Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

Want to live in the lap of organic luxury like Leonardo DiCaprio, but don’t quite have enough green to splurge on a sustainable chateau? No worries. Our guest and TV host of Alive and Well, Michelle Harris shares affordable home-wellness design trends that you can implement right away to live more eco-friendly – and stylish.   Michelle explains how we can save water both inside and outside of our homes, and reveals her picks for the best natural cleaning products. From luxe towels to jewel-infused water bottles, Michelle shares her favorite home products that are sure to knock your organic socks off. She leaves us with simple steps people can do right now to start living a cleaner and greener life.

You’ve heard it said before: Water is essential to life. Our bodies are comprised of 50 to 70 percent water — our brains 75 percent, our blood 85 percent, and our bones 25 percent. But, according to the scientists at the Environmental Working Group, out of almost 50,000 water utilities studied, 45,000 detected contaminants linked to cancer. The scientists also discovered up to 110 million people may be drinking PFAS-tainted water (listen to Healthy Home Hacks episode #33). Our guest today, Eric Kurbanov from RKIN Water Systems, ‘filters’ through the misconceptions and myths around drinking water as we tackle some of the most common contaminants found in today’s tap water across the country including heavy metals, bacteria, fluoride, chlorine, and its byproducts, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and parasites. Eric shares the best filtration methods for your specific home and budget and explains the difference between a point of use and a point of entry filtration and if you need a water softener. Stay tuned till the learn how to win your own ZIP Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter valued at over $400.00!

You’re likely part of the 4.88 billion mobile phone users worldwide. Today, 2.52 billion more mobile connections exist than there are people worldwide making cell phones making the fastest-growing human-made technological phenomenon ever. So, what’s the problem with all of this wireless radiation besides the fact that the World Health Organization classifies RF (radio frequency) radiation from cell phones as a Group 2B carcinogen; possibly carcinogenic to humans? A 10-year study by the National Toxicology Program of mice and rats exposed to radiofrequency radiation from cell phones, found: DNA damage in some of the animal groups tested, children were the most vulnerable to cancer risk due to their skull thickness and developing brains and increased rates of cancer were found in male rats exposed to cell phone radiation. In this episode, a former engineer and founder of SafeSleeve, Cary Subel, shares technology for EMF protection that is certified in an FCC laboratory. We leave you with some simple ways to reduce your radiation exposure and protect yourself and your loved ones (and a special discount code for listeners).

Are you sleeping with the enemy? In this episode, we go undercover – literally – by taking a deep dive into what’s lurking in your mattress and explore the HEATED topic of flame retardants (FRs). After his grandchild was born, Barry A. Cik was fed up with the toxicity of crib mattresses while discovering that the majority of them are made of polyurethane foam and treated with flame retardant chemicals that are linked to endocrine disruption, lowered IQ, hyperactivity, altered sexual development, fertility issues, thyroid dysfunction, and cancer. Barry did what any board-certified environmental engineer and concerned grandfather would do, he founded his own certified organic mattress company, Naturepedic. Barry reveals natural alternatives to toxic flame retardants, the current laws around FRs, common sources of exposure, and the negative health impacts from dangerous chemical fire retardants. He leaves us with practical tips to avoid exposure in our daily lives.

What’s gut got to do with it? There is so much talk about preventing COVID and other illnesses, but few conversations about how the body’s immune system determines recovery. Most people are shocked to learn that 70 percent of the immune system lives in the gut microbiome and that the tissue that lines our gut contains all of our immune cells Together with Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of New Bloom Media, Saarah Samadani, we tackle the importance of building and maintaining a strong immune system, naturally. Saarah’s struggled with an autoimmune disease and postpartum anxiety which left her frustrated with the failures of traditional medicine. She turned that pain into her passion and, today, she educates women about what they put on and in their bodies. Saarah shares foods that can boost our immunity with superfoods and immune-supporting recipes and explains the gut’s role in one’s overall health and wellness. Saarah leaves us with hacks to destress.

Are you getting enough quality, healthy sleep? According to the CDC, more than 80 million American adults are chronically sleep-deprived. But most people ignore the materials they’re sleeping on 8 hours a night. Turns out, your mattresses can be host to toxic contaminants that can have negative health consequences by exposing your body to chemicals linked to cancer, fertility problems, hormone disruption, and more. Our special guest, Barry Cik, the founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, a manufacturer of award-winning certified organic mattresses, sheds light on the difference between an organic mattress and a conventional mattress. He advises tips to avoid getting greenwashed, how most baby mattresses are loaded with chemicals and how to avoid toxic flame retardant chemicals. Barry breaks down the proper certifications to seek when shopping for a healthy mattress. Plus, ENTER NOW for a chance to win your own certified organic Naturepedic mattress valued up to $3,599.00!

Are you still stuck on nonstick or other stain-, grease- and water-resistant chemicals found in coatings on cookware, carpets, and clothing, in microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers; even on waterproof and stain-repellent clothing? In this episode, we interview Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., a senior scientist from the Environmental Working Group. Tasha explains what PFAS chemicals are, how you and your family are exposed, and shares the associated health implications including the impacts on cancer, immune function, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. Found in the body of virtually every person tested, Tasha explains the biggest source of exposure to PFAS’s and why they’re often referred to as ‘forever’ chemicals. Tasha leaves listeners with steps people can take right now to reduce their exposure to these poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

This bonus episode picks up from episode #31: From Cancer to Clean Beauty: A Mom’s Fearless Journey, with the founder of Authentic Skin Remedies, Amy Kearnan. This also wraps Season 1 of the Healthy Home Hacks podcast (subscribe now so you don’t miss Season 2). We tackle a hidden danger found in antiperspirants, aluminum, in addition to other nasty ingredients including chemicals and preservatives that can disrupt hormones, are linked to cancer, and can negatively affect organ functions. Amy shares why antiperspirants are the PITS and why it’s vital to implement an armpit cleanse before making the switch to natural deodorant. A 14-year cancer survivor, Amy reveals her must-have detox products and explains the necessity of detoxification, especially when it comes to armpits. She breaks down the stinky process of banishing built-up bacterial sludge and what to expect during the armpit-cleansing process. We discuss the many health benefits of sweating and Lisa leaves us with a few of her favorite healthy deodorant brands that harness the power of essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances to keep you smelling clean and fresh. Head to episode #31 for a chance to win your own Armpit Cleanse kit now. Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer will affect 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States, and the number of new cases is set to nearly double by the year 2050. Our guest and busy mom of five, Amy Kearnan, is a 14-year survivor of stage 3 neuroendocrine cancer. Amy discovered the cancer she bravely fought has strong environmental origins, and the more she sought answers, the more questions she faced – especially regarding the skincare industry.  She began asking, ‘Why should a lipstick contain lead? Should a foaming cleanser release formaldehyde? And, why is the cosmetics industry the least regulated in the United States, with no laws requiring the FDA to monitor the ingredients of cosmetics?’ Frustrated by the lack of truth in beauty products and instead of wasting boatloads of money on plastic tubes filled with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and empty promises, she took beauty into her own hands, figuratively and literally. The result? A fully transparent, high-end, natural, plant-based skincare line that’s good for the earth and your skin. Amy shares the top resources to check ingredients of your personal care products, how to read labels and what to avoid, the most shocking animal by-products commonly found in beauty items, and leaves listeners with two chances to win bundles of her clean beauty goodies. Disclaimer: The content included on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medical conditions.

Before you blast those creepy crawlies with toxic chemicals, you may want to consider the fact that poisonous pesticides are designed to kill living organisms. Think they’re not harming your health? Think again. According to the U.S. CDC, Americans now have an average of 43 different pesticides in their bloodstreams. These are chemicals that can trigger everything from nausea, vomiting, and headaches to more serious health concerns, such as lung damage, reproductive problems, and cancer. Once a single mom on food stamps, Kari Warberg Block, challenged an industry that by its nature is toxic. As the Founder & CEO of EarthKind, Kari discovered that 98% of pest control solutions sold were poison & kill methods – so she set out to invent a better solution: plant-based pest control powered by nature. Kari is joined by Rita Stadler, the Marketing Supervisor at EarthKind. Together, they reveal how we can rid our homes and schools of pests without harming them, the most common ways pests and rodents enter our homes, how pets contribute to pesky insect infestations, and can also be harmed by toxic pest control products including rodenticides and insecticides. Kari and Rita share misconceptions about the efficacy of natural pest control solutions and why integrated pest management (IPM) is vital today. They wrap the show explaining why ingredient transparency is key and why you should avoid those you can’t pronounce. Finally, Kari shares what EarthKind is doing to empower and educate teachers and students through their Harmony Hero Award.