Welcome to the Realfoodology podcast, with your host Courtney Swan. Courtney is a passionate food activist on a mission to heal America’s broken food system. He...
The Truth About Egg Freezing + IVF No One Tells You | Sasha Hakman
233: In this episode, we take a deep dive into fertility, focusing on egg freezing and IVF. I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman, a board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, to break down the entire process. As someone who froze my eggs at 36, I wanted to understand what comes next and what factors impact fertility, from hormone treatments to lifestyle choices.
We discuss everything from the science behind egg retrieval to the role of environmental toxins and how lifestyle changes can improve reproductive health. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, going through IVF, or just want to learn more, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable information.
Topics Discussed:
Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing
The egg retrieval and IVF process
The impact of pesticides and endocrine disruptors on fertility
Rising infertility rates and potential causes
The connection between PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility
Synthetic hormones and their effects
How age influences fertility outcomes
Sponsored By:
Birch
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Timeline
Timeline is offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/REALFOODOLOGY.
SuppCo
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Qualia
Go to qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off.
Function
Skip Function’s waitlist at www.functionhealth.com/realfoodology
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:25 - What is a reproductive endocrinologist
00:05:47 - Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing
00:09:22 - Ways to improve egg quality
00:12:16 - Pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and fertility
00:16:21 - How egg retrieval works
00:18:15 - The IVF cycle explained
00:19:51 - Mature vs. immature eggs
00:20:40 - How fertilization happens
00:23:32 - From eggs to embryos
00:24:46 - The importance of sperm testing
00:27:33 - Why infertility is on the rise
00:29:50 - Phthalates and their impact on fertility
00:31:21 - How embryos are created
00:34:02 - Sperm retrieval process
00:35:45 - What happens to extra embryos
00:37:37 - How embryo transfers work
00:44:24 - Synthetic hormones and fertility
00:47:47 - Birth control and its effects
00:49:29 - PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility
00:54:32 - Finding the right workout for fertility health
00:57:05 - Egg count vs. pregnancy likelihood
00:58:11 - How age impacts reproductive success
Show Links:
Realfoodology - 45: Why Fertility is Declining with Dr. Shanna Swan
Check Out Sasha:
HRC Fertility
Instagram
https://sashahakmanmd.com
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:02:44
The Truth About Raw Milk, Fats, and Fertility | Sally Fallon
232: In this episode, I sit down with Sally Fallon Morrell, founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation and author of Nourishing Traditions. Her book was required reading in my master’s nutrition program, so this was a special conversation!
We dive into ancestral nutrition, covering raw milk, healthy fats, and real foods that support fertility and overall health. As I navigate my own fertility journey, I was eager to learn what foods best promote conception and a healthy pregnancy.
We also discuss the baby formula vs. breastfeeding debate with a compassionate and informed approach. Sally shares advice for moms who struggle with breastfeeding and natural alternatives for those who need them.
Topics Covered:
Why raw milk is beneficial
The truth about healthy fats & butter
Diet’s role in fertility & pregnancy
Baby formula vs. breastfeeding
Regenerative farming & traditional food prep
Sponsored By:
MANUKORA
Go to Manukora.com/REALFOODOLOGY to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook!
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
BIOptimizers
For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/realfoodology and use promo code REALFOODOLOGY
Pique
Get 20% off on the Radiant Skin Duo, plus a FREE starter kit including a rechargeable frother and glass beaker, with my exclusive link: Piquelife.com/Realfoodology
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:05:53 - Sally’s background and journey
00:08:28 - Bone broth and chicken soup benefits
00:11:03 - Baby formula, hormones, and cholesterol
00:14:40 - Infertility and nutrition’s role
00:17:23 - Fertility diet, low-fat myths, and subsidized foods
00:20:31 - Why eating fat is essential
00:23:37 - Commercial vs. regenerative farming
00:24:50 - Baby formula vs. breast milk
00:27:07 - How to support breast milk production
00:30:02 - Raw milk vs. grass-fed milk
00:31:42 - Fermented foods and gut bacteria
00:35:31 - Baby formula industry and lobbyists
00:37:45 - Homemade baby formula alternatives
00:39:20 - Why women struggle with breastfeeding
00:41:50 - Epidurals, fentanyl, and birth interventions
00:43:48 - Weaning foods, salt, and electrolytes
00:46:29 - When and how to introduce foods to babies
00:49:49 - Best first foods for infants
00:51:01 - Raw milk myths and lactose intolerance
00:54:02 - Common myths about fats
00:57:32 - Beef tallow, palm oil, and healthy fats
01:00:01 - Concerns about high-meat diets
01:03:45 - Debunking raw milk misconceptions
01:09:02 - Environmental impacts of farming
01:13:24 - Sally’s hopes for the future of nutrition
Weston A Price Foundation:
Website
Instagram
Podcast
Sally Fallon Books
RealMilk.com
NourishingTraditions.com
Check Out Courtney
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@realfoodology
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My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:17:45
Big Food and Pharma Are Keeping Us Sick: Subsidies, Ozempic, & EBT | Calley Means
231: In this episode, I sit down with Calley Means, co-founder of TruMed, to talk about how our food and healthcare systems are stacked against us. Calley shares his insider perspective from years of consulting for major food companies, revealing how food subsidies, misleading studies, and the tactics of Big Food and Big Pharma have led to a system that keeps us unhealthy. We dive into the shocking truth about food stamp-funded junk food, how processed foods are driving chronic disease, and why it’s time to shift towards viewing food as medicine. This conversation will leave you fired up and ready to take action!
Topics Discussed:
Calley’s background and the founding of TruMed
The impact of food subsidies on our food system
The manipulation behind corrupt health studies
Big Food’s role in misleading the public
Why pizza is considered a vegetable in schools
The rise of chronic diseases and our broken healthcare system
Ozempic and Big Pharma’s focus on managing, not curing, illness
The power of regenerative farming
Practical tips for making healthier food choices and supporting sustainable agriculture
Sponsored By:
SuppCo
Get 100% free access today at supp.co/REALFOODOLOGY.
Timeline
Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
Function
Skip Function’s waitlist at www.functionhealth.com/realfoodology
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:07:49 - Calley’s background
00:10:39 - Consulting for big food
00:13:41 - Corrupt studies
00:18:13 - PB & J study and TUFTS food compass
00:25:18 - Why food companies fund studies
00:27:04 - How did we get here?
00:33:04 - Misplacing trust in our health care system
00:36:24 - Food Is Medicine
00:43:15 - The Ozempic debate
00:49:21 - Rise in chronic diseases
00:53:02 - Surgery and prescription drugs
01:00:14 - Food subsidies
01:05:01 - Advice for a healthier life
01:08:12 - Regenerative farming
01:09:25 - Calley’s health nonnegotiables
Check Out Calley:
Truemed
Instagram
Twitter
Buy Good Energy by Calley & Casey Means
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson
230: In this episode, Afshan Hussain, founder of PregnancySafeCosmetics, dives into how environmental toxins are affecting fertility and what you can do to optimize your chances of conception. Afshan’s company partners with over 20 fertility clinics across the U.S. to offer a fertility program focused on toxin reduction in five key areas: food and water, beauty and personal care, clothing, household supplies, and the home & office environment. We discuss the rising fertility crisis, how toxins are stored in fat cells, and the importance of clean beauty. If you're trying to conceive or just want to live a healthier, toxin-free life, this episode is packed with practical tips for reducing your toxic burden and improving your fertility.
Key Points:
How environmental toxins impact fertility and overall health
Practical steps to detox your environment and reduce toxic exposure
The importance of clean beauty and safe skincare products for fertility
The role of toxins in both female and male fertility, including declining sperm count
Use code REALFOOD10 Shop Fertility and Pregnancy Safe skin care at:
https://www.pregnancysafecosmetics.com/shop
Sponsored By:
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Birch
Go to Birchliving.com/realfoodology for 20% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows with Mattress Purchase.
BIOptimizers
Order now at bioptimizers.com/realfoodology and use code realfoodology for 10% off any order.
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:06:16 - The fertility crisis
00:08:28 - Fertility after 40 vs. before
00:12:27 - Pregnancy detox & “clean beauty”
00:16:45 - How environmental toxins impact fertility
00:19:48 - The alarming decline in sperm count
00:21:56 - Most common toxins to be aware of
00:23:38 - Understanding toxic burden
00:25:30 - Why awareness of toxins isn’t negative
00:30:26 - Skincare regulation: U.S. vs. EU
00:35:08 - Ecocert verification and the importance of natural ingredients
00:40:10 - Toxins are stored in our fat cells
00:45:39 - Tips for living toxin-free
00:51:11 - Lifestyle changes and product recommendations
00:58:04 - Choosing safe bath and beauty products
01:03:01 - Real-life testimonials and success stories
01:08:50 - Fertility testing
01:12:15 - Afshan’s personal health non-negotiables
Check Out
Website
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Check Out Country:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
@realfoodologypodcast
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson
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1:18:15
Monsanto, Birth Control, + The Poisoning of The American Public | MAHA Senate Roundtable
229: In this special episode, I’m sharing something a little different—my speech from a historic roundtable discussion I had with the U.S. Senate last September. Organized by Senator Ron Johnson and Calley Means, the event brought together incredible voices like Jordan Peterson, Vani Hari (The Food Babe), Max Lugavere, and Jillian Michaels, all talking about the state of American health and nutrition. In today’s episode, you’ll hear my speech, along with Max Lugavere, Vani Hari, Jillian Michaels, Marty Makary, Alex Clark, Jason Karp & Casey Means. We dive into everything from the dangers of food additives to the influence of corporate interests on our health. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this conversation, and I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!
Sponsored By:
MANUKORA
Go to Manukora.com/REALFOODOLOGY to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook!
Timeline
Timeline is offering 33% off your order of Mitopure while supplies last Go to timeline.com/REALFOODOLOGY33 and use code REALFOODOLOGY33
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:40 - Chemicals in our food
00:06:52 - Glyphosate & GMOs
00:10:11 - Bayer, cancer, and chronic illness
00:13:17 - Vani Hari introduction
00:14:09 - Different food in the US vs abroad
00:17:09 - Addictive food
00:19:06 - Kraft, Subway, Starbucks & chemical additives
00:21:30 - Government regulations
00:22:45 - Artificial food dyes and children
00:28:26 - Alex Clark introduction
00:30:26 - The food pyramid
00:31:38 - Birth control
00:33:04 - Childhood diseases
00:34:58 - Vaccines
00:36:11 - The war on moms
00:38:29 - Marty Makary, head of the FDA
00:41:52 - The NIH and school lunch programs
00:43:57 - Jason Karp introduction
00:46:52 - American health vs other nations
00:49:21 - Kelloggs
00:51:40 - Max Lugavere
00:53:01 - Processed foods and addiction
00:55:09 - Toxic burden and disease prevention
00:58:40 - Jillian Michaels introduction
01:00:09 - Corruption
01:01:18 - Jillian’s life story
01:03:22 - Omnipresence of corporations
01:08:50 - The cost of corporate greed
01:11:32 - Casey Means introduction
01:14:02 - Lack of education in medical school
01:19:14 - Importance of protecting our planet
Further Listening:
Vani Hari on RealFoodology
Marty Makary on RealFoodology
Calley & Casey Means on RealFoodology Part 1
Calley & Casey Means on RealFoodology Part 1
Jillian Michaels on RealFoodology
Grace Price on RealFoodology
Courtney on Culture Apothecary
Check Out:
Vani Hari aka The Food Babe
Alex Clark
Marty Makary
Jason Karp
Max Lugavere
Jillian Michaels
Casey Means
Check Out Courtney:
LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE
Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!
@realfoodology
www.realfoodology.com
My Immune Supplement by 2x4
Air Dr Air Purifier
AquaTru Water Filter
EWG Tap Water Database
Produced By: Drake Peterson
Welcome to the Realfoodology podcast, with your host Courtney Swan. Courtney is a passionate food activist on a mission to heal America’s broken food system. Her show cuts through the noise by tackling the critical issues that impact our health and society as a whole. Each week, join Courtney as she brings together leading voices in food policy, nutrition, sustainability, and wellness to unravel the complexities behind our broken food system, and to simplify how we look at nutrition and food. From debunking misleading health trends to exploring the future of sustainable food systems, Realfoodology equips listeners with actionable insights and empowers them to make informed choices. Whether you’re passionate about healthy living, curious about the politics of food, or simply want to live better, this is your go-to source for conversations that matter. Discover a healthier way to live with Realfoodology. For more info, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram, @realfoodology. NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY
Produced By Wellness Loud.