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Most investors believe patience protects them—but in uncertain markets, hesitation often becomes the most expensive decision they make.Periods like this don't reward confidence or optimism. They reward preparation, discipline, and the ability to act while others are frozen by fear. That tension sits at the center of this conversation.If you're serious about navigating cycles like this with more clarity and support, the real work happens inside the Tribe of Titans multifamily investing community—where operators go deeper on capital strategy, deal decisions, and asset management in real time.
Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron speaks with Cassandra Bodzak, a mindfulness author and holistic living guide, about her journey towards mindful living and nutrition. They discuss the importance of reprogramming negative food mindsets, building self-trust in nutrition, and the impact of nervous system regulation on decision-making. Cassandra shares her experiences with postpartum challenges and the significance of creating healthy boundaries with technology. The conversation culminates in the introduction of Cassandra's new book, 'The Mindful Table', which combines plant-based recipes with mindfulness practices. Takeaways Cassandra's journey began with her struggles as an actress and body image issues. The importance of listening to one's body and its wisdom. Reprogramming negative food mindsets is essential for holistic health. Postpartum challenges can lead to a relapse in old behaviors. Self-trust is crucial in making nutritional choices. Deciphering intuitive eating requires practice and awareness. Nervous system regulation is key to making healthy decisions. Creating boundaries with technology can enhance mental health. Food choices significantly impact mental and emotional well-being. Cassandra's book 'The Mindful Table' combines recipes with mindfulness practices. Sound Bites "I want to put it out in the world." "You have to trust the process." "Self-trust is at the core of it." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Mindfulness and Holistic Living 03:07Cassandra's Journey: From Actress to Holistic Guide 06:01The Importance of Body Wisdom and Intuition 08:56Reprogramming Food Relationships 11:48Navigating Postpartum Challenges 14:58Building Self-Trust in Nutrition Choices 18:02The Role of Nervous System Regulation 20:51Practical Tools for Mindful Eating 28:26Deciphering Inner Voices and Intuition 31:03The Role of Intention in Health Choices 33:50Nervous System Regulation and Eating Habits 37:04The Impact of Overstimulation on Mental Health 40:02The Importance of Sleep and Self-Care 43:03Setting Boundaries with Technology 55:43Introducing 'The Mindful Table' Book Connect with Cassandra: Website: https://cassandrabodzak.com/about Instagram: cassandrabodzak Facebook: CassandraBodzak Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
279. What if this ONE nutritional upgrade changes everything: An Interview with Sue Becker Proverbs 14:12 NIV "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." *Transcription Below* Sue Becker is a gifted speaker and teacher, with a passion to share principles of healthy living in an encouraging way. She is the co-owner of The Bread Beckers and founder of the ministry, Real Bread Outreach, all dedicated to promoting whole grain nutrition. Sue has a degree in Food Science from UGA and is the author of The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book. Sue is a veteran home-schooling mom with 9 children and 15 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild so far. She and her husband Brad, live in Canton, GA. Through her teaching, countless families have found improved health. Sue's Instagram: @suebreadbeckers Sue's Website Sue's Podcast Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you tell us about your professional background and share what led to a life-changing discovery? In addition to helping us feel better, how can this swap also affect our weight? We are told gluten is the enemy, but you teach how wheat can actually be the cure, not the cause. . . Will you elaborate why even people who are sensitive to gluten can still enjoy this bread and experience greater health benefits because of it? Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 14 Simple Changes for Healthier Living with Leslie Sexton and Vasu Thorpe 26 Practical Tips to Eating Dinner Together as a Family with Blogger and Cookbook Co-Author, Rachel Tiemeyer 33 Pursuing Health with Functional Medicine Specialist, Dr. Jill Carnahan 129 Healthy Living with Dr. Tonya Khouri 205 Power of Movement with Alisa Keeton (Revelation Wellness) 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 256 Gut Health, Allergies, Inflammation and Proactive Solutions with Emily Macleod-Wolfe 261 Edible Theology with Kendall Vanderslice 270 Female Sex Hormones, Periods, and Perimenopause with Emily Macleod-Wolfe 275 Raising Healthy Kids: Free Tips with Emily Johnson Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:29) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Have you heard about this one-of-a-kind experience, the Radiant Faith and Wellness event? It's going to take place January 30th and 31st at the Cannery in Eureka. I hope you learn more or purchase your tickets on this website or check them out on Instagram at @radiantwellnessevent and make sure you stay tuned to find out what the code is so that you can purchase your discounted tickets. Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited to get to kick off the year with one of the best episodes I can ever remember. You are in for a treat today with my guest Sue Becker. She is going to enlighten us to the one achievable, easy-to-implement nutritional change that could change everything. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Sue. Sue Becker: (1:30 - 1:39) Thank you so much for having me. It is a real honor to be able to share my story, share my message with others that can listen and hear. Laura Dugger: (1:40 - 1:56) Well, it may be one of the times I've most anticipated this conversation, but I'd love to just start by going back. Will you tell us about your professional background and share what led to a life-changing discovery? Sue Becker: (1:56 - 14:21) Yes, yes. Well, it's a little bit of a long story, but I'll keep it as brief as possible. So, I always say, many years ago, headed off to the University of Georgia as a pre-med student because I loved studying everything about the human body and I wanted to help people and save the world, you know, all the grandiose ideas. But my big passion was physiology and biochemistry. I loved studying that. Got there and realized, you know, I don't really want to be in school that long and I don't want that type of career after I graduate. I knew my ultimate goal was to be a stay-at-home mom and I was like, okay, so why am I pursuing this? But I loved the field of study. And so changed my major, got accepted into pharmacy school, spent a quarter there and went, this isn't really what I want to do either. So then I was led by the Dean of Pharmacy School to the field of food science, which was an up-and-coming industry at the time. I focused my attention more on the microbiology aspect of it and after graduation, I worked for Kraft Foods for almost five years as a bacteriologist in the lab there. I met my husband at the University of Georgia, and we married, actually, our senior year. And so then, like I said, after I graduated, I started working for Kraft until I had my first child. I did become a mom, for sure. I have nine children, seven biological, two we adopted later in life, ranging in ages now from 45. My oldest daughter doesn't like me to tell that, but it's too bad. It's what it is. 45 to 29, I believe Olivia is. Yes, 29. And then I have 19 grandchildren and my very first great grandchild was born just a few weeks ago. So that's been a real blessing and a treat. But after graduation, because I loved studying, it's funny, I tell everybody I'm a much better student now than I ever was in college. It's funny how you love to study once you don't have to perform with tests and things. But I continued studying physiology, biochemistry, read the works of prominent biochemists of the day and kind of came at everything with believing that we're fearfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies know what they need and if they're not getting something they need, then chances are we're going to see sickness or lack of health. So, I kind of came at everything from that standpoint. It might be a little simplistic, but I think it's a great starting place. So, I focused on feeding my family healthy food, you know, supplementing when we needed to. I tell people I grew up Southern. I grew up in a family of cooks and not chefs, but we cooked. We ate real meat, real vegetables. My husband and I loved to garden. We grew our own corn and peas and beans and tomatoes and all the things. So, we were eating real food. But we weren't a sickly family for sure, not compared to what others were, but we still had our share, our fair share. And so, we clipped along like this and I, in 1991, because of my interest in physiology, biochemistry, I subscribed to a publication, a health journal. And the first publication that came into my home was entitled, "How to Greatly Reduce the Risk of Common Diseases." In this journal, the history of white flour was presented. Now, this was very eye-opening information. Maybe I need to back up a little bit. The food science is not a nutrition degree. It's not a home economic degree. It's the study of food processing. Everything that has to be done to keep that food safely on the shelf. Something's great. Something's not so great. So, when I read this information, I was like, how did I miss what's done to our bread? Through my studies, I had always read that whole wheat flour was better, but I didn't understand why. So, in this journal, the history of white flour was presented. All the processing that is done to make that flour sit on the shelf forever, never really. And this is, like I said, what opened my eyes. I learned that whole grains, real whole grains are the most nutrient-dense food God has given us. But in that journal, I learned that only when they're freshly milled, do they retain all their vital nutrients. You know, like I said, I had read that whole wheat flour was better. I was trying to buy the stuff in the store, but it was kind of gross, nasty, I say. Didn't make nice bread, certainly not fluffy muffins. So, kind of gave up on that, trying to make bread with the store-bought whole grain flour. And so, we were just buying whole wheat flour from the store. But I learned in that journal, it's not really what you think it is. And I, so like I said, I also, as a food scientist, what was so enlightening to me, when I read that word enrichment on the bags of flour or the bread products in the store, I thought, wow, we're making this better than it would have been, had we not done this favor. I soon learned in this journal that that was not a favor that food companies are doing for us. They replace in their enrichment, a mere fraction of the nutrients that are there. And of course, I learned that once the flour is milled, I learned, well, let me, grains are storable, left whole and intact. They store fairly indefinitely. But once that flour is, once that grain is milled into flour, it begins to spoil. The nutrients begin to oxidize. So this led to the invention of these huge steel rolling mills that would take out the very nutrient rich bran, the oil laden germ that was causing the spoilage of the flour and leaving only the endosperm part, which is the white flour, protein and starch. Wonderful discovery. This flour won't spoil. It'll sit on the shelf forever. And like I said, it looked like a wonderful discovery. And this all happened in the late 1800s, early 1900s. By about 1910, the steel rolling mills had completely replaced the local millers because prior to the 1900s, most of the bread consumed in this country was either milled at home or the flour was purchased from a local miller. The bread was made at home and it was consumed at home. But with this invention, steel rolling, the steel rolling mills displaced the local millers, white flour, white bread became food now for everyone, rich and poor alike. And can you imagine every housewife going, yay, I don't have to mill my flour anymore. I'll never forget years ago, Brad's 93-year-old grandfather lived with us for a little while. And I was in the kitchen milling some corn for cornbread. And he went like this from his chair. He went, "I milled a lot of corn in my day." So, you can imagine people were like, hallelujah, we don't have to mill our flour. But what seemed like an amazing, convenient, life-saving discovery actually turned out to not be so great. Shortly thereafter, the steel rolling mills and white flour became food for everybody. Three diseases became epidemic. Beriberi, which is a vitamin B1 deficiency, it results in nervous disorders. Pellagra is a vitamin B3 or niacin deficiency, results in GI issues, skin issues, dementia, mental insanity. And that one really interested me because I did some more research on that and actually found out that the first case of pellagra was diagnosed right here in Atlanta, Georgia, which I'm from that area, you know, this area where our store in Woodstock is 35 miles north. That first year 30,000 cases were diagnosed. Then anemia was the third disease. This puzzled health officials all over the country. They're like, what in the world is going on? Why are we seeing this outbreak of diseases? And at first they thought beriberi and pellagra were maybe some type of infectious disease. But eventually they traced it to the new white flour that was on the market and the missing B vitamins and iron minerals that were provided by the bran and the germ. Because for all practical purposes, that's where your nutrients are. The endosperm, white flours, protein and starch, protein and starches that we need, but not without the fiber, the B vitamins, the vitamin E, the inositol, choline, the iron, the calcium, all those nutrients. And so, things kind of clipped along. They went to the millers and said, you got to put the bran and germ back in because of all the sickness. But the millers were like yeah, no, that's not going to happen because they had found a very lucrative market for the byproducts, which is so often done now in the food industry. Byproducts of the milling process, the bran and germ were sold to the cattle feed industry, white flour to the people. So they're like, yeah, we're not giving up that money-making market. So things progressed until 1948. And finally, health officials stepped in, the government stepped in and mandated, you've got to fix the flour, you've got to enrich it. And that's where I discovered what a deceptive term that is for the 35 to 40, who knows really how many nutrients are lost when they take the bran and germ away. They only replaced it with four, three B vitamins and iron. And of course, B1, B2, B3 and iron. Supposedly, this took care of the beriberi and pellagra. But I always have to stop here and say, how many nervous disorders do we have in our country today? How many, how much GI disturbances and bowel issues, digestive issues? How about dementia, mental insanity? What about skin eruptions? I don't think it took care of it. But anyway, they think it did. And then it would take 50 years, 1998, after watching the rising incidence of birth defects and understanding that it was the missing folate that is no longer in the flour, richest food source, or most common, most readily eaten food source of folate, bread. Who knew? So, they mandated then that a fifth nutrient be added. And that was folic acid, which, let me stop there and say this, these are synthetically produced supplements, vitamins that are being added to your flour. And particularly the B vitamins, this can be very troublesome, because the B vitamins come as a family, they come as a group, they work together synergistically. When you take one out of context from the other out of balance, it actually depletes you and causes you to have a greater need. We're seeing that now with folic acid and the development of MTHFR, the folate, you know, reductase gene mutation. So anyway, it's caused more problems than it's worth. And I've always thought about the scripture Proverbs 14:12, I believe it says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death." And we can certainly see that. You know, and if that were not enough, now, we've, we've taken all this away, we produce this beautiful white flour, but the residual oils cause it some yellowing. So can't have yellowing of that flour. So, they began to choose to bleach the flour and a product called nitrogen trichloride was used for more than 25 years to bleach the flour. It was finally taken off the market because they discovered that this nitrogen trichloride caused seizures in dogs. Are you ready for this? Hyperactivity. Laura Dugger: (14:22 - 14:22) Hmm. Sue Becker: (14:22 - 29:18) When I read that information, it was in 1991. That was the beginning of the scourge of ADD and hyperactivity we're now seeing in our children today. And I couldn't help but wonder, you know, when I read that information, there was one little boy in my son's music class, you know, and, but now, wow, it's pretty prevalent. So then another bleaching agent is benzoyl peroxide. It's known to destroy B vitamins and vitamin E. And let me just tell you this, grains are one of the, especially wheat is one of the most nutrient dense food groups. Like I said, but it's the, one of the richest food sources of vitamin E and no amount of vitamin E has ever been put back in our enriched right white flour. So, we lost that source, but now we're using a bleaching agent that's going to destroy it and B vitamins. And then potassium bromate is often used as a dough conditioner. It helps strengthen that gluten structure to help get a better rise in the bread. It's known to cause liver issues and thyroid issues. And this is what we were consuming. So, wow. Yeah. Talk about my mind being blown, my eyes being open. And then the rest of the journal was a brief discussion of the common diseases that plague Americans and showed why it was directly related, how it was directly related to our consumption of the processed white flour, lacking the nutrients and the fiber diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, diverticulitis, even varicose veins, skin issues, low energy. I mean, it just went on and on. And from my, with my background, this made absolute sense. I knew it was scientifically sound, but it was also, it was a Christian publication. It was biblically sound. And what changed my life here was like I said, always read whole wheat flour, better whole wheat flour, better, but I was buying the stuff in the store and even whole wheat bread in the store. Didn't really see a lot of difference in it. But this introduced me to the idea of an in-home grain mill, buying grain and milling my own flour. That was life changing. I was like, this is amazing. I can do this. Wanted a mill. My husband actually bought me a mill for my birthday in 1991. The mill came into our home. I milled flour. I made bread. I ate bread. It was delicious. It wasn't gritty. It wasn't heavy. It wasn't dense. And I tell everyone I pooped the next morning and it was like, what just happened to me? So that was my life-changing experience. First, first day, you know, my bowel issues were corrected. I had lifelong issues with constipation, struggled with it. Knew I didn't want to take chemical accidents. So tried to do more alternative solutions, find those and they worked if I did them, but they were, I tell people they were outside of my, your realm of daily eating. You had to do something special. And honestly, sometimes I think we look at alternative methods, you know, supplementation or treatment for ailments that are afflicting us. And we're not getting, still not getting to the root of the problem. My problem was I was not eating enough fiber. The white bread, the white flour was constipating me. So this was the only change I made. I tell everyone I've not been constipated since 1991. I know you wanted to hear that, but, but then I had five young children by this time and I, I homeschool my children. We were active in church and baseball and music lessons and all the things, you know, we were busy. I had nursing baby and, and I, but I'm telling you, when I started just adding this bread to our already real food, we were eating. I noticed significant energy. Like I said, constipation gone right away. Then I begin to notice first week. It didn't take months. I was like, wow, I have more energy. My frequent headaches went away. Also with my bowels moving, my chronic constipation went away. I lived on antihistamines before bread since bread. That's another thing I can stand here and tell you. I've not had an antihistamine or a decongestant of any kind since 1991. That's pretty amazing. I had frequent migraines, not had one since we started the bread. So those were, I've noticed my sugar cravings went away because now I was getting the real carbohydrates that my body needed and it's sustaining energy. And then my children, I just noticed they were they were, they would eat and they were satisfied. They love the bread. They love the muffins. They love the pancakes. It was healthy food. I didn't have to coerce them to eat. No more snotty noses, no more ear infections for them. And that we just became a much healthier family. And they, my kids didn't necessarily catch every bug that came around. And if one of them did get sick, didn't necessarily mean that all of us got sick, which a big family, that's, that's pretty significant, you know? And so it was just, and the bread was delicious. When I read that information about whole grains and, and, you know, how bad white flour was, I was, I was thinking that this freshly milled flour was going to be just like the store-bought whole wheat flour I was buying in the store. And you can probably already tell I'm a very passionate person. So, I read this information. I'm like, we're never eating white bread again. We're never, white flour's never coming into our house again. And if we have to choke this bread down, we're doing this, you know? Well, we did not have to choke it down at all. The muffins, the bread, the pancakes, the brownies, cookies, everything I made was absolutely delicious. It was filling and it was satisfying. A lot of people would say, you must spend all your time in the kitchen when all my kids were home. I'm going, actually, no, we eat breakfast and everybody's satisfied. Nobody snacks. And even my kids begin to notice how other kids snack all the time. Not my kids, they would eat and they wouldn't eat till the next meal. And so, it was just very, very satisfying. So, I began to share my bread with everybody, bake bread for other people, take it here, take it there. The next thing I know, so be warned, if you ever start milling and you make bread for somebody, they're going to ask you to make bread for them. So, I did start making bread for other people. And the next thing I know, they're coming to me and saying, my cholesterol dropped 85 points and all I changed was this bread. You know, I feel better. I have more energy. And the lady with the cholesterol, she, I continued to make bread for her for a while. And I always laugh. One of the favorite things she liked that I made for her was cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. And she said, I ate one after every meal and my cholesterol dropped 85 points in just one month. And I always laugh. I'm like a statin drug with all kinds of side effects, cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing, you know, and she said, it was her testimony. She goes, "I knew it was the bread. I know it is the bread because three doctors, three different medications, three years, nothing has changed. And this is the only change I made." So, I started hearing this. And of course, she told all her friends, the next thing you know, everybody's wanting me to make this cholesterol lowering bread for them, you know, and I'll never forget. By this point, I had had my sixth child, still homeschooling, still doing laundry, still baseball, church, all the things. And here I was making bread for my family and then making bread for all these people coming to my door. And I was spending all day every day making bread and for others and myself. And I just got really tired, to be honest with you. And I was making this bread and a thought came to my mind. And I just looking back now, I know God put those words in my heart and in my mind. That day, I had also had a few people ask me, would I teach them how to make bread? And where could they get a grain mill? So the idea came to me, met my husband in the driveway. And I said, when he came home from work, and I said, you know what, I don't think I'm supposed to make bread for the world. I think I'm supposed to teach the world to make bread for themselves. And that was the beginning right there. We sat down on the porch swing and talked about what we would call it. And I said, I want to call it Bread Beckers. That's, you know, our, it's funny, we didn't know that at the time. But Becker is a German name that means the baker. So, it is bread bakers. And anyway, so and, and it's funny, because at that point in 1992, my world was four people, four people had asked me about where they could get a grain mill, and what I teach them to make bread. And today, we, well, we, started our business right then in our home, took a little while to, you know, get everything. And we outgrew our home by 1998, what my husband and I and my children could do. I mean, it just grew from the testimonies of other people. I mean, just like that lady when and then you get hundreds of people sharing different stories and passing it on, people, people start noticing. So we incorporated with a longtime friend and partner in 1998, moved the business out of our home, we're currently in this lovely 10,000 square foot warehouse, we moved here in 1999. We have a nice studio kitchen, this is where all my cooking classes take place that we can seat 100 people and regularly we fill up classes like that. We have a lot of online classes already for people to view on our YouTube channel. But and then a few years ago, it's back in 2009, we acquired another warehouse because we are passionate about providing God's people with grain. That first week here, like I said, customer base of four. A week after starting our business, getting all the license and all that really hadn't started getting anything, God woke me up and said that he was raising up Bread Beckers to be like Joseph to supply his people with grain. And I wrote in my journal that morning that it would be a tremendous thing. And it would take a few months, we invested in a lot of wheat, we took all of our savings, this was before we incorporated, it was just my husband and I and our family and bought some wheat, you know, and had spent all of our savings. Well, I got a little nervous. And I woke up that morning after unloading all this wheat and writing the checks and seeing the money go out of the savings account. And I'm like, I don't think the electric company is going to take a bucket of wheat, you know, for payment. So this was my fear. And I felt like, you know, maybe I was being deceived, maybe we were being misled. And I just cried out to the Lord that he would speak to me and confirm to me that this was what we were supposed to do. And this is how I do it. I just cry out to the Lord. And then I just go on with my regular Bible reading, not looking for something I could have gone to the story of Joseph because he had already spoken that to me. But my verse for the day in one of my devotionals was Proverbs 11:26. And it says "Cursed is the man who holds back grain when the public needs it. But a blessing from God and man is upon the head of him who sells it." My husband took that vision. I know you talk about, I was like, what? I could hardly wait for Brad to get up. My husband, Brad, you know, I had awakened early because I was stirring and all just anxious and fearful. And the enemy was just coming at me. And when I shared that all with Brad that he was sleeping next to me, not knowing that I was in all this turmoil. And he just looked at me and he goes, "Sue, I can think of no other verse that God could have given you to answer and your question and to calm your fears." And so he took it to heart. So, we now have a second warehouse. It's 13,000 square feet. We are probably one of the largest grain packaging facilities in the southeastern United States. We have hundreds. I don't know how many we're growing everyday co-ops all over the United States. And we bring in two semi truckloads a week. I mean, I'm sorry, a month, which is actually a little bit more than that. It's about 190,000 pounds of wheat. That's just wheat. Package it down into these great food grade buckets, plastic buckets. And we package it with carbon dioxide gas. So it's perfectly storable. We can guarantee that it's bug free. You know, the enemies of grain are moisture bugs and rodents. So that's why we really firmly believe in packaging it all in buckets. And like I said, we have probably 180 co-ops now. I don't know. It's growing every day. We ship wheat all over the country, grain and everything we sell. So it's been a real journey and just a real blessing. And then I started a ministry called Real Bread Outreach. We clipped along locally, kind of providing grain and grain mills for those who truly can't afford it. But then in 2016, God called me to Haiti. I made 15 trips to Haiti. We built a bakery there. We trained up another team at an orphanage and they were making bread every day. So right now, in Haiti, it's an intense situation, but the bakery is thriving, feeding about 1,200 school children a day. And then the other, it's about 150 orphans. Then we went to Tanzania in 2021. We built a bakery there, started a feeding program. We've helped start a bakery in Israel that is ministering to the Jewish people. We helped train a bakery in Uganda and we've sent mills to missionaries in Japan and the Philippines and Nigeria and Kenya, just all over. And I'll close this part with this. A few years ago, a friend of mine just, she did, she remembered, she said, "Sue, do you remember when you said to Brad, I don't think I'm supposed to make bread for the world, but teach the world to make bread for themselves." And I'm going to tear up a little bit looking back now, like I said, four people, that was my world. Today, it truly is the world. And not just because of the internet, but because of where God has called us through our ministry. And it's a real blessing. So, my encouragement to everyone is do the small thing. You never know where God's going to take you in years to come and how it's going to bless the world. Laura Dugger: (29:19 - 29:21) So I think that was a lot. Sue Becker: (29:21 - 29:22) I know. Laura Dugger: (29:23 - 32:39) It was beautiful. And it makes me think of the verse, do not despise small beginnings for the Lord delights to see the work begin. I'm paraphrasing, but I love how much it has blessed the world. And I remember the first time I heard you, I was trying to just picture what is a mill, but you literally just turn it on and you pour the grain in and it comes out as flour. It's so easy. And so we purchased our own. After our conversation, I get to stick in our loaves in the oven. They're still rising right now. And now a brief message from our sponsor. Radiant Faith and Wellness Event is a unique event designed to bridge the aspects of faith and wellness and to live as our bodies, minds and souls were intended and created. So come together with other like-minded women to receive Christ centered teaching on health and wellness, to nourish your body with good food and to renew your mind and help you shine radiantly. At Radiant, wellness goes beyond worldly standards of wellness and self-help. So, from worship and inspiring speakers to guided movement, meaningful conversation, biblical teaching, every part of this event is crafted to help you reconnect and step forward renewed. It's the perfect time of year to experience something like this. Radiant is more than just an event. It's actually a transformational experience and supportive community dedicated to helping women grow spiritually and physically. Their speakers bring this perfect balance of encouragement and deep wisdom, each within their own area of expertise and passion. They do a remarkable job of creating a safe and joyful space where every woman feels seen, supported and empowered to grow. So, join the Radiant Faith and Wellness family today and experience what it means to live rooted, restored and radiant from the inside out. Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=mygracioushealing.com/radiant-event or you can check out their Instagram page at @radiantwellnessevent. Tickets are limited, so make sure you book today and enter the code SAVVY when registering for a special discount. Thanks for your sponsorship. So going back to these ailments, I'm going to reference two other things that you said. First, this may be a little unrelated, but even thinking of feeding people around the world or feeding our children, you mentioned, you know, a lot of times if your kids were picky eaters, you'd say, okay, ditch the bread and just eat the meat. But because it's so nourishing and nutritious and that Jesus has given us this as a grace gift, this bread, you can ditch the meat and eat just the bread and get so much nutritional value. Sue Becker: (32:40 - 37:32) Yes, that and that's funny that you bring that up because, you know, one of the things over the years of studying is of the 44 to 46 absolutely essential nutrients needed by your body for health and to promote life. There's only four slightly deficient or missing in wheat, vitamin A, vitamin C. So, God gave us another kind of food. Remember in Genesis chapter 1:29, he says, “I've given you plants that bear fruit with the seed in them.” So that's our fruits and vegetables. That's where we get our vitamin A, vitamin C. Then we get our vitamin D from the sunshine if we get out there and get some. And then B12, of course, is low or is not found in any plant product. That's I mean, plant food. So, you have to get that from your meat, your red meats and things like that. But that's and so learning that you're absolutely right. When my kids were growing up and the bread was my little toddler, how she'd tell me she was hungry, she would say, “I want a roll with honey.” That was what she wanted to eat. And I would take the meat off the sandwich. And before bread, it was eat the meat. After bread, it was just eat the bread, you know, because I knew just from that. And I started thinking about when Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone.” He was quoting the Old Testament, but by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God, he was reiterating that you think you're living because you have bread and all the biblical, you know, so many of the biblical feasts, Passover and First Fruits, Pentecost, they're around the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. Grain was a big part of their life and of their sacrifices and all that. And he was saying, you think you're living just because you have bread. But I'm telling you, there's a spiritual life that you have to feed as well. So, yeah, that was a fun time seeing the change of my perspective of just eat the bread. And, you know, some days, you know, breakfast was typically a pretty big meal for us. Sometimes it would just be pancakes, but a lot of times it would be eggs and freshly ground grits and bread of some sort, muffins. And then lunch might be muffins and a smoothie because we really weren't that hungry from the bread at breakfast and then dinner. We eat normal. People think we're weird eaters. But, you know, like I said, I grew up Southern. So, we do country fried steak. We do pot roast. We do chicken. We do brown rice, mashed potatoes, green beans. You know, we do it all. And you mentioned something that was funny. When I first started, when I would take bread places, people go, “Oh, my gosh, this coffee cake is so delicious or this bread is so delicious. Can I get your recipe?” And I'd go, “Well, yeah, you can have my recipe. But you've got to understand, I mill my own flour.” Two things they would always respond with. And the first one they would go, “You do what?” And I would go, “I mill my own flour.” The second one absolutely intrigued me for years and years until I did a study on what grain mills, the local millers mills, you know, waterwheels and gristmills and ox treading out the grain. But they would always say to me, “Where do you live?” And I think they thought I must have had a barn and an ox or I lived by a river to have the gristmill to power my mill. Now, you can see my little mill behind me. It just sits on my counter. And you're right. Turn it on, pour it in, comes out flour in a matter of seconds. And I tell people, it's really not any slower or more tedious than taking your flour canister out of your cabinet. And I realize we've deviated in this day and time from even using flour and baking things ourselves when we can go to the store and buy it already baked. But it'll change your life. I have never seen one dietary change bring so many significant across the board, broad spectrum health benefits to myself, my family, and so many people now that share their testimonies with me. It's just been amazing, just absolutely amazing. And, you know, I always, my husband always likes for me to say, you know, in the 25 years of raising my children on this bread, we only had to take them to the doctor twice for an illness. Twice. And twice on antibiotics. They needed it. There's a time and place. Twice to the doctor for an illness. In 25 years, there are people and families that go to the doctor more than that in a week. So, when people say I can't afford it or I don't have time, I'm like, wow, I can just tell you the life-saving and money-saving advantages are, it's hard to describe. So yeah. Laura Dugger: (37:33 - 38:05) Yeah. And like you said, it's an enjoyable process. It is. But also, okay, referencing one other thing, just thinking about these ailments. You had quoted, I believe a doctor just saying about constipation that is, and I don't want to botch it, so I'd love to know if you remember this, that most Americans is that three out of five suffer from constipation or even chronic constipation. And that, was it the number one cause of breast cancer and prostate cancer? Sue Becker: (38:05 - 39:29) Oh, wow. Yes. I'd almost forgotten that. Yes. I was listening to a CD that someone shared with me, and it was by an oncologist. And I still remember, I would listen to things as we began to travel and share and teach, and I would listen to teaching. And so, I had this cassette, if you can remember those or even know what those are. And I remember where I was, I was on I-10 headed to Jacksonville to a homeschool show. And this oncologist at the very end of her message, she said, “Toxins are stored in your, let's see, let me see. So, she said toxins are stored in your fatty tissue. In a woman, it's your breast. It's, and in a man, it's his prostate.” And she said, “When toxins are not carried out of their, your body daily through bowel elimination, then these toxins get absorbed into the body and stored in your fat tissue.” And she said, “So a direct correlation between cancer and constipation is there.” And, and I was just like, what did she just say? And that blew me away. I mean, that was not me saying it, this was an oncologist. And she's saying one of the leading issues is constipation. Wow. Yeah, I'd almost forgotten about that. Laura Dugger: (39:30 - 39:44) Well, and such a simple swap and getting to still enjoy these foods. But in addition to being healthier and the health benefits and making us feel better, how does this also potentially affect our weight? Sue Becker: (39:45 - 42:33) Well, that's a good question, because we're all told that bread is bad, that bread will make you fat. And I totally agree. The bread that's in the store is devoid of nutrients. It's devoid of fiber that fills you up. It's devoid of nutrients that satisfy fiber that fills you up. And it's heavily sweetened, sugared, you know, most of the breads we're eating are not just flour, water, yeast, salt. They're usually loaded with other things. So, they're not satisfying. The fiber in real bread fills you up. So, like I said, you're not going to overeat, you're going to eat and you're going to be satisfied. You know, I always tell the story when, when we were eating just bread from the store, I had five children, I would make sandwiches, they would, you know, cut them in half, I would make five sandwiches, they would, or I'd make the whole loaf, actually, they would fight over the last one. After bread, real bread that fills you up, I would make five sandwiches, cut them in half, and sometimes they would eat them all. And sometimes they wouldn't. It was because it was filling, and it was satisfying. And that's something people need to understand. Also, the nutritional deficiency in the foods that we're eating in the store, especially our bread, they're leaving us malnourished, really. Dr. Denmark, one of the oldest, well, the oldest practicing pediatrician in the country, she lived right here in Georgia. And she said, “We're the most undernourished, overfed people in the world.” We eat a lot because we're never satisfied, because the foods we're eating does not supply our body with the nutrients that we need. And so, we're constantly craving. I don't think a lot of people don't understand what cravings are. You're craving food because you're needing a nutrient, you know. And so, we find that we can eat and eat and eat, and, or not we, but Americans can overeat, and they do overeat because they're never satisfied. And so, real bread fills you up, real bread satisfies, it takes those sugar cravings away, which, you know, a lot of high calorie foods, they're loaded with sugars, and that's what we're craving a lot of times. I read something, women tend to crave sweets and chocolate, and men tend to crave salty. And, but both, if we're craving, you know, processed foods, you know, you can sit down and eat the whole bag of cookies, where you make cookies from freshly milled flour, one, maybe two, if you go three, you kind of go, I really didn't need that one, you know. So, it's just filling, it's satisfying. We have so many people, testimonies of people saying they've lost, one lady said she lost over a hundred pounds, that was over the course of a while, you know, of a year or so, but she did it right. She just started eating real food that nourishes and satisfies. Laura Dugger: (42:34 - 44:21) I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichson from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product, so I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones, so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible, so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com. And throughout the years, you've seen these different trends from Atkins to Paleo, and now a lot of times we're told gluten is the enemy, but I love how you say that wheat can actually be the cure, not the cause. So, can you elaborate on that, and even why some people with gluten sensitivities may still be able to consume bread that was made with freshly milled grain? Sue Becker: (44:21 - 1:01:23) Right, so, yeah, I think what people need to understand is what gluten actually is. And gluten's not really even in grains, it's just an easy way to verbalize it, I guess. So, gluten is the stretchy substance that forms from two proteins that are found uniquely in the wheat family of grains. So, when you mill wheat into flour, and you hydrate it, wet it, mix it, you know, make a dough out of it, those two proteins, gliadin and glutamine, they form this stretchy substance called gluten. Well, it's very important in bread making that you have these two proteins, because when you make a yeast leavened bread, whether it's sourdough or commercial yeast today, those organisms feed on the carbohydrates both in the wheat and in your dough, and they produce carbon dioxide gas. So, that gluten, those stretchy strands of protein, those two proteins, they trap that carbon dioxide gas, and that's what enables the bread to rise. So, it's unique to the wheat family of grain. It has always been there. It's why wheat is the king of bread making and always has been. Who put those two proteins in the wheat family of grains? God did. And just so you know, wheat is not genetically modified, and it has not been altered to produce wheat that has a higher gluten content. What determines the protein content of grain more than anything, which, what did I say gluten is? It's formed from two proteins. What determines the protein content in grain more than anything is rainfall during the growing season. So, that's why here in the southeastern United States, we can't make yeast bread making wheat. We can't grow it because we have too much rainfall and it's too warm. So, we grow what's called soft wheat or pastry flour. That's why southerners eat biscuits, because that's the kind of bread that we can make with the wheat grown here. The colder, drier climates in the breadbasket states of the country, they grow the hard bread making wheat. Now herein lies the problem. When those steel rolling mills came on the scene and began to take the bran and germ out, what did they leave us with? Protein and starch. Those gluten forming proteins and starch are in that endosperm. God never intended us to eat that white flour, those protein and starches without the vitamins, the minerals, the enzymes, the vitamin E that the bran and germ provide. So, therein lies a lot of the problem and that's what causes so many digestive issues is that we aren't getting the nutrients and the fiber that will keep our bowels clean and our digestive system moving the way it is supposed to. Now herein lies a bigger problem is that in the food industry and the American people's craving for fluffier bread. In the food industry, they thought, okay, we can give you fluffier bread. If we take the wheat and we wash it until only all that is left is those two proteins, those gluten forming proteins. They get this stretchy substance and then they dry it and powder it and they add even more pure gluten forming proteins to that white bread. So, now we have an even bigger problem and then and even in that whole grain bread, people want fluffy bread. They don't want, you know, coarser whole grain bread. So, check your ingredients. That 100% whole grain bread that you might be already buying, third or fourth ingredient gonna be vital wheat gluten or gluten flour, whatever they call it and that is greatly upsetting the fiber to flour ratio and causing digestive issues. And then, you know, just the heavily consumption of that bread and you know, the commercially processed bread is a real problem. So, now what we have is people, you know, Americans consuming this bread. Now, they have every symptom of something called celiac disease. Celiac disease is real. It is genetic. I am learning. I used to say it's not reversible, but I am learning something that you might have the genes for celiac disease, but they can be turned on or turned off. So, perhaps what is happening is you might have the gene, but now it's being turned on by eating and consuming this high gluten, if you will, bread out of context, not the way God made it. But then also what is also happening is so now we have people that have all the symptoms. Well, let me back up and just explain what celiac disease, celiac disease, true genetic celiac disease. You are born with these genes, the inability to break down that and metabolize gliadin. That's one of those gluten forming proteins, which the whole wheat family has that. So, if you can't break it down, it's going to cause digestive issues, abdominal cramping. It's going to eventually as those that protein gets dumped into your large intestine, your bowel, it's going to lay down the villi. You're going to have leaky gut. You're going to have all these issues. That is true genetic celiac disease, but it affects less than 1% of Americans have those genes and have it turned on for true genetic celiac disease. So, what is being diagnosed today? Well, everybody eating the commercially processed high gluten packed or you know bread, they're developing the same symptoms, digestive issues, abdominal cramping, laying down the villi. So, they're being diagnosed with celiac disease when it a lot of times is not true genetic celiac disease and I'm not professing to be a medical professional. I'm not giving anybody medical advice, but here's the good news that I do want to say to you. Non-genetic celiac disease is totally reversible. And the good news is people are finding some that have been diagnosed with celiac going gluten-free been gluten-free for 20 years. They're finding they can eat the freshly milled flour because it has the right ratio and the good fiber and the good nutrients to heal their gut, cleanse their gut, and get their bowels moving, cleans out. So, bring that villi back to life and they're thriving. They're not just tolerating the bread. They're thriving and finding reversal of many, many, many health issues. And another big issue too is people don't understand that for the most part digestion begins in your mouth, carbohydrate digestion. You chew your food, your saliva mixes with your food and there's an enzyme carbohydrate digesting enzyme called amylase. Once you swallow that down in your stomach, your stomach is where protein digestion takes place. It must have an acid environment for those protein digestive enzymes to work. God knew that we're fearfully and wonderfully made. He created cells in our stomach to produce acid brings the pH. If y'all know what pH is down to one very, very acidic could eat a hole in your stomach. But he also created these cells that produce mucus that lines our stomach and protects it from that high acid. So, that's where protein digestion needs to take place. Here's the problem. What is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America? Prilosec, Nexium. These are antacids. They're prescribing it for something called acid reflux, which is only compounding the problem. So, these antacids are doing exactly what the name of them describes. They're alkalizing your stomach acid. So, what's that going to do to protein digestion? It's going to compromise it. Huh? So, yeah, and the real cause of acid reflux is not too much stomach acid. It is actually too low stomach acid. Our body's not getting the nutrients that needs to produce that stomach acid. Now, it's acid enough that when it comes back up in our esophagus it burns, but there's a little flap that God created right there at our stomach and our esophagus called the epiglottis. Do you know what's and it's supposed to close so that when that stomachs churning and doing its digestion, it doesn't back that acid doesn't back up into your esophagus, but it closes. It's stimulated to close by the high acid in your stomach. Do you see what's happening here? So, we're being prescribed an antacid which now we don't necessarily get the burn, but there's all kinds of side effects. We've compromised protein digestion, which what did we say gluten is protein. Also, do you know the technical term for an allergy a food allergy not a sensitivity or an intolerance the technical term for a food allergy is an adverse reaction to a protein component of your food. I have never seen so many food allergies as we see today. It's very interesting. Some people are diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. Well, of course, I think everybody is sensitive to the bread and the store. Some people can tolerate a little bit better than others, but I know when I occasionally, you know, we go out to a party or an event and we usually avoid bread, but sometimes it's on everything. You know, I know I wake up the next morning and I'm like, I don't feel good. I have a stomachache. So, I think everybody is sensitive to the bread in the store, but we have now hundreds of testimonies of people who thought they had to be gluten-free or say I have, you know, I haven't eaten bread in 20 years because made me sick. It did this it did that and they are finding they can eat the freshly milled flour because even wheat because it's the right proportions all the nutrients, you know, one of the amino acids that's found abundantly and wheat is glutamine Google it and you'll see a lot of health professionals will actually give you glutamine supplements to heal your gut and it's and it's in the bread. So, then part of the other problem that I see then when people think they're gluten-sensitive or have to be gluten-free now mind you if you truly are genetic celiac, you probably will not be able to eat wheat and I'm saying probably now because I'm learning some things that we can turn those genes off. I don't know but if you truly are genetic celiac, but that is going to be a diagnosis that probably came when you were young you were going to always have had symptoms of these if you are now 20 or 30 and all of a sudden having these issues and you've been eating wheat all your life chances are you're not true genetic celiac. So, that's something you need to look at but people are finding they can eat the flour. They can eat the wheat and part of a real concern of mine is when you go gluten-free if you don't really need to I've been doing some studying as a food microbiologist gut microbiome has been a big topic. I've shared I've taught way before it was trendy on, you know probiotics and all of that and fermented foods. I've been teaching it since 1992 but what happens that they're finding on these gluten-free diets. It's actually diminishing your good gut microbiome and encouraging the growth of more pathogenic making you more susceptible to C. diff, E. coli and other sickness causing organisms. Then you're going to have those organisms are critical for breaking down food that gets dumped into the large intestine and encouraging digestion and enzymes that they create and all kinds of B vitamins and I could go on and on so that is being compromised the next thing, you know, you have allergies to eggs allergies to milk these very restrictive diets change that gut microbiome and they are causing a lot of gut health issues and allergy issues. I've talked to two people in the last few months one lady told to go gluten-free been gluten-free for years. She with tears in her eyes couple of weeks ago came down from Ohio hugged me in was came to our store just wanted to come to our store. I happen to be here that day. She hugged me tears in her eyes and said I was down to eight foods that I could eat another lady in one of my classes came up and said I was down to seven foods that I could eat, you know, so It puts you on a treadmill that I don't think you want to be on when you start very restrictive diets. It's and not just gluten-free, but even you know, the carnivore and the keto and the paleo the heavy meat diets you need whole grains to break the fats down and cholesterol that those foods are providing and I'm a meat eater. I mean, that's fine, but to exclude the most nutrient-dense food group God has given us in my mind is very dangerous. Let's see if we can get healing and reverse that I have a podcast and I do it's the bread stories now and I one of my favorites and I recommend it more often than any other is episode 66 sit with Sarah Valentine if anybody that I hear of that say they have to be gluten-free or their celiac, I would say she fit the bill for what surely seemed like a true genetic celiac. She was diagnosed in I think she was around 15 or I don't remember her age. She was in high school. I think but she had always had trouble even as a little one and she was diagnosed with celiac and she said at the end of the podcast, she goes either God supernatural healed me or it was a misdiagnosis, but she had been gluten-free for 15 years. I believe it was and she told me she said and I she had a dairy allergy. She couldn't eat dairy and she said, you know dairy I cheated on a little bit because it would just cause me a little discomfort. She goes I never cheated on gluten. Well, her brother and her mother heard about me and they Sarah was off at college and they got a mill and started milling because her brother's children had some health issues. I think they have warts and my work stories are great. But anyway, bought a mill. She came home from school and they said Sari. We want you to try this. You nope. Nope. Nope. I'm I can't finally they talked her into trying a little bit should she ate it no issues at all and she told me on that podcast. She said I pooped the best I've ever pooped. I have pooped in a long time the next morning. I slept the best. I had no headaches had no adverse reaction and she's become if any anyone My poster child for you know, reversing what appears to be celiac disease and being able to thrive on real bread and freshly milled wheat with the right balance of those protein starches nutrients fiber enzymes vitamin E all the things that bring healing and improve digestion get the bowels cleaned out and the gut healed. So, yeah, it's something that I think excites me the most and I call it food freedom because what I'm seeing is people are in bondage and you know, when you can't eat this and you can't eat that and I understand there's some I have a granddaughter that has a dairy a true dairy allergy and I get it and those are real and you don't want to you know diminish those but we are seeing so many people that the bread in the store totally disrupts their system and causes all kinds of issues were seeing them not only like I said tolerate bread made from freshly milled flour, but bring healing bring healing and I that is so much our Lord that God knows what he's doing in his intentional design. He is all about healing and freedom versus of setting the captives free. Laura Dugger: (1:01:38 - 1:01:40) Oh gosh, that was a big one. Yeah. Sue Becker: (1:01:40 - 1:02:10) Yeah, but it also just one real practical thing as we're talking about gluten and fermentation with sourdough. This is a two-parter because if you feed it with white flour or add that I'm assuming that diminishes effects and if you feed it with fresh milled flour and then add that to bake it in bread, is that like double the benefits because you've got the fermentation and the grain or how does that work? Sue Becker: (1:02:10 - 1:07:07) You know, I can't find any real definitive information, but let's back up and let's talk about sourdough with white flour there for a while when we were still traveling back in the probably early 2000s a lot of teaching coming out going even celiacs can eat, you know sourdough bread and they were making it with white flour and all of this. Is it better than the stuff you're buying in the store? Maybe but white flour is white flour and it's still process is still been stripped of all the vitamins the minerals and the fiber. So, in my viewpoint, it is no better for you. If you're making it's kind of a waste of time if you're making sourdough bread with white flour. Now, if you start milling your own flour and making your sourdough with that, that's a whole other realm. And like I said, I've done lots of studies most what I find when I read is that when we went to commercial yeast, we gave up flavor. So, I get that and that the bread is kind of flavorless now. So, I get that a little bit but as Americans and especially children, we like our fluffy bread, don't we? Yeah, so, kids, you know, don't fret if you're making bread with commercial yeast. That's the way I make most of my bread. But as a microbiologist and knowing that when those lactic acid organisms feed on sugars, they produce B vitamins. That's like yogurt. Why yogurt has B vitamins and maybe your milk, you know, just uncultured milk doesn't. So, I know that that increases the availability of those nutrients. So, I think there is definitely some nutritional advantages that you take it to a whole new level. But what I say that commercial yeasted bread is not healthy and you can't do that that you only need to be doing sourdough, you know, I learned to make sourdough from white flour when I was first married long before milling came into our family by the time I had my children I had vacated that and then when I started milling I used commercial yeast and have for most of my years and we saw tremendous health benefits. So, I don't diminish one over the other but I certainly recognize that yeah, you might have some better nutrient bioavailability. I don't buy into the that you have to do the long fermentations to prevent the anti-nutrients like phytic acid from keeping you from absorbing minerals because I've had mineral checks and we've seen people testify that they had to have blood transfusions regularly because they were anemic all their life. They start milling making their bread with commercial yeast, you know, and they're no longer anemic and we've seen countless people that and the same with me. I'm never low in my minerals. So, I don't buy into that. But I say, you know, hey if you feel like you can digest sourdough bread better than commercial yeast leavened bread. I'm not going to argue with you go for it do it. But I also don't want to put a heavy burden on especially young moms that are like it's going to take me three days to make bread, you know, or it's you know, no, it doesn't have to so that's kind of my stance on it. Do what works for your family sourdough is a rhythm. So, you got to kind of get into it about the time I get into it. We take a trip. I go speak somewhere. I'm gone for four days and I'm like, okay, where am I with this? So, you know, that's just kind of my viewpoint and what I want to encourage people do what works for you what you want what your family likes. I love I've got sourdough bread rising right now. There's times when I just like I just want you know, that chewy that nice flavorful bread and then there's other times where I want a soft loaf of bread for a good Southern tomato sandwich or my kids like peanut butter sandwiches, you know, so do what works do for your family do what your family is going to eat and love and you know, my husband has a philosophy if it doesn't taste good. It's not good for you. So, if your family, your children, especially don't like the texture and flavor of sourdough some people do but if especially if your kids are used to the bread from the store, that's going to be a hard transition for them. And if they're not going to eat it and balk at it, then it's not going to bring them the health benefits that you're trying to do for your family. So, make what's cul
Happy New Year! We have a gift for you to help you start your 2026 infused in cyclical wisdom.Everything that Alexandra and Sjanie create at Red School is focused on inspiring us to connect to the power that lives within our cyclical nature, so that we can know and claim our own leadership roles in our lives. So, in service of this, today Alexandra and Sjanie do a power card reading with the Red School power cards, to help you choose a menstrual cycle power to guide your leadership this year.And by leadership they mean what you're built for, your gift for the world. And as Sjanie says in this conversation - your unique way of leading in your life is sourced in your connection to your menstrual cycle. Alexandra added a beautiful visual, saying that it's like an umbilical chord to the source of your being, to the mothership of you. We had so much fun doing this, and our hope is that you feel like we're all sitting together round the kitchen table playing! There are three cards to choose from… which one will be your menstrual cycle power ally for the year to come? We explore:How the menstrual cycle helps us to live our own unique leadership (including Sjanie's latest premenstrual example of how her cycle is helping to grow her up through her journey with self-responsibility). How the menstrual cycle holds us in a sustainable rhythm of self-care, particularly through inviting us to stop and drop our bundles The Red School power cards as a tool for understanding the different menstrual cycle powers that live inside the four inner seasons of the cycle - and you'll have an opportunity to choose one to guide your year ahead.---Receive our free video training: Love Your Cycle, Discover the Power of Menstrual Cycle Awareness to Revolutionise Your Life - www.redschool.net/love---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @redschool - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolSophie Jane Hardy: @sophie.jane.hardy - https://www.instagram.com/sophie.jane.hardy
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 31, 2025 is: retrospective reh-truh-SPEK-tiv adjective Retrospective describes something that relates to the past or to something that happened in the past. // The museum has curated a retrospective exhibit of the artist's early works. See the entry > Examples: "Our retrospective sense of time hinges on memory: Periods rich in novel, significant experiences feel longer, while routine collapses duration ..." — Marc Wittmann, Psychology Today, 16 Nov. 2025 Did you know? At the year's end, both introspection and retrospection are common. While introspection involves looking inward and taking stock of oneself, retrospection is all about recollecting and contemplating things that happened in the past. A look back at the history of the related adjective retrospective reveals that it retains a strong connection to its past: its Latin source is retrospicere, meaning "to look back at." Retrospective can also be used as a noun referring to an exhibition that "looks back" at an artist's work created over a span of years. Once you have retrospective and retrospection behind you, you can also add their kin retrospect (most familiar in the phrase in retrospect to describe thinking about the past or something that happened in the past) and retro (usually meaning "fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned") to your vocabulary, too.
Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Morgana Lakatos Hayward discuss the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, focusing on the hormonal changes that affect women's health, weight loss, and overall well-being. They explore the inadequacies of traditional dieting methods, the importance of understanding women's unique biological needs, and the role of stress and nervous system regulation in health. The discussion also covers the significance of intuitive eating, self-trust, and the challenges faced by women in the sandwich generation. Morgana shares insights from her 60-Day Shed program, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and wellness. Takeaways Many traditional weight loss methods are based on male biology. Cortisol spikes can lead to hormonal imbalances and weight gain. Fasting may not be suitable for all women, especially during hormonal fluctuations. Chronic dieting can lead to a negative relationship with food. Nervous system regulation is crucial for managing stress and health. Building self-trust is essential for successful intuitive eating. Women in the sandwich generation face unique stressors and challenges. Perimenopause can be reframed as a positive transition phase. HRT and supplements should complement a solid lifestyle foundation. Creating a sustainable lifestyle involves understanding individual needs and preferences. Sound bites "Sometimes more is not better." "It does get easier year by year." "We can all be like okay well why why this?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perimenopause and Menopause 02:56 The Hormonal Impact on Weight Loss 06:01 Fasting and Its Effects on Women 08:57 Chronic Dieting and Its Consequences 11:57 Nervous System Regulation and Stress Management 14:48 Building Self-Trust and Intuitive Eating 17:48 The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Life's Demands 20:17 Reframing Perimenopause as a Transition 21:29 The Role of HRT and Supplements 23:18 Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle 25:36 The 60-Day Shed Program Overview 28:21 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Morgana's Resources: Website Instagram Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
История царства последних дней / The History of the Kingdom of the Last Days Даниил 7:15-28Даниил 15I. Природа царства последних дней / The Nature of the Kingdom of the Last DaysII. Периоды в царстве последних дней / The Periods in the Kingdom of the Last DaysIII. Последний царь царства последних дней / The Last King of the Kingdom of the Last Days А. Царь, хулящий Бога / The King Who Blasphemes God B. Царь, угнетающий святых / The King Who Oppresses the SaintsIV. Суд над царством последних дней / The Judgment on the Kingdom of the Last Days
The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 29, 2025Ohio Joins Kansas in Eliminating Grace Periods for Mail-In Ballots; A 2026 Mississippi SCOTUS Case Could Eliminate Them NationwideOhio has joined Kansas in eliminating a grace period for mail-in ballots arriving after election day. A U.S. Supreme Court case from Mississippi could potentially eliminate mail ballot grace periods nationwide, disenfranchising tens of thousands. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links. To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:The White House - PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF AMERICAN ELECTIONSKansas Legislature - Senate Bill 4Kansas Reflector - Kansas Legislature overrides governor's veto of bill to limit advance votingBOLTS Magazine - Trump Wants Mail Votes to Arrive By Election Day. Red States Are Rushing to Toe the Line. Ohio Capital Journal - Gov. DeWine weighing whether to eliminate Ohio's absentee ballot grace period Ohio Capital Journal - Ohio Gov. DeWine signs property tax bills, ‘reluctantly' approves new voting restrictionsBrennan Center for Justice - (2024) Mail Voting Accuracy Groups Taking Action:ACLU Ohio, National Vote at Home Institute, Ohio Voice Register or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email? Sign up here!Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #VotebyMail #MailBallotGracePeriod #Ohio #Kansas
You don't have to DIY period recovery. In this podcast episode, Gemma Atkinson shares the journey of regaining her period, discussing the challenges she faced over 10+ years, the importance of support, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. She reflects on how her life has changed since embracing a more flexible and nourishing approach to health, emphasizing the significance of rest, community, and letting go of control. Gemma's story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar struggles, highlighting that recovery is possible and that life can be fulfilling and joyful again.TakeawaysLife has been good post-recovery, with new opportunities.Recovery has led to unexpected gains in work and personal life.The importance of community support during recovery.Letting go of control is essential for healing.Rest is a crucial component of recovery.Body image issues can fluctuate during recovery.High achievement does not equate to health or happiness.Nutrition education is vital for understanding health needs.Surrendering to the process can lead to freedom.It's okay to seek help and support from others.Apply for coaching w/Cynthia: https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCallDiscover the truth about HA: click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation! Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionistFor the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com
How do you know when to pause… and when to push? In this episode, I'm talking about something so many women struggle with—giving themselves permission in hard seasons of life. When you're overwhelmed, burned out, caregiving, dealing with hormone changes, anxiety, or chronic stress, the rules you used to live by don't always apply anymore. I break down how to tell the difference between: when your nervous system truly needs rest, regulation, and compassion, and when a gentle push forward is actually the most supportive thing you can do. You'll also learn about the soothe–danger ratio—a powerful framework that explains why you can be doing "all the right things" and still feel anxious, exhausted, inflamed, or stuck. Most symptoms aren't about one stressor—they're about the balance between signals of safety and signals of threat in your daily life. In this episode, we cover: Why giving yourself permission feels so hard (and why it's not a willpower issue) How to recognize the signs that it's time to pause vs. time to push What "pausing" actually looks like (without guilt or quitting) What healthy "pushing" looks like (without burnout or pressure) The difference between soothing inputs and danger inputs Practical, real-life examples you can apply immediately If you've been feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, or unsure of what your body actually needs, this episode will help you listen more clearly—without judgment. Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Many women are taught to view their periods as a nuisance—until midlife brings questions about hormones, bone health, and long-term wellbeing. What if losing your menstrual cycle is more than an inconvenience, and could hold keys to understanding your body's bigger story? Explore how understanding your period and hormones can help you make empowered choices for your health in midlife, with trusted insights from hormone health advocate Dani Sheriff. Reproductive health isn't just for young women or those trying to get pregnant—midlife presents its own set of challenges, confusion, and often frustrating medical experiences for women navigating irregular periods, missed cycles, and hormone shifts. Dani Sheriff shares her lived expertise as a former competitive athlete who lost her period for seven years and how reclaiming it was tied to her health, sense of self, and even her career. Natalie and Dani unpack the link between hormones, bone health, and brain function, and discuss why so many women—and their healthcare providers—overlook critical signals from the body. • Understand why period loss and irregular cycles matter for bone, heart, and brain health in midlife • Learn the warning signs of hypothalamic amenorrhea and why it's often missed • Find out why many women are misdiagnosed—and how to advocate for the right questions with your provider • Explore how nutrition, exercise, and self-compassion can help restore hormonal balance • Identify the emotional side of recovery and why community support makes a real difference Midlife women deserve clear, caring information about hormones—without fear or stigma. This episode offers validation and actionable clarity, whether you're experiencing irregular periods yourself or supporting a daughter, friend, or client through similar changes. Listen for grounded strategies and honest discussion on a topic that's still too often overlooked, so you can feel more confident and connected to your own health. https://www.thehasociety.com https://www.natalietysdal.com https://www.instagram.com/ntysdal https://www.tiktok.com/@ntysdal https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTysdal
Join Katlyn Moss and Dr. Suzanne Dixon for this special episode created with patients in mind! Sometimes it's hard for patients to open up and discuss their health care needs and questions with their OB/GYN when it comes to symptoms such as irregular periods, painful periods and heavy bleeding. They will highlight some of the most common conditions and treatments throughout the phases of life, from the teenage years through menopause. We would love your feedback on our podcast! Please take our listener survey to provide your comments.Follow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramMusic credit: "Carefree" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Please provide feedback here:https://redcap.mahec.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTM8T3RPNK
Medicare benefit periods can be one of the most confusing—and costly—parts of your coverage. In this episode, we break down how benefit periods work, how they can trigger multiple hospital deductibles in the same year, and why a Medicare Supplement plan may protect you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
If you've struggled with irregular periods, you might have noticed it can be a little tricky to figure out exactly what's going on—and, therefore, exactly what you need to do to get your period back. In this episode, Lara discusses:the two most common explanations for irregular periods,how to tell them apart, andhow hypothalamic amenorrhea is frequently misdiagnosed as PCOS. Links:Prof Jerilynn Prior's paper about hypothalamic suppressionPCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasoundCyclic progesterone therapy for PCOSLara's metabolism book
The moon is a big topic of conversation within the Red School community. Many who aren't menstruating practice lunar tracking in place of menstrual cycle awareness, and those who have a menstrual cycle often bring moon-inspired questions, such as: ‘should I bleed on the full moon or the new moon?' And ‘what to do when I'm bleeding but the moon is full and I feel pulled in two directions?'. So today we're exploring how cultivating a connection with the moon can support us to enter circular and cyclical time. Our guest today is visual artist and mother April McMurtry. April has been lunar tracking for twelve years, and describes herself as a guide for repairing our relationship with the cyclical nature of time by attuning to the moon.In today's conversation we explore how following the ebb and flow of the moon can help us to transform our habits of overriding of our cyclical nature, as well as break free from the myth and tyranny of consistency.We explore:April's fascinating response to the question of whether we should bleed on the full moon or the new moon (and it might be different to what you think). How motherhood brought April to burnout, which led her to step back from teaching and lean into the wisdom of the moon as a way to get grounded in rhythms, rest and stillness.The beauty that can be found in darkness, and how the end of all cycles deconstructs, dissolves and empties us out in preparation for the new. ---Receive our free video training: Love Your Cycle, Discover the Power of Menstrual Cycle Awareness to Revolutionise Your Life - www.redschool.net/love---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @redschool - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolSophie Jane Hardy: @sophie.jane.hardy - https://www.instagram.com/sophie.jane.hardyApril McMurtry: @themoonismycalendar - https://www.instagram.com/themoonismycalendar
That one extra paycheck? It could blow your budget. In 2026, some bi-weekly pay schedules will trigger 27 pay periods instead of the usual 26 - and if you're not planning ahead, you might not notice until your labor costs spike.This episode breaks down exactly who's affected, how to check your calendar, and what adjustments you need to make now so you don't get caught off guard later.InvitationUse the link below to learn more and become an Idomeneo insider. You'll get info to help you unleash your team's engagement, protect your people investment, and grow your leadership muscle. I can't wait to continue the conversation.https://idomeneoinc.com/welcome/
Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Kelly Kessler explore the concept of self-respect and the fawning response, discussing how it manifests in relationships and personal dynamics. They delve into the importance of understanding the nervous system, the impact of grief on personal growth, and the necessity of setting boundaries. The discussion also touches on the pressures of holiday expectations, the challenge of asking for help, and the journey towards internal validation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of choosing oneself and cultivating a supportive community. Takeaways Self-respect is crucial for personal growth. Fawning is a response to external pressures and expectations. Understanding the nervous system is key to healing. Self-abandonment can lead to unhealthy relationships. Grief can catalyze significant personal change. Choosing yourself often means setting boundaries. The holiday season can amplify feelings of stress and obligation. Asking for help is a vital skill to develop. Recognizing patterns of behavior is essential for change. Internal validation is more important than external approval. Sound bites "I was completely abandoning myself." "You are allowed to prioritize your peace." "Your energy is worth something." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Respect and Fawning Response 02:56 Understanding Self-Abandonment and Fawning Patterns 05:58 The Impact of Relationships on Self-Identity 09:01 Navigating Grief and Personal Transformation 12:11 The Role of Community and Support in Healing 15:00 Choosing Yourself: The Journey of Self-Love 17:45 The Pressure of Holiday Expectations and Self-Care 20:54 Asking for Help: Building the Muscle of Vulnerability 27:03 Navigating the Challenge of Receiving Help 28:49 The Illusion of External Validation 29:44 The Pursuit of Fulfillment 31:00 Understanding Personal Desires 32:34 Setting Boundaries in Relationships 35:38 Creating Safety Within Yourself 37:42 Recognizing Fawning Behavior 39:50 The Energy Behind Actions 41:16 Choosing Yourself and Your Peace 43:39 Filtering Relationships 46:38 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery Kelly's Resources: https://www.instagram.com/drkellykessler/ Self Respect Reset Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 How did you get started with Unite America 02:15 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 03:00 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 05:00 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 06:30 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 07:00 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 08:45 Runoff elections get a bad rap 10:30 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 11:30 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 13:30 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 14:45 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 16:00 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 17:00 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 17:30 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 18:45 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 19:45 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 22:00 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 23:45 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 24:15 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 26:45 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 29:00 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 30:45 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 32:00 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 34:00 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 35:15 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 36:15 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 38:30 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 39:15 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 40:15 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 42:00 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 43:15 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 44:15 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 46:00 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 48:30 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 49:30 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 51:00 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 52:30 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 53:15 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 54:00 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 54:45 Any itch to run for office again? 55:30 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 57:00 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck confronts the alarming rise of antisemitism following a mass shooting that targeted Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah, reflecting on how hatred now crosses traditional political lines and sharing his own family’s experiences. He argues that social media has become a primary accelerant—profiting from outrage, trapping people in media silos, and rewarding the most extreme voices—while insisting that free speech does not guarantee unlimited reach. The conversation widens to the urgent need for tech reform, growing support for restricting smartphones for kids, and public backlash to Donald Trump’s hands-off approach to regulating AI. Chuck also examines Trump’s foreign policy actions, economic excuses, and erosion of constitutional norms, warning that the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism.” Despite the dangers of normalization and resignation, the episode closes with a reminder that America still has the capacity to push back and reclaim democratic guardrails. Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the political and cultural impact of The Simpsons, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the latest in college football. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Mass shooting targets Jews in Australia on first night of Hanukkah 04:30 Antisemitism comes from both sides of the political aisle 06:00 Chuck’s family’s experience with antisemitism 07:15 Biggest culprit in rise in antisemitism is social media 09:45 Social media companies profit from destroying kids & country 11:00 People need to step out of their media silos 13:30 You have the right to speech but not to reach 16:00 Tech companies need to be the focal point for major reform 17:00 Trump’s “light touch” approach to regulating AI is very unpopular 18:45 Tech can get what they want by writing a check to Trump 20:15 Growing support for restricting smartphones for kids/teens 21:15 Most extreme content reaches the most online men* 22:30 Mark Warner says “double tap” strike was 40 mins later 23:30 Strike was indefensible, it’s why Pentagon won’t release video 25:30 Trump has no legal authority from congress for strikes 28:00 Trump basically admits Republicans will lose the midterms 29:00 Trump has begun the excuse making for a bad economy 30:15 Trump spent time working on DC’s golf courses 31:30 Foreign Affairs essay says USA is in competitive authoritarianism 34:30 Trump’s actions subvert rule of law & the constitution 35:15 Competitive authoritarians turn state power on enemies 37:45 Large swaths of the media have caved to the Trump administration 40:00 After Watergate, authoritarian abuse had disappeared… until Trump 41:00 America still has hope for turning away authoritarianism 41:30 Greatest danger is acceptance and resignation 49:15 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:30 How did you get started with Unite America 51:30 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 52:15 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 54:15 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 55:45 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 56:15 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 58:00 Runoff elections get a bad rap 59:45 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 1:00:45 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 1:02:45 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 1:04:00 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 1:05:15 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 1:06:15 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 1:06:45 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 1:08:00 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 1:09:00 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 1:11:15 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 1:13:00 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 1:13:30 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 1:16:00 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 1:18:15 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 1:20:00 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 1:21:15 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 1:23:15 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 1:24:30 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 1:25:30 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 1:27:45 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 1:28:30 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 1:29:30 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 1:31:15 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 1:32:30 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 1:33:30 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 1:35:15 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 1:37:45 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 1:38:45 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 1:40:15 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 1:41:45 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 1:42:30 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 1:43:15 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 1:44:00 Any itch to run for office again? 1:44:45 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 1:46:15 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidate 1:48:15 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Nick Troiano 1:49:15 ToddCast Time Machine December 17th, 1989 1:49:30 Debut of The Simpsons 1:50:45 Simpsons has outlasted entire media eras 1:51:15 Simpsons is brilliant at parodying politics & culture 1:52:00 Burns runs for governor teaches lessons of campaigns 1:52:45 Monorail episode shows failures of debt financing infrastructure 1:53:45 Lisa goes to Washington a great explainer of how DC works 1:54:30 Sideshow Bob rigs an election and wins anyway 1:56:00 Simpsons has had cameos from major political voices 1:56:30 Simpsons spawned an entire industry for adult animation 1:57:30 South Park’s “Simpson’s Did It” was the perfect omage 1:58:15 The Simpsons made audiences smarter about how to consume politics 1:58:30 Ask Chuck 1:59:15 Did Adam Schiff hurt or help Mandella Barnes by endorsing him? 2:02:00 A “shave your head” bet between you and Cillizza over A&M vs Miami? 2:05:15 Why has the donor class become the priority over the public? 2:09:15 Why can companies absorb tariff costs, but can’t raise wages? 2:12:30 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Periods of highs winds and extreme blow-over risks will impact mainly wind prone sections of I-80, I-25, and I-70 through Saturday morning, while periods of light to moderate snow will impact I-90 in western South Dakota and Wyoming with heavy snow possible tonight in southern Montana.
In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa & Jamie break down everything moms need to know about guiding their daughters through puberty, hormone changes, and the first menstrual period. With clarity, compassion, and decades of clinical experience, Teresa and Jamie explain what's normal, what to expect, and how to support tween girls in a world where confusing (and sometimes unhealthy) messages about womanhood are everywhere. ✨ Preparing Your Daughter for Her First Period One of the most meaningful parts of understanding our own cycles is being able to pass that wisdom on to the next generation. Jamie shares that if she could go back, she would have given her younger self reassurance—not embarrassment. For moms, this is an opportunity to set the tone differently. Teaching your daughter about her period before it happens helps her feel confident rather than caught off-guard. Start by normalizing conversations about the female body, using correct terms, and explaining that cervical mucus, mood changes, and breast tenderness can be early signals that her first period is coming. Consider putting together a small “first period kit” with pads, wipes, a change of underwear, and an encouraging note she can keep in her backpack. Most importantly, lead with positivity: remind her that her period is not something to hide, it's a sign of health, maturity, and the amazing way her body works. This episode empowers moms to: Understand the biological process of puberty Recognize the early signs that a first period is coming Support healthy physical, emotional, and hormone development Offer better language, resources, and confidence-building tools Create an open, connected relationship around reproductive health General Cycle Education & First-Period Prep Guiding Star Project – Cycle Show https://guidingstarproject.com/cycle-show/ Natural Womanhood – Period Genius https://naturalwomanhood.org/period-genius/ (Course access: https://naturalwomanhood.courses) Pearl & Thistle – Cycle Prep https://pearlandthistle.com/cycle-prep/ MyCatholicDoctor – Sex & Cycle Education Resources https://mycatholicdoctor.com/our-services/catholic-sex-education-resources/ “Know Your Body” presentation is described as being “brought to an age-appropriate level for adolescents” and is intended for teenage girls to watch (preferably with a parent or guardian). FACTS About Fertility — https://factsaboutfertility.org ALERT, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. F or just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. Go to www.hormonegenius.com! We're proud to partner with We Heart Nutrition, a supplement company dedicated to clean, transparent, research-backed formulas that support women's hormone health, energy, gut function, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating PMS, perimenopause, low energy, or simply want to nourish your body more intentionally, their products are crafted with high-quality ingredients you can trust. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off their first order at weheartnutrition.com with the code GENIUS at checkout. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
Governor Newsom said new fire regulations would be ready by the end of the year - find out why the state has pushed them back. One local city will vote tonight on banning evictions until tenants owe a month of back rent. Even higher income households in L.A. County are having trouble accessing food. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comThis LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autosVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com
Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Kayla Girgen discuss the benefits of rucking, a form of exercise that involves walking with weight. Kayla shares her journey from a corporate job to becoming a registered dietitian and personal trainer, emphasizing the importance of evolving perspectives on nutrition. They explore the role of AI in nutrition coaching, the integration of rucking with other forms of exercise, and the significance of managing stress and sleep for overall health. Kayla also highlights her upcoming book and programs designed to help women navigate their health journeys, particularly during midlife. Takeaways Rucking is an accessible and effective form of exercise for women. Nutrition perspectives have evolved significantly over the years. AI can assist in nutrition coaching but cannot replace human interpretation. Rucking provides both physical and mental health benefits. It's important to integrate rucking with strength training for optimal results. Women can start rucking with as little as 10 pounds of weight. Rucking can help manage stress and improve blood sugar levels. Sleep and stress management are crucial for weight management in midlife. CGMs provide valuable insights into how lifestyle factors affect health. Community support is essential for maintaining motivation in health journeys. Sound bites "Rucking is walking with weight." "Rucking can help counter bone density." "Rucking is cardio that doesn't suck." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rucking and Kayla's Journey 03:01 The Evolution of Nutrition Perspectives 06:08 The Role of AI in Nutrition and Coaching 08:57 Understanding Rucking: Benefits and Basics 11:50 Rucking vs. Traditional Strength Training 15:00 Equipment Choices for Rucking 18:09 Integrating Rucking into a Fitness Routine 21:08 Rucking as a Sustainable Exercise Option 24:18 Rucking vs. Traditional Cardio 33:00 Navigating Mid-Life Weight Changes 41:20 The Role of Data in Stress Management 43:25 Upcoming Projects and Community Engagement Find Kayla Online: KaylaGirgenRD.com TikTok Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Actress and model Delilah Hamlin and software engineer Hayley Pearson didn't know each other before walking into the hospital—but after receiving endometriosis surgery from Dr. A on the same day, they met in recovery and instantly connected over their shared struggles. In this episode, they open up about their diagnosis, their surgeries, their healing journeys, and the friendship that grew from one unexpected moment.This episode breaks down what endometriosis really is—clear, accessible, and grounded in real medical insight. We walk through the most common warning signs, the subtle symptoms people often overlook, and how to know when it's time to advocate for yourself and ask for help. If you've ever wondered whether your pain is “normal,” this conversation is a must-listen.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.SponsorsiRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code SHEMDPOD at https://www.irestore.com/SHEMDPOD!Cymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotika.com/Shemd for 20% off plus free shippingProlon: Prolon is offering SHE MD listeners 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program!Vibrant Wellness: Ask your provider for the Hormone Zoomer by Vibrant Wellness — or find a Vibrant-certified provider today at vibrant-wellness.com/SheMDAura Frames: $35 off with code SHEMDWhat You'll Learn How to recognize symptoms of endometriosis and avoid misdiagnosisThe importance of finding an experienced specialist for surgeryFertility preservation and egg count testing considerationsHow chronic inflammation impacts ovarian reserveKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction and episode overview01:50 Fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty before diagnosis04:33 Explanation of PMDD10:00 Acne, bloating, hormonal imbalance, and painful periods15:55 Why women's pain is dismissed and misdiagnosed29:20 Finding skilled endometriosis surgeons32:00 Checking and freezing eggs39:00 Painful sex and its impact on relationships48:00 Mental health and sobriety 51:00 Autoimmune risk and systemic inflammation52:35 Self-advocacy, research, and navigating the healthcare systemKey Takeaways Women's pain is often dismissed, making self-advocacy and research essentialPainful sex and severe menstrual symptoms can signal endometriosis, not “normal” crampsEarly diagnosis and surgery by an experienced specialist can protect fertilityChronic inflammation from endometriosis can affect ovarian reserve and overall reproductive healthEndometriosis is linked to autoimmune risks, highlighting the need for comprehensive careLinks:Delilah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delilahbelle/?hl=enEndometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.orgAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: https://www.acog.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When you practice menstrual cycle awareness, you start to feel more connected to yourself. This process of remembering and embodying more of who you truly are means that you may come into contact with parts of yourself that have been disowned, or that you've been shamed out of claiming.Our conversation today is especially designed to support you if you've been encountering or unearthing memories or experiences related to trauma as you track your emotional, physical and spiritual ebb and flow throughout the cycle month. Whether you've experienced acute trauma, developmental trauma, ancestral trauma or collective trauma caused by sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism and other forms of othering, discrimination or prejudice, Alexandra and Sjanie explore how cycle awareness can create a grounding of presence and self care to support trauma healing, through the lens of Sjanie's trauma healing journey, as well as stories from the Red School community, We explore:How the dismissal, suppression and denial of the menstrual cycle, and our cyclical nature is a form of subtle gaslighting that in itself is a form of trauma. Why certain phases of the cycle, such as the premenstrual phase, as well as perimenopause and menopause, open you to your shadow side and your trauma.Some practical steps to get started with working with your cycle to support trauma healing. ---Receive our free video training: Love Your Cycle, Discover the Power of Menstrual Cycle Awareness to Revolutionise Your Life - www.redschool.net/love---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @redschool - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolSophie Jane Hardy: @sophie.jane.hardy - https://www.instagram.com/sophie.jane.hardy
Send us a textAre you struggling with low sales and traffic on Amazon, especially during the offseason or after big shopping events like Black Friday? In this video, Noah Wickham from My Amazon Guy shares proven strategies for increasing sales, improving your Amazon PPC campaigns, and using the Search Term Impression Share Report to optimize your ads effectively.When sales are low, traffic dips, and you're facing the challenges of a competitive marketplace, it's the perfect time to double down on keywords, optimize your bids, and refine your strategies. Noah Wickham provides actionable advice on how to improve your Amazon rankings, adjust your bids for top of search and rest of search, and how seasonal products should be handled for maximum impact during your low sales periods.Ready to optimize your Amazon ads and boost your sales? Book a strategy call with one of our experts today and get personalized insights to grow your business! https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonAds #EcommerceGrowth #BlackFriday2025 #AmazonSellingTips #salesoptimization ----------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Q4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3 2025 Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygov Amazon PPC Guide 2025: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYX 2025 Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygovAmazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Amazon SEO Toolkit: https://bit.ly/457zjSlTimestamps:00:00 – Should you outsell your competition on keywords when sales are low to rank for keywords?01:07 – Why are impressions recovering but sales still low during Black Friday week?02:08 – Is it best to wait for December for better sales if Black Friday sales are poor?05:30 – How much should I increase my product price without affecting sales momentum?07:51 – How do I structure ads for a small niche category with limited keywords?09:30 – How can I use the search term impression share report to optimize my campaigns?----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show
Periods today look very different than they did decades ago—and the young women in our lives deserve better support than “tough it out.” In this episode, Dr. Monica Minjeur breaks down what every Grandma, Mimi, Nana, or Grammy should know about modern menstrual health. From what's truly normal, to red flags you shouldn't ignore, to updated period products and supportive language, this episode will help you show up with confidence and compassion.If you want support for the teen or young woman in your life, book a free discovery call at RadiantClinic.com.
Periods of doubt and discouragement aren't exclusive to unbelievers and new believers. Long-time Christians also experience uncertain times. So how can you be confident your salvation is secure in shaky times? Find out on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘ Truly Truly I Say to You...' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Share the Gospel this holiday season by giving gifts that lead others to Jesus! At truthforlife.org/gifts you'll find ESV Study Bibles for both men and women for only $15, children's hardcover storybooks—three books for just $10, and a brand-new evangelism booklet by Alistair Begg, only $1 each! Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
Periods of doubt and discouragement aren't exclusive to unbelievers and new believers. Long-time Christians also experience uncertain times. So how can you be confident your salvation is secure in shaky times? Find out on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29?v=20251111
Periods of doubt and discouragement aren't exclusive to unbelievers and new believers. Long-time Christians also experience uncertain times. So how can you be confident your salvation is secure in shaky times? Find out on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29?v=20251111
reference: Sri Aurobindo, Bases of Yoga, Chapter 3, In Difficulty, pg. 49This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2025/11/29/dealing-with-periods-of-dissipation-and-distraction-in-the-spiritual-sadhanaVideo presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are allavailable on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo's writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com#Sri Aurobindo #ascent and assimilation #yoga #integral yoga #spirituality #sadhana
As Paris wrestles with political deadlock, questions are mounting over France's ability to project strength abroad. RFI spoke to author and political strategist Gerald Olivier about the ongoing political crisis in France and its repercussions abroad. France is once again mired in political turmoil after the National Assembly last week overwhelmingly rejected the revenue side of the 2026 budget. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is trying a new method: rather than attempting to push a full budget through a fractured parliament, he aims to break spending into "absolute priorities" – security, energy, agriculture and state reform – and put each item to MPs separately. The move is intended to avoid another budget showdown, after two years of governmental instability that have steadily chipped away at President Emmanuel Macron's authority. Critics, however, argue that the plan is merely a repackaged version of political improvisation – a delay tactic that risks further weakening France's credibility at home and on the world stage. Jean-François Husson, the Senate's general rapporteur for the budget, delivered one of the sharpest criticisms of Lecornu's move, describing it as a chaotic and ill-timed intervention. "If you want to give the French a dizzying ride, you could hardly do it better than this," he remarked, arguing that the government's approach was generating more confusion than clarity. For author and political strategist Gerald Olivier, there is a deeper problem. "France is sick, and France has been sick for a while," he says. "We're basically looking at a country with no government, no parliamentary majority and a total impossibility for any prime minister to put forward a credible programme." French lawmakers roundly reject income part of budget bill, send it to Senate France technically needs to pass its budget by 31 December, but Olivier is quick to point out that this deadline has been missed before. "Last year, the budget wasn't passed until February," he notes. If the same thing happens this time, the government can fall back on a temporary financial law that keeps spending aligned with the previous year's budget for up to 70 days. A more drastic option – to rule by decree – exists as a constitutional backstop. "This crisis exists because there is no majority in parliament," Olivier says. "And it's also because no party has had the courage to face the kind of medicine that France needs. That's the larger issue." International credibility As a major European power, France's domestic politics do not stay domestic for long. International investors and European Union partners are watching closely, especially after recent warnings from credit-rating agencies about France's deficit trajectory. According to Olivier, the damage is already evident. "France is already in a recession, and there are investments simply passing the country by," he argues. "No one knows what its tax status will be in the coming years." That uncertainty could have a ripple effect across the continent. France, he warns, risks becoming "economically weak and therefore politically weak within Europe", potentially deepening divisions between EU member states. France's economy minister warns latest credit downgrade a 'wake-up call' "The one reassuring piece of news is that France is not the only one in this situation. Germany is in dire shape, Italy is shaky, Sweden is having problems. It seems today that everyone in Europe is the sick man of Europe," he added. Periods of political instability often attract external opportunists – whether governments, speculators or hostile influence campaigns. But Olivier remains cautious when asked whether foreign actors are already exploiting France's woes. "I don't necessarily see it," he says, "but if you want to consider fictional scenarios, you could find many." France's EU membership, he argues, offers a buffer. "Having the EU behind you is reassuring. The idea of ‘Frexit' would be disastrous. The euro provides protection." Still, the consequences of weakened governance can extend beyond the economy. A fragile budget could force France to scale back overseas military deployments – a shift that could alter power dynamics in parts of Africa and the Middle East. "This kind of instability is not healthy for anyone," Olivier says. A president without momentum Macron's political capital has been in decline since the 2022 legislative elections, when he lost his absolute majority. The surprise dissolution of the Assembly after the 2024 European elections only worsened matters, splitting the parliament into three mutually hostile blocs. "It's done tremendous damage to Macron," Olivier says. "He was re-elected in 2022 because people didn't want Marine Le Pen. He didn't have the support he had in 2017, and disappointment set in." He argues that Macron himself triggered the crisis. "He dissolved the Assembly for no reason. The European elections had no influence on French politics, but he reacted as if they did – and he made things worse." Could the president break the deadlock? In theory, yes. "Macron could solve it instantly by resigning," Olivier notes. "That would trigger a new presidential election, followed by fresh parliamentary elections. That's how institutions are supposed to function." But he sees no sign that Macron intends to take that step. For now, he predicts "another 18 months of instability" with the possibility of yet another government reshuffle. "We've had four governments in 12 months. We could have a fifth one next year. There is no telling." France's Le Pen asks Bardella to prepare for 2027 presidential bid Eyes on 2027 With Macron unable to stand again, attention is already turning to the 2027 presidential race. The National Rally – headed by Marine Le Pen and her rising protégé Jordan Bardella – enters the campaign in a strong position. Republican Bruno Retailleau could emerge from the right, France Unbowed's Jean-Luc Mélenchon or Socialist Olivier Faure from the left. Names from the centre such as MEP Raphaël Glucksmann and the former prime minister from Macron's Renaissance party, Manuel Valls, have been floated too. Olivier's concern is not who the candidates are but how honest they will be about the situation. "No one is willing to say the country needs to make sacrifices," he warns. "France is in debt up to 115 percent of GDP. Public spending is too high. But nobody wants to tell voters that the social state cannot remain as generous as it is." He singles out one controversial, far-right figure: "The only person honest about the economic reality is Éric Zemmour – and there is zero chance he will be the next president."
Summary If the holidays leave you feeling overstimulated, snappy, or totally wiped out, you're not alone. Between family dynamics, endless to-do lists, travel, sugar, alcohol, and expectations from every direction, your nervous system is under a lot of pressure this time of year. In this episode, Ali breaks down what's actually happening in your body during holiday stress and why people-pleasing, overcommitting, and "pushing through" keep you stuck in survival mode. You'll learn practical tools to stay regulated in the middle of family gatherings, set gentle emotional boundaries, recover after overstimulating events, and support your hormones through the season. If you want to move through the holidays feeling more grounded, present, and at peace (without burning yourself out for everyone else), this episode is for you. Takeaways There's nothing wrong with you if you feel anxious during the holidays. The holiday season can be a perfect storm of stressors. Many women learn to stay agreeable to feel safe and connected. This learned behavior can lead to exhaustion and resentment in adulthood. The nervous system needs safety and space to calm down. You can't force your nervous system to relax; it must happen naturally. The snow globe metaphor illustrates the overwhelm many feel. Surrendering to your feelings is essential for emotional health. Self-care is crucial during stressful times like the holidays. Understanding childhood conditioning can help in managing adult stress. Sound bites "The season is a perfect storm of stressors." "Staying agreeable kept you safe and connected." "You can't just tell yourself to calm down." Chapters 00:00 Navigating Holiday Stress and Expectations 00:11 The Fawn Response: People-Pleasing During the Holidays 00:30 Practical Tools for Managing Holiday Overwhelm 01:10 Setting Boundaries and Finding Balance 01:12 Reframing Rest and Self-Care During the Holidays Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements for Black Friday) BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 25-33% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Are you drinking too much coffee for YOU? If so, it could be making your PMS and anxiety worse, even if you're not drinking “that much.”So many women blame their mood swings or breast tenderness on hormones alone, but caffeine plays a much bigger role than we realize. If your symptoms flare up right before your period, it may be that your caffeine tolerance is changing and is affecting your system differently at this time, so your body's minerals, liver, and blood sugar are trying to tell you something.Before you swear off your morning coffee or decide you're totally fine, I want you to understand the full story. Because caffeine isn't the root problem, but it can absolutely make existing hormone issues feel louder, especially during your luteal phase.Here's what you'll hear:How caffeine triggers your stress hormones and why that matters for PMSWhat slow vs. fast caffeine metabolizers experience during their cycleThe best way to drink caffeine so your body actually tolerates it betterThis is not about quitting coffee. It's about using caffeine in a way your body can handle, so your luteal phase doesn't feel like an emotional roller coaster every month. Pop those headphones in, take a walk, and let's get to the bottom of your coffee habits and if they're working for you.NEW Private Podcast - 3 Steps to Making Hormones WellBook a FREE Hormone Strategy Call with meNEED HELP FIXING YOUR HORMONES? CHECK OUT MY RESOURCES:Hormone Imbalance Quiz - Find out which of the top 3 hormone imbalances affects you most!Join Nourish Your Hormones Coaching for the step-by-step and my eyes on YOUR hormones for the next 4 months.Send us a text with episode feedback or ideas! (We can't respond to texts unless you include contact info but always read them)Get 6 months of NYH Coaching for the price of 4 months through Black Friday (for the first 10 spots only!)www.leishadrews.com/nourishyourhormones OR Book a Call HereDon't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more women looking for answers.Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.This podcast is for women and moms to learn how to balance hormones naturally in motherhood, to have pain-free periods, increased fertility, to decrease PMS mood swings, and to increase energy without restrictive diet plans. You'll learn how to balance blood sugar, increase progesterone naturally, understand the root cause of estrogen dominance, irregular periods, PCOS, insulin resistance, hormonal acne, post birth-control syndrome, and conceive naturally. We use a pro-metabolic, whole food, root cause approach to functional women's health and focus on truly holistic health and mind-body connection.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, Found My Fitness with Rhonda Patrick, Just Ingredients Podcast, Wellness Mama, The Dr Josh Axe Show, Are You Menstrual Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Freely Rooted Podcast with Kori Meloy, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass
Autism consultant and author Robyn Steward discusses the state of being young and autistic, and how clear neutral guidance that helps tweens and teens with periods and relationships is crucial. Karen talks with Steward, herself autistic, about her insightful books.Robyn Steward - Autism author and consultant Karen Yates - certified sex educator, writer, energy workerBooks by Robyn StewardThe Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods The Independent Woman's Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum The Autism-Friendly Guide to Self-EmploymentSign up for our twice-monthly newsletter to get sex and relationship tips, and show announcements.Show your love for sex-positive podcasting: Leave a lil' tip!Check out our new line of tees and accessories! Be wild & sublime every day! Shipping discounts for orders over $50.Want more Wild & Sublime? Join The Afterglow for bonus content and Wild & Sublime goodies! They said what? Full episode transcripts are available on our websiteDo you feel stuck? Work with host Karen Yates in Zoom groups and one-on-one as she uses the energy of sound to reduce stress and help repattern behavior. Learn more about Biofield TuningSupport the showFollow Wild & Sublime on Instagram and Facebook!
Whether it's at work, in our relationships, as parents or carers, or in our interaction with our community, life regularly invites us to summon up the courage to have difficult conversations. Today we're chatting about how cultivating an intimacy with our cyclical nature can support us to show up with skillful expression and heart.Our guest today is Sarah Rozenthuler is a world-renowned speaker, chartered psychologist, leadership coach, and the author of many books, including ‘Now We're Talking‘. Sarah first discovered menstrual cycle awareness over two decades ago when she read Alexandra's first book, The Wild Genie about the healing power of menstruation.She shares her journey with irregular menstrual cycles, her experience of running her own business in the world of leadership development as a cyclical being, and how her cycle awareness practice has supported her in some of her recent tough conversations. We explore:How menstrual cycle awareness can help you attune to your inner energetic state, which means you can pick your moment to talk, or stay silent so that conversation flows rather than derails.How the premenstrual phase and menopause helps us to set boundaries effectively in difficult conversations, and the importance of knowing your red lines.Why Sarah feels like she's driving a Ferrari in the premenstrual phase of her cycle, and what this means for her capacity to have big, meaningful conversation. ---Receive our free video training: Love Your Cycle, Discover the Power of Menstrual Cycle Awareness to Revolutionise Your Life - www.redschool.net/love---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @redschool - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolSophie Jane Hardy: @sophie.jane.hardy - https://www.instagram.com/sophie.jane.hardySarah Rosenthuler: https://sarahrozenthuler.com/
What if your period didn't mean constant bathroom trips, backup pads, or worrying about leaks? In this episode, Dr. Monica Minjeur explores menstrual cups and menstrual discs—their benefits, differences, and how to find the right fit for your body. You'll learn what makes medical-grade silicone safer for your vaginal microbiome, how to troubleshoot leaks, and why these products can help you feel clean, confident, and in control.If heavy cycles, irritation, or frustration with traditional products have been holding you back, there's a better way. At Radiant Clinic, we help women understand their cycles—because knowledge brings confidence.Learn how to restore confidence in your cycle health—book a free discovery call at radiantclinic.com
Dr. Natalie Crawford, OBGYN and REI, sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon to dive into a part of women's health that's often overlooked—but incredibly important. In this conversation, they break down the mysteries of the pelvic floor, explore how hormones shape your daily experiences, and share actionable steps to help you feel empowered in your body. Key Topics: 1. Understanding the Pelvic Floor - What the pelvic floor is and why it matters in daily life - How it's connected to different parts of your body - Reasons it might not be “feeling right,” and what that could mean 2. Listening to Your Body's Signals - Signs you shouldn't ignore related to periods or discomfort - Why certain symptoms may not be “just normal” - The importance of knowing your own body cues 3. Hormones Through Every Stage - How monthly cycles, pregnancy, and menopause impact what you feel - When hormone changes could affect more than you expect - Ways to be proactive before, during, and after big life changes 4. Making Pelvic Floor Care Accessible - Steps you can take in your own home to support your health - What to expect if you see a pelvic floor therapist - Helpful resources and how to advocate for your own care Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Follow Dr. Reardon on IG @the.vagina.whisperer and TikTok @thevagwhisperer Buy her book Floored Check out her website thevaginawhisperer.com Join her V Hive app for pelvic floor workouts Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content, and freebies If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary This holiday season, your feed will be flooded with "must-have" wellness products — detox kits, powders, trackers, supplements, and miracle solutions promising to fix your stress, your hormones, and your sleep. But do we really need all of this stuff? In this episode, I'm breaking down how wellness has drifted away from its roots and turned into another form of consumerism — selling us insecurity in the name of self-care. I'll share how to spot wellness grifters, what real well-being actually looks like, and the few time-tested practices that still matter: acupuncture, baths, walks, nourishing meals, sleep, friends, hobbies, and joy. If your wellness routine involves 17 products, 5 subscriptions, 2 wearable tech devices, and credit card debt… it's not wellness — it's capitalism. Let's get back to what actually heals. Takeaways We live in a different society than thousands of years ago. The basics of well-being still apply today. Being outside in nature is crucial for health. Community and belonging are essential for well-being. Nourishing meals contribute significantly to health. Restful sleep is a fundamental aspect of well-being. Time spent with friends enhances quality of life. Engaging in hobbies brings joy and fulfillment. Strength training and movement are vital for physical health. Breath work is an important practice for overall wellness. Sound bites "The basics still work walks" "Breath work, these are the things that work" "Joy and hobbies, strength training, movement" Chapters 00:00 Navigating Consumerism in Wellness 00:29 Finding Authenticity in Wellness Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
You balanced your hormones, but something still feels off. In this episode, I discuss the deeper factors that make or break your HRT results—like chronic stress, cortisol, emotional tension, and burnout. Discover how to support your body and mind so your hormones can actually do their job and you can feel like yourself again. Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Send us a textMany female athletes think losing their period is a normal part of training, but it's actually a sign their body is under too much stress and not getting enough fuel.In this episode, Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, sits down with sports dietitian Riley Beatty, founder of the Performance Fueling Club, to talk about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), aka losing your period due to underfueling. Riley explains why HA happens, how to spot the warning signs (like fatigue, hair loss, or frequent injuries), and what it really takes to restore your period and optimize performance. They also discuss the myths around body weight and performance, the role of key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, and how under-fueling can impact long-term health and bone strength.Whether you're a competitive athlete, recreational runner, or just someone who wants to feel strong and balanced, this episode will help you understand how fueling better supports your hormones, health, and performance.
“No one tells you how much of yourself you'll lose and find again in the months after birth — in the hair on the floor, the ache in your neck, the silence between feedings, and the friends who make you feel human again.”From hair loss and neck pain to postpartum migraines, mom friendships, and even the truth about baby formula — this episode dives into the unfiltered realities of the fourth trimester that most moms never hear about.We'll talk about the why behind what's happening in your body: the hormone shifts that cause hair to shed, the neck and shoulder pain that comes from feeding posture, and why migraines often return with your first period. You'll learn how nutrition, supplements, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and movement can help you feel grounded again in your changing body.We'll also go deeper — into the emotional side of postpartum healing. Finding mom friends who truly get it, giving yourself permission to rest, and remembering that your health matters as much as your baby's. And for those navigating feeding decisions, we'll explore the differences between European and U.S. formulas (like Kendamil) so you can make confident, informed choices.This episode is for every mother standing in that in-between space — healing, adjusting, rediscovering herself. It's honest, nurturing, and full of real solutions for the season no one really prepares you for.
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, Cody Sanders sits down with Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls International, to uncover the truth about period poverty—a global issue affecting millions of women and girls who lack access to menstrual care and education. Tiffany shares how Days for Girls is restoring dignity and opportunity through sustainable menstrual health solutions in over 150 countries.From handmade kits that keep girls in school to community-led education and empowerment programs, this conversation is a reminder that one small act of compassion can change the trajectory of a girl's life.Cody also shares how her company, Mixhers, is joining forces with Days for Girls for a community event on November 14, where women will gather to assemble menstrual kits and make a tangible difference together.⸻In This Episode, You'll Learn: • What period poverty really means and how it impacts health, education, and opportunity. • The inspiring story behind Days for Girls International and how it's empowering women through sustainable change. • How education and locally led sewing enterprises are transforming entire communities. • The ripple effect of one act of service — and how you can be part of the global movement. • Details about the Mixhers x Days for Girls community event and how to get involved.⸻Key Quotes:“It's not charity — it's empowerment. The goal is for communities to lead their own menstrual health initiatives long after Days for Girls leaves.” — Tiffany Larson“Every girl deserves to stay in school, every woman deserves dignity — and something as simple as a pad can be the difference between staying home or stepping into her potential.” — Cody Sanders⸻Join the MovementBe part of something bigger.Mixhers and Days for Girls are teaming up for a community service event on Thursday, November 14, to assemble menstrual kits for women and girls worldwide.
Summary In this conversation, I discuss the critical need for rest and the societal pressures that make it difficult for women to slow down. I explore the connection between productivity and self-worth, and how the nervous system reacts when one attempts to take a break. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing bodily signals of fatigue and the emotional resistance that often accompanies the need for rest. Takeaways If you slow down, you may feel unsafe. Rest is often equated with falling behind. Your body communicates through fatigue and anxiety. Women often struggle to relax due to societal pressures. Anhedonia can signal a need for change. Recognizing the need for rest is crucial. Pushing through fatigue can lead to burnout. Understanding your nervous system is key to relaxation. Self-worth should not be tied to productivity. Taking breaks can enhance overall well-being. Sound bites "Your body struggles to relax" "Why rest feels unsafe" "This episode is for you" Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Fall Season and Overwhelm 00:55 The Guilt of Doing Less Ali's Resources: Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course! Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
Join Ellen & special guest, zoology and science communication powerhouse Lindsay Nikole, for a review of some of the animal kingdom's greatest hits throughout the history of the Earth. We discuss ecological gossip, mass extinctions, the Cambrian explosion and evolution's “experimental” phase, swimming potatoes with googly eyes, giant bugs, bizarre prehistoric sharks, imaginary friend lore, and so much more.Links:Pre-order your copy of Lindsay's book, Epic Earth!Follow Lindsay on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on BlueSky!
"You might think, 'On the other side of this, if I'm not even guaranteed better performance, Why would I do it?' That comes down to our values," shares Lane 9 co-founder, and dietitian, Heather Caplan. This Q&A episode tackles two questions: Is it possible to be 'healthy' even with extremely irregular periods or absent periods, if everything else is going well? Will I recover from REDs and get faster? What if I get slower, or get injured? Have your own question to submit to Lane 9 for a future episode or resource? We'd love to hear them! Go to Lane9project.org and contact us. Or follow us on Instagram @Lane9Project and come on into our DMs. Connect with a clinician near you, and find your full team of women's health and sport providers, by going to Lane9Project.org/directory. If you don't see what you're looking for, fill out our Athlete Match Form, and we'll find someone for you!
Candace welcomes triple‑board‑certified physician Dr. Tabatha Barber to connect faith, medicine, and women's health. They unpack why your period is a vital sign, what hormonal birth control does (and doesn't) do, how gut health drives gyn health, and a clear, grace‑filled explanation of the cycle phases—estrogen, progesterone, ovulation, and more. Candace shares vulnerably about navigating depression in her early 20s while on the pill, and Dr. Tabatha offers informed‑consent insights plus practical starting points (from cleaner food choices to simple swaps) so you can build sustainable habits. They close with listener questions on staying consistent with nutrition, postpartum body confidence, and real‑world gear (yes, sports bras). It's a hopeful, practical conversation for every stage—teens to perimenopause. · Download the free **Whole Body Guide** to follow this season's journey — available at Candace.com (also linked in the show notes). · Grab **tour tickets (Nov 20–23)** at Candace.com/tour — games, Q&A, Full House trivia, and women's wellness real talk. · Check out **NuEthix** (code **CANDACE**) and other partners mentioned in this episode — links in the show notes. Follow Dr. Tabatha on Socials IG @gutsydrtabatha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGutsyGynecologist https://drtabatha.com/about/ Sponsors for This Episode -WeShare: https://www.weshare.org/candace -Truth and Treason: angel.com/candace -Nuethix: https://nuethix.com/ Use code CANDACE -IFCJ http://IFCJ.org -A'Del Natural Cosmetics https://adelnaturalcosmetics.com/ Use code CANDACE for 25% off first order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices