Crunchy Culture

Episode 22: Understanding Flu Season & Unpacking Trump’s Health Agenda

In this episode, we dive into President Trump's bold move of withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) with an executive order. What’s behind this decision, and is it a strategic play or a reckless step back? We explore the role the U.S. plays as the top donor to the WHO and whether a more equitable global health funding system is needed. We also take a look at Trump’s high-profile appointments for health administration roles, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS leader and biohacker Bryan Johnson’s mission to make America the healthiest country in the world. But are we chasing immortality at the expense of real solutions? Join us as we discuss the real issues facing health policies and what we should prioritize for the future. Plus, flu season is here, and we’re breaking down how to tackle seasonal illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus without losing our heads. Tune in for tips on how to stay healthy, avoid over-sanitizing, and navigate the winter bug season like a pro. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Episode 21: SAD, TikTok Ban, and Self-Care: Finding Your Calm in a Chaotic Winter

Welcome back to Crunchy Culture! I'm your host, Tina Sorenson, and today we're talking about a topic that many of us experience during those long, cold winter months: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. If the cold dark days have you feeling down, drained, and sluggish, you’re not alone. For most of my life, I’ve battled SAD and learned a few tricks along the way to help manage it, so I’m sharing them with you today—no fluff, just real-life strategies. We’ll break down what SAD really is and how it can leave us struggling with everything from lack of energy to carb cravings. But don’t worry, I’m here with practical tips like Red Light Therapy (your new faux-sun), safe tanning options, and some essential wintertime vitamins that can make a big difference. I’ll also discuss how spending time outdoors and creating a solid routine can lift you out of those winter blues, even on the coldest days. Let’s be real, though—this isn’t just about fighting through the dark days. It's about taking control and choosing the best wellness strategies that work for you, whether it’s through supplements, outdoor adventures, or even taking a breath and allowing for imperfection. Stay tuned for a bonus tip on a small but mighty wellness practice that’s as easy as making your bed and a heartwarming reminder to stop doomscrolling. Listen in for simple but effective steps to stay empowered, sunny, and in good spirits all winter long. Don’t let the season win—join me on this episode for a genuine, no-nonsense guide to kicking Seasonal Affective Disorder to the curb. Links & Resources: * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 988 * Follow Crunchy Culture on Substack to get the latest tips, tricks, and a community of support. * Email: thewellnessblondie@gmail.com (For questions, thoughts, or tips you'd like to share!) Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Episode 20: produce maxx, norovirus, and the tik tok effect

In this episode, we dive into some juicy (and possibly controversial) topics that I know you’ve been wondering about—especially if you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately. Let's kick things off with a little produce mystery. You know that refreshing spritz you hear in the produce aisle? It's called ProduceMaxx, and there’s been a ton of chatter around it. What is this mist? Is it safe? We’re getting to the bottom of that, so no need to panic about your lettuce. Then, we're talking Norovirus: the infamous gut-wrenching virus that nobody wants to invite to their holiday party. How do you catch it? What should you expect if it crashes your digestive system? Spoiler: It’s miserable, but it doesn’t last forever. We’ll also get into how self-diagnosing your mental health through TikTok videos is a slippery slope and why relying on social media for medical advice might be a bigger issue than you realize. Why? Because you deserve better than confirming your worst fears from the comfort of your couch. So, settle in for some truth-bomb moments, laugh with me through the ridiculousness, and let’s talk all things food, viruses, and the chaos of self-diagnosis in the world of social media. And, of course, there’s a little self-care sprinkled in to get us through it all! ✨ Key Takeaways: * The ProduceMaxx mist isn’t as scary as TikTok suggests—learn what it really is. * A deep dive into Norovirus—what it is, how it spreads, and how to survive it. * TikTok self-diagnosis trends: why they’re problematic and how to spot the difference between curiosity and confirmation bias. * Practical tips for taking care of yourself while you wait for professional help. Listen now to get the facts straight—and yes, we’re still here to talk about self-care even in the most chaotic topics. Tune in, and let’s laugh through the mess together! Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Episode 19: 2025 Wellness Trends, Egg Preservation Breakthrough, and SNAP’s Junk Food Ban

In this episode, Tina dives into her latest obsession—habit stacking—and its transformative impact on her wellness journey. She also introduces her ongoing 75-Day Low-Toxin Living and Wellness Challenge, which encourages practical, toxin-reducing habits to cultivate long-term, holistic health. The challenge covers themes like simplifying household products, enhancing air and water quality, and detoxing mentally and emotionally. Tune in as Tina shares her personal progress and invites you to join the challenge for a sustainable, balanced approach to wellness. In the second part, Tina takes on the latest wellness trends for 2025, from the decline of wearables and the rise of spiritual wellbeing to the return of sleep schedules and hormonal health discussions. She also discusses the potential impact of a new bill limiting junk food purchases on SNAP benefits, weighing the pros and cons of government involvement in healthy food access. Join Tina for this insightful conversation packed with practical tips, humor, and the no-nonsense approach she’s known for. Don’t miss the episode’s mix of personal stories, wellness predictions, and a sprinkle of humor on issues that affect both individuals and society! Links: Wellness Trends for 2025 [https://usa.boutiquehotelier.com/wellness-trends-2025/] scientists are developing a coating for eggs so they can be shelf-stable on your counter [https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/want-keep-raw-eggs-fresh-longer-food-scientists-say-found-way?intcmp=fb_fnc&%3Fintcmp=fb_fnc&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR16wl1MTPIBktVAyTaaut0Mu95fQKu5C7-5c_Makg2gfNOynCyJh4SzCjg_aem_uAC_DFbvAwSmw98HrQd-pA] SNAP recipients losing JUNK food [https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=166#:~:text=introduced%20by%20Sen.-,Marco%20Rubio.,concerns%2C%20and%20cultural%20eating%20patterns.] Nourish and Thrive [https://a.co/d/6MXUDmM] Mocktail Mixology [https://a.co/d/e8eeZfM] TWB Low Tox & Wellness Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AzFX4wQTk/] Zombie Cells Episode [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/p/episode-14-microplastics-tretinoin?r=30rxky] The Wellness Blondie is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Episode 18: food dyes, glyphosate

In this episode, I dive into two of the most talked-about topics in the wellness world today: glyphosate and food dyes. These hidden chemicals lurk in many of our everyday foods, potentially impacting our health in ways we may not even realize. First up is glyphosate, a widely used herbicide found in crops like wheat and corn. I unpack the concerns about its long-term effects on brain function, particularly in children and pregnant individuals. With research pointing to its role in conditions like anxiety, depression, and impaired learning, the episode highlights proactive steps we can take to reduce exposure, from buying better options to choosing detox-supporting foods. Next, the dangerous world of food dyes and their links to cancer, gut health issues, and behavioral problems like ADHD. The FDA may soon outlaw certain artificial dyes, but in the meantime, I offer suggestions for navigating the colorful world of packaged food—without compromising your health. From supportive brands like Annie's to smarter choices in the snack aisle, encouragement to make better decisions with every bite. Tune in for an insightful episode that offers practical advice on how to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals, improve your food choices, and protect your long-term wellness. If you want to support The Wellness Blondie you can Like, Comment, and share this podcast. You can also head over to www.thewellnessblondie.com [http://www.thewellnessblondie.com] and subscribe to the Newsletter. Or you can purchase the thoughtfully curated recipe books Available on Amazon—just type Mocktail Mixology or Nourish and Thrive into the search bar, or click the links in the show notes. Start nourishing your body and thriving today! Links: Nourish and Thrive [https://a.co/d/6MXUDmM] Mocktail Mixology [https://a.co/d/e8eeZfM] The Wellness Blondie is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe [https://www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]