#003: Gabi Lewis on Eating Insects, Convincing Tim Ferriss, and Vegan Preferences

Gabi Lewis is a Scottish entrepreneur and record-holding powerlifter who started making protein bars out of insects with his college roommate Greg Sewitz while studying at Brown University. After graduating, the team founded their company EXO Protein to pursue their mission to introduce insects as an alternative protein source. They succeeded in convincing a Michelin-starred chef and 4-Hour Workweek bestselling author Tim Ferriss to join the team and have become a known protein supplier in the Crossfit and Paleo world. 

 

In this episode of the Flowgrade Show, EXO founder Gabi Lewis will tell us (with a charming Scottish accent) how he and Greg came up with the idea of using crickets, how they made their first batch and how he convinced Tim Ferriss to join EXO’s advisory board. We also talk about working with a the process of farming crickets, the quality of insect protein, why even vegans order their bars and what he learned in his first year being an entrepreneur. As a highlight, he will tell us his favorite drink at the end of the episode.

 

In this episode, we will cover:

• 01:20 - The weather in New York (most interesting topic of the Show)
• 04:00 - Powerlifting and self-made protein bars
• 05:50 - The making of the first cricket flour batch
• 08:52 - The amino acid profile of insect protein and why it is superior to other sources
• 12:00 - Michelin-starred chef Kyle Connaughton joining the team
• 14:56 - How Gabi convinced 4-Hour Workweek bestselling author Tim Ferriss to join the EXO team
• 18:00 - The farming of crickets and the production of cricket flour
• 22:25 - The reasons why vegans love cricket protein
• 26:17 - Gabi’s morning routine
• 28:10 - Growing as a small, boot-strapped company
• 31:20 - The one piece of advice (actually two pieces) he would give his younger self
• 36:55 - The one drink he orders in a bar
• 37:55 - My message to all listeners

 

Enjoy! All show notes, links, and resources from this episode can be found at www.flowgrade.com/show

 

This podcast is brought to you by Flowgrade. With Flowgrade, we offer you a platform for physical and mental performance enhancement. We provide high quality content and effective foods and supplements to help you upgrade your body and mind. Check us out at flowgrade.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter with healthy recipes and cutting-edge content to stay on top.

 

Thank you for listening!