Healthy Home Hacks Podcast

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.

We're taking a holiday break from healthy living tips this episode to take you on our personal journey. It all began 20 years ago on the Hermosa Beach Pier in sunny Southern California. Yours truly are healthy home authorities, but not so long ago, we weighed a combined total of 50 pounds more than today and were clueless about the plethora of toxins that permeate our homes, personal care, and household products. Join us as Lisa Beres reveals her past role in a B-horror film and how she became the aerobics instructor for the Arizona State University's women's golf team while Ron Beres shares his number one fear and his time spent on Hollywood sets. We're getting personal with James Lipton-Esque-styled rapid-fire questions to each other so you can get to know us a bit better. Hold on to your seatbelts as we journey backward; it might get bumpy!

Picking up from episode #20, from living in a commune to getting family phone calls from Yoko One, Rainbeau Mars’ life has been anything but traditional. In this bonus episode, the herbalist, aromatherapist, author, and activist opens up about our collective desires to fit into societal norms while learning to embrace who we really are. Rainbeau believes we are all here to walk each other home.

How would you like to be born in the Ozarks under a double rainbow in a teepee? Our guest was. Rainbeau Mars, the author of The 21 Day Superstar Cleanse, is one of Hollywood’s most sought after natural health and wellness experts. Rainbeau, the former face of Adidas explains the therapeutic effects of using essential oils, replacing your medicine cabinet with them, and why the right brand matters. She tells us the best essential oil apps to use, the must-have four oils to have on hand, and scents that are perfect for the holidays to elevate your mood and enhance your home. Rainbeau also offers oil tips for depression, loneliness, and suicidal tendencies for those struggling with the ongoing pandemic. She leaves us with ideas for healthier eating, gardening, and meditation.