Jessica Strathdee worked on a typical dairy farm in New Zealand. The animals were not intentionally abused, and they had access to the open green fields so often associated with the pastoral practice of dairying. However, Jessica’s retelling of her experience on the farm is horrifying. It’s not the farm she worked on—it’s the system. There is no way to obtain cows’ milk for human consumption without participating in truly exploitive acts. Jessica is not an animal-lover, nor is she a bleeding-heart emotional activist. She’s a regular person who thought cows’ milk was perfectly normal, noble even, until her work experience revealed the truth. Now the founder of Mothers Against Dairy New Zealand, she’s using her knowledge of the industry to fight back against the cruel system she was once part of.   What we discuss in this episode:   - The process of dairying in detail   - A day in the life of a dairy farm worker   - The challenges faced by the dairy community   - The moment Jessica realized dairying was wrong   - The slaughter that results from the dairy industry   - Jessica’s unique form of activism   - Mothers Against Dairy New Zealand   Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - An Insider Reveals Dairy's Dirty Secrets with Jessica Strathdee

Do you want to live a healthier and more robust life?  The key to living a full, healthy, and joyous life lies within the foods we eat—and our relationship to them. Because health isn’t accurately measured by the circumference of your waist or how much you can bench press- true vitality is measured by how you feel, not just physically but deep within.

Olympic medalist Dotsie Bausch alongside Baywatch actress and certified health coach, Alexandra Paul, take listeners of all ages on a journey to optimal health and stamina through plant based eating.

Dotsie and Alexandra, who both fought back from severe food addictions in their twenties, interview expert nutritionists, pro athletes, innovative thought leaders, physicians and plant-based celebrities. Through their stories, you’ll learn how to optimize your health and pave a path for a more meaningful life. 

So get inspired and join the Switch4Good revolution.

Science

Health & Fitness

Today, we host a trailblazer in the world of sports and mentorship. With a professional basketball career that spanned the planet –  including a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters and a Euroleague MVP award – Joseph Blair, also known as The Vegan Coach, brings experience and wisdom to his role as assistant coach for the Washington Wizards.   Off the court, Joseph champions a plant-based lifestyle for its health benefits and its impact on the environment and animal welfare. He is outspoken and passionate, and that is reshaping how fans and athletes think about veganism.   And be sure to check out his Instagram page to watch "The Vegan Diaries," where he takes you to vegan restaurants at home, around the country when he travels with the Wizards, and abroad.   Join us as we learn more about Coach Joseph Blair, from his journey to plant-based living to his insights on how to inspire people, whether it’s to play better ball or to eat vegan.   “So to hate something enough to slaughter it, devour it, that's the next level of hate that we're taught. That is something that's taught by parents who say here, take that chicken and eat it. Why? Because the chicken's life means less than your life does. So it doesn't matter. We are the superior beings. We can overpower it. But isn't that the same thing with people when it comes down to racism, sexism, and anti-Semitism and that exact same thinking that is literally destroying our planet and our communities as a whole? So if we can alleviate that thinking completely, it has to start with our diet.” - Coach Joseph Blair   What we discuss in this episode: - Insights from Coach Blair’s time with the Harlem Globetrotters. - His journey to becoming vegan. - The transformative power of conscious living. - Coach Blair’s diet and fasting practices. - How Coach Blair discusses veganism with his players. - The food culture within the NBA: what players and coaches eat, including on the road. - The inspiration behind "The Vegan Diaries." - Tips from Coach Blair for aspiring vegans or those curious about adopting a vegan lifestyle.   Resources:  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjosephblair/?hl=en - Twitter/X: http://x.com/mrjosephblair?lang=en -  Eat More, Lose Fat Through Reverse Dieting With Maxime Sigouin -  https://switch4good.org/eat-more-lose-fat-through-reverse-dieting-with-maxime-sigouin/   ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★<img src= "https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ku8oHaXMwam9NdYhBUHQtGpGYOgjN8Yl7yVLACv-h_boz_AKZzGIuuBuQGEkYUoxVmlmZDQPxRYX9hIHJxqN0JXAT2iUjNXtsAeHcOKcuFjDfabBwDUPhiIxG-710kR2q9TZg6NqrZ0YJdpCxOzT3g" alt="

283 - How Veganism Improves Your Life with NBA Coach Joseph Blair

Today, we delve into the transformative power of regenerative agriculture! Our guest, Thomas Locke, shares his inspiring journey from a corporate desk job to transforming his family farm in Windom, Texas, into an ecological health and biodiversity model. Discover how he's revolutionizing our food system through regenerative practices. Featured in the Netflix series, "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment," Locke is on a mission to change consumer mindsets around food sourcing and equip the next wave of farmers with the knowledge and tools to embrace sustainable practices. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on regenerative farming and its pivotal role in combating climate change.   “Food is one of the three things that we need the most in life. Food, water, oxygen, and it is probably the most devalued commodity that we have currently because we have such an abundance of it, at this time in our lives. And so my philosophy, you know, and I’m challenged with this all the time, is there someone who lives in the United States of America and is constantly presented with food that you really don’t know where it comes from, you don’t know how it is grown, that is constantly challenging you, as a consumer, to hold on tight to what you believe in. But yeah, local, seasonal, know your farmer/rancher, and ideally, that food should be grown in a regenerative fashion.” - Thomas Locke   What we discuss in this episode:  - How dining at a vegan restaurant in New York impacted Thomas. - Why we should focus not only on the food we eat but how we grow it. - How our current agriculture system is setting us up for disaster. - The importance of regenerative agriculture and buying food from regenerative farms for curbing climate change. - The role cattle play in rebuilding soil on Thomas’s farm. - How cattle are treated on Thomas’s farm versus industrial farms.   Resources: - Watch You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment | Netflix Official Site - https://www.netflix.com/title/81133260  - Thomas’s Instagram: Thomas Locke (@boisdarcmeatco) • Instagram photos and videos - https://www.instagram.com/boisdarcmeatco/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boisdarcmeatco/ - BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough: bioptimizers.com/switch4good - http://bioptimizers.com/switch4good   ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★<img src= "https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ku8oHaXMwam9NdYhBUHQtGpGYOgjN8Yl7yVLACv-h_boz_AKZzGIuuBuQGEkYUoxVmlmZDQPxRYX9hIHJxqN0JXAT2iUjNXtsAeHcOKcuFjDfabBwDUPhiIxG-710kR2q9TZg6NqrZ0YJdpCxOzT3g" alt="

282 - Can Regenerative Farming Save Us? with Cattle Rancher Thomas Locke

Our guest today is an expert on all things related to the penis and male reproductive medicine. Although many folks are uncomfortable talking about issues related to the penis, Dr. Arron Spitz normalizes important conversations around it and sexual health. He specializes in male fertility and is a board-certified urologist who has a broad practice that includes nutrition-sensitive intervention. He’s outspoken about common problems like erectile dysfunction and delivers important information to us on today’s show that breaks down some of the age-old penis myths.     You may have seen him in The Gamechangers with Dotsie or even read his book, The Penis Book. Today, we have the honor of sitting down with Dr. Aaron Spitz and learning more about his book; the top reasons for erectile dysfunction, the truth about prostate cancer, and so much more.   “There are men in their 90’s that have normal, healthy erections. But that is the exception rather than the rule. Given that our bodies are going to gradually deteriorate as we age, including our circulatory system, we can slow that down with our lifestyle. I agree that lifestyle is an important component of sexual health.” - Dr. Aaron Spitz   What we discuss in this episode:  - The Penis Book and what it is all about. - The 5-step plan for penis health. - The top reasons for erectile dysfunction. - How to overcome “performance anxiety”. - How testosterone affects erections. - How diets affect the penis and sexual performance. - The famous penis scene from The Gamechangers. - The truth about prostate cancer. - Why Dr. Aaron Spitz chose to start eating a plant-based diet. - Why eliminating milk and dairy-based products is so important when it comes to penis health. - Separating myths and facts about circumcision. - What the “average” size penis is.   Resources: - Book: The Penis Book - https://www.aaronspitz.com/book/ - Orange County Urology Associates – https://www.orangecountyurology.com/our-team/aaron-spitz-m-d/ - Website: Aaronspitz.com - https://www.aaronspitz.com/ - BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough: bioptimizers.com/switch4good - http://bioptimizers.com/switch4good   ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★<img src= "https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ku8oHaXMwam9NdYhBUHQtGpGYOgjN8Yl7yVLACv-h_boz_AKZzGIuuBuQGEkYUoxVmlmZDQPxRYX9hIHJxqN0JXAT2iUjNXtsAeHcOKcuFjDfabBwDUPhiIxG-710kR2q9TZg6NqrZ0YJdpCxOzT3g" alt="

281 - The Rock Hard Penis - Drugs Vs Diet with Dr. Aaron Spitz

Are you yearning for a healthier lifestyle but feel uncertain about where to begin? Join us in this episode as we delve into the transformative world of whole-food, plant-based living with our guest, Melissa Webster.   Melissa is a certified health coach, holistic nutritionist, and founder of Choosing My Health. She inspires her 70,000 YouTube followers to flourish through plant-based eating, driven by her own journey of overcoming chronic illness. Her fitness expertise, empathy, and unrestrained enthusiasm make her the perfect guide to assist you in your journey to vitality.      In today's conversation, Melissa shares her evolution from a junk food vegan to a proponent of whole food and plant-based nutrition. Discover how dietary choices can address diverse health concerns, from overcoming constipation to combating hair loss and navigating post-pregnancy challenges.   Whether you're a curious newcomer to plant-based eating, a flexitarian, or a committed vegan seeking to optimize your well-being, this episode offers invaluable insights. Tune in as we unravel practical steps to unlock a level of health you never thought possible!   “I had a friend come up to me six months after the kind of like this juicing and high raw and whole food plant-based journey. And she's like, ‘Hey girl, did you notice that your hair is growing back?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, really?’ And I took a picture. I was like, oh my gosh, my hair is really starting to grow, like I could see some inches, and then I could tell something's happening. I noticed that my acne flare-ups were not as bad, and things just started to kind of wean themselves from the storm inside of me, and then all of a sudden, I'm just like better. I'm not gonna say that I'm like 100 percent healthy and perfect. No, I'm a human being and I live in an imperfect world, but for the most part, the things that I said, I no longer suffer. And I'll take that any day.” - Melissa Webster   What we discuss in this episode:  - Melissa’s journey overcoming childhood illnesses. - The pivotal health scare that led Melissa to embrace a whole food plant-based diet, along with the subsequent benefits she experienced. - Melissa’s recommendations for juicing. - Melissa’s food tips for healthy hair. - Tips for relieving constipation. - Tips for meal planning.   Resources: - Choosing My Health: Beginner-friendly Guide To A Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet • Choosing My Health -  https://choosingmyhealth.com/52827/beginner-friendly-guide-to-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choosingmyhealth/?hl=en - https://www.instagram.com/choosingmyhealth/?hl=en - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosingMyHealth - https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosingMyHealth - Healthy Hair Juice Challenge: https://academy.choosingmyhealth.com/healthy-hair-juice-challenge-waitlist-page  - Crecedor: Crecedor Opt-in • Choosing My Health - https://choosingmyhealth.com/crecedor/ - BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough: bioptimizers.com/switch4good - http://bioptimizers.com/switch4good   ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★<img src= "https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ku8oHaXMwam9NdYhBUHQtGpGYOgjN8Yl7yVLACv-h_boz_AKZzGIuuBuQGEkYUoxVmlmZDQPxRYX9hIHJxqN0JXAT2iUjNXtsAeHcOKcuFjDfabBwDUPhiIxG-710kR2q9TZg6NqrZ0YJdpCxOzT3g" alt="

280 - Reversing Constipation & Hair Loss with Nutrition Coach Melissa Webster

If you’ve ever wondered how to make nutritious food taste amazing or what foods boost your health by supporting your gut microbiome, then you’re going to love today’s episode!   Our guest is Desiree Nielsen, a plant-based recipe developer, podcaster, author, and registered dietitian with a focus on plant-based nutrition and gut health. In her new book, "Plant Magic: A Celebration of Plant-Based Cooking for Everyone," Desiree offers a wonderful collection of creative recipes that make incorporating more plants into your diet easy, convenient, and delicious.   If you're a returning listener, you might recall Desiree from her insightful appearance on episode 185, where she shared invaluable knowledge about the gut-brain connection, maintaining healthy inflammatory responses, and the truth about getting enough protein through plants. However, there's still so much more to explore, which is why we're thrilled to welcome her back to the show!   Tune in as Desiree dives deeper into the world of plant-based cuisine, gut health, and so much more. Get ready to be inspired and empowered on your journey to vibrant health!   “Our symptoms typically coincide with, ‘Oh, I ate a meal, and all of a sudden I feel so bloated, or I feel really gassy.’ We immediately blame the food. That’s our first thought with digestive health. And so much of the information that we receive online, you know, talks about, ‘Oh, well, if you’re gassy, that means you must be inflamed, and so you have to remove x, y, and z.’ There are a lot of different causes of bloating and gas, and otherwise, digestive troubles that actually have nothing to do with food.” - Desiree Nielsen   What we discuss in this episode: - Desiree’s secrets to infuse your plant-based cooking with mouth-watering flavors. - Common causes of bloating and tips to decrease bloating. - How to introduce more fiber into your diet. - Stress, the digestive system, and how to develop better gut health. - Desiree’s family’s favorite recipes from her new book. - Getting a variety of healthy foods in your diet. - Healthy fats and nutrient absorption.   Resources: - Desiree Nielsen’s website: https://desireerd.com/ - Her new book: Plant Magic: A Celebration of Plant-Based Cooking for Everyone: Nielsen, Desiree -  https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Magic-Celebration-Plant-Based-Everyone/dp/0735244901 - Instagram: Desiree Nielsen RD (@desireenielsenrd) • Instagram photos and videos - https://www.instagram.com/desireenielsenrd/ - YouTube: Desiree Nielsen RD - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/desireenielsenrd - Twitter/X: Desiree Nielsen RD (@DesireeRD) / X - https://twitter.com/desireerd?lang=en - Switch4Good podcast episode #185: How to Get a Good Gut with Dietitian Desiree Nielsen -  https://switch4good.org/how-to-get-a-good-gut-with-dietitian-desiree-nielsen/ - BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough: bioptimizers.com/switch4good - http://bioptimizers.com/switch4good   ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★<img src= "https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ku8oHaXMwam9NdYhBUHQtGpGYOgjN8Yl7yVLACv-h_boz_AKZzGIuuBuQGEkYUoxVmlmZDQPxRYX9hIHJxqN0JXAT2iUjNXtsAeHcOKcuFjDfabBwDUPhiIxG-710kR2q9TZg6NqrZ0YJdpCxOzT3g" alt="

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - An Insider Reveals Dairy's Dirty Secrets with Jessica Strathdee

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