Kirsten does an in-depth interview with sometimes co-host Melissa Polk.  Don't miss this because we take a deep dive into why Melissa decided to source better food for her family of (almost) 6, how she budgets for that in a single income home (on a teacher's salary no less), and her sourcing tips for making it work.  Get the inside scoop! There's a lot of great info in this week's show.

This week, Kirsten and Amie discuss all the reasons why dogs improve our health.  From cardiovascular health to lower rates of asthma and allergy, dogs are good for you!  We also make the case for adopting senior dogs and Kirsten talks about her experiences with senior dogs. November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month.  

This one is a long-overdue episode.  Kirsten and Amie talk about the reasons Kirsten works in nutrition therapy and food literacy.  Kirsten details the health story that brought her to her work. The seeds of Kirsten's health crisis started to grow in her childhood and by her mid-30s she was dealing with asthma, constant colds and sinus infections, 2 miscarriages, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, and more.  Listen in to find out how she dug her way out and what the ripple effects have been for her entire family.  We also talk about Kirsten's BIG new project, Amie's recent discovery of podcasts, and Halloween candy.   

Kirsten and Melissa discuss the book The Dorito Effect by Mark Schatzger.  We both LOVE this book.  In Schatzger's own words this book is about: "The food problem is a flavor problem. For half a century, we've been making the stuff people should eat--fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed meats--incrementally less delicious. Meanwhile, we've been making the food people shouldn't eat--chips, fast food, soft drinks, crackers--taste ever more exciting. The result is exactly what you'd expect."  We also talk about snow on Halloween, Trix yogurt, and a whole lot more.  

We delve into the topic of sleep.  Kirsten shares some scary statistics to kick things off, and then we talk about sleep improvement.  We talk about light, circadian rhythm and the simple light hacks that can greatly improve your sleep.  Kirsten then talks about how important nutrition is for sleep.  We also talk about hiking in trash, getting jabbed with needles, nightmares and pepperoni, Dora the Explorer, and 2 turkeys named Donna and Opal.  

Kirsten and Amie detail the COMPELLING reasons we all need to be eating seasonally.  It's about nutrition, flavor, saving the environment, local economies, preserving food diversity, and ENJOYING our food.  We get on a soapbox about how veganism is not saving the planet.  We also chat about birds, leaves, cast iron, pecans, and honey.  Here's the Garam Masala Spiced Pecans recipe. 

Kirsten and Amie discuss the importance of mindset when using food and lifestyle to improve your health.  We talk about the useless (and dangerous) concept of willpower, self-care, and becoming a food ninja.  If you are struggling with your thoughts around food, this is the show for you. We also talk about keto and hormone issues, fall festivals, and watercolor painting.  

Kirsten interviews Emily Carter, pawpaw enthusiast and the Community Curator at MatchBox Coworking Studio.  Emily shares her love and wisdom of the largest native fruit in the U.S., the pawpaw.  The pawpaw is a tree fruit that is actually a tropical plant that produces an amazing fruit that tastes like banana mango custard.  They are unlike anything else you have ever eaten.  Pawpaws are super easy to grow and they are in season now.  The book referenced in the show is Pawpaw: In Search of America's Forgotten Fruit by Andrew Moore.  

Kirsten and Amie talk eating better on a budget by exploring the offerings from Aldi Grocery Stores.  Aldi has an increasing number of organics and gluten-free options.  If you have one near you, please go check them out!  We also talk Billy Joel, caramel apples, invading insects, and caramel apples.  Enjoy!