(Replay) How Feedback, Jiu-Jitsu, and Plant-Based Living Changed Everything with Jason Bronstad
Tue Aug 12 2025
What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America?
In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2020 to turning it into a season of health, family growth, and professional alignment, Jason shares the lessons that reshaped his life. They dig into why feedback is a superpower, how family core values can anchor decision-making, and why you should always “turn it around” to check your ingredients. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone hungry for better living, this conversation will fuel your next move.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – A Big Hello + Matt’s Book Drops with a Surprise Offer00:00:45 – Step Into the Eternal Optimist Vibe00:01:42 – Meet Jason Bronstad: CEO, Dad, Game-Changer00:02:17 – From 315 Pounds to Purpose: Jason’s Radical Reset00:05:18 – Tooth Fairy Tales, Peso Jackpots, and Parenting Wins00:07:03 – When Unemployment Opens the Door to a New Mission00:09:58 – Ego on the Mat: Lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu00:13:47 – Why Feedback Might Be Your Greatest Superpower00:24:47 – Counseling, Connection, and a Marriage Reinvented00:25:06 – How Match.com (and a Mother-in-Law!) Made the Match00:26:02 – Hard Truths, Tough Lessons, and Turning Points00:28:12 – Breaking Old Patterns and Sharing the Load at Home00:30:22 – Sponsor Spotlight: Take a Breath & Be Cool, Baby00:31:35 – From Food & Bev to Finding Passion in Pure Quality00:33:23 – Saying “Yes” to MALK Organics and Its Clean-Label Cause00:40:03 – What Your Gut Really Wants: The Case for Natural Ingredients00:41:57 – Building a Family “BRO Code” to Live By00:45:52 – How to Discover the Values That Drive Your Life00:46:51 – Final Nuggets + Where to Find Jason Online00:47:43 – Tournament Glory: Jiu-Jitsu, Grit, and Kids in Your Corner00:49:31 – Wrapping It Up with Gratitude and Optimism
Links And Resources:
Connect on LinkedinConversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful EngagementFront Row DadsMalk OrganicsMalk Organics Instagram Malk Organics Facebook
Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!
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What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America? In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2020 to turning it into a season of health, family growth, and professional alignment, Jason shares the lessons that reshaped his life. They dig into why feedback is a superpower, how family core values can anchor decision-making, and why you should always “turn it around” to check your ingredients. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone hungry for better living, this conversation will fuel your next move. Chapters: 00:00:00 – A Big Hello + Matt’s Book Drops with a Surprise Offer00:00:45 – Step Into the Eternal Optimist Vibe00:01:42 – Meet Jason Bronstad: CEO, Dad, Game-Changer00:02:17 – From 315 Pounds to Purpose: Jason’s Radical Reset00:05:18 – Tooth Fairy Tales, Peso Jackpots, and Parenting Wins00:07:03 – When Unemployment Opens the Door to a New Mission00:09:58 – Ego on the Mat: Lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu00:13:47 – Why Feedback Might Be Your Greatest Superpower00:24:47 – Counseling, Connection, and a Marriage Reinvented00:25:06 – How Match.com (and a Mother-in-Law!) Made the Match00:26:02 – Hard Truths, Tough Lessons, and Turning Points00:28:12 – Breaking Old Patterns and Sharing the Load at Home00:30:22 – Sponsor Spotlight: Take a Breath & Be Cool, Baby00:31:35 – From Food & Bev to Finding Passion in Pure Quality00:33:23 – Saying “Yes” to MALK Organics and Its Clean-Label Cause00:40:03 – What Your Gut Really Wants: The Case for Natural Ingredients00:41:57 – Building a Family “BRO Code” to Live By00:45:52 – How to Discover the Values That Drive Your Life00:46:51 – Final Nuggets + Where to Find Jason Online00:47:43 – Tournament Glory: Jiu-Jitsu, Grit, and Kids in Your Corner00:49:31 – Wrapping It Up with Gratitude and Optimism Links And Resources: Connect on LinkedinConversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful EngagementFront Row DadsMalk OrganicsMalk Organics Instagram Malk Organics Facebook Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!