Episodes on Non-Toxic Living
We expose ourselves to endocrine disruptors each and every day -- most of the time we aren’t even aware of it.
In this episode, I share with you six areas of concern for exposure to these toxins from within our very own homes. If we aren't conscious or careful, we run the risk of low-dosed and prolonged exposure that can negatively impact our health in the long run.
Episode Highlights:
Everyday toxins we might not be aware of
Endocrine Disruptors and where we can find them
What we can do to lessen our exposure
Decluttering is more than just cleaning up. It’s organizing your environment and keeping yourself better in control of what you surround yourself with.
Clutter can be associated with laziness but this isn’t always the case. Often, there are deeper reasons behind clutter, and sometimes professional help can help explore and address this.
As a Functional Nutrition and Human Design Health Coach, I find that our environments play a bigger role than just being our surroundings.
In the last episode, I talked about hidden mold, but how about a problem much more visible to us?
Before we get into how to declutter, let’s first ask why we have disorganization and clutter, to begin with?
Joining me to help us answer this question is Carly Adams, a professional organizer, and owner of Tidy Revival.
Episode Highlights:
What a personal organizer does, Carly’s personal story with clutter, and how she organized her life
Big mistakes people make when decluttering and Carly’s steps to take instead
How to stay organized after decluttering
Practical tips to organize your mail, closet, laundry, storage, and much more!
Environmental impacts on our health are very real. Oftentimes we don’t even consider them as a reason for why we’re feeling sick, especially within our own homes.
Returning to the podcast is my friend, teacher, and mentor, Lara Adler, an Environmental Toxins expert and educator.
Lara joins me today to share her own personal story in dealing with mold.
Silent and unseen, mold can drastically affect your health especially when you have underlying conditions.
Lara goes into detail about her own struggle with mold, sharing:
The signs and symptoms
How she came to suspect and confirm mold exposure
The steps she’s taken to remediate mold
What’s worked, what hasn’t, and what life is like now
Lara also shares and provides context into what she’s learned through in-depth research.
After I first started on my journey to better health, I hit a plateau when I felt I wasn’t progressing as timely as expected.
When I consulted my doctor about it, I learned that sometimes the devil is in the details-- and I might not have been making the best decisions in the products I was using daily.
My doctor asked me, “What about toxins in your home? What’s in your tap water? Your everyday things?” and that’s what got me on this journey to discover the better, safer alternatives to my everyday products.
From makeup and personal care products to the Teflon pans and cookware we use. Though we may not be exposed to large quantities at a time, using these things daily exposes us to harmful chemicals that add to our toxic load, so much so that we can eventually feel its effects on our health.
In this episode you’ll hear me discuss:
My journey and struggles to better health and how environmental toxins landed on my radar
Everyday products that you’re using that can affect your health
Reducing our toxic load
Shifting to clean beauty and the unexpected but welcomed improvements it had on my skin and my confidence
Over the past 2+ years of the show, I’ve shared my health journey in a number of episodes, but recently I had an experience that shifted the context of how I view my health.
It’s had such a profound impact on me so, in this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes with an update of what’s going on in my health and how a slightly different approach in tracking is helping me to get to know my body in a whole new way with a fresh perspective.
So you want to live a cleaner lifestyle but it’s overwhelming and you don’t know quite where to start. That’s where Emily Popson comes in.
Emily is the founder of the Pop of Health community and the creator of The Non Tox Box™, a series of stylishly curated and impactful boxes, with products to help you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in items that you use every day.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How the Pop of Health Community and The Non Tox Box™ came to be
How Emily runs these businesses as side hustles to her full-time job as a woman in tech
The role exposure to toxins played in both of our early development and the emotional challenges we experienced from it
A behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Emily curates each The Non Tox Box™ and a preview into the next soon-to-be-released bundle!
Gluten-Free vs Grain-Free. Organic vs Pastured. Eco-Friendly vs Safer vs Chemical Free vs Green vs Sustainable.
Its confusing to know what all these terms mean, right (we know because they’re some of the most frequently asked questions that we get)?!
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by my good friend Katie Leadbetter of @cleaneatingwithkatie for a casual conversation as we debunk these terms and offer our thoughts on navigating around them.
Would you run before you can walk? Just like you can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet, you also can’t medicate or even supplement your way out of one either.
If you want to address the root causes of your health complaints and find a resolution for them, then the environment that your symptoms and illness manifested itself in needs to be addressed.
A sensible, flexible and bio-individual way to do this is through the Functional Nutrition framework. This is the framework that I’ve structured my health coaching services around and take all of my clients through.
So in this new mini-series of The Live FAB Life Podcast, I’m walking you through each step of this framework. In this first episode you’ll hear:
Why its critical to establish a solid foundation by removing obstacles to health and healing by taking care of the non-negotiables
What the non-negotiables are
How to start addressing the
In this episode, I’m joined by frequent guest (she’s been a guest here on the show more than anyone else) and friend of the program Katie Leadbetter and Alyssa Carrie.
Katie and Alyssa are both certified holistic Nutrition Consultants, 21-Day Sugar Detox Coaches, and they’re both very young cancer survivors.
Katie was on the show last October, specifically in Episodes 056, 057 and 058, sharing her experience of surviving stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer which she has been in remission for almost five years.
Alyssa was diagnosed with Lymphoma a year ago at the age of 26 and thankfully is also in remission.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Alyssa share her cancer story for the very first time. She shares how vital the Ketogenic diet was in her healing, as well as how she partnered with her oncologist to trace her steps to identify the root cause of her cancer.
You’ll also hear them both share how important self-care and personal growth was during their respective treatments
What went well during their treatments and what they found lacking
And how they’re filling that gap for cancer patients by collaborating on a new program they’ve created that launches in just a few weeks called, “The Cancer Survivor’s Course.”
It takes a special kind of vulnerability to share such personal experiences and I’m grateful that these women are brave enough to do so.
In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Richards, the founder and Lead Product Developer of SaunaSpace, makers of Near Infrared ( NIr) Saunas.
You’ll hear Brian share his personal health struggles with toxic-related acne, adrenal fatigue, brain fog, insomnia and the role that saunas played in restoring his health. He shares how his journey inspired him to create SaunaSpace to help others discover how saunas are a simple the pathway to general health and natural healing.
We also discuss:
What are Near Infrared saunas and why they are more effective than other saunas
How saunas resculpt, rebuild and restore the body against the toxic exposures of the modern world
Why they are so effective for detoxification
Sunlight and the effects that the different kinds of rays have on the body, EMFs and even the sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous systems
In this very important episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jolene Brighten. Dr. Brighten is a Functional Naturopathic Medical Doctor and nutritional biochemist with a focus in women’s endocrine health. She is recognized as a leading expert in Post-Birth Control Syndrome and the long-term side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives.
Dr. Brighten is the author of Beyond the Pill, a 30-day plan to support women on birth control, help them transition off, and eliminate symptoms of post-birth control syndrome.
We discuss:
Why the pill is problematic
What is Post-Birth Control syndrome & what to do about it
How it’s connected to mental health, heart disease, cancer, as well as acne, poor gut health, Leaky Gut Syndrome, adrenal and thyroid dysfunction, SIBO, overtraining and more
In this episode, I'm joined by Carly Lockman, an Integrative Nutritionist & herbalist who specializes in helping women navigate the various stages of fertility including menstruation, preconception, pregnancy, postpartum & menopause.
We discuss:
Investigating your ancestral history for healing traditions
Getting started with herbs
Reputable herbal sources
Botanicals best for Spring
We're wrapping up our 4-part mini-series on taking a Functional Nutrition approach towards skin health
In this episode, I pull back the curtain and share:
My decades-long struggle with chronic skin problems
How I came to Functional Nutrition
How reverse engineering my health helped me uncover the root causes of my chronic skin (and other health!) problems
How you can learn this for yourself through my Beautiful Skin for Life Bootcamp program
When it comes to your chronic skin problem have you ever been advised to focus on repairing your gut health?
But what does that even mean? What does your gut health have to do with what’s going on with your skin? How are these things related?
In this episode, Part 3 of this 4-part mini-series on taking a Functional Nutrition approach towards skin health, we’ll explore something called a “Leaky Gut” and in doing so, hopefully, make the skin + gut connection.
You'll hear:
What is a Leaky Gut
How does a gut become "leaky" with a mini anatomy lesson
The problems a leaky gut can cause
Contrary to popular belief, skincare doesn’t start at Sephora, nor does it start with Beautycounter. Skincare begins with what you’re feeding your body and what your body can with what you’re feeding it.
Because your diet and lifestyle habits - sleep, stress, and even the beauty products that you’re using -influence how your internal systems and organs in your body function - and your skin is the largest organ in your body.
In this episode, Part Two of this four-part mini-series on taking a Functional Nutrition approach towards skin health, we’ll examine four common mistakes that you’re making in your skincare and a better approach to take instead.
“I have cystic acne but my skin is super dry too.”
“Most of the time my skin is okay but I have breakouts around my cycle. I know its hormonal.”
“I have keratosis pilaris on my arms which is why I always wear long sleeves. I really want to be able to wear t-shirts and tank tops this summer.”
“I have eczema / psoriasis / rosacea, and none of the products I’ve tried has helped.
These are the kinds of things so many people have come to for looking for help with.
So in this episode, we tackle:
The two types of skin problems we struggle with
How even the best, safest products are only the first step in trying to address chronic skin problems
How to take a functional approach toward resolving skin issues
The word “detox” has gotten a bad rap because there’s been so much “noise” out there about how to detox, AND there’s different ways to do it.
In this week’s podcast episode, I break down:
What a detox really is
Why its essential in this modern world we live in
The three ways toxins enter your body
And I share ten practical and tactical tips for your detox!
What do acne and breakouts, weight gain, allergies, arthritis, even and heart disease have in common?
Well, when you peel back and layers and tease out what’s actually going on, at the root of all these things is the health of your liver and how it’s functioning (or not functioning).
About four or five years ago, I learned that I had a fatty liver, and despite doing all the things, when I got a repeat MRI earlier this year, we learned there had been no improvement.
My doc and I have spent most of this year searching and tweaking things to find answers and when I got the organic acids and other industrial toxins lab work back, all the pieces started to come together.
Because at the root of this is how well my body is able to move toxins out of it and the liver is one of the main filters in the human body.
So in this episode, I share:
How I came to learn I have a fatty liver
What the liver does
Signs of liver congestion and how this happens
What to do to support the liver
Now, I know that liver is not the most exciting topic to talk about. I mean, *I’m* fascinated by it, but for most people, it’s not a general topic of conversation.
But, you know what is?
Weight loss, hormones, fatigue, gut health and yes, even how to get clear skin.
So the next time you these things are a problem for you, and you’re thinking about what to do about it, I want you to *think functionally* and uncover what the root causes of it are — and more often than not, how your liver is functioning will be part of that equation.
We’re learning more and more that health isn’t just about diet and exercise. We’re now hearing, more than ever before, on how toxins in consumer products that we use every day, inside of our homes and on our bodies, contain harmful ingredients that’s damaging our health. They can cause confusion in our bodies, inflammation and wreak havoc on our hormones.
In this episode, I’m sharing seven safer and practical choices that you can start making TODAY to detox your home and reduce your exposure to harmful toxins, specifically phthalates, Bisphenol-A (BPA) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).
does one do it?
In this episode, I'm joined by Tami Hackbarth. Though she's now a Self-Care Coach, twenty years ago, Tami worked in politics and advocated for women's health issues. Drawing from her past professional experience, Tami explains:
The legislative process
What she worked on daily as a legislative staffer
How our voices, letters, text messages, phone calls, and votes DO in fact make a difference
How everyday people like you and I can take action TODAY and be advocates too
So much of what a cancer patient faces feel beyond their control. But there are some things can be done that will bring feelings of empowerment and support healing.
Back with us for her third and final episode this month is Katie Leadbetter of Clean Eating with Katie. In Part 3 of this four-part series, Katie speaks to those who are fighting cancer on how to bridge the gap between what doctors tell you, and what they don’t.
Katie also wrote a blog post titled, “What Will Be Your Catalyst for Change,” discusses “pink-washing” and why we don’t need more breast cancer awareness, but rather, breast health education and prevention.
There have been too many times when I’ve found out that someone that I cared about was diagnosed with cancer and I didn’t know what to say or what to do that would be appropriate and supportive.
I didn’t want to sound trite or generic. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries, especially if it wasn’t a close family member. And I certainly didn’t want to be intrusive. But I genuinely wanted to do something, yet there were times when I ended up doing nothing.
In this episode, Katie Leadbetter, of Clean Eating with Katie, is back for her second of three episodes this month, this time, with some words of advice for anyone who has a loved one who is fighting cancer. Katie wrote a blog post titled, “Five Things You Can Do for Someone with Cancer” and in this episode, we discuss what those five things are and more!
This episode is the first in a four-part mini-series on breast cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In this Part 1 of this series, I’m joined by Katie Leadbetter, a Nutrition Consultant, fellow 21-Day Sugar Coach, and at 35-years old, a breast cancer survivor.
You’ll hear Katie’s account of how she came to learn that at age 31, she had breast cancer. She shares EXACTLY what she went through, physically, mentally and emotionally in a very raw and vulnerable way.
When it comes to weight and healthy living, toxins are a critical missing piece to the conversation that’s not talked about enough but can no longer be ignored.
In this episode, I discuss:
What are obesogens
The link between toxins and weight
How unsuspecting items in your home may be interfering with or undermining the hard work you put into being fit and healthy
Actionable steps you can do to reduce your exposure to obesogens
The conventional two-dimensional approach to treating skin issues like acne is typically topical creams, along with pharmaceuticals like antibiotics or birth control pills.
The problem with this approach is that these things only suppress the symptoms while failing to address the underlying root causes of WHY these problems are happening. And even more problematic are the more significant health issues that these treatments can lead to.
In this episode, I’m discussing the what the common root causes of skin issues are, and a four-dimensional functional approach to take instead!
At some point in your life, whether during puberty, adolescence, or even well into adulthood, that acne, or other skin issues became a big concern for you. It’s frustrating, depressing, confusing, and leaves you feeling soooo self-conscious.
You may have even taken medications to treat it, but they never entirely worked, and you still had to supplement with other over-the-counter products. Have you ever wondered why this is?
In this episode, we’ll take a look at why the conventional approach to treating skin problems isn’t effective, common myths about them, and I share my story on how I struggled with acne for over thirty years and what finally resolved it!
In this episode, I’m joined by professional makeup artist and MedSpa Aesthetician, Genevieve Blair. Genevieve has worked in the skincare and makeup world for the past 11 years doing laser skin care, bridal and event makeup, and high-performance product recommendations.
A year ago she opted to switch to all non-toxic beauty and personal care products, aligning with her clean lifestyle of better nutrition and cleaner living.
In this brand new episode of The Live FAB Life Podcast, you’ll hear Genevieve share:
Her professional experience as an Aesthetician and how she came to practice safer beauty
The top tips she has to practice safer skincare in the sun
Bust through common myths and misconceptions about skincare.
My behind-the-scenes mini-series continues with a very frank and honest conversation on the emotional side and mindset of weight gain.
You’ll hear me share all about how I developed an unhealthy obsession with calories and the sense of control counting them gave me. I also talk about the temptation and effort it takes not to fall into old habits and limiting beliefs.
And I share with you the one question that helps me reframe my mindset and perspective on weight gain.
In this new episode of The Live FAB Life Podcast, I share how I came to the decision to remove my mercury dental fillings, how I prepared my body for it by focusing on supporting my immune system, adrenals, and liver, and how I’ve responded to the procedure.
Our skin is the biggest organ in the body, a big indicator of what might be going on internally, and one of the first things people see when they meet us -- so it's important to take care of it.
Today I brought along Sonia Vargas, a licensed aesthetician and skincare healer, who specializes in holistic treatment and practices. Her drive to keep learning and her passion for helping others manifest themselves in her certifications, namely; Sculptural Lifting Technique & Buccal Facial Massage, Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Connective Tissue Massage, and Reiki.
She believes that skin treatments go beyond the surface and that it’s deeply rooted in the systems of the whole body. She believes that our bodies are capable of healing themselves naturally, leading to improvement in many skin-related conditions.
Episode Highlights:
The difference between Holistic aestheticians and traditional ones
What Reflexology is and what it can do for you
Sonia’s recommended daily skincare regimen
How other body systems can affect our skin