Stacked 014 - Seeding the Microbiome with Ara Katz

Ara Katz probably knows more about your own gut than you do. She’s the co-founder and co-CEO of Seed, a consumer health company that aims to enhance the wellness of the human microbiome. This trailblazing entrepreneur has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of burnout, and it’s now her mission to combat misinformation and prevent sickness.

“We’re nuking our guts with antibiotics, and we’re not feeding them what we need.”

We jump right into what Seed does, the meaning of “microbiome,” how seeding works, and what we really need to prioritize when it comes to gut health. It’s basically a podcast version of the Magic School Bus, so hop aboard and join us as we geek out on science, debunk some popular beliefs, and answer some hot-topic questions like “where did all these food allergies come from?” 

“Health is a verb. It’s literally an action–we health.”

• What Seed does: the microbiome, the human genome, and the impact of your choices (1:20)
• People mean the gut when they say the microbiome, but that’s less than half the story (12:30)
• The biological process of seeding, and the difference between vaginal and c-section births (16:30)
• Disclaimer: This science is still really new, and often sensationalized (19:45)
• What’s the most detrimental thing we’re doing to our microbiomes? (25:00)
• You’re not eating enough fiber (28:00)
• If you care about health and wellness, you need to care about the environment (32:00)
• Are whole foods enough, or do they leave gaps? (44:00)
• Probiotics are not a miracle cure (47:00)
• Is it more important to avoid foods that are harmful, or add foods that are healthy? (54:45)
• The best marker of wellness: resilience. How long does it take to return to homeostasis? (57:00)
• Give people what they need, disguised as what they want, and teach them to consider the consequences (1:00:00)
• What’s up with the explosion of food allergies? (1:09:00)
• Fasting and the gut (1:13:00)
• We’ve got some real challenges ahead (1:18:00)
• I want to take my health back. What do I need to do? (1:27:45)
• We’re obsessed with replacing things, when we should just eliminate them (1:31:00)
• The basic stuff is the most important, but it’s difficult and not sexy (1:32:00)

Find Ara

 Instagram I Facebook I Web

Proudly Sponsored By

BLUblox

If you are anything like me, you’ve probably tried to block out every single spec of light in your bedroom—whether at home or on the road. Well, there’s a better option out there. BLUblox has created this incredible sleep mask that not only blocks out all light but also feels comfortable on your face. It makes getting to sleep and staying asleep that much easier...much like their stylish blue-blocking glasses!

Head over to BLUblox and enter code RUNGA at check-out for a 15% discount.

Four Sigmatic

A mushroom a day keeps the doctor away… no, really! Four Sigmatic has a wide variety of delicious superfood (and super-good-for-you) beverages made with medicinal mushrooms. Their Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane is my go-to choice when on the road, and at home, I like to start every workday with a double dose of pure Lion’s Mane.

To receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase, visit

Support the show