Cultured Food Life

Donna Schwenk
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Nov 23, 2025 • 31min

Episode 338: How to Help Your Ferments Stay Happy in Winter

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite tips for keeping your ferments happy all winter long — from kefir and kefir soda to kombucha, cultured veggies, and sourdough. Winter changes the way our microbes behave, and with just a few simple adjustments, you can make some of the best ferments of your life. Tune in and learn how to create a cozy environment for your favorite ferments and keep your body nourished, strong, and supported all season long. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-338-how-to-help-your-ferments-stay-happy-in-winter/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/keeping-your-ferments-happy-all-winter-long/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Nov 16, 2025 • 11min

Episode 337: The Miracle Inside You: How Feeding Your 100 Trillion Bacteria Changes Everything

Discover how feeding your 100 trillion bacteria with fermented foods can transform your digestion, mood, and health. Learn why The Trilogy changed my life. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-337-the-miracle-inside-you-how-feeding-your-100-trillion-bacteria-changes-everything/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-miracle-inside-you-how-feeding-your-100-trillion-bacteria-changes-everything/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Nov 2, 2025 • 17min

Episode 336: Fermented Comfort Foods – Bringing Cultured Ingredients to Your Soups, Stews, and Casseroles

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup or a bubbling casserole — especially when it's filled with life! In this episode, we're exploring Fermented Comfort Foods — how to finish cozy dishes with kefir, yogurt, labneh, or a splash of kraut brine so they nourish both your belly and your heart. You'll learn how to keep those live cultures happy, why they boost mood and digestion, and simple ways to turn everyday comfort food into true gut comfort food. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-336-fermented-comfort-foods-bringing-cultured-ingredients-to-your-soups-stews-and-casseroles/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-comfort-foods-using-cultured-ingredients-in-soups-stews-and-casseroles/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Oct 26, 2025 • 28min

Episode 335: What Your Immune System Actually Does and How Fermented Foods Support It

Your immune system doesn't need boosting — it needs balance. Discover how fermented foods help it heal, protect, and thrive. Your body is brilliant — learn how your immune system remembers, repairs, and responds, and how fermented foods help it shine. This fall, find out how kefir, yogurt, and cultured veggies strengthen your immune system from the inside out. Your immune system listens to you — your thoughts, your food, your peace. Let's help it thrive with living, healing foods. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-335-what-your-immune-system-actually-does-and-how-fermented-foods-support-it/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-your-immune-system-actually-works-and-how-fermented-foods-support-it/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Oct 19, 2025 • 18min

Episode 334: The Light That Changed Everything: My Red Light Therapy Journey

This week I'm sharing how red light therapy transformed my energy, mood, and metabolism — and helped me find balance again. What started as a Valentine's Day gift became a nightly ritual that restored my body and spirit. Learn how light therapy boosts your cells, supports hormones, improves skin, and works beautifully alongside fermented foods to help you glow from the inside out. ✨ Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-334-the-light-that-changed-everything-my-red-light-therapy-journey/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-light-that-changed-everything-my-red-light-therapy-journey/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Oct 5, 2025 • 16min

Episode 333: Friendly Bacteria vs.Candida - Ferments That Win the Fight

Candida isn't always the enemy—but when it overgrows, it causes fatigue, brain fog, and gut issues. In this episode, I share how fermented foods and specific probiotics like L. plantarum, L. reuteri, L. gasseri, and S. boulardii help keep candida in balance, restore your microbiome, and bring lasting relief. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-333-friendly-bacteria-vs-candida-ferments-that-win-the-fight/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/friendly-bacteria-vs-candida-ferments-that-win-the-fight/ Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-healing-crisis-and-cultured-foods/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Sep 28, 2025 • 30min

Episode 332: 5 Foods That Changed My Life

There are moments in life when something so simple, yet so powerful, changes everything. For me, that "something" was food—five very specific foods that transformed my health, my energy, and even the course of my life. I'll walk you through my story with each of these foods, how they helped me heal from the inside out, and why I still enjoy them daily. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you'll be inspired to invite at least one of these foods into your own life—and discover what a difference it can make. ✨ Because when you start to feel good—really good—you never want to go back. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-332-5-foods-that-changed-my-life/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/5-foods-that-changed-my-life/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Sep 21, 2025 • 25min

Episode 331: Minerals and Cultured Foods: The Foundation of Good Health

Discover why minerals are the unsung heroes of good health. From boosting energy and calming nerves to supporting immunity and digestion, minerals do it all. I'll share how my husband found relief from years of sciatic pain with the help of minerals, and how pairing them with cultured foods can transform your health too. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-331-minerals-and-cultured-foods-the-foundation-of-good-health/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/minerals-and-cultured-foods-the-foundation-of-good-health/ Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-mineral-that-saved-my-life/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Sep 14, 2025 • 29min

Episode 330: Building Immunity Before Autumn Arrives

In this episode, I share the cultured foods I rely on to strengthen my immune system before the cooler months set in. From daily kefir and yogurt to tangy cultured vegetables and refreshing probiotic drinks like kombucha and kefir soda, these foods have transformed my health and energy. Tune in to discover how they can help you build resilience, nourish your gut, and enter autumn feeling stronger and ready for the season ahead. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-330-building-immunity-before-autumn-arrives/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/building-immunity-before-autumn-arrives/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk
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Sep 6, 2025 • 29min

Episode 329: Which is the Best Yogurt For You?

Discover the world of yogurts—from creamy Skyr and protein-rich Greek yogurt to powerful cultured varieties like Yogurt Plus, L. reuteri, and L. gasseri. In this episode, I'll share their unique health benefits and help you find the yogurt that's best for you. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-329-which-is-the-best-yogurt-for-you/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-the-best-yogurt-for-you/ Skyr Starter: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/easy-skyr-yogurt-starter/ Greek Starter: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/easy-greek-yogurt-starter/ Yogurt Plus Starter: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/yogurt-plus/ L. Reuteri Starter: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/l-reuteri-superfood-yogurt-starter/ L. Gasseri Starter: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/l-gasseri-superfood-starter/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1 Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge MY STARTER CULTURES Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27 STAY CONNECTED Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

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