Toxin Free (ish)

40 Episodes
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By: Wendy Kathryn

Welcome to the Toxin Free(ish) podcast, hosted by Wendy, an environmental toxins lawyer turned speaker, advocate and clean living coach. Consider this your go-to podcast for bite-sized, binge-worthy episodes where toxin free living meets real life.  Wendy dives in to ingredient education, clean living tips and practical healthy living advice from holistic health providers & clean beauty founders.  Get ready, because your life is about to get a whole lot less toxic.

That's a Wrap on 3 Years of Making Your Life a Little Less Toxic!
#139
01/06/2026

After 3 years of showing up to Toxin Free(ish) every week, today's episode is the last one for a while. As my business and my life changes, I've decided to take a step back from the podcast. To be clear - this does NOT mean I'm leaving Toxin Free behind completely. Tune in to hear about what's to come in 2026 so we can continue cutting out the toxins together!


Are there Toxins in Your Tallow? w/ Sara from Willow Moon Farm ✨Ep. 138
#138
11/25/2025

Tallow is a centuries-old secret that’s making a comeback, and today we’re pulling back the curtain on what really matters when it comes to what you put on your skin.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Sara from Willow Moon Farm, who makes the only tallow I trust on my face. We’re getting real about why tallow is so controversial, what makes it so special, and why sourcing and transparency are everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether tallow is a miracle ingredient or just another fad, this conversation is for you.<...


Why That "Plant Derived" Ingredient Is Just Greenwashing! ✨Ep. 137
#137
11/11/2025

Is that plant "derived" ingredient ACTUALLY better for you? A lot of companies certainly want you to think so. So today, we're getting ahead of a conversation that I think will only get bigger in the coming years.

Here's the trend I'm seeing in the beauty industry: companies, brands and manufacturers are taking ingredients that are historically made from byproducts of petrochemicals and using byproducts of bioethanol instead. Then, the brands are advertising "plant-based" ingredients, painting the picture that they are completely safe and non-toxic.

Here's the thing: these ingredients are better for the environment...


Is Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Toxic? ✨EP. 136
#136
10/28/2025

If you’re tired of fear-based marketing and just want the real, science-backed truth about what’s actually in your toothpaste, this episode is for you.

We’re cutting through the noise around nano hydroxyapatite, debunking the scariest claims, and getting honest about what works, what doesn’t, and why your dental health is more personal than anyone's hot take. I’m sharing the latest research, my own journey from skeptic to supporter, and real-life stories that don’t make it into the marketing reels.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

- The truth behi...


Hashimoto’s, Hormones & The Messy Middle: My Healing Update with Claire Cook ✨ Ep. 135
#135
10/14/2025

After a 6 week long hiatus, I'm excited to be back with my cousin and long-time health coach - Claire Cook.  I get a lot of questions about healing my thyroid. How do you get off of your thyroid medication?What does that healing look like? Why are you doing it? Why does it matter? This has been such a long process for me, and I didn't do it alone. I did it with a lot of support and I'm still in it.

Here's the truth: women are suffering. Whether it's brain fog, infertility, thyroid issues, or hormonal im...


Glow Light Sunrise, Circadian Rhythm & the Power of Light Therapy with the Founder of Sauna Space ✨ Ep. 134
#134
09/09/2025

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Episode Description:

If you think light therapy is just about getting vitamin D from the sun or avoiding sunburn, this conversation will completely transform how you understand light as a fundamental nutrient your body desperately needs to function properly.

Today I'm talking with Brian Richards, founder and inventor of SaunaSpace, who discovered the power of light therapy over a decade ago when he was struggling with insomnia, acne, and...


The 5 Health Rabbit Holes I'm Currently Obsessing Over ✨ Ep. 133
#133
08/26/2025

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Most people think microplastics are the biggest threat from our plastic-saturated world, but they're completely missing the danger that's infiltrating our individual cells right now.

Today I'm pulling back the curtain and letting you into my brain to share the 5 rabbit holes I'm currently spiraling down. And trust me, they're not what you'd expect. I'm a creature of curiosity who loves a good deep dive into scientific research that maybe the public isn't looking at yet.

But...


The Toxin Free(ish) Way: Clean Without the Crazy ✨ Ep. 132
#132
08/21/2025

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If you're tired of feeling confused in store aisles, stressed about scary headlines, and overwhelmed by conflicting advice about toxins, this episode is your permission slip to finally breathe easy.

Today I'm sharing something special: the finale episode from my private podcast series that stands completely on its own. This isn't about adding more fear or another massive to-do list to your life. Instead, I'm giving you the framework to live from a place of peace, not panic, when...


5G Isn’t the Villain—THIS IS: A Real Talk on EMFs w/ Waveblock Founder Ben Salem✨ Ep. 131
#131
08/19/2025

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I've been a vocal critic of EMF protection products for years because most of them are complete junk, some actually amplify your radiation exposure! But today I'm talking with the one inventor whose products I actually recommend and use myself.

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ben Salem, the inventor and owner of WaveBlock. We're diving deep into EMFs, radiation exposure, and why most "protection" devices on the market are...


How My Youngest Student Built a Toxin-Free Business Using Lessons From Toxin Free In 3 ✨ Ep. 130
#130
08/14/2025

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Today, we're chatting with one of my youngest Toxin Free in 3 students. When she realized the work she was doing as a speech language pathologist was being impeded by the chemicals coming from home, she knew she wanted to learn more about the root problem.

What started as curiosity about why she was seeing so many more autism diagnoses and chronic illnesses in her...


The Viral Organipeel Panic is Fake News: So What is Your Organic Fruit is Coated With ✨ Ep. 129
#129
08/12/2025

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I 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...


The Connection Between POTS and Toxins - with Whitney, Owner of Sustainably Acquired ✨ Ep. 128
#128
08/07/2025

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When 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...


Is Blissoma Skincare the Holy Grail for Sensitive Skin? with Julie Longyear✨ Ep.127
#127
08/05/2025

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Episode 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...


What is Being "Floxed" and How Fear Based Content Impacts Your Health w/ Jen Cicci ✨ Ep.126
#126
07/31/2025

Episode Links:

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I'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...


If You Want Natural Deodorant, I've Got Some IMPORTANT Tips For You✨Ep.125
#125
07/29/2025

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Toxin Free Deodorant Picks & Links

Episode 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...


How to Find Clean Laundry Detergent that ACTUALLY WORKS!? ✨ Ep. 124
#124
07/22/2025

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Episode 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...


The Real Reason Clean Shampoo Isn't Working For You ✨ Ep. 123
#123
07/15/2025

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Episode Description

Most 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...


Red Light Therapy For Your Vagina? with Dr. Abby Kramer ✨ Ep. 122
#122
07/08/2025

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...


The Glyphosate Cancer Study Big Agriculture Doesn't Want You to See ✨ Ep. 121
#121
07/01/2025

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...


Shark Attacks and Pool Damage: The Inside Scoop on Tallow Based Sunscreen ✨Ep. 120
#120
06/24/2025

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...


Why Your Mineral Sunscreen Might Not Be as Clean as You Think✨Ep. 119
#119
06/17/2025

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...


The Top 25 Toxins to Avoid in 2025!✨Ep. 118
#118
06/10/2025

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...


From the Front Lines: Changing the Toxic Textile Industry with Michel, Founder of Aizome ✨Ep. 117
#117
06/03/2025

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...


Is the “Clean Living” Space Too Judgy? with Woo Woo Bestie, Suzy Dean ✨Ep. 116
#116
05/27/2025

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...


What it Means to be Regenerative Organic Certified with Evanhealy's Holistic Esthetician, Jamie Burkhalter ✨Ep. 115
#115
05/20/2025

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...


Is Prop 65 Hurting Clean Brands? What the Just Ingredients Lawsuit Reveals ✨Ep. 114
#114
05/13/2025

That cancer warning on your favorite protein powder might actually be proof it's the cleanest option in your pantry. I'm pulling back the curtain on the Just Ingredients lawsuit that's been blowing up your social feeds and covering why it might actually prove they're one of the good guys.

California's Prop 65 warnings have created a bizarre reality where companies using real, organic ingredients get penalized while synthetic alternatives fly under the radar. As an environmental attorney, I'll break down why Just Ingredients chose to stick with whole foods rather than switch to artificial flavors, even when faced...


How to Stop a Migraine in its Tracks With Natural Solutions✨ Ep. 113
#113
05/06/2025

After 18 years of debilitating migraines, I discovered that synthetic fragrances were the hidden trigger my doctors never mentioned.

When I recently experienced my first severe migraine in over a decade after returning from Bali, I immediately knew what to do. And guess what? It didn't involve medication that had previously damaged my gut and liver!

Here's what actually worked for me:

👉🏻I started with super-hydrating water packed with electrolytes and magnesium

👉🏻put a drop of peppermint oil on the roof of my mouth (game-changer for nausea!)

👉🏻diffused M Grain essential oil blen...


How Truly Free is Revolutionizing Laundry and Online Shopping with CEO Stephen Ezell ✨Ep. 112
#112
04/29/2025

Your laundry detergent could be causing your child's mysterious rash, and the cleaning industry doesn't want you to know it.

In this eye-opening conversation with Steven, founder of Truly Free Home, I dive deep into the toxic reality of conventional cleaning products. Steven's journey began when his infant son developed a horrific rash from store-bought laundry detergent: a crisis that transformed him from a New York City chef into a mission-driven entrepreneur determined to create truly non-toxic cleaning products that actually work.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is Steven's unfiltered honesty about the cleaning...


The Truth about Electrolytes: How Quality Minerals Change Everything w/ Dr. Abby Kramer ✨Ep. 111
#111
04/22/2025

Your filtered water might be clean, but it's also dead, and that's why you're not feeling as good as you should.

In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Abby Kramer, co-founder of Fringe Heals, we dive deep into the world of electrolytes, minerals, and the honest truth about the supplement industry. While most supplements don't deliver on their promises and contain hidden ingredients like maltodextrin and artificial flavors, proper mineral supplementation is one of the few areas where quality products can create immediate, noticeable improvements in your health.

The reality is stark: our soil and water...


The Hidden Fertility Factor in Your Underwear Drawer ✨ Ep. 110
#110
04/15/2025

Register for the Annual Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit happening April 23-25, 2025.

Polyester underwear could be sabotaging your fertility, and most couples trying to conceive have no idea.

In this eye-opening episode, I dive into fascinating research dating back to the 1990s that shows a direct connection between polyester underwear and decreased fertility.

A prolific surgeon with over a thousand published studies discovered that dogs wearing polyester underwear became infertile, with low sperm motility and other reproductive issues that reversed when the polyester was removed. (Dr. Shafik https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8279095/)<...


New to Non-Toxic? Start Here with 5 Simple Steps for the Biggest Impact ✨ Ep. 109
#109
04/08/2025

Your drinking water probably contains more toxins than anything else in your home, yet most people focus on skincare first when starting their toxin-free journey.

As an Environmental Toxins attorney turned Clean Living Coach, I've watched the non-toxic living space become increasingly overwhelming, polarizing, and fear-based. But reducing your toxic exposure shouldn't feel stressful! It should feel empowering and even fun. That's why I've created this straightforward guide for beginners that focuses on the five changes that will actually make the biggest difference in your overall toxic load.

From filtering your drinking water to ditching...


Stop Suffering Through Spring: A Natural Approach to Seasonal Allergies✨Ep. 108
#108
04/01/2025

One dose of Claritin sent me into a terrifying spiral of depression and dark thoughts that changed my approach to seasonal allergies forever.

In this episode, I share my frightening experience with Claritin and why I now rely exclusively on natural remedies. After moving to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley (the pollen capital of the United States), I developed severe seasonal allergies for the first time in my life and turned to Claritin for relief.

What happened next was shocking. Within days, I experienced severe depression and disturbing thoughts that disappeared completely when I stopped taking the...


5 Changes Coming to Toxin-Free(ish) Now That I'm Finally Going Full-Time! ✨Ep. 107
#107
03/25/2025

After 18 years as an environmental toxins attorney and lobbyist, I'm leaving my federal career to bring Toxin Freeish to you full-time.

This episode marks a major transition as I share my decision to resign from my federal position and dedicate myself completely to helping you navigate toxin-free living. For the past two years, I've been creating this podcast and building resources in my spare time, but now I'm ready to bring you everything I've been dreaming about creating.

The wellness space has become increasingly extreme, with fear-based messaging and black-and-white thinking dominating the conversation. With...


The Liquid Plastic Problem: What's Really in Your Clean Beauty Products ✨ Ep. 106
#106
03/11/2025

Your "clean" foundation probably contains liquid plastic. And even the most popular clean beauty brands are defending its use.

I'm taking a diving deep into a controversial topic in clean beauty: the use of liquid plastics like polyethylene in makeup. While brands like Merit and Ilia market themselves as clean, they're using ingredients that contribute to our growing environmental plastic crisis.

The argument from these companies is that liquid plastic molecules are too large to be absorbed by your skin and therefore "safe." But when you wash these products down your drain, they join the...


What Makes “Non-Toxic' Perfume Truly Clean? Your 3 Step Guide✨ Ep. 105
#105
03/04/2025

Just because a company claims to sell "clean" perfume doesn't mean it's actually free from harmful chemicals.

As a former environmental toxins attorney turned Clean Living Coach, I've discovered that most "clean" fragrance brands are still using synthetic ingredients and denatured alcohols that can disrupt your hormones and impact your health. 

The truth is, there are only four truly clean perfume companies on the market right now - and most popular "clean" brands don't make the cut.

Understanding what makes a perfume truly clean requires looking at three key factors: the alcohol base, f...


The Next Big Thing in Clean Fragrance: The Story of Creating Wyld Notes with CEO Gaya Samarasingha ✨ Ep. 104
#104
02/25/2025

There hasn't been a single fragrance brand that has cracked the code on creating a fragrance that is 100% botanical, has zero synthetics, uses non- denatured alcohol AND smells like a truly fine fragrance with all it's complexities (until now!). 

One or two have gotten close, but consumers complain they smell too strongly of layered essential oils and not enough like the perfumes they miss. Don't get me wrong, I wear essential oils all day and love them.  But I missed having a perfume to love.  The other thing is that most of them are still using petroleum der...


The Silent Epidemic Behind ADHD, Snoring & Cavities: The Hidden Dangers of Mouth Breathing in Infants & Kids with Dr. Hilary Fritsch ✨ Ep. 103
#103
02/18/2025

Nearly every child today is developing with an airway that's too small for their tongue, and most parents have no idea it's happening.

In this crucial conversation with Dr. Hilary Fritsch, an airway-focused dentist, we expose why so many American children need braces, struggle with focus, or experience chronic health issues. The truth is, symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring, frequent ear infections, and even ADHD-like behavior aren't random - they're often signs of an underdeveloped airway and jaw.

The most frustrating part? This epidemic is entirely preventable with early intervention. Through proper screening and treatment...


The Hidden Chemicals in Clothing: What Every Consumer Needs to Know with Hannah Dunning ✨Ep. 102
#102
02/11/2025

Your workout clothes are probably the most toxic items in your entire home - and you're wearing them while you sweat.

In this eye-opening conversation with Hannah Dunning, founder of The Hannah Dunning Project, we expose the alarming truth about chemicals in clothing. From BPA and phthalates to formaldehyde, the toxins lurking in your wardrobe are affecting your health every single day, especially in items like workout clothes and bras that sit directly on your skin.

The research is clear: your washing machine is one of the largest contributors to microplastics, and "sustainable" materials like...


Lead in Food: What You Actually Need to Know (And What's Just Fear) ✨ Ep. 101
#101
02/04/2025

That viral post about lead in your matcha isn't telling you the whole story, and as a former environmental toxins attorney, I'm tired of watching fear-based misinformation spread.

Recent sensationalized reports about lead in food have created unnecessary panic, especially around brands like Pique Tea's matcha and Redmond Salt. While no amount of lead is technically "safe," context matters - we live in a world where trace amounts of lead exist naturally in soil, meaning it's present in many healthy, organic foods we eat daily.

The science is clear: when you look at actual serving...


The Lavender Essential Oil Controversy: Debunking the Hormone Disruption Myth ✨ Ep. 100
#100
01/28/2025

That viral post about lavender essential oil causing hormone disruption is based on a 15-year-old myth that's been thoroughly debunked.

As a former environmental toxins attorney, I've watched this rumor circulate for years, causing unnecessary fear among parents and wellness enthusiasts.

The truth is, the original 2007 case report that started it all was based on just three children using products that likely didn't even contain much real lavender essential oil - they contained synthetic fragrances and known hormone disruptors.

A comprehensive 2022 study of 556 children proved what aromatherapists have known all along: pure lavender...