Amanda Huggins is back from Bali and here to shatter the notion of “perfection” in your life while helping you to see the real, raw, authentic potential within. In this episode: We talk about letting go of the grip on your life with ease, kindness, simplicity - while sharpening your inner perspective to cultivate happiness from within, along the way. What you focus in on – you’ll create more of in your life. links, resources & show notes: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode019

Critical Conversations

#019: Create & Cultivate Authentic Happiness From Within

Have you ever wondered why pharmaceutical grade supplements are so much more expensive? Or more importantly, are they even any more effective? Have you heard that 'Over The Counter' vitamin brands are exactly the same whether or not they're generic or brand name? What about your multi-vitamin ... are you actually absorbing any of it, or just peeing it out? Diving into all of this + more, with Jennifer Klotz, MS, RD in this episode. Full Show Notes, Links & Resources from this conversation on our website: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode031 THIS EPISODE IS PART TWO, A CONTINUATION FROM EPISODE 30 … Last week: we dove into the importance of supplement quality, discussed which certifications you should be looking for and which ‘added ingredients’ you really need to avoid, and why.

#031: Supplements, Multivitamins & The Difference Between Pharmaceutical Grade and Over the Counter, Part Two with Jennifer Klotz, MS, RD

Branching off from the conversation we had in episode #022, all about the power of taking a high quality multivitamin versus a "bad" quality one that might actually be harming your health. That brief comment really sparked your interest and our inboxes were flooded with the following questions we promise to tackle within this episode: How can I tell if my supplements are actually “high quality”? Which brands can I trust? Which brands should I avoid? How can I tell the difference between "good" versus "bad", and what certifications can I look for? What certifications actually matter? Which added ingredients should I avoid? Is the FDA actually monitoring what's being sold over the counter? Jennifer Klotz, MS, RD is extremely passionate about this topic and very well informed. The information in this episode is imperative to your long term health, especially if you're taking even one supplement, herb, or vitamin on a regular basis. DID YOU KNOW? Taking a poor quality supplement can actually do more harm than taking nothing at all? Quality Matters - especially when it comes to the multi billion dollar supplement industry that's expanding everyday. Just because it's on the shelf - doesn't necessarily mean you should trust it. We explain why in this episode. Important takeaways, resources and links to products we mention can be found in the show notes on our website at: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode030 Join Us on Instagram @CriticalConversations   Get $10 off all tickets for upcoming SHE DAY events in Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Use promo code: CRITICALCONVERSATIONS

#030: Vitamins & Supplement Quality. What to Look For + What to Avoid with Jennifer Klotz, RD

Heather Young, 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher & Certified Yoga Therapist – has a lot of experience working one on one with clients and helping them achieve balance in more ways than one. She might even have the solution to take your health to the next level - when it seems like Nutrition just isn't enough. Keep in mind: It’s never just about one ailment, problem or issue – it’s all connected & we’re diving into a new approach you may never have considered before. Diving into the 4 Main Pilars: - Posture - Emotions - Breath - Mindset ... and the role they play when it comes to impacting your longterm health, stress levels and digestion. & What you can do about it.    Full Show Notes & Additional Links Available at: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode029 Join Us on Instagram @CriticalConversations

#029: Simple Solutions to Improve Your Health, Stress Levels and Digestion with Heather Young

“We typically reach for caffeine because the cue is fatigue.” – If you’re reaching for caffeine more than once a day – consider the causes. Continued from Episode 27 - diving into the powerful effects that caffeine is having on your body, how much is too much, adrenal fatigue, cortisol, hormones, decaf and the certification you should be looking for. Lastly, adaptogens - and specialty coffee blends... or is it better to enjoy your coffee black? www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode028 As you know – we’re not here for the fads or promoting the trends.   In this episode: - What effects is caffeine having on my body? Health benefits included. - How much is too much? What’s the “safe’ amount? Is decaf any better? - Is adding all of the adaptogens, or trending superfoods really worth it? - What’s coffee doing to my adrenals? Stress levels? Anxiety? - How can I start cutting back without suffering the consequences? - Can I just drink my coffee black? - Favorite coffee brands, additional links and resources on our website   www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode028 If you haven’t already – here’s how you can support us in three easy steps: SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on itunes, spotify, or whichever app you’re listening on Sign-up for our weekly e-mail newsletter Follow us on instagram @CriticalConversations  

#028: Caffeine Impacts, Coffee Habits, Adrenal Fatigue & What You Can Do About It - The Coffee Episode: Part Two

“Do better, once you know better” – Maya Angelou - it’s all about making small changes once you’ve learned something new and giving yourself the chance to upgrade your routine, not only for your health, but for the health of the planet as well. Join us for a Sustainable, Healthy & Ethical conversation around all things coffee - with Heather Young & Jennifer Klotz of shechangeseverything.com What you'll discover in this episode: - The true health benefits of coffee - The Environmental & Humanitarian impacts our purchases create - Conventional vs. Organic vs. Fair Trade certifications and what they mean - What's in that paper cup, the plastic lid, & the coffee filter you're using. - How your daily routine is impacting your health long-term ... & what you can do about it.      Get the Full Show Notes, Additional Links & Resources at  www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode027     THERE’S NEVER A PERFECT ANSWER. We’re all human Consider this Information as empowering insight to help us move forward and create a small ripple effect in our world. Thanks for joining us, we'll see you next Thursday. GET THE SHOW NOTES: criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode027 Join the Conversation on Instagram @CriticalConversations    

#027: The Coffee Episode - A Sustainable, Healthy & Ethical Conversation

This episode with Carly is full of Simple Solutions & Practical Takeaways for EVERYONE whether or not you have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, or not. This information, although centered around Thyroid Health - is truly applicable to all of us on so many levels - no matter what we're dealing with. Tackling your top questions all about Thyroid Health & learning from Carly's personal experience. The answers might just surprise you and hopefully even encourage you to look a little closer at your labwork, open up a deeper discussion with your doctor and really start to tune in to a few lifestyle changes, you never knew were so important - until now. Full Show Notes & Resources available at: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode026 Including that recipe we mentioned, the water filters we talked about, the gut health episode with Brigid (#016) - as well as Carly's top resources you won't want to miss. Thank you for being here with us We show up weekly in hopes to expand this much needed conversation around what preventative health truly entails. If you love what we're doing - please take just a minute to subscribe, rate & review this podcast! Your feedback means everything to us and its a great way for you to giveback in return for all of the information we provide. See you Next Thursday!  In the meantime - jump on over to instagram @CriticalConversations

#026: Thyroid Health Do’s & Don’ts with Carly Johnson Brawner

Like most of us – her story is personal. After struggling with her health for years, Carly was in pursuit of a proper diagnosis over 5 years ago. It didn't happen overnight, but she was ultimately diagnosed with Hashimoto's, a very common autoimmune hypothyroid condition. It's then, that she became increasingly passionate about pursuing answers and identifying the root cause. In this episode: We discuss her health journey pitfalls and successes - including the top 6 changes she made - to heal from the inside out. www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode025 "I had to own my state and know that no one was going to do this for me, because my health is my responsibility. That’s when everything began to improve" - Carly Johnson Brawner of @frolicandflow Carly has also recently launched an online "Healing Hashimoto's" Course - Focused on empowering Hashimoto's patients to work better with their doctors to understand their disease and really begin to build a blueprint for healing, longterm. You won't want to miss it. Next course begins August 2019. Details available in the show notes on our website. Join The Conversation. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the show! Your feedback means the world. & connect with us over on instagram ... @CriticalConversations  

#025: Healing Hypothyroid + Hashimoto’s Through Holistic Living, with Carly Johnson Brawner of @frolicandflow

We spend 42% of our day looking at screens. That’s 6 hours and 43 minutes daily – or 7,956 days of your life. Think about how crazy that is. This effects your posture longterm which has direct impact on your mental and physical health. It also changes how people see you, whether or not they take you seriously and whether or not they choose to show you respect. Until something is directly effecting your health – it’s really easy to just brush off the small daily habits – you know you should be doing. But here's the thing - research shows that something as simple as our body posture we maintain while holding our phones, sitting at the computer or even standing in a crowd - has a significant impact on our mood, our confidence, and even our cardiovascular health. We dive into this & so much more with this week's episode - I don't want to give it all away - so be sure to tune in.  FULL SHOW NOTES: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode024 P.S.....  SHE DAY - Orange County is happening this Saturday - May 18th - we can't wait to see you there! Don't miss out - there's still time to grab your ticket. 

#024: Body Posture, Technology Habits, Your Health & What You Can Do About It with Heather Young of @SheChangesEverything

It's about time we start paying attention to the symptoms and signals our bodies are sending us on a much deeper level. Skin Issues, Digestive Health, Heartburn, nutrient Deficiencies ... they're all more closely related than we realize. When you start paying closer attention to what your body is trying to tell you, you can get closer to discovering and even possibly reversing the root cause of the problem that has been developing overtime. Lifestyle, Diet, Environment, Toxins, Stress ... It's all connected. We dive into this, and so much more within episode 23 ... it's the perfect continuation and part two of the larger conversation from last week's episode. Jennifer Klotz, RD is at it again with the incredible information, statistics, and simple solutions you can start taking action on right away. Here's another AMAZING ARTICLE she's put together for you to summarize some of the key points from this episode you might want to re-read again and again.   Looking for tickets to SHE DAY? Join Us in Person, HERE.   & JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON INSTAGRAM @CRITICALCONVERSATIONS   FULL SHOW NOTES: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode023    

#023: Skin Issues, Digestion & How Balancing Your Stomach Acid Might Just Be The Key, to Long-Term Health. Celery Juice Episode Part 2 with Jennifer Klotz

92% of All Americans have at least ONE nutrient deficiency. Known to cause a multitude of health issues, such as: muscle cramps, joint pain, headaches, skin issues, fatigue, sleep issues, inflammation, bleeding of the gums, autoimmune conditions, etc.  & Yet, instead of paying attention to what intuitively sounds right, tastes good, and makes us feel well - the majority of us are falling victim to fad trends while losing the ability to know what our bodies actually need - intuitively. Access additional resources, articles and get the FULL SHOW NOTES on our website: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode022 Being deficient in just one nutrient is serious, and yet most of us have no idea what our labs look like. These 'imbalances' truly throw your body out of balance and can lead to chronic health issues if left unaddressed, long term. This is why adding something new to your diet with a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals to your morning routine will make you feel instantly better. (This doesn't have to just be Celery Juice. It can be water, a smoothie, a salad, or anything nutrient dense!) + CELERY JUICE USERS BEWARE: there are risks associated with daily consumption of such a large amount of celery on a daily basis – and we’re here to make sure you’re aware of both sides of the story. Are you taking any prescription medications? Do you have a history of thyroid issues? Digestive Issues? Sensitivity to the Sun? … you really need to listen to this episode to understand how celery juice might be (negatively) effecting your health, long-term. Even if it's making you feel great - right now. In a way, it’s the new superfood – think matcha, kale, coconut oil, goji berries – all the things that have come and gone from the health food spotlight with each passing year.  Ultimately, we're hoping to leave you feeling well educated and inspired to make each lifestyle choice a decision of your own - once you've heard both sides of the story. Diving into this conversation with Jennifer Klotz. She's a Registered Dietitian, Holistic Nutritionist and she brings incredible insight and a wealth of knowledge to the table for this conversation.   @CriticalConversations & GRAB YOUR TICKET TO SHE DAY 2019 AT: www.shechangeseverything.com    

#022: Celery Juice, Intuitive Eating, & The Thyroid Issue No One is Talking About, with Jennifer Klotz, MS, RD, LDN

According to a recent survey -  88% of Americans report feeling “stressed out” for a multitude of reasons around the holidays. Topics we tackle in this episode: Perceived Weight Gain,  Shocking Statistics about the Diet Industry, Food Rules, Food Allergies, Family Opinions, Food Cravings, (Letting Go of) Meeting Expectations for Others, Food Cravings, Breaking Free from Traditions (if that's what feels right),  & stress management techniques you won't want to miss. Don’t let the “little things” overwhelm you. We’re diving into the most commonly perceived stressors around holiday traditions and gatherings. We’re here to empower you with personal stories and advice to remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing shocking statistics around weight gain and the diet industry you won't want to miss. Don’t let family conversations derail you. & Don’t miss out on the traditions of the day. Relax, Let Go, Take a Deep Breath & Enjoy the time with your family and friends while you can.   links, resources & show notes www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode021 get tickets to SHE DAY:  bit.ly/SHE_DAY_EVENTS_2019   follow us on social media: @CriticalConversations @SheChangesEverything @BeachLifeBri

#021: Simple Tips & Tricks for Healthier Holidays: Stress Less, Enjoy More. & Let Go of the “Weight Gain” Fear. Shocking Statistics Inside This Conversation with @SheChangesEverything

Continuing our last conversation from episode 16 with Brigid all about the imperative role our gut health plays in our overall health, mood, and well-being. This week – we’re focusing in on GLUTEN & why so many people are experiencing improved health once going “gluten free”, the right way. As the saying goes – “you are what you eat”. But, now we know, it’s actually more about what you “absorb” that makes you who you are. Is gluten affecting all of us negatively, or is it just a small percentage of the population? Should we all be eating gluten free? Could you potentially be intolerant and not even know it? We answer all of your questions and more. Additional show notes, links & resources available at: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode020 & Sign-up for Monday Motivation e-mails here: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/contact Americans are predisposed to having increased issues & developing a sensitivity to gluten due to the “Standard American” diet and lifestyle – otherwise known as “the perfect storm” . Only 50% of people with celiac disease will actually experience GI symptoms The second most common symptom will be neurological – seizures, fatigue, headaches, migraine, mood disorders, cognitive decline.  Other issues may include: Autoimmune conditions, skin rashes, itchiness, redness and generalized inflammation (joints and body aches). Osteoporosis especially in younger people is a huge red flag for celiac disease (& it may just be the underlying cause no one is aware of.) Should you get tested for celiac if you think you’re sensitive to gluten? Is there benefit to putting yourself through the testing? Or is strictly avoiding gluten enough? – Brigid answers it all in this episode. Including the “correct way” to go gluten free. She warns us about the “HEALTH HALO EFFECT” & reminds us to remain open minded when it comes to shifting away from current food norms in order to establish a wider variety of nutrition in our daily routine. Future Questions You Want To Get Answered? Direct Message us On Instagram @CriticalConversations www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode020  

#020: Should Everyone Eat Gluten Free? The Health Impacts, Symptoms & Solutions You Need To Know About with Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LDN

What if we told you that you could significantly reduce your chance of developing or even begin to reverse most weight problems, skin issues, hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions or metabolic disorders? These are statistically significant problems in our society & this week, we're here to tell you: We still have the chance to drastically reverse most of these issues - all by reducing/minimizing our exposures to a special group of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, found in most everyday items that most of us are being exposed to without even thinking twice about it. Jennifer Klotz, MS, RDN, LDN is here to empower us to make more informed choices when it comes to the widely available (chemical) products most of us are using on a daily basis and still bringing into our homes. It's time to take our power back and realize that everything we're exposed to - has the ability to impact our health. It's no longer just about calories in, calories out. (that's an old and very inaccurate way of looking at health by the way.) We now know, there's such a larger influence on our bodies than just the foods that we're eating. THIS episode is full of actionable takeaways you won't want to miss. We dive deeper into the products you need to be aware of and give you simple solutions to start taking action and potentially improve your health, TODAY. Extended show notes, links & resources available on our site: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode018   thanks for being a part of the conversation. It'd mean the world to us if you helped us spread the word. Be sure to leave a rating & review, take a screenshot of the episode or show notes and share it with your friends on social media or tell your friends and family what you've learned. Be the change you wish to see in the world. LEAD BY EXAMPLE.   We're here for you. your host, Briana Reesing @CriticalConversations Jennifer Klotz, MS, RDN, LDN @jenniferklotz_rd   www.criticalconversationspodcast.com www.shechangeseverything.com    

#018: Plastics, Hormones, Weight Gain & The 6 Simple Steps To Take Your Power Back, with Jennifer Klotz, MS, RDN, LDN

Are you eating your clothes? That’s a crazy question, right? But, the answer is most likely, YES. Your clothes are shedding microfibers with every wash & these microfibers might just be a bigger deal than plastic straws when it comes to the environmental impact we all need to be aware of. Studies have shown that microfibers are flooding our planet – in fact, they've even been detected in beer, sea salt, small fish, and more. No one is talking about this loudly enough yet, so we're excited to bring Heather Young, co-founder of SHE Changes Everything, back to talk about something she’s so passionate about: microfibers and how they're impacting your health and the health of the planet. FACT: The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources estimates that 0.6 – 1.7 million tons of microfibers are released into the ocean every year. In this episode: We talk about the canary in the coal mine, plastic and how it effects your health, what microfibers are, where they come from, how you’re creating them – and why it’s not your fault! Honestly, if you are dealing with a chronic illness, you are fatigued, and your skin is breaking out and elimination diets aren’t helping, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. We break down a new way to look at the clothes you wear, which can be a powerful step to healing your body and taking a chemical load off of it.   We have a lot of simple solutions you can start immediately and Heather has her favorite 14 ways you can stop creating microfibers here. Extended Show Notes & Resourceful Links can be accessed on our website at www.criticalconversationspodcast.com/episode017 - The Critical Conversations Team -  LASTLY, we want to get the solution into your hands!We wish we could give one to everybody, but until then - we will be choosing one lucky winner on December 19th, 2018. SHE Changes Everything and Critical Conversations are teaming up to GIVEAWAY one Guppyfriend Bag as a gift to one lucky listener. TO ENTER: all we ask in return is for you to leave us a rating & review on iTunes for this particular episode and share what simple changes you've made since discovering us. Mention "Episode 17" in your review and include your name & instagram handle if you can. If you prefer to keep private - you can always take a screenshot of your review and send it to us with your name and contact info via email to enter the giveaway. contact@criticalconversationspodcast.com Each review helps new listeners find us within the podcast app & we can't thank you enough for helping us grow! We will announce the winner on our Instagram @CriticalConversations – so make sure you’re following us there!  This Giveaway Period will close on December 18, 2018 at 11:59pmPST.  

#017: Are You Eating Your Clothes? How the Plastics In Clothing Might Be Impacting Your Health & the Planet – with Heather Young

The Preventative Health Podcast You've Been Searching For – Hosted by Briana Reesing, BSN, RN, CEN: an ER Nurse who is extremely passionate about the powers of Preventative Health after seeing chronic (preventable) disease negatively affect the lives of too many people – too may times to count. Your health is in your hands, & It’s all about asking the right questions and taking action towards the things you’ve learned, while creating the life you want to live. We hope to help you get there. Welcome to The Critical Conversations Podcast. Find us on Instagram @CriticalConversations & Get Access to All Show Notes, Links and Additional Resources at: www.criticalconversationspodcast.com