Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey – Episode 1210 Summary: "Is Your Sunscreen Poisoning You?" featuring Bethany McDaniel
Released on June 25, 2025, by Blaze Podcast Network
1. Introduction and Guest Background (00:00 - 02:14)
Allie Beth Stuckey (Host) opens the episode by introducing Bethany McDaniel, founder of Primally Pure, a holistic skincare and wellness brand. Allie highlights Bethany’s multifaceted life, balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and faith.
2. Bethany’s Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit (02:14 - 04:14)
Bethany McDaniel (Guest) shares her upbringing in a Christian household deeply involved in the Lutheran Church's educational and community work. Despite her family's path, Bethany pursued her passion for writing and entrepreneurship from a young age.
“I was always interested in writing, in communicating and being an entrepreneur.” [02:54]
3. The Journey to Primally Pure and Regenerative Farming (04:14 - 08:05)
Bethany discusses how her husband’s family started a regenerative livestock farm, Primal Pastures, which significantly influenced her path toward wellness and natural products. This experience sparked her interest in creating non-toxic skincare solutions.
“Regenerative farming is just a way of farming that mimics nature… a very absorbent part of the body.” [04:37]
4. Creating Natural Deodorant: From Kitchen Experiments to Business (08:05 - 17:00)
Bethany delves into her motivation to develop a non-toxic deodorant after researching the harmful chemicals in conventional products. She recounts the extensive process of perfecting the formula through countless iterations.
“I went through, like, so many different iterations, like probably close to 200 iterations to finally get a formula that really worked.” [15:16]
The positive response from her community led her to establish Primally Pure as an independent brand, expanding beyond deodorants to a full range of skincare products.
5. The Great Sunscreen Debate: Toxicity vs. Protection (17:00 - 26:25)
A significant portion of the episode addresses the controversial topic of sunscreen safety. Bethany explains the dangers of aluminum and other chemicals found in conventional sunscreens, emphasizing their links to health issues like Alzheimer’s and hormone disruption.
“I think that we don't have to be intentionally adding to our toxic buckets just because it's a small amount.” [09:38]
She advocates for non-nano zinc oxide as a safer alternative, detailing its benefits and how it serves as a physical barrier against the sun without the harmful side effects of chemical filters.
“We use non nano zinc oxide… it acts like protective clothing almost.” [23:12]
Bethany also discusses the backlash from their bold marketing campaign questioning traditional sunscreen claims, highlighting the polarized reactions from the public.
“This sun isn't poison, but your sunscreen is.” [17:39]
6. Incorporating Beef Tallow in Skincare Products (26:25 - 35:10)
Bethany addresses the use of beef tallow in Primally Pure products, explaining its historical significance and benefits for skin health. She counters misconceptions by emphasizing tallow's compatibility with human skin and its nourishing properties.
“Tallow actually means sebum in Latin, and it's full of essential fatty acids.” [27:20]
Despite facing criticism from animal activist groups, Bethany remains steadfast in her commitment to natural ingredients, showcasing the effectiveness and safety of her products.
7. Balancing Business Leadership and Motherhood (35:10 - 41:59)
Bethany shares her personal journey of managing Primally Pure while raising three children. She highlights the importance of delegation and trusting her team, especially after becoming a mother, which refined her entrepreneurial skills.
“Motherhood has sharpened me as an entrepreneur… and taught me a lot about time management.” [29:53]
Transitioning from CEO to Founder allowed her to focus more on strategic growth while her husband took on more operational responsibilities.
8. Integrating Faith into Business Practices (38:40 - 40:14)
Faith plays a pivotal role in Bethany’s business ethos. She attributes Primally Pure’s success to divine guidance and operates the company with a mindset of stewardship rather than striving for personal accolades.
“I have to keep that in mind if I want it to be fun and enjoyable… operating in a way that is biblical and responsible.” [38:47]
9. Personal Health Practices and Biohacking (44:22 - 55:38)
Bethany discusses her commitment to biohacking—optimizing her health through various practices. Her regimen includes a paleo-style diet, raw dairy consumption, avoiding refined sugars, and utilizing wellness techniques like sauna therapy, grounding, and maintaining a proper circadian rhythm.
“Sauna was one of the first health investments that we made. It's the most beneficial… it's just so beneficial for sweating out toxins.” [50:57]
She emphasizes the importance of natural sunlight exposure, quality sleep, and minimizing exposure to artificial light to support overall well-being.
10. Final Thoughts and Encouragement (55:38 - 57:48)
Bethany encourages listeners to start with foundational health changes, such as improving their diet and incorporating natural wellness practices. She reinforces the idea that leveraging nature's gifts aligns with both personal health and faith.
“If you can invest in that… maximize those [natural tools].” [55:38]
Allie concludes by expressing gratitude for Bethany’s insightful contributions and the impact of Primally Pure in promoting safe, natural skincare products.
Notable Quotes:
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“I was always interested in writing, in communicating and being an entrepreneur.” – Bethany McDaniel [02:54]
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“Regenerative farming is just a way of farming that mimics nature… a very absorbent part of the body.” – Bethany McDaniel [04:37]
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“I went through, like, so many different iterations, like probably close to 200 iterations to finally get a formula that really worked.” – Bethany McDaniel [15:16]
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“Tallow actually means sebum in Latin, and it's full of essential fatty acids.” – Bethany McDaniel [27:20]
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“Motherhood has sharpened me as an entrepreneur… and taught me a lot about time management.” – Bethany McDaniel [29:53]
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“Sauna was one of the first health investments that we made. It's the most beneficial… it's just so beneficial for sweating out toxins.” – Bethany McDaniel [50:57]
Resources Mentioned:
- Primally Pure Website: primallypure.com
- Grounded Wellness Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
This episode provides a comprehensive look into Bethany McDaniel’s commitment to natural wellness, ethical entrepreneurship, and integrating faith into business. Her insights on skincare toxicity, particularly regarding sunscreen, offer valuable perspectives for listeners seeking healthier lifestyle choices.
