The Simply Ginger Podcast

Season 2: Episode 6Back with Part 2, Maria's boyfriend Sam continues his questions about the struggles that women encounter with their periods. They discuss the pros and cons to each time of the month, if it's really a myth that women sync up cycles together, and why Hannah finds Natural Family Planning to be a blessing in marriage.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Season 2: Episode 5This week Hannah and Maria get into one of our worst fears, periods, and this time with a special guest: Maria's boyfriend Sam! Sam brings his own list of questions (for all men out there) including the basics of how our cycles work, the pros and cons of each time of the month, and what guys can do to help support. Stay tuned for Part 2!Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here or e-mail us at simplygingersisters@gmail.com or on Instagram @simplygingersisters!

Season 2: Episode 4This week Hannah and Maria rant about their personal struggles with perfectionism, why it's so harmful, and the ways they've found to combat it.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 3This week Hannah shares her experience with the Curly Girl Method and how her hair went from wavy to curly. She explains how she discovered the method, what products to use, and the routine that keeps her hair bouncy.  Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here, and reach out to us at our Instagram @simplygingersisters or e-mail us at: simplygingersisters@gmail.com.

Parasites: are they real? And are they really as dangerous as they sound? Did you know that over 90% of Americans struggle with parasites? While some parasites may be harmless, the vast majority cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including: headaches, fatigue, nausea, food sensitivities, insomnia, and many more. This week Maria shares her personal story of how she dealt with her own parasites, and what the amazing results were (spoiler: gross, but successful). Want to find out about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Season 2: Episode 1It's Season 2 and Hannah and Maria are back! After a summer (into fall?) break, a cross-country move, and some new passions, the sisters are back with what this new season will have in store. Beauty, health, and womanhood plus some exciting new changes like special guests (not related!) and sister comedy nights. And yes, parasites will make a comeback.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here or follow us on Instagram @simplygingersistersWe want to here from you! Have an idea for our next episode? Want to reach out to us? We're available to answer any and all questions, so send us an e-mail to: simplygingersisters@gmail.com!

Episode 41In the season finale of Simply Ginger's first season, Hannah and Maria look back on their first year and 40 episodes of the Simply Ginger Podcast. They highlight some of their favorites (linked below), the importance of resting, and what they have in store for Season 2. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!Simply Ginger will be enjoying a summer vacation and will be back September 2020. In the meantime, check out some highlights from Season 1:Episode 5: Hannah's Journey Towards Healing (and How Magnesium Deficiency Affected It) - Part 1Episode 12: Rants of a Postpartum WomanEpisode 18: 10 Nutrition Facts You Won't BelieveEpisode 21: Finding a Way Out of Depression (feat. Our Dad - Steve Hotovy!)Episode 24: Unscripted: Why We Need Comedy

Episode 40This week Hannah and Maria discuss the unexpected silver linings that come along with quarantine, with some more surprising than others. They discuss the blessings of more family time, why worry is useless, and what to do when you're feeling down.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 39Research has shown that about one in four people have a negative reaction to MSG - and Maria is one of those lucky few. This week Maria explains how she discovered her intolerance to MSG (monosodium glutamate), the crazy things she's discovered about it in her research, and the healthier options that can help protect your health.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 38This week Hannah recounts her experience with fasting (for five whole days!) and what healing benefits she discovered. She also describes the science behind fasting, why she decided to do it, and what foods she craved the most.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 37This week Hannah and Maria introduce another one of their (many) family members, Lydia Hotovy, a dancer, singer, and actress. Being the youngest Hotovy, and still in the midst of high school, she brings her own questions about how to face the difficulties of high school, in particular the insecurities that many girls face. They discuss how to deal with body image positively, the comparison and challenges of female friendship in high school, and some of Hannah and Maria's laughable high school mistakes.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 36This week, Hannah and Maria discuss the struggles of finding meaningful female friendships, especially post-college. They talk about what makes a good friend, how to initiate friendship, and the mistakes they've made along the way.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 35This week Simply Ginger interviews guest actress Katelyn Slater on her experiences with acting including the biggest challenges she's faced, the importance of storytelling, and what she's learned about being a woman through acting. They also discuss the importance of playing difficult characters and how they choose which stories to tell. (And Hannah also exposes an embarrassing and hilarious story about Maria's early attempts at acting!)Disclaimer: This episode contains some heavier themes and is more aimed for older teens and adults. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 34This week Hannah interviews Maria about the link between nutrition and skin health, and what may really be causing your breakouts. They go into the science behind face mapping, how hormones affect your skin, and why oily skin may actually be a sign of dry skin, along with suggestions on how to heal all your skin woes.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 33This week's episode is brought to you by Hannah's break from social media, how it positively affected her, and why she's having a hard time getting back on. Also included in this week's rant: what social media and Percy Jackson have in common, Maria's mistaken identity as a model in New York, and Hannah's first hilarious encounter with Facebook.Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the blog here!

Episode 32This week Simply Ginger goes into Hannah's experience with gaining weight post-baby, how it has affected her view of herself, and how much we all put our worth and identity into our looks. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 31In the second installment of a two-part episode, our dad Steve Hotovy is back (in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 13 space mission) to discuss the miraculous circumstances that saved the astronauts lives and what we can learn from it in this time of crisis. We also discuss how to find the positive in this situation, how to avoid despair, and what kept astronaut Jim Lovell going in the face of a doomed mission.Want to read about it in Steve Hotovy's own words? Read our latest blog post on Simply Ginger!

Episode 30Returning with another great episode, our dad Steve Hotovy is back not only to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Apollo 13 space mission, but also to connect it to our current situation with Covid-19. He goes into the unbelievable circumstances that saved the lives of the Apollo 13 astronauts, how for the first time ever the world united in prayer, and what we can learn from it to help us today as our lives are turned upside down by the coronavirus.Tune in next week to hear Part 2!Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 29Max and Gia bring the humor this week with their suggestions for having fun while staying indoors. Some of their suggestions include having marble races, playing with your favorite toys, and playing "would you rather". Max explains why he'd never want to ride a hippo to school and Gia gives us an in depth look into all her favorite things strawberry. (Disclaimer: This episode does not include subtitles for Gia, but we can guarantee a cuteness overload.)Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here.

Episode 28This week as most of us get used to life staying at home, Hannah's two oldest, Zelie and Simon, share what they like most about doing school from home, how to fight boredom, play "Would You Rather", and share the new game they invented called "Bombs Away!"Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 27This week Hannah and Maria talk about what everyone is talking about - the coronavirus. But instead of focusing on the negative, they give their insight on how to best cope with the fear and stress, as well as how to find hope and stay positive in the situation. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 26This week Hannah and Maria take us through their best tips for how to stay healthy during cold and flu season, and what to do if you do get sick. Some of their favorite tips include healthy nutrition, lots of sleep, plus some less standard ones like apple cider vinegar. (It may taste disgusting, but the results are worth it!)Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 25This week Hannah takes us through her experience with thyroid issues and what she's currently doing to try to heal, including using (and not using) iodine. She discusses the benefits as well as the concerns with taking iodine, and how it has been used for centuries to heal many different sorts of ailments.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 24In another unscripted episode, Maria talks about her experience in the world of comedy, including her time with stand-up and how she finds the humor in even the hardest moments. She also talks about her new web series, "The Single Girl's Guide to Sanity" and the real-life inspiration that motivated her and her sister to create it.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!And watch The Single Girl's Guide to Sanity here!

Episode 23In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Hannah and her husband Jeff take us through how they met and how their relationship grew from friendship to a family of eight. From their first meeting (with Hannah onstage) to their first date (and Jeff driving on the sidewalk), they talk about the importance of faith in their relationship (and make us laugh while they're at it).Want to find out more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 22This week stars another special guest, the girls' mother, Lee Hotovy. A theater director, artist, and entrepreneur, as well as the mother of six, she speaks to her experience with the importance of creativity, how it has helped her as a mother, and why she believes we should all pursue that creative spark. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 21In a very special episode, the girl's father, Steve, speaks to his own experience with depression. In addition to giving practical suggestions to combat depression, he also speaks to his darkest moments, what helped him heal, and why buffalo chicken salad is great for depression. Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 20To celebrate their 20th episode, Maria goes into detail about her recent closet overhaul and how it has changed her wardrobe and mindset. In one of their first style episodes, the girls discuss the importance of simplicity, their style inspirations, and what Trader Joe's has to do with Maria's latest fashion.Want to try a closet update yourself? Check out Maria's six easy steps to a new closet on the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 19This week Hannah takes us through the spiritual side of her healing journey, including her lowest points and the miraculous healing she encountered. She gives incredible testimony to the beauty and struggles of faith, and how it saved her during some of her darkest times.Want to read more about her story? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 18Fresh of off receiving her nutritionist certification, Maria takes us through ten unbelievable things she learned through her studies, including which food we eat regularly that is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen, what the color of your food means, and what is so dangerous about soda. You will also get a glimpse into Hannah's life as a mom of six, and what it means to record a podcast before bedtime (see also: background noise!). This week's Stories of the Week are also highly embarrassing, so listen all the way through to feel great about yourself!Want a handy list of the ten things Maria mentioned? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 17For a holiday special, Hannah and Maria interview their one and only brother, Jacob, as he talks about the pros and cons of growing up with five sisters, his favorite holiday memories, and what he most looks forward to about Christmas this year. They also mention the time he tried to live in the wilderness, and the videos he makes with his nieces and nephews.If you want to take a look, here's a glimpse at some of the best!- Finding Ferdinand- Baby Seals- RockyWant to learn more about Simply Ginger? Follow the blog here!

Episode 16This week Hannah and Maria go unscripted about the pros and cons of beauty and style, and what it means for them as women. Whether it's fashion during postpartum, makeup (to wear or not to wear?), or how style can be an artistic expression, they cover it all, including what makes someone the most attractive.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger (and maybe try out some of their top beauty picks?) Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!And if you would like to help us choose a topic for our next Unscripted episode, send us a message on Instagram @simplygingersisters or e-mail us at simplygingersisters@gmail.com!

Episode 15They asked, we answered. This week the Rutledge kids take us through the burning questions they have for the show's hosts - including a special guest (the show's first ever!) The three sisters talk about their family's holiday traditions, with everything from sleeping under the Christmas tree to not being allowed to shower Christmas morning.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the blog here!

Episode 14To celebrate the holiday week, Hannah and Maria talk about why they are thankful for sisters, including all the ups and downs. As may be expected, they take a trip down memory lane and revisit breaking tables at Thanksgiving dinners, catfighting, home video fashion shows, and where the iconic line "and boys appreciate" came from.Want to learn more? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here! 

Episode 13This week, Maria spills the tea on how to solve your seven common pains through the benefits of tea. Whether its headaches, insomnia, indigestion, or acne - there's a tea for that (and maybe a few other options for you non-tea drinkers!) The stories of the week include Hannah's run in with dead mice and Maria's experience with something far worse - bad Shakespeare.Need a list of the tea's mentioned? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 12This week, Hannah rants about her struggles with postpartum and the role her thyroid has played in getting her back to health. The rants don't stop with postpartum experiences, however, as her and Maria also rant about the unhealthy pressure to lose weight, why carbs are good, and why being thin is not always the answer. (Oh, and there might also be a special guest appearance!)*Want to learn more about the thyroid and postpartum resources Hannah mentioned? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!*This episode contains audio quality issues.

Episode 11In honor of Maria's birthday, this week's episode celebrates the highs (and lows!) of past birthdays - everything from Ariel-themed parties to 21st birthdays. Tangents include: breakups, technical difficulties, and (as usual) kids being hilarious.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 10Just 7 weeks after the birth of baby Dominic, Hannah talks about how her experience with his labor and delivery went - including his acrobatic antics, her first experience not doing natural birth, and how her health has been affected postpartum. Her and Maria also share their Halloween week and the hilarious things that happened!Want to read more about Hannah's health journey? Check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 9In the second part of Maria's health journey, Maria covers the steps she took to heal after being diagnosed with PCOS, including the diet and lifestyle changes, as well as her other health issues and how she overcame them (including gallbladder issues and parasites - yes, eww!) And if you want to read about her experience, check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 8In another two-part series, Maria shares her personal healing journey and her struggles with migraines, stress, gallbladder issues, and depression and anxiety. She shares the trial and error she experienced in the search for healing, and her eventual diagnosis with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (the same day she moved to California!) And as a bonus, the stories of the week feature pumpkin patches, secret plans, and (as usual) cute kids.And if you want to read about her experience, check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 7First fart stories? Check. Mistaken identities? Double check. Add wardrobe malfunctions and peeing your pants, and you have the seventh episode of the Simply Ginger Podcast. Hannah and Maria get real about some of the moments their least proud of, and hopefully you can relate - or at the very least, laugh along. 

Episode 6Back with the second part of a two-part series, Hannah explains how she recovered from her body crashing, what finally helped her reach a turning point with healing, and how it all came full circle with Baby Dominic's birth. (And spoiler alert: the stories of the week include snoring and Jeff scaring a nurse in the hospital!)If you would prefer to read Hannah's experience, or would like the health resources she mentioned, check out the Simply Ginger blog here!

Episode 5In a two part series, Hannah opens up about her own personal health journey and some of the things she's struggled with, including insomnia, gallbladder issues, and adrenal fatigue, and what happened when her body eventually crashed. Also, if you would like to read Hannah's experience, check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 4This week, Hannah interviews Maria about the natural things she does to beat PMS - including the foods she suggests, detox baths, and how to avoid the endocrine disrupting chemicals that are often responsible for some of your worst PMS symptoms. (They also talk about their latest run-ins with tarantulas and hamsters - not related to PMS!)Want a handy list of all of Maria's hacks? Check out the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 3In this episode, Maria shares with us some of the past jobs she's had while acting. Everything from working at Warner Brothers to making coffee in Italy, she covers the good and the bad, the crazy and the funny -  including that one time she didn't give John Stamos a Sprite.And if you prefer to read rather than listen, read about it in Maria's own words on the Simply Ginger Blog here!

Episode 2This week, Hannah takes us through the things she's doing to naturally make her labor go faster, including drinking raspberry tea, eating dates, specific exercises, and a few others (that may surprise you!)Need a convenient list of everything Hannah mentioned? We've got that for you over on the Simply Ginger Blog!

Episode 1In their very first episode, Maria and Hannah discuss their different lives, but the very similar passions that inspired them to start a podcast and blog. While also giving a glimpse into what future episodes may hold, they touch on their own personal health struggles and journeys, what it was like growing up in a creative family, and their experiences with motherhood and careers.Want to learn more about Simply Ginger? Check out the blog over at simply-ginger.com!