In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Dr. Caroline Leaf—a clinical and research neuroscientist, communication pathologist and bestselling author who has spent over 40 years researching the mind-brain connection, neuroplasticity and the science of thought. Together, they explore how our thoughts can shape the brain and body, what it actually means to “rewire your brain,” and why learning to manage the mind may be a missing piece in our approach to mental and physical health.

Dr. Leaf shares her perspective on the rise of diagnosis culture and labels like ADHD, anxiety and depression, why difficult emotions can be valuable information, and how modern lifestyles may be influencing the way children think and behave. She and Bethany also unpack toxic positivity and why positive affirmations can sometimes act as a Band-Aid instead of addressing the root of a thought pattern, along with what it looks like to raise resilient kids who know how to process hard emotions.

Most importantly, Dr. Leaf gets practical, breaking down her 5-Step Neurocycle® for directing neuroplasticity and beginning to deconstruct and rebuild toxic thought patterns in as little as 15 minutes a day. They also discuss her research around anxiety, biological health and the mind-body connection, plus a simple “stress CPR” practice for moving from reaction to response in overwhelming moments. This conversation is ultimately a hopeful reminder that the patterns wired into your brain don't have to be permanent, and that you can play an active role in what you reinforce moving forward.

Resources:

• Follow Dr. Caroline Leaf on Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

• Learn more about Dr. Caroline Leaf: drleaf.com

• Explore the Neurocycle® App: https://www.neurocycle.app/

• Listen to the Dr. Leaf Show: https://drleaf.com/podcast

• Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf

• Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

• How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

  
  

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• Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

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In this back-to-school episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Hilary Boynton— chef, author, GAPS Certified Coach, mom of five and the founder of School of Lunch — to unpack what's really being served to kids at school and how parents can build a stronger foundation for their children's health through real, nutrient-dense food.

Hilary shares how her own family's health challenges led her to rethink everything she knew about nutrition and eventually transform a school lunch program from the ground up. Together, Bethany and Hilary explore the impact ultra-processed foods and blood sugar spikes can have on kids, why traditional and ancestral foods are disappearing from our diets, and what can happen when we return to simpler ways of nourishing our families.

They also get practical on what to feed kids for more stable, sustained energy, Hilary's favorite foods for supporting kids during back-to-school season, what to do with picky eaters, and why family dinner doesn't need to be complicated to be nourishing.

This conversation is a reminder that raising healthy kids doesn't require perfect meals or complicated recipes. It starts with rebuilding our connection to real food, teaching kids where their food comes from, and giving them a foundation they can return to for the rest of their lives.

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent heading into the back-to-school season.

Resources:

• Follow Chef Hilary Boynton on Instagram: @chefhilaryboynton

• Subscribe to Chef Hilary Boynton on Substack: substack.com/@chefhilaryboynton

• Visit the Consultancy: www.consulting.schooloflunch.com

• Donate to SōL West Foundation: www.sol-west.org

• School of Lunch Training Academy: www.schooloflunch.com/trainingacademy

• Hilary’s book: The Heal Your Gut Cookbook 

Explore More from Primally Pure:

• Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

• Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

• Blog: https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Weston A. Price Foundation

• Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Dr. Weston A. Price

• Sally Fallon Morell

• Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

• GAPS (Gut and Psychology / Physiology Syndrome) Diet

• Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

• Amos Miller

• Jamie Oliver

• Alice Waters

• Nina Teicholz

• The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz

• Raw Farm / Mark McAfee

• Pluck Organ-Based Seasoning

• VitaClay

What if better health isn't about adding more—but removing what's getting in the way?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Joshua Fields Millburn— New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of The Minimalists— to explore the surprising connection between minimalism and health.

While most wellness conversations focus on what to add— more supplements, more routines, more optimization— Joshua makes the case that true well-being often comes from doing less. Together, Bethany and Joshua unpack how physical clutter, busy schedules, endless consumerism, and constant digital stimulation can quietly contribute to stress, burnout, and disconnection from what matters most.

Whether you're looking to simplify your home, reduce overwhelm, or rethink what wellness really means, you'll leave this episode with practical tools and a new perspective on living a healthier, more intentional life.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to slow down, simplify, and create space for what matters most.

Resources:

• The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/

• Joshua Fields Millburn: https://www.joshuafieldsmillburn.com/

• Follow Joshua: https://www.instagram.com/joshuafieldsmillburn/?hl=en

• Follow The Minimalists:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbFiBwMYMXAqifXF4xo5Uw

• 
  

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• Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

• Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure

What if protecting your family's health starts long before symptoms ever appear?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with nutritionist, educator, and Realfoodology founder Courtney Swan for a wide-ranging conversation on fertility, pregnancy, pesticides, mold exposure, and the everyday choices that shape lifelong health.

Fresh off a meeting at the White House to discuss the future of America's food system, Courtney shares why she's more hopeful than ever about the growing awareness around environmental toxins, and the practical steps families can take today to reduce their toxic burden without living in fear.

Together, Bethany and Courtney explore preparing your body for pregnancy, navigating fertility after 40, uncovering hidden mold exposure, understanding glyphosate and pesticides, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and raising children with a healthy foundation from day one. They also discuss regenerative farming, balancing intentional living with flexibility, and why real food should be accessible to every family.

This conversation is an encouraging reminder that while we can't control everything, we can make meaningful choices that support our health, our homes, and future generations.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's passionate about creating a healthier future for their family.

• Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce Guide

• https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

• Kiss the Ground

• Common Ground

Courtney recommends washing produce with:

• Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)

• Baking soda soak

Courtney references recent research discussing mitochondrial protection of ovarian cells and fertility with age. She notes she'll provide the study after recording for inclusion in the show notes. (Add once received.)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology

Podcast: youtube.com/channel/UCKnDft-Ovm1iTfSN1kn957A

Website: https://www.realfoodology.com

• Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce Guide

• https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Courtney recommends washing produce with:

• Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)

• Baking soda soak

Learn more:

Science Advances (2025): Human eggs have special protection against age-related mitochondrial mutations: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/human-eggs-have-special-protection-against-certain-types-of-aging-study-hints

Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity (Ageing Research Reviews) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32896666/

Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial: https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/farming-systems-trial/

Glyphosate exposure in pregnancy and birth outcomes: https://link.springer.com/journal/12940

Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

Blog:https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

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What if the path to a healthier home isn't buying more but getting back to the basics?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Shawna Holman, founder of A Little Less Toxic and author of A Healthier Home and A Healthier Home Cookbook, to explore the timeless, grandma-approved wisdom that's helping families reduce their toxic load—without fear, perfectionism, or expensive wellness trends.

Together, Bethany and Shawna walk through the home room by room, uncovering hidden sources of toxic exposure and the simple, affordable swaps that make the biggest impact. From natural laundry hacks and healthier cookware to fragrance-free living, cleaner personal care, better sleep, and raising healthier families, Shawna shares practical strategies that anyone can start implementing today.

This is a refreshing conversation about creating a healthier home through simple, sustainable habits that have stood the test of time. Whether you're just beginning your non-toxic living journey or looking for realistic ways to reduce your family's toxic burden, you'll walk away with actionable tips you can put into practice right away.

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking to create a healthier home without the overwhelm.

Resources:

Shawna Holman (A Little Less Toxic): https://www.alittlelesstoxic.com/

A Healthier Home: https://www.alittlelesstoxic.com/books

Follow Shawna: https://www.instagram.com/alittlelesstoxic/

Explore More from Primally Pure:

Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

Blog:https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure

Over the years on Grounded Wellness, one topic continues to come up again and again: our relationship with light.

In this special compilation episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations and expert insights on sunlight, circadian biology, sleep, energy, metabolism, skin health, and the profound role light plays in overall wellness.

From the science of morning sunlight to the impact of our modern light environment, these conversations explore why so many health experts believe that reconnecting with natural rhythms may be one of the most powerful things we can do for our health.

In this episode:- The connection between sunlight and circadian biology- How light influences sleep, hormones, and energy- Sun exposure and skin health- Why modern life often leaves us disconnected from natural rhythms- Practical ways to incorporate more sunlight into your daily life

Whether you're just beginning to explore circadian health or looking for a refresher on some of our favorite conversations, this episode is packed with wisdom from past Grounded Wellness guests.

Let’s dig in.

Watch the full episodes:

Beauty Burn-Out, Non-Toxic Make-up Swaps and What Really Causes Hyperpigmentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOcIXcSMiE0&t=881s

Circadian Biology Expert on The Missing Piece of Modern Wellness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ys2jCia75A&t=1602s

Burnt Out But Can't Figure Out Why? Here's What's Actually Happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUPcXg2PslY&t=439s

The Health Crisis Nobody's Talking About with Alex Clark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbJVYjP_Z-8&t=5472s

Parasites, Tap Water + The Foundation of Healing with Chervin Jafarieh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb7OmEaz41U&list=PLmwjcEbomCDAuWVtHREVxZVtVvJI7arZm&index=28&t=104s

Explore More from Primally Pure:

Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

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What if many of the symptoms we blame on aging are actually signs of hormone imbalance?

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy is back on Grounded Wellness, and this time we're diving into one of the most requested topics in health today: hormones. From perimenopause and menopause to peptides and longevity, Dr. Connealy shares the strategies she uses to help patients optimize their health at every stage of life.

In this episode, Bethany and Dr. Connealy discuss why hormone deficiencies may be one of the greatest threats to healthy aging, the growing role of peptides in human optimization and recovery, and why foundational habits like sleep, sunlight, movement, and stress management remain critical for long-term health.

This is a powerful conversation about longevity, resilience, metabolic health, hormonal balance, and what it means to become a good steward of your body in the modern world.

Tune in to Dr. Connealy’s first episode on Grounded Wellness here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVId840Cqvo&list=PLmwjcEbomCDAuWVtHREVxZVtVvJI7arZm&index=54

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating hormonal changes, interested in longevity, or looking for a more holistic approach to health.

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy: https://connealymd.com/

Center for New Medicine: https://www.cfnmedicine.com/

Cancer Center for Healing: https://cancercenterforhealing.com/

Follow Dr. Connealy: https://www.instagram.com/drconnealy/

Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

Blog:https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure

Resources:Download + Learn More on Protocols Mentioned in the episode:Chlorine DioxideOzonated GlycerinPeptide TherapyExplore More from Primally Pure:

What happens when the biggest raw dairy farm in America goes head-to-head with the FDA?

After Raw Farm was pressured into issuing a voluntary recall “under protest,” founder Mark McAfee is speaking out about what he says really happened behind the scenes — from 14,000 negative pathogen tests to shocking conversations with regulators about what qualifies as “raw” cheese.

In this episode, Mark returns to Grounded Wellness for a deep dive into the recent FDA investigation involving Raw Farm’s raw cheese products, the growing movement around raw dairy, and why more people are beginning to question the modern food system.

We also explore the bigger conversation around pasteurization, gut health, industrial agriculture, food transparency, and what Mark refers to as the growing epidemic of “pasteurization intolerance.”

This episode is a powerful conversation about consumer choice, food freedom, ancestral nutrition, and the growing movement toward food as medicine. 

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s been questioning their health or looking for a new perspective.

Watch the previous Grounded Wellness episode with Mark McAfee (Episode 19): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h44nuSW1FDY&list=PLmwjcEbomCDAuWVtHREVxZVtVvJI7arZm&index=40

Episode Resources: 

Raw Farm: https://rawfarmusa.com/

Follow Raw Farm: https://www.instagram.com/raw_farm_usa/

Raw Milk Institute: https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org

Raw Milk Finder: https://www.realmilk.com

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In this candid conversation, Bethany sits down with her friend Alex Clark, host of Culture Apothecary and a leading voice in the modern health movement, for an unfiltered look at the journey that transformed her life.

From her days living on a standard American diet to becoming deeply immersed in the world of non-toxic living, Alex shares the wake-up call that changed everything and why so many of us feel “off” without realizing it.

Together, they explore what’s really behind the current health crisis, how modern culture is shaping the way we eat, parent, and live, and why questioning the status quo can feel both empowering and uncomfortable.

Alex also opens up about dating, relationships, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Plus, she shares her honest (and sometimes controversial) thoughts on motherhood— including the one thing she plans to do very differently.

Let’s dig in.

Episode Resources: 

More from Alex Clark:

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/realalexclark/

Listen To Her Podcast: https://www.realalexclark.com/

Explore more from Primally Pure:

Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

Blog: https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

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If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s been questioning their health or looking for a new perspective.

Every day, women are told to “fix” their hormones with quick solutions—pills, cleanses, and trending protocols. But what if the real problem isn’t your hormones… it’s the advice you’ve been given?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by sisters-in-law and co-founders of Beeya Wellness, Yasmin Nouri and Kaya Purohit, to unpack the biggest misconceptions around hormone health. They talk about why PMS has been normalized (even though it shouldn’t be), how to read your cycle as a powerful feedback tool, and the simple, often overlooked habits that can make a profound difference.

This conversation is a reminder that your body isn’t broken and that healing doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s dig in.

Episode Resources: 

More from Beeya Wellness:

Shop: https://beeyawellness.com/

Follow Beeya Wellness: https://www.instagram.com/beeyawellness/

Follow Yasmin: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/

Follow Kaya: https://www.instagram.com/kayapurohit/

Explore more from Primally Pure:

Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv

Blog: https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure?lang=en