In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Federico Fridman, co-founder of Cacao Lab, to explore how plants, fatherhood, and men’s work transformed his relationship with himself and the world around him.
Federico shares how ceremonial cacao went from a personal healing practice to a thriving business built with his sister and rooted in ancestral connection. He opens up about what it means to lead as a man today — one who holds space, embraces softness, and unlearns shame — all while navigating the real-life challenges of entrepreneurship, emotional growth, and fatherhood.
This episode is an honest look at how we break cycles, find purpose, and choose presence — even when life doesn’t go as planned.
Whether you're curious about cacao, evolving as a leader, or simply trying to show up more fully in your life, this conversation is a beautiful starting point.

Join Federico's Men's circle and other mindful events at Kelta here: https://www.kelta.life/events

Support Cacao Lab Here: https://www.instagram.com/cacaolaboratory/ https://cacaolaboratory.com/

And watch our episode with Federico's partner Taylor Lyons here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWk3V0MoAY&t=880s

00:00 – Intro: What ceremonial cacao really is and why it matters
05:20 – Building a business rooted in ancestral respect & family healing
12:00 – From personal ritual to a global cacao brand
17:40 – Men's circles: creating space for honesty, softness & safety
22:00 – How fatherhood shifted everything emotionally & spiritually
30:50 – Burnout, boundaries & showing up as a leader who’s still healing
38:50 – Sobriety, ceremony, and the joy that came after nightlife
46:30 – The moment Federico found out he was becoming a father
52:50 – Identity, roots, and building a life between Argentina & upstate NY
59:00 – Legacy, love, and preparing for what's next
01:10:30 – Final reflections & where to connect with Federico
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