Toxin Free (ish)

Ready to take Toxin Free to a whole new level?Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListI need to set the record straight about those viral videos claiming "Organipeel" is now coating all your organic produce because it's completely false, and I accidentally contributed to the misinformation.In today's episode, I'm doing something super fun: admitting I was wrong. A few weeks ago when those viral reels started spreading panic about Organipeel being approved for certified organic produce, people asked me to look into it. I did my research, found it registered with the EPA and listed on the OMRI website, and confirmed it was "real." But I didn't dig deep enough.Here's what I missed: Organipeel was only ever approved as a post-harvest fungicide (not a coating). It was never approved for use on raw produce, and was actually discontinued in 2023. The company doesn't even make it anymore. So all that panic about a "new" coating on organic produce? It was based on old, irrelevant information.But here's what IS true: there are waxes on your organic produce, and there have been for years. I'm breaking down what those actually are: organic carnauba wax from Brazilian palm plants, beeswax, and sometimes shellac (yes, insect wax). I'm also touching on why they're used to replace the natural wax that gets washed off during processing. If you want truly wax-free produce, you're going to need to befriend your local farmer.In this episode, we're chatting about:• The Organipeel myth breakdown • What's actually on your organic produce • My research mistake • Getting truly wax-free produce

Ready to take Toxin Free to a whole new level?Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListWhen someone with a Harvard degree in sustainability and 10+ years of experience managing POTS through clean living tells me my course taught them things they couldn't find anywhere else, I know we need to have that conversation on the podcast.In this bonus Thursday episode of the Toxin Freeish Podcast, I'm talking with Whitney, founder of Sustainably Acquired, about her incredible journey from being bedridden with POTS to becoming a sustainability consultant for both families and businesses. What makes Whitney's story so powerful is that she already had the educational background and had been living toxin-free for a decade, but she still found massive value in understanding the "why" behind ingredient safety.Whitney shares how ditching fragrances and forever chemicals helped her become functional again after years of being completely bedridden, and why she's now creating solutions like a searchable clean product database where people can shop by their value. Whether that's zero waste, regeneratively grown, or just "clean but it has to actually work." Plus, she's developing fully biodegradable Easter eggs that will decompose in your garden but stay shelf-stable for years.In this episode, we're chatting about:• POTS and toxin connection • Her new business venture: Sustainably Acquired • Why being scared constantly is toxic too• Innovation in green chemistry

Episode Links:Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListShop Blissoma Photonic Facial SunscreenEpisode Description:If you've ever tried switching to mineral sunscreen only to hate the white cast, thick texture, or breakouts it caused, this conversation with Julie Longyear is going to change everything for you.In today's episode, I'm talking with the founder of Blissoma, a skincare brand that has a cult-like following among people with the most sensitive, reactive skin. What makes Julie so special is that she actually formulated her own sunscreen in-house. This is something most clean skincare companies won't even attempt because of the FDA approvals, drug facts panels, and complexity involved.We dive deep into why she spent evenings and weekends for months perfecting her sunscreen formula, how she fought back against manufacturers who tried to sneak in butyl octyl salicylate (a chemical UV filter disguised as an inactive ingredient), and why she believes our skin hasn't changed much since we were cave people, it's just the products we're using that are causing problems.This conversation gets real about the manufacturing industry, why brands get pressured to compromise their formulations, and how Julie created a zinc oxide sunscreen that doesn't leave you looking like a ghost or feeling like you have cement on your face.In this episode, we're chatting about:• The sunscreen formulation journey• Regenerative vs. organic sourcing • Manufacturing industry truths• Sensitive skin solutions Read The Shownotes HereMentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Episode Links:Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListI'm dropping this special Thursday episode because I want you to hear directly from my students why Toxin Free in 3 has changed their lives, and today's conversation with Jen might be the most powerful one yet.In this raw and real interview, I'm talking with Jenn Cicci (Beauty in the Green), an integrative health practitioner who survived two rounds of fluoroquinolone antibiotics that left her unable to walk without braces due to tendon rupture. This was a well-known side effect her doctor never warned her about! Seven years later, she still can't run and lives with permanent damage from what should have been informed consent.But here's what really got to me: Jenn told me she left my course completely fear-free after years of following practitioners on Instagram who were constantly sharing scare tactics. She said, "I left that course with no fear," and I honestly got emotional hearing that because that's exactly my goal: to give women mental and emotional armor to navigate the clean living space without panic.In this episode, we're chatting about:• Fluoroquinolone toxicity• Fear-based wellness content • Functional medicine accessibility• Alternative breast health screening

Episode Links:Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListToxin Free Deodorant Picks & LinksEpisode Description:If you've tried switching to clean deodorant only to find yourself smelling funky by noon, you're not alone, and it's not because clean deodorants don't work, it's because you're probably using the wrong one for your body and climate.In this final episode of my three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series on the Toxin Freeish Podcast, I'm breaking down the science behind why clean deodorants fail and how to choose one that actually works for your specific situation. Here's the truth: sweat itself doesn't smell. It's the bacteria thriving at a pH of 5.5 to 7 under your arms that creates that funky odor! Clean deodorants work by driving your pH either way up (like Just Ingredients with magnesium hydroxide) or way down (like KosasSport with alpha hydroxy acids) so bacteria can't survive. But here's what nobody tells you: what works in winter might fail you in summer, and what works for average sweaters might not work for heavy sweaters.I'm doing a complete breakdown of my three go-to deodorants: Primally Pure for most of the year, Just Ingredients for sensitive skin, and KosasSport for those brutal summer months. Plus, why I rotate seasonally and why you should too.In this episode, we're chatting about:• The bacteria and pH science• 3 deodorant deep dives • My seasonal rotation strategy • The pit detox process Read The Shownotes Here

Free: Top 25 Toxins to AvoidGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListEpisode Description:You switched to a clean laundry detergent because you wanted a non-toxic option, but now your clothes smell funky, look dull, and feel rough, and you're ready to go back to Tide.In this second episode of my three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series, I'm breaking down exactly why your clean laundry detergent isn't working and what you can do about it without going back to toxic products. The truth is, it's not the detergent's fault. It's your water hardness, your high-efficiency washing machine, and the fact that you need to understand which ingredients actually work in different water conditions!I'm doing a complete ingredient breakdown of three different clean detergents:- the ultra-clean Meliora powder - my go-to Thieves liquid detergent- the controversial Truly Free that works in the hardest water conditions. You'll discover why plant-based surfactants get "gunked up" by minerals, why your high-efficiency washer isn't using enough water to get clothes clean, and the two specific ingredients that make some clean detergents work in hard water (even though some people call them "toxic").This episode will save you from throwing in the towel on clean laundry products and give you the knowledge to choose the right detergent for your specific water situation. No more funky-smelling clothes or going back to products that actually harm your health.In today's episode, we're chatting about:• The water hardness factor • High-efficiency washer problems• Three detergent case studies • The "toxic" ingredient controversy Products mentioned:Get 40% Thieves Cleaning BundleTry Truly Free & Get 100 Free Loads Check your water hardnessRead The Shownotes HereMentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Episode LinksFree Download: Top 25 Toxins to AvoidGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListShop Shower FiltersShop Non-Toxic HaircareEpisode DescriptionMost people try one "clean" shampoo that doesn't work and immediately assume all non-toxic hair products are inferior. But the real culprit isn't the product, it's your water!In the first episode of a three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series , I'm revealing why your expensive clean shampoo might be leaving your hair feeling greasy, buildup-heavy, or just plain dirty. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with the quality of the product and everything to do with the mineral content flowing out of your shower head.You'll discover the simple chemistry behind why hard water (over 180 ppm of calcium and magnesium) literally holds plant-based cleansers hostage, making it impossible to rinse them out properly. I break down the difference between ultra-clean brands like Rahua that work best in soft water versus slightly more synthetic options like Evolve and JS Health that contain specific surfactants designed to work in any water condition.This episode will save you from wasting money on products that aren't right for your specific situation and give you actionable solutions. From $13 water tests to shower head filters to understanding which ingredients actually make clean products work better in hard water.In today's episode, we're chatting about:• How to test your water and understand the 60-180+ ppm scale • The chemistry behind haircare fails • Two shampoo case studies • Water softening solutions for any budget Read The Shownotes Here

That cheap red light device you bought on Amazon might literally just be a regular light with red film over it. If so, you're missing out on real healing benefits!In today's episode, Dr. Abby Kramer from Fringe Heals joins me to break down everything you need to know about red light therapy. We're going beyond the surface to dive into the actual science: how red light works at the cellular level to supercharge your mitochondria, why specific wavelengths (660nm red and 850nm near-infrared) are crucial, and why most cheap devices are complete scams.The truth is, red light therapy harnesses the same healing wavelengths that come from the sun,the ones that are most abundant at sunrise and sunset. But since the average American spends 93% of their time indoors, we need quality devices that actually deliver therapeutic benefits. Dr. Abby explains why intensity matters more than you think (hint: higher isn't always better), how to avoid EMF exposure from poorly made devices, and why flicker can sabotage your results.We also dive into specific applications that might surprise you: using red light for thyroid health, gut microbiome healing, brain function, and even addressing hormonal acne with therapeutic blue light. Plus, we tackle controversial topics like whether it's safe to look directly at red light (spoiler: the research says yes, with proper precautions) and why the warnings about pregnancy and babies are mostly legal disclaimers rather than science-based concerns.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why most Amazon red light devices are literally fake (and how to spot quality ones) • The specific wavelengths and intensity levels that actually provide therapeutic benefits • How red light therapy works at the mitochondrial level to heal everything from thyroid issues to brain fog • The controversial truth about looking directly at red light (and why it might improve your vision) • Why EMF exposure and flicker in cheap devices can sabotage your healingEPISODE RESOURCESFree: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List10% off Fringe Red Light with code WENDY10Read The Shownotes Here

A massive international study just proved what we've suspected for decades, glyphosate causes cancer even at doses the European Union considers "safe."In today's episode, I'm breaking down the results of the Global Glyphosate Study, led by major institutions including the Ramazzini Institute in Italy, Boston University, and universities across the globe. Over 1,000 rats were tested, with control groups receiving zero glyphosate and three other groups receiving amounts equivalent to what the EU deems safe for human consumption. The results are devastating: all groups exposed to glyphosate developed tumors and cancers, with leukemia being the most prevalent, especially in rats exposed during the prenatal stage.This isn't some fringe research. This is an international coalition of credible universities providing evidence that glyphosate infiltrates our entire food system and causes cancer. Meanwhile, Bayer and Monsanto continue trying to get immunity laws passed across the United States, claiming farmers can't grow food without glyphosate. But here's the truth: regenerative and organic farming doesn't require synthetic pesticides, it's just that we've destroyed our soil with decades of chemical agriculture.The solution isn't just individual action (though I'll share practical steps you can take), it's systemic change. We need to call our representatives and demand two things: no liability shields for pesticide companies, and government grants to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture. This is about more than just our personal health - it's about saving our entire food system.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • The shocking results of testing 1,000+ rats with "safe" levels of glyphosate • Why pesticide companies are fighting for legal immunity across the US • How glyphosate exposure during pregnancy increases childhood leukemia risk • Practical steps to reduce glyphosate exposure in your home and diet • Why we need systemic change, not just individual action, to solve this crisisFree: Top 25 Toxins to AvoidGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListRead The Shownotes Here

Your clean tallow-based sunscreen could be attracting sharks and damaging pool filtration systems. In today's Ask Me Anything episode, I'm answering a question that's been flooding my DMs since I shared my thoughts on tallow-based sunscreens while at the beach in San Diego. While I absolutely love PrimallyPure's new regenerative, organic tallow-based SPF for hiking and outdoor activities, there are two specific situations where I wouldn't use this type of sunscreen.First, let's talk about the ocean. Sharks have an incredible sense of smell, especially when it comes to animal fats. During shark season when great whites migrate past the California coast, the last thing I want to do is slather myself in tallow and go surfing at dawn or dusk when attacks are more likely. Yes, shark attacks are rare, but why take an unnecessary risk when there are plenty of other clean mineral sunscreen options?The second issue is chlorinated pools. Tallow is not water-soluble, so it separates from pool water, floats on top, and accumulates in filtration systems and piping, just like pouring cooking oil down your drain. This can seriously damage pool equipment and interfere with chlorine's ability to sanitize the water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Whether it's a public pool or your own backyard, tallow-based sunscreens and chlorinated water don't mix.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why sharks are attracted to animal fats and when this matters most • How tallow sunscreens can damage pool filtration systems and piping • The difference between regenerative organic tallow and commercial tallow • When tallow-based sunscreens are actually perfect (hiking, laying out, outdoor activities) • Why sourcing matters when choosing animal fat-based skincare productsGet 20% off Aizome sheets with code WENDYShop the 2025 Clean Sunscreen GuideFree: Top 25 Toxins to AvoidGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListRead The Shownotes Here

Your "all mineral" sunscreen might be lying to you, and the loophole manufacturers are using is completely legal.In this short but crucial episode, I'm exposing a sneaky sunscreen ingredient called butyloctyl salicylate that's being slipped into mineral sunscreens. Still, these products are still allowed to market themselves as "all mineral!" This chemical UV filter doesn't have to be listed in the active ingredients section, so it's hiding in plain sight in the inactive ingredients list, and most people have no idea it's there.The truth is, if you've been diligently checking only the active ingredients section like I've taught you before, you're missing this toxic ingredient that's basically the same as octisalate, which is already on my avoid list for being an endocrine disruptor. Now you need to check both the active AND inactive ingredients sections to make sure you're getting truly clean sun protection.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why butyloctyl salicylate is just octisalate in disguise • How manufacturers are convincing brands to use this sneaky ingredient • Why checking only active ingredients isn't enough anymore • My updated 2025 sunscreen guide with truly clean optionsEPISODE RESOURCESShop the 2025 Clean Sunscreen GuideGet 10% off Wyld Notes with code WENDY10Free: Top 25 Toxins to AvoidGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListRead The Shownotes Here

Things change too quickly to be using an outdated list of ingredients to avoid! In today's episode, I'm breaking down the brand new 2025 update to my most popular freebie - the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid guide. After a year of feedback from my Toxin Free in Three students and watching new trends emerge in the beauty industry, I've made crucial updates that every clean living enthusiast needs to know about.The biggest changes include a new UV sunscreen ingredient that's sneakily appearing in "all mineral" products, an expanded "use with caution" list that addresses bio-individual needs, and a completely new section on microplastics and liquid plastics! But this isn't just about adding more ingredients to avoid. It's about creating a more nuanced, practical approach to clean living that doesn't rely on fear-mongering or clickbait. Most importantly, I'm addressing the core issue plaguing the non-toxic space: the lack of clear standards and informed consent. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • The new UV sunscreen ingredient appearing in "clean" products (and why it matters) • Why some ingredients deserve caution but not complete avoidance • The truth about microplastics in cosmetics and their real impact • How to practice discernment in the fear-based clean beauty space • Why informed consent should be the foundation of your clean living journeyRead The Shownotes HereMentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Your polyester pajamas are literally plastic, and they're affecting your hormones, fertility, and skin health in ways you never imagined.In today's conversation with Michel, founder of Aizome Textiles, we dive deep into the toxic reality of the modern textile industry. Aizome is one of the only 100% organic cotton, plant-dyed textile companies! From the 10,000+ unregulated chemicals used in clothing production to the microplastics flooding our oceans, the fashion industry has created a health crisis that most people don't even realize they're experiencing.The science is clear: polyester clothing has been shown to dramatically decrease testosterone and fertility in men, with effects reversing only after months of removing synthetic fabrics. Meanwhile, synthetic dyes made from the same petroleum-based chemicals as plastic are causing contact dermatitis in 70% of people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Even "clean" laundry detergents can't remove the bacterial buildup that creates that distinctive smell in polyester clothing.But there's hope. In this episode, Michael shares practical steps for transitioning to safer textiles, starting with the items that matter most: bedding (since you spend 8 hours a day in contact with sheets), underwear, and daily-wear items. Plus, learn about the regulatory landscape and how consumer demand is finally driving change in this massive industry.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why polyester clothing is linked to decreased fertility and hormone disruption • The 10,000+ chemicals used in textile production (most completely unregulated) • How synthetic dyes cause skin reactions in 70% of people with contact dermatitis • Practical steps for transitioning to non-toxic clothing and bedding • Why washing new clothes multiple times is crucial for sensitive individualsShop the episode:GET 20% OFF AIZOME 100% ORGANIC COTTON, PLANT DYED SHEETS WITH CODE WENDYRead The Shownotes Here

Your clean living journey doesn't have to be perfect to be valid, and this conversation proves it.In today's episode, I'm teaming up with my "woo woo bestie," Suzy to tackle the elephant in the room: the elitism and perfectionism that's plaguing the toxin-free community. Suzy represents the majority of well-intentioned consumers in the US. She's slowly making clean swaps, one by one, but she's still working on a budget and holding on to a few things others might deem "toxic."Meanwhile, I literally packed my own clean sheets on a trip to Bali (where my bag was weighed, might I add). Listen, we all weigh our priorities and make decisions accordingly. You don't have to go from 0 to 100 in your toxin free journey, and anyone that makes you feel like a failure for having one or two toxins in your cabinet is probably a hypocrite.Through honest stories about our "incident" on a bus in Bali, Suzy's eye-opening experience cleaning with conventional products in an Airbnb, and the reality of budget constraints, we're exposing how shame-based messaging is actually pushing people away from making healthier choices. The conversation gets real about accessibility, with discussions about food deserts, Title I schools, and the controversy around better-but-not-perfect products.Most importantly, we celebrate the small wins that actually matter: choosing phenoxyethanol over BHT, switching from Bath & Body Works to Attitude products, or simply reading ingredient labels for the first time. Bottom line: If 96% of Americans chose the "better" option at Target instead of the worst option, companies would be forced to reformulate. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why the "all or nothing" mentality is harming the clean living movement • How budget constraints and accessibility issues affect product choices • The difference between reproductive toxins and "imperfect" ingredients • Why celebrating small improvements creates lasting change • How to support your body naturally without expensive devicesThank you for supporting Toxin Free(ish)Get 10% off Wyld Notes, Wendy's 100% Botanical PerfumeRead the Shownotes HereMentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Your skincare brand might claim to be "clean," but EvanHealy is taking it to an entirely new level with regenerative organic certification.In this conversation with Jamie Burkhalter, holistic aesthetician and herbal formulator at EvanHealy, we dive deep into the revolutionary concept of regenerative organic certified skincare. While many brands focus on organic ingredients, EvanHealy is pioneering a movement that goes beyond basic sustainability. They strive to actively heal the soil, support farming communities, and create products with unprecedented potency and purity.The difference between organic and regenerative organic is striking. It's not just about avoiding pesticides, but about farming practices that enhance soil health, prevent erosion, and create more nutrient-dense plants. Jamie explains how EvanHealy works directly with farmers across the globe. From Morocco to Ghana, creating transparent supply chains that honor both the land and the people who tend it. This approach results in products like their whipped shea butter, which maintains its therapeutic properties through careful processing techniques.In this episode, we also unveil Evan Healy's latest innovation - their Irish Sea Moss and Tremella Mushroom Hydrosol Cream - and discuss why their commitment to regenerative practices creates skincare that's not just clean but truly transformative. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or just beginning your clean beauty journey, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why how your products are grown matters just as much as their ingredient list.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • The crucial difference between organic and regenerative organic certification • Why melting shea butter destroys its therapeutic properties (and what to do instead) • How Evan Healy maintains direct relationships with farmers around the world • The science behind why regeneratively grown plants create more effective skincare • Details about their groundbreaking new hydrosol cream featuring mushroom extractsGet 20% off all evanhealy products (always!)Read The Shownotes Here