The health of our GI tract is finally getting the attention is deserves. However, many people believe they can just take a probiotic and call it a day. But just as everything in the supplement industry is concerned, not all probiotics are created equal.  Today’s guest is Natasha Trenev, dubbed “The Mother of Probiotics”, having significantly contributed to the evolution of the probiotic industry. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry began with her family’s 750 year history of producing prized yogurt by the royal family of Yugoslavia. In 1980 she became the first person in North America to introduce the category of probiotic dietary supplements for human use. She is the founder and president of Natren Inc, which makes probiotic products that come with 40 years of focused, rigorous scientific research, and technology from leading scientists and researchers in the field of probiotics.  We chat all things gut microbiome, microbiota, probiotics, the supplement industry, and how the gut impacts every aspect of human health - physical, mental, emotional, skin and organ health. We get into autism, mental health, and more.  Topics Include: what is the microbiome microbiota the probiotic and supplement industry regulations  shelf stable versus enteric coated pills the best way to encapsulate probiotics healthy ecosystems educating the public mental health what to do if one has to take antibiotics soil bacteria doing the right thing and helping others energy exchange and more! www.natren.com Natren IG: @natrenprobiotic Natasha's IG: @natashatrenev www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 106: On this episode we chat with Lucas McLawhorn, founder of Well-Fed Ed, a healthy food truck located in coastal North Carolina with an emphasis on educating others (particularly kids) on the benefits of proper nutrition.  Lucas’ discovery of the benefits of 'food as medicine' developed after a successful outcome with cancer. We get into all the details surrounding that trying time, as well as all that led up to it.  Topics Include: life as a musician teaching basketball moving to Switzerland education system abroad developing debilitating back pain with no answers diagnosed with cancer treatment in Switzerland reading The China Study impact of plant-based nutrition starting a catering business the c-word in Europe moving back to America how we all just want love food truck business educating kids on proper nutrition www.well-feded.com Well-Fed Ed IG: @wellfeded2022 www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 105: Trauma is shown to cause a 60% increase in risk of developing an autoimmune disease. On this quick solo episode I chat about my experience lately with discovering past trauma and how to go about finding peace. Topics: my experience with past trauma and trying to heal types of trauma  methods for healing meditation Eastern Body, Western Mind book

Ep 104: There is still a lot of confusion revolving around cannabis, but as more research and science comes out showing the indisputable benefits, the more understanding and less stigma there seems to be towards this plant. On this episode we chat with one of the co-owners of FlowGardens, an indoor cannabis cultivation company, about the basics of cannabis. FlowGardens is dedicated to cultivating health and happiness through premium quality cannabis and educating their customers on the wellness benefits across the entire spectrum of cannabinoids. Topics Include: how David got into the industry difference between hemp and marijuana cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, CDC THC sativa versus indica plant medicine endocannabinoid system  cannabis benefits cancer fighting agents finding a premium product growing methods terpenes the entourage effect changes in the industry  how to combat cannabis stigma synthetic cannabinoids www.flowgardens.com The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 103: Being exhausted as a new mom is common in our society, and like many complaints in Western culture has been normalized. But if the fatigue is extreme one could be suffering from post natal depletion, a term that is just now being more widely used and recognized. The condition can even last for up to 10 years after giving birth.  On this episode we chat with naturopathic doctor Amy Hawkins, ND all about the condition. Dr. Hawkins helps guide women to rebuild their health and ultimately their life.  Topics Include: Amy's story and why she became a naturopathic doctor post natal depletion symptoms of post natal depletion postpartum experience in other countries finding postpartum support pushing ourselves too far modern society feminism judging versus supporting prioritizing self care when to ask for help naturopathic medicine - "doctor as teacher" shift in the medical world Dr. Amy's IG: @dramyhawkins www.drhawkinsnd.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 102: A new season of the podcast has begun and we're kicking it off with a current events episode.  A lot of interesting things have happened since we last chatted so let's get into it!   Topics Include: Dairy fire that killed 18,000 cows My theories on what happened The dairy industry  Audrey Plaza's "Wood Milk" campaign The milk industry is dying  My favorite way to make plant milk US approves "Poop Pill" C. Diff You can learn more about the dairy industry by listening to episode 8, The Low Down Dairy. There's also a great new documentary called Milked.  IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 101: On this episode we chat with raw vegan Nate Maris about his transition from hunter, eating the SAD (Standard American Diet) to raw foodie.  Nate had quite a few aha moments throughout the years but chose to suppress them like many of us do living in modern society. The last straw came after a chance encounter on the ski slopes and the rest is history. Nate now creates incredible content to help others take control of their health, lives, and ultimately souls.  Topics Include: fishing as a young boy making the ethical connection ahimsa putting the blinders on  raising and breeding rabbits working in the healthcare industry  self preservation his mom's healing from stage 4 kidney cancer Gerson therapy  experience as a coronary care nurse destiny on the ski slopes switching to raw vegan finding love in the raw food world getting people to just eat more whole plant foods starting ones awakening journey raising awareness consciousness of plants what Nate eats in a day Nate's YouTube Nate IG: @rawnattyn8 www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 100: I can't believe it - 100 episodes recorded! Thank you so much for your support and love through the years! This has been an amazing experience and I couldn't do it without you. On this episode I chat about my experience podcasting, what I've learned, how and why I got started, and how to start your own podcast. I also go over my top downloaded episodes of all time as well as my favorites.  Again, thank you thank you, from the bottom of my heart! Cheers to the next 100 episodes!

Ep 99: Trying to be the healthiest version of oneself doesn't stop at the food we consume. It also matters what we consume through our eyes, ears, minds, and most certainly, our skin!  Shifting away from toxic beauty and into the organic realm is critical when taking a holistic approach to one's life.  On this solo episode we explore the toxic skincare industry and how (and why) to make better choices. Topics Include: FDA regulation toxic burden Cosmetic Act of 1938 EWG studies common toxins clean brands I love  documentaries to watch how to navigate the skincare world www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 98: On this episode we have my good friend Carly Foley back on the show to chat all about hormones, liver health, and Ayurveda.  Topics Include: hormonal balance Ayurveda and the doshas bringing in more yin coming from a place of depletion nourishing the body glutathione fats liver detox nutrients needed for liver detox birth control 5 R’s of gut health how to increase your digestive fire gut focused hypnosis ileocecal valve and massaging it the truth about soy and phytoestrogen estrogen and progesterone adrenal fatigue trauma and healing benefits of a spiritual practice social media all about ojas Carly's IG: @wholistic_wellness_works Carly's website: www.wholisticwellnessworks.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com