Shows
Toxic TangentsCreating a Greener Home with Emma Rohmann
The key to a healthier life is to make more educated decisions about the products you buy. This thoughtful approach will not only improve your health, but it will naturally support the environment. Going green can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming. That's why we invited Emma Rohmann (@Emma_greenathome) onto our IG Live!Emma is an environmental engineer who helps moms and moms-to-be reduce toxins in their homes and bodies. She has over 15 years of experience as a green building consultant. Emma is also the host of The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast.We had such a gr...2024-01-1926 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast93: Taking Pause: A Note from EmmaIt may be goodbye for now, but not forever! In this episode, Emma talks about the show’s beginnings and why it’s time to take a pause after 93 episodes. She also shares where you can continue to get more support and resources. Other Podcasts to Check Out in the Meantime: Healthy Green Homes - EcoParent Podcast NetworkRaising Kids, Naturally - EcoParent Podcast NetworkRaising Greener Teens - EcoParent Podcast NetworkGreen Dreamer - Kamea ChayneThe Jane Goodall HopecastN...2022-07-1906 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast92: PFAS in Period Undies & Pesticides in TamponsIt always sucks when something you think is THE solution turns out to be not what you thought. But I think it's important to learn from it, and move on. This week’s episode began when a Green Product Forum member - Dana wanted to know about studies that have found PFAS in period underwear.I chat about period undies, pads and tampons and cover the following:RegulationsToxic shock syndromeDioxins, fragrance, glyphosate & other pesticidesSafer alternatives*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Gre...2022-07-1219 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast91: What to Detox in Your BedroomQuestion from Green Product Forum member Amanda: What’s the most important thing to do to detox your bedroom?In this episode I walk you through the things to think about when you want to lower your exposure to toxins while you sleep. From indoor air quality strategies to prioritizing product swaps to improving the quality of your sleep, I’ve got you covered.Episodes mentioned:Episode 7: What to Look for in a Healthy MattressEpisode 72: Do mattress protectors make conventional mattresses saferEpis...2022-07-0527 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast90: Natural Pest Management TipsWhether you have pests already or not, prevention should be the first line of defense.Pests are typically entering for one of 2 or 3 reasons: food, shelter, and in some cases, water. With that in mind, today’s podcast covers some things you can do to help prevent an infestation in the first place. And, if you already have a pest problem, we cover some strategies to try to get them out of your home.*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other res...2022-06-2825 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast89: How I Cloth Diapered Both My KidsI decided early on that I would cloth diaper my kids. Environmentally it just made sense to me. There is more information about cloth diapering on the internet than you could possibly consume. Which can make it feel incredibly daunting! So before you go Googling and thinking there’s some magic bullet 100% right way to cloth diaper, know that there isn’t. And, like so many things in life, at some point you just have to get started.In this episode I share how you can decide if cloth diapering is for you, what you should know befo...2022-06-2127 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast88: When Kids Push Back on Your Low-Tox ValuesSarah Rosensweet is a certified peaceful parenting coach, speaker, and educator. She lives in Toronto with her husband and three big kids (ages 14, 18, and 21). Peaceful parenting is a non-punitive, connection-based approach that uses firm limits with lots of empathy. Sarah works one-on-one virtually with parents all over the world to help them go from frustrated and overwhelmed to, “We’ve got this!”In this episode we cover:Approaching hard topics with young children (like climate change, environmental pollution, etc.)Strategies to help kids understand your goals, particularly when they go against the grain. And mor...2022-06-1438 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast87: Are Gas Stoves Toxic & What to Use InsteadRecent research spurred some pretty scary sounding news articles about the dangers of gas stoves. But how bad are they? And what alternatives are better?This episode covers:potentially harmful methane emissionsWhat the headlines aren’t telling youfind out if you should replace your gas stove*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources: Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome Website: https://greenathome.caGreen at Ho...2022-06-0715 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast86: How to Choose a Non-Toxic SunscreenWhat is the best sunscreen? In this episode, I’m going to break down some of the common messaging around sunscreens, including:Coral reef bleachingHormone disrupting & carcinogenic active ingredientsThe problem with spray sunscreensReports of benzene contaminationInactive ingredient safetyWhat else to look forLinks mentioned:https://greenathome.ca/best-non-toxic-mineral-sunscreen/*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources: Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum Instagram: https...2022-05-3125 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast85: Ethical Plastic-Free Products with Courtney StewartCourtney Stewart was tired of her stainless steel bento box that leaked. And she realized her friends were also frustrated… so she decided to do something about it. Courtney created The Good Kiind with a mission not only to create a well-made, long-lasting product, but to do so with ethical labour practices, high quality materials, while helping reduce world hunger through a global giving partner where they will donate meals to help children be more successful at school.I invited Courtney on the show to talk about the shift fro...2022-05-2435 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast84: Should You Avoid Polyester Fabrics?This episode was inspired by questions I’ve been getting in my inbox and in the Green Product Forum over the past few months about the hazards with having polyester in your home. I’m going to break it down for you to help you make more informed and educated decisions about your clothes and household textiles.I’m currently working on a detailed textiles guide which will be added to the resources in my Membership, The Healthy Home Collective. If you’re looking for personalized support and step-by-step plan to reduce toxins in your hom...2022-05-1711 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast83: Testing for Toxins in Your Body with Million MarkerEver wondered what your body burden - in other words, the amount of chemicals in your body - is? Million Marker is a mail-in test kit that can help you answer that question when it comes to common hormone disrupting chemicals. This episode is an amazing conversation with Jenna Hua, CEO, and Jo Rochester, Chief Scientific Officer. We cover:How body burden testing worksWhat the benefits and limitations of body burden testing areWhat toxicologists are saying about small amounts of ingredients we're exposed to every day What Million Marker tests for, and why2022-05-1038 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast82: BPA-Free Socks and other Fast Fashion Alternatives with Melita CyrilIn this episode, I’m speaking with Melita Cyril, owner of Q for Quinn. We cover:What she learned getting started in manufacturingChallenges with Made in CanadaWhat makes materials she uses different to those in other socksHow do you know socks are BPA and toxic freeThe costs of fast fashionAnd more!Melita started Q for Quinn - a company that sells gentle, healthy basics for the entire family. She became an entrepreneur when she struggled to find the right socks for her then baby boy who suffered from eczema and she needed the best soc...2022-05-0333 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast81: How to Choose an Air Purifier***If you want to make a small financial contribution to support ongoing episodes, you can do so at http://buymeacoffee.com/emmarohmann.***Air purifiers are one way you can create healthier air with little effort on your part, if you’re using them right. In this episode, I’m going to help you decide whether an air purifier is right for you and give you tips to make it work the best for you.To further narrow down your search, you can also find the top 5 recommended brands in the G...2022-04-2620 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast80: Creating Healthy Food Habits for Kids with Nishta SaxenaWe're told that food is medicine a lot in the holistic health space, which can be really stressful when your kid doesn't eat well. What do you do if your children only eat butter pasta and crackers?In this episode I speak to Nishta Saxena, who has helped thousands of families with food and feeding over the past 15 years.She’s a food and nutrition expert with CTV Your Morning and appears regularly on The Marilyn Denis Show, The Social and CBC. She’s an avid nutrition blogger and has...2022-04-1944 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast79: Greenwashing: What it looks like and how to avoid itGreenwashing is the intentional or accidental misrepresentation of how “green” - which in my case I’ll include “healthy” and “non-toxic” - a product is. It’s one of the biggest challenges for those of us striving for a less toxic lifestyle. In this episode I share:some of the common greenwashing trapswhat to watch forhow you can tackle label-reading without falling victim to greenwashingThis is important because it’s one of the ways choosing non-toxic products can feel hard and expensive. Read the blog version of this episo...2022-04-1214 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast78: Heavy Metals in Rice, Infant Cereal & Snacks, and SpicesI’m sharing some ingredients you won’t find on nutrition labels, and you might not even be aware of, but are showing up in our food. These are particularly concerning for infants - and pregnant people - but also important for all of us to understand. Because the more we know, the more we can advocate for change.The ingredients I’m talking about are heavy metals. I’m going to share specific examples from 3 Consumer Reports investigations that looked at heavy metal concentrations in rice, rice cereal and infant snacking products, baby food, and herbs and spic...2022-04-0520 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast77: Ask Me Anything!Answering community questions about choosing a rice cooker, silicone kitchen utensils, water filters, curtains, shower curtains, and nighttime mouth guards! The conversation goes much deeper though, and I share my thoughts on approaching manufacturers, and what happens when our non-toxic goals might not be available in the market.*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources: Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome Website: https://greenathome.ca 2022-03-2935 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast76: Decluttering Consciously & Sustainably with Stephanie SeferianMost parents I speak to have been there. Exhausted, at the end of the busy day, looking around a room full of toys and clothes and probably food on the floor, and no energy to deal with it. The fact is, our lives have been impacted heavily by consumerist culture. And it’s no fault of our own. The marketing and social pressure makes it appealing to accumulate stuff. But it’s costing us more than we might think.In this episode, I’m speaking with Stephanie Seferian. Host of the Sustainable Minimalism Podcast and author...2022-03-2236 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast75: 4 Toxins to Avoid before Having a BabyThis week’s episode I want to break down the 4 toxins most important to address in your home before having a baby, and 12 ways you can reduce them. I am passionate about helping everyone reduce toxins, but the preconception and early prenatal period is a special interest of mine. Possibly because I wasn’t aware of what I know now, and I’m kind of mad about that. I cover hormone disruptors and 3 simple ways to avoid them:PhthalatesBisphenolsPesticidesPFAS ChemicalsPrevious episodes mentioned:Episode 36: Before You Get Pregnant: Things I Wish I Knew2022-03-1521 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast74: Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain & Hormones with Dr Jennifer Corey, NDWhat are the misconceptions and benefits of acupuncture and how does it impact our body, specifically the pelvic floor and hormones.For this episode I invited Dr. Jennifer Corey, ND to chat about her work as a Public Health Solutionist. We cover:What acupuncture is and how it works?What misconceptions there are around acupuncture in a predominantly Western Medicine society?Who should consider adding acupuncture to support their health goals?How it’s used to treat hormone-related issues?Find more from Dr Corey -I...2022-03-0831 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast73: Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly RedecoratingWhen it comes to redecorating, less is more. In this episode I’m going to share some tips to help you redecorate more responsibly, and how you can do it while staying in your budget. I’m also going to answer some FAQs around thrifted furniture and synthetics in rugs and pillows.For more detailed guidance, check out the Guide to Healthy Construction & Renovations: https://greenathome.ca/construction *****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:Green Product Forum: https://faceb...2022-03-0122 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast72: Do Mattress Protectors Make Conventional Mattresses Safer?If you cover a conventional mattress with a non-toxic mattress protector and organic cotton sheets, does this protect you from the toxins in the mattress? This question was posed to me in a Q+A thread I hosted in my free Facebook Group, the Green Product Forum, and I know it’s a common one. I recorded a video response to the question and wanted to share the answer with you in this quick tip episode!Now, if you are in the market for a new mattress, check out epi...2022-02-2209 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast71: Learn to Love Cast Iron PansThis is a bit of a love letter to cast iron pans. Taking the plunge to cast iron is something so many people in my Facebook Group The Green Product Forum struggle with, so I thought I’d compile some challenges and solutions for you to help you fall in love with cast iron pans too.I talk about:Why cast iron pans are the bestHow they can be non-stickBig debate: soap or no soapWhat to do if you “ruin” the panAnd my favourite brandHow to cle...2022-02-1516 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast70: Are Clean Beauty Products Worth It?Does switching to non-toxic skincare and beauty products make a difference to your health? I don’t think that’s the only thing we should base our decision on. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the green beauty movement and what we should consider when tackling this part of our non-toxic home journey. Spoiler alert: I don’t think you HAVE to swap out all your products. Download the label-reading training here: https://greenathome.ca/labelreadingRead the blog version of this episode h...2022-02-0822 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast69: Mold Illness with Dr. Sharon Kelly NDMold illness can appear as many other chronic illnesses. It can also be the missing step towards healing from other health issues. But it can be difficult to find a practitioner who knows what to look for and how to treat it. In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Sharon Kelly, ND about mold illness, including:What is mold?How mold enters our bodies.What it does in the body.What is mold illness and how is it diagnosed and treated.What should someone look for in a mold-literate practitioner.Re...2022-02-0136 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast68: Buying a New Home with Amanda KleckerWhen you’re looking to buy an existing home, it can be daunting finding something that checks all the boxes. You might not prioritize a home that has all the so-called “healthy home” bells and whistles over something you can’t change over time, like location or size… but there are some things you might want to add to your checklist. For this episode, I invited Amanda Klecker, a home inspector and building biologist, to speak with us about what she looks for when assessing homes for her new home-buyer clients. She and I have known...2022-01-2534 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast67: Your Super Mom Brain: How to Boost Productivity & Reduce StressI call it Mom Brain, Dr. Lisa Weeks ND calls it Super Brain. However you say it, there’s no question our brains work differently when we become parents. Some of these changes are good (they’re there to keep our kids alive), and some can pose challenges in our society today (we have a lot of information flying at us and a lot on the go).In this episode, we share:- What happens in the brain when you become a parent- How you can help “declutter” your brain- How to reduce s...2022-01-1836 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast66: Exercise, Weights, and Your PeriodThere’s a gaping hole in the fitness world when it comes to training people who menstruate: Understanding what happens during menstrual cycles and how it impacts workouts. Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, as we’ve discussed in other episodes, understanding our cycles is a gaping hole in much of the health and wellness space. Fitness is no different. In this episode we cover:How exercise impacts your cycle and how your cycle should impact your exercise. The problem with popular fitness programs.How you can workout optimal...2022-01-1131 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast65: [REPLAY] How to Choose a Water FilterToday we’re going to be talking about the importance of filtering your water, and I’ll share the important steps you need to take to figure out what the right water filter is for you.This is a replay of Episode 16.We’ll cover the 3 questions you need to ask about your municipal water, things you must address if you’re on a well, and how to find the filter that will best meet your needs.Links Mentioned in the Episode:The Devil We Know - Documentary on Netflix: https://thedevil...2022-01-0441 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast64: [REPLAY] Hormone Disruptors & Pregnancy[REPLAY] This episode brings back episode 4, which is a critical foundational episode for anyone thinking of having a baby. Hormone disruptors are some of the most concerning toxins when it comes to our children’s health. And their impact begins from preconception.In this episode I break down the myths, how you’re exposed, and what you can do to reduce your exposure.*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforumInstagram: http...2021-12-2128 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast63: Simple Winter IAQ HacksIndoor air has been shown to be 2 - 5 times more polluted than outside air. And this can be made worse in the winter months when our homes are typically closed up and we’re inside them more.In this episode, I share simple tips to help improve indoor air quality this winter - from getting more fresh air to filtration to the impact humidity has and more.*****The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources: Green Product Forum: https://fa...2021-12-1413 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast62: MenopauseDoes menopause mean you’re doomed for years of hot flashes, brain fog, and other not-very-pleasant side effects to a major hormonal shift?Not on Dr. Jordan Robertson’s watch! In this episode we talk all about what’s happening in the body leading up to and during menopause, and why she thinks hormone replacement therapy is a valuable treatment option.Dr. Jordan Robertson is a Naturopathic Doctor, women’s health Author and the owner of Clarity Health. With a background in medical research, Dr. Jordan has built our clinic with a vision of serving patients...2021-12-0737 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast61: When People Think Your Non-Toxic Lifestyle is Weird“Does anyone else get super self-conscious when talking to people about the things you’re doing to reduce toxins, and then they react like you’re extreme and weird?”“How do I convince my spouse/parents/friend toxins matter?”These are examples of questions that have been asked in The Green Product Forum Facebook Group, and I wanted to share a bit of an off-the-cuff episode in response.Because I think it’s important to recognize that other people not being on board is a very real barrier to your success. But it doesn’t have t...2021-11-3017 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast60: Pre- and Post-Natal Exercise MythsPrenatal and post-partum fitness is such a mine-field of misinformation and misguided advice. But as I discovered first-hand, it is such an important piece of maintaining your health and well-being! Strength training in particular should be talked about more.This episode features a great conversation with my own trainer, Reena Parekh. She is a fitness coach, pre and postnatal specialist and speaker located in Toronto. Her passion lies in helping pregnant and postpartum people regain strength with a body neutral, non-diet approach to strength training and coaching.She is an advocate for maternal mental health...2021-11-2331 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast59: Mold Toxicity & RemediationMold can be a serious health risk when it’s in our homes. But how do we know if we have concerning levels of mold, and what can we do about it?I’m bringing in a mold remediation expert to chat all about this topic. Michael Rubino has spent the past seven years involved in construction and remediating mold contamination, through his company All American Restoration. His focus is on removing all traces of mold, the spores they leave behind and the toxins produced by the mold. Because this is what a person suffering from hypersensitivity to m...2021-11-1639 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast58: PFAS Chemicals in Bubly and other BeveragesIf you’re an avid Bubly, Topo Chino, Polar, La Croix, or Perrier drinker, you’re definitely going to want to listen up. But this episode is really for anyone because I’m going to talk about regular drinking water as well.In 2020, Consumer Reports tested 12 carbonated water products for 30 PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are the chemicals used to make non-stick coatings, stain-repellant, waterproofing coatings, fire fighting foam, and more – and they have become a serious problem.I’ll be covering what PFAS is, why it is so concerning from a health and environmental perspectiv...2021-11-0915 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast57: The Problem with Tylenol During PregnancyTylenol, Paracetamol, and other acetaminophen-based drugs are the most commonly used pain and fever medications for pregnant people. But are they safe?A new Consensus Statement signed by 91 scientists and doctors suggest we should be taking more of a precautionary approach due to research indicating it may contribute to hormone disruption and neurodevelopmental issues.In this episode, I summarize some of the findings used to create the Consensus Statement and offer guidance to help you decide how to move forward with fever and pain management during pregnancy.*****Read the blog...2021-11-0213 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast56: Maternal Mental Health, Toxins, and Children’s Brain DevelopmentDr. Hilary Claire believes that "Mothers are the key to a brighter future, to healthier children and to a happier planet." And this is what drives her to support maternal and childhood mental health.In this interview, we discuss:What trends she is seeing with behavioural and mental health disordersHow toxins play a role in neurological functions in childrenHow can moms approach toxins in a way that doesn't add to their existing overwhelm and busy lives… And so much more.Dr. Hilary Claire is a clinical psychologist specializing in...2021-10-2634 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast55: Prop65 Warning Labels: What do they mean“This product contains ingredients known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.”These labels are seemingly everywhere now thanks to Proposition 65, a California State law that – thanks to online retail – has now made itself known across the US and Canada.But what does it really mean? And should you panic if you see it on a product you thought was safe – or hadn’t even considered there might be a concern?In this episode I walk you through:● How Prop65 works● What businesses are re...2021-10-1913 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast54: Planning & Planting Your Organic GardenI’ve been following Melissa Cameron, Organic Master Gardener and founder of The Good Seed, for a while now and she was an obvious choice to bring onto the show and answer some of the main questions when it comes to planning and planting gardens - both decorative and edible. In this episode we cover:● Where to start when planning a decorative garden.● How to factor in light, soil, and space when choosing plants. ● The difference between native, adaptive, invasive species.● Where to get quality plants and soil (and what to avoid...2021-10-1236 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast53: A Best Of Episode Celebrating 1 YearWe are celebrating one year of The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast!! In honour of the occasion, I’ve put together a compilation of clips from some of the most downloaded and most important conversations I’ve had to-date. And for the month of October when this episode airs, I’m hosting a giveaway for a Healthy Moms Discount Card, worth $45, which offers huge savings on incredible products like mattresses, supplements, clothes.All you have to do is leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.For extra ent...2021-10-0555 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast52: Coping With Anxiety & WorryWhen my therapist told me I likely had anxiety, it took me a minute to process. But now that I know - and have the tools to better cope with it - everything started to make a lot more sense. I know anxiety is a common feeling around toxins because I hear it from my community all the time. There’s a fine line between being aware and conscious to freaking out about everything your child touches. And trust me, I’ve been there. Today’s episode walks you through what I believe...2021-09-2816 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast51: Planning Your Home DetoxIn this episode, I share the biggest lessons I learned through my own research and from working with hundreds of women who may be a little like you - struggling to figure out the why, what, and how of creating healthier home environments to support their health and their family’s.My goal is to give you the foundation that most people miss when they’re starting to create a healthy home. Not having a solid foundation is what makes it seem too hard, expensive, and overwhelming.I see my job as an educator, coach, and...2021-09-2142 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast50: Adrenal Fatigue, Toxins, and Hope with Andi ClarkIf you've ever been told your lab results are normal, your symptoms are in your head, or there's nothing they can do, but you know in your gut something's wrong and you're not prepared to settle, you have to meet my guest in this episode, Andi Clark.After struggling for 20 years with a myriad of symptoms, it was when she started doing fitness competitions that her body started shutting down. As a personal trainer, she was fit and yet she could no longer work out without it completely draining her. Over the years, she experienced fatigue, brain f...2021-09-1443 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast48: Back to School Reminder: You Can't Control EverythingIt's back to school for many of us. It can be exciting, but for many parents, I know it can also be a source of anxiety. And this applies if you've got smaller children ready to start daycare as well. Because when they're at school or daycare, they're spending 6+ hours in a building and with people you have zero control over.This can feel overwhelming, especially if you're earlier in your toxin reduction journey. You've worked so hard to try to reduce your kids' exposure to things at home, but what happens when they enter somebody else's...2021-08-3117 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast47: Organic Meat & DairyIs organic meat and dairy worth the cost premium? And what about the difference between free range, free run, hormone free, and all the other marketing claims out there?Did you know that all poultry and pork have no hormones added in Canada and the US? And yet, lots of packaging proudly proclaim it - and sometimes charge more because of it - even though the package beside without the label is also free from added hormones.And what about antibiotics. Well, they might not be as big of a concern as you once thought...2021-08-2422 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast46: What It Means to be a Conscious BusinessAs a consumer, it can be challenging to know if a business walks the talk when it comes to environmental and social impact. Many businesses struggle to communicate the impact they do make. This is where certifications can be useful tools. But with so many different certifications out there, it can be hard to know what they really mean. B Corp is a different type of certification than something like Greenguard or Organic certifications because it looks at a business holistically rather than a single impact area. This episode was originally going to be focused on the B Corp...2021-08-1749 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast45: Gut Health with Dr. Olivia Rose, NDWhen I first heard of gut health I immediately associated it with the stomach. But the reality is, gut health is a full-body experience. And something that plays a fundamental role in our overall health and well-being. From mood to hormone balance to energy levels, so many things that can affect our daily lives depend on having a healthy gut.But what does having a healthy gut mean, and how can you improve yours?I'm bringing back Dr. Olivia Rose, a naturopathic doctor based out of Scarborough, Ontario, to talk all things gut health.2021-08-1028 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast44: Advocating for Healthy OfficesFor those of you who work in an office and have been home for the past 17 months, you might be thinking of the transition back to work or maybe you've already returned. Covid protocols are obviously going to be top of mind for many people but what about indoor air quality in general?As we return to spaces outside our homes, we have less control over the environment. After all, you don't have a say in what cleaning products your building uses (or doesn't use) or how warm or cold your space is. And to some extent...2021-08-0326 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast43: Terrain Theory with Dr. Catherine Clinton, NDIf you've been following me for a little while, you probably know that my interest in reducing toxins in my life actually started out of a concern for the environment. It wasn't for another several years that I started to appreciate the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy body.Or that our daily actions as well bigger issues like air pollution, climate change, and water pollution were playing a much more important role in our collective health and well-being than we might think considering how little conversation there is outside environmental health conferences....2021-07-2750 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast42: Advocating for Toxics LawsWhen it comes to getting toxic chemicals out of the products we use every day, the choices we make as consumers can only do so much. Yes, I firmly believe that the products we choose to spend our money on is a very important vote with our dollar. And it is often the first step in making the other changes that are also necessary: industry acceptance and government regulations.Truthfully, advocacy has never been something I’ve focused on. I wasn’t “into politics” and didn’t think my voice would really make a difference. That thinking h...2021-07-2036 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast41: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity with Maria RizzoIn today’s episode, I’m introducing you to Maria Rizzo. This is a conversation I had with Maria in 2019. She was educating and raising awareness about a condition she struggled with called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, likely caused by her work in a nail salon. MCS is a condition I don’t think enough people know about, so I wanted to reshare this interview because it’s still incredibly relevant and important to hear.Sadly, I recently learned of Maria’s passing in December, 2020. Her health declined over the two years prior, much of which she spent in a...2021-07-1324 min
the Cost Of Goods SoldConsumer Goods, Toxic Load and the Environmental Health Effects of How We Shop with Emma RohmannIn today's episode, we chat with Emma Rohmann from Green at Home. We learn how Emma went from environmental engineering to studying our toxic load from the products we use in our everyday lives, we learn why ultimately, regulations don’t work as they should and the onus is on us as consumers to protect ourselves, what you should be mindful of when buying products for your home OR your business, and what steps we can take immediately to influence manufacturers to reduce toxic chemicals and create a healthier future for all. If you want to Learn more...2021-07-0647 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast40: Q + A with Emma RohmannThis episode is a little different! I’m sharing a live Q+A session I held in my Facebook Group, The Green Product Forum a couple of months ago. In case you missed it, or you want to know answers to common questions I get over and over again, I’m bringing it to you today!The questions I answer cover topics like:- 'natural' tick repellent.- How to convince your husband to switch to all the green products when he doesn't think they clean as well.- New organic children's clothing vs s...2021-07-0633 min
The Genetic GeniusHORMONE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN THE HOME WITH EMMA ROHMANNOn this week's episode #56 of the Genetic Genius, Emma, Rohmann of Green at Home discusses how toxins in our environment disrupt and change the cellular function of hormones. Here are some of the topics and questions we discuss on the show: 1. What types of things in our home can be toxic? 2. Why is it so important to create a green environment in the home? 3. How can toxin exposure affect different aspects of our health? 4. Let’s talk about hormones! How do toxins affect the hormones? 5. Are there sp...2021-07-0153 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast39: Healthy Sleep: The Why & HowSleep is an important pillar of health that we’re all aware of, but most of us aren’t getting good quantity, quality, or both. As it relates to toxins, sleep is when our bodies do much of the detoxification we rely on to stay healthy. It’s also when our brains process what happened during the day and stores memories.And I know we’ve all experienced the after-effects of not being well-rested - short tempers and low energy, for example.So I wanted to dig into the science of sleep. Because the more...2021-06-2934 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast38: Choosing Non-Toxic FurnitureThis episode was inspired by a question I asked in my Facebook Group, the Green Product Forum (which you should join if you’re not in it already). And what became very clear, was that many people wished they knew more about choosing less toxic furniture.And so, here we are.Now, for those who haven’t heard of me, I take a very practical and risk-based approach to creating a healthy home. I don’t often suggest people get rid of the furniture they currently have, unless they’re causing health issues currentl...2021-06-2217 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast37: Non-Toxic Nursery DesignOne of the first areas of the home expectant parents tend to focus on when it comes to reducing toxins is the nursery. A lot has changed in the time since I was pregnant, and my design esthetic is non-existent. So for this episode, I wanted to bring in someone who is an expert not only in design, but also specializes in creating healthy spaces.Loni Brown is a Healthy Home Expert and Founder and CEO of EntirelyEco and Wholesome Nest. She helps parents design and create beautiful eco-friendly, toxin-free homes for their families.Loni...2021-06-1538 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast36: Before You Get Pregnant: Things I Wish I KnewIt didn’t even occur to me that I should be thinking of shifting some healthy habits before getting pregnant. For many people, this isn’t something that happens totally planned, so a lot of us don’t do the prep work. But for those of you who CAN, this episode is for you.It wasn’t until after I’d had my second child that I started learning more about environmental health – i.e. toxins – and learned that preparing for pregnancy 3 months prior to conception is recommended.The CDC website on preconception health actually has a section on e...2021-06-0815 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast35: Fertility & Hormone DisruptorsIf a baby is in your future, this is an episode you cannot miss. Especially if you need help convincing your partner that he needs to step up his game when it comes to reproductive health. Because for far too long, reproductive health conversations have been focused on women. All the advice, pressure, and responsibility has been given to us. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango.For today’s episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Shanna Swan and Stacey Colino, the authors of the new book, Count Down.Shanna is one of t...2021-06-0147 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast34: Non-Toxic Children’s ToysMost toy packages carry labels like “non-toxic” and “meets ASTM” and various other standards. And if you go to government websites, they talk about all the ways they protect us from dangerous products. But what do these claims mean, especially when it comes to the safety of children’s toys?In 2008, Mattel recalled nearly 1million toys made in China that contained lead as high as 11ppm, 180 times the legal limit. There is no known safe level of lead for children, so even the legal limits aren’t necessarily safe.Also in 2008, a Toronto newspaper purchased toys from 18...2021-05-2523 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast33: Cycle Charting for Birth Control & Body Literacy with Nora Pope, FCP & Dr. Jessica Liu, NDI’ve touched on the pill in other episodes, but not for actual birth control. When I learned about the work Nora Pope and Jessica Liu were doing to educate and raise awareness about cycle charting - an alternative form of birth control - I was intrigued. But what I learned after talking with them is how beneficial cycle charting can be for overall health.This episode will be valuable for you whether you’re actively trying to avoid getting pregnant or simply want to learn more about your cycle. If you’ve got a pre-teen or teen w...2021-05-1841 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast32: Tackling Toxins with Limited Time and BudgetIn this episode, I’m bringing you something a little different. I recently recorded a video training for my membership clients on the strategy they can use when they’re feeling stuck or if they don’t know how to navigate choosing between different products.Because it’s very easy to feel stuck as you’re working through ways to reduce toxins in your home, I wanted to share the audio version of the training here with you.Usually, people get stuck because of one or a combination of 4 reasons:You don’t know what’s most...2021-05-1126 min
EMBRACE YOU FIRSTEpisode 38: Common Household Chemicals That Affect Your Hormones (ft Emma Rohmann)EP 38: Common Household Chemicals That Affect Your Hormones (ft Emma Rohmann)
Today’s podcast features Pt 2 with Emma Rohmann, an environmental engineer that is going to educate us all on the best ways to reduce toxics/toxins from our bodies and home.
Did you know that dust is full of chemicals? And that vacuuming your house regularly keeps your chemical exposure low? Growing up my mother did not like to dust or vacuum and somehow I am the opposite and after hearing Emma say this it made me feel less concerned about my big need to...2021-05-1123 minEMBRACE YOU FIRSTEpisode 37: How To Reduce Your Toxic Load (ft. Emma Rohmann)Reduce Toxic Chemicals in your home and body without overwhelm
Part 1 - How to reduce your toxic load
There is a ton of information – and misinformation – out there when it comes to toxins in the products you use every day. This can make it almost impossible to figure out how to create a healthy home without feeling completely overwhelmed.
Today’s podcast features Emma Rohmann, an environmental engineer that is going to educate us all on the best ways to reduce toxics/toxins from our bodies and home. Part 1 features various ways to assist...2021-05-0421 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast31: How to Treat Eczema with Dr Tiffany Cheung, NDEczema seems like a rite-of-passage these days. A quick scroll through any mom’s group on Facebook and you’ll see questions come up regularly - with hundreds of suggestions for support.One thing I learned early on as I started to dive into root cause healthcare is that eczema is often more than just a skin condition. As Dr. Cheung puts it in this episode, “it’s an outward expression of an internal imbalance.”If you or your child is suffering with eczema, it might seem like nothing works. But that’s because it is a complex...2021-05-0437 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast30: Hormone Disruptors Are the WorstHormone disruptors are the most concerning toxins found in the environment, our homes, and our bodies. They are especially concerning for children.I’m leading with the punchline because I don’t know that I’ve been overly clear on my stance about hormone disruptors.I’ve been conscious about toxins in my own home for over 15 years. And I’ve spent the last 6 years doing in-depth research into the role toxins are playing in our health and well-being. Or I guess I should say the role they’re playing in our deteriorating health.One very...2021-04-2729 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast29: Inconvenient ProofI get asked a lot “what proof do we have that ingredients in our personal care and cleaning products, air, water, food, and homes matter?”Sometimes the question is out of curiosity and sometimes as a passive aggressive rhetorical question because they’re just waiting to debunk whatever I have to say. Often, it’s women asking me so they can arm themselves for yet another argument with their partner.So in this episode, I break down this search for proof, and why it’s messing with our ability to make real and impactful changes in our liv...2021-04-2016 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast28: The Lies & Truths About Women’s FitnessIf you follow me on Instagram Stories, you’ll know I love a good weights session. But this wasn’t always the case. I used to be that person who thought 5lb dumb bells were all I should use. After having my children and suffering chronic pain from pregnancy, nursing, and carrying them, I started working with a trainer and before I knew it (really it took a couple of years), I became a weight lifter.There are so many misconceptions and fads around fitness that can really overcomplicate things - and also damage our relationship with exer...2021-04-1336 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast27: Green Construction & Renovations with Lindsey TourandOne of the top Google searches that land people on my website is “new home smell.” I’ve been aware of the issues with construction for nearly 20 years - my career started as a green building consultant where my job was to call manufacturers of various building materials to ask about the ingredients and VOC content. So I’m somewhat disheartened that this problem persists. But also not surprised.Because of the trend of people coming to my blog post on getting rid of the new home smell (I’ll link that in the show notes if that’s you...2021-04-0629 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast26: From Eco-Grief to Warriorship & Sane ActionLearning about and acting on toxins, environmental degradation, and other hard topics requires the capacity to do so without letting it drag you down. It can be easy to sink into fear and despair, feeling like it’s too big to handle. We are needed. And we can make a difference. So we need the capacity to tackle hard things.I was lucky enough to start to build this capacity with support from Lindsay Coulter when I worked with her in the David Suzuki Foundation’s Queen of GreenTM Coaching Program. I invited her to chat with me t...2021-03-3043 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast25: Teflon Alternatives for Cookware & BakewareOne of the questions that comes up most often in my the Green Product Forum, my free Facebook Group, is about the best cookware. So, I wanted to cover this as an episode because there are a lot of things people get wrong when they start thinking about these products.Now, if you think I’m going to tell you to immediately chuck all your Teflon products and replace them in one go, keep listening. Because while I know a lot of people will tell you that, I take a different approach.But yes, there wi...2021-03-2321 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast24: Is Organic Produce Worth It?I started prioritizing organic food where I could back in 2004. Admittedly, I didn’t do much research. I read Silent Spring, watched a couple of documentaries, was learning about pesticides in our soil and water supplies, and I was convinced it was the right thing to do. When I became a mom and had 2 kids to feed, I decided I should take a look at the facts to see if organic produce is worth the cost premium.I wrote my first blog post on organic food back in 2015. This was actually the research project that launched Green at...2021-03-1622 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast23: Navigating Competing Priorities with Claudia AronowitzOne of the biggest hurdles to creating positive change in our lives is navigating competing priorities. I see it all the time with statements like “I want to choose non-toxic products, but they’re so expensive.” We’re constantly trying to balance the benefits with time and money.Competing priorities are a fact of life. Rather than fighting them, I think it’s important we understand how to navigate them to make informed and confident decisions. This is why I asked personal development coach - and one of the early students of my Healthy Home Method - to speak w...2021-03-0936 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast22: Practical Low-Waste Living with Meera JainZero waste became a buzzword in recent years, and has sparked some great conversation around what we can do to reduce waste. For many, however, I think “zero waste” is an unrealistic goal and can lead to not taking any steps to reduce waste.If zero waste is your goal - amazing. But know that you can go low waste, not necessarily zero waste, and reduce your footprint and lower your toxic load while you’re at it. Now, I have a long way to go before I consider myself even low waste. It’s an ongoing work in...2021-03-0219 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast21: Diapers, Wipes & Skincare for BabyWhen I started looking into diapers, wipes, and skincare products for my baby, I remember feeling slightly paralyzed by all the options. That was 9 years ago now for my first. Even in the 3 years between my first and second kid there were so many more products and a lot more marketing being thrown at me. I see a lot of expectant and new moms struggling with this today – because while there are more and more healthy options on the market, this can be a blessing and a curse.So today, I’m going to break down what you...2021-02-2324 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast20: Prenatal & Preconception Nutrition with Dr. Corradetti-SargeantThere is no shortage of information on what we should and shouldn’t be eating. And when you’re pregnant, this can get really confusing and overwhelming. What I wished someone spoke to me about sooner, were the changes I could make preconception and in early pregnancy.I met fertility and women’s hormone expert, Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, when she signed up for my Healthy Home Method program. So when I launched my course, Prepping for Pregnancy, I knew I wanted to share her wisdom with my students. This episode is a recording of a conversation Dr. Rachel...2021-02-1625 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast19: 5 Toxin Myths Keeping You StuckWhen I did my deep-dive into detoxing my own home after my children were born, I became paralyzed by fear, overwhelm and analysis paralysis. Even though I had been working to reduce toxins for 15 years, I totally lost control. And a large reason behind it was the access to more information that wasn’t available when I first got started.I realised that my confusion and analysis paralysis were perpetuated because of myths. But they seeded enough doubt in me, that I became stuck and frustrated.When it comes to the ingredients in the products yo...2021-02-0917 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast18: Heavy Metals & PregnancyHeavy metals are found naturally and in household products, and are linked with a range of health issues. They are especially important to be aware of when planning to conceive or pregnant because pregnancy mobilizes these elements and can be passed to the fetus.In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jessica Dupont, a Naturopathic Doctor, Birth Doula, Fertility Strategist, public speaker, mother and plant-based foodie, about what you need to know about heavy metals - without totally panicking. We cover:What are heavy metalsHow we are exposedHow are they removed from...2021-02-0237 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast17: 3 Steps to Detox Your Home Without OverwhelmSo you’ve decided you want to get rid of toxic chemicals from your home. But where do you start? Or maybe you’ve already made some headway, but now you’re stuck not knowing if what you’re doing matters or what to do next?It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed. There are lists, resources, articles, videos… so much information that is supposed to help you; but in reality, we are drowning in it.Today, I’m going to be your life raft. If you know you want to reduce toxins in your home, but can’...2021-01-2621 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast16: How to Choose the Right Water FilterToday we’re going to be talking about the importance of filtering your water, and I’ll share the important steps you need to take to figure out what the right water filter is for you. Because there are a lot of options out there, and everyone has their opinion… but before you go down the rabbit hole there’s a critical piece of information you need: what are you trying to remove from your water in the first place?Not all water filters can remove the same contaminants. And a lot of systems that I see get reco...2021-01-1945 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast15: Fluoride, EMFs, Radon: 3 Hidden Toxins You Should AddressNow with a title like “Fluoride, EMFs, and Radon” you might think this is going to be a 3-hour episode. These are all very big topics! I have spent probably over 24 hours researching all of these issues. That doesn’t make me an expert by any stretch, but I have a pretty decent understanding of what we know, what we don’t know, and how you can move forward on each of these issues without total analysis paralysis.I think these topics are rife with confusion, overwhelm, and sometimes fear. If you’re like a lot of people I s...2021-01-1230 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast14: Environmental Racism & Social Determinants of Health with Dr. Ingrid WaldronHealth isn’t just about genetics and biology. In fact, factors external to our bodies have been shown to impact our health to a greater extent than we previously thought. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ingrid Waldron - an associate professor at the University of Dalhousie in the Faculty of Health and the Director of the ENRICH Project.Her research looks at inequities in our social structures and how they impact mental and physical health. This conversation gives a summary of her mental health research, her work with Black and Indigenous communities im...2021-01-0543 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast13: Environmental Medicine w Dr. Marillea YuIf you’ve got a health concern that hasn’t been solved by your doctor, or worse, is being totally dismissed, you need to learn about environmental medicine. But regardless of your current health situation, this is an episode I think everyone can benefit from because we cover so many different misconceptions floating around about our health in general.In this episode, I had a conversation with Dr. Marillea Yu, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest in environmental medicine. She shared so many great pearls of wisdom in here, and I wasn’t expecting my bigges...2020-12-2940 min
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast12: How to Have Tough Conversations with Fiona ProctorThe truth is, seeking to reduce toxins in your daily life isn’t “normal”. There is a lot of judgment for people who go against the grain, and this can be exhausting.I spent most of my healthy and green home journey keeping what I’d learned to myself, and not sharing my reasons behind choosing less toxic products. But that doesn’t help educate others who are curious, nor does it make it easier when other people start commenting about your choices in unsupportive ways.For this episode, I asked my best friend, canoe trip buddy...2020-12-1535 min