

Cultured Food Life
Donna Schwenk
Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show "Cultured Food Life" (new episodes every Tuesday), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and IBS. In her down-to-earth and informative style, Donna will walk you through the basic preparation techniques and teach you how to make these delicious probiotic recipes at home. You can find out all about Donna on her web site https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

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

Aug 24, 2025 • 14min
Episode 328: Sauerkraut and Your Gut Barrier – Nature's Fermented Defense
Discover how a humble jar of sauerkraut can become one of your gut’s strongest allies. In this episode, I share groundbreaking research showing how fermented cabbage protects the gut lining in ways raw vegetables can’t—thanks to over 300 powerful compounds created during fermentation. You’ll learn why sauerkraut soothes digestion, supports your microbiome, and works best as a whole, living food. Plus, we’ll explore an exciting study on kimchi and its role in metabolism and weight support. If you’ve ever wondered why fermented foods feel so healing, this is the episode for you. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-328-sauerkraut-and-your-gut-barrier-natures-fermented-defense/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/sauerkraut-and-your-gut-barrier-natures-fermented-defense/ 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

Aug 17, 2025 • 12min
Episode 327: How to Make Yogurt Cheese
In this episode, I’ll show you how to turn homemade yogurt into creamy, tangy yogurt cheese—and why the golden liquid that drains off (whey) is one of the most powerful probiotic-rich ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. You’ll learn just how nourishing, versatile, and easy yogurt cheese is to make, and all the ways to use whey to boost your gut health, immunity, and even your garden! It’s simple, healing food—and your body will thank you. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-327-how-to-make-yogurt-cheese/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-to-make-yogurt-cheese/ 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

Aug 10, 2025 • 16min
Episode 326: Fermented Foods For Psoriasis
If you’re struggling with psoriasis, there is hope—and it begins in the gut. In this episode, I share how fermented foods like kefir, cultured vegetables, kombucha, and L. reuteri yogurt can help calm inflammation, restore gut balance, and bring relief to your skin. You’ll learn about the powerful probiotic strains that support immune regulation and healing, plus practical tips for getting started gently. These living foods have helped so many find lasting relief—and they might just help you too. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-326-fermented-foods-for-psoriasis/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-foods-for-psoriasis/ 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

Aug 3, 2025 • 15min
Episode 325: Bulgarian Yogurt: The Ancient Culture That Changed Everything
There’s a powerful story behind the creamy, tangy yogurt that originated in the mountains of Bulgaria. In this episode, I’ll share the fascinating legend of how Bulgarian yogurt healed a king, the science that won a Nobel Prize, and the probiotic strains—like Lactobacillus bulgaricus—that make this yogurt one of the most healing fermented foods you can eat. I’ll also explain how you can make it at home with my favorite starters, and why it’s become a daily staple in my kitchen (and heart). Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-325-bulgarian-yogurt-the-ancient-culture-that-changed-everything/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/bulgarian-yogurt-the-ancient-culture-that-changed-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

Jul 27, 2025 • 21min
Episode 324: My Favorite Fermented Foods of Summer
Summer is the season of vibrant produce, warm breezes—and thriving ferments! In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite probiotic-packed foods to enjoy during the sunny months. From kefir smoothies and fizzy kefir soda to kombucha, cultured veggies, and thick creamy yogurts, these are the summer staples that keep my gut happy and my energy high. Discover why your body naturally craves these foods in the heat, and how they can help support digestion, immunity, and skin health all season long. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-324-my-favorite-fermented-foods-of-summer/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/my-favorite-fermented-foods-of-summer/ 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

Jul 6, 2025 • 28min
Episode 323: Benefits of Each Cultured Food
Nothing has influenced and changed my body and life more than cultured foods. Each food has different strains and gives different health benefits. I thought I would lay it out for you which ones bring the health benefits you are seeking. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-323-benefits-of-each-cultured-food/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/benefits-of-each-cultured-food/ 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

Jun 22, 2025 • 18min
Episode 322: Skyr and Greek Yogurt Nutritional Deep Dive
In this episode, we're diving into the creamy, probiotic-rich world of Skyr and Greek yogurt—two powerhouse foods that do more than just nourish... they transform. You'll discover how these thick, strained yogurts concentrate protein while reducing lactose and sugar, making them easier to digest—even for those who are lactose sensitive. We’ll break down the nutrition per cup, explore the miraculous process of fermentation, and explain how these yogurts are pre-digested by living cultures that make nutrients more bioavailable for your body. 💡 Why is Skyr higher in protein than Greek yogurt? 💡 Does straining yogurt reduce sugar and carbs? 💡 How does fermentation impact digestion and blood sugar? Whether you're looking to build muscle, support gut health, or simply enjoy a rich, creamy snack that loves you back—this is the episode for you. ✨ Simple. Powerful. Deliciously healing. Tune in and learn how to turn milk into magic, right in your own kitchen. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-322-skyr-and-greek-yogurt-nutritional-deep-dive/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/nutritional-count-of-skyr-and-greek-yogurt/ 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

Jun 15, 2025 • 14min
Episode 321: The Magic of Kefir – A Fermented Elixir That Transforms Health
Kefir changed my life—and I’ve watched it do the same for thousands of others. In this episode, I’m sharing how this powerful, probiotic-rich drink helped restore my health from the inside out. From lowering blood pressure and balancing blood sugar, to calming the nervous system and boosting immunity, kefir is a living food with ancient roots and modern-day miracles. If your body is crying out for help, kefir may just be the answer it’s looking for. 💛 Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-321-the-magic-of-kefir-a-fermented-elixir-that-transforms-health/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-magic-of-kefir/ 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