Welcome to the Realfoodology podcast, with your host Courtney Swan. Courtney is a passionate food activist on a mission to heal America’s broken food system. Her show cuts through the noise by tackling the critical issues that impact our health and society as a whole. Each week, join Courtney as she brings together leading voices in food policy, nutrition, sustainability, and wellness to unravel the complexities behind our broken food system, and to simplify how we look at nutrition and food. From debunking misleading health trends to exploring the future of sustainable food systems, Realfoodology equips listeners with actionable insights and empowers them to make informed choices. Whether you’re passionate about healthy living, curious about the politics of food, or simply want to live better, this is your go-to source for conversations that matter. Discover a healthier way to live with Realfoodology. For more info, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram, @realfoodology. NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY
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272: In part 2 of my conversation with Dr. John Kim, he’s answering all your questions about autism, and how Tylenol, toxins and lifestyle can play a role in a child’s development. We’re also getting into blue light and its impact on sleep, skin and even cellular health. Make sure you listen to part one if you haven’t already! Topics Discussed: → What is the link between Tylenol use and autism risk? → Can lifestyle and nutrition changes help prevent autism? → How does glutathione depletion affec...
271: Clinical pharmacist Dr. John Kim was just 33 years old when a heart attack changed everything he thought he knew about practicing medicine. Today, he’s one of the top functional medicine doctors - and he’s been helping me with my personal detox journey. In part one of two, Dr. Kim joins me to share the truth about cholesterol, prescription medication, and mold. $250 discount on Dr. John Kim's Upcoming Mold Course | https://www.kimwellness.co/realfoodology Topics Discussed: → Why did Dr. Joh...
270: I sat down with Ryland and Mollie Engelhart, farmers, filmmakers and real food advocates. This dynamic brother-sister duo is at the forefront of the regenerative farming movement, which they’ve explored in the critically-acclaimed documentaries “Kiss the Ground” and “Common Ground.” We’re talking about MAHA (and where it can improve), rethinking SNAP to include whole foods, and the dire challenges facing local farms today. Topics Discussed: → How can we make health and nutrition a truly bip...
Courtney's mom shares her unique food philosophy, shaped by growing up with whole foods and living abroad, revealing how processed foods and ingredient changes have impacted generations. The conversation delves into practical parenting advice for teaching healthy eating without deprivation. Moving into a deeply personal space, they discuss their family's experience with immense loss, the profound choice to forgive, and the role of faith, mercy, and gratitude in finding strength and healing.
268: Diana Rodgers is behind the Sustainable Dish Instagram account and the hugely popular book and documentary, Sacred Cow. In this conversation, she’s addressing why meat is actually good for you (despite what you may have heard). There’s a lot of nuance, and Diana does an incredible job at breaking down the science to explain once and for all why plant-based diets aren’t always better for our bodies or the planet. Topics Discussed: → How managed grazing helps the land and animals → Dangers of...
267: As women, our pelvic floor is so important - but because it’s seen as a taboo topic, very few people are comfortable talking about why. But not MaryEllen Reider! She co-founded Yarlap, a device that does your kegels for you. MaryEllen explains why these are important, and empowers women everywhere to get comfortable with the uncomfortable questions so they can feel better all around! Topics Discussed: → What damages your pelvic floor + age’s impact → Tools and techniques for strengthening y...
Karalynne Call recounts her powerful story of overcoming severe depression by transforming her diet and lifestyle, highlighting key nutrients for mental health and practical food swaps. She also addresses the evolution of food ingredients since the 90s, the controversies surrounding California's Prop 65 and heavy metals in food, and the importance of seeking root cause solutions for health issues.
265: This week is a bit different - in this special Q&A episode, I’m answering your questions about health, wellness and life in general. I’m also sharing some pretty big personal updates, and giving you the full recap of my honeymoon with Hector (it was a dream come true, y’all). Topics Discussed: → Leading a healthy lifestyle without living in a bubble → The latest update on my fertility journey → The link between stevia and fertility → Best clean workout clothing brands → How I improved m...
264: Dr. Josh Redd is a functional medicine genius. He has 12 years of post-graduate education in healthcare, including two masters degrees and two doctorate degrees. As the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness, Dr. Redd is one of the best in the game when it comes to treating the root causes of autoimmune and brain conditions. Today, he’s reviewing my own labs (and Hector’s too!) and sharing what you can do to reduce inflammation and stay on top of your health. Topics Discussed: → What diges...
263: Dr. Charlie is not your average chiropractor. In 30 seconds, he told me everything my labs confirmed - no bloodwork required. Dr. Charlie performs muscle tests to identify how toxins like glyphosate and mold are showing up in our bodies, and uses groundbreaking laser treatments to address these issues. It’s called frequency medicine, and it’s changing the way we approach health. Topics Discussed: → How frequency medicine works → Why chiropractic gets a bad rep → Why the gall bladder is the ...
Clearstem founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina delve into the multifaceted nature of acne, emphasizing it's often a deeper internal issue, not just cosmetic. They discuss the hidden pore cloggers in many popular skincare and makeup products, critical dietary triggers like eggs and dairy, and how common supplements can inadvertently worsen acne. The episode also critically examines widely prescribed acne medications like Accutane, Spironolactone, and Tretinoin, providing a holistic, root-cause approach for sustainable skin health and anti-aging, including a specific protocol for influencer Alix Earle.
261: Illie is back for part two! We’re getting real about her fertility journey, and how a very uncomfortable experience at the fertility clinic inspired her to take a more holistic approach to getting pregnant - and why she ultimately opted out of IVF. If you loved part one, you have to hear this. Topics Discussed: → The real tea on lead and heavy metals in food → Affordable ways to get health testing → What to test for if you’re having trouble getting pregnant → The hormones that impact your f...
Hosts Courtney and Illie have a candid conversation about the 'Big Wellness' industry, arguing its rise is a response to the failures of 'Big Pharma' and a broken medical system. They expose food industry corruption, outdated dietary guidelines, and the challenges of making healthier choices accessible and affordable in a society reliant on processed foods. The discussion highlights the urgent need for systemic reform and individual empowerment in health.
259: If you’ve ever gotten a surprise medical bill, you need to stop everything and listen to my interview with Andy Schoonover. He founded CrowdHealth, a company that’s taking a crowdfunding approach to healthcare - that means you pay into a community instead of giving your money to a big corporation, and that fund helps cover your medical costs upfront (so no expensive bills down the line). And it ends up being way cheaper than health insurance. If you’ve ever been frustrated with your insuran...
258: My conversation with Dr. Hilary Fritsch changed the way I think about my oral health. She’s an airway dentist, which means she specializes in the link between breathing and dentistry. She explains that there is a wrong way to breathe, and it can totally ruin your facial structure. Hilary is also a pro at helping babies and small children develop a healthy, beautiful jaw, and is calling out the things that interfere with that. You'll get practical tips to help yourself and your kids build a ...
257: Jason Karp is the CEO of Human Co, and, like me, eats, sleeps and breathes clean living. Jason’s company is behind Hu Chocolate, True Food Kitchen (one of my favorite restaurants), and Grove Collaborative, to name a few. He and I spoke together at the nutrition round table last fall in Washington D.C., and I am so excited for you to hear about the work he’s done to bring clean food to the masses and catch up with the rest of the world by banning synthetic food dyes. Topics Discussed: → Why ...
256: Is your makeup killing you? On this episode of Realfoodology, I’m joined by Attorney Whitney Ray Di Bona (or the LowToxLawyer on Instagram) who has represented women who developed terminal cancer due to asbestos in their cosmetics. We talk about why even the ‘clean products’ can’t always be trusted, and the regulations that could prevent this from happening in the future. Trust me, I know this sounds overwhelming. But I hope you can take away one or two tips from Whitney to start cutting ba...
255: On today’s episode of the Realfoodology Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Joel Warsh - aka Dr. Joel Gator on Instagram - to talk about his new book Between A Shot and A Hard Place. I’ve been doing more episodes on vaccines lately, and before you tune out, I just want to say: this is not an anti-vax conversation. It’s about asking questions. Dr. Joel is a pediatrician who started digging into the research for his book and was shocked by how little we actually know. We talked about...
254: Mike Feldstein returns to share a groundbreaking project that reimagines how schools can truly support children’s health and development. As the founder of Jaspr, he’s now applying his air quality expertise to create an environment-first model for education that prioritizes clean air, nature, and wellness. This episode explores how traditional school systems may be harming kids and what can be done to fix it—from circadian rhythm-aligned schedules to values-based learning. Jaspr | Get $400 ...
253: In this special episode recorded live from the White House, I sit down with some of the most influential voices shaping the future of health in America to discuss the newly released Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report. Guests include Dr. Oz, Kyle Diamantas, Vani Hari, Anthony Geisler, Brigham Buhler, and Max Lugavere. We dive into key topics like food policy, GRAS regulations, Medicaid and SNAP reform, PBMs, Alzheimer’s research, and the push for preventative care, movement, and accoun...
252: In this episode, I sit down with my own doctor, Dr. Kelly McCann, to go over some of my recent test results and the detox protocols I’m doing to prep my body for pregnancy. We talk about glyphosate, mold, and other environmental toxins—and most importantly, what you can actually do about them. Dr. McCann is a total expert in helping people uncover mystery illnesses, like MCAS and hidden infections, especially when conventional doctors come up short. If you’ve been feeling off and haven’t fo...
251: Today I’m joined by Dr. Gregory Kelly, VP of Product Development at Qualia Life. We dive into NAD+—why it’s crucial for energy, aging, and overall vitality—and how to know if your levels are low. We also talk about detox, fertility, B vitamins, and what sets Qualia’s NAD+ apart from the rest. If you're curious about longevity or navigating the supplement world, you won’t want to miss this one. I’ve been using their products for years and trust them more than most on the market. Qualia | Go ...
250: On this episode, I’m chatting with Del Bigtree — CEO of the MAHA Alliance Pack, host of The HighWire, and longtime vaccine truth-seeker. We dive deep into vaccine safety, government accountability, and the tough questions the medical establishment doesn’t want you to ask. This episode is real, raw, and important. If it moves you, please leave a five-star review to help spread the word. Topics Discussed: Vaccine safety and government accountability The rise and impact of the MAHA movement Ch...
249: On today’s episode of Realfoodology, we’re rethinking how we approach healing, immune health, and the everyday products we trust — especially for our families. Courtney sits down with Carly Kremer, founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals, to explore how bee-based remedies like propolis and raw honey can help reinvent the medicine cabinet with functional, natural ingredients that actually support the body. They also discuss why synthetic additives like dyes and corn syrup still show up in OTC meds, ...
248: In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Krista Williams, cofounder of Almost 30 , for a vulnerable conversation about body image, conscious eating, and healing our relationship with food. We explore how waking up to the way we nourish ourselves can shift how we show up in every area of life. Krista and I also talk about the danger of hustle culture, over-exercising, and the pressure to “fix” our bodies. Her insights are deeply grounding, and I’m so excited for you to hear this convers...
247: Did you know public schools serve more meals than any restaurant chain in America? And yet, many of those meals come from fast food giants instead of farms. This week, I’m joined by the CEO of Real Certified—a company on a mission to change that. Through their initiative Eat Real, they’re working with school districts to replace ultra-processed cafeteria food with fresh, locally-sourced meals that kids actually enjoy. In this episode, you’ll learn how Real Certified is empowering parents, p...
246: If you're dealing with gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea, you’re going to want to hear this conversation. I’m joined by Wade Lightheart, co-founder of BiOptimizers, to dive into real, actionable strategies you can start using today to optimize your digestion and feel better fast. We break down how digestive challenges can impact not just your gut, but also your brain function and overall quality of life through the gut-brain connection. I also share my own story of struggl...
245: In today’s episode, I sit down with longevity expert Gary Brecka to explore how early detection, nutrient science, and personalized protocols are reshaping the future of health. We dive into his journey from working in the insurance world to leading the charge in longevity and wellness. We cover how diet and lifestyle are finally gaining recognition in mainstream medicine, why U.S. health is a national security issue, and how the MAHA movement is both criticized and celebrated. You’ll also ...
244: This week, I’m joined by Lindsey Meehleis, a certified midwife, doula, lactation consultant, EMT, CPR instructor, and neonatal resuscitation provider. Lindsey brings a truly holistic approach to birth, and our conversation dives deep into the importance of honoring the natural physiology of labor. As someone on my own fertility journey, I asked all the questions I’ve been curious about — from how to find a midwife to what real support during birth looks like. We explore the over-medicalizat...
243: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Simmons, a former top breast cancer surgeon turned functional medicine expert. We discuss her journey from conventional medicine to a root-cause-focused approach, and what inspired her to launch Real Health MD and perfeQTion Imaging. I had the incredible opportunity to visit her imaging center in Philadelphia for a breast scan, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—non-invasive, painless, and completely radiation-free. We talk all abo...
