Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz — “Detoxing Valley Style!”

PodcastOne | Aired: February 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this refreshingly laid-back episode, Tom Schwartz takes listeners on a “Valley-style” wellness day, guiding us through his favorite nature spots, restaurants, and a deep dive into Hawaiian-inspired massage. Balancing mindfulness with trademark mischief, Tom’s goal is to showcase how reconnecting with the outdoors—and a little self-care—can help restore inner balance, even amid the chaos of life and Los Angeles. Guest spots from his girlfriend Kiana and wellness practitioner Jan make for an immersive, lighthearted journey.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Opening Thoughts: Finding Calm Before the Storm

• [00:29] Tom kicks off by reflecting on the pressures of life and his preferred methods to de-stress, asking:
  “What do you guys do when you get to the point where you feel like you're gonna snap? I like to reconnect with Mother Nature.”
• He proposes a quintessential Valley day: hiking, lunch at Aroma Cafe, maybe a massage.
• References the new season of The Valley and how filming was “natural” and restorative for him.

Hiking Fryman Canyon — The Valley’s Natural Oasis

• [02:30] Tom’s go-to for zen is Fryman Canyon:
  • Not particularly strenuous (“easy, breezy, lemon squeezy”), dog-friendly, inclusive, with beautiful panoramic views.
• Shares insights about how the landscape changes after LA’s rains:
  “There’s times you almost feel like you’re in Hawaii… the hills become lush. The vibrant shades of green make you feel alive, happy, invigorated.”
• Favorite quote found on a Fryman bench:

  “Sometimes you just need to rest. The world can wait.” (Schulman Family Foundation, [02:48])

• Encourages "forest bathing" (shinrin yoku), the Japanese practice of slowing down in natural woodland environments, citing scientific and therapeutic benefits.

Nature’s Science — Forest Bathing, Phytoncides, and More

• [05:30] Introduces listeners to terms:
  • Shinrin yoku (forest bathing): Immersing in the forest atmosphere to unwind.
  • Phytoncides: Airborne chemicals from plants which purportedly benefit human immune systems.
  • Citherism (psithurism): The rustling sound of leaves, which is “like Mother Nature’s white noise”—soothing, non-repetitive, and evolutionarily reassuring.
  • Komorebi: The Japanese word for “interplay of light and shadow filtered through leaves.”
• Memorable explanation:
  “It’s like going to the beach, listening to ocean waves, right? Give your mind a fucking break.” ([09:48])

Slowing Down & Being Present

• Tom underscores the importance of “touching grass”—literally and figuratively—to disconnect from the overwhelming noise of modern life.
• Candidly shares:
  "I've tried meditating multiple times... but hiking, being in Mother Nature, it kind of does what meditation promises, but without the instructions, you know?" ([14:18])
• Pokes fun at wellness contradictions and LA living:
  “Coffee’s good for you. Oh, it’s bad for you. Wine is good for you. Oh, now it’s bad for you…”
  • Emphasizes nature’s power to reset, suggesting:

    “If you’re experiencing cacophony, go out there, nice little hike, get primitive and quiet and savor the beautiful day.”* ([15:40])

Lomi Lomi Massage — Hawaiian Healing

• [18:03] Tom visits Fred Parker Wellness on Ventura Blvd with Kiana, introducing Jan, the Lomi Lomi practitioner.

• Jan explains Lomi Lomi:

  “Lomi means massage in Hawaiian... Lomi Lomi is temple-style work... done in the temples in ancient times for healing... There's a lot of forearms, a lot of flow, some stretching... it’s very healing.”

  • Ritual begins with a chant calling in ancestral spirits and inviting the client’s intention; aims for deep peace and unity.
  • Kiana is asked to hold and release her intention, hoping for a life-changing experience ([18:03-19:37]).

• Humorous exchange:

  Tom: “Is it bad luck if she’s already confided her intentions in me? Because she told me what it is. It’s bellinis at lunch after this.” ([19:37])
  Jan: “Absolutely not. No problem.” ([19:51])

Nostalgic Eats — Arts Deli

• [20:08] Tom stops at Arts Deli on Ventura:
  • Raves about the classic, family-owned spot since 1957.
  • Orders matzo ball soup and a turkey Reuben, revels in the “massive” sandwich and atmosphere.
  • Jokes: “It’s a pity we don’t have smell-o-vision or at least video for this because this sandwich is massive.”

Bellinis & Reflections — The Front Yard

• [22:05] Post-massage, at The Front Yard (The Garland Hotel), Tom and Kiana wrap up their valley wellness tour over Bellinis.
• Kiana shares her Lomi Lomi experience:
  • “Very relaxed,” “a little less anxious,” and appreciated the unique spiritual element.
  • “There was a chant at the beginning…never had that before for a massage. But I liked it. I was like, okay, this means it will be powerful.” ([22:15])
  • Did it change her life?
    • “Too soon to tell. Was it day-changing? Yeah, it was day-changing, which, with the butterfly effect, could be life changing.” ([23:05-23:15])
    • “If I don’t have anxiety tomorrow, that’s life-changing.”

Final Thoughts

• Tom rounds off the episode with a Valley bucket list:
  • Fryman Canyon, Aroma Cafe, Fred Parker Wellness, Arts Deli, The Front Yard—and a gentle reminder to balance detox with occasional retox.

  “I know it’s a detox episode. Back off. This is a light drink. We’re having one anyways.” ([23:25])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Go out there and touch some grass. I don’t mean that in like a sarcastic, snarky way... Helps you be more present, you know what I’m saying?” — Tom, [13:38]
• “Forest bathing... comes from the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku... just involves immersing yourself in a nice, relaxing forest atmosphere to chill out, wind down, reduce stress, and just give yourself an effing break.” — Tom, [06:18]
• “It’s a sound that exists only in the moment. And you can really, like, not only hear it, but you can kind of feel it... Like a little whisper, a sweet little whisper from Mother Nature.” — Tom, on citherism, [09:33]
• “I chant in the beginning to ask for the client’s ancestral spirits to come in and mine to come in to help bring peace and unity and wholeness to the session.” — Jan, on Lomi Lomi, [18:38]
• “Was it day-changing? Yeah, it was day-changing, which, with the butterfly effect, could be life changing.” — Kiana, [23:05]

Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:29 | Opening reflections; prepping for Valley day | | 02:30 | Hiking Fryman Canyon & forest bathing intro | | 06:18 | Science of “forest bathing” and phytoncides | | 09:33 | On “citherism” and the sound of leaves | | 13:38 | Presence, hiking vs. meditation | | 15:40 | Life’s cacophony & decompressing outdoors | | 18:03 | At Fred Parker Wellness: Lomi Lomi explained | | 20:08 | Lunch at Arts Deli | | 22:05 | The Front Yard: post-massage Bellinis & chat | | 23:25 | Episode wrap-up, Tom’s Valley bucket list |

Episode Takeaways

• Nature as Therapy: The Valley’s hiking trails offer more than exercise—they’re Tom’s medicine for chaotic times.
• Wellness is Both Science and Ritual: Concepts like forest bathing, phytoncides, and ancient bodywork show that wellness is both backed by tradition and science.
• Small Rituals Matter: Whether it’s a hike, a sound bath, a special massage, or even a nostalgic sandwich, mindful rituals can be day—and maybe life—changing.
• Permission to “Retox”: Balance is key, and Tom encourages the occasional (responsible) indulgence as part of a happy, harmonious life.

For listeners looking to recreate a “detox day” Valley-style, Tom’s guide is playful, earnest, and packed with practical gems—plus, a few words for your next game of Scrabble.