Whole Foods Market's cofounder and CEO for forty-four years, John Mackey offers an intimate and provocative account of the rise of this iconic company and the personal and spiritual journey that inspired its remarkable impact.
The Whole Story invites listeners on the adventure of building Whole Foods Market: the colorful cast of idealists and foodies who formed the company's DNA, the many breakthroughs and missteps, the camaraderie and the conflict, and the narrowly avoided disasters. Mackey takes us inside some of the most consequential decisions he had to make and honestly shares his regrets looking back.
Beyond the Whole Foods story, Mackey also dives into his:
- Spiritual journey: from Christianity to New Age mysticism, Eastern wisdom, and life-changing awakenings through psychedelics.
- Political and intellectual development: from countercultural co-op dweller to libertarian and Conscious Capitalist.
- Philosophical and ethical awakenings: especially with regard to animal welfare and the tension between his personal values and industry practices.
- Personal passions: most notably, his love of long-distance, ultra-light backpacking on the great trails of our country and planet.