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Episode Description

Most people try one "clean" shampoo that doesn't work and immediately assume all non-toxic hair products are inferior. But the real culprit isn't the product, it's your water!

In the first episode of a three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series , I'm revealing why your expensive clean shampoo might be leaving your hair feeling greasy, buildup-heavy, or just plain dirty. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with the quality of the product and everything to do with the mineral content flowing out of your shower head.

You'll discover the simple chemistry behind why hard water (over 180 ppm of calcium and magnesium) literally holds plant-based cleansers hostage, making it impossible to rinse them out properly. I break down the difference between ultra-clean brands like Rahua that work best in soft water versus slightly more synthetic options like Evolve and JS Health that contain specific surfactants designed to work in any water condition.

This episode will save you from wasting money on products that aren't right for your specific situation and give you actionable solutions. From $13 water tests to shower head filters to understanding which ingredients actually make clean products work better in hard water.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• How to test your water and understand the 60-180+ ppm scale

• The chemistry behind haircare fails

• Two shampoo case studies

• Water softening solutions for any budget

That cheap red light device you bought on Amazon might literally just be a regular light with red film over it. If so, you're missing out on real healing benefits!

In today's episode, Dr. Abby Kramer from Fringe Heals joins me to break down everything you need to know about red light therapy. We're going beyond the surface to dive into the actual science: how red light works at the cellular level to supercharge your mitochondria, why specific wavelengths (660nm red and 850nm near-infrared) are crucial, and why most cheap devices are complete scams.

The truth is, red light therapy harnesses the same healing wavelengths that come from the sun,the ones that are most abundant at sunrise and sunset. But since the average American spends 93% of their time indoors, we need quality devices that actually deliver therapeutic benefits. Dr. Abby explains why intensity matters more than you think (hint: higher isn't always better), how to avoid EMF exposure from poorly made devices, and why flicker can sabotage your results.

We also dive into specific applications that might surprise you: using red light for thyroid health, gut microbiome healing, brain function, and even addressing hormonal acne with therapeutic blue light. Plus, we tackle controversial topics like whether it's safe to look directly at red light (spoiler: the research says yes, with proper precautions) and why the warnings about pregnancy and babies are mostly legal disclaimers rather than science-based concerns.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• Why most Amazon red light devices are literally fake (and how to spot quality ones)

• The specific wavelengths and intensity levels that actually provide therapeutic benefits

• How red light therapy works at the mitochondrial level to heal everything from thyroid issues to brain fog

• The controversial truth about looking directly at red light (and why it might improve your vision)

• Why EMF exposure and flicker in cheap devices can sabotage your healing

EPISODE RESOURCES

Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid

Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List

10% off Fringe Red Light with code WENDY10

A massive international study just proved what we've suspected for decades, glyphosate causes cancer even at doses the European Union considers "safe."

In today's episode, I'm breaking down the results of the Global Glyphosate Study, led by major institutions including the Ramazzini Institute in Italy, Boston University, and universities across the globe. Over 1,000 rats were tested, with control groups receiving zero glyphosate and three other groups receiving amounts equivalent to what the EU deems safe for human consumption. The results are devastating: all groups exposed to glyphosate developed tumors and cancers, with leukemia being the most prevalent, especially in rats exposed during the prenatal stage.

This isn't some fringe research. This is an international coalition of credible universities providing evidence that glyphosate infiltrates our entire food system and causes cancer. Meanwhile, Bayer and Monsanto continue trying to get immunity laws passed across the United States, claiming farmers can't grow food without glyphosate. But here's the truth: regenerative and organic farming doesn't require synthetic pesticides, it's just that we've destroyed our soil with decades of chemical agriculture.

The solution isn't just individual action (though I'll share practical steps you can take), it's systemic change. We need to call our representatives and demand two things: no liability shields for pesticide companies, and government grants to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture. This is about more than just our personal health - it's about saving our entire food system.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• The shocking results of testing 1,000+ rats with "safe" levels of glyphosate

• Why pesticide companies are fighting for legal immunity across the US

• How glyphosate exposure during pregnancy increases childhood leukemia risk

• Practical steps to reduce glyphosate exposure in your home and diet

• Why we need systemic change, not just individual action, to solve this crisis

Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid

Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List

Your clean tallow-based sunscreen could be attracting sharks and damaging pool filtration systems.

In today's Ask Me Anything episode, I'm answering a question that's been flooding my DMs since I shared my thoughts on tallow-based sunscreens while at the beach in San Diego. While I absolutely love PrimallyPure's new regenerative, organic tallow-based SPF for hiking and outdoor activities, there are two specific situations where I wouldn't use this type of sunscreen.

First, let's talk about the ocean. Sharks have an incredible sense of smell, especially when it comes to animal fats. During shark season when great whites migrate past the California coast, the last thing I want to do is slather myself in tallow and go surfing at dawn or dusk when attacks are more likely. Yes, shark attacks are rare, but why take an unnecessary risk when there are plenty of other clean mineral sunscreen options?

The second issue is chlorinated pools. Tallow is not water-soluble, so it separates from pool water, floats on top, and accumulates in filtration systems and piping, just like pouring cooking oil down your drain. This can seriously damage pool equipment and interfere with chlorine's ability to sanitize the water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Whether it's a public pool or your own backyard, tallow-based sunscreens and chlorinated water don't mix.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• Why sharks are attracted to animal fats and when this matters most

• How tallow sunscreens can damage pool filtration systems and piping

• The difference between regenerative organic tallow and commercial tallow

• When tallow-based sunscreens are actually perfect (hiking, laying out, outdoor activities)

• Why sourcing matters when choosing animal fat-based skincare products

Get 20% off Aizome sheets with code WENDY

Shop the 2025 Clean Sunscreen Guide

Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid

Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List

Your "all mineral" sunscreen might be lying to you, and the loophole manufacturers are using is completely legal.

In this short but crucial episode, I'm exposing a sneaky sunscreen ingredient called butyloctyl salicylate that's being slipped into mineral sunscreens. Still, these products are still allowed to market themselves as "all mineral!" This chemical UV filter doesn't have to be listed in the active ingredients section, so it's hiding in plain sight in the inactive ingredients list, and most people have no idea it's there.

The truth is, if you've been diligently checking only the active ingredients section like I've taught you before, you're missing this toxic ingredient that's basically the same as octisalate, which is already on my avoid list for being an endocrine disruptor. Now you need to check both the active AND inactive ingredients sections to make sure you're getting truly clean sun protection.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• Why butyloctyl salicylate is just octisalate in disguise

• How manufacturers are convincing brands to use this sneaky ingredient

• Why checking only active ingredients isn't enough anymore

• My updated 2025 sunscreen guide with truly clean options

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop the 2025 Clean Sunscreen Guide

Get 10% off Wyld Notes with code WENDY10

Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid

Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List

Things change too quickly to be using an outdated list of ingredients to avoid!

In today's episode, I'm breaking down the brand new 2025 update to my most popular freebie - the Top 25 Toxins to Avoid guide. After a year of feedback from my Toxin Free in Three students and watching new trends emerge in the beauty industry, I've made crucial updates that every clean living enthusiast needs to know about.

The biggest changes include a new UV sunscreen ingredient that's sneakily appearing in "all mineral" products, an expanded "use with caution" list that addresses bio-individual needs, and a completely new section on microplastics and liquid plastics!

But this isn't just about adding more ingredients to avoid. It's about creating a more nuanced, practical approach to clean living that doesn't rely on fear-mongering or clickbait. Most importantly, I'm addressing the core issue plaguing the non-toxic space: the lack of clear standards and informed consent.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• The new UV sunscreen ingredient appearing in "clean" products (and why it matters)

• Why some ingredients deserve caution but not complete avoidance

• The truth about microplastics in cosmetics and their real impact

• How to practice discernment in the fear-based clean beauty space

• Why informed consent should be the foundation of your clean living journey

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Mentioned in this episode:

Wyld Notes

Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Your polyester pajamas are literally plastic, and they're affecting your hormones, fertility, and skin health in ways you never imagined.

In today's conversation with Michel, founder of Aizome Textiles, we dive deep into the toxic reality of the modern textile industry. Aizome is one of the only 100% organic cotton, plant-dyed textile companies!

From the 10,000+ unregulated chemicals used in clothing production to the microplastics flooding our oceans, the fashion industry has created a health crisis that most people don't even realize they're experiencing.

The science is clear: polyester clothing has been shown to dramatically decrease testosterone and fertility in men, with effects reversing only after months of removing synthetic fabrics.

Meanwhile, synthetic dyes made from the same petroleum-based chemicals as plastic are causing contact dermatitis in 70% of people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Even "clean" laundry detergents can't remove the bacterial buildup that creates that distinctive smell in polyester clothing.

But there's hope. In this episode, Michael shares practical steps for transitioning to safer textiles, starting with the items that matter most: bedding (since you spend 8 hours a day in contact with sheets), underwear, and daily-wear items. Plus, learn about the regulatory landscape and how consumer demand is finally driving change in this massive industry.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• Why polyester clothing is linked to decreased fertility and hormone disruption

• The 10,000+ chemicals used in textile production (most completely unregulated)

• How synthetic dyes cause skin reactions in 70% of people with contact dermatitis

• Practical steps for transitioning to non-toxic clothing and bedding

• Why washing new clothes multiple times is crucial for sensitive individuals

Shop the episode:

GET 20% OFF AIZOME 100% ORGANIC COTTON, PLANT DYED SHEETS WITH CODE WENDY

Your clean living journey doesn't have to be perfect to be valid, and this conversation proves it.

In today's episode, I'm teaming up with my "woo woo bestie," Suzy to tackle the elephant in the room: the elitism and perfectionism that's plaguing the toxin-free community. Suzy represents the majority of well-intentioned consumers in the US. She's slowly making clean swaps, one by one, but she's still working on a budget and holding on to a few things others might deem "toxic."

Meanwhile, I literally packed my own clean sheets on a trip to Bali (where my bag was weighed, might I add). Listen, we all weigh our priorities and make decisions accordingly. You don't have to go from 0 to 100 in your toxin free journey, and anyone that makes you feel like a failure for having one or two toxins in your cabinet is probably a hypocrite.

Through honest stories about our "incident" on a bus in Bali, Suzy's eye-opening experience cleaning with conventional products in an Airbnb, and the reality of budget constraints, we're exposing how shame-based messaging is actually pushing people away from making healthier choices. The conversation gets real about accessibility, with discussions about food deserts, Title I schools, and the controversy around better-but-not-perfect products.

Most importantly, we celebrate the small wins that actually matter: choosing phenoxyethanol over BHT, switching from Bath & Body Works to Attitude products, or simply reading ingredient labels for the first time. Bottom line: If 96% of Americans chose the "better" option at Target instead of the worst option, companies would be forced to reformulate.

In today's episode, we're chatting about:

• Why the "all or nothing" mentality is harming the clean living movement

• How budget constraints and accessibility issues affect product choices

• The difference between reproductive toxins and "imperfect" ingredients

• Why celebrating small improvements creates lasting change

• How to support your body naturally without expensive devices

Thank you for supporting Toxin Free(ish)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Wyld Notes

Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk