In our final episode of 2025, we're sharing our favorite crunchy resources to help you continue your health journey over the winter break! From podcasts to books to websites, we've compiled everything you need to keep learning about natural living, non-toxic products, and biblical stewardship of your health.

Podcasts We Recommend:

• Modern Ancestral Mamas
• Wise Traditions with Hilda Latа Gore
• Culture Apothecary by Alex Clark
• Dr. Josh Axe Podcast

Books to Read:

• Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/3MhE3xf 
• Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/3MF3ed8 
• The Forgotten Home Apothecary - https://amzn.to/4pPwrAs
• Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari - https://amzn.to/48zdQSf 
• The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin & Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/4rC9uT6 
• Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell - https://amzn.to/3KhNlc6 
• Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs - https://amzn.to/4iBWqce 
• Good Energy by Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3YfHMOp 
• Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier - https://amzn.to/3MbA5q3 
• Turtles All the Way Down (Anonymous) - https://amzn.to/48CEMRi 

Helpful Websites & Apps:

• Minimalist Baker (recipes) - https://minimalistbaker.com/ 
• EWG (Environmental Working Group) - http://ewg.org/ 
• Bobby Approved App 
• Seed Oil Scout (SOS App)
• MAHA Action (mahaaction.com) - https://mahaaction.com/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:37 Random Revelation: The Truth About Ascorbic Acid

07:35 Navigating Healthy Living and Faith

15:21 Podcast Recommendations

22:50 Book Recommendations

36:12 Resources and Websites for a Healthier Lifestyle

Plus: We share about helpful Facebook groups for crunchy living, homeopathy support, and state-specific natural living communities.

We'll be taking a break to plan for 2025, but we'd love to hear your feedback! Join our Facebook group "Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget" or send us an email with your thoughts on the podcast.

See you next year!

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome to our Crunchy Christmas episode! As we head into the holiday season, we're sharing practical ways to celebrate Christmas without all the toxins that typically come with it—from scented candles and fake snow to sugar-laden treats and synthetic decorations.

In this episode, we cover:

• Natural ways to scent your home 
• Real vs. fake Christmas trees: what's actually healthier?
• Healthier holiday baking tips and dairy-free alternatives
• Thoughtful, crunchy gift ideas
• Voting with your dollars and making intentional purchasing decisions
• Most importantly: keeping Jesus at the center of Christmas

Plus, we share our personal Christmas traditions, dairy sensitivity discoveries, and why this season is about so much more than presents and parties.

We pray this episode brings you joy and practical wisdom as you create a healthier, more intentional Christmas celebration for your family!

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:19 Chrissy's Random Revelation: Menthol Crystals
05:16 Katie's Health Journey and Conspiracies
10:58 Crunchy Christmas Traditions
14:46 Real or Fake Tree?
21:14 Natural Ways to Scent Your Home
26:51 Christmas Memories and Dairy-Free Treats
29:31 Exploring Dairy Sensitivities and Alternatives
33:01 Holiday Baking Tips and Tricks
37:33 Thoughtful and Crunchy Gift Ideas
39:57 Voting With Your Dollars
42:48 Crunchy Christmas Present Ideas
48:47 The True Meaning of Christmas

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

After spending $20,000 trying to fix her family's health issues, Anna McLaughlin learned a powerful lesson: striving and fear never lead to healing. Join us as Anna shares her journey from corporate lawyer to homeschooling mom, and how she went from doing ALL the crunchy things to finding peace in what really matters. We take a biblical approach to the overwhelming question: 'Where do I start?' Hint: it begins with abiding in the Father, not frantically searching for the next supplement or solution.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Anna's journey down the crunchy rabbit hole and what she learned
• Why striving and control can actually hinder our healing
• The free tools God has already given us 
• How to set a health budget with your spouse and move forward as a team
• The courage to wait on the Lord instead of constantly doing
• Practical steps for prioritizing what matters most for your family's health

Resources Mentioned:

• Anna's Podcast: Overwhelmed to Overcomer (available on all podcast platforms and YouTube) https://open.spotify.com/show/5G6UwkBk5iyfec2gr5XhED?si=34d43ced0b1f4ffe 
• Katie's Guest Episode on Overwhelmed to Overcomer https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EXP70osa4jzvQJwQCtTMG?si=f7jMLx3WSOe9YcxxZ40E-A
• Free Guide: Overwhelmed to Overcomer - https://subscribepage.io/from-overwhelmed-to-overcomer
• Book: The True Vine by Andrew Murray https://amzn.to/48rIXQN
• NACD (National Academy of Child Development): Miracles of Child Development - free audio resource on parenting and discipline

Connect with Anna:

• YouTube: @sheconsidersafield

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this SOLO episode, Katie shares practical, free ways to reduce your toxin load and support your body's natural detoxification pathways. Building on last week's Toxin Bucket Theory discussion, she dives into actionable steps you can take today—without spending a dime—to live a healthier, less toxic lifestyle.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What iatrogenesis is and how it relates to our health journeys
• Free ways to reduce toxin inflow in your home (VOCs, cleaning products, EMFs, and more)
• How to support your body's natural detox pathways through sleep, stress management, and movement
• When it's worth investing money in your non-toxic journey

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier - https://amzn.to/4qLyMxL
• Book: The Anxious Generation - https://amzn.to/4qI4hsB
• Book: The Body Keeps the Score - https://amzn.to/47DlFHz
• Katie's YouTube Channel: Faith & Finances - https://www.youtube.com/@KatieFiolaJones 
• EMF Protection: Defender Shield - https://amzn.to/47JrnGC
• EMF Protection: Safe Sleeve - https://amzn.to/4ooWgXL
• Previous Episode: Introduction to the Toxin Bucket Theory - https://open.spotify.com/episode/01kKmputcsWUDf43y8die6?si=kKOvxig-TU2TvVDCqaikYg 
• Previous Episode: Minerals in Water - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mHAIW8Nzkg1rio6P13WZn?si=6SrmyZH2SdKqpAqk5yAy-g 
• Katie's Free Budgeting Resources - https://kingdomimpactworkshops.com/budget-planner-optin

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:44 Podcast Updates and Chrissy's Mission Trip
02:47 Listener Engagement and Feedback
05:01 Random Revelation: Iatrogenesis 
15:50 Understanding the Toxin Bucket Theory
29:26 Hidden Dangers on Your Shoes
31:07 Importance of Dust Removal
32:35 Reducing EMF Exposure
42:38 The Impact of Blue Light
44:06 Supporting Detoxification Pathways
44:32 The Role of Sleep in Detoxification
45:38 Managing Stress for Better Health
48:17 The Power of Hydration and Movement
51:03 Investing in a Non-Toxic Lifestyle
53:28 Budgeting for Healthier Choices

Remember, stewarding our health is an act of worship. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and taking care of them honors God!

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode, we dive deep into the "toxin bucket" theory and explore how managing your daily exposures might be your best defense against chronic illness. We discuss epigenetics—the idea that while you can't change your genes, you can influence whether they "turn on" and lead to disease.

Join us for a room-by-room tour of hidden toxins in your home, from paint and flooring to personal care products and cleaning supplies. We'll talk about your body's natural detox systems (liver, spleen, colon, and more) and practical ways to support them.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:38 Random Revelation of the Week: Contagion Theory

09:47 Deep Dive: The Toxin Bucket

32:50 Identifying Toxins in Everyday Life

33:52 Detoxifying Your Home: Room by Room

46:38 Practical Tips for Reducing Toxins

Resources Mentioned:

🎙️ Wise Traditions Podcast (Mark Gober on contagion theory)

• Episode on Contagion Theory https://open.spotify.com/episode/48c0a838pJ6lxv495o8cNx?si=yrQUKii_QXqeFx96Y3zIiA
• His Book: An End to Upside Down Medicine: https://amzn.to/49vnw2d 
• The Weston A. Price Foundation: https://www.westonaprice.org/

🎨 ECOS Paints (Low/Zero VOC Paint)

• Website: https://www.ecospaints.net/

🧼 Dr. Bronner's (Natural Soap Alternatives)

• Hand Soap: https://amzn.to/3JvFPd9 
• Bar Soap: https://amzn.to/4qBX655 

Key Takeaways:

• Your toxin bucket represents your body's total toxic load
• Focus on what you can control: food, personal care products, and cleaning supplies
• Support your body's natural detox organs
• Small switches make a big impact over time

Remember: You can't eliminate every toxin, and that's okay! Your body is designed to detox. Start with easy wins and don't let overwhelm stop you from taking action.

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Katie and Chrissy as they record together in person for the first time! In this episode, we share practical tips for maintaining your health while traveling—from bringing your own breakfast to navigating restaurant menus and minimizing toxin exposure in hotel rooms.

Got a trip coming up or love to travel? This episode is for you!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bringing your own food while traveling (oatmeal, coffee, and more)
• How to order healthy meals at restaurants when nothing on the menu works
• The best types of restaurants for clean eating (Mediterranean, salad spots, and Chipotle)
• Minimizing toxin exposure in hotel rooms (bedsheets, towels, shampoo, EMFs)
• Beach tips: zinc oxide sunscreen and the benefits of grounding
• Katie's discovery of Sabbath mode on appliances
• Dealing with chlorine in hotel water and fragrance sensitivities
• Balancing health consciousness with travel stress

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:38 Random Revelation: Sabbath Mode on Appliances

05:45 Recording Together for the First Time

06:58 Crunchy Travel Tips

27:55 Packing Essentials for a Healthier Hotel Stay

32:05 The Importance of Avoiding Fragrances

36:23 Beach Day Tips: Sunscreen and Grounding

43:53 Balancing Health and Stress While Traveling

Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Vanni Hari (Food Babe) - Book: "Feeding You Lies" - https://amzn.to/3L49avH 
• Bobby Approved App - For scanning food ingredients and finding healthier options - https://www.bobbyapproved.com

Remember: You don't have to do everything at once! Pick the tips that work for you and your family, and don't let the pursuit of health create more stress than it relieves.

We pray these episodes are helpful in your journey to becoming a better steward of your body, mind, and soul!

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Chrissy and Katie for a very real life update episode! In this candid conversation, the cousins dive into what's really happening behind the scenes of their crunchy journeys.

Chrissy shares her intensive 6-month gut reset program with a naturopathic doctor—complete with dramatic sugar withdrawals, surprising food discoveries (yes, even sushi has sugar!), and the emotional rollercoaster of preparing her body for pregnancy naturally. Meanwhile, Katie opens up about the chaos and decision fatigue of renovating their new 2.5-acre homestead, from researching non-toxic paints to learning that LED lights might be affecting more than just your circadian rhythm (spoiler: it gets wacky...)

You'll also hear about DIY cough drop experiments, balcony garden planning, the great almond butter debate, why carrots are flammable, and how God's grace covers even our crunchy failures.

Plus: The cousins need YOUR help naming these special life update episodes—drop your ideas in the comments or Facebook group!

Topics covered: gut health protocols, sugar addiction, healthy home renovations, non-toxic building materials, balcony gardening, DIY health remedies, and finding peace in overwhelming seasons.

Check out Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=50bb0fcd9b

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Are you tired of reaching for the medicine cabinet every time cold and flu season hits? In this episode, Katie and Chrissy explore how to build a robust immune system naturally—the way God designed it to work.

We dive into the science behind immunity, why our obsession with hand sanitizer might be doing more harm than good, and how gut health is the foundation of a strong immune system. Plus, we share practical natural remedies you can use when illness strikes, from bone broth to eucalyptus oil.

In This Episode:

• Why microplastic exposure from contact lenses matters (and Katie's experiment with reversing poor eyesight!)
• How leaky gut syndrome weakens your immune response
• The power of bone broth, raw honey, and organ meats
• Natural remedies: mullein tinctures, eucalyptus oil, and more
• Why sunshine, sleep, and stress management are non-negotiables for immunity

Helpful Resources & Links:

Bone Broth Brands:

• Kettle & Fire: https://www.kettleandfire.com
• Pacific Foods: https://www.pacificfoods.com

Essential Oils & Herbal Remedies:

• Mountain Rose Herbs (quality dried mullein, eucalyptus): https://www.mountainroseherbs.com
• Plant Therapy (quality essential oils): https://www.planttherapy.com

Local & Healthy Food Sources:

• Local Harvest (find farmers markets & local suppliers): https://www.localharvest.org
• Eat Wild (pasture-raised meat directory): https://www.eatwild.com

Further Reading:

• Children's Health Defense measels article: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/latest-measles-outbreaks-result-failed-vaccines-not-failure-to-vaccinate/
• Weston A. Price Foundation (traditional foods & health): https://www.westonaprice.org

Remember: These natural approaches aren't about instantly stopping illness—they're about giving your body the tools it needs to fight effectively and build lasting immunity.

Connect with us: Subscribe for weekly newsletters and leave us a five-star review to help others discover natural stewardship!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

For decades, we've been told that fat is the enemy - but what if we've been wrong this whole time? Chrissy and Katie challenge conventional wisdom about dietary fat, exploring why our bodies actually need quality saturated fats to thrive. From biblical references the "fat of the land" as God's portion, to the science of how fat affects brain function and hormones, this episode will change how you think about fat in your diet.

Random Revelation of the Week: Chrissy discovered the ultimate natural cleaning solution using baking soda, Dr. Bronner's castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide - it cleaned her moldy grout in one pass!

Memorial Moment: The hosts take time to honor Charlie Kirk and reflect on the spiritual revival happening worldwide following his recent passing.
Katie's Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGYWPp6c2/

Helpful Links & Products Mentioned

Biblical References:

• "Fat of the Land" - Biblical concept of fat representing abundance and blessing
• 1 Samuel 2 - Story of Eli's sons stealing the fat from sacrifices before it was burned to God
• Old Testament Sacrificial System - Fat as the "first and best" portion given to God, paralleling modern tithing principles

Healthy Fat Sources (Naturopathic Doctor Approved):

• Avocado & Avocado Oil - Rich in monounsaturated fats
• Coconut & Coconut Oil - Medium-chain triglycerides for energy
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Cold-pressed, unrefined
• Ghee - Clarified butter with high smoke point
• Grass-Fed Butter - Rich in fat-soluble vitamins
• Grass-Fed Beef - Bioavailable nutrients and quality saturated fats
• Pasture-Raised Chickens - Better omega-3 profile
• Pasture-Raised Eggs - Complete protein with healthy fats
• Pasture-Raised Pork - When sourced properly
• Raw Cacao - Healthy fats plus antioxidants
• Raw Dairy Products - Unprocessed, nutrient-dense
• Raw Nuts and Seeds - Variety of beneficial fats
• Olives - Mediterranean diet staple
• Wild-Caught Fish - Omega-3 fatty acids

Fats to Avoid:

• Trans Fats - Banned in the US since June 18, 2018
• Polyunsaturated Seed Oils - Vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
• Processed "Fat-Free" Products - Due to their chemical processing and often contain harmful additives

Harmful Additives in Fat-Free Foods:

• Carrageenan - Linked to intestinal inflammation
• Modified Starch - Highly processed thickener
• Various Gums - Artificial thickening agents
• Synthetic Vitamins - Less bioavailable than natural vitamins
• Added Sugars - Fructose, dextrose to replace flavor

Remember: This episode contains educational information only. The hosts are sharing research and personal experiences, not providing medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance, especially regarding significant dietary changes.

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Chrissy and Katie are back with their most honest episode yet - a candid conversation about alcohol from two cousins who openly admit they know very little about drinking! With Katie's last drink being in June and Chrissy having maybe one or two glasses of wine per month, they bring you a refreshingly research-based (rather than experience-based) discussion on alcohol and health.

From biblical wine at Jesus' first miracle to Paul's advice to Timothy about using wine for stomach troubles, they explore what Scripture actually says about alcohol consumption. But don't worry - they also dive into the modern health implications, including why the US Surgeon General is now recommending cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages and why that trendy "glass of wine a day" advice from the 80s has been debunked.

Whether you're sober curious, an occasional drinker, or just want to make more informed choices, this episode offers a balanced, biblical perspective on alcohol without any judgment or pretense of expertise.

Random Revelation of the Week: Oregano oil outperforms amoxicillin in killing bacteria according to a high school science fair project (that's been getting major recognition).

Helpful Links & Products Mentioned

Health Information Sources:

• US Surgeon General's Advisory (January 2025) - Recommended cancer warning labels for alcohol
• RFK Jr. Health Initiatives - Redesigning the food pyramid and addressing alcohol labeling
• Cancer Risk Research - Links between alcohol and breast, colorectal, and liver cancers

Alcohol Alternatives & Mocktails:

• Spindrift Sparkling Water - No natural flavors, real fruit juice 
  • Available at Costco and Amazon for bulk purchases
  • Recommended flavors: Fuji Apple, Guava, and the pink can variety
• Arnold Palmer - Unsweetened tea and lemonade combination
• Hot Toddy - Traditional remedy with bourbon and tea (mentioned for historical context)
• Sparkling Water with Lime/Lemon - Classic mocktail option

Remember: This episode is from two self-proclaimed non-experts sharing research-based information. Always make decisions that align with your personal health needs, family situation, and spiritual convictions.

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living