Wake Up and Read the Labels!

Spicewell: The World’s Healthiest Salt & Pepper with Raina Kumra Nov 19, 2024

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, host Jen Smiley welcomes Raina Kumra, founder of Spicewell, to discuss how rethinking essential pantry staples like salt and pepper can transform our health. Raina shares her personal journey of creating nutrient-dense salt and pepper blends following a family health crisis, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern nutritional science. Together, they dive into the hidden additives in traditional salts, the importance of clean sourcing, and how these "new" salts and peppers are designed to enhance wellness while maintaining great taste.

Get 20% off your order at Spicewell.com using the code “WAKEUP”

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Key Takeaways:

Transforming Pantry Staples for Health: Raina Kumra, founder of Spicewell, shared how she transformed essential pantry staples like salt and pepper to not only season food but also provide functional health benefits through nutrient-dense blends.
Personal Motivation for Change: Raina’s journey to creating Spicewell was sparked by a family health crisis, where she relied on Ayurvedic knowledge and natural remedies to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Hidden Additives in Traditional Salt: Many traditional table salts contain additives like anti-caking agents and chemically iodized components that can negatively impact health. Spicewell's salts are free of these harmful additives and are lab-tested for heavy metals and contaminants.
The Role of Ayurvedic Principles: The new pepper blend combines turmeric and black pepper, utilizing a traditional Ayurvedic principle that enhances curcumin absorption, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Clean Sourcing and Transparency: Spicewell emphasizes sourcing clean, responsibly mined pink Himalayan salt and lab-testing products for purity. Consumers are encouraged to investigate and understand the origin of their pantry staples.
Nutrient-Rich Natural Blends: Spicewell’s new salt contains 21 vitamins from vegetables, providing a daily nutritional boost while maintaining a flavor profile similar to traditional salt.
Raising Awareness on Food and Health: Both Raina and Jen discussed the need for greater consumer awareness around food labeling and additives. They stressed the impact of food on chronic conditions and the importance of clean eating.
Creating a Movement for Change: Raina is working to build a coalition of clean-label brands advocating for policy changes in the food industry to ensure healthier, cleaner options for consumers.
Practical Usage Tips:
The new salt and pepper can replace traditional products in everyday cooking, providing a 1:1 swap without compromising flavor, while adding functional benefits like stress relief and inflammation reduction.

Shakira Niazi’s Links:

Website: https://spicewell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainakumra/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/spicewell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumratronic/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/spicewell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespicewell/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spicewell
X: https://x.com/TheSpiceWell

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUzZig0BbM8pzXKJ-VNMlnw

Jen’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

Zen Basil: This Seed Is Healthier Than Chia with Shakira Niazi Nov 12, 2024

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, host Jen Smiley sits down with Shakira Niazi, founder of Zen Basil, to discuss the transformative power of basil seeds for anti-inflammatory health and overall wellness. Shakira shares her personal journey from Afghanistan to the United States, her struggles with her son's chronic health conditions, and how it led her to discover the unique health benefits of basil seeds. Together, Jen and Shakira explore the importance of clean, whole foods, nutrient-rich diets, and why incorporating basil seeds can improve gut health, hydration, and metabolic health.

Get 10% off your order at ZenBasil.com using the code “Zen10”

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Key Takeaways:

Basil Seeds' Nutritional Benefits: Basil seeds contain nearly twice the fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium as chia seeds, making them a potent nutrient source for gut health, hydration, and more.
Family-Driven Mission: Shakira’s journey to create Zen Basil was inspired by her son's battle with asthma and nutrient deficiencies, leading her to focus on clean and whole-food-based solutions.
Hydration Done Right: Zen Basil offers a natural alternative to conventional electrolyte drinks with whole-food-based nutrients and real ingredients.
Breaking Down Misleading Marketing: Shakira discusses the tactics big food and supplement companies use to push processed products, emphasizing the need to rely on clean, whole foods for genuine health benefits.
Simple Ways to Consume Basil Seeds: Adding two tablespoons of basil seeds to milk, water, or yogurt can create a nutritious, fiber-rich meal in just a few minutes.

Shakira Niazi’s Links:

Website: https://zenbasil.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakira-niazi-b848725/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenbasil/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ZenBasil1/

Jen’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

Legit Bread Company: The Bread That Loves You Back with Jennifer Robins Nov 05, 2024

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, host Jen Smiley welcomes Jennifer Robins, the innovative creator behind Legit Bread Company. Known for her passion to bring clean, allergen-friendly baking mixes to the masses, Jennifer shares her journey of developing bread and baking mixes that meet the needs of those with gluten intolerance, autoimmune concerns, and various food allergies. Together, Jen and Jennifer delve into the importance of real ingredients and the story behind Legit Bread Company’s rise in the clean-eating space.
Get 10% off your order at LegitBreadCompany.com using the code “WAKEUP”
Disclaimer:
The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Key Takeaways:

Clean Ingredients for Healthier Living: Legit Bread Company’s products are crafted to provide clean, accessible alternatives for those with dietary restrictions or who seek to avoid common allergens.
Balancing Life and Business: Jennifer shares a personal glimpse into her life as a business owner, mother, and creative, all while keeping her passion for clean eating alive.
Bread with a Purpose: From sandwich bread to frosting, each Legit Bread mix is designed to bring favorite foods back into the lives of those who thought they’d have to give them up.

Jennifer Robins’s Links:
Website: https://legitbreadcompany.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-robins-6a8a5292/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legitbreadcompany/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legitbread

Jen’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

Daily Crunch: The Secret to Guilt-Free Snacking with Laurel Orley Oct 29, 2024

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, Jen Smiley welcomes Laurel Orley, co-founder and CEO of Daily Crunch, to discuss the evolution of their sprouted nut snacks and the benefits of clean eating. Laurel shares the inspiring story of how her aunt Diane's sprouting technique from India became the foundation for the brand and how Daily Crunch has been transforming the nut snack category with their innovative, clean products. They dive deep into the importance of avoiding seed oils, the process of sprouting nuts, and how Daily Crunch differentiates itself from traditional nut brands. Laurel also gives insights into the challenges of scaling an emerging brand and staying true to their mission of promoting brain health and clean eating.

Get 20% off your order at DailyCrunchSnacks.com using the code “WAKEUP”
Disclaimer:
The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.
Key Takeaways:

The story behind Daily Crunch’s clean snacks, inspired by ancient practices from India.
Why sprouted nuts are lighter, crunchier, and easier to digest than raw nuts.
The harmful effects of seed oils and why Daily Crunch is committed to being seed oil-free.
Laurel’s background at Unilever and how it influenced her desire to create a clean, mission-driven brand.
Daily Crunch’s partnership with the Almond Project, promoting sustainable almond farming.
Exciting new flavor launches, including the exclusive Sweet and Spicy Szechuan flavor now available at Whole Foods.

Laurel Orley’s Links:
Website: https://www.dailycrunchsnacks.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-orley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailycrunch_snacks/p/CnhpV56uwvl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyCrunchSnacks/

Jen’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels
The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

PACHA: Healthy and Earth-Friendly Bread with Will Buttner and Maddie Hamann Oct 15, 2024

Finding food that is both delicious and beneficial to our well-being is a challenge. Grocery stores are filled with processed snacks and food options that lack nutritional value. However, shopping for nutritious, sustainable food doesn't have to be difficult, and eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. With PACHA, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying bread without compromising your health goals.

In this episode, Jen talks with Madeleine Hamann and Will Buttner, Co-Founders of PACHA, a simple, organic, and gluten-free bread made with sprouted buckwheat. They discuss the challenges of finding clean, healthy bread in grocery stores, the benefits of regenerative farming, and how PACHA is a bread that is good for the body and the planet.

In this episode:

[01:22] - The origin of PACHA
[03:26] - Why producing quality products is a challenge
[06:06] - The scary reality of our food system
[08:05] - PACHA's main ingredients
[10:09] - How organic and regenerative farming works
[14:08] - The principles of regenerative agriculture
[18:31] - Buckwheat loaves made by PACHA
[22:20] - Why PACHA breads are delivered and sold frozen
[26:14] - Different ways to enjoy PACHA bread
[29:53] - Why fermentation is added to the PACHA bread-making process
[34:37] - PACHA's newest flavors
[38:25] - Will's advice to consumers

Quotes

[15:47] - "One of the biggest things about regenerative agriculture is it conserves water. You don't have to use as much water, and it also prevents flooding." ~ Madeleine Hamann

[17:32] - "We're creating food that will regenerate your gut and lead you to the healthy life you want, get you away from prescriptions, and get you away from all the pain and inflammation in your body. That's what we are about." ~ Will Buttner

[37:31] - "I have a lot of hope for what can happen with our food system, and it's going to be driven by consumers. It's not going to be easy, so people have to keep doing that work of trying to understand what's good for their bodies." ~ Madeleine Hamann

[40:03] - "We vote with our dollar. So, support brands that are clean and support people who are pushing that agenda. That's how we reclaim our health in this society." ~ Will Buttner

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Use the code "wakeup" at https://livepacha.com/?ref=wakeupandreadthelabels for a discount.

Turning Struggles into Strength: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Wellness with Hilary Phelps Oct 01, 2024

In this episode, Jen talks with Hilary Phelps, a wellness coach, addiction recovery advocate, speaker, and facilitator who has transformed personal trials into a platform of empowerment and inspiration. Hilary is also the founder of The Right Room, a platform that empowers women to navigate significant life transitions like divorce, sobriety, and career changes, encouraging them to live authentically and pursue their passions.

Hilary shares her story of alcohol addiction and her recovery journey. She talks about her life and relationships, the turning point at which she decided to quit drinking, and how she is now an advocate for women's empowerment.

In this episode:

[03:35] - The impact of family success on recovery
[06:08] - Hillary's journey to sobriety
[11:00] - Early struggles and turning points
[18:35] - Hilary's turning point
[20:40] - Committing to rehab
[25:44] - The importance of self-reflection
[27:07] - From recovery to completing an Ironman
[31:52] - Empowering women

Quotes

[18:13] - "That label of an alcoholic is so tough because only you can really diagnose yourself." ~ Hilary Phelp

[23:10] - "I didn't know how to feel feelings because anytime I felt a feeling, I would drink over it." ~ Hilary Phelp

[26:03] - As women, we continuously say yes to things and put things on our plates. We start to lose who we are and the purpose of why we think we're here. So, if we keep saying yes to certain things, we say no to ourselves." ~ Hilary Phelp

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Regenerative Farming with Benina Montes Sep 17, 2024

A mindful eating lifestyle often begins with understanding where our food comes from and how it is grown. The path from seed to table can be influenced by practices affecting our health and the environment. Beyond cultivating crops, regenerative farming is a way of growing food that seeks to revitalize the health of the soil. This ethical approach creates more sustainable food and nutrient-rich produce and helps maintain a healthy earth for future generations.

In this episode, Jen talks with Benina Montes, Owner and Managing Partner of Burroughs Family Farms. Benina started farming almonds with her father in 2002. In 2006, she started transitioning the first almond blocks to organic, and by 2015, the whole farm was certified.

Jen and Benina talk about regenerative farming principles, the challenges and benefits of maintaining high-quality produce, and how Burroughs Family Farms produces almonds, olive oil, and organic meats using sustainable farming practices.

In this episode:

[02:01] - Burroughs Family Farms' products
[04:07] - Benina's thoughts on grocery store products
[06: 14] - Principles and benefits of regenerative farming
[11:52] - Benina's thoughts on pesticides
[15:41] - Certifications for regenerative agriculture
[17:53] - How to identify high-quality olive oil
[21:41] - The benefits and uses of regenerative organic almond butter

Quotes

[07:14] - "Sustaining is not necessarily making anything better. It's just not making it worse. And we want to leave things better than we found them." ~ Benina Montes

[09:02] - "It's all about having healthy soil. Healthy soil, healthy plants. Healthy products, healthy people. That's what our goal on our farm is." ~ Benina Montes

[10:58] - "We're big advocates of having more and more people try regenerative farming. It's not just good for the farmers. It's good for the consumers as well." ~ Benina Montes

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Use the code “wakeup” to get a 20% discount on Burroughs Family Farms' products.

Stress Management and Nutrition Hacks with Dana Lewis Sep 03, 2024

Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, plays an important role in our bodies' response to stress. While a certain amount of stress is necessary for survival, prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can negatively impact our health and well-being. Fortunately, there are simple, actionable steps for managing cortisol levels and reducing stress, leading to not just a fine life but an optimal one.

In this episode, Jen talks with Dana Lewis. Dana is a mother, a widow, a nutrition expert, and the host of the Stop Faking Fine podcast. After tragically losing the love of her life and the father of her three boys to cancer in 2013, Dana shifted from traditional engineering to being solely focused on understanding the effects stress has on the body. She is committed to inspiring others to stop settling and step into living with more energy, focus, and mental clarity. Dana teaches simple, sustainable habits to help manage your stress and show up as your best every day.

Jen and Dana discuss actionable strategies for reducing inflammation, managing stress hormones, and enhancing dietary and lifestyle habits for better health and well-being.

In this episode:

[03:06] - The story behind Dana's desire to specialize in stress management
[07:15] - The effects of stress on the body
[08:21] - What high cortisol means
[13:00] - Why people continue to gain weight despite their efforts to lose it
[14:09] - Other ways to lower inflammation besides diet
[20:55] - How Dana's functional guacamole is made
[23:10] - The relationship between high cortisol levels and rage
[27:21] - The one thing people can do to manage their stress

Quotes

[07:29] - "Stress creates inflammation. And inflammation is the root of all evil." ~ Dana Lewis

[08:33] - "Your cortisol hormone is your stress hormone. It sets the stage for the rest of your hormone, either harmony or disruption." ~ Dana Lewis

[13:51] - "Look at food not as a diet but more as a solution to your problem." ~ Dana Lewis

[29:53] - "Recognize how you feel. Empower yourself to step into living your absolute best." ~ Dana Lewis

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The Healing Power of Real Ingredients with Doug Wolkon Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Jen talks with Doug Wolkon, founder of Kauai Farmacy in Hawaii. They discuss the importance of consuming real foods and avoiding processed ingredients to achieve optimal health and reduce inflammation. Doug shares his personal journey from private equity in New York to establishing a permaculture oasis in Kauai, highlighting the benefits of plants like turmeric and tulsi. Jen and Doug also share practical advice on integrating herbal medicine and nutrient-rich foods into daily life, the importance of local and regenerative farming, and advocating for greater awareness and responsibility in dietary choices. Learn more at WakeUpLife.com.

Use the code “WAKEUP” at https://kauaifarmacy.com and get 20% off your order.

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A Legacy of Love and Resilience with Kaley and Keira Young Aug 06, 2024

Cup Board Pro is deeply connected to the Young family's heartfelt story of loss and resilience. Following the passing of their mother to breast cancer and their father to a 9/11-related illness, Kaley and Keira Young found strength in carrying on their parent's legacy. By continuing the product their father started, they have created more than just a cutting board – they have crafted a legacy that honors their parents' memory and supports those in need.

In this episode, Jen talks with Kaley and Kiera about their journey of living out their parents' legacy. They share their story of loss, resilience, and determination, reflecting on their parents' love of cooking and commitment to family. The sisters also talk about making history on Shark Tank, the unique features of Cup Board Pro, and how they give back to families impacted by 9/11-related illnesses.

In this episode:

[01:19] - The inspiring story behind Cup Board Pro
[05:19] - What makes Cup Board Pro special
[09:30] - Kaley’s and Keira's background
[11:55] - How buying Cup Board Pro helps people
[13:05] - Kaley’s and Keira's life after losing their parents
[16:32] - Cooking With the Firehouse Chef

Quotes

[06:05] - "My dad always used to say that there's a distance between you and your countertop while you're prepping. So that's where the cup fits perfectly between you and your countertop." ~ Kaley Young

[11:11] - "We hear people all the time telling us how much they love the Cup Board Pro, and they think of our dad every time they use it. That aspect is special for us, just to be able to carry on how amazing our dad was." ~ Kaley Young

[12:09] - "Twenty percent of our piece of the cutting board goes to the FDNY Foundation, a charity that's close to our hearts. Being able to give back to that is really important to us." ~ Kaley Young

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Why Organic, Plant-Based Milk is the Best Choice with William Robinson Jul 23, 2024

Throughout history, milk has played a significant role in human nutrition. While convenient, commercially produced milk often undergoes heavy processing and homogenization, stripping away some of its valuable nutrients and natural goodness. Live Vessel, however, believes there's a better way. By cold-pressing fresh, raw, and organic ingredients, Live Vessel produces a variety of milk and creamers that maintain their true taste and health benefits.

In this episode, Jen talks with William Robinson, Founder of Live Vessel. William started the company in 2019 after taking an online course in plant-based culinary and confectionary desserts. The pure taste and quality of homemade plant-based milk inspired him to create his own brand.

William talks with Jen about his journey of creating pure, clean, plant-based milk free from fillers and artificial flavors. He shares the inspiration behind Live Vessel, the different flavors and bases of their milk, and the importance of using clean and organic ingredients in milk products.

Key Takeaways

[01:16] - How William started Live Vessel
[07:21] - The importance of using organic ingredients
[09:22] - The different milk flavors available at Live Vessel
[13:06] - Why Live Vessel's milk is creamier than other milk
[16:30] - How people use Live Vessel's milk and creamers.
[20:19] - Why William uses raw ingredients in his milk products
[21:18] - The best way to find Live Vessel's products

Quotes

[02:08] - "As soon as I tried making my own plant-based milk, my life completely flipped. I can't go back to the store to buy this anymore. I have to continue doing this at home." ~ William Robinson

[08:19] - "I'm passionate about putting only organic foods in my body, and I want to serve my community with the same because the quality of ingredients is just outstandingly different when you taste something organic and non-organic." ~ William Robinson

[21:45] - "Everyone should have a wake-up moment in their life because it really changes the way you have an outlook on everything." ~ William Robinson

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A Mess-Free, Shelf-Stable Snack with Austin Patry and Sophia Karbowski Jul 09, 2024

Consumers today crave convenient, healthy snacks they can feel good about. They want healthier options with more flavor, satisfaction, and transparency. However, creating a mess-free, shelf-stable snack without compromising taste or nutrition is challenging. realsy understands this need and created snacks that are the perfect pick-me-up, pre-workout fuel, and guilt-free treat, proving that health and convenience can go hand in hand.

In this episode, Jen talks with Austin Patry and Sophia Karbowski, the Co-Founders of realsy. As young entrepreneurs aspiring to do big things, Austin and Sophia became business partners in college in 2017 while studying entrepreneurship. They started their first business with an unrelenting mission to spread healthy vibes all over the country, growing from a single food truck to health food cafes on college campuses across the country. Since then, Austin and Sophia have entered the CPG (consumer packaged goods) space with a strong desire to make their genuinely nutritious food options more accessible and convenient.

Austin and Sophia talk with Jen about their journey from starting a smoothie and acai bowl cafe in college to launching realsy as a consumer packaged goods brand. They discuss how realsy provides a convenient and nutritious snacking option, how they developed their unique product, and the challenges they faced in creating a shelf-stable, mess-free snack. Finally, Austin and Sophia share their vision for the future of realsy and their commitment to providing consumers with clean, convenient snacks.

In this episode:

[01:15] - How Sophia and Austin became business partners
[05:04] - What it takes to produce on-the-go nut butter-filled dates
[06:49] - What sets the Medjool date apart from other dates
[07:48] - What makes realsy a great snack
[10:16] - The ingredients of realsy snack bars
[12:27] - Where and how realsy ingredients are produced
[14:08] - Where to find realsy products
[16:03] - The nutritional benefits of realsy snacks

Quotes

[04:13] - "We created realsy because dates are a produce item. We decided to take something that was a produce item and make it easier to take on the go, fun, interesting, convenient, and that tastes amazing with the nut butter on the inside." ~ Sophia Karbowski

[05:38] - "We wanted to create something shelf-stable that's portable, lightweight, and not a mess. It is not only shelf-stable but also has a consistency that's not oozing out and a little bit thicker." ~ Austin Patry

[11:20] - "What does nutrition mean to us? It really is just whole foods and ingredients that you recognize. It's as simple as that." ~ Austin Patry

[11:51] - "You shouldn't be eating anything you can't picture holding the separate ingredient in your hand. If you can't imagine what one of the ingredients looks like in the palm of your hand, then you shouldn't be eating it." ~ Sophia Karbowski

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The Secret to Delicious & Healthy Tortilla Chips with Steven Rofrano Jun 25, 2024

There are many types of tortilla chips available, but not all are created equal. Most chips on the market are made with corn and cooked in seed oils. MASA offers a healthy alternative with their handmade chips, fried in beef tallow and prepared via nixtamalization, an ancient technique used by the Aztecs for centuries to enhance the healthful benefits of corn.

In this episode, Jen talks with Steven Rofrano, Co-Founder and CEO of Ancient Crunch, maker of MASA chips. Steven shares how he started a company that makes tortilla chips free from preservatives and unhealthy seed oils. He also explains how MASA chips are made and emphasizes the dangers of seed oils and their impact on our health.

Key Takeaways

[01:20] - What MASA means.
[02:56] - What inspired Steven to start a chip company.
[06:21] - The beginnings of Steven's snack innovation journey.
[08:30] - The digestibility and cultural significance of corn chips.
[10:08] - The traditional process of making corn chips.
[13:03] - Why MASA uses only organic corn for its chips.
[15:19] - How seed oils impact American diets.
[17:52] - The dangers of seed oils in human health.
[21:29] - The taste and texture of MASA chips.
[23:48] - The best frying fat for ultimate tortilla chips.

Quotes

[03:48] - "The chip market may seem saturated, but it's actually completely vacant because there are no good chips in the chip aisle." ~ Steven Rofrano

[15:41] - "Seed oils are the single largest toxic thing people consume in the largest quantities. They are unstable in the biology of humans." ~ Steven Rofrano

[22:02] - "MASA chips are thicker than your normal chip. They're much sturdier and hardier, so you can sink your teeth into them. They're very satisfying and better than any other tortilla chip you've ever had." ~ Steven Rofrano

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Making People Healthier, One Cell at a Time with Jessica Kane Jun 11, 2024

The human body is a complex ecosystem. Like any ecosystem, it thrives on a foundation of healthy building blocks. With so many toxins, pollutants, and stressors in our environment today, prioritizing cellular health and fortifying the cell membrane plays a key role in achieving optimal health and wellness.

In this episode, Jen talks with Jessica Kane, Chief Marketing Officer at BodyBio. Jessica drives growth through innovative, data-driven strategies in both B2C and B2B markets. With a focus on driving customer acquisition and brand building, Jessica leverages her strategic, creative, and analytical expertise to promote wellness and transformative health solutions.

Jen and Jessica talk about cellular health and how the cell membrane is the gatekeeper, controlling what enters and exits our cells. They also discuss how cell membranes break down as we age, the effects of toxins in our cells, and how BodyBio can strengthen and support cellular health.

Key Takeaways

[01:15] - A brief history of BodyBio.
[02:24] - What it means to make people healthier, one cell at a time.
[04:00] - How aging affects the cell membranes.
[05:01] - Creating a healthier cell.
[08:14] - How phospholipids relate to cell integrity and dementia.
[09:06] - Foods that can help maintain good cellular health.
[10:05] - How BodyBio sources raw materials.
[11:23] - The difference between brain and cell health supplements and gut health supplements.
[14:42] - What actions affect cell membranes.
[15:30] - Signs of deteriorating cellular membranes.
[16:53] - Protecting cell membranes against modern threats.
[17:17] - Where people can find BodyBio.
[17:53] - Transformative cellular health and recovery stories.

Quotes

[03:05] - "There is nothing more root in the body than ourselves. So, if you strengthen and build your cellular health, all your body's systems are able to function better." ~ Jessica Kane

[03:22] - "If your cells are unhealthy and you have a leaky cell membrane and a leaky cell wall, toxins are getting in and changing your epigenetics. They're altering your health." ~ Jessica Kane

[05:17] - "There are so many different claims about cellular health these days. But the most important thing is strengthening your cell membrane because that's where the cell's activity happens." ~ Jessica Kane

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The Benefits of Fresh Food for Dogs with Dr. Jennifer Kwon May 28, 2024

Commercially produced kibble has been a go-to option in canine diets. While undeniably convenient, these dry foods may often contain fillers, byproducts, and preservatives that may not be ideal for a dog's overall health. A growing trend in pet nutrition emphasizes a diet rich in fresh, whole ingredients. This shift to fresh food emphasizes minimally processed meals that retain nutritional value, making those nutrients more bioavailable and digestible for canines to absorb and utilize.

In this episode, Jen talks with Dr. Jennifer Kwon, Director of Veterinary Partnerships Education and Outreach at JustFoodForDogs, a pioneer in fresh pet food. Dr. Kwon is passionate about promoting pet health and well-being through nutrition. She has been with JustFoodForDogs since its inception and has played a key role in developing healthy and balanced dog diets. With her expertise and dedication, Dr. Kwon has helped countless pets improve overall vitality and thrive on real, fresh food.

Jen talks with Dr. Kwon about the importance of feeding dogs real and fresh food. Dr. Kwon explains the difference between food and feed when it comes to dog nutrition. She sheds light on the benefits of feeding dogs a diet free from processed kibble and addresses common health issues in dogs, such as obesity, skin issues, and allergies, as well as how a fresh diet can help alleviate these problems.

Key Takeaways

[02:10] - The founding of JustFoodforDogs.
[03:05] - The difference between food and feed for dogs.
[04:40] - The potential impact of pet food on dog's health.
[06:06] - Why fresh food matters for dogs.
[07:59] - The different types of food and flavors available at JustFoodForDogs.
[09:11] - How to determine the best diet for dogs and how to order.
[10:44] - JustFoodForDogs' approach to traveling and refrigeration.
[11:53] - Testimonials about dog's transformations after consuming JustFoodForDogs products.
[13:40] - Sensitivities of dogs to certain foods.
[16:17] - Dog snacks from JustFoodForDogs.
[18:36] - JustFoodForDogs adoption program.

Quotes

[06:28]- "Fresh food really matters because, just as we see in human health, consuming fresh whole foods plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of our pets. Fresh whole foods are cooked minimally. That makes the nutrients more bioavailable and digestible, leading to better nutrient absorption." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon

[09:44] - "We believe that every dog is an individual. Just like humans, everyone is different. And because we're so bio-individual, we don't want a cookie-cutter diet for everybody." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon

[19:32] - "We want more lives, more love, and more dogs to live longer and healthier." ~ Dr. Jennifer Kwon

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Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Fruit Snacks with Simón Sacal May 14, 2024

The food industry has long recognized the consumer demand for clean, healthy snack options. However, many store-bought snacks, while appearing healthy on the surface, contain hidden sugars, additives, and preservatives. Solely recognizes these needs and is up to the challenge. They lead the clean snacking movement by offering simple, transparent, and delicious snacks made with whole, organic fruits. Their commitment to using only a few natural ingredients sets them apart from other brands that rely on artificial ingredients.

In this episode, Jen talks with Simón Sacal, Founder and CEO at Solely. With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Simón is a pioneer in creating healthy snack options. He started Solely by inventing a technology to make fat-free potato chips and has since expanded the brand to include fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón's mission is to provide consumers with clean, nutritious, and guilt-free snacks made from ingredients that humans have used for thousands of years.

Simón talks with Jen about how Soley uses real ingredients, like organic fruit, to create their fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón also shares how he sources organic fruits and the challenges in developing these products. He highlights the significance of organic farming in ensuring that the fruits used in their products are free from harmful chemicals.

Key Takeaways

[01:30] - An overview of Simon's background and how Solely got started.
[02:59] - The fat-free movement.
[05:04] - The challenges of creating clean and simple snacks.
[07:21] - The challenges companies face in creating clean snacks.
[09:18] - Solely's source for organic fruit.
[11:15] - Solely's fruit jerky products and their taste profile.
[14:57] - How Solely's fruit gummies are produced.
[16:02] - Harmful ingredients in popular fruit snack brands.
[20:13] - How Solely produces its pasta options: spaghetti squash and green banana.
[23:34] - The best way to get Solely products.

Quotes

[04:08] - "At Solely, we go far beyond better for you. We do good for you. So, we only have food that humans have been eating for thousands of years and that we know nourishes and is good for you." ~ Simón Sacal

[09:34] - "Being close to the farmers is a huge part of the business in many ways. It makes it sustainable. It makes it human. It makes it work. It's the only way you can really control the fruit and make it long-term sustainable." ~ Simón Sacal

[10:19] - "Sometimes, you think you're eating clean because the ingredients look clean. But if you have a lot of pesticides on the product, it could be even worse than having something that is not perceived as clean. So, we make a huge effort to go organic." ~ Simón Sacal

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Simple Ingredients and Big Impact with Nick Meyer Apr 30, 2024

Have you ever craved more snacks after eating one? That's because sugary snacks often leave us wanting more. But Bearded Brothers offers a refreshing change in the crowded snack market by providing healthier options.

In this episode, Jen talks with Nick Meyers, President of Bearded Brothers, about how his journey into Bearded Brothers began, why organic ingredients are essential to their mission, and their special Yo bars designed for kids.

In this episode:

[01:49] - How and why Nick got involved in Beared Brothers.
[05:25] - Why organic ingredients and clean labels are important to Beared Brothers.
[13:36] - Nick talks about Beared Brothers Yo Bars for kids.
[17:27] - Where you can find Bearded Brothers.

Quotes

[03:53] - “You look on the back, you read the ingredients, you know the ingredients, and not only do you know them, you feel good about them.” ~ Nick Meyer

[09:27] - “You want to eat clean and feel good about it, but you want to enjoy your food too.” ~ Nick Meyer

[12:29] - “When we created a lot of these bars, we wanted to stick to the cleanest ingredients possible.” ~ Nick Meyer

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Get 25% off your Bearded Brother purchase. Use the code Wakeup at https://www.beardedbros.com.

The Journey to Gluten-Free Cookies with Addison LaBonte Apr 16, 2024

Chronic pain often serves as a wake-up call, signaling the need for lifestyle and diet changes. While these kinds of changes can be tough, Addison LaBonte is on a mission to make it easier with better-for-you desserts made with real ingredients.

Addison is the founder of Sweet Addison’s. Her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a painful condition that forced her to change her lifestyle. Unable to run, she tried a gluten-free diet and healthier eating habits out of desperation. When she found relief, it sparked an idea – why not create delicious cookies that fit her new lifestyle?

In this episode, Addison talks with Jen about her journey to healing chronic pain by changing her diet, the benefits of going gluten-free, and creating Sweet Addison’s..

Key Takeaways

[01:40] - How Addison was diagnosed with compartment syndrome.
[07:31] - Who should explore gluten-free.
[08:27] - Why Addison named her cookie company Sweet Addison’s.
[09:25] - Products made by Sweet Addison’s and their ingredients.
[19:22] - Why Sweet Addison’s doesn’t compromise on flavor.
[24:23] - Sweet Addison’s mission.
[25:28] - Where you can find Sweet Addison’s cookies.

Quotes

[05:20] - “To say that becoming gluten-free and reading food labels was life-changing is an understatement for me.” ~ Addison LaBonte

[07:31] “When people say, do you think everybody should become gluten-free? I say honestly, yes.” ~ Addison LaBonte

[20:08] - “One of the biggest feedbacks I get from people is, I can't believe that something this healthy can taste this good.” ~ Addison LaBonte

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Get 10% off your Sweet Addisons purchase!

Use code: Wakeup10 at https://sweetaddisons.com.

A Water Sommelier’s Take on Bottled Water with Martin Reise Apr 02, 2024

As a water sommelier, Martin Reise spends his days creating content about water and sharing his knowledge with others. As a child, he noticed that water could have different tastes, sparking his curiosity. Disappointed by the limited water options available in restaurants, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Martin reveals some surprising truths about water. He explains why certain types, like alkaline water, may not be as beneficial as they seem. He also sheds light on the practices of major water brands, exposing how some of them bottle purified tap water and market it as something more. He believes that the best water is pure and natural, without any additives. He is skeptical of labels like "alkaline water" or "vitamin water," urging consumers to be wary of marketing gimmicks.

In this episode, Jen talks with Martin about his journey into this unconventional career, the complexities behind water labels in the grocery store, and the secrets of water tasting.

Key Takeaways

[01:33] - How Martin became a water sommelier.
[03:46] - Why some people are more sensitive to the taste of water.
[06:15] - The most hydrating types of water.
[13:00] - How to choose water at the grocery store.
[15:33] - Martin breaks down different types of water.
[22:05] - Martin’s take on infused water.
[23:54] - Why Martin doesn’t drink distilled water.
[25:18] - How purified water is affecting people’s health.
[26:36] - Martin talks about water intoxication.
[30:08] - Martin discusses his book and water-tasting box.
[37:44] - Should you filter tap water in your house?

Quotes

[07:11] - “Electrolytes is just a fancy marketing word for minerals.” ~ Martin Reise

[16:32] - “All these water producers are thinking, how can I convince the American people to buy tap water in a plastic bottle.” ~ Martin Reise

[23:58] - “Distilled waters are for small appliances, I’m not a small appliance.” ~ Martin Reise

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The Truth About Plant-Based Milk with Brooke Harris Mar 19, 2024

Opting for plant-based alternatives often seems like a health-conscious decision. But what if these seemingly harmless swaps are actually posing hidden risks behind the scenes?

Brooke Harris, food lover and Founder of Goodmylk, previously thought switching to plant-based milk was always a healthy choice. But when she started having health problems from plant-based milk, she knew she needed to make a change.

That's what led her to create Goodmylk, a dairy-free milk substitute that tastes great. Unlike many other plant-based milks with added sugars and palm oil, Goodmylk’s products are made from simple ingredients like dates, tigernut, Himalayan salt, sprouted almonds, and oats. Brooke also shares some of her unusual health tips, like cold plunging, red light therapy, and putting onions in socks before bed to help reduce inflammation.

In this episode, Brooke talks with Jen about the hidden truths about plant-based milk, wellness tips to improve overall health, and how she created a better plant-based milk alternative.

Key Takeaways

[01:31] - What is Goodmylk Co.
[05:20] - Common ingredients in most plant-based milk.
[08:07] - The simple ingredients in Goodmylk.
[14:10] - Why dairy-free milk is called milk.
[18:13] - Brooke’s wellness hacks.
[24:23] - Where you can find Goodmylk creamers.

Quotes

[03:53] - “Goodmylk launched with this idea of getting better, clean as close to homemade as possible plant-based milk.” ~ Brooke Harris

[09:10] - “We have this crazy idea that instead of adding a bunch of weird ingredients to make something that is similar to a milky substance, almonds have a lot of fat and protein in them.” ~ Brooke Harris

[10:37] - “Every step of the decision-making around making products filters around me being sick and wanting to create better options.” ~ Brooke Harris

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Discovering Darë Vegan Cheese with Gwendolyn Dare Hageman Mar 05, 2024

Cheese cravings are among the toughest to shake. But imagine enjoying pepper jack, spicy queso, cream cheese, and smoked pimento without the discomfort of dairy. It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, it's not.

Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, Owner of Darë Vegan Cheese, talks with Jen about her journey from formulating vegan cheese in a tiny blender at home to growing a fully-fledged business. Her vegan cheeses can be enjoyed without the cons of dairy. From playful recipe experiments to bold flavor combinations, Gwendolyn has reimagined cheese alternatives that even dairy lovers enjoy.

In this episode, Gwendolyn talks with Jen about the inspiration and process behind creating vegan cheese, the benefits of dairy-free cheese, and the challenges of competing with larger brands.

Key Takeaways

[01:23] - The story behind the name, Darë Vegan Cheese.
[02:17] - How Gwendolyn fell in love with vegan cuisine.
[05:02] - How Darë Vegan Cheese got started.
[05:57] - Why cashews work well as a dairy cheese alternative.
[06:48] - Why people should go dairy-free.
[08:57] - A deep dive into Darë Vegan Cheese ingredients.
[12:01] - Where you can find Darë Vegan Cheese.
[13:05] - Darë Vegan Cheese's core brand values.
[15:14] - The challenges of competing with large brands.
[16:55] - Gwendolyn’s vision for Darë Vegan Cheese.
[19:04] - How to join the Darë Vegan Cheese affiliate program.

Quotes

[02:47] - “It was like the coolest challenge as a chef, to take what people are used to eating and making it healthier.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman

[13:20] - “Our number one brand value is to create a workplace where people want to be.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman

[14:14] - “We want to be a fancy cheese, but we also want to be down to earth.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman

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Life with MS: Navigating Health and Chronic Illness with Nicole Pedra Feb 20, 2024

Keeping a positive outlook, even when things are tough, is much easier said than done. But our attitude, along with our diet, can make all the difference in how you feel when living with chronic illness.

Nicole Pedra, a Chronic Illness Survivor and Health Advocate, gets vulnerable about her personal experience living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Nicole has been through a lot with chronic illness, but she's learned some great lessons. She shares how important it is to stay positive and take care of yourself, especially with what you eat. She emphasizes the role of diet in promoting overall health, advocating for a balanced approach that nourishes both the body and the mind. Her inspiring story reminds us to keep looking for the good, even in hard times.

In this episode, Nicole talks with Jen about maintaining positivity and healthy living despite health challenges, the importance of diet and holistic approaches in managing chronic conditions, and insights for listeners seeking inspiration and resilience.

Key Takeaways

[01:15] - How chronic illnesses have impacted Nicole’s life.
[02:49] - What went through Nicole’s mind when she was diagnosed.
[05:31] - Why healthy eating wasn’t linked to Nicole’s diagnosis.
[07:58] - How Multiple Sclerosis differs from other diagnoses and its symptoms.
[12:00] - How to find gluten-free products, and ingredients Nicole avoids.
[23:53] - The cost and the importance of eating organic.
[27:44] - Nicole’s advice to people going through illnesses similar to hers.

Quotes

[03:32] - “I asked her if God was mad at me and if I was being punished because I didn’t understand why this could happen to someone so young.” ~ Nicole Pedra

[22:17] - “It makes me so angry when I see an influencer in the chronic illness industry share how to make magic brownies that have all his crap in it.” ~ Nicole Pedra

[28:26] - “You can’t control what the disease is going to do, but you need to figure out a way to be happy.” ~ Nicole Pedra

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Fruits on the Go with Dr. Lior Lewensztain Feb 06, 2024

When was the last time you checked the labels on your fruit snacks? It can be tough to find snacks that are convenient and healthy with real ingredients. Some seem like a good choice on the surface, but they often hide chemicals and too much sugar.

Dr. Lior Lewensztain is the founder of That’s It., and believes strongly in the idea of food as medicine. He noticed that many Americans weren't getting enough fruits each day, so he started his business to fix that. His fruit bars, probiotic bars, and fruit crunchables have become favorites for both kids and adults. Dr. Lior points out that many of fruit snacks in stores use the "natural flavor" label to hide chemicals and extra sugars. He suggests parents take a good look at their pantry and switch to real fruit products with no fake flavors or added sugars. It's a simple change that can make a big difference in your family's health.

In this episode, Dr. Lior talks with Jen about the importance of adding fruits to your diet, the truth behind popular fruit snacks, and the story behind his simple on-the-go fruit snacks.

Key Takeaways

[01:14] - Dr. Lior’s background and why he created That’s It.
[03:26] - How fruit labels can be misleading.
[05:13] - The meaning behind the name That’s It.
[07:43] - Products offered by That’s It.
[11:17] - Challenges in using high-quality ingredients.
[12:37] - What sparked Dr. Lior’s interest in food as medicine.
[14:45] - Why you should switch out your snacks.
[16:24] - Where That’s It. gets fruit.
[17:42] - Where you can find That’s It.

Quotes

[01:39] - “Only about 12% of Americans get their daily servings of fruits.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain

[06:24] - “Everything that we do is incredibly clean and transparent, and we don’t use any natural flavors.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain

[13:17] - “We are avid believers that food is medicine.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain

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From Lifting Weights to Nutritious Plates with Barb Bolotte Jan 23, 2024

In a fitness industry saturated with misleading dieting advice and fleeting diet trends, one business is changing the narrative.

Barb Bolotte, Founder of Clean Creations, found her love for nutrition through fitness. But her path to success was challenging. After breaking free from the world of competitive modeling and its detrimental dieting habits, she found herself facing weight gain that seemed uncontrollable. Determined to make a change, Barb discovered her true calling and started Clean Creations. What began as a service helping people with competitive dieting, evolved into cooking colorful, creative, and tasty meals for delivery.

In this episode, Barb talks to Jen about pivoting from competition dieting to starting a business delivering nutritious meals, eating disorders in the fitness industry, and exciting recipes offered by Clean Creations.

Key Takeaways

[01:38] - Barb discusses her passion for arts and crafts.
[02:37] - What inspired Barb’s journey into health and wellness?
[04:25] - Barb discusses eating disorders in bikini competitions.
[05:44] - When Barb realized what food had the right ingredients.
[07:15] - What made Barb start the IIN nutrition program?
[08:47] - Ingredients in Clean Creations meals.
[10:58] - Popular foods offered by Clean Creations.
[12:03] - Inflammatory ingredients in New Orleans shrimp and grits.
[14:49] - What ingredients Barb’s customers want in their foods.
[17:53] - Clean Creations client transformations.

Quotes

[11:46] - “It doesn’t have to be really complicated to be a great dish.” ~ Barb Bolotte

[15:06] - “Unfortunately, our healthcare system is not giving them the tools or awareness that is needed to properly read labels.” ~ Barb Bolotte

[18:11] - “One of my affirmations and mantras is my body is my business!” ~ Barb Bolotte

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The Truth About Our Food System with Zen Honeycutt Jan 09, 2024

It’s time to take a closer look at fast food and the not-so-friendly surprises hiding in those quick and easy meals. We often think fast food is a harmless choice when we're in a hurry, but what if there's more to the story?

Zen Honeycutt, a passionate advocate for food safety, is the driving force behind Moms Across America and the author of Unstoppable.

In this episode, she talks with Jen about her mission to spread the word about harmful chemicals and GMOs lurking in our daily meals. Zen discusses her recent fast food tests, exposing alarming toxin levels in popular brands, and stresses the urgency of switching to healthier, organic options. She also shares inspiring stories that prove the power of mindful food choices.

Key Takeaways

[01:41] - Why Zen founded Moms Across America.
[05:51] - The three types of pesticides.
[15:14] - How fast food is harming people.
[26:59] - How to combat toxic foods.
[29:02] - Safer alternatives to fast food.
[42:03] - How to find Zen and Moms Across America.
[43:08] - The difficulty of getting a TV interview.

Quotes

[05:31] - “Unless you’re eating organic, you’re eating very high levels of GMOs in processed food and glyphosate on grains.” ~ Zen Honeycutt

[10:33] - “People are messing with the food supply, and they’re mostly doing it because they want to sell more chemicals.” ~ Zen Honeycutt

[46:26] - “You can fire a scientist or a doctor or a reporter, but you can’t fire a mom.” ~ Zen Honeycutt

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Non-Toxic Living with Kim Konte and Bruce Lanphear Jan 02, 2024

Ever wondered about the chemicals lurking in your local parks and schools? The issue of pesticides in neighborhoods is not just about pretty lawns; it's about the well-being of our families, especially our little ones.

Kim Konte and Bruce Lanphear are the duo behind Non-Toxic Neighborhoods. They're on a mission to kick harmful pesticides out of our public spaces. Kim, certified in organic land management, shares the details of their advocacy work. Bruce, a researcher, talks about prevention in pediatric healthcare. Throughout the podcast, they discuss the challenges faced in bringing about policy changes, success stories, and the need for a paradigm shift in prioritizing children's health. They highlight the need for preventive steps, shaking up norms for the sake of future generations' well-being.

In this episode, Kim and Bruce talk to Jen about their mission to eradicate harmful pesticides from parks and schools, the challenges and wins in their journey, and the need for a shift in pediatric healthcare towards prevention over treatment.

Key Takeaways

[01:48] - What are pesticides?
[04:43] - Symptoms of glyphosate exposure.
[06:24] - How Bruce became an adviser at Non-Toxic Neighborhoods.
[07:47] - What made Kim start Non-Toxic Neighborhoods?
[10:30] - Tests available for parents to check their children's pesticide levels.
[11:18] - How to get help from Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods.
[15:00] - Why are pesticides seen are safe?
[17:51] - How to read a pesticide label.
[22:39] - States in the United States that have banned glyphosate.
[25:07] - Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods success stories.
[30:28] - Three things to minimize exposure to pesticides.
[34:45] - The Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods Organic Tool Kit.

Quotes

[05:17] - “There are about 200,00 people every year that die from acute pesticide poison.” ~ Bruce Lanphear

[08:06] - “No school district or municipality wants to hear that they’re using chemicals that can potentially harm the residents, students, teacher, or staff.” ~ Kim Konte

[29:40] - “We’ve actually created an environment that makes it easy to become sick, and too often, we put the burden on families.” ~ Bruce Lanphear

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Replacing Traditional Ingredients With Healthier Alternatives with Jason Burke Dec 26, 2023

Meat snacks are flavorful but loaded with sodium. Ever wondered about the secret behind clean, gut-friendly meat snacks that defy the norm?

Jason Burke shares the story of his brands, Noble Made and The New Primal. He talks about the tricky parts of creating grass-fed meat snacks at The New Primal that are not just delicious but gut-friendly. He also explains why using grass-fed beef is a big deal, especially for kids who can't get enough of them. Jason delves into Noble Made's sauces, from no-sugar ketchup to rich barbeque sauce made from quality ingredients. From the decision to eliminate harsh preservatives like sodium nitrite to the process of replacing sugar with healthier alternatives, Jason is committed to offering consumers a healthier and tastier choice.

In this episode, Jason talks to Jen about the story behind both of his brands, the challenges of crafting clean, gut-friendly meat snacks, and the craft of replacing traditional ingredients with healthier alternatives.

Key Takeaways

[01:19] - The difference between FDA and USDA.
[03:06] - Grass-fed beef in The New Primal beef sticks.
[05:26] - What made Jason interested in holistic foods?
[09:34] - Jason’s inspiration to start The New Primal.
[11:38] - The difference between beef jerky and meat sticks.
[14:11] - Jason talks about the ingredients in The New Primal meat sticks.
[20:27] - Jen and Jason talk about Noble Made sauces and products.
[24:14] - The meaning of the name Noble Made.
[27:47] - Where you can find The New Primal and Noble Made products.

Quotes

[03:35] - “Grass-fed beef, these are animals that get to eat grass their whole life, and that's what they were designed and meant to do.” ~ Jason Burke

[04:56] - “If you’re going to eat protein and animal-based protein, you should source those from the healthiest animals.” ~ Jason Burke

[18:58] - “I think for a long time the sentiment about health food or food that's better for you just taste like crap, and very candidly, a lot of it did and still does.” ~ Jason Burke

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Getting Well Through Naturopathy with Dr. Adrienne Stewart Dec 19, 2023

Illness isn’t always straightforward, but listening to your body and understanding symptoms is one of the keys to staying healthy. Your body talks to you through little signs, like how you feel or what hurts. Paying attention to these signals is like learning a secret language between your mind and body.

Dr. Adrienne Stewart, a naturopathic doctor and the owner of Nourish Medical Center, shares insights into her journey as a “health detective” who helps people find the source of their symptoms. With a focus on thyroid disorders, particularly Hashimoto's, she emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach beyond conventional medicine's quick fixes. Dr. Stewart opened up about her health, particularly her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and how it has influenced her compassionate approach towards her patients. The conversation explores the significance of listening to your body, deciphering symptoms, and the role of quality supplements in achieving sustainable health.

In this episode, Dr. Stewart talks to Jen about holistic approaches to thyroid health and hormone balance, the importance of comprehensive testing, and her journey with a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Key Takeaways

[01:42] - Introduction to Dr. Adrienne Stewart.
[02:24] - The importance of balance and joy in a treatment plan.
[03:15] - Body image issues in ballet.
[04:29] - Health issues that Dr. Stewart treats.
[07:00] - Why a person can be vitamin deficient despite eating well.
[08:58] - How Nourish Medical Center differs from conventional doctors.
[11:25] - What folks should understand while shopping for food.
[13:10] - Bodily signs people should pay attention to.
[15:12] - Factors to watch for when dining out.
[17:52] - Do all supplements have the same quality or effectiveness?
[19:41] - Dr. Stewart’s recommended supplements brands.
[21:42] - Symptoms that should raise an alarm.
[22:46] - How to get in touch with Nourish Medical Center.
[23:48] - Dr. Stewart talks about her health.

Quotes

[02:52] - “I often ask my patients what brings joy in your life because it gives a bit of a meaning to why someone is doing their treatment plan.” ~ Dr. Adrienne Stewart

[04:59] - “People often call me their health detective to figure out why am I feeling this way.” ~ Dr. Adrienne Stewart

[10:52] - “What we’re rooted in is identifying the root cause and not just suppressing their symptoms with medication.” ~ Dr. Adrienne Stewart

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Unlocking the Healing Power of Chocolate with Christy Goldsby Dec 12, 2023

Chocolate has a reputation for being a guilty pleasure. But Honey Mama’s chocolate challenges the notion that chocolate is nothing more than a sweet treat. This chocolate has a secret – it has healing properties.

Christy Goldsby, Founder of Honey Mama’s, shares her journey from owning a bakery to creating refrigerated truffle bars with real whole ingredients. She shares her inspiration behind using honey as a sweetener, a natural preservative, and an anti-fungal ingredient that has a profound impact on our bodies. Christy reveals the challenges of breaking industry norms and emphasizes the importance of meeting consumers where they are. Drawing from personal experiences and a background in baking, she discusses the power of a gut-focused cleanse, which motivated her to venture into chocolate.

In this episode, Christy talks to Jen about how she created chocolate with healing properties, the challenges of going against industry standards, and the expansion of Honey Mama’s into conventional grocery stores.

Key Takeaways

[02:07] - Why Christy created Honey Mama’s.
[08:14] - Christy tells the story behind the name Honey Mama’s.
[11:42] - Why Christy chose honey as a sweetener.
[15:07] - Interesting ways to use Honey Mama’s bars.
[16:21] - Christy’s experience going against the industry standards.
[20:04] - Honey Mama’s flavors you can find in stores.
[21:55] - How Christy is making Honey Mama’s more accessible.

Quotes

[05:59] - “The ease of digestion and anti-inflammation equaled a simple approach to taking care of your health.” ~ Christy Goldsby

[10:22] - “I love a lot of different natural sweeteners, but honey was the one that my body felt absolutely the best when I was working with it.” ~ Christy Goldsby

[19:25] - “I wanted people to feel that there is not a dogma attached to this product.” ~ Christy Goldsby

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The Truth About Yogurt Alternatives with Erin Asaad Dec 05, 2023

We’re taking a closer look at dairy-free yogurt alternatives that are hiding a pretty big secret. What’s really in your yogurt?

Erin Asaad, Founder and CEO of Culina Yogurt, drops some bombshells about the norms of mass-produced yogurt alternatives. She explains the essence of Culina's yogurt, highlighting its coconut-rich formula in contrast to common watered-down alternatives. Erin's insights go beyond the kitchen, shedding light on the misleading charm of natural flavors found in many mainstream products. Through Culina, she encourages a dairy-free movement, inviting consumers to enjoy a genuine and uncompromised yogurt experience.

In this episode, Erin talks to Jen about her inspiration to create dairy-free yogurt at Culina, the truth about conventional alternatives, and the secrets behind some of Culina’s ingredients.

Key Takeaways

[02:00] - What inspired Erin to make Culina Yogurt?
[09:19] - What makes Culina Yogurt different?
[13:36] - Erin explains why she uses maple syrup as a sweetener.
[19:45] - What is Agar, and why does Erin use it in yogurt?
[23:02] - How Erin makes coconut taste similar to a dairy-based product.
[29:21] - Erin explains how bands keep dairy-free foods cheap.

Quotes

[07:54] - “It’s so depressing to remove things and not to know what to fill your diet with.” ~ Erin Asaad

[11:04] - “I think the thing that we’ve done really well is we’ve learned how to culture a non-dairy base in the best way.” ~ Erin Asaad

[12:30] - “The way I create products is that I’m taste, texture, and flavor first.” ~ Erin Asaad

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Creating Clean Nut Butter and Empowering Women with Carolyn Cesario and Julie Sullivan Nov 28, 2023

Ever wondered how a jar of nut butter could contribute to changing lives? Julie Sullivan and Carolyn Cesario, Founders of Ground Up, share their fascinating journey of how their business not only creates nut butter but also empowers women dealing with adversity.

Julie transitioned from living in Uganda where she empowered women entrepreneurs and moved back to Portland, Oregon where she and Carolyn built their company. They discuss some of the challenges working with formerly incarcerated women and how their job training program helps women set goals and transition out of homelessness. From the inception of their job training program to the process of crafting small-batch nut butter, the duo sheds light on how they combine business and social change.

In this episode, Julie and Carolyn talk to Jen about their inspiration for building their business, the empowering journey of women overcoming adversity, and their unique approach to creating nut butter products.

Key Takeaways

[01:10] - The meaning of Ground Up.
[01:46] - How Ground Up started.
[04:39] - Pros and cons of Ground Up’s business model.
[07:35] - How Julie and Carolyn chose nut butter for their business.
[10:16] - The difference between Ground Up and other nut butters.
[13:04] - Why nut butters are using oils and fillers.
[13:52] - Why Ground Up uses roasted nuts.
[14:15] - Why gluten and soy-free is important to Ground Up.
[15:09] - Flavors that Ground Up offers.
[16:07] - How people use Ground Up’s nut butters.
[19:06] - Where you can find Ground Up.
[20:00] - A transformational story of a Ground Up employee.

Quotes

[01:30] - “Our mission is to is to employ women overcoming adversity.” ~ Julie Sullivan

[09:56] - “It’s fun now to see all the folks that come through the training program start to eat healthier and start to be more conscious about what they’re eating.” ~ Carolyn Cesario

[11:31] - “I think what makes our nut butter unique is we use a blend of nuts.” ~ Carolyn Cesario

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https://grounduppdx.com/

Healing the Body Through Healthy Baking with Laurel Gallucci Nov 21, 2023

Refined sugar is a major source of inflammation for the body and some baking innovators are finding ways to ditch them without sacrificing the taste and comfort of baked goods.

Laurel Gallucci, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweet Laurel Bakery, shares her journey of being diagnosed with an aggressive autoimmune disease and the transformation that led her to create a unique baked goods company. She shares the story of her diagnosis in her 20s, her switch to an anti-inflammatory diet that eliminated gluten, grains, dairy, refined sugar, and legumes, and her commitment to using whole, real ingredients in her baking. Laurel's dedication to clean and health-focused recipes has not only helped her manage her autoimmune disease but has also led to the creation of Sweet Laurel as a successful brand, offering grain-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and truly delicious baked goods.

In this episode, Laurel talks to Jen about her journey from being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease to creating a successful bakery, the importance of using real ingredients, and Sweet Laurel's popular products.

Key Takeaways

[01:44] - Laurel talks about Sweet Laurel Bakery’s s’more.
[02:32] - How Laurel addressed the root causes of her autoimmune disease.
[10:10] - Laurel’s view on anti-inflammatory eating for everyone.
[13:18] - Ingredients used in Sweet Laurel’s products.
[16:33] - Products offered by Sweet Laurel’s Bakery.
[21:08] - Jen and Laurel review a Betty Crocker label.
[24:47] - Jen and Laurel review a Sweet Laurel Bakery label.

Quotes

[04:19] - “So many things were happening to me, and I just felt like I needed to try to do better.” ~ Laurel Gallucci

[11:15] - “Bread today is not what bread was 200 years ago it’s like a completely different species.” ~ Laurel Gallucci

[14:40] - “That is Sweet Laurel’s approach. We use ingredients that are linked to whole foods.” ~ Laurel Gallucci

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Creating Guilt-Free Snacks with Susan O’Brien Nov 14, 2023

Everyone loves snacks, but they’re not always the healthiest option and snacking can come with a lot of guilt. Susan O’Brien, Founder of Hail Merry Snacks, wants to change that by making guilt-free snacks that you can eat daily.

Susan started her career as an architect but she found her stride when she trained as a raw food chef. She merged her design skills and built a commercial kitchen to start Hail Merry Snacks. With a focus on reducing sugar, eliminating inflammatory ingredients, and using vegan milk chocolate, Hail Merry redefines the snacking experience. Susan uses her mastery of food science to navigate the challenges with recipe building for products like the key lime pie, Meyer lemon, sweet potato, and chocolate almond butter.

In this episode, Susan talks to Jen about her journey from architecture to creating nutrient-packed snacks with clean ingredients, the importance of mindful snacking, and the creation of Hail Merry's popular products.

Key Takeaways

[00:42] - Jen and Susan discuss managing demanding workloads.
[05:05] - Susan talks about her all-raw food diet experience.
[09:09] - Why people became worried about fats.
[15:25] - Susan talks about the ingredients in Hail Merry Snacks.
[23:41] - Susan’s inspiration behind her pie cups.
[28:45] - How Susan went from being an interior designer to founding Hail Merry.
[31:09] - How Susan's children adapted to eating well.
[33:07] - Where can you find Hail Merry Snacks.

Quotes

[06:08] - “Fats are actually good for you if they’re raw and they’re good quality fats.” ~ Susan O’Brien

[10:24] - “Plant-based fats can actually help lower your cholesterol level.” ~ Susan O’Brien

[34:08] - “The consumer has all the power at the shelf. Whatever the consumer wants is what the retailers will bring in.” ~ Susan O’Brien

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Balancing Health and Holistic Healing with Dr. Michelle Iona Nov 07, 2023

The world of holistic healing, Chinese traditional medicine, and functional medicine is fascinating but often misunderstood. Many people don’t know where to find practitioners, who to trust, or whether these practices truly work.

Dr. Michelle Iona, a doctor of acupuncture in Chinese herbal medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and experienced clinical herbalist has been on a personal journey with endometriosis since her teen years. Her journey shaped her approach to medicine, driving her to explore alternative and holistic healing methods. She emphasizes the importance of a patient-centric approach to healthcare, one that goes beyond treating symptoms and seeks the root causes of health imbalances.

In this episode, Dr. Michelle talks to Jen about the importance of nutrition, her personal journey with endometriosis, and her approach to healing chronic illnesses.

Key Takeaways

[01:44] - Dr. Michelle talks about her patient-centered approach.
[03:06] - How Dr. Michelle learned about how nutrition affected her.
[04:26] - Why wheat, barley, and oats weren’t good for Dr. Michelle.
[07:07] - Dr. Michelle describes traditional Chinese and functional medicine.
[08:43] - Why many Americans have celiac disease.
[10:10] - Where to start when you want to heal yourself.
[11:35] - How to tell if a functional medicine doctor is qualified.
[12:17] - Dr. Michelle talks about the elimination diet and eliminating specific food.
[18:39] - Five foods to stock up on this fall.
[20:32] - Two common myths about acupuncture.
[21:31] - Acupuncture and herbal services offered by Dr. Michelle.
[22:54] - Why certain herbs may not be suitable for everyone.
[23:23] - Dr. Michelle’s Wake-Up moment.

Quotes

[05:51] - “I always tell patients the less you eat out of a box, the healthier you will always be.” ~ Dr. Michelle Iona

[11:07] - “I think it’s hard to self-diagnose, no matter how knowledgeable a person may be.” ~ Dr. Michelle Iona

[18:32] - “A lot of people were brought up to believe that milk is good and we should be having it, but it doesn’t work for everybody.” ~ Dr. Michelle Iona

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Mastering the Art of Celiac-Safe Baking with Jenny Larsson Oct 31, 2023

Sweet treats often come loaded with ingredients that can wreak havoc on our health, Jenny Larsson, Founder of Belly Brand Foods, brings a breath of fresh air. She's on a mission to make clean-label baked goods, making them delicious and celiac-safe.

Jenny Larsson was diagnosed with celiac disease at a young age, but that diagnosis became the driving force behind Belly Brand Foods. Jenny shares how her personal struggles with health issues fueled her passion for clean-label baking. Her dedication to creating gluten-free, grain-free products packed with gut-friendly ingredients like cassava flour and collagen peptides is truly inspiring. Jenny emphasized the importance of ingredient transparency and how her brand is dedicated to providing safe options for those with dietary restrictions.

In this episode, Jenny talks to Jen about her journey from a celiac diagnosis to creating a line of gut-friendly baking mixes, the importance of ingredient transparency, the benefits of using cassava flour, and the role of collagen peptides in promoting gut health.

Key Takeaways

[01:55] - Why Jenny started Belly Brand Foods.
[09:29] - The idea behind the name Belly Brand Foods.
[10:05] - When Jenny started Belly Brand Foods.
[11:59] - Jen discusses why you should avoid Kodiak Power Cakes.
[13:49] - Ingredients in Belly Brand Foods pancakes.
[16:08] - What’s inside Brand Brand Foods brownies?
[19:35] - Where you can find Belly Brand.
[20:41] - Usages of Belly Brand’s mixes.

Quotes

[08:30] - “Everything, at the end of the day, was related to chronic inflammation, and one of the big drivers of inflammation is an unhealthy gut.” ~ Jenny Larsson

[15:13] - “I’ve been adding collagen peptides to my smoothies for years now, and then I started adding into my baking as well because it's such a wonderful gut-friendly superfood.” ~ Jenny Larsson

[19:50] - “People need to know that you can eat healthy and fuel your body with healthy foods and still enjoy the foods that you love.” ~ Jenny Larsson

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Finding the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey with Tyler Dawley Oct 24, 2023

As Thanksgiving approaches, our focus shifts to the star of the holiday feast: the turkey. While many folks might be tempted to choose their turkey solely based on size, there is so much more to consider when selecting the perfect Thanksgiving bird for your family.

Tyler Dawley, affectionately known as the "Head Chicken Wrangler" at Big Bluff Ranch, and his family have been deeply rooted in ranching since the 1960s. They embrace holistic management practices, producing top-quality, organic poultry. Today, Tyler shares his knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture and explores the nuances of turkey labeling and why it matters. He breaks down the confusing terminology, pointing out key factors to consider including the turkey's diet. According to Tyler, opting for turkeys that are organic, pasture-raised, and part of regenerative farming practices, offers a healthier and more flavorful meal for our loved ones.

In this episode, Tyler talks to Jen about holistic and regenerative agriculture, the world of Thanksgiving turkey labels, and the impact of the turkey’s diet on meat quality.

Key Takeaways

[02:06] - How Tyler became the head chicken wrangler.
[03:38] - The origin of the name Big Bluff Ranch.
[04:30] - Jen and Tyler discuss the difference between turkey and chicken labels.
[07:25] - How the turkey became symbolic of Thanksgiving.
[08:35] - Why you shouldn’t buy self-basted or injected turkeys.
[10:43] - The meaning of a young turkey.
[15:25] - Why you should avoid 100% vegetarian feed poultry.
[18:16] - What makes Big Bluff Ranch’s turkeys different?
[23:17] - The difference between pasture-raised meat versus conventional.

Quotes

[05:12] - “Something like 80% of the turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving.” ~ Tyler Dawley

[15:52] - “Turkeys and chickens are omnivorous. They’re little baby dinosaurs.” ~ Tyler Dawley

[20:35] - “We have to realize that all the things that apply to humans apply to animals as well.” ~ Tyler Dawley

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https://perennialpasturesranch.com/

Nourishing Your Skin From Within with Adele Uddo Oct 17, 2023

We place a lot of emphasis on how clean ingredients make our body feel, but these same ingredients have an incredible impact on how we look too. The skin is the body's largest organ, and the right products can leave your skin with a healthy glow from within.

Adele Uddo, Owner of Essentiel by Adele as well as a parts model, grew up reading the labels. Her household took a strict radical approach to eating clean, which she dreaded as a child but appreciated in adulthood. Adele founded Essentiel to emphasize the importance of nourishing the body inside and out. She went on a journey of meticulous research to create a hydrating, multi-use moisturizer with essential oils like frankincense, raspberry leaf extract, and hyaluronic acid. Her moisturizer is an alternative to traditional skincare that is usually filled with harmful ingredients like artificial fragrances and toxic chemicals.

In this episode, Adele talks to Jen about her radical upbringing with food, the importance of natural ingredients in skincare products, and the journey behind creating a clean multi-use moisturizer.

Key Takeaways

[01:58] - Adele’s connection to New Orleans.
[03:52] - How Adele became a body parts model.
[05:54] - Adele talks about how she became interested in ingredients.
[08:22] - What’s Adele’s diet?
[12:13] - Adele discusses her lotion, Essentiel by Adele.
[14:30] - Adele’s experience using skincare products in her career.
[16:20] - How Essentiel by Adele feels on the skin and the ingredients.
[18:49] - Frequently asked questions about Essentiel by Adele.
[21:12] - Where you can find Essentiel by Adele.
[22:10] - Adele’s wake-up moment.

Quotes

[08:08] - “To me, that was just second nature. I grew up reading labels. A lot of people do not do that.” ~ Adele Uddo

[08:48] - “Interestingly, I really feel far more grounded when I’m eating clean.” ~ Adle Uddo

[20:40] - “Up to 60% of whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream.” ~ Adele Uddo

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For 20% off your order, use this code: WAKEUP

https://essentielbyadele.com/

Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Elisa Song Oct 10, 2023

Keeping your kids healthy is every parent’s priority. When they get sick, our first instinct is to rely on traditional medicine but understanding holistic approaches to pediatric care can make all the difference.

Dr. Elisa Song, Pediatrician and Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, believes that a robust immune system is the foundation of a child's well-being. She explains that a child’s immunity is being built from inside the womb and a fortified immune system acts as the body's guardian, warding off common illnesses and fostering overall health. She emphasizes the role of proper nutrition in nurturing a child's health and advocates for nutrient-dense diets filled with vibrant fruits and vegetables. While nutrition is important, Dr. Song’s approach isn’t limited to just prevention. She also tackles how to support children during illnesses using homeopathic remedies like Oscillococcinum and herbal syrups as a natural alternative to conventional medicines.

In this episode, Dr. Song talks to Jen about bolstering children’s immunity naturally, preventing common childhood illnesses, and providing natural support during illnesses.

Key Takeaways

[01:56] - How an integrative pediatrician differs from traditional pediatricians.
[04:05] - Why parents bring their children to Dr. Song’s practice.
[05:56] - How a mother's diet impacts a child in the womb's well-being.
[10:58] - Tips on how to prevent your child from getting a cold.
[16:43] - Dr. Song talks about how important Vitamin D is for children.
[20:56] - What to do when your child has a cold.
[30:20] - How to prevent and treat ear infections and eczema in children.
[36:20] - Free resources for listeners.

Quotes

[02:59] - “As we know, there are many, many unintended consequences that we are now realizing about our conventional interventions.” ~ Dr. Elisa Song

[07:12] - “If we have a vision in mind of how we would love our children to eat when they’re older, we’ll start while you’re pregnant.” ~ Dr. Elisa Song

[32:09] - “When we take antibiotics, we really need to make sure we’re restoring the gut microbiome after antibiotics.” ~ Dr. Elisa Song

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Exploring Regenerative Agriculture with Kevin Muno Oct 03, 2023

It wasn’t uncommon for our grandparents to know the farmer who harvested their food and the butcher who carved their meats. Today, the average American gets their meat and produce directly from a grocery store. Kevin Muno, Principal at Landscape Function Management and Founder of Perennial Pastures Ranch is forging connections with consumers and encouraging them to ask questions about the origins of their food.

At Perennial Pastures Ranch, Kevin provides nutrient-dense grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, beef bone broth, and ancestral beef snack sticks directly to consumers through his website and farmers market pop-ups. Kevin is passionate about regenerative agriculture and is committed to ethical and sustainable farming. He believes the food we eat should not only nourish our bodies, but it should also nourish the planet and restore our ecosystem. He is doing his part at his ranch by promoting biodiversity, soil health, and rotating his animals while they graze.

In this episode, Kevin talks to Jen, about the benefits of nutrient-dense food for our health, regenerative agriculture and ranching practices that nourish the planet, and sustainable snack options.

Key Takeaways

[01:39] - How Kevin’s injury inspired him to create Perennial Pastures Ranch.
[06:52] - What makes Perennial Pastures product superior?
[11:30] - How regenerative agriculture enhances the quality of beef.
[16:27] - The meaning of grass-fed in grocery stores.
[17:58] - The significance of chickens raised on a pasture.
[21:52] - The benefits of having regenerative foods in your diet.
[23:56] - Products made by Perennial Pastures.
[30:49] - Kevin’s wake-up moment.

Quotes

[07:22] - “There is a ton of greenwashing going on, and the most greenwashing is occurring at the grocery store.” ~ Kevin Muno

[08:00] - “The focus of organic early on was soil health, but that soon got co-opted by larger forces.” ~ Kevin Muno

[32:44] - “I can honestly say I feel like I’m called to be a rancher. I’m called to regenerate this planet.” ~ Kevin Muno

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Understanding Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Jody Stanislaw Sep 26, 2023

Managing type 1 Diabetes is a delicate balance between insulin, diet, and exercise. But the mental and emotional aspect of diabetes is the silent struggle that can sometimes leave patients feeling hopeless and burnt out.

Dr. Jody Stanislaw has been a type 1 diabetic for over 40 years. Diagnosed as a child in the 80s, she set out on a lifelong journey to manage her diabetes and become the master of her own health. She became a naturopathic physician and diabetes expert. Dr. Jody delves into the mental and emotional aspects of living with type 1 diabetes, offering guidance on staying positive and avoiding burnout. She shares her personal journey and how she provides ongoing support to her patients through regular live sessions. She explains how continuous glucose monitoring, regular exercise, and strategic eating can help patients gain better control over their diabetes.

In this episode, Dr. Jody talks to Jen about her early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, the importance of understanding blood sugar responses to food and exercise, and the impact of meal composition on blood sugar spikes.

Key Takeaways

[01:16] - How Dr. Jody’s childhood shapes her work.
[02:52] - The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
[07:42] - Are all glucose and carbs created equally?
[12:13] - How the order you eat affects your blood sugar.
[14:25] - The efficacy of vinegar to control blood sugar spikes.
[15:49] - The importance of exercise in blood sugar control.
[18:22] - How to avoid burnout with type 1 diabetes.
[21:16] - How to find Dr. Jody.
[22:33] - Dr. Jody's success stories.
[25:20] - Dr. Jody’s experience doing a Ted Talk.

Quotes

[03:35] - “All ages are getting type 1 these days, even 30-year-olds, 40-year-olds, 50-year-olds, and 60-year-olds are getting type 1.” ~ Dr. Jody Stanislaw

[10:03] - “Some people have a strong, robust insulin production capacity, and some people don’t.” ~ Dr. Jody Stanislaw

[16:18] - “Exercise is one of the best fountains of youth we have.” ~ Dr. Jody Stanislaw

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The Secrets of Gut-Friendly Baking with Barbara Zeiss Sep 19, 2023

Bread is a universal symbol of sharing and community, but it can also be a delicate subject for people with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or a preference for eating clean. Luckily, passionate cooks are developing delicious clean bread alternatives with ingredients like almond flour, flax seeds, cassava flour, and psyllium husk.

Barbara Zeiss, Founder and CEO of Plantiful Kitchen, is on a mission to redefine baked goods with superior ingredients. Growing up in Germany, she developed a deep connection to the origins of food and was nurtured by her parents to learn where food comes from and how it's prepared. This connection with food, combined with the Germans' unwavering love for bread, sparked the idea of Plantiful Kitchen. Barbara shares her journey of relocating to the U.S. and seeing the stark differences in ingredient quality. This exposed the unsettling truth about the harmful additives and depletion of fiber in traditional bakery products that affect both health and the gut.

In this episode, Barbara talks to Jen about how she creates gut-friendly bread and treats that kids and adults love, the role of fiber in gut health, and the benefits of using superior ingredients in her recipes.

Key Takeaways

[01:57] - Why Barbara founded Plantiful Kitchen.
[04:13] - Are bad reactions to bread unique to America?
[06:23] - What inspired the name Plantiful Kitchen?
[09:14] - Barbara’s experience creating Plantiful Kitchen.
[14:03] - The benefits of having fiber in foods.
[16:35] - Ingredients that make Barbara’s bread different.
[23:35] - How kids feel about Plantiful Kitchens breads.
[25:24] - The types of chocolate chips used in Plantiful Kitchen’s cookies.
[31:54] - Questions from VIP group coaching clients.

Quotes

[04:30] - “Since the food industry is getting bigger and everything is about making money, making things cheaper, doughs, additives, and cheaper ingredients are making their way into foods everywhere around the world.” ~ Barbara Zeiss

[07:22] - “That's how we came up with the name Plantiful Kitchen because it’s full of plants and we literally make it at our kitchen in Carlsbad.” ~ Barbara Zeiss

[14:16] - “When you eat the baked goods that have all the fiber removed essentially, it destroys all the healthy gut bacteria.” ~ Barbara Zeiss

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Navigating Breast Implant Illness with Dr. Robert Whitfield Sep 12, 2023

Breast implants have been around since the '60s, but their popularity skyrocketed in the '90s. With their popularity, it’s easy to forget the possible long-term risks involved with the procedure.

Dr. Robert Whitfield, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has over 26 years of experience in the industry conducting breast implant procedures and helping patients find relief from breast implant illness. He shares his insights on how breast implant illness is intricately linked to chronic inflammation within the body. He highlights the complexity of this issue, where symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog are often overlooked as indicators of breast implant illness. With a focus on holistic and personalized care, Dr. Whitfield emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans and offers expert guidance on testing for breast implant illness, considering genetic factors and detox pathways.

In this episode, Dr. Whitfield talks to Jen about the symptoms of breast implant illness, personalized solutions for finding relief, and embracing well-being post-explant.

Key Takeaways

[01:40] - Symptoms of breast implant illness.
[03:54] - How long post-op does breast implant illness start to affect patients?
[05:38] - How long has breast implant illness been affecting patients?
[07:22] - Types of implants that cause breast implant illness.
[08:50] - How Dr. Whitfield tests for breast implant illness.
[10:25] - The approach to addressing breast implant illness.
[13:42] - Advice for people considering breast implants.
[15:30] - Pre-op recommendations for lower inflammation.
[16:14] - How patients feel after implants have been removed.
[19:15] - Safe alternative to breast lifts.
[21:23] - Dr. Whitfield’s specialties.

Quotes

[01:54] - “Breast implant illness, to me, is a cascade of chronic inflammation.” ~ Dr. Robert Whitfield

[06:53] - “An implant just plays one role in the cascade of inflammation. There's a lot of other things involved.” ~ Dr. Robert Whitfield

[16:44] - “If you had a problem for many, many years and I operated on you, I didn’t solve it in a moment in the operation room.” ~ Dr. Robert Whitfield

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Transforming Your Life Through Clean Eating with Jen Smiley Sep 05, 2023

Jen Smiley, Host of Wake Up and Read the Labels and Founder of The Clean Eating Academy, helps listeners discover the power of eating clean for a healthier life. Jen's podcast and coaching have already transformed how people see food.

Jen dives into the world of clean eating, revealing how simple changes can lead to big health improvements. She talks about common foods like tea and coffee and how hidden toxins can affect our bodies. Jen references past episodes with experts like Dr. Emily Gonzalez, who talked about the toxins in coffee, and Dr. Michael Goran who spent 20 years studying the effects of sweeteners. She also shares inspiring stories from the Clean Eating Academy including Michelle's journey from shedding excess weight to discontinuing medications, and Marie's story of noticing the difference in how she looks and feels after changing her diet.

In this episode, Jen talks about the hidden toxins in everyday foods, the importance of mindful eating habits, and real success stories from the Clean Eating Academy.

Key Takeaways

[01:23] - The importance of eating clean.
[05:13] - Clean eating tips.
[08:10] - What is clean eating?
[14:23] - Ingredients to avoid.
[16:02] - Frequently asked questions.
[26:24] - Client success stories.

Quotes

[03:57] - “You actually just have to commit and realize that you don’t have to be perfect.” ~ Jen Smiley

[08:14] - “Clean eating is eating foods made with real ingredients your body can recognize and digest.” ~ Jen Smiley

[08:23] - “Today in 2023, we have so many food options, and how the food is made has become lost to us.“ ~ Jen Smiley

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Plant-Powered Wellness with Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster Aug 29, 2023

Plant-based foods have remarkable healing properties, but many physicians overlook them when consulting with families about their health and wellness. Physicians like Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, Board-Certified Pediatrician and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, are changing the face of pediatrics with a plant-powered approach.

Dr. Yami is a traditionally trained pediatrician bridging the gap between using conventional medicine to treat serious illnesses while also promoting the healing power of food through holistic plant-based diets. In her own home, her family lives a vegan lifestyle and eats a vegan diet. She shares her insights on the profound impact of plant-based diets on gut health and overall well-being and debunks the concept of kids' menus. Instead, Dr. Yami encourages parents to embrace a more diverse and nutrient-rich approach to feeding their children, including lots of fruits and veggies. She also delves into how a child's dietary habits can predict their adult choices, and how even a fetus' exposure to flavors in the womb shapes their palate.

In this episode, Dr. Yami talks to Jen about the transformative potential of plant-based diets for kids' health, the impact of plant-based foods on the gut, and myths about dairy.

Key Takeaways

[01:47] - Dr. Yami’s passion for helping her patients live a long, healthy life.
[03:17] - How Dr. Yami feels about kids' menus.
[05:01] - How a child's diet before age five predicts their future diet.
[08:10] - The difference between vegan and vegetarian.
[10:22] - Do medical schools teach plant-based diets?
[11:30] - Why parents bring their children to Dr. Yami.
[13:33] - Factors that increase the likelihood of infection.
[19:01] - Actions that contribute to the development of a child's immune system.
[21:24] - Why beans cause gas.
[23:22] - How to choose dairy-free milk.
[25:43] - Dr. Yami shares patient success stories.

Quotes

[04:09] - “I feel like kids' foods and snack foods are made up of things, basically just ultra-processed foods that we love to eat.” ~ Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster

[16:40] - “If you’re going to be a human living in the world, you are going to be exposed to infection.” ~Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster

[20:14] - “Fiber is my favorite F word, and it’s one of the best things for us for so many different reasons.” ~ Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster

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Healing Your Body Through a Wild Diet with Teri Cochrane Aug 22, 2023

Our genes have a profound impact on what we can comfortably eat and digest. Experts like Teri Cochrane, Founder and CEO of Beyond Nutrition, dedicate their time to helping us figure out the complex world of epigenetics.

Teri shares her personal journey as a mother determined to find answers for her son's health challenges, which led her into the field of epigenetics. She developed The Cochrane Method, an approach that explores how nutrition affects gene expression and its impact on our overall well-being. She emphasizes the vital role of stress management in achieving overall wellness. Her precision wellness approach goes beyond functional medicine to help individuals become the CEOs of their own health journeys.

In this episode, Teri talks to Jen about how genetic expression impacts health, the principles of the Wildatarian diet, and inspiring success stories from clients who followed The Cochrane Method.

Key Takeaways

[01:32] - Teri’s background in nutrition and epigenetics.
[06:32] - Functional medicine practitioner vs. conventional medical practitioner.
[10:19] - The rise of auto-immune and chronic conditions.
[15:16] - What is the The Wildatarian Diet?
[17:23] - How epigenetics determines what you can and can’t eat.
[19:08] - Teri’s client experience.
[20:26] - Teri shares a client success story.

Quotes

[09:04] - “We have 23,000 genes. Only around five genes are actually hardwired, and the other ones have to be tripped.” ~ Teri Cochrane

[10:07] - “The body, when given the right instruction and the right formula and the right feeding system, has a miraculous capability to right itself.” ~ Teri Cochrane

[19:50] - “Food alone can heal.” ~ Teri Cochrane

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Creating a Clean Medicine Cabinet with David Johnson Aug 15, 2023

Pharmaceutical drugs have become increasingly prevalent in our lives, but we rarely stop to consider the synthetic ingredients they contain. David Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Genexa, is on a mission to revolutionize the world of medicine with clean, simple ingredients and medical efficacy.

David shares his personal journey and motivation behind creating Genexa. Coming from a background of health-conscious living, he was shocked by the unpronounceable ingredients in children's cold and flu medicine. This led him and his partner to question why the clean movement hadn't extended to the pharmaceutical industry. David explores the concept of clean medicine, which involves using effective, recognizable, active ingredients without synthetic or artificial fillers. His company Genexa focuses on creating products that use organic and natural components, such as organic blueberries for flavoring instead of artificial dyes.

In this episode, David talks to Jen about his journey to create a clean medicine brand, the harmful ingredients in popular medications, and what makes Genexa different from mainstream brands.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - How David realized clean medication was needed.
[03:10] - What is clean medicine?
[05:51] - Why companies use inactive ingredients.
[07:45] - Genexa’s pharmaceutical line.
[08:44] - What is different about Genexa’s medication?
[14:20] - Ingredients in Genexa’s antacid.
[16:12] - How to build a clean medicine cabinet with Genexa.
[19:15] - David’s message to entrepreneurs.

Quotes

[03:46] - “The majority of all medicines are comprised of about 85% to 95% inactive ingredients.” ~ David Johnson

[08:09] - “Our goal is to provide a product across not only pain, allergy, and digestive but products that provide for consumers to be able to choose clean.” ~ David Johnson

[15:35 ] - “Drugs should be a last resort for anything.” ~David Johnson

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Food as Medicine: Healing Cancer and Nourishing the Body with Chris Wark Aug 08, 2023

Sickness doesn’t wait for the “right time” to strike. It can show up when you least expect it but through determination, faith, and informed choices, we can overcome even the most challenging health battles.

Chris Wark, speaker and author of “Chris Beat Cancer”, received a life-altering diagnosis of stage three colon cancer at 26 years old and was immediately advised to undergo surgery. Instead of succumbing to fear and rushing into conventional treatment, Chris chose to confront his mortality and embark on a path of exploration, seeking alternative options and relying on the power of prayer for guidance. Chris emphasizes that food can serve as both medicine and poison and making the right food choices can greatly impact one's health and longevity. He shares his feelings on the fear-based decisions often made by cancer patients due to a lack of knowledge and encourages them to make decisions rooted in facts and faith rather than fear.

In this episode, Chris talks to Jen about his inspiring story of overcoming colon cancer through the power of food, dealing with a cancer diagnosis at 26 years old, and exploring alternative treatment options while focusing on faith over fear.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - Chris’ colon cancer journey.
[07:38] - Chris’ diet before cancer.
[15:45] - Converting to a raw food diet.
[22:04] - Chris’ first oncologist appointment after changing his diet.
[31:18] - When Chris realized he was at a turning point.

Quotes

[02:21] - “There are far too many people in the United States who are suffering from chronic diseases that are largely due to our diet and lifestyle choices.” ~ Chris Wark

[12:48] - “I knew chemotherapy drugs were harsh and toxic and poisonous, and who wants to suffer? Not me!” ~ Chris Wark

[30:03] - “In my opinion, 90% of health is not the physical stuff. It’s the mental, emotional, and physical stuff.” ~ Chris Wark

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Healthy Snacking and Mindful Eating with Aaron Gailmor Aug 01, 2023

The journey towards a healthier lifestyle often begins with simple yet impactful modifications to our daily eating habits. For many, the first step involves eliminating harmful substances and additives that may be causing discomfort or pain. This conscious decision to listen to one's body, discern what is causing distress, and make a change can be transformative. Recognizing the impact of making conscious dietary choices, many individuals are championing the commitment to providing healthy snacks that satiate our cravings and support our overall well-being.

In this episode, Jen talks with Aaron Gailmor, Founder and CEO (Chief Eats Officer) of Brass Roots, a snack food company whose plant-based products use organic sacha inchi seeds, nicknamed "the Incan peanut." Launched in 2019, Brass Roots has developed high-protein salty snacks for young parents that can feel good about sharing them with their kids. The company is focused on giving back to the local community through working with organizations that help empower youth.

Realizing sacha inchi's benefits, especially in cardiovascular and gut health, Aaron talks with Jen about his inspiration for founding Brass Roots, what people need to know about sacha inchi, and the product sacha inchi substitutes.

Key Takeaways

[01:41] - Aaron's inspiration for founding Brass Roots.
[08:09] - How Aaron came up with the name Brass Roots.
[08:59] - What people need to know about sacha inchi.
[10:34] - How Aaron discovered the beauty of sacha inchi.
[13:56] - The product sacha inchi butter substitutes.
[14:49] - How Aaron sources his seeds.
[16:00] - Aaron's experience on Shark Tank.
[17:50] - A sneak peek at what Brass Roots has in store for the future.
[20:04] - Where people can find sacha inchi products.
[20:53] - The wake-up moment that changed Aaron's life forever.

Quotes

[08:15] - "We wanted to be that healthy snack food from New Orleans. We wanted people to recognize that we are here committing to the city, especially within the youth community, trying to help kids learn about nutrition, wellness, and entrepreneurship." ~ Aaron Gailmor

[21:08] - "The moment I realized I had Coeliac disease was a pretty big game changer. It's a moment of vulnerability." ~ Aaron Gailmor

[21:42] - "No message is stronger than that feeling when you stop eating what's causing you pain and feel the difference within a day." ~ Aaron Gailmor

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The Truth About Bottled Water with Bryan Pullen Jul 25, 2023

Water, one of the most important sources of nutrition, has become a concern over the years due to issues in the public water system. In search of a safer alternative, many people have turned to bottled water and the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming.

Brian Pullen, Owner of Summit Spring, is a 40 plus-year commercial airline pilot turned water advocate. Brian shares the history of Summit Spring, one of North America's oldest natural spring sources dating back to the late 1700s. He highlights the authenticity of true natural spring water, in contrast to the existing definition created by regulatory changes. Brian also explains the differences between natural spring and purified water, debunking myths about treatments such as alkaline and vitamin water. He sheds light on the deceptive practices of mainstream bottled water brands, urging the audience to read labels and research their water sources diligently.

In this episode, Bryan Pullen talks to Jen about the difference between natural spring and purified water, myths about various treatments of water such as alkaline and vitamin water, and the truth behind mainstream bottled water brands.

Key Takeaways

[01:26] - Bryan explains the difference between natural spring and purified water.
[03:45] - Why is water bought in bottles?
[06:35] - Bryan narrates the backstory of Summit Spring.
[08:49] - Summit Spring’s customers.
[14:33] - Why Bryan doesn’t recommend reverse osmosis water.
[19:32] - Why alkaline and vitamin water are a scam.
[22:29] - How Bryan feels about carbonated water.
[24:56] - Where can you buy Summit Spring Water.

Quotes

[03:19] - “Everybody tries to hide where their source is because it’s usually a well with a cap on it and a pump.” ~ Bryan Pullen

[04:38] - “All tap water is loaded with chlorine and fluoride and other chemicals.” ~ Bryan Pullen

[08:29] - “Our water is so pure it exceeds every state and federal guideline for drinking water straight from the ground.” ~ Bryan Pullen

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Six Best Practices for Personal Development with Hal Elrod Jul 18, 2023

We often witness people experiencing distress. Some find solace in it, believing it is their only reality. But what if we can shift our perspective and mold our lives into the shape we desire? What if there was a way to elevate our consciousness and unlock our true potential?

In this episode, Jen talks with Hal Elrod, Founder and CEO of The Miracle Morning, motivational speaker, and author. At age 20, a drunk driver hit Hal’s car head-on at over 70 miles per hour. He died for six minutes, broke 11 bones, suffered permanent brain damage, and was told by doctors that he would never walk again. Then, at age 37, he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. After being given a 30% chance of surviving, Hal once again defied the odds to beat it. His journey is featured in his most recent project, ”The Miracle Morning” movie. This documentary shows you how to live to your full potential and highlights stories of ordinary people doing the extraordinary.

With a mission to elevate the consciousness of humanity one morning at a time, Hal speaks with Jen about the six best practices for personal development and how to elevate your day and take control of your mindset to achieve your goals.

Key Takeaways

[03:24] - The defining moment that sets the tone for Hal's life.
[07:27] - The two metaphorical pages of life.
[09:18] - The downside to Hal's superpowers.
[12:33] - Hal's battles in life.
[14:54] - What the movie, “The Miracle Morning”, is all about.
[17:42] - The quote that led to a breakthrough in Hal's life.
[21:29] - Hal's six best practices for personal development.
[27:09] - How Jen applied Morning Miracle to her life.
[32:29] - What the Miracle Morning 2.0 is all about.
[34:36] - Why people should practice SAVERS first thing in the morning.
[36:27] - Three steps to create practical, actionable, and results-oriented affirmations.
[48:46] - What's next for the Miracle Morning?

Quotes

[07:30] - "Your reality is made of two metaphorical pages. One page lists everything you have to feel bad about. Call it the painful page. Then one thing lists everything you have to feel good about. Call it the peaceful page or the pleasurable page." ~ Hal Elrod

[07:45] - "People who are distraught, negative, and complaining often justify their complaining by looking at their painful page. But the page you focus on determines the quality of your life. You can be miserable, or you can be happy with the exact same life that you're living." ~ Hal Elrod

[21:28] - "My mission is for all of us to have a daily personal development ritual that is structured, strategic, intentional, and proven to accelerate our level of personal development so that we can create the success we want in our lives." ~ Hal Elrod

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Navigating the Grocery Aisles with Jennifer Fisher Jul 11, 2023

True wellness comes from changing your lifestyle and mindset about food, not from a diet. It is about cutting through the noise and listening to your body and eating the food that makes you feel your best.

Jennifer Fisher, Owner of Jennifer Fisher Kitchen and Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, went on a journey to heal her Hashimoto’s disease with a gluten-free diet. She discovered that true wellness isn't achieved by fixating on a specific diet but by embracing a whole-food approach with simple ingredients. Jennifer became more discerning about the so-called "healthy" food found on supermarket shelves and learned the difference between products marketed as healthy and those that genuinely nourished her. For her, the key is not to be deceived by the health food industry but to align your choices with personal preferences and goals.

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Jen about the deceptive marketing tactics of so-called "healthy" products, sharing personal experiences and practical tips for navigating the confusing world of food labels.

Key Takeaways

[03:11] - Jennifer’s gut health journey.
[06:39] - Differences Jennifer noticed once she started reading the labels.
[10:00] - Why is finding good products in the grocery store difficult?
[16:15] - Jennifer's favorite dairy-free brands.
[28:58] - Jen and Jennifer discuss citric acid.
[31:00] - Why you should avoid eating beans and legumes.
[42:00] - Jennifer tells the story of her salt.

Quotes

[04:10] - “I really started my own personalized health journey because I spent so much money over the years on nutritionists and programs.” ~ Jennifer Fisher

[07:57] - “This is not a diet. I’m not preaching a diet. I’m preaching a lifestyle.” ~ Jennifer Fisher

[28:22] - “People don’t realize that natural flavors aren’t good for you.” ~ Jennifer Fisher

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Protecting Your Skin With Clean Sunscreen with Sara D’Amelio Jul 04, 2023

It’s no secret that consistent sunscreen application is crucial to aging gracefully and protecting your skin against prolonged sun exposure. However, very few people take the time to understand what is actually in their sunscreen and how these harmful chemicals could be causing breakouts, irritation, or rashes. How can you protect your skin from the sun as safely as possible, without all of the toxic ingredients?

Sara D’Amelio struggled to find beauty products that suited her sensitive skin for years. In 1998, she started working in a luxury beauty store hoping that the high-end products would heal her skin issues, but these toxin-filled products only exacerbated her irritation. Sara vowed to use only clean and natural products and spent five years training to become a holistic esthetician. She committed to treating clients with difficult skin issues and eventually founded her own clean skincare company, Skincando. Skincando’s sunscreen product, Liquid Silver, aims to show that you can protect your skin and nourish it too.

In this episode, Sara talks to Jen about the importance of reading the labels on your sunscreen. They discuss why Sara created a toxin-free sunscreen, how to responsibly spend time in the sun, and how a clean sunscreen can fit into your skincare routine.

Key Takeaways

[05:58] - Why Sara decided to create clean sunscreen.
[07:30] - Where does the name “Liquid Silver” come from?
[09:49] - An overview of Liquid Silver’s ingredients.
[12:37] - How Liquid Silver fits into your skincare routine.
[13:57] - What does Liquid Silver smell like?
[15:37] - The safest way to get sun exposure.
[17:33] - Where to find Liquid Silver and Skincando’s products.

Quotes

[06:32] - “We need to be responsible with how we interact with the sun.” ~ Sara D’Amelio

[07:11] - “I was stuck in the shell islands during the pandemic for four months on the equator. The only sunscreen I used was my Liquid Silver protective lotion, because I really wanted to test it, and I was not ever burned.” ~ Sara D’Amelio

[09:50] - “We're feeding our skin like we would feed our bodies, and our skin recognizes whole food plant-based ingredients.” ~ Sara D’Amelio

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Empowering Women Through Fitness with Megan Roup Jun 27, 2023

Fitness as a practice is often looked at as a competitive, serious business, but some practitioners are finding ways to infuse joy into the fitness culture.

Megan Roup, Founder of The Sculp Society, started teaching fitness part-time to fund her career as a classical ballet dancer. Unexpectedly, she unlocked a passion for fitness she didn’t know existed. But her journey into wellness wasn’t without doubts and struggles. Megan shares her challenging relationship with food and body image issues that she knew she needed to overcome in order to find joy in her fitness journey for herself and her community. Megan explains the philosophy behind The Sculpt Society and her unique approach.

In this episode, Megan talks to Jen about empowering women through joyful movement, creating a positive environment for all fitness levels, and transforming women's relationship with working out.

Key Takeaways

[01:40] - Megan’s background and the Sculpt Society.
[06:13] - How Megan wants women to feel after taking her class.
[08:57] - How women compare to celebrities during workouts.
[11:49] - Megan recommends a workout for women between 40 and 60.
[15:00] - The Sculpt Society App.
[17:04] - Different Sculpt Society classes.
[21:06] - Fun challenges on the Sculpt Society.
[22:16] - Movement during pregnancy.
[25:21] - Megan’s inspiration for her Instagram posts.
[29:08] - Megan and her husband's coffee walks.

Quotes

[01:32] - “If I can do anything, it’s really transforming women’s relationship with working out, movement, and their bodies.” ~ Megan Roup

[08:15] - “I want to give women time back. Do the workout, move on with your day, and feel really confident.” ~ Megan Roup

[14:28] - “It’s not for the next 30 days. Movement is for the rest of your life.” ~ Megan Roup

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Making the Switch to Natural Wine with Todd White Jun 20, 2023

Eating clean is a journey that requires discipline, intentionality, and awareness. This journey can improve your quality of life and lead to better memory, improved sleep, and stronger performance. While many people associate clean eating with cutting out toxicity in their diets, some products can still be enjoyed in moderation. If you are intentional about what goes into your body, can you still drink wine on your wellness journey?

Todd White, Founder and CEO of Dry Farm Wines, asked himself this question in 2015 as both a clean eater and wine enthusiast. After a friend recommended he try natural wines, Todd extensively researched the wine industry and horrifically discovered there are 76 winemaking additives approved by the FDA. As a result, Todd built Dry Farm Wines, a natural wine company that is committed to the “conscious consumption” of wine without sugar, high alcohol levels, and toxic additives.

In this episode, Todd talks to Jen about what is inside your wine. They discuss how to decipher wine labels, why your current wine may be holding you back from feeling good, and what to look for when choosing your wine.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - Todd’s wellness journey.
[05:04] - The history of the wine industry.
[10:00] - What additives are in wine?
[13:10] - The wine industry’s response to harmful additives.
[16:07] - Where does the name “Dry Farm Wines” come from?
[20:48] - Symptoms you could experience drinking traditional wine.
[25:15] - What does Dry Farm Wines taste like?
[28:32] - Where to find Dry Farm Wines.

Quotes

[03:16] - “My goal was to minimize these nasty industrial additives that I'm putting in my body, just the same way that I minimize these additives in processed food. The difference in processed food and the difference in wine is that wine gets treated very specially by the U.S. government in collusion with the wine industry.” ~ Todd White

[24:26] - “If you're a regular wine drinker like me, you need to know this information and you need this experience in order to improve your life. And I happen to get paid a decent living for doing that, but what's more important to me is to help people like me be able to enjoy wine and have a better experience from it.” ~ Todd White

[26:35] - “Wines don't taste natural once you’ve tasted a natural wine. Natural wines taste honest.” ~ Todd White

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Prioritizing Pure Protein with Autumn Smith Jun 13, 2023

Protein is the fuel that humans need to function properly and maintain good health. This key nutrient is responsible for building, repairing, oxygenating, digesting, and regulating your body. It is an essential part of any diet, and The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults consume at least 0.8 grams of protein daily. Without enough protein, humans could experience inflammation, mood swings, fatigue, and prolonged illness.

For years, Autumn Smith suffered from debilitating digestive issues and crippling anxiety. She found that her body healed when she implemented a paleo diet. Autumn and her husband Chase launched Paleovalley, which strives to provide people with essential nutrients, such as protein, without all of the processed foods or added sugars. Paleovalley prioritizes health above profit and creates products with integrity, devoid of any problematic ingredients.

In this episode, Autumn talks to Jen about why clean protein products are difficult to find, which dangerous ingredients exist in traditional protein sources, and what makes Paleovalley’s business unique.

Key Takeaways

[02:38] - What makes Paleovalley unique?
[08:23] - The difference between bone broth protein and other protein sources.
[12:49] - Benefits of bone broth protein.
[14:24] - Beef sticks vs. beef jerky.
[19:07] - What is organic dextrose?
[21:57] - What’s really in Paleovalley’s products?
[23:43] - Are supplements regulated?
[27:09] - What makes Paleovalley’s Vitamin C stand out?

Quotes

[02:41] - “In most products in general, you have to remember that a lot of them are made by marketers, not people who care about health. A lot of times, they’ll want to use as little as possible of the really high-quality ingredients and as much as possible of the other ingredients that might cost less.” ~ Autumn Smith

[04:58] - “There are just a lot of things hiding in protein powders today, and what makes ours really different is we are coming at this from a health perspective. We've been very mindful at every stage.” ~ Autumn Smith

[18:40] - “We leave out all unnecessary ingredients because it already tastes good and then we're processing in a way that is very safe and natural. But it takes much more time, which is why not very many companies are willing to do it.” ~ Autumn Smith

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The Power of Probiotics with Tina Anderson Jun 06, 2023

When we hear “bacteria,” we usually associate it with inflammation and disease, but not all bacteria are created equal. There is such a thing as “good bacteria,” found in probiotics, that can balance the gut and alleviate digestive issues, stimulate antibody production, and reduce inflammation. Which strains of probiotics are best for our individual needs, and how long will the healing process take before we start to see results?

While working in the pharmaceutical industry, Tina and Bill Anderson realized that they were part of a larger healthcare problem. Medications were addressing symptoms, but not the root cause of health issues. After deep diving into natural and progressive solutions, Tina and Bill discovered the life-changing impact that probiotics could have on an individual’s health. The two never looked back at the pharmaceutical industry and founded Just Thrive together, a scientifically-backed probiotics company that empowers people to take their health into their own hands instead of relying on prescription medications.

In this episode, Tina talks to Jen about how probiotics can heal the gut. The two discuss why our gut health matters, what the healing process looks like, and how to find the right probiotic for you.

Key Takeaways

[02:02] - An intro to Tina and Just Thrive.
[03:57] - How the name “Just Thrive” came to be.
[05:23] - Why does our gut health matter?
[07:52] - How gut health and food ingredients are connected.
[09:37] - What is a probiotic?
[12:14] - What happens when your gut begins to heal?
[14:03] - How long do probiotics take to change your gut?
[17:22] - The relationship between the gut and brain.
[19:01] - What is “just calm”?
[21:35] - Which supplement is right for me?
[22:46] - Where to find Just Thrive.

Quotes

[05:37] - “Every non-communicable disease is stemming from the health or the unhealth of our gut.” ~ Tina Anderson

[10:17] - “If a probiotic needs to be refrigerated, it means it can't withstand the room temperature of the store shelf. How in the world would it ever survive your body temperature, which is 98.6 [degrees]?” ~ Tina Anderson

[16:36] - “You could be eating clean, but if you have a leaky gut, food particles could leak into your bloodstream. Food articles don't belong in your bloodstream.” ~ Tina Anderson

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Dining Fearlessly with Seed Oil Scout May 30, 2023

Going out to eat is a luxury, but dining out means that you have no real knowledge or control over what is put in your food. While you may spend time in your personal life jumping through hoops to avoid processed foods or seed oils, any progress could be deterred by local restaurants who do not take the same precautions. Is there a solution for dining out consciously and carefully?

Seed Oil Scout is a free app that maps out conscious cooking and encourages you to “dine as if your life depends on it.” The app allows you to identify restaurants using healthy oils and local ingredients, contact restaurants about their cooking oils, and share knowledge with others seeking the same information.

In this episode, a representative from Seed Oil Scout talks to Jen about what seed oils are, how different cooking oils impact your body, and how to get more restaurants on the Seed Oil Scout app.

Key Takeaways

[04:04] - What are seed oils and how do they impact your body?
[07:34] - Seed Oil Scout’s story.
[09:12] - Why restaurants continue to use seed oils.
[11:32] - How restaurant prices are affected by healthy oils.
[14:44] - Why Seed Oil Scout focuses on restaurants.
[16:46] - How listeners can get more restaurants on the app.
[18:07] - Where to find Seed Oil Scout.

Quotes

[07:11] - “The feature in the app is called the automailer. When you open a restaurant in the app, it essentially scrapes their website for an email address and then you can, with one tap, send our template email over to them. It says you're allergic to common vegetable oils and you're okay with the safe fats and asks what your options are.” ~ Seed Oil Scout

[13:08] - “It’s taking the market some time to catch up with demand. ~ Seed Oil Scout

[15:15] - Restaurants are just a black box. You have no idea really what's going on in the kitchen. You have to be a little bit clever to get that information out of restaurants. Before this app existed, I'd be asking restaurants what oil they use, and then that information would just go away forever. But now if you ask, you can share that information with thousands of people.” ~ Seed Oil Scout

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Sourcing Real Ingredients with David Harrison May 23, 2023

Other countries’ regulations against food additives are generally stricter than the United States. Much of the food on the shelves or in restaurants can be processed and filled with GMOs or seed oils. Anyone who has traveled abroad has probably noticed reduced inflammation after going out to eat. Is it possible to enjoy authentic Italian food, sourced from real ingredients, without having to travel all the way to Italy?

David Seggiano, Co-Founder of Seggiano with his wife Peri, wanted to build a brand based on holistic well-being, sustainable agriculture, and authentic Italian food. Thirty years later, they source their ingredients from all over Italy with handpicked, handmade, simple ingredients. Seggiano is committed to ingredients of provenance and quality.

In this episode, David talks to Jen about how David and his wife got Seggiano started, what inspired the duo to source real ingredients, and how Seggiano compares to other Italian foods.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - How did Seggiano get started?
[05:40] - What inspired David to source real ingredients?
[06:59] - How Seggiano compares to other Italian foods.
[10:04] - What is quitting?
[11:12] - The kind of wheat Seggiano uses.
[17:30] - How GMOs disrupt your gut balance.
[18:25] - Types of products Seggiano offers.
[22:42] - The range of Seggiano’s pasta sauces.

Quotes

[06:07] - “There are some countries that really specialize in what they do. And the Italians, they specialize in food.” ~ David Harrison

[07:18] - “For us, it’s 100% about provenance, and it always has been.” ~ David Harrison

[09:04] - This is a classic example of what makes good food good. As few ingredients as possible. It’s extra virgin olive oil. It's pine nuts. It's cashew nuts. It's organically grown basil leaf and sea salt. It's five ingredients.” ~ David Harrison

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Using Ketosis to Reset Your Metabolic State with Ben Azadi May 16, 2023

Our ancestors did not have food available to them at all times, so fasting became a natural part of their routine. As humans became more civilized, we replaced fasting regularly with grazing constantly. Our portion sizes increased, and so did our waistlines.

Ben Azadi, Founder of Keto Kamp, lost 80 pounds of pure fat in 2008. Ben accredits much of his weight loss journey to the ketogenic diet, where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Ben is now a keto expert, a best-selling author, and an award-winning podcast host who is on a mission to help 1 million people lead a healthier lifestyle.

In this episode, Ben talks to Jen about intermittent fasting in the ketogenic diet. They discuss Ben's weight loss journey, how to get started with keto, and how the metabolic process affects the body.

Key Takeaways

[02:03] - An introduction to Ben Azadi.
[06:00] - What is keto?
[09:46] - Is there a link between genetics and obesity?
[11:54] - How to get started with keto.
[15:19] - How Ben feels about a vegan diet.
[17:23] - What Ben recommends you should avoid at all costs.
[24:01] - How nitric oxide affects our body.
[25:05] - The liver’s role in keto.
[27:07] - Common reasons people come to Ben.
[29:12] - Why dining out makes getting into keto more challenging.
[31:51] - Where to find Ben.

Quotes

[03:15] - “The cool thing about taking ownership is that you no longer are the victim of your history, you now become the victor of your destiny.” ~ Ben Azadi

[06:36] - “We know that there's nothing new about ketosis. It's not a fad diet. It has been around for as long as humans have existed because it's a metabolic process.” ~ Ben Azadi

[27:25] - “Keto is not to be used as a weight loss tool. Will it help you lose weight? Absolutely. But we don't do it for the weight loss benefits, we do it for the health benefits.” ~ Ben Azadi

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Healing Your Thyroid with Dr. Izabella Wentz May 09, 2023

According to the National Library of Medicine, hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid affects up to 5% of the general population with an additional estimated 5% going undiagnosed. The lack of thyroid hormones can lead to irregularities in your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature and trigger symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. 95% of people that are hypothyroid may actually have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease, in which the immune system creates antibodies that attack thyroid cells as if they were bacteria, according to Dr. Izabella Wentz.

After Dr. Izabella Wentz received her Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis diagnosis in 2009, she was shocked to see how limited information existed about Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune conditions. This motivated Dr. Wentz to discover the root cause of the illness and focus on healing herself and others with Hashimoto’s. Dr. Wentz spent years researching Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. She has summarized her findings in her New York Times best-selling book, Hashimoto's Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back.

In this episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz talks to Jen about the connection between adrenal and thyroid health, the rise of Hashimoto’s disease, and the adrenal transformation protocol that will restore your body’s health.

Key Takeaways

[02:07] - What led Dr. Izabella Wentz to study thyroid health.
[07:52] - How to test for Hashimoto’s disease.
[09:56] - Why is Hashimoto’s disease on the rise?
[13:19] - The connection between adrenal and thyroid health.
[17:05] - How the research on adrenal fatigue has changed over time.
[19:50] - Why quick fixes don’t necessarily help adrenal dysfunction.
[22:20] - Dr. Izabella Wentz’s adrenal transformation protocol.
[24:11] - What are safety signals?
[27:45] - Client success stories from Dr. Izabella Wentz.
[31:51] - Where to find Dr. Izabella Wentz.

Quotes

[22:21] - “My adrenal transformation protocol focuses on figuring out why the body feels like it's stressed right now. What are the threats that you're getting from your external or internal environment?” ~ Dr. Izabella Wentz

[26:45] - “One of my favorite [recommendations] is actually adding pleasurable activities and doing more of the things that you enjoy. As adults, we are so focused on doing the things we have to do that we hardly ever find the time for the things that we want to do or feel like doing in the moment.” ~ Dr. Izabella Wentz

[29:28] - “This is a really big myth that people have where they think they need to restrict themselves or be very strict on themselves and be very harsh to themselves, where when you turn it around and focus on just like really loving on yourself and giving your body what it needs, you can quickly turn that around.” ~ Dr. Izabella Wentz

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Preventing Cancer by Taking Control of Your Health with Dr. Jenn Simmons May 02, 2023

The CDC defines cancer as “a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control.” Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the United States. Breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are very hard on the body and can accelerate other unwanted health issues such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and bone loss.

Dr. Jenn Simmons studied traditional medicine and was a breast cancer surgeon for years in Philadelphia. It wasn’t until her own health came crashing down that led her to scrutinize the traditional health system. While searching for answers, Dr. Simmons learned about functional medicine and recognized that alternative medicine empowers patients to take control of their own health with lifestyle and dietary changes.

In this episode, Dr. Simmons talks to Jen about why the body makes cancer cells, how to gain control and awareness of your health, and the top risks for cancer recurrence.

Key Takeaways

[01:22] - What inspired Dr. Jenn Simmons to discover functional medicine.
[08:43] - Why the body makes cancer cells.
[11:47] - How to gain control and awareness of your health.
[18:09] - Top three risks for cancer recurrence.
[21:08] - How to stay in touch with Dr. Simmons.

Quotes

[06:11] - “For the vast majority of people, at least 80% of cancers are preventable through diet and lifestyle measures.” ~ Dr. Jenn Simmons

[10:42] - “Cancer is a normal response to an abnormal environment. So we all have a maximum ability to clear toxins. So once you hit that toxic level, your chemistry changes.” ~ Dr. Jenn Simmons

[12:18] - “We don’t have a healthcare system. We have a sick care system.” ~ Dr. Jenn Simmons

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Biohacking Your Environment to Optimize Your Health with Rachel Varga Apr 25, 2023

Waking up and reading the labels is not limited to the food we eat. It also applies to the skincare products we use. What we put on our bodies directly relates to our mood, energy, and appearance. Unfortunately, there are toxins hiding in every aspect of our environment. These omnipresent toxins can disrupt your hormones easily and impact your ability to age naturally and gracefully.

Rachel Varga, Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with double-board certification, teaches her clients about biohacking in order to slow aging, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin. She has performed over 20,000 rejuvenation procedures and hosted hundreds of interviews with functional wellness leaders. Rachel serves as an executive board member for the Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing Journal and regularly contributes to the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. Jen and Rachel discuss how oxidative stress status impacts the body, why regular detoxification is necessary, and how to age gracefully.

In this episode, Rachel talks to Jen about key toxins to avoid, the long-term consequences of toxicity exposure, and how to bio-hack your environment to improve your health.

Key Takeaways

[03:06] - Key toxins that everyone needs to avoid.
[04:07] - Active ingredients that you should search for in sunscreens.
[07:54] - How do people know if they’re being exposed to these toxins?
[08:51] - What is oxidative stress status (OSS) and how does it affect the body?
[10:29] - What’s really inside Sephora’s moisturizer?
[11:39] - What is a filler ingredient?
[12:50] - What symptoms can you experience from known hormone disruptors?
[13:28] - How long-term toxicity affects aging and the body.
[16:44] - How to bio-hack your environment.
[20:50] - Rachel’s favorite air purifiers.
[22:28] - How peptides could reduce signs of aging.
[25:52] - Rachel’s tips for biohacking.
[32:02] - How to stay in touch with Rachel.

Quotes

[03:20] - “Now, unfortunately, when you start to actually read the labels, you will see that sulfates can go by many names and you really have to pay attention.” ~ Rachel Varga

[09:40] – “A lot of times, companies will change the ingredients without even telling the distributors.” ~ Rachel Varga

[13:52] - “You need to know that your skincare is free of all these toxins so they don't interfere with your hormones.” ~ Rachel Varga

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Taking Charge of Your Health with Dr. Mignonne Mary Apr 18, 2023

Conventional medicine relies on clinical reference ranges to diagnose disease. The problem with waiting until a disease is diagnosed is it already feels too late. Are there ways to detect these issues before they arise and take a preventative, proactive approach to our own health?

Dr. Mignonne Mary took on a career in medicine after being inspired by her father’s work as a doctor. She learned a lot from her dad that wasn’t taught in medical school, which eventually led her to integrative medicine. In 2013, Dr. Mary founded The Remedy Room, an innovative wellness clinic focused on optimal nutrition, disease prevention, nutritional medicine, and infusion therapy. Dr. Mary’s mission is to help her patients, including Jen, lead healthier lives.

In this episode, Dr. Mary talks to Jen about common deficiencies and how they affect the body, why you should take charge of your health journey, and small actions you can take to improve your health.

Key Takeaways

[01:30] - Dr. Mignonne Mary’s journey to becoming a doctor.
[06:21] - What are common deficiencies and how do they affect the body?
[09:12] - The thyroid disease epidemic.
[11:37] - Why do people visit functional medicine doctors?
[16:16] - Why your root canal could be causing you pain.
[21:20] - Small changes that benefit your health.

Quotes

[03:19] - “The unfortunate truth is that people's health is now up to them to take the reins and really lead the charge. Because, unfortunately, the way conventional medicine is set up is going to take too long for them to learn all that they need to. And so it's up to the patient to start to educate themselves about, not only nutrition, about how their body responds to things.” ~ Dr. Mignonne Mary

[20:49] - “You are your best advocate. No one cares about you as much as you.” ~ Dr. Mignonne Mary

[23:26] - “When we fast and pause and allow the body to take a break and heal itself, it will do its job. but we're not used to doing that. It’s almost like having to teach people to ride a bike. It does get easier, but it takes a little reminding.” ~ Dr. Mignonne Mary

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How Blood Sugar Impacts Your Health with Danielle Hamilton Apr 11, 2023

A recently published study by the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that only 6.8% of American adults had optimal metabolic health. Over 93% of adults have some level of insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction, and symptoms are skyrocketing such as dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, exhaustion, headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Doctors are encouraged to prescribe medication for these issues but rarely do they examine the root cause of them.

Danielle Hamilton had a chronic history of health issues, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cystic acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and weight loss resistance. She became a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and blood sugar expert in search of a solution. By reversing insulin resistance, Danielle was able to balance her hormones, heal her PCOS, and find the root cause of these pervasive illnesses. Together, Jen and Danielle discuss the early signs of blood sugar dysregulation, the consequences of leaving it unattended, and the importance of personalization when monitoring glucose levels.

In this episode, Danielle talks to Jen about how blood sugar affects the body, why you should monitor it, and how blood sugar dysregulation and insulin impact your overall health.

Key Takeaways

[01:27] - How Danielle reversed her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
[02:56] - Why doctors might overlook the early signs of blood sugar dysregulation or insulin resistance.
[04:08] - The progression of Danielle’s health journey.
[08:52] - Why paying attention to ingredients is crucial to adopting a nutrient-dense whole foods diet.
[11:46] - The early signs of blood sugar dysregulation.
[15:09] - The consequences of prolonged blood sugar dysregulation.
[20:27] - How the standard American diet fuels issues like Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, and poor metabolic health.
[23:07] - How and why should someone monitor their blood sugar?
[29:04] - What does a fasting insulin test do?
[30:39] - Where to find Danielle.

Quotes

[03:08] “We can be having these issues for decades before a doctor takes notice of them, and by then it’s already progressed. No matter where you are on the spectrum of Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic health, you can reverse your trend on this spectrum and go back to optimal blood sugar. The earlier you catch it, the better.” ~ Danielle Hamilton

[03:44] “Our blood sugar impacts every single cell, organ, and process in our body. The symptoms of blood sugar issues are very widespread and seemingly not connected at all, so it could be hard to pin down.” ~ Danielle Hamilton

[20:27] - “The standard American diet is a diet set up to give you [health] issues because the foods that they recommend are causing huge blood sugar spikes. There’s a new study out and over 93% of U.S. adults have some degree of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. So only 7% of us are metabolically healthy.” ~ Danielle Hamilton

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Activating Calm in the Body With Essential Oils with Jodi Cohen Apr 04, 2023

When we feel stressed, our body’s ability to heal deteriorates. Our body strives to exist in a parasympathetic state 80% of the time to bring balance to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), but most people cannot achieve the calmness they crave. ANS affects all involuntary mechanisms in the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, cell activity, and even body temperature. To put it simply, when one thing is even slightly off, everything feels off.

For years, Jodi Cohen found herself feeling perpetually stressed despite her healthy habits. Jodi tried everything from clean eating to consistent exercise, but she still struggled to find her calm. It wasn’t until she created an essential oil blend that Jodi could feel the calmness she craved by stimulating her parasympathetic state. This experience led Jodi to become the founder and CEO of Vibrant Blue Oils to spread the word about the healing power of essential oil blends and naturally turn on the body’s ability to heal. Jodi shares how using essential oil blends can lead to enhanced health, productivity, and strength.

In this episode, Jodi talks to Jen about how the nervous system reacts to essential oils, what differentiates Jodi’s company from other brands, and how to choose the essential oils that are right for your body.

Key Takeaways

[01:55] - Activating calm in the body.
[03:39] - An introduction to Jodi Cohen.
[07:35] - The friend’s gift that changed Jodi’s life.
[09:57] - Jodi’s journey starting her own company.
[10:58] - Can essential oils replace poor habits?
[13:32] - What differentiates Vibrant Blue Oils from other companies.
[17:48] - How to know which essential oils are right for you.
[21:33] - Where to find Vibrant Blue Oils.

Quotes

[03:40] - “I think necessity is the mother of invention.” ~ Jodi Cohen

[07:53] - “Cortisol over time creates chronic inflammation and makes it harder to digest, absorb, and assimilate your nutrients, so it’s likely that what you’re ingesting isn’t actually getting into your system. Oils are different because they get right into the brain.” ~ Jodi Cohen

[13:25] “How I differentiate my company, Vibrant Blue Oils, from other companies is that I really try to make ‘done for you’ blends. I think there are a lot of wonderful companies that say you can buy all raw materials and make it yourself. I'm really speaking to the person that says, ‘I like oils and I'm happy to have you create the blend for me and tell me exactly what to do.’” ~ Jodi Cohen

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Chocolate That Gives You Energy with Adam Kukoff Mar 28, 2023

It’s no secret that chocolate is decadent and delicious. But while the added sugars and artificial sweeteners may give us an initial boost of energy, they leave us feeling lethargic and bloated. For consumers who take extra caution when it comes to their nutrition, it seems like there’s no such thing as a healthy or clean chocolate bar that actually tastes good.

Adam Kukoff, Co-Founder and CEO of NUTSÓLA, set out on a mission to create food products that are both tasty and nutritional. He co-founded NUTSÓLA with his father after launching a Kickstarter campaign in 2019. They recently expanded their selection to include DÄT Chocolate bars, which are naturally sweetened with dates instead of artificial ingredients. Sweetening the product with dates provides a boost of fiber, antioxidants, and no sugar crashes.

In this episode, Adam talks to Jen about why DÄT Chocolate differs from other sweets on the shelf, NUTSÓLA’s commitment to clean ingredients, transparency, and innovation, and why DÄT Chocolate gives you more energy than other chocolate bars.

Key Takeaways

[03:23] - How Adam discovered the right amount of sweetness for DÄT Chocolate.
[04:55] - What’s actually in a Hershey’s chocolate bar?
[08:16] - How NUTSÓLA’s ingredients differ from other brands.
[10:35] - NUTSÓLA’s mission in the food industry.
[14:28] - Why NUTSÓLA gives you more energy than other chocolate bars.
[17:03] - Why brands switch ingredients and how changes affect the consumer.
[21:03] - NUTSÓLA’s food safety certifications.
[22:03] - Where did the brand name DÄT come from?
[23:48] - Where to find DÄT Chocolate.

Quotes

[07:27] - “We really want to be a difference maker with consumers so they can always trust our product. Every ingredient label is going to be clean.” ~ Adam Kukoff

[10:39] - “We're constantly coming out with new products and innovating categories in terms of how people are consuming their snacks. So instead of using added sugars, sweetening with fruit, never having added sugar or sugar alcohols, and being transparent with everyone.” ~ Adam Kukoff

[19:35] - “If you treat food like medicine, you're gonna feel great.” ~ Adam Kukoff

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The Healing Powers of Algae with Catharine Arnston Mar 21, 2023

We tend to associate algae with the ocean, but this superfood deserves recognition for all of its nutritional properties. In fact, this sustainable whole food crop is the most nutritionally dense food in the world. Algae is suitable for all diets and is absorbed much more easily by the body than some popular vitamins. With so many fleeting health trends in the world today, why does algae remain virtually unknown outside of Asia, despite being endorsed by NASA and the United Nations for over 50 years?

Enter Catharine Arnston, an expert in algae nutrition, who wants to spread the word about all that algae has to offer. Catharine began her career working corporate jobs, but it wasn’t until her younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer that Catharine discovered algae’s powerful healing properties. Even after her sister fully healed, Catharine felt compelled to improve people’s health and eventually went on to become the CEO and Founder of ENERGYbits. Her premium algae tablets bring mental clarity, physical wellness, and sustained energy.

In this episode, Catharine talks to Jen about the life-changing benefits of algae, various types of algae and their purposes, and the difference between vitamins and algae.

Key Takeaways

[02:40] - Can algae replace a bad diet?
[03:49] - What is algae?
[04:43] - What inspired Catharine’s passion for algae?
[09:32] - Why haven’t we heard of algae before?
[11:07] - Where ENERGYbits products come from.
[14:38] - How vitamins and algae differ.
[20:22] - Types of algae and their purposes.
[23:11] - Chlorella as a detox algae.
[27:32] - Where to find ENERGYbits.

Quotes

[13:43] - “Our biology has not caught up with our destiny.” ~ Catharine Arnston

[05:55] - “I’m not someone who sits on the sideline. I’m a very passionate person who likes to make a difference in the world.” ~ Catharine Arnston

[11:53] - “I didn’t even plan to start a company. I just wanted to help people be healthier in a way that was easier.” ~ Catharine Arnston

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A Relationship-Driven Approach to Patient Care with Dr. Anna Cabeca Mar 14, 2023

With age, women can experience intensified symptoms such as hot flashes, hair loss, weight gain, mood swings, exhaustion, and fatigue. While bodies continue to change over time, the education about what’s happening behind the scenes stops as soon as we leave school. Women have questions about these personal subjects but not all have someone they trust to turn to for guidance.

Dr. Anna Cabeca, also known as “The Girlfriend Doctor,” takes a relationship-driven approach with all of her patients and provides a safe space for them to speak about menopause and hormones. As a certified OB/GYN and women’s health expert, she’s gained valuable wisdom about the topics she wants to share so that people don’t have to suffer. She’s used this knowledge to write bestselling books about hormones, menopause, and ketogenic eating and created her own brand of The Girlfriend Doctor products. Dr. Anna discusses how her experience as a mother and grandmother drove her to this type of work, her protocol to heal common symptoms, and her tips for women approaching menopause.

In this episode, Dr. Anna talks to Jen about how hormone imbalance harms the body, what society gets wrong about menopause, and how Anna earned her nickname “The Girlfriend Doctor.”

Key Takeaways

[02:04] - An introduction to Dr. Anna Cabeca.
[04:50] - How Dr. Anna got involved with healing work.
[06:24] - How Dr. Anna earned the nickname, “The Girlfriend Doctor.”
[08:56] - Common symptoms women experience with age.
[10:18] - How exposure to hormone disruptors harms the body.
[12:24] - What society gets wrong about menopause.
[13:35] - Dr. Anna’s protocol to heal common health ailments.
[16:28] - Hormone replenishment vs. replacement.
[18:06] - Dr. Anna’s tips for women approaching menopause.
[19:23] - Dr. Anna’s “Wake Up” moment.

Quotes

[04:13] - “I’m grateful to share the wisdom I’ve learned the hard way so that people don’t have to suffer.” ~ Dr. Anna Cabeca

[04:55] - “Every day, I learn. Each of us learns to keep a healthy amount of curiosity, intuition, and awareness. The eyes don't see what the mind doesn’t know.” ~ Dr. Anna Cabeca

[05:55] - “I’m not here to put a bandaid on your symptoms. I want to get to the underlying root cause so that you’re healed from them.” ~ Dr. Anna Cabeca

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Subconscious Rewiring with Stephanie Kwong Mar 07, 2023

Relying on sheer willpower to achieve any goal is challenging. We may experience thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that tell us that we are undeserving of achieving those goals or having certain experiences. When those thoughts get too loud, how can we turn down the volume and try to live a normal life?

Stephanie Kwong, Co-Founder of the Rapid Rewire Method, is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and heal efficiently through subconscious rewiring. The Rewire Method training does not replace the grieving process but can expedite healing in 60-minute sessions. Jen and Stephanie discuss the differences between meditation and subconscious rewiring, how emotional charges impede healing, and the benefits of rewiring your beliefs and improving your mindset.

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Jen about her path to healing efficiently using subconscious rewiring, how the training method works to catalyze transformation, and how to get started rewiring your brain.

Key Takeaways

[01:33] - An introduction to Stephanie Kwong.
[04:35] - The difference between meditation and subconscious rewiring.
[05:05] - Stephanie’s difficult experience that led her to the Rapid Rewire Method.
[08:10] - How subconscious rewiring can help inner resistance.
[10:41] - How the subconscious rewiring training process works.
[11:43] - What makes the Rapid Rewire Method different.
[13:38] - Client success rates using the Rapid Rewire Method.
[14:42] - Why moving through grief naturally is essential.
[17:11] - How to get started rewiring your brain.
[18:00] - A client success story using the Rapid Rewire Method.

Quotes

[03:51] - “You start to rewire the beliefs that actually align with what you say you want. That's when achieving goals or intentions become radically easier than when we're using sheer willpower to try to get something done.” ~ Stephanie Kwong

[06:41] - “We can actually catalyze a healing, a transformation, a rewiring of a belief to align with what we want as fast as we can, and suffer a lot less.” ~ Stephanie Kwong

[08:12] - “Anytime we experience any sort of emotional dysregulation around something, it's a clue into there's inner resistance or a block.” ~ Stephanie Kwong

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The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting with Gin Stephens Feb 28, 2023

Shedding pounds is easier said than done. Marketing companies prey on our physical insecurities, and every product claims to be the next miracle pill for weight loss. It’s impossible to discern facts from fiction when it comes to slimming down. Are there ways to trim our waistlines without being miserable, and keep the weight off for good?

Gin Stephens spent years struggling with weight. In 2014, she began her intermittent fasting journey and lost 80 pounds. Gin is the host of the Intermittent Fasting Stories podcast and author of the New York Times bestseller Fast. Feast. Repeat., and Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle, an Amazon #1 best seller in the weight loss category. Jen and Gin discuss the science behind intermittent fasting, misconceptions about the lifestyle, and the importance of listening to your body when following an intermittent fasting routine.

In this episode, Gin talks to Jen about becoming a happier and healthier version of herself through intermittent fasting. Jen and Gin delve into clean and intuitive eating, the body’s response to intermittent fasting, and the best way to begin the intermittent fasting journey.

Key Takeaways

[02:27] - An overview of Gin’s best-selling books.
[03:34] - What clean eating means to Gin.
[07:33] - An introduction to Gin.
[10:34] - The beginning of Gin’s intermittent fasting journey.
[14:14] - Misconceptions about intermittent fasting.
[16:19] - How a changing body responds to intermittent fasting.
[20:36] - How to begin intermittent fasting.
[22:40] - Initial struggles with intermittent fasting.
[27:38] - The link between intuitive eating and intermittent fasting.
[28:48] - Success stories from Gin’s podcast: Intermittent Fasting Stories

Quotes

[14:44] - “The body is so much more complicated than calories in, calories out, because there are so many hormones behind the scenes controlling what’s happening.” ~ Gin Stephens

[22:15] - “You’re always in charge [of intermittent fasting]. You can scale it up or scale it back as you’re going. You are going at your own pace, learning to listen to your body, and figuring it out as you go. It’s meant to empower everyone to design a process that feels good for them.” ~ Gin Stephens

[30:48] - “I like to call intermittent fasting a health plan with the side effect of weight loss.” ~ Gin Stephens

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Vetting Your Vitamins with Lauren Trostorff Feb 21, 2023

The supplement industry is worth billions of dollars, yet 92% of Americans are deficient in one or more vitamins and minerals. At the top of that list are magnesium, vitamin D, and

omega-3s.

Lauren Trostorff, Founder of Vibrant Market, was conscious about nutrition and clean beauty when it was just an underground and mostly cultural practice. At 19 years old, she paid attention to the foods she ate and used only the best dermatologist-recommended skin care products. Lauren was always the go-to friend who could recommend the latest products and treatments in clean beauty. She carried this devotion into her business, where she stocks a carefully vetted list of clean beauty products and supplements. Before a product can sit on Vibrant Market’s shelf, Lauren tests them on her own skin, shares them with friends, and researches each ingredient and founder story.

In this episode, Lauren talks to Jen about the impact of biohacking and functional medicine, the importance of vetting supplements before taking them, and how mindfulness meditation is changing her life.

Key Takeaways

[02:27] - Lauren explains the top vitamins people are deficient in.
[03:58] - Lauren’s experiences with people who are healthy but don’t feel that way.
[06:16] - Lauren’s background.
[09:55] - How Vibrant selects the products they sell.
[12:10] - Lauren’s banned ingredients.
[15:26] - Lauren explains good and bad vitamins.
[21:21] - Lauren’s recommended supplements for women.
[25:00] - Lauren’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[04:52] - “A lot of these normal ranges are based on the population, which is an unhealthy deficient population.” ~ Lauren Trostorff

[07:10] - “One day, I realized if I’m so intent about what I put in my body, why am I paying so much money to put a bunch of crap on and therefore in my body.” ~ Lauren Trostorff

[17:32] - “If you’re just taking supplements and you’re not looking at the root cause of whatever you might be feeling or experiencing, there might be some reason in your body that you cannot absorb these supplements correctly.” ~ Lauren Trostorff

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Letting the Food Speak for Itself with Tyler Dawley Feb 14, 2023

It is becoming harder to discern which grocery store labels are legitimate and which are fluffy marketing claims. When it comes to chicken, the most consumed meat in the U.S., there is no shortage of labels you will encounter while shopping: natural, vegetarian-fed, cage-free, organic, and pasture-raised. But which chicken is worth paying extra for?

Tyler Dawley, Founder and Owner at Big Bluff Ranch, is well-versed in which meat claims are legitimately determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and which ones are meaningless. Tyler believes that the tastiest meat starts with the natural environment and regenerative farming practices. Big Bluff Ranch’s chicken is pasture-raised and organic, which isn’t always available at your local grocery store.

Tyler talks to Jen about his decision to become a full-time farmer, the difference between meat label claims, and the benefits of regenerative agriculture.

Key Takeaways

[01:49] - What drew Tyler back to the ranch.
[05:48] - The difference between meat label claims.
[10:47] - How the USDA classifies chicken sizes.
[12:50] - What is pasture-raised chicken?
[17:32] - How the regenerative agriculture process works.
[19:42] - Mother Nature as a passive manager.
[22:13] - The positive impact of regenerative agriculture.
[23:48] - Where to find Big Bluff Ranch’s chicken.

Quotes

[09:22] - “There is no such thing as a growth hormone for chicken. So when you see a package that says ‘no growth hormones added,’ it’s a complete marketing spin.” ~ Tyler Dawley

[17:32] - “When you start diving into regenerative agriculture, you’re starting to dig into how mother nature works as a system. And everything is interconnected.” ~ Tyler Dawley

[24:20] - “We are trying to save the world, one chicken at a time.” ~ Tyler Dawley

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How to Reverse Insulin Resistance with Shana Hussin Feb 07, 2023

Many people view bloating, inflammation and energy plunges as an expected part of growing older. While it’s true that health issues without clear causes become more common as we age, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored because we think they’re “normal.” When we finally commit to taking medical action, we rarely get the answers we need from conventional doctors. The arduous process can leave us with extra expenses and no real solutions.

Shana Hussin, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Owner of SMH Nutrition and Wellness, discusses a health issue many doctors don’t even know to test for: fasting insulin. According to Shana, 80% of the adult population in the United States is experiencing this problem but many people don’t even know it. With over 20 years of experience in the nutrition field, Shana is on a mission to reverse chronic illness and insulin resistance, both of which sit at the crux of stubborn weight and lifestyle issues.

Shana talks to Jen about the spectrum and symptoms of insulin resistance and the best strategies to approach healing, weight loss, and inflammation.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - Introduction to Shana's career trajectory.
[04:00] - Why the standard dietetics curriculum might not bring desired results.
[05:05] - Why Shana continues to use her RDN credential.
[09:10] - What led Shana to look beyond conventional medicine.
[12:22] - What is insulin resistance?
[13:05] - What insulin does.
[14:58] - The spectrum of insulin resistance.
[19:42] - How Shana helps people who have insulin resistance.
[21:52] - How to find Shana’s courses.

Quotes

[11:25] - “This has all got to be related. There’s got to be a better way to approach healing, weight loss, and inflammation.” ~ Shana Hussin

[15:07] - “Very high chronic insulin resistance at its worst is a really tough case of type 2 diabetes, but 80% of our adult population here in the United States in westernized culture is insulin resistant.” ~ Shana Hussin

[16:15] - “Not many conventional doctors or practitioners know that they should test for fasting insulin. And even if they run the test, they don't know how to interpret it. They don’t know that insulin resistance is the cause of most obesity type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and fatty liver. They treat with medication.” ~ Shana Hussin

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Balancing Your Brain with Dr. Patrick Porter Jan 31, 2023

As we grow older, many people consider anxiety, low energy, difficulty losing weight, and brain fog to be the body and mind’s normal reaction to aging. The harsh truth is that burnout and stress paralyze us, but our brain is smarter and more resilient than we think. In fact, our brain is neuroplastic, regardless of age, and has the power to change and adapt due to different experiences. Most people aren’t aware of the power that lies within our brain.

Dr. Patrick Porter, Founder and CEO at BrainTap, has spent over 20 years educating people about the brain’s potential. He strives to improve lives by enhancing the brain’s function and true capabilities. He’s an award-winning author, educator, consultant, entrepreneur, and speaker who’s on a mission to “better a billion brains.”

Dr. Porter talks to Jen about how BrainTap relies on neuropsychology to unlock optimal living, deregulate stress, and find balance in a chaotic world.

Key Takeaways

[02:17] - Dr. Patrick Porter’s health and weight loss journey.
[04:35] - What is BrainTap?
[08:52] - How light helps the brain.
[16:55] - How Dr. Porter’s background influenced BrainTap.
[20:12] - BrainTap success stories.
[23:00] - How to start using BrainTap.
[24:13] - How BrainTap optimizes sleep.
[30:21] - How to get maximum results from BrainTap.
[32:06] - What’s happening in the brain when you use BrainTap.

Quotes

[07:05] - “You get what you rehearse in life, not what you intend.” ~ Dr. Patrick Porter

[22:21] - “Our brain is super smart, but a lot of people don’t use it to its full potential.” ~ Dr. Patrick Porter

[29:22] - “We’re always going to have stress on some level. How do we build the capacity to handle it? You have the strength. We all have the capacity, just some of us stop learning and growing at a certain point, so it hits us a little harder.” ~ Dr. Patrick Porter

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Developing a Positive Mindset with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple Jan 24, 2023

It is no longer a question of ifyou have health issues, it’s a matter of how many you have, how severe they are, and how you’re being treated. Children are not exempt from this category as illness can strike at any age. But not all prescriptions are safe and healthy for children to use.

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple, also known as The Eczema Lady, talks to Jen about how her children’s chronic illness prompted a lifestyle revamp and dietary changes. Together, they discuss healing illness through real food, top products to avoid, and the role that community plays when making drastic changes.

In this episode, Dr. Temple talks to Jen about the challenges of becoming healthier and how to overcome them. Sustaining momentum in your health journey can be achieved by building community and developing a positive mindset.

Key Takeaways

[02:10] - How Dr. Ana-Maria Temple became a holistic pediatrician.
[04:14] - When Dr. Ana-Maria discovered the root cause of her children’s chronic illness.
[06:41] - The importance of eating whole foods.
[08:03] - The holistic medicine difference.
[09:24] - How Dr. Ana-Maria advocates for a healthier lifestyle.
[11:24] - Dr. Ana-Maria’s specialization and her online course.
[12:41] - The first step in helping heal illness.
[15:36] - Top foods to avoid.
[18:20] - How to keep up with Dr. Ana-Maria.
[19:38] - Dr. Ana-Maria’s thoughts on Stevia.

Quotes

[11:56] - “When you see people get better in your situation, it empowers you and strengthens you. It gives you hope, so you’re gonna stick with the plan. You are going to heal faster and better.” ~ Dr. Ana-Maria Temple

[14:41] - “We have a lot of data out there that is showing that food colors and preservatives are indeed inflaming our children, so we gotta start with reading the labels.” ~ Dr. Ana-Maria Temple

[16:44] - “You either have results or you have excuses.” ~ Dr. Ana-Maria Temple

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The Snacking Solution with Katy Tucker and Lisette Howard Jan 17, 2023

Healthy snacks in the grocery store are hard to come by, especially for kids. Colorful packaging and smiling mascots appeal to young audiences and disguise several toxic ingredients. With such a plethora of sugary, nutritionless, highly processed snacks, it’s rare that your child would leap for a low-sugar, natural option. Are there snacks that are tasty and kid-approved, without all of the harmful ingredients?

Enter Katy Tucker and Lisette Howard, Co-Founders of Sunnie, who created a solution for parents craving a convenient, clean alternative to sugary snacks. The two mothers promised they would build a brand with integrity and snacks that use real foods and minimal processing. They partnered with top childhood nutrition expert, Jill Castle, MS, RDN, to develop their products with pride and equip families with healthier snacking choices.

Katy and Lisette talk to Jen about the lack of healthy kids' snacks available to parents, the ingredients that differentiate Sunnie from other snack brands, and the key to convincing your kids to eat cleaner.

Key Takeaways

[02:05] - The struggle to find healthy snacks for kids.
[02:59] - The inspiration behind Sunnie.
[05:06] - The ingredients that differentiate Sunnie’s snacks.
[10:29] - Disrupting the snack industry for kids.
[13:09] - Crafting Sunnie’s recipe.
[14:19] - Sunnie’s newest flavor coming out soon.
[16:57] - How Katy and Lisette’s kids react to their product.
[17:46] - The key to convincing kids to eat cleaner.
[21:41] - Where to find Sunnie’s snacks.

Quotes

[11:33] - “It’s all about the choices you make. Making the choice to prioritize better for you products, maybe it takes a bit more of your wallet share but, over time, that does pay off.” ~ Katy Tucker

[12:55] - “We’re at the intersection of convenience and nutrition.” ~ Katy Tucker

[18:16] - “We put so much expectation on our kids about food that the minute you let go of that control and say, ‘take it or leave it, it’s all good either way’, they’re interested.” ~ Katy Tucker

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Physical and Emotional Healing with Steven Wright Jan 10, 2023

When we are struck with illness, we are willing to go to extremes to bring a semblance of normalcy back to our lives. The conventional medical system is ridden with hidden costs, and a person could easily spend thousands of dollars trying to find solutions with minimal results.

That’s what happened to Steven Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of The Healthy Gut Company. He spent years looking for the answers to his digestive and chronic health issues to no avail. His frustrations eventually led him to start his own business. Steven discusses how the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) bettered his body, how supplements can help with deficiencies you might not even be aware of, and why the emotional component of healing is as important as the physical one.

Steven talks to Jen about his personal path to healing, the value of magnesium, and his advice for anyone struggling with health complications.

Key Takeaways

[01:41] - Introduction to Steven Wright.
[04:48] - A summary of Steven’s health issues.
[07:17] - The beginning of Steven’s healing.
[10:54] - Why restricting your diet too much can be harmful.
[12:50] - Why do our bodies need magnesium?
[15:57] - Different types of magnesium.
[20:08] - Magnesium in food.
[21:02] - How to get started with magnesium.
[23:24] - Steven’s Wake Up moment.
[29:36] - Steven’s thoughts on the supplement industry.

Quotes

[08:18] - “Changing your diet is as much an emotional process as a social process.” ~ Steven Wright

[10:54] - “It’s never just going to be one thing. There’s not one miracle, drug, supplement. There’s not one miracle food or exercise. It’s the combination of how we live our lives that will get you a really broad, diverse diet.” ~ Steven Wright

[25:13] “It’s not just the supplements and diets and testing. That’s a really important part of most people’s healing journeys, and I don’t know that you can get there without it, but also doing the emotional trauma work is also going to get you where you want to go.” ~ Steven Wright

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How High-Quality Ingredients Transform Your Health with Jason Bronstad Jan 03, 2023

Milk alternatives have become increasingly popular over the years, with 41% of consumers choosing a dairy-free approach to their life. With so many options available - soy, coconut, oat, almond, rice, hemp, cashew - it’s become difficult to decide which alternative milk suits you. What factors should we consider when switching to a plant-based alternative, and how do we know which alternative milk is right for us?

Jason Bronstad wants the decision to be easy for consumers by providing a simple, clean dairy-free option: MALK Organics. Before becoming MALK Organics’ CEO in 2020, Jason’s health journey began in 2019 after realizing his children mirrored his poor habits. He lost over 100 pounds and prioritized high-quality, organic products, and clean eating. This commitment in Jason’s personal life also rings true professionally as the CEO of MALK Organics. Unlike many alternative milk companies, MALK Organics only uses a handful of high-quality ingredients in their plant-based products.

In this episode, Jason talks with Jen about why organic products matter, how clean eating changed Jason’s health journey, and what makes MALK better than its plant-based competitors.

Key Takeaways

[02:08] - How Jason became the CEO of MALK Organics.
[03:01] - The start of Jason’s personal health journey.
[05:05] - Jason’s first impression of MALK Organics.
[08:10] - The importance of reading the ingredients.
[09:22] - MALK’s mission to provide quality ingredients.
[10:13] - Where to find MALK Organics products.
[11:18] - What is clean eating?
[12:21] - The organic difference.
[14:34] - Benefits of drinking MALK Organic’s milk.
[17:00] - How MALK Organics differs from other plant-based milks.
[20:28] - A challenge Jason faced as MALK Organic’s CEO.
[23:30] - The meaning behind MALK Organics’ name.
[25:10] - Pivotal moments in Jason’s personal and professional life.

Quotes

[09:49] - All of our products have five ingredients or less. You can pronounce them all; they’re all authentic, organic ingredients. It’s clean and simple. It’s who we are and it’s who we’re going to be as we go forward.” ~ Jason Bronstad

[12:34] - “A farmer has to make a choice: are they going to go have a clean, organic crop that they're going to grow, or are they going to try and optimize and get as much product out of that field as humanly possible? A tip of the hat to all of the farmers across America, especially those that choose to grow organic products.” ~ Jason Bronstad

[25:31] - “One of the things I used to be proud of is I could grocery shop the entire week in 20 minutes. Now, we proudly take about an hour and a half to go through the store and find the right ingredients.” ~ Jason Bronstad

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Avoiding Hidden Toxins in Your Coffee with Dr. Emily Gonzalez Dec 27, 2022

Starting off your morning with a strong cup of coffee (or two, or three) is a daily ritual that brings peace to many of us. With caffeine pulsing through our veins, we feel ready to tackle whatever challenge the day may bring. While this coffee may give us a burst of energy, how often do we think about what it is actually made of?

Dr. Emily Gonzalez, Manager of Science and Nutrition at Bulletproof, speaks to Jen about how mold is sneaking into our coffee and the possible side effects of drinking toxins. Coming from a naturopathic medical background, Emily believes in the importance of research and ingredient testing at Bulletproof to produce the highest quality products. At first, those higher quality products may have a heftier price tag, but you won’t be shelling out a fortune at the doctor’s office later on.

In this episode, Emily talks to Jen about the insidious toxins that could be hiding in your coffee, how to avoid them, and how Bulletproof differs from your average cup of joe.

Key Takeaways

[01:58] - Dr. Emily Gonzalez’s role at Bulletproof.
[03:57] - Why supplements can’t compensate for a bad diet.
[08:54] - The basics of a Bulletproof coffee.
[12:28] - What is a prebiotic?
[13:50] - The difference between MCT oil vs. the brain octane C8 MCT oil.
[16:09] - Which Bulletproof blend optimizes energy.
[18:20] - How Bulletproof coffee remains purposeful and toxin-free.
[19:53] - How mold is sneaking into our coffee.
[21:11] - Possible side effects of drinking mold and toxins.
[24:43] - Collagen vs. protein.
[27:54] - Bulletproof’s ingredient testing.
[30:44] - Why higher quality foods can be more expensive.
[34:56] - Emily’s Wake-Up Moment that led her to become healthier.
[38:37] - Where to find Bulletproof.

Quotes

[18:20] - “We are very purposeful about our coffee. It's all expertly chosen, handpicked, and then sustainably washed, and mechanically dried. All of these things are really important to get the highest quality.” ~ Dr. Emily Gonzalez

[29:59] - “Any kinds of problematic ingredients that shouldn't be in [our products], we make sure they're not. There are brands that are not good players, and the FDA catches a lot of them. It’s unfortunate because it makes it harder for those of us that really are doing the right thing.” ~ Dr. Emily Gonzalez

[34:01] - “I want people to realize how amazing they can feel in their own body. And that’s why they then choose to do more healthy behaviors. Not because they’re told to or not because they should, but it has this rolling effect of positive feedback.” ~ Dr. Emily Gonzalez

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Healing Illness with Herbal Therapy with Dr. Bill Rawls Dec 20, 2022

Our bodies are constantly talking to us, but we don’t always choose to listen. It is not until we are struck with a health crisis that we are forced to seek the necessary changes. Even then, there’s no guarantee that our health ailments will be fixed easily.

That was the case for Dr. Bill Rawls, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Vital Plan. A traditionally trained physician for over 30 years, he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in his 40s. After having little luck with traditional medical recommendations, Dr. Rawls turned to alternative treatments and herbal supplements, which healed his chronic health issues. Dr. Rawls now combines his knowledge of traditional medicine with herbal therapy for a holistic health approach. His journey inspired Vital Plan, an herbal supplement and wellness company Dr. Rawls co-founded with his daughter.

In this episode, Dr. Rawls talks to Jen about the benefits of herbal therapy, the body’s reaction to stress and healing, and how to get started with herbal supplements. Learn more at WakeUpAndReadTheLabels.com.

Key Takeaways

[02:38] - How Dr. Bill Rawls got into herbal therapy.
[06:48] - Dr. Rawls’ unique perspective on herbal therapy.
[8:08] - The history of herbs.
[11:46] - The difference between herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants.
[15:12] - How herbs make us more resilient.
[18:41] - How to get started with herbs.
[23:46] - The impact of taking herbs consistently.
[27:11] - Why you should research when looking for herbs.
[29:42] - Cell healing and chronic illness.
[31:26] - What could be stressing your cells.
[33:20] - The inspiration behind Vital Plan.
[34:32] - Dr. Bill Rawls’ favorite herbs.
[36:14] - How to get started with herbal therapy.

Quotes

[13:52] - “When we take an herb, we are taking in the plant’s defense system and its regulatory system. Our cells, which are constantly being bombarded with free radicals and chemical toxins, benefit from that extra protection.” ~ Dr. Bill Rawls

[23:52] - I’m 65 now. I thought I had totally lost my health forever at age 50. I’ve been taking herbs now for 15 years, every single day, in pretty significant quantities. And I’m doing everything I want to in life, and it’s great. I’m aging, but aging without debilitating symptoms.” ~ Dr. Bill Rawls

[31:03] - “Your body’s talking to you. And people ignore these signals, we’re not listening. It is more sensitive than any lab you can get.” ~ Dr. Bill Rawls

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Minimizing the Effects of Environmental Toxins with David Roberts Dec 13, 2022

Humans are creatures of habit who are not always aware of the world around us. Rarely will we make lifestyle changes without a catalyst that leaves a lasting impression on us and drives us to behave differently.

For David Roberts, everything changed when his late wife, Mara, was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. This unfortunate news propelled David to study the environment around him. He discovered that toxins are everywhere. Coming from a public health background, this inspired David to co-found Mara Labs and develop their hallmark product, BrocElite.

In this episode, David talks with Jen about what environmental toxins are, where they can be hiding, and how to minimize their negative consequences.

Key Takeaways

[01:51] - An overview of David’s public health experience.
[03:00] - How, why, and where environmental toxins are hiding.
[06:23] - How environmental toxins in the U.S. compare to other countries.
[07:13] - What is glyphosate?
[09:12] - How to combat the negative consequences of glyphosate.
[10:37] - Why organic labels matter.
[11:20] - What inspired David to create Mara Labs.
[14:59] - Who should be taking BrocElite.
[17:14] - How turmeric helps your microbiome.
[20:14] - How Mara Labs’ products differ from other industry supplements.

Quotes

[09:40] - “Things like corn that is GMO is used to make high-fructose corn syrup, which is in everything. If you go and walk down an aisle, it would be hard not to find.” ~ David Roberts

[15:05] - “Sulforaphane is the best natural phase II detox for any compound. It works in all three phases.” ~ David Roberts

[21:41] - “We make everything here in Charlottesville, Virginia, in our manufacturing facility, but that’s rare.” ~ David Roberts

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Intentionality, Mindfulness, and Wellbeing with Dr. Monisha Bhanote Dec 06, 2022

Health complications have become so omnipresent in the United States that we don’t usually think twice about them. We turn to our healthcare providers to prescribe us pills that offer relief, but not long-term solutions. While many want to find another solution, many of us don’t know how to take action.

Dr. Monisha Bhanote, also known as the Wellbeing Doctor, talks to Jen about her work as an integrative lifestyle medicine physician and the steps we can take to control our health proactively. Dr. Bhanote believes that doctors have a responsibility to help patients listen to their bodies, keep their cells healthy, and find sustainable long-term solutions to their ailments.

In this episode, Dr. Bhanote talks to Jen about the difference between traditional medical treatment and integrative medicine, the importance of listening to your symptoms and keeping your cells healthy, and how to switch off autopilot and live with intention.

Key Takeaways

[04:18] - What people receive by seeking out integrative medical care.
[06:41] - Dr. Monisha Bhanote’s whole-body approach.
[08:20] - The power of listening to your symptoms.
[10:54] - How food has changed over time.
[12:58] - Dr. Bhanote’s take on gluten-free and prioritizing real food.
[15:23] - How to keep your cells healthy.
[18:12] - Dr. Bhanote’s rituals.
[21:00] - The toxin removal system.
[23:03] - The dangers of food additives.
[26:10] - Who should read Dr. Monisha Bhanote’s book, The Anatomy of Wellbeing.

Quotes

[09:16] - “Trying to get people off their medications and supporting them in another way is our duty as doctors. We’re there to address their symptoms and we want to give them something, but this is not a long-term solution.” ~ Dr. Monisha Bhanote

[10:10] - “Integrative and functional doctors, and even some patients now, can order their own tests but if you don’t actually know how to interpret [the results] and address them in a way that can be measurable, then you could really go down the wrong path.” ~ Dr. Monisha Bhanote

[16:23] - “Cell care is self-care.” ~ Dr. Monisha Bhanote

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Automating Meals Using the Brava Oven with Travis Rea and Annie Garcia Lucey Nov 29, 2022

Imagine if you could snap your fingers and have an oven that generates recipes, cooks at the speed of light, and reminds you when your food is done so it never burns. The Brava oven uses pulses of light to cook meals faster than you can order bad takeout.

Travis Rea, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Annie Garcia Lucey, Director of Recipe Development and Culinary Content at Brava Home Inc. both use the Brava oven in their homes. It can be utilized by experienced cooks as well as people who are intimidated by cooking. As a trained chef from the restaurant world, Travis was skeptical of kitchen gadgets but became a convert after tasting a meal made in a Brava oven.

In this episode, Travis and Annie talk to Jen and Seth Smiley about how the Brava smart oven works, how technology fits into clean eating, and fun recipe ideas.

Key Takeaways

[04:19] - Travis and Annie explain the Brava oven.
[07:07] - The difference between a traditional oven and a Brava oven.
[08:42] - What foods Travis and Annie like to cook in their Brava.
[11:24] - Brava’s banana bread recipes and other features.
[14:25] - Brava’s app and how Brava is linked to clean eating.
[18:44] - Why Brava was invented and their target audience.
[25:16] - The craziest thing someone has cooked in a Brava.
[32:34] - Travis and Annie’s Wake Up moments.

Quotes

[04:51] - “It’s the only device on the market that is about to cook three different ingredients at the exact same time but to differing levels of doneness.” ~ Travis Rea

[05:30] - “One of the things that I personally really love about Brava, is that it just makes it more realistic to get a delicious dinner on the table.” ~ Annie Garcia Lucey

[07:29] - “Where Brava comes in, that’s a little bit different, is by using really high-powered infrared laps, we’re able to achieve full power in less than one second.” ~ Travis Rea

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Revolutionizing the Bread Industry with Jeanne David Nov 22, 2022

Flour-based products like bread, pasta, and crackers make up a major part of the standard American diet, leading to inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and weight gain. This high-carb diet is said to be one of the reasons the current generation is living with long-term inflammatory illnesses.

Jeanne David, Founder, and CEO at Outer Aisle, is leading a wave of bread alternatives that are hitting supermarket shelves. After leaving her job as a director for a nonprofit, she started Outer Aisle as a family project with her four sons. Jeanne wanted to change her diet and get more servings of vegetables without depriving herself of some of her favorite bread-based dishes. Today, her manufacturing plant turns 70,000 pounds of cauliflower into cauliflower sandwich thins and pizza crust. Jeanne’s philosophy is that people can improve their health by eating the nutrient-rich food usually found in the outer aisles of the supermarket.

In this episode, Jeanne talks to Jen about switching to an anti-inflammatory diet, the process of developing her cauliflower recipes, and the versatility of Outer Aisle products.

Key Takeaways

[01:09] - An intro to Jeanne David.
[03:18] - Jeanne and her husband’s food journey.
[10:34] - How Outer Aisle, a family project, was started.
[15:17] - Products Jeanne is excited to venture into.
[17:07] - The meaning of the name Outer Aisle.
[19:01] - Where to find Outer Aisle products.
[19:44] - The meaning of “love and kindness added.”
[20:53] - Options available for employees at Outer Aisle.
[23:11] - Fun recipes to make with Outer Aisle products.
[24:42] - Outer Aisle’s partnership with World Vision.
[26:25] - Jeanne’s Wake-Up Moment.

Quotes

[04:26] - “The low-fat generation, everything became low fat we didn’t look at anything else. So that brought in a lot of empty carbs and high carbs that really just spiked your blood sugar.” ~ Jeanne David

[07:50] - “People know that if you eat sugar, your blood sugar is going to go up, but what they don’t know is that empty processed carbs do the same thing in your body.” ~ Jeanne David

[17:16] - “Outer Aisle is the concept of, if you want to eat healthy, eat the outer aisle of the grocery store.” ~ Jeanne David

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Regulating Your GI Health with James and Dahlia Marin Nov 15, 2022

Understanding your GI health requires patience and a holistic health approach that western medicine doesn’t always offer. There’s no quick fix or magic pill that can solve every GI issue, so the question is – where do you start?

James Marin and Dahlia Marin, Registered Dietitians, Co-Founders of Married to Health, and husband and wife, are back for a second time to explain the different lifestyle choices that impact our GI health. Many of the people who come to Married to Health have tried using laxatives, antacids, and supplements recommended by their practitioners to fix their GI issues. But James and Dahlia believe that great GI health starts with a solid foundation of stress management, hydration, probiotic foods, and a wide variety of plants. In their practice, James and Dahlia along with their team of specialists spend time understanding their patients’ lifestyles and the depth of their symptoms.

In this episode, James Marin and Dahlia Marin talk to Jen about their practice in functional medicine, the challenges in the traditional medical system, and building a solid foundation for GI health.

Key Takeaways

[01:32] - James and Dahlia explain GI disease.
[03:46] - How James and Dahlia’s practice differs from standard western medicine.
[06:33] - The difference between functional and chronic GI disease.
[12:34] - How a person goes from healthy to having GI issues.
[18:01] - How a person can fix GI disease independently.
[19:13] - Strategies to address GI diseases.
[20:04] - What nutrition and food can do for chronic GI disease.
[25:05] - The cost of fixing your gut.

Quotes

[01:48] - “We see so many gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, and we know that it is the most common issue people seek medical attention for.” ~ Dahlia Marin

[07:52] - “Just because you’ve been diagnosed with IBS and were given a low dose anti-depressant just so you can numb your nerves and the discomfort, doesn’t take care of the IBS or even tell you why you have IBS.” ~ Dahlia Marin

[12:52] - “Literally, we’re taking the outside world, putting it in our body, and it is becoming our body.” ~ James Marin

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Nutrition in a Pinch with James Barry Nov 08, 2022

When the average American prepares meat for dinner, liver, heart, and pancreas are probably not on their table. Many cultures recognize organ meats, or “offal”, for their incredible flavor and nutrient-rich qualities, so why does the standard American diet discard them?

James Barry, Founder and CEO at Castle Hill Foods, Inc., was inspired to make a nutritional supplement after his youngest daughter got sick with a life-threatening toxin and was barely able to eat. Luckily, she recovered but James knew the standard American diet, which is made up of about 70% processed food, was not good enough to keep his family healthy. He created Pluck to promote conscious eating and sustainable agriculture without sacrificing flavor. His seasonings are packed with nutrients from the highest quality meat.

In this episode, James talks to Jen about what motivated him to start his business, focusing on organ meats or “offal”, the benefits of eating every part of the animal, and his experience as a celebrity chef.

Key Takeaways

[01:59] - James explains what are considered organ meats.
[07:35] - The benefits of eating organ meat.
[13:06] - James’ thoughts on Tom Cruise.
[15:13] - What inspired James to create Pluck.
[18:42] - How Pluck sources their meat.
[23:48] - Is Pluck a seasoning or a pinch of nutrition?
[27:42] - Why choose unrefined sea salt.
[31:42] - How much organ meat is in each Pluck product.
[37:10] - James’ Wake-Up moment.

Quotes

[08:01] - “92% of the US population is deficient in at least one or more vitamins or minerals.” ~ James Barry

[09:17] - “Organ meats are the most nutrient-dense food on the planet, hands down.” ~ James Barry

[28:50] - “I created this product because I wanted my kids to be healthier, but now I want you to be healthy.” ~ James Barry

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Upgrading Your Meat Products with Autumn Smith Nov 01, 2022

Being the champion of our health often requires us to go against what’s popular, cut through the noise and misinformation and listen to our bodies.

On the outside, Autumn Smith appeared to be a happy, successful celebrity trainer working with stars like Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Ellen Pompeo. Below the surface, she struggled with debilitating digestive issues and crippling anxiety. She’s been in and out of doctors’ offices since she was 10 years old and her health kept her from making plans with friends and enjoying life with her husband. So Autumn took her health into her own hands, cut out processed foods, quit her job, and went back to school to learn about food and health. She founded Wild Pastures and Paleovalley to change people’s perception of meat and animal products and focus on agriculture practices that are good for people and the environment.

In this episode, Autumn talks to Jen about quitting her job as a celebrity personal trainer and building a business focused on clean meat, the importance of meat and animal products in our diet, and how to read the labels on meat.

Key Takeaways

[01:23] - An intro to Autumn Smith and her celebrity clients.
[04:20] - Autumn’s health issues.
[06:16] - Why Autumn started investigating her foods.
[10:08] - Where the idea that meat is bad for health came from.
[16:04] - The benefits of meat for health.
[22:48] - Autumn speaks about Wild Pastures.
[29:34] - Animal product labels consumers should be aware of.
[35:04] - What makes Wild Pasture cost-effective.

Quotes

[07:37] - “We just cut out processed food, we started shopping at the Pasadena Farmers Market, and the change was so dramatic that I quit that amazing job as a celebrity fitness trainer under Tracy Anderson and went back to school.” ~ Autumn Smith

[14:25] - “We’re being told, ‘don’t eat meat.’ There are nuances, and ways to raise meat that can be more beneficial than any other type of agriculture.” ~ Autumn Smith

[16:44] - “Meat and animal products are invaluable in our diet.” ~ Autumn Smith

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Teaching Kids to Find Power in Their Food with Haley Scheich Oct 25, 2022

The most formative years of our lives are during childhood. It’s where we develop attitudes towards wellness that will likely follow us throughout our lives. However, most people don’t start learning about healthy eating until adulthood.

Haley Scheich, Co-Founder of My SuperHero Foods, didn’t get in tune with her body until she was in her 20s. She dealt with bloating, brain fog, and frequent headaches until she changed her diet. When she became a mom, she used the lessons learned on her own clean eating journey to empower her children to cook with her, try new recipes, and tune into how food makes them feel. This inspired Haley’s husband Dr. Tarek Pacha to co-write a children’s book titled “My SuperHero Foods”. The book features a fictional story with two characters based on her two eldest children learning about how superhero foods make them stronger, faster, and better.

In this episode, Haley talks to Jen about dedicating her life to teaching children about wellness, leaving her master’s program in nutrition, and the dangers of pill-popping.

Key Takeaways

[01:06] - Intro to Haley Scheich.
[05:26] - Why Haley stepped away from nutrition school.
[07:42] - How Haley knew what she was eating was affecting her negatively.
[10:37] - Haley speaks about her job at Pfizer.
[15:04] - Haley discusses her book, “My Superhero Foods”.
[18:43] - The difference in kids when they eat superhero foods.
[21:59] - Guidelines on the types and amount of sugar appropriate for kids.
[23:59] - The number one misconception about eating healthy.
[25:34] - Haley’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[02:15] - “This part of my life right now is just dedicated to teaching children about wellness.” ~ Haley Scheich

[02:26] - “Often people will come to wellness and start to really learn about the importance of nutrition and sleep and movement, all these amazing pillars of health in their 20s, 30s and their 40s. And we thought, why do we have to wait this long to learn this information? Let's teach this information to our kids.” ~ Haley Scheich

[12:02] - “While they do have some life-saving drugs, the majority of these pills, if we just do some behavior modification, clean up our diet, move, sleep better, we wouldn’t need to be on these drugs.” ~ Haley Scheich

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Creating Wake Up and Read the Labels with Jen Smiley Oct 18, 2022

Nutrition and entrepreneurship were a right of passage for Jen Smiley. Growing up, she practically lived in her parent's grocery store, stocking shelves, and watching brand reps quarrel over shelf space.

After Jen became a stay-at-home mom, she wanted an outlet and she knew she wanted to start a business. When a social media consultant encouraged her to get uncomfortable in front of the camera and share her clean eating journey, things started to align. People started asking for help clearing out their pantries and shopping for groceries with cleaner, simpler ingredients.

Jen’s “freak food” wasn’t always understood by the people around her. But nearly three years later, she’s helped improve people’s lives through Wake Up and Read the Labels along with her husband Seth. She also has a book on the horizon.

In this episode, the roles are reversed and Sarah Persich, Head of Operations at Wake Up, interviews Jen about her clean eating journey, how Wake Up and Read the Labels started, and what motivates her to keep the company going.

Key Takeaways

[01:26] - Jen’s grocery store upbringing.
[04:10] - When Jen realized product placement was important.
[04:53] - The beginning of Wake Up and Read the Labels.
[09:40] - The unexpected impact of Jen’s business.
[10:20] - How Jen’s friends and family reacted to the food she was eating.
[11:59] - What Jen likes about her job.
[14:02] - Jen’s experience working with her husband Seth.
[16:38] - Three motivators for Jen when she falls off track.
[18:36] - Upcoming plans for Wake Up and Read the Labels.
[19:28] - Jen’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[10:08] - “It feels like the food industry is criminal and people don't understand what they're doing, and we're all confused. So I feel as though it's a void that needs to be filled.” ~ Jen Smiley

[13:00] - “There's a lot of things I like about my job, but I would say probably the best thing is hearing the results, hearing the transformations, because that is what feeds me to keep going.” ~ Jen Smiley

[18:13] - “I know that the food industry is capitalized, it's out of control. They have made the quality so terrible. They're trying to get you to eat more, make it addictive, all these things. So it's feeling empowered and being able to overcome it that allows you to stay in control, feel good, reap the benefits, and eat the foods you love.” ~ Jen Smiley

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Restoring Gut Health Through the Coconut Cult with Noah Simon-Wadell Oct 11, 2022

Reading the labels is an easy way to tell what food is clean and what food isn’t. But what happens when labels are created with the intention to mislead?

Noah Simon-Wadell, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of The Coconut Cult, created clean yogurt with high-quality medicinal probiotics that can help heal the gut. He struggled with a weak immune system and digestive issues for most of his life. On a journey to heal his inflammation, he made a radical change to his diet and experimented with probiotics to see what would regulate his digestion. During Noah’s research, he looked into yogurt brands that claim to have millions of good probiotics. But when he dug deeper and spoke to experts in the field, he discovered that all the probiotics in most yogurts on the shelves were dead.

In this episode, Noah talks to Jen about his journey with digestive issues, the food industry’s fear of living organisms, and why he decided to make clean yogurt.

Key Takeaways

[01:17] - An introduction to Noah and The Coconut Cult.
[06:32] - How conventional yogurt is made.
[12:13] - The benefits of bacteria in yogurt.
[17:05] - How and when to incorporate yogurt into your diet.
[22:34] - Ingredients of The Coconut Cult versus Activia.
[24:05] - Why Noah chose coconuts.
[25:19] - Noah talks about The Coconut Cults team.
[27:00] - The Coconut Cult’s future endeavors.
[29:55] - Noah’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[07:56] - “I found out, unfortunately, that what seems like over 80% or 90% of yogurt, is made the same exact way. After they culture the bacteria, they cook it at such a high temperature to intentionally kill or pasteurize all the bacteria in the yogurt.” ~ Noah Simon-Wadell

[12:44] - “We’ve all been trained over the last couple of decades, that fake food is real food.” ~ Noah Simon-Wadell

[15:36] - “There is a balance in your gut, and this balance is between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria and yeast.” ~ Noah Simon-Wadell

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Prevailing Through Food with Ashley Kohn Oct 04, 2022

Inflammation is like an unfortunate gift. It doesn’t feel great, but it’s the body’s way of protecting itself and revealing that something in our food or environment needs to change. Often, change is simply going back to food the body recognizes.

After a childhood filled with food allergies, Ashley Kohn, Founder and CEO at Prevail Jerky, knew it was time for a change when she went into the hospital with swollen lips. She went back to basics and started eating scratch-made dressings, vegetables, and homemade jerky. Pretty soon, she was able to drop the medications and focus on healing through food. When Ashley and her husband created Prevail Jerky, they wanted to go back to the roots of jerky when the process and ingredients were simple while adding their stamp on an old favorite.

In this episode, Ashley talks to Jen about overcoming food allergies, living with celiac disease, and what inspired her to make organic jerky.

Key Takeaways

[01:19] - An introduction to Ashley Kohn.
[01:42] - Why Ashley founded Prevail Jerky.
[03:57] - How Ashley discovered her food was making her feel worse.
[08:21] - Why kids love Prevail Jerky.
[10:16] - What are the ingredients in Prevail Jerky.
[13:29] - How Ashley came up with their flavor offerings.
[16:05] - Prevail Jerky’s partnership with the Food Equality Initiative.
[18:08] - Ashley’s Wake up moment.

Quotes

[02:40] - “When I would read the labels, there was all this stuff in there that I couldn't read, that I didn’t know what it was and I just thought there has got to be something better than this.” ~ Ashley Kohn

[05:56] - “Why do I have to suffer through bland boring food just because I have food allergies or just because I was looking for a clean label?” ~ Ashley Kohn

[17:17] - “It was important for me in our mission to help people prevail through their food. And so what better way to do it than with food banks that are serving children and making sure that they have enough protein and nutrition in their diet.” ~ Ashley Kohn

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Prioritizing Your Internal Ecosystem with James and Dahlia Marin Sep 27, 2022

A healthy balanced gut is an ultimate goal. Keeping it that way can be a challenge when it’s easily thrown out of whack by chemical, physical, and emotional stress.

James Marin and Dahlia Marin are Registered Dieticians and Co-Founders of Married to Health. They are also life partners who both struggled with obesity and had a long list of health issues as a result. After conquering their difficult relationship with food and health, they started living by the philosophy that gut health is the epicenter of all health and they embody that philosophy through their plant-based diet.

In their practice, Married to Health, James and Dahlia help people struggling with disordered eating, IBS, and metabolic diseases to introduce plant-based foods into their life while managing their symptoms.

In his episode, Jen talks to James and Dahlia, about working with your spouse, raising a fully plant-based kid, and prioritizing your gut health.

Key Takeaways

[00:56] - An introduction to James and Dahlia Marin.
[01:31] - How health has been a priority for James and Dahlia in their relationship.
[03:16] - The experience of having a child that's plant-based.
[09:05] - The importance of gut health and the signs of bad gut health.
[14:29] - Other factors affecting the gut besides food.
[17:27] - Two great recipes that support gut health.
[21:49] - James and Dahlia’s opinion on lectins in vegetables.
[24:37] - How James and Dahlia feel about foods such as plant-based meats.
[28:21] - James and Dahlia’s thoughts on the food pyramid.
[30:28] - Options offered by James and Dahlia’s practice Married to Health.
[32:44] - James and Dahlia’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[02:11] - “We planted the seed of marriage, and now we’re watching that tree grow and blossom and bear fruit.” ~ James Marin

[04:22] - “We’re going to continue to see more mindless eating, more distracted eating. Kids these days are busier than ever.” ~ Dahlia Marin

[07:38] - “The most important ecosystem is the one inside of you. If you are not taking care of that ecosystem inside of you, more specifically your gut microbiome, you are doing more harm to the outer ecosystem than you can ever possibly imagine.” ~ James Marin

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Living With Parents Who Read the Labels with Jude and Luke Smiley Sep 20, 2022

Do you remember how you felt about food as a kid? Could you pronounce the words on the ingredient list of a bag of chips? Well, 11-year-old Jude Smiley and 8-year-old Luke Smiley are just your average boys who like soccer, video games, and donuts. But, there’s one major difference - in the Smiley household, they eat clean.

Jude remembers life before eating clean and indulging in all the sugary snacks kids love. When Luke was born, things changed and their mom Jen started swapping regular butter for grass-fed butter and cane sugar for coconut sugar. It’s tough getting kids to eat clean but with a bit of creativity, the boys have grown to love their mom’s clean recipes, especially her chip chicken.

Jude and Luke aren’t restricted. They eat french toast sticks at grandma’s house on the weekends and drink sports drinks at their soccer games. It’s all about balance for the Smiley boys, who gladly name some of their favorite processed snacks. The important thing for Jen is that they learn the connection between the food they eat and how they feel.

In this episode, Jen talks to Jude and Luke about what it’s like having a mom who reads the labels, acknowledging how unhealthy food makes them feel, and their favorite mom-approved recipes.

Key Takeaways

[01:05] - Life with a mom who reads all the labels.
[03:58] - The good and bad about reading labels.
[04:46] - How Luke ate before Jen was a food coach.
[05:41] - Remembering when Jen achieved 1,000 and 10,000 followers.
[06:21] - How Jude and Luke feel about being in Jen’s videos.
[06:54] - Jude and Luke’s favorite clean recipes.
[08:02] - What Luke’s friends think about reading the labels and eating clean.
[09:42] - Jude and Luke’s favorite recipes that aren’t mom-approved.
[11:27] - Jude names one bad ingredient.
[12:27] - Luke names one good ingredient.
[13:30] - How students reacted to Luke’s lunch.
[13:59] - How Jude and Luke feel after eating bad food.
[14:22] - How Jude and Luke feel at parties and games with the food.
[15:28] - The drink of choice for Jude and Luke.
[15:44] - Getting to know Jude and Luke with a game of this or that.
[19:57] - Jude and Luke name something listeners don’t know about Jen.
[20:46] - Jude and Luke’s Wake Up moments.

Quotes

[02:08] - “When we go to groceries, she just takes up something that looks good. And then she flips to the back of it. If it says acids or sugars, then she puts it right back.” ~ Jude Smiley

[03:04] - “The more labels that we read, the more that we know about the foods we’re eating and we can stop those businesses from producing those [bad] foods.” ~ Jude Smiley

[03:53] - “If you eat the bad stuff, then you feel really horrible the next day. If you eat the good stuff, then you don't.” ~ Luke Smiley

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Keep the Adventure Alive: Healing Osteoarthritis with Dr. Alyssa Kuhn Sep 13, 2022

When the body breaks down, many people turn to surgery searching for what they believe will be a permanent fix. Often, what the body really needs is the chance to heal through diet, lifestyle change, and therapy.

Dr. Alyssa Kuhn is the founder of Keep the Adventure Alive based in Salt Lake City Utah. She’s on a mission to educate people around the globe on osteoarthritis pain reduction and prevention through diet and movement.

When Alyssa started working in an independent living facility, she was inspired by the residents who were very active. This affirmed that osteoarthritis didn’t have to be a life of pain, isolation, and immobility. She saw this firsthand when her 50-year-old client living with debilitating osteoarthritis could finally do a stair jump after months of therapy.

In this episode, Jen talks to Alyssa about osteoarthritis misinformation online and healing chronic pain through diet and therapy.

Key Takeaways

[00:51] - Intro to Dr. Alyssa Kuhn and Keep the Adventure Alive.
[03:49] - The reason osteoarthritis is becoming more common.
[06:14] - Alyssa's early days as a physical therapist and her mission.
[10:30] - The origin of the name Keep the Adventure Alive.
[11:42] - The Arthritis Adventure Blueprint.
[14:58] - How Alyssa feels when she hears positive reviews.
[17:06] - Alyssa's journey from being a physical therapist to starting her own business.
[19:56] - A run-through of a patient’s experience with Alyssa.
[24:25] - Alyssa’s book, “Move Well Age Well”.
[25:07] - Alyssa’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[08:05] - “Food and exercise and these sort of lifestyle changes can positively impact you as you get older, and it doesn't have to include all of these aches, pains, despair, and sitting on the couch for the rest of your life.” ~ @kuhnalyssa_dpt

[18:44] - “One-on-one, you can only impact one person. Maybe some of the people around them, but what if we could pull this out and now start to educate the globe, educate so many more people.” ~ @kuhnalyssa_dpt

[23:06] - “I do want to highlight the fact that the common denominator through all of this is consistency. And I know that you probably preach this too with food that you have to be consistent. You have to dedicate yourself to it. The problem is, I think a lot of people give up too early. And they give up right before this breakthrough. So we have to think of it in small wins.” ~ @kuhnalyssa_dpt

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Not All Almonds Are Created Equal with Grace Runnels Sep 06, 2022

There is an unmistakable link between what we eat and how we feel. After losing a son to mental health issues, Daily Crunch Snacks' Co-Founder Diane Orley dedicated her business mission to feeding the mind as much as the body. For her, that starts with a daily ritual of a handful of almonds.

Over 15 years ago, Diane’s sister visited India where she learned the health benefits of sprouted almonds. Inspired by her sister’s travel, Diane merged the practice of sprouting almonds with additional added flavors using clean ingredients. When her niece, Laurel Orley, was pregnant with her third child, her cravings were intense. Diane’s almonds were one of her favorite healthy snacks. Laurel saw potential in her aunt’s business and joined forces to start Daily Crunch Snacks.

In this episode, Jen talks with Grace Runnels, Brand and Content Marketing Lead at Daily Crunch Snacks about the story behind the brand, the benefits of sprouting almonds, and the importance of mental health at Daily Crunch Snacks.

Key Takeaways

[00:46] - A brief intro to Grace and Daily Crunch Snacks.
[02:22] - How Daily Crunch Snacks got their name.
[03:21] - Why not all almonds are created equal.
[03:39] - The beginning of Daily Crunch.
[05:46] - The almond sprouting & dehydrating process.
[09:08] - How to choose anti-inflammatory foods.
[10:33] - The ingredients in sprouted almonds.
[13:09] - The value of well-being for Daily Crunch Snacks.
[14:54] - What is the Daily Crunch staff culture?
[15:58] - The Daily Crunch’s connection to The Support Network.
[18:07] - Transforming mental health through food.
[19:18] - Grace’s Wake-Up Moment.

Quotes

[12:45] - “I'm curious for all you listeners. Have you ever looked at the packaging of your snacks, right? Most of the time, it's these hidden oils, or it's these hidden preservatives that are going to keep you from feeling good. So it's important to read those labels.” ~ Jen Smiley

[13:41] - “I think our whole team is just really inspired by trying to make people feel as good as possible inside and out and that the food you eat does have a big impact on that.” ~ Grace Runnels

[14:22] - “We're going back to the basics like you said, that clean, clean is misleading. All foods should be clean.” ~ Jen Smiley

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The Rise of Plant-Based Butter with Lauren Montgomery Aug 30, 2022

When did you notice the connection between your diet and the way you feel? Lauren Montgomery aka Monty, the founder of Monty’s, grew up on the Standard American Diet (SAD). She battled anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia, but she never connected the dots that her diet was impacting her mental health.

Lauren cycled between being a hardcore vegan and a pescatarian until she settled on a plant-based, whole food, and dairy-free diet. Today, she promotes bio-individuality and finding the diet that works for you. Her business, Monty’s, creates clean, cultured cashew cream cheese and plant-based butter in NYC. Lauren believes plant-based butter is not just for vegans – it’s for everyone who wants simple, healthy, and delicious food. But running a business without preservatives comes with its challenges.

In this episode, Jen talks with Lauren about how she created her plant-based dairy essentials, became a health coach, and founded Monty’s.

Key Takeaways

[00:50] - A brief intro to Lauren and Monty’s.
[02:23] - How Lauren’s entrepreneurial family influenced her to create Monty’s.
[04:53] - Lauren’s diet.
[06:00] - Lauren’s thoughts on conventional dairy products.
[08:17] - How Lauren found alternative cheeses.
[09:43] - Lauren’s journey as a health coach.
[10:58] - Lauren's restaurant experience with inflammatory ingredients.
[13:00] - How Monty’s started.
[13:55] - Monty’s clean ingredients and shelf life.
[17:25] - Monty’s products.
[18:32] - Laurens's biggest challenges and successes in business.
[20:01] - Where to find Monty’s.
[20:58] - Lauren’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[06:48]- “A lot of grocery store products are precarious in general but so many plant-based products, dairy butter alternatives, that try to emulate the texture and taste of real dairy, add a lot of highly processed, inflammatory oils, gums, natural flavors, and preservatives.” ~ Lauren Montgomery

[19:28] - “I just started doing farmer's markets in LA. And I have, you know, people coming up to me and being like, I eat your butter every day. It changed my life and you're a part of my daily habits. And, to me, that's everything, you know, that's why I'm doing this. I'm not doing this for monetary gain or anything else.” ~ Lauren Montgomery

[19:46]- “I really want people to have a delicious dairy-free option that's clean and makes them feel amazing and is really a part of their daily life to make it better.” ~ Lauren Montgomery

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More Than a Hot Sauce Brand with Joey Repice Aug 23, 2022

Like many great products, Joey’s Hot Sauce originated from love. In this case, the love Joey felt for his wife, who couldn’t find a delicious hot sauce free from additives, preservatives, and sugar. So Joey grabbed organic peppers from the farmer’s market and blended up a custom hot sauce in his Vitamix. On that day, Joey’s Hot Sauce was born.

From the Southern part of Italy, Joey’s mother lived off the land. Her family owned goats and ate fresh figs and oregano straight from the source. As a child, Joey watched his mother’s intentional approach to cooking, making use of every ingredient and treating meals with reverence. Those Italian roots and his mother’s appreciation for high-quality food inspired Joey’s love for fresh, simple ingredients, and eventually, Joey’s Hot Sauce.

In this episode, Joey talks with Jen about the inspiration behind his hot sauce flavors, why every flavor is fresh, clean, and simple, the importance of mind-body health for Joey, and why Joey’s Hot Sauce is so much more than a hot sauce.

Key Takeaways

[01:17] - A brief intro to Joey.
[02:24] - The origin story of Joey’s Hot Sauce.
[04:59] - How Joey’s background influenced his approach to cuisine.
[08:18] - Why health matters to Joey.
[11:41] - All about Joey’s Hot Sauce.
[18:33] - What it’s like owning a hot sauce business.
[20:55] - Joey’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[09:36] - “I just know that when I eat food that I know where it comes from, without sugar spiking my glucose, and when I exercise regularly, my mental clarity’s way better, my physical being is way better, I’m just better to be around.” ~ Joey Repice

[10:08] - “Joey’s Hot Sauce is not just about a hot sauce. It’s, in a sense, for me, about a lifestyle. I want people to be inspired to make the correlation of what they’re eating and how they’re feeling. There is a correlation there.” ~ Joey Repice

[13:09] - “It’s all high quality, all organic, there’s not one ingredient that can’t be organic. It has to be organic to be in Joey’s Hot Sauce.” ~ Joey Repice

[23:06] - “Wherever we put our money, what we focus on, the big money follows. So I have faith that we can really shift this broken system and fix it.” ~ Joey Repice

Links

Joey Repice
Joey’s Hot Sauce
Vitamix
Wake Up And Read The Labels: Cleaning Up Cereal with Parker Brook
Lovebird Cereal
Priscilla The Creeper
Lisa The Truffle Queen
Joey’s Hot Sauce Rebel Red Editions
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Homes & Gardens*
Bunny Bread*

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Leaving Law for Wake Up! with Seth Smiley Aug 16, 2022

Like many of us, Seth Smiley used to pay little attention to his health symptoms. Diagnosed with ADHD at 16 and struggling with heartburn from college onwards, Seth believed he’d need over-the-counter meds his entire life. Still slim and training to compete as a long-distance runner, Seth had no reason to believe his underlying health issues were anything to worry about.

It wasn’t until early in Seth and Jen’s marriage that Seth began exploring biohacking, anti-aging, and anything he could do to improve his running time, that the two discovered the power of diet changes. What started with vegetarian meals progressed into veganism and at some point, Jen’s Wake Up moment with simple ingredients.

In this episode, Seth talks with Jen about his life before clean eating, why men looking to bulk up need clean ingredients just like men hoping to lose weight, what Seth eats in a typical day, and why Seth ultimately decided to leave the law firm he built and join Jen full-time at Wake Up and Read the Labels!

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief intro to Seth.
[01:51] - How Jen and Seth met.
[04:28] - The three words Seth uses to describe Jen.
[06:02] - Seth’s life before clean eating.
[11:09] - What Seth would say to men scared of losing weight eating clean.
[12:41] - What Seth eats in a day.
[16:11] - Who’s influenced Seth’s healthy mindset.
[18:34] - How Jen and Seth’s family reacted to their clean eating transformation.
[21:20] - What workouts Seth prioritizes.
[23:45] - Seth’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[10:41] - “I was thin but I didn’t know that I was inflamed. And so whenever [Jen] really started to dial-in on the clean eating and really had the wake-up moment about all the ingredients, that’s when I weighed the same but my waist size just dropped, almost overnight.” ~ Seth Smiley

[11:58] - “It’s not a weight loss thing, it is a get your body to be the size it’s supposed to be thing.” ~ Seth Smiley

[12:30] - “Clean eating just allows you to feel better while you're trying to achieve those personal goals, whether it be [to] work out or your physical physique.” ~ Seth Smiley

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Cleaning Up Cereal with Parker Brook Aug 09, 2022

Sometimes all we need is a little push to propel us over the edge and chase our destiny. Before the birth of his daughter, Parker Brook was working for the big food industry while battling an autoimmune disease. Parker knew the products he marketed weren’t great for the general public, designed to increase hunger versus fulfill nutritional needs. And maybe even subconsciously, Parker knew that his own diet was contributing to the symptoms he wrestled with daily.

But when Parker’s daughter came into the world, he couldn’t ignore that intuition any longer. The thought of plastering mermaids on sugary snacks so kids just like his own would grab them at the grocery store wasn’t something he could stomach. And having an inside look into the types of ingredients big food stuffed their products with, he knew those mermaids were leading kids to chronic health conditions versus a balanced diet. So Parker quit his job and created Lovebird, a cereal free from fillers, chemicals, and inflammatory ingredients.

In this episode, Parker talks with Jen about developing a clean cereal, how clean foods mitigated his autoimmune disease, the shocking secret behind “natural flavors”, and the ways that communities can take control and eat clean.

Key Takeaways

[02:05] - Why the birth of Parker’s daughter inspired his clean cereal mission.
[03:36] - What bothered Parker about the big food industry.
[05:44] - How Parker felt working for the big food industry and his ultimate turning point.
[09:07] - What prompted Parker to educate himself on clean foods.
[11:08] - What ingredients Parker uses in Lovebird cereal.
[13:48] - The many ways to use cereal.
[14:37] - What “natural flavors” actually means.
[21:06] - Why buying organic is so important.
[23:54] - Where to find Lovebird cereal.
[26:48] - Parker’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[13:34] - “I was really trying to get to a balanced, as much as possible, blood sugar-neutral recipe with ingredients that were whole foods to kind of help manage that for people and quite honestly for myself and my family as well.” ~ Parker Brook

[16:27] - “I always look at, when I read ingredient labels, aside from how many are there, can I pronounce them, is there any weird stuff in there, I kind of question well, what’s the role of that?” ~ Parker Brook

[21:33] - “I think the fact that we have to label food as organic is kind of a travesty. Everything should be organic, and if it’s not it should be called something else.” ~ Parker Brook

[24:33] - “I think for the longest time we've been trained that whatever we buy at the grocery store is OK and follow your tastebuds. And I think our taste buds have been hijacked and it’s harder than ever to really understand what you’re eating.” ~ Parker Brook

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Fixing Your Kitchen Before Fixing Your Meds with Sheila Cunningham Aug 02, 2022

Having spent 30 years as a registered nurse, Sheila Cunningham knew what it meant to treat patients afflicted with disease and chronic conditions. What she never experienced, and what they failed to teach in nursing school, was how to prevent illness by transforming your pantry.

It wasn’t until Sheila went from working in a hospital to working in a school that her own health started to decline and she could see first-hand how many children were afflicted with stomach problems, ADHD, and eczema. Also, how many parents fed them chemical after chemical, unknowingly fueling the inflammatory fire.

That’s when Sheila knew there had to be more to healthcare than the food pyramid and healing patients after the fact. She dove into nutrition school and, shortly after, discovered Jen Smiley. The puzzle pieces clicked and Sheila knew she had to share her new wealth of nutritional knowledge with the world.

Today, Sheila talks with Jen about why hospitals aren’t the key to holistic health, what parents don’t realize about food and their kids, why learning to read the labels became empowering for Sheila, and why nurses more than anyone need clean foods in their diet.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Sheila.
[01:52] - What Sheila learned about food and nutrition in nursing school.
[02:26] - Why Sheila decided to become a certified nutritionist.
[05:40] - Why Sheila wanted to impact her community beyond traditional nutritional services.
[07:05] - Why nutrition school didn’t give Sheila the full picture.
[08:06] - How Sheila discovered the power of labels.
[09:29] - How Sheila’s personal health propelled her desire to master healthy eating.
[11:51] - What Sheila’s life looked like before clean eating.
[12:45] - Why nutrition school wasn’t enough for Sheila.
[14:45] - The most beneficial part of Clean Eating Academy for Sheila.
[16:42] - How clean eating has transformed Sheila’s life.
[22:08] - Sheila’s Wake Up moment.
[24:28] - How you can eat clean without breaking the bank.

Quotes

[12:58] - “Nutrition school definitely gets you to a certain point of knowledge. But for what I want to offer the world and my clients, I want to give them empowerment to learn on their own, and to know that just because you are looking at the outside of this pretty picture and saying oh, fat-free, low-carb, gluten-free, that you still have to look at the facts.” ~ Sheila Cunningham

[13:47] - “I learned through your program that you’re not healthy until you really start diving into what those ingredients are in your food.” ~ Sheila Cunningham

[16:45] - “The biggest difference is just feeling better, not feeling bloated when you’re eating, and also being able to go to the grocery store and recognize the fake advertising.” ~ Sheila Cunningham

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Feeling 20 at 40 with Anna Cash Jul 26, 2022

Many people discover they’ve got major health issues through changes in appearance or struggles with daily tasks. It took a dentist appointment for Anna Cash.

Anna’s teeth were all but crumbling and her dentist advised she cut out gluten, suspecting the problem was gut-related. However, despite reluctantly removing sandwich bread and pizza, Anna wasn’t feeling much better. In fact, depriving herself throughout the day, Anna would reward her daily discipline with late-night McDonald’s runs and watch as the weight piled on.

On top of a dental mishap, the passing of Anna’s husband prompted anxiety, depression, and overindulging. Her mental health and poor diet led to frequent illness and trips to the doctor’s office. Although professionals pushed medicine, when a friend sent Anna a post by Jen Smiley, everything changed.

In this episode, Anna talks with Jen about learning to navigate clean eating, the medicine Anna no longer needs, how Anna’s changing her community with clean swaps, and what Anna’s embracing for the first time in her adult life thanks to waking up and reading the labels.

Key Takeaways

[00:40] - A brief introduction to Anna and her journey with clean eating.
[02:21] - Why Anna became gluten-free.
[03:15] - How Anna first navigated gluten-free foods.
[05:15] - When Anna discovered Jen’s program.
[06:36] - The moment Anna decided to commit to clean eating.
[09:23] - Why Jen’s course benefited Anna’s health journey.
[10:30] - What Anna noticed immediately after starting to read the labels.
[13:31] - How Anna switched to clean alcohol and the symptoms she no longer experiences.
[18:22] - When Anna realized her “healthy” lattes were making everything worse.
[19:28] - How Anna feels today.
[19:57] - Anna’s favorite clean meal.
[20:46] - Anna’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[07:32] - “I knew it was gluten but I wasn’t ready to accept it. And when a friend sent me your story, I was like, Anna, you know exactly what’s wrong with you and you’re the only one that can fix it. So I dove in.” ~ Anna Cash

[10:19] - “It’s so easy, it’s so sustainable, which, I have never found anything to be sustainable. I could do it for a while and be miserable and quit.” ~ Anna Cash

[11:09] - “I wake up before the alarm, even on a weekday. The weight’s just dropping off of me and the inches and I just want to get up and go do. I haven’t felt that since I was 20 and I’m 46 now.” ~ Anna Cash

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Cooking Clean, From Desserts To Cajun Classics with Robin Borne Jul 19, 2022

When you discover your child has a food allergy, eliminating foods is no longer a decision. Robin Borne realized her son had a milk allergy and she tossed out the gallon her family chugged weekly. Even going dairy and corn-free, Robin felt tired and despite sweating hard in Jen’s spin classes, her weight loss goals seemed unreachable.

Jen’s class on clean eating was the puzzle piece Robin was missing. As the pandemic hit and moms across America made banana bread, Robin created clean alternatives. Her neighbors caught on to Robin’s desserts and before she knew it, Robin had a full-blown bakery business in her backyard. Today, Reborne Bakery offers clean alternatives to your favorite cookies, cakes, muffins, and of course, that chocolate chip banana bread.

In this episode, Robin talks with Jen about learning to love clean cooking, why her meals haven’t changed much, the biggest benefit to clean eating, how to cook cajun foods with a clean twist, and why reading the labels has transformed Robin’s life and the life of her six-year-old son.

Key Takeaways

[01:55] - What Robin’s life looked like before eating clean.
[05:49] - What diets Robin tried previously.
[06:14] - What prompted Robin to start dieting.
[06:47] - When Robin finally started seeing results.
[07:53] - How Robin’s meals changed with clean eating.
[09:11] - How Robin introduced her kids to clean eating.
[09:53] - Why clean eating allows Robin’s son to become an advocate for himself.
[10:21] - How Robin’s kids navigate clean eating in the outside world.
[12:24] - Why Robin started a clean desserts bakery.
[14:22] - How people react to Robin’s clean bakery.
[17:01] - Which classic cajun recipes Robin has cooked clean.
[20:11] - How you can find Robin’s bakery.

Quotes

[03:30] - “I’m sure, Jen, that your prospective clients always are scared of, ‘Well, I can’t give up cheese.’ But once you make that change and see the benefits, it’s rewarding and you just feel better.” ~ Robin Borne

[07:39] - “That was the most rewarding part. I just felt better, we all felt better. Even-keeled for energy levels, no afternoon crash, and it’s still working two-and-a-half years later.” ~ Robin Borne

[10:02] - “[My son] is now an advocate for himself, and I love that. So even when he goes to grandma’s house, he knows of course the grandmothers are going to offer a glass of milk, that’s fine. But he knows that that does not make him feel his best. So at age six, he can advocate for himself.” ~ Robin Borne

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Mindy Pelz: The Power of Fasting and Learning to Read the (Keto) Labels Jul 12, 2022

At 43, Mindy Pelz felt like someone had hijacked her body. Despite avoiding obvious ingredients like sugar and exercising, she couldn’t sleep and felt depressed. Mindy snacked non-stop to combat hypoglycemia, but those snacks were “healthy”, so what could possibly be the problem?

That’s when she discovered the power of fasting. Through trial and error, Mindy learned to listen to her body and use fasting to stay sharp, stay healthy, and regulate the hormonal landmine of menopause. 10 years later, Mindy is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and functional health expert teaching people to retrain their health through fasting and smart choices.

Today, Dr. Mindy Pelz talks with Jen about how and when she fasts, reading labels beyond the word “keto”, what ingredient Mindy always avoids, how big brands spread the biggest food lies, and her top four tips for metabolic health.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Mindy.
[01:25] - What and how Mindy eats.
[04:02] - How long Mindy’s been fasting.
[04:46] - Why breakfast is not the most important meal of the day.
[07:03] - How Mindy fasts.
[08:11] - What fasting actually means.
[08:59] - Why (almost) everybody should fast.
[09:53] - How to break a fast.
[10:41] - Where Mindy buys her protein.
[12:08] - The fastest way to lose weight.
[14:04] - What ketones do for your brain.
[15:17] - The power of “bad” symptoms.
[18:06] - Why keto labels don’t always mean “healthy” labels.
[19:17] - The one ingredient Mindy always avoids.
[20:27] - Mindy’s four tips for metabolic health.
[22:50] - Mindy’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[03:45] - “I’ve learned to use fasting as a tool for mental and physical performance. So I really look at what I’m doing that day, and if it’s back-to-back-to-back interviews, or videos, or writing, I won’t eat. I’ll keep those ketones going.” ~ @dr.mindypelz

[12:18] - “The fastest way to lose weight is fasting. I think we have not solved the weight loss challenge for people with diet. I mean, how many more crazy diets do we need to come up with? What we haven’t done is gone in the fasting door.” ~ @dr.mindypelz

[14:53] - “When people come to fasting what they don’t realize is that they come for weight loss, which is beautiful, and it’s a healing diet. This is going to help create a healing effect on your body.” ~ @dr.mindypelz

[19:28] - “We have villainized sugar – and I’m not a fan of sugar – but we can’t lose sight of oils. Oils are the number one reason people are insulin-resistant.” ~ @dr.mindypelz

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Anyone Can Eat Clean with Mollie Lodin Jul 05, 2022

In the cycle of dieting, weight loss, and weight gain, results can feel out of reach. When Mollie Lodin stumbled upon the Wake Up program, the simplicity of Jen’s advice got her started on a health (and life) transformation.

Struggling with weight since her teenage years, Mollie tried every diet on the market. By 2020, she was labeling herself a “gluten-free vegan” but when sharing her dietary restrictions, the response was, “then why are you big?” Although offended, Mollie took the criticism seriously and wondered why she was still far from her weight loss goals. Didn’t gluten-free and vegan mean healthy?

Now 10 months into clean eating, Mollie’s lost weight and actually maintained it, impressed gym junkies, improved her sleep, and began a new career as a wellness coach and soon-to-be certified personal trainer.

In this episode, Mollie talks with Jen about why clean eating made a difference while other fads failed her, the biggest improvements Mollie noticed after switching to clean foods, how she manages clean eating as a single mom, and why Mollie describes clean eating as a “priceless” discovery.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - An introduction to Mollie.
[01:22] - What diets Mollie tried before discovering Wake Up and Read the Labels!
[02:12] - What triggered Mollie’s weight gain and subsequent dieting.
[04:42] - How Mollie discovered Jen.
[07:12] - Why Jen’s clean eating philosophy immediately resonated with Mollie.
[10:21] - What separated the Wake Up program from other diets Mollie’s tried.
[11:40] - What Mollie noticed after switching to clean eating.
[14:26] - How Mollie convinced her daughter to eat clean.
[16:00] - Mollie’s new go-to clean meals and how she navigates clean eating outside her home.
[18:41] - How clean eating led Mollie to a career transition.
[21:05] - Why clean eating has been priceless for Mollie.
[21:54] - Mollie’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[07:26] - “What resonated with me the most was when you say, ‘if you can’t pronounce that word, your body doesn’t know how to break it down.’” ~ @mollielodin

[10:27] - “It’s so simple that I don’t even have to think about it. There’s not one thing I don’t eat, I just swap. And that’s what I love to tell people.” ~ @mollielodin

[24:26] - “If I can do it, anybody can do it. If I can do it at 300 pounds once in my life and as a single mom who doesn't get support, if I can figure out how to do it, anybody can do it.” ~ @mollielodin

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Change Your Body, Change Your Lifestyle with Dr. Trey Sands Jun 28, 2022

You may think going under the knife to improve your appearance and changing the way you eat are two mutually exclusive paths toward improving your health and confidence. But the foods you’re putting into your body can impact the results you see, and even your ability to participate in elective surgeries.

Dr. Trey Sands is a plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures and what he calls, “The Mommy Makeover.” While Trey can use his expertise to create a fantastic result for clients, it’s up to clients to ensure that result is achievable and sustainable. And when it comes to plastic surgery, changing the way you eat is the only way clients can hold up their end of the surgical deal.

In this episode, Dr. Trey Sands talks with Jen about who plastic surgery is a fantastic option for, the key link between overall health and long-term results, why lifestyle changes work better than crash diets, and why clean eating eases an otherwise painful recovery.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - An introduction to Dr. Trey Sands.
[03:17] - Why patients choose plastic surgery.
[05:52] - How patient health impacts plastic surgery outcomes.
[07:47] - How Dr. Sands handles patients with poor health.
[10:00] - What the most popular plastic surgery is at Dr. Sands’ practice.
[13:45] - How Dr. Sands advises patients to eat during pre-op and post-op.
[15:43] - Why you may be a great candidate for plastic surgery without realizing it and why clean eating speeds up recovery.
[19:38] - Dr. Trey Sands’ Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[13:27] - “It is so important – because of that small room for error – that we make sure that patients are on board, we create the least amount of inflammation, the least amount of swelling and get rid of that, because swelling, inflammation will ultimately lead to more scarring and problems with that overall result.” ~ @drtreysands

[14:09] - “I don’t want you to go on a binge diet and lose a lot of weight, I want you to have a lifestyle, I want you to have a steady state lifestyle that allows your body to know where it wants to fall, where it is going to be all the time. And then we perform the procedure, that can assure us that you’re going to have a long-term result that you’re going to be able to maintain.” ~ @drtreysands

[21:28] - “The fulfillment really that you just cannot replicate is when you see somebody that has a concern or an issue that’s holding them back in life, and you have a tool or a skill or a craft that is able to help them. And then you see that transition in their life for the positive.” ~ @drtreysands

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Combining Fasting and Keto for a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind with Alexia Bjarkan Jun 21, 2022

Some equate fasting with a disguised eating disorder; a restriction tool forcing our bodies to ignore natural hunger pangs. Fat Burning Coach Alexia Bjarkan reminds us that our ancestors fasted at the dawn of time. Letting our digestive systems rest, when done properly, can cause transformative health improvements like increased energy, mental clarity, and of course, weight loss.

After years of self-medicating with sugar and processed foods, Alexia was drowning in depression and insomnia. A false bipolar disorder diagnosis eventually led her to harsh and mind-numbing medication. Fortunately, Alexia stumbled upon keto coffee in what she considers a divine intervention. Just one sip of coffee tipped Alexia off to the power of eating keto and, eventually, combining keto with fasting.

Today, Alexia talks with Jen about the people who benefit best from fasting, why combining keto with fasting produces revelatory health results, how to incorporate keto into a normal life, and why fasting, keto, and reading the labels doesn’t mean deprivation.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Alexia.
[01:51] - How Alexia discovered fat burning and why she became a fat-burning coach.
[06:57] - What the signs of inflammation look like and why getting rid of inflammation can transform your life.
[09:35] - Why Alexia preaches keto and fasting.
[10:52] - Who needs to fast.
[11:44] - How to start fasting.
[18:50] - How much weight you can lose by fasting and eating keto.
[20:00] - What the difference is between “dirty” keto and “clean” keto.
[22:22] - What Alexia believes is the key to successful keto and fasting.
[23:26] - How to drink alcohol while maintaining keto.
[25:23] - How to incorporate keto into a normal, fulfilling life.
[26:53] - Alexia’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[15:59] - “Anyone could lose weight just by white-knuckling it and starving themselves, but that is not what this method is about. It’s about losing weight and keeping it off while you enjoy your food, while you feel satiated, while you’re being energetic.” ~ Alexia Bjarkan

[23:03] - “For the most part, I know that the best results come from eating healthy, whole, real food. That’s what it’s about. That’s why I don’t really like [saying] ‘keto diet’ because it sounds like a diet fad where, at the end of the day, it’s just healthy, natural eating the way we’re meant to be eating.” ~ Alexia Bjarkan

[28:21] - “Just remember, we were meant to be fasting. So regardless of whether you will switch your way of eating to keto or you just keep eating what you’re eating now, fasting is a great tool that you can combine with any way of eating.” ~ Alexia Bjarkan

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Eating Clean and Honoring Your Body with Carly Patterson Caldwell Jun 14, 2022

You’d think as an Olympic Athlete, Carly Caldwell would have met with top-tier nutritionists and clean eating specialists. Unfortunately, those resources were never provided to her as a professional gymnast, and Carly never learned how to “read the labels” until discovering Jen. In fact, before Jen, when Carly wanted to lose weight, she thought cutting out dessert, chips, sugars, and carbs would do the job.

Now, months into the Clean Eating Academy program, Carly eats her favorite foods every day, hardly looks at the calorie count, and has lost 15 pounds. She fits into her closet filled with previously unworn clothes, and her newfound energy levels have allowed her to resume the hobbies she once felt too tired and sluggish to even attempt.

In this episode, Carly talks with Jen about navigating food after the Olympics, what foods Carly swaps for household brands, why eating clean doesn’t have to break your bank account, and the ways in which clean eating has transformed Carly as an athlete, motivational speaker, and mother.

Key Takeaways

[01:39] - Jen’s intro to this episode and Carly.
[02:24] - What Carly ate as a young athlete versus what she eats today.
[03:42] - What nutritional resources Carly had access to as an Olympic gymnast.
[07:09] - How Carly navigated nutrition after her Olympic career.
[09:10] - When Carly discovered Wake Up and Read the Labels
[15:39] - What Carly shops for at the grocery store.
[19:27] - What Carly wishes she had known sooner.
[20:12] - One reason you should read the labels.
[20:41] - Carly’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[12:52] - “My brain feels like it’s working better, more clarity, more energy, like I said I’m feeling the most confident about myself, in my skin, than I have in a long time” ~ Carly Patterson Caldwell

[15:06] - “You get these better ingredients for yourself, you’re gonna feel better. And to me that’s priceless.” ~ Carly Patterson Caldwell

[17:50] - “For the first time I don’t look at the sugar, I don’t look at the calories, I don’t look at the fat. I just eat those brands of the things that I love and I don’t even have to worry about that stuff.” ~ Carly Patterson Caldwell

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The Real Secret to Staying Sugar Proof with Dr. Michael Goran Jun 07, 2022

Did you know that there are more than 260 names for sweeteners? The next time you’re searching for a sugar-free snack in the grocery aisle or your kitchen pantry, just remember that a “low sugar” or “no sugar added” label isn’t the whole story. You have to look closer.

Luckily, Dr. Michael Goran is an expert at reading the (sugar) labels. Trained as a biochemist, Dr. Goran transformed into a pediatric nutrition research powerhouse on a mission to help families reduce their sugar intake. His ah-hah moment? Years ago, Dr. Goran began a study tracking the onset and development of chronic diseases. Throughout his research, one data point remained consistent: diet. Particularly, sugar intake.

Taking a hard look at kids’ diets, sugar is time and time again the primary problem. Unfortunately, going sugar-free isn’t easy. With hundreds of deceptive codenames, the food industry has snuck sugars into almost everything.

Today, Dr. Goran talks with Jen about avoiding sugar-stuffed kids’ brands, why weight gain isn’t the only telltale sign of a sugar high, how to manage your kids’ blood sugar when it spikes, sugar and sweetener myths damaging health-conscious consumers, and how to truly shop sugar-free at your local grocery store.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Dr. Michael Goran.
[01:24] - How Dr. Goran became interested in sugar content.
[07:17] - The biggest culprit for chronic disease.
[08:29] - Why Dr. Goran’s book focuses primarily on children.
[09:29] - How a pregnant mother’s food intake impacts her developing child.
[11:27] - How to know if you’re consuming too much sugar.
[13:41] - The foods kids consume with the highest sugar count.
[15:02] - What dextrose really is.
[18:48] - How to spot misleading labels.
[19:43] - Is monk fruit a clean sweetener alternative?
[22:30] - What Dr. Goran’s guilty pleasures are.
[24:52] - The sweeteners Dr. Goran uses.
[25:39] - Why coconut sugar is a great (albeit expensive) sweetener alternative.
[26:43] - Why there are so many different names for sweeteners.
[30:24] - Dr. Goran’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[16:58] - “You or I probably know when our glucoses are high and when they’re low – your kids might not. But as a parent, if your kids are bouncing off the walls, they’ve probably just had something that’s very high in glucose, syrupy sugar.” ~ @michaelgoran

[18:37] - “The order in which you eat food, making sure there’s fiber on top of it, and activity, too, can all make a difference on better flattening of those blood sugar levels.” ~ @michaelgoran

[22:12] - “Studies show that you can end up eating more calories and more sugar throughout the rest of the day if you’re habitually consuming sweetener.” ~ @michaelgoran

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Just Press Play: How to Start Moving and Keep Moving with Andrea Leigh Rogers May 31, 2022

Eating clean is so important for living a healthy lifestyle. Moving your body is also essential for keeping your body and mind feeling great. Not to mention, the more you can motivate yourself to exercise, the more motivated you’ll feel to eat well and have, what Andrea Leigh Rogers calls, a “fridgervention”.

A true intuitive eater, Andrea is also the queen of movement. She’s a former professional dancer, pilates instructor, founder of Xtend Barre, and creator of the phrase, “movement snacks.” Her philosophy on nutrition and bite-sized exercise helps men and women learn to incorporate movement into their lives without feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by a grueling hour-long workout.

Today, Andrea talks with Jen about helping everyday people flip the exercise switch and actually stick to a workout plan, her philosophy on exercise schedules and nutrition, learning to indulge guilt-free, and the relationship between a stellar workout, a healthy mind, and a clean fridge.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A quick intro to Andrea.
[01:26] - What a day of eating looks like for Andrea.
[04:07] - Andrea’s nutrition philosophy.
[05:38] - How Andrea approaches her weekly workouts.
[06:53] - Why Andrea loves starting her day with movement.
[08:36] - What a “movement snack” is.
[12:19] - Andrea’s advice for those looking to workout more.
[15:46] - Why you can’t “out-exercise” a bad diet.
[17:34] - What keeps Andrea motivated.
[21:31] - Where to find Andrea and her Openfit workouts.
[22:41] - Andrea’s “wakeup moment”.

Quotes

[07:14] - “I believe that movement is your foundation in everything. So if you move your body, you’re going to be so much more inclined to have a healthy breakfast and to eat well the rest of the day, to make good decisions.” ~ Andrea Leigh Rogers

[14:42] - “I think at the end of the day you have to move your body to feel good and you have to move your body to actually give it the heart conditioning and health that you need. Just like you have to eat clean in order to actually fuel your body in the way it needs. So it is a non-negotiable.” ~ Andrea Leigh Rogers

[16:23] - “There are so many benefits of exercising but the main role of exercise should not be weight loss, that should not be your main motivation. You should not workout because you want to lose weight. You should workout because you want to feel good.” ~ Andrea Leigh Rogers

[20:09] - “Whether it is my workout or swimming or walking, I always just encourage people to move their body and do what they like, what feels good for them. Don’t sign up for a class that you think is gonna give you the best body, do something you actually enjoy. Because if you like doing it, you’re going to be more motivated to do it on those days when you have zero motivation to do it.” ~ Andrea Leigh Rogers

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Small Steps to Clean Eating Success with Megan Schmidt May 24, 2022

Reading about Jen’s Jumpstart program is one thing. But hearing a first-hand account of someone who experienced massive results through small change is entirely different. Megan Schmidt is a full-time nurse who spends most of her days putting the needs of others before her own. She wakes up early, works long hours, and, up until a month ago, placed her own health on the backburner. Eating breakfast at Starbucks and grabbing processed foods to quell her daily acid reflux, Megan was feeling the effects of poor eating habits without realizing the root cause.

Tired of feeling sick and tired, Megan decided to give The Wake Up! Jumpstart program a try. Burned by fad diets and processed meal kits, Megan lowered her expectations and followed Jen’s advice to start small. In the first week, all she changed was her breakfast. By week two, Megan was feeling better and hooked on clean eating.

Today, Megan talks with Jen about her experience just one month into the Jumpstart program, how she inched her way to clean eating success, Megan’s advice for fellow working women struggling to prioritize healthy eating, and why reading the labels impacted not just her life, but the lives of her loved ones.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Megan.
[01:50] - How long Megan has been in Jumpstart and why she started.
[02:58] - Why Megan initially put off clean eating.
[03:37] - How Megan’s health problems compounded.
[05:17] - How Megan found Wake Up And Read The Labels.
[06:37] - Why you have to invest in your health to achieve long-term results.
[09:22] - What Megan expected out of Jumpstart.
[11:47] - Megan’s experience with Jumpstart and the first foods she swapped.
[17:27] - Megan’s first clean grocery haul.
[18:19] - How Megan felt during her first week of clean eating.
[19:39] - Why Megan’s first week was a financial win and why food detox makes us so thirsty.
[22:16] - How Megan felt after detoxing and the ways her body changed.
[25:11] - How Megan’s life has changed after four weeks of clean eating.
[30:19] - Megan’s Wake Up moment.

Quotes

[07:42] - “If you’re going to commit to something wholeheartedly with every ounce of your being, you have to pay for it, you have to get that part of you that says, ‘I’m investing in me because I want to feel good.’” ~ Megan Schmidt

[18:06] - “You really have made it easy. My grocery haul was pretty much, whole foods and my Culina yogurt and my granola. But it felt good because I felt empowered when I went to the grocery store.” ~ Megan Schmidt

[20:09] - “I am saving so much more money by eating this way, it’s paying for itself. It really is. Just by changing Starbucks.” ~ Megan Schmidt

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Nourishment Directly From Nature with Jenny Eu May 17, 2022

Over the years, the demand for plant-based milk has skyrocketed. While almond and oat milk may be trending, non-dairy doesn’t automatically mean healthier. Especially when it comes to milk.

Jenny Eu’s clean milk epiphany started out like any other morning: making fresh soy milk. One day, on a whim, Jenny threw a few nuts into her milk maker. The result was a creamy and delicious plant-based beverage. As she sipped, Jenny realized that no clean plant-based milk existed in the marketplace — every option was filled with unnecessary oils, gums, and additives. So she set out to produce her own. And Three Trees was born.

Three Trees, a nod to Jenny’s grandmother who believed, like Jenny, that the best nutrition comes directly from nature, began as a way to fill the void of clean plant-based milk. Today, Three Trees has more than just almond milk and is continuing to revolutionize the way we start our mornings.

Jenny talks with Jen about developing clean non-dairy milk, why most plant-based brands rely on artificial ingredients, and her advice for fellow female entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

[00:40] - A quick introduction to Jenny.
[02:01] - What inspired Jenny to start Three Trees, and where the name comes from.
[03:53] - When Jenny had her clean milk epiphany.
[06:17] - Why additives like gum are commonly used to make dairy-free milk.
[09:59] - Why clean plant-based milk separates in coffee and how to fix it.
[12:44] - Which clean milk froths easily.
[13:10] - How Jenny chooses the nuts and seeds used in Three Trees products.
[17:23] - Where to find Three Trees.
[19:01] - Why Jenny doesn’t use salt in her plant-based milk.
[20:31] - Jenny’s advice for female business owners.
[25:04] - Jenny’s wake-up moment.

Quotes

[02:58] - “The idea of getting whole ingredients directly from nature is sort of what the brand is all about. I really believe that we can get a lot of good nourishment directly from nature.” ~ Jenny Eu

[04:55] - “I saw that there was a real need in the marketplace, a void, for something that’s better. More clean ingredients, no additives, nothing that would give you gastrointestinal issues. And that simply contained more nuts, or more almonds, more coconut, and was naturally more nourishing.” ~ Jenny Eu

[16:23] - “We like to say, ‘nothing you wouldn’t find in your kitchen pantry.’ If you don’t think you’re stocking acacia gum or guar gum in your kitchen, you probably shouldn’t be in your plant-based milk either.” ~ Jenny Eu

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Use the code WAKEUP15 and save 15% on all Three Trees online orders: https://www.threetrees.com.

Nourishing Your Skin and Your Stomach with Sara D’Amelio May 10, 2022

Do you know what’s in your skincare? While it’s easy to analyze the foods we’re putting into our bodies, many of us disregard the products we’re placing on our body. From foundation to lotion, cleansers and even chapstick, 20-year holistic aesthetician and owner of Skincando Sara D’Amelia is here to help us wake up and read our skincare labels.

Growing up, Sara always had sensitive skin. She attributed her constant reactions to using only the cheap products she could afford and waited for the day when expensive luxury brands would heal her skin. But when Sara landed a job at a premium skincare company and finally had access to those coveted pricey bottles, her skin got worse. Frustrated and confused, Sara did her own research on skincare and what she found left her feeling scammed and betrayed by the beauty brands pushing chemical-filled products.

Today, Sara talks with Jen about creating a clean skincare company, the secret to glowing skin, what skincare and nutrition have in common, and why price point, shiny packaging, and quality don’t always go hand-in-hand.

Key Takeaways

[01:22] - An introduction to Sara and Skincando.
[02:04] - What Sara considers the “best” consumer skincare, and why looks can be deceiving.
[02:50] - How much an average woman spends on skincare per month, and why skincare issues are cyclical.
[05:15] - How to know if your skincare is clean.
[07:37] - When Sara had a turning point with skincare.
[14:00] - Where food and skincare overlap.
[15:22] - The ingredients Sara uses to create her clean skincare products.
[19:48] - Why Sara uses essential oils in her products.
[21:15] - How long it takes to see a difference in your skin after switching to clean products.
[23:39] - All about Jen and Sara’s recent collaboration.
[25:06] - Why CBD is beneficial in your skincare.
[28:04] - Sara’s final thoughts.

Quotes

[02:30] - “Psychologically we’re programmed that the more expensive the product is, the better it is for you. When in reality, it’s the packaging and marketing. So if the packaging is gorgeous, it’s considered a luxury status product.” ~ Sara D'Amelio

[04:53] - “It’s easy to buy a product for like $50 that you think is going to cure your skin, when in fact, it’s constantly adding to the irritation, inflammation, based on what those ingredients are in that skincare.” ~ Sara D'Amelio

[06:09] - “That’s why I started Skincando: Simple, healthy ingredients based in nutrition. So you’re feeding your skin just like you’re feeding your stomach. You’re thinking of your skin like the organ that it is.” ~ Sara D'Amelio

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Use the code WAKEUP and get $5 off Jen & Sara’s clean beauty starter kit: https://skincando.com/shop/lux-beauty-products/travel-kit/.

Snacking Responsibly for Sustainable Energy with Adam Kukoff May 03, 2022

When Adam Kukoff sells products at the local farmers market, customers flip his packaging all around, searching for the tiny nutrition labels they’ve been conditioned to read. NUTSÓLA products list their ingredients, but not in the deceptive way major food brands do, cramming their artificial fillers into a size 2 font. Adam has nothing to hide.

Fortunately, Adam grew up in a healthy household, so labels and ingredients have always been a no-brainer. In fact, NUTSÓLA was born from his father’s innovation, always snacking on a mixture of fruit, nuts, seeds, and spices.

Since launching NUTSÓLA, Adam’s brand has evolved from a superfood granola mix to a ready-to-eat snack food perfect for busy parents on the go who still want to feed their kids (and themselves) guilt-free. Unlike most granola brands, NUTSÓLA sweetens their products with fiber-filled dates rather than added sugars.

Today, Adam talks with Jen about the other ingredients NUTSÓLA embraces and avoids to create the perfect clean snack, deciphering the labels on your favorite “healthy” snacks, and the single most important ingredient to look for before adding a brand to your pantry.

Key Takeaways

[00:40] - A brief introduction to Adam.
[01:07] - All about NUTSÓLA.
[03:43] - What Adam’s best-selling product is and the ingredients he uses to make NUTSÓLA clean and delicious.
[05:27] - Why dates trump artificial sugars.
[06:30] - Why fiber matters.
[08:08] - The controversy behind oats.
[10:58] - Why NUTSÓLA avoids wheat flour.
[11:29] - How Adam learned to eat clean.
[14:08] - How Adam expanded NUTSÓLA.
[17:29] - Where to find NUTSÓLA and a sneak peek at their newest product.
[18:56] - How NUTSÓLA products have impacted consumers’ lives.
[20:09] - Adam’s wake-up moment.

Quotes

[02:07] - “No one has to be a nutritionist; they just have to read the ingredient labels. And if they can recognize the ingredients, especially looking at the sugar component, they’re going to be healthy.” ~ Adam Kukoff

[07:28] - “Consumers just have to think of it as more sustainable energy. I don’t drink caffeine anymore but caffeine can give you that instant energy, but you crash. It’s not sustainable. When you’re eating a date or something with fiber, a fruit, you don’t feel like you crash.” ~ Adam Kukoff

[09:44] - “We’ve always wanted to help consumers from day one. That was the entire reason why I got into this business, because I really want to help people eat cleaner, just feel better.” ~ Adam Kukoff

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Get 10% off your NUTSÓLA purchase

For 10% off purchase, use this code: https://nutsola.com/discount/WAKEUP10.

Beyond Skin Deep: Why Clean Food Is the Secret Ingredient to a Beautiful Life with Mally Roncal Apr 26, 2022

It takes work to be as happy as Mally Roncal, makeup stylist to the stars and gratitude aficionado. But Mally is as intentional with her thoughts as she is with the food filling her pantry. At least since finding Jen and realizing a clean swap for ketchup made her kids just as happy as the preservative-filled go-to.

While she’s naturally high-energy, since swapping to clean foods, Mally’s seen her already peppy attitude skyrocket and watched with awe as her husband’s chronic pain dissipated. As a makeup artist, Mally’s life revolves around skin. She’s experienced firsthand the power food has on complexion, beauty, and even facial expression.

Today, Mally shares her tips for a happy and grateful life, a pantry swap that changed her kids’ taste buds, how she grocery shops for clean foods in the major chains, a few A-List makeup tips, and why clean swaps clear more than just complexion.

Key Takeaways

[00:39] - A brief introduction to Mally.
[01:39] - How Mally and Jen met.
[02:59] - What Mally realized when she first took a hard look at her pantry.
[04:58] - What gratitude means to Mally.
[09:39] - How Mally breaks out of a mundane routine.
[10:46] - Where Mally shops for groceries.
[12:24] - How skin and food are interconnected.
[14:05] - Why clean eating improves more than just complexion.
[16:07] - How Mally makes time to cook.
[19:47] - How to manage food guilt when you don’t eat clean.
[22:05] - Mally’s makeup tips.
[27:04] - When Mally had her wake-up moment.

Quotes

[03:18] - “I just thought that since those were the foods that the kids liked to eat, that was the only option. And I didn’t realize until I met Jen that there were other options — there were clean swaps that were just as tasty.” ~ Mally Roncal

[05:42] - “Every day is an opportunity to be good to yourself, to be good to others, and really create the life that you want to lead. It’s been such an eye-opening experience really getting involved in what I’m eating, how I’m eating it, and how it has actually changed the way I feel.” ~ Mally Roncal

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Healing From the Inside Out with Sally Pressman Apr 19, 2022

When Sally Pressman was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a painful stomach condition that left her debilitated, she thought her only path to recovery would be filled with medication and daily injections. Then her husband met a woman who cured her Chrohn’s disease just by changing what she ate. Sally’s husband made her promise to try the diet switch before resorting to daily medication.

As she began changing her diet, Sally’s body experienced symptoms of food withdrawal. But after three days, she began to feel better. And after seven, her ulcerative colitis symptoms disappeared completely.

Years later, Sally advocates for clean eating just like Jen. She’s experienced a phenomenal health transformation but her process is simple: stick to single-ingredient foods. Today, Sally shares her complete journey to recovery and her food “re-awakening.”

Sally talks with Jen about how clean eating healed Sally’s ulcerative colitis, her absolute favorite clean foods, and how Sally got her young kids to eat clean too.

Key Takeaways

[00:51] - An introduction to Sally and how Sally connected with Jen.
[06:50] - What clean eating means to Sally.
[09:09] - Why women worry about the food on their plates (and their kids’ plates).
[12:22] - Sally’s journey with ulcerative colitis.
[15:45] - How Sally discovered clean eating.
[20:45] - How long it took Sally’s body to recover after changing her diet and how to fight through symptoms of withdrawal.
[24:39] - How to get your kids on board with clean eating.
[31:54] - Sally’s favorite clean foods.
[40:22] - A few closing thoughts from Sally.

Quotes

[07:22] - “The whole problem is that we think we’re doing something right, but we just don’t have all the tools. And so for me, clean eating is staying as close to single-ingredient foods as possible.” ~ Sally Pressman

[10:27] - “Women are so often nurturing other people that we don’t take the time to nurture ourselves until you realize that you have to nurture yourself to be able to nurture others better. It’s like the air mask on an airplane. You have to put your air mask on first so you can help other people.” ~ Sally Pressman

[17:58] - “You can’t do it alone. You have to have someone supporting you.” ~ Sally Pressman

[21:47] - “There is a possibility that you will go in withdrawal and you will have that bacteria die off the first three days, maybe even the first week. But if you are following Jen’s instruction, there is no way you are getting worse and you just have to know that and you have to ride it out.” ~ Sally Pressman

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Introducing: Wake Up and Read the Labels! Apr 08, 2022

Welcome to Wake Up and Read the Labels! — to eating simple and feeling good.

If you want to eat clean and fail your best, you're in the right place. Each week we talk about ingredients that may be holding you back from feeling your best. We also talk to brands that are going against the grain and actually using real ingredients we can recognize. Plus, we’re sharing stories with people just like you who actually woke up and read the labels.

Our first episode drops in April. Subscribe now, wherever you listen to podcasts. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about Wake Up and Read the Labels, visit us online at WakeUpandReadtheLabels.com.

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