

Realfoodology
Courtney Swan
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 TUESDAYProduced By Wellness Loud.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
Genetic Testing, GLP1s, Blocking Out Food Noise + Reverse Aging | Lindsey Lekhraj
EP. 214 Welcome back to another episode of The Realfoodology Podcast! Today we’re exploring the world of epigenetic coaching, genetic testing, and the exciting realm of peptides. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lindsay from Designer Genes Co., where we discuss what it means to be an epigenetic coach and the transformative insights that genetic testing can offer. We also cover peptides in detail, including GLP-1 and their potential benefits for various health issues. If you're curious about how peptides could impact your health journey, this episode is packed with valuable information you won’t want to miss!
Timestamps:
06:36 - Epigenetic coaching
11:10 - COMT & your body’s stress chemistry
15:54 - Body By Design DNA Testing
18:40 - BDNF
23:26 - Peptides overview
32:37 - Understanding the rise in peptide use
35:13 - Impacts of peptides
41:58 - Unpacking side effects and risks of GLP1s
48:58 - GLP1 dosing
51:58 - Triceptides
55:01 - Peptide shortages & regulation
57:03 - Peptides impact on Big Food
01:00:24 - KPB & BPC157
01:04:00 - Lindsey’s favorite peptides
01:07:05 - Personal fitness journeys
01:09:36 - Cognitive function peptides
01:11:39 - Getting peptides
01:14:58 - Lindsey’s health nonnegotiables
Use Code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off any of the following:
Body By Design® DNA testing
PepSquad Peptide Therapy Course
KNOCKOUT Bundle (includes testing and peptides course)
Sponsored By:
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Cured Nutrition
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Paleovalley
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Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Timeline
Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Check Out Lindsey:
Instagram
Website
Check Out Courtney:
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

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 21min
Weight Loss, Cholesterol, + Quieting Food Noise | Dr. Nick Norwitz Part 2
EP. 213 Hello friends, and welcome back to Realfoodology! In part two of our conversation with Dr. Nick Norwitz, we cover effective weight loss strategies, intuitive eating, and the impact of GLP1 deficits on food noise. We also explore hunger cue hormones, the calories in versus calories out model, and the provocative idea that “calories are irrelevant.” Additionally, we discuss the Oreo vs. statin study, its long-term implications, and Dr. Norwitz’s views on cholesterol levels and bio-individuality.
Timestamps:
04:37 - Effective weight loss strategies
08:08 - Intuitive eating
10:30 - GLP1 deficit and food noise
14:59 - Hunger cue hormones
18:45 - Calming food noise
23:55 - Filling meals & fuel partitioning
32:22 - The calories in calories out model
35:36 - “Calories are irrelevant”
39:52 - Oreo vs statin study
50:29 - Understanding the physiology
55:03 - Long term impacts of the study
56:16 - Cholesterol levels
59:57 - Bio individuality
01:03:35 - The cholesterol myth book
01:09:49 - Oreo vs statin study conclusions
01:14:23 - Nick’s health non negotiables
Show Links:
212: Artificial Sweeteners, Insulin Resistance + Understanding Health Studies | Dr. Nick Norwitz Part 1
Oreo Vs Statin Study
The Cholesterol Myth Book
Sponsored By:
Wellnesse
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Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off, get a free Gold Chocolate bar with orders over $100 for a limited time
Seed
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Puori
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BIOptimizers MagBreakthrough
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
ARMRA Collostrum
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Dr. Nick:
Website
Youtube
Instagram
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

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 12min
Artificial Sweeteners, Insulin Resistance + Understanding Health Studies | Dr. Nick Norwitz Part 1
EP. 212: Hello friends, and welcome back to Realfoodology! Today’s episode is an absolute treat, and you’ll definitely want to stick around for part two as we had so much to cover that we split our conversation with Dr. Nick Norwitz into two parts. Dr. Norwitz, a researcher and educator with a valedictorian background from Dartmouth, a PhD from Oxford, and an MD from Harvard, brings a wealth of knowledge on metabolic health and its intricacies. We explore his personal journey with IBD, breakdown studies on artificial sweeteners, and his unique perspective on metabolism that challenges conventional wisdom. His passion and depth of understanding are truly captivating, and I’m excited for you to hear this fascinating discussion.
Timestamps:
08:30 - Nicks Instagram
09:03 - Nicks background
13:11 - Clinical medicine school & nutrition & metabolism
18:49 - Reading studies & trusting your intuition
21:05 - Conflicts of interest & data points
23:59 - Food frequency questionnaires
26:20 - Discourse and online noise
30:11 - Genetics & diet
34:40 - Misrepresenting data
41:07 - Challenging your biases
48:08 - Artificial sweeteners, brain health, insulin resistance
55:05 - Aspartame study
59:27 - WHO & aspartame
01:02:32 - Carcinogens
01:04:25 - Consistency vs perfection
01:06:58 - Longevity
Sponsored By:
Timeline
Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Cured Nutrition
Go to www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% off
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Check Out Dr. Nick:
Website
Youtube
Instagram
Check Out Courtney:
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

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 33min
BRCA, Modernizing Cancer Treatment, + Medical Ketosis | Dr. Thomas Seyfried
EP. 211: Welcome back to the Realfoodology Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Thomas Seyfried, a leading professor at Boston College. We explore his groundbreaking research that redefines cancer as a metabolic disease, challenging the traditional genetic view. Discover how this new perspective could revolutionize cancer treatment and empower us with actionable, less invasive strategies. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that might just change the way you think about cancer care.
Timestamps:
06:35 - Rising rates of cancer in youth
12:12 - Metabolic therapy
15:33 - Glucose and glutamine
19:04 - Keto, Carnivore, and nutritional ketosis
23:40 - Ancestral diet and lifestyle
27:17 - Artificial sweeteners
32:50 - Ketosis and glutamine blockers
36:13 - Global metabolic health
39:46 - Lack of knowledge and lack of accessibility
47:12 - Current cancer treatments
53:41 - Epigenetics vs diet and lifestyle
58:36 - Cancer treatment history and breakthroughs
01:00:30 - Supplements
01:02:42 - Finding a balanced diet
01:05:57 - Staying at a healthy weight
01:09:15 - Mitochondrial health
01:15:52 - Genetics and cancer
01:20:06 - Current cancer treatments
01:30:15 - Dr. Thomas’s health non negotiables
Sponsored By:
Puori
Go to Puori.com/realfoodology and use code realfoodology to get 20% off
Kion
Use my link to save 20% at GETKION.COM/REALFOODOLOGY
Seed
Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and save 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
BIOptimizers MagBreakthrough
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
ARMRA Collostrum
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Dr. Thomas:
Instagram
More Dr. Thomas
Check Out Courtney:
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

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
Rising Cancer Rates, Processing Grief, + Healing Your Relationship With Food | Kris Carr
EP. 210: I’m thrilled to share a truly special conversation with the incredible Kris Carr. It feels like a full-circle moment for me since I've followed her inspiring journey for over 13 years. Kris has been living with a challenging diagnosis for 21 years, and in this episode, she opens up about her health journey, how diet and lifestyle play a crucial role, and her empowering approach to becoming the CEO of her own health. We also explore her new book, I'm Not a Mourning Person, which deeply resonated with me given my own experiences with grief. Kris's vibrant energy and wisdom left me feeling incredibly inspired, and I know you'll find this episode just as moving and enlightening.
Timestamps:
07:12 - Kris’s health journey
11:09 - Staying grounded with a cancer diagnosis
16:08 - Healing your relationship with food
20:41 - Becoming the CEO of your own health
29:12 - Getting to the root cause of your health issue
32:11 - Kris’s mission
34:22 - Anti inflammatory plant based diet
42:46 - Mindfulness and stress management
50:45 - The rise in cancer cases
55:27 - Processing grief
01:03:20 - Feeling your feelings
01:09:30 - Kris’s health non negotiables
Show Links:
Forks Over Knives Documentary
Fed Up Documentary
Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead Documentary
The Corporations Corrupting Our Health | Calley & Casey Means Pt. 1
Sponsored By:
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Cured Nutrition
Go to www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% off
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order.
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Check Out Kris:
Website
Instagram
I’m Not A Mourning Person
Check Out Courtney:
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

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 20min
Glyphosate, Big Agriculture, + Cancer | Kelly Rhyerson
EP. 209: In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Kelly Ryerson, widely known on Instagram as Glyphosate Girl. Kelly, who you might remember from the film *Common Ground*, is here to explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: glyphosate in our food. We discuss its health impacts, the troubling industry corruption, and how big agriculture influences regulatory bodies like the EPA, FDA, and USDA. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Kelly also shares some hopeful developments and practical tips for a healthier lifestyle. If you’re passionate about clean food and environmental justice, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation!
Timestamps:
09:43 - Kelly’s backstory
15:12 - Glyphosate Cancer Trial
18:27 - The EPA & glyphosate
20:28 - Weaponizing online confusion
25:16 - Glyphosate and GMO seeds
28:17 - Glyphosate, GMOs, and pesticides
32:36 - Impacts of industrial agriculture
36:27 - Glyphosate health impacts
42:48 - Fertility and pregnancy advice
46:31 - Glyphosate and organic food
50:08 - EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
52:01 - Farm Bill
56:23 - Reaching out to politicians
58:21 - Feed your mind curriculum
01:00:02 - Big agriculture and lobbying
01:03:31 - Industrial agriculture and our food system
01:05:56 - Exciting policy changes
01:08:15 - Regenerative farm movement
01:11:03 - Glyphosate and your pets
01:14:13 - Living a healthy life
01:16:01 - Kelly’s health non negotiables
Sponsored By:
KION
Use my link to save 20% at GETKION.COM/REALFOODOLOGY
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Seed
Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and save 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY
BIOptimizers
Get your free bottle of magnesium breakthrough while supplies last at magbreakthrough.com/realfoodologyfree
ARMRA Colostrum
Get 15% off your first order at tryarmra.com/realfoodology
Check Out Kelly:
Website
Instagram
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

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
Toxins, Over-Sanitizing + Children’s Health | Dr. Joel Warsh
EP. 208: Welcome back to the Realfoodology podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to chat with Dr. Joel Warsh, aka Dr. Joel Gator on Instagram, a board-certified pediatrician from LA who’s an expert in parenting wellness and integrative medicine. Dr. Joel explores the troubling rise in chronic health issues among kids, from autism and food allergies to obesity and autoimmune conditions. We also tackle hot topics like the impact of diet and toxins, the pitfalls of over-sanitizing, and the ongoing debate between breastfeeding and formula. Tune in to get practical advice and fresh perspectives on keeping your kids healthy in today’s world!
Timestamps:
05:37 - The story behind Dr. Joel’s instagram
08:15 - Rise in chronic diseases in children
11:15 - Diet and toxins
13:50 - Medical gaslighting
17:05 - Doing whatever is best for your kids
21:01 - Dr. Joel’s success stories
23:56 - Biggest parenting mistakes
32:07 - Oversantiizing
35:58 - Keeping your kids healthy
38:46 - Practicing discernment
42:15 - Breastmilk vs formula
45:07 - Informed consent
49:49 - The downfalls of allopathic medicine
53:56 - The influence of big pharma and insurance companies
57:37 - Diabetes and nutrition in utero
58:59 - Taking charge of your child’s health
01:01:11 - Vaccines
01:11:11 - Handling controversial conversations
01:15:45 - Dr. Joel’s book
01:18:20 - Dr. Joel’s health nonnegotiables
Sponsored By:
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.com
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
LMNT
Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/realfoodology
Check Out Dr. Joel Warsh
Website
Instagram
Book
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

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 14min
Carb Restricting, Overworking Out + Hormonal Health | Lauren Papanos
Lauren Papanos is a registered dietitian nutritionist and hormone specialist focused on women's health. She dives into how over-exercising and undereating can disrupt hormones, particularly affecting thyroid function and conditions like PCOS. Lauren discusses oxidative stress as a silent player in chronic diseases and shares practical tips for managing it through nutrition and essential lab tests. She emphasizes a balanced approach to exercise, advocating for strength training and proper fueling strategies to support recovery and overall hormonal health.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
Fighting Against Toxic Chemicals, Eating Organic, + Government Regulations | Ken Cook of the EWG
EP. 206: In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Ken Cook, the president and cofounder of the Environmental Working Group, or EWG. You might know them for their Skin Deep database that helps you check the safety of household and skincare products, or their tap water database—both of which I've relied on for years. Ken and I explore how EWG is tackling the growing problem of toxins in our daily lives and discuss practical steps we can take to make safer choices. Plus, Ken shares some incredible actionable advice on how we can influence regulatory changes for the better. Don't miss this insightful conversation about safeguarding our health and making a difference!
Topics Discussed
08:26 - EWG & healthcare professionals
10:45 - EWG’s databases
14:53 - Legal doesn’t equal safe
18:50 - The FDA & brominated vegetable oil
21:21 - It takes science 17 years to catch up
22:34 - Studying dangerous chemicals & industry pushback
25:34 - Centering people in the regulatory process
32:07 - Consumer impact and organic products
37:25 - The cultural impact of environmental health
38:38 - Products that you don’t know are having an effect on your health
42:11 - Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good
44:42 - Choosing safer options
50:05 - Regulation & lobbying
56:08 - Calling your representative
58:22 - Staying motivated and positive
01:02:20 - The people making change
01:05:51 - Ken’s health non-negotiables
Check Out The Environmental Working Group
Website
Skin Deep Database
Consumer Guides
Tap Water Database
Instagram
Show Links:
Dark Waters Film
Sponsored By:
Qualia
Go to qualialife.com/realfoodology for up to $100 off and use code REALFOODOLOGY for an extra 15% off
Timeline
Go to timelinenutrition.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Seed
Go to https://seed.com/realfoodology and get 25% your first month with code REALFOODOLOGY
Paleovalley
Save at 15% at paleovalley.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY
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
Edited By: Mike Frey

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 30min
The MTHFR Gene, Fertility + Supplementation | Ben Lynch
EP. 205: In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Lynch to explore the fascinating world of the MTHFR gene mutation and its impact on fertility. Dr. Lynch, a true pioneer in this field, sheds light on what having the MTHFR gene means, how it affects health, and importantly, what it means for those planning to start a family. We cover everything from understanding genetic testing to practical advice on supplements and lifestyle adjustments. Join us as we uncover the science behind methylfolate, detoxifying your household, and why you should be wary of synthetic vitamins in your diet. Whether you're just curious or facing these challenges firsthand, this episode is packed with insights to empower you in managing your genetic health.
Topics Discussed
07:37 - Courtney’s gene testing
08:32 - Explaining the MTHFR gene
14:12 - Percentage of women with the MTHFR gene
16:20 - Numbers and genetic variation
21:20 - Health impacts of MTHFR genetic variation
29:44 - Supplements and treatment
33:01 - Supporting your MTHFR Enzyme
37:25 - Stomach Acid and stress
38:46 - Folic acid in our food
42:50 - Synthetic vitamins in our food system
48:50 - When to take methylfolate
54:38 - Inheriting MTHFR
59:19 - Fertility and MTHFR
01:03:45 - Prenatals for men
01:05:48 - Detoxifying your household
01:08:41 - Microplastics study
01:09:54 - Water filtration
01:13:51 - You are in charge of your genes
01:22:01 - Benefits of Methyl-B12 and Folate
Check Out Dr. Ben Lynch
Instagram
Website
Dirty Genes Book
Show Links:
183: How To Be Healthy Before, During, & After Pregnancy | Lily Nichols
What Are Dirty Genes | Ben Lynch
Plastic Junk? Researchers Find Tiny Particles In Men's Testicles
Sponsored By:
Organifi
Go to www.organifi.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY for 20% Off
Cured Nutrition
Go to www.curednutrition.com/realfoodology and use code REALFOODOLOGY gets you 20% off
Beekeeper's Naturals
Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order.
Needed
Use code REALFOODOLOGY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off
Our Place
Use code REALFOODOLOGY for 10% off at fromourplace.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
Edited By: Mike Frey


