Toxin Free (ish)

After 3 years of showing up to Toxin Free(ish) every week, today's episode is the last one for a while. As my business and my life changes, I've decided to take a step back from the podcast. To be clear - this does NOT mean I'm leaving Toxin Free behind completely. Tune in to hear about what's to come in 2026 so we can continue cutting out the toxins together!

Tallow is a centuries-old secret that’s making a comeback, and today we’re pulling back the curtain on what really matters when it comes to what you put on your skin. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Sara from Willow Moon Farm, who makes the only tallow I trust on my face. We’re getting real about why tallow is so controversial, what makes it so special, and why sourcing and transparency are everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether tallow is a miracle ingredient or just another fad, this conversation is for you.We dig into the nitty-gritty of what “tallow” actually means in the skincare world (spoiler: it’s not as straightforward as you think). Sara shares her process for creating truly pure, nutrient-rich tallow—from hand-selecting beef suet at a regenerative farm to her meticulous rendering process. We talk about why most commercial tallow just doesn’t cut it, and how hidden toxins and lack of transparency can make all the difference in your skincare routine.You’ll also hear about our personal rituals, favorite products, and why handmade, small-batch skincare feels so much more special. If you’re ready to rethink your skincare and get the inside scoop on what’s really in that jar, you’re in the right place!In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:The real story behind tallow and why it’s so polarizingHow to spot high-quality, truly clean tallow (and what to avoid)The importance of transparency and sourcing in skincareOur favorite ways to use tallow and other nourishing ingredientsWhy supporting regenerative, local farms matters for your skin—and the planetEpisode Resources:Shop Willow Moon Farm HERE (code WENDY10 for 10% off)Follow Sara on InstagramRead the full shownotes

Is that plant "derived" ingredient ACTUALLY better for you? A lot of companies certainly want you to think so. So today, we're getting ahead of a conversation that I think will only get bigger in the coming years. Here's the trend I'm seeing in the beauty industry: companies, brands and manufacturers are taking ingredients that are historically made from byproducts of petrochemicals and using byproducts of bioethanol instead. Then, the brands are advertising "plant-based" ingredients, painting the picture that they are completely safe and non-toxic. Here's the thing: these ingredients are better for the environment. It's a step in the right direction. However, the final ingredient is exactly the same. So let's break down this case of greenwashing so you can spot it in stores. I currently work in the bioethanol industry, so I'm intimately familiar with how these ingredients are made and I'm dedicated to making this as simple to understand as possible. Head on over to https://toxinfreeish.com/avoid-list in order to get the full context behind the ingredients we're talking about in this episode! In today's episode, we're chatting about: How my new job is giving me a full behind the scenes look into how these ingredients are made The environmental benefits of using bioethanol over petroleum products My problem with the marketing tactics that paint these products as non-toxic A deep dive into phenoxylethanol Mentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

If you’re tired of fear-based marketing and just want the real, science-backed truth about what’s actually in your toothpaste, this episode is for you.We’re cutting through the noise around nano hydroxyapatite, debunking the scariest claims, and getting honest about what works, what doesn’t, and why your dental health is more personal than anyone's hot take. I’m sharing the latest research, my own journey from skeptic to supporter, and real-life stories that don’t make it into the marketing reels.In this episode, we’re chatting about:- The truth behind “toxic” nano hydroxyapatite claims and what the science actually says- How European and Japanese regulators have approached nano hydroxyapatite safety- Why some people thrive on natural toothpaste—and why others end up with more cavities- The practical realities of switching your family to non-fluoride options (and what to do if it’s not working)- How to tune out the judgment and make the best choice for your own mouth (and your kids’)You’ll also hear why I think Zebra’s toothpaste is great, just not for the reasons their marketing team wants you to believe. Plus, I’ll break down the most common myths about ingredients like glycerin and fluoride, and share my no-shame approach to finding what actually works for you.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or just want to brush your teeth without second-guessing every ingredient, this episode will give you the clarity (and peace of mind) you need.Read the ShownotesShop Non Toxic ToothpasteMentioned in this episode:ToothpillowHead over to www.toothpillow.com and use code 'WENDY' at checkout for a FREE virtual assessment!

After a 6 week long hiatus, I'm excited to be back with my cousin and long-time health coach - Claire Cook.  I get a lot of questions about healing my thyroid. How do you get off of your thyroid medication?What does that healing look like? Why are you doing it? Why does it matter? This has been such a long process for me, and I didn't do it alone. I did it with a lot of support and I'm still in it.Here's the truth: women are suffering. Whether it's brain fog, infertility, thyroid issues, or hormonal imbalance, we're all looking for answers. And people like Claire really lead the way in grounding us back into the basics. We'll be touching on nutrition, of course. But it's also about mindset! When we can take the time to truly celebrate every small win, we can integrate the changes more sustainably. I'll be honest, the past year has been incredibly hard. From divorce to job changes to personal tragedies, I've never been so grateful to have built up healthy habits with Claire. I've been navigating weight fluctuations publicly, and let me tell you - it has been nothing short of traumatic. But I've had the support of people like Claire and my healthy habits to keep my head above water.I'm constantly hearing from people who say they've tried everything: the fad diets, the workout routines, the mindset hacks, and still, it doesn't feel like it's enough. That's why incremental change is so important. This past year, I had a hard time getting myself to go on walks routinely. But I didn't take that as a failure! Instead, I did a few squats every hour. With a personalized approach, you can make your wellness routine work for you and leave the all or nothing ideas at the door. In today's episode, we're talking about How I healed my hashimotos Navigating weight fluctuations without feeling like a failure Tracking macro and micro nutrients The small-wins mindset that will change your life Episode Links:Work with Claire: https://www.claireityconcepts.com/Read the shownotes -> HEREMentioned in this episode:ToothpillowHead over to www.toothpillow.com and use code 'WENDY' at checkout for a FREE virtual assessment!