Grounded Wellness by Primally Pure

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Dr. Caroline Leaf—a clinical and research neuroscientist, communication pathologist and bestselling author who has spent over 40 years researching the mind-brain connection, neuroplasticity and the science of thought. Together, they explore how our thoughts can shape the brain and body, what it actually means to “rewire your brain,” and why learning to manage the mind may be a missing piece in our approach to mental and physical health.

Dr. Leaf shares her perspective on the rise of diagnosis culture and labels like ADHD, anxiety and depression, why difficult emotions can be valuable information, and how modern lifestyles may be influencing the way children think and behave. She and Bethany also unpack toxic positivity and why positive affirmations can sometimes act as a Band-Aid instead of addressing the root of a thought pattern, along with what it looks like to raise resilient kids who know how to process hard emotions.

Most importantly, Dr. Leaf gets practical, breaking down her 5-Step Neurocycle® for directing neuroplasticity and beginning to deconstruct and rebuild toxic thought patterns in as little as 15 minutes a day. They also discuss her research around anxiety, biological health and the mind-body connection, plus a simple “stress CPR” practice for moving from reaction to response in overwhelming moments. This conversation is ultimately a hopeful reminder that the patterns wired into your brain don't have to be permanent, and that you can play an active role in what you reinforce moving forward.

Resources:
Follow Dr. Caroline Leaf on Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

Learn more about Dr. Caroline Leaf: drleaf.com

Explore the Neurocycle® App: https://www.neurocycle.app/

Listen to the Dr. Leaf Show: https://drleaf.com/podcast

Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

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In this back-to-school episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Hilary Boynton— chef, author, GAPS Certified Coach, mom of five and the founder of School of Lunch — to unpack what's really being served to kids at school and how parents can build a stronger foundation for their children's health through real, nutrient-dense food.
Hilary shares how her own family's health challenges led her to rethink everything she knew about nutrition and eventually transform a school lunch program from the ground up. Together, Bethany and Hilary explore the impact ultra-processed foods and blood sugar spikes can have on kids, why traditional and ancestral foods are disappearing from our diets, and what can happen when we return to simpler ways of nourishing our families.
They also get practical on what to feed kids for more stable, sustained energy, Hilary's favorite foods for supporting kids during back-to-school season, what to do with picky eaters, and why family dinner doesn't need to be complicated to be nourishing.
This conversation is a reminder that raising healthy kids doesn't require perfect meals or complicated recipes. It starts with rebuilding our connection to real food, teaching kids where their food comes from, and giving them a foundation they can return to for the rest of their lives.
If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent heading into the back-to-school season.
Resources:
Follow Chef Hilary Boynton on Instagram: @chefhilaryboynton

Subscribe to Chef Hilary Boynton on Substack: substack.com/@chefhilaryboynton

Visit the Consultancy: www.consulting.schooloflunch.com

Donate to SōL West Foundation: www.sol-west.org

School of Lunch Training Academy: www.schooloflunch.com/trainingacademy

Hilary’s book: The Heal Your Gut Cookbook 

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Blog: https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

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Mentioned in the Episode:
Weston A. Price Foundation

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Dr. Weston A. Price

Sally Fallon Morell

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

GAPS (Gut and Psychology / Physiology Syndrome) Diet

Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

Amos Miller

Jamie Oliver

Alice Waters

Nina Teicholz

The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz

Raw Farm / Mark McAfee

Pluck Organ-Based Seasoning

VitaClay

What if better health isn't about adding more—but removing what's getting in the way?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Joshua Fields Millburn— New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of The Minimalists— to explore the surprising connection between minimalism and health.

While most wellness conversations focus on what to add— more supplements, more routines, more optimization— Joshua makes the case that true well-being often comes from doing less. Together, Bethany and Joshua unpack how physical clutter, busy schedules, endless consumerism, and constant digital stimulation can quietly contribute to stress, burnout, and disconnection from what matters most.

Whether you're looking to simplify your home, reduce overwhelm, or rethink what wellness really means, you'll leave this episode with practical tools and a new perspective on living a healthier, more intentional life.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to slow down, simplify, and create space for what matters most.

Resources:
The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/

Joshua Fields Millburn: https://www.joshuafieldsmillburn.com/

Follow Joshua: https://www.instagram.com/joshuafieldsmillburn/?hl=en

Follow The Minimalists:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbFiBwMYMXAqifXF4xo5Uw

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Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/

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Blog: https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primallypure

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure

What if protecting your family's health starts long before symptoms ever appear?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with nutritionist, educator, and Realfoodology founder Courtney Swan for a wide-ranging conversation on fertility, pregnancy, pesticides, mold exposure, and the everyday choices that shape lifelong health.

Fresh off a meeting at the White House to discuss the future of America's food system, Courtney shares why she's more hopeful than ever about the growing awareness around environmental toxins, and the practical steps families can take today to reduce their toxic burden without living in fear.

Together, Bethany and Courtney explore preparing your body for pregnancy, navigating fertility after 40, uncovering hidden mold exposure, understanding glyphosate and pesticides, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and raising children with a healthy foundation from day one. They also discuss regenerative farming, balancing intentional living with flexibility, and why real food should be accessible to every family.

This conversation is an encouraging reminder that while we can't control everything, we can make meaningful choices that support our health, our homes, and future generations.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's passionate about creating a healthier future for their family.
Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce Guide

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Kiss the Ground

Common Ground

Courtney recommends washing produce with:
Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)

Baking soda soak

Courtney references recent research discussing mitochondrial protection of ovarian cells and fertility with age. She notes she'll provide the study after recording for inclusion in the show notes. (Add once received.)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology
Podcast: youtube.com/channel/UCKnDft-Ovm1iTfSN1kn957A
Website: https://www.realfoodology.com
Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Produce Guide

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Courtney recommends washing produce with:
Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)

Baking soda soak

Learn more:
Science Advances (2025): Human eggs have special protection against age-related mitochondrial mutations: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/human-eggs-have-special-protection-against-certain-types-of-aging-study-hints
Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity (Ageing Research Reviews) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32896666/
Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial: https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/farming-systems-trial/
Glyphosate exposure in pregnancy and birth outcomes: https://link.springer.com/journal/12940

Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/
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What if the path to a healthier home isn't buying more but getting back to the basics?

In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with Shawna Holman, founder of A Little Less Toxic and author of A Healthier Home and A Healthier Home Cookbook, to explore the timeless, grandma-approved wisdom that's helping families reduce their toxic load—without fear, perfectionism, or expensive wellness trends.

Together, Bethany and Shawna walk through the home room by room, uncovering hidden sources of toxic exposure and the simple, affordable swaps that make the biggest impact. From natural laundry hacks and healthier cookware to fragrance-free living, cleaner personal care, better sleep, and raising healthier families, Shawna shares practical strategies that anyone can start implementing today.

This is a refreshing conversation about creating a healthier home through simple, sustainable habits that have stood the test of time. Whether you're just beginning your non-toxic living journey or looking for realistic ways to reduce your family's toxic burden, you'll walk away with actionable tips you can put into practice right away.

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking to create a healthier home without the overwhelm.

Resources:
Shawna Holman (A Little Less Toxic): https://www.alittlelesstoxic.com/
A Healthier Home: https://www.alittlelesstoxic.com/books
Follow Shawna: https://www.instagram.com/alittlelesstoxic/

Explore More from Primally Pure:
Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/
Shop Primally Pure: https://bit.ly/4e1HzVv
Blog:https://bit.ly/4gAeIsY
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/primallypure
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@primallypure