The Journal

Notes from the coast.

Wellness writing, brand stories, ingredient deep-dives, and dispatches from the climbing and surf communities that shaped Elixir.
Elixir MRE founder Tom Gianelli shaping a surfboard in a Malibu workshop beside a bag of NOURISH plant-based meal replacement, illustrating founder-led craftsmanship and boutique wellness.
Featured · August 9, 2026

Why Are Boutique Brands Better in Wellness? What small companies, founder involvement and buying direct can preserve that scale often cannot

What makes a boutique wellness brand different? From Malibu surfboard shapers to independent nutrition companies, the answer often comes down to founder involvement, craftsmanship, sourcing, reputation—and caring enough to say no to shor...

Read the post →
What Happens When Your Wellness Brand Sells Out?
August 8, 2026

What Happens When Your Wellness Brand Sells Out?

When a boutique wellness brand becomes a mass-market business, the logo may stay the same while sourcing, manufacturing and incentives ch...

Read →
The World Cup Isn’t Broken. America’s Soccer System Is.
July 13, 2026

The World Cup Isn’t Broken. America’s Soccer System Is.

Reddit is questioning why America has millions of youth soccer players, yet continues to underperform on the world stage. The problem isn...

Read →
Elixir MRE founder Tom Gianelli, in an upscale Malibu kitchen with his friends, noticing that they buy AG1 and not Elixir MRE.
July 12, 2026

Why We Trust Million-Dollar Brands Before Our Friends

Reddit users frequently debate why people trust billion-dollar brands over small businesses. This editorial explores social proof, entrep...

Read →
Tom and Laurie Gianelli after he launched Elixir MRE it would become a million dollar company but they didn't know it then.
July 12, 2026

Elixir MRE: Built for People Who Choose Health Over Hype

Across Reddit, thousands of people are asking the same question: Which supplements actually work, and which are just marketing? The Elixi...

Read →
We Keep Looking for Shortcuts Because We’ve Forgotten How the Human Body Actually Works
July 7, 2026

We Keep Looking for Shortcuts Because We’ve Forgotten How the Human Body Actually Works

GLP 1 medications are transforming weight loss, but are they creating a hidden nutrition gap? We explore what Reddit users are experienci...

Read →
Archetypes, Identity, and Why People Don’t Buy Products, They Buy Who They Become
July 6, 2026

Archetypes, Identity, and Why People Don’t Buy Products, They Buy Who They Become

What does Reddit say about brand archetypes? From entrepreneurs to marketers, one theme appears again and again: memorable brands aren't ...

Read →
Tom Gianelli and Laurie sharing coffee in a sunlit Malibu kitchen, illustrating healthy relationships, plant-based nutrition, recovery, and longevity through everyday wellness habits.
June 30, 2026

Couples Who Eat Well, Stay Well How Shared Nutrition Habits Can Improve Health, Longevity, and Everyday Happiness

Healthy habits are easier when you build them together. Learn how shared nutrition, whole-food plant-based eating, and Elixir MRE can sup...

Read →
Tom Gianelli strength training in a Malibu coastal gym overlooking the Pacific Ocean, illustrating muscle recovery after 30, healthy aging, longevity, and functional fitness.
June 30, 2026

Why Recovery Changes After 30: The Longevity Power of Muscle

Recovery changes after 30, but muscle loss isn't inevitable. Discover why strength is one of the greatest predictors of longevity and how...

Read →
Tommy and Laurie walking together on a Malibu beach at sunset, representing healthy relationships, vitality, longevity, and the California wellness lifestyle.
June 30, 2026

The Health Benefits of Sex: Nutrition, Longevity & Wellness

Regular intimacy is associated with benefits ranging from stress reduction and better sleep to cardiovascular and immune health. Learn wh...

Read →
Huel Daily Greens vs Elixir MRE Nourish comparison chart showing hemp protein, serving size, whole-food nutrition, Mylar packaging, fiber content, and meal replacement benefits on a Malibu coastline background."
June 19, 2026

Huel Daily Greens vs Elixir MRE: Which Delivers More Real Nutrition Per Serving?

Huel Daily Greens and Elixir MRE take very different approaches to nutrition. Compare ingredient quality, hemp protein, serving size, pac...

Read →
Illustration showing exercise increasing Tom & Laurie GIanelli Founder of Elixir MRE. BDNF production and supporting neuroplasticity, memory, focus, and long-term brain health..png
June 19, 2026

The First Thing Exercise Builds Isn't Muscle—It's Your Brain

Most people think exercise changes the body first. Science says otherwise. Learn how movement increases BDNF, strengthens neural connecti...

Read →
123Next →