatrician, CEO, mom of three, and the founder of Ahimsa—an award-winning company making stainless steel dishware for kids. But more than that, she’s on a mission to reform public health, starting with what’s on our plates. In this episode, we dive into: Why the American Academy of Pediatrics warned against plastics How plastic exposure affects hormones, puberty, and long-term health What “culinary medicine” really means—and why it’s the future of healthcare The simple changes families can make to reduce plastic exposure How Ahimsa is changing what kids eat from at home and in schools Why school lunch reform = healthcare reform This is a hopeful, empowering conversation about how we can take small steps in our homes—and big ones in our systems—to raise healthier, happier kids. Resources & Links: Dr. Manasa’s company: Conscious Cafeteria Program: Follow @ahimsahomeusa on Instagram Join the school lunch revolution: Find Nora on Instagram:
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#11: The Hidden Cost of Plastic: What You Need to Know with Dr. Leo Trasande
07/31/2025
#11: The Hidden Cost of Plastic: What You Need to Know with Dr. Leo Trasande
Guest: Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at NYU, leading researcher on the health effects of environmental exposures. Topics Covered: What plastics are really made of—and how they get into our bodies The 16,000 chemicals in plastic (and how little we know about them) Why children are especially vulnerable Diseases linked to plastic exposure: from hormone disruption to heart disease Why only 9% of plastic is recycled The connection between plastic and economic loss ($250B/year in the U.S.) Which types of plastics to avoid: the worst offenders Practical tips for reducing plastic exposure How quickly the body can bounce back The power we have as consumers to drive change How to advocate for smarter plastic policy Brought to you by Rorra Clean, safe, and beautifully designed water filtration. 👉 Get 10% off at Resources Mentioned: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Studies on phthalates, PFAS, and micro/nanoplastics UN Global Plastics Treaty discussions Safe Drinking Water Act Take Action: Swap plastic for stainless steel, glass, or wood in the kitchen Don’t microwave plastic—even if labeled “microwave safe” Use water filtration where appropriate Avoid receipts, black plastics, and synthetic fabrics directly on skin Advocate for plastic regulation at state and national levels
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#10: Chef Andrew Zimmern on Friendship, School Food, and the Joy of Cooking
07/24/2025
#10: Chef Andrew Zimmern on Friendship, School Food, and the Joy of Cooking
In this heart-expanding episode of Nourished with Nora, chef, TV host, and humanitarian Andrew Zimmern opens up about the personal and political power of food. From childhood hunger to mental health to wild game and open-fire cooking, Nora and Andrew dive deep into what it really means to nourish ourselves and our communities. They talk about: - Why school meals are one of the most important public health issues of our time - Andrew’s journey through addiction, recovery, and finding purpose - The power of friendship, real food, and asking for help - Easy ways to get kids confident in the kitchen - His go-to summer meals, bean obsession, and upcoming Blue Food Cookbook Whether you're a parent, foodie, educator, or just looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you fired up and full of hope. Nourished with Nora is brought to you by Rorra, the water filtration company bringing cleaner, safer water to families everywhere. Visit to get 10% off your countertop system or filtered showerhead today.
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#9: Playing Big, Failing Boldly, and Listening Deeply with Meija Jacobs
06/19/2025
#9: Playing Big, Failing Boldly, and Listening Deeply with Meija Jacobs
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Nora sits down with creative leadership coach and former IDEO exec Meija Jacobs to explore what it truly means to play big—especially in the face of change, challenge, and self-doubt. They dive into Meija’s inspiring journey from ballerina to brand strategist to executive coach, and how caregiving for her mother sparked a life-altering pivot. Together, they unpack how to quiet the inner critic, embrace failure as fuel for growth, and lead with presence and intuition. From redesigning the Eat Real brand to redefining executive presence, Meija brings wisdom, warmth, and wildly actionable insight. ✨ Topics include: - The “power pause” and how to dream in the storm - What it really means to play big - Why failure is essential to transformation - Level 3 listening and emotional leadership - Personal branding, team dynamics, and coaching with heart 🎧 Tune in and subscribe! More inspiring guests and transformative conversations are on the way. 🌟 Bonus: Meija is offering Nourished with Nora listeners a complimentary 30-minute coaching jam session! Details in the show notes below. https://calendly.com/meija/nora-pod-30-min-coaching
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#8: Primal Kitchen’s Morgan Zanotti: Scrappy Startups, Motherhood & Clean Eating
06/12/2025
#8: Primal Kitchen’s Morgan Zanotti: Scrappy Startups, Motherhood & Clean Eating
Morgan Zanotti is not your typical startup CEO – she’s a mother of three, a romance novel enthusiast, and the co-founder of Primal Kitchen. In this episode of Nourished with Nora, Morgan shares how she helped build a $200M real-food brand while staying true to herself and prioritizing what matters most. In this warm and insightful conversation, Nora (CEO of Eat Real) and Morgan discuss everything from unconventional self-care (why Morgan swears by romance novels to boost her leadership skills) to scrappy startup strategies. Morgan opens up about balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and doing business differently – including creating a company culture where “work-life balance” isn’t just a buzzword. She also reveals how mission-driven leadership can spark real change, like Primal Kitchen’s $1M pledge to bring healthier meals to schools through Nora’s nonprofit, Eat Real. Whether you’re a budding founder, a wellness enthusiast, or a working parent seeking inspiration, this episode offers an honest, uplifting look at building a business and life you love. Listen now to discover: Unconventional leadership hacks: Why Morgan believes reading romance novels can make hyper-achieving entrepreneurs better leaders (yes, really!). Mompreneur balance: How this mom of three sets boundaries – from limiting work travel to stepping away for a fish funeral – and juggles family life with running a company. Scrappy startup culture: The inside story of co-founding Primal Kitchen – hiring friends over “perfect” resumes, keeping the team fully remote (way before it was cool), and fostering a fun, mission-aligned culture of paleo enthusiasts. Mission over margin: How Morgan and co-founder Mark Sisson “walked the talk” on values, including donating $1M to help Nora’s organization Eat Real bring real food to school cafeterias across the country. Designing life on your terms: Morgan’s approach to avoiding burnout – from structuring her summers in Wisconsin off the grid to embracing rest and play (surf trips included) so she can grind when it counts. Future-forward insights: Morgan’s take on emerging trends – hear how she’s leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT as a 24/7 “therapist” and business assistant, and why she believes technology could transform work and wellness in the years ahead. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to share it with friends, subscribe to Nora’s newsletter for more insights, and follow Nora on social media to stay updated on future episodes and content. Thank you for listening and being part of the Nourished with Nora community!
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#7: What Heart Surgery Taught Dr. Eric Weiss About Living Fully | Nourished with Nora
06/05/2025
#7: What Heart Surgery Taught Dr. Eric Weiss About Living Fully | Nourished with Nora
What does it mean to truly live with purpose—even in the face of life’s biggest challenges? In this heartfelt episode of Nourished with Nora, host Nora LaTorre sits down with Dr. Eric Weiss: one of the top open-heart surgeons in the world, a motivational speaker, and a mindset coach. Together, they explore how life in the operating room has shaped his view of purpose, resilience, and what it means to be truly alive. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:02 Dr. Weiss's Journey to Becoming a Heart Surgeon 04:36 Achievements and Career Highlights 07:39 State of Heart Disease and Prevention 14:09 Leadership in the Operating Room 19:10 The Concept of Clamp Time 22:41 The Pressure of Heart Surgery 23:21 Reflecting Before Surgery 24:39 The Duality of Transplants 26:56 Lessons from the Elderly 27:47 The Benefits of Walking 30:31 Balancing Work and Rest 34:26 Mindset and Prioritization 41:50 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations This isn’t just a conversation about medicine—it’s a blueprint for living fully, loving deeply, and leading with heart. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that nourish your life and leadership journey.
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#6: Unlocking Personal Health with Dr. Deepti Agarwal
05/29/2025
#6: Unlocking Personal Health with Dr. Deepti Agarwal
In this episode of 'Norris with Nora,' host Nora welcomes Dr. Deepti Agarwal, a triple board-certified integrative doctor. They discuss personal health planning, the concept of creating a strategic health plan using data and intuition, and Dr. Agarwal's five D approach to designing health into one's life. Key topics include the importance of daily movement, batching decisions, weekly planning rituals, and having an accountability buddy. They also explore integrative medicine, the role of real food as medicine, and Dr. Agarwal's personal journey in blending conventional and holistic medical practices. The conversation extends to building strong relationships and creating a personal board of directors for holistic growth and support. 00:00 Introduction to Personal Health Planning 00:31 Understanding Personal Health Planning 02:09 Exercise and Movement Strategies 05:52 The Importance of Accountability Buddies 08:16 Five Game-Changing Health Habits 13:36 Real Food as Medicine 16:44 Integrative Medicine Explained 25:26 Building Strong Relationships and Personal Board of Directors 29:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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#5: How to Raise Healthy Kids in a Screen-Saturated World | Dr. Michael Rich
05/22/2025
#5: How to Raise Healthy Kids in a Screen-Saturated World | Dr. Michael Rich
Description: What happens to a child’s brain when they stare at a screen? Why do screens feel irresistible? And how can parents help their kids—and themselves—build healthier digital habits? In this powerful conversation, Nora LaTorre sits down with Dr. Michael Rich, pediatrician, Harvard professor, and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab, to explore how media impacts child development, mental health, and family life. You’ll learn: - Why screens trigger a survival response in the brain - How to rethink “screen time” with 5 simple M’s - What healthy digital mentorship looks like - The surprising science behind sleep and growth - Why boredom is a superpower - The truth about kids, media addiction, and how to reclaim joy Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just a human with a screen, this episode is a must-listen. Please share it with one friend this week who needs to hear it. 📚 Learn more about Dr. Rich’s work: 🎙 Subscribe for more expert conversations to help you nourish your future today. Tags: #digitalwellness #parentingtips #kidsandtech #mentalhealth #screenfree #familylife #childdevelopment #nourishedwithnora #michaelrich
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#4: The Food Industry’s Addiction Playbook
05/15/2025
#4: The Food Industry’s Addiction Playbook
What if ultra-processed foods are the new tobacco? This week on Nourished with Nora, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Gearhardt—one of the top 2% of scientists in the world and the creator of the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Her research reveals something alarming: ultra-processed foods don’t just resemble addictive substances—they are addictive, especially for kids. In this episode, Dr. Gearhardt breaks down: Why ultra-processed foods hijack our brains like cigarettes How food giants used tobacco industry playbooks to target children The surprising truth about how quickly real food can improve mental health What parents and policymakers can do now to protect the next generation You’ll walk away with a new lens on what’s in your grocery cart—and what we can all do to shift the system. Please make time to hear what she has to say—and share this episode with one friend. Listen now and subscribe for more conversations about real food, real change, and a healthier future.
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#3: Cold Plunges, Hot Saunas & Calm Toughness: A Conversation with Ryan Dewey of Plunge
05/08/2025
#3: Cold Plunges, Hot Saunas & Calm Toughness: A Conversation with Ryan Dewey of Plunge
In this energizing episode of Nourished with Nora, host Nora LaTorre sits down with Ryan Dewey, CEO and co-founder of Plunge, to talk about the health trend that’s sweeping the country—cold plunging—and why it’s more than just a wellness fad. Ryan shares the story behind launching Plunge, how cold exposure transformed his daily routine, and why he believes plunging helps build what he calls “calm toughness.” The conversation spans from plunging for mental clarity and immune strength to the rising movement of “social saunas” as a new form of connection and community. Nora and Ryan also explore how Plunge’s mission-driven culture sets it apart. Ryan gives a behind-the-scenes look at his leadership style, the company’s core values, and how giving back—like their early support of Eat Real—has been foundational to their success. Plus: - Plunge tips for beginners (including the surprising power of the head dunk) - Why Ryan prefers high-heat saunas—and designed one you can bike in - The role of wearables and personalized data in the future of wellness - What it means to lead with curiosity (and why he always starts with a question) - The story behind Plunge's marathon team challenge (spoiler: someone's running whether they like it or not) Whether you’re a seasoned plunger, a sauna newbie, or just curious how wellness and leadership intersect, this episode will leave you fired up and maybe a little chillier (in the best way). Mentioned in this episode: Eat Real 🎙️ This is episode 3 of Nourished with Nora — don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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#2: Hidden Sugars, Hidden Risks: Dr. Michael Goran on Formula, Food, and Kids' Health
05/01/2025
#2: Hidden Sugars, Hidden Risks: Dr. Michael Goran on Formula, Food, and Kids' Health
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Michael Goran, author of Sugarproof and leading nutrition researcher, joins Nora to unpack how ultra-processed foods—especially added sugars—are quietly driving serious health issues in children. From the hidden dangers of baby formula made with corn syrup to the link between sugary drinks and cognitive decline, this conversation is packed with insights every parent deserves to hear. Listen now and learn how to sugar-proof your home, your school, and your family’s future.
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#1: The Power of Real Food
04/24/2025
#1: The Power of Real Food
In this premiere episode of Nourished with Nora, host Nora LaTorre sits down with Dr. Robert Lustig—a pediatric neuroendocrinologist, bestselling author, and leading voice in nutrition science. Together, they explore how sugar and ultra-processed foods are fueling a public health crisis, especially in children. Dr. Lustig breaks down: - How to recognize the 262 different names for sugar! - Why sugar is more than just "empty calories"—it's a toxin - How fructose disrupts metabolism, brain development, and gut health The truth about juice, fiber, and so-called healthy snacks - Why most grocery store items are loaded with hidden sugars - The science behind his landmark UCSF study showing how just 10 days without added sugar can transform kids’ health - How to recognize and avoid added or “free” sugars - Simple ways families and individuals can make meaningful change - This conversation is packed with actionable insights and hard-hitting truths for anyone who wants to better understand what’s really in our food—and what we can do about it. Resources mentioned: - - UCSF's 10-Day No Sugar Study - Subscribe for more expert-led conversations about food, health, and raising thriving families.
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Coming Soon: Nourished with Nora
04/22/2025
Coming Soon: Nourished with Nora
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