
Realfoodology
Welcome to the Realfoodology podcast, with your host Courtney Swan. Courtney is a passionate food activist on a mission to heal America’s broken food system. Her show cuts through the noise by tackling the critical issues that impact our health and society as a whole. Each week, join Courtney as she brings together leading voices in food policy, nutrition, sustainability, and wellness to unravel the complexities behind our broken food system, and to simplify how we look at nutrition and food. From debunking misleading health trends to exploring the future of sustainable food systems, Realfoodology equips listeners with actionable insights and empowers them to make informed choices. Whether you’re passionate about healthy living, curious about the politics of food, or simply want to live better, this is your go-to source for conversations that matter. Discover a healthier way to live with Realfoodology. For more info, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram, @realfoodology. NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAYProduced By Wellness Loud.
Latest episodes

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
Rising Cancer Rates, Processing Grief, + Healing Your Relationship With Food | Kris Carr
EP. 210: I’m thrilled to share a truly special conversation with the incredible Kris Carr. It feels like a full-circle moment for me since I've followed her inspiring journey for over 13 years. Kris has been living with a challenging diagnosis for 21 years, and in this episode, she opens up about her health journey, how diet and lifestyle play a crucial role, and her empowering approach to becoming the CEO of her own health. We also explore her new book, I'm Not a Mourning Person, which deeply resonated with me given my own experiences with grief. Kris's vibrant energy and wisdom left me feeling incredibly inspired, and I know you'll find this episode just as moving and enlightening.Timestamps:
07:12 - Kris’s health journey
11:09 - Staying grounded with a cancer diagnosis
16:08 - Healing your relationship with food
20:41 - Becoming the CEO of your own health
29:12 - Getting to the root cause of your health issue
32:11 - Kris’s mission
34:22 - Anti inflammatory plant based diet
42:46 - Mindfulness and stress management
50:45 - The rise in cancer cases
55:27 - Processing grief
01:03:20 - Feeling your feelings
01:09:30 - Kris’s health non negotiables
Show Links:
Forks Over Knives Documentary
Fed Up Documentary
Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead Documentary
The Corporations Corrupting Our Health | Calley & Casey Means Pt. 1
Sponsored By:
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Cured Nutrition
Go to www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% off
Organifi
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Beekeeper's Naturals
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Paleovalley
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Needed
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Check Out Kris:
Website
Instagram
I’m Not A Mourning Person
Check Out Courtney:
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Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
@realfoodologypodcast
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 20min
Glyphosate, Big Agriculture, + Cancer | Kelly Rhyerson
EP. 209: In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Kelly Ryerson, widely known on Instagram as Glyphosate Girl. Kelly, who you might remember from the film *Common Ground*, is here to explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: glyphosate in our food. We discuss its health impacts, the troubling industry corruption, and how big agriculture influences regulatory bodies like the EPA, FDA, and USDA. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Kelly also shares some hopeful developments and practical tips for a healthier lifestyle. If you’re passionate about clean food and environmental justice, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation!Timestamps:
09:43 - Kelly’s backstory
15:12 - Glyphosate Cancer Trial
18:27 - The EPA & glyphosate
20:28 - Weaponizing online confusion
25:16 - Glyphosate and GMO seeds
28:17 - Glyphosate, GMOs, and pesticides
32:36 - Impacts of industrial agriculture
36:27 - Glyphosate health impacts
42:48 - Fertility and pregnancy advice
46:31 - Glyphosate and organic food
50:08 - EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
52:01 - Farm Bill
56:23 - Reaching out to politicians
58:21 - Feed your mind curriculum
01:00:02 - Big agriculture and lobbying
01:03:31 - Industrial agriculture and our food system
01:05:56 - Exciting policy changes
01:08:15 - Regenerative farm movement
01:11:03 - Glyphosate and your pets
01:14:13 - Living a healthy life
01:16:01 - Kelly’s health non negotiables
Sponsored By:
KION
Use my link to save 20% at GETKION.COM/REALFOODOLOGY
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Seed
Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and save 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY
BIOptimizers
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
ARMRA Colostrum
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Kelly:
Website
Instagram
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
Toxins, Over-Sanitizing + Children’s Health | Dr. Joel Warsh
EP. 208: Welcome back to the Realfoodology podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to chat with Dr. Joel Warsh, aka Dr. Joel Gator on Instagram, a board-certified pediatrician from LA who’s an expert in parenting wellness and integrative medicine. Dr. Joel explores the troubling rise in chronic health issues among kids, from autism and food allergies to obesity and autoimmune conditions. We also tackle hot topics like the impact of diet and toxins, the pitfalls of over-sanitizing, and the ongoing debate between breastfeeding and formula. Tune in to get practical advice and fresh perspectives on keeping your kids healthy in today’s world!Timestamps:
05:37 - The story behind Dr. Joel’s instagram
08:15 - Rise in chronic diseases in children
11:15 - Diet and toxins
13:50 - Medical gaslighting
17:05 - Doing whatever is best for your kids
21:01 - Dr. Joel’s success stories
23:56 - Biggest parenting mistakes
32:07 - Oversantiizing
35:58 - Keeping your kids healthy
38:46 - Practicing discernment
42:15 - Breastmilk vs formula
45:07 - Informed consent
49:49 - The downfalls of allopathic medicine
53:56 - The influence of big pharma and insurance companies
57:37 - Diabetes and nutrition in utero
58:59 - Taking charge of your child’s health
01:01:11 - Vaccines
01:11:11 - Handling controversial conversations
01:15:45 - Dr. Joel’s book
01:18:20 - Dr. Joel’s health nonnegotiables
Sponsored By:
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Check Out Dr. Joel Warsh
Website
Instagram
Book
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 14min
Carb Restricting, Overworking Out + Hormonal Health | Lauren Papanos
Lauren Papanos is a registered dietitian nutritionist and hormone specialist focused on women's health. She dives into how over-exercising and undereating can disrupt hormones, particularly affecting thyroid function and conditions like PCOS. Lauren discusses oxidative stress as a silent player in chronic diseases and shares practical tips for managing it through nutrition and essential lab tests. She emphasizes a balanced approach to exercise, advocating for strength training and proper fueling strategies to support recovery and overall hormonal health.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
Fighting Against Toxic Chemicals, Eating Organic, + Government Regulations | Ken Cook of the EWG
EP. 206: In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Ken Cook, the president and cofounder of the Environmental Working Group, or EWG. You might know them for their Skin Deep database that helps you check the safety of household and skincare products, or their tap water database—both of which I've relied on for years. Ken and I explore how EWG is tackling the growing problem of toxins in our daily lives and discuss practical steps we can take to make safer choices. Plus, Ken shares some incredible actionable advice on how we can influence regulatory changes for the better. Don't miss this insightful conversation about safeguarding our health and making a difference!Topics Discussed
08:26 - EWG & healthcare professionals
10:45 - EWG’s databases
14:53 - Legal doesn’t equal safe
18:50 - The FDA & brominated vegetable oil
21:21 - It takes science 17 years to catch up
22:34 - Studying dangerous chemicals & industry pushback
25:34 - Centering people in the regulatory process
32:07 - Consumer impact and organic products
37:25 - The cultural impact of environmental health
38:38 - Products that you don’t know are having an effect on your health
42:11 - Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good
44:42 - Choosing safer options
50:05 - Regulation & lobbying
56:08 - Calling your representative
58:22 - Staying motivated and positive
01:02:20 - The people making change
01:05:51 - Ken’s health non-negotiables
Check Out The Environmental Working Group
Website
Skin Deep Database
Consumer Guides
Tap Water Database
Instagram
Show Links:Dark Waters Film Sponsored By:
Qualia
Go to qualialife.com/realfoodology for up to $100 off and use code REALFOODOLOGY for an extra 15% off
Timeline
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Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Seed
Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and get 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 30min
The MTHFR Gene, Fertility + Supplementation | Ben Lynch
EP. 205: In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Lynch to explore the fascinating world of the MTHFR gene mutation and its impact on fertility. Dr. Lynch, a true pioneer in this field, sheds light on what having the MTHFR gene means, how it affects health, and importantly, what it means for those planning to start a family. We cover everything from understanding genetic testing to practical advice on supplements and lifestyle adjustments. Join us as we uncover the science behind methylfolate, detoxifying your household, and why you should be wary of synthetic vitamins in your diet. Whether you're just curious or facing these challenges firsthand, this episode is packed with insights to empower you in managing your genetic health.Topics Discussed
07:37 - Courtney’s gene testing
08:32 - Explaining the MTHFR gene
14:12 - Percentage of women with the MTHFR gene
16:20 - Numbers and genetic variation
21:20 - Health impacts of MTHFR genetic variation
29:44 - Supplements and treatment
33:01 - Supporting your MTHFR Enzyme
37:25 - Stomach Acid and stress
38:46 - Folic acid in our food
42:50 - Synthetic vitamins in our food system
48:50 - When to take methylfolate
54:38 - Inheriting MTHFR
59:19 - Fertility and MTHFR
01:03:45 - Prenatals for men
01:05:48 - Detoxifying your household
01:08:41 - Microplastics study
01:09:54 - Water filtration
01:13:51 - You are in charge of your genes
01:22:01 - Benefits of Methyl-B12 and Folate
Check Out Dr. Ben Lynch
Instagram
Website
Dirty Genes Book
Show Links:
183: How To Be Healthy Before, During, & After Pregnancy | Lily Nichols
What Are Dirty Genes | Ben Lynch
Plastic Junk? Researchers Find Tiny Particles In Men's Testicles
Sponsored By:
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Cured Nutrition
Go to www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY gets you 20% off
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order.
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 9min
Protein Supplementation, Anti-Aging Tips + Weight Loss | Angelo Keely Of KION
EP 204: Welcome back to another episode of Realfoodology! Today, I sit down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, a cutting-edge supplement company focused on helping people look good, feel young and be strong. As I approach 40, I've become increasingly focused on maintaining lean muscle and overall health, making Angelo's expertise on protein particularly timely. Together we cover the crucial role of muscle mass as we age, explore the lifecycle of proteins, and uncover the benefits of bioavailable options. From essential amino acids to the nuances of plant-based proteins, Angelo shares invaluable insights to help us optimize our protein intake for longevity and vitality. Join us as we navigate the science behind protein and its profound impact on aging and health!Check Out KION
Go to getkion.com/realfoodology for 20% off
Topics Discussed
05:10 - The importance of muscle mass
09:54 - Protein’s life cycle
12:10 - Muscle as we age
13:21 - The two components of protein growth
16:01 - Bioavailable proteins
17:47 - Amino acid building blocks and complete proteins
20:19 - Plant based proteins and genetic mutations
25:51 - The way we eat protein matters
29:08 - Essential amino acids & supplementation
32:30 - Aging and protein digestion
33:49 - Hitting your protein goals without overeating
36:41 - Branched-chain amino acids
40:31 - When to take essential amino acids
44:44 - Maintenance vs weight loss
50:28 - Protein leverage hypothesis
51:31 - Collagen powder
53:50 - Protein powder
56:49 - Upping your protein intake
58:19 - The mainstream push for plant based dieting
01:06:16 - Angelo’s health non negotiables
Show Links:130: What are Amino Amino Acids & The Best Sources of Protein | Angelo Keely of KIONSponsored By:
Kion
Go to getkion.com/realfoodology for 20% off
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Is Banza Pasta Safe, GMOs, Monsanto + Affording Organic Food | Zen Honeycutt
EP. 203: I'm thrilled you're joining us today for a crucial conversation with Zen Honeycutt from Moms Across America. Whether you're familiar with her work or not, today's episode will explore the complexities of our food systems. I've followed Zen's advocacy for years, and her insights into GMOs, government regulations (or lack thereof), and the true impact on our health are more important now than ever. Join us as we discuss everything from Bacillus thuringiensis to practical tips on affording organic foods and prioritizing real, wholesome nutrition. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!Topics Discussed
02:58 - The difference between hybridization & genetically modified foods
04:37 - What crops are genetically modified
15:04 - Zen’s backstory
22:52 - Lack of government protection
23:45 - Marketing GMOs
26:14 - The issues with GMOs
28:03 - Bacillus thuringiensis
30:32 - The third type of GMO
34:01 - The health of the average American
35:20 - “GMO means less pesticides”
36:36 - Understanding the problem
42:54 - Monsanto & Bayer
43:43 - Zen’s run in with Monsanto
52:45 - Most common foods to be cautious of
58:41 - Affording organic food
01:03:41 - Antibiotics
01:05:57 - GMOs and our food system
01:09:01 - Budgeting for whole real foods
01:10:51 - Zen’s health non negotiables
Check Out Zen Honeycutt
Website
Data
Donate
Show Links:Poisoned Foods Of North America Sponsored By:
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order.
Lumen
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at lumen.me to get $100 off
BIOptimizers MagBreakthrough
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
ARMRA Colostrum
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 7min
Mastering Perimenopause + Intermittent Fasting | Cynthia Thurlow
EP. 202: Join me on the Realfoodology podcast as I sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, a seasoned nurse practitioner and intermittent fasting expert dedicated to empowering women to live healthy lives. With nearly two decades of experience in clinical medicine, Cynthia discusses all things perimenopause. Tune in as we explore insights on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and effective ways to support your body during perimenopause. Plus, Cynthia shares her expertise on intermittent fasting, reproductive health, menopause signs, and treatments like HRT. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to optimize their health journey with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle tips!Topics Discussed
05:47 - Education surrounding perimenopause
12:41 - Preparing for perimenopause
15:17 - Aging with grace
18:14 - Exercise and the menstrual cycle
23:58 - Metabolism and insulin sensitivity
30:50 - Ways to support your body during perimenopause
38:16 - Intermittent fasting
49:08 - Reproductive health
53:02 - Signs of menopause & treatment
01:00:08 - HRT
01:03:54 - Cynthia’s health non negotiables
Check Out Cynthia
Website
The Intermittent Fasting Transformation
Sponsored By:
Cured Nutrition
www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology REALFOODOLOGY gets you 20% off
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 6min
Micro-dosing Psychedelics + Healing Your Mental Health | Paul Austin
EP. 201: Today’s guest is Paul Austin of Third Wave. This episode is all about microdosing psychedelics, so I guess this is a bit of a trigger warning. If this is something that you don't feel comfortable hearing about, talking about, discussing, then I would skip this episode, because we talk a lot about psilocybin. We talk about psychedelics as a whole, talk a lot about Paul Austin and his work with Third Wave, where their mission is to nurture the emerging psychedelic ecosystem by providing individuals with research-based education, access to vetted providers and membership in their global community, a safe space to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others on a similar journey. Topics Discussed
07:39 - Paul Austin’s upbringing and origin in psychedelic work
13:45 - What someone can expect when they microdose
17:57 - Microdosing and LSD protocol
21:14 - Mental health benefits
26:58 - Dimming down the fear
28:28 - Unpacking Courtney’s experience and advice for first timers
32:56 - Building your own protocol
35:53 - Growing your own mushrooms with Third Wave
37:14 - The Microdosing Collective and policy changes
42:35 - Clinical research with MDMA and PTSD
44:50 - Old School approach towards drug exploration and psychedelic training
47:57 - How to find resources and assistance
51:03 - Who microdosing is right for
54:25 - Concerns about negative long term effects
56:43 - Connection your intuition with your psychedelic use
58:41 - “Mushroom hangover”
01:00:30 - Dopamine depletion
01:02:31 - Paul’s health non-negotiables
Check Out Paul AustinPaul Austin InstagramShow Links:
ThirdWave Website
ThirdWave Instagram
ThirdWave Mushroom Grow Kit
The Microdosing Collective
Sponsored By:
BIOptimizers
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
Qualia
Go to Qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off.
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
ARMRA
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake PetersonEdited By: Mike Frey