In this episode, Toni and Jenny sit down with the endlessly inspiring Lauren Chandler - plant‑forward chef educator, social worker, culinary creative, and joyful human being. Lauren’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and wholehearted presence.

From losing her mother at age 12 to traveling the world on a Watson Fellowship, Lauren learned early how food, connection, and noticing the small things can shape a life. Her “kitchen hopping” year abroad became the spark for a 25‑year career teaching people to cook with confidence, creativity, and delight.

Lauren shares how she moved through restaurants, social work, Whole Foods Market, and faculty life at NUNM—always following her heart and always returning to the kitchen. She talks about becoming a “food translator” for patients overwhelmed by nutrition advice, her love of cabbage and lentils, and the magic of simple techniques that make plant‑rich cooking doable for everyone.

We also explore her recent passion project: the Amaranth Institute Symposium, a vibrant, community‑driven celebration of a resilient, climate‑friendly crop. Lauren’s description of “glamoranth camp” is worth the listen alone.

This conversation is full of joy, whimsy, authenticity, and the reminder that small shifts—whether in the kitchen or in life—can create meaningful change!

In this heartwarming episode, Toni and Jenny sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and animal welfare advocate Amr Darwish to explore how one extraordinary dog named Bear transformed his life and sparked a deep commitment to rescue work.

Amr shares his journey from the technology and venture capital world into the world of fostering, rescuing, and advocating for dogs in need. He opens up about the profound bond he shared with Bear, the grief of losing a soul dog, and how that experience inspired his vision for the Bear's Cubs Foundation, a future organization designed to help rescue groups and pet owners afford life-saving veterinary care.

The conversation covers the realities of dog rescue, the importance of fostering, practical ways anyone can help, and the surprising connection between caring for animals and caring for our own mental and physical health. Along the way, Amr introduces us to Brody, reflects on purpose, community, resilience, and reminds us that our capacity to help may be far greater than we realize.

Amr & Toni’s Suggested Rescues:

• Loves Legacy Rescue of Marin
• DPS (Doggy Protective Services) – Silicon Valley
• Love & Second Chances – Northern California

Whether you're an animal lover, a current pet parent, considering fostering, or simply looking for an uplifting conversation about purpose and service, this episode will leave you inspired.

Key Takeaways:

• The life-changing impact of fostering and rescue
• How animals support emotional and physical well-being
• Ways to help rescue organizations beyond financial donations
• Building purpose through service and connection
• Turning grief into meaningful action
• Connect with Amr and his work on Insta @adarwish66

As Amr reminds us, sometimes the smallest act of compassion can save a life—and change your own in the process.

What happens at a PATH retreat? Let’s pull back the curtain…

In this special mini episode, your hosts share an inside look at the upcoming PATH retreat at Campovida in Hopland, California—and more importantly, the heart behind these experiences. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a retreat for me?” or “What actually happens there?”, this episode is your invitation to explore, reflect, and maybe even say yes.

What This Episode Is About

This conversation isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the why behind PATH retreats.

At its core, a PATH retreat is a real-life extension of the podcast:

• Not just food, movement, or self-care
• But the intersection of all of it
• A living, breathing space to pause, reset, reconnect, and REMIND yourself what matters most

The retreat is less about checking boxes and more about creating a menu of experiences—you choose what nourishes you.

What to Expect (and What NOT to Expect)

Let’s demystify it:

What it IS:

• A choose-your-own-adventure weekend
• A blend of:
  • Gentle movement (like yoga or walking the vineyards)
  • Food + cooking experiences rooted in PATH conversations
  • Breathwork, reflection, and workshops
  • Community, connection and meaningful conversation
• A space where you can fully be yourself—no expectations

What it is NOT:

• Not a rigid schedule
• Not a forced participation environment
• Not a one-size-fits-all wellness experience
• Not about perfection (this is a “beautiful mess,” just like the podcast!)

You can participate in everything… or nothing.
You can come energized… or exhausted.
You can give… receive… or both.

The Deeper Invitation

At its heart, this retreat is about the verb “to retreat”:

• Step away from the noise
• Reflect inward
• Reconnect with what you need
• Return to your life with renewed perspective

It’s about creating space to restore, reset, reclaim, reconnect, reMIND yourself.

Even a short intentional pause can shift your perspective in powerful ways.

It’s Okay to Feel Hesitant. Many past attendees felt unsure, nervous, maybe questioning if they’d “fit”. And what happened/// They found their way - They chose what felt right.
They left with greater ease, confidence, and connection.

Sometimes the biggest growth starts by simply walking through the door.

A Glimpse of the Experience
Campovida, Hopland, California
November 13–15
Expect:

• A welcoming Friday evening connection
• A full Saturday of optional experiences and exploration
• A grounding Sunday close

Alcohol is completely optional, even in a winery setting. The focus is always well-being, not pressure.

If something in this episode resonated with you, lean into that feeling.
You don’t have to “have it all figured out.” You don’t have to be ready. Just be willing. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do… is create space to come back to ourselves.

Ready? You can apply here. Need more inspo? See the Magical Campovida