In this episode, I share the story of the forgotten foods that built strong guts for thousands of years — kefir, yogurt, cultured vegetables, fermented drinks, and sourdough. These foods weren't trends or optional add-ons. They were everyday nourishment that supported digestion, immunity, and resilience.

If you've ever wondered why modern guts struggle so much, this episode may help you remember what the body has always known.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-343-the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

People ask me this question all the time — which kefir is best? In this episode, I break down the real differences between water kefir, milk kefir, and kefir soda, and explain why they're not all the same, even when they look similar. We'll talk about probiotics, yeasts, sugar, alcohol concerns, and why microbial diversity matters — especially if you're healing your gut or dealing with sensitivities like candida.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-342-which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

January isn't meant for restriction, detoxes, or dieting. It's meant for rest, repair, and nourishment.

In this episode, I share why January is actually the best time to heal your gut — gently and naturally. We'll talk about why true detoxing isn't about taking things away, how cultured foods support the liver, immune system, and microbiome, and why foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, kefir soda, and cultured vegetables are support foods, not quick fixes.

If you're ready to begin the year feeling better in your body — without pressure or extremes — this episode is for you.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-341-why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/
• My Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbX9Nv9OtGM

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

December is joyful and busy — which is why my body depends on four fermented foods to stay balanced. In this episode, I share the simple daily staples that keep my digestion steady, my immunity strong, and my energy up all month long: kefir, protein-rich yogurt, cultured veggies, and a bubbly kefir soda or kombucha. These small habits make the biggest difference during the holidays. 💛

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/4-fermented-foods-i-never-skip-in-december/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-4-fermented-foods-i-never-skip-in-december/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

Feeling a little off after the holiday feast? In this episode, I share a gentle 48-hour microbiome reset to help you ease bloating, boost energy, and get your gut back in balance. With simple steps using kefir, cultured veggies, kombucha, and cozy probiotic-rich recipes, you'll feel lighter and brighter in no time. Your microbes are ready to help—you just have to give them a little love.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-339-thanksgiving-reset-how-fermented-foods-can-help-you-bounce-back-fast/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/thanksgiving-reset-how-fermented-foods-help-you-bounce-back-fast/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite tips for keeping your ferments happy all winter long — from kefir and kefir soda to kombucha, cultured veggies, and sourdough. Winter changes the way our microbes behave, and with just a few simple adjustments, you can make some of the best ferments of your life. Tune in and learn how to create a cozy environment for your favorite ferments and keep your body nourished, strong, and supported all season long.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-338-how-to-help-your-ferments-stay-happy-in-winter/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/keeping-your-ferments-happy-all-winter-long/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

Discover how feeding your 100 trillion bacteria with fermented foods can transform your digestion, mood, and health. Learn why The Trilogy changed my life.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-337-the-miracle-inside-you-how-feeding-your-100-trillion-bacteria-changes-everything/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-miracle-inside-you-how-feeding-your-100-trillion-bacteria-changes-everything/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup or a bubbling casserole — especially when it's filled with life! In this episode, we're exploring Fermented Comfort Foods — how to finish cozy dishes with kefir, yogurt, labneh, or a splash of kraut brine so they nourish both your belly and your heart. You'll learn how to keep those live cultures happy, why they boost mood and digestion, and simple ways to turn everyday comfort food into true gut comfort food.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-336-fermented-comfort-foods-bringing-cultured-ingredients-to-your-soups-stews-and-casseroles/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-comfort-foods-using-cultured-ingredients-in-soups-stews-and-casseroles/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

Your immune system doesn't need boosting — it needs balance. Discover how fermented foods help it heal, protect, and thrive.

Your body is brilliant — learn how your immune system remembers, repairs, and responds, and how fermented foods help it shine.

This fall, find out how kefir, yogurt, and cultured veggies strengthen your immune system from the inside out. Your immune system listens to you — your thoughts, your food, your peace. Let's help it thrive with living, healing foods.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-335-what-your-immune-system-actually-does-and-how-fermented-foods-support-it/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-your-immune-system-actually-works-and-how-fermented-foods-support-it/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

This week I'm sharing how red light therapy transformed my energy, mood, and metabolism — and helped me find balance again. What started as a Valentine's Day gift became a nightly ritual that restored my body and spirit. Learn how light therapy boosts your cells, supports hormones, improves skin, and works beautifully alongside fermented foods to help you glow from the inside out. ✨

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-334-the-light-that-changed-everything-my-red-light-therapy-journey/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-light-that-changed-everything-my-red-light-therapy-journey/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk