Toxin Free (ish)

That viral post about lead in your matcha isn't telling you the whole story, and as a former environmental toxins attorney, I'm tired of watching fear-based misinformation spread.

Recent sensationalized reports about lead in food have created unnecessary panic, especially around brands like Pique Tea's matcha and Redmond Salt. While no amount of lead is technically "safe," context matters - we live in a world where trace amounts of lead exist naturally in soil, meaning it's present in many healthy, organic foods we eat daily.

The science is clear: when you look at actual serving sizes and compare them to FDA guidelines, many of these "shocking" reports are missing crucial context. 

For example, Pique Tea's matcha contains just 0.14 micrograms of lead per serving - four times lower than California's strict Prop 65 limits, and well within safe consumption guidelines.

In this episode, I break down the real numbers, explain what safety levels actually mean, and give you the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your food. Whether you're concerned about recent food safety reports or just want to understand how to interpret these numbers, you'll learn how to separate facts from fear-based marketing.

In today's episode, we're chatting about: 

• How to understand parts per billion and what these measurements actually mean 

• Why California's Prop 65 warnings appear on organic vegetables 

• The truth about lead in soil and how it affects our food supply 

• Real numbers and context behind recent viral food safety posts 

• Practical guidelines for making informed decisions about food safety

Check out my Blog and Read the Show Notes HERE

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
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• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

That viral post about lavender essential oil causing hormone disruption is based on a 15-year-old myth that's been thoroughly debunked.

As a former environmental toxins attorney, I've watched this rumor circulate for years, causing unnecessary fear among parents and wellness enthusiasts.

The truth is, the original 2007 case report that started it all was based on just three children using products that likely didn't even contain much real lavender essential oil - they contained synthetic fragrances and known hormone disruptors.

A comprehensive 2022 study of 556 children proved what aromatherapists have known all along: pure lavender and tea tree essential oils pose no endocrine disruption risks. The real concern isn't with authentic essential oils - it's with synthetic fragrances and adulterants that often masquerade as "lavender" in personal care products.

In this episode, I break down the science, share the actual research, and explain why you can confidently use pure lavender essential oil as part of your wellness routine. You'll learn how to identify quality oils, understand the difference between synthetic fragrances and pure essential oils, and make informed decisions about your family's health.

I turned the shownotes in to a super shareable blog post.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• The truth behind the 2007 case report that started the hormone disruption rumor 

• Why synthetic fragrances are the real endocrine disruptors to avoid 

• How to identify pure lavender essential oil versus synthetic imposters 

• The gold-standard research proving lavender's safety 

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Your child's "behavioral issues" might actually be a reaction to what's hiding in their food.

As an environmental toxins attorney turned clean living coach, I've witnessed countless families transform their children's lives by simply removing artificial food dyes from their diet. 

The FDA's recent ban on Red Dye No. 3 isn't just about cancer risks - it's about acknowledging decades of evidence showing how these petroleum-based chemicals affect our children's behavior, emotions, and development.

Parents are often dismissed, judged, or made to feel crazy for connecting their children's emotional regulation issues to food dyes. 

But the reality is stark: children are being misdiagnosed, medicated, and labeled as "difficult" when they're actually having severe reactions to artificial colors hidden in everything from medication to toothpaste.

In this episode, I share practical steps for identifying food dye sensitivity, navigating social situations, and advocating for your child. 

Whether you're dealing with aggression, emotional outbursts, or just curious about the impact of food dyes, you'll learn how to create positive change through informed choices and strategic elimination.

In today's episode, we're chatting about: 

• How to identify if your child has a sensitivity to food dyes 

• The surprising everyday products that contain artificial food coloring 

• Step-by-step guide for eliminating dyes from your child's diet 

• Tips for educating family, friends, and teachers about food dye sensitivity 

• Practical ways to advocate for systemic change in schools and communities

Read the Show Notes

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Many people don't understand the true devastation caused by single use plastic until they see it. Lindsey McCoy, CEO of Plaine Products, witnessed this environmental challenge firsthand while working to clean up beaches in the Bahamas.

After that, she took what she knew from the world of Non-Profit work and started Plaine Products with her sister. Lindsey thought about the original product design for Netflix. Remember when you would get a DVD in the mail and return it when you were done? Well, she thought "why can't we do something like that with beauty products?"

Last year alone, they eliminated 110,000 single use plastic bottles. The idea for Plaine Products hasn't come without it's challenges. We're discussing manufacturing roadblocks but we're also touching on best practices for the use of eco-friendly shampoo and conditioners. A lot of people complain that toxin-free haircare doesn't do the trick - listen to the episode and you'll walk away with best practices to achieve that squeaky clean feeling. 

We're ending the conversation with a discussion about what it actually takes to grow and market products that aren't on the shelves at Target. As Lindsey says, "it's the kindness of strangers," that allows these movements to grow. If you appreciate what Lindsey is doing, consider getting started with Plaine Products through my affiliate link!

In today's episode, we're chatting about: 

• Plaine Product's origin story 
• Why Plaine Products uses aloe-based hair care
• The why and how behind the nostalgic scents in Plaine Products 
• The impact report that reflects the change Plaine Products is bringing to the world 
• Lindsey's vision of the future for Plaine Products 
• Purchase your Plaine Products here and use code WENDY for 20% off

Read more in the show notes on my Personal Blog, HERE!

Connect with Lindsey: 

• Instagram
• Youtube

Download the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid and become a label reading pro! 

Getting started with red light therapy with 40% off the LUMEBOX.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Did you know you can change your bone structure as an adult? And no, you don't need botox or cosmetic procedures to make this possible. 

Today, Allison Wise, the Instagram sensation known as the Fingertip Facelift, joins us to share her incredible journey from Groupon Botox deals to pioneering a toxin-free skincare revolution.

With just 9 minutes a day, you can literally change your face. With just your fingertips, this method promises accessible facial rejuvenation and a deeper understanding of the body's interconnected systems.

Allison has carefully constructed this routine to release tension and change your relationship to yourself. Think about it: if we're taking 9 minutes every day to intentionally give ourselves the love of tension release, what else might that do for our self-esteem?

From Gua Sha, to mewing, to face taping, we're covering some of the latest trends in the anti-aging world. And the benefits of Allison's techniques go beyond aesthetics. People have seen symptoms like tension headaches and acne drastically reduced from this practice!

In this episode, we're chatting about: 

• Allison's journey into facial massage 
• The difference between the 9 minute fingertip facelift and Gua Sha
• The range of symptoms that the fingertip facelift can alleviate (TMJ, headaches, etc) 
• Frownies Vs. Face taping
• Facial massage as a form of self-love 

Connect with Allison: 

• Instagram
• Fingertip Facelift

Get Truly Free Non-Toxic Skincare

Read the shownotes

Download the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid and become a label reading pro! 

Getting started with red light therapy with 40% off the LUMEBOX.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

If you've been struggling to make natural cleaning products work in your home and on your body, your water might be the culprit! I recently asked my audience what the most challenging aspect of toxin-free living has been so far. Unsurprisingly, a lot of people have had a hard time embracing clean products because they simply don't work with the hard water in their home.  

Drawing from my experience helping hundreds of students transition to toxin-free living, I share honest feedback about which products work best with hard water. 

• Truly Free is the best hard water laundry detergent (Get 100 Free Loads)
• Evolvh is the best shampoo and conditioner for hard water

Don't let hard water derail your journey to a toxin-free home. I'm sharing all my tried-and-true tips, including discount codes for recommended products and my personal laundry stripping recipe.

Whether you're just starting your toxin-free journey or you've been struggling to make natural products work, this episode will help you navigate the challenges of hard water while maintaining your commitment to cleaner living.

Today, I'm breaking down: 

• What hard water actually is and why it matters
• Why natural products might not be working as well as you hoped
• 4 solutions for common hard water challenges
• My personal recommendations for brands that work better with hard water
• Get the show notes and laundry stripping recipe here.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Are you exhausted from chasing endless supplements, protocols, and "root causes" without seeing real results? What if I told you that true healing doesn't require thousands of dollars in lab tests or a complicated regimen of supplements? In fact, the answer might be as simple as stepping outside to catch the morning sun.

In today's episode, I'm diving into an honest and refreshing conversation about health and healing with Josh Rubin of EastWest Healing. We tackle why the wellness industry is increasingly resembling the Western medicine system it often criticizes, and why so many people are stuck in cycles of endless supplements, detoxes, and protocols without seeing real improvement.

Josh shares his direct, no-BS perspective on: 

• Why disconnection from nature is profoundly impacting our health
• How even healing itself can become toxic
• The myth of root cause medicine
• How our modern lifestyle works against our biology

After following Josh and his wife Jeanne's work for four years, I've witnessed their unique approach to healing that focuses on reconnecting with our bodies and living in alignment with our biology. While tools like red light therapy and Dutch testing can be helpful, we discuss why it's more important to first look at your environment and how it makes you feel.

Don't miss Josh's powerful insights on why healing doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or stressful. This conversation might just change how you think about your health journey.

Check out my Blog and Read the Show Notes HERE

Join me in The Nourished Nervous System

Connect with Josh: 

• Instagram
• EastWest Healing
• Listen to Healing Simplified

Download the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid and become a label reading pro! 

Getting started with red light therapy with 40% off the LUMEBOX.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Looking for the perfect gift for the wellness enthusiast in your life? Or maybe you're like me - a minimalist who waits all year to invest in high-quality, toxin-free essentials during Black Friday? Either way, I've got you covered with eight thoughtfully curated gift ideas that actually support health and wellness (no greenwashed products here!).

Check out my Blog and Read the Show Notes HERE

As a former environmental lawyer turned clean living coach, I've spent years testing and researching the safest, most effective products out there. From game-changing red light therapy devices to truly PFAS-free cookware (yes, even air fryers!), I'm sharing my top picks that make meaningful gifts while helping reduce toxic exposure.

In this episode, I break down:

• 8 luxurious yet practical toxin-free gift ideas
• Why each product matters for health and wellness
• My personal experience with each recommendation
• Which items are HSA/FSA eligible
• The best Black Friday deals and exclusive discounts

Plus, I'm sharing which products I personally use daily and why they've become non-negotiables in my clean living journey.

Related Episodes: 

• Episode 24: What are PFAS "Forever Chemicals"? Here's What You Need to Know
• Episode 36: Can Red Light Therapy Actually Heal Your Thyroid?
• Episode 43: Is There Really Mold In Your Coffee? What You Need to Know About Mycotoxins and My Clean Coffee Picks
• Episode 50: How Toxic Is Your Hair Dye and What Non-Toxic Hair Dye Options Actually Work?
• Episode 64: From Harmful to Healing: Aizome Leading the Way with Synthetic Free, Plant Dyed Textiles
• Episode 76: The Healing Power of Regenerative Farming with Brett Packer from YoungLiving

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Why are food companies keeping dangerous dyes in American products while offering healthier options in other countries?

Ever wonder why Fruit Loops look different in Canada than they do in the US? Here's the disturbing truth: major food companies are deliberately using harmful artificial dyes in American children's cereals while selling safer versions in other countries. Let's break down exactly why this matters for your family's health.

In this episode, I'm diving into the explosive "Cancel Kellogg's" campaign and the scientific evidence that food companies don't want you to see. We're talking about petroleum-derived food dyes that have been linked to ADHD, behavioral issues, and learning problems in children - dyes that haven't been properly reviewed by the FDA in over 40 YEARS.

Here's what we're covering:

• The real reason these artificial dyes are still in our food (spoiler: it's not because they're safe)
• Why food companies make safer versions for other countries but won't do the same for US kids
• The shocking levels of artificial dyes in popular cereals (hint: it's WAY more than you think)
• How to read labels to spot these sneaky ingredients
• The groundbreaking California law that could change everything
• What you can actually DO about this issue (including a specific bill you can support right now)

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about food safety, this episode will arm you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. Plus, I'm sharing exactly how to make your voice heard in this fight for safer food.

Because here's the truth: pissed-off moms are how we change this. And I'm going to show you exactly how to channel that anger into action.

Read the show notes here.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here

Ever Had Someone Stick Their Fingers In Your Mouth... For Beauty? (Trust Me, You'll Want to Hear This!)

You guys, I am SO excited to share this conversation with you! Today I'm sitting down with my friend Irina, the incredible founder of WithSimplicity Beauty (code WENDY10), and she completely changed my life with something called a buccal massage. It was AMAZING for my jaw clenching issues!

Irina isn't just a clean beauty founder - she's also a licensed esthetician, owns a holistic aesthetic school in Harrisonburg, VA, and runs a holistic spa. I recently had the privilege of getting one of her amazing facials, and I've been dying to share this conversation with you ever since.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The real difference between genuinely clean skincare and greenwashed products
• Why ingredient sourcing and quality control matter so much
• My absolute favorite WithSimplicity products (including that foundation I can't shut up about!)
• The fascinating world of holistic aesthetics and facial massage
• How Irina built her clean beauty empire before it was trendy
• What's coming next from With Simplicity (spoiler: new products in 2025!)

Irina is truly one of my favorite clean beauty founders, and by the end of this interview, you'll understand why. Whether you're a clean beauty newbie or a seasoned pro, you're going to love her down-to-earth approach and wealth of knowledge about holistic skincare.

Get With Simplicity for 10% off with code WENDY10

Read the shownotes here

Download the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid and become a label reading pro! 

Getting started with red light therapy with 40% off the LUMEBOX.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, please:

• Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
• 
  
• Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
• 
  
• Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
• 
  
• Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
• 
  
• Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

Read The Shownotes Here