Wise Traditions

This is an important episode on a very controversial topic: vaccines. Producer Del Bigtree gives the back story on how he got involved in the making of the movie “Vaxxed.”  The focus of the movie is on Dr. William Thompson, the whistleblower at the Center for Disease Control who exposed the manipulation of the results of a study on one vaccine: the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella). Some question the motives of the key players in this explosive story--Brian Hooker, Dr. Andrew Wakefield and Dr. Thompson. But Bigtree, in this conversation, calls into question the motives of those trying to silence him (and others) who want to help parents make informed decisions when it comes to vaccinations. Del brings up much food for thought in this conversation. He touches on California’s SB 277 law, which restricts parental rights, by mandating vaccinations for children to attend school, making no allowances for exemptions. He discusses the CDC’s goal, called “Healthy People 2020," that is pushing for 100% compliance with the ad

What is mead and why should you make it? (And why should you make it like a Viking, of all things?!) Jereme Zimmerman, the author of “Make mead like a Viking,” explains all of the above in this light-hearted episode. Mead is a unique honey-based fermented drink that is simple and fun to make. Jereme unlocks the brewing secrets of the ancient Norse, as he demystifies the process of home-brewing mead. You’ll learn lots about mead today and you'll hear Jeremy’s own story about he got into brewing it, and how he began to embrace the natural, homesteading lifestyle. In the conversation, Jereme makes a case for including more ferments in our diets. There are health benefits related to making your own ferments, of course (whether you're making mead, kombucha, sauerkraut, or kefir). The active enzymes and probiotics in such foods are great for gut health; the antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents; and our immune systems benefit from all of the above. But our lives are enhanced by more than just the physical boost o

Tired of food battles and complaints at the dinner table? Do you worry that your kids not getting enough of the good stuff? Does your idea of whipping up a quick meal include a visit to the neighborhood fast food restaurant? Kelly Moeggenborg has been there and done that. Today, she has tips to help you transition your family to a more nutrient-dense, real food diet. She also has practical suggestions that will save you both time and money. Kelly understands the challenges parents face because she is still in the trenches herself. This is one reason she launched the “Kelly the Kitchen Kop” blog in 2008; she wanted to build a community where people could exchange ideas about how to best overcome poor dietary patterns. You will enjoy learning from all she has gleaned over the years and will most certainly walk away with a tip or two that you can apply immediately that will improve your own health and that of your family. Visit Kelly's website: kellythekitchenkop.com For more resources, see our website: westonap

Will Harris. a fourth-generation cattleman, is the owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA. Will attended the University of Georgia's School of Agriculture, where he was trained in industrial farming methods. But in 1995, he decided to turn things around and return to farming the land in the manner his great-grandfather had done, 130 years before. He does not use pesticides and chemical fertilizers on the land or antibiotics or growth hormones on the animals. As Will puts it, "We take care of the land and herd, and they take care of us."  This is why his farming method is farming at its best, and as it should be. His family and farm employees consistently look out for the animals, the land, and the people who produce and consume their goods.Their production practices are fair, sustainable, and humane.  In today's episode, Will tells the story of the beauty and benefits of regenerative agriculture. Not only will you be charmed by his southern drawl but you will also come to understand how and why he transi

Jeffrey Smith is is the founder and leader of the institute for Responsible Technology. He is also a bestselling author, filmmaker, and expert on genetically-modified organisms. In today's episode, he carefully and thoroughly explains what GMOs are, what crops have been genetically modified in the U.S., the impact they have had on our health and what we can do about their growing presence in our diets. Jeffrey has had years of extensive research on the topic. He refutes what the FDA says about their safety, and he busts some myths related to GMOs (that they can help feed the world, and that they reduce the amount of pesticides used by farmers, for example). He also provides clear evidence to support their detrimental effects on animals and people. Problems associated with GMO foods include: gastrointestinal problems, immune system issues, reproductive damage, and conditions that affect organ function. Studies also point to premature death, tumors, possible cancer, and hormone disruption. Some people suffer br

Many of us see mold as an unsightly annoyance or an occasional irritant to our breathing, but it's much more than that! Cheryl Ciecko, a licensed architect, explains how it is a toxin that can easily grow in our office buildings or homes, and threaten our health. Cheryl's ten-year-old daughter started having health concerns that seemed to appear overnight. She struggled with migraines and coughing fits; the doctors diagnosed asthma. Finally, they were able to pinpoint mold as the culprit of her deteriorating health. They found it in their home's duct work. There are many other places mold can grow, undetected. In this episode, you'll learn about the myths associated with mold (for example, it is commonly thought that bleach can remediate it, but it cannot), where it can grow, how it affects your health, and how to guard against it in your own home. Visit Cheryl's website: cherylcieko.com For more resources, see our website: westonaprice.org  

Mercury is recognized by health organizations across the globe as toxic to humans. However many of us are unaware of our exposure to it and how it is negatively impacting our health and causing chronic conditions and diseases. Dr. Andy Cutler has a PhD in chemistry from Princeton, and a BS in physics from the University of California. He himself struggled with symptoms that no doctor could explain. He discovered that the root cause of his issues was mercury toxicity caused by the amalgam fillings in his own mouth. On a quest to improve his own health, Andy became a pioneer of a form of chelation for metal toxicity that is unique in its approach, and is safe and successful, where many others are not. In today’s episode you will learn about the symptoms of mercury toxicity and how they can be addressed to restore health. We can be exposed to mercury in many ways, including through "silver" fillings, vaccinations, and various consumer products. Andy points to mercury as the underlying cause of conditions such as

Athletes seek to maximize their performance, often at the expense of their long-term health and longevity. Ben, a former bodybuilder, is an ironman triathlete, speaker, and author who understands how to nourish the body for both peak results and optimal health. He has a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology. Ben coaches and trains individuals for general health, longevity, weight loss, lean muscle gain, holistic wellness, and sports performance--using a real food protocol. Says Ben, “I love getting fit, feeling good about the way my body looks, and fulfilling my deep-seeded drive to live life to the fullest by achieving difficult feats of physical performance. But I was fed up with feeling like crap from all the extreme exercising, strange foods, feeling of constant stress and soreness, and worry about the toll my hectic lifestyle was taking on my body. So I have found a way of training, eating and living that is perfectly healthy and natural, bu

This is the question many of us are asking! There is a grave health crisis that is affecting the next generation. In increasing numbers, children and young people are struggling with allergies, eczema, inflammatory conditions, autism, autoimmune disorders, asthma, reflux, sensory issues, GI issues, ADHD, and more. In today's episode, Beth Lambert describes the "perfect storm" that is assailing our children's health. She also has several ideas in how to navigate that storm. Beth has an M.A. from Fairfield University, with a concentration in American Healthcare. The mother of three young children, Beth's interest in health concerns grew as she dealt with her own daughter's "leaky gut." Conventional medicine didn't have answers beyond some therapies and pharmaceutical drugs. Beth wanted something more. She overhauled her family's diet and their environment and was able to turn her daughter's health around in approximately nine months. Her eyes were opened to the need around her, as she observed that other famili

Nina Teicholz spent nearly a decade researching nutrition policy and dietary fat, culminating in the publication of her spellbinding book "The Big Fat Surprise." In it, she explains the politics, personalities, and history of how we came to believe that dietary fat is bad for health. Her book was the first mainstream publication to make the full argument for why saturated fats–the kind found in dairy, meat, and eggs–are not bad for health. In today's episode, she discusses what initially propelled her to pursue this topic. The answers (and stonewalling) she encountered on her quest to find out more are eye-opening. What she discovered has led her to become an advocate for changing our diets to improve our health. Steps include avoiding vegetable oils and, of course, embracing saturated fats in their place.  See Nina's website: thebigfatsurprise.com Visit our website for more resources: westonaprice.org

Traditional diets are high in enzymes and beneficial bacteria. Lacto-fermented foods are prepared by cultures worldwide to preserve food, boost their vitamin and mineral content, and aid digestion. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains Principle #5 of the Wise Traditions diet: how all traditional peoples include lacto-fermented foods in their diets. She gets specific about the foods that are particular to various regions around the world--like sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, fermented fish, yogurt, kefir, and such. She discusses the fermentation process and gives the scientific basis for embracing these foods in our modern diet. She touts the improved vitamin and mineral content of such foods, their protective characteristics against disease (including cancer), and how they boost the immune system. She gives practical advice for how to begin introducing these foods into your diet. If you apply her tips, your tastebuds will be thrilled and your health will g

Bone broth is growing in popularity for all of the right reasons. It offers an astounding number of benefits for our health. In today's episode, chef Lance Roll explains how first and foremost, it helps heal our gut, improving our digestion and the absorption of nutrients from all that we eat. Broth has anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to healthy fats and minerals. It makes an excellent recovery drink for athletes and many consider it something of a "weight loss secret."  You can hear the excitement in Lance's voice as he tells stories about individuals whose conditions cleared up from eczema and leaky gut, to ulcerative colitis. Lance was once a chef who was primarily concerned with making flavorful dishes; since he became familiar with the Weston A. Price Foundations and the Wise Traditions diet, he makes sure to cook up dishes that are nutrient-dense, as well as flavorful!  Visit his website: bonebroth.com For more resources, see our website: westonaprice.org

After fostering and adopting a number of children, Mandy Lee became inspired to step out and reach more people with the message of health recovery through real food. Her vision is to impact foster children and foster homes. She has a passion for changing the world, starting with those in the U.S. foster care system. In today's episode, she talks about how she helps children transition from the standard American diet (S.A.D.) to real food. She has witnessed first-hand the turn-around that takes place when children are fed food that has the power to nourish and heal. Her Real Food Recovery protocol follows simple healing principles that can be applied to anyone's life. Visit her website: realfoodrecovery.org For more resources, go to our website: westonaprice.org

Sandeep Agarwal had a young son with chronic health conditions--he caught colds easily, had chest congestion, and developed asthma. As Sandeep began to research ways to help him, he came across the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation. They resonated with him, as he remembered the foods his ancestors enjoyed in India; they included raw milk, full fat foods, and ghee.  In today's episode, you will hear the results of Sandeep's research, which led him to ancient Indian texts that confirmed what he saw playing out in his own family: that traditional foods support and enhance our health. He discovered that ayurvedic traditions embraced raw milk and ghee for their healing properties. His family tweaked their diet to include these foods and they also began avoiding sweets, and making other dietary changes that followed the wise tradition principles. Today, they enjoy good health and they run a business which provides organic ghee and other Indian spices and foods. Visit his website: pureindianfoods.com For

Linda Elsegood suffered from MS and was wheelchair-bound, when she first heard about LDN, low dose naltrexone. She researched it and began taking it around 2000. Her health and life turned around. Motivated to help others, she has since edited "The LDN book" and hosted conferences to educate medical professionals and lay people alike.  LDN can be an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune disorders including alopecia (hair loss), Crohn's, cancer, autism, depression, restless leg syndrome, asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. Though it is a pharmaceutical drug, many consider it to be a sort of holistic medication, because of its safety and efficacy. In this episode, you'll hear about the original uses of LDN and its off-label uses that are showing tremendous success. You'll her about the doctors who are currently conducting studies to learn more; and discover resources to educate yourself on LDN. Visit her website: ldnresearchtrust.org Find more resources on our website: westonaprice.org

Dr. Louisa Williams is a naturopathic doctor who is committed to helping people restore their health by getting to the true root or underlying cause of disease. In today’s episode, she touches on some lesser known “obstacles to cure” and gives practical ideas for finding the best dental and overall health care to achieve the optimal and vibrant health that is our most important birthright. She discusses the underlying issues that may be linked to chronic auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, lupus, and Lymes disease. She even addresses dental focal infections, root canals, gingivitis and more. She tells you what to look for when searching for a dentist, and how to protect your health proactively. She leaves no stone unturned as she explains in simple terms the way our bodies function and how everything is interconnected. Visit Louisa's website: louisawilliamsnd.com Find more resources on our website: westonaprice.org  

Every traditional culture ate some form of their animal foods raw. Every culture also cooked some of their food. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell explains the benefits of both cooking some food and eating some raw. While cooking does destroy enzymes, it also can make certain foods easier to digest (particularly vegetables). Eating raw animal foods ensures that we can enjoy the benefits of certain enzymes and particularly vitamin B6. Sally describes various dishes from around the world that feature raw meat or fish products (such as steak tartare). She also gives ideas for those new to the idea of consuming raw animal products. She suggests starting with dairy products, like raw milk or cheese. Many who recommend a raw diet would not include raw animal products in the mix. But Sally points out that science backs this traditional practice. She affirms that raw animal products can increase our energy and mental clarity, and help improve various body functions. Find more resources on our website: westonapr

When the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) says that it's committed to "food, farming and the healing arts," they mean it. In today's episode, you'll hear directly from the office staff members about WAPF's mission. The bottom line? WAPF is a non-profit group dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. It supports a number of movements that contribute to this objective including accurate nutrition instruction, organic and biodynamic farming, pasture-feeding of livestock, community-supported farms, honest and informative labeling, prepared parenting and nurturing therapies. Specific goals include establishment of universal access to clean, certified raw milk and a ban on the use of soy formula for infants. The backbone of WAPF is its members. They are the ones that know exactly what's going on in their own neighborhoods, and counties (and countries), and they are most able to mobilize when action is required to defend food freedom and to help dissemin

Do you want the option of buying raw milk legally in your state? Would you like to have chickens in your backyard? The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) works hard to defend your right to obtain the food of your choice from the source of your choice. Pete Kennedy, an attorney in Florida, is on the board of the FTCLDF and he has personally been involved in representing and counseling farmers who are simply trying to provide local, sustainable foods to their neighbors, schools, and grocery stores.  Many of us know that good health begins at the dining room table. The healthiest diets are those made up of nutrient-dense, organic foods from small local farmers, not from the industrial food complex. Listen to Pete and learn about the influences at play on what is available to us as consumers, and how you can make a difference in the fight for food freedom. Visit this website: farmtoconsumer.org Find more resources on our website: westonaprice.org

There is lots of controversy and discussion on the topic of vaccination these days—some touting their benefits and others, their risks. Cilla Whatcott stays above the fray. She is not interested in being a part of any camp, but rather wants to empower parents and health care professionals about their choices, by educating them about homeopathy and homeoprophylaxis (HP). In today’s episode, you will become familiar with this safe alternative to vaccination. Some call HP the “green vaccine” because it does not cause harm but rather provides natural protection against disease. The goal of homeopathy is to educate the immune system and to help the body rediscover how to heal itself. Homeopathy combats chronic health issues including recurring ear infections, asthma, coughs, and more. Cilla has a PhD in homeopathy, which she pursued after her one year-old daughter became ill with aseptic meningitis. She is the Director of Worldwide Choice and is a strong advocate for health care options. Visit her website: familyh