The Holistic Kids Show

The Holistic Kids Show

By The Holistic Kids (Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari)Education
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The Holistic Kids Show episodes

  • You Don't Have to Eat That: Katie Kimball's Picky Eater Playbook

    Timestamps:

    00:12 - Welcome & introduction

    01:02 - Meet guest Katie Kimball

    02:56 - Undiagnosed food allergies & sensitivities

    03:37 - Sensory overload and eating

    06:14 - Steps to reverse picky eating

    06:55 - Keep serving a wide variety of foods

    09:02 - "You don't have to eat that"

    11:47 - Dessert policies: 10 family options

    12:15 - One sweet treat a day

    18:30 - Anxiety and appetite

    19:35 - Solving picky eating away from the table

    22:50 - Social impact of picky eating

    25:39 - One key takeaway for families

    27:02 - Where to learn more about Katie

    28:24 - Recap of key points

    What if picky eating isn't actually about the food? In this episode of the Holistic Kids Show, we sit down with Katie Kimball — founder of Kids Cook Real Food, TEDx speaker, and author of *The Picky Eater Playbook* — to unpack what's really going on when kids push their plates away.

    Katie reveals how undiagnosed food sensitivities, sensory overload, weak jaw muscles, and anxiety can all signal "no" to food before a child ever says it themselves. We dig into why pressuring kids to eat backfires, the power of the phrase "you don't have to eat that," and how parents can create a stress-free environment where kids learn to make friends with food — just like they make friends with people.

    We also cover practical strategies families can start using today: reducing the snack cycle to build real appetite, keeping stressful topics off the dinner table, getting kids active in the kitchen to build familiarity, finding the right dessert policy for your family, and how picky eating can impact a child's social life as they grow up.

    Whether you're a parent feeling stuck at the dinner table or a kid who wants to understand more about your own food choices, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways and a fresh perspective on raising healthy eaters — from the inside out.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Picky eating is often a body signal, not a behavior problem
    • Pressure at the table kills appetite — kids need autonomy, not force
    • "You don't have to eat that" is the most powerful phrase a parent can use
    • Snacking too close to meals destroys natural appetite
    • Getting kids in the kitchen builds food familiarity and reduces fear
    • Anxiety and food are deeply connected — keep stress off the table
    • Pick the dessert policy that fits your family — there's no one-size-fits-all
    • Picky eating can lead to social exclusion as kids get older

    **Guest:** Katie Kimball is the national voice of Healthy Kids Cooking and the founder of Kids Cook Real Food. She is a TEDx speaker and the author of *The Picky Eater Playbook: Stress-Free Strategies to Jumpstart Healthy Eating Habits in Kids*, available wherever books are sold. Learn more at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickyholistic.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    31 min
  • Hidden Toxins: How Everyday Exposures Affect Kids' Health — with Dr. Kelly McCann

    Timestamps

    00:00 — Welcome to The Holistic Kids Show & episode intro

    01:02 — Who is Dr. Kelly McCann? Credentials & background

    02:27 — How Dr. McCann discovered environmental medicine

    05:10 — What are hidden toxins? Everyday exposures explained

    05:43 — Plastic is everywhere: bottles, toys, sportswear

    06:1 3 — Microplastics in household dust & why vacuuming matters

    07:00 — Take your shoes off at the door

    08:11 — The "total load" concept: your body as a sink

    09:18 — Personal care products: shampoo, deodorant, lotion

    10:06 — Teen skincare & fragrance culture in schools

    11:10 — Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) & hormone disruption in teens

    12:35 — 500 chemicals in fragrances — almost none tested on humans

    13:20 — EWG.org: how to find safer personal care products

    13:40 — Choosing organic food to reduce chemical exposure

    15:51 — What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

    19:03 — MCAS symptoms: why it's hard to diagnose

    20:02 — Mold as a major trigger for MCAS

    23:22 — When to call a professional mold inspector

    24:28 — The #1 takeaway question: what can you do right now?

    24:48 — Dr. McCann's top tips: shoes off, vacuum, ditch fragrances

    26:30 — Where to find Dr. Kelly McCann online

    28:27 — Episode recap: key points summary

    Have you ever thought about what's really in the dust under your bed? Or how many untested chemicals are in your favorite cologne? In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, Zane, Eman, and Blossom sit down with Dr. Kelly McCann, MD, MPH — a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pediatrics, and integrative medicine — to uncover the hidden toxins surrounding us every day.

    From microplastics in household dust to 500-chemical fragrances in personal care products, Dr. McCann breaks down how environmental exposures affect our nervous system, immune system, and hormones — especially during the critical teenage years. She introduces the concept of "total load" (imagine your body as a sink), explains Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in a way kids can understand, and reveals how mold hidden behind walls could be triggering chronic illness.

    Plus, Dr. McCann shares simple, practical steps every family can take today: taking shoes off at the door, vacuuming twice a week, ditching toxic perfumes and colognes, choosing organic food, and using resources like EWG.org to find safer products.

    This episode is packed with eye-opening information and actionable advice — because protecting your health shouldn't be overwhelming. It should be empowering.

    Key topics covered:

    • Hidden environmental toxins in plastics, dust, and personal care products
    • The "total load" concept and how your body handles chemical exposure
    • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): what it is and why it's hard to diagnose
    • Mold in your home: how to spot it and what to do
    • How fragrances and colognes disrupt hormones in teens
    • Practical steps: shoes off, vacuum more, choose organic, check EWG.org

    **Guest:** Dr. Kelly McCann, MD, MPH, is the founder of The Spring Center in Costa Mesa, California, specializing in complex chronic illnesses including MCAS, mold and mycotoxin illness, and Lyme disease. Find her on Instagram @DrKellyMcCann and learn more about her emotional integration program at The Unforgetting Project.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    31 min
  • Don't Let Your Doctor Kill You — Why the Medical System Is Broken & How to Be Your Own Health Advocate with Dr. Erika Schwartz

    Timestamp

    00:00 — Show intro & welcome to The Holistic Kids Show

    00:25 — The broken medical system: doctors paid per patient, not per healing

    02:57 — The system kills: personal family stories of medical harm

    03:34 — How pharmaceutical & insurance industries drive the system

    04:16 — Guest introduction: Dr. Erika Schwartz

    05:46 — Acute care works, but there's no care after you leave the ER

    06:25 — Leaving the system to become a true healer (1990s)

    07:20 — Medical school is outdated — doesn't teach prevention

    07:38 — Why family physicians understand the whole patient

    08:37 — The doctor as your quarterback — stop being afraid

    09:09 — Johns Hopkins research: arrogance is the #1 cause of medical mistakes

    11:05 — We have more power than we think

    11:15 — Why their mom stopped taking insurance to protect patients

    13:42 — Over-the-counter medications: doctors don't even know about them

    14:35 — Marketing drives what people learn about medications

    15:07 — Motrin, Advil, Aleve — same drug, different names

    16:39 — OTC meds are just as dangerous as prescriptions

    16:50 — Only take OTC medication with adult guidance

    17:17 — How to do hospitals right: stay away unless it's an emergency

    17:50 — Never go to a hospital alone — always bring an advocate

    18:07 — Self-care is the best way to stay away from hospitals

    18:48 — How kids can demand better from their doctors

    19:12 — Go with someone who asks the right questions

    19:41 — Ask why: vaccines, medications, and tests

    20:19 — Learn how your body communicates with you

    20:56 — Don't be intimidated by doctors

    21:26 — Listen, go home, and do your own research

    22:23 — How kids can be empowered patients

    22:38 — Keep talking and keep telling your friends

    23:20 — What you need: peace, love, and health

    23:44 — One thing to tell every kid: it's your body

    24:51 — Where to find Dr. Erika Schwartz

    25:39 — Recap of key points begins

    26:36 — The doctor doesn't live in your body

    26:54 — Always question any care you're offered

    In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, we sit down with Dr. Erika Schwartz — pioneer in preventive medicine, hormone expert, and author of Don't Let Your Doctor Kill You — to unpack what's really wrong with modern healthcare.

    Dr. Erika shares her journey from running emergency rooms to walking away from the system entirely, and why she believes the medical industry is driven by profit, not healing. We dive into how insurance companies dictate patient care, why doctors are paid per visit instead of per cure, and how over-the-counter medications are just smaller doses of the same prescription drugs — with the same dangers.

    We also discuss how kids and families can become empowered patients: asking the right questions, understanding their own bodies, finding doctors who truly care, and never being afraid to walk away from bad care.

    Key takeaways:

    • The medical system excels at acute care but fails at chronic and preventive health
    • Insurance and pharmaceutical industries profit from keeping patients dependent
    • Over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as prescriptions
    • You are your own best health advocate — nobody lives inside your body except you
    • Peace, love, and health: the three things everyone deserves

    About our guest: Dr. Erika Schwartz is a world-renowned preventive medicine pioneer and the author of eight books, including Don't Let Your Doctor Kill You. Follow her on Instagram @DrErikaSchwartz and Facebook.

    Follow The Holistic Kids Show on social media: @holisticmomd and @theholistickidsshow. Download our podcast on iTunes and leave a review so other families can benefit. Look out for our new bestselling book, The Teen Health Revolution.

    This podcast is for informational purposes only. The statements and views reflected in this podcast are not to be taken as medical advice.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    29 min
  • Hormones in Sync: How Teens Can Balance Their Bodies with Dr. Saadia Mian

    Timestamp

    00:00 — Welcome & introductions

    00:38 — Dr. Saadia Mian: endocrinologist & functional medicine practitioner

    01:23 — Dr. Mian's personal journey from burnout to healing

    03:37 — What are hormones? Chemical messengers & the master gland

    04:34 — What hormones control: growth, sleep, energy, mood & more

    04:57 — Why teens experience hormone-driven mood swings

    05:38 — The meaning behind "Hormones In Sync"

    05:54 — Why sleep is critical for growth hormone in teens

    08:42 — Mindset matters: why we don't think about health until something goes wrong

    10:06 — The kids share their experience making lifestyle changes step by step

    11:23 — Nutrition tips: add before you subtract (fiber, protein, healthy fats)-

    14:20 — The "fat is bad" myth busted

    14:28 — Probiotic & prebiotic foods for gut health

    14:54 — How modern lifestyle (screens, processed foods) changes our hormones

    16:52 — Screen time, social media stress & cortisol levels

    17:35 — Rising hormone issues in teens (PCOS/PMOS) & generational differences

    19:07 — How parents can support teens without nagging

    20:24 — Sugar, taste bud adaptation & changing cravings

    21:59 — Dr. Mian's billboard message: start with joy

    23:03 — Hormones in Sync book overview

    24:10 — Final advice: care for your body from kindness, not punishment

    25:06 — Where to find Dr. Saadia Mian (website, Instagram, book launch)

    25:46 — Key takeaways recap

    What exactly are hormones, and why do they matter so much — especially during the teenage years? In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, kid hosts Zane, Emad, and Kasim sit down with Dr. Saadia Mian, a board-certified endocrinologist and functional medicine practitioner, to break down everything teens need to know about their hormones.

    Dr. Mian shares her personal journey from burnout to healing, explains how hormones act as the body's chemical messengers, and discusses why sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management all play critical roles in keeping hormones balanced. The conversation covers practical, teen-friendly tips — from adding more fiber and healthy fats to your diet, to managing screen time and social media stress, to understanding how cortisol levels are affected by constant connectivity.

    The episode also dives into Dr. Mian's new book, Hormones in Sync: An Endocrinologist's Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy, Joy, and Health, and her core message that lasting health changes should come from a place of kindness and joy — not punishment. Whether you're a teen navigating puberty, a parent looking to support your child, or simply curious about how your body works, this episode offers actionable advice for the whole family.

    Key topics: What hormones are and how they work · Why sleep is essential for growth hormone · Nutrition tips for teens (fiber, protein, healthy fats, probiotics) · How modern lifestyle — screens, stress, and ultra-processed foods — impacts hormones · The connection between joy, stress, and hormonal balance · How parents can model healthy habits · Gradual change with love and kindness

    Guest: Dr. Saadia Mian, MD — Board-certified endocrinologist, functional medicine practitioner, and author of Hormones in Sync. Find her at SaadiaMianMD.com and on Instagram @drsaadiamianmd.

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    28 min
  • From Firefighter to Wellness Pioneer: Sammy Tejada on Why Biohacking Starts With 'No' — The Holistic Kids Show

    Timestamp

    00:00 — Introduction & Welcome

    00:32 — Guest Introduction: Sammy Tejada

    01:48 — From Firefighter to Wellness Entrepreneur

    02:47 — Gaps in the Healthcare System

    04:16 — Lifestyle vs. Medication: The Blood Pressure Example

    07:18 — Modern Stress & Kids' Health

    08:20 — Devices & Cortisol Production

    09:35 — Mental Health as the Foundation of Wellness

    12:21 — The Secret to Biohacking: 90% of the Job

    13:32 — Three Free Pillars of Health: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep

    14:41 — How to Prepare for Sleep

    16:04 — What Is Optimal Health? Health span & Quality of Life

    17:30— "You Can't Improve What You Don't Measure"

    21:32 — Health as the Most Valuable Currency

    22:20 — Advice to His Younger Self & the Next Generation

    24:21 — Episode Recap

    In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, hosts Zane, Iman, and Kasim sit down with Sammy Tejada — a former firefighter and paramedic turned wellness entrepreneur and founder of Liquivita — to unpack what it really takes to take control of your health.

    Sammy shares his powerful journey from running 911 calls and witnessing the gaps in the traditional medical system firsthand, to working alongside a functional medicine doctor who focused on root causes rather than just managing symptoms. That experience inspired him to build a business dedicated to shifting healthcare from reactive "sick care" to true preventative wellness.

    The conversation covers the impact of modern stress and constant device exposure on kids' nervous systems, the importance of disconnecting and reconnecting with nature, and why mental health is the foundation of overall wellness. Sammy reveals his "secret to biohacking" — that 90% of the job is simply learning what to say "no" to — followed by three free, foundational pillars: nutrition, movement, and sleep. He also emphasizes the importance of measuring health through biomarkers and blood work rather than guessing, and reminds listeners that health is the most valuable currency you'll ever own.

    Tune in for actionable, no-cost wellness strategies that kids and families can start using today, and hear Sammy's message to the next generation: start early, be proactive, and never trade your health for anything.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    27 min
  • Healing Inflammation with Ayurveda: Dr. Shivani Gupta on Super Spices, Gut Health & Ancient Wisdom for Kids

    Timestamps :

    00:21 — Topic intro: Lowering inflammation with Ayurveda & welcoming Dr. Shivani Gupta

    01:49 — Dr. Gupta's origin story: Getting sick in India as a child, healed by grandma's spices

    02:08 — Spice cabinet vs. antibiotics: Ayurvedic remedies in India vs. repeated prescriptions in the US

    03:10 — Gut lining damage: College nurses reveal years of antibiotics damaged her gut microbiome

    03:44 — Studying Ayurveda: Travels through India, heals her body, commits to bringing Ayurveda to the West

    05:04 — What is inflammation: Acute inflammation as healing vs. chronic silent inflammation

    05:42 — Root cause insight: Most chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease) is rooted in inflammation

    06:21 — "Forest fire" analogy: Chronic low-grade inflammation damaging the body from within — "inflamaging"

    07:15 — Ama: Ancient Ayurvedic concept of toxin residue from undigested food & environmental toxins

    10:32 — Root-cause approach: Ayurveda asks *why* there's imbalance, while modern medicine treats symptoms in silos

    11:05 — Circadian rhythm: Living in rhythm = flowing downstream; fighting it = battling uphill for health

    12:31 — Misconceptions: Ayurveda is more than spices — it's a circadian lifestyle, longevity & root-cause medicine

    15:33 — Turmeric tip: Black pepper boosts absorption by 2,000%; healthy fat helps cross the blood-brain barrier

    17:03 — Super spices as super foods: Healing power of cumin, fennel, cinnamon, ginger & grandma's kitchen wisdom

    21:36 — Detox & conscious eating: Seasonal detoxing, fresh satvic foods, mindful seated eating in circadian rhythm

    In this episode of the Holistic Kids Show, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, PhD — a leading authority in Ayurvedic sciences, founder of Fusionary Formulas, and bestselling author of The Inflammation Code — to explore how an ancient 5,000-year-old system of health can help us understand and fight chronic inflammation.

    Dr. Shivani shares her personal journey: from being the perpetually sick kid healed by her grandmother's spice remedies in India, to studying Ayurveda firsthand and dedicating her life to bringing this wisdom to the West. We dive deep into what inflammation really is, the difference between acute and chronic "silent" inflammation, and how it connects to gut health, the immune system, and the circadian clock.

    Key topics include:

    • What Ayurveda understood about inflammation long before modern science caught up
    • The concept of ama (toxin residue) and agni (digestive fire) — and why they matter
    • Super spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel, and cinnamon, and how to use them
    • Why turmeric needs black pepper and healthy fat for maximum absorption
    • Simple daily habits like tongue scraping and oil pulling that support gut and immune health
    • Conscious eating, seasonal detoxing, and living in rhythm with your circadian clock
    • Practical tips for kids and teens to build vibrant health from the inside out

    Dr. Shivani also shares a special offer: use code HOLISTICKIDS for 15% off at fusionaryformulas.com.

    Tune in and learn why spices are our super foods, and how small lifestyle shifts can put your body back into balance and help you win at inflammation

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    29 min
  • Behavior Is a Signal: Dr. Roseann on Raising Regulated Kids

    Timestamps :

    00:00 — Welcome & Intro to Dr. Roseann

    02:07 — Why Dr. Roseann Wrote *The Dysregulated Kid*

    04:41 — Behavior Is a Signal, Not "Bad Behavior"

    06:35 — Stress Is an Inside Job: The Catholic School Story

    06:55 — Discipline vs. Regulation

    08:00 — Why Today's Kids Are More Dysregulated

    09:56 — 3 Tools for Teens: Love Pause, Daily Practice & Training

    14:54 — Sleep, Food, Nature & Social Connection

    19:19 — How Parents Can Build Regulation Skills in Kids

    21:35 — Parents: Regulate Yourself First -

    23:59 — Where to Find Dr. Roseann & Book Launch -

    26:04 — Recap of Key Points

    As kids head back to school, many are feeling overwhelmed emotionally, mentally, and socially. In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, we sit down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge — a leading expert in nervous system dysregulation with 30+ years of experience — to unpack what's really happening in a child's brain and body when behavior feels out of control.

    Dr. Roseann introduces her Regulation First Parenting approach and her CALMS Dysregulation Protocol, challenging the idea that "bad behavior" means "bad kid." Instead, she reframes behavior — whether it's anger, eye-rolling, or trouble focusing — as clues to what the nervous system needs. We explore why today's kids and teens are more dysregulated than previous generations, the impact of compounded stress, devices, and isolation, and why you can't discipline away dysregulation.

    Dr. Roseann shares simple, free, and practical tools anyone can start today:

    • The 3-second Love Pause — a gap between trigger and response that builds calm over reactivity
    • Picking one regulation practice (breathwork, a heart hug, tai chi) and doing it consistently throughout the day
    • Why sleep, nutrition, nature, and social connection are non-negotiable foundations for a healthy nervous system
    • Why parents must regulate themselves first — because two drowning people can't save each other

    Plus, Dr. Roseann talks about her new book, The Dysregulated Kid: The Parenting Playbook for Helping Your Child Find Calm in a Chaotic World (available September 22, 2026), and why the simplest habits — done in small amounts, consistently — can change everything.

    Whether you're a parent, teen, educator, or just someone navigating a stressful world, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom to help you move from chaos to calm.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    29 min
  • Healing IBD from the Inside Out: Dane Johnson's Holistic Approach to Gut Health

    Timestamps:

    00:00 — Welcome & Introduction

    00:50 — Meet Dane Johnson: IBD Survivor & Nutritionist

    02:57 — Why Dane Pursued Holistic Healing

    04:13 — What is IBD vs IBS?

    05:23 — Crohn's vs Colitis & Why Diagnosis Is Subjective

    06:30 — Early Warning Signs Parents Shouldn't Ignore

    07:57 — Genes & Lifestyle: What Activates Disease

    10:33 — The Five Imbalances to Fix Gut Health

    11:30 — The Gut-Liver Connection (Batman & Robin)

    13:40 — Elemental Shakes & Healthy School Habits

    17:17 — Broccoli Sprouts & Sulforaphane Power

    20:28 — Message of Hope: IBD Is Not the End

    22:14 — Breaking the Fake Food Culture

    25:21 — Start With What You're NOT Doing

    28:19 — Only Eat What You Cook for 30 Days

    In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, we sit down with Dane Johnson — board-certified nutritionist, founder of Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle, and IBD survivor — to unpack what inflammatory bowel disease really is and how families can take a holistic approach to healing. Dane shares his personal journey from diagnosis at 19 to nearly losing his life at 26, and how he turned his pain into purpose by helping thousands worldwide reverse their IBD symptoms naturally.

    We cover the critical differences between IBD and IBS, early warning signs every parent should watch for, and the five essential imbalances that drive gut inflammation — digestion, microbiome, gut lining, drainage pathways, and the nervous system. Dane breaks down practical, kid-friendly strategies including customized elemental smoothies, the power of broccoli sprouts and microgreens, acacia fiber, and why reducing water intake during meals matters. He also shares his powerful "30-day challenge": only eat what you cook, track your symptoms in a healing journal, and focus first on what you're *not* doing before overwhelming yourself with what you are.

    This episode is a must-listen for any family navigating IBD, IBS, or chronic gut issues — offering real hope, simple action steps, and the empowering message that healing is possible, and you can end up healthier than the healthy.

    *Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.*

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    37 min
  • Building a Clearer & Calmer Brain with Dr. Rana Mafee

    Timestamps:

    00:00 — Welcome to the Holistic Kids Show

    00:26 — Back to school & building a cleaner, calmer brain

    01:00 — Dr. Rana Mafee: dual board-certified neurologist & integrative medicine

    02:58 — Passion for preventative neurology

    03:51 — Epidemic of neurological diseases in adults and children

    05:35 — Why traditional medicine misses prevention

    07:32 — What does a neurologist do?

    10:06 — Asking "why": the root cause approach in functional medicine

    11:30 — The gut-brain connection & upcoming podcast

    12:30 — Why kids struggle with brain fog and concentration

    14:52 — Toxins, ultra-processed foods & the modern food supply

    15:24 — Daily habits to protect your brain decades

    16:12 — Nutrition: the biggest lever for brain health

    17:40 — The surprising power of prevention — food as medicine

    20:43 — Stress shrinks the brain & one simple habit: sleep more

    In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, kid hosts Zayden, Iman, and Tasnim sit down with Dr. Rana Mafee, MD — a dual board-certified neurologist and integrative medicine specialist — to explore how kids can build healthier brains from the inside out.

    Dr. Mafee shares her journey from traditional neurology to functional and integrative medicine, explaining why she believes prevention is the most powerful tool we have against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The conversation covers why so many kids today struggle with brain fog and difficulty concentrating, the critical gut-brain connection, and how factors like nutrition, sleep, stress, and environmental toxins shape cognitive health from childhood onward.

    Key takeaways include:

    • Nutrition is the biggest lever — ultra-processed foods and hidden sugars are major drivers of brain fog and inflammation
    • Sleep is non-negotiable — deep and REM sleep are when the brain clears waste and consolidates memories
    • Stress shrinks the brain — chronic stress impacts the hippocampus, the area vital for memory
    • You have more agency than you think — small lifestyle changes, even over just two weeks of eating whole foods, can produce noticeable improvements in clarity and calm

    Dr. Mafee also introduces her upcoming podcast, The Gutsy Brain MD, launching August 19th on all major platforms.

    Follow Dr. Mafee at drrenamd.com and on social media @drrenamd. Follow the show at @holisticmomd and @holistickidshow, and check out their bestselling book, The Teen Health Revolution.

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    28 min
  • Fiber Fueled Kids: Dr. B on Gut Health, Microbiomes & the 30-Plant Challenge

    Timestamps : 00:00 — Intro & Welcoming Dr. B

    02:04 — Dr. B's Personal Journey to Gut Health

    04:08 — Why Digestive Problems Are Rising in Kids

    06:52 — The Gut Microbiome Explained

    07:38 — Why Fiber Is So Powerful

    10:44 — Gut-Brain Connection & Focus in School

    12:08 — The Vagus Nerve Explained

    16:17 — Why Dr. B Focuses on Plants

    21:50 — The Four Nutritional Workhorses

    24:02 — The 30-Plant Challenge

    25:03 — One Dietary Change for Families

    27:49 — Practical Tips: Nice Cream & Smoothies

    30:15 — Where to Learn More from Dr. B

    30:48 — Key Points Recap

    In this episode of The Holistic Kids Show, hosts Zane, Iman, and Qasim sit down with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz — board-certified gastroenterologist, New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant-Powered Plus, and one of the world's leading voices in gut health.

    Dr. B breaks down why 70% of kids' calories come from ultra-processed foods, why 97% of children aren't getting enough fiber, and how this gap is driving digestive issues, inflammation, and even difficulty focusing in school. He explains the gut-brain connection through the vagus nerve — with 500 million nerves in the gut (five times more than the spinal cord!) — and how fiber transforms into short-chain fatty acids, the body's most powerful anti-inflammatory tool.

    The kids and Dr. B also discuss:

    • How the gut microbiome adapts to what you eat
    • Why plant-based variety matters more than restriction
    • The American Gut Project finding that the healthiest guts belong to people eating 30+ different plants per week
    • Practical family strategies: sneaking veggies into tomato sauce, building better smoothies, and making "nice cream" from frozen bananas
    • A fun weekly challenge for kids: count your "plant points" and aim for 30 different plants

    Plus, Dr. B shares details about his new Anti-Inflammatory Masterclass course available at theguthealthmd.com.

    Whether you're a parent looking to shift your family's eating habits or a kid curious about what's happening inside your tummy, this episode is packed with science, practical tips, and a challenge you can start today.

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

    ---

    Learn more about Dr. Madiha Saeed at https://holisticmommd.com, or follow her on social media @HolisticMomMD

    34 min

About The Holistic Kids Show

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by siblings Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari — national speakers and co-authors of The Teen Health Revolution — this groundbreaking podcast is for kids, by kids! Each episode dives into how young people can take charge of their mind, body, and soul health through holistic, science-backed, and expert conversations.

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