Wise Traditions

587: Transcending Fear With Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo

What happens when a public health leader refuses to make decisions based on fear? In this episode, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo joins us to discuss the principles that guided him through one of the most turbulent periods in modern medicine. He reflects on his years at UCLA during the COVID-19 pandemic, why he publicly challenged lockdowns and mandates, and what it was like to work alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to chart a different course in Florida. But this conversation goes far beyond policy. Dr. Ladapo opens up about the childhood trauma that left him living in a near-constant state of fear, the unexpected healing journey that transformed his life just months before the pandemic began, and how that experience changed the way he practices medicine, understands chronic illness, and approaches leadership. We also explore Florida's efforts to investigate contaminants in the food supply, remove fluoride from public water, protect informed consent, and address the environmental factors contributing to today's chronic disease epidemic. Throughout this deeply personal and thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Ladapo reminds us that fear narrows our perspective, while wisdom, courage, and connection can help illuminate a better path forward.   Visit Dr. Joseph Ladapo's website to learn more Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group Check out our sponsors: New Biology "Use code WISETRADITIONS to get $100 off your membership activation fee, or code WAPF to get your first month free on an enrichment services only membership. Codes must be in all capital letters." Goddess Vitality From Optimal Carnivore "Discount code WESTON10 for 10% off."  

586: A Return To Traditional Herbalism With Kate Tietje

Kate Tietje believes plants carry wisdom—and in this episode, she explains why herbal remedies have remained trusted tools for healing across generations. Kate is the founder of Earthley Wellness, a longtime herbalist, homeschool mother of six, and author of the book Natural Remedies for Kids. In this conversation, Kate shares how her journey into herbalism began when conventional medicine failed to help her young daughter's chronic health issues. What started as a personal search for answers eventually grew into one of the most trusted herbal wellness companies in the country.   Kate explains the philosophy behind herbalism, why whole plants work differently than pharmaceutical drugs, and how herbs can support the body rather than simply suppress symptoms. We also discuss medical freedom, concerns about toxic ingredients in modern food and personal care products, and why she believes families should have greater access to natural healing modalities. Throughout the episode, Kate offers practical guidance for beginners—covering the best starter herbs to keep at home, how to safely forage and grow medicinal plants, and simple remedies anyone can make in their own kitchen. She also shares herbal suggestions for stress, sleep, digestion, postpartum recovery, immune support, and common childhood ailments. If you've ever felt curious about herbal medicine but didn't know where to begin, this episode is a warm and practical introduction to the wisdom of plants and the traditions that have supported human health for generations. WAPF Ad - Wise Traditions podcast - Remember to subscribe/follow this podcast and share it with your friends!  Visit Kate Tietje's website to learn more Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group Check out our sponsors: Nutrition Therapy Institute - "Podcast listeners get 50% off their first course - that's $475 in savings." Earthley Wellness - "Use code WISE10 for a special discount"  

585: Food Freedom, The Farm Bill And The Future Of Farming With Judith McGeary

Judith McGeary, founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA), joins us to explain how one massive piece of legislation quietly shapes nearly every aspect of our food system—from the seeds farmers plant to the food that ends up on our plates. She breaks down the history of the Farm Bill, how it evolved from supporting soil conservation and family farms to favoring consolidation and industrial agriculture, and why consumers should pay attention. Judith also discusses the controversial effort to grant pesticide manufacturers liability protection, the challenges facing regenerative farmers, the loss of seed diversity, and the regulatory barriers that make it difficult for local food producers to thrive. Along the way, she offers practical solutions for rebuilding resilient local food systems and explains why meaningful change often begins with ordinary citizens making a phone call to their elected representatives. Whether you're concerned about food quality, farmer livelihoods, regenerative agriculture, or the future of America's food supply, this conversation offers an eye-opening look at the policies shaping our agricultural landscape—and what each of us can do to help create a healthier future. WAPF Ad- RealMilk.com- Visit RealMilk.com Visit Judith McGeary's website to learn more Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group Check out our sponsors: Visit Paleovalley to receive 15% off your first order. Goddess Vitality from Optimal Carnivore. "Use code WESTON10 for 10% off."  

584: The Religion Of Vaccines With Aaron Siri

In this episode, Aaron Siri discusses why he believes vaccines have become more than a medical issue—they've become a kind of modern religion. Drawing from themes in his book, Vaccines, Amen: The Religion of Vaccines, Aaron explores how belief, institutional authority, and pharmaceutical influence have shaped vaccine policy and public perception.   He explains the powerful role a small group of vaccinologists has played in shaping vaccine science, education, and government recommendations, and discusses what he uncovered while reviewing FDA clinical trial documents and deposing some of the most influential figures in vaccinology.   The conversation also examines the lack of placebo-controlled trials for routine childhood vaccines, the liability protections granted to pharmaceutical companies under the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, the challenges surrounding informed consent, and the broader question of medical liberty in modern society.   Along the way, Aaron shares why he believes people should think more critically about environmental exposures of all kinds—not just vaccines—and why asking difficult questions remains essential when it comes to protecting long-term health.   Visit Aaron Siri's website to learn more Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group Check out our sponsors: Masa Chips "Discount code WISETRADITIONS for 25% off your first order." Grey Toad Tallow "Discount code WISE10 at checkout to save 10% on your order."  

583: Ferments, Gut Health & Microbial Healing With Vanessa Hargrove

What if some of the most powerful medicines aren't found in a prescription bottle – but in the microbes living inside traditional fermented foods? Vanessa Hargrove joins the podcast to explain how foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough may help restore the microbiome, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, curb sugar cravings, and support overall health. Vanessa shares her own dramatic healing journey – from debilitating joint pain and severe food sensitivities to vibrant health through ancestral nutrition and fermentation. The conversation explores how modern life may be damaging the microbiome through glyphosate, antibiotics, chlorinated water, and antimicrobial household products – and why rebuilding beneficial microbes may be one of the missing keys to better health. Vanessa also discusses the powerful role fermented foods may play in supporting digestion, mood, immunity, hormone balance, and even chronic gastrointestinal conditions.   She explains the science behind targeted microbes, why homemade ferments differ dramatically from many store-bought versions, and offers practical guidance for beginners who want to start incorporating ferments into daily life without feeling overwhelmed. The episode also covers fermentation safety, sourdough, milk kefir, candida overgrowth, histamine intolerance, sugar addiction, and why Vanessa believes restoring the body's microbial ecosystem can profoundly change health and vitality.   WAPF Ad- Go to www.westonaprice.org/journal-healthy-baby-issue to order yours now. Visit Vanessa Hargrove's website to learn more -hargrovegeneralgoods@gmail.com Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group Check out our sponsors: Goddess Vitality From Optimal Carnivore "Discount code WESTON10 for 10% off." Four Visions "Discount code WISE for 15% off your order."