Tap'd In

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana dive into the unsettling connection between microplastic pollution and human health, inspired by a recent article from The Brockovich Report. A new study shows a troubling correlation: people living near plastic-contaminated coasts are experiencing higher rates of health issues, including possible neuroinflammation. These invisible particles—smaller than a sesame seed—are entering our bodies through air, food, and water. Jordan and Lana explore the surprising sources (like tires and waste mismanagement) and what both governments and individuals can do to turn the tide on this growing threat.

Article:

https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/p/this-is-your-brain-on-microplastics

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

Episode Description: 

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore how Los Angeles—long seen as a symbol of unsustainable sprawl—has quietly become one of the most water-conscious cities in the U.S. Drawing from a recent New York Times article, they trace how decades of drought transformed L.A.’s approach to water, shifting from massive diversion projects to smarter, more sustainable strategies. From drought-tolerant landscaping incentives to public awareness campaigns and improved plumbing, the city has managed to use less water even as its population grew. Jordan and Lana ask: Could L.A. become a model for other cities facing water stress?

Article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/headway/water-conservation-los-angeles.html

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

Episode Description: 

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana travel (virtually) to Chile’s Atacama Desert—the driest place on Earth—to explore how farmers are growing lettuce, lemons, and more without a single drop of rain. Using massive mesh fog catchers, communities are harvesting water straight from the air, collecting over 1,000 liters per day to power hydroponic farms. Jordan and Lana discuss this incredible blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience, and how it could reshape agriculture in water-scarce regions around the world.

Sources: 

https://www.reuters.com/pictures/atacama-chiles-driest-desert-lettuce-is-grown-with-fog-water-2025-06-25/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGGY2uTsIfU

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In light of Plastic Free July, this episode of Tap’d In challenges what we think we know about plastic pollution. Hosts Jordan and Lana dive into the real story behind the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—revealing it’s not a swirling island of consumer waste, but largely fishing industry debris. Drawing from a compelling video investigation, they explore how mismanaged waste, not just littering, fuels ocean pollution, and how underestimated sources like tires and paint contribute to the growing microplastic problem. With plastic production still on the rise and recycling falling short, Jordan and Lana make the case for systemic change—starting this July and beyond.

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IglBJ62Sv3Q

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana unpack a new French study that’s turning assumptions upside down: drinks bottled in glass may actually contain more microplastics than those in plastic or metal containers. Published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis and covered widely in the press, the research points to an unexpected culprit—paint from bottle caps shedding microplastic particles into beverages. Jordan and Lana explore what this means for consumer choices, why wine seems to fare better, and how a simple fix—cleaning the caps—can dramatically reduce contamination.

Articles: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157525005344?via%3Dihub

https://nypost.com/2025/06/22/health/glass-bottles-found-to-have-five-to-50-times-as-many-microplastics-as-plastic-bottles/

https://futurism.com/the-byte/microplastics-glass-plastic-bottles

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana take a global look at water fluoridation, inspired by a recent BBC Future article. While fluoridation remains common in the U.S. for its dental health benefits, many countries have opted out—choosing alternatives like fluoridated salt or milk, or relying on naturally occurring fluoride levels. The episode explores the health concerns, cultural differences, and public resistance that shape each nation’s approach. Jordan and Lana discuss why some governments are pulling back, and what this international perspective means for future public health decisions in the U.S.

Article: 

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250528-why-some-countries-dont-fluoridate-their-water

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana explore the growing “fine water” movement, where natural bottled waters are being appreciated like vintage wines. Inspired by a recent New York Times feature, they dive into a world of tastings, mineral profiles, water cellars, and sommeliers who celebrate water for its terroir and complexity. Jordan and Lana discuss how this trend—driven by wellness enthusiasts and younger consumers—is transforming water from a basic necessity into a curated experience, and what it means for the future of hydration and sustainability.

Article: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/dining/fine-water-mineral-sommeliers.html

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana crack open a startling new study: nearly every beer tested in the U.S. contains PFAS—those stubborn “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks. Based on recent reporting from The Guardian, the episode explores how local water quality directly affects what ends up in your drink, with contamination traced back to the water used in brewing. Jordan and Lana discuss what this means for consumers, brewers, and policymakers—and whether advanced filtration could be the key to keeping both our beers (and bodies) cleaner.

Article: 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/30/beer-pfas-forever-chemicals?

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana spotlight one of the most game-changing tools in global water access: LifeStraw. Originally developed in 1999 to combat Guinea worm disease, LifeStraw has evolved into a trusted name in water filtration, offering solutions that require no electricity and remove contaminants from even the dirtiest sources. Jordan and Lana explore the technology behind the product, its expanding line of filters—from straws to pitchers—and its impact on households, adventurers, and disaster relief efforts. They also highlight LifeStraw’s social mission, including the Safe Water Fund and Give Back Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to public health and global equity.

Article: 

https://www.foodandwine.com/game-changers-lifestraw-11740050

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/

In this episode of Tap’d In, hosts Jordan and Lana tackle a lesser-known but widespread water crisis: the formation of cancer-linked disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water. Based on reporting from The Brockovich Report, the episode reveals how manure runoff from industrial livestock farms is a major contributor, affecting over 122 million Americans. When organic waste like manure reacts with disinfectants such as chlorine, it creates harmful chemical byproducts. Jordan and Lana unpack the overlap between high DBP levels and livestock-heavy states, and explore solutions—from smarter manure management to more advanced water treatment technologies.

Article: 

https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/p/its-a-literal-shit-show-manure-is

Links:

Tap: https://findtap.com/

PodSnacks (Podcast Summaries): https://www.podsnacks.org/