The Branch Basics Podcast

Early in life, Indie Lee suffered from a life-threatening brain tumor that was believed to come from environmental toxins - specifically something she put on her skin. This inspired her to became interested in clean beauty. Indie believes that the lifestyle you live and the environment we within profoundly impacts our overall health. In this episode, Indie dives into her story, background and why the driving force behind the successful Indie Lee skincare line is education and empowerment. Full show notes here. 

Dr. Jenna Hua has a BS in Nutrition, a Masters in Public Health and PhD in Environmental Sciences. Over the years, she has published numerous academic studies focused on human health. Her passion within the health and wellness space led her to find Million Marker, a company dedicated to empowering people with the data and tools they to understand how harmful toxins enter our bodies and how to remove them. In this episode, Jenna and Marilee talk about how we can take a proactive and preventative approach to healthcare by removing these toxins.  Complete show notes here

Matt Reichardt is the founder and CEO of Bumbleride. In this episode, Matt discusses Bumbleride's origin story as well as how they determined their ethos. In addition to wanting to bring high-quality products that had a clean design aesthetic to the market, Matt and Emily wanted their products to be eco-friendly. They made it a point to reduce their environmental impact and eliminate any chemicals or materials that could be harmful. Complete show notes here. 

Andy Pace is a renowned expert in non-toxic and healthy building materials. He founded Green Building Design in 1992 and has contributed to starting many similar businesses throughout his career. He has also worked closely with Branch Basics co-founder Marilee over the years. In this episode, Allison and Andy discuss the importance of using healthy building materials, the difference between health and “green” building materials, and where to get started. Listen as they dive into all things non-toxic building while Allison shares some of her own experiences.  Complete show notes here 

Kayti O'Connell Carr is the Founder of Mate The Label, a clothing brand that provides clean essentials made with organic fabrics and low-impact dyes. In this episode, Kayti talks about her journey starting Mate, learning about sustainability and ethical farming practices in the clothing industry, and how Mate aims to make the cleanest product possible "from seed to skin." She also talks about toss the toxins in her life, becoming a mother and her favorite wellness and self-care practices.  Complete show notes here.

Alysa Seeland is the Founder and CEO of FOND Bone Broth. In this episode, Alysa talks about her personal healing journey that led her to discover the benefits of bone broth. She discusses how she came to start FOND, the complexities of making high-quality bone broth and "bringing the farmers market to the shelves". Kelly and Alysa talk about all the benefits of bone broth and how to incorporate it into your lifestyle and diet.  Use Code BRANCHBASICS for 20% off your first purchase on FOND's website, or 10% off your first subscription order.   Complete show notes here

Episode Description: Karalynne Call is a mother of six, @JustIngredients on Instagram, a Certified Nutritionist, Wellness Coach, and Mental Health Advocate. Her health journey began 15 years ago when she battled severe depression. Karalynne truly believes that nature and natural ingredients provide all the necessary nutrition for us to live healthy and happy lives. In this episode, Kelly and Karalynne chat about Karalynne's health journey, how to navigate the grocery store to make healthy decisions, and tips on how to keep your family healthy.   Visit her Instagram here Complete show notes here

Episode Description: Dr. Leah Gordon is a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's fertility and hormone health. She is the founder of Womanhood Wellness Clinic, appeared in the HBO Max docuseries Not So Pretty, and experienced her own fascinating journey to becoming a mother. In this episode, Kelly talks with Dr. Leah about finding out her husband did not have any sperm, her experience tossing the toxins, and why she loves to work with young women in their preconception years.  Visit her Instagram here Complete show notes here

Episode Description:  Kim Konte founded Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, a company devoted to protecting children from synthetic pesticides. Non-Toxic Neighborhoods works to make organic and regenerative management the “norm” and not the “exception.” Their organization and advisors believe that it should be a basic human right that children are protected from harmful and synthetic pesticides where they live, play, and learn. Bruce Lanphear, an advisor for Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, is an MD, MPH, Senior Scientist at the Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital, Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, and President of the International Society for Children's Health and the Environment. In this episode, Kelly, Kim, and Bruce chat about how Non-Toxic Neighborhoods started, the implications of pesticides on human health, and the safer alternatives to pesticides. Kim and Bruce share tools to create change in your community.  Visit their Instagram here Complete show notes here

Episode Description: Jo Schaalman is the co-founder of The Conscious Cleanse, a 14-day cleanse to help others live a full and vibrant life through food and lifestyle changes. Jo received her Masters from the Nutrition Therapy Institute and felt called to help others who think healing is out of their reach after her own experience of managing chronic pain which was the result of being hit on her bicycle by an 18-wheeler doing 70 miles an hour!. Through nutrition and yoga coaching, she helps others reach optimal health. In this episode, Marilee and Jo chat about Jo's health journey, using food to manage chronic pain and success stories from The Conscious Cleanse.  Visit her Instagram here Full show notes here    

Episode Description:  Natalie Holloway is the co-founder of the hip fitness equipment brand, Bala. Natalie started Bala with her husband, Max,  in early 2020. In this episode, Kelly and Natalie chat about how she started Bala, how she manages her role in a growing company and motherhood. Natalie shares how important the weekend is for family time and how she uses Bala products.  Visit Bala's Instagram here Full show notes here

Episode Description: Dr. Leedia is a biological dentist based in Beverly Hills California. She focuses on women's dental health and early childhood dental education. Her mission is to bring women's dental health to the table through education and empowerment. She is creating a liaison between the medical world and the dental world, creating the ability for her patients to achieve optimal whole-body health. In this episode, Kelly and Dr. Leedia chat about how dental health changes with hormonal changes, how acidity is the root cause of tooth decay, and why mouth breathing affects overall health. Dr. Leedia shares ideal brushing habits for adults and children.  Complete show notes here  Visit Dr. Leedia's Instagram here

Episode Description:  Do you know where your meat comes from? Do you know what it's fed, injected with, or what quality of life it experiences? Rob McDaniel is the co-founder of Primal Pastures, a farm and online shop that offers the highest quality meat, fish, and miscellaneous food products with the belief that we should all be able to answer these questions. Rob is also a Physician Assistant and brings his medical expertise into the business by providing the most nutrient-dense products possible. In this episode, Allison and Rob chat about how Primal Pastures started, the difference in labels on meat products, and how their meat is different from what you typically find at a grocery store. Rob also shares his goals for Primal Pastures and the food industry moving toward a more nature-centric approach.  Visit their website here Complete show notes here

Episode Description:  Robby Besner is a wellness advocate, scientist, inventor, and founder of Therasage. Therasage's mission is to create high-quality infrared sauna and detox products that are more affordable and accessible to everyone. In this episode, Kelly and Robby chat about the importance of detoxing in today's environment. Robby covers how infrared sauna works, how to optimize results and various health conditions that regular sauna use can improve.  Visit the Therasage Instagram here Complete show notes here 

Episode description: Katie Ferraro is a registered dietitian and mom of 7 specializing in baby-led weaning (BLW). She's also a college nutrition professor and runs the largest digital community dedicated to baby-led weaning. In this episode, Katie and Allison chat about the benefits of BLW, signs of readiness, how to mitigate choking fears, how to take advantage of what's called "the flavor window" and more. Visit Katie's Instagram here Complete Show Notes here

Episode Description: Nikki Bostwick is the founder and editor in chief of THE FULLEST and host of THE FULLEST Podcast. She's been passionate about providing wellness content that offers a perspective outside the mainstream narrative — one that is holistic, diverse, and inclusive. In this episode, Nikki and Allison chat about listening to your intuition, the science behind saffron's benefits, the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients and easy ways to use saffron every day. Nikki shares how she balances motherhood and owning a business. Visit The Fullest's Instagram here Complete show notes here

Miranda Bennett is the founder and creative director of Miranda Bennett Studio, an ethical and sustainable apparel brand based in Austin, TX. In this episode, Kelly and Miranda chat about what fast fashion means for the environment, chemicals used on conventionally made apparel, and how to be an educated consumer. Miranda shares the goals for her line and what she thinks the future of fashion looks like.  Visit Miranda's website here Complete show notes here Discount code for 15% Off MBS: Branch15

Katherine Wolf is a wife, mother, author, motivational speaker, and advocate for living a joyous, hope-filled life. In this episode, Kelly and Katherine chat about Katherine's miraculous survival after a sudden brainstem stroke, how choosing joy does not remove you from reality, tangible tips on how to change our perspective, and Katherine's family. Katherine shares what it was like healing from her stroke and some of the biggest lessons she's learned along the way.  Visit Katherine's Instagram here Complete show notes here

Unique Hammond is a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, Crohn's survivor, a proud Bean Protocol Specialist, Author, Certified International Health Coach, Life Coach, wife, and mother who has helped countless individuals balance hormones, lose weight and heal gut imbalances. In this episode, Marilee and Unique chat about Unique's health journey, how stress is just as toxic as chemicals, and how Unique found the Bean Protocol. Unique shares her current lifestyle and her health coaching business.  Complete show notes here Visit Unique's Instagram here

Tayo Mbande is a WIC trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion. In 2018, Tayo and her mother, Toni Taylor, started Chicago Birthworks Collective to support Black mothers and their families and empower them throughout pregnancy and beyond. In this episode, Allison and Tayo chat about the passion behind CBC, the benefits of having a doula during birth, and how crucial birthing education is. Tayo also shares her motherhood journey.  Complete show notes here Visit Chicago Birthworks Collective's Instagram here

Melissa Christenson is a chemist with a B.A. degree in Chemistry and a master's degree in Marketing. She has worked in the cosmetic and beauty industry for over 20 years in Research & Development, Product Development and Marketing. In this episode, Kelly and Melissa chat about the development of Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets, how the BB team vets certain ingredients, and tips to get the best clean from the tablets. Melissa shares the sustainability aspect of the new product.  Complete show notes here

Lauren Scruggs Kennedy is an author, lifestyle + fashion blogger, and founder of The Lauren Scruggs Kennedy Foundation as well as Stranded dry shampoo. In this episode, Lauren shares about the traumatic accident that changed her life, her healing journey, her recent fertility journey, and how she finds joy even in the most difficult times. She reminds us about the power of our perspective and that there is beauty in trials.  Complete show notes here  Visit Lauren's Instagram here

Dr. David Francis practices biological dentistry in Spring, TX. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and received his certification of Biological Dentistry through the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Francis breaks down the difference between biological and conventional dentistry, how the mouth functions with the rest of the body, why nutrition is important for healthy teeth, and how he's helped patients heal holistically.   Complete show notes here  Visit Dr. Francis' website here

Noelle Haddad is a Branch Basics customer and Toss The Toxins advocate. Her story is an example of how removing harmful chemicals can change your life! In this episode, Noelle shares her health history, the process of removing toxins from her home, and the changes she experienced in her health afterward. Marilee breaks down the steps they took and how they worked to lower Noelle's toxic load. Complete show notes here

Episode Description: Ali Miller, RD, LD, CDE is a Registered Dietitian with a naturopathic background and the author of The Anti-Anxiety Diet and Naturally Nourished: Food-As-Medicine for Optimal Health. Ali has a passion for using nutrients and food as the foundation of the treatments and protocols she prescribes her patients. In this episode, Ali explains how stress and anxiety affect the body, the basics of an anti-anxiety diet, and the importance of our adrenal gland. She also shares tips on maintaining stable and healthy blood sugar levels. Complete show notes here Visit Ali's Instagram here 

Episode Description: Holly Owens is a model, influencer, and Lyme Disease survivor living in Los Angeles. She uses her platform to share her passion for health and wellness with her followers. In this episode, Holly chats about being diagnosed with Lyme, finding Bee Venom Therapy (BVT), and non-toxic living. She shares how important it is to be your own health advocate and standing up for yourself.  Complete show notes here Visit Holly's Instagram here

Episode Description: Melinda Thigpen is a midwife in Mississippi who has been a part of over 250 births as the primary midwife. Melinda practices holistic patient-centered care for her clients. In this episode, Melinda chats about how birth is a natural process, the difference between midwives and doulas, and how midwives support birthing mommas. She shares how to find a reliable midwife in your area and what prenatal care looks like. Melinda talks about how midwives are trained in normal so they can easily spot when something abnormal happens during birth.  Complete show notes here Visit Melinda's website here

Episode Description:  Carly Johnson Brawner is a non-toxic living expert, certified health coach, and Hashimoto's patient and advocate. Carly uses her platform to guide her community in a simplified exploration of a holistic life. In this episode, Carly chats about her healing journey and shifting to a non-toxic lifestyle, how just because something is common does not mean it is normal, and she shares how important it is to be an advocate for yourself. Complete show notes are here Carly's Instagram here Visit Carly's website here 

Episode Description:  Jessica Bowman is a wife and working momma of 3. She has her Doctorate in physical therapy and is currently specialized in helping women strengthen their pelvic floor. In this episode, Jessica talks about why the pelvic floor is so important, its functions, and the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for post-partum mommas. Jessica shares how to find a reliable PT near you.  Complete show notes are here Jessica's Instagram here Visit Jessica's website here

Episode Description:  Carly Shankman is a cancer survivor, business owner, health coach, and momma based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, Carly shares her healing journey from thyroid cancer. She explains her experience at holistic cancer clinics, how she started Alchemy Juice, and how she found the "why" to her cancer. Carly shares her daily practices and detox protocols.  Complete show notes are here Carly's Instagram here Visit Carly's website here

Episode Description:  Madison Lavey "Mada" is a natural living blogger in Celina, Texas. She is a momma of two girls who uses her Instagram and blog as a resource to others. In this episode, Mada breaks down Baby-Led weaning, including the pros of it, signs of readiness, and how all parents can feel confident feeding their babies using this method. Mada shares some of her favorite resources and easy recipes! Complete show notes are here Mada's Instagram here Visit Mada's Blog here

Insta: @taylordukeswellness Website: https://taylordukeswellness.com/ Other Resources/Links: Dr. Anne Shippy- https://annshippymd.com/  Restore and Revive- https://www.restoreandrevivefw.com/   About Taylor: Taylor Dukes is a private health consultant based in Texas. She works with professional athletes, celebrities, and CEOs of major health companies as well as busy mamas like herself. Taylor's passion is not only helping sick people heal, but also helping health-conscious people take their health to the next level. She wants her clients to have a deeper understanding of their bodies and their unique individual needs. Taylor does a deep dive into her client's history and then uses testing to determine what her client needs to feel, look and perform their best.   Episode highlights: -3:05- How Taylor got into the functional medicine space and what makes functional medicine different from conventional and integral practices.  -8:24- The importance of gut health, Taylor's “test don't guess” mentality, and symptoms that indicate an imbalance in the gut.  -15:48- Basic and free things people can do to help heal their gut and optimize digestion. Taylor's thoughts on probiotic supplementation.  -26:14- Seasonal eating and diversity and how that positively impacts the gut.  -27:35- How Taylor manages running a business, feeding her family nourishing foods, and prioritizing what is important to her and her family.  -34:15- Tips and tricks for feeding littles with minimal time and eating out.  -40:53- Taylor's process for working with new patients and starting a detox protocol. The importance of having open detox pathways.

Instagram- @zachbushmd Website- zachbushmd.com Other resources: Ionbiome- https://ionbiome.com/ Cell science journal study on probiotics- https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(18)31108-5.pdf Farmers Footprint- https://farmersfootprint.us/, @farmersfootprint Non-toxic neighborhoods- https://nontoxicneighborhoods.org/ Soxxboxx- https://soxxboxx.com/ The Hunger Project - https://thp.org/   Episode Highlights-  2:08- Dr. Bush on the microbiome, why it's important, and why it's become more of a “buzz” word in our society. Plus, the difference between viruses and the microbiome.  10:43- The biggest ways we degrade our microbiome as a society/culture.  14:52- Dr. Bush on probiotics and the concern of mono-cultures growing in your gut. Why diversity in your gut is important and how to regain a flourishing microbiome.  20:42- The best cleaning practices to support a diverse microbiome.  24:01- The concern of parks and schools being sprayed with pesticides. How the non-profit Farmer's Footprint is educating and supporting families to reverse these practices.  30:00- The vulnerability in our food systems, immune systems, and high pollution levels affecting COVID in some areas.  32:20- Dr. Bush on his product Ion Biome.  47:10- How Ion Biome helps support the gut. Dr. Bush speaks about other products his company is working on.  50:50- What Farmer's Footprint is and the goal of the nonprofit. Assisting farmers by teaching them the importance of regenerative farming.  57:31- The gut-brain connection and the blood-brain barrier. Mental conditions in children and how it's connected to the world's toxic load. 1:05:33- The benefits of Ion Biome. How the product empowers your body to heal itself. Dr. Bush tells a story of a patient who immediately saw the benefits of Ion Biome.   

Insta: @branchbasics Blog: https://branchbasics.com/pages/wellness-center Other Resources/Links: Allison's Journey: https://branchbasics.com/blogs/healthy-living/allisons-journey-to-fertility?_pos=1&_sid=94a0ce77e&_ss=r, Marilee's Story: https://branchbasics.com/blogs/cleaning/marilees-full-story?_pos=1&_sid=b2de0ad58&_ss=r,  About Kelly: Kelly is proof that switching to a pure, natural lifestyle is powerful even for those who consider themselves healthy. She's experienced how much everyday choices impact quality of life and is passionate about helping others see and feel the same connection. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi with her husband and two daughters. Follow her story on our Instagram and read more about her journey on the Branch Basics blog.   Episode highlights: 1:17- Kelly's childhood, symptoms she experienced, her mindset, her college years, her friendship with Allison, and being introduced to a new clean way of living.  8:11- Kelly and Allison's summer at Marilee's and Kelly finding relief from common symptoms considered normal. Kelly experiencing the Power of Pure. 17:03- Life after the summer at Marilee's and starting Branch Basics. How education leads to motivation- not being blind to the chemicals/toxins in our everyday products.  23:03- Kelly on her family life and being married to a medical doctor.  30:47- Knowing we have more control over our health than we realize and our choices matter. Kelly on how to communicate her lifestyle changes with her family and friends.  32:11- The importance of our perspective and addressing mental and emotional health. Kelly on the difference this has made in her health. 

Insta- @roamranch  Website- http://roamranch.com/ Other resources- Epic website- https://epicprovisions.com/, Thunderbird website- https://www.thunderbirdbar.com/, Force of Nature Meat- https://forceofnature.com/collections/all/roamranch, Eat right for your blood type- https://www.amazon.com/Right-Your-Type-Revised-Updated/dp/0399584161/ref=asc_df_0399584161/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312089933244&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13935779626995565652&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061129&hvtargid=pla-417335643258&psc=1, Kiss the Ground documentary and book - https://kisstheground.com/, From Dirt to Soil- https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Soil-Familys-Regenerative-Agriculture-ebook/dp/B07HL726H2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgORey-gV1oI4u7Br9ZBxS4BjX29IWLM8D5P-CJ7R1Xctu_dSunNIKV5f1RoC62wQAvD_BwE&hvadid=410020488879&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9061129&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13895077968423005662&hvtargid=kwd-589239430785&hydadcr=15427_11431576&keywords=from+dirt+to+soil&qid=1624281650&sr=8-3, White Oak Pastures- https://whiteoakpastures.com/   Episode Highlights:   3:28- Katie's story, including her health journey, starting Thunderbird & Epic Provisions, and buying Roam Ranch.  15:03- Healthy animals = healthy soil. Soil is the foundation of all things. Selling Epic to General Mills.  17:40- Katie on Regenerative Agriculture and creating a net positive impact on the land.  21:04- Buying Roam Ranch, starting to build a regenerative ranch eco-system by focusing on soil health, and why our food is less nutrient-dense.  30:08- The five principles of soil health. Books Katie and Taylor used, from Dirt to Soil/Kiss the Ground. 32:00- Conventional vs. Regenerative meat/produce.  40:54- Katie speaks to different marketing terms labeled on meat & what you should be buying that is good for the consumer and the environment.  47:45- Katie elaborates on bringing Roam Ranch back to life. How they started and where they are now.  52:10- Brief history of bison in the US.  54:07- Other animals that are on Roam Ranch and each of their roles.  57:04- How Roam Ranch labels its product and where to buy it.   

Allison Evans, Marilee Nelson & Kelly Love are the founders of Branch Basics. Their lives were transformed by the power of a truly clean environment. Branch Basics is their passion project to help others experience the same. Insta: @branchbasics Blog: https://branchbasics.com/pages/wellness-center Other Resources/Links: Allison's Journey: https://branchbasics.com/blogs/healthy-living/allisons-journey-to-fertility?_pos=1&_sid=94a0ce77e&_ss=r, Marilee's Story: https://branchbasics.com/blogs/cleaning/marilees-full-story?_pos=1&_sid=b2de0ad58&_ss=r,  About Allison:  Allison has dedicated herself to helping others reap the benefits of clean living. She, along with her husband and two daughters left Houston for the country life as she heals from a recent mold exposure and diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. Follow her story on our Instagram and read more about her Journey to Fertility and others on the Branch Basics blog.   Episode Highlights:  0:58- Allison's childhood/teenage/college years. Her diet, health, & lifestyle while growing up. 7:58- Allison starts having back pain & other symptoms pointing to chronic illness.  14:08- Kelly reflects on college & when Allison was so sick.  15:37- How Allison went from working with doctors to Marilee.  18:11- Allison & Marilee working together to find the root cause of Allison's symptoms.  21:52- The changes Allison started with first and the challenges that stood in her way.  29:36- Kelly and Allison spending the summer with Marilee.  35:19- What happened after spending the summer with Marilee.  37:50- How the reproductive system is the last part of the body that will heal.  40:04- Allison getting her period back and starting a family. 41:46- After mold exposure, Allison diagnosed with Lyme disease/working through that diagnosis.  46:03- Allison talks about the emotional side of her healing. 

Insta: @wellnessmama Blog: https://wellnessmama.com/    Wellnesse products: https://wellnesse.com/   The Wellness Mama Podcast:  https://wellnessmama.com/podcast/   Podcast episode on Katie's Trama: Episode 309: https://wellnessmama.com/podcast/wellness-mama-weight/   Other Resources: https://wellnessmama.com/books/, https://realplans.com/, https://www.thetappingsolution.com/, https://kidscookrealfood.com/   About Katie:  Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. She turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is a wife, mother of 6 and author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.   Episode Highlights:  2:12- Katie's story, including her experience with Hashimotos and joining the wellness space.   9:11- Healthy eating, family meal planning and bulk cooking.  13:24- How more is not always better when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. 16:24- Katie on healing her trauma.  20:30- The importance of truly loving yourself.  33:03- Childhood trauma and how to work through it.  36:55- Katie on her physical and mental transformation. 39:09- How Katie healed while being a mother and business owner. 45:00- Spending time on creating family goals. 46:30- The importance of scheduling and using natural consequences to build responsibility in her kids. 50:27- Providing nutrient-dense food at home and how Kaite empowers her kids to navigate eating outside of the home.