Pass the Compassion

Last episode, we introduced the concept of cycle syncing, or the practice of adjusting your diet, exercise, and habits to align with the menstrual cycle and best support how you feel. In part 1, we cover the follicular phase & ovulatory phase (check it out if you haven't yet!). In this episode, we discuss the luteal phase and the menstrual phase. Did you know that the connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain strengthens during the menstrual phase, or that you may find intense cardio-based exercise more challenging in your luteal phase? We discuss all of these fascinating facts & ways our bodies change over the month, and how you can “biohack” your body to optimize your life and live each day even more in tune with your body. Stay tuned from the beginning if you'd like to hear: details from our recent trip to Tulum, Mexico (btw, we meant *Kundalini yoga) strange health issues that arose from the sun our favorite ecosystems a sudden friend emergency that interrupts recording (she's okay!) Jamie's thoughts on parking lots & cheeze-it's Or, skip to 25 min for the start of cycle syncing content. As always, please message us with any episode or research requests! @passthecompassion on instagram. xoxo and happy valentine's day! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Our hormones strongly impact things like mental state, appetite, weight gain/loss, thought process, confidence and more. For those who experience a menstrual cycle, experiencing the highs and lows of hormonal changes can often be confusing, frustrating, and painful. In this episode, we explore the topic of cycle syncing: the practice of adjusting your diet, exercise, and habits to align with the menstrual cycle and best support how you feel. This means cultivating a deep understanding of the changes happening emotionally, physically, and mentally each month, and being able to make empowered decisions about your lifestyle: whether that's rescheduling an important meeting, optimizing your workout schedule, or choosing different foods for the week at the grocery store. In Part 1, we cover the follicular phase (the “spring phase”) and the ovulatory phase (the “summer phase”). In each section, we discuss the primary hormones that are rising or falling, best foods to eat to support those hormone changes, recommended types of exercise, & mental/psychological changes. We're overwhelmed and excited by the rich info we began finding on this topic, so we decided to split this into two episodes. In the meantime, we're also working on compiling this info for you all on our instagram: @passthecompassion. Follow to stay tuned! Thanks so much to Alina Alive and her video on youtube that inspired the breakdown and facts shared in this episode. Other sources referenced include the book “In the Flo” by Alisa Vitti, the podcast “Balancing Hormones Naturally” by Leah Brueggemann, and Funk It Wellness for seed cycling info. Happy Thanksgiving, and can't wait to share Part 2! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Ever wonder what effect your mani-pedi might have on your body, your nail tech, or the environment? Us too! This episode we discuss the health and environmental impacts of nail products and the process of getting your nails done. We discuss our personal habits when it comes to nail salons, and some options for creating a healthier or more sustainable manicure experience. In terms of how viable some of those options are (like bringing your own tools to a nail salon…) we MAY not be the first ones raising our (well-manicured) hands. BUT, learning about what options are available is the first step to making changes. We discuss how to look for an ethical nail salon and find non-toxic, body and environmentally-friendly products, and ponder some questions re: health and nails. Why do we have nails? Do they ever recover completely, even when taking a break from products/treatments? (We slightly digress to talk about a recent negative yoga experience — if you're not interested, skip from 11 min to 19 min where we pick back up on nails!) Lastly, we take a BuzzFeed quiz to lighten the mood, and find out what non-dairy milk we are. Love you all, happy Spooky Szn and as always, let us know what episodes you want to hear next! @passthecompassion on instagram, xoxo BuzzFeed Quiz: https://www.buzzfeed.com/joannaborns/non-dairy-milk (since we know you wanna take it too) ;) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Welcome back, friends! We hope you had an amazing summer, and can't believe we're already entering cozy season. Join us for this episode where we discuss a recent event we attended in Boston, all about leveling up your life; clarifying your goals, setting intentions, and taking a leap into new horizons. We chat about our experience, including a yoga flow, sound bath, vision boarding, networking, and more! Also, we dive deep into the details of a fantastic coffee shop in the South End, that we highly recommend you visit. As always, please let us know if you have any episode topics you'd like us to cover this season, @passthecompassion on instagram. Also, check out the brand that hosted the event, a 100% female owned, ran, and founded business: @1987active on instagram, and shop1987.com. Much love! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Annnnnd we're back! We took a little hiatus to rest, recharge and crush some goals. Oh, and take a trip to LA. Catch up with us to hear all about our good eats on the west coast, amazing brunch in Vegas, and some food gems back home. We also chat about Mother's day, May birthday festivities and Jamie's final submission for her yoga certification. (Congrats Jamie!) Lastly, we wrap up with some exciting recent veg news. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @passthecompassion and let us know what else you want us to cover this year! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

We've been WAITING for this one! If you're having trouble deciding what supplements to purchase, from where, and how much - you're not alone. The amount of information on supplementation seems endless, but we're here to break it down for you with some straightforward recommendations. Though it's always best to eat a well-rounded and nutritious diet, there are some nutrients that can be difficult to get due to dietary restrictions, the season and region you live in, or differing levels of absorption in the body. We got you covered! We discuss b12, omega-3s, calcium, vitamin D, probiotics, digestive enzymes, iron, magnesium, and calcium, why they matter, animal product watch outs (e.g., gelatin and fish derivatives), and our personal supplement rotations. We also talk about the sustainability of supplements, the difference between synthetic and naturally-derived ingredients, and the long road ahead for making them truly environmentally friendly. As always, DM us with any questions or requests, and use the discount below at HUM Nutrition for $10 off your first order! [$10 OFF SUPPLEMENTS: use code 2428C2 at humnutrition.com] [10% OFF SENSITIVITY TESTS: enter Alyson Bortone at checkout on checkmybodyhealth.com] --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

We are so excited to welcome you back for our fourth season! Since we love our themed episodes, this week we are diving into the sustainability of Valentine's Day. The majority of roses in the USA are imported. Where do they all come from, and what is the carbon footprint of that process? Chocolate is another delicacy of Valentine's Day, though some claim it may be "by some calculations, the single worst non-meat food." What are the reasons for this, and what are some alternatives you can buy? We provide recommendations for purchasing eco-friendly flowers and sweets, and deep dive into the nuances of companies that promise sustainable practices. How authentic is Hershey's promise of fair trade? Are there any red flags to look out for when assessing products and corporations? On a lighter note, we discuss angel numbers, growing up with our favorite bands and artists, and how to enjoy the holiday, whether you love love, or are dreading the 14th. Lots of love and as always, our dm's are open and we're eager to hear from you! Reach out at @passthecompassion on instagram. Happy V-Day! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Can you believe 2021 is coming to a close? In this episode, we start by celebrating some personal milestones before diving into the ethical and nutritional considerations surrounding honey and agave. We discuss honey production in depth, detailing the different practices beekeepers may use, sustainability implications, and why some vegans may choose not to eat honey. We also cover agave production, along with its impact on the environment and the hype it has garnered as a sugar substitute. And with that, that's a wrap for our first year of the podcast and our THIRD season! Thanks so much to all of you for listening. We can't wait for you to join us for all the amazing things we have planned for 2022. All of our love and happiest of holidays. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Have you ever felt confused about the nutritional value of processed foods? It's likely you've heard of diets that recommend only eating “whole foods.” Well, at what point is a food considered “processed”? Are the health claims on products like veggie pasta and fresh juices actually true? How do processed foods measure up in sustainability? This week, we dive into the nuances of processed foods and provide a few rules of thumb for fitting them in to your diet. We also discuss a new celeb-launched vegan product, our latest grocery store finds, and the “annoying” drinks to make as a bartender. We certainly learned something new and hope you do, too! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

As we enter the holiday season, you may be worried about the tough questions and food restrictions that come along with parties and gatherings. This week, we discuss family dinner dynamics and how to have difficult conversations and respond to assumptions about your dietary needs. We also provide tips on asking family and friends to easily cater to your diet so you, too, can fully indulge in your favorite seasonal foods. After chatting about our holiday plans and favorite Thanksgiving foods, we also weigh in on the pumpkin spice debate, discuss plant based turkey substitutes, and sprinkle in some Starbucks insider info. Enjoy this light and fun holiday episode, and have a lovely Thanksgiving! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

We're super excited to share our FIRST EVER in-person episode, on the topic of meditation! We launched this podcast virtually amidst the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, and we're grateful to be able to be together and appreciate how far we have come. In this episode, we talk all about different types of meditation, ways to get started, and the benefits you can reap from a regular practice. We also share our first experiences, and provide advice on different resources and how to find what works best for you. Finally, we touch upon the meaning of the “ego,” how thoughts are just thoughts, and spiritual practices related to meditation, such as yoga and affirmations, that you can try out and build into your meditation journey. When you meditate, do you find that you feel clear-headed and recharged, or do you only discover racing thoughts? What methods have you used to better your practice? Do you think animals meditate? What educational resources have you read or what apps have your used to kickstart your practice? We'd love to hear your experiences, and your favorite parts of the episode you'd like to hear more about! DM us at @passthecompassion on instagram and we'll shout you out in our next episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Hear us out here. Can you name a cartoon character (other than Popeye) that LOVES vegetables? How many times have you seen one of your favorites spit out spinach or bash Brussel sprouts? Or worse, were you ever terrified of an anthropomorphic vegetable in one of your 'toons? (We were, and we're looking at you, Lima Bean Monster from Jimmy Neutron). We're coming at you with some strong evidence and examples and our thoughts on how these tropes in media shape our perspectives on healthy foods during our younger years. We also touch upon the scientific reasons kids may be more averse to vegetables than adults, and spill some tips on how to find out if you're a super taster. But mostly, we hope this episode sparks some nostalgia and provides you with some laughs as we move into spooky season. (Which by the way, please DM us costume ideas)...Happy Halloween! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

What do you look for when you scan nutrition labels? If you only have 10 minutes to run to the grocery store, what products do you prioritize? In this episode, we talk about the most important components the nutrition facts section should -- or shouldn't -- have for us to consider purchasing. We touch upon macro nutrients, different types of fiber, the importance of iron in the diet, hidden ingredients to watch out for (curse you, milk powder), and more. We also discuss how eating for different purposes (health, fitness, dietary restrictions, etc.) may influence the way we make decisions when it comes to the composition of our food. And yet...we barely scratch the surface of the nuances involved in these choices! Let us know if you want a part two… --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

By now, you've likely heard about plant-based substitutes and alternatives rising in popularity. This week, we talk about two companies who are changing the meat substitute game: Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. You may have seen their names pop up on restaurant menus, in grocery stores, or at your favorite coffee shops during your morning caffeine run. We introduce the founders, speak briefly on their background and why they started the companies, and then discuss the unique differences that set the two apart. What are their mission statements and how have they exemplified these values? What are the differences in ingredients, processing, and nutrition between the burgers, and compared to meat? Are they more sustainable than meat? What values might guide a consumer to choose one over the other (e.g., prioritizing taste vs. prioritizing ethical production?) We spill all the details and can't wait to hear your thoughts! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

This week, join us as we discuss our best and worst coffee experiences from all around the world! From Boston to the West Coast, Europe, Australia and back, we get into the culture surrounding coffee, subtle differences that have a BIG impact, and variations in quality depending on where you purchase (gas station coffee anyone)? How do Italians drink their coffee compared to Americans? What were non-dairy milk options like back in 2016? We also have a fun “trash the compassion” corner where we correct statistical errors from previous episodes and have a long laugh at ourselves. Grab a coffee on your morning commute, or wine for your post-work chill session and hang with us! As always, DM us @passthecompassion on instagram with any requests, questions or comments. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

We just can't resist the cheeky banter lately! After discussing the best ever vegan ramen, our short-lived careers as background actors, and our extremely thoughtful crafts as young artists, we dive into some quick facts about climate change and food insecurity. How much CO2 is released into the atmosphere when you pop a bottle? How much of the world's grain is fed to livestock, and what would happen if we fed it to people instead? How much is our population going to grow, and how much food do we need to feed everyone? Jamie walks us through all of this and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Welcome back! We're coasting through our second season with some more casual chit chat. This week, we tackle how to navigate eating out at restaurants while eating plant based or with other dietary restrictions — while still enjoying yourself fully! There's no reason you can't indulge when you're working with a diet that doesn't fit the “norm.” While providing tips and tricks, we share our best and worst experiences, top choice cuisines for plant based accommodations, and the downfalls of companies trying their best (but not hard enough) to provide viable options. We also mention the in-depth research and development of new vegan products and what this means for future restaurant offerings (is it possible to create the PERFECT vegan pizza?!) Lastly, check yourself at the end of the episode…Are you a “Vegan Friend Warrior?” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Why are there fish bladders in my wine!? We're kicking off our summer season (and rosè season!) by diving in to one of our most surprising discoveries thus far: a great deal of wine we often find and drink is not vegan. In this episode, we talk all about the process of wine-making, where/when animal products come in to play, and what components actually make it into the final product. We also discuss how you can (or can't) check the ingredients in your wine, the environmental impact of the wine industry, and tips for spotting vegan wine and other alcohol. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

In 2020, our lives changed forever. As we begin to take steps towards putting the tumultuous, exhausting, and difficult times behind us, we discuss the Covid-19 pandemic; how it started, how it affected millions of lives, our environment, and our society, and measures we can take to prevent another in the future. According to the CDC, scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. The prevalence of zoonotic diseases in humans is no accident — our actions as humans have a direct impact on our susceptibility to disease and chances of experiencing another pandemic. Join us as we reflect on the pandemic, and honor the lives of those who are not with us anymore and families that are forever changed. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

No full episode this week, but instead, a short mini bonus episode! We want to thank you all so much for your love and support. In this bonus episode, we provide some updates on the podcast, and Aly shares her educational and professional background. Make sure to join us for our next full length episode next week and our second season starting Wednesday, June 23rd! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Do you know what percentage of medical schools in the United States require a single nutrition course? (Hint: It's astonishingly low). After opening with some cheeky banter and an (accidental) heated discussion about the shady business practices and strategies behind certain industries, we share some starter tips for making a lifestyle change when it comes to diet. Whether you're starting an elimination diet or adding in new food groups, an upheaval in your eating patterns can be challenging to stick to or start in the first place. We share our own experiences attempting to transition to a more plant-based diet, and methods we used to keep us on track. We're here to provide support and remind you that every step counts — no matter how small. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

All about MILK; how the dairy industry dropped $3 BILLION in sales in just six years, and why people are increasingly saying "no, thanks" to cow's milk and opting for non-dairy alternatives. But, which plant-based milk is best for the environment? What milk should you choose based on your nutrition goals? We break down how the most popular milk alternatives (Oat, Soy, Almond, and honorable mentions Hemp, Rice, and Coconut) measure up against each other in protein, carbohydrate and fat content, vitamins and minerals, texture, taste, additives, and more. We also explore the complexities of picking an environmentally sustainable non-dairy alternative, as each option varies considerably in terms of its carbon footprint, water and land usage. Plus, we share some insider barista experience and our personal non-dairy milk rotations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

What does "plant-based" actually mean? What are the primary drivers for going vegan? In this episode, we define and discuss the nuances among the most commonly found diets and their grounding principles (Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Flexitarian, and Plant-based), and the difference between immune response and allergies or sensitivities (Celiac Disease vs. Gluten sensitivity). After revealing a few hidden animal products in popular foods, we discuss the implications of demanding for better products and the power you have as a consumer to induce change. Join us to dive into all of the reasons why individuals might choose certain eating patterns, how these labels understandably get confusing, and ultimately, why you should just eat whatever makes you feel your best, inside and out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

Welcome to the first episode of the Pass the Compassion podcast! In this episode, Jamie and Aly give an overview of the goals of this podcast, our mission, and future episode topics. We also provide a little background on ourselves and what exactly inspired us to create a podcast revolving around all things food, nutrition and sustainability. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support

This is our theme song! We like to call it bop/boiling pasta. Enjoy :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passthecompassion/support