Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

What's gut got to do with it? There is so much talk about preventing COVID and other illnesses, but few conversations about how the body's immune system determines recovery. Most people are shocked to learn that 70 percent of the immune system lives in the gut microbiome and that the tissue that lines our gut contains all of our immune cells

Together with Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of New Bloom Media, Saarah Samadani, we tackle the importance of building and maintaining a strong immune system, naturally. Saarah's struggled with an autoimmune disease and postpartum anxiety which left her frustrated with the failures of traditional medicine. She turned that pain into her passion and, today, she educates women about what they put on and in their bodies. Saarah shares foods that can boost our immunity with superfoods and immune-supporting recipes and explains the gut's role in one's overall health and wellness. Saarah leaves us with hacks to destress.

Are you getting enough quality, healthy sleep? According to the CDC, more than 80 million American adults are chronically sleep-deprived. But most people ignore the materials they're sleeping on 8 hours a night. Turns out, your mattresses can be host to toxic contaminants that can have negative health consequences by exposing your body to chemicals linked to cancer, fertility problems, hormone disruption, and more.

Our special guest, Barry Cik, the founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, a manufacturer of award-winning certified organic mattresses, sheds light on the difference between an organic mattress and a conventional mattress. He advises tips to avoid getting greenwashed, how most baby mattresses are loaded with chemicals and how to avoid toxic flame retardant chemicals. Barry breaks down the proper certifications to seek when shopping for a healthy mattress. Plus, ENTER NOW for a chance to win your own certified organic Naturepedic mattress valued up to $3,599.00!

Are you still stuck on nonstick or other stain-, grease- and water-resistant chemicals found in coatings on cookware, carpets, and clothing, in microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers; even on waterproof and stain-repellent clothing? In this episode, we interview Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., a senior scientist from the Environmental Working Group.

Tasha explains what PFAS chemicals are, how you and your family are exposed, and shares the associated health implications including the impacts on cancer, immune function, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. Found in the body of virtually every person tested, Tasha explains the biggest source of exposure to PFAS's and why they're often referred to as 'forever' chemicals. Tasha leaves listeners with steps people can take right now to reduce their exposure to these poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

This bonus episode picks up from episode #31: From Cancer to Clean Beauty: A Mom's Fearless Journey, with the founder of Authentic Skin Remedies, Amy Kearnan. This also wraps Season 1 of the Healthy Home Hacks podcast (subscribe now so you don't miss Season 2).

We tackle a hidden danger found in antiperspirants, aluminum, in addition to other nasty ingredients including chemicals and preservatives that can disrupt hormones, are linked to cancer, and can negatively affect organ functions. Amy shares why antiperspirants are the PITS and why it's vital to implement an armpit cleanse before making the switch to natural deodorant. A 14-year cancer survivor, Amy reveals her must-have detox products and explains the necessity of detoxification, especially when it comes to armpits. She breaks down the stinky process of banishing built-up bacterial sludge and what to expect during the armpit-cleansing process. We discuss the many health benefits of sweating and Lisa leaves us with a few of her favorite healthy deodorant brands that harness the power of essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances to keep you smelling clean and fresh. Head to episode #31 for a chance to win your own Armpit Cleanse kit now. Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer will affect 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States, and the number of new cases is set to nearly double by the year 2050.

Our guest and busy mom of five, Amy Kearnan, is a 14-year survivor of stage 3 neuroendocrine cancer. Amy discovered the cancer she bravely fought has strong environmental origins, and the more she sought answers, the more questions she faced – especially regarding the skincare industry. She began asking, 'Why should a lipstick contain lead? Should a foaming cleanser release formaldehyde? And, why is the cosmetics industry the least regulated in the United States, with no laws requiring the FDA to monitor the ingredients of cosmetics?'

Frustrated by the lack of truth in beauty products and instead of wasting boatloads of money on plastic tubes filled with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and empty promises, she took beauty into her own hands, figuratively and literally. The result? A fully transparent, high-end, natural, plant-based skincare line that's good for the earth and your skin.

Amy shares the top resources to check ingredients of your personal care products, how to read labels and what to avoid, the most shocking animal by-products commonly found in beauty items, and leaves listeners with two chances to win bundles of her clean beauty goodies.

Disclaimer: The content included on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medical conditions.

Before you blast those creepy crawlies with toxic chemicals, you may want to consider the fact that poisonous pesticides are designed to kill living organisms. Think they're not harming your health? Think again. According to the U.S. CDC, Americans now have an average of 43 different pesticides in their bloodstreams. These are chemicals that can trigger everything from nausea, vomiting, and headaches to more serious health concerns, such as lung damage, reproductive problems, and cancer. Once a single mom on food stamps, Kari Warberg Block, challenged an industry that by its nature is toxic. As the Founder & CEO of EarthKind, Kari discovered that 98% of pest control solutions sold were poison & kill methods – so she set out to invent a better solution: plant-based pest control powered by nature. Kari is joined by Rita Stadler, the Marketing Supervisor at EarthKind. Together, they reveal how we can rid our homes and schools of pests without harming them, the most common ways pests and rodents enter our homes, how pets contribute to pesky insect infestations, and can also be harmed by toxic pest control products including rodenticides and insecticides. Kari and Rita share misconceptions about the efficacy of natural pest control solutions and why integrated pest management (IPM) is vital today. They wrap the show explaining why ingredient transparency is key and why you should avoid those you can't pronounce. Finally, Kari shares what EarthKind is doing to empower and educate teachers and students through their Harmony Hero Award.

After traditional medicine failed to heal our guest, Dr. Anna Blessing, from years of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, anxiety/depression, and C-PTSD, she set out on a quest to healing herself. The journey led her to Biofeedback and Frequency Therapies which resulted in total remission and healing of all of her conditions along with the creation of Tucson Biofeedback where she treats patients via microcurrent therapies, safely, naturally, and effectively.

Dr. Blessing explains the role of the Quantum Biological Aspect of our Body governed by Quantum Physics and why a positive mindset is vital to optimal health and wellness. Dr. Blessing reveals the non-invasive frequency medicine modalities that are successfully used for chronic health conditions and inflammation and leaves us with key takeaways that we can implement today including reducing stress levels and improving our mindset.

Disclaimer: The content included on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medical conditions.

No question is off-limits as we tackle hot topics including children's face masks, the stress from the ongoing lockdowns, and the long-term emotional effects of the coronavirus pandemic, especially on our youth. According to CNN, 'Experts have warned that the pandemic could lead to a mental health crisis. Mass unemployment, social isolation, and anxiety are taking their toll on people globally.' Today, we're thrilled to speak with Dr. Mark McDonald, a clinical psychiatrist, and medical-legal expert who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. He trained in both at UCLA and achieved double board certification. Dr. McDonald's work has been widely published in local and national news, including the Wall Street Journal. He shares his opinions on topics such as the need to re-open America's schools, and the pandemic of fear plaguing the United States today.

Dr. McDonald deciphers the difference between the emotional effects of a virus versus a lockdown, the effects of school closures on children, the physical, psychological and emotional dangers of long-term mask-wearing, and experimental vaccine risks. In fact, government statistics from Japan reveal that more lives were lost from suicide in October 2020 than Covid-19 claimed over the entire year. Dr. McDonald explains why we need to prioritize self-care and leaves us with suggested protocols and supplements to improve one's immune system.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

This episode is a departure from our usual focus on small- to mid-sized eco-friendly consumer brands and likely a surprise to listeners who have doubts about the integrity of many corporate giants.

However, the Healthy Home Hacks podcast aims to bring you honest conversations where no conversation is off-limits. We've shed light in prior episodes on plant-based household cleaning brands as well as do-it-yourself nontoxic recipes and, today, are sharing an intimate, in-depth conversation and a sneak peek into what is going on in terms of ingredient transparency, sustainability, the science behind the formulations and what the future looks like for Procter & Gamble, the largest manufacturer of consumer goods in the world.

Our special guest is Morgan Brashear. Morgan is a Senior Scientific Communications Manager for the US Home Care Brand at Procter & Gamble. We dive deep into indoor air quality and discuss something called malodors and the negative effects of these, physically and psychologically. Morgan explains what a signature scent means for every home. She also illustrates P&G's efforts towards ingredient transparency and how, since 2017, P&G publishes its fragrance ingredients down to 0.01percent for all fragranced products in the US and Canada on their website via a platform called SmartLabel in North America. Morgan explains the 'red list' on the P&G website that reveals the ingredients common to the 'fragrance' label that the company does not use. We tackle the differences between synthetic and natural fragrances, how P&G uses one hundred percent natural propellants versus aerosols, the healthiest options in the P&G line, and their sustainable efforts - including recycled containers and 100 percent renewable electricity in North America, Canada, and Western Europe.

Morgan explains how P&G's products are a reflection of consumer demand and if we wish to see more fragrance-free, natural, or eco-friendlier products, it's up to each one of us to demand them by voting with our dollar. Discover their light or fragrance-free product versions as well as their many plant-based options which are perfect for allergy sufferers.

We talk a lot about toxins on this podcast– from dangerous chemicals in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the furnishings we sit and sleep on, and our household and personal care products. But today we're going to discuss a source of toxic exposure that's often overlooked. Few of us have given any thought to the chemicals that are present in our clothes, footwear, home goods, or the fabrics we sleep on. Four in 10 people are unaware of how textiles or clothing are produced, and most consumers are unaware of the importance of testing for the 4,000 to  8,000 individual harmful chemicals that enter factories in countless formulations that are harmful to the planet and people, especially children, the elderly and allergy sufferers.

Our guest, Ben Mead, serves as the Managing Director of Hohenstein Institute America. Ben oversees the OEKO-TEX® (a textile certification that we dive deep into) responsibilities for the U.S. Whether it's a pair of pants or a set of sheets, Ben explains why verifiable, third-party labels ensure a product has been tested for toxic chemicals. You'll learn how voting with your wallet encourages textile chemical testing which has a positive impact on ourselves and future generations.