Did you know that before foods make it into our homes, it touches the hands of food scientists who are tasked with ensuring the final product actually aligns with what's on the label?

Have you ever met a food scientist? Well meet Ali Manning.

She is a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur who has taken her love for food and creativity, and has begun transforming her world. Ali took a big bet on herself and founded Umami Food Consulting, which has led her to a Netflix competition show and the SXSW stage. Ali's deep passion for building colorful communities with fresh fruits and vegetables in her home of Memphis has given her inspiration to introduce the world of Food Science at the earliest of ages through "Food Science for Kids."

Ali truly believes that by feeding our bodies with the best foods, we are feeding our minds, and giving our souls the fuel it needs to seize each day as the gift it is.

You can find Ali on Instagram @AliManning_ and her company Umami Food Consulting @umamifcc_fs4kids.

A late birthday episode with Vic, and some of lessons she learned in 33, things she's carrying into 34, and what she's leaving behind.

Creative expression is something we are born with and it exists in many forms. This episode digs into the benefits of using creativity to express feelings, boost mental health outcomes, and help us show up more authentically in the world.

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Lastly, the writing workshop I reference can be found here: Craft & Release