Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

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.

After traditional medicine failed to heal our guest, Dr. Anna Blessing, from years of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, anxiety/depression, and C-PTSD, she set out on a quest to healing herself. The journey led her to Biofeedback and Frequency Therapies which resulted in total remission and healing of all of her conditions along with the creation of Tucson Biofeedback where she treats patients via microcurrent therapies, safely, naturally, and effectively. Dr. Blessing explains the role of the Quantum Biological Aspect of our Body governed by Quantum Physics and why a positive mindset is vital to optimal health and wellness. Dr. Blessing reveals the non-invasive frequency medicine modalities that are successfully used for chronic health conditions and inflammation and leaves us with key takeaways that we can implement today including reducing stress levels and improving our mindset. 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.

No question is off-limits as we tackle hot topics including children's face masks, the stress from the ongoing lockdowns, and the long-term emotional effects of the coronavirus pandemic, especially on our youth. According to CNN, 'Experts have warned that the pandemic could lead to a mental health crisis. Mass unemployment, social isolation, and anxiety are taking their toll on people globally.' Today, we’re thrilled to speak with Dr. Mark McDonald, a clinical psychiatrist, and medical-legal expert who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. He trained in both at UCLA and achieved double board certification. Dr. McDonald’s work has been widely published in local and national news, including the Wall Street Journal. He shares his opinions on topics such as the need to re-open America’s schools, and the pandemic of fear plaguing the United States today. Dr. McDonald deciphers the difference between the emotional effects of a virus versus a lockdown, the effects of school closures on children, the physical, psychological and emotional dangers of long-term mask-wearing, and experimental vaccine risks. In fact, government statistics from Japan reveal that more lives were lost from suicide in October 2020 than Covid-19 claimed over the entire year.  Dr. McDonald explains why we need to prioritize self-care and leaves us with suggested protocols and supplements to improve one’s immune system. Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

This episode is a departure from our usual focus on small- to mid-sized eco-friendly consumer brands and likely a surprise to listeners who have doubts about the integrity of many corporate giants. However, the Healthy Home Hacks podcast aims to bring you honest conversations where no conversation is off-limits. We’ve shed light in prior episodes on plant-based household cleaning brands as well as do-it-yourself nontoxic recipes and, today, are sharing an intimate, in-depth conversation and a sneak peek into what is going on in terms of ingredient transparency, sustainability, the science behind the formulations and what the future looks like for Procter & Gamble, the largest manufacturer of consumer goods in the world. Our special guest is Morgan Brashear. Morgan is a Senior Scientific Communications Manager for the US Home Care Brand at Procter & Gamble. We dive deep into indoor air quality and discuss something called malodors and the negative effects of these, physically and psychologically. Morgan explains what a signature scent means for every home. She also illustrates P&G’s efforts towards ingredient transparency and how, since 2017, P&G publishes its fragrance ingredients down to 0.01percent for all fragranced products in the US and Canada on their website via a platform called SmartLabel in North America. Morgan explains the ‘red list’ on the P&G website that reveals the ingredients common to the ‘fragrance’ label that the company does not use. We tackle the differences between synthetic and natural fragrances, how P&G uses one hundred percent natural propellants versus aerosols, the healthiest options in the P&G line, and their sustainable efforts - including recycled containers and 100 percent renewable electricity in North America, Canada, and Western Europe. Morgan explains how P&G’s products are a reflection of consumer demand and if we wish to see more fragrance-free, natural, or eco-friendlier products, it’s up to each one of us to demand them by voting with our dollar. Discover their light or fragrance-free product versions as well as their many plant-based options which are perfect for allergy sufferers.

We talk a lot about toxins on this podcast– from dangerous chemicals in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the furnishings we sit and sleep on, and our household and personal care products. But today we’re going to discuss a source of toxic exposure that’s often overlooked. Few of us have given any thought to the chemicals that are present in our clothes, footwear, home goods, or the fabrics we sleep on. Four in 10 people are unaware of how textiles or clothing are produced, and most consumers are unaware of the importance of testing for the 4,000 to  8,000 individual harmful chemicals that enter factories in countless formulations that are harmful to the planet and people, especially children, the elderly and allergy sufferers. Our guest, Ben Mead, serves as the Managing Director of Hohenstein Institute America. Ben oversees the OEKO-TEX® (a textile certification that we dive deep into) responsibilities for the U.S. Whether it’s a pair of pants or a set of sheets, Ben explains why verifiable, third-party labels ensure a product has been tested for toxic chemicals. You’ll learn how voting with your wallet encourages textile chemical testing which has a positive impact on ourselves and future generations.

We’re gonna go out on a limb and assume you’re spending a TON of time at home right now making sure your surfaces are safe in the prevention of COVID-19. But, have you considered the price of this super sanitization; the hidden costs of using toxic household cleaners? Many name-brand cleaning products contain harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrance, ammonia, phthalates, triclosan, chlorine, parabens, and sodium hydroxide, to name a few. Extended exposure to these is linked to eye irritation and respiratory issues to allergies and even cancer. Hold on to your scrubby brushes, friends, because our guest commits to creating cleaning products that will protect you and your loved ones without posing harm to people, the planet, or pets at a price people can afford. She explains how to read labels, what ingredients to avoid and why cleaning products are the number one weapon in the fight against COVID. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is the President and CEO of ECOS an environmentally friendly cleaning product manufacturer and an essential business in the fight against COVID-19. Kelly is widely recognized for her highly effective leadership and influential voice in the green movement and corporate social responsibility including green incentives and living wages for all ECOS employees. Kelly leaves us with a Healthy Cleaning New Year’s Resolution that everyone can join by following their Instagram account @EcosClean through February 13, 2021, for chances to learn tips and win prizes (hint: The Detox Your Home bundle and more!).

Electrical engineer, Building Biology Environmental Consultant, and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist, Lawrence Gust, has assessed approximately 5,000 homes spanning his 27-year career. In this episode, we discuss hidden sources of manmade EMR or, electromagnetic radiation, found in homes. Larry reveals the components of man-made Electromagnetic Radiation which includes radio frequency fields as well as power system field components that are found in today’s home and office environments. He shares how people are affected everywhere with unwanted symptoms that can occur via exposure; from immune suppression and fatigue to headaches and sleep disturbances. Larry uncovers ways that we can protect ourselves in our sleeping space from electrical radiation and offers do-it-yourself tools for measurement.

Hippocrates said it best, let food be thy medicine. Our guest today is a pioneer in her field and as foodie-fate would have it, she and Lisa grew up in the same hometown! As a Certified Health Coach, the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Nekter Juice Bar, and author of the children’s book Sneaky Spinach, our guest, Alexis Schulze, knows the importance of eating (or in this case, sipping) your way to optimal health. We wrangle the million-dollar juice versus smoothie debate. Alexis shares her perspectives on whether to count carbs or not, the ketogenic diet, immune-boosting tips and she breaks down what a superfood is. She offers her four must-have ingredients and leaves us with the dos and don’ts of taking supplements. We wrap with Alexis’ number one tip for eating healthy.