Are Agar Plate Tests Worth It? What You Need to Know

ERMI Explained: Why a High Score Doesn't Always Mean Mold Problems

In this episode of Molds, Mycotoxins, and More, I break down one of the most misunderstood tools in mold testing: the ERMI test. We explore how ERMI was developed, what it actually measures, and why its results can be influenced by sampling methods, dust accumulation, geography, and seasonal changes. I also explain the strengths of DNA-based testing, its limitations, and why no single mold test should be used alone when making remediation decisions. Based on the discussion, ERMI is best viewed as one piece of a larger investigation rather than a definitive answer. - - - - - About the Host: John Bohde is the co-founder of The Mold Pros and host of Molds, Mycotoxins, and More. Through his work in environmental testing, indoor air quality investigations, and remediation, John helps homeowners better understand how mold, mycotoxins, and environmental exposures may impact health. His goal is to translate complex building science concepts into practical information that empowers listeners to make informed decisions about their homes and recovery journeys. - - - - - The Mold Pros Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.themoldpros.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.themoldpros.com/] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/] LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw] Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2vAjnrEkebmZfbEvpdPhED?si=7469cf5b7bdd4d8b], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mold-mycotoxins-more-podcast/id1875039535], & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-mold-mycotoxins-more-podc-322543601/]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]

The Critical Role of Detoxification in Mold Recovery

In this episode of Molds, Mycotoxins, and More, I speak with Dr. Eric Wood about why detoxification plays such a critical role in recovering from mold exposure and chronic illness. We discuss how mold toxins disrupt immune function, inflammation, gut health, hormones, and nervous system balance, why toxic burden can keep people stuck for years, and how supporting detox pathways may help restore the body's ability to heal. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Eric Wood is a naturopathic doctor with nearly two decades of experience in environmental medicine, detoxification, integrative oncology, and complex chronic illness. Through his practice, Visionary Health, he helps patients address mold illness, toxic burden, immune dysfunction, gut health concerns, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammatory conditions using a root-cause functional medicine approach. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://drericwoodnd.com/ [https://drericwoodnd.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057089845039 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057089845039] - - - - - The Mold Pros Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.themoldpros.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.themoldpros.com/] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/] LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw] Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2vAjnrEkebmZfbEvpdPhED?si=7469cf5b7bdd4d8b], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mold-mycotoxins-more-podcast/id1875039535], & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-mold-mycotoxins-more-podc-322543601/]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]

Mold Recovery Beyond Detox with Laurie Hammer

In this episode of Molds, Mycotoxins, and More, I speak with Laurie Hammer about how mold exposure may affect the brain, mood, sleep, and nervous system. We discuss amino acid therapy, neurotransmitter support, detox tolerance, glucose balance, and why recovery from environmental illness often requires supporting the person and the environment together. - - - - - About the Guest: As a Functional Nutritional Therapist and founder of the Calm Mom Method, Laurie Hammer focuses on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other neurological conditions. Her work is driven by her own healing journey—overcoming cancer, celiac disease, bulimia, and depression through holistic approaches. Today, she supports clients around the world, both virtually and in person, offering hope and practical strategies for moms facing anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming demands of daily life.- - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.lauriehammer.com/ [https://www.lauriehammer.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takebackmybrain [https://www.instagram.com/takebackmybrain] Facebook: https://facebook.com/takebackmybrain/ [https://facebook.com/takebackmybrain/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-hammer-ab84ab8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-hammer-ab84ab8/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@takebackmybrain9073 [https://www.youtube.com/@takebackmybrain9073] 🎧 The Laurie Hammer Podcast Laurie Hammer explores the deep connections between resilience, integrative health, and the brain‑body‑gut relationship. Each episode blends inspiring stories with practical strategies, helping listeners navigate challenges and cultivate lasting wellness with clarity and intention. * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2yYNVnRQtakHbIjTK8nQVJ?si=b5c2069ed4ae40cc] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-back-my-brain/id1684847484] - - - - - The Mold Pros Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.themoldpros.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.themoldpros.com/] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/] LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw] Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2vAjnrEkebmZfbEvpdPhED?si=7469cf5b7bdd4d8b], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mold-mycotoxins-more-podcast/id1875039535], & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-mold-mycotoxins-more-podc-322543601/]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/] https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]

How Mold Exposure Can Affect a Child's Brain and Behavior

In this episode of Molds, Mycotoxins & More, I speak with Dr. Paula Kruppstadt about the growing connection between mold exposure, chronic inflammation, autism, ADHD, fatigue, and pediatric illness. We discuss how biotoxin illness affects children differently, why some symptoms are misdiagnosed, the role genetics plays in susceptibility, and why proper remediation and small-particle cleaning are critical for recovery. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Paula Kruppstadt, MD, IFMCP, is a board-certified pediatrician and Certified Practitioner of Functional Medicine through The Institute for Functional Medicine. As the founder of Hope for Healing, she has dedicated her career to helping children and adults uncover the root causes of complex health challenges. One of the few pediatricians worldwide to hold IFMCP certification, Dr. Kruppstadt is also an expert in PANS/PANDAS and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the state's Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council, where she advises on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education for these conditions. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://get2theroot.com/ [https://get2theroot.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/get2theroot.co [https://www.facebook.com/get2theroot.co] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get2theroot.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/get2theroot.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get2theroot-co [https://www.linkedin.com/company/get2theroot-co] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFW3cTdaOinactGlRUcSn0g [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFW3cTdaOinactGlRUcSn0g] 🎧 #Get2TheRoot Podcast with Dr. Paula Kruppstadt Go beyond surface symptoms and uncover the real drivers of health—Dr. Kruppstadt brings integrative and functional medicine insights that empower listeners to embrace root‑cause healing, resilience, and lasting wellness. * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3g6Te5fdrsx3DaEyV0qLgM?si=4d46ca463b4d4e4e] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/get2theroot-with-hope-for-healing-podcast/id1844425100?l=en-GB] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-get2theroot-with-hope-for-298830593/] - - - - - The Mold Pros Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.themoldpros.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.themoldpros.com/] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/] Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/] LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw] Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2vAjnrEkebmZfbEvpdPhED?si=7469cf5b7bdd4d8b], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mold-mycotoxins-more-podcast/id1875039535], & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-mold-mycotoxins-more-podc-322543601/]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]

Environmental Toxicity: The Overlooked Driver of Chronic Symptoms

In this episode of Molds, Mycotoxins, and More, I talk with Dr. Eric Wood about how mold exposure and environmental toxins contribute to chronic illness. We explore how toxic load builds up in the body, why symptoms persist, and how supporting detox pathways and improving your environment can help unlock recovery. This conversation connects exposure, detox, and long-term health. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Eric Wood is a naturopathic doctor with nearly two decades of experience in environmental medicine, detoxification, integrative oncology, and chronic illness. He has taught at multiple universities, contributed to medical literature, and founded Visionary Health, where he focuses on mold illness, toxicity, gut health, hormones, and cancer support. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://drericwoodnd.com/ [https://drericwoodnd.com/] - - - - - The Mold Pros Website: ⁠⁠https://www.themoldpros.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.themoldpros.com/] Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/themoldprofessionals/] Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themoldpros/] LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mold-pros-inc/] YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaUbfEQ72pUwsLcE1n-y7kw] Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2vAjnrEkebmZfbEvpdPhED?si=7469cf5b7bdd4d8b], ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mold-mycotoxins-more-podcast/id1875039535], & ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-mold-mycotoxins-more-podc-322543601/]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]