
SuperFeast Podcast
Welcome to the SuperFeast Podcast! Join tonic herbalist and health educator Mason Taylor as we explore the magical world of Tonic Herbalism. We will explore the relevance of these ancient herbs and medicinal mushrooms in our modern culture of health to invigorate the body, restore organ health, create badass immunity and bring harmony to the hormones. Want to enhance performance, longevity, energy and radiance? Then dive in with us and learn why tonic herbal adaptogens have been used for millennia for this exact intention. So get ready to activate your SuperHuman health as we deliver this deep tonic herbal philosophy right your eardrums.
Latest episodes

Apr 1, 2019 • 1h 41min
#24 Candida and Medicinal Mushrooms with Sage Dammers and Dan Sipple
In today's podcast the boys come together to discuss candida overgrowth, its frequency within the population, the varied symptomatology associated with this common yeast-like infection and the strategies you can use to bring the body back into balance. Mason, Dan and Sage draw on their superior knowledge of this condition from personal experience, sharing their wisdom from a traditional Taoist tonic herbal perspective and a functional naturopathic approach. The gents discuss: -The fact that Candida albicans is a naturally occurring organism within the body and only becomes problematic when imbalance occurs -how chronic use of antibiotics can contribute to the condition -how diet and lifestyle practices can help to bring things back into harmony -the common symptoms that candida overgrowth is present, e.g. chronic fatigue, brain fog, digestive disturbances, weakened immunity, oral thrush, fungal infections within the the skin and nails etc -the particular clinical tests you can use to investigate and diagnose candida within your body -how you can use your symptoms and health history to identify whether candida is a problem for you -foods that aggravate the immune system and exacerbate candida overgrowth -the importance of food combining in regards to candida -candida from a naturopathic perspective and the clinical markers used to identify the condition -the importance of normalising the body's circadian rhythms and adrenal response is in regards to healing -candida from a Taoist perspective and what's happening within the organ systems, particularly the spleen -how candida leads to jing depletion and exhaustion within the system as a whole -the correlation between candida and leaky gut -the Jing herbs you can use to rebuild your foundational energy stores, these include he shou wu, cordyceps, rehmannia, morinda etc -the importance of lifestyle factors such as sleep, rest, breathing practices, nature time and reduced caffeine and sugar intake to bring combat candida overgrowth -the lifestyle tweaks you can use to bring the body back into its parasympathetic mode so you can heal. Reishi and Ashwagandha are game changers here -how cutting carbs and sugar can help manage candida symptoms -using fats (ketones) as fuel -how herbs such as pau d'arco, chaga and reishi can assist healing -the benefits of probiotics and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and coconut kefir -the Body Ecology Diet -the importance of sunshine and vitamin D, sweat and movement -the herbs and nutraceuticals you can use to break up stubborn biofilms -the importance of supporting the liver with herbs such as schizandra, burdock and dandelion root and st mary's thistle -the importance of full body detoxification in healing from candida overgrowth -the three phases of liver detoxification and the nutrients your body needs to successfully complete them -the immune boosting powers of medicinal mushrooms when healing from candida, particularly chaga, reishi, turkey tail, maitake, Mason's Mushrooms -the difference between ground dwelling mushrooms and those that grow on trees e.g medicinal mushrooms -bringing awareness around the glycemic load of gluten free products when working to heal candida overgrowth -the tests you can use to distinguish candida from other bacterial loads within the body, particularly the OAT (organic acids test) Who is Dan Sipple? Dan is a also known as The Functional Naturopath who uses cutting-edge evidence-based medicine. Experienced in modalities such as herbal nutritional medicine, with a strong focus on environmental health and longevity, Dan has a wealth of knowledge in root-dysfunction health. Who is Sage Dammers? Fuelled by a passionate desire to help people live the ultimate life and create a better world, Sage studied raw and superfood nutrition and traditional herbal systems, especially Taoist tonic herbalism. He has worked with and trained under the world’s leading master herbalists and nutrition and longevity experts in Costa Rica, Australia, Bali, China, and America. Resources Clearlight Saunas The Wim Hoff Method Body Ecology Mason in China at the Poria Farm Benny Ferguson Movement MonkDan InstagramDan Email Addictive Wellness addictivewellness Instagram Addictive Wellness Choccies on Amazon Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/candida-and-medicinal-mushrooms-with-sage-dammers-and-dan-sipple-ep-24

Mar 26, 2019 • 1h 22min
#23 Wild Woman Way with Susun Weed
Today Tahnee chats to Susun Weed, the grandmother of herbs. Susun is a true wise, wild elder, a wonderful story-teller and exposes women to ideas outside of the mainstream. Susun attended the School of Life, and is passionate about everything to do with women, health and herbs. Tahnee and Susun discuss standing in your power regarding your reproductive rights, feminism versus being female and how there are no guarantees in life - we just have to do the best that we can. The ladies chat about empowering women to get back to their intuitive wisdom, via the ancient botanical system. You guys are going to love this one! You will hear about: -Susun's view on lying to your health care practitioner about your last moon cycle, to ensure your unborn baby is not induced! -The true history of blue for boys, pink for girls (who knew?!) -How Susun makes herbal infusions -How potent nettle can be for women -How all minerals are not created equal -How comfrey can help prevent pregnancy stretch marks -Mammograms and how they may not be the best measure for breast cancer -Phytoestrogens versus phytosterols -How standardisation of herbs is detrimental to the botanicals properties -Bio-individuality means herbs can have different effects on us Who is Susun Weed? Susun S. Weed, a green witch and wise woman, is an extraordinary teacher with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and an encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health. She is the voice of the Wise Woman Way, where common weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate listening support and nourish health/wholeness/holiness. She has opened hearts to the magic and medicine of the green nations for five decades. Ms. Weed's five herbal medicine books focus on women's health topics including menopause, childbearing, and breast health. Visit her site www.susunweed.com for information on her workshops, apprenticeships, correspondence courses and more! Go to: www.wisewomanmentor.com for Susun’s free herbal ezine and also mentorship offerings for those who want to go deeper. Resources Susun Weed books Susun Weed website Susun Weed Instagram Juliette de Baïracli Levy SuperFeast Stance on Standardisation Q: How Can I Support The SuperFeast Podcast? A: Tell all your friends and family and share online! We’d also love it if you could subscribe and review this podcast on iTunes. Or check us out on Stitcher :)! Plus we're on Spotify and Soundcloud! We got you covered on all bases ;P For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/wild-woman-way-with-susun-weed-ep-23

Mar 16, 2019 • 36min
#22 Ashwagandha with Sage Dammers
Today, Sage Dammers (tonic herbalist and master chocolatier) and Mason cover everything you need to know about the newest addition to the SuperFeast apothecary, ashwagandha! The guys dive deep into the lore and traditions behind this Ayurvedic herb. The countless benefits of this calming adaptogen range from dialling down the stress response, nourishing the nervous system, balancing hormones and providing reproductive system support. And plenty more. A botanical which is an aphrodisiac, that's not overly stimulating, that is also a nervine?! What! A! Herb! Ashwagandha really is the herb for modern times - Sage Dammers In today's episode, you will hear about: -Up to 15 clinical applications have been thoroughly researched for ashwagandha -Traditionally a 'muscle, marrow and semen' builder and supporter -Regrows damaged synapses in the brain from heavy metal toxicity -Provides the sexual energy and vigour of a horse -The ultimate rejuvenating herb for the elderly, kids and everyone in between -Small doses are incredibly effective, more is not always better -Stimulates blood production in the body, may be good for vegetarians / vegans who may need blood building support -Need to build blood? Try SuperFeast Deer Antler and SuperFeast Ashwagandha -When starting with ashwagandha, if you are in a rebuilding stage, give it time to rebuild. Then the rejuvenating effect will kick in -Slightly heating and drying herb and helps to move water Qi by supporting spleen function -Positive effect on male fertility via the decrease in stress and increase in adaptability (results in healthier sperm and hormone levels) -A cortisol-dependant state can be positively balanced by ashwagandha -Helps to balance blood sugar -Also a powerful fertility enhancer for women via balancing of hormones Who is Sage Dammers? Fueled by a passionate desire to help people live the ultimate life and create a better world, Sage studied raw and superfood nutrition and traditional herbal systems, especially Taoist tonic herbalism. He has worked with and trained under the world’s leading master herbalists and nutrition and longevity experts in Costa Rica, Australia, Bali, China, and America. Sage has developed products internationally and given lectures on peak performance nutrition in Australia, Bali, America, and France. His years of experience in this unique arena have allowed him to cultivate an unparalleled combination of cutting edge nutritional and culinary expertise. Sage has started tonic elixir bars in 5 star luxury hotels in Paris and Sydney serving longevity elixirs disguised as gourmet treats, introducing the novel concept of healthy indulgences to the market of world travelers. Resources Addictive Wellness SuperFeast Ashwagandha SuperFeast Deer Antler addictivewellness Instagram Addictive Wellness Choccies on Amazon For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/ashwagandha-with-sage-dammers-ep-22

Mar 6, 2019 • 42min
#21 Period Repair with Lara Briden
In today's Women Series episode, Tahnee chats with Dr. Lara Briden who is on a mission to empower women to reclaim their menstrual cycles. Dr. Lara refers to women's monthly cycles as their monthly report card and how ovulation is a vital sign of health. The ladies discuss how ovulation is so much more than just making a baby. Even though PMS and infertility are normalised in the Western world, Dr. Lara breaks it down that these symptoms are not healthy nor necessary. Hormonal birth control options are discussed and the ladies dive into the difference between PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea. To help empower women gaining confidence and knowledge about their cycles Dr. Lara shares methods to track ovulation and tips on dietary lifestyles to feel vital and healthy as a woman. The ladies discuss: -Without ovulation, there is technically no cycle -PCOS sufferers often experience anovulatory cycles (a bleed, without ovulation) -Did you know a regular cycle occurs every 21-35 days? -Tips to track ovulation include cervical mucous and basal body temperatures -Fertile mucous looks like raw egg-white and is a sign of estrogen -When you are on the Pill, you will not produce fertile mucous -A blood test looking at progesterone is risky as progesterone fluctuates throughout the cycle -The idea that the Pill supports fertility is a myth; it shrinks the ovaries and may bring on menopause earlier -Hormonal birth control essentially induces a menopausal state -It takes 12 years (TWELVE!) for a female's hormonal systems to fully mature -Younger girls can often successfully treat period issues with anti-inflammatory foods and being dairy-free -How a vegan diet can pose severe challenges for women's hormone health Who is Dr. Lara Briden? Dr. Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the period revolutionary leading the change to better periods. Informed by a strong science background and more than twenty years with patients, Lara is a passionate communicator about women's health and alternatives to hormonal birth control. Her book Period Repair Manual is a manifesto of natural treatment for better hormones and better periods and provides practical solutions using nutrition, supplements, and natural hormones. Now in its second edition, the book has been an underground sensation and has worked to quietly change the lives of tens of thousands of women. Resources Dr. Lara's book - The Period Repair Manual Dr. Lara's website Dr. Lara's Instagram The Right Way to Test Progesterone Danish study looking at the Pill and depression Q: How Can I Support The SuperFeast Podcast? A: Tell all your friends and family and share online! We’d also love it if you could subscribe and review this podcast on iTunes. Or check us out on Stitcher :)! Plus we're on Spotify and Soundcloud! For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/period-repair-with-dr-lara-briden-ep-21

Feb 26, 2019 • 2h
#20 Pregnancy Health with Tahnee McCrossin
The mammoth episode many of you have been waiting for. This is part 2 of our childbearing series, and the one where Tahnee and myself dive deep into the practices, philosophy, diet, herbalism and more that went into creating the year in which Tahnee was childbearing little Aiya. This podcast was recorded during the first week of the bubba's life, so the sharing experience of the birth is fresh; something Tahnee was wishing to be able to infuse into this intimate sharing of how she chose to approach nourishing her body during pregnancy. Here’s briefly what we cover in the episode plus some more extensive notes than usual from Tahnee for those who are on their own pregnancy journey: -Pregnancy + Home Birth Plans -How did I know? -We found out at four weeks, basically I was very aware that something was different in my body!! We’d both felt the baby come in November, and exactly three months later we were pregnant, and I’ve heard that’s common -Our Pregnancy diet -We don’t follow a dietary plan, more intuitive -Generally vegetarian, though we do include meat in our diet, probably once or twice a week? fish, buffalo, occasionally organic chicken and beef, other wild meats (rabbit, goat, boar), broths/stocks -More mindful of eating a variety of foods and definitely eat more quantity, smaller meals, regularly -Organic and local as much as possible - farmers market and Santos/Source keep us fed -Fridge/freezer is stocked -Wild foods, high mineral content -Fermented foods Best supplements during pregnancy -I didn’t take a lot of vitamins or anything like that, apart from lipsomal vitamin C -Lots of herbs, mostly tonics, plus raspberry leaf and nettle, slippery elm occasionally, yellow dock, dandelion, milk thistle, ginger -Lots of probiotics -Iodine until I saturated -Silica -Personally most concerned about losing minerals as bubbas drain mamas (for every baby a tooth, is an old saying!) so been keeping up the minerals -Megahydrate -Estroblock when we had it, just one cap per day of the pro -Clays and charcoal (you might’ve heard of pica - desire to eat clays - common in pregnant women) -DHA, EFA: fish oil, also raw seafood, fish and oysters -Sea minerals The best tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy -Best suggestion is reishi, but I took everything in the SuperFeast range at various stages, kidney jing herbs lately (postpartum) to heal and boost recovery Best herbs during pregnancy -Avoid steroidal herbs, emmenagogues -Check out Susun Weed’s book and Aviva Romm Symptoms of pregnancy -Been lucky, apart from tiredness and needing to eat a lot more, I’ve had very little to complain about. Have felt body change, but that’s been fine, I’ve enjoyed being pregnant. Heartburn when my uterus got really big (apparently babies with lots of hair give their mamas heartburn…), but that stopped when baby dropped, ‘growing pains’ around my ribs (like when I was a kid), car sickness if I had an empty belly Pregnancy cravings / changes -Started eating meat again, pretty mindfully -Needed lots of simple carbs in the first trimester, regularly. Like, every two hours. Bilbo Baggins style - breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoons I wasn’t a hungry, but at least one snack and then dinner. And often needed to eat in the middle of the night. So I did. 😃 -Waking up starving - that’s new for me! -Generally more calories -Haven’t put on much weight, I don’t think, except for boobs and belly and in third trimester around my bum and hips. I haven’t weighed myself Exercise during pregnancy -Yoga - only consideration, IMO, is how the mother feels and to listen to her body - if you’re a regular yogi, you will be less flexible in certain areas, this is OK, it’s not about extreme ROM it’s about being mindful about what needs support during the transitions — for me, pecs (chest - boobs!!) and lower traps, rhomboids, hip flexors, quads, glutes and lateral body (QL and thoracolumbar fascia) - I have avoided a lot of ‘hip openers, they made my pelvis feel unstable (deep hip flexion, ext rotation, e.g. pigeon), though I’ve loved square… -Used a lot of props, have not gone deep but have stayed in poses for a long time. Early pregnancy I wanted to be very active, so preferred more active, mobile classes, teaching ashtanga etc lots of Embodied Flow with Tara Judelle on YogaGlo. -WALK! I think this is the best thing you can do - I TRY and walk daily (an hour, in nature, but that’s changed as I’ve gotten bigger) - most ‘traditional’ women walk on average 5 kms per during their pregnancies, so I tried to do about an hour a day…that’s dropped off lately, as I get crazy contractions when I walk -Swimming - though mostly just a dip -Stay active - most important, I think Lots of additional pregnancy tips -Vit D on boobs, belly as much as possible = naked sun time -Saunas in winter (short, until I felt too hot, not forced), hot tub -Massage, moxa -Yoga nidra Home birth prep and planning -Really just made sense to me, was only option as far as I was concerned. I did not want to be travelling during labour or after birth -Super lucky to have access to the midwives program, through the Byron hospital -Two experienced midwives and one student attended birth, Daddy delivered -Birth pool hire - Birth Afloat (small heated pool) -Spring water - Wild Oasis (filled and added Crystal Energy and sea salt) -Placenta encapsulation Other tips - buy lots of old towels from op shop!!! Herbs for post-birth - jing herbs (cordyceps, deer antler, eucommia bark), reishi, lion’s mane, placenta, daily tonic tea: schizandra, raspberry leaf, nettle, vanilla, rhemmania, chaga. Book Resources -Ina May Gaskin: Spiritual Midwifery, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, -Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding -Aviva Romm: Natural Pregnancy -Sarah Buckley - not so much her book, but her interview with Daniel Vitalis about hormone cascades was awesome, ReWild Yourself podcast -Susun Weed: Wise Women’s Herbal for the Childbearing Year, and her blog -Jeannie Pavarti Baker - all her books -Tami Lynn Kent: Wild Feminine, Mouthing from Your Centre -Jane Hardwick Collings: Ten Moons -Didn’t get to read this, but it looks good, Jenny Blyth: Down to Earth Birth -Penny Simkin: Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn -Roy Dittmann: Brighton Bab -The Holistic Stages of Birth For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/pregnancy-health-with-tahnee-and-mason-taylor-ep-20

Feb 21, 2019 • 1h 28min
#19 Female Hormones with Dr Carrie Jones
In today's Women Series episode, Tahnee dives deep into listening to your body's innate wisdom, with Dr Carrie Jones. Dr Carrie is the medical director of the DUTCH, which is a relatively new analytic to test hormones and safe to say it greatly differs from the traditional Western blood-test approach. The ladies discuss the HPA axis and how the thyroid is best tested. Adrenal fatigue is explored and the discussion around slowing down and not being a master of all the things, all the time, is covered. Keto and veganism lifestyles are discussed. This is a beautiful conversation around a woman's wellbeing and how it is a complex and dancing conversation between all the organ systems and hormones. You don't want to miss this one! The ladies discuss: -Blood tests show that moment in time; blood doesn't present what each constituent piece is doing, where it's going, or how the body is interacting with it -Accurately testing cortisol via blood, is challenging -DUTCH show the metabolites, which present how each hormone was processed -The ideal Western standard range for blood test data is very arbitrary -A slow thyroid slows down everything - hair, nails, metabolism, cortisol -Thyroid testing is best via blood -Cortisol and melatonin and sort of the like the sun and the moon, like Yin and Yang -Circadian rhythm irregularities (e.g. poor sleep) will effect all our rhythms, our female cycle included -We love routine and structure, honour the body by having positive sleep hygiene practices and routine meal time. Basics are key -Why keto and intermittent fasting might not be for you -How symptoms easily become the normal, but feeling anxious, feeling tired all the time, are not the sign of health -How "adrenal fatigue" is the body's way of saying slow down -Quality truely is key when it comes to supplements -How veganism has the tendency to deplete a woman's systems -What's leptin resistance? -The physiology behind polycystic ovarian syndrome -Biologically speaking, survival is the priority, reproduction is not. Hence why stress can play havoc with a women's cycle -Libido is a strong sign of robust health, low libido is an indicator there is imbalance -Why informed decision-making, regarding the Pill is critical -Why menopause symptoms can differ so significantly between women Who is Dr. Carrie Jones? Dr. Carrie Jones (ND, MPH) is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women’s health and hormones. She graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine, School of Naturopathic Medicine in Oregon, where she also completed her two year residency in women’s health, hormones and endocrinology. Later she graduated from Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Health program with a goal of doing more international education. She was adjunct faculty for many years teaching gynaecology and advanced endocrinology/fertility and has been the Medical Director for two large integrative clinics in Portland. She is the Medical Director for Precision Analytical, Inc, creators of the DUTCH hormone test. Resources DUTCH test Chi Nei Tsang Reishi the Shen tonic Michael Pollan 1700s Book with boriginal fat, sleep like seals, liking sugar Gerson Therapy Dr Carrie Jones Instagram Dr Carrie Jones Website Thera Health Q: How Can I Support The SuperFeast Podcast? A: Tell all your friends and family and share online! We’d also love it if you could subscribe and review this podcast on iTunes. Or check us out on Stitcher :)! Plus we're on Spotify andSoundcloud! For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/female-hormones-with-dr-carrie-jones-ep-19

Feb 10, 2019 • 1h 32min
#18 Autoimmunity and Medicinal Mushrooms with Dan Sipple
Autoimmunity (AI). You've heard it, but what is it? Today Mason is joined by SuperFeast fave naturopath, Dan Sipple to explore the beast that is autoimmunity and what factors play a role in autoimmune conditions. Perhaps the Western definition of AI is too cut and dry; the guys discuss the Eastern approaches and how the gut environment plays a key role (we've got two gut health podcasts Part One and Part Two, if you want to brush up on your gut health). This episode dives deeply into the ancient Daoism behind AI patterns and which tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms can help support the body during these times. If you're afflicted with an AI condition, this episode is for you. "Autoimmunity is when the body is seemingly attacking itself" - Mason Taylor The guys discuss: -Suppression of autoimmune issues leads to significant illness later on -Treatment of autoimmunity from the Taoist perspective -Leaky gut (intestinal permeability) causes a barrage against your immune system - a significant initiating factor of AI -Pleghm, edema, heat toxicity, dampness, all AI symptoms; the TCM patterns -According to TCM, upright Qi is vital for immunity (astragalus for the win) -Yersinia enterocolitica -SuperFeast Chaga, Reishi and Astragalus, the top there immunity herbs -The tightening / tenseness within the body is exacerbating AI symptoms; must release the tension -There are hard coded AI genes, BUT environment / diet / movement / community / purpose / stress all affect their expression Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) in the morning, helps determine the degree of autoimmune cells tagged in the thymus gland for destruction by your immune system. So if your CAR is flat lined (from smashing coffees, burning the candle at both ends, constant fight or flight / Yang state), cortisol production is low and you're more prone to unchecked destructive inflammation The traditional Western belief that high Th1 causes AI, is no longer relevant Those with AI - do not put chemicals on the skin, get in the sun, skin brush Who is Dan Sipple? Dan is a also known as The Functional Naturopath who uses cutting-edge evidence-based medicine. Experienced in modalities such as herbal nutritional medicine, with a strong focus on environmental health and longevity, Dan has a wealth of knowledge in root-dysfunction health. Resources Mason in China at the Poria Farm Benny Ferguson Movement Monk Mason Retreat February 2019 Dan Instagram Dan Email Gut Health - Mase and Dan Q: How Can I Support The SuperFeast Podcast? A: Tell all your friends and family and share online! We’d also love it if you could subscribe and review this podcast on iTunes. Or check us out on Stitcher:)! Plus we're on Spotify and Soundcloud! For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/autoimmunity-and-medicinal-mushrooms-with-dan-sipple-ep-18

Jan 27, 2019 • 1h 10min
#17 Beyond the Pill with Dr. Jolene Brighten
Today Tahnee chats with Dr. Jolene Brighten, who is the author of Beyond the Pill. As the name suggests, this book explores the effects of the Pill and how to transition healthily off it. Coming off the Pill can often lead to a whole host of symptoms, but these symptoms can be seen as opportunities for greater health. The ladies share their experiences as new mum's and the challenges that must be navigated. So often, women can lose trust in their body and ability to heal and part of this can be associated with how often women's needs are dismissed in the general practitioner forum. Informed consent around the Pill is required and often missing in the Western setting. The ladies remind us that our bodies never betray us, they want us to thrive! The ladies discuss: -Postpartum challenges -How magnesium is a godsend for cramps -A Pill bleed is not a true cycle, it is simply a withdrawal bleed from the medication -The natural approach will always take time, so be patient -During third trimester, the female brain shrinks! To allow for hyper focus on the newborn. Baby brain is real!! -Liquorice is very beneficial for new mums and PCOS sufferers, it's anti-inflammatory, supports cortisol and helps manage androgens -The ins and outs of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) -Using the Pill increases your chances of several health issues (cardiovascular disease, clots, diabetes) -The key to balanced hormones are a supported liver and gut system -Regardless of your want to have a baby or not, during the reproductive years, being fertile is integral to overall health -DIM and broccoli sprouts are a girls best friend when dealing wth estrogen issues -Ever feel dizzy upon standing up? Add some good quality salt to your water -Birth control-anxiety-depression; there's a connection to explore -Don't be scared of eating a bit of dirt every now and again :)! Who is Dr. Jolene Brighten? Dr. Jolene Brighten is a Functional Medicine Naturopathic Medical Doctor and the founder of Rubus Health, a women’s medicine clinic that specialises in women’s hormones. She is recognized as a leading expert in Post-Birth Control Syndrome and the long-term side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives. Dr. Brighten is the author of Beyond the Pill, a 30-day plan to support women on birth control, help them transition off, and eliminate symptoms of post-birth control syndrome. She is a speaker, women’s health advocate, and a medical advisor for one of the first data-driven apps to offer women personalised birth control recommendations. Resources Dr. Brighten's website Dr. Brighten's Instagram Dr. Brighten's new book - Beyond the Pill Dr. Brighten's book - Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth Dr. Brighten's Favourite Lion's Mane Chi Nei Tsang Terry Wahls - Minding your mitochondria Imperfect Produce Environmental Working Group Butcher Box Girl who had all waste in a jar in from 4 years Q: How Can I Support The SuperFeast Podcast? A: Tell all your friends and family and share online! We’d also love it if you could subscribe and review this podcast on iTunes. Or check us out on Stitcher :)! Plus we're on Spotify and Soundcloud! For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/beyond-the-pill-with-dr-jolene-brighten-ep-17

Jan 21, 2019 • 1h 8min
#16 Becoming A Tonic Herbalist with Sage Dammers
This episode is for parents, health enthusiasts, practitioners, health coaches, herbalists and for those just wanting to dive deeper into answering the call as a tonic herbalist. Today, Sage Dammers (tonic herbalist and master chocolatier) and Mason cover all bases on how to develop yourself and your offering; Sage has dedicated himself to the herbs. What exactly does it take to become a tonic herbalist? Tune in to find out. The guys cover the ground knowledge and a good run down on what you are going to experience as you navigate this herbalist world. Oh and there's also a bit of speak about chocolate ;P so tune in today and lay down those foundations to becoming a tonic herbalist. In today's episode, you will hear about: -How chocolate is a beautiful vehicle for herbs -Tonic herbs and adaptogens are not symptom-based, but support the body to balance it's own systems -Identifying with your symptom can be terribly damaging - find a new mantra -Creating space (sitting down, taking time and setting an intention) to drink your herbal tonic can be transformational -Sage likes to begin his relationship with a new herb with 1/2ts in hot water in its pure and isolated form - get to know the herb -SuperFeast tonic herbs, in powder-form, forces you to connect with and forge a relationship with the adaptogen (versus a capsule / tablet) -Supplements can provide challenges in the later years - what exactly are the long term effects which have not been researched? -SuperFeast JING really provides that foundational energy -Sitting infront of a computer daily, means your eyes are focused on a static distance, this can be detrimental long term -Neural Nectar and Lion's Mane are specially effective for upgrading brain faculty -Eye issues (strain, poor sight) is connected with liver, so get onto Schizandra to support your liver -Tonic herbs are here with us, not for us -The Three Treasures, in particular Shen -Consistently having coffee does leak your Jing -Medicinal mushrooms are for long-term immunity, prevention people! -Write to us - what would you like Mason and Sage to talk about next! Email us team@superfeast.com.au Who is Sage Dammers? Fueled by a passionate desire to help people live the ultimate life and create a better world, Sage studied raw and superfood nutrition and traditional herbal systems, especially Taoist tonic herbalism. He has worked with and trained under the world’s leading master herbalists and nutrition and longevity experts in Costa Rica, Australia, Bali, China, and America. Sage has developed products internationally and given lectures on peak performance nutrition in Australia, Bali, America, and France. His years of experience in this unique arena have allowed him to cultivate an unparalleled combination of cutting edge nutritional and culinary expertise. Sage has started tonic elixir bars in 5 star luxury hotels in Paris and Sydney serving longevity elixirs disguised as gourmet treats, introducing the novel concept of healthy indulgences to the market of world travelers. Resources Addictive Wellness Erewhon Organic Grocer SuperFeast JING SuperFeast Neural Nectar SuperFeast Lion's Mane SuperFeast Schizandra addictivewellness Instagram Addictive Wellness Choccies on Amazon For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/sage-dammers

Jan 15, 2019 • 1h 1min
#15 Composting and Sustainability with Andrew Hayim de Vries
In today's eco-minded episode, Mason is joined by designer and inventor Andrew Hayim de Vries. Are you interested in the environment? Are you an eco-warrior? Or maybe you've cottoned on that we only have one earth and she is in a spot of bother ;P - well today's episode is for you. Andrew shares his absolute passion for the environment and in particular, his passion for all things composting. Want to help create a synergy of life force, by redirecting a significant waste stream? Then get involved in composting. Andrew has been developing the below-ground composting solution - the Subpod™. The guys talk about composting and how you can make sure your home or business system is good for the environment. And do you know how much food waste we have globally? Andrew will shock you! **SuperFeast HQ's works with Andrew weekly for our community composting system You will hear about: -What makes an effective composting system -Above ground systems (in warm climates) are NOT a good solution -Food wastage is real -How can we view the food waste situation and improve the current landscape? -Soil degradation and monocultures provide considerable challenges for soil integrity -The village / community mentality creates engagement and accessibility -Businesses have an ethical responsibility to educate and lead the way in environmental practices -How the current status of landfill faces several key issues -Imagine buying food based on nutritional value, NOT on weight Who is Andrew Hayim De Vries? Andrew Hayim De Vries, is an ecologically-focused Australian artist and designer, with a host of professional works spanning 35+ years. He is driven by a passion for recycling and up-cycling, composting and permaculture, the future health of the environment and education! Andrew is based in Byron Bay, where his focus is on establishing an interactive compost education facility, titled Compost Central, which introduces the necessity of composting on-location. Andrew's Subpod™, after successful trials and prototypes in many locations in Byron Bay and in an eco-resort in Sri Lanka, Subpod™ is now ready for manufacture, to make it available for purchase and installation globally. Resources: Andrew's Compost Central Website Free compost talks at Santos (Byron Bay) Subpod Subpod Prototype Talalla Pilot Project in Sri Lanka Subpod Tropic at Talalla Retreat in Sri Lanka - Video Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit 1992 Dan Schreiber at Earth Frequency For more details go to: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/composting-and-sustainability-with-andrew-hayim-de-vries-ep-15