On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Chris Mirabile, founder of NOVOS, for an inspiring conversation about the science of longevity, the importance of preventative health, and the journey from personal health crises to building an impactful company in the supplement space. Chris shares his compelling story of surviving a brain tumor at age 16 which launched his lifelong passion for optimizing long-term health, and reveals how that experience shaped his unique view on wellness and aging. The conversation goes into the challenges of building credibility in a noisy market, and the rigorous scientific process (and team) behind NOVOS' approach.

Expect to hear insights on biological aging versus chronological age, the steps NOVOS takes with clinical trials and advisory board selection, strategies for building a mission-driven company, and how to stay authentic amid the wellness industry's hype.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a health enthusiast, or just curious about the future of aging, this episode offers a blend of personal conviction, actionable business advice, and leading-edge science.

Regarding a recent Mayo Clinic endorsement Chris says, "Some of the practitioners, including the head of longevity medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona said, 'I want to recommend this to my patients. I want it readily available at the Mayo Clinic store.' So that, that is something that is really symbolic."

Key themes discussed

• Personal journey inspiring longevity focus
• Evolution of health terminology: Wellness, anti-aging, longevity
• Human psychology, short-term vs. long-term health goals
• Building a respected scientific advisory board
• Competition in the longevity and supplement industry
• Scientific validation and clinical trials for NOVOS
• Measuring and reducing biological age with epigenetic tests

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Personal Health Crisis Sparked a Lifelong Passion: Chris shared how being diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 16 completely reshaped his outlook on health, shifting his priorities from aesthetics and performance to long-term health, disease avoidance, and optimal well-being.

2. The Language of Longevity Matters: Both Pete and Chris discussed the evolution of words used in the industry. Mirabile isn't a fan of "anti-aging," and prefers "longevity," emphasizing a holistic, forward-looking approach to health focusing on long-term outcomes rather than quick fixes.

3. Bridging Science and Supplements with Credibility: Chris described how NOVOS set itself apart by investing years into R&D, building relationships with renowned scientists (like Dr. George Church), and producing clinical trials for their products, standing in contrast to the more hype-driven supplement companies.

4. The Importance of Short-term and Long-term Benefits: A key insight Chris stressed is that compliance is crucial. NOVOS products are formulated to offer both immediate benefits (so users feel a difference) and actual long-term health impacts, supporting both "healthspan" and "lifespan."

5. Biological Age Testing and Results: NOVOS offers an epigenetic biological age test called Novos Age, which Mirabile says is one of the most scientifically grounded tools available. Initial data suggests that consistent use of NOVOS supplements can help users "slow down" or even reduce their biological aging rate.

Resources:

• Chris Mirabile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismirabile
• NOVOS: https://novoslabs.com
• Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
• Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where Pete Moore sits down with Angel Olavarria, founder of Strive mens skincare, and cosmetic chemist from Forest Hills, Queens. Angel reflects on his journey from a career in sales to becoming an entrepreneur in men's skincare. He reflects on the idea that people tend to attribute positive attributes to others who are very attractive, inspired him to dig deeper into self-presentation, which eventually led him down the path of skincare science.

Angel discusses the often confusing (and slightly sometimes sketchy) world of men's skincare, his hands-on approach to developing formulas, and the importance of using the proper amount of evidence-based ingredients. He also opens up about the process behind launching his business, staying true to his principles, and building a brand that values authenticity over flashy marketing tricks.

It doesn't matter if you're interested in men's skincare or not. What is key here are the lessons Angel has learned as he continues to (rapidly!) scale Strive. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or even seasoned business owner and are looking for fresh insights into building a thoughtful and impactful brand, this episode offers a candid look at balancing passion, discipline, and business in today's competitive market.

Key themes discussed

• Journey from sales to skincare entrepreneurship
• The complexity and science behind truly effective skincare
• Importance of authenticity and principles in entrepreneurship
• Product development: Balancing simplicity and efficacy
• Marketing strategies: Digital, SEO, and sampling challenges
• Pricing, margins, and growth without sacrificing values

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.The Power of Skincare for Personal Branding: Angel shared how men's attention to self-care and skincare can enhance the tendency for people to attribute positive qualities to those who appear attractive and well-groomed. This observation sparked his journey into men's skincare and eventually founding Strive.

2. Authenticity in Entrepreneurship: He stressed how he builds his business on strong principles, refusing to compromise quality or add unnecessary complexity to men's routines. He wants Strive to be genuinely useful, not just another product pushed by aggressive marketing.

3. Science-Backed Formulations vs. Marketing Gimmicks: The chat also highlighted the importance of using ingredients with proven efficacy, like niacinamide or retinol, both backed by decades of research. Olavarria pointed out that many competitors focus on trendy but unproven plant extracts, often prioritizing marketing narratives over results.

4. Lean Operations and Smart Growth: Angel explained how he handles most of his business personally, takes advantage of contractors and US-based suppliers, and leverages technology (like AI) to stay nimble. He emphasized starting with fewer SKUs and growing thoughtfully to avoid complexity and inefficiency.

5. Philosophy of Continuous Improvement and Authentic Brand Building: The brand name "Strive" embodies the drive to always work toward something and improve. Angel wants the brand to inspire men to strive, not just for looks, but for personal growth. He also values authentic ambassador relationships, only working with those who genuinely connect to his products.

Resources:

• Angel Olavarria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelolavarriajr
• Strive Skincare: https://www.striveskin.com
• Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
• Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com