Toxin Free (ish)

I've been releasing episodes of Toxin Free-ish each week, for 81 weeks! And in that time, I've provided tons of information and tools for you to work your way towards a more toxin-free life. Today, we're doing something a little bit different. It's time to really get to know the host beyond the insights!

My friend Suzy, who I met and immediately felt the chemistry of deep friendship with in Ecuador, is sitting to interview me. Her podcast, Unbranded with Suzy Dean, dives into a wide range of stories and experiences. Her love for plant medicine collided with my love for regenerative agriculture. Both of us care deeply about living in alignment with nature and making decisions that heal of body and the earth in the same breath.

This conversation was incredibly refreshing. Tune in to hear stories and insights that I've never actually shared on the podcast or my Instagram before. After Suzy released the episode, I got a few DMs from listeners who said they really appreciated the opportunity to get to know me better. So I thought, what better way to invite you in closer than to reshare this episode on my feed.

You can tune in to the Unbranded podcast here.

In this episode, we're chatting about:

• How and why I became an environmental toxins attorney 
• The experience with my daughters severe eczema that changed our lives forever 
• Why I work with Young Living and don't shy away from MLMs 
• What gives me hope in the environmental/health space 

Read the show notes 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

I asked Kori Estrada and Dr. Derek, the Founders of Risewell toothpaste, to come on and talk about toothpaste ingredients, their rigorous and transparent testing and how they were handling the (now dismissed)  PFAS lawsuit.

This episode is packed with expert insights and real-life experiences to help you make more informed choices for your oral and overall health. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we're chatting about: 

• Risewell's origin story
• How Risewell created a toxin-free toothpaste that actually works 
• How Risewell is making edible toothpaste for children 
• Behind the scenes into the lawsuit against Risewell 

Shop Risewell and use code WENDYKATHRYN10 to save 10%

Check out my Blog and Read the Show Notes HERE

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

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

Imagine transforming your household into a haven of health without causing friction among your loved ones. I just wrapped up another cohort of Toxin Free in 3 and the question "how can I get my family on board?" came up a lot.

It's easy to implement changes if you have young ones and you're the only one calling the shots. That used to be my experience! But in the past few years, everything has changed now that I have a husband and teenagers. Teenagers tend to have a lot to say about the products in your home. It's important to them to be on top of trends and if a classmate has that cool new perfume, they want it too.

So today, I'm giving you my honest tips for navigating resistance to change in your household. Here's the thing: gradual changes are key and compromise is a non-negotiable. At the end of the day, everyone has to have autonomy over their choices. So if you have to look at a toxic shampoo in the shower, you might just have to grin and bear it every now and then.

In this episode, we're chatting about: 

• Why it's important to be ready to educate your loved ones 
• How to introduce change in baby steps 
• Ideas for gifting healthier products to introduce change to friends 
• The power of preparing before a shopping trip 

Read the shownotes

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

The fact that over 16 different heavy metals were found in tampons being sold in multiple countries, including the U. S. recently rocked news outlets. So today, we're breaking down a groundbreaking study from Environment International, revealing that both conventional and organic tampons sold in the US and Europe contain 16 different heavy metals.

From lead-laden non-organic brands to arsenic hiding in organic ones, we trace these contaminants back to intentional additives and environmental pollution. Unfortunately, ingredient transparency is limited as tampons are classified as medical devices.

But what are your other options? So many of us have become so accustomed to tampons that switching up that routine is going to take a moment. You want to find the option that makes sense with your lifestyle, fits your budget and feels comfortable. So let's talk about it! Is a GOTS certification necessary? What even is a GOTS certification? We'll cover all of your burning questions!

In this episode, we're chatting about: 

• Why heavy metals in tampons matters to your health 
• The science behind the study that found these metals 
• Why are heavy metals in tampons? 
• What are some healthier alternatives? 
• SHOP my top picks for GOTS certified tampons

Read the shownotes

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

93 percent of Americans according to the CDC, have detectable levels of BPA in their blood. But what does a “BPA Free” label even mean? Everytime you go shopping for plastic products like Tupperware, water bottles, etc. you’re faced with this message. 

I think a lot of people see “BPA free” as the start and end to the toxin risk in these products. But are BPA free products actually safer? Or are we just swapping one problem for another? 

BPA belongs to a larger class of chemicals called Bisphenols. There are a lot of bisphenols out there. But BPA is the one that is most widely known and the one that has been studied the longest. In the 1950s, it was discovered to make plastic sturdier. So that’s why BPAs are even used in the first place! 

We now have a lot of scientific data that shows a correlation between BPAs and heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, metabolic disorders, diabetes, childhood asthma, fertility issues, recurring miscarriages, birth defects, ADHD, anxiety, and so much more. This chemical is bad news. So tune in to this episode to learn more about what you can do to protect your family against it. Because unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as just reading a label. 

In this episode, we’re chatting about: 

• What BPAs are and why they are found in plastic products 
• The health risks associated with BPA products 
• Global regulations and BPA free marketing
• How to find safer alternatives 

Read the shownotes

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

What's the big deal with regenerative agriculture?  I often say that it is regenerative agriculture that will save the world, and it's true.  Regenerative farming can do absolute wonders for our planet, our food supply, the air we breath and so much more. 

Today I'm joined by Brett Packer, executive director of Young Living Essential Oils Farms. We're unpacking the potential of regenerative agriculture and how it differs from industrial and organic farming practices. 

He sheds light on how thriving soil ecosystems not only enhance our food's nutrient density but also mitigate the extensive environmental damage caused by industries like fast fashion. Industrial agriculture's post-WWII shift has had detrimental effects on our soil, water, and health. 

In this episode you'll learn:

• How industrial farming destroys the environment
• The difference between organic and regenerative farming
• How pesticides impact our gut health
• The impact of nutrients in our food
• Young Living's regenerative agriculture philosophy
• Learn more about Young Living's Farms

Want to try Young Living Essentials Oils?   Choose your bundle here.  Use code SHAREYL to save 10% off your first order. 

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

The makers of the popular toothpaste brand RiseWell were sued recently. Why? Well, two moms in the state of California filed suit and claimed that they took their mineral kids toothpaste, sent it off to a lab and it tested positive for PFAS chemicals.

Now, RiseWell markets their toothpaste as PFAS free, as clean, as non toxic, as safe to swallow. These moms are claiming that that is actually not true. And in fact, their toothpaste is full of PFAS. So today, we’re diving into the details and chatting about whether or not this lawsuit holds merit. Spoiler alert: my daughter is still using RiseWell toothpaste as we speak.

With many people pulling their support for RiseWell until this lawsuit is settled, I feel a deep responsibility to speak up. Here’s the thing: I have a close working knowledge of RiseWell and their practices because of my affiliate relationship with them. I would never recommend any company without properly vetting them and asking the hard questions. And RiseWell has been nothing but impressive to me with their testing and transparency.

Unfortunately, small companies are a target for people that are looking for a payday. So listen to the episode to understand why I’m standing behind Risewell as a company!

Read the shownotes

Purchase Risewell products here (use code WENDYKATHRYN10)

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

• How this lawsuit came about in the first place
• The questions and processes I went through with Risewell before becoming an affiliate and including them on my shopping guide
• How I think this lawsuit is going to pan out
• Why it’s important to me to clearly stand behind Risewell

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

When you're making a nice meal for your family, the last thing you want to do is worry about chemicals leaching into their food from the pots and pans. And on the flip side of the same coin, it also stinks to have a bunch of crusty food firmly stuck to the pans once you're done.

It's a constant battle between convenience and health. Of course, the idea of non-stick pans is very appealing. But, as you might remember from our episode all about PFAs, ingredients like Teflon can pose a major risk to your health. So today, I'm taking you through three categories of cookware. We'll start with the "avoid at all cost" pots and pans and how to spot them on your next shopping trip.

Then, we'll move on to the convenient and not-quite-as-bad for you category.   I'll take you through the pros and cons of PFAS-free nonstick coatings from brands like GreenPan and Caraway (trust me, I've tried them all). Generally, the options in this category have a short life span and might end up costing you more in the long run.

And finally, we've got the toxin-free options I swear by! Keep in mind - these still have their drawbacks when it comes to convenience and cost. So at the end of the day, it's all about making the decision that makes the most sense for you and your family with all of the information at your fingertips!

Read the shownotes to shop my favorite cookware

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

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 diagnosed with Hashimoto's and wondering whether or not it's possible to actually heal, this episode is for you.  Disclaimer: I'm not giving medical advice in this episode, these are simply my experiences. After polling my audience, 80% of you wanted to hear about my journey in healing Hashimoto's, so that's what you're getting in today's episode. 

Getting the hashimoto's diagnosis can feel so disheartening, especially when doctors are telling you this is just your new norm. Hopefully, this episode gives you hope that it actually is possible to feel better. 

Here's a quick peak at the five things I did to heal:

1. Test, don't guess

2. Cutting out gluten

3. No more high intensity work outs

4. Red light therapy

5. Addressed chronically high stress levels

Now, I was resistant to many of these changes. I won't pretend that healing happened overnight! But with dedication and time, I can happily say that I feel a thousand times better than I did years ago upon getting that diagnosis.

Read the shownotes

Get $250 off LUMEBOX

Get 15% off Bon Charge with code WENDYKATHRYN

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

Could you be unknowingly exposing your family to lead? Most of the time, people don't start testing for lead until after the exposure, and maybe even poisoning, has already occurred. Today's guest, Eric Ritter, noticed this issue and made it his mission to make testing a more preventative measure.

Eric Ritter, also known as @EricEverythingLead on Instagram, is a great resource if you're feeling any anxiety about lead exposure! First, he developed an affordable swab test. But once he realized how the tests were being used in a reactionary way, he created a product that encourages preventative use. The Fluoro-Spec Test, a glowing lead detection kit that is transforming how we identify lead contamination in our homes.

In this episode, we delve into the science behind lead testing kits, address the issue of false positives with traditional lead tests, and underscore the importance of precision in public health. From the dishes in your china cabinet to the water you're drinking every day, lead exposure is a risk. But let's not get too obsessive about it! It's also not healthy or possible to try to avoid lead exposure all together.

Lead contamination is not just an issue of the past; it continues to affect many households, especially older ones. Eric and I discuss the exacerbating factors like water quality issues, drawing parallels to infamous cases such as Flint, Michigan. We offer practical advice on mitigating lead exposure, the historical context of lead poisoning, and the psychological impact on parents.

Learn about the importance of monitoring water quality, testing household items, and staying vigilant against environmental toxins to ensure your family's safety. Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to combat lead contamination effectively.

Grab an at home test kit and use code WENDY10 for 10% off

Read more in 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