
Hosted by Dr. Organic Mommy · EN

Peptides with Dr. Vodjani (And the Truth About Collagen, Estrogen, Mold and More) — PART 2 In Part 2, Dr. Vodjani breaks down the rising popularity of peptides: what they are, who they’re for, and why they’re not a cure-all. We also cover hair growth, collagen, colostrum, hormone imbalances (including stubborn high estrogen), mold and mycotoxin testing, and when to consider nutrient and gut health testing for kids. This episode is a practical deep dive into what’s hype versus what’s actually helpful in functional medicine. Topics covered: Peptides in Functional Medicine What are peptides, and how are they being used in functional medicine today? Before Starting Peptides What should people understand before beginning peptide therapy? The “Cure-All” Hype Are peptides being overpromoted as a magic solution? Peptides for Weight Loss & Skin The truth about peptides for weight loss, wrinkles, and skin concerns. Peptides & Skin Tissue Repair How peptides may support tissue healing and skin integrity. Over-the-Counter Skincare with Peptides Do topical peptide products actually work? Hair Growth What truly works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to hair growth? Collagen Powders Dr. Vodjani’s take on collagen supplementation. Colostrum Is colostrum worth the hype? Who might benefit? High Estrogen Despite a “Healthy” Lifestyle If someone lives an 80/20 healthy lifestyle but still has high estrogen, what could be contributing? Mold & Mycotoxins Are blood tests for mycotoxins reliable? What should people know about mold exposure? Testing Kids’ Nutrient Levels & Gut Health What are the best ages to test children for nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances?

In Part One with Dr. Vojdani, Natasha shares her personal experience with Epstein-Barr Virus and the symptoms that led her to seek answers. Dr. Vojdani explains what EBV is, how to properly test for it, and why many conventional approaches miss reactivation. We discuss immune triggers, ferritin levels, environmental toxins like PFAS, and why EBV seems more reactive in recent years. The conversation also covers Thymosin Alpha 1, peptides, sourcing concerns, breastfeeding safety, and how EBV can impact both adults and children. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding EBV from both a personal and clinical lens. Notes: 1:00 – Natasha shares her experience with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). 2:50 – What is Epstein-Barr Virus? 6:00 – How do you properly test for EBV, and what are the issues with how most doctors are currently testing for it? 7:45 – Explaining the Thymosin Alpha 1 shot. 8:30 – Natasha shares some of the symptoms she was experiencing. 10:00 – Dr. Vojdani explains more about peptides and how they work. 13:00 – Concerns about peptides coming from China. 14:25 – Dr. Vojdani responds to the Medical Medium protocol for Epstein-Barr. 15:30 – Can EBV be treated safely while breastfeeding? 16:52 – Are peptides safe during breastfeeding? 17:30 – Conditions Dr. Vojdani sees triggered by EBV in his clinic. 18:00 – Why EBV cases have increased over the past five years. 20:00 – Does mycoplasma bacteria play a role in EBV or other chronic conditions? 21:00 – The impact of ferritin levels and whether low ferritin can contribute to reactivation. 22:00 – Questions about children recovering from Epstein-Barr Virus. 24:00 – PFAS and immune conditions.

In this episode, we dive into the “9-year-old sass” phase — what’s actually happening developmentally and how parents can respond without shaming, escalating, or losing connection. Around age nine, kids are stretching into independence. They’re testing tone, experimenting with power, and beginning to see the world (and you) through a more critical lens. Eye rolls, dramatic exaggerations, and talking back aren’t signs you’ve failed — they’re signs your child is growing. We talk about why regulating yourself first is the most important step before responding, and how to hold firm boundaries without falling into either permissiveness or shame. This isn’t about “gentle parenting” versus discipline — it’s about calm leadership Links: Immunity tea from Rowe Casa (Use Discount code DRORGANICMOMMY) https://www.rowecasaorganics.com/products/immunity-herbal-tea?sca_ref=10410646.exGF0cdNwZoXh1M0 Tallow Body Wash Discount code - DRORGANICMOMMY https://localrevival.co/products/tallow-honey-bodywash Pique Tea Vespers http://piquelife.com/organicmommy 1:00 – Millennial Find of the Week3:29 – Sass and 9-year-olds4:00 – Understanding what’s going on at 9 years old4:50 – Regulating yourself before responding8:49 – What to do when they roll their eyes11:00 – Gentle parenting vs. holding boundaries13:00 – Not shaming them13:47 – How to deal with the talking back15:50 – How to deal with the overdramatic exaggerations17:00 – Natasha shares a story to explain how she handled it19:00 – How to respond to 9-year-old dramatics22:00 – Ways to create extra connection with your 9-year-olds

This week we cover everything from millennial identity and favorite finds to fragrance exposure and hormone health plus a big parenting deep dive. We answer listener questions on celery powder in bacon, navigating unkind or violent language picked up at school, and screen habits that actually support kids’ development. We also talk about Natasha's thoughts on shows like Bluey, why repetition is beneficial, why fast-forwarding is a no in our house, and why TV is often a better choice than iPads. A practical conversation about modern parenting, health, and raising thoughtful kids in a noisy world. Timecodes 1:00 – Are we actually millennials? We kick things off debating whether we technically qualify as millennials, Xennials, or something in between 2:00 – Millennial Find of the Week: Natasha’s pick is a body soap she’s loving right now & Emily’s pick is a scarf she’s wearing on repeat 4:00 – Fragrance + hormone disruption: Natasha jokes that she wants a button that says: “Ask me about how fragrances are endocrine disruptors.” 5:00 – Listener Q&A: celery powder + bacon 6:51 – Kids picking up violent or unkind language at school: A listener asks what to do when a preschooler comes home repeating violent phrases—or words like “stupid” and “idiot”—learned from other kids. 8:33 – Thoughts on Bluey: Our honest take on the show 10:00 – Why repeating the same episode is actually good: Why kids benefit from watching the same show over and over, and how repetition supports emotional regulation and learning. 11:25 – Why Natasha doesn’t allow fast-forwarding 14:15 – iPad vs TV Links: Local Revival Soap https://go.shopmy.us/p-41527922 Emily’s Scarf - https://go.shopmy.us/p-41530295

In this episode, we talk about exhaustion by association. The mental load of parenting while constantly reassessing what we think we know. Natasha shares her experience navigating viral induced asthma, why new research has changed her approach to hygiene, and the surprising results of a microplastics study she is participating in. We discuss why reducing exposure matters, how behavior changes can actually move the needle, and why owning mistakes is part of good parenting and good health. Timecodes: 1:00 -Millennial find of the week and please excuse our tween humor 2:00 - Natasha shares what it has been like managing viral induced asthma and navigating illness as a parent 4:30 -Why Natasha may be switching from hand washing to Purell A conversation on updated research around alcohol based sanitizers and what actually kills viruses 6:30 - Why rinsing with salt water matters and when she uses it 8:30 -Natasha shares a surprising personal update: Zero microplastics found in her system and what that means + discussion of ongoing research on microplastics nanoplastics PFAS and exposure reduction

This week’s episode is a quick but informative one. We start by catching up and sharing our Millennial Must-Haves of the week, including sleep-friendly ear plugs, non-toxic men’s t-shirts, favorite shorts, and workout clothes. The main focus of the episode is eggs. We break down the Vital Farms controversy, explain what to look for when buying eggs, and share how to source the best options for your family. We also talk about how eggs support collagen intake and why they’re such a powerful, affordable food to include regularly. Short, practical, and packed with helpful takeaways. Links (as mentioned in the episode) Ear plugs like earrings: https://amzn.to/4pX5878 Voterra t-shirts: https://vottera.com/products/regenerative-organic-cotton-t-shirts-for-men Ryker shorts: https://rykerclothingco.com/products/the-apex-short-master?variant=50147749822786 Natasha’s favorite eggs: https://nourishfoodclub.com Red Hen app: https://www.redhenapp.com Timecodes: 1:00 – Catching Up Quick life updates and what’s been going on lately in both homes. 2:00 – Millennial Must-Haves of the Week This week’s finds that are actually being used and loved: • Ear plugs that look like earrings and are comfortable for sleeping • Non-toxic, regenerative organic cotton t-shirts for men • Men’s shorts we’ve been loving lately • Favorite workout clothes for women 8:19 – Talking All About Eggs • Why eggs are such an important staple in our homes • Breaking down the recent Vital Farms controversy • What labels actually mean and which ones matter • How to find the best quality eggs available to you • Why sourcing and farming practices make a difference 17:00 – How to Get Collagen From Eggs • How eggs naturally support collagen intake • Which parts of the egg matter most • Simple ways to incorporate them regularly

Interior designer Erin Fetherston joins us to break down how to reduce toxins in your home without feeling overwhelmed. From bedrooms and beds to couches, rugs, and flooring, Erin shares practical starting points, trusted materials, and the certifications that actually matter. They also unpack common greenwashing myths, discuss popular furniture brands, and offer reassurance for anyone feeling behind on their non-toxic home journey. Links and Notes: Bedding Quince (use “organic” in search): https://www.quince.com/search?q=organic&filter=departments%3DHome Coyuchi https://www.coyuchi.com/ Boll and Branch https://www.bollandbranch.com/ The Futon Shop https://www.thefutonshop.com/ Natasha’s Mattress Blog: https://www.drorganicmommy.com/blog/mattress-guide-natasha-beck Natasha’s kitchen swaps: https://www.drorganicmommy.com/kitchen Upholstery The Futon Shop Cisco Home (inside green) https://ciscohome.net/pages/inside-green Medley Home https://medleyhome.com/ Kalon Studios https://kalonstudios.com/ Avocado makes some furniture https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/collections/beds-furniture-1 Rugs Organic Weave Nordic knots Jaipur Living (100% undyed wool options) Enkay https://www.enkay.com/ https://www.urbannatural.com/ Etsy Finds HedgeHouse: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HedgeHouse https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ottomanmarrakech Amish furniture Loewen Design Studios https://www.loewendesignstudios.com/ https://www.thosmoser.com/ Timecodes: 1:00 – Where to start with reducing toxins in the home 3:45 – Where to start in the bedroom 5:30 – Concrete flooring vs. wood floors 6:00 – What matters most when choosing a bed frame and mattress, and Erin’s favorite brands 11:00 – How to off-gas furniture to help make a difference in your home 12:00 – Labels to look for when buying wood furniture 13:00 – Brands Erin recommends 15:00 – Erin’s take on IKEA 17:00 – Erin and Natasha’s take on the Nugget couch 17:40 – Erin and Natasha answer listener questions about couches 20:00 – Sheepskin throws on couches 21:00 – Where Erin sources organic couches 25:00 – What to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed or behind 29:00 – Erin’s take on rugs and what you need to know 30:00 – Why you shouldn’t be fooled by “sustainability” headlines 31:00 – What certifications actually matter

Mold exposure is more common and more complex than most families realize. In this episode, Brian Karr breaks down how mold impacts health, where it hides, why surface cleaning isn’t enough, and how to navigate testing, remediation, and realistic solutions even when moving isn’t an option. Podcast Notes 2:00 – How big of an issue is mold? 6:00 – Symptoms of mold exposure 9:00 – Why surface mold cleanup isn’t enough 11:00 – Navigating the financial burden 13:00 – How whole-home mold testing works 15:00 – Biggest myths about mold 16:00 – Do air purifiers help if you have mold? 17:00 – What to look for in an air purifier 20:00 – Sneaky places mold loves to hide 26:00 – What to look for in bathrooms 29:00 – What if you have mold but can’t move? 34:00 – Black mold in grout: what now? 38:00 - Important thing you can do every day to mitigate mold in your home 42:00 - What to look for in an inspector when they come to your house Links: INTELLIPURE COMPACT AIR PURIFIER: https://go.shopmy.us/p-37918236 Under the sink leak mat: https://amzn.to/4jwRR3j We inspect: https://www.instagram.com/moldfinders/

Red light therapy is everywhere right now, but most people do not really understand how it works or how to use it correctly. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Vivian Chen, founder of Lumebox, to break down the science of red and near infrared light in a practical and approachable way. They discuss why Natasha was initially skeptical, how artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms, and why timing, placement, and wavelength matter more than most people realize. Vivian explains how red light supports energy, sleep, hormone balance, and even thyroid health, while also addressing common questions about EMFs, face masks, and how Lumebox differs from other devices on the market. If you have ever wondered whether red light therapy is worth it or how to actually use it safely and effectively, this episode is a must listen. Notes: 1:01 – Why Natasha was skeptical about red light therapy at first 2:20 – Vivian’s personal journey into red light therapy and founding Lumebox 4:25 – The big-picture benefits of red and near-infrared light 6:30 – Why so many people are using the wrong type of light—and what kind you actually need 9:00 – The best way to start your day using light for circadian health 12:00 – How modern indoor lighting disrupts our biology 14:10 – The impact of time changes on sleep, mood, and energy 17:00 – Phone use at night and how artificial light affects melatonin 19:00 – Key differences between red light devices on the market 22:00 – How often to use the Lumebox, where to use it, and best timing 24:00 – Do red light face masks actually work? 25:00 – When to use red light vs. near-infrared light 28:00 – Using red light therapy for thyroid support 32:00 – Lumebox and EMFs: what you need to know 35:00 – Why light exposure—especially morning light—is foundational to health 38:00 – Why Natasha continues to use and trust the Lumebox Links: Red Light Bulbs -https://healthlighting.com/pages/chromalux-the-original-light-for-health-and-wellness Clip on Nightlight - https://amzn.to/3MJHzRj

This week we’re talking about something so many parents are feeling right now: overwhelm. From the constant pressure to do everything “right” to the guilt that creeps in when we fall short, it’s no wonder burnout is everywhere. We unpack why this feels so intense for our generation of parents, reflect on how it compares to our own childhoods, and share realistic strategies for building resilience in our kids—and ourselves. Plus, a few of our favorite finds this week that make life just a little easier. Show Notes: -2:20 – Natasha shares how she’s feeling and why she’s been getting sick so often -5:40 – Millennial Must-Haves: -Dr. Organic Mommy’s favorite Amazon cutting board-https://amzn.to/4jdqauM -Be Micro freeze-dried microgreens-https://bemicro.farm/products/broccoli-microgreens-booster?srsltid=AfmBOoqdZuId545V-J-tNRCdut40bfdFiwROhw--HDLCh93PfnOKfpwX&selling_plan=3502768190 -7:00 – Upping our antioxidant game + a shoutout to Dr. Vivian’s Substack -9:30 – Our thoughts on the Wyldr hydration cup-https://wyldr.com (USE CODE DRORGANICMOMMY) -11:00 – Main Topic: Overwhelm -Why parents today are feeling more overwhelmed than ever -What we can do to lighten the load -12:30 – How to build resilience in our kids -13:00 – Was it always like this, or is something different now? -20:00 – What to do with the guilt of not being able to do it all