What does it take to cultivate a healthy home without getting blindsided by costly mistakes? 

Ashley Spanovich of Awakening Spaces shares her deeply personal journey into healthy home design and how environmental exposures shaped both her health and her career. She explains why planning, education, and the right team matter far more than chasing the lowest rates or design trends. Ashley unpacks why so many homeowners regret expensive building and renovation decisions, from breaking ground without a solid plan to relying on DIY fixes that ignore building science. Learn about the hidden risks in new builds and older homes, practical steps you can take today to support your health, and why focusing on minimizing risk leads to better outcomes. 

Grounded in building science, this conversation will help you move from overwhelm to confident, intentional action.

 Episode Highlights:

• What is Ashley’s personal health journey and how did it lead her to the work she does today? 

• What are some of the pros and cons of building a new home from a health perspective? 

• What are some of the pros and cons of living in an older home? 

• Which popular design trends may unintentionally create health risks in the home? 

• What are a few simple, practical steps homeowners can take right now to improve the health of their homes? 

• What is one of Ashley’s most eye-opening client stories, and what can listeners learn from it? 

Links mentioned in interview:
Healthy Home Makeover - Interview with Ashley Spanovich & Amanda Boldin: https://changetheairfoundation.org/healthy-home-makeover/

EMF Research: https://awakeningspaces.com/2025/05/19/emf-research-2/

Get in touch with our guest:
Website: https://awakeningspaces.com

Instagram: @awakeningspaces

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation: 
 https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
 https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

What if the most important factor in navigating mold inspection and remediation is not the number of tests performed, but a homeowner’s ability to think calmly and clearly? 

In this thoughtful conversation, Andrew Melrose of Melrose Mold Solutions challenges overreliance on testing and reframes mold inspection as a true “health procedure for the home.” 

Drawing on years of education and hundreds of on-site assessments, Andrew explains why thorough inspection, homeowner intuition, and calm, informed decision-making are more effective than fear-based reactions or quick fixes. He offers practical guidance on how to vet professionals, interpret mold stories with discernment, and make decisions without spiraling into panic. 

Woven throughout the episode is a steady message of hope, highlighting the role of community, gratitude, and the possibility that even difficult mold journeys can lead to empowerment and purpose.

Episode Highlights

• What is Andrew’s personal health journey, and how did it inspire him to dedicate his career to helping others? (5:59)
• What pitfalls do people often get stuck in, and how can people recognize and avoid them? (12:55)
• Why isn’t testing the first step in finding mold? What is the first step, and when does testing become useful? (21:46)
• What are some of the most interesting situations Andrew has encountered during mold inspections? (28:02)
• What advice does Andrew offer about reading mold-related stories on the internet? (30:03)
• How can people move out of fear or panic when dealing with mold concerns? (36:51)
• What message of hope does Andrew want listeners to take away from this episode? (43:13)

Links mentioned in interview:
Start Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/

Questions to Ask When Hiring an IEP: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sdm_downloads/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-an-indoor-environmental-professional-iep/

Mold Remediation At a Glance: https://changetheairfoundation.org/remediation-guide/

Get in touch with our guest:
Website: https://melrosemoldsolutions.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melrosemoldsolutions/videos

Instagram: @melrosemoldsolutions

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Can mold hidden behind your walls really affect the air you breathe and your health? 

Jessica McQuade answers this common (and hotly debated) question with a clear, evidence-based “yes.” Using real-life demonstrations and visuals, she explains how air pressure, wall penetrations, and everyday household activities can pull contaminants from hidden spaces directly into your living area.

Have a question about mold, water damage, or indoor air quality?

Submit it to Ask Change the Air, our ongoing monthly Q&A series featuring expert insights based on real questions from homeowners and renters.

📩 Submit your question:
[email protected]

While we can’t answer every question directly, your submission helps guide future episodes and educational resources.

🔔 Don’t miss new episodes
Stay informed and catch each new release by subscribing below:

📧  Newsletter:
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🎧 Podcast – Your Indoor Air Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

💻  YouTube:
   / @changetheairfoundation3440  

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Where do molds like Stachybotrys and Chaetomium hide in homes? 

Jessica McQuade explains exactly where she finds them most often and why understanding mold ecology matters more than test results alone. From backside drywall and baseboards to shower walls, flooring, and hidden framing, you’ll learn how bulk water and cellulose-based materials create the perfect conditions for these molds to thrive.

Have a question about mold, water damage, or indoor air quality?

Submit it to Ask Change the Air, our ongoing monthly Q&A series featuring expert insights based on real questions from homeowners and renters.

📩 Submit your question:
[email protected]

While we can’t answer every question directly, your submission helps guide future episodes and educational resources.

🔔 Don’t miss new episodes
Stay informed and catch each new release by subscribing below:

📧  Newsletter:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/st...

🎧 Podcast – Your Indoor Air Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

💻  YouTube:
   / @changetheairfoundation3440 

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

What if the key to uncovering hidden mold in your home had four legs, an extraordinarily sensitive nose, and a partner who knows exactly how to verify what she finds? 

In this episode, Lindsay Reeves introduces us to Hope, a highly trained mold-detection dog whose remarkable abilities help reveal problems that often remain invisible to the eye. Lindsay explains how Hope works alongside her husband, Blake, a certified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP), to deliver a powerful, complementary inspection approach that combines canine detection with same-day professional inspection and testing. She breaks down what happens during a mold dog inspection, why pairing it with an IEP is critical, and how this team approach can prevent costly remediation mistakes. You’ll also learn how Hope is continually trained, which species of mold she can detect, and the safety considerations and limitations of using a mold dog. 

If you’ve been chasing your tail trying to find the source of your home’s mold problem, this episode might finally help you sniff out the answer.

Episode Highlights

• What do mold detection dogs do, and how does a mold dog inspection work compared to a traditional IEP inspection? (3:10)

• What happens after a mold dog alerts, and what role does the IEP play in verification, inspection, and testing? (5:53)

• How does Hope detect mold in hidden or inaccessible spaces without physically reaching them? (7:28)

• Which species of mold is Hope trained to detect, and how is she trained to do this work? (8:59)

• What are the limitations of mold detection dogs, and how do they distinguish between indoor mold growth and outdoor spores entering the home? (12:21)

• How does Lindsay protect Hope’s health and safety while working in mold-affected environments? (16:32)

• How should homeowners prepare for a mold dog inspection, and what should they expect during the process? (19:25)

• How many mold issues does Hope typically alert to in a home, and are false positives or false negatives possible? (22:06)

• What are some of the most surprising mold discoveries Hope has made during inspections? (25:01)

• What should people know about properly training a mold detection dog, and why does training quality matter? (28:03)

 Links mentioned in interview:

A Cry for Help: The Reeves Family’s Journey Through Mold Illness – Interview with Lindsay and Blake Reeves: https://changetheairfoundation.org/a-cry-for-help-the-reeves-familys-journey-through-mold-illness/

What’s That Smell? MVOCs & Mold – Interview with Jason Earle: https://changetheairfoundation.org/whats-that-smell-mvocs-mold/

Start Here – Mold in the Home: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-home/

Get in touch with our guest:
Phone: 479-383-2911
Website: Hopethemolddog.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Hope the Mold Dog
Instagram: @hopethemolddog

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:  
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition

Should the men and women protecting our country be expected to live in barracks riddled with mold, pest infestations, collapsing ceiling tiles, broken locks, and other dangerous conditions? 

In this compelling interview, veteran Rob Evans reveals how he is providing service members living in barracks with a safe, anonymous way to document unsafe living environments and receive help through his app Hots and Cots. Rob explains how the app is helping to solve problems, empower troops, and bring important safety issues directly to leaders who are often unaware of the hazards occurring under their command. From mold problems to surprising wins that have improved conditions for service members, Rob shows how Hots and Cots is becoming a powerful voice for those living in barracks. 

Tune in to hear why clean, safe, and healthy housing is not a perk but essential for the readiness and well-being of our military.

Episode Highlights

·      What does the Hots & Cots app do for service members?  (2:01)

·      What are living conditions in military barracks like? (3:53)

·      Do users need to worry about retaliation when submitting reviews? (6:23)

·      How do simple safety features such as functioning parking lot lights affect troops? (10:48)

·      What problems has the app helped resolve and how have leaders responded? (12:42)

·      What has surprised Rob the most about the app’s impact? (16:57)

·      How has the military community responded to the app? (19:20)

·      How is the app sustained and funded? (21:41)

·      What does the future hold for Hots & Cots? (23:10)

Links mentioned in interview:
Hots & Cots App: https://www.hotscots.app

Mold in the Military: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-military/

Start Here: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/

Get in touch with our guest:
Contact Rob Evans: [email protected]

https://x.com/hotscots_app

https://www.instagram.com/hots_cots_app

https://www.facebook.com/hotsandcots/

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:  
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Are hidden hazards in military housing threatening the health and readiness of America’s service members? 

In this moving episode, attorney Kristina Baehr and Change the Air Foundation’s Michael Rubino expose the shocking realities inside privatized military housing across the United States, where toxins such as mold, asbestos, and lead are making families seriously sick. Despite a Tenant Bill of Rights designed to protect residents, reports of fraudulent repairs, gaslighting, and withheld test results continue to emerge. Kristina and Michael reveal the systemic failures that allow unsafe housing to persist, how toxic exposures are impacting military readiness, and what steps families can take to protect themselves. 

This compelling conversation exposes one of the nation’s biggest scandals and empowers military families to speak up and demand the safe, healthy homes they deserve.

Episode Highlights

• Why did the military move to privatized housing in the 1990s? (3:52)
• What conditions are military families facing in privatized housing today? (5:59)
• How do housing companies avoid real repairs and instead “put lipstick on a pig”? (8:23)
• What excuses do companies give tenants to avoid fixing serious issues? (12:44)
• What really happens when military families submit work orders for repairs? (22:39)
• How are companies getting away with neglecting maintenance and accountability? (25:56)
• What was the goal of the Tenant Bill of Rights, and why is it failing families? (29:55)
• How did one family’s health crisis caused by privatized military housing push them to appeal to Congress for help? (32:52)
• Why is it so hard for military families to leave privatized housing? (38:48)
• What steps should families take if they suspect mold, water damage, or other hazards are present in their privatized military housing? (43:47)

Links mentioned in interview:

Building a Legal Case With Kristina Baehr:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/building-a-legal-case/

Mold Law 101 With Kristina Baehr:
https://www.changetheairsummit.org/videos/home-focused/mold-law-101/

Mold in the Military:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-military/

Get in touch with our guest:
Kristina Baehr at Just Well Law:
https://www.well.law

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation: 
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the chemicals inside your home once they leave the bottle… or the carpet, paint, or sofa? 

Dr. Charles Weschler joins us to unpack the surprising science of indoor chemistry, revealing how modern materials quietly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air, onto dust, and even through your skin. He explains how post–World War II innovations such as synthetic compounds, polymers, and chemical additives found in everything from carpets to cleaners to flame retardants can contribute to indoor air pollution and affect your health. 

Dr. Weschler offers simple, science-backed strategies to minimize exposure, while warning against chemical-producing cleaning devices that may do more harm than good. 

Tune in to discover how small changes in your cleaning habits and home environment can lead to big improvements in your indoor air and your health.

Episode Highlights

·      What is indoor chemistry and what are VOCs?  (4:45)

·      What are some surprising sources of chemical exposures in our homes, and how do those chemicals interact in indoor air? (7:49)

·      How do modern indoor chemicals impact human health? (13:33)

·      How does dermal absorption of indoor chemicals occur? (17:01)

·      What’s the healthiest way to clean and reduce chemical exposure? (22:58)

·      How does ozone affect us indoors? (32:36)

·      Are chemical-generating cleaning devices helpful or hurtful? (37:50) 

·      What are the best solutions to reduce and prevent harmful chemical emissions indoors? (44:29)

To see a complete list of links mentioned in this interview, visit ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Get in touch with our guest:

Dr. Charles Weschler’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cweschler/

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:  

https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter: 

https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Think all HVAC companies are the same?

Before you sign your next contract, hear what Becky Callegan has to share. From verifying certifications and warranties to recognizing best installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting practices, you’ll learn how to distinguish true professionals from corner-cutters. 

With insider tips, actionable checklists, and empowering questions to bring to your contractor, you’ll leave this class knowing what to expect, how to evaluate, and how to hire your next HVAC provider with confidence.

In this mini class, you’ll learn:

• Which certifications and licenses your HVAC contractor should hold. (3:46)
• What you should know about contractors and sizing HVAC equipment. (8:15)
• Paying for having manuals run, and how long the calculation process should take. (17:19)
• Receiving a copy of the manuals run, and what you should look for in those manuals. (22:33)
• What to listen for when asking your contractor if they commission their work. (26:20)
• What should be included in HVAC installation warranties. (33:26)
• What you should know about routine HVAC maintenance. (38:24)
• What you should expect from your contractor when troubleshooting your HVAC. (51:34)
• What to do if your contractor finds mold or microbial growth in your HVAC. (53:34)

Watch More Episodes From Our HVAC + D Mini Class Series here:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-hvac-d/

Thank You To Our Sponsor!
Santa Fe Dehumidifiers: www.santa-fe-products.com

Links Mentioned in This Interview:
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): https://www.acca.org/home

National Comfort Institute (NCI): https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com

Understanding HVAC Maintenance: What Every Homeowner and Renter Should Know by Becky Callegan: https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-hvac-maintenance-what-every-homeowner-and-renter-should-know/?blm_aid=0

Start Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-home/

Learn More About Change The Air Foundation:
https://www.changetheairfoundation.org

Sign Up For Our Newsletter:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.

Could mold, Lyme, or other hidden pathogens trigger an immune response so powerful that it actually rewires the body’s defenses? 

In this highly informative episode, Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres of CIRS Lab takes us on a deep dive into Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). He unpacks the science of how biotoxins from water-damaged buildings, bacteria, and chronic infections can drive the immune system into a constant state of dysregulation. You’ll gain clarity on the most effective testing options for diagnosing CIRS, hear the latest research linking it to neurological decline, and be inspired by real stories of remarkable recovery. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious, this episode delivers cutting-edge insights to help you understand CIRS and discover hopeful paths toward healing.

Episode Highlights

· What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and what causes and symptoms define it? (4:04)

· Do you need a genetic predisposition to develop CIRS? (14:56)

· How is CIRS diagnosed, and why is it so challenging? (17:28)

· What can trigger CIRS? (23:09)

· Why does CIRS make it harder for the body to fight Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella? (25:47)

· How common are tick-borne infections, and what makes them difficult to diagnose? (30:45)

· What is the best test for Lyme and coinfections? (36:51)

· What is Dr. Navarro-Torres’ personal story of recovering from CIRS? (40:13)

· What does the latest research reveal about CIRS? (45:21)

· How is CIRS linked to neurodegeneration? (50:53)
· What’s the newest way to complete NeuroQuant testing? What did imaging show in a patient whose brain began to heal from CIRS? (57:39)

Links mentioned in interview:

Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test: https://www.vcstest.com

Ritchie Shoemaker, Dennis House, and James Ryan, Structural brain abnormalities in patients with inflammatory illness acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings: A volumetric MRI study using NeuroQuant®: https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/Structural_Brain_Abnormalities_in_Patients.PDF

Start Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/

IGeniX Inc.: https://igenex.com

Dr. Dale Bredesen’s books: https://www.apollohealthco.com/books/

Get in touch with our guest:
CIRS Lab: https://www.cirslab.com

CIRS Research Foundation: https://cirs-research-foundation.org

Instagram: @cirslab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CIRSlab

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cirslab

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation: 
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or c