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

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

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/

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/

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

Could toxic mold exposure at work be mistaken for something as serious as Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)? In this episode, attorney Ryan Schnack shares his harrowing journey about how he became gravely ill from exposure to mold inside the courthouse where he worked. From shocking air test results showing mold at hundreds of times above safe levels to the disbelief and pushback he and his colleagues faced when speaking out, Ryan’s story reveals both the personal and professional toll of mold illness, as well as the systemic failures that allow unsafe public buildings to remain occupied and unremediated. His persistence not only led to groundbreaking legislation in Illinois, but also highlights the urgent need for stronger laws, proper testing and remediation, and grassroots advocacy to protect workers. This episode is a powerful reminder that safe indoor air should be a priority at work, just as much as at home.

Episode Highlights

· How did Ryan get sick, and what made him realize his workplace was the cause? (4:01)

· How did people respond when Ryan said mold in the courthouse was making people sick?  (13:11)

·What did the indoor environmental professional (IEP) find, and how did the county respond? (17:30)

·What is toxic tort? (25:03)

·What happened as a result of a second courthouse inspection? (26:52)

·What has Ryan’s experience been speaking out, knowing it could affect his career? (32:30)

·How is Ryan’s health after reducing exposure, and how have his relationships been affected? (41:28)

·What is Ryan’s message to employers and public building managers? (44:29)

·What first steps does Ryan recommend if someone suspects mold at work? (51:25)

Links mentioned in interview:
Policy & Advocacy: https://changetheairfoundation.org/policy-advocacy/

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

Toxic Classrooms: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools - Interview with Lisa Greenfield: https://changetheairfoundation.org/toxic-classrooms-improving-indoor-air-quality-in-schools/

Sick at School: How Toxic Mold Impacts Student Health - Interview with the Lee and Strezewski Families: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-how-toxic-mold-impacts-student-health/

Sick at School: A Teacher’s Battle Against Mold - Interview With Michelle Fisher: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-a-teachers-battle-against-mold/

Sick at School: How Toxic Mold Impacts Student Health

https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-how-toxic-mold-impacts-student-health/

Mold In the Workplace: Vanessa’s Story – Interview With Vanessa Johnson: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-workplace-vanessas-story/?blm_aid=44928001

Get in touch with our guest:
Ryan’s website: https://www.ryanschnacklaw.com

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

What if one of the most overlooked influences on learning isn’t curriculum or technology, but the very air students and teachers breathe? Former teacher turned indoor air quality advocate Lisa Greenfield exposes how aging buildings, deferred maintenance, and misguided cost-saving measures are triggering mold growth, illness, and cognitive harm in schools across America. 

With some estimates claiming up to 90% of U.S. schools have inadequate ventilation, Lisa explains her “Assess, Address, Assure” framework and breaks down the gap between what ASHRAE recommends and the reality in classrooms. From air-exchange rates to school building ventilation strategies, you’ll learn how cleaner air can dramatically improve health, attendance, and even deliver up to a 60% financial return for school districts. This is a wake-up call for anyone invested in the healthy future of our schools, students, and staff.

Episode Highlights

·       What led Lisa to become an indoor air quality advocate? (3:39)

·       How did Lisa’s healthcare providers respond when she suggested her health problems might be due to mold exposure? (7:02)

·       How did Lisa’s school respond when she said the air quality at school was making her sick? (8:54)

·       What issues are American school buildings facing, and how are these conditions affecting student and staff health?  (13:43)

·       What is building ventilation? (18:54)

·       Is there a standard for how often air should be replaced in public spaces? What does ASHRAE recommend? (20:59)

·       How frequently is air exchanged in most schools? (23:32)

·       What do studies say about cost savings of improving ventilation in schools? (24:50)

·       What is Lisa’s AAA prevention approach, and what real-world strategies can schools and families use to stay proactive? (28:38)

·       Did COVID-19 create lasting momentum for improved ventilation in schools? (31:30)

·       What’s the best way to start a conversation with your school about indoor air improvements? (35:40)

·       What is federal bill H.R.9131 — Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2024? (39:28)

Links mentioned in interview:

 American Society of Civil Engineers: A Comprehensive Assessment of America’s Influence  2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Executive-Summary-2025-Natl-IRC-WEB.pdf

Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2024: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9131/text

The EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit:
 https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-tools-schools-action-kit

Center for Green Schools                                                         https://www.usgbc.org/resources/school-iaq-fact-sheets-entire-series

 Get in touch with our guest:
 http://linkedin.com/in/lisa-greenfield-1000000

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the prac

How far would you go to protect your child if they became sick from mold at school?

In this powerful interview, parents Patrick Lee and John and Lindsay Strezewski share how their children were severely impacted by mold exposure in one Chicago-area school and their relentless fight for change. From intense dizziness and wheelchairs to months of missed school and legal battles, their stories reveal a disturbing lack of accountability within the school system and the fierce determination of parents unwilling to back down. Discover how these two families became passionate advocates, pushing for proper testing, bringing attention to hidden water damage, and challenging the administration, all while navigating the painful road to healing. 

This episode will inform and inspire you and is a must-listen for any parent concerned about clean air in schools.

Episode Highlights

·     What symptoms did Patrick’s son’s experience, and how did he trace them back to the school? (2:51)

·      What health issues did Strezewski’s daughter face while attending the school? (8:24)

·      Did the school conduct any mold or mycotoxin testing? Why did Patrick conduct independent testing, and what did he discover? (12:36)

·      Were others affected by mold exposure in the same school? (18:35)

·      What do these parents want school administrators to understand about environmental safety in schools? How did the administration respond when Strezewski’s requested a transfer? (22:47)

·      How are both children doing now emotionally and physically? (30:29)

·      What advice do these parents offer to others navigating mold exposure in schools? (34:13)

Other interviews in our back to school series:
Sick at School: A Teacher’s Battle with Mold Illness with Michele Fischer https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-a-teachers-battle-against-mold/

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

Links mentioned in interview:
Change the Air Foundation’s Policy & Advocacy work: https://changetheairfoundation.org/policy-advocacy/

Get in touch with our guests:
Clean Air 4 Kidz: https://www.cleanair4kidz.org

Parent Advocacy 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.

What would you do if the classroom you taught in was riddled with mold? 

In this moving episode, former teacher Michele Fisher recounts how her once-joyful classroom became a nightmare of moldy books, stained ceiling tiles, and air so contaminated it made her sick. Despite visible damage and a formal diagnosis of mold toxicity, school officials dismissed her concerns and refused proper testing or remediation. Michele had to make the agonizing choice between her health and her livelihood. Now, she has pivoted her career to help others facing similar battles. 

Tune in for tips on how to navigate toxic air in schools and hear Michele’s inspiring story of illness, advocacy, and hope.

Episode Highlights

·      What happened when Michele first encountered mold at the school where she worked? (2:44)

·      How did the school respond when Michele showed evidence of moldy material in her classroom? (8:11)

·      What ultimately happened with Michele’s role at the school? (16:39)

·      How does mold in schools affect students? (18:32)

·      What would Michele do differently, and what advice does she have for teachers going through similar situations? (20:24)

·      What changes would Michele like to see regarding mold and water damage in schools? (24:19)

·      How is Michele using her experience to help others? (26:34)

Links mentioned in interview:

Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-indoor-air-quality-schools

“ADA 101 for CIRS & Mold Illness: Tips to Navigate the Reasonable Accommodation Process Successfully” by Vanessa Johnson: https://changetheairfoundation.org/ada-101-for-cirs-mold-illnesstips-to-navigate-the-reasonable-accommodation-process-successfully/

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

Get in touch with our guest:
Safestart Environmental: https://safestartiaq.com

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.