Wise Traditions

Are you willing to take a closer look at the vaccine issue? Where does the truth lie? The media tells us that anyone who questions the efficacy of vaccines is anti-science. In fact, there are "hundreds and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies [which] document the problems with vaccines, and yet these are not being acknowledged," says our guest Leslie Manookian. In today's episode, she explores the reasons for the cover-up. She also delves into studies that show the link between vaccines and myriad illnesses such as autism, cancer, seizures, auto-immune disease, behavioral problems, speech delays, and much more. But there is no need to despair. Backed by promising studies, Leslie presents some sound alternatives to vaccinations. Leslie is the writer and producer of the award-winning documentary "The Greater Good." She encourages everyone to look into this issue carefully, as current vaccination schedules may be jeopardizing our health. Leslie says, "We have essentially swapped the short-term suppression of disease for the prospect of very expensive, very debilitating life-time chronic disease."

Don't vaccines keep us healthy and disease-free? Aren't they the greatest invention of mankind? Many of us, including Leslie Manookian, once held these beliefs. In this episode, Leslie brings to light facts found in scientific studies, books, and other resources that persuaded her to reconsider her thinking on the matter. This episode is dedicated to educating ourselves on this topic that is so very critical to our health and the health of our loved ones. Today, Leslie gives us a "peek behind the veil" of the vaccine industry. There, we discover more machinations than we may have ever imagined. She explores the purpose behind the the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Law of 1986, a law passed to protect vaccine manufacturers from liability from lawsuits. She clearly articulates the preponderance of evidence (much of it recognized by the government) that demonstrates a link between vaccinations and chronic illnesses ranging from asthma, allergies, and joint pain, to the more serious, like cognitive issues, autism, and even death. Leslie Manookian is a successful Wall Street business executive turned award-winning filmmaker. She conceived, wrote and produced the "The Greater Good" a documentary exploring vaccines. She is a board member and a chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation. She is a qualified homeopath and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a BA from Middlebury College, and M.L.C.Hom from Lakeland College of Homeopathy.

Jesse Straight is a local farmer and father of five young children. A few years back, he never would have imagined the life he leads today. As a student at the University of Virginia, Jesse was on a religious studies and pre-med track. Hear what changed the direction of his life and sparked his passion for farming--and not just any farming but sustainable farming. All of the animals at Whiffletree Farm are regularly moved to fresh pasture, receive no GMO feed, antibiotics, chemical wormers or hormones. No chemicals are used on the land, either. Jesse loves his work and wants all people to find joy and health in good food raised with integrity, on a small scale.

Whether you are just beginning to garden or whether you have had a green thumb for a while, you will glean much from today's episode with Celeste Longacre. Celeste is an author, speaker, blogger, and gardener extraordinaire. She's been gardening (and canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting) vegetables for over 35 years! Hear her describe her process, step-by-step. Learn about the importance of soil testing to optimize the nutrient content of your harvest! You'll love Celeste's down-to-earth style. And you'll learn from her what it means to live sustainably and simply.

The healthiest, most robust, vibrant, fertile peoples around the world have no refined or denatured foods in their diets. Nothing important was taken out, nor were foods unnaturally processed or changed. Dr. Weston A. Price studied people groups all around the world and found that this was one element that all of their diets had in common. This is why it is Principle #1 of 11 principles of healthy diets based on Dr. Price's findings and the continued research of the foundation. Sally Fallon Morell explains why whole, real foods, processed in traditional ways, are so critical for health. She touches on how modern processes make the nutrients in foods less available, while traditional processes improve the quality of our food and make the vitamins and minerals more accessible. She emphasizes the importance of getting our fats right, and of avoiding refined sweeteners and additives. Listen and learn how these simple, practical steps can bring about improved health and weight loss.

Kombucha is the fermented tea that is sweeping the nation! This bubbly, effervescent drink is popular because it is chock-full of enzymes, acids, and probiotics...and, quite simply, because it tastes so good! Hannah Crum, fondly known as the "Kombucha Mamma" enlightens all of us with her understanding of the drink. In today's discussion, she touts its many health benefits including improving digestion, liver detoxification, and more. For over ten years, Hannah has been brewing it herself, and through her kombuchakamp.com site she has mentored over 100,000 home brewers. Not sure what to make of it all, or how to make it yourself? Check out her "Big Book of Kombucha," released just this week. It contains over 400 recipes, in addition to a history and research section, highlighting 150 years of scientific study of this fizzy, vinegar-y drink! If you haven't been swept up by this craze just yet, you certainly will be by the time you're done listening to today's episode!

Are you a yo-yo dieter? Uptight or super careful about "clean" eating? Wherever you're coming from, nutritionist Adrienne Hew has a word for you! Adrienne has a fun, light-hearted approach to life...and to food! In France, as a young woman, she learned to slow down and get the most out of every meal. Adrienne, a podcaster and author, is known as the "Nutrition Heretic." After listening to this episode, you'll understand why. You may not agree with everything she says on the program, but you most certainly will be entertained! And you just may be inspired to approach food differently.

Have you heard about raw milk? Some say it's dangerous but others say it's an amazing food. Charlotte Smith falls into the latter camp. Listen to her story which led her from being a mother of children suffering with eczema to a mother who decided to start her own micro-dairy to sell raw milk to her community. Charlotte (whose children are now well) also has started a marketing course to help other farmers make a living selling raw milk. She is that passionate about raw milk's healing properties! Are you suffering from eczema? Allergies? Asthma? Diverticulitis? Listen closely. Perhaps you will adopt Charlotte's point of view, that food can indeed be our medicine!

Confused about nutrition? This podcast episode is a great place to get a handle on an approach to eating that is sensible and satisfying, with no need for deprivation or fad dieting. In today's discussion, Sally Fallon Morell, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains how eating whole, real, natural foods, as our ancestors did, will nourish us in body and soul. She points to principles based on Dr. Price's research of traditional diets around the world. We can enjoy the same nutrient-dense food that they did, back then. And our bodies will reap the benefit of nourishment and good health.

Alternative farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms is well-known for his commitment to raising the best food---food that is nutrient-dense, wholesome, organic, and natural; in short, food that is good for people and the planet! In today's episode, Joel addresses some common concerns related to real food. Where can we get it? Why is it so expensive? And is eating meat bad for the environment, as some claim? Joel tackles these issues one by one in his inimitable insightful and down-to-earth manner. A compelling speaker and author, Joel has had a huge impact on this generation's understanding of food and farming. After listening to this interview, you'll understand why this is so.