Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Track I: Food - Wellness - Innovation - Ahmanson Hall

Food as Medicine: Food for the Body – Food for the Soul - Food as a Creative Experience

Jeff Witzeman, writer/producer/director, “Cancer Can Be Killed”

Meredith Cochran, coo-founder and CEO, The Osso Good Co.

Julie Ward, Plant–Based Nutritionist, Fresh Food Alchemy

Ryan Rondeno, Legendary Master Chef and Sustainable Cuisine Advocate

Lindsay Kinder, Founder, FOOD LA LA

Dr. Rahi, M.D., Dr. Raheleh Sarbaziha, Moderator

Filmmaker Jeff Witzeman is the writer/producer/director of the controversial documentary “Cancer Can Be Killed” available worldwide on Google Play, iTunes and via DVD. Witzeman was inspired to make the film after his wife Kerry was cured and cancer free after receiving non-traditional treatments in Europe, instead of opting for the often aggressive treatment methods promoted by the U.S. medical community. His latest film titled "Flipping The Script" places the spotlight on children in America affected by cancer and what parents must face when they try to take control of their treatment plans. Previously he worked as an actor, writer and musician. In the 90’s, he starred in such shows as “Frazier,” “Webster” and a Miller Genuine Draft Super Bowl commercial. In 2000, Jeff Witzeman & The Jealous Housewives became the most radio played unsigned band in America.

Lindsay Kinder, Founder, FOOD LA LA: Lindsay quit a 5-year career selling corporate life insurance to pursue a dream of learning to cook in France.  After backpacking solo for six months, working with local farmers exchanging her labor for room and board, and receiving a Cuisine Certificate from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, she arrived in San Francisco. She is the founder and French macaron expert at Food La La where she curates unique macaron-centric experiences for remarkable corporate events:  macaron masterclasses, DIY macaron bedazzling, and flights of savory macarons paired with organic and biodynamic wines.  She has hosted many of the West Coast’s beloved companies and brands, including:  Louis Vuitton, The Fairmont, Williams-Sonoma, Pinterest, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salesforce, Alaska Airlines, Google, Airbnb, and Facebook.  Lindsay believes deeply in the healing power of creativity and leverages food as the perfect blank canvas.  She’s classically trained in French cuisine and relishes teaching others how to make fun, beautiful, delicious, and feel-good food.  She loves fancy (but not fussy) and can’t wait to share some of her secrets!

Ryan Rondeno, Legendary Master Chef and Sustainable Cuisine Advocate: Having cooked for some of the most notable names in the industry--Ashton Kutcher, Diddy, Ben Affleck, Will Smith, Common, Tyrese Gibson, Robert Smith, Xhibit, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Will McGinest, LA Philharmonic, and more--it's no wonder why Chef Ryan Rondeno is taking the shaking up the restaurant industry with his line of cookbooks, spices and rubs, and bringing elegant dishes, bold flavor, and simple technique to the home front. He’s making his lavish recipes available to people across the U.S. as he offers some trade secrets, training through simple technique, tips and tricks, and revealing signature recipes for all ages. With a passion for French, Italian and Regional American Cuisine, his focus remains on local, sustainable cuisine with a strong emphasis on bold flavors—not to mention the love of New Orleans cuisine and fresh California flavors.

Julie Ward, Food Alchemist: Julie helps others transition to health using a new approach to food and "habit hacks" that help her clients overcome obstacles. As the founder of Fresh Food Alchemy, Julie's presentations focus on how foods can boost energy, joy and focus. After overcoming her own depression, mood and digestive issues using plant-based wisdom, she brings 25 years of first-hand experience to the table, helping health educators and clients understand that optimal health is possible, and healthy food can taste great! Julie is a 100% plant-based certified ACE health coach with a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition. She loves creating new ways to make "healthy'' tasty, fun and healing!

Dr. Rahi, M.D., Dr. Raheleh Sarbaziha: Dr. Rahi, a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, completed her post-graduate training program at the University of Southern California and completed her fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. Dr. Rahi completed training in Aesthetics in 2015 at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Esthetic Skin Institute From there, she trained for another two years in mastering the craft of Injectables and Aeshetics. Dubbed the “Anti-Aging Doctor,” Dr. Rahi believes that health and beauty are inextricably linked and comes from within. She remains a foremost expert in the Los Angeles area for Integrative Medicine and Aesthetics and is focused on disease prevention and engaging her clients to participate with her in creating simple plans to change their health and wellness on a daily basis. Her passion lies in ensuring you get the best health care starting from the inside out. Clients come from all around the world to get “Lips by Rahi” or a PDO Threadlift from the “Thread Queen.” Her approach to Aesthetics is always natural and firmly believes in treating-before-filling. As a nutrition and micronutrient specialist, Dr. Rahi's passion for food stems from the core belief that it should nourish the soul. She ensures every patient gets a personalized recommendation for diet, vitamins, and exercise. Dr. Rahi is also currently undergoing Yoga Teacher Training at LMU to learn the ways yoga can aid her patients. Dr. Rahi's goal is to never stop learning and growing. Always one to practice what she preaches, she works hard every day to serve as a model for her patients.