Natural Living Family Podcast

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: Can EOs Be Used for Infertility? Dec 19, 2019

So, let’s talk about how essential oils can be used for infertility.

I’ve had women, desperate for help, ask me about how to use essential oils to increase their odds of conceiving and avoiding miscarriage, and I’m always at a loss for a definitive answer because the research is so quiet in this area. What really confuses people is that if you search “essential oils for infertility” online, you’ll get 2.5 million hits on Google (up from 536,000 at the time I wrote my first book, two ago) linking you to articles that offer all sorts of infertility solutions using essential oils.

Let me be the one to burst the bubble here: Most of the so-called fertility blends and lists of oils you see out there in the blogosphere are nonsense. There is absolutely no scientific evidence suggesting that they really work.

What we do know is that stress, diet, comorbidities (other health issues), prescription drugs, prior use of birth control, and a number of other factors can play a role in the fertility of both partners. We also know that oxidative stress is a leading cause of male infertility and antioxidative supplementation (including essential oils) can produces an improvement in sperm motility (how well the sperm are able to move).

Whatever course you choose, never lose hope. Keep trying different options, and I pray that you find the answer that you’re looking for!

Just do me a favor and keep me posted. I always love to read the “medical miracles” that flow through my inbox telling me how essential oils have changed people’s lives!

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: Skin Healing Serum Dec 12, 2019

So, let’s talk about… Mama Z’s Skin Healing Serum

For decades, Sabrina's dad has battled melanoma on his head and has also recently developed precancerous lesions on his arms and hands.

During his most recent bout with skin cancer, he showed her the cream his doctor prescribed. One of its side effects was cancer! Isn’t that crazy?? I still can’t get over the insanity behind an anti–skin cancer cream prescribed by a medical doctor that can cause cancer in other parts of the body.

Her dad had been applying this cream on his skin for months after having several tumors removed. Unfortunately, this approach didn’t really help at all. In fact, the skin began to scale and resembled a candida infection.

Mama Z asked him if he wanted to be healed and he said, “Of course!” She asked him if he’d be willing to try her favorite DIY anti-aging skin cream and he said yes, but only if he could finish off the prescription stuff he was using. I said, “Fair enough,” and went to work.

She ended up making her dad two varieties of her anti-aging cream for him to try: one with lavender oil only and another with a blend of lavender, tea tree, and frankincense. He used both her cream and the prescription stuff for a short time and ended up using my concoctions alone. From what we can tell, the precancerous lesions were not a sign of a candida infection and they simply disappeared and didn’t progress to melanoma.

Within six weeks, his hands and arms were completely clear, and now he’s a believer in the power of DIY with essential oils!

Praise God!

Giving the Gift of Health This Holiday Season Dec 09, 2019

At Christmastime, people often give gifts that are not-so-healthy and we want to empower you to give the gift of health instead! Just think about it: loads of sugar (tasty treats) and lots of chemicals (smelly body care & perfumes) are just the tip of the iceberg.

This year, join us in starting a NEW tradition and let’s bless the people around us with healthy gifts that will truly be appreciated!

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the best gifting options to fit any budget. Whether it be a DIY gift that you pour your heart into, healthy events that you can do together, or simple gifts like an essential oil, we have you covered. We’ll even tell you how to figure out what to give, and how to put it together super fancy!

We’ll also share lots of recipes and other ideas to bless loved ones and the people with natural gifts that help them share in the abundant life this holiday season.

Join us to get your holiday gifting started!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Diffuser reveal, testimonial time & topic introduction (3:06)
Why give the gift of health? (9:37)
Healthy gift-giving tips and ideas (16:32)
DIY gifts & recipes (25:46)
DIY toothpaste gifts & recipes(33:15)
More DIY gifting tips (37:43)
Gifting single essential oils (49:06)
The gifts of the magi (1:00:21)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:05:25)

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: The Power of Scent and Managing Your Weight Dec 05, 2019

So, let’s talk about how essential oils can help you reach your weight-loss goals. Trust me, it’s not hocus-pocus. There is an entire branch of science that validates why essential oils “work.”

Scent can communicate to your body that it’s time to burn fat. According to one study, “Olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil excites the sympathetic nerve innervating the white adipose [fat] tissue. It [the scent] can also reduce appetite and body weight.” Pretty cool, huh? But let’s go a little deeper.

Inhaling volatile organic compounds has a direct effect not just on your body but also on your brain. That’s because these compounds affect the limbic system of your brain (aka your primal brain) that controls emotions, mood, and memory. This explains why certain scents can be associated with certain memories and can even trigger post-traumatic stress.

Here’s how it works: When you smell a rose, for example, the volatile organic compounds in the rose oil dissolve in the mucous lining on the roof of your nasal cavity and stimulate olfactory receptors. Sensory neurons carry signals from your receptors to your brain’s olfactory bulb, which filters and then processes the input signals of the rose scent. Next, mitral cells carry output signals to the olfactory cortex, which allows you to perceive and recognize the rose scent. This system is amazingly complex, but even more amazing is that it happens within an instant.

The Limbic Brain and Weight Management

What role does the limbic brain play in weight management? In simple terms, the scents of various essential oils impact your brain’s responses. A response to grapefruit oil can decrease your appetite and even stimulate fat breakdown. Orange oil can help alleviate depression, making you less likely to reach for (junk) food to cheer you up. Peppermint oil boosts your energy level by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles, thereby expanding your lung capacity so you can breathe in more oxygen. The result is that your cells burn fat more efficiently.

Holiday Hospitality: Tips from a Professional Host Dec 02, 2019

Showing holiday hospitality, especially at this time of year, is a great way to serve and show your love for others. However, for some of us, hosting holiday events can be intimidating, stressful or downright scary -but it doesn’t need to be!

If you don’t know how to get started, we’re here to help make it easy. In this week’s podcast, we will provide expert tips from Mama Z’s years of experience as a “hospitality pro.” Tune in to learn everything you need to know to host a smooth function, from planning to clean up.

And if you’re attending an event and don’t know what to do, we have tips for you as well. From what to bring to a potluck, to setting the mood when hosting, we have it all covered so you can have a blessed and joyous holiday season with those you love!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic introduction, diffuser reveal, book news & an announcement! (2:28)
Your reviews (7:08)
A system for holiday hospitality (11:01)
Why holiday hospitality is important (20:48)
Advice for those who are uncomfortable hosting (26:32)
What to bring to a potluck & what you get out of hosting (29:13)
How to get things ready for your event (36:30)
Planning recipes & to-go items (42:11)
Making time for prayer and more on potlucks (48:51)
Timing your meal and setting the mood (57:32)
Mama Z’s final holiday hospitality tip (1:03:05)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:05:30)

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: Importance of Carrier Oils Nov 28, 2019

So, let’s talk about Thinking Safety First

Your skin soaks up chemicals like a sponge, so you need to be extremely careful about what you put on it. (The same goes for what you put in your body.) Even though essential oils are bioactive compounds, these highly concentrated ingredients can interact with your skin, possibly causing an allergic response or contact dermatitis (also known as sensitization).

This is not to scare you away from using essential oils. They are actually at the bottom of the list of chemicals that can cause reactions with overexposure. Believe it or not, it is safer to use essential oils than to plunge into a chlorinated swimming pool!

Still, your body is not designed to have these oils slathered on “neat.” Rather, you need to dilute them with what is called a carrier oil.

Trust us, friends don’t let friends use essential oils neat. As a general rule of thumb, you will use three drops of essential oils to each tablespoon of carrier oil in topical applications. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might want to start with half that much essential oils.

Carrier oils are fatty extracts, usually cold-pressed from such sources as almonds, olives, and coconuts, that make an excellent medium to disperse the more concentrated essential oil across your skin. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are nutritive. They also have healing properties of their own, such as being soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Healthy, Happy Holidays (Part 2) Nov 25, 2019

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time of year and tax your health but if you plan ahead, you can manage that stress, stay healthy and still enjoy the holiday.

Our family has spent years learning what to do – and what not to do – so that we can share the joy of the season without ruining our diet or fitness routines, or causing additional stress to our loved ones.

In Part 2 of “Healthy Happy Holidays,” we will share the last 3 of our 5 tips on how to reduce stress in order to enjoy the season. We’ll show you how to keep on track with fitness by working out smarter and adding it to your agenda even if you travel.

We’ll provide practical tips for bringing your own food to holiday events as well as dealing with dining out. And we’ll show you how to focus on what’s really important this season: being truly thankful. Join us we show you how to have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

Episode Highlights:

Topic introduction and diffuser reveal (2:55)
A Thanksgiving prayer for you and your reviews (5:11)
Happy, healthy holiday tip #3: Working out smarter, not harder (8:13)
More tips for staying fit in this holiday season (17:56)
Happy, healthy holiday tip #4: Bring your own food (29:08)
5 Steps for bringing your own food (34:40)
Happy, healthy holiday tip #5: Be truly thankful (44:10)
Mama Z’s bonus natural living tip! (48:22)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (50:20)

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: Importance of Carrier Oils Nov 25, 2019

So, let’s talk about Thinking Safety First

Your skin soaks up chemicals like a sponge, so you need to be extremely careful about what you put on it. (The same goes for what you put in your body.) Even though essential oils are bioactive compounds, these highly concentrated ingredients can interact with your skin, possibly causing an allergic response or contact dermatitis (also known as sensitization).

This is not to scare you away from using essential oils. They are actually at the bottom of the list of chemicals that can cause reactions with overexposure. Believe it or not, it is safer to use essential oils than to plunge into a chlorinated swimming pool!

Still, your body is not designed to have these oils slathered on “neat.” Rather, you need to dilute them with what is called a carrier oil.

Trust us, friends don’t let friends use essential oils neat. As a general rule of thumb, you will use three drops of essential oils to each tablespoon of carrier oil in topical applications. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might want to start with half that much essential oils.

Carrier oils are fatty extracts, usually cold-pressed from such sources as almonds, olives, and coconuts, that make an excellent medium to disperse the more concentrated essential oil across your skin. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are nutritive. They also have healing properties of their own, such as being soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Essential Oils Apothecary Tip: Creating a Morning Ritual Nov 21, 2019

So, let’s talk about creating new daily habits with essential oils

In my first book, The Healing Power of Essential Oils, I devised a variety of different ways that you can create a daily essential oils practice that suits you and your fundamental needs. And today, we’re going to discuss a wonderful morning practice to set yourself up for mental, physical, and spiritual health throughout the day. If you are wondering if you can commit, try it for just one day. I think you’ll love it and want to do it the next day, and the next, and the next, until essential oils are part of every day!

Morning Ritual: Essential Oil Prayer and Spiritual Practice

Nothing can help you focus and get into a spiritual, meditative mindset at the beginning of the day like using essential oils. Making modern-day versions of ancient holy anointing oil recipes can help you find inner peace, calm anxiety, alleviate stress, combat depression, and balance your emotions. You can do this with either a diffuser or a roll-on applicator.

To make a morning meditation blend that will work for you, use those oils that help you reach a mindful state and combine them to create a pleasant aroma—one that you’ll want to use over and over again...

Happy Healthy Holidays, Part 1 Nov 18, 2019

For some of us, the holidays can be a time of extreme stress or unpleasant memories - but it doesn’t have to be that way. You have the power to create your own holiday traditions and make this a time of peace and joy.

Jesus is the reason for this entire holiday season! With this perspective in mind, you can take practical steps to relieve holiday stressors, avoid negative family situations, and even boost your immune system to reduce the likelihood of getting sick.

You can create and enjoy traditions that focus on the people you love and build beautiful memories for your family. Today, we’ll share practical tips on how to do that. We’ll discuss how we overcome difficult family holiday struggles and how we approach the holidays with an attitude of gratitude.

Then, we’ll teach you the first 2 of 5 healthy habits that can help you thrive in the holiday season. Learn what you can do today to break the cycle of stressful holidays and enjoy a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

Episode Highlights:

Topic introduction…you’re in good company! (2:40)
Diffuser reveal and your reviews (8:20)
5 healthy tips to survive the pressure of the holidays (12:56)
Dealing with holiday stress (23:04)
Combat holiday stress by being proactive (33:43)
Tips for making a stressful holiday enjoyable (38:37)
Healthy Habit #1: 7 ways to relieve your stress (48:32)
Healthy Habit #2: Boosting immunity & removing toxins (54:37)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:04:29)

Becoming a Person of Influence & Why It’s So Important! Nov 11, 2019

Anyone can become a person of influence, even if your sphere of influence is small, like family and friends. As Christians, we believe that God mandates us all to be people of influence. But how can begin to impact someone’s life for good?

It starts with recalling the people who have positively impacted you. This can happen in any part of your life: school, sports, work, family, even your favorite authors and famous figures who have made a lasting impression.

Today, Mama Z shares the people in her life who have influenced her the most and helped her shape the person she is today. You’ll hear how their encouragement, inspiration, and support made a lasting impression and enabled her to pay that wisdom forward.

Are you ready to start building your influence for good in this world? Join us today and get inspired!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic introduction (3:18)
Diffuser reveal (8:06)
Reviews and book news (9:17)
People who influenced mama z in school & sports (14:39)
The impact of positive influences (23:39)
The influence of family (28:24)
The influence of a good coach (35:53)
The influence of pageant coaches (43:28)
Influencers in business & faith (53:27)
Influencers in faith & friends (1:03:17)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:16:30)

Hope for Breast Cancer: Interview with Angie Lima Nov 04, 2019

This week, we have a very special podcast: our first interview ever on our show! Up until now, it's just been us hanging out in our basement studio chatting away about our lives and about the things the Lord has put on our hearts.

But this episode, we interviewed Angie Lima, Mama Z's close friend and pageant sister, and the star of the upcoming documentary, Hope For Breast Cancer.

Today’s chat is an inspiration for anyone struggling through a difficult season or a challenging illness. Angie was the picture of health, so she was surprised when the doctors told her that the lump on her breast was cancerous.

When she learned she had breast cancer, knew she had there was only One she could trust to get her through her disease: Jesus Christ.

That was the start of her healing journey. Along the way, she used both traditional and holistic therapies but always remained close to the Lord, trusting His guidance for every treatment. Join us to learn more about Angie’s journey and be encouraged on yours as well!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Intro (1:20)
Testimonial time (3:20)
Intro: Interview with Angie Lima (8:22)
Backstory of Angie and the Zs (14:41)
Angie’s early days in pageantry (18:17)
Pageantry to professional cheerleading (24:30)
How Angie started her healing journey (29:05)
What it was like taking the road less traveled (31:40)
Life before diagnosis: backstory from the beginning (34:45)
It all happened so fast (38:56)
Diagnosis: Going into fight or flight (45:49)
Conquering all odds to receive your victory (48:25)
Were there warning signs for Angie along the way? (52:07)
The impact of hope on your healing journey (1:00:45)
Let your pain serve a purpose (1:04:40)
Life at Hope4Cancer Clinic (1:12:25)
More insight into Angie’s journey (1:16:00)
A moment of prayer (1:25:58)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:30:44)

Hope for Breast Cancer: Lessons Learned & Truths Revealed (Part 2) Oct 28, 2019

In our new documentary, the Hope for Breast Cancer, we walk alongside Angie Lima as she battles breast cancer. During this journey, we learned many valuable insights into the business side of cancer treatments and what patients must do to protect their lives.

During today's episode, we'll share the second and final part of our findings and we'll cover everything from preventative mastectomies, reconstruction complications, implant illness to the power of journaling, the importance of using natural therapies and how to customize a cancer prevention & healing journey

We hope that today’s episode will give you hope and provide important strategies to beat breast cancer one and for all.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

The Hope for Breast Cancer Documentary (1:39)
Intro and diffuser reveal (3:05)
Our thoughts on celebrating Halloween (6:53)
Testimonial time (9:58)
Will you be ministry partners with us? (14:08)
Lessons learned: preventative mastectomies (22:02)
The impacts of mastectomies and implants (28:51)
Is fear driving your decisions? (34:00)
Exploring your options after mastectomy (41:47)
Walking out YOUR healing journey (48:55)
The untapped power of journaling (53:14)
The Ultimate Breast Cancer Bundle – your educational empowerment tool (55:37)
The cancer journey from the caregiver’s perspective (58:01)
Using natural therapies and customizing your healing journey (1:02:05)
Resources for you: Samaritan Ministries and the Hope4Cancer Clinic (1:07:36)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:12:02)

Hope for Breast Cancer: Lessons Learned & Truths Revealed (Part 1) Oct 21, 2019

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. In fact, 1 in 8 women will be affected by it. That’s why we decided to create the documentary, Hope for Breast Cancer, after Mama Z’s good friend, Angie, was diagnosed.

Despite these staggering statistics, we believe that there is hope and healing, not just for breast cancer patients but for women of all ages. You can take steps towards preventing cancer by making smart lifestyle choices starting now.

We also believe that the best way to treat cancer requires a unique approach based on each individual’s body. Treatment should also combine the best that modern medicine and alternative health have to offer. Along with a healthy dose of prayer and support, these choices can make all the difference in managing a cancer diagnosis.

Join us as we take a look at the lessons we’ve learned while creating this film. Documenting Angie’s health crisis has opened our eyes to many truths about cancer and we, along with our producer and editor, Chris, will share those truths.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

The Hope for Cancer Documentary (3:00)
Diffuser reveal (6:08)
Testimonial time (7:27)
Behind the scenes: a videographer’s perspective (9:12)
Bringing a supply of prayer to your situation (17:52)
You’re never alone (17:53)
Stewarding your healing journey (20:32)
Sneak peek: some pearls from hope for breast cancer (23:43)
Mammography or thermography? (26:55)
Lessons learned: cancer prevention (33:42)
Lessons learned: The impact of our bio-burden (36:45)
Don’t believe the hype (42:25)
Have you experienced cancer amnesia? (50:00)
Lessons learned: Handling emotions and emotional blocks (56:16)
The importance of documenting your journey (1:02:10)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:07:00)

Hope for Breast Cancer: The Backstory & Why We Do What We Do Oct 14, 2019

Have you been touched by a cancer diagnosis? Whether it’s you or a loved one, this news is devastating. We have dealt with cancer and loss among our loved ones many times ourselves.

So when Mama Z’s close friend, Angie, was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years back, it touched us to our core. We had already experienced so much heartache relating to cancer – and we’d heard so many stories from you as well - that we had to do something.

With our mustard seed of faith, God paved the way for us to create our new documentary, Hope for Breast Cancer. Today, we’re going to share the backstory on how this film was born into existence, including how Angie came to be at the center of the film.

We want Hope for Breast Cancer to provide optimism and options for people struggling with cancer. And we want to share how God does big things when we are faithful with the little things. Join us to hear this inspiring story!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Intro (1:05)
Hope for Breast Cancer documentary(3:10)
Diffuser reveal (6:55)
News and announcements (7:23)
Testimonial time (13:14)
The backstory of the Hope for Breast Cancer documentary (15:44)
Being personally touched by cancer (21:23)
Care at the Hope4Cancer Treatment Center (25:15)
How many more people can we help? (29:23)
Evolution of a documentary: the story behind the story (35:48)
Finding your why and your purpose (40:42)
The drive for excellence & the heart of a giver (46:30)
Exploring options after a cancer diagnosis (55:35)
With faith the size of a mustard seed (57:52)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:07:00)

Never Lose Hope Oct 07, 2019

Have you ever felt like your situation was hopeless? When God is our Savior we can hold onto hope, but that doesn’t make things smooth sailing.

When circumstances are darkest, we are often tempted to give up hope. But hopelessness comes with a price: It can lead to poor mental health and that can have dangerous consequences.

It’s important to stay hopeful but how do we maintain that outlook when something really bad happens to us or to someone we love?

In today’s podcast, we’re hosting a “class on hope.” We’ll talk about what hope really is, what it looks like, and how to achieve it. We’ll see exactly what the Bible has to say about hope -which will uplift and encourage you.

The Lord wants you to have a life filled with hope but having hope is a choice you have to make for yourself. We’ll provide practical tips to help restore your hope so you can enjoy the abundant life you were meant to live, no matter the circumstances!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

About our Hope For Breast Cancer Documentary (2:52)
Diffuser reveal (9:53)
Announcements and topic intro (10:50)
Testimonial time (15:28)
Trusting the Lord in troubling seasons (20:29)
A class on hope so you never lose hope (27:13)
The benefits of hope (35:06)
Your part in restoring hope (39:49)
Freeing yourself from bad choices – never lose hope (43:11)
Practical tips for restoring hope in your life (53:58)
Help for hopelessness so you never lose hope (56:57)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:05:19)

Prepping for Flu Season Sep 30, 2019

Are you afraid of flu season? You don’t have to be! For 99% of people, the flu poses no fatal harm, but it can be extremely unpleasant and derail your work or obligations. Unless you are severely immune-compromised, you can boost your immune system naturally and avoid potentially harmful measures.

Today, we’re going to share what steps you can take to boost your immunity to help prevent the flu. We’ll detail strategies you can take every day to keep your body healthy enough to safeguard it against viruses and infections.

That said, sometimes stress or overwhelm can weaken our immunity and we get sick-even our family! We’ll tell you exactly what to do – and what NOT to do –if you do get the flu. And Mama Z shares tips on how she gets our kids through the flu.

Instead of walking into this season with a spirit of fear, join us today and enjoy the fall in good health!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (3:11)
Testimonial time (4:45)
Hope for Breast Cancer Documentary (7:50)
Getting ready for flu season (9:02)
Fighting the flu with an essential oil immunity blend(15:11)
Are essential oils effective against resistant strains? (20:35)
Sleep: your immune-boosting secret weapon (25:53)
Exercise and immunity (28:00)
Nutrition and immune function (30:17)
So you got the flu. Now what? (34:36)
What to do if you get the flu (hint: your kids know!) (36:42)
Doctor care vs. at-home care (42:59)
Essential oils to use during flu season (47:27)
The power of a detox bath (51:54)
Handling “flu panic” through the holiday season (58:15)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:01:30)

The THREE Most Important Things in Life: A Year in Review (Part 2) Sep 23, 2019

Welcome to part 2 of The Three Most Important Things in Life: A Year In Review. As we discussed in last week’s podcast, there are 3 things that satan will attack the most: your walk with God, your relationships, and your health.

This week, we are focusing on health. When life is difficult, it’s tempting to abandon healthy living. We may succumb to fast food, skip workouts, or give in to other unhealthy “shortcuts.” But if we do, even temporarily, it will be harder to get back on track. How can you stay healthy in a busy season?

This August, we discovered how truly hectic life could become. In fact, we feel like we lived 5 years in the space of one month! But we stayed on track with all the important things including our health. How did we do it? As Mama Z loves to say, Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance!

This week, we discuss the 7 buckets that are vital for good health and how to improve and move forward in all of those areas as best you can. We’ll share tips on how we kept healthy this summer even on our busiest days. Are you ready to protect your health from getting derailed by busyness, difficulties or the schemes of the enemy? Then join us for today’s podcast!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (3:42)
Reviews – and tell us what you think (8:25)
Our crazy summer & wrapping up relationship tips (20:48)
7 buckets that are vital for good health (22:21)
Natural remedies & the benefits of magnesium (26:42)
Purify your water and air (40:08)
The importance of exercise and sleep (51:13)
Why are we talking about this? (59:27)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (65:43)

The THREE Most Important Things in Life: A Year in Review (Part 1) Sep 16, 2019

It’s critical to know and expect that the enemy of your soul will attack the most important things in your life, especially during hectic or difficult times. In John 16:33, Jesus clearly states that in this world we will have trouble, however, He also says, “But take heart! I have overcome this world.”

Knowing that we can expect these attacks allows us to prepare in advance to weather these challenges with the Lord’s help. In fact, these trials can strengthen us and shape us to live out our purpose in life.

Today we will equip you with practical tips and Bible verses for protecting two of the most important areas of our lives that the enemy will assail: our walk with God and our relationships with others. We’ll teach you what to do – and what to avoid – to stay safe under God’s protection so that you can keep living an abundant life even when you’re under attack.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic Intro (3:09)
What’s in our diffuser, announcements, and reviews (11:03)
Your reviews! (19:30)
Trials are meant to strengthen you (20:56)
Practical ways to put on the armor of God (28:40)
The importance of making time for God & a prayer (38:00)
The importance of our relationship with others (45:57)
The struggles of our flesh (55:11)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (65:34)

Catching Up After a Wonderful Summer Sep 09, 2019

Do you have a big dream that you feel God is calling you to follow? Are you curious about what it took Mama Z to participate in something as challenging as the Mrs. America pageant? Are you wondering what it’s like to follow your heart and still live the abundant life, especially with your family?

Here at Natural Living Family, we’ve been up to a wonderful and hectic summer! So this week, we thought we’d share our experience as Mama Z followed her dream of being a contestant in the 2019 Mrs. America pageant.

Today, we’ll share the process that Mama Z (and our family) went through on the road to Mrs. America. We learned some amazing lessons as we took our family to Las Vegas, including how to navigate allergies/sensitivities and manage mishaps. We even have tips on how we “anchored” ourselves to meet the challenges that grow and stretch us.

We want to encourage you to follow your dreams, especially if you feel led to enter your own state’s “Mrs.” pageant. Learn how we navigated this challenge while living our best life!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic Intro and what’s in our diffuser (3:33)
Announcements & a review (4:55)
Mrs. America Pageant and more upcoming events (9:43)
Lessons from our trip to Las Vegas for Mrs. America (13:47)
How Mama Z navigated food & personal products in Las Vegas (25:46)
Navigating mishaps during the big event (32:33)
Getting calm before the pageant (44:49)
How Mama Z feels accomplishing her dream (55:34)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (64:47)

Power of Words: Death & Life are in the Power of Tongue Sep 02, 2019

The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” We know that people hurt or help us with the power of words, but do you realize that the words you say to yourself have power too? They can be as edifying – or destructive – as the words of a friend or enemy.

Positive thinking starts with removing destructive words in your life: gossip, self-criticism, profanity, deceit, etc. The words of your mouth reveal the state of your heart and may uncover deeper truths.

If you struggle with this, we’re here to help!

Today, we’re discussing the power of words in our lives.

What do you say when things don’t go your way? When “bad” things happen…

How does that impact your mindset and health? We’ll share how to get a grip on your words to produce positivity no matter what is going on in life.

We’ll dive deep into what the Bible reveals about the power of the tongue and how to control it. We’ll talk about how to build up the people in your own life and share how we speak to each other in stressful times to edify our marriage.

Join us today to learn how to unleash the power of words so you can speak life to those around you – and yourself!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic Intro and what’s in our diffuser (1:56)
News and announcements: book and film! (6:17)
What do you say when bad things happen? (9:41)
Biblical truths about your words (15:48)
Do you truly honor the power of your tongue? (20:30)
Using the power of words to edify others – and yourself! (26:01)
Reprogram yourself and your life (33:14)
Testimonial time (36:26)
Being judicious with your confession (38:05)
Do you use your mouth to tear others down? (46:30)
A word of prayer and more on your confession (55:34)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (59:35)

A Day in the Life of the Z’s: How We Get it All Done! Aug 26, 2019

Do you struggle to get things done? Work, family, prayer time – it can be difficult to manage all our responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.

Many of us are also faced with challenges that make it hard to get even the basics done. Sleeplessness, health issues, and more can make us feel inundated and leave us struggling to get things accomplished.

A lot of people ask us how we get everything done. It’s true that life can get really hectic for us, even with help! Just like everyone else, though, we struggled when we first started out. #LearningProcess

Over the years, we have put systems into place and made some non-negotiable priorities that allow us to accomplish what we need to get done.

In this podcast, we’ll share our best tips for prioritizing time, creating our schedule, and getting things done including practical tips for productivity and schedule changes. Today, we’re sharing “A Day in The Life of the Z’s” and how you, too, can be more productive starting today.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic Intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:21)
A day in our lives (2:05)
Diffuser reveal (6:10)
Testimonial time (6:30)
News and announcements: a new documentary (8:02)
Prioritizing your time for fellowship with God (14:43)
Getting things done: Mama Z’s schedule (21:00)
Getting things done: our family schedule (28:12)
Self-care even when you’re busy (30:40)
The secret to productivity (35:53)
Maximizing productivity: what’s your time worth? (40:15)
What drives you to be productive (47:31)
Living your day with purpose (53:23)
The point behind all this planning (58:40)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:04:43)

Getting Up When Life Knocks You Down (Part 2): More Practical Things to Do Aug 19, 2019

Have you ever lashed out at a loved when life gave you bad news? Or found yourself struggling to work your job or business when crisis crops up? When you are feeling badly, do you cope by indulging in things that are bad for you? Getting up when life knocks you down is a skill to master.

When we are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, many of us unintentionally lash out at those we love, struggle with our work, and give in to temptations that are bad for our health. We have frequently faced these issues ourselves. #BeenThereDoneThat

While we cannot avoid crisis coming into our lives, we can take action to reduce the risk of engaging in negative behaviors when things are not going as we had planned.

In this podcast, we’ll discuss practical steps that you can take to handle “crisis management,” including what to do at the moment when you want to overreact. We’ll share strategies you can use to help you ride out challenging times without surrendering your health. And we’ll share what we do when we are faced with overwhelming circumstances in our business or lives.

You’ll learn the benefits of living a fasted, toxic-free life and how to make changes so that you can maintain a healthy life and walk with the Lord. We even share a life-transforming testimonial that may encourage you to move ahead into the abundant life even during difficult times. These practical strategies have served us well through difficult seasons. Listen to learn how!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic Intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:21)
Announcements (4:10)
Testimonials and a prayer for those who need love & support (8:56)
Handling crisis and reaction especially with your children (12:31)
Having crisis management systems in place (19:29)
The role of discipline in crisis prevention (24:30)
Honoring your self-care practices away from home (36:23)
Essential Oils Diet 60-Day challenge life transformation testimonial (44:05)
Living a fasted life unto the Lord (52:19)
Living a toxic-free life, organized life (1:02:59)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:09:30)

Getting Up when Life Knocks You Down (Part 1): Rallying Support, Family Time & Setting a Spiritual Foundation Aug 12, 2019

What do you do when you have a dream you are certain is from God but there are things – or people – blocking your pursuit? Or perhaps you have a dream that you’ve forgotten or abandoned, and God is resurrecting it.

When we are following the desires that God has put in our hearts, we can and, often, will face such opposition. The enemy of our soul does not want us to succeed because when we manifest our dreams with God’s grace, we can impact the world.

That’s why it’s important not to give in when facing these challenges. Instead, we should stay focused on our goals, our walk with the Lord, and on creating a positive environment. We also need the support of a person that can cheer us on and keep us on task. And when our loved ones don’t understand this journey, we need to keep them in prayer as well.

In this podcast, we share how we have stayed focused on the goals that God has set for us while dealing with obstacles like distraction, doubt, and negativity. We’ll share some of these challenges and practical ways to overcome them. We’ll discuss creating a positive and supportive atmosphere. Finally, we’ll end with a word of prayer for all of our listeners who are following their dreams!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

The build-up to today’s topic and what’s in our diffuser (2:01)
Mama Z’s upcoming gardening class & topic intro (9:08)
How to get up when life knocks you down – Rallying Support and more…(14:05)
Testimonials (17:23)
Pressing into the Lord when life happens (19:56)
Setting the spiritual foundation (25:39)
How to operate in faith IN THE MOMENT of despair (31:13)
How do you get a “God perspective” on your challenges?(38:59)
How to set yourself up for happiness (47:56)
The power of fasting (55:12)
Find a release & the power of gardening (57:42)
Rallying Support – Spend time with loved ones (1:03:46)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:05:45)

Detoxing Your Emotions (Part 2): Faith, Retreats, Removing Distractions Aug 05, 2019

It’s been shown that ongoing negative emotions, such as anger, bitterness, or discouragement, can increase your risk of getting a serious disease or lead to depression. In part one we explored the first steps of detoxing your emotions. This episode explores how faith, retreats and removing distractions can help tame negative emotions.

Instead of changing your products or diet, emotional detox requires you to take internal action to help yourself to the life that God wants you to have. Don’t be sidetracked by naysayers who believe that suffering financially, medically, or in other ways is “spiritual.”

We may go through a season of difficulty but God wants us to be joyful, healthy, and prosperous. It’s not God’s will for you to be depressed, anxious, or chronically stressed. There is a way out!

In Episode 28, we covered the first 7 steps in our 12-Step Emotional Detox program. Today, we’ll cover Steps 8-12 and show you exactly what do to next. These tips can help you on your way towards a healthy, joyful, and abundant life!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:06)
Testimonials and reviews (5:08)
News & announcements (7:19)
Detox Emotions: Step 8 – have faith (9:34)
Does God really want you to be well? (17:31)
Do you really take God at His Word? (28:05)
Detox Emotions: Step 9 – find a retreat (31:15)
Mama Z’s self-care detox hacks (35:03)
Dr. Z’s self-care detox hacks (39:15)
Detox Emotions: Step 10 – remove distractions (41:49)
Detox Emotions: Step 11 – ditch social media (46:33)
Detox Emotions: Step 12 – pamper yourself (48:11)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (51:13)

Detoxing Your Emotions (Part 1): Forgiveness, Crying and Letting Go Jul 29, 2019

Most of us are familiar with the concept of detoxing our food, water, personal products, and so on. But did you know that it’s just as important to detox your emotions in order to prevent disease? Detoxing your emotions by learning to forgive and feel can be key.

In fact, research supports this idea. Dr. Karen Schwartz, MD, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins, found that ongoing emotional states can weaken your immune system. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, depression, heart disease, and other diseases.

Emotional struggles and stress have also been linked by research to obesity, cancer, fibromyalgia, pain, and more. It’s time to get rid of those negative emotions!

But how do we detox our emotions? In this episode, we’ll discuss 7 specific steps that you can take. We’ll share how we’ve implemented these and give you practical tips on how to achieve each one of these steps.

Get on the road to better mental and physical health with an emotional detox today!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (1:55)
Testimonials and reviews (5:35)
Some people just shouldn’t Internet! (8:50)
Behind the scenes: life after Mrs. Georgia and emotional detox (14:35)
The Essential Oils Diet: excerpts and stories (20:21)
12-step emotional detox program: Step 1 – let go (26:33)
How to handle it when you want to lash out (33:46)
Can unforgiveness manifest as disease in your body? (37:36)
Emotional Detox: Step 2 – forgive yourself (39:00)
More about self-forgiveness (42:55)
Emotional Detox: Step 3 – practice self-love (49:30)
Emotional Detox: Step 4 – positive affirmations (56:02)
Why feeling numb is dangerous (1:00:07)
Emotional Detox: Step 5 – don’t look back (1:02:39)
Emotional Detox: Step 6 – have a good cry by yourself (1:06:23)
Emotional Detox: Step 7 – have a good cry with a friend (1:09:39)
Steps 1-7 recap (1:13:44)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:14:40)

Pursuing Your Dreams when Facing Opposition Jul 22, 2019

What do you do when you have a dream you are certain is from God but there are things – or people - blocking your pursuit? Or perhaps you have a dream that you’ve forgotten or abandoned, and God is resurrecting it.

Either way, when we are following the desires that God has put in our hearts, we can and, often, will face such opposition. The enemy of our soul does not want us to succeed because when we manifest our dreams with God’s grace, we can impact the world.

That’s why it’s important not to give in when facing these challenges. Instead, we should stay focused on our goals, our walk with the Lord, and on creating a positive environment. We also need the support of a person that can cheer us on and keep us on task. And when our loved ones don’t understand this journey, we need to keep them in prayer as well.

In this podcast, we share how we have stayed focused on the goals that God has set for us while dealing with obstacles like distraction, doubt, and negativity. We’ll share some of these challenges and practical ways to overcome them. We’ll discuss creating a positive and supportive atmosphere. Finally, we’ll end with a word of prayer for all of our listeners who are following their dreams!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:15)
Testimonial time (5:00)
Guarding your attention to achieve your goals (6:13)
Are distractions hindering you? (14:40)
Spiritual maturity and pursuing your dreams (19:01)
Allowing time and space for transformation: Mama Z’s story (26:35)
Are jealousy and fear coloring your perspective? (32:28)
Surround yourself with supportive people (37:35)
How to conduct yourself in the face of opposition (44:29)
Mama Z addresses wearing a swimsuit at the pageant (54:32)
Pageants as a ministry platform (59:03)
A word of prayer and episode wrap (1:05:14)

Detoxing Your Home and Life (Part 2): Bathroom, Laundry and Garden Jul 15, 2019

Why are we focusing so much on detoxing your bathroom, laundry and garden in this week’s episode? You may not realize it, but many of the popular brands that you use in your laundry, bathroom, and garden are exposing your family to toxic chemicals.

If someone in your home has an unexplained rash, allergic reaction, or even more serious health issue, these products may be at the root of the cause. Today’s episode on detoxing your bathroom and other rooms of your home can help.

There are safe and effective products for your laundry, for example. The common myth is that nontoxic products are too expensive but a little comparison shopping will show you that healthier versions only cost a little bit more in many cases.

And, you can save even more money with simple DIY recipes and by replacing harmful synthetic fragrances with essential oils. In fact, our natural living tip shows you how to make detergent for $20 for up to 150 loads of laundry!

In this episode, we’ll provide tips on affordable and manageable ways to detoxing your bathroom as well. We’ll talk about why you should avoid some of these popular brands and how to take your home detox step by step. We even share some great recipes for body care and garden.

Remember, this is all about being healthy and honoring God with your bodies. We want to be strong enough to age gracefully. Join us today and learn how a home detox can help you with healthy living!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:11)
Announcements: what’s ahead for Natural Living Family (4:10)
The year of Mama Z’s: her new classes and projects (6:11)
Are you feeling stagnant? (12:11)
Testimonial and new all-access membership (14:32)
How to detox your laundry (17:08)
What’s wrong with conventional laundry products? (28:28)
Detoxing your bathroom products (38:49)
Affordable nontoxic personal care products (46:01)
Chemicals and women’s health (50:47)
How we find and vet products (53:47)
Detoxing your garden (57:08)
Skin allergy essential oil blend (1:06:16)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:08:41)

Detoxing Your Home and Life (Part 1): Kitchen and Pantry Jul 08, 2019

Today’s show is all about detoxing your home and your life…starting with your heart. #DetoxHomeAndHeart

Many Christians embrace Western medicine but question if natural remedies are in-line with Biblical living. What’s the truth? We discuss how we live a natural life God’s way. We talk about educating people on this topic to clear up the confusion. We also discuss how Mama Z’s participation in beauty pageants helps her achieve a well-balanced life.

After sharing some exciting announcements, we’ll get into detox in depth. Sin is a toxin and that one of the most important ways to detox your life is to get right with the Lord. He can direct your steps to a clean and healthy mind, body and soul! We will share what you can do RIGHT NOW to change this. 🙂

So now, where do you begin? We’ll take the confusion out with some practical, easy steps to detox your kitchen and pantry. We’ll also discuss the question of whether or not plastic is safe to use and what we do in our home.

And you don’t want to miss today’s natural living tip – an easy recipe for safehand sanitizer! Join us today to get started detoxing your home.

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser & praying for our leaders & pastors (2:09)
The truth about natural remedies, pharmaceuticals, and Christianity (6:43)
Creating a positive environment in natural living (11:21)
We’re appearing at the Michigan Lavender Festival (15:28)
Announcements: All-access membership to everything we do is in development now – and our own show! (17:08)
An invitation to Christ and a truly detoxed life (23:34)
Getting rooted and fueled with Holy Spirit power gives you what you need (29:00)
Start detoxing your home – How to detox your kitchen and pantry (34:42)
Our nontoxic home makeover, the question of plastic and using totes (41:20)
The Essential Oils Diet book: your home detox survival guide (49:01)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (55:29)

Raising Healthy Kids That Love Natural Living Jul 01, 2019

In this episode, we’re talking all about how to raise children that love natural living. Raising healthy kids in a world that regularly gives out sugar as a reward can be challenging but that doesn’t make it any less important.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by this topic. In this podcast, we’ll break down exactly what we do that has helped our children choose healthy habits.

Kids see everything we do, which is why we make sure to include our children into all aspects of our lives.

In fact, actively pursuing our own dreams with God’s leading has matured our children. For example, we involve our kids with Mama Z’s pageants!

Over the years, this has helped them learn to value hard work, perseverance, and good sportsmanship – which is badly needed in today’s society.

Even without such an exciting event, it’s important to do routine daily tasks with our kids too. Everyday things like gardening, cooking, and cleaning can be as important to do together as creating our own natural living traditions for special events, like vacations and holidays.

We share strategies on how we reward our kids for living the natural lifestyle in ways that speak to them and allow them to participate in community activities. We don’t let them cheat with junk food but proactively find ways that encourage our kids to be responsible for their own health.

And we are honest about the reasons for that when they ask difficult questions about it. #HonestyMatters

We want our children to enjoy life. When we work hard, play hard, and honor God around and with our kids, we teach them to live life abundantly!

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser & praying for our leaders & pastors (2:20)
Your testimonial and reviews (5:15)
Our special announcement - persistence pays off! Thanks to our team. (8:36)
Modeling values for your children (20:39)
Raising kids who love natural living (27:43)
Strategies to raise natural living kids – and gluten-free apple pancakes! (33:33)
Let kids participate in activities but leave out junk food (45:50)
Answering their questions about healthy living (52:20)
Work hard, play hard and honor God as a family (55:16)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (59:52)

Raising Grateful Hardworking Godly Kids Jun 24, 2019

If you want to raise kids that are grateful, hardworking, and Godly, you’ll need to master the art of disciplining them – and that’s the topic of this podcast.

Mama Z and Dr. Z discuss the benefits of discipline and share tips on what age to start, what kind of discipline is age-appropriate, and how to enforce it.

We’ll talk about spanking, including do’s and don’t’s, and what would be considered abuse. We’ll briefly touch on potty training as it relates to discipline and then we’ll share more tips for incorporating structure into your parenting. And we’ll talk about what to do after the discipline has been meted out.

We’ll show you how to combat laziness your children with chores and discuss how that teaches kids to be grateful. Finally, we’ll talk about how to share your faith with your kids. And all of it has real-life examples from our years of raising our 4 children!

Join us to learn tips that can aid you in the most important job you have: being a parent!

Episode Highlights:

Today’s topic intro, what’s in our diffuser & your reviews! (2:15)
Special announcements and events (6:45)
Listeners reviews & being real with your life and faith (10:02)
Disciplining children: time outs, spanking, and more (16:50)
Discipline strategies for different ages (24:14)
What to do after you’ve disciplined your child (28:30)
Potty training (33:22)
Disciplining your children for their good (35:20)
Incorporating structure into your parenting (38:52)
Combating laziness, and cultivating gratitude & faith in your kids (44:14)
Raising children with a legacy of faith (51:51)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (61:40)

Gifts, Talents, and Your God-Given Purpose Jun 17, 2019

Living a life worth living is one that is full of God-given purpose and pursuing your passions. This is why having a relationship with Christ so important in order to find the guidance that you're looking for as you chase your dreams.

Sadly, far too many people never really "tap into" their destiny and suffer through an unfulfilling life that doesn't make an impact on bettering the world This week, we tackle this life-transforming topic and will talk about the personality and gifting “tests” that people take and how they don’t really help with getting to your core purpose – and what does help.

Mama Z shares her story about becoming a worship team singer, illustrating how following God’s lead can bring skill and talent. Dr. Z talks about how he overcame a chronic speech impediment to show you how a so-called "natural weakness" can actually be a sign of a Godly gift that can found deep within.

Throughout, we’ll share practical tips and steps that you can take right now to discover your gifts, uncover your passions, and start pursuing your God-given purpose! Join us.

Episode Highlights:

Today’s topic intro, what’s in our diffuser & your reviews! (1:55)
Listen, learn, research and apply: Mama Z’s story (6:17)
How do I find my purpose? (14:08)
Keys to uncovering your gifts (23:38)
Believing God for your purpose (28:09)
Put deeds to your faith to see what happens (35:38)
Tips to fortify and nurture your talents (41:46)
Are you open and flexible to God’s purposes in your life? (48:10)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (55:17)

How to Thrive in Survival Mode Jun 10, 2019

Today we talk about how to thrive when you’re in “survival mode.” We’ll discuss what it is and how to manage it.

We learned firsthand about survival mode when we jumped out of our secure jobs to follow our passions. In fact, we didn’t know how difficult it would be. In addition to our new financial situation and a baby on the way, life threw plenty of curve balls at us and we found ourselves in “survival mode.”

It’s important to remember that this mode only lasts a season – but it can be a long one. Learn what we did to move past just surviving and eventually thrive during this period.

We’ll share practical tips on how to thrive in this period and even what to do when it’s over. If you’re in survival mode right now, this podcast will encourage you!

Episode Highlights:

Today’s topic intro & what’s in our diffuser (2:04)
Testimonials (5:10)
Upcoming Natural Living Family classes & offerings, and the blessing of gifts (6:41)
From pursuing security to pursuing passion (10:50)
Seeking after something God has put on your heart (14:55)
Financial troubles and entering survival mode (18:55)
Our survival mode story: things kept piling up (23:27)
What does your survival story look like? (30:15)
Practical ways to thrive in survival mode (35:14)
Take time to enjoy special moments (47:16)
The power of gratitude (54:15)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (57:13)

Keeping First Things First Jun 03, 2019

In today’s busy world, it can be challenging to manage what really matters in life. This week, we will show you how to prioritize the most important things in your life: God and family.

We will share real-life tips to help you keep God first in every area of your life and how we manage it, even though we’re not perfect! We’ll teach you how to make sure that you are not too “BUSY” to find time for God, family, and community.

We’ll show you what it looks like to walk in love so you can serve others well, especially your own children. We’ll discuss what it means to “pray without ceasing” and the importance of reading your Bible and fasting.

Finally, we’ll share how to truly balance work and family, even if you’re a busy single parent.

Join us today for this episode that will teach you to live an abundant and balanced life by keeping first things first!

Episode Highlights:

Today’s topic intro & what’s in our diffuser (2:00)
Working, pageants, and our new book (5:52)
Reviews, thanks, and are Dr. and Mama Z “perfect”? (11:58)
Mama Z’s new cooking show! (18:17)
First things first: are you too “B-U-S-Y” to make God and family a priority? (19:50)
Walking in love: what does it look like? (27:33)
Rejoice, pray and be thankful! (1 Thess. 5:16-18) (30:37)
Fasting, Bible reading and more ways to put God first (37:06)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (56:13)

Healthy, Happy Summer Tips: Kids, Picnics, Traveling & More! May 27, 2019

Summer is upon us and that can mean a lot of challenges for families, like how to keep the kids busy and keep eating healthy. In this podcast, we’ll give you tips on how to have a healthy and happy summer. Mama Z shares activities we do with the kids – indoors and out, including the importance of community outreach.

We talk about the nontoxic sunscreen and avoiding the temptation of unhealthy foods. We also share how the 5 “Ps” help us stay healthy and focused on fun & family when we travel.

Mama Z “unpacks” tips for packing and organizing for summer travel, including how to travel with food, so you can stick to a healthy diet all year long. We share our own experiences traveling with food & family, including how to keep the kids occupied for long car trips and unexpected delays.

Finally, we provide you the recipe for Dr. Z’s Bug Bite Balm and DEET-free bug spray, right out of our book, The Healing Power of Essential Oils. So if you’re traveling this summer, listen in before you go on vacation!

Episode Highlights:

Mama Z’s pageant and what’s in our diffuser (2:49)
We appreciate you! And introducing today’s topic… (6:03)
Summer holidays, Memorial Day, and honoring our veterans (8:30)
Getting involved with community outreach with your kids (13:30)
Health, happy summer habits –and activities - for you and your kids (17:27)
Practical summer tips: nontoxic sunscreen, healthy summer eating & more (25:49)
Year-round nutrition survival guide (31:48)
Start your 30-day Fast Track to losing weight and better health (35:56)
The 5 “Ps” and tips for packing everything you need (40:11)
Tips for packing and traveling with food (44:22)
Bring your own summer nutrition (55:34)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:03:00)

Never Give Up! How Perseverance & Consistent Training Leads to Optimal Growth May 20, 2019

Welcome! Today we are talking all about perseverance. Sometimes we have to go through difficulties and challenges in order to grow.

Mama Z's beauty pageants are a lot of work and, in fact, we’ll be doing it again this year! In this podcast, Mama Z shares 3 stories about overcoming contest challenges to be successful.

We discuss how persistence, hard work, and great coaching helped us get through these events and how we even used them to teach our children. We also touch on how we persevered through busy seasons and marital challenges!

We’ll also share plenty of Bible verses that have inspired us along the way to help encourage you. Join us today to learn how you can survive difficult times with grace and maturity!

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser and supporting your spouse (1:55)
Aromatherapy blends that stay with you –what’s your blend? (6:43)
Podcast, reviews, and announcements (11:20)
From Romans 5: Suffering leads to perseverance which leads to maturity (15:12)
Are you tougher than a beauty pageant? (18:09)
How Mama Z challenged herself & inspired others (22:29)
Never give up: Mama Z’s impossible marketing task (27:27)
Love: the key to good relationships and everything else! (35:51)
Perseverance in relationships (39:14)
Mama Z’s pageant journey (42:17)
Perseverance pays! (54:42)
Natural living tips to cultivate excellence and episode wrap (1:00:48)

Having a Spirit of Excellence: The Missing Key to Success & Overcoming Laziness May 13, 2019

This week, we cover a very important topic: how to have a spirit of excellence. Only one of us was taught how to do this as we grew up: Mama Z. We share what her parents and grandparents taught her as we discuss our definition of excellence.

Cultivating excellence comes with challenges. We talk about how to avoid the trap of perfectionism and help you overcome two very common pitfalls on the journey: fear and laziness. We discuss how fear leads to regret as Dr. Z shares a personal family story.

In this podcast, we’ll each share our own unique journeys to excellence, and give you scripture verses that can help you attain excellence in all you do.

Join us for this life-changing topic that can help you fulfill the purposes you were created for and give you an abundant life!

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser and The Essential Oils Diet Book has launched – and reviews! (1:58)
Today’s topic: excellence and how we define excellence (7:49)
The spirit of excellence in business (12:30)
Growing a spirit of excellence and the trap of perfectionism (19:53)
The common pitfalls that hold us back from excellence (35:04)
Regret, the ultimate product of fear (42:53)
Bible passages to help overcome laziness (48:05)
How to maximize your time (53:36)
Natural living tips to cultivate excellence and episode wrap (56:38)

The Essential Oils Diet: Lose Weight and Transform Your Health with the Power of Essential Oils and Bioactive Foods May 06, 2019

This week, we are celebrating the launch of our book, The Essential Oils Diet, by talking about food…food that is rich in bioactive compounds, that is. We define bioactive compounds and delve into the importance of this plant-based chemical nutrition that is necessary for abundant living.

We’ll talk about “diet” as a way of making smart food choices vs. meat-heavy fad diets that can be bad for you. We’ll walk you through how our book can help you attain your body’s ideal weight and achieve better health.

We’ll share about healthy eating as a spiritual practice and discuss stress and other emotional factors, like unforgiveness, that can actually cause disease. We are going to tell you about the “Essential Eight” core food groups of the Essential Oils Diet and all the benefits of trying it for yourself.

Are you ready for the challenge? Join us as we show you how to transform your health and your life!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro, what’s in our diffuser and latest reviews! (2:14)
The Essential Oils Diet Book is here! Shout out to everyone who helped us write this book (7:00)
Diet means choices and the spiritual act of good health (13:36)
Stress and the emotional causes of disease (16:23)
Transforming your life with bioactive compounds instead of fad diets (22:18)
The Essential Eight core food groups of the Essential Oils Diet (34:58)
The Essential Oils Diet: fast track 30-day challenge and lifestyle (45:30)
How to get started right now (1:02:16)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (68:02)

The Truth About Grains: Yes, You Can Have Your Gluten-Free Cake and Eat It, Too! Apr 29, 2019

With the growing number of people sensitive or intolerant of gluten, we decided to tackle the topic of grains, glutens, and healthy eating!

Can you have your gluten-free cake and eat it too? We’ll discuss the root causes of gluten sensitivities and allergies here in America. We’ll share how our wheat products are grown here, why it’s different in Europe, and the dangers of industrial farming in the U.S.

We’ll share all about Mama Z’s gluten allergies and how you can conquer your own allergies or sensitivities. We’ll talk about grains, sprouting and how our family chooses grains so we can enjoy our food in optimal health.

Finally, we’ll share how you can find balance when eating grains and wrap with our natural living tip on the best way to cook gluten-free pasta!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:37)
Behind the scenes on writing The Essential Oils Diet Book (4:11)
Let’s talk about grains – and more about our cooking classes! (7:28)
The truth about grains, chronic disease, and industrialized farming (14:27)
How sprouting aids digestion (23:34)
Let’s talk about gluten and gluten-free cooking (27:28)
“Gluten-free” doesn’t necessarily mean healthy (35:30)
Finding YOUR place of balance with gluten and grains (40:31)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (45:47)

Food Sensitivities, Fitness & More: Living Right for Your Body Type! Apr 22, 2019

This week, we share all about living right for your body type. We discuss how and why genetics and biochemistry, along with environmental factors, can impact what you should – or should not – eat.

We talk about some of the adverse reactions you can have to food and what to do about it. We discuss Mama Z's struggles with food sensitivities and what caused them. Then we reveal how our 14-Day Essential Oils Diet Boot Camp can help you.

Next, we provide tips on how to choose the right exercises and how to get started if you haven’t worked out in a long time. We also share the warning signs of overdoing exercise or doing the wrong routines.

Finally, we reveal our leaky gut capsule recipe. You don’t want to miss this podcast if you want to enjoy feeling healthy again after you eat and exercise!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:31)
Eating right for your body type (6:24)
Navigating beans and the benefits of sprouting (13:05)
Individual reactions to foods and how to tell if something is wrong (20:16)
Additional factors that can impact your nutrition (29:21)
Mama Z’s battle with food sensitivities (33:05)
Change your life with the 14-Day Essential Oils Diet Boot Camp (42:35)
Tips to exercise the right way for your body type (45:24)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (57:54)

Passion without Wisdom Isn’t Good: How to Survive (and THRIVE) During the Internet Renaissance Apr 15, 2019

In today’s “internet renaissance,” people have access to more information than ever before. But this brings major problems that can be disastrous.

We talk about the dangers of using the internet to help your health concerns. Much of the information available online is sponsored and/or unqualified and can harm you. From fad diets to essential oils, information overload from a multitude of conflicting sources can make you “freeze” instead of improving your health.

We will show you how to cut through the noise and focus on the right type of advice and limiting your mentors. We’ll also discuss how to slowly implement what you learn to improve own health in a safe and practical manner.

Another pressing issue in this internet renaissance is smartphone addiction. The average American picks up his or her phone 50 times a day! We’ll show you how to tell if you are addicted to your phone and how to break the habit. We’ll share how we’ve been tempted by this addiction in the past too and how we got over it.

Finally, we’ll talk about what “phubbing” is and how you can break this habit that harms your relationships. Join us for this important podcast.

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:30)
Navigating the Easter holiday without falling into bad food habits (3:53)
The controversy over Dr. Z’s first book (10:18)
How to navigate the “Internet Renaissance” and sort through bad information (13:27)
Fad diets and misinformation on the internet (21:28)
The keys to navigating the truth (27:38)
Navigating multiple voices (33:19)
How to master technology so it does not master you (39:41)
How to conquer technology addiction (43:49)
How to break up with your phone (54:44)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (60:02)

Body Image, Positive Thinking & Never Giving Up: Dr. Z’s Fat Pants Story Apr 08, 2019

Welcome to our podcast episode on body image! Today, we give a heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their support and share some of their stories.

We delve into why we are open about our lives, giving you a glimpse into some of our everyday struggles. Dr. Z shares his “fat pants” story, including how and why he got off-track with his health. We discuss how we dealt with that to get back on track with natural healthy living.

Mama Z shares her perspective as a mother of four children on postpartum weight and how to manage it in a healthy way. We give some details about our private Facebook support group for our new book, The Essential Oils Diet, and how it’s helping people lose weight, improve mental health, and clear up physical issues.

Finally, we provide you some concrete tips to help you improve your body image and an easy tip for getting started with fitness. Join us today for this life-changing episode!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:10)
Thank you to our listeners and your feedback (4:00)
Why Dr. Z and Mama Z are so transparent (9:17)
Dr. Z’s “Fat Pants” story (13:37)
When self-care starts to decline (22:16)
How do you define workaholism? Dr. Z changes his routine (33:28)
Body image: Mama Z’s perspective as a mother of four (40:45)
The Essential Oils Diet Group: you’re invited! (49:30)
Are you willing to commit to healthy living? (58:33)
Tips to help you improve body image (1:02:32)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:13:15)

Food Buying & Travel Tips: Being Healthy is NOT More Expensive (Part 2) Apr 01, 2019

You won’t want to miss this episode. Today, we debunk the myth that healthy eating has to cost a lot. After sharing what’s in our diffuser and two surprise announcements, we’ll teach you how to shop for healthy foods without breaking the bank. We’ll tell why you don’t always have to buy organic – and when you must.

We’ll show you how to get the best quality for a reasonable price in grocery and bulk stores, health food shops, and farmer’s markets. Dr. Z reveals why you should avoid costly trends, like unhealthy gluten-free foods. And Mama Z shares why our kids are not members of the “clean plate club.”

Mama Z wraps it all up with our natural living tip on food for traveling. Join us today so you can save time and money the next time you shop for healthy groceries!

Episode Highlights:

Topic intro and what’s in our diffuser (2:33)
Two big announcements! (4:55)
Airing Dr. Z’s dirty laundry…LITERALLY! (7:53)
How to be healthy and not break the bank (12:32)
Saving money with the Clean Fifteen (21:53)
Produce you MUST buy organic and tips to afford them (26:28)
Buying in season and using a farmer’s market to save money (28:38)
More money-saving grocery shopping tips (34:11)
When gluten-free food is not healthy (42:30)
No more “Clean Plate Club” (47:14)
Natural living travel tip and episode wrap (54:28)

Essential Oils, Supplements & Health Insurance: Being Healthy is NOT More Expensive (Part 1) Mar 25, 2019

A common myth is that natural living is expensive. That’s not true! By making smart life choices, you can have a healthy, happy and abundant life on a budget. In fact, you may even save money!

In this episode, we’ll share our best tips and hacks on how you can save money. We’ll discuss the money-saving benefits of healthy living, why you might not need health insurance, and every day changes you can make in your approach to spending.

We’ll share with you our tips for buying the best essential oils without breaking the bank and how you can save money with DIY solutions. Mama Z even has a tip for when you don’t have time to DIY!

Finally, we’ll show you why you don’t have to waste money on supplements. Natural living does not have to be costly; it can even save you a bundle. Join us as we show you how to embrace a healthy with little investment.

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser (2:24)
Is natural living more expensive? Tips & hacks to save big money (4:41)
Taking natural living to the extreme and finding balance (10:53)
Do you need financial fixes? (20:27)
Don’t compromise: living healthy will pay off (24:26)
Taking a hard look at health insurance and alternative options (28:21)
Essential oil buying tips (37:36)
Saving money with DIY as a way of life (47:47)
Stop throwing money away on supplements & protein powders (55:53)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:09:11)

Pantry Makeover, Spa Day, Declutter & Sex: The Art of Self Love (Part 2) Mar 18, 2019

This week, we continue with 7 more of our top 10 tips for cultivating self-love. Mama Z will show you how to indulge in an aromatic bath or shower. We’ll talk about the importance of spa days and massages and how to manage them on your budget.

We’ll review some specific self-care tips for scarring, pregnancy, and postpartum, and men, and discuss why good nutrition is really an act of self-love.

We’ll show you how decluttering, cleaning and redecorating can make you feel better about your home, how giving of yourself can make you feel better about life, and how to stay encouraged.

Finally, we’ll talk about building relationships with friends you value and reducing harmful relationships. We’ll even give you tips for increasing intimacy with your spouse.

Sound interesting? Join as we discuss cultivating self-love to create a more abundant life!

Episode Highlights:

Topic introduction, what’s in our diffuser and part 1 recap (1:55)
Kim Morrison and self-love techniques (4:40)
Self-love tip #1: Aromatic bath or shower, spa days and affording massages (5:28)
Mama Z’s post-shower routine and oil base (12:46)
Pregnancy and stretch mark care (16:53)
Self-pampering for men (21:01)
Self-love tip #2: Proper nutrition as self-love (24:38)
Self-love tip #3: Declutter, clean and/or redecorate a room (31:20)
Self-love tip #4: Share yourself with others (39:14)
Self-love tip #5: Carry a Bible verse with you (45:50)
Self-love tip #6: Meet with friends that lift you up (48:45)
Self-care tip #7: Cultivating intimacy in your life and date night tips (1:03:50)
Natural living tip and episode wrap (1:10:21)

Digital Detox, Earthing & Family Traditions: The Art of Self Love (Part 1) Mar 11, 2019

Learning to love yourself is critical in the quest for abundant living. On the other hand, self-hate can be a harmful and destructive force. How can you love others if you don’t love yourself? Today, we dive into this topic. Dr. Z shares his own experience with self-hate and how he learned to overcome it. We discuss the 5 love languages and how to use them on yourself, including falling in love with yourself. We begin sharing the first 3 of their 10 self-love tips and how to achieve those. If you want to battle negativity and self-hate, or just want to go to deeper with yourself, tune in to today’s amazing podcast!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Why self-love is important
The importance of love languages, using them on yourself and battling self-hate
Falling in love with yourself and Dr. Z’s self-love acts
Self-love tip #1: How to unplug and the dangers of cellphones and social media
Self-love tip #2: Move and get connected with the earth
Self-love tip #3: Creating family rituals.

Goal Setting & Vision Boards: Pick 1000 Weeds & You Can Play with Your Friends (Part 2) Mar 04, 2019

Most people today set goals by writing them down or creating vision boards, but did you know that these tasks may be limiting your success? An accomplished athlete and repeat pageant winner, Mama Z shares how she attained these goals through hard work, affirmations, and visualization.

She and Dr. Z will discuss how you can integrate those techniques for both major events in your life as well as everyday abundant living. Dr. Z explains how vision boards and traditional goal setting techniques can actually limit your dreams and 3 common Bible verses that are often misquoted to support goal setting. Today, you’re going to learn a treasure trove of Bible verses that can help you break through and accomplish greater things than you thought possible!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Topic introduction and what’s in our diffuser (2:26)
Mama Z’s athletic background (10:58)
Discipline and Mama Z’s pageant training (17:52)
Be sure to check out the special AquaTru made for Natural Living Family members (25:45)
Mama Z’s tips on how to visualize for big events and everyday life (26:48)
The problem with vision boards and writing goals (36:00)
3 misquoted Bible verses that can hinder goal setting (40:27)
Bible verses to set intentions in your heart (44:43)
Wrap up, resources and upcoming topic (59:12)
Natural Living Tip – An alternative to traditional goal setting and vision boards (1:00:03)

Discipline & Hard Work: Pick 1000 Weeds & You Can Play with Your Friends (Part 1) Feb 25, 2019

Would you like to be more productive? Stumped on how to overcome things that are preventing you from living a healthy and abundant life?

This week, Mama Z will share with you how her childhood helped her develop a highly productive work ethic. We’ll talk about the benefits of hard work, discipline, and productivity – and how to foster those skills if they are not your strong suit.

Dr. Z, who was raised without this work ethic, will share tips on how he learned to be productive as well. They’ll discuss tackling your to-do list and maintaining your health in the face of a hectic life, fatigue, illness, and even laziness.

Finally, they’ll share tips on how to fit exercise into your busy schedule and avoid “stinkin’ thinkin.’” This week’s natural living tip can even help bring positivity into your everyday life. Ready? Let’s go!

Episode Highlights:

Topic introduction and what’s in our diffuser (2:21)
How Mama Z grew up to develop a productive work ethic (5:17)
Mama Z’s parent’s garden urban homestead, family support, and discipline (14:40)
How Dr. Z stays productive (17:33)
Mama Z’s work ethic (19:22)
How to avoid being a slave to your schedule (23:02)
Overcoming fatigue, illness, and laziness (27:43)
Incorporating exercise into a busy life (32:08)
Freedom, temporary “crutches,” and dependence/addiction (36:13)
Using scriptures to support an abundant life (38:16)
Overcoming negative thinking (41:16)
Natural living tip, wrap up and upcoming topic (47:17)

All "Good" Things in Moderation: Mastering the Art of Saying "No" to Things that Hurt You Feb 18, 2019

People always say, “All things in moderation.” But Is this true? In this podcast, Dr. Z and Mama Z share why you need GOOD things in moderation in your life, and examine the pitfalls of having even a little bit of something harmful.

We’ll learn why “cheat days” can actually sabotage your journey to abundant living and get a sneak peek of Dr. & Mama Z’s new book.

Mama Z shares how variety and flexible routines are key to finding balance in food and fitness and discusses with Dr. Z the importance of gradually transitioning to a natural living family lifestyle.

Learn how to avoid fad diets and eat properly, and listen to Dr. Z’s challenge - and promise - to you.

Episode Highlights:

What’s in our diffuser and Dr. Z’s sleep deprivation story (1:31)
All “good” things in moderation: what it means (7:50)
The dangers of “all things in moderation” (10:46)
The Essential Oils Diet book sneak peek (16:58)
The importance of variety in finding balance (19:36)
Moderation in fitness, thoughts, and more (23:12)
“A little bit of leaven”: Transitioning gradually to a natural lifestyle (28:33)
We reap what we sow: good health vs. “cheating” (33:15)
Navigating diet fads and eating for your body (37:29)
Learning about food, Dr. Z’s promise, and final thoughts (40:39)
What’s coming on the podcast (48:44)
Natural living tip (50:13)

Navigating Vaccines, Flu Shot & Home Birth: Green is the NEW Black (Part 2) Feb 11, 2019

Even though living naturally is “en vogue,” you will still encounter stigma, judgment, and criticism along the way. This week, we share more tips on how to overcome negative reactions to natural choices in everything from flu shots to home birth. Finally, we share how you can handle social eating situations, whether at the office or on holidays or for social functions. We’ll wrap with a tip on how to help your kids eat healthy around their social events as well. Join us to learn to tackle these uncomfortable situations with grace, patience, and kindness. You just might end up being someone’s go-to healthy living guru!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Avoiding the flu shot (06:02)
Finding a doctor that supports your lifestyle (13:08)
Dealing with your family and an “uninvited” unvaccinated child and the battle over vaccines (16:09)
Mama Z’s home birth story (21:19)
Eating healthy at work and social functions alongside friends, family, and co-workers (35:14)
Dr. Z’s immune boosting “shot” recipe (44:33)
Natural living tip (45:32).

Navigating Lice, Nursing & Eating Out: Green is the NEW Black (Part 1) Feb 04, 2019

Green is the new black: healthy, natural living is in fashion today but some of you may still feel pressured to return to “the dark side” of unhealthy practices. Some may even call you “crazy.” But what if you could use that label to your advantage? Today, we’ll be talking about how to overcome the stigma associated with natural living.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Overcome objections & stigma of natural living (2:50)
How we shopped for natural living products and foods (8:36)
The 5 P’s and Dr. and Mama Z’s shopping hacks (11:58)
How to comparison shop for healthy foods (16:27)
Tips for nursing in a restaurant, airplane, and more (24:34)
Using the “crazy green people” label to your advantage (36:35)
Tips for eating out (41:34)
Mama Z’s “infamous” lice story (48:25)
Mama Z’s lice protocol (01:00:34)
What’s coming up on the podcast and final thoughts (01:07:21)
Natural living tip (01:07:25)

Our Origin Story: What Happens When an Eating Disorder Meets a Health Fanatic Feb 01, 2019

People are curious about how we got our start at Natural Living Family. We get questions about how we met the Lord, how we met each other, and how we were introduced to Bible health, essential oils, and natural living. We’re not perfect. On this podcast, we’ll share our personal stories and how we each faced serious health challenges along the way. You’ll hear how we met - and discover what happens when an eating disorder meets a health fanatic. We’ll share how we began our journey to health, as well as how we overcame the idealism of finding the “perfect” marriage partner. We’re going to tell you about some of our bumps along the road and how we learned to balance our marriage. Join us to find out how we got became a Natural Living Family and how you can get started being part of the family, too.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

How Dr. Z and Mama Z met and all this came to be (3:43)
How Mama Z got started with natural living and essential oils and how she met the Lord (12:38)
Mama Z’s health issues and how they were resolution (16:50)
Eating healthy and fad diets (22:20)
Dr. Z’s story – how he met the Lord and how he dealt with his challenges (23:32)
Becoming a healthy family (30:03)
Why listen to Natural Living Family podcast (33:07)
Idealism, reality, and finding balance (35:55)
Be patient with others during your transformation (43:06)
Final thoughts (46:20)

Our First Show! Jan 31, 2019

What’s a Natural Living Family & Why We Started this Podcast... Everything has a beginning, and we’re so excited to welcome you to the beginning of our podcast, the very first episode of the Natural Living Family Podcast. We like to think of this first episode as an introduction to who we are and an invitation for you to join us on this journey. So come on in and make yourselves comfortable. Let us introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about who we are and how everything – the online ministry, the summits, the books, all of it – has led us here to the launch of our podcast. We welcome you all to our family – our Natural Living Family.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

What is a natural living family? (07:00)
The 7 pillars of abundance (spoiler: it’s not what you think) (10:28) How to become a part of a natural living family (15:20)
Why did we start this podcast? (17:24)
In the very beginning: how Dr. Z and Mama Z got started (21:37)
How the Essential Oils Revolution Summit began (25:22)
Becoming NaturalLivingFamily.com and how this podcast came to be (32:04)
How to become part of a natural living family (33:53)
Final thoughts (38:40)

Trailer Jan 11, 2019

Dr. Z and Mama Z give you a sneak peek into their new show, Natural Living Family Podcast, premiering February 4, 2019!

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