Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

Have you ever wondered if the product you pick up at a store to slather on you or your child’s skin is safe? Today’s consumers must go far beyond reading a label. We now require trusted and reliable sources to keep us safe from marketing names and terms that sound or look and environmentally friendly, but maybe anything but. Our guest today, Amy Ziff, is the founder and Executive Director of Nontoxic Certified & the MADE SAFE® certification; America’s first comprehensive certification program that screens out known toxic ingredients in everything from baby and bedding to personal care products, cosmetics, and cleaners. MADE SAFE was the first and only seal that applies to all non-food consumer product categories. Their banned list includes a rigorous 6,500 substances that are prohibited in any product earning the coveted MADE SAFE certification. A mom and prior self-proclaimed weekend toxicologist and label sleuth, Amy turned the industry on its head by demanding accountability from the brands we should trust. Amy explains why we can’t rely on the government to protect us and our families and what you should look for and avoid to shop safely and stay healthy.

Research shows that there is a strong relationship between our physical spaces and our mental wellbeing. Our environments – including our offices and homes - impact the way we think, feel and behave. It turns out, by using colors consciously in your space and understanding the meanings and influence of colors on the human mind and body you can enhance the psychology of your space to improve your wellbeing, health, and happiness. Mehnaz Khan, the founder of Color Conscious Living, is here to help us take a hard look at how colors impact our thoughts and actions on an everyday basis and how the colors in our home are impacting our behaviors and emotions. Mehnaz is an interior designer with a focus on color and design psychology. She uses color as a wellness tool to help women create a stress-free and restful home so that they can be more productive, sleep better and cope with everyday anxiety. Mehnaz shares how we can use the power of colors to create a positive environment in our home that is in alignment with our subconscious mind, why a neutral color palette may not be right for you, why we like or dislike particular colors during certain periods of our life and color tips when selling or renting a home.

Did you know there are over 6 billion bacteria, including 700 different species that reside inside our mouth or what scientists term the Human Oral Microbiome? While some bacteria are helpful, others are harmful and can lead to all types of oral health issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Our special guest today is a holistic dentist. Holistic dentistry doesn’t treat your dental health as separate from your physical health. Instead, it focuses on the impacts your whole health might have on your oral health. Unlike traditional dentists, holistic dentists don’t favor the use of fluoride treatments and are also opposed to using amalgam materials for dental implants which contain mercury. Instead, they use Composite fillings which are tooth-colored and don’t discolor the tooth, contain mercury, and are made from non-toxic material. Dr. Karaneh Jahan attended Oregon Health and Science University where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She is a certified Holistic Health and Lifestyle coach. She runs Brio Dental, in Portland which provides holistic general and cosmetic dentistry serving the whole person—from self-care to oral care and beyond.

Craig Allen is the co-founder of Home Jungle; a revolutionary houseplant nutrient system created by a small team of botanists and plant chemists. Together, Craig and his team design sustainable nutrients that are proudly made in the US and designed for the plant lover and planet lover that are simple, safe, and organic. Turns out – plants don’t just need water, so if your beloved greens are wilted, sad and droopy, listen up. Craig reveals the health benefits from having a home full of healthy plants, the benefits of organic nutrients, the dangers of chemical fertilizers, the most common reasons houseplants suffer, get sick, or die, how often should we water our plants, and how to bring a plant back to health. If you don’t have a green thumb…you DON’T want to miss today’s episode!

If you're remodeling or renovating an existing home, or building a new house, you DON’T want to miss this show. Our guest, Jay Watts, has been the VP for technical services and special projects at AFM Safecoat (the leading provider of environmentally responsible, sustainable, and non-polluting paints, stains, wood finishes, sealers, adhesives, and related green building products) since 1994. AFM has been providing 100 percent toxicity-free multi-surface solutions for over 40 years. Today, we’re going beyond volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and digging deep into the chemical toxins present in today’s paints, primers, and other building products including solvents, heavy metals, chemical residuals, carcinogens, and other harmful preservatives. Jay explains the difference between an MSDS and an SDS is and who it really benefits. Jay leaves us with tips on hiring and engaging contractors, the difference between low and zero VOC, the importance of product sampling, and he reveals the biggest sources of pollution in our homes.

You may recognize her from gracing the covers of some of the world's most famous glossy magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, People, and more. Besides making men swoon on a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, there are some other secret superpowers you may not know about today’s guest, Supermodel and fashion Icon, Kathy Ireland. Kathy cat walked her way to being named one of the 50 most influential people in fashion, according to Fairchild. And, if you think Kathy is just another pretty face, think again. Her company, Kathy​ Ireland®​ Worldwide ranks in the 15th position of worldwide brands, according to License! Global Magazine. If beauty and brains weren’t enough, Kathy happens to believe in living sustainably and cares about the health and well-being of our planet which is no more apparent than by the launch of her new Eco Clean line of eco-friendly home products in partnership with NaturEZway, creating a solution to harmful plastic products. Kathy’s here to share about this and her partnership with The Green Pet Shop to offer sustainable pet products. Kathy leaves some juicy tips for budding female entrepreneurs.

Are you one of the 40 percent of people who suffer from asthma by living in a damp or moldy home? Mold exposure can be linked to negative health effects such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion, and dry skin, depending on the type of mold and the health status of the person. Mold spores can cause health issues by triggering allergies or asthma attacks as spores enter the lungs. Michael Rubino, The Mold Medic, is here to clear the air. Michael is an international mold remediation expert certified by IICRC and ACAC. Michael is the founder and CEO of All American Restoration and author of The Mold Medic. Michael reveals why people should focus on air quality to optimize their health. He explains the best way to handle mold, how to prevent mold, the difference between mold and mildew, where mold hides, what it needs to survive, and ways to minimize the impact of mold.

Wireless radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices is not only unhealthy but can also be downright dangerous. We receive high doses of harmful radiation every single day from numerous sources of exposure. A comprehensive meta-analysis of case-control studies found significant evidence linking cell phone use to increased tumor risk, especially among cell phone users with cumulative cell phone use corresponding to just 17 minutes per day over 10 years. In this episode, we dive into something called Tech Toxins – from too much screen time and tech addiction to the dangers of blue light exposure and online privacy with our special guest, August Brice, the founder of Tech Wellness. August shares the biggest culprits of EMF radiation in our homes and simple ways to reduce exposure.

Murray Hidary is the creator of MindTravel, an immersive, meditative journey that has spanned cities across the world in the form of SilentWalks and “silent” piano concerts. Can music heal? Yes, according to our guest. In bringing MindTravel to a broad audience through digital offerings, Murray’s goal is to create a space for people to have a powerfully provocative, reflective, healing, and transcendent journey. Murray’s experiences are a fusion of contemporary and classical musical styles, wisdom traditions, theoretical physics, and the power of communal elevation. Murray shares how music plays a role in healing, the importance of meditation, and how MindTravel can help people deal with that anxiety and grief as so many are struggling with in these challenging times. Murray leaves us with us a few simple breathing techniques and a mini surprise piano concert.

Does meditation control your thoughts – or does it stop letting them control you? Our guest today is shedding light on this very question. Suzanne Adams' TEDx talk, How to use Quantum Physics to Make Your Dreams Your Reality, has received almost 1.5 million views. Suzanne, a transformational speaker, is the co-founder and CEO of Ignite and Expand, a program which helps heart-centered entrepreneurs create and scale soulful businesses. She shares essential tips anyone can implement to thrive during these uncertain times. Suzanne explains simple ways people can experience a Quantum Leap (up their vibration) in their life or business. Suzanne shares her personal breakthrough moment that changed her life for the better and how anyone listening can use their energy to create the life that they desire. She leaves us with a strategic plan to implement now to live your best life.