We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Yarbrough and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kate, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I believe balance to be more of a harmonious state of mind– rather than an open spot on your calendar. When you do something you love– whether it be on the side or for your full-time job, the need for “balance” kind of fades away. I’m a full-time student and Green-ish began as an outlet for me. It was almost harder to keep our understanding of navigating the “world of wellness” or the career conversations we already have with entrepreneurs just to ourselves, we wanted to share them to enhance the lives of others. When you have something to share– something to create, there’s no missing equilibrium to desire. I am a big believer that if you want to create something, be with someone, gain competency in a new skill just enough– you will find a way to do it. Priorities and intention are everything. It’s the same way I see prioritizing my friends– I don’t need balance when it comes as joy to me. When you approach everything you do with joy, balance is an illusion, doors open, and everything becomes exciting. There’s an Albert Einstein quote that says “to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” I like to keep moving!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As humorous as it may sound, I learned about the gut microbiome before I learned how to multiply in school. I obtained my health coach certification at the Integrative Institute of Nutrition, where I was trained by over 100 world-class educators who are leading physicians, researchers, doctors, and nutrition experts at the forefront of the health and wellness movement. From working at startups such as SAKARA and Dannijo, and venture capital firms Halogen, The Helm & RTP Global, I developed an acute awareness of the founding and funding that amplifies the missions of the entrepreneurs we feature.
My personal awakening to the mind-body connection caused me to reflect on the importance of what we consume—from extra gratitude for my morning coffee to the energy of the sun in the desert. Likewise, my hope is that this podcast can be empowerment you consume—inspiring action in your own life & feeling like you have best friends to cheer you on, amidst the journey.
Ariana and I met during the UNC Semester in Entrepreneurship, a program for students to gain their entire entrepreneurship minor, while interning for a startup of their choice. We were both energized by female founders who have identified an insufficiency in society, or need for a specific product, and turned their observations into a reality for the betterment of those around them. We also both shared a love for health and wellness. We wanted to have the conversations between us on a larger scale, while bringing in the people that inspired us the most. We both have a “why not?” personality, which is rare to find in a friend, when most people just ask “why would I?” We sat in the blazing sun with Açaí, napkins and pen in hand and didn’t get up until we had it…Green-ish.
Beyond the resume and deeper than the glam insta post, at Green-ish we seek genuine conversations with visionaries to explore the mission that propelled them, the habits that guided them, with reflection on the roots that got them where they are. We see the Green-ish categories of career and health as empowerment to the abundant life you deserve.
We started with a goal list of 120 dream guests..and began reaching out. I was surprised by the hours and hours it takes to write outreach emails and pitch our podcast in order to convince guests to come on. It takes a lot of pitching our value and our unique audience, which skews towards college students and young professionals. We try to explain that we ask questions looking forward to our futures, while most other interviewers are looking back. Now, we have founders of some of our favorite brands and their respective PR firms/agents pitching us on why their client would be a fit for Green-ish. Surreal- to say the least.
Green is the color dominant in the natural. It makes you think of growth. Individuality and sentimentality. It also makes you think of $ — and the foods that nourish us best, think: kale, avocados, celery juice.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
L.A.! I’ll share my favorite type of day, in my favorite place in the world.
Wake up to the So-Cal sunshine. “But first coffee.” No really…Alfred invented this phrase on their notorious coffee cups. They also invented the iced vanilla latte…there is no better one in the world. Grab your Alfred Matcha in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Melrose, Pacific Palisades + more.
Now you’re ready to sweat! There’s a reason why celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Madonna look to Tracy Anderson as their go-to workout–she’s crafted an unparalleled method targeting smaller muscle groups that defines and tones. Combining high intensity dance choreography and mat-based strength work, the classes are the perfect mix of cardio and sculpting. OR head to Body by Simone– you’ll leave feeling like you just left your 21st birthday party— minus the hangover. The Brentwood favorite is like a liberating cardio dance party with your best friends — with routines that are easy to catch onto and a section dedicated to toning. Rest & recover with our episode with Simone HERE.
For lunch, pop in Moon Juice on Sunset! This menu will challenge the middle school spelling bee medal hanging in your room. From Mucana Puriens to Beauty Dust, the coffee additions will have your brain and body buzzing (in the best way possible). Favorites include the Moon Dust Macchiato, The Green Shake & the Strawberry Rose Geranium Bars.
If you’re down for another burn, head to WE-HO next. No trip is complete without getting to the top of Runyon. With three different paths of varied difficulties, it’s perfect for the whole family to see views of downtown L.A. and stunning West Hollywood homes. I like to hike the paved path to the top, and walk down the steeper side that faces downtown.
Time to reward yourself! Head to Pacific Palisades for the shopping destination that never disappoints- we especially love the convenience of a valet. Shop at Zimmerman and Reformation to Alo Yoga and Lauren Conrad’s The Little Market. Then, head to Sweet Laurel (vegan, dairy-free, no refined sugar bakery) for our favorite Lemon Coconut Cake. On your way out, you can listen to our episode with Laurel HERE.
For dinner, head to the Waldorf Astoria. As you exit the hotel’s elevator, be immersed in a sleek social setting 12 stories up. The restaurant is a Jean-Georges (my favorite chef… & as a result, the name of my car). With panoramic views of Downtown L.A. and the Hollywood Hills, lunch and dinner time feel completely different— so two trips to the W.A. in one vacation is not overdoing… my record might shamelessly be six.
What a day— goodnight Shoutout L.A.!!!
Video May 25 2022, 12 04 34 PM
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend — & co-host, Ariana! She is such a radiant example of what it means to live a Green-ish life– living each day with intention and excitement. Right now, she’s in Australia studying community-based interventions with childhood obesity, health economics and sustainability.
Website: https://www.agreenishlife.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateyarbrough/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXMqwhsOIo7kd611T7z2Qw
Other: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateyarbr0ugh/?hl=en Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/green-ish/id1626945611 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HkM4qHytaolIr3UpCLH85?si=912d4ce36c144a2c&nd=1 IHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-green-ish-97687939/