Episode 96: Lifeway Foods CEO & President Julie Smolyansky

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I think you’re going to really enjoy hearing from my inspiring podcast guest. I’m speaking with </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Julie Smolyansky, who is the President and CEO of</span> <a href= "https://lifewaykefir.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lifeway Foods, Inc</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Julie made history when she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm when she took over Lifeway Foods at the age of 27. Since then, Julie has continued the company’s growth trajectory with creative product development and marketing, bringing kefir into the United States mainstream and boosting annual company revenues to over $100 million. Julie is also the author of a beautiful cookbook titled,</span> <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Kefir-Cookbook-Ancient-Healing-Superfood/dp/0062651307/ref=asc_df_0062651307/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312069235624&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13909804341371986398&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013457&hvtargid=pla-464841057094&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=58874700621&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312069235624&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13909804341371986398&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013457&hvtargid=pla-464841057094"> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life and Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World</span></em></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, where she shares over 100 sweet and savory recipes made with kefir.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My conversation with Julie shone a light on so many interesting things, but here are some of my favorites:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The health benefits of kefir are impressive, and they extend beyond gut health. Kefir -- a 2,000 year old probiotic yogurt drink -- supports our mental health as well by suppressing anxiety, stress and depression.</span></li> <li style="font