The Branch Basics Podcast

Tayo Mbande is a WIC trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion. In 2018, Tayo and her mother, Toni Taylor, started Chicago Birthworks Collective to support Black mothers and their families and empower them throughout pregnancy and beyond. In this episode, Allison and Tayo chat about the passion behind CBC, the benefits of having a doula during birth, and how crucial birthing education is. Tayo also shares her motherhood journey.

Complete show notes here

Visit Chicago Birthworks Collective's Instagram here

Melissa Christenson is a chemist with a B.A. degree in Chemistry and a master's degree in Marketing. She has worked in the cosmetic and beauty industry for over 20 years in Research & Development, Product Development and Marketing. In this episode, Kelly and Melissa chat about the development of Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets, how the BB team vets certain ingredients, and tips to get the best clean from the tablets. Melissa shares the sustainability aspect of the new product.

Complete show notes here

Lauren Scruggs Kennedy is an author, lifestyle + fashion blogger, and founder of The Lauren Scruggs Kennedy Foundation as well as Stranded dry shampoo. In this episode, Lauren shares about the traumatic accident that changed her life, her healing journey, her recent fertility journey, and how she finds joy even in the most difficult times. She reminds us about the power of our perspective and that there is beauty in trials.

Complete show notes here

Visit Lauren's Instagram here

Dr. David Francis practices biological dentistry in Spring, TX. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and received his certification of Biological Dentistry through the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Francis breaks down the difference between biological and conventional dentistry, how the mouth functions with the rest of the body, why nutrition is important for healthy teeth, and how he's helped patients heal holistically.

Complete show notes here

Visit Dr. Francis' website here

Noelle Haddad is a Branch Basics customer and Toss The Toxins advocate. Her story is an example of how removing harmful chemicals can change your life! In this episode, Noelle shares her health history, the process of removing toxins from her home, and the changes she experienced in her health afterward. Marilee breaks down the steps they took and how they worked to lower Noelle's toxic load.

Complete show notes here

Ali Miller, RD, LD, CDE is a Registered Dietitian with a naturopathic background and the author of The Anti-Anxiety Diet and Naturally Nourished: Food-As-Medicine for Optimal Health. Ali has a passion for using nutrients and food as the foundation of the treatments and protocols she prescribes her patients. In this episode, Ali explains how stress and anxiety affect the body, the basics of an anti-anxiety diet, and the importance of our adrenal gland. She also shares tips on maintaining stable and healthy blood sugar levels.

Complete show notes here

Visit Ali's Instagram here

Episode Description:

Holly Owens is a model, influencer, and Lyme Disease survivor living in Los Angeles. She uses her platform to share her passion for health and wellness with her followers. In this episode, Holly chats about being diagnosed with Lyme, finding Bee Venom Therapy (BVT), and non-toxic living. She shares how important it is to be your own health advocate and standing up for yourself.

Complete show notes here

Visit Holly's Instagram here

Episode Description:

Melinda Thigpen is a midwife in Mississippi who has been a part of over 250 births as the primary midwife. Melinda practices holistic patient-centered care for her clients. In this episode, Melinda chats about how birth is a natural process, the difference between midwives and doulas, and how midwives support birthing mommas. She shares how to find a reliable midwife in your area and what prenatal care looks like. Melinda talks about how midwives are trained in normal so they can easily spot when something abnormal happens during birth.

Complete show notes here

Visit Melinda's website here

Episode Description:

Carly Johnson Brawner is a non-toxic living expert, certified health coach, and Hashimoto's patient and advocate. Carly uses her platform to guide her community in a simplified exploration of a holistic life. In this episode, Carly chats about her healing journey and shifting to a non-toxic lifestyle, how just because something is common does not mean it is normal, and she shares how important it is to be an advocate for yourself.

Complete show notes are here

Carly's Instagram here

Visit Carly's website here

Episode Description:

Jessica Bowman is a wife and working momma of 3. She has her Doctorate in physical therapy and is currently specialized in helping women strengthen their pelvic floor. In this episode, Jessica talks about why the pelvic floor is so important, its functions, and the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for post-partum mommas. Jessica shares how to find a reliable PT near you.

Complete show notes are here

Jessica's Instagram here

Visit Jessica's website here