Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! Following up on last week's budgeting deep-dive, we are shifting our focus from saving money to freely giving it away. Generosity isn't just a biblical mandate; it actually comes with incredible physical, mental, and emotional health benefits!

Before we get into the budget, we are spilling our "Crunchy Confessions." We talk about the natural products we completely regret buying, the deodorants that ruined our shirts, and the sticker shock of 100% organic cotton underwear. Plus, Chrissy drops a massive Random Revelation about how the FDA allows companies to hide MSG in your favorite "healthy" foods using sneaky ingredients like citric acid and natural flavors.

When it comes to our finances, God cares far more about our heart posture than our accounting technicalities. We discuss the theology of a cheerful giver, how to build a "blessing fund" into your monthly budget, and why learning contentment is the absolute best financial strategy you can implement.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: The FDA loopholes that allow companies to hide MSG in plain sight (watch out for carrageenan, maltodextrin, natural flavors, and citric acid derived from GMO corn!).
• Crunchy Confessions: Our honest reviews of natural products that didn't work out, including tongue scrapers, Avalon Organics conditioner, and Dr. Squatch deodorant.
• Clean Deodorant Swaps: Why we actually love Cleo & Coco and Little Seed Farms.
• The Cost of Organic Cotton: Navigating the sticker shock of Pact apparel versus the budget-friendly options at Quince and Sam's Club.
• The Theology of Giving: Looking at 1 Corinthians 9:7 and Acts 20 to understand why God loves a cheerful giver and how generosity impacts our physical health.
• The Blessing Fund: How tracking your expenses (like that $400/month coffee habit!) creates the necessary margin to bless others spontaneously.
• Contentment over Scarcity: Why praying for your "daily bread" is a prayer for contentment, and how faithful stewardship of a small budget prepares you for greater kingdom impact.

Resources mentioned:

• Clean Deodorant: Cleo & Coco | Little Seed Farms
• Organic Cotton Apparel: Pact | Quince
• Book Recommendation: Redeeming Money by Paul David Tripp
• Financial Coaching: SeedTime (Mission Driven Millionaire) https://checkout.seedtime.com/referral/rNllzz8e/hFtmrylRRW7I0zu8

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & The Health Benefits of Generosity 
02:15 Random Revelation: Hidden MSG, Citric Acid, and Natural Flavors 
09:30 Navigating Food Allergies & Post-Junk Food Detox Breakfasts 
13:45 Crunchy Confessions: Tongue Scrapers & Pit Stains 
17:20 Clean Deodorant Swaps & The Sticker Shock of Organic Cotton 
23:50 The Theology of a Cheerful Giver (1 Corinthians 9) 
27:10 Chrissy’s Testimony: Blessed to Be a Blessing 
31:40 Creating a "Blessing Fund" & Finding Margin in Your Budget 
36:15 Tithing: Before or After Taxes? (Heart Posture vs. Accounting) 
41:20 Paul Tripp, Contentment, and Praying for Daily Bread 
48:00 Wrapping Up

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! You’ve asked, and we are finally delivering! Today, we are taking a detour from our usual health topics to talk about a different kind of wellness: financial health. Since both of us are certified Christian money coaches, we decided to dedicate an entire episode to answering one of the most frequently asked questions in our Facebook group: How do you actually afford to live a crunchy lifestyle?

Let's be honest—buying organic food, sourcing fresh-milled flour, and swapping out conventional medicine for holistic remedies can feel completely out of reach when you are on a tight budget. We are sharing our personal financial journeys, from paying off debt by making homemade laundry detergent to viewing preventative health as the ultimate long-term financial strategy.

We break down how to track your spending, set up high-yield savings accounts, and create a "medical sinking fund" so you are fully prepared for those out-of-pocket holistic care expenses. Budgeting isn't about restriction; it is about faithfully stewarding the resources God has given you so you can live optimally for His kingdom!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: Katie shares a tool to look up your county's exact agricultural glyphosate exposure (and the results for some areas are shocking!).
• Our Financial Journeys: How Chrissy used homemade bread and $5 DIY laundry detergent to help pay off debt, and how Katie’s background in real estate and budgeting led to a passion for medical cost-sharing.
• The Preventative Mindset: Why investing in organic foods and holistic health upfront actually saves you thousands in future medical bills and pharmaceutical costs.
• Free & Cheap Health Hacks: From grounding outside to mouth taping to prevent cavities (yes, it really works!), how to maximize your wellness without spending a dime.
• Medical Sinking Funds: What they are, why you need one, and how to use high-yield savings accounts (like Ally and Capital One) to let your money work for you.
• Budgeting Tools: Our favorite apps (like Monarch) to track your spending and how to give generously as a reflection of the Gospel.

Resources mentioned:

• Check your local pesticide exposure: Glyphosate LookUp
• Katie's Financial Coaching: SeedTime Money Coaching
• Our Favorite Budgeting App: Monarch Money
• High-Yield Savings Accounts (for your sinking funds!): Ally Bank

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Why We Are Talking About Money 
02:15 Random Revelation: The Glyphosate Exposure Map 
09:10 Our Personal Journeys: Paying Off Debt & Going Crunchy 
14:30 The Preventative Mindset: Health as a Financial Investment 
18:45 Upgrading the Medicine Cabinet & Ditching Pharmaceuticals 
24:20 Free Health Hacks: Nose Breathing & Mouth Taping 
28:30 Budgeting 101: Tracking Spending & Monarch Money 
32:45 Creating a Medical Sinking Fund & Using High-Yield Savings Accounts 
38:10 Biblical Stewardship: The Parable of the Talents & Generous Giving 
44:00 Wrapping Up & How to Work With Us

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! We are officially celebrating over 50 episodes, and we couldn't be more thankful for this community. To celebrate, we are going down some of our favorite crunchy rabbit holes and tackling one of the biggest questions we face in the natural health space: With so many toxins in our modern world, what do we actually do about them?

From the spiritual mandate to clear out "mold" in Leviticus 14 to the physical realities of heavy metals, EMFs, and forever chemicals, we are breaking down how to steward our bodies as temples. We share our favorite budget-friendly, daily detox habits—like the magic of warm lemon water and sweating—and dive into the wild world of deeper protocols, including bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and the dreaded parasite cleanse!

Plus, Chrissy shares a mind-blowing Random Revelation about a cheap Amazon stone that absorbs Wi-Fi radiation, and we give a fun pregnancy update ahead of her gender reveal!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: What a "Shungite" stone is, and how it can naturally absorb and neutralize EMF radiation from your bedroom Wi-Fi router.
• Conspiracy Corner: We take a quick detour into the fascinating theories behind historical church bells, healing cellular frequencies, and how plants react to heavy metal music versus classical music.
• The Biblical Blueprint: Looking at Leviticus 14 and God's incredibly specific 5-step protocol for mold remediation to understand His heart for physical purity and detoxing.
• Daily Detox Habits: How to flush your liver and kidneys every morning on a budget using warm water, mineral salt, a dash of cayenne pepper, and the power of a good sweat session.
• The "Junk Food" Reset: How to use activated charcoal to combat MSG exposure, and why eating a high-protein, high-fat breakfast is the best way to recover from a day of processed foods.
• Deep Cleanses: The difference between bentonite clay and activated charcoal, plus safe tick removal hacks.
• Parasites 101: The tell-tale signs of parasites (including nocturnal sugar cravings!), why cleanses are timed with the full moon, and what to expect from "die-off" symptoms. (Note: Please do not do targeted parasite cleanses while pregnant!)

Resources mentioned:

• EMF Protection: Shungite Stones - https://amzn.to/4xWspvd 
• Salts: 
  • Redmond Real Salt - https://amzn.to/4g1iz4B
  • Baja Gold Salt - https://amzn.to/4eL4Psz
• Supplement: 
  • Activated Charcoal - https://amzn.to/4xFPstU
  • Bentonite Clay - https://amzn.to/440V4kW
• Parasite Cleanse: Earthley Wellness - https://www.earthley.com/products/parasite-detox-bundle 
• Podcasts:
  • Deep Dive On Bells Conspiracy Theory https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-the-bell-conspiracy-healing-frequencies-cathedrals/id1608109038?i=1000727854232
  • Interview With Matt Who Talks About Bells https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/52-breaking-out-of-the-matrix-censorship-control-the/id1608109038?i=1000715122390 

Chapters:

00:00 Celebrating 50+ Episodes & The "Why Ask Why" Rabbit Hole 
03:15 Random Revelation: Shungite Stones for EMF Protection 
07:10 Conspiracy Corner: Healing Frequencies, Bells, & Heavy Metal Plants 
14:20 The Biblical Blueprint for Detoxing (Leviticus 14 & Mold) 
21:40 Environmental Toxins, Geoengineering, and Forever Chemicals 
24:15 Budget-Friendly Daily Detox: Warm Lemon Water, Cayenne, & Sweating 
31:10 The "Junk Food" Reset: Activated Charcoal and MSG Exposure 
36:00 Bentonite Clay, Tick Bites, and the Tape Hack 40:30 Parasites 
101: Symptoms, the Full Moon Cycle, and "Die-Off" 
48:15 Chrissy’s Pregnancy Update & Gender Reveal Teaser!

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! After a long and wonderful series on fertility, pregnancy, and babies, we are officially transitioning back into the pantry! Today, we are taking a hard look at the American food system and discussing the shocking ingredients that are completely banned in countries across Europe and Asia, yet are still legally pumped into our daily snacks and staples here in the US.

But before we get into the heavy stuff, Katie shares a game-changing Random Revelation about the incredible, nutrient-dense power of milling your own wheat at home. Then, we break down the most common banned offenders you'll find on American grocery shelves—from the "yoga mat chemical" hiding in your hot dog buns to the whitening agents in your frosting.

Most importantly, we are here to remind you that perfection is not the goal. Striving for a perfectly clean pantry overnight will only spike your cortisol! We talk about how to make wise, gradual swaps, give yourself grace, and confidently navigate the grocery store without living in fear.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: The staggering nutritional difference between home-milled hard red wheat flour and store-bought whole wheat (it has double the B-vitamins and three times the iron!).
• Titanium Dioxide: The banned whitening agent linked to genotoxicity that is hiding in white breads, frosting, and popular candies.
• Toxic Pesticides: Why chemicals like Paraquat and Diquat are banned overseas, and how natural pest predators and "polycropping" can save our soil.
• The "Yoga Mat" Chemical: What Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is, why it's banned in Australia and the EU, and how it gives processed breads and croutons their spongy texture.
• Chlorine-Washed Chicken: Why the UK refuses to import conventional American chicken.
• Hydrogenated Oils & Pesticides: The hidden dangers in conventional peanut butter, Ritz crackers, and popular oat cereals.
• Grace Over Guilt: Why stressing over every single ingredient is worse for your health than occasionally eating a processed hamburger bun! Plus, our favorite clean chocolate swaps to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Resources mentioned:

• Book Recommendation: The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book by Sue Becker https://amzn.to/4vMY9B0
• Clean Bread Swaps: Aldi Organic Sourdough, Dave's Killer Bread, Costco's Stone Mill Bread
• Clean Chocolate Swaps: Moser Roth Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (Aldi) & Hu Chocolate 
• Clean Snack: Lesser Evil Popcorn (Himalayan Pink Salt)
• Organization: Moms Across America

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome Back to the Pantry! (Wrapping Up the Baby Series) 
01:45 Random Revelation: The Superfood Power of Fresh-Milled Flour 
06:30 Navigating Pregnancy Cravings & Clean Bread at Aldi 
12:15 Titanium Dioxide: The Toxic Whitener in Candy and Frosting 
16:10 Red Dyes and the Long Wait for the 2027 Phase-Out 
18:30 Banned Pesticides: Paraquat, Diquat, and the Magic of Polycropping 2
4:10 Azodicarbonamide (ADA): The "Yoga Mat" Chemical in Spongy Breads 
29:20 Grace Over Guilt: Why Perfection Spikes Your Cortisol 
32:45 The Great Chocolate Swap (Aldi vs. Hu Chocolate) 
35:10 Chlorine-Washed Chicken and the European Import Bans 
40:30 Chlormequat in Oats and Hydrogenated Oils in Peanut Butter 
43:15 A Hilarious Heaven Joke & Wrapping Up

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! We are bringing you Part 2 of our Childhood Ailments series. If you missed last week's episode covering fevers, teething, and bug bites, definitely go back and check it out! Today, we are opening up the natural medicine cabinet to tackle the rest of those inevitable childhood sniffles, aches, and sleep regressions.

Before we dive into the remedies, Chrissy brings her nursing background to a fascinating Random Revelation about the origins of modern pharmaceuticals. Did you know that some of the most common conventional medications—like aspirin and even blood thinners—were originally derived from tree bark, roots, and plants? God truly gave us some incredibly powerful tools right in nature!

Because we love finding budget-friendly ways to step outside the conventional medical system, we also take a detour into the world of health share ministries. We compare Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and CrowdHealth, discussing how ditching traditional insurance can actually motivate better holistic health and give you the freedom to choose your own providers.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Plant-Based Pharma: The fascinating, plant-based history behind aspirin, warfarin, and antimalarials.
• Health Share Ministries: The pros and cons of using cost-sharing programs like CHM and CrowdHealth instead of traditional health insurance to save money and maximize provider freedom.
• Coughs & Colds: Why you should wait until age one for honey, the magic of shower steam with eucalyptus, crushable zinc, and how menthol crystals can clear a stuffy nose in seconds.
• Earaches: Why you must check the eardrum first (and how to do it on a child), plus the antimicrobial power of garlic mullein oil, oregano oil, and colloidal silver.
• Allergies: How incorporating local, unpasteurized honey can naturally combat seasonal pollen.
• Sleep Struggles: Navigating morning sunlight, magnesium glycinate versus malate, blue light reduction, and why the Babywise sleep training method was an absolute game-changer.
• Splinter Hacks: Ditch the tweezers and tears! How to use castor oil, baking soda paste, and Epsom salt to naturally draw stubborn splinters to the surface.

Resources mentioned:

• Health Shares: 
  • Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM): https://join.chministries.org/raf/8MVEBH?Jones=50off 
  • CrowdHealth: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ 
• Book Recommendation: On Becoming Babywise: https://amzn.to/4eojs4V 
• Remedies: 
  • Menthol Crystals: https://amzn.to/4gfPZwk
  • Garlic Mullein Oil: https://amzn.to/4xnNwWJ 
  • Kali Mur Cell Salts: https://amzn.to/4fGf1Vo
  • Colloidal Silver: https://amzn.to/4fAxQJs 
  • Magnesium Cream: https://amzn.to/4w42u31 

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

02:45 Random Revelation Plant Based Pharma

08:06 CrowdHealth vs Insurance Debate

21:52 Childhood Remedies

22:19 Coughs Colds Natural Support

32:53 Earaches Safety and Remedies

36:28 Onion Toxin Myth

38:16 Colloidal Silver Basics

42:56 Swimmer Ear Prevention

43:55 Cell Salts For Fluid

48:44 Honey For Allergies

52:23 Sleep Setup And Supplements

01:00:29 Splinters And Wrap Up 

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Episode Summary: Toddlerhood is a beautiful, wild ride—but it also comes with its fair share of bumps, bugs, and bruises! In this episode, Chrissy and Katie are officially transitioning out of baby chat and stepping into the world of toddlers. Katie shares what she’s learned firsthand with her two-year-old, Malachi, while Chrissy gathers all the notes she’ll need for her first little one arriving this November.

We kick things off with a pretty eye-opening Random Revelation about the hidden liver risks of common over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) before diving into our holistic summer survival guide. From matching the right homeopathic remedy to a specific type of mosquito bite, to the incredible healing powers of a "raw honey Band-Aid," we’re breaking down how to support your child’s body naturally from the inside out. Plus, learn why "root cause" medicine beats a topical steroid cream every single time.

Pop in your headphones, grab your notebook, and let’s dive into how we can steward our kids' health with the tools God gave us!

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Random Revelation: The hidden dangers of conventional over-the-counter pain relievers and how aspirin vs. acetaminophen behave in the body.
• Emotional Homeopathy: How Katie helped support her mom through a season of deep grief using targeted homeopathic remedies.
• Mosquito Warfare: Why your child's specific bite reaction dictates whether they need Ledum or Pulsatilla, and Chrissy's favorite peppermint oil trick.
• Root Cause vs. Symptom Covering: Malachi’s story of healing a chronic facial rash through classical homeopathy by looking deeper than the skin surface.
• The Raw Honey Band-Aid: How to use raw honey to heal open, scratched-apart bug bites overnight.
• Bumps & Bruises: Our favorite non-stinging "boo-boo spray" (Active Skin Repair) and why Frankincense essential oil is a must-have for blunt toddler tumbles.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book: Homeopathic Medicine at Home, Ancient Nutrition by Josh Axe
• Homeopathy Directory: Homeopathy 247
• Trusted Brands: Boiron (for common remedies) & Hahnemann Labs (for specialized kits)
• First Aid Staples: Active Skin Repair & Vashe (Hypochlorous Acid)

Disclaimer: We are moms and stewards, not medical doctors! This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult a holistic practitioner or head to urgent care/the ER for true medical emergencies, broken bones, or severe cuts.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @CrunchyStewardship
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts if this episode helped you feel more confident in your natural parenting journey!

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 2 of our (unintentional) Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery series, we are looking closely at the medical decisions and physiological miracles that happen during and immediately after delivery.

If you have ever wondered what the actual differences are between vaginal births and C-sections when it comes to your baby's long-term health, this episode breaks it all down. We discuss how the physical squeeze of the birth canal prepares a newborn's lungs, the incredible science of "vaginal seeding" for the gut microbiome, and how a baby's saliva literally communicates with the mother's body during breastfeeding to create custom immune-boosting milk.

We also tackle the hard conversations about delivery room interventions: the great debate between natural tearing versus episiotomies, how to prevent tearing in the first place, and why you have to choose between delayed cord clamping and expensive cord blood banking. Whether you are prepping for your first baby or your fifth, we want to equip you to make these choices with confidence and faith over fear!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: Where does fat actually go when you burn it? Chrissy shares the mind-blowing science of exhaling your fat as CO2!
• Vaginal Birth Benefits: How the birth canal physically squeezes fluid from a baby's lungs and "seeds" their delicate gut microbiome.
• Breast Milk Magic: How a baby's saliva sends signals to the mother's body to create custom antibodies for whatever illness they are fighting.
• C-Section Realities: Navigating major abdominal surgery recovery, prophylactic antibiotic exposure, and the emerging practice of vaginal swabbing for C-section babies.
• Tearing vs. Episiotomies: The pros and cons of both, plus our best tear-prevention tips (including perineal massage, warm compresses, and the "Silly Putty" analogy for slow, controlled pushing).
• The Umbilical Cord Debate: Why you can't have both delayed cord clamping and stem cell banking, and how to navigate the "what ifs" of medical emergencies with a faith-over-fear mindset.

Chapters: 

00:00 Early Morning Catch Up

01:25 Birth Topics Roadmap

03:29 Random Revelation: Fat Burning

08:06 Instagram Tangents Toddler Hacks

11:47 C Section Versus Vaginal Birth

17:44 Microbiome And Vaginal Seeding

23:54 Breast Milk Immune Training

27:42 C-Section Recovery Reality

29:41 Hospital Stay and Double Recovery

30:50 Antibiotics and Baby Microbiome

35:09 Pain Meds and Addiction Risk

38:45 Episiotomy Versus Tearing

43:52 Preventing Tears During Labor

49:39 Cord Clamping and Banking 

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! As we transition from our fertility series into actual pregnancy and birth prep, we are tackling the big decisions you'll face before delivery day.

But first, Katie has a massive stewardship win to share: she officially launched an Azure Standard drop site right at her local church! When you live in a rural area and are tired of driving 40 minutes in the snow just to afford bulk organic groceries, organizing a local drop is an absolute game-changer for the grocery budget and for building a crunchy community.

When it comes to labor, our culture is incredibly quick to treat childbirth like a medical emergency—but God designed our bodies to do this! Today, we discuss the pros and cons of hospitals, birth centers, and home births, and why choosing the right environment is crucial for a peaceful delivery. We also weigh the realities of common medical interventions, from the Tylenol debate to epidurals and Pitocin, so you can make informed, prayerful decisions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Random Revelation: Katie’s new Azure Standard drop site and how buying healthy staples in bulk saves serious grocery money.
• The Pregnancy "Avoid" List: A nuanced look at the risks of cat litter, sushi, lunch meats (listeria), and the recent debates surrounding acetaminophen.
• Birth Settings: Why "birth is not an emergency" and how to evaluate if a hospital, birth center, or home birth is the right fit for your family.
• Intervention Realities: The truth about epidurals (including loss of pushing sensation and stalled labor) and medical inductions like Pitocin, membrane sweeps, and Foley balloons.
• Natural Inductions & Movement: How to physically prepare your pelvic floor with deep squats, the importance of "curb walking," and why laboring flat on your back works against gravity.
• Mental Prep & Hypnobirthing: Why you need to shut down the horror stories and surround yourself with positive, empowering birth testimonies.

Resources mentioned:

• Groceries: Azure Standard - https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=50bb0fcd9b
• App: Expecting and Empowered - https://www.expectingandempowered.com/e-e-app
• App: Christian Hypnobirthing - https://www.christianhypnobirthing.com/
• Book: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin - https://amzn.to/3PXb9Vg 
• Book: The Headspace Guide to a Mindful Pregnancy by Andy Puddicombe - https://amzn.to/43oLpEm 
• Book: Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan - https://amzn.to/42KFVUj 

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:33 Labor Prep Episode Setup
02:10 Azure Standard Drop Site
08:52 Church Drop Program Details
11:08 Pregnancy Avoid List
18:08 Tylenol Debate and Tangent
24:29 Stretching and Birth Setting
33:59 Birth Choices Matter
34:42 Better Labor Positions
36:48 Midwives Doulas Explained
38:34 Epidurals Realities Risks
47:21 Induction Options Medical
52:13 Natural Induction Tips
57:48 Hypnobirthing Positive Stories

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! We have officially reached the grand finale of our Fertility Series. After weeks of discussing how to heal your body, reduce your toxic load, and prepare for conception, we are finally asking the big question: You're pregnant... now what?

And we couldn't think of a better way to kick off this episode than with a massive Random Revelation: Chrissy is 12 weeks pregnant!

The first trimester is a beautiful but incredibly challenging season. Today, we are sharing real-time updates and practical, crunchy tips for surviving the early days of pregnancy. We talk about finding grace when the only thing that sounds good is organic mac and cheese, how to navigate severe nausea, and why the "elastin" hormone is the sneaky culprit behind your early heartburn. We also break down what to actually look for in a prenatal vitamin and our favorite clean oils to soothe your stretching skin!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Big Reveal: Chrissy shares her 12-week pregnancy update and how vestibular physical therapy cured her severe vertigo in just one session.
• First Trimester Nausea Hacks: Why you need well-rounded snacks (protein + fat + carbs) instead of just plain crackers, the difference between ginger and peppermint, and Katie’s Unisom & B6 trick.
• The "Elastin" Hormone: How this hormone loosens your joints to make room for baby, but also triggers early heartburn and round ligament pain.
• Pelvic Floor Myths: Why pregnancy incontinence is not an inevitable life sentence and how proactive movement can protect your core.
• Decoding Prenatals: Why you need to check your label for folate vs. folic acid, watch out for glucose syrups, and why it's crucial to start taking them before you see a positive test.
• Stretch Mark Prevention: Our favorite natural body oils (like grapeseed, almond, and Ancient Greek Remedy) to keep your skin nourished—plus a hilarious story about Chrissy using belly oil as aftershave!

Resources mentioned:

• Exercise App: Expecting and Empowered
• Body Oil: Ancient Greek Remedy Body Oil - https://amzn.to/4nxsDE9
• Body Oil: Mother's Special Blend (Katie's older recommendation) - https://amzn.to/4wxGPRJ

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Fertility Series Finale!
04:33 Random Revelation: The Big Reveal... Chrissy is Pregnant!
06:06 Surviving the First Trimester
10:07 Trimester Overview and Diastasis Tips
12:54 Nausea Survival Strategies
19:25 Heartburn Hacks
26:17 Exercise and Birth Prep Movement
32:19 Ligaments Hormones and Pelvic Floor
40:48 Eating Well When Nothing Sounds Good
46:15 Prenatals: What to Choose
54:23 Second Trimester Glow
58:19 Stretch Marks Oils
01:03:12 Join Us On Facebook

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 9 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting our focus to the conventional medical interventions we are so commonly prescribed.

From the "doc in a box" to our primary care visits, it is so easy to rely on a quick prescription to mask uncomfortable symptoms. But what are those "quick fixes" costing our long-term health? Today, we are digging deep into the systemic impacts of birth control, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and steroids. We explain how synthetic hormones act as endocrine disruptors, why your gut flora is the actual foundation of your fertility, and how certain prescriptions deplete the exact vitamins your body needs to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Plus, Katie shares a fun homesteading update (baby chicks have arrived!) and talks about her real-time experience using homeopathy and natural remedies to navigate a stubborn spring cold.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Homestead Updates & Natural Cold Care: Katie's journey using homeopathy for a sinus headache, building pallet compost bins, and the arrival of the baby chicks! Plus, Chrissy's recipe for thyme-infused honey.
• The "Quick Fix" Problem: Why suppressing symptoms (like fevers or coughs) can actually prevent your body from doing what it was perfectly designed to do.
• The Truth About Birth Control: How synthetic hormones act as "fake keys" in your endocrine system, mask underlying issues like endometriosis and PCOS, and severely deplete the body of B-vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.
• Antibiotic Stewardship: The microevolution of bacteria, the danger of wiping out your gut microbiome, and why fertility starts in the gut.
• Heavy Metals & Hormone Disruption: A brief look at the endocrine-disrupting heavy metals often found in vaccines and where to find the transparent data.
• Steroids & Blood Sugar: How long-term steroid use spikes blood sugar (leading to fat-stored estrogen), thins the skin, and triggers withdrawals.
• Natural Anti-Inflammatories: Simple, holistic ways to reduce inflammation using ginger, warm baths, and steam.

Resources mentioned:

• Book Recommendation: Turtles All the Way Down (Vaccine Science and Myth): https://amzn.to/4nkFGbZ 
• Website: Just the Inserts - https://justtheinserts.com/ 
• Website: HealthLine Article on Birth Control: https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-effects-on-body#:~:text=Combined%20pills%2C%20which%20contain%20synthetic,while%20using%20the%20combined%20pill. 

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:46 Fertility Series Setup
02:08 Random Revelation Homeopathy
10:01 Natural Cold Care Tips
12:31 Garden Beds and Baby Chicks
14:19 Medical Interventions Overview
15:36 Birth Control and Fertility
16:24 Birth Control Personal Experiences
18:02 Synthetic Hormones as "Toxins"
20:12 Phytoestrogens
20:37 Messing With Your Cycle
22:42 Masking Bigger Problems
30:03 Nutrient Depletion
32:14 Pregnancy Nausea
35:47 Antibiotics Gut and Resistance
37:44 Microevolution in Bacteria
49:25 Vaccines
55:02 Steroids

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! As we near the end of our Fertility Series, we are welcoming all our new listeners and tackling a massive topic that affects almost all conventional food in the United States: Pesticides.

Specifically, we are zooming in on glyphosate (the main ingredient in Roundup) and how this chemical acts as a major endocrine disruptor. We know the topic of toxic food can feel incredibly heavy, but our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to protect your family's health and fertility without letting anxiety take over. We break down the science of how pesticides act like "fake keys" jamming up your hormone receptors, and why swapping your food choices has a profound generational impact—affecting you, your children, and even your future grandchildren all at once!

Because we believe in being wise stewards of our finances just as much as our bodies, we also tackle the big question: How do you actually afford organic food? We share practical strategies for making the grocery budget work, prioritizing the right items, and viewing high-quality food as "health insurance you can eat."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Toxic Receipt Rule: Why Chrissy's random revelation will have you saying "no receipt, please" to avoid unnecessary BPA exposure at checkout.
• The Messianic Seder: A beautiful realization about Jesus being the ultimate sacrificial lamb at the Last Supper.
• The "Fake Key" Effect: How pesticides jam the cellular "locks" in your endocrine system, scrambling hormones and directly impacting sperm morphology and "swimability."
• The Generational Blueprint: How traditional ancestral wisdom proves that our nutritional and toxic loads impact three generations at once.
• The Toxin Bucket: How glyphosate acts as a neurotoxin, crossing the blood-brain barrier to cause brain fog and memory issues.
• The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15: A breakdown of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) list so you know exactly which produce to buy organic and which is safe to buy conventional.
• Health Insurance You Can Eat: How to shift your financial mindset so that funding a higher-quality grocery budget today helps prevent costly medical interventions tomorrow.

Resources mentioned:

• Resource: EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 - https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
• Resource: CDC Live Births Map - https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/births/fertility-rate.html

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:33 Fertility Series Updates
03:09 Random Revelation: Why You Shouldn't Touch Store Receipts
08:08 Crunchy Friends and Passover Talk
16:01 Pesticides and Glyphosate Risks
27:34 Birth Rate Map Findings
29:51 How Pesticides Disrupt Fertility
34:49 Egg Signals and Generational Impact
43:17 Neurotoxins and Food Experiments
46:48 Affording Organic and Final Encouragement

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 7 of our Fertility Series, we are tackling a toxin that is quite literally everywhere: Microplastics.

Have you heard the staggering statistic that the average person consumes a credit card's worth of plastic every single year? It sounds crazy, but when you realize how much of our food, water, and clothing is derived from petroleum-based plastics, it starts to make sense. Today, we are uncovering the sneaky places microplastics are hiding in your home and how this cumulative plastic burden is heavily impacting our endocrine systems, sperm health, and placentas.

But don't panic! We are wrapping up this episode with our brand new Crunchy Stewardship motto: "We don't go broke trying to get healthy." We share an incredibly encouraging 12-week study showing how quickly your body can bounce back, plus a list of free and cheap ways to drastically reduce your family's plastic exposure right now.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Crunchy Updates: Katie’s Random Revelation featuring Dr. Josh Axe’s new holistic Longevity Clinic in Tennessee and a bittersweet Wise Traditions podcast update.
• Hidden Plastics in Plain Sight: Why you need to look out for chewing gum, bleached tea bags, contact lenses, and even a popular over-the-counter stool softener (MiraLax).
• The Fertility Connection: How microplastics are reaching the placenta, infiltrating our organs, and what a recent 12-week study revealed about couples cutting out plastic and improving their fertility.
• Government Action: RFK’s STOMP program to systematically measure microplastics in the body, plus state-level bans on plastic food packaging.
• The Dust in Your Home: Why taking your shoes off at the door and vacuuming regularly is actually a crucial step to reducing your microplastic load.
• Budget-Friendly Swaps: How to switch to stainless steel, glass, wood, 100% food-grade silicone, and organic cotton without breaking the bank.

Resources mentioned:

• Clinic: Dr. Josh Axe's Longevity Club and Clinic - https://thelongevityclinic.com/
• Article: EWG (Environmental Working Group) on Microplastics - https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/10/making-meals-without-microplastics-tips-safer-cutting-boards 
• Facebook Post: Microplastic Fertility Study - https://www.facebook.com/share/18VnxyvSsa/
• Program: STOMP (Systematic Targeting of Microplastics) - https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/arpa-h-launches-groundbreaking-144-million-program-combat-toxic-microplastics-human-body.html 

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:08 Random Revelation - Crunchy Influencer Updates
05:55 Microplastics 101
11:20 Hidden Sources of Plastic
16:17 Plastic in Kids Stuff
18:36   Microplastics Found in Every Organ
21:08 Plastic Toy Wins and Fails
24:16 Impacts of Microplastics on Your Health & Fertility
31:22 Measuring Microplastics Program
37:07 State Bans And Tire Dust
40:34 Biblical Perspective on Microplastics
43:39 Simple Switches At Home
57:13 Budget Friendly Stewardship Wrap Up

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 6 of our Fertility Series, we are grabbing our morning coffee (at 8:00 AM!) and diving into the personal care products we use every single day.

Did you know the average woman applies 12 personal care products before she even leaves the house? That adds up to a staggering 168 chemicals layered onto your skin daily. Today, we are breaking down the "Cumulative Chemical Burden" and looking at three of the biggest endocrine-disrupting culprits in your bathroom: Phthalates, Parabens, and Fragrance.

We explain how these specific toxins mimic estrogen, suppress testosterone, and confuse your reproductive system. But don't panic—our bodies are incredibly resilient! We share how quickly your body can detox from these chemicals once you stop using them, and we give you a budget-friendly, stress-free plan for swapping out your products over time.

Plus, Katie makes a hilarious connection between modern food additives and Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Psychology of the "Crunch": Why food engineers design snacks to be loud, and Katie's realization about Clark Griswold's actual job.
• The Cumulative Burden: Why a single exposure to a chemical isn't the problem, but the daily layering of 168 chemicals is.
• Phthalates (The Plasticizers): Where they hide (from yoga mats to recycled clothing) and how they impact sperm motility and premature ovarian aging.
• Parabens (The Preservatives): How these synthetic preservatives mimic estrogen and disrupt the crucial hormone spikes needed for ovulation.
• The "Fragrance" Loophole: Why the word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label is actually a legal hiding spot for hundreds of undisclosed chemicals—including phthalates designed to make scents stick to your skin.
• The Clean Bathroom Challenge: How to audit your bathroom and make budget-friendly, non-toxic swaps only as you run out of your current products.

Resources mentioned:

• App: Switch Natural - https://www.switchnatural.com/switch-natural-app
• App/Website: EWG (Environmental Working Group) - https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
• App/Website: Bobby Approved - https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/
• Book: Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari (The Food Babe) - https://amzn.to/4ccZZ7l

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Early Morning Brain Fog
02:05 Fertility Focus - Pthalates, Parabens, Fragrance
03:23 Random Revelation Crunch Factor
06:48 Cereal Crunch and Kellogg Stories
12:30 Cumulative Chemical Burden
18:18 Fragrance Sensitivity and Mouth Breathing
21:34 What Are Phthalates
23:43 Plastics Clothing and Home Exposure
27:39 How Phthalates Impact Male and Female Fertility
31:41 How to Detox from Phthalates Quickly
36:53 Parabens: The Estrogen Mimicking Preservatives
41:09 Why High Estrogen Disrupts Ovulation & Testosterone
45:31 Fragrance Means Hundreds of Chemicals
49:24 Essential Oils vs Synthetic Fragrances|
59:11 Clean Swap Challenge

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

As we continue our Fertility Series, we are shifting our focus to the environmental factors that can throw our bodies out of balance. Today, we are tackling a big one: PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals."

While the topic of environmental toxins can feel overwhelming, we are here to remind you to choose faith over fear. We break down exactly what endocrine disruptors are, how they hijack your natural hormone production (like progesterone and insulin), and where these chemicals are hiding in plain sight. Most importantly, we share practical, budget-friendly, and stress-free ways to start reducing your family’s exposure today to protect your health and the fertility of the next generation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Hospital Food Shift: Why local farm partnerships in Florida hospitals are a massive win for holistic health.
• Endocrine Disruption 101: How "forever chemicals" confuse your body, mimic hormones, and impact fertility.
• The Pregnancy Nutrient Drain: Why your placenta will prioritize the baby’s growth at the expense of your own bones and reserves if you aren't nutrient-dense.
• Where PFAS Hide: The truth about your tap water, to-go coffee cups, microwave popcorn bags, and non-stick pans.
• The Fire-Resistant Problem: Why your mattresses, carpets, and children’s pajamas are coated in chemicals, and how to properly "off-gas" new furniture.
• Simple Swaps: Easy ways to transition to stainless steel, cast iron, organic cotton underwear, and clean cosmetics without breaking the bank.

Resources mentioned:

• Water Filters: Berkey Water Filters (Check Facebook Marketplace/eBay for deals!)
• Cookware Swaps: Lodge Cast Iron & All-Clad
• Blog Post: Katie's Guide to Finding Factory Second Stainless Steel Pans - https://agapeinvests.com/factory-seconds-designer-deals-for-less/ 
• Clean Haircare: Attitude (Always double-check EWG ratings as recipes change!)
• Clean Cosmetics: Primally Pure & Adele Natural Cosmetics
• Previous Episode: The History of PFAS & Forever Chemicals - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17596505 

Chapters:

00:00 Fertility Series and PFAS Preview
02:39 Random Revelation Hospital Food
04:18 Florida Hospital Nutrition Shift
11:48 PFAS Explained Endocrine Disruption
14:12 Hormones and Fertility Connections
17:01 Katie Progesterone Story
21:11 Pregnancy Hormone Rollercoaster
23:57 Placenta Nutrient Priorities
27:41 Where PFAS Hide
29:08 PFAS in Drinking Water|
33:25 Landfills Contaminate Soil
35:12 Mindset Over Fear
35:58 Cookware Swaps
39:51 Food Packaging Fixes
44:50 Foam Flame Resistant
48:33 Furniture, Mattresses, Carpets, Clothes
50:02 Off-gassing Tips
53:49 Pesticides
54:52 Personal Care Products 
59:32 Protecting the Next Generation

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In Part 4 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting our focus to what is arguably the most impactful aspect of your overall health and fertility: Nutrition. Chrissy kicks things off with a fascinating look into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), explaining how our physical organs are deeply connected to our emotions. We also have an honest conversation about navigating holistic practices like TCM and muscle testing as Christians.

Then, we dig deep into the ancestral wisdom of Dr. Weston A. Price. If you want to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy—or if you are just looking to heal your body from the inside out—this episode is your ultimate guide to the "Fertility Diet." We break down the generational impact of our modern diets and the specific, nutrient-dense superfoods our ancestors used to build strong, healthy babies.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Emotion-Organ Connection: A look at TCM, and how our bodies physically manifest emotions like anger, grief, and fear.
• The "Church Snack" Dilemma: Katie’s honest struggle with the processed foods we feed our kids and how to balance holistic health with grace and budget.
• The Pre-Conception "Big 3": Why Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2/Activator X are absolutely essential for fertility, hormone production, and preventing birth defects.
• The Generational Diet: Why crooked teeth and narrow jaws are actually a sign of inherited nutritional deficiencies, not just genetics!
• Fertility Superfoods: The science behind why we should all be consuming cod liver oil, high-vitamin butter, pasture-raised egg yolks, and organ meats (and how to hide them in your food!).

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price - https://amzn.to/4bZJXfK 
• Resource: Weston A Price Foundation 11 Dietary Principles - https://www.westonaprice.org/11-principles-overview/ 
• Product: Pluck Organ Meat Seasoning - https://amzn.to/4bZJXfK 
• Product: High-Vitamin Cod Liver Oil (WAPF Recommended) - https://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil 
• Product: Thousand Hills Renegade Blend https://thousandhillslifetimegrazed.com/products/grass-fed-renegade-blend-ground-beef-with-organs 

Chapters:

00:00 Fertility Series Roadmap
01:39 Why Nutrition Matters Most for Fertility
02:57 Random Revelation - TCM and the Emotion-Organ Connection
11:12 Christian Discernment for Eastern Medicines
21:36 The "Church Snack" Dilemma
26:48 The "Big 3" Pre-Conception Vitamins
27:56 Vitamin A - The Architect
28:53 Vitamin D - The Pro-Hormone
30:15 Vitamin K2 - Activator X
35:07 Vitamin A Deficiencies
37:25 The Nutrient Chain & Eating for "Bodybuilding"
43:27 Vitamin D Deficiencies And Dental Health
46:39 Refined Foods Change Generations
53:36 Fertility Superfoods List
01:01:32 Prenatal Supplements
01:04:49 Budgeting Health

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 3 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting the spotlight to a topic that is often completely overlooked in the infertility conversation: the guys!

While women often carry the heavy burden of fertility tracking and testing, men play an equally crucial role—not just in conception, but in the health of the pregnancy itself. Chrissy brings us another fascinating anatomy lesson, explaining the miraculous 90-day lifecycle of a sperm cell and how it is perfectly designed by God to survive. Then, Katie uncovers a shocking truth about sperm morphology, comparing Weston A. Price's fertility standards from the 1930s to the shockingly low standards of modern medicine today.

We wrap up the episode by looking at the staggering statistics behind the global decline in birth rates, and why holistic health might be the key to turning the tide.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Banned Foods: Why American staples like Kraft Mac & Cheese and Ritz Crackers are restricted or banned in Europe (and what they do to your body).
• The 90-Day Cycle: Why a man's diet, stress, and lifestyle choices today actively impact his fertility three months from now.
• The Miracle of Semen: How the male body perfectly formulates fluids to neutralize the acidic female environment and nourish the sperm.
• Morphology Madness: How "normal" sperm abnormality rates went from under 20% in the 1930s to a whopping 96% today.
• The Postpartum Connection: How the quality of the sperm at conception can actually impact the mother's morning sickness, risk of hemorrhage, and postpartum depression.
• The Population Crisis: A deep dive into why U.S. and global birth rates have plummeted to historic lows and what it means for the next generation.

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price - https://amzn.to/4bzucfi 
• Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 1: Wrestling with God in the Waiting - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18826546 
• Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 2: Female Fertility 101 - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18863856 

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Part 3 of the Fertility Series
01:31 Random Revelation - Foods Banned In Other Countries
06:54 Male Anatomy 101: Testes, Puberty, and Sperm Creation
12:44 The Semen Secret: Surviving the Female Environment
15:44 The 90-Day Sperm Renewal Cycle
17:35 Sperm Morphology: 1930s Standards vs. Today
30:21 How Sperm Quality Impacts Pregnancy & Postpartum
33:17 The Crisis of Declining Birth Rates & the "Replacement Rate"
42:42 Food's Impact on Health & Fertility
48:14 What We Are Covering Next: Improving Fertility

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 2 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting from our personal testimonies into a full masterclass on the female reproductive system. Chrissy puts her nursing hat on to break down the miraculous, intricate design of a woman's monthly cycle in a way that is easy to understand.

Whether you are currently trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to understand why your motivation tanks at certain times of the month, this episode is packed with "aha!" moments. We explore the biological miracle of conception, dive into the different ways to track your cycles at home, and discuss why managing your stress is one of the most important things you can do for your fertility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Anatomy of a Cycle: What is actually happening in your body during the follicular and luteal phases.
• The Hormone Rollercoaster: Why your energy and motivation peak before ovulation and crash right after.
• The Miracle of Conception: The fascinating, obstacle-filled journey sperm takes to fertilize an egg.
• The Cortisol Connection: How stress directly opposes progesterone, and why creating a feeling of "safety" in your body is crucial for conception.
• How to Track: A breakdown of Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tracking, LH strips, and advanced hormone monitors like Inito.
• The Power of Visualization: How Katie used the Christian Hypnobirthing app and visualization to find peace during her pregnancy and hospital stay with Malakai.

Resources mentioned:

• App / Monitor: Inito Fertility Monitor - https://www.inito.com/ 
• App: Christian Hypnobirthing App - https://www.christianhypnobirthing.com/ 
• Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 1: Wrestling with God in the Waiting - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18826546 

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the Fertility Series
03:58 Random Revelation: An Anatomy Class Fun Fact
07:53 The Menstrual Cycle: Follicular vs. Luteal Phase
09:53 Growing the Next Generation in the Next Generation
13:04 Hormones & Mood: Why Your Energy Fluctuates
25:30 How Cortisol (Stress) Disrupts Your Fertility
31:44 The Power of Visualization and Mindset
35:51 Katie's Hypnobirthing Experience
41:40 The Biological Miracle of Conception
48:51 Methods for Tracking: BBT, Ovulation Strips, and Inito
01:00:00 The Stresses of Having Too Much Data

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship. Today, we are stepping away from our usual lighthearted banter to share something deeply personal. This episode kicks off our brand new, multi-part series on Fertility. But before we get into the science, hormone tracking, and holistic health in future episodes, we knew we had to start with the posture of our own hearts.

In this incredibly raw and vulnerable episode, Chrissy and Katie open up about their personal fertility journeys. They share the unseen heartbreak of waiting, the frustration of unexplained symptoms, and what it looks like to wrestle with God when your deepest desires are met with silence. From navigating PCOS and naturopathic healing to surviving sepsis and making life-altering medical decisions, this episode is a testament to the fact that even in our darkest wilderness, God is still good.

In this deeply personal episode, we share:

• A Genesis Revelation: A beautiful realization about the creation story, and how God provided light before He ever created the sun.
• Chrissy’s Journey: The frustrating aftermath of hormonal birth control, discovering insulin resistance and PCOS, and finding hope (and healing) through a naturopath and Maca root.
• Katie’s 40-Month Wilderness: The pain of unexplained infertility, battling depression and anger, and ultimately finding peace in surrendering the dream of biological children.
• Malakai’s Miraculous Birth: The traumatic reality of contracting sepsis, the ECMO machine that saved Malachi's life, and Katie's heartbreaking decision to have a life-saving hysterectomy.
• The Ultimate Sacrifice: How the story of Abraham and Isaac, along with our own earthly trials, give us a humbling glimpse into the agonizing sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.

Resources mentioned:

• Book: The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross (A wonderful Easter book for kids!) - https://amzn.to/4lqsi5e 
• Supplement: Maca Root (Used by Chrissy for PCOS/Hormone balancing)

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:53 Random Revelation: The Light Before the Sun

09:53 Fertility Journey Kick Off

12:49 Chrissy's Fertility Journey

20:34 Katie's Fertility Journey

40:32 Malakai's Birth Story

44:54 Future Fertility for Katie

46:35 Finding Reconcilliation in the Journey

49:36 God Uses Infertility to Strengthen Our Faith

56:15 God Is With Us in the Journey

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Chrissy & Katie dive into a full review of the trending book, "Good Energy" by Dr. Casey Means. They break down the central thesis of the book: that metabolic health is the root of almost all chronic disease. They discuss the "25 Habits" outlined in the book—from nutrition and movement to sleep and environmental toxins—and share which habits they are adopting (and which ones they are struggling with).

Plus, Chrissy shares a Random Revelation about how your sense of smell impacts your digestion, and they debate whether cold plunges are actually worth the misery.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Smell & Digestion: Why getting rid of synthetic fragrances might help your body process food better.
• Book Review: Why we give Good Energy a high rating (but recommend skipping the last chapter).
• The "Big 3" to Avoid: Refined sugar, refined grains, and industrial seed oils.
• Metabolic Habits: The importance of protein, fiber, and "eating the rainbow."
• Movement & Sleep: Why walking after meals and consistent wake times matter.
• Navigating Social Situations: How to politely decline the Pepsi and the church snacks.

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3Mgj3HL
• Documentary: Breaking Big Food  https://amzn.to/4ameB3j
• Previous Episode: Real Bread Revolution  - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17167392
• Previous Episode: The Myths of Seed Oils - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17325956 
• Previous Episode: The Water Episode - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17075688
• Previous Episode: Sleep is Healing Time - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18645131
• App: Google Gemini (Katie uses for food journaling)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship
01:19 Life Updates
05:09 Random Revelation: The Impact of Smell on Digestion
09:55 Fragrance-Free Living and Health Tips
13:48 Book Review: Good Energy by Casey and Callie Means
19:52 Personal Health Journeys and Natural Remedies
29:00 The Power of Diet and Lifestyle Changes
34:02 The Impact of Sugar on Pain
34:21 Casey Means' Health Philosophy
35:09 Political Landscape and Health
36:47 Nutrition Guidelines from Casey Means
44:35 Movement and Sleep Habits
47:37 Meal Timing and Environmental Factors
50:57 Toxins, Nature, and Mental Health
52:38 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Katie and Chrissy brave the winter weather (and the broken windshield wipers) to talk about one of the most underrated pillars of health: Sleep.

But first, Katie shares a "Random Revelation" from her holistic dentist about why snacking all day might be ruining your teeth—and your gut. Then, the ladies dive deep into the science of sleep. They discuss the scary reality of what happens when you don't get enough rest (did you know lack of sleep can mimic diabetes?), and why we need to shift our mindset from "bedtime" to "healing time."

From Scandinavian sleeping tricks to the debate over sound machines, they cover the practical, natural, and biblical ways to steward your rest.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 2-Hour Rule: Why spacing out your meals is crucial for your dental and gut microbiome.
• The Diabetes Connection: How getting only 6 hours of sleep can lead to insulin resistance.
• Habit Stacking: Practical ways to signal to your body that it's time to wind down (like taking out your contacts!).
• Sleep Sanctuary: Tips for setting the perfect temperature, lighting, and air quality in your bedroom.
• Natural Sleep Aids: Why we love Magnesium (and are cautious about Melatonin), plus a list of foods that naturally boost your sleep hormones.

Resources mentioned:

• Resource: The Secret to a Good Night's Sleep (Melatonin Info)
• Product: Earthley Wellness Good Night Lotion (Magnesium)
• Book: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3NZBKzT 
• Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://amzn.to/4ccfUmE 
• Book: The Biblio Diet - https://amzn.to/4r1TV6r 
• Air Filter: Jasper Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship
03:13 Random Revelation: Meal Spacing Benefits
10:51 Fasting and Its Benefits
13:53 The Importance of Sleep
15:34 Personal Sleep Experiences
19:19 Sleep Schedules for Kids
24:12 The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation
31:10 Sleep Is "Healing Time"
36:25 Being Overtired
38:07 The Risks of Poor Sleep
42:04 Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep
47:03 Habit Stacking for Better Sleep
52:38 Setting the Perfect Sleep Ambiance
01:04:27 Natural Sleep Aids and Nutrition
01:10:59 Foods That Boost Melatonin Production

Remember, whether you eat or drink (or sleep!), do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Chrissy and Katie dive into the often overwhelming world of personal care products. Before they get into the suds and scrubs, Chrissy shares a "Random Revelation" about "Movement Snacks"—a simple way to combat the dangers of sitting all day (even if it means doing pushups in your office cubicle!).

Then, the ladies head to the bathroom cabinet to discuss what we are actually putting on our skin. They break down the specific ingredients you should avoid, why "silky smooth" textures and bubbles might actually be harmful, and share the specific brands they use—from shampoo bars to beef tallow moisturizers.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Movement Snacks: Why 30 seconds of activity is better than a food snack for your energy levels.
• The "Big 3" Ingredients to Avoid: Understanding Dyes, Parabens/Phthalates, and "Fragrance."
• The "Bath & Body Works" Effect: Why synthetic chemicals are used to make scents last longer and textures feel smoother.
• Navigating the Aisles: How to use apps like Switch Natural and EWG to scan your products.
• Product Reviews: Honest thoughts on HiBar, Attitude, Dr. Bronner’s, and Tallow-based skincare.
• The Sasquatch Confession: Why clean beauty routines sometimes mean shaving less often!

Resources mentioned:

• Cleaning Products Episode: 
• App: Switch Natural (Ingredient Scanner) - https://www.switchnatural.com/switch-natural-app 
• App: EWG Healthy Living - https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ 
• App: Bobby Approved - https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/ 
• Shampoo: HiBar Shampoo Bars - https://amzn.to/49Iqije 
• Shampoo: Attitude Living - https://amzn.to/3YSYAvb 
• Shampoo: Acure - https://amzn.to/3NxIsg7 
• Body Wash: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap - https://amzn.to/49T7a27 
• Skincare: Rowe Casa Organics - https://oken.do/0brrt9fh 
• Face Wash: Garnier Micellar Water - https://amzn.to/3LDaOVN 
• Sleep/Wellness: Earthley Wellness Magnesium Cream - https://amzn.to/4qwedEN 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship
01:27 Random Revelation: Movement Snacks
09:07 Personal Care Products Overview
12:20 Guidelines for Choosing Personal Care Products
16:30 Why Harmful Ingredients Are Used
23:15 How to Find Non Toxic Products
31:34 Shampoo Recommendations
33:29 Ever-Changing Product Formulas
37:07 Exploring Shampoo Options
39:18 Conditioner Challenges
41:49 Body Wash Preferences
45:04 Lotion and Moisturizer Choices
53:44 Face Wash
58:25 Lip Care and Final Thoughts

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode, Katie and Chrissy reunite to tackle a topic that is invisible but everywhere: Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs). From cell towers to the phone in your pocket, we are constantly exposed to radiation. But instead of living in fear, the ladies break down exactly what EMFs are and share simple, budget-friendly strategies to mitigate them in your home. Plus, they kick things off with a Random Revelation about the brand new "Food Pyramid" that is flipping the script on nutrition!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The New Food Pyramid: Why the government's new "Real Food" guidelines are a huge win for holistic health (and how they differ from the carb-heavy 90s pyramid).
• EMF Basics: Understanding the difference between ionizing radiation (X-rays) and non-ionizing radiation (Wifi/Bluetooth) and why both matter.
• The "Distance" Factor: Why keeping your phone just a few inches away from your body can drastically reduce exposure.
• Medical Scans: When to ask for an MRI instead of a CT scan, and why you should still ask for the lead apron at the dentist.
• Sleep Sanctuary: How to turn your bedroom into a low-EMF recovery zone without spending a dime.
• The Bluetooth Debate: The risks of wireless earbuds and smarter alternatives.

Resources mentioned:

• The New Food Pyramid: Realfood.gov
• Resource: Tech Wellness (Great for low-EMF product swaps)
• Resource: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Guide to Cell Phones
• Gadget: TriField EMF Meter - https://amzn.to/4qkFR7R
• Phone Case Brand: Defender Shield - https://amzn.to/49BOd3I
• Phone Case Brand: SafeSleeve - https://amzn.to/49yvXrZ

Chapters
00:00 Living in a Microwave? Practical & Free Ways to Reduce EMF Exposure
00:33 Introduction and Weather Update
01:10 Random Revelation: New Food Pyramid
02:56 Impact of the Old Food Pyramid
06:36 Personal Experiences with Diet Changes
11:45 Main Topic Introduction: EMFs
13:26 Understanding EMFs and Their Impact
22:58 Does Reducing Exposure Make A Difference?
27:29 How Much Radiation Are YOU Exposed To?
32:24 Practical Tips to Mitigate EMF Exposure
37:31 Phone Cases and EMF Exposure
38:39 A Family Story: X-rays and Leukemia
40:46 X-rays, MRIs, and Radiation Exposure
48:22 Day-to-Day EMF Reduction Tips
52:07 Bluetooth and EMF Concerns
55:03 Setting Up a Low-EMF Home
01:05:02 Unexpected Benefit From Limiting EMF Exposure

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome back to Season 2 of Crunchy Stewardship! In this premiere episode, Katie and Chrissy kick off the new year with a fresh look at winter wellness. They discuss the fascinating connection between your gut and your brain, break down the actual differences between a cold and the flu, and share why they ditch conventional treatments like Tamiflu and Red Gatorade. Instead, they offer a toolkit of natural, budget-friendly remedies to help your family fight sickness while honoring your body’s natural healing ability.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The "Second Brain" concept: How your enteric nervous system impacts your mood and immunity
• The difference between Influenza (Flu) and Coronaviruses (Cold) and how to spot them
• Why they avoid Red Gatorade and Tamiflu (and what they use instead)
• Specific natural remedies including: Menthol crystals, onion water, miso soup, and the "Special Drink" recipe
• Prevention strategies involving cod liver oil, sleep, and avoiding pork

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price - https://amzn.to/45M45iS 
• Book: The Forgotten Home Apothecary - https://amzn.to/49OMU2A
• Book: Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/4qgf7W9
• Book: The Biblio Diet - https://amzn.to/3Zb9nRi
• Product: Menthol Crystals - https://amzn.to/4sAJQi5
• Bone Broth Brands: Kettle and Fire / Pacific Organic Foods
• Vitamins: Ancient Nutrition (Immune Support) - https://amzn.to/4qEXdMu

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:33 Season Two Kickoff
02:16 Random Revelation: The Second Brain
04:02 The Importance of Gut Health
05:13 Western A. Price and Nutrition
09:44 Flu vs. Cold: Understanding the Differences
23:24 Natural Remedies for Common Illnesses
31:14 Favorite Store-Bought Broth Brands
32:55 Benefits of Bone Broth
34:48 Natural Remedies for Cold Symptoms
36:45 Homemade Remedies for Throat Phlegm
41:56 The Power of Oregano Oil
44:38 Parasites and Pork: A Surprising Connection
48:45 Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In our final episode of 2025, we're sharing our favorite crunchy resources to help you continue your health journey over the winter break! From podcasts to books to websites, we've compiled everything you need to keep learning about natural living, non-toxic products, and biblical stewardship of your health.

Podcasts We Recommend:

• Modern Ancestral Mamas
• Wise Traditions with Hilda Latа Gore
• Culture Apothecary by Alex Clark
• Dr. Josh Axe Podcast

Books to Read:

• Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/3MhE3xf 
• Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/3MF3ed8 
• The Forgotten Home Apothecary - https://amzn.to/4pPwrAs
• Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari - https://amzn.to/48zdQSf 
• The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin & Dr. Josh Axe - https://amzn.to/4rC9uT6 
• Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell - https://amzn.to/3KhNlc6 
• Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs - https://amzn.to/4iBWqce 
• Good Energy by Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3YfHMOp 
• Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier - https://amzn.to/3MbA5q3 
• Turtles All the Way Down (Anonymous) - https://amzn.to/48CEMRi 

Helpful Websites & Apps:

• Minimalist Baker (recipes) - https://minimalistbaker.com/ 
• EWG (Environmental Working Group) - http://ewg.org/ 
• Bobby Approved App 
• Seed Oil Scout (SOS App)
• MAHA Action (mahaaction.com) - https://mahaaction.com/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:37 Random Revelation: The Truth About Ascorbic Acid

07:35 Navigating Healthy Living and Faith

15:21 Podcast Recommendations

22:50 Book Recommendations

36:12 Resources and Websites for a Healthier Lifestyle

Plus: We share about helpful Facebook groups for crunchy living, homeopathy support, and state-specific natural living communities.

We'll be taking a break to plan for 2025, but we'd love to hear your feedback! Join our Facebook group "Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget" or send us an email with your thoughts on the podcast.

See you next year!

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Welcome to our Crunchy Christmas episode! As we head into the holiday season, we're sharing practical ways to celebrate Christmas without all the toxins that typically come with it—from scented candles and fake snow to sugar-laden treats and synthetic decorations.

In this episode, we cover:

• Natural ways to scent your home 
• Real vs. fake Christmas trees: what's actually healthier?
• Healthier holiday baking tips and dairy-free alternatives
• Thoughtful, crunchy gift ideas
• Voting with your dollars and making intentional purchasing decisions
• Most importantly: keeping Jesus at the center of Christmas

Plus, we share our personal Christmas traditions, dairy sensitivity discoveries, and why this season is about so much more than presents and parties.

We pray this episode brings you joy and practical wisdom as you create a healthier, more intentional Christmas celebration for your family!

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:19 Chrissy's Random Revelation: Menthol Crystals
05:16 Katie's Health Journey and Conspiracies
10:58 Crunchy Christmas Traditions
14:46 Real or Fake Tree?
21:14 Natural Ways to Scent Your Home
26:51 Christmas Memories and Dairy-Free Treats
29:31 Exploring Dairy Sensitivities and Alternatives
33:01 Holiday Baking Tips and Tricks
37:33 Thoughtful and Crunchy Gift Ideas
39:57 Voting With Your Dollars
42:48 Crunchy Christmas Present Ideas
48:47 The True Meaning of Christmas

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

After spending $20,000 trying to fix her family's health issues, Anna McLaughlin learned a powerful lesson: striving and fear never lead to healing. Join us as Anna shares her journey from corporate lawyer to homeschooling mom, and how she went from doing ALL the crunchy things to finding peace in what really matters. We take a biblical approach to the overwhelming question: 'Where do I start?' Hint: it begins with abiding in the Father, not frantically searching for the next supplement or solution.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Anna's journey down the crunchy rabbit hole and what she learned
• Why striving and control can actually hinder our healing
• The free tools God has already given us 
• How to set a health budget with your spouse and move forward as a team
• The courage to wait on the Lord instead of constantly doing
• Practical steps for prioritizing what matters most for your family's health

Resources Mentioned:

• Anna's Podcast: Overwhelmed to Overcomer (available on all podcast platforms and YouTube) https://open.spotify.com/show/5G6UwkBk5iyfec2gr5XhED?si=34d43ced0b1f4ffe 
• Katie's Guest Episode on Overwhelmed to Overcomer https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EXP70osa4jzvQJwQCtTMG?si=f7jMLx3WSOe9YcxxZ40E-A
• Free Guide: Overwhelmed to Overcomer - https://subscribepage.io/from-overwhelmed-to-overcomer
• Book: The True Vine by Andrew Murray https://amzn.to/48rIXQN
• NACD (National Academy of Child Development): Miracles of Child Development - free audio resource on parenting and discipline

Connect with Anna:

• YouTube: @sheconsidersafield

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this SOLO episode, Katie shares practical, free ways to reduce your toxin load and support your body's natural detoxification pathways. Building on last week's Toxin Bucket Theory discussion, she dives into actionable steps you can take today—without spending a dime—to live a healthier, less toxic lifestyle.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What iatrogenesis is and how it relates to our health journeys
• Free ways to reduce toxin inflow in your home (VOCs, cleaning products, EMFs, and more)
• How to support your body's natural detox pathways through sleep, stress management, and movement
• When it's worth investing money in your non-toxic journey

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier - https://amzn.to/4qLyMxL
• Book: The Anxious Generation - https://amzn.to/4qI4hsB
• Book: The Body Keeps the Score - https://amzn.to/47DlFHz
• Katie's YouTube Channel: Faith & Finances - https://www.youtube.com/@KatieFiolaJones 
• EMF Protection: Defender Shield - https://amzn.to/47JrnGC
• EMF Protection: Safe Sleeve - https://amzn.to/4ooWgXL
• Previous Episode: Introduction to the Toxin Bucket Theory - https://open.spotify.com/episode/01kKmputcsWUDf43y8die6?si=kKOvxig-TU2TvVDCqaikYg 
• Previous Episode: Minerals in Water - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mHAIW8Nzkg1rio6P13WZn?si=6SrmyZH2SdKqpAqk5yAy-g 
• Katie's Free Budgeting Resources - https://kingdomimpactworkshops.com/budget-planner-optin

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:44 Podcast Updates and Chrissy's Mission Trip
02:47 Listener Engagement and Feedback
05:01 Random Revelation: Iatrogenesis 
15:50 Understanding the Toxin Bucket Theory
29:26 Hidden Dangers on Your Shoes
31:07 Importance of Dust Removal
32:35 Reducing EMF Exposure
42:38 The Impact of Blue Light
44:06 Supporting Detoxification Pathways
44:32 The Role of Sleep in Detoxification
45:38 Managing Stress for Better Health
48:17 The Power of Hydration and Movement
51:03 Investing in a Non-Toxic Lifestyle
53:28 Budgeting for Healthier Choices

Remember, stewarding our health is an act of worship. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and taking care of them honors God!

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode, we dive deep into the "toxin bucket" theory and explore how managing your daily exposures might be your best defense against chronic illness. We discuss epigenetics—the idea that while you can't change your genes, you can influence whether they "turn on" and lead to disease.

Join us for a room-by-room tour of hidden toxins in your home, from paint and flooring to personal care products and cleaning supplies. We'll talk about your body's natural detox systems (liver, spleen, colon, and more) and practical ways to support them.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:38 Random Revelation of the Week: Contagion Theory

09:47 Deep Dive: The Toxin Bucket

32:50 Identifying Toxins in Everyday Life

33:52 Detoxifying Your Home: Room by Room

46:38 Practical Tips for Reducing Toxins

Resources Mentioned:

🎙️ Wise Traditions Podcast (Mark Gober on contagion theory)

• Episode on Contagion Theory https://open.spotify.com/episode/48c0a838pJ6lxv495o8cNx?si=yrQUKii_QXqeFx96Y3zIiA
• His Book: An End to Upside Down Medicine: https://amzn.to/49vnw2d 
• The Weston A. Price Foundation: https://www.westonaprice.org/

🎨 ECOS Paints (Low/Zero VOC Paint)

• Website: https://www.ecospaints.net/

🧼 Dr. Bronner's (Natural Soap Alternatives)

• Hand Soap: https://amzn.to/3JvFPd9 
• Bar Soap: https://amzn.to/4qBX655 

Key Takeaways:

• Your toxin bucket represents your body's total toxic load
• Focus on what you can control: food, personal care products, and cleaning supplies
• Support your body's natural detox organs
• Small switches make a big impact over time

Remember: You can't eliminate every toxin, and that's okay! Your body is designed to detox. Start with easy wins and don't let overwhelm stop you from taking action.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Katie and Chrissy as they record together in person for the first time! In this episode, we share practical tips for maintaining your health while traveling—from bringing your own breakfast to navigating restaurant menus and minimizing toxin exposure in hotel rooms.

Got a trip coming up or love to travel? This episode is for you!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bringing your own food while traveling (oatmeal, coffee, and more)
• How to order healthy meals at restaurants when nothing on the menu works
• The best types of restaurants for clean eating (Mediterranean, salad spots, and Chipotle)
• Minimizing toxin exposure in hotel rooms (bedsheets, towels, shampoo, EMFs)
• Beach tips: zinc oxide sunscreen and the benefits of grounding
• Katie's discovery of Sabbath mode on appliances
• Dealing with chlorine in hotel water and fragrance sensitivities
• Balancing health consciousness with travel stress

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:38 Random Revelation: Sabbath Mode on Appliances

05:45 Recording Together for the First Time

06:58 Crunchy Travel Tips

27:55 Packing Essentials for a Healthier Hotel Stay

32:05 The Importance of Avoiding Fragrances

36:23 Beach Day Tips: Sunscreen and Grounding

43:53 Balancing Health and Stress While Traveling

Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Vanni Hari (Food Babe) - Book: "Feeding You Lies" - https://amzn.to/3L49avH 
• Bobby Approved App - For scanning food ingredients and finding healthier options - https://www.bobbyapproved.com

Remember: You don't have to do everything at once! Pick the tips that work for you and your family, and don't let the pursuit of health create more stress than it relieves.

We pray these episodes are helpful in your journey to becoming a better steward of your body, mind, and soul!

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Chrissy and Katie for a very real life update episode! In this candid conversation, the cousins dive into what's really happening behind the scenes of their crunchy journeys.

Chrissy shares her intensive 6-month gut reset program with a naturopathic doctor—complete with dramatic sugar withdrawals, surprising food discoveries (yes, even sushi has sugar!), and the emotional rollercoaster of preparing her body for pregnancy naturally. Meanwhile, Katie opens up about the chaos and decision fatigue of renovating their new 2.5-acre homestead, from researching non-toxic paints to learning that LED lights might be affecting more than just your circadian rhythm (spoiler: it gets wacky...)

You'll also hear about DIY cough drop experiments, balcony garden planning, the great almond butter debate, why carrots are flammable, and how God's grace covers even our crunchy failures.

Plus: The cousins need YOUR help naming these special life update episodes—drop your ideas in the comments or Facebook group!

Topics covered: gut health protocols, sugar addiction, healthy home renovations, non-toxic building materials, balcony gardening, DIY health remedies, and finding peace in overwhelming seasons.

Check out Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=50bb0fcd9b

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Are you tired of reaching for the medicine cabinet every time cold and flu season hits? In this episode, Katie and Chrissy explore how to build a robust immune system naturally—the way God designed it to work.

We dive into the science behind immunity, why our obsession with hand sanitizer might be doing more harm than good, and how gut health is the foundation of a strong immune system. Plus, we share practical natural remedies you can use when illness strikes, from bone broth to eucalyptus oil.

In This Episode:

• Why microplastic exposure from contact lenses matters (and Katie's experiment with reversing poor eyesight!)
• How leaky gut syndrome weakens your immune response
• The power of bone broth, raw honey, and organ meats
• Natural remedies: mullein tinctures, eucalyptus oil, and more
• Why sunshine, sleep, and stress management are non-negotiables for immunity

Helpful Resources & Links:

Bone Broth Brands:

• Kettle & Fire: https://www.kettleandfire.com
• Pacific Foods: https://www.pacificfoods.com

Essential Oils & Herbal Remedies:

• Mountain Rose Herbs (quality dried mullein, eucalyptus): https://www.mountainroseherbs.com
• Plant Therapy (quality essential oils): https://www.planttherapy.com

Local & Healthy Food Sources:

• Local Harvest (find farmers markets & local suppliers): https://www.localharvest.org
• Eat Wild (pasture-raised meat directory): https://www.eatwild.com

Further Reading:

• Children's Health Defense measels article: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/latest-measles-outbreaks-result-failed-vaccines-not-failure-to-vaccinate/
• Weston A. Price Foundation (traditional foods & health): https://www.westonaprice.org

Remember: These natural approaches aren't about instantly stopping illness—they're about giving your body the tools it needs to fight effectively and build lasting immunity.

Connect with us: Subscribe for weekly newsletters and leave us a five-star review to help others discover natural stewardship!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

For decades, we've been told that fat is the enemy - but what if we've been wrong this whole time? Chrissy and Katie challenge conventional wisdom about dietary fat, exploring why our bodies actually need quality saturated fats to thrive. From biblical references the "fat of the land" as God's portion, to the science of how fat affects brain function and hormones, this episode will change how you think about fat in your diet.

Random Revelation of the Week: Chrissy discovered the ultimate natural cleaning solution using baking soda, Dr. Bronner's castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide - it cleaned her moldy grout in one pass!

Memorial Moment: The hosts take time to honor Charlie Kirk and reflect on the spiritual revival happening worldwide following his recent passing.
Katie's Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGYWPp6c2/

Helpful Links & Products Mentioned

Biblical References:

• "Fat of the Land" - Biblical concept of fat representing abundance and blessing
• 1 Samuel 2 - Story of Eli's sons stealing the fat from sacrifices before it was burned to God
• Old Testament Sacrificial System - Fat as the "first and best" portion given to God, paralleling modern tithing principles

Healthy Fat Sources (Naturopathic Doctor Approved):

• Avocado & Avocado Oil - Rich in monounsaturated fats
• Coconut & Coconut Oil - Medium-chain triglycerides for energy
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Cold-pressed, unrefined
• Ghee - Clarified butter with high smoke point
• Grass-Fed Butter - Rich in fat-soluble vitamins
• Grass-Fed Beef - Bioavailable nutrients and quality saturated fats
• Pasture-Raised Chickens - Better omega-3 profile
• Pasture-Raised Eggs - Complete protein with healthy fats
• Pasture-Raised Pork - When sourced properly
• Raw Cacao - Healthy fats plus antioxidants
• Raw Dairy Products - Unprocessed, nutrient-dense
• Raw Nuts and Seeds - Variety of beneficial fats
• Olives - Mediterranean diet staple
• Wild-Caught Fish - Omega-3 fatty acids

Fats to Avoid:

• Trans Fats - Banned in the US since June 18, 2018
• Polyunsaturated Seed Oils - Vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
• Processed "Fat-Free" Products - Due to their chemical processing and often contain harmful additives

Harmful Additives in Fat-Free Foods:

• Carrageenan - Linked to intestinal inflammation
• Modified Starch - Highly processed thickener
• Various Gums - Artificial thickening agents
• Synthetic Vitamins - Less bioavailable than natural vitamins
• Added Sugars - Fructose, dextrose to replace flavor

Remember: This episode contains educational information only. The hosts are sharing research and personal experiences, not providing medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance, especially regarding significant dietary changes.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Chrissy and Katie are back with their most honest episode yet - a candid conversation about alcohol from two cousins who openly admit they know very little about drinking! With Katie's last drink being in June and Chrissy having maybe one or two glasses of wine per month, they bring you a refreshingly research-based (rather than experience-based) discussion on alcohol and health.

From biblical wine at Jesus' first miracle to Paul's advice to Timothy about using wine for stomach troubles, they explore what Scripture actually says about alcohol consumption. But don't worry - they also dive into the modern health implications, including why the US Surgeon General is now recommending cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages and why that trendy "glass of wine a day" advice from the 80s has been debunked.

Whether you're sober curious, an occasional drinker, or just want to make more informed choices, this episode offers a balanced, biblical perspective on alcohol without any judgment or pretense of expertise.

Random Revelation of the Week: Oregano oil outperforms amoxicillin in killing bacteria according to a high school science fair project (that's been getting major recognition).

Helpful Links & Products Mentioned

Health Information Sources:

• US Surgeon General's Advisory (January 2025) - Recommended cancer warning labels for alcohol
• RFK Jr. Health Initiatives - Redesigning the food pyramid and addressing alcohol labeling
• Cancer Risk Research - Links between alcohol and breast, colorectal, and liver cancers

Alcohol Alternatives & Mocktails:

• Spindrift Sparkling Water - No natural flavors, real fruit juice 
  • Available at Costco and Amazon for bulk purchases
  • Recommended flavors: Fuji Apple, Guava, and the pink can variety
• Arnold Palmer - Unsweetened tea and lemonade combination
• Hot Toddy - Traditional remedy with bourbon and tea (mentioned for historical context)
• Sparkling Water with Lime/Lemon - Classic mocktail option

Remember: This episode is from two self-proclaimed non-experts sharing research-based information. Always make decisions that align with your personal health needs, family situation, and spiritual convictions.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Not all teas are created equal! In this episode, Chrissy and Katie dive deep into the world of tea, exploring why quality matters when it comes to what you're steeping in your cup. From the hidden dangers of microplastics and bleached tea bags to the deceptive marketing of "natural flavors," they break down what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for tea.

Discover the incredible health benefits of various teas including elderberry, chamomile, dandelion, and turmeric, plus in this week’s Random Revelation, learn why the wise men's gifts of myrrh and frankincense were far from random - they were actually powerful postpartum healing aids! The cousins share their favorite tea brands, homemade tea recipes (including Chrissy’s famous pineapple ginger cinnamon tea), and practical tips for choosing organic, unbleached options.

Whether you're a tea newbie or a seasoned sipper, this episode will change how you think about your daily cup and equip you with the knowledge to make healthier choices for you and your family.

Helpful Links & Products Mentioned

Tea Brands & Products:

• Clipper Organic Sleep Easy Tea - https://amzn.to/4mZsjwT
• Traditional Medicinals - https://amzn.to/4682eEs

Health Products:

• Active Skin Repair - https://amzn.to/3IiUNCx
• Frankincense Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/4m8SZtX

Educational Resources:

• Food Babe Kitchen Cookbook - Recipe source for golden milk latte - https://amzn.to/42mcTKD
• Josh Axe - Health practitioner mentioned for dandelion tea benefits

Tea Types & Benefits Discussed:

• Elderberry Tea - Immune system support, use within 48 hours of cold/flu onset
• Chamomile Tea - Promotes relaxation, reduces inflammation and blood sugar
• Green Tea - Antioxidant properties, reduces inflammation and cholesterol
• Dandelion Tea - Multi-benefit herb for immunity, cardiovascular health, and cognition
• Golden Milk Latte - Anti-inflammatory, immune boosting
• Peppermint Tea - Headache relief, sinus drainage
• Reishi Mushroom Tea - Potential cancer-reducing properties
• Ginger Tea - Digestive aid, nausea relief, immune support

What to Look For:

• Organic certification (avoids glyphosate and pesticides)
• Unbleached tea bags
• No microplastics in packaging
• Avoid "natural flavors" in ingredient lists
• Loose leaf teas when possible

Recipe Mentioned:

Homemade Pineapple Ginger Cinnamon Tea:

• Organic pineapple rinds
• 1-2 inches fresh ginger
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• Simmer 6-8 hours or use crockpot
• Good hot or cold

Remember: This podcast is for educational purposes. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Katie and Chrissy as they dive deep into America's second-most consumed beverage - coffee! In this candid conversation, the cousins share their personal coffee origin stories, from Chrissy's desperate seventh-grade all-nighter to Katie's college social awakening with "fufu drinks."

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How coffee actually works in your brain (hint: it's not giving you energy the way you think)
• The surprising connection between mouth breathing and cavities in this week's "Random Revelations"
• Why coffee releases dopamine and creates those cozy social moments we crave
• The hidden toxins in conventional coffee and how to choose better brands
• The fascinating world of mushroom coffee alternatives
• How stress impacts your health more than most dietary choices

BRANDS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

• Mount Comfort Coffee: https://amzn.to/3VyaJnt
• Larry's Organic Coffee: https://amzn.to/4m3xfPU
• Counter Culture Coffee: https://amzn.to/45SVyeN
• Mud Water: https://amzn.to/427XT32
• Life Boost mushroom coffee: https://amzn.to/3JMOxn8
• Rise Coffee mushroom blend: https://amzn.to/4gemUPZ

PEOPLE/RESOURCES REFERENCED:

• Josh Axe (podcast episode on coffee): https://open.spotify.com/episode/54uVL6udNmD65bzGLNWL5N?si=xiWd1xHoThS_lAM8SlwkJQ 
• Weston A. Price Foundation

From French presses to Keurigs, organic beans to mycotoxin concerns, and the social ritual that connects cultures worldwide - this episode explores both the science and soul of our morning cup. Plus, Katie contemplates ditching coffee altogether while Chrissy advocates for the mental health benefits of that perfect morning moment on the patio.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Think drinking lots of water means you're well-hydrated? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into why you might actually be dehydrated despite chugging water all day long, and reveal what your body really needs to stay properly hydrated. Plus, tune in to our two new segments that we have added to the beginning and end of the podcast! Chrissy’s very first Random Revelation might send your head spinning! 

In This Episode:

• Our Daily Drink Routine: From morning lemon water with cayenne pepper to electrolyte strategies
• The Hydration Truth Bomb: Why water alone doesn't hydrate you (it's all about the minerals!)
• Beyond Gatorade: The problems with conventional sports drinks and better alternatives
• DIY vs. Store-Bought: When to invest in quality electrolytes and when to make your own
• The Spiritual-Physical Connection: How caring for our bodies honors God

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:43 Introducing Random Revelations
01:24 Chrissy's Revelation on Digestion
02:29 Favorite Podcasts and Books
06:05 Spiritual and Physical Health Connection
11:39 Today's Topic: Beverages and Drinks
24:59 Choosing the Right Salt for Hydration
26:55 Making Your Own Electrolytes
28:24 Cost and Strategy of Electrolytes
30:04 The Importance of Minerals in Hydration
37:33 Electrolytes and Processed Foods
42:13 Natural vs. Processed Foods
46:56 Homemade Electrolyte Alternatives
48:47 Upcoming Episode Sneak Peek
50:14 Community Conversations
53:39 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Podcasts We Love:

• Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
• The Dr. Josh Axe Show 
• Modern Ancestral Mamas

Books Recommended:

• "Eat Dirt" by Josh Axe https://amzn.to/4my8RHj
• "Feeding You Lies" by Vani Hari (Food Babe) https://amzn.to/3VmaDzd

Quality Electrolytes:

• Just Ingredients https://amzn.to/41vugIN
• Taylor Duke's Wellness
• Flav City https://amzn.to/4oXoTfv
• DIY electrolyte recipe available in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10165647787084692&set=gm.1313240456983171&idorvanity=1169400228033862 

Mineral-Rich Salts:

• Baja Gold Mineral Salt https://amzn.to/4oZgsA6
• Redmond Real Salt https://amzn.to/3HVYXjG

Where to Shop:

• Azure Standard (organic bulk foods) https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=50bb0fcd9b 

Connect With Us:

• Leave us a review and rating
• Email us your crunchy discoveries
• Share your hydration wins in our Facebook group

Remember: Your body is the temple God gave you to glorify Him. Let's steward it well, one sip at a time.

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Ready to ditch the toxic chemicals and create a healthier home environment? In this episode, Katie and Chrissy dive deep into the world of cleaning products - from the hidden dangers lurking in conventional cleaners to simple, affordable alternatives that actually work.

We cover everything you need to know about transitioning to non-toxic cleaning, including why it's often the second step people take after switching to healthier food choices. You'll learn about the balance between staying clean and not over-sanitizing (spoiler: your immune system needs some exposure to build strength!), plus discover why that dust in your home contains way more than you might think.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

01:04 Introduction to Today's Topic: Cleaning Products

01:22 The Risks of Conventional Cleaning Products

01:38 Homemade and Natural Cleaning Solutions

05:17 The Importance of Multipurpose Cleaners

07:37 The Role of Bacteria in Building Immunity

13:45 Dust and Indoor Pollutants

21:38 Floor Cleaning Tips and Tricks

30:26 Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning Essentials

31:18 Finding the Right Toilet Bowl Cleaner

32:17 Toilet Hygiene Tips

33:27 The Importance of Gloves in Cleaning

35:12 Exploring Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

42:45 Homemade Laundry Detergent

48:17 DIY Dishwasher Tablets

51:56 The Downside of Dryer Sheets

55:42 Challenges with Cloth Diapers

57:05 Starting Your Non-Toxic Journey

59:03 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

59:48 Listener Engagement and Feedback

Key Takeaways:

Whether you're just starting your crunchy journey or looking to make the switch from conventional cleaners, this episode gives you practical, budget-friendly solutions to create a healthier home environment for your family. It doesn't have to be expensive, in fact it could actually save you money while also keeping your family healthier! 

Links We Mentioned

Recommended Brands:

• Grove Collaborative Multipurpose cleaner  - https://amzn.to/4fLeyPo 
• Branch Basics Concentrate cleaner for all purposes - https://amzn.to/3HP3zIa
• Molly Suds Dish and laundry detergent - https://amzn.to/3UCHqjn
• ECOS Toilet bowl cleaner - https://ecos.com
• Nature's Promise - Toilet bowl cleaner (available at various retailers)
• Seventh Generation Various cleaning products - https://amzn.to/45sS56q
• Puracy Dish detergent pods - https://amzn.to/4oNqh4h 
• Aleva Naturals Laundry bars for DIY detergent - https://alevanaturals.com
• Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap Multi-purpose soap bars - https://amzn.to/45Nq3Bt

Helpful Apps:

• Switch Naturals App -  https://www.switchnatural.com/switch-natural-app
• EWG Healthy Living App - https://www.ewg.org/apps/
• Bobby Approved App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bobby-approved-food-scanner/id1571725006 

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode, we're switching things up and sharing how we're actually living out all the crunchy things we talk about! Katie's on a mission to find local goat cheese (spoiler: it's harder than finding goat milk), Chrissy discovers why cold plunges aren't for every body type (hello, exhaustion hangover), and we dive into some shocking truths about what's really in your tea bags. From quail eggs to red light therapy price tags, we're giving you the real, unfiltered update on our non-toxic journey - including all the wins, fails, and "wait, THAT'S what natural flavoring is made from?!" moments. Join us for our most candid conversation yet as we share what's actually working (and spectacularly failing) in our real-life crunchy journeys. Warning: contains shocking facts about beaver anatomy and mascara ingredients.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:07 Reflecting on Past Episodes
01:40 The Hunt for Local Goat Cheese
03:49 Switching to Organic Foods
06:37 Exploring Local Farms and Produce
15:05 The Impact of Pesticides and Fertilizers
18:45 The Importance of Organic Foods for Children
20:27 Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
21:45 The Benefits of Dandelion
23:14 The Truth About Tea Bags
27:51 The Shocking Truth About Makeup Ingredients
29:03 Family Makeup Preferences and Recommendations
30:57 Exploring Biohacking: Cold Plunges and Red Light Therapy
36:22 The Benefits and Costs of Red Light Therapy
42:20 Affordable Non-Toxic Lifestyle Changes

Links mentioned in this episode:

Nourishing Traditions cookbook by Sally Fallon: https://amzn.to/3J6nuD2 
The Feel Good Way cookbook: https://amzn.to/417Hhbd
Weston A Price Foundation: https://www.westonaprice.org/
Joovv red light therapy panels: https://joovv.com/
EMR Tech red light panels: https://emr-tek.com/
Primarily Pure skincare: https://primallypure.com/
A'DEL Natural Cosmetics: https://adelnaturalcosmetics.com/

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Fiola Jones and Chrissy Rombach dive into the topic of sugar and its significant impact on health. We discuss how sugar is the enemy to our health due to its addictive nature and its role in various chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's. They highlight how sugar is pervasive in modern diets and the importance of avoiding it at all costs, especially for children. This episode explores alternative natural sweeteners such as honey, monk fruit, and maple syrup, and coconut palm sugar which have a lower glycemic index, making them healthier options.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

01:05 Introduction to Today's Topic: Sugar

01:39 The Spiritual and Physical Dangers of Sugar

03:42 Sugar in Everyday Foods

09:14 Health Impacts of Sugar

36:13 Alternatives to Sugar

45:59 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Books:

• Nourishing Traditions (Katie's "crunchy bible"): https://amzn.to/3J6nuD2 
• The Home Reference to Holistic Health and Healing: https://amzn.to/3J5XrM2b

Natural Sweeteners:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Coconut palm sugar (the organic brand Katie uses): https://amzn.to/455yiK3 
• Monk fruit sweetener
• Lakanto powdered monk fruit sweetener

Other Food Products:

• Dutch processed cocoa powder: https://amzn.to/3HnXYZd

Recipes:

• Katie's favorite homemade ice cream recipe: https://blog.crunchystewardship.com/post/naturally-sweetened-homemade-ice-cream
• Max's high protein chocolate ice cream recipe (protein powder, raw cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, honey)

Additional Resources 

• Bible Recap study plan: https://amzn.to/3HqcRu5

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Fiola Jones dive into the topic of non-toxic and safe cookware to promote overall health and wellness. They discuss the potential hazards of common materials such as non-stick coatings, plastics, and aluminum, highlighting the importance of making informed choices about what we use in our kitchens. They recommend alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, glass, and ceramic, while also providing the best tips for finding affordable options.. Join the conversation about how to make your kitchen healthier without breaking the bank by logging onto their Facebook Group, Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget!

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:41 Support and Subscribe
02:31 Introduction to Cookware
03:10 The Dangers of Non-Stick Cookware
12:09 Plastic in the Kitchen
17:09 Aluminum and Other Harmful Materials
20:22 Silicone and Stainless Steel
23:21 Choosing the Best Cookware
25:58 Recommended Cookware Brands
28:20 Cast Iron Cookware
29:41 Exploring Cast Iron Cookware
31:15 Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron
33:23 Ceramic Cookware: Pros and Cons
37:27 The Versatility of Dutch Ovens
39:18 Non-Toxic Kitchen Materials
46:57 Affordable Cookware Shopping Tips


Links Mentioned

• Katie's Raw Milk Experience - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNxSwwyJKsU
• Blog: Find Factory Seconds - https://agapeinvests.com/factory-seconds-designer-deals-for-less/ 
• Katie’s Moving Videos  - https://www.youtube.com/@KatieFiolaJones 
• Dark Waters Movie - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B081FJP1YN/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
• How to Cook on Stainless Steel Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5XcN3AyITY

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Join Katie Fiola Jones and Chrissy Rombach on the latest episode of Crunchy Stewardship as they discuss the journey of finding local organic produce and meats. Learn about the benefits of sourcing your food from local farmers, how to vet your sources, and why shopping at farmer's markets can be both cost-effective and nutritionally superior. Tune in for practical tips, personal stories, and a deep dive into the value of supporting your local community, all while honoring God through stewarding your health. Don't forget to subscribe and join our Facebook group, Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget, for more tips and resources.

Key Takeaway: To truly nourish your body as God intended,  seek out and support local farmers who passionately grow and raise food with integrity, bringing you the freshest, most nutrient-dense options available.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

01:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

01:47 Challenges of Finding Organic Food

02:20 Finding Local Farmers and Produce

06:36 Vetting Your Local Farmers

09:22 The Benefits of Raw Milk

33:53 Community and Support in Healthy Living

46:29 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Links from the episode: 

• localharvest.org 
• fromthefarm.org
• farmmatch.com
• For local honey: localhoneyfinder.org
• For raw milk: realmilk.com and getrawmilk.com

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Fiola Jones delve into the practicalities of gardening, emphasizing cost-effective methods to cultivate your own produce. They share their personal gardening experiences and discuss how the journey to healthier, organic food can often start with an expensive switch at the store but can become more affordable by growing your own. Chrissy and Katie offer valuable tips on utilizing resources like Facebook Marketplace, seed swaps, and library seed banks to keep initial gardening costs low. They also discuss the importance of nutrient-rich soil, hydroponics, and methods to maintain a garden on a budget. The episode is full of practical advice aimed at helping individuals and families make healthier food choices without breaking the bank, all while honoring God through stewardship of their resources.

Key Takeaway

Gardening is a powerful way to secure organic, nutrient-dense food and save money. While there are initial costs, resourceful approaches like using Facebook Marketplace for supplies, joining seed swaps, and exploring library seed programs can make it affordable. Cultivating your own produce is a rewarding act of stewardship, providing both wholesome food and financial benefits. 

Links:

Seed Time: https://seedtime.us/

GrowIt: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.growit.ai&hl=en_US

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Jones and Chrissy Rombach explore the significance of Vitamin D and sun exposure for overall health. They detail the synthesis of Vitamin D in the body and discuss the importance of cholesterol in this process. The hosts also focus on the pros and cons of sunscreen usage, the types of sunscreens to choose for minimal toxicity, and the controversial topic of sunglasses potentially causing more sunburn. They emphasize the interconnectedness of diet, sun exposure, and health, and caution against over-reliance on supplements. Throughout the discussion, they highlight practical steps for maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels and safe sun practices. They also share product recommendations and invite listeners to join their Facebook group, ‘Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,’ for further discussion.

Links: 

• Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil: https://amzn.to/3IjPrXl 
• DMinder app: https://dminder.ontometrics.com/ 
• EWG Sunscreen page: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/ 
• Babyganics: https://amzn.to/4ljvPRN 
• BABO sunscreen:https://amzn.to/4kuEdN6 
• BABO daily face cream: https://amzn.to/40apShD 
• BABO daily face stick: https://amzn.to/3U3GP9R 
• Bobby approved app: https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/ 
• Sun Bum: https://amzn.to/3IkTMtu 
• Neutrogena mineral sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4lFIuyV

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

01:03 Introduction to Today's Topic: Sun Health

01:28 The Science Behind Vitamin D Synthesis

07:46 Vitamin D and Skin Complexion

11:34 Maximizing Vitamin D Intake

20:24 The Importance of Non-Toxic Sunscreens

24:46 Choosing the Right Sunscreen

29:02 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

39:42 The Sunglasses Debate

44:13 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, host Chrissy Roach interviews dietician Abby Coggins. They discuss integrating Christian faith with nutrition, focusing on how to honor God through food choices and physical health. Abby shares her journey from culinary school to becoming a dietician and explains how her faith guided her career choices. The conversation covers practical advice on meal planning, overcoming unhealthy relationships with food, understanding fad diets, and the role of supplements. Abby emphasizes the importance of gratitude and stewardship in improving health. 

Episode Takeaway: 

In this episode, featuring Chrissy Rombach interviews dietician, Abby Coggins, who underscores that true stewardship encompasses our entire well-being—spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, and physical—all guided by biblical principles. Abby Coggins emphasizes that honoring God through nutrition means viewing food as a form of stewardship, making conscious and balanced choices, and prioritizing nourishment over fad diets or emotional eating. By taking care of our physical health, we are better able to serve God and our communities.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:59 Introduction to Today's Episode
01:17 Meet Abby Coggins: Dietician and Faith Journey
04:54 Honoring God Through Nutrition
06:30 Scriptural Guidance on Nutrition
07:52 Overcoming Unhealthy Relationships with Food
10:21 Understanding Fad Diets
11:46 Healthy Habits for Busy Families
17:21 Emotions, Stress, and Eating Habits
20:40 Considerations for Fasting and Intermittent Fasting
23:50 Advice for Overwhelmed Eaters
26:28 The Role of Supplements in a Healthy Diet
28:34 Choosing the Right Supplements
33:22 Early Christians and Nourishment
38:07 Final Thoughts and Getting Involved

Links: 

Nutrition Counseling with Abby Coggins: https://provider.faynutrition.com/book/abby-coggins/224722

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Connect With Us: 

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, hosts and cousins Katie Fiola Jones and Chrissy Rombach explore alternatives to traditional health insurance, including Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and Crowd Health. They discuss the financial benefits, differences in coverage, and their personal experiences with these health cost-sharing mechanisms. Katie shares her positive experiences with CHM and her considerations about switching to Crowd Health, while Chrissy weighs the pros and cons of leaving traditional health insurance. The episode provides a detailed comparison of costs, how each model handles expenses, and their alignment with Christian values. They also touch on topics like direct primary care, the implications of IVF, and the importance of making informed, prayerful decisions about health care. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and join their Facebook group for continued discussion and support.

Episode Takeaway:

This Crunchy Stewardship episode highlights a significant shift in healthcare, moving beyond traditional insurance to health cost-sharing ministries and even crowdsourcing platforms like Crowd Health. These alternatives are presented as potentially more affordable and values-aligned options, particularly for those seeking faith-based principles in their healthcare decisions. The discussion emphasizes their focus on major medical events while encouraging members to take a more active and informed role in managing their routine and preventative health costs, fostering a greater sense of personal stewardship over one's well-being.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
02:06 Introduction to Health Insurance Alternatives
03:38 Comparing Costs: Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Health Coverage
04:45 Christian Healthcare Ministries: An In-Depth Look
08:31 Exploring Crowd Health
24:21 Faith and Healthcare Choices
30:48 Direct Primary Care Explained
43:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

Links We Mentioned:

• CHM: https://agapeinvests.com/chm (Katie’s Referral link. Use number ‪(231) 475-0280‬ when asked who referred you) 
• CrowdHealth: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ 
• Medishare: https://www.medishare.com/ 
• Check out Katie’s Christian Healthcare Ministries Review videos on YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbGQ6XVmrx6m6RW3vn25WbC12GLHxneDW&si=r1jzqxOGDiS-8Rnj 

Connect With Us:
Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama
Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 
FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of the Crunchy Stewardship podcast, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones discuss the high costs of healthcare and methods to manage these expenses effectively. They explore traditional health insurance, explaining premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. They highlight issues within the system, such as the rising costs influenced by both providers and insurance companies. They introduce alternative healthcare strategies, focusing on non-traditional health insurance options like Christian Healthcare Ministries and Crowd Health. The episode covers their personal experiences with these health cost-sharing programs, emphasizing their benefits, such as significant discounts for self-pay patients and no network restrictions. The cousins also touch on the necessity of a mindset shift towards investing in preventative care and managing catastrophic health events. They conclude with a teaser for the next episode, which will delve deeper into the specifics of various health-sharing companies.

Key takeaway: 

This Crunchy Stewardship episode reveals that while traditional health insurance in the U.S. is costly and often misaligned with consumer interests, health cost-sharing ministries offer a budget-friendly, faith-centered alternative. These ministries concentrate on covering significant medical events, encouraging individuals to invest in their preventative health through self-pay options and direct provider relationships, rather than relying on a system that often prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

Links: 

• CHM: https://agapeinvests.com/chm (Katie’s Referral link. Use number ‪(231) 475-0280‬ when asked who referred you) 
• CrowdHealth: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ 
• Medishare: https://www.medishare.com/ 
• Check out Katie’s Christian Healthcare Ministries Review videos on YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbGQ6XVmrx6m6RW3vn25WbC12GLHxneDW&si=r1jzqxOGDiS-8Rnj 

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:20 Introduction to Today's Topic: Paying for Health
02:29 Understanding Health Insurance Basics
06:12 The Economics of Healthcare Costs
07:31 Exploring Non-Traditional Health Insurance
08:38 Personal Experiences with Health Cost Sharing
15:23 Challenges and Benefits of Non-Traditional Healthcare
42:10 Conclusion 

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Jones and Chrissy Rombach delve into the controversial topic of seed oils. The hosts clarify what seed oils are, their chemical properties, and the health implications of consuming them. They discuss the history and political landscape that led to the widespread use of seed oils and contrast them with more stable, healthier fats like butter, tallow, and coconut oil. The episode provides practical advice on choosing and using healthier oils, the significance of cold-pressed oils, and tips for integrating these into daily life. Chrissy and Katie also share personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and emphasize the importance of making informed, incremental changes to improve overall health and honor God.

Episode Takeaway: 

Understanding the historical and chemical differences between traditional saturated fats and modern seed oils reveals how our dietary recommendations have been fundamentally flipped, impacting our health and highlighting the importance of choosing stable, natural fats for optimal wellness. 

Links & Things Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats https://amzn.to/3SLKo4b 

Types of Good Oils/Fats 

• Pure Tallow
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil 
• Ghee
• Almond Oil 
• Sesame Oil 

Organic & gold pressed are BEST

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:59 Introduction to Seed Oils
02:07 Understanding Unsaturated Fats
07:17 The History and Politics of Seed Oils
09:25 Health Impacts of Seed Oils
21:57 Choosing the Right Oils for Cooking
26:46 Smoke Point of Fats and Oils
32:31 Practical Tips for Healthier Choices
38:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones explore the significance and uses of essential oils from both a biblical and practical perspective. They discuss the origins of essential oils, their historical and spiritual context, and provide a list of oils mentioned in the Bible. The hosts share their personal experiences and the medicinal benefits of various essential oils like lavender and peppermint for stress relief, migraines, and treating fevers. They also emphasize the importance of choosing high-quality oils and avoiding synthetic products. Practical applications of essential oils in daily life, from personal care routines to household cleaning, are highlighted, along with recommendations for reputable essential oil brands. The episode concludes with an invite to their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' for further discussion and resources.

Episode Takeaway: 

Essential oils, far from being a modern "alternative" trend, have a deep-rooted history in human health, biblical practices, and natural healing. When sourced for purity and quality, they offer a versatile and biblically-aligned approach to stewarding one's health and home, providing effective natural solutions for common ailments, personal care, and household cleaning, while emphasizing the importance of understanding their true potency compared to synthetic fragrances.

Books/Authors:

• Dr. Josh Axe's book "Essential Oils": https://amzn.to/4kt94uh 

Biblical References/Concepts:

• Frankincense and Myrrh: Mentioned as two of the most highly revered oils in the Bible, brought to Jesus as gifts.
• Spikenard: Mentioned as the oil Mary (sister of Martha) poured on Jesus' feet.
  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke: The gospels where the anointing with spikenard is mentioned (though the event where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume made of pure nard is specifically found in John 12:1-8, and a similar anointing is found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50 with different contexts). It would be best to link to the relevant biblical passages.
• Moses giving instructions for anointing leaders: General reference to oils being used in the wilderness.
• Anointing the altar in the tabernacle: General reference to oils and incense in biblical rituals.
• Esther bathing in Myrrh: Reference to Esther's purification ritual before presenting herself to the king.

Products/Substances:

• Epsom Salt: Mentioned for baths for detoxification and fever reduction.
• Coconut Oil / Olive Oil: Mentioned as carrier oils to dilute essential oils for topical application.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mentioned as natural cleaning agents.
• Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap: Highly recommended as an 18-in-1, non-toxic, concentrated soap with essential oils. https://amzn.to/4kt9q45 
• Dryer Balls: Mentioned as an alternative to dryer sheets for laundry, with essential oils added for scent. https://amzn.to/43Jzd0M 

Essential Oils (specific mentions):

• Lavender: For relaxation, stress reduction, sleep, and baths.
• Eucalyptus: For relaxation, diffusing with lavender, and a good antimicrobial for cleaning.
• Peppermint: For migraines (on temples and behind earlobes), for colds (in diffusers), fever reduction (in baths), draining sinuses (in showers), and for calming the digestive system/healing ulcerative colitis (ingested).
• Lime essential oil: For fever reduction in baths with epsom salt. 
• Oregano oil: Super effective antimicrobial for cleaning, more effective than most antibiotics.
• Lemon essential oil: For laundry (on dryer balls) and diffusing for a clean scent.

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

Ever heard the term "crunchy" and wondered what it actually means? Join cousins Chrissy and Katie on this episode of Crunchy Stewardship as they pull back the curtain on the world of natural, holistic living. We're defining what "crunchy" means to us – a lifestyle focused on stewarding our spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, and physical health to honor God – and why it's more of a spectrum than a strict label.

From birthing choices and organic eating to homemade cleaning products and natural remedies, we share our personal journeys and reveal just how "crunchy" we actually are. Plus, get ready to play along as we take a fun personality quiz to help you discover where you land on the crunchy spectrum!

Episode Takeaway: 

Embracing a more natural, non-toxic lifestyle isn't about rigid adherence or perfection; it's a personalized journey of making intentional choices that align with your values for health and well-being.

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:44 The 'Crunchy' Spectrum

03:27 Chrissy's Crunchy Journey

05:26 Defining 'Crunchy'

06:45 Katie's Crunchy Journey

11:10 How Crunchy Are You? Quiz

12:23 Ideal Birthing Scenario

15:25 Organic Choices

17:11 Breastfeeding Plans

19:29 Baby Carrying Methods

22:03 Produce

24:22 Drinking Water

25:37 Fermentation

25:49 Finding Clean Products

26:28 Essential Oils

27:19 Acupuncture

28:40 Bone Broth

29:33 Compost

30:00 Dream Homes

30:23 Coffee Additions

31:21 Farmer's Market Finds

33:22 Crunchy Checklist

35:34 Education

36:42 Crunchy Practices

38:46 Final Thoughts

Links & Things Mentioned in This Episode:

• Bobby Approved App: This app helps you scan product barcodes to see if ingredients are "Bobby Approved" based on common health criteria. https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/ 
• EWG (Environmental Working Group) Apps: We love their apps (like Healthy Living) for checking ingredients in personal care products, cleaning supplies, and food, giving them a "cleanliness" score. https://www.ewg.org/apps/ 
• Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Lists (by EWG): These annual guides help you prioritize which produce to buy organic (Dirty Dozen) and which are generally safe to buy conventional (Clean Fifteen). https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php 
• Brita Water Filter Chrissy Uses: https://amzn.to/4lU6C11 
• Brita Faucet Filter: https://amzn.to/4jEdazm 
• Berkey Water Filters: https://amzn.to/4cWaIll 
• US Raw Milk Laws by State: As promised, here's a helpful resource to understand the legality and accessibility of raw milk in your state: https://www.realmilk.com/real-milk-legal-map/ 

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

This podcast episode of Crunchy Stewardship features cousins Katie and Chrissy diving into the significant monetary and intangible costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, drawing on research and personal experiences. They explore how chronic diseases burden individuals and the healthcare system financially, while also highlighting the impact on mental, emotional, and social well-being. The conversation then shifts to the cost benefits of embracing a healthier, more natural way of living, grounded in biblical principles, and offers practical, budget-friendly strategies like reducing alcohol and tobacco, incorporating free physical activity, and prioritizing whole, nutritious foods. Katie and Chrissy also share personal anecdotes and cost-saving tips such as making homemade laundry detergent and bread, and opting for reusable alternatives like cloth diapers, emphasizing that small, consistent changes can lead to significant long-term health and financial advantages.

Episode Takeaway: 

Consider the things in your life that could be costing you your health. Find small, simple steps that you can implement today to begin taking those baby steps to benefit your health in the years to come. 

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:44 The Cost of an Unhealthy Lifestyle

01:54 Monetary Costs of Chronic Illnesses

10:04 Intangible Costs of Poor Health

14:01 Preventing Chronic Diseases

16:30 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

29:00 Cost-Effective Healthy Living

45:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Links mentioned: 

• CDC website that shares health expenses https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
• CDC Chronic disease burden https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2015/14_0388.htm#:~:text=Among%20adults%20with%20chronic%20conditions,annual%20total%20expenditures%20(%247%2C116).
• NIH Article https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10830426/

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Fiola Jones and Chrissy Rombach discuss their journey into bread making and its surprising health benefits. Chrissy shares her experience with grinding wheat berries and how transitioning to homemade bread has significantly improved her gut health. The conversation expands to the broader topic of whole foods versus processed foods, touching on synthetic vitamins, food intolerances, and the pitfalls of manufactured nutrition. They offer practical tips for listeners to start making their food from scratch and emphasize the importance of intentionality in holistic living. Join their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' to share recipes and continue the discussion.

Episode Takeaway:

Consider the ingredients in the bread and other processed foods you consume. Could making your own bread with freshly ground, quality wheat be a beneficial step towards better gut health and overall well-being?

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:58 Our Passion For Bread

02:22 Chrissy's Bread Journey

04:04 The Benefits of Freshly Milled Wheat

08:07 Understanding Wheat & Flour

14:43 Exploring Gluten Free Diets

22:41 Homemade Ice Cream Adventures

25:15 Financial Decisions with Healthy Choices

33:50 Encouragement and Takeaways

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Countertop Wheat Grinder: Countertop Wheat Grinder
• Wheat Berries: Wheat Link 
• Wheatland Seed Website
• Whole Wheat Recipe Book: Whole Wheat Recipe Book

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

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FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this enlightening episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones explore the vital topic of food quality and its impact on our health from a biblical perspective. 

The discussion focuses on food cultivation, the dangers of pesticides, and the benefits of organic eating. They highlight the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, explaining the hazards of pesticide-laden produce and offering practical tips for buying healthier food without breaking the bank. 

The episode also dives into the concept of regenerative farming and God's design for farming outlined in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of allowing the soil to rest. Chrissy and Katie invite listeners to join their Facebook group for further discussion and community support in the journey toward better health.

Key Takeaway

Considering your current food consumption habits and the information shared in this episode, what is one small, manageable step you feel inspired to take this week to better steward the food you and your family eat?

Chapters: 

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:46  Introduction to Food Cultivation

04:54 The Dirty Dozen: Foods to Avoid

07:43 The Dangers of Pesticides

09:26 Glyphosate and Chronic Diseases

15:42 The Importance of Nutrient-Dense Soil

18:31 Regenerative Farming and Biblical Principles

25:58 Big Agriculture vs Natural Farming

30:40 Tips for Buying Quality Food on a Budget

38:19 Join Our Community

Mentioned in this episode:

• EWG's Dirty Dozen List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
• EWG's Clean 15 List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
• Documentary "The Biggest Little Farm": https://amzn.to/42MxHvE

Connect with us: 

• Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama 
• FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living
• Podcast Newsletter: https://crunchystewardship.com/crunchy-stewardship-podcast

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship 

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this thought-provoking episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones turn their attention to a vital element of our health: water. Building on their commitment to holistic well-being rooted in biblical principles, they explore the unseen world of our drinking water and the potential toxins lurking within. 

Chrissy and Katie share their growing awareness of water quality issues and delve into the processes designed to purify our water, questioning whether these methods come with hidden costs to our long-term health. They discuss the addition of fluoride, its intended benefits for dental health, and the emerging research linking it to neurodevelopmental concerns. The conversation broadens to include other common contaminants like heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues, and the pervasive issue of microplastics. 

Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of being informed consumers and offer practical, budget-friendly solutions for improving the water we consume daily. They also invite listeners to join their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' for continued discussion and shared learning.

Episode Takeaway:

Considering your current water consumption habits and the information shared in this episode, what is one small, manageable step you feel inspired to take this week to better steward the water you and your family drink?

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Water as a Health Cornerstone

01:00 Understanding Water Filtration & Disinfection

06:40 The Role and Controversy of Fluoride in Water

09:27 Unseen Contaminants In Your Water

14:33 The Pervasive Problem of Microplastics in Water

23:38 Choosing the Right Water Filter

32:15 Practical Steps for Safer Water on a Budget

35:00 Conclusion and Community Support

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Landmark Study on Fluoride and IQ: https://www.thenewlede.org/2025/01/study-fluoride-linked-to-lower-iq-debate/
• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Water Quality Resources:
• What’s In Your Water:  https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ 
• Water Filter Guide: https://www.ewg.org/research/getting-forever-chemicals-out-drinking-water-ewgs-guide-pfas-water-filters 
• Brita Water Filter Chrissy Uses: https://amzn.to/4lU6C11 
• Brita Faucet Filter: https://amzn.to/4jEdazm 
• Berkey Water Filters: https://amzn.to/4cWaIll 
• Dr. Brown's Glass Baby Bottles: https://amzn.to/44iPSdx 
• Mason Bottle: https://amzn.to/3RHGlFn 

*Links may provide affiliate commission. We thank you for your support of our show! 

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The Basics of Holistic Food and Nutrition: A Return to God-Intended Eating

In this first episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones introduce their podcast, aimed at equipping listeners to steward their health in a holistic manner rooted in biblical principles. They underscore the importance of prioritizing spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, and physical health to honor God. They begin the series by discussing food and nutrition as crucial starting points, sharing their personal experiences and transition to a more natural and organic diet. Topics covered include the benefits of homemade bread, understanding the difference between organic and non-organic food, and the detrimental impact of processed food on health. They also touch on the pharmaceutical industry's role in healthcare and offer practical tips for making healthier food choices on a budget. The episode promotes their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' as a platform for continuing the conversation.

Episode Takeaway: 

Reflecting on your current eating habits and the information shared in this episode, what is one small, manageable change you feel inspired to make in the way you shop for or prepare your food this week in order to better steward your physical health?

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome

00:52 Diving Into Food and Nutrition

02:59 Chrissy's Journey to a Healthier Diet

10:24 Katie's Food Journey and Family Influence

19:14 The Organic vs. Non-Organic Debate

22:28 Budgeting for Organic Foods

25:10 Misconceptions About Organic Costs

27:14 Nutrient-Dense Meals and Reduced Snacking

30:24 Economic Implications of Healthy Eating

33:30 Lack of Nutrition Education in Healthcare

36:47 Resources and Tips for Healthy Eating

41:41 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari https://amzn.to/441LhfE 
• Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe https://amzn.to/441LhfE 

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Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship: A Holistic Approach to Health and Finances

In this introductory episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Jones and Chrissy Rombach share their passion for holistic living rooted in a biblical foundation. They discuss their personal journeys towards embracing a 'crunchy' lifestyle, covering topics like natural pregnancy, non-toxic living, and financial stewardship in alignment with Christian values. Katie and Chrissy also introduce their motivations for starting the podcast, aiming to inspire and equip listeners to steward their health and finances in a way that honors God. They encourage listeners to join their new Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' as a space for sharing knowledge and fostering community.

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:07 Katie's Journey to Crunchiness
03:42 Chrissy's Path to a Holistic Lifestyle
07:33 The Financial Side of Crunchy Living
09:38 Meet Your Hosts: Katie and Chrissy
17:17 Join Our Community

LINKS

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Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

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