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Wellness Reality Check
Wellness Reality Check
Author: Jessica Aldredge / Ashley Ihemelu
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© © 2025 Wellness Reality Check
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Jess and Ashley are two health practitioners, moms and best friends trying to navigate the world of holistic health in a balanced productive way that brings health to our lives instead of dogmatic extremes. We'll be breaking down health trends, interviewing your favorite health influencers and always keeping it real. We hope this podcast brings listeners back down to earth, providing a dose of reality in the often idealized world of health and wellness.
New episodes return August 5th
56 Episodes
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Standby for trending health supplements and holistic wellness hacks. In this value-packed episode, Ashley and Jess offer their down-to-earth, experience-driven perspectives on the latest health trends making waves on social media—including biohacks, popular supplements, gadgets, and wellness treatments.From deep-dives on supplements like Body Bio Trio, Tudca, molecular hydrogen, and Nutrafol, to candid conversations about mammograms, biohacking gadgets, and influencer marketing in the holistic health space, you’ll get honest reviews and actionable advice tailored for sensitive individuals and holistic health enthusiasts. Ashley and Jess don’t shy away from discussing their personal health journeys, the limitations of “one-size-fits-all” wellness advice, and the importance of individualized approaches in natural health.You will also get behind-the-scenes stories, research-backed insights on emerging trends like peptides and GLP-1 medications, and practical tips for mindful supplementation, gut health, detox strategies, immune system support, and more.Whether you’re a wellness podcast fan, a holistic health seeker, or just curious about the facts behind the hype, this episode delivers real talk, transparency, and actionable recommendations.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Wellness Reality Check, we're getting real about something that touches every single one of us: social media, influencer culture, and the constant pressure to buy, compare, perform and consume. In a world where everyone is selling something: a product, a lifestyle, a version of themselves; it's becoming harder and harder to tell what's real, what's marketing, and what's actually good for our mental and physical health. The "wellness world" especially has become saturated with perfectly curated lives, overnight solutions, and influencers who are more invested in aesthetics than actual wellbeing. This week, it's just Ash and Jess taking a breath, stepping back and talking about how social media is reshaping our nervous system, the hidden stress of constant comparison, why we feel pressured to buy our way to "better", and how influencer culture impacts our sense of self, our worth, and even our health choices. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just over it...this episode is your reset. We are going to be pulling back the curtain and giving the social media the reality check it needs.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ashley and Jess invite Ashley Spanovich—founder of Awakening Spaces and expert in healthy home design, environmental wellness, and building biology. Dive into Ashley's personal health journey from battling unexplained symptoms to discovering the profound impact of indoor environments on overall well-being.This episode covers everything homeowners, renovators, and wellness enthusiasts need to know about:Creating healthy, healing indoor spaces using principles from building science, interior design, and holistic healthHow mold, mycotoxins, and EMFs affect your nervous system and long-term healthWhat most people overlook when building or renovating homes—from proper ventilation to the dangers of dirt crawl spaces and the pros/cons of building materials like carpet, insulation, and wood productsWhy balancing risk and fear is key to promoting healing in your homeTips for renters and buyers seeking safer, low-toxicity housingPractical advice on hardwiring Ethernet, reducing EMF exposure, evaluating building professionals, and moreWhether you’re building new, renovating, or simply want to optimize your current living space for better health, this episode is full of actionable insights, personal stories, and expert guidance to help you make empowered decisions about your environment. Plus, discover helpful resources—including a free home buying/renting guide and upcoming EMF self-assessment course (links below).We wanted to do this episode for those ready to bring a dose of reality to your holistic health journey and rethink the way you live, work, and heal at home.Find Ashley Spanovich at Awakening SpacesConscious Construction ContainerAshley's Library to Courses, Resources and Guides The Awakening Spaces PodcastVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Every January we're told to reinvent ourselves: bigger goals, stricter rules, faster results. But what if real change doesn't come from doing more..i.it comes from doing less, consistently?In this episode, Ash and Jess break down why small, realistic changes are often far more powerful than extreme resets; even when the results aren't immediately visible. The girls talk about why progress can feel invisible before it becomes undeniable, how balance in all things creates lasting momentum, and why sticking with something matters more than doing it perfectly.If you're tired of burnout-driven resolutions and ready to build habits that actually fit your life, this conversation will help you shift from pressure to presence. And from quick fixes to real, sustainable change. Because the gaol this year isn't a "new you." It's a real you you can actually maintain.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's podcast Ash and Jess are joined by Ashley's good friend Jenna Longoria, better known as The Period Guru. Jenna is a Board-Certified Functional Nutritionist and Certified Midlife Specialist who helps women decode their hormones and thrive through every phase of life, from fertility challenges to perimenopause and beyond. Jenna’s work is deeply personal. After years of struggling with PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles, mood swings, and being offered nothing but birth control, she set out to find real answers. Through functional medicine, targeted lab testing, nutrition, and lifestyle shifts, she put her conditions into remission—and even conceived naturally at 37, despite being told it wasn’t possible. Now she’s on a mission to help women do the same. Jenna specializes in PCOS, endometriosis, painful or irregular periods, infertility, PMDD, thyroid issues, and adrenal dysfunction. Her goal is simple: to equip women with the tools to experience pain-free periods, steady energy, healthy digestion, and optimal fertility. We’re excited to dive into her story and her powerful work supporting women’s hormonal health. Jenna is truly an expert in her field and has such a grounding presence and approach to health.You can find Jenna's website here.And her social media @theperiodguruCheck out her course Period Solution course and her free Fertility ChecklistGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode Ash and Jess are joined by Hope Pedraza, a powerhouse in the wellness space and someone who truly embodies mind-body healing. Hope is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, and a Certified HTMA expert. She's also the founder of inBalance, a Pilates-based fitness franchise that blends movement with mindful, functional health. And if that wasn't enough, she's the host of the Hopeful and Wholesome podcast, where she dives deep into natural wellness, functional testing, and the holistic tools that help women take back their health. We're so excited to welcome Hope to the show and dive into her unique, integrative approach to healing and empowerment.Hope's website www.hopefulandwholesome.comYou can find Hope on social media @thehopepedrazaAnd listen to her podcast Hopeful and Wholesome here.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this week's episode of Wellness Reality Check, we’re joined by Karindy Ong, a Speech-Language Pathologist who shifted from working with brain and spinal cord injury patients to focusing on airway health after her own children faced ongoing issues. That personal journey led her into the world of Myofunctional Therapy, where she now helps clients of all ages uncover the root causes behind complex airway and feeding challenges. Karindy combines science, biohacking, and holistic medicine to optimize healing and shorten treatment time — all while empowering families to understand the crucial role of airway development in lifelong health. She’s the creator of The Myohacker Podcast and is on a mission to help the next generation grow up healthy, vibrant, and thriving.You can find Karindy at her website www.myohackerslp.com and on social media @myohackerslpShe offers an online course Myo Magic at Home and has free downloads here.You can find Karindy's podcast The Myohacker Podcast here and where you stream your podcastsVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode we’re joined by Adrian Davidson, the creator behind Capitalism and Glitter — a space where she brilliantly blends honesty, wit, and insight to challenge modern narratives around health and wellness, pop culture and politics. She has had huge popularity as a rising writer on Substack - where you can find long form information on everything from Pregnancy Health and RCCX theory to Secret Societies and the root causes of Gender Dysphoria. Adrian has built a community that embraces both the sparkle and the shadow and we can’t wait to dive into her own story in this episode and all the wisdom she brings to this community. Follow Adrian on Instagram @capitalism.and.glitterSubscribe to her Substack here.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us struggle to truly understand — hormones — and how they impact everything from our energy and mood to our digestion, sleep, and overall well-being. Our guest Carrie Korem, is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner based in Dallas, Texas, with over 22 years of real-life experience helping individuals and families reclaim their health through real, natural, nourishing food. Carrie’s passion for wellness comes from her own powerful story — through food and lifestyle, her family has overcome challenges like Hashimoto’s Disease, chronic migraines, IBS, severe asthma, and eczema. Now, she’s on a mission to share the knowledge and tools that helped transform their lives, so others can experience the same kind of freedom and healing. Together, we’ll explore how hormones work, what throws them off balance, and the natural ways we can begin to restore harmony in the body — without the overwhelm or confusion.You can find everything from blog posts, recipes and courses on Carrie's website Deliciously OrganicFollow her on instagram @carriekoremVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week's guest is someone whose energy radiates strength, authenticity, and deep feminine wisdom, Echo Summer Hill. Echo's mission is to help women heal the hustle, recover from burnout, and awaken to their divine feminine essence. She's not just talking about theory - she's lived it. Through her own fires and transformations, she emerged more radiant, grounded, and committed to guiding other women back to themselves. In this conversation, we'll dive into what it really means to reclaim your power, reconnect with your true self, and live in joy, purpose, and alignment - unapologetically. So grab your tea, take a deep break and settle in.You can find Echo on her www.echosummerhill.com and all social media @echosummerhillShe has a beautiful offering The Sacred Union Blueprint and is offering our listeners $100 off with code ROOTEDAnd her Burnout SOS KitVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week's episode is a special one — a little different, a little more personal. We’re sitting down with my dear friends and co-host, Jess & Russell, the incredible minds and hearts behind Origin Kitchen + Bar. For years, Origin has been more than just a restaurant — it’s been a gathering place, a labor of love, and a community built around connection, creativity, and truly good food. But recently, they made the difficult decision to close this beautiful chapter.In this conversation, we’ll talk about the journey — the dreams that sparked Origin, the lessons learned through the grind and the grace of running a restaurant, and what it means to let something so meaningful come to an end. It’s about passion, purpose, evolution, and the courage it takes to follow your truth — even when that means closing a door you’ve poured your heart into.This one’s for anyone who’s ever built something from love, watched it change, and learned to trust the next chapter. Let’s dive into the story behind Origin Kitchen + Bar — and the beautiful people who brought it to life.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to our conversation with Brian Richards, the visionary founder and CEO of SaunaSpace. Brian's journey began with a personal quest to overcome health challenges, leading him to discover the profound benefits of near-infrared light therapy. Frustrated by conventional medicine's limitations, he merged ancient healing traditions with modern technology to create SaunaSpace. With a background in chemistry and a passion for innovation, Brian brings scientific rigor and a deep respect for nature to every product. At SaunaSpace, he's crafted tools that harness the transformative power of light and heat therapy, guided by a vision of healthful, fulfilling lives for all. Join us as we explore Brian's insights on wellness, technology, and the healing potential of light and heat.You can find all of Sauna Space products at the website and use discount code 'jessaldredge' at check out. Sauna Space will be running a Black Friday Sale (15% off from November 1–December 1), our code 'jessaldredge' will stack on top of that, so we hope you take advantage of this discount stack. Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get ready to shine a light on the minerals that make life sparkle! Joining us today (for the third time) is Dawn Lusk, an expert in all things minerals! From the earth's crust to our daily lives, minerals play a vital role in our health, technology, and environment. Dawn will share her knowledge on the fascinating world of minerals, covering topics like mineral benefits and patterns and why they could be the missing piece to optimal health. We'll dive into the mystical and scientific aspects of minerals, exploring how they impact our well-being and the world around us. Tune in and let's uncover the mineral magic together.You can find Dawn on instagram @ravens_moon_holistic_wellness She has an HTMA Self Study Course where you can join the waitlist for the next launch.And she's currently finishing up HTMA Practitioner Certification Course where you can join the waitlist.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off. October 20th through October 24th is Wild Wholistic's only sale of the year where you can use WRC20 to stack our code for the biggest savings of the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode we are joined by Adriana Bucci, a renowned Narcissist Abuse Recovery Coach. After experiencing the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse firsthand, Adriana transformed her pain (both physical and mentally) into purpose, becoming a leading expert in helping others heal and reclaim their lives. With her expertise in narcissistic abuse recovery, Adriana empowers survivors to break free from toxic cycles, rebuild their self-worth, and find inner peace. Tune in as we explore the complexities of narcissistic abuse, the path to recovery, and Adriana's insights on navigating the healing journey. Let's get real about wellness and recovery with Adriana Bucci!Find Adriana at Let's Get Your Shift TogetherJess and Ash wanted to elaborate some more on core traits of a narcissistic beyond what this episode covers, therefore they are listed below.Grandiose sense of self-importancePreoccupation with fantasies of power or successBelief of being "special" or uniqueNeed for excessive admirationSense of entitlementExploitation of othersLack of empathyEnvyArrogant or haughty behaviorOther Common (non-diagnostic but observable) PatternsEmotional manipulationFragile self-esteemImage obsessionControl dynamicsCycles of idealization and devaluationVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We are thrilled to have Dr. Cathleen King, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of the Primal Trust Academy & Community on the podcast. After navigating her own two-decade-long journey with debilitating illness, Dr. King developed the Primal Trust method, a groundbreaking approach that combines nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and trauma healing practices to address chronic stress and its related health issues. As the creator of this innovative program, Dr. Cat shares her expertise on how to integrate top-down and bottom-up healing techniques to overcome chronic illness and trauma. With her Primal Trust Academy and Community, she's helping countless individuals find calm, balance, and healing. Tune in as we dive into the world of holistic health and wellness with Dr. Cathleen King and explore the transformative power of the Primal Trust method.Find Dr Cat King at primaltrust.orgJoin her Primal Trust membership here.You can find her free resources here.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lisa Strbac, a renowned homeopath and health coach, shares her journey into holistic health after witnessing the transformative power of homeopathy on her daughter's chronic autoimmune condition. She emphasizes the importance of not suppressing symptoms and the role of homeopathy in treating the individual, not just the disease. Lisa discusses the concept of vital force, the impact of emotional trauma on health, and the differences between acute and chronic illnesses. She highlights the need for professional guidance, especially for chronic conditions, and the potential of homeopathy to revolutionize modern health practices by promoting self-healing and sustainable medicine.Where to find Lisa Strback:https://academyintegrativehomeopathy.com/Lisa's free course "The Little Homeopathy Guide"Lisa's other coursesPurchase Lisa's book "Homeopathy in Your Hand" on AmazonInstagram: @lisastrbacVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ashley and Jess welcome holistic health practitioner Sophia Rocha. Sophia shares her journey into holistic health, sparked by her husband’s mysterious illness and the challenges they faced navigating the medical system. She discusses the emotional and physical impact of her breast implant and explant experience, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and self-acceptance. Sophia delves into her philosophy of nourishment, advocating for self-trust, intuitive eating, and foundational health practices over rigid diets or quick fixes. The conversation also explores her and her husband’s fertility journey, highlighting the emotional toll, the need for better male health screening, and the value of counseling. Sophia introduces the gentle support of flower essences for emotional healing and stresses the importance of reconnecting with one’s body. Throughout, she encourages listeners to cultivate trust, resilience, and curiosity on their healing journeys, offering practical insights for overcoming disconnection and embracing holistic well-being.You can find more about Sophia Rocha on her website and on instagram @sophiacrystalwellnessHer E-Book Nourishing with IntentionShop her Flower Essence at CrystalBloomVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to BodyBio.com and use our one-time code 'WRC' for 20% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode Ash & Jess breakdown trends around frequent marijuana and psychedelic use. Is "California Sober" the new answer to partying without consequences or is it just another way of spiritually bypassing your problems? Ashley shares her perspective from living in Costa Rica for the past 5 years, the second leading destination for psychedelic retreats and ceremonies. While there is no doubt you might have heard stories where people have "cured" anything from PTSD to severe addiction with an ayahuasca ceremony; there is also a dark underbelly to this constant quest for enlightenment. Is there really a magic pill in the form of purging your traumas or is it wrecking your mineral status and nervous system? Come along with us as we explore this rising trend and quest for inner peace.*Ashley references a quote from social media stating "80% of the spiritual community is on full time drugs and confusing it for being awakened..." which was from @mami.onami While Ash and Jess might not agree with every opinion expressed on this page, Ashley did feel this quote was spot on from her experience in some of these communities.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to BodyBio.com and use our one-time code 'WRC' for 20% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Timothy Frie is a neuronutritionist, nutritional psychology researcher, public scholar, and educator, who digs into how what we eat impacts how we think, feel, and behave. With a passion for translating complex science into actionable insights for everyday wellness, Timothy is all about empowering people to harness the power of nutrition for better mental and emotional health. In this episode Tim discusses what neuronutritiou is, how your early childhood experiences can impact our food choices as an adult, and the ever growing problem with hyper palatable food being marketed and profited while the population is getting sicker. Join us as we explore the fascinating connections between food, brain function, and psychological well-being with Timothy Frie!You can find out more about Timothy Frie on his website.And his course Neuronutrition Certified PractitionerFollow him on Instagram @timothyfrieVisit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to BodyBio.com and use our one-time code 'WRC' for 20% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's episode Ash & Jess discuss the frustrations with aging in a culture obsessed with youth. Both women being in their 40s they find that it's a topic that is super relevant as they try to stay holistic and health-focused in a sea of injections. Have you noticed an increase in wrinkle free faces, fillers, big lips, exaggerated curves and a desperate fight to not show any signs of aging? Well you aren't alone! While it might be the new normal, Ash and Jess discuss finding a balance and focusing on your inner landscape more than your outward appearance. While procedures might not be totally off the table for these two they discuss where they prioritize to stay youthful from the inside out.Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheckGo to BodyBio.com and use our one-time code 'WRC' for 20% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.























