Adaptogens in a Cup: Exploring the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Harvest Series

What if a single cup of coffee could improve your wellbeing? Discover how Zain Peer and Shez Shaik are making this a reality with their innovative mushroom-based coffees. Today, Rose Claverie interviews the co-founders of London Nootropics, a young brand that makes mushroom-based coffees. Zain and Shez, based in London, share their entrepreneurial journey with us in an episode recorded in Kaplankaya, during the 8th Summit of Harvest. They discuss how they came up with the idea to focus on adaptogens, what adaptogens are, what they are not, and the scientific ways these substances enhance our daily lives. They also talk about their entrepreneurial challenges, efforts, and how they met in school.

Episode Breakdown:

[2:54] - Introduction of the podcast. What are adaptogens? They are like a thermostat in our body. What's the difference between normal coffee and adaptogen coffee?

[7:19] - What is the science behind adaptogens?

[9:00] - What is the legislation around adaptogens?

[10:40] - Are mushroom coffees "magic coffees"?

[13:49] - The story of London Nootropics. Zain shares how he and Shez wanted a natural boost in their coffee before going to the gym and how they met Amanda, an Australian nutritionist who introduced them to adaptogens.

[17:22] - Shez joins the recording in the villa and sits next to Zain.

[19:00] - Shez and Zain share a story about resolving a product delivery issue, showing their dedication to timely service.

[22:10] - Discussing the impact of building a brand together on their friendship.

[24:00] - Defining moments for London Nootropics, including their appearance on the BBC.

[26:00] - Zain and Shez talk about the importance of transparency and ethical sourcing.

[32:00] - Tasting their hydration salts. I chose lemon-lime. This leads into the "Harvest of the Day," a moment of Radical Connection.

Resources:

• Visit the London Nootropics website

Next Episode:

• Join us next time for a conversation with Ben Nemtin about the things you want to do before you die. Stay tuned!

You can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates.

Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series.

Credits:

• Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequences
• Technician in Kaplankaya: Joel Moriasi
• Music by: Chambord
• Artwork by: Davide d'Antonio

Harvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital Partners

Harvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel