Podcasts about vocs

In this episode from the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Brynn Cooksey, a home performance contractor from Michigan and technical training business owner, reveals how indoor air quality (IAQ) testing transformed his contracting business from a commodity service into a profitable specialty. Cooksey shares his proven methodology for turning IAQ into an "instant profit center" by implementing systematic testing on every service call. Cooksey opens with a striking reality check: according to the EPA, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. This presents a massive opportunity for HVAC contractors, as he explains that consumers are already spending $10 billion annually on air quality products at big box stores - but they're treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. His approach involves educating contractors on how to position themselves as the solution providers rather than letting customers self-diagnose with retail products. The presentation dives deep into six critical IAQ parameters that every contractor should measure: particles (especially dangerous PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. Cooksey emphasizes his "test in, implement solution, test out" methodology, demonstrating how this systematic approach not only ensures customer satisfaction but also provides concrete proof of value delivered. He shares real-world examples, including a dramatic case where routine IAQ testing during a water heater service call revealed a cracked heat exchanger that could have been life-threatening. The episode concludes with extensive coverage of ventilation strategies, which Cooksey calls the "silver bullet" for IAQ improvement. He walks through the differences between supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation systems, strongly advocating for Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) as the optimal solution. His practical approach includes using DOE's free REDCalc tool for proper ventilation sizing and emphasizes the importance of controlled ventilation over relying on natural air leakage - debunking the myth that "houses need to breathe." Topics Covered The IAQ Business Case: How testing indoor air quality on every service call creates new revenue streams and differentiates contractors in a commoditized market Six Critical IAQ Parameters: Detailed explanation of particles (PM 2.5), VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature - what they are, how to measure them, and health impacts Systematic Testing Methodology: The "test in, implement solution, test out" approach that provides measurable results and customer proof of value Particle Control Strategies: Source control, enhanced filtration (MERV 13-16), duct cleaning benefits, and duct sealing with Aeroseal technology Chemical and VOC Management: Understanding formaldehyde and benzene sources, proper storage techniques, and why PCO devices aren't recommended Carbon Monoxide Detection: The life-saving importance of testing every home, understanding chronic vs. acute exposure, and why standard CO detectors aren't sufficient Ventilation as the Silver Bullet: Comprehensive coverage of supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation strategies, with strong emphasis on ERV systems Practical Implementation Tools: Using DOE's REDCalc tool for ventilation sizing, integrating IAQ testing into service calls, and customer communication strategies Real-World Case Studies: Multiple examples of IAQ testing uncovering dangerous conditions, from cracked heat exchangers to improper combustion appliance installation Building Science Integration: How IAQ testing leads to broader building performance improvements, including duct sealing, insulation, and equipment sizing corrections   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

Episode 61 – How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Homes with Jerry McGuire of PuriFi LabsIf you're passionate about wellness, it's time to talk about one of the most overlooked factors: the air you're breathing inside your home.In this episode, I'm joined by Jerry McGuire from PuriFi Labs to dive deep into how indoor air quality for homes can make or break your health. We cover everything from mold, VOCs, and furniture off-gassing to the real impact air quality has on sleep, allergies, asthma, and long-term healing.Jerry also shares his powerful story of childhood cancer, how it shaped his mission, and how the PuriFi Labs system helps families track and prove the air in their homes is safe, not just assume it is.Whether you're curious about upgrading your home environment or knee-deep in health challenges, this episode will change the way you think about your space.

Mike Feldstein discusses Air Quality with Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]   Podcast Highlights Improving Indoor Air Quality for Better Health with Mike Feldstein   In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz discusses indoor air quality with Mike Feldstein, founder of Jaspr. Mike shares his journey from wildfire and mold restoration to developing a high-quality, quiet air scrubber designed for home use. They explore the impact of poor indoor air quality on health, the limitations of standard air purifiers, and practical tips for improving air quality at home. Mike highlights the importance of clean air, particularly in bedrooms, and offers insights into air filtration, mold detection, and the prevalence of microplastics. The episode emphasizes the need for greater air awareness in the wellness space and introduces Jaspr's advanced air scrubber as a comprehensive solution.   00:00 Introduction to the Rational Wellness Podcast 00:26 Meet Mike Feldstein: Air Quality Expert 01:37 The Importance of Air Quality 06:09 Challenges in Indoor Air Quality 08:17 Wildfire Impact on Air Quality 14:17 Mold and Indoor Air Quality 24:02 Healthy Homes and Air Filtration 26:46 Cooking and Air Quality 27:30 Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality 28:11 Range Hood Efficiency Test 29:07 HVAC Systems and Air Circulation 31:33 Microplastics in Indoor Air 34:17 Sources of Microplastics 37:49 Impact of Pets on Indoor Air Quality 39:48 Optimizing Bedroom Air Quality 43:06 Jaspr Air Purifier Features 48:32 Special Offer and Conclusion      __________________________________________________________________ Mike Feldstein is the founder of Jaspr, a high quality air scrubber, and an air quality expert. With a background in wildfire restoration, air quality consulting, and home remediation during some of the biggest natural disasters, Mike started Jaspr to innovate in air science and technology. His goal is to protect air quality and improve human health using the latest air quality science.  You can learn more by going to Jaspr.co.  The cost of Jaspr is normally $1199, but if you use the discount code WEITZ for the next 2 weeks it will only be $799.  Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Podcast Transcript Air Quality with Mike Felstein: Rational Wellness Podcast 422 Dr. Weitz: [00:00:00] Hey, this is Dr. Ben Weitz, host of the Rational Wellness Podcast. I talk to the leading health and nutrition experts and researchers in the field to bring you the latest in cutting edge health information. Subscribe to the Rational Wellness Podcast for weekly updates and to learn more, check out my website, dr whites.com. Thanks for joining me, and let's jump into the podcast. Hello, rational Wellness podcasters. Today I am excited to be having a discussion about indoor air quality with Mike Feldstein. I believe this is the first detailed discussion we've had on this podcast about indoor air quality. Mike Feldstein is the founder of Jasper. Which is a high quality air scrubber, and Mike is an air quality expert. He has a background in wildfire restoration, which is especially significant to those of us living in Los Angeles in [00:01:00] 2025. And he was also involved with air quality consult consulting, home remediation during some of the world's biggest natural disasters. Mike started Jasper. To innovate in air science and technology. And his goal is to protect air quality and improve human health using the latest air quality science. Mike, thank you so much for joining us. Thanks for having me, man. I'm excited to talk all things air with you. So I guess you're an airhead. Air snob, a snob. There you go. Perhaps you can tell us what you were doing for a living and how you became interested in air Mike: quality. Yeah, so it's kind of twofold. The big one was, my background was in wildfire flood and mold restoration. So we weren't doing it locally, we were traveling. So anywhere where the biggest disaster was in North America, that's where we were going. So California wildfires, [00:02:00] hurricane Harvey Canadian wildfires, floods, hailstorms, all that kind of stuff. So it was like really disaster response restoration. And the main thing that you do when you're remediating anything is you have to clean the surfaces and the air. People think about mold removal, but visually you only think mold remediation has like removing the mold. But that's not the case when you remove mold. You're isolating the environment, you're removing the physical materials and you're scrubbing the air inside and outside. So a lot of restoration and environmental cleanup, it's equal parts air as it is surface cleaning. And we would use these big machines called air scrubbers. They were huge, loud, they kind it like, like this, like big subwoofer looking things. Very loud, very industrial, but they clean the air incredibly well and. When I started comparing that to air purifiers that you would find out like a big what Walmart Best Buy, home Depot. What people [00:03:00] imagine when they think about an air purifier are the scrubber specs versus the purifier specs was almost like 20 to one, and I'm like. This doesn't really make much sense because people are buying air purifiers for wildfire smoke all the time, and it's way too small to get the job done. An analogy I like to use for people is it's like trying to heat your bathtub with a kettle, using a little air purifier to try to clean your air. It's tea. A kettle is fantastic if you're trying to make a pot of tea, but you cannot heat your bathtub with a kettle because it's gonna be cooling down faster than you can possibly heat it up. So the. I, and it was frustrating because we would remediate a home after wildfire or smoke, detox it, clean it three weeks later, it would be contaminated again, because often the ambient outdoor environments after a disaster would stay bad for months. So I'm like, okay, where can I find a. Beautiful air scrubber, a quiet air scrubber that people could leave in their homes [00:04:00] regularly, that wouldn't sound like a truck, and they didn't exist. So that's when I realized that, okay, there's lots of remediation and restoration companies, but how can there possibly be no product that works like a scrubber, but that is also quiet and beautiful? So that kind of changed my path from all things restoration to just completely focusing on air. And then the other side of that was when we would, in between disasters, we would do air consulting. So if somebody was sick at home and they didn't know why, we would come to their home and test everything to figure out if something might be lingering in their environment that's keeping them sick. And people generally, water and air and EMF and everything, it's the normal is not good. So I kind of just. I realized that a lot of people are quite water aware, they're diet aware, they're movement aware, but air awareness relative to all these other big health inputs was completely un. You know, it wasn't getting the time and attention that it needs. And I started [00:05:00] seeing people have a huge be health benefits by improving their air. So I went all in. Dr. Weitz: It's definitely the case that those of us in the wellness community are really focused on the food we eat, the what we drink, the water, the pure purity of that. And we focus much less on the air, but yet we breathe a lot more air than we eat food or drink water. Mike: Yeah. So, to put it into perspective for people. The average person, let's say, eats two pounds of food a day, two or three pounds of food, drinks a gallon or so of water. But you can, you breathe up to 17,000 liters of air. You can go three weeks without food, three days without water, and only three minutes without air.  Air is the first thing breathing. It's funny with food, we talk more about the food that than we eat than how we eat it. We talk about the water, not how we drink it, but breath work and breathing gets a lot more conversation. This breath and breathing [00:06:00] gets a lot of attention while we're ignoring the actual air that we're breathing.  The air is the fuel that you're breathing and people are completely ignoring their fuel source. Dr. Weitz: So what are some of the biggest issues with indoor air quality? And I say this here in Santa Monica, California, right next to Pacific Palisades where we had these horrific fires. And I imagine the stuff being spewed into the air is probably not over. 'cause first you got the fires, then you got, they're quite, in a way, they're digging out the soil. And then we're gonna have all this massive construction happening soon here. Mike: So the big picture, the issue is. Roughly since the seventies, homes have been optimized to be airtight boxes, so they're incredibly tight. They're built to be energy efficient, keep the cool in, in the summer, keep the warm air, and in the winter. Now, if you think about a pond, if you think about a moving [00:07:00] stream or a current or a river, generally moving water. Clean water. Right? But when a stagnant pond, that's where you get algae, bacteria, mosquitoes. If you can imagine all the things that you see growing when water is stagnant. So outdoor air is free flowing. It's like the lakes, it's like the oceans. But we've built our homes. Basically our homes are little stagnant ponds. So because there's no air movement in our homes, this is where everything starts to grow and starts to fester. Plus, we spend like 95% of our times indoors on average. So there's a reason why you don't walk down the street and have mold problems, or have dust problems, or have VOC problems. These are indoor problems. Our homes are incredibly tight, and the greatest air purifier of all time is nature. The UV light from the sun, wind, rain trees, but we've trapped all that outside. We've trapped ourselves inside, and then we have thousands of chemicals in our homes from the paints to the flooring, the adhesives, the fire retardants, cooking [00:08:00] pets, and it just can't breathe. It has no airflow. So generally speaking, the problem is with how we build homes and how we live in a modern society. That is causing all of these problems, especially like, and then in a wildfire setting, you are absolutely right. So you ha like people ha, when you test the air quality and water quality and soil quality, it can stay bad for a very long time after a fire. And the recent LA fires in January are unique, like one I've never seen before because I've never seen that many homes burnt in that concentration. But also. That many electric cars. So I'm very curious like what happens when you burn four, 5,000 lithium batteries? We know, and everyone's been at a campfire where someone throws the bag of marshmallows in and they're like, that even looks and feels very toxic. So now imagine scaling that up to like a billion x when you have everything in every home that burnt every can of paint. The [00:09:00] walls, the floors, the furniture, the chemicals, the cleaning products, the cars, their batteries. So it's a very toxic soup. And then, yeah, so you have all that, of course, that gets in the soil and it gets in the water, and then every time that the wind blows, the ash kicks up more and more. And then, yeah, then you'll have your rebuild phase. It's a pretty big deal. Dr. Weitz: I know every day I would go out to my car after the fires and it would just be covered in soot and then you just think, oh my God, how much of that is getting into my lungs? Mike: A lot. And it's a tough situation because, and like a lot of people in LA, because the city is so vast, a lot of homes, it was unclear the amount of damage because. A lot of you go into your home, and if you don't. See piles of ash everywhere. You just figure, my home's fine. Its smelled smoky a couple weeks ago. It's all good now, but it doesn't really work that [00:10:00] way. Be if you test anybody who didn't detox their home in la now if you test their carpets, their couches, their bedding for hexavalent chromium, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. If you don't detox it and pull it out, just think about our bodies, how many years we can hold heavy metals and things if we don't detox it out. So every porous material in your home is the exact same, and a lot of people don't remediate and detox their homes because they don't realize that they need to. Dr. Weitz: Can you even detox that stuff out? Do you have to just throw out everything that's porous? The poor stuff is pretty hard to deal with. You're talking about mattresses and carpets and furniture and stuff, so it depends like Mike: which way the wind was blowing your proximity to the fire. So that's why TE testing can be a decent idea for people. Also, depends if people had good air filtration in their homes beforehand. So. If somebody had significant air filtration in their home, [00:11:00] then likely most of those particulates were being captured before they had a chance to settle on surfaces. But typically, all of the hard surfaces can be cleaned up, but the soft surfaces would be replaced. But it's not black and white at all. Actually created on YouTube. Oh, yeah we put it on YouTube recently. If people look on our YouTube and type in like Jasper Smoke course it used to be. Like an email thing, but now it's just totally free and it's on YouTube. So after the fire is up, I was chatting with everybody like an hour, several hours a night about their unique situation and 99% of those conversations was, were the exact same. So I just created a bunch of videos on how to assess your own home, do you, should you go with insurance, how to vet your contractors, how to detox your own home. All that kind of stuff. So people want, if anyone wants to dive deeper into smoke detox, it's all available on YouTube. Dr. Weitz: Interesting. And then and then I guess after all that, then detox your body as well [00:12:00] that I don't Mike: have experience in, but that's absolutely a good idea. You, you'd be the guy for that. Yeah. And if you think about it, like when a lot of people are sick at home, the their aha air moment. Often occurs when they go on a trip or they go camping and then they feel great and then they come home and they're sick again. And they have this moment, is my home making me sick? So if you're not optimizing for the, like your home, that's your fish tank. And if you think about how would you clean a swimming pool, you use a water filter. You don't jump in the pool and use a sponge and scrub the sides. You need to filter the water constantly, right? And. In a home, people are spending a lot of time and energy and money on mopping and vacuuming and wiping counters, and that's all great. But if you don't, if you don't also have a strategy in place to filter your air, you're just that. You're just in the swimming pool, scrubbing the sides and not filtering the water. And [00:13:00] guess what happens if you don't filter that pool of water? It turns green real fast, so people's indoor air, you cannot see it. Most of the time, but wow. When we test air, it's usually off the charts. Typically, we see indoor air that's five to 10 times dirtier than outdoor air. Dr. Weitz: So how do you find somebody, what's the best way to test the inside of your house? You have to have an expert come in and test it. Do they? How do you know? Mike: You know, so I used to be, that's what I used to do. Okay. And I can't tell you a time when I'd ever go into a home where if I tested someone's air or water, that it was good. Like it just isn't. Okay. Indoor air is pretty much always bad, so the practical way to test, there's a few things to look for, but a pr a practical thing, like you could go and pay $1,500 or more for an expert to come into your home, but, and I was that guy, but I did not feel good because the 80 20 like. They would've been better [00:14:00] off just getting the solutions. Dr. Weitz: Okay. Mike: Because, you know, just assume your home is toxic. If you want to verify it. And depending on people's budgets and everything, like if you test your home for mold, indoor and outdoor, there's always mold. I always tell people, if you ever wanna break a lease, call me. I'll come over and I'll find the mold. Well, Dr. Weitz: you need to talk about that a little more because mold's a big topic in the functional medicine world and we talk a lot about testing. You're home for mold testing, the body for mold, and there's a lot of controversy. Oh no, this test is not accurate. It's showing mold and maybe you don't really have mold, but I've heard you say before, and you just said here, that pretty much everybody has some degree of mold in their home. Mike: And in their body, like when have you ever done a test and seen zeros? That's not how it works. It's, Dr. Weitz: well, you know, it's interesting. I think that makes sense because mold is an important constituent of the environment. In fact, it's in the soil, you know, just like bacteria are. And the goal is not to [00:15:00] rid ourselves of all bacteria and all fungi. Mike: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. People know what happens if you take too much antibiotics, like you kill your immune system, right? So yeah, it's, people got this idea that like mold is the big enemy. The problem is you're, if you think about that piece, that sandwich. Out on the counter, not so bad. You put it in the Tupperware, it starts growing mold, and your home is essentially a big Tupperware box. So you have mold issues because if you live in a airtight home with no ventilation and no filtration, that's the real problem here. So typically when you do test for mold indoors, you always want to test outside and you want to test inside. And if you don't test outside, the test is completely useless. Because that's your control sample. So if it rained there, could the spore count is gonna be incredibly high inside and outside. Your indoor air comes from outside. So [00:16:00] if people have a noticeable odor in their home, it smells musty. Or if they've had water damage, if they've had leaks. Like if you have visible mold in your home, that is a time when you want to get restoration and remediation done. If it smells really strong of must and mold, that's when you may want to go and look for it. But I've seen a lot of people who, I call it whacka mold because they're just looking all over, you know, they're dealing with a little leak here and a little thing there, and they're cutting open this wall. Next thing you know, it's like investigative surgery of your home. And then, you know, next thing you know, you're living in another home for six months or 12 months and you're displaced and it costs a fortune. And a lot of people like it's not a black and white situation. And when I hear people talking about it, it's like, I've got the mold like. If you take a thousand people and you test everybody's home and bodies for mold, everybody has some amount of mold. It's more about like what concentration, what species, and technically you're not even supposed to [00:17:00] test for mold if it's rained within two or three days. I can't remember if it's 48 or 72 hours. Nobody, no mold testing company in the world that I've ever encountered upholds that standard. How could you imagine on a it, it drizzles that morning you canceled the job. You still have to pay your employees. The customer's not gonna want to pay you to not come, right? So nobody does that. You just take your control sample inside and outside, but it can dramatically skew results. But more or less, if you're living in a really tight home, the VOCs from your furnitures and the paints and the off gassing and the cooking and the mold is a big problem. So it's not that mo mold does make a lot of people sick, but you could have five people living in a home. Two are sick. One is moderately sick and two are completely fine because people you know, they detox differently and they ha have different severities of allergies to things. I honestly treat mold not so differently than pollen. Like someone could have their life. [00:18:00] Wrecked havoc from excessive pollen and someone else won't notice a thing. And I find mold to be very much like that, where for some people it's a big problem. For others it's not. But to me, like I preferred filtered water. My water budget is huge. We get glass bottles of water delivered every couple weeks, like. For me, air and water were like my first two. 'cause those are the two things that I need to survive the most. Right? If I can only live three minutes without air, clearly it's quite important to me. If I can only live a few days without water, also important. So where a lot of people are starting from supplements and then food, and then water, and then air. I've kind of flipped it a little bit where I'm dealing with the thing that I consume the most of and then branching up from that place. Dr. Weitz: I've really been enjoying this discussion, but I just want to take a few minutes to tell you about a product that I'm very excited about. Imagine a device that can help you manage stress, improve your sleep, and boost [00:19:00] your focus. All without any effort on your part. The Apollo wearable is designed to just to do just that, created by neuroscientists and physicians. This innovative device uses gentle vibrations to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel calmer, more focused, and better rested. Among the compelling reasons to use the Apollo wearable are that users experience a 40% reduction in stress and anxiety. Patients feel that they can sleep. Their sleep improves up to additional 30 minutes of sleep per night. It helps you to boost your focus and concentration and it's scientifically backed. And the best part is you can get all these benefits with a special $40 discount by using the [00:20:00] promo code whites. W-E-I-T-Z, my last name at checkout to enjoy these savings. So go to Apollo Neuro and use the promo code Whites today. And now back to our discussion what is the best way if somebody wants to test their home for mold to do it so it's accurate. Mike: It's tough too. So there's multiple different tests and some skew positive and some skew negative. I mean, there's the Petri dishes. Dr. Weitz: We have the IMI test. Is there? Is there? You got the Mike: aerosols? Yeah. IMI basically is restoration. Companies love IMI because it's designed to be generally quite alarmist. So with an imi, it's testing your dust, right? There was obviously mold at some point in your air, so even if there's not mold. Today, a lot of it, there was some mold that passed through. So [00:21:00] you test take a dust sample and it's generally like a, it's designed to be a fairly alarming test, even the way that the report is kind of designed. It's a perfect thing for restoration companies. I'm just looking at financial incentives for restoration. Companies love it because it's always gonna get the insurance company to approve a reclean. So if Derby's not the best test, what is the best test? Well, it's not that. It's, the thing is it's a good tool also. Okay. Okay. So if, so, and like, it's not that it's a ba and aerosols can also skew negative 'cause they're just looking at the exact moment of time. Right. So, Dr. Weitz: you know, the, so use the army test, but don't exaggerate the results. The best test Mike: of all is like the best. If we're going from best to worst, it's the, it's like a mold dog. A mold sniffing dog, you'll find exactly where the mold is. You can't beat that. But like once I had tested hundreds of homes for mold, for example. I, I didn't really need to do testing anymore [00:22:00] because you can feel it, you can feel it in your lungs immediately. You could between smell, difficulty of breathing in my lungs, I could go into a home. Most people who do indoor environmental testing, they know in the first two or three minutes just 'cause their body tells them what's going on. And then the data is just to quantify that for the homeowner or for the patient, like. Your body really knows if, but I mean, mine is more calibrated because I've tested a lot before, but I still I like the aerosol test. I also like the imi. It's a tough one. It's really, it really depends also if someone has cancer and money. Just saying like they, they have a severe health issue and a large budget. I would definitely bring in a company to do testing, but that's not the, so you kind of need to find the balance. Like anything with health, like health isn't free, so it's a little bit nuanced to, to give blanket advice is a little bit difficult. Is Dr. Weitz: there any benefit to the Petri dishes? [00:23:00] Mike: If so, when I used to do the Petri dishes, we were supposed to. Get the p like we would do the Petri dish and then instantly give it to the lab and they would culture it in the lab environment. If you kind of let it sit in your home environment pretty much always grows mold mo unless you're filtering your air. So like that, like, and that's really like, or really good ventilation, so that's why older homes often. Can be good because they're leaky or new homes are incredibly tight. So people, when I was doing air testing, almost half of the testing work that we were doing was people who just moved into a brand new home because the, it was so tight that it would have humidity issues and off gassing and VOC issues basically right away. And the problem is. Like the architect and the builder aren't typically sitting around saying, how do we make the healthiest home for people? Like, [00:24:00] you know, you buy a home. Why? Dr. Weitz: Why isn't somebody doing that? Why isn't somebody saying, we, here's a design that allows a home to breathe and this is gonna be healthier for you. So Mike: on the custom home level, they exist. So if you Google Healthy Home Builder, there's a handful per city and it's a growing trend that I believe strongly in using better materials, using better hvac, you know, mold resistant, no off-gassing low VOC, a good ERV system, which basically is a fresh air intake so your home can actually breathe better. While maintaining its energy efficiency, but if you think about it, when someone typically buys a home, they'll go get a home inspection and all that home inspection is looking for is there anything in the home that is gonna cost me money? How's the roof age? How old's the water heater? Is there cracks in the foundation? Typically, there's no prior to that process that says, is this a healthy home for my family to live in? And that's why, that's [00:25:00] where the air awareness is more important than any product anybody can create. Because once you start asking the questions, you're able to kind of navigate and advocate for yourself. But I'm really. Expecting to see a trend here where we see healthy homes and going beyond custom homes to the developer level. Unfortunately now, the, it used to be clean living and now the term wellness has really got hijacked. Wellness now means like often very edge case biohacking tools, whereas it used to mean like. Go clean water, clean air, clean diet, go for a walk after your meals, get some sunshine. Go for like, it used to be about healthy living. And then on top of that, how do we layer in our exer, our exercise, our strength training, our supplement, it's literally called supplements. It's supposed to be the extra thing to balance you out, but it's become the. Pill like people have started to lean on pills, has the primary thing [00:26:00] as opposed to a supplementary thing, and unfortunately until the homeowner and the consumer is made aware, there is no value actually put on. A healthy home, right? The consumer's not valuing it yet, so therefore neither is the builder, neither is the architect. It's, they just wanna say, how fast can we build a home? How many square feet? How cheap do we have? A two garages, you know, if people are looking for a whirlpool and things like that, they're looking for features, right? Instead of just a home that has great air, great water, really good lighting, right? I feel the movement coming in this direction it just, it takes one breath and one conversation at a time. Right. And that's what we're, that's what we're trying to do here. Dr. Weitz: So how does cooking affect air quality? And I heard you speak about some of the issues even with the range hoods. Mike: That's perfect. So we'll talk cooking and I'll talk just like I like giving people a bag of tricks, [00:27:00] free tips that they can implement immediately that doesn't require buying anything at all. So, but to cooking is a big problem because the way your home is. Built so tight. When you cook, a few things happen. And it doesn't matter if you're just, if you're cooking bacon, you could be making grass fed steak with organic oil and no seed oils and still be heavily polluting your air. So when you take high heat and protein, that creates something called polycyclic air magic aromatic hydrocarbons. And that's a cancer causing. Compound that we would test for after wildfire smoke. That was one of the most common things that we would test for. So high heat and protein gonna be a big problem. The particulate themselves, the actual PM 2.5 that gets off gassed is another issue. Then obviously a lot of people also have, gas ranges and most range hoods don't work. So if the ventilation is working good, we have no problem. Commercial kitchens [00:28:00] tend to have really good range hoods in a in a home environment. There's a few problems. Number one, they're typically too high, they're not powerful enough, and they're not vented properly. So, this is the one thing that everybody should do. Take your take a tissue. Hold it up to your range hood and put it on fan speed, one or two and make sure it's actually sucking it up and pulling it up. 50 50. It doesn't, so if it's not even pulling up a tissue, it's not even bring, it's not intaking any air. So that's the first thing. Then two, check where it's venting. So a lot of the time it's venting up into the cabinet. Just above, it's not going outside. And the whole point of ventilation is to vent outside. So you want to, you want a range hood that can hold up a tissue. You want a range hood that vents outside. And then ideally, if you can, if you're like boiling or simmering use the back burners [00:29:00] instead of the front burner, because the back burner captures a lot more particulate than the front burner. And what happens when you cook. It's not just a localized issue. For example, if you take a 3000 square foot home and you know, Jasper can detect the air in real time. So if I have a Jasper in my baby's bedroom and I'm Dr. Weitz: so, so just for everybody, Jasper is the air purifier that you developed and it also gives you some reading as to the quality of the air, correct? Mike: Yeah, so it's reading the particulates in real time. And adjusting its fan speed accordingly. So even if Jasper is in your baby's bedroom and you're cooking in the kitchen on the opposite side of the house, within a minute or two, Jasper's gonna be detecting the poor air quality in the bedroom in every room because you have an HVAC system that's designed to circulate and mix the air. So you think of the, like when you walk into someone's home who's cooking, you [00:30:00] smell it right away and you smell it because it's everywhere. And then just like the wildfire smoke we were talking about before, it gets absorbed into the couches, into the chairs, into the clothing, into the all the poorest materials. So if people have a rangehood that's not working and the weather permits regardless, like I open my windows big time when I'm cooking. Because you really just don't want to be offgassing heavily in your home. And then on top of that, I would do the same tissue test in your bathroom. So make sure your bathroom fans can also hold up a Kleenex or a paper towel or something like that. And then you should check to make sure your bathroom fans are venting outside. A lot of people's bathroom fans vent directly in the attic. And then of course they have moldy attics because they, if you have a family of four, taking four showers a day, you're dumping gallons of water into your attic. And of course you're gonna have mold for sure. And then, yeah, filtration really helps too. So the way Jasper works is it's gonna automatically [00:31:00] respond to any cooking in any particulates, so that way it's silent. You'll have your green light on, you'll see a low number, like a four or five. Which is, and we're looking at PM 2.5, and those are the particles that are small enough to enter your lungs and your bloodstream. So if we measure the air in a home with no filtration and we cook, the air quality can stay elevated for three or four days, and by that point it's been absorbed in all your materials. If you have a jas, a couple Jaspers in the home, within 20 minutes, we're back down to baseline. So it's a huge difference between filtering your air and not filtering your air. Right. Dr. Weitz: What about microplastics? Because there's been a lot of talk about microplastics and we know that they end up in our brains, but they're also in our lungs. Mike: Yeah. So there was a study done in London where they tested a hundred homes and 98% of all samples contained microplastics in them and indoor environments had up to 40 times more microplastics than [00:32:00] outside. Wow. So. And then they started to work with a lab that was doing biopsies on people's lung tissue, and almost a hundred, I think a hundred percent of all the lungs that were tested had microplastics in them. Wow. So they say that the humans that live in cities on average are breathing one credit card worth of microplastics per week. That's insane. And how does this happen? So you have things like plastic manufacturing, just general plastic breakdown when things decompose over time. They decompose often into the air. If you think about a car, you have to change your tires every few years. The rubber wears thin, like where do you think the rubber goes? All this stuff goes airborne. And then inhalation is the primary exposure route for microplastics. So it's kind of interesting that people are thinking about the microplastics in their water. But there's a very good argument to be made that you could be breathing way more plastics microplastics than you are drinking them. [00:33:00] So we did a study about two months ago. We contacted the lab and we said, Hey, can we do a microplastic study to show how Jasper, is Jasper effective for microplastics? If so, how effective? And they said, there's not an exactly a microplastics test because, they're all different sizes. So they said we can do a latex bead test where they have these microscopic latex beads that they aerosolize that are the size of some of the most common microplastics, and we removed 98% of all of them in one hour. So the good news here is your indoor, it's like a good news, bad news. Your indoor air is way worse. Then your outdoor air across the board when it comes to microplastics, mold, dust, even pollen, we get way more pollen inside our homes than outside because it gets trapped in there and it can't get out. The good news is if you filter your air, it's not a problem anymore. So you can turn like, you know, you can't heal in the place that made you sick, and you can turn this negative that's making [00:34:00] you sick into a clean air sanctuary. So instead of saying, let me go outside and get a breath of fresh air, how about let me go inside and get a breath of clean air so you can really turn this around very cost Dr. Weitz: effectively. Where are all these microplastics in our home actually coming from? Mike: So, like I said, it's the plastic manufacturer. It's out, it's mostly outdoor sources. Oh, okay. Because our indoor air comes from the outdoor air. So it's, right. It's like, it's the rubber from the tires, it's the factories. It's all that stuff. It's the plastic products in your home are slowly decaying and decomposing over time. Also a reason why you don't wanna live near a freeway. It's a good idea. I actually, when I have tested air by highways, it's always been less bad than I expected it to be, huh? When it is bad is during Russia like bumper to bumper traffic. Freeways are bad, like highly congested. Freeways are bad, but freeways that don't have a lot of traffic that are constantly flowing are much less bad. Okay, because you [00:35:00] don't have like thousands of cars in one small area constantly running their fumes. So. And there's also even debates now that plastic kettles could be released. Like, like things that heat up water in your home could also be aerosolizing like, to me, that makes sense. I can't say I've seen a test on it, but if you think about a plastic kettle with boiling water against plastic, if you can get microplastic we know that we can get microplastics in our food and in our water. In our water bottles and our Tupperware. So if you think about anything that, that has high heat and plastics and the sun is constantly breaking things down, and then when it breaks down, they go airborne. I Dr. Weitz: was just reading an article about how a lot of black plastic utensils like you use you know, in the kitchen because they're made from recycled plastic, that plastic has toxic material from computers or whatever else that gets into it. And so then that breaks [00:36:00] down. Mike: Yeah, it makes sense. Like if that, and also if that plastic is touching the high heat, right? Like when you look at that spatula over time, it's like, it's smaller. It's that edge kind of comes down a little bit. It's like where did it go? So the interesting thing was in London, 100% of homes tested and they would test the dust sample and every single dust sample had microplastics in it. 'cause dust is a collection of things. It's not just one thing. And a good way to know if you have an indoor air problem. The best way is do you have dust? If you have, does everybody have dust? No. Dr. Weitz: No. I have no dust that's just because you dust every day or you'd seen dust ever accumulate No where? Mike: Well, Dr. Weitz: think about this Mike: if you have dust on a coffee table, okay? Did the dust come emerging from the coffee table or did it come from your air? Right? So you're saying Dr. Weitz: if your air is clean, you won't have dust. Mike: Yeah, of course not. If you filter the air, if you filter the dust from the air, then it [00:37:00] doesn't land on surfaces because you capture it before it actually lands. I thought dust, Dr. Weitz: it was coming off your skin and your pets and everything else, and it just lands there. Mike: Well, think about it. It can even, it can be on the dustiest place could often be your, the door cells your doorframes and your window sills, places that are actually above your body. So it's not like it's just falling off of you on the floor. I see. The stuff that falls off you is very light, so it gets mixed into your air system very quickly. I see. So it's all about the air. It dust is. Yeah, like it, it is, dust can be pollen. It's mold, it's allergens, it's the pollution, it's the VOCs. It's a combination of all of the things. And then dust creates a really good vessel for mold spores to hit your ride around your home. Great. Dr. Weitz: What about pets? I've heard you talk about pets not being great for indoor air. Mike: Pets are also a problem. Yeah. Well, think about this, especially like everybody I know who has a dog [00:38:00] also sleeps with their dog. So if you think about it, could you ever imagine taking a blanket, going outside with it, rubbing it along? Your neighbor's glyphosate filled lawn, maybe on some other dog butts, rubbing it on some trees across the road. Then bring it inside and shake it out in your bed. It seems like a crazy idea, but that's literally most people's experience every day when you have a dog. Plus of course you have the pet dander. So yeah, you get all that stuff coming from outside. The pet dander itself. Dogs do contribute to humidity as well. And then cats have two, two issues. They also have allergens, but cat litter can also create a huge problem. If you look at what's in cat litter, it is not good at all. And so it, it's all kind of cumulative, right? Like no. One of the things that we talked about here is gonna be a make or break, but it's when you have an airtight home with no [00:39:00] ventilation, no filtration, it has cooking, it has pets, it has the allergens. That is a perfect storm for poor health. Most people nowadays, we're not ventilating our homes and we're not filtering our air. So it's just a constant accumulation over time. People and a lot of people wear their shoes inside, so that brings everything from outside as well. So the pets are definitely an issue, especially if people are allergic to pets. Dr. Weitz: Yeah, I think I heard you say that there's like 99% likelihood you're gonna have fecal matter on your shoes. Mike: 95% of all shoes tested at fecal matter on them. Wow, because like you go outside and dog shit outside, like it's not surprising. But the cool, the coolest thing is where to, you know, make it tangible and practical. The number one place to optimize for by far is your bedroom. Like if you spend one third of your life where you sleep, one third of your life [00:40:00] where you work, and kind of one third miscellaneous out and about taking care of those two thirds. Is very practical and that doesn't require, you know, it's very easy with health stuff to get super overwhelmed and you feel like it's impossible and it's this big rabbit hole, but it doesn't have to be that way. So like I, I just put sleep above everything else. And then what are the ingredients for a good night's sleep? You need a good bed. Cool clean air. So everybody, thermal comfort is like humans optimize for thermal comfort over everything else. So the cool air is really important, even if that's moldy, dusty, pollen filled air, a lot of people don't even notice that. Fun fact, we did a sleep study last year where we gave 150 people, Jaspers, who were using Ora rings to track their sleep, and the average person slept 25 minutes more per night and 18% deeper sleep. Wow, that's amazing. So when I go into a bedroom and I use my par, my [00:41:00] particle, like my commercial grade particle counter, let's say there's typically a million particles floating around of all sizes. When we put Jasper in someone's bedroom within 20, 30 minutes, it's 95% cleaner. Wow. And then it's great. So I live in Austin and Jasper's based in Austin. So whenever anyone buys a Jasper in Austin, we actually deliver it to their home and we test their air. So we go to their home, we go typically first. Jasper's gotta be in your bedroom. We do our particle counter, we turn the Jasper on, we talk for five or six minutes. By the time we, we leave their bedroom and to go into their main home, their first breath outside of their bedroom they find that it feels very heavy. Harder to breathe because it's like if you were drinking tap water your whole life growing up it was just water. You weren't paying attention to it. And then if you start drinking filtered water, all of a sudden tap water tastes very chlorinated. You can taste the tap water now. It's a big difference. That's why I said I'm more of an air snob because once you start [00:42:00] breathing clean air, it becomes very annoying and difficult. You go to, all of a sudden the sense and the heaviness is everywhere, but like. In a bedroom, good bed, good sheets, cool air, and clean air. If you sleep in air like that is the thing that you live inside of. So naturally, by cleaning up the environment, it has a profound impact on your sleep. And then when your sleep is good, sleep to me is synonymous with recovery. So. A lot of people who struggle from seasonal allergies, they go from a lot of allergy attacks to none. People who snore, we're doing a snore study in a couple months. A lot like my favorite, my, my sister here, literally like, we get this every week, but my sister, her husband's John, he's been snoring for five or six years. Once they put Jasper in their bedroom, he stopped snoring. Now they're not sleep divorced anymore. You know, John's back in the bedroom. So it's [00:43:00] really profound, honestly, the impacts that cleaning up your air in your bedroom can have on one's life. Dr. Weitz: How does Jasper work? What makes it better than other air purifiers? Mike: So the big thing is the size, like. Most air purifiers that you see are made by billion dollar companies that make thousands of products. They make everything under the sun, so it was kind of just another box for them to check in the market, to throw it on Amazon and throw it at Walmart and call it good like. Think, how crazy is it that the air people Google Air freshener more than air purifier? Everybody's got an air freshener and all an air freshener is shooting chemicals out to hijack your ability to smell so you don't smell the garbage anymore instead of just cleaning the air in Allers are toxic. Yeah, so like PE ins, it's, instead of dealing with the problem, which is dirty air, they're like, let's just throw some more chemicals in there. And that'd be a great way to solve the problem. Last week actually we just got back from our [00:44:00] first hotel trip in Miami. There's a hotel there called the Caron Hotel, and they're the first clean air hotel in the country. So they have a Jasper in every single guest suite and Oh wow. All 30 massage therapy rooms as well. Huh. So if anyone's in Miami and wants a good night's sleep, I highly recommend that place. Back to your question though, about what makes it different, so. It's really designed to be industrial, so it's like what makes a pickup truck different from a sedan? You know, they both have four wheels, doors, a roof, an engine, but one can like pull a lot of stuff. It can haul your boat, it can haul your trailer, and one's just designed to. Haul, take a few people around town. So in, in its nature, Jasper is a lot larger. So it's moving about five times the air of a traditional air purifier. Our filter is four and a half pounds. Most filters are about half a pound. So our filter's about nine to 10 times heavier 'cause we just have more filter media in there a lot. There's the hepa, there's the carbon. [00:45:00] So the filter's just much, much bigger. When you look at most air purifiers, their filter looks like a tissue. It's not much more than a piece of paper. Ours is like super heavy duty. We make it outta steel instead of plastic. Going back to microplastics, PLAs polluting plastic. Is horrible for the environment. So to buy a machine that's supposed to clean your air, that pollutes the environment, seems counterproductive to me. And then also, like the lifespan. So Jasper's designed to last about 25 years. Every component in there was designed by my restoration brain saying, how do we make like a restoration grade machine that I would use for mold removal, floods and hurricanes, but with the aesthetic and the design that people would want in their home. So when it's more powerful. That means it's more because it's bigger, it's very on, its lowest fan speed. It's virtually silent in a bedroom setting. You can turn it onto dark mode. It has no wifi, no Bluetooth, no EMF. So if you, the simplest way to think about Jasper is for [00:46:00] every one Jasper, you would need four or five small little machines, and it'd be very unpractical to put four or five little machines in each bedroom of your home. So we just consolidated it and made, it's like if there was. Big trucks and sedans, but no SUVs. We kind of have like the only SUV, and that's why we call it an air scrubber because it's really designed to be heavy duty, but also designed to be beautiful. Dr. Weitz: It's really amazing that it's designed to last 25 years. There's not too many products that are designed to last 25 years. Your car is not designed to last 25 years. Mike: Dude, I hate planned obsolescence, and I hate, and I hate planned obsolescence and I hate inflation. You'd think as we get more efficient and more productive and more technology, that prices would go down and we would build things to last longer. But I think a lot of companies, you know, big public companies like. Quarterly revenue. They wanna sell more stuff every three months. Whereas I believe that if you just make a really great product that people can basically keep for a lifetime, [00:47:00] they'll buy more of them. They'll tell their friends. So the way our lifetime warranty works is if Jasper breaks. We ship you a brand new one. You take the new one outta the box, you put the old one back in the box. We give you a prepaid shipping label that we email to you, and then we pay to send UPS to your front porch to pick it up off your doorstep because I can't tell you how many times I had like a warranty on a product. They wanted me to send photos, videos, original receipt, get an obscure shape box, go to FedEx and pay a hundred dollars to ship it back. And I just think that's bullshit. I think if Jasper breaks, that's Jasper's problem. That's Jasper's fault, and I think it. It. I think companies should really put their money where their mouth is. Like we don't even have a sales department here. Everyone here who engages with customers was a former air quality expert, you know, been in thousands of homes. It's the same people that are going to people's homes every day. So we just view, we truly view Jasper as an air education company that happened to also make the world's only air scrubber.[00:48:00] Designed for your home. But that's why 90% of what we're doing is going to functional. Like right after this, in an hour from now, I'm going to a functional medicine clinic to teach them all about air and set them up with Jaspers because they're detoxing people that are living in moldy, pollen filled environments. So they're doing great stuff, but they're completely missing the most foundational part. So 90% of our time as a company is in education. And then because we only make one. Product it, it allows us to just offer a really good quality of service. Dr. Weitz: So in order to order Jasper, is it jasper.com? Is that the website? Mike: I wish it's jasper.co. Dr. Weitz: Oh, okay. Mike: Dot co. And Jasper's spelled JSPR.co. And ibel I'm seeing my, Dr. Weitz: yeah I believe there's a discount code that if our listeners and viewers put in code WEITZ, my last name, W-E-I-T-Z, they'll get $400 off. [00:49:00] Mike: Correct. So Jasper's normally 1199 with your, with Code WEITZ, it'll be $799. And what we're gonna do is, so starting today, the day that the podcast came out. For two weeks, it'll be valid for $400 off. After that, we'll leave the code live forever, but it'll be $200 off. I just know myself as a consumer, I typically only buy things when there's an opportunity to get a good deal. So if. That's also why we don't sell on Amazon Best Buy or any of these big stores because they would take all the margin and we wouldn't be able to give big discounts. So our whole philosophy is go speak to health conscious people, educate them as much as we can in an hour or so, give them the best price possible. And so, yeah, so for the first two weeks, starting today, code WEITZ at JASPR.co is $400 off. And then after two weeks from now, it'll be $200 off forever. So, but if you feel so [00:50:00] called and you want to invest in your air, now's a good time to do it now, one. You can only get one your bedroom a hundred percent, a thousand percent, take care of your clean air and the one in your bedroom. You should really use fan speed two or fan speed three on dark mode, so you hit the light button so there'd be no ambient light. And it'll be at a higher fan speed. So it'll be a gentle white noise scrubbing your air constantly. And then if you're putting one in your living room, you put that one on smart mode. So it's silent all the time, and that's the one that will automatically adapt to any cooking and cleaning that you're doing. Dr. Weitz: So if you were gonna get two of 'em. Bedroom first. Yeah. Second would be the living room or would it be the kitchen? Mike: So typically most homes, the living room and the kitchen are very close to each other. Okay. Even though the polluting, polluting happens in the kitchen, it spreads throughout the whole home. So Jasper in your living room is gonna detect it in the kitchen like right away. Anyways, so the idea is you want to have the air [00:51:00] cleaning where you spend the most time. Right. So. That's why a, a bedroom or a home office or a living space where the whole family's hanging out in the evening, those are the places that you really want to take care of. First and foremost. Dr. Weitz: That's great. We're recording this podcast, but it's gonna get it's gonna get put up in about six weeks, so Mike: Well, for everyone's because we don't know the exact day. That's why I'm just saying today, Dr. Weitz: right. From your perspective. Mike: The podcast came out today. So yeah, I hope that resonates with someone. And also, like I said, we don't have a sales department. Everyone here is an air expert. So if you have any questions, Jasper or know Jasper about your indoor air, your environment, anything, hit us up on Instagram, send us an email. We are here to help. That's great. Thank you so much, Mike. My pleasure, man. Thanks for having me. Dr. Weitz: Thank you for making it all the way through this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast. For those of you who enjoy listening to the Rational Wellness Podcast, I would very much appreciate it if you could go [00:52:00] to Apple Podcast or Spotify and give us a five star ratings and review. As you may know, I continue to accept a limited number of new patients per month for functional medicine. If you would like help overcoming a gut or other chronic health condition and want to prevent chronic problems and wanna promote longevity, please call my Santa Monica White Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition office at 3 1 0 3 9 5 3 1 1 1 and we can set you up for a consultation for functional medicine and I will talk to everybody next week.

On this week's show, we bring you an informed community conversation about brownfield contaminants at the site of Perry Elementary School in the West End (755 Dixie Hwy, at Broadway). This conversation with Audrey Ernstberger of the Kentucky Resources Council was hosted by the West Jefferson County Community Task Force on July 15, 2025. Perry Elementary is located on property that was owned and operated by Phillip Morris USA, Inc., and was a tobacco stem processing plant. The manufacturing facility used many chemicals that are considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that remained in the soil when Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) acquired the property. There are concerns about VOCs still currently on the school grounds after construction. If you missed the July 15th meeting at which Audrey Ernstberger, a staff attorney with the Kentucky Resources Council, led the discussion about this concern, you need to listen to this. The recording of the entire meeting is available here at https://transcripts.gotomeeting.com/#/s/d4a36bf5fc8d28119fe8f1e8a59c014cb8cce3193b49420161814284805769a1 Audrey Ernstberger is a staff attorney with the Kentucky Resources Council (https://www.kyrc.org). She graduated from Centre College and earned her JD from UofL's Brandeis School of Law. During law school, her energy law class and experience as a Resilience Justice Fellow researching equitable environmental access for vulnerable communities inspired her to pursue a career in envi-ronmental law. Shortly after law school, she pursued a Master of Laws from George Washington University Law School, attending classes and working as a research assistant to identify legal obstacles to preplanning electric grid development after a natural disaster. Before working for KRC, she worked for the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission as a Legislative Analyst for the House and Senate Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee. Her advocacy experience includes her time as a Student Attorney at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, where she and her co-counsel won a government benefits case on appeal. Do you need more information about environmental concerns and legislation? Please read the “Summer 2025 Work in Motion” by the Kentucky Resources Council (KRC) found at https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:a79b7ed1-5c54-4776-9cca-8cea310b1b19?fbclid=IwY2xjawL5F1tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMZDRlY2dvTjUwZEZCd2hlAR4xBilIpk_7ajQQdJqCR51YnouHzHV-_rMMocd5ogXm0mVhJ3XpjheUAlIeUg_aem_NREmXRfdsVVHrwdQrHUM1g&viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover West Jefferson County Community Task Force Monthly Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month (except December) 5:30-7pm online. The Task Forcebrings concerns and important information to residents and businesses about environmental, health and wellness issues that impact our communities. Topics vary each month. Join the conversation. Let your voice be heard and get the answers you need. Monthly topics are posted at https://facebook.com/WJCCTF. For more info, call Arnita at 502-645-3588. And we hope you can join us at the annual Environmental Justice Conference organized by WJCCTF, which will be held at the University of Louisville on Saturday, September 20th from 10am-2pm. Registration and more info will be available at https://louisville.edu/sustainability/events/2025-environmental-justice-conference On Truth to Power each week, we bring you community conversations like you won't hear anywhere else! Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 4pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://forwardradio.org. If you like what you hear, share it with someone, donate to keep us on-air, and get involved as a volunteer!

Today's solo episode is an urgent call to wake up to the crumbling systems all around us—healthcare, food, energy, water, housing, the environment and start reclaiming our power, one decision at a time. Darin peels back the curtain on how these systems were designed not to serve us, but to profit off our disconnection. But this isn't a rant—it's a roadmap. With grounded action steps, a rallying cry for sovereignty, and heartfelt encouragement, Darin offers a path forward to opt out of the Matrix and build a better reality together.     What You'll Learn: [00:00] Welcome & why this episode is different [02:11] These systems aren't broken they're failing us. Here's what we can do [03:21] Health or disease care? Why the system profits from your sickness [05:22] Micro vs. macro: how real food and policy change go hand-in-hand [08:11] Water: how tap water is filled with toxins and what to do about it [10:34] The dirty truth about power: fires, pollution, and the case for solar [12:59] From fossil fuels to microgrids: the real solutions that are being ignored [14:45] Food as poison: how ultra-processed foods hijack your biology [15:22] Cook at home. Buy local. And why your food choices matter more than ever [16:50] Shelter or sickness? How your home might be silently harming you [17:31] Flame retardants, VOCs, EMFs: what to reduce and how [18:45] Why you should turn off your Wi-Fi at night and use airplane mode [19:43] Healthcare or symptom care? The call for functional medicine and policy change [21:10] The environment is a mirror: species extinction, pollution, and the cost of convenience [22:45] Personal action: the power of conscious consumption and daily decisions [24:23] Take your power back: how to become the CEO of your life [25:27] It's not about complaining, it's about creating a new paradigm [27:04] Final thoughts: this is your invitation to live a SuperLife [28:30] A sneak peek into Darin's upcoming SuperLife community on Patreon     Thank You to Our Sponsor: Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Website: https://superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Quote: “You are not powerless, no matter who you are. We are the creators. But first, we must see the system. If we don't see it, we don't change anything. Then we must opt out of these systems that are harming us and the environment, and opt into building a new one, one step at a time.”     Join the SuperLife Movement on Patreon: Be the first to get access to Darin's new SuperLife community on Patreon:

Story at-a-glance Fabric softeners and dryer sheets release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air and laundry, exposing your lungs and skin to hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals Chemicals like benzene, acetaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, and synthetic musks are common in scented laundry products and have been linked to asthma, migraines, reproductive harm, and nervous system damage These toxic substances don't wash away; instead, they cling to your clothes, build up inside your washer and dryer, and continue releasing harmful vapors long after the laundry is done Vague ingredient labels allow manufacturers to hide thousands of chemicals under terms like “fragrance,” leaving you unknowingly exposed to compounds that accumulate in your body and the environment Safer, nontoxic alternatives like wool dryer balls, vinegar rinses, and DIY fabric softener recipes offer the same softness and freshness without compromising your health or polluting your home and the environment

Is that post-carpet cleaning lemon scent masking something dangerous? In this article, get to know off-gassing and why some manufacturers are developing new cleaning solutions to end it for good.Learn more at https://soapfreeprocyon.com/ Plus Manufacturing, Inc. City: Spokane Address: 2704 N Madelia St Website: https://soapfreeprocyon.com/

Clean air is something we think more about in the context of pollution from cars and factories, but in the low tox community we know it to also include pollution from synthetic fragrance, VOCs, excess carbon dioxide and of course, mould. In the built environment mould can become excessive in the indoor environment due to either humidity, poor builds, waterproofing failures, water leaks, flooding, materials that easily decompose in humid climates, trapped moisture under interior material choices… After today's show you will know more about: What some of the major players are in homes becoming sick and making us sick.Stories where people are experiencing horrendous things before they find out their ailments and surgeries are due to mold in their homes. Progress being made in public military housing in the USA. Growing the conversation of modern building “success” beyond energy efficiencyHow mold is prime for having its moment, following the footsteps of lead and asbestos before it. How a brand new home can already be contaminated with moldHow to better build and maintain home - material and climate considerations. How we can build a health-utopia - healthy homes and people! Learn Michael's “utopia wish list”.I hope you get as much value out of the show as I always get speaking with Michael. To hear more shows we've done on mold, learn my story and find resources for support, head to https://www.lowtoxlife.com/so-you-think-youve-got-mould/Alexx Stuart, your host. Want to learn more about this week's guest? + https://www.themichaelrubino.com/+ https://homecleanse.com/+ https://www.instagram.com/themichaelrubino/Thank you to this month's show partners for joining us to help you make your low tox swaps! 15% off site-wide @blockbluelight_official with code LOWTOXLIFE to help you with your lighting, health and skin goals enhanced by light - or lack thereof! When Daniel the founder felt awful at work and wanted to figure out why, he realised it was the fluorescent lighting and started to block it out - he was shocked, and you will be too! Enjoy! https://bit.ly/blockbluelight_lowtoxlife@ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2025, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I've ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales - pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimateBe sure to join me on Instagram @lowtoxlife and tag me with your shares and AHAs if something resonated! I love to see your thoughts, genuinely! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Brynn Cooksey from Air Doctors and HVAC U to discuss critical topics facing the HVAC industry today. Brynn brings his unique perspective as both a successful contractor in southeast Michigan and an industry educator who has made the transition to focusing primarily on workforce development and training. The conversation begins with a deep dive into indoor air quality (IAQ), where Brynn challenges the common industry approach of throwing products at problems without proper testing. He emphasizes that effective IAQ solutions start with comprehensive testing to identify specific issues like high particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or excessive carbon dioxide levels. Rather than relying on "magic bullet" products, Brynn advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes ventilation strategies, source control, and proper filtration. He particularly stresses the importance of the "V" in HVAC, ventilation, which he believes is often overlooked in favor of flashier solutions. His company's protocol of testing on every customer visit, from first encounters to maintenance calls, has created a culture where technicians become comfortable discussing IAQ solutions based on actual data rather than assumptions. The discussion transitions into ethical sales practices, a topic that resonates strongly in an industry where pressure to sell can sometimes conflict with customer needs. Brynn defines unethical sales as pressuring customers into products that won't benefit them or failing to provide complete information about benefits and consequences. His approach centers on thorough customer surveys to understand actual problems and budget constraints, followed by tying specific solutions to identified issues. This methodology puts the customer in control of decisions while positioning the contractor as a trusted advisor rather than a high-pressure salesperson. Brynn argues that price alone doesn't determine ethics - rather, it's the intent behind recommendations and the transparency of communication that matters most. The final segment focuses on workforce development, an area where Brynn has found significant success. His company's registered apprenticeship program, developed through the Department of Labor, has become a competitive advantage in attracting talent while providing structured, in-house training. The program requires minimal cost beyond commitment to ethical treatment of apprentices and systematic tracking of their progress. Brynn's transition from contractor to educator demonstrates the growing need for comprehensive training programs that go beyond basic technical skills to include building science, customer service, and ethical business practices. His ongoing weekly training sessions focus on field trends and callback prevention, contributing to an impressive callback rate of less than 0.5%. Topics Covered Indoor Air Quality Testing and Assessment Using monitors like Air Advice for comprehensive IAQ evaluation Implementing testing protocols on every customer interaction Moving beyond product-focused solutions to holistic approaches Ventilation Strategies and Building Science The importance of mechanical ventilation and ERV systems Understanding the relationship between building envelope leakage and humidity issues Source control as the foundation of effective IAQ management Ethical Sales Practices Defining unethical sales and pressure tactics Customer survey techniques and solution-tying methodologies The concept of fiduciary duty in HVAC contracting Equipment Sizing and System Design The impact of oversized equipment on IAQ and comfort Proper load calculations and duct system design Static pressure testing and airflow optimization Workforce Development and Training Implementing registered apprenticeship programs Weekly training sessions focused on field trends and callback prevention Transitioning from contractor to educator and industry trainer Building Envelope and Duct System Integrity Air sealing strategies for improved humidity control The relationship between leaky envelopes and indoor air quality Duct modifications and system upgrades Customer Education and Professional Positioning Using testing data to support recommendations Overcoming price objections through professional credibility Building long-term customer relationships through transparency   Learn more about Brynn's work at hvactrain.com. You can also read his article in Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/brynncooksey/2025/02/19/rescuing-children-from-traditional-post-k-12-school-paths/. Learn more about the GRIT Foundation at https://www.thegritfoundation.com/.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

In this episode of Revolution Health Radio, Chris Kresser welcomes environmental wellness expert Michael Rubino for an in-depth conversation on the hidden health risks of indoor air pollution. They delve into why mold-related illness is more common than most people realize, how traditional mold testing methods often fail, and why household dust holds the key to understanding environmental exposure. Michael explains the concept of “clean breathing,” the impact of modern home construction on air quality, and how to assess your indoor environment using practical DIY tools. The discussion also covers overlooked threats like formaldehyde, VOCs, radon, and microplastics, as well as actionable strategies for remediation and improving ventilation. Finally, Michael offers essential advice for vetting professionals, avoiding costly missteps, and creating a healthier home environment for long-term well-being. The post RHR: Mold, Indoor Air Quality, and Clean Breathing, with Michael Rubino appeared first on Chris Kresser.

In today's episode, Dr. Odell explores environmental illness—a growing but often overlooked health crisis caused by exposure to toxins in our everyday surroundings. From air and water pollution to pesticides, mold, and heavy metals, these hidden environmental threats can trigger a wide range of chronic symptoms—from fatigue and asthma to chemical sensitivities and immune dysfunction. He'll explain: What environmental illness is How toxins like heavy metals, VOCs, and pesticides affect your body Why some people are more sensitive than others How to support your body's natural detoxification systems Practical, holistic strategies to heal and protect yourself using bioregulatory medicine Whether you're a practitioner or someone simply trying to live a cleaner, healthier life, this episode offers meaningful ideas to help you thrive in our increasingly toxic world.

Practical Nontoxic Living™ Raindrop | Ultimate Home Detox™ Unpacked What are the safest fabrics for your clothes, bedding, and home furnishings? In this follow-up to Episode 105, “Toxic Textiles,” Sophia prioritizes the certifications and most nontoxic fibers and materials to look for when shopping for clothing, linens (like bath towels, bed sheets, and kitchen cloths), and home decor — including rugs, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Episode 105 shares an enriching detox deep dive. But if you want high-impact takeaways from the detox deep dive within 6 minutes, episode 106 is for you! This short Raindrop episode shares three helpful tips to identify safer, low-tox fabrics to reduce your toxic exposure from what sits on your skin (like clothes and bedding) and to cultivate a healthier, more healing home environment. Learn which natural fibers to prioritize, and how labels like GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, linen, and OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN fit into smarter shopping decisions. Whether you're updating your wardrobe, redecorating your living space, or simply replacing your towels, this episode will empower you to choose fabrics that reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, VOCs, and other hidden toxins.

Brendan Vermeire, FMHP opens with a powerful assessment: Americans are sicker than ever, weighed down by lifestyle-related illness, toxic overload, and chronic stress. He stresses mindset—victim vs. victor mentality—as the pivotal factor in healing, followed closely by consistent exercise. We then explore the hidden burden of environmental toxins (glyphosate, EMFs, mold, VOCs, microplastics, PFAS) that erode hormonal balance, metabolism, and immunity. Brendan argues that while pharmaceuticals like Ozempic have a role, they must be used within the context of proper nutrition, movement, and psychological resilience. Finally, he pitches his new “Mastering Mold Illness” course and textbook—designed to train practitioners and help more people reclaim their lives.00:00 – 01:00 | Brendan agrees: “The American collective has never been more compromised.”01:00 – 03:00 | Lifestyle-induced illness: 88% metabolically ill, 70% overweight—“It's staggering.”03:11 – 05:00 | Mindset matters: “Victim or Victor, it's your choice.”05:15 – 06:30 | Power of resilience: “Placebo‑nocebo... do I believe I can heal?”09:36 – 10:07 | Exercise wins: “What type of movement do you enjoy?”14:19 – 16:31 | Toxic environment: “We ingest, breathe, drink… this toxic soup.”20:05 – 21:03 | Hormones + peptides: “Can move the needle fastest with quality of life.”32:34 – 35:02 | Blood chemistry: “People who apply themselves in the gym get better results.”36:14 – 38:36 | Ozempic nuance: “Minimum effective dose is always a good way to go.”40:06 – 41:35 | Course launch: “Mastering Mold Illness” and accompanying textbook.

What if the water in your home is doing more harm than good?In this episode, Neil sits down with Nelson, a U.S. manufacturer and founder of Sentry H2O, to unpack the dirty truth about most filtration systems and what clean water actually looks like in the 21st century.Nelson shares how his decades in product manufacturing led him to build a water filtration company that's not only beating cancer in his own life, but also helping animals live longer, supporting missionaries in Africa, and even getting attention from U.S. political leaders. In This Episode, We Cover:✅ Why Chinese suppliers are sneaking around tariffs and how to avoid their tactics✅ How American-made products are regaining global leverage✅ The toxic truth about “clean” water and what actually gets filtered✅ How Sentry H2O removes fluoride, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and nanoplastics✅ Why dogs, horses, and even fish live longer on this water✅ The founder's personal story of using oxygenated water to fight cancer✅ How you can test your water and get a system built specifically for your homeChapters:[00:01:02] Nelson's Background: 25+ Years in Manufacturing[00:02:20] How China Repackages Products to Dodge Tariffs[00:04:00] Why U.S. Manufacturing is Gaining Ground[00:08:03] What Sentry H2O Filters Out (Fluoride, VOCs, Pharmaceuticals, More)[00:14:02] Whole-Home System: From Dishwasher to Shower[00:16:22] Portable Filters Designed for Astronauts and Missionaries[00:18:00] How Nelson Used His Own Water System to Beat a Health Scare[00:23:01] Pets Prefer It: Dogs, Horses, and Even Fish[00:25:35] Use Code “NEIL” at SentryH2O.com for 10 Percent Off[00:27:44] Hydration, Alkalinity, and the Power of Clean Water 

    The Green Impact Report Quick take: Mark Snyder introduces a groundbreaking approach to indoor air purification using microalgae bioreactors that not only clean air more effectively than traditional methods but could potentially save billions in energy costs while addressing common challenges in energy-efficient sealed buildings.   Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion As the CEO of VerdeTerra, Mark Snyder brings a diverse background spanning automotive engineering (including work on the Honda NSX supercar), aerospace contracting for NASA, and management consulting at Porsche Consulting.    With an engineering foundation complemented by an MBA from SDA Bocconi in Italy and studies in Shanghai, Mark combines technical expertise with business acumen to develop sustainable solutions that deliver both environmental and economic benefits.  

In this episode, Dave and Chris cover environmental monitoring, trade shows, manufacturing, tariffs, new test equipment, and AI coding.

Just because the temperature is rising doesn't mean your electric bill has to. Introducing cooling paints: Jared and Andrew discuss how painting your house with specialized coatings can noticeably reduce the temperature. We dive into the physics behind these paints and the materials that make them possible. We explore topics ranging from common pigments to health concerns over VOCs and Nanoparticle inclusion. The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this link [HERE] to unlock full access to the Bulletin with a free ACerS membership. This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more. For this episode we read through [this article] in our research. Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show! If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter. Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz speaks with Patrick Torbey, CEO and Co-Founder of Neoplants, about using genetic engineering and microbiome innovation to tackle indoor air pollution. Patrick explains how Neoplants is turning everyday houseplants into powerful air purifiers using synthetic biology, offering insights into VOC degradation, enzyme pathways, and data-driven R&D. ​​What You'll Learn in This Episode: How genetically modified plants and microbiomes can reduce indoor air pollution by targeting VOCs like formaldehyde and benzeneThe scientific and engineering challenges of modifying indoor plants at the genomic levelWhy data-driven testing and simulation are critical to optimizing plant function and user impactThe role of synthetic biology in creating sustainable, scalable biotech productsPatrick's vision for solving climate challenges through engineered plant ecosystems ​​Meet Our Guest: Patrick Torbey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Neoplants, a Paris-based biotech startup engineering plants to purify indoor air. With a PhD in genetic editing and deep expertise in synthetic biology, Patrick leads Neoplants in building functional, aesthetically unique, and sustainable plant systems for the future. About The Host: Ross Katz is the Principal Data Scientist at CorrDyn. He brings decades of experience across biotech, energy, and non-profit sectors, with a focus on building smarter data systems, machine learning pipelines, and actionable insights for complex industries. Connect with Our Guest: Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancyFind out more about NeoplantsConnect with Patrick Torbey on LinkedIn Connect with Us: Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

This week's EYE ON NPI features a new 'everything' sensor, the Sensirion SEN66 Environmental Sensor Node (https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/s/sensirion/environmental-sensor-node-sen6x) . This is a highly-anticipated update to the SEN5x (https://www.digikey.com/en/videos/s/sensirion/eye-on-npi-sen54-environmental-sensor-node) goes hard on gas sensing, with VOC, NOx and CO2 sensors built in. You can even update to the SEN68 and get formaldehyde HCHO sensing! What we like about this series is the complete solution for all kinds of environmental sensing with a single cable. Sensirion is one of our fav sensor companies: from classics like the SHT45 (https://www.adafruit.com/product/5665) to the popular SGP30 (https://www.adafruit.com/product/3709) and the high quality SCD30 (https://www.adafruit.com/product/4867) we have made breakouts for many-a-sensor from this company. Lately they've started to do fully integrated products - like the SEN5x series (https://www.digikey.com/en/videos/s/sensirion/eye-on-npi-sen54-environmental-sensor-node) that we covered earlier on EYE ON NPI. The SEN54 series has particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10) dust sensing, plus temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with the SEN55 adding NOx. We saw this sensor often paired with an SCD30 (https://www.digikey.com/short/d1h3t1n4) or SCD4x (https://www.digikey.com/short/zmh2zjz3) to add CO2 sensing. Those folks will like the look of the SEN6x series as now we get CO2 sensing in all but the lowest-cost SEN60. One thing to note with CO2 sensing is that once a week it needs to 'self-calibrated' by letting it sense fresh outdoor air which will be ~400ppm. This isn't a bad idea for your health either. Another new sensor added in the upcoming SEN68 is formaldehyde, which integrates the SFA30 (https://www.digikey.com/short/2d5fb8rt). If you've used the SEN5x series, (https://www.digikey.com/en/videos/s/sensirion/eye-on-npi-sen54-environmental-sensor-node) you're probably familiar with their connection interface: a JST GH 6-pin cable is used to connect and provide power and I2C data connection. However, one thing to note is that the cable is the same but the pinout has changed. Power is now 3.3V instead of 5.0 and there's no UART interface, so the SEL pin is not available. For that reason, if you'd like to use the same cable, go for it - but the circuitry will need to change...for example we're revising our SEN5x breakout (https://www.digikey.com/short/h0jffnm2)! We like that, just as with the SEN5x series, the SEN6x (https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/s/sensirion/environmental-sensor-node-sen6x) uses plain I2C to communicate. This makes it easy to integrate with any microcontroller or microcomputer, and the added CRC helps avoid accidental data corruption from EMI or loose cables. The interface is not just to each individual sensor - there's only one I2C address and command structure and once you initialize the sensor you can read all values at once for 'timestamped' consistency. The commands are easy to implement, but if you want a head-start, check out the Sensirion GitHub account (https://github.com/Sensirion?q=sen6&type=all&language=&sort=), they have code in C and Python for a 5-minute quick start. Excited to check this fancy new combo-sensor out? You're in luck because DigiKey has the Sensirion SEN66 Environmental Sensor Node (https://www.digikey.com/short/0d4jt424) in stock right now for immediate shipment! Order today and DigiKey will ship it you in an instant - you will be sensing up a storm by tomorrow afternoon! See at DigiKey https://www.digikey.com/short/0d4jt424 See Sensiron's video https://www.digikey.com/api/videos/videoplayer/smallplayer/6371044300112 Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com ----------------------------------------- LIVE CHAT IS HERE! http://adafru.it/discord Subscribe to Adafruit on YouTube: http://adafru.it/subscribe New tutorials on the Adafruit Learning System: http://learn.adafruit.com/ -----------------------------------------

Living healthy doesn't have to mean going broke. Yes, pasture-raised eggs, non-toxic furniture, and sauna setups can get ridiculously expensive — but that doesn't mean you have to compromise your health just because you're on a budget. In this episode, I walk through a number of practical swaps and cost-saving strategies you can leverage to live healthy without overspending. From cold plunging in natural bodies of water instead of buying a $5,000 tub (no, it's not the same, but it's close enough if you need to save money), to skipping overpriced olive oil and cooking with butter, there are tradeoffs that make sense without sacrificing your well-being. I also talk about how we've drastically cut down on laundry costs using an ozone system, and why buying secondhand furniture might be better for your health than brand-new. A lot of this comes down to avoiding the trap of “health through consumerism.” You don't need a high-end gadget to reduce EMFs — just turn off your Wi-Fi. You don't need to subscribe to every wellness app — just go outside and breathe. It's not about being cheap. It's about spending where it matters, skipping what doesn't, and remembering that the simplest solutions are often the most powerful. Learn more: The Health Benefits of Barefoot Shoes: https://michaelkummer.com/barefoot-shoes-benefits/  Radiant Life Whole House Water Filtration System Review: https://michaelkummer.com/radiant-life-whole-house-review/  Best 5 Cold Plunge Tubs (Coldest to Most Budget Friendly): https://youtu.be/BLdbn6HX-2Q  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more.  Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/  Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop  In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - Cold plunging for free 02:45 - Budget grass-fed meat & bulk beef 04:25 - Minimal non-toxic wardrobe 06:10 - Diy detergents & ozone laundry 07:20 - Seasonal, local produce timing 08:25 - Barefoot shoes, fewer pairs 09:15 - Buy used furniture to cut VOCs 09:55 - Filter tap water & diy sparkling 11:00 - Build a simple “Pretty Good House” 12:27 - Fold-up sauna alternatives 13:29 - Cook with butter & saved animal fat 14:41 - Buy the best eggs you can afford 15:37 - Free bodyweight & micro-workouts 17:10 - Sunlight over tanning salons 17:45 - Lifestyle beats immune supplements 18:01 - Nature walks vs meditation apps 18:20 - Unplug devices to cut EMF 19:01 - Library books over streaming 19:36 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Biohacking #BudgetBiohacks #FreeHealthyLifestyle   

What if the greatest performance enhancer isn't a pill, a device, or a protocol—but the air you're breathing right now? What if the quality of that air is silently shaping your sleep, your focus, your aging… even your future?My guest today is someone who lives at the intersection of wellness, innovation, and purpose. Helen Christoni is a health and wellness expert, educator, and a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience leading transformational brands. She's currently the Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships at Ideal Living, the force behind AirDoctor, AquaTru, and AromaTru, where she helps connect people worldwide to wellness tech that truly matters. At Ideal Living, the team firmly believes in Wellness Tech that serves a greater purpose, recognizing that access to pure air and clean water is a fundamental right for everyone.At our own Gateway Clinic in Santa Monica, we've seen firsthand the impact of using AirDoctor, especially in the wake of California's wildfires.Helen's brilliance doesn't stop at business. She's a passionate athlete who's run the Boston Marathon five times, completed three 100-mile ultramarathons, and, this gave me chills: she and her husband became two of only 16,000 people on Earth to complete all six World Marathon Majors, choosing to run Tokyo, Berlin, and Chicago all in the same year after one of the hardest seasons of their lives.This is a conversation about resilience, breath, and the unseen forces that either deplete us, or heal us.Episode highlights:0:00 – What if air is the greatest performance enhancer? 1:45 – Meet Helen Christi: Wellness leader, athlete, changemaker5:20 – Helen's health crash: Pelvis fractures, early menopause, and severe osteoporosis8:10 – Toxic environments, beauty industry exposure, and the turning point12:15 – Recovery, mentorship, and discovering clean air as medicine15:40 – Running 100-mile races and all six World Marathon Majors18:30 – Why pure air matters for endurance and inflammation21:05 – The "get it done" mindset and leading from trust24:45 – Clean air and water as human rights, not privileges28:00 – Systemic inflammation, detoxing during sleep, and foundational wellness32:20 – Surprising pollutants: Microplastics, VOCs, and how they harm the brain36:30 – Behind the tech: What makes AirDoctor different (Ultra-HEPA, VOC filters)41:50 – Mental health, pollution, and that "heavy" hotel room feeling45:30 – Real-world air disasters and the urgent need for preparedness50:10 – What Helen recommends beyond buying an air purifier52:00 – Where to follow Helen and learn moreResources mentioned:Ideal Living https://idealliving.com/Guest's social handles:LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-christoni-5416ab5INSTAGRAMHelen Christoni https://www.instagram.com/helenchristoni/AirDoctor Pro https://www.instagram.com/airdoctorpro/AquaTru https://www.instagram.com/aquatru/

Today we're talking about something toxic hiding right under your nose… inside the walls in your home, in fact. The nasty pink fiberglass insulation contains formaldehyde and binding agents that release harmful VOCs into your home for years. Those tiny glass fibers can become airborne, causing respiratory issues, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Studies link long-term exposure to fiberglass to serious health conditions. But what if there's a better alternative that's been around for thousands of years? Something that won't harm you, your family, or the planet. A material that naturally regulates moisture, reduces noise, resists fire, and actually helps clean your indoor air. We explore why wool insulation is superior for homes and commercial buildings. Joining us is Andrew W. Legge, founder of Havelock Wool, who's passionate about New Zealand wool and creating positive change in the building industry.   KEY TAKEAWAYS What homeowners must consider when choosing healthy insulation The main different insulation products Common toxic materials found in conventional insulation How insulation materials affect indoor air quality and occupant health The sustainable and non-toxic insulation options available Differences in the installation process with wool Why wool has been growing in popularity as an insulation material How poor air quality can contribute to mental fatigue or other cognitive issues The short-term and long-term benefits of healthier building materials Misconceptions homeowners have about “green” or sustainable materials when it comes to insulation What homeowners or renovators should look for when choosing healthy materials àFriends, to learn more about the incredible benefits of wool insulation, head over to https://havelockwool.com! àAs always, be sure to head to HealthyHomeHacks.com for all of the links and show notes. As always, we appreciate you subscribing to the Healthy Home Hacks podcast and leaving a review. Five stars are always appreciated if you find our show useful or just plain entertaining. Until next time – stay healthy!

What if the air freshener in your car was more dangerous than the pollution outside? In this explosive episode, Darin reveals what's really inside those “harmless” little trees hanging from car mirrors—and why they could be silently damaging your health. Backed by real science and peer-reviewed studies, Darin uncovers the shocking truth about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the health effects on the brain and lungs, and the corporations that won't label them. You'll also learn how to detox your air, reclaim your health, and even start a grassroots movement to get a fragrance-free option in ride shares like Uber and Lyft. Studies: There's this study called “Volatile Chemical Emissions from Car Air Fresheners”—and wow. Researchers analyzed 12 popular car fresheners—those trees, clips, sprays, gels—you name it. Here's what they found: 546 volatile organic compounds. That's VOCs. Out of those, 30 were considered potentially hazardous—things like formaldehyde, benzene, and other stuff you definitely don't want marinating your brain. And you know what's wild?
Not a single one of those hazardous chemicals was listed on the label.
(Steinemann et al., 2020) There's a study called “Fragranced Consumer Products: Effects on Asthmatics”—and it found that over 64% of people with asthma reported real symptoms from these scented products: wheezing, headaches, even full-on asthma attacks. And 41% said air fresheners were the trigger (Steinemann, 2017). Another one? “Migraine Headaches and Fragranced Consumer Products.” Nearly half of the people who get migraines said air fresheners specifically set them off (Steinemann & Nematollahi, 2020). And if you're neurodivergent—like folks with autism? This next one breaks my heart.
In the study “Fragranced Consumer Products: Effects on Autistic Adults,” 83.7% of autistic individuals said fragranced products triggered serious neurological and respiratory problems—and 63% said air fresheners were one of the worst offenders (Steinemann, 2018). In a study out of Nigeria, researchers exposed mice to a solid commercial air freshener. After a few weeks, the mice showed increased anxiety, depression-like behavior, memory loss, and signs of oxidative stress in the brain. Their brains were literally under chemical assault.
The study's called “Neurobehavioral Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Solid Air Freshener in Mice.” Check it out—it's eye-opening (Umukoro et al., 2019). Sorry to tell you… greenwashed products aren't any better. In the same 2020 study I mentioned earlier, researchers tested “natural” versions too—and found no meaningful difference in the chemicals they released (Steinemann et al., 2020).     What You'll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 – Introduction: The truth about air fresheners 00:44 – Why Darin refuses to use ride shares with scent trees 01:50 – The hidden study on VOCs in popular car air fresheners 02:30 – 546 chemicals discovered—30 considered hazardous 03:00 – Where is the regulation? Why there are no labels 03:55 – Formaldehyde, benzene, and what they do to your body 05:00 – The link between asthma, headaches, and fragrances 05:45 – 64% of asthmatics report fragrance-triggered symptoms 06:25 – What these chemicals do to neurodivergent individuals 07:10 – Mice studies: anxiety, memory loss, oxidative stress 08:40 – Ubers, Lyfts, and chronic chemical exposure 09:15 – “Greenwashed” products are just as toxic 10:00 – No regulation, no labeling: the wild west of scent marketing 10:50 – A call to action: the Uber/Lyft fragrance-free movement 12:02 – How to tag and campaign for safer ride shares 13:00 – What you can use instead: baking soda, charcoal, and nature 14:40 – Exactly how to ask a driver to remove chemical air fresheners 15:41 – Final message: take your air—and your health—back     Don't Forget... I just launched my brand new program Superlife Supermind. Visit my website https://superlife.com/ to learn more about how you can get rid of stress, improve sleep and overall health today.     Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences   Key Takeaway: "Your car shouldn't smell like a fake ocean breeze—it should smell like clean, chemical-free life." – Darin Olien     Bibliography: 1. Steinemann, A., et al. (2020). Volatile chemical emissions from car air fresheners. Link 2. Steinemann, A. (2017). Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatics. Link 3. Steinemann, A. (2018). Fragranced consumer products: effects on autistic adults. Link 4. Steinemann, A., & Nematollahi, N. (2020). Migraine headaches and fragranced consumer products. Link 5. Umukoro, S., et al. (2019). Neurobehavioral Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Solid Air Freshener in Mice. Link

We're diving deep into the world of AI and healthy homes with the fabulous Jill Czarnik from The Tribalist! In this chat, we unpack how artificial intelligence can be your new best friend in creating a healthier living space. Jill dishes out the scoop on why our homes might be making us feel less than stellar and how AI can help navigate the overwhelming sea of products and materials that can affect our well-being. We also explore the fascinating intersection of sustainability and technology, and how making conscious choices can lead to a happier, healthier home environment. So buckle up, because this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and a dash of humor that'll have you rethinking your living space in no time!In the second hour of the show, Eric G. dives deep into the world of healthy living with Jill Czarnik, co-founder of The Tribalist. They explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and home wellness, shedding light on how technology can help us create healthier living environments. Jill shares some eye-opening insights about the hidden dangers lurking in our homes, like VOCs and harmful chemicals emitted from common household items. They discuss how our modern obsession with convenience often leads us to overlook the impact of these substances on our health. With a light-hearted touch, Eric and Jill banter about the quirky habits we've developed—like buying air fresheners to mask odors instead of addressing the root causes. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with practical tips and a newfound awareness of how AI can serve as a personal health concierge, helping tailor solutions to individual needs and lifestyles. From air filtration to sustainable product choices, the conversation is packed with valuable information that could change the way we think about our living spaces.Takeaways: In the podcast, Eric and Jill discuss how AI can tailor solutions for a healthier home environment, diving deep into personalized recommendations. Jill highlights the importance of understanding the chemical composition of household items, emphasizing that many products can be surprisingly harmful to our health. The conversation touches on the evolution of consumer awareness, especially regarding the toxicity of common household products and the need for better education. Eric shares his experience using an air quality monitor, revealing shocking levels of harmful substances in everyday items like pillows and furniture. Jill explains that AI can assist in creating a comprehensive sustainable living strategy, making it easier to identify and mitigate health risks in our homes. The duo encourages listeners to rethink their shopping habits and prioritize quality over quantity, especially regarding home furnishings and cleaning products. Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.commonumentgrills.comthetribalist.comTo get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early

This podcast episode is of Bryan's session from the HVAC School Symposium, "10 Things I've Learned in the Last 10 Years." Delivered as HVAC School approaches its 10-year milestone and Kalos hits 20 years, Bryan blends technical know-how with personal stories, revealing how his “expertise” is a product of constant learning—often from the very audience he's addressing. Bryan's presentation weaves together practical HVAC lessons and relatable anecdotes, offering a glimpse into his growth as a technician, educator, and leader. He tackles wire sizing versus breaker sizing, debunking outdated myths tied to the National Electrical Code and sharing tales of sparring with inspectors over code-compliant innovations. On vent sweating and duct leakage, he provides actionable fixes—like sealing boots and tackling attic moisture—while urging techs to look beyond bandaids. Bryan also dives into coil corrosion, distinguishing formicary from galvanic causes and advocating for field-driven research over manufacturer spin. His interactive style shines as he pauses for audience questions, fostering a dynamic exchange where attendees refine his insights. The talk balances technical depth with human wisdom, spotlighting patience, joy, and consistency as cornerstones of his journey. Bryan recounts Eureka moments—like unraveling why high-latent markets defy evaporator temperature expectations—and credits mentors like Jim Bergmann and peers like Jordan Cummings for sharpening his perspective. He wraps up with a personal touch, addressing work-life balance as a father of 10 and business owner, advocating for mutual sacrifice with family over unilateral trade-offs.  Topics Covered: Wire Sizing vs. Breaker Sizing: Debunks NEC myths and shares strategies for navigating inspector challenges. Vent Sweating Solutions: Offers practical fixes like sealing boots and managing attic moisture sources. Evaporator Temperature in High-Latent Markets: Explains unexpected suction pressure behavior with lower airflow. Control Layers in Ducts and Walls: Clarifies roles of vapor, air, and thermal barriers in system design. Formicary vs. Galvanic Corrosion: Differentiates coil leak causes, highlighting VOCs and flux issues. Low-Level CO Monitoring: Stresses its importance for safety in homes with combustion appliances. Duct Leakage: Links leaks to moisture and pressure woes, with visual diagnostic tips. Filtration Importance: Pushes for larger, sealed filters over inadequate factory setups. Compression Ratio and Dehumidification: Explores why ductless/inverter systems falter at moisture removal. Personal Growth and Joy: Ties patience, consistency, and community to a rewarding career. Work-Life Balance: Shares lessons on balancing family and work through shared sacrifice.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

Does your business require a clean, sterile environment free of airborne contaminants, odors and viruses? FinalFilters.com has a range of last-stage air filters that serve the needs of diverse industries. Learn more at https://www.finalfilters.com FinalFilters.com City: Spokane Address: 4008 East Broadway Avenue Website: https://www.finalfilters.com

Your house should be your safe space. But what if it's the source of your symptoms? In this solo episode of Super Life, Darin Olien uncovers the hidden poisons lurking inside your home—from cookware and furniture to cleaning products and carpets. Darin breaks down the scientific research behind common toxins like PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde, and flame retardants, and shows you how these “fatal conveniences” may be silently disrupting your hormones, damaging your gut, and weakening your immune system. You'll walk away from this episode with practical, easy-to-implement solutions that will help you detox your environment and build a home that supports vitality, longevity, and true wellness.   1. Formaldehyde in Your Home: The Silent Threat Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant found in engineered wood products, cabinetry, moldings, countertops, and furniture. It is classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization and has been linked to respiratory issues, asthma, and even leukemia (Zhang et al., 2020). How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure:  Opt for solid wood furniture instead of pressed wood.  Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes.  Keep your home well-ventilated with HEPA air purifiers.    2. The Hidden Dangers of PFAS (Forever Chemicals) PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof clothing, and even drinking water. Studies show these chemicals accumulate in the body and are linked to cancer, hormonal imbalances, immune system suppression, and reproductive toxicity (DeWitt et al., 2019). How to Reduce PFAS Exposure:  Switch to cast iron or stainless steel cookware.  Avoid stain-resistant treatments on carpets and furniture.  Use water filters certified to remove PFAS.    3. Plastics: More Than Just an Environmental Issue Plastics release harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system, leading to infertility, metabolic disorders, and even neurological issues (Talsness et al., 2009).  How to Reduce Plastic Exposure:  Use glass or stainless steel containers.  Avoid microwaving food in plastic.  Choose BPA-free household products.    4. Carpets: A Reservoir of Toxins and Allergens Carpets harbor SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, and pesticides, making them a major source of indoor air pollution and allergens. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable (Cao et al., 2017). How to Reduce Carpet-Related Risks:  Choose natural fiber rugs like wool or cotton.  Regularly clean with a HEPA vacuum.  Use non-toxic carpet cleaners.    5. Fragrances: The Airborne Toxins in Your Home Synthetic fragrances found in air fresheners, candles, cleaning products, and perfumes contain phthalates and VOCs that are linked to respiratory issues, migraines, and hormone disruption (Steinemann, 2018).  How to Detox Your Home's Air:  Use essential oil diffusers instead of synthetic air fresheners.  Choose fragrance-free cleaning products.  Improve indoor air quality with houseplants like peace lilies and spider plants.    SuperLife Home Detox: Steps to Create a Healthy Living Space Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products – Avoid harsh chemicals; opt for vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.  Improve Ventilation – Open windows daily and use HEPA air filters.  Filter Your Water – Invest in a high-quality water filtration system to remove PFAS, chlorine, and heavy metals.  Avoid Toxic Furniture and Decor – Choose organic bedding, non-toxic paint, and untreated wood furniture.  Ditch the Plastics – Use glass, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives for food storage and cookware.  Go Green with Personal Care Products – Check labels for parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.   Conclusion The reality is, our homes can be filled with hidden toxins that impact our health in ways we don't even realize. But the good news? We have the power to change that. By making small, intentional choices—like choosing cleaner products, improving ventilation, and ditching harmful plastics—you can create a SuperLife-approved home that truly supports your well-being. Have you taken steps to detox your home? Share your experience with us on social media @DarinOlien, and let's keep this conversation going! Stay tuned for more episodes to help you live a SuperLife.     What You'll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – Welcome to Super Life and the surprising truth about toxic homes (00:03:08) Is Your House Poisoning You? – An eye-opening look at invisible toxins in your space (00:04:38) Formaldehyde in Your Furniture – Linked to asthma, leukemia, and chronic inflammation (00:06:10) Mold in Modern Homes – Why most homes are mold traps (and how to test for it) (00:07:22) How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure – Go solid wood, support local artisans, avoid pressboard (00:09:32) VOCs, Paints & Finishes – What to avoid and how to seal furniture safely (00:10:52) PFAS in Everyday Items – “Forever chemicals” in cookware, fabrics, and drinking water (00:12:11) The Real Risks of PFAS – Cancer, hormone imbalance, immune suppression & more (00:13:12) What to Buy Instead – Titanium pans, stainless steel, and safe fabrics (00:15:23) Plastics & Food – Why your cutting boards, containers, and Tupperware are a problem (00:16:40) Don't Microwave Plastic – BPA, phthalates, and how they affect fertility & metabolism (00:17:38) The Truth About Carpets – Reservoirs for allergens, VOCs, pesticides & flame retardants (00:18:56) Safe Alternatives for Carpets – Organic fibers, plant-based dyes, and HEPA-filter vacuums (00:19:25) The Hidden Dangers of Fragrance – How perfumes and air fresheners disrupt your hormones (00:20:58) Detox Your Air – The best plants, diffusers, and DIY solutions for clean indoor air (00:22:02) Reclaiming Your Environment – Easy changes that make a huge difference (00:23:06) Natural Laundry Hacks – Vinegar, borax, and lemon: cheap and powerful (00:24:00) Final Thoughts – You have the power to detox your home and change your life Key Resources Mentioned: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find More from Darin: Instagram: @darinolien Website: darinolien.com Book: Fatal Conveniences   Key Takeaway: "You can't build health on a toxic foundation. Start with your home—it's the easiest place to take back control."     Bibliography: Cao, Z. et al. (2017). Carpet: Accomplice in Children's Exposure to Toxic SVOCs Indoors.  DeWitt, J. et al. (2019). Potential Health Effects of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  Steinemann, A. (2018). Exposures and Effects from Fragranced Consumer Products.  Zhang, W. et al. (2020). Exposure to Formaldehyde in the Indoor Environment and Its Impact on Health.  Talsness, C. et al. (2009). Endocrine Disruptors from Plastics and Health Risks. 

In a quiet laboratory in Manchester, a quiet revolution is brewing that could dramatically reshape the construction industry's environmental impact. LAMDA, a groundbreaking wool insulation panel, promises to challenge the dominance of petrochemical-based building materials while offering a sustainable, health-conscious alternative.Vicente Orts Mercadillo from Vector Homes and Ruth Marie Mackrodt of Wool Insulation Wales are pioneering a material that does far more than simply keep buildings warm. Their innovation tackles multiple environmental and health challenges simultaneously."Construction is responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions," explains Ruth, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. In the UK alone, 9% of the national carbon footprint comes from manufacturing construction materials.The LAMDA panel's credentials are impressive. Made from Welsh mountain sheep wool, it's fire-retardant, sound-absorbing, breathable, and capable of neutralising volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Perhaps most crucially, it's fully circular - at the end of its life, the panel can be recycled to create new insulation.Currently, between 70-90% of Europe's wool clip is buried in the ground annually - a shocking waste of a potentially revolutionary material. Vicente, a material scientist, describes wool as "a highly technical fibre" that nature has "bio-engineered" over thousands of years.The panel's unique structure comes from wool's inherent properties. Its crimped fibres trap air pockets, providing exceptional insulation. The fibres' scaled exterior allows them to tangle, creating a network that breathes while maintaining thermal efficiency.Critically, LAMDA addresses a significant health concern. A recent study suggested that around 4,000 childhood asthma cases in the UK are caused annually by formaldehyde inhalation from construction materials. LAMDA not only avoids using formaldehyde but can actually absorb such harmful chemicals from indoor environments.The current insulation market is dominated by energy-intensive mineral wools and petrochemical foams. In the UK, less than 0.1% of insulation is bio-based - a statistic the LAMDA team is determined to change."Change doesn't have to come from the top," Ruth emphasises. "It can come from the bottom, with lots of people making the right choices."The team is actively seeking collaboration with architects, designers, and investors. Their vision extends beyond the UK, with potential for global replication using local wool resources.As the world grapples with climate crisis, LAMDA represents more than just an insulation product. It's a potential blueprint for reimagining how we construct our built environment - prioritising human and planetary health.Vicente dreams of a design approach that reconnects people with local materials and their surrounding environment. Ruth advocates for a longer-term perspective that considers environmental and health costs beyond immediate economic gains.LAMDA might just be the wonder that helps us build a more sustainable future - one panel at a time.www.wulltechnologies.comhttps://www.vectorhomes.co.ukhttps://web-eur.cvent.com/event/6f895721-0d82-42d2-874b-3419d89f6ed8/summaryIf you like this, please subscribe!Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe to the digital edition or purchase a copy directly from us at the journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon. If you like our podcast and would like to support us in some way, you can buy us a coffee if you'd like to, thank you xWatch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand here www.biophilicdesignconference.com Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts. Did you know our podcast is also on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Stitcher, vurbl, podbay, podtail, and most if not all the RSS feeds?Facebook https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/Twitter https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsnLinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign

Eric's diving headfirst into the latest home improvement gossip in this mid-week update, and trust me, you don't want to miss it! He's got the scoop on Monument Grill's brand-spanking-new series of grills that'll have you grilling like a pro in no time. Plus, he's taken a wild ride with an air quality monitor, and let me tell you, the results are eye-opening—who knew your living room pillows could be such little troublemakers? We're also tackling some serious business with product recalls that could affect your home. So, buckle up for a fun episode packed with insights, laughs, and a sprinkle of home improvement wisdom!This week's Mid-Week update is a treasure trove of insights and revelations, all thanks to our buddy Eric G. He's been busy, and let me tell you, he's got quite a few juicy tidbits to share! First off, Monument Grill has dropped a brand new line of grills, and Eric is practically bubbling with excitement. He's raving about the Emanescence series, particularly the 405 model, which boasts some seriously cool features like a clear view window and a smart app syncing touch panel. I mean, who wouldn't want to peek at their burgers without letting all that precious heat escape? Eric's hands-on experience with this grill at his beach house has him convinced it's a game changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. If you're on the lookout for a grill that won't fall apart after a summer barbecue or two, Monument Grill is where you want to head. But that's not all; Eric is gearing up to showcase this grill at the National Hardware show soon. So, get ready to catch some sizzling updates from that event!Now, onto a rather surprising and essential gadget: an air quality monitor that Eric picked up off Amazon. He's been testing it around his house and wow, the findings are eye-opening! This little device measures everything from particulate matter to volatile organic compounds, and Eric shares some fascinating insights from his experiments. For instance, he discovered some carbon monoxide levels in his kitchen — not alarming, but definitely a nudge to keep an eye on things. Also, a casual stroll near his living room pillows made the monitor spike due to some sneaky formaldehyde emissions. Who knew cheap decor could be a hidden hazard? Eric's journey into air quality monitoring has him contemplating better ventilation options for his 1977 home, and trust us, you'll want to hear about his solutions!And just when you think it can't get better, Eric dives into the world of product recalls, and boy, do we have some doozies this week. From Igloo coolers that could potentially amputate your fingers (yikes!) to utility tractors that could just decide to part ways with their blades, this segment is packed with important safety alerts. Eric's lively discussion on these recalls not only keeps you informed but also adds a sprinkle of humor as he navigates through the list of hazards. It's a blend of information and entertainment that keeps the audience engaged and ready for action. So, grab your notepads, folks; there's plenty to learn from this week's episode, and trust me, you won't want to miss it!Takeaways: Eric introduces Monument Grill's new Emanescence series, featuring smart tech and a clear view window. He shares his air quality monitor findings, revealing surprising levels of VOCs in his home. A paint recycling program is introduced, but its questionable quality raises concerns about safety. Eric emphasizes the importance of ventilation after discovering increased CO2 levels in his tightly sealed home. Listeners are warned about recent product recalls, including dangerous items that could pose serious hazards. The upcoming weekend show promises an exciting reunion with old friends from a competing home improvement show. Companies mentioned in this episode: Monument Grills Amazon Target...

Tired of cleaning products that leave behind sticky residues, harsh fumes, and a nagging cough? Plus Manufacturing's Green Home Bundle offers a safer, soap-free way to keep your home clean without putting your family's health at risk. Click https://soapfreeprocyon.com/product/standard-home-bundle/ to learn more. Plus Manufacturing, Inc. City: Spokane Address: 2704 N Madelia St Website: https://soapfreeprocyon.com/

We spend about 80% of our time indoors, and as concern for how bad indoor air quality can impact us grows, so does the demand for healthier, well-managed spaces. With the surge in personal technology that allows us to ‘hack our health', future innovations could see real-time information on how the air we're breathing is affecting us. Today we hear how awareness and improved biomarker technology can be used to combat sick building syndrome, creating a healthier environment that protects people, and businesses, from the consequences of bad air. Our expert guest is a medical doctor who pivoted into the world of indoor air quality after being shocked by the interplay between the built environment and asthma and allergy triggers within indoor spaces. He is the CEO of Allergy Standards and Principle at iAIR Institute, Dr John McKeon.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTConcerns in the medical world about sick building syndrome Being informed and using good science for progress Implementing Asthma and Allergy Standards into the built environmentFive macro trends driving new desire for healthy buildings and good IAQUsing real-time biomarkers to collect real-time data on IAQ GUEST DETAILS John is principal at the iAIR Institute, a medical entrepreneur and currently the CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd (ASL), an international standards and certification body, a company he founded while working as an Emergency Room Doctor.  As the founder he has led the development of an international intellectual property portfolio of patents and trade mark applications and negotiated complex licensing agreements with multinationals such as P&G and 3M. Along the way he has secured significant equity investments as well as academic and industry grant awards.  As a serial entrepreneur, John is involved in a number of successful healthcare related ventures.https://www.allergystandards.com/dr-john-mckeon/ MORE INFORMATIONABOUT CAMFIL'S CAO INITIATIVEThe Chief Airgonomics Officer initiative was started by Camfil, a leading manufacturer in premium clean air solutions and an advocate for access to clean air.The Chief Airgonomics initiative is being driven at a time of urgency: sensitivities over air have heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, air pollutants are well known to damage the environment and the newly published WHO Air Quality Guidelines show us that air pollution is more damaging to human health than previously understood.The initiative is a direct response to these realities while also bringing to life Camfil's mission of protecting people, processes and the environment. It also puts into practice Camfil's knowledge and expertise built over more than half a century and that it is eager to share with its peers and wider audiences to improve people's lives.Our Vision : Clean and healthy Indoor Air should be a Human rightOur Mission: We want all companies and organisations to put clean and healthy indoor air on the agendaCamfil believes that real change can only happen through collaborative effort and wants your organisation to join the clean air movement and community. Start your clean indoor air journey today!CAO Website: https://www.chiefairgonomicsofficer.com/ CAO Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12679402/ Let's Talk Clean Air is produced for Camfil by Dustpod.ioQUOTESThere's lots of research showing that indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air pollution. - Dr. John McKeonIt's about education, it's about being informed, but it's also about really good science. - Dr. John McKeonOur journey started with products with asthma and allergy, but now we've broadened that to health and well being for everybody in the built environment. - Dr. John McKeon Part of that whole new value proposition of health and well being is employers all need to make sure, well, what's the indoor air quality? Not just IAQ, but IEQ, indoor environmental quality. - Dr. John McKeon So consumer tech is med tech, and it's about staying healthy. It's not rescue medicine. - Dr. John McKeonBiomarkers, I believe, are coming, but there's a lot of challenges. - Dr. John McKeon KEYWORDS#Indoorairquality #smartbuildings #asthma #VOCs #allergystandards #health #well-being, #biomarkers

We spend about 90 percent of our lives indoors, yet the air inside our homes and offices is often far more polluted than the air outside. Volatile organic compounds—better known as VOCs—are constantly emitted by furniture, cleaning products, and even the very walls around us. Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene—these chemicals sound like something you'd find in an industrial park, but they're actually in the places where we eat, sleep, and work.  Well, what if nature could give us a hand here? What if plants, and even microbes, could be supercharged to clean our air at a level that truly makes a difference? That's exactly the mission of today's guest: Patrick Torbey, CEO and co-founder of Neoplants. His company is using synthetic biology to enhance houseplants and their soil microbes with built-in air purification superpowers.  Right now, they are offering microbial powders called Power Drops to mix with water and sprinkle onto the soil of your own houseplants to super-charge their air purifying capacity. I already ordered mine and am using them now.  They also offer Neo Px, which is their all-in-one plant and microbe duo, including a Marble Queen Pothos.  The bottom line is that they claim their technology can make plants up to 30 times more effective at cleaning the air in our homes and offices than the plants we currently have today.  Their systems don't just filter air pollution but actually metabolize it into harmless compounds. In this episode, Patrick and I have a wide-ranging conversation about topics like synthetic biology, science fiction, nature vs. nurture, and of course, how his company's tech will both make money and make the world a better place. Already the company has raised more than $20 million in venture capital, with more still yet to come.  So, if you've ever wondered how science, business, and sustainability can come together to solve a problem hiding in plain sight—or in this case, plain smell—you won't want to miss this conversation.  Discussed in this episode You can order Neoplants' microbes for your houseplants' soil here. Our past podcast episodes with Pivot Bio (nitrogen-enhancing microbes) and Living Carbon (rapid-growth trees). Patrick discussed how reading Cosmos changed his life. There was also a 1980 TV Series by Sagan called Cosmos and an updated remake in 2014 by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Patrick discusses how China is planting forests outside cities to improve air quality. Patrick recommends reading science fiction, leading Paul to recommend a book he recently read, Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. More about Patrick Torbey Patrick Torbey is the co-founder and CEO of Neoplants, a Paris-based synthetic biology startup, engineering plants' genomes and microbiomes to have a positive impact on the air we breathe. Patrick has a PhD in genetic editing from ENS Paris, his expertise spans molecular biology, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship. He drove Neoplants R&D efforts for many years as CTO, and is now leading the company. Patrick is passionate about taking the “fi” out of “sci-fi.” He is fascinated by the potential of deep technologies to change the world for the better, and convinced that we need more and better GMOs to face the challenges of today in a sustainable way.

In this episode of The Joe Cohen Show, Joe explores the science of air purification and why investing in the right air purifiers and air filters is essential for optimizing health. He breaks down how poor indoor air quality—filled with mold spores, VOCs, and airborne pollutants—can impact energy levels, cognitive function, and inflammation. Joe shares his biohacking approach to selecting the most effective air filtration systems, including the latest technology for achieving cleaner air at home. If you're looking to upgrade your air quality, reduce toxins, and take control of your environment, this episode is for you.Buy the Air Purifiers:AZEUS UV Light Air Purifier on AmazonDAYETTE H14 Air Purifier on Amazon- Check out SelfDecode: https://selfdecode.com/- Join Joe's online community: https://thejoecohenshow.com/

Join us at the AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando for a live booth interview at AtmosAir with Tony Abate, a regular guest and expert on indoor air quality. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of bipolar ionization and its impact on what we breathe indoors. Tony discusses how AtmosAir is making the invisible visible by transforming indoor air quality with cutting-edge technology that monitors and improves the air we breathe every day. From the basics of air purification to the complex science of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Tony shares expert insights and real-time data that demonstrate how effective AtmosAir's solutions are in creating healthier indoor environments. Whether you're a professional in the HVAC industry or simply interested in the air quality of your surroundings, this episode offers valuable knowledge and practical solutions to ensure the air around us is clean and safe.

Your body is constantly being bombarded with toxins - everything from pesticides to mold, VOCs, microbes, scents, and more; and these toxins make you sick. But what if there was a way to capture these toxins to help you clear your system out more effectively?  This episode is all about binders: supplements we use to capture toxins from your body to safely eliminate them from your system   TOPICS DISCUSSED: The 8 best binders, what they are and how they work Using binders safely Pros and cons of different binders Who shuld or should not take binders What binder supplements are best (links below)   MY FAVOURITE BINDER SUPPLEMENTS: Nutridyn: Get 15% off Binder Pro by creating an account: https://gutsolution.nutridyn.com/binder-pro   Cellcore: Access discounts on Carboxy and Biotoxin Binder from Cellcore by using this code: 3UJbpZGx Click here to Register for Cellcore supplements     Leave us a Review: https://www.reversablepod.com/review   Need help with your gut? Click the link, or visit gutsolution.ca for help: Get help now   Supplements: Get 15% off Practitioner Grade Supplements (forever) by creating an account   Contact us: reversablepod.com/tips    SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram  Facebook  YouTube  

Did you know that 47% of homes have visible mold and that indoor air can be up to 10 times more toxic than outdoor air? Most of us focus on clean eating and water, but what about the air we breathe—10,000 liters daily? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Josh Axe sits down with Mike Feldstein, founder of Jaspr, a leading expert in air quality and filtration. Together, they dive deep into the hidden health risks lurking in your home and how to protect your family. Mike shares his firsthand experience in flood and mold remediation, his passion for clean air, and practical, actionable tips to transform your home into a sanctuary of health. Key Takeaways: The shocking truth about how mold and poor air quality affect your lungs, sleep, skin, and brain function Why your home is a “sealed box” trapping pollutants like VOCs, mold spores, and allergens The surprising connection between air quality and heart attacks, strokes, and even autoimmune conditions The importance of using industrial-grade air filtration in homes, especially for children and infants Easy, free tips to improve indoor air quality today—no matter your budget Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies, brain fog, or simply want to optimize your home's environment, this episode will arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to breathe easier—literally. Tune in to learn how the air you breathe could be the missing piece in your health journey and how to create a healthier, happier home for you and your loved ones. ------  00:00 Introduction 06:32 Indoor vs Outdoor Air Pollution 11:13 Symptoms of Poor Air Quality  18:16 Testing for Mold 26:52 Areas with Worst Mold Infestation 39:54 Invention of JASPR Air Filter 46:47 Tips to Protect Your Family ------  Want more of The Dr. Josh Axe Show? Subscribe to the YouTube channel. Follow Dr. Josh Axe Instagram Twitter Facebook Follow Mike Feldstein & Jaspr Mike Feldstein Instagram Jaspr Instagram Website ------  Links:  Head over to jaspr.co/axe and use code AXE for $400 off on orders placed before February 10th, 2025. ------  Ads Even if your bloodwork looks "normal," your symptoms could point to Cell Danger Response (CDR). Discover how to break free from CDR and unlock your full potential at https://beyondbloodwork.com/.

In episode 186, I discuss air quality with air quality expert and founder of Jaspr, Mike Feldstein. In this episode, we discuss:  The number one sign of poor indoor air quality/filtration. The problematic substances in your home's air that can impact health. What are VOCs? What does PM2.5 mean? Why we all need air filtration to support health. Practical tips to improve air quality. And more...   Mike Feldstein is the founder of Jaspr and an air quality expert. With a background in wildfire restoration, air quality consulting, and home remediation during some of the biggest natural disasters, Mike started Jaspr to innovate in air science and technology. His goal is to protect air quality and improve human health using the latest air quality science. If you are interested in getting a Jaspr unit for your home, go to: www.Jaspr.co and use the discount code: DRERIC

US dementia cases set to double by 2060; Study claims red meat a culprit in cognitive decline—but a close read reveals it's a lot of baloney; Aerobic exercise is best hedge against Alzheimer's; Prevagen ordered to drop memory claims; When a blood pressure cuff is too tight, can it throw off readings? An 80-year-old who takes DHEA wants to add pregnenolone; Oregon hospital patient awarded $900,000 after face catches fire during surgery; LA residents may suffer health consequences of pollutants long after wildfires quenched. 

Personal Note: I'm very sorry for the delay in publishing. We took a vacation to Florida to see the first launch of Blue Origins New Glenn rocket. Our 6 year old loves rockets and space —it was awesome! Although a bummer that all of the launches were at 1am. Quite a difficulty for a 6 year old and a wife that is 6 months pregnant. But they were troopers and really impressed me. If you can make it down to the space coast, I highly recommend it. My research project this week was about the microplastics we keep hearing about in our water bottles. As you read this one, please remember, absence of evidence isn't the same as evidence of harm. I do NOT want to worry anyone. But with all the talk about plastics in our water, I thought it was a good time to explore the plastic pipes that are in many of our houses. This is what I found out. Year Of The Opposite - Travis Stoliker's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We've all heard the concerns about microplastics in water bottles—especially when you leave them in a hot car. But here's a twist: the water lines running through many modern American homes are now made of plastic, too. It's called PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). And despite its widespread use, there are no large-scale, long-term human studies—or even randomized controlled trials—confirming whether PEX is 100% safe for our health.Before you panic, keep in mind that the absence of evidence isn't the same as evidence of harm. It just means research on PEX as a drinking water pathway hasn't fully caught up with its popularity. Here's the story so far:A Quick History of PEX• 1960s: PEX technology emerged, originally used for radiant floor heating in Europe.• 1980s–1990s: U.S. building codes gradually allowed its use for potable water.• 2000s: PEX gained traction as a flexible, freeze-resistant, and cost-effective alternative to copper or PVC.By now, it's the go-to solution for new builds and retrofits. Architects, plumbers, and homeowners alike praise its bendable nature, fewer connection points, and resistance to corrosion.What the Studies Say• Chemical Leaching: Laboratory tests have detected small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like MTBE, that can leach out of PEX into standing water (particularly when new). Researchers found these levels drop with regular use and flushing.• Taste and Odor: Some people report a temporary plastic taste or odor from new PEX. Studies suggest it usually fades over time.• Microplastics?: Most available data focus on chemical migration, not tiny plastic particles. Current regulatory checks haven't flagged microplastics as a concern with PEX, but the research is still thin.Regulatory Green LightPEX is approved under NSF/ANSI 61, a standard that tests for any contaminants leaching into drinking water at levels above acceptable thresholds. It also meets ASTM specifications for durability and performance. Local codes rely on these certifications to ensure PEX is safe for installation.Here's the rub: certification is not the same as a 20-year population study. Instead, it involves lab-based testing against chemical limits. Many experts consider it sufficient. Others wonder what the unresearched long-term effects might be.Where This Stands• Widely Used, Light on Human Data: Millions of homes already have PEX, with very few reported issues. But we still lack large-scale, longitudinal health research tracking real-world outcomes over decades.• Absence of Evidence ≠ Evidence of Harm: No data says PEX is dangerous. No data says it's perfectly harmless. It's simply a technology that outpaced in-depth human trials.• Takeaway: If microplastics in water bottles worry you, it's worth asking what other plastic pathways your drinking water flows through—and whether you're comfortable with the relative unknowns.Want to try a new perspective this week? Rethink your assumptions about what “safe” really means. Just because something passes today's regulatory hurdles doesn't guarantee a well of peer-reviewed, long-term RCT data. Sometimes we accept what's proven to “work fine” without a definitive 40-year, double-blind experiment behind it.That's not necessarily bad—it's just where we stand right now. If you're feeling curious or concerned, do a little digging into how your home's water system is built. It might surprise you how many modern houses rely on plastic from the curb to the kitchen sink.But we also must keep in mind to always ask ourselves: “Compared to What?” Meaning, if we don't want our water to be stored in or transported in Plastic, are we safer if it is transported in metal? Lead? (Flint?) Buckets? Rivers? All of these sources have concerns and contaminants of their own. I guess this is all to say, it's complicated. Stay curious. Stay positive.-TravisFurther Reading1. Residential Tap Water Contamination Following the Use of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Potable Water Pipes (Whelton et al., 2014)2. Volatile Organic Components Migrating from Plastic Pipes (HDPE, PEX, and PVC) into Drinking Water (Skjevrak et al., 2003) Get full access to Year Of The Opposite - Travis Stoliker's Substack at www.yearoftheopposite.com/subscribe

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! What if your home could do more than provide shelter—what if it could help heal the planet? In this episode, Eric Amyot, co-founder of Issho House, Oliizoi, and ReGen Earth Studio, talks about his visionary approach to sustainable and regenerative living. We explore groundbreaking innovations in home design, including self-sufficient, closed-loop systems that produce their own food, water, and energy. You'll also learn how waste-diverted, chemical-free materials are revolutionizing construction and why rethinking community ownership is key to making housing more equitable and resilient. A sustainable world starts at home and Eric is helping to make that a reality.HighlightsHow can homes be designed to not only minimize their environmental impact but also actively regenerate the planet?What steps can be taken to reduce the waste and health risks associated with traditional home construction?Why is community an essential part of building a sustainable future, and how can it be reimagined?What YOU Can DoConduct a Home Audit: Start by understanding your home's current condition, including energy use, water quality, air quality, and materials. This helps identify areas for improvement.Address Air Quality: Remove or replace items containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as carpets, paints, and cleaning products, with healthier, eco-friendly alternatives.Improve Insulation and Windows: Ensure your home is well-insulated and replace outdated windows to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling needs.Install Renewable Energy Systems: Consider solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.Upgrade Water Systems: Test your water quality and consider implementing greywater recycling or rainwater harvesting systems.Adopt Waste-Reduced Materials: Use recycled or waste-diverted materials for renovations, such as reclaimed wood or innovative options like recycled paper countertops.Grow Your Own Food: Incorporate indoor or outdoor food-growing systems to reduce reliance on store-bought produce.Retrofit for Resilience: Look into programs or services, like Issho's Revive, that can help retrofit your home for greater sustainability, energy efficiency, and self-sufficiency.Take a Holistic Approach: Evaluate the overall health and functionality of your home to ensure it aligns with sustainable living principles, addressing structural, environmental, and lifestyle factors. ResourcesOliizoi Issho HomesRevive- Resilient Retrofitting ReGenEarth StudioWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

LA is under an unprecedented siege of wildfires. Ron and I decided to republish this critically important episode on wildfire dangers, including what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Many people are now without homes, cars, and belongings, while local schools and businesses have been burned to the ground; most affected people are just trying to survive with in many cases just the shirts on their backs. Smoke can travel miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for almost 5,000 miles, eventually being detected as far away as Europe. That's important when considering that smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death from wildfires; according to the National Fire Protection Association, 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation. Keeping your air clean even if you don't reside in Southern California is essential! Use the right certified masks outdoors and air purifiers indoors. We'll include links to these resources and offer discounts. Our guest and CEO of IQAir North America, Glory Dolphin Hammes, is an expert in environmental control, a Certified Indoor Environmentalist, and a licensed HVAC contractor. KEY TAKEAWAYS How wildfires impact people The percentage of wildfires that humans cause The amount of damage wildfires do, how fast they move, and how much space they burn annually How wildfires impact our health The type of VOCs and other dangerous contaminants present in smoke The individuals most at risk for severe health consequences from smoke The factors and conditions that could drive wildfire risk in the months ahead Tips to protect yourself both indoors and outdoors from poor air quality Whether you're in the LA area or know someone who is – please know we're praying for everyone, animals included!! There's so much we can all do to assist whether it donating your time, your efforts, supplies or even offering your prayers…it all matters. Please share this episode with anyone and everyone – lives depend on it. Please stay safe and healthy everyone!! Together…we will RISE! To learn more about IQAir, please visit www.IQAir.com. We will include a list of helpful resources in the show notes at www.healthyhomehacks.com including a Wildfire Checklist, help for animals, donation centers are more. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to this show so you don't miss another episode and get ready to up-level your health. 

Send us a textUnlock information for maintaining a healthy home environment and protect your loved ones from unseen hazards. Have you ever wondered if your home's air could be silently impacting your health? Join us as we share an intriguing story of our environmental home inspection journey, revealing startling findings that go beyond the surface. We recount a fascinating case involving a unique home with a mysterious past linked to unusual diseases. Through comprehensive testing for radon, heavy metals, VOCs, and more, discover why these inspections are crucial for health-conscious homeowners and what hidden dangers might be lurking in your living space.Laura and I also shed light on the often-overlooked menace of mold and mycotoxins, discussing how these can persist even after standard remediation efforts. Hear how one homeowner's persistent health issues were traced back to indoor air quality, emphasizing the need for specialized treatments. We make the case for routine home maintenance inspections, recommending a biennial schedule to catch potential issues before they escalate. Whether it's the peace of mind from gifting an inspection or the proactive approach to maintaining a safe home, our conversation provides essential insights and practical tips for a sound living environment.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Two-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course listingsFacebook Page FacebookFor home buyers: What to expect from a home inspection. YT video for home buyersHome Buyer and Seller Resources | Habitation Investigation Heartland Commercial Property InspectionsIf you would like to be a guest on the podcast contact us and let us know. You can visit Home (jimtroth.com) and go to the podcast page or message Habitation Investigation.

To kick off the New Year and promote simple steps to stay healthy this winter, Tee revisits a compelling conversation with Stacy Malesiewski from Austin Air Systems. Together, they explore the critical importance of purifying indoor air, as well as how Austin Air Purifiers outperform low-quality alternatives. With indoor air pollutants like mold, VOCs, dust, and wildfire smoke posing serious health risks—especially given that indoor pollutant levels can be two to five times, or even 100 times, higher than outdoor levels—this discussion offers valuable insights. Stacy highlights how Austin Air's superior build quality and health benefits make them a trusted solution for improving air quality and well-being. A certified health and wellness coach, Stacy is passionate about air quality and its impact on health. As a mother of four, author, and marketing director for Austin Air, she brings deep expertise and dedication to the conversation. Austin Air, the original maker of high-end air filtration systems, proudly manufactures its products in Buffalo, New York, at the largest air cleaner facility in the world. In this chat, Stacy shares practical tips to improve indoor air quality and explains how Austin Air's products stand apart, reinforcing their mission to enhance the lives of people everywhere. Exclusive Discount: The Green Living Gurus and Green Living with Tee offer 20% off all models of Austin Air Purifiers and filters. Please email us at Tee@TheGreenLivingGurus.com for your discount code Connect with Stacy: LinkedIn Connect with Austin Air:  Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn TikTok Pinterest X ___________________________________ Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Tee's Organics - Therese's Healthy Products for You and Your Home:  The Green Living Gurus Website  Instagram Youtube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868 For further info contact Tee: Email: Tee@TheGreenLivingGurus.com Cell: 716-868-8868 DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. Produced By: Social Chameleon

How clean is the air you're breathing?  While we obsess over our water filters and seed oils, the air in your home might be the silent culprit behind your health issues. Mike Feldstein, air quality expert and founder of Jaspr, joins us to uncover the hidden dangers in your home's indoor air and how that could be causing allergies, poor sleep, asthma, and more. We're talking about everything from mold, which is found in over 70% of homes, to the VOCs and off-gassing chemicals released by your furniture, cleaning products, and personal care items. Mike also shares his insights on why cooking is the most significant in-house air pollutant and what you can do to make your home a healthier place. Learn how Jaspr air purifiers address these issues, improve sleep by 25 minutes a night, and help increase deep sleep by 18%.   "What water is to fish, air is to people." ~Mike Feldstein   In This Episode: - Mike's background and journey - Innovating air purification with Jaspr - How air quality affects your health - The prevalence of mold in homes - Sleep study with Jaspr air purification - How cooking pollutes the indoor air quality - Other household toxins - Jaspr vs. other air filters - Jaspr's tech specs - Customer testimonials and benefits - Special offer for listeners For more information, visit https://www.myersdetox.com    Ready to discover your body's toxic burden and how it affects your health? Take my quiz to find out! http://www.heavymetalsquiz.com   Products Mentioned in This Episode: - Jaspr Air Filter: Get $400 off with code WENDY at https://jaspr.co/wendy - Spooky2 Rife Technology: Learn more at https://www.spooky2-mall.com/?ref=66     About Mike Feldstein Mike Feldstein is the founder of Jaspr, a company dedicated to improving air quality and protecting human health. With a background in wildfire restoration and home remediation, Mike combines cutting-edge technology and science to create innovative air filtration solutions.   Disclaimer The Myers Detox Podcast was created and hosted by Dr. Wendy Myers. This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast, including Wendy Myers and the producers, disclaims responsibility for any possible adverse effects from using the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests' qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.

Your indoor air quality might be worse than you think, and it's not just about dust or odors. The air in most homes can harbor hidden dangers like mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even harmful bacteria — all of which can quietly undermine your health.  Plus, modern building materials and design choices often make the problem worse, sealing contaminants inside and creating environments that allow them to thrive. In this episode, David Milburn of HypoAir explains why so many homes struggle with indoor air quality, and highlights a range of solutions that are as practical as they are innovative.  One effective solution that many people overlook is ionization, which can be leveraged indoors to neutralize pollutants, combat mold growth, and reduce toxins that traditional filters often miss.  Whether it's addressing mold from damp crawl spaces, mitigating air pollution from nearby roadways, or choosing the right air purification technology for your space, Milburn's insights will help you transform your home into a healthier environment. If you've been overlooking the air you breathe, this episode is a wake-up call to take control of what enters your lungs and your life. Learn more: HypoAir BiPolar Whole-House Air Purifier Review: https://michaelkummer.com/hypoair-review/  Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Schools: https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review and use code KUMMER to get 15% off your first pair. In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 02:06 - Who is David Milburn 05:00 - Unhealthy home designs: A critical look 12:00 - The science of bipolar ionization 18:00 - Mitigating mold and managing moisture 26:00 - HEPA vs. advanced filtration: Pros and cons 33:00 - Common HVAC mistakes and solutions 42:00 - How to improve air quality in existing homes 50:00 - Air quality tools for better health 56:00 - Closing thoughts and free consultation info Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/michaelkummer/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #PrimalShift #OptimalHealth #AncestralLiving #AirPurifier #HealthyHome #DavidMilburn #IndoorAirPollution  

Kristine Burke, MD is a triple board-certified Functional Medicine physician, entrepreneur, author, educator, and researcher. She is an expert in the reversal and prevention of chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. She has a special focus on mold-related illness and its connection to many conditions including research into reversing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. She teaches Functional Medicine in her role as Asst Clinical Professor of Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is the Founder and Medical Director of True Health Center for Functional Medicine in Northern California - a multi-disciplinary practice that delivers personalized primary care with a proprietary data-driven wellness plan that has successfully prevented any heart attacks from occurring among its patients for over a decade.   I am delighted to invite Dr. Kristine Burke back to the podcast.  Together we take a look at a myriad of misconceptions surrounding mold and mold-related illness. The negative impact of mold is far-reaching and severe, but it is impossible to heal in the environment that a patient initially gets sick in.  Dr. Burke shares her personal experience with discovering and healing her brother-in-law's physiological issues that were triggered by black mold.  She explains the key indicators that signal when to test the patient and when to test the home, highlights the essential tests for both patient and home and offers practitioner strategies for guiding patients in the analyzing and interpretation of their test results to move toward healing and restoring whole body health and wellness.  I'm your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. Episode Resources: Dr. Kristine Burke - https://www.ifm.org/about/profile/kristine-burke/ Design for Health Resources: Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/ Nutrition Blog: Lifestyle Changes and Nutraceuticals to Support the Body's Response to Mycotoxins - https://www.casi.org/lifestyle-changes-nutraceuticals-and-mycotoxins Nutrition Blog: The Latest Clinical Research on Zeolite and Heavy Metal Detoxification - https://www.casi.org/latest-clinical-research-zeolite-heavy-metal-detoxification Nutrition Blog: Activated Charcoal's Role in Clearing Environmental Toxins from the Body - https://www.casi.org/activated-charcoal-clearing-environmental-toxins Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/ Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog. https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:27 The near-constant presence of EMF is affecting both humans and mold. 05:38 Kristine's work in the mold epidemic started with a personal interest in the genetic component. 11:04 Mold-related toxicity is commonly tested positive in cognitive decline patients. 13:53 Key indicators that signal when to test the patient and when to test the home. 18:38 Effective dementia reversal testing, mycotoxin urine testing, home dust, and water damage testing and their potential findings. 24:38 Guiding patients in the analysis and interpretation of their test results. 30:00 VOCs and IGG serum allergy testing considerations. 33:52 First steps for solutions from VCS and urine micro tests to eliminating environmental exposures. 35:50 Sequential treatment steps after proper remediation to remove internalized toxins. 40:30 Handling resistance when patients are on treatment for up to 4 years. 43:23 Utilizing binders as dictated by sensitivities and limiting heavy metals intake long-term. 47:48 Psychological issues that were triggered by black mold in Kristine's brother-in-law. 50:51 Cholestyramine and other binders and addressing the controversy of the dietary component to healing. 58:00 Reducing susceptibility to the point that patients can withstand exposure. 1:01:08 Kristine shares the biggest misconception she has changed her mind about in her work with mold.

Episode Highlights With Brian JohnsonWhat we need to know about air quality and the big factors you might not be aware ofWe spend as much as 80% of our time indoors, so indoor air quality is a big dealIt's much more than just air filtrationWhat to know about building materials and how they can impact air qualityThe biggest impact things we can do to improve air quality in an existing homeWhat to know about air quality and mold in a preventative capacity VOCs and how to choose safe materials in your homeWhy it is important to choose breathable materials in your home if possible to avoid moldFour different types of EMFs and what to know about them (& what to do about them)The hidden problems with baby monitors What to know about microwaves and better alternativesWays to mitigate EMFs, even from power lines and big sourcesWater quality in the home and how to make sure yours is goodHow to water test your home and see what your water quality isPlumbing quality and how it can impact your homeResources We MentionSenergy360 - WebsiteSenergy360 - Instagram Jaspr air filters - Use code wellnessmama for a discountBranch Basics - Use code Mama15 for a discount on starter kitsOur Place air fryer - alternative to microwavesNatural Actions water filter - Use code wellnessmama for a discountPrescription for a Healthy House book

Today, we're hacking your home—big time. I'm sitting down with three experts who know exactly how your living space might be messing with your health, and more importantly, how to fix it. First up, we've got Michael Rubino, aka the mold medic, who's here to blow your mind about the invisible toxins lurking in your walls. Mold? It's everywhere, and it's doing more damage than you think. Michael's got killer insights on why dust might be your biggest health enemy and exactly how to get rid of it before it starts messing with your system. Then, we've got Ryan Blaser dropping some serious science on environmental toxins you probably didn't even know were impacting you. EMFs? VOCs? Ryan explains why your home's air quality might be worse than you think, and how to fix it with a few smart biohacks. Finally, Matteo Franceschetti, the sleep optimization guru, breaks down how your home could be trashing your sleep. He's got the secrets to transforming your environment so you can supercharge your recovery and performance every night. Check out the Full Episodes here: • Detox Your Home: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality & Get Rid of Mold – Michael Rubino | 1036 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gncPqFlRXho&t=2s • How Mold Affects Your Health & What You Can Do About It – Michael Rubino | 1041 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD5RUcN8uds&t=2s • Improve Your Home Environment & Breathe Better – Michael Rubino | 1045 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gncPqFlRXho&t=2s Sponsors: Puori | Visit https://puori.com/dave and use code DAVE for 20% storewide. Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount. Resources: Michael Rubino's Website: https://www.themoldmedic.com Michael Rubino's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mold_medics/Michael Rubino's Book: https://www.themoldmedic.com/books Michael Rubino's Company: https://www.allamericanrestoration.com Ryan Blaser's Website: https://www.testmyhome.com Ryan Blaser's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/testmyhome/Ryan Blaser's Blog: https://www.testmyhome.com/blog Matteo Franceschetti's Website: https://www.eightsleep.com Matteo Franceschetti's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matteofranceschetti Eight Sleep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightsleepDave's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey Dave Asprey's Book ‘Smarter Not Harder' is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books Want to join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live? Join Our Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com Danger Coffee by Dave Asprey: https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/ Supplements by Dave Asprey: https://shopsuppgradelabs.com Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com Timestamps and Highlights: 00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Dangers in Your Home 00:02 Air Quality and Mold: The Silent Threat 00:40 Furniture Choices for Better Air Quality 01:51 Cleaning and Maintenance Tips 03:00 The Impact of Environmental Toxins 04:04 Formaldehyde and VOCs: Invisible Enemies 07:36 Energy Efficiency vs. Health 11:14 HVAC Systems and Air Filters 21:57 DIY Dust Testing and Home Lab Kits 29:02 Top Indoor Pollutants and Final Thoughts 30:47 Identifying Mold in Your Home 31:46 Health Impacts of Mold Exposure 32:18 Dangers of Air Fresheners and Fragrances 33:23 Improving Indoor Air Quality 35:59 Gas vs. Electric Stoves 37:07 Lighting and Its Effects on Health 40:57 Managing Humidity and Mold in Humid Climates 43:17 Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer 46:26 Dealing with VOCs in Your Home 50:38 Importance of Regular Cleaning 52:26 Noise Pollution and Its Impact 53:41 Advanced Sleep Tracking Technology 59:04 The Future of Consumer and Medical Devices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special "Best Of" episode of The Human Upgrade, four leading experts delve into the hidden dangers of mold, environmental toxins, and their profound effects on your health and well-being. Brian Karr, an indoor environmental consultant and co-founder of We Inspect, discusses the impact of mold exposure and offers practical tips for detecting and remediating mold in your home. He highlights how mold can manifest in various symptoms and affect people differently. Michael Rubino, President of HomeCleanse, explores environmental toxins in our homes, highlighting the dangers of pollutants like formaldehyde and VOCs. Learn essential tips for maintaining clean air and creating a healthier living space to protect your health from mold and other toxins. Tune in for expert strategies on identifying and mitigating these risks. Dr. Francesca LeBlanc, a functional medicine expert, explains the connection between mold exposure, hormone imbalances, and weight gain. She shares insights on detoxing from mold and the importance of addressing underlying issues like estrogen dominance and candida. Dr. Neil Nathan, an environmental medicine expert and author of Toxic, explores the effects of mold toxicity on the immune system and provides strategies for protecting yourself from mold and other environmental toxins. CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODES NOW! Brian Karr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_4UcEAZCEw&t=1760s Michael Rubino: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFWcuWrEy60&t=73s Dr. Francesca LeBlanc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k3NGd-yfg8&t=1741s Dr. Neil Nathan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOEoQswppNc Timestamps: 00:00:01 - Introduction by Dave Asprey 00:02:08 - Dave's Personal Battle with Toxic Mold 00:03:06 - Understanding Mold with Brian Karr 00:10:40 - History of We Inspect and Mold Detection 00:18:57 - Mold in Rental Properties and Legal Challenges 00:23:17 - Practical Steps for Reducing Mold Exposure 00:35:50 - Dr. Francesca LeBlanc on Mold, Weight Gain, and Hormonal Imbalances 00:55:10 - The Role of Candida and Diet in Mold Recovery 01:00:22 - Dr. Neil Nathan on Mold Toxicity and Immune System Impact Sponsors: Puori | Visit Puori.com/DAVE and use the promo code DAVE for 20% storewide. ZBiotics | Go to Zbiotics.com/Dave for 15% off your first order Resources: Brian Karr's Company: https://yesweinspect.com/ Brian Karr's Instagram: @moldfinders Michael Rubino's Linktree: https://linkin.bio/themichaelrubino/ Michael Rubino's Instagram: @TheMichaelRubino Dr. Francesca LeBlanc's Linktree: https://stan.store/drfrancescaleblanc Dr. LeBlanc's Instagram: @drfrancescaleblanc Dr. Neil Nathan's Books: https://neilnathanmd.com/about-me/ Dr. Neil Nathan's website: https://neilnathanmd.com/ Dave's Linktree: linktr.ee/daveasprey Follow Dave on Instagram: @Dave.Asprey Danger Coffee by Dave Asprey: Danger Coffee Instagram Supplements by Dave Asprey: Shop Upgrade Labs Own an Upgrade Labs: Own an Upgrade LabsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Highlights With WarrenThe big offenders when it comes to toxins that affect our familiesHow shoes can be detrimental to your health and how to choose good onesThere can be dyes in shoes that make them brightly colored and forever chemicals to make the plastic soft Low-level exposures that you might not be aware of for your kidsSome simple switches that can reduce exposureWhat to know about water and filtrationThings that can help remove toxins that have build up in the  bodyWhat zeolite is and how to use it to help your familyCarbons do not bind heavy metals, but what they are helpful forHow to bind VOCs in the body or the homeFulvic and Humic acids aren't great binders but are helpful in other waysResources We MentionNon-Toxic Dad - websiteNon-Toxic Dad - InstagramCytoDetoxTrue Carbon CleanseThred UpSunlighten SaunaJaspr Air