Good energy is like a secret superpower. You can’t see it—but you feel it. It uplifts, comforts, and lingers long after the moment has passed. I’ve been told I carry that kind of energy—and if you do too, you know it’s not something you turn on, it’s just who you are. But here’s the best part: when two people with good energy meet along life’s path, something special happens. It’s like the universe nods and says… 'Yep, this connection matters.' That’s the vibe of today’s post and podcast. I’d like you to meet Marcus John. He is ‘good energy’. He and I go way back to when he was a young doorman in a building I lived in in Westchester, NY. There was just something special about him fr...
Good energy is like a secret superpower. You can’t see it—but you feel it. It uplifts, comforts, and lingers long after the moment has passed. I’ve been told I carry that kind of energy—and if you do too, you know it’s not something you turn on, it’s just who you are. But here’s the best part: when two people with good energy meet along life’s path, something special happens. It’s like the universe nods and says… 'Yep, this connection matters.' That’s the vibe of today’s post and podcast.
I’d like you to meet Marcus John. He is ‘good energy’. He and I go way back to when he was a young doorman in a building I lived in in Westchester, NY. There was just something special about him from the minute I met him and I loved talking to him and loved that I could always make him laugh.
When life threw me an ovarian cancer curveball back then, I chose Marcus to be my trusted driver to and from my chemo journey in NYC. I knew that he had just the right kind of good energy to help keep my spirits up as I tried to plow through the challenge of staying alive.
We talked a lot about ‘a lot’ on those rides. And he saw me at my worst. The rides started with my own hair attached to my head, then morphed into 'bald me' wearing wigs with names we’d joke about, and culminated with 'swollen me' just trying to hang in and push through. Lucky for me I did. Marcus was a light during my darkest time.
Marcus and I both moved on from that building but stayed in touch over the years. Last week he sent me a birthday text reminding me how much I adored him and his beautiful energy. I quickly threw out a lunch invite and we both immediately made it happen.
Why? Because our connection matters and because it’s important that we all try harder to see people ‘in person’ that matter to us.
We sure had some great laughs at lunch at the Cheesecake Factory which I chose because Marcus is now a ‘vegan’ and the Cheesecake Factory offers spectacular vegan options.
Turns out Marcus is now a wildly creative vegan chef with a heart (and menu) full of love.
From artichoke croquettes to his walnut meat chopped cheese sliders. and his signature ‘Rasta Pasta’, Marcus is on a mission to turn soul food into food for your soul.
His company Beyond Bussin is redefining what vegan food can be—and where it can go next (yes, a food truck is in the works!)
By the way… I learned something new. When the kids say something is “bussin’,” they mean it’s really, really good—especially when it comes to food.
So when Chef Marcus John named his vegan company “Beyond Bussin,” he was saying: This food goes beyond delicious. It’s next level.
“Vegan food can be delicious, nutritious, and comforting—like your favorite comfort food. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice joy to eat well.” – Marcus
And Marcus and I both agree:
"Good energy can’t die. You are the good energy that changes what’s around you."
Where to Find Marcus:
- Sundays: Riverdale Craft Market (260th & Riverdale Ave, Bronx)
- On a Restaurant Menu: ‘Off The Hook’, Yonkers (Rasta Pasta & Artichoke Croquettes)
- IG: @BeyondBussin
- Catering: Available for vegan-friendly events and celebrations
Enjoy this heartwarming and hilarious Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, featuring special guest and star vegan chef Marcus John, founder of Beyond Bussin.
