

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

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   

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   

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   

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   

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   

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/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   

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   


