Episode #207: The Microbiome Revolution: Why It’s Time to Rethink Gut Health

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In recent years, we’ve learned so much about the microbiome and its impact on overall health. Our understanding of gut health has evolved dramatically, and with it, our approach to healing the gut. But what does it really mean to heal your gut? The answer lies in one simple truth: healing your gut means rebuilding your microbiome.

Microbes Matter More Than You Think

Our relationship with food and gut health has never been static. The way we eat and how food is produced has always evolved, driven by environmental changes, resources, and our ever-expanding understanding of what true health looks like. Yet, as humans, we cling to familiar patterns—especially when it comes to our health. We tend to defend our habits and resist change, even when they no longer serve us.

In the realm of gut health, this resistance often shows up in the form...

Episode #206: Mushrooms & Gut Healing: My Journey from the Kitchen to Deep Medicine

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**Unlocking the Healing Power of Mushrooms: From Culinary to Medicinal & Beyond**

Mushrooms have always held a special place in my heart and health journey. Whether I’m cooking them up for a nourishing meal or tapping into their potent medicinal properties, these little fungi have become some of my most trusted allies. In my recent podcast episode, I dove deep into the many ways mushrooms can support not only your gut health but also your overall wellness—from beginner-friendly culinary mushrooms to more advanced medicinal and entheogenic varieties.

Today, I want to expand on that conversation and offer you a deeper look into the fascinating world of mushrooms. Let’s explore the profound health benefits they provide, the science behind their healing properties, and how you can start incorporating them into your life with...

Welcome Back, Friends!

I hope you're all savoring September—my personal favorite month. We're on the cusp of the fall equinox, a beautiful time when daylight and night are perfectly balanced, aligning with Libra season—a time for harmony, balance, and recalibration in our lives and relationships.

We're also entering peak harvest season, where summer produce offers its final burst and fall veggies begin to roll in. I recently picked up my weekly CSA haul—deep green, spicy arugula, and delicata squash were the highlights. These small joys really root me in the present and remind me of the balance we’re all seeking in our health.

Shout-Out

A big thank you to Anna for her kind review on iTunes! She wrote:

*"Lydia is the most knowledgeable nutritional therapy and mineral practitioner I know. Listening to her podcasts as a professional in this space is a treat. Not only has the content enriched my personal health, but it has also helped expand my knowledge base to...

As parents, our primary focus is always the well-being of our children. But in a world where modern stressors, nutrient-deficient diets, and a fast-paced lifestyle have become the norm, ensuring our kids' health can feel like an uphill battle.

In my latest podcast episode of *A Joy To Be Me*, I dive deep into the topic of reclaiming our children's health through a holistic approach, centered on the principles of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), mindful nutrition, and the power of love in parenting. Listen here: Reclaiming the health of our kids.

The Reality Check That Changed Everything

One of the toughest challenges we face as moms is the realization that our children might be suffering from the same burnout we are experiencing. I had a serious wake-up call when I began using HTMA to assess my family's health. My youngest son, who was emotionally reactive and hyperactive, showed a pattern that society might quickly label as ADHD.

However, through HTMA, I identified it as a...

Listen to the blog post as a podcast episode as well : on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else

As a single mom, the bar is often set higher for us. We don’t have the luxury of leaning on a partner to share the load, especially when it comes to nurturing and sustaining our families. The weight of making sure everyone is cared for falls squarely on our shoulders, and that’s no small task.

Moms are naturally the nurturers of the family, the glue that holds everything together. But in today’s world, we don’t live in tribes or close-knit communities anymore. We don’t have that built-in support system, whether it’s extended family or a small circle of like-minded local friends. Instead, it’s up to us to create that sense of community within our own homes, often from scratch.

When it comes to our kids, the instinct is to want to help all of them at once, especially when their needs are so apparent. But here’s...

Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you

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Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else

As Above, So Below: What My Foot Injury Taught Me About Building a Strong Foundation for Optimal Well-Being

The phrase "As above, so below" recently took on new meaning for me. It’s a reminder of the harmony that exists in nature, where what happens on one level of reality is reflected on every other level. This balance is not just external—it’s mirrored within our bodies as well. Alchemists understood this deeply, seeing...

I'm the proud mom of four sons, aged 25, 21, 19, and 17. With three of them no longer living under my roof, I've had to master the delicate balance of letting go while still being a steady support system. It's been an interesting dance—letting them make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, and occasionally throwing out my “mom life preserver” when necessary.

Growing up in a household where functional nutrition was the norm, my boys were immersed in a lifestyle focused on health and well-being. This immersion gave them a solid foundation to build upon, yet each one still has to find their own "why" for maintaining those habits. As we all know, everyone learns differently, and many of us have to take the hard road to really understand life’s lessons.

Recently, one of my older sons has been wrestling with his own "why." He’s finally taking the initiative to implement the healthy habits he once fought me on but undoubtedly benefited...

Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you

• PAYPAL
• VENMO

Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else

Nourishing Your Spleen for Digestive Wellness and Vitality

Welcome to an eye-opening journey into the realm of the Spleen, an organ often overlooked but with a profound influence on our well-being. In this blog post summary of the podcast episode, I'll explore the often underestimated Spleen and its powerful role in our health, drawing from insights in Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern holistic health practices.

The Spleen and Modern...

Episode #188: Rewilding Our Plates – Embracing Seasonal Eating at the Fall Equinox -

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Welcome, fellow rewilders, to another episode where we journey back to nature. Today, we dive into the world of seasonal eating as we celebrate the Fall Equinox. 

I’ve been on a quest to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and realign my nourishment with the rhythms of nature. After a brief hiatus, spent focusing on family, clients, and much-needed rest, I’m excited to return with a new season of episodes. While past episodes have covered spring and summer, today’s all about the magic of fall.

Embracing the Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox is a time of transition – warm days give way to chilly nights. This change calls for a shift in our diet. On those lingering sunny days, cooling foods like salads, steamed veggies, and fruits reign supreme. Hydration is key, with mineral-rich water, herbal infusions, and the...

Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you

• PAYPAL
• VENMO

Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else you tune in.

Unraveling the Wisdom of Real Food: A Journey to Optimal Health

Are you tired of the confusing and contradictory information about what constitutes a healthy diet? Do you want to discover the power of whole, unprocessed foods to transform your health and well-being? If so, join me on this enlightening journey to embrace the wisdom of real food.

The Meme that Sparked a Revelation

Last week, I posted a meme on Instagram that...