Finding Balance in the Chaos — Chef Eric Bolyard on Wellness, Culture & Sustainability in Hospitality

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Bolyard — professional chef and managing partner of Compagnie NYC — to explore what it means to thrive in one of the most intense industries in the world. From long hours and high pressure to finding moments of clarity and self-care, Eric shares how he’s learned to set boundaries, lead with intention, and bring spiritual wellness into the heart of hospitality.

We talk about the evolution of chef culture, the importance of sustainability (both environmental and personal), and how Eric is shaping a more thoughtful, innovative kitchen culture — one that empowers his team beyond the walls of the restaurant.

If you're in the hospitality world, passionate about food, or just looking to find more balance in your own high-pressure environment, this episode is packed with real talk, inspiration, and takeaways.

Are you a health or wellness coach? Maybe someone who is looking for a career change, or someone that has even had a transformative experience with cold therapy? Well, you’re in luck. Lauren Schramm and I have partnered to create an Cold Therapy and breathwork certification. https://icecold.club/academy

Timestamps:

• 2:00 – Enjoying food and drink mindfully, avoiding extremes, and letting go of judgment

• 6:00 – Learning to manage priorities in and out of the kitchen

• 14:00 – The chaotic reality of working in hospitality

• 21:00 – Building a positive and sustainable kitchen culture

• 29:00 – Staying inspired to cook on days off

• 35:00 – Falling in love with the culinary world in college

• 42:00 – How the hospitality industry is evolving

• 46:00 – Why self-care is non-negotiable in a fast-paced field

• 49:00 – Cold therapy, breathwork, and the power of grounding practices

• 57:00 – Balancing sustainability with the pressures of the industry

Today, we’re joined by Lauren Schramm, a Global Nike Trainer and Founder of Ice Cold Club, who believes fitness doesn’t have to be complicated to be transformative. Her approach? “It’s not that serious.”

With 15+ years in the fitness industry, Lauren helps people build sustainable routines that prioritize longevity, resilience, and joy. In this episode, we dive into: Choosing an unconventional path, How ice baths transformed her mental health, Overcoming burnout & redefining success, Finding connection through cold therapy & wellness

Are you a health or wellness coach? Maybe someone who is looking for a career change, or someone that has even had a transformative experience with cold therapy? Well, you’re in luck. Lauren and I have partnered to create an Cold Therapy and breathwork certification. https://icecold.club/academy

Lauren Schramm believes fitness doesn’t have to be complicated to be transformative. Her philosophy? IT’S NOT THAT SERIOUS. In a culture flooded with fitness advice and trends, Lauren focuses on helping individuals discover what works best for them and, more importantly, what they can sustain. With a decade and a half of experience in the NYC fitness industry, she is committed to building routines that prioritize longevity, functional movement, and the joy of showing up for yourself consistently.

As the Founder and Head Coach of Ice Cold Club, a Global Nike Trainer, and a Wellness Director, Lauren’s mission is to promote equality and education in fitness, particularly for women. Her certifications span strength training, cold exposure, yoga, sound healing, mobility, and more, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. Whether you’re building strength, improving mobility, or embracing the power of cold exposure, Lauren’s holistic approach ensures fitness feels both accessible and empowering.

Follow Lauren on Instagram: @laurenschrammfit

Learn more about Ice Cold Club: @icecold.club

Episode Overview:

• 2:00 - Choosing an unconventional path at 18
• 7:30 - Lauren’s challenging start in the wellness space
• 14:00 - Pushing herself to the point of burnout
• 16:00 - Realizing money isn’t the only measure of success
• 20:00 - Shifting her mindset away from seeking external validation
• 26:00 - How ice baths transformed her mental health
• 34:00 - Connecting with people through cold therapy
• 40:00 - The different forms of therapy Lauren relies on
• 43:00 - Human design and friendships
• 53:00 - How cold therapy builds resilience in everyday life
• 59:00 - Lauren’s daily wellness non-negotiables
• 1:04:00 - Finding joy in activities without the pressure to excel