
Cultured Food Life
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/
Latest episodes

May 18, 2025 • 23min
Episode 319: Will Yogurt And Kefir Keep You Young?
Ever wondered if the secret to longevity might be hidden in your fridge? Join me on today's podcast as we explore the fascinating story of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived vibrantly until 117, fueled by three daily servings of yogurt! We'll dive into how specific probiotic strains in yogurt and kefir can profoundly impact your health, your brain, and your longevity. Discover why maintaining a healthy microbiome could hold the key to aging gracefully, preventing disease, and living life fully at any age. It's never too late—or too early—to start nurturing your gut microbes! Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-319-will-yogurt-and-kefir-keep-you-young/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/will-bacteria-keep-you-young/ 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

May 11, 2025 • 20min
Episode 318: Yogurt You Make in a Mug
Greek & Skyr Yogurt in a Mug: Easy, High-Protein, Probiotic-Rich! 🥣 Discover how to make rich, creamy Greek and Icelandic Skyr yogurt right at home—no yogurt maker required! In this episode, I share my favorite way to craft high-protein, probiotic-packed yogurt using just a stainless steel insulated mug. We’ll explore the health benefits of these heirloom yogurts, from gut health and blood sugar balance to muscle support and more. Plus, learn why homemade always trumps store-bought when it comes to freshness and probiotic power. 💪✨ Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-318-yogurt-you-make-in-a-mug/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/greek-and-skyr-yogurt-made-in-an-insulated-mug/ 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

May 4, 2025 • 11min
Episode 317: Fermented Probiotic Salsa Recipes
Who knew salsa could boost your health this much? In this episode, I'll share easy recipes for delicious, probiotic-packed salsas that enhance digestion, increase vitamins, and fight inflammation. No chopping needed—just blend, ferment, and enjoy! Discover how simple ingredients like jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice turn into nutritional powerhouses through fermentation, supporting heart health, youthful skin, and overall well-being. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-317-fermented-probiotic-salsa-recipes/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-probiotic-salsa-recipes/ 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

Apr 27, 2025 • 19min
Episode 316: Kefir Soda- Bubbly Probiotics That Heal Your Gut
Discover the fizzy, gut-healing magic of Kefir Soda in this episode! Join us as we dive into this sparkling, probiotic-packed beverage that’s as delicious as it is good for you. Made with Cutting Edge Cultures’ Kefir Soda Starter, this vegan, dairy-free drink transforms fruit juice or coconut water into a bubbly, low-sugar health tonic. Learn how it supports digestion, immunity, and even mood through the gut-brain connection. We’ll explore the easy fermentation process, share tips for customizing flavors, and reveal why kefir soda is the ultimate probiotic powerhouse your gut will thank you for! Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-316-kefir-soda-bubbly-probiotics-that-heal-your-gut/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/kefir-soda-bubbly-probiotics-that-heal-your-gut/ Coconut Pineapple Kefir Soda Float Recipe: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/recipe/coconut-pineapple-kefir-soda-float/ Yogurt Dole Whip Soft Serve Ice Cream Recipe: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/recipe/yogurt-dole-whip-soft-serve-ice-cream/ 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

Apr 20, 2025 • 21min
Episode 315: Bringing New Life With Cultured Foods
Spring is a season of renewal—for the earth and for your gut! In this episode, I share how cultured foods like kefir, yogurt, and fermented veggies can help your microbiome bloom after the slower, starchier days of winter. Learn how springtime supports digestion, boosts energy, balances mood, and even helps ease seasonal allergies—all through the power of living, probiotic-rich foods. I’ll also share some of my favorite spring recipes like Carrot Cake Kefir Soda and Strawberry Lemon Icebox Pie. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-315-bringing-new-life-with-cultured-foods/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/bringing-new-life-with-cultured-foods/ Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/your-immune-system-and-seasonal-allergies/ Kombucha Mayo Recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRdpyUZyeY 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

Apr 6, 2025 • 16min
Episode 314: Natto: The Sticky Secret to Health
Natto is a Superfood for Stroke Prevention, Blood Clot Reduction, and More! Looking for natural ways to boost your health? In this episode, I’m sharing the surprising benefits of natto—a traditional fermented soybean dish packed with powerful nutrients like nattokinase and vitamin K2. From preventing strokes and dissolving blood clots to potentially helping your body clear spike proteins post-COVID, natto is a sticky superfood with serious science behind it. I’ll share how to enjoy it (even if the taste is new to you), how to make it yourself, and why this humble food has become a daily staple in my kitchen. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-314-natto-the-sticky-secret-to-health/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/natto-superfood-for-stroke-prevention-blood-clot-reduction-and-more/ 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

Mar 30, 2025 • 13min
Episode 313: How Fermented Foods Can Naturally Heal Your Gums
Bleeding gums? It might be more than brushing too hard. In this episode, I share how kefir, yogurt, and even sauerkraut brine can help heal your gums by balancing the oral microbiome, reducing inflammation, and strengthening gum tissue. Your mouth has its own microbiome—and fermented foods know just how to nourish it. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-313-how-fermented-foods-can-naturally-heal-your-gums/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-fermented-foods-can-naturally-heal-your-gums/ 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 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

Mar 23, 2025 • 14min
Episode 312: Can Kefir Help With Gerd?
Struggling with acid reflux? You’re not alone—and the solution might not be another antacid but kefir! In this episode, I share how this powerful probiotic drink helped my husband and countless others eliminate GERD symptoms naturally. Learn how kefir balances gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and restores digestion, plus why antacids may be making things worse. Tune in to discover if kefir is the missing piece in your gut health journey! Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-312-can-kefir-help-with-gerd/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/is-kefir-the-answer-for-acid-reflux/ Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/h-pylori-and-fermented-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 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

Mar 9, 2025 • 42min
Episode 311: Fermented Foods For Different Ailments
Most people think of probiotics as a supplement in a bottle, but did you know that probiotic foods contain billions more beneficial microbes? These living foods have a natural advantage—delivering probiotics straight to the body where they’re needed most. In this episode, we’ll explore how cultured vegetables, kefir, and other fermented foods can work like medicine, supporting everything from gut health and immunity to anxiety, allergies, and hormonal balance. Discover how these powerful foods can transform your health—one bite at a time! Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-311-fermented-foods-for-different-aliments/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/probiotic-foods-for-different-ailments/ 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 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

Feb 24, 2025 • 22min
Episode 310: Natural Remedies That Work: Kefir Whey, Cultured Veggies, Baobab, & Ginger
Discover the power of natural healing in this episode as we dive into time-tested remedies like kefir whey for pink eye, cultured veggie juice for an upset stomach, baobab kefir to support lung health, and the anti-inflammatory magic of ginger. Tune in for personal stories, science-backed insights, and simple kitchen tips that empower your body’s natural ability to restore balance. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-310-natural-remedies-that-work-kefir-whey-cultured-veggies-baobab-ginger/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/natural-remedies-that-work-kefir-whey-cultured-veggies-baobab-and-ginger/ Easy Kefir: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/easy-kefir/ 2nd Fermented with Juice: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/recipes/#fwe+recipe-tag:2nd-fermented-with-bottled-juice Baobab Boost Powder: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/baobab-boost-powder/ White Ginger Kefir Soda: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/recipe/white-ginger-kefir-soda/ Lemon Ginger Kombucha: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/recipe/lemon-ginger-kombucha/ 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 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