The Matcha Guardians

(Note: Recommended product links below. We are not compensated endorsers of any products mentioned.) Today we dive into the hidden hazards lurking in our households and discuss healthier alternatives. Chemicals are everywhere in our everyday lives, from food and water to clothing and cleaning supplies. Diana brings up the alarming issue of PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in products like period underwear, which, despite being marketed as non-toxic, are found to contain these harmful chemicals. We then shift our focus to kitchen hazards, discussing the dangers of Teflon cookware and the benefits of alternatives like cast iron and stainless steel. We also touch on the risks associated with plastic cutting boards and Tupperware, emphasizing the importance of choosing safer materials like wood or glass. Next, we tackle cleaning products, where we stress the need for unscented, natural options over conventional, chemical-laden ones. We share some of our favorite brands and homemade solutions, like vinegar and essential oils, for a healthier home environment. We also cover a range of other household items, from air fresheners and laundry detergents to printers and carpets, highlighting the hidden dangers they pose and offering safer alternatives. For instance, we discuss natural air fresheners, the benefits of glass Tupperware, and the importance of avoiding microwaving plastics. As we wrap up, we share our top tips for reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics, such as choosing loose leaf tea over plastic tea bags, filtering tap water, and opting for unscented products whenever possible. We also recommend some of our favorite brands for personal care and cleaning products that are safer and more environmentally friendly (below). It's important to be making healthier choices in our daily lives. While we can't eliminate all hazards, we can certainly make smarter, safer choices. Mentioned in this episode: Environmental Working Group (EWG) with search engine for products: https://www.ewg.org/ Skura Sponges: https://skurastyle.com/ Myers Cleaning Products: https://www.mrsmeyers.com/ Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner: https://www.bona.com/ Seventh Generation Cleaning Products: https://www.seventhgeneration.com/ Dreft Baby Laundry Products: https://www.dreft.com/ Pureology: https://www.pureology.com/ Method: https://www.methodproductus.com/ The Honest Company: https://www.honest.com/ Sunday Lawn Care: https://www.getsunday.com/ Diatomaceous Earth: https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/ Apparel: Outerknown Sustainable Apparel: https://www.outerknown.com/ The Girlfriend Collective: https://girlfriend.com/ Mate The Label: https://matethelabel.com/ Tentree: https://www.tentree.com/ Happy Earth Apparel: https://www.happyearthapparel.com/ Feminine Care: The Period Company: https://period.co/ Saalt Underwear: https://saalt.com/ The Diva Cup: https://shopdiva.com/ Viv Organic Tampons: https://vivforyourv.com/ OB Tampons: https://www.ob-tampons.com/ Articles: Duke University on Flame Retardant Chemicals: https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/superfund/protecting-your-couch-for-a-price-flame-retardants-and-their-effect-on-human-health/ Is Your Kitchen Sponge Dirtier Than Your Toilet? (Time Magazine): https://time.com/4882325/kitchen-sponge-bacteria-dirty/ Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Eating psychology and nutrition expert Elise Museles, rejoins us today to talk about matcha. We take a look at its health benefits, cultural significance, and various culinary uses. Elise shares her journey from law school stress-induced headaches to discovering the calming and energizing properties of matcha. Her transition from coffee and tea to matcha was not just a shift in beverage choice but a lifestyle change. Elise emphasizes how matcha, apart from being a high-quality tea, represents a lifestyle that embraces mindfulness and well-being. We also touch upon the common misconception of matcha being an elite, inaccessible beverage. Elara breals down the cost-effectiveness of homemade matcha compared to cafe-bought drinks, highlighting how making matcha at home is not only more economical but also a simple, adaptable process that doesn't require perfection or expensive tools. Elise takes us through her initial experiments with matcha in smoothies to her current favorite ritual of a hot matcha latte with a hint of maple syrup and cashew milk. Matcha’s unique balance of calming and energizing effects has become an integral part of her daily routine, boosting her mood and focus. Following our interview, Elara, our matcha expert, does a deep dive on the health benefits of matcha - ranging from antioxidants to improved sleep and mental focus. How do you consume your matcha? More: Elise's Once Upon A Food Story Podcast Episode with Diana and Elara: https://elisemuseles.com/podcast/create-a-feel-good-morning-routine-and-matcha-ritual-with-diana-weil-and-elara-hadjipateras/ Elise's "Food Mood Bundle:" https://elisemuseles.com/bundle/ Elise Museles Website:https://elisemuseles.com/ Once Upon a Food Story Podcast: https://elisemuseles.com/podcast/ Elise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisemuseles Elise's Book Food Story: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Story-Rewrite-Think-Live/dp/168364719X Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Today's guest is Marina Hadjipateras, a venture capitalist and co-founder of TMV. Marina brings a wealth of knowledge about investing in companies in the healthcare space, and joins us from New York. Marina explains the role of a venture capitalist firm like TMV, which invests in early-stage companies, often pre-IPO. TMV's approach is unique, focusing on "People, Profit, and Planet." They seek out companies that are not just financially promising but also have a positive impact on the world. Marina shares insights into TMV's investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of a strong team, a significant market, and a unique solution to a real problem. And yes, like any VC firm, they are looking for a "unicorn," defined as a starup company with a value of $1 billion. We look at the trend towards proactive healthcare. Marina highlights several companies in TMV's portfolio that are pioneering this shift, such as Parsley Health and Millie Clinic. These companies are moving away from reactive healthcare and focusing on holistic, patient-centered care. Marina also touches on the importance of AI in healthcare, particularly in improving physician workflows and patient care. She mentions Tali AI, a Canadian company that has developed an Ambient Scribe to reduce physicians' administrative burdens. This shift towards AI and machine learning in healthcare is something TMV is actively investing in. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of investing in healthcare and other sectors. Marina shares her journey of co-founding TMV and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. She emphasizes resilience, building a strong team, and being patient yet proactive. And yes, we ask her about being a woman principal in a male-dominated industry. Resources from this episode: Marina's email - marina@tmv.vc TMV Fund Website:https://tmv.vc/ Parsley Health: https://www.parsleyhealth.com/ Millie Clinic: https://www.millieclinic.com/ Tali AI: https://tali.ai/ Kindbody: https://kindbody.com/ City Block Health: https://www.cityblock.com/ Boram PostNatal Care: https://boramcare.com/ Transact Global: https://www.transactglobal.co/ Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Get ready for an intimate and candid discussion about our personal pregnancy journeys, highlighting both the joys and challenges we face. Today you'll hear personal anecdotes, practical advice, and shared experiences. Both of us Matcha Guardians are first-time moms-to-be, and we delve into our unique pregnancy experiences. Elara is seven and a half months pregnant. She shares her relatively smooth journey, which included an unexpected pregnancy years ago. Diana, seven and a half weeks pregnant, talks about undergoing IVF due to her husband's infertility. We go through various pregnancy-related topics, including the importance of having a supportive partner, managing expectations, and handling the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. We'll go there - talking about societal taboos and myths surrounding pregnancy, offering insights into topics like skincare, food cravings, exercise, and healthcare during pregnancy. We also cover the importance of community support and the challenges of sharing pregnancy news, especially when others are facing fertility issues. It's important to take a personalized approach to pregnancy, and consult your healthcare providers and make informed decisions based on individual needs and circumstances. Resources from this episode: Natural Cycles App: https://www.naturalcycles.com/ What to Expect App: https://www.whattoexpect.com/mobile-app/ The Sculpt Society: https://thesculptsociety.com/ Emily Oster Website: https://emilyoster.net/ Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Today's guest is Dr. Joseph Mosquera, an integrative medical expert with extensive experience in general practice, who also happens to be Elara's dad. We cover various aspects of alcohol use, including alcohol use disorder, its impact on health, and approaches to moderation. Dr. Mosquera begins by highlighting the significance of discussing alcohol, especially in the post-pandemic era where alcohol abuse and dependence have become prevalent issues. He emphasizes the importance of using the term "alcohol use disorder" instead of stigmatizing terms like "alcoholism" or "alcoholics." A key topic discussed was the concept of moderation in alcohol consumption. Dr. Mosquera clarified that mild or social drinking does not significantly increase health risks, barring exceptions like pregnancy. However, people often underestimate their alcohol intake, which can lead to abuse and dependence. This leads to a discussion about what constitutes excessive drinking. Elara and Dr. Mosquera explore the potential health impacts of regular drinking, like effects on the liver, gastrointestinal system, and mental health. We look at cultural differences in drinking habits, like the "French Paradox" and the practice of drinking wine in Mediterranean cultures. Dr. Mosquera shared personal anecdotes about his upbringing in Spain, illustrating cultural attitudes towards alcohol. Next, we cover hangovers, their physiological basis, and ways to mitigate them. They discussed practical tips like hydration, anti-inflammatory medications, and specific foods to ease hangover symptoms. Elara shared her college experiences with hangovers and remedies like Pedialyte, highlighting the dangers of binge drinking. We spend a fair amount of time on the risks of drinking during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Mosquera firmly advises against alcohol consumption during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. For breastfeeding mothers, moderation was deemed acceptable, but caution is advised, especially regarding binge drinking. Dr. Mosquera notes an increase in infertility rates linked to alcohol abuse. He emphasized the need for moderation and the potential long-term health risks, including increased cancer risk associated with excessive drinking. Advice for replacing alcohol with healthier alternatives includes engaging in regular exercise, adopting good sleep patterns, and following a nutritious diet. He stressed the importance of an integrative health approach, tailored to individual lifestyles. We'd be remiss if we didn't cover sugar intake in alcoholic beverages. Diana and Dr. Mosquera mention the often-overlooked high-caloric content in alcoholic drinks, particularly sugary cocktails and mixed drinks. They pointed out how these additional calories could contribute to health issues like obesity. Listeners who might be concerned about their drinking habits can journal their consumption and seek help if necessary. Alcohol use disorder is treatable; it's important to recognize its severity and seeking appropriate help, which could range from behavioral therapy to more intensive medical interventions. Finally, Dr. Mosquera underscores the importance of community and peer support in addressing alcohol use disorders. Listeners should reach out to friends and family members who might be struggling with alcohol dependency. More: Dr. Mosquera's Website: https://drmosquera.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spontaneoushealing/ Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

During the holidays, we sat down with eating psychology and nutrition expert Elise Museles. Her transition from a legal career to focusing on food and wellness was driven by her passion for helping people. Elise's explains "food stories" - how our relationship with food is shaped over time, influenced by our culture, experiences, and personal narratives. All three of us, just like you, have events in our past that likely influence how we've viewed food, historically. Since Elara was seven months pregnant during this recording, Elise emphasizes the importance of embracing body changes during pregnancy and avoiding societal pressures around weight gain, including the need for self-acceptance and support from loved ones during such a transformative phase of life. Elise also touched upon the challenges men face in their food stories. Everyone, regardless of gender, has a unique relationship with food. Her anecdotes and client experiences highlighted the universality of these issues. There are practical ways to improve one's food story, with Elise advocating for awareness, identifying major themes, and understanding the origins of our food behaviors. This can help change narratives and habits in a compassionate and non-restrictive manner. Elise shares her personal wellness practices, including her morning routine, nature walks, and matcha ritual, which contribute to her holistic well-being. She stresses the importance of proactive stress management and maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Finally, Elise shares a significant life lesson taught by her father: the freedom to change one's mind. This advice resonates deeply with our conversation's theme of evolving personal narratives, especially regarding our relationship with food. Elise emphasizes that personal growth involves recognizing that our beliefs and behaviors can change over time, and it's perfectly acceptable to shift our perspectives as we gain new experiences and insights. We're excited to bring Elise back in a future episodes, to dive deeper into her expertise on matcha. More: Elise's Once Upon A Food Story Podcast Episode with Diana and Elara: https://elisemuseles.com/podcast/create-a-feel-good-morning-routine-and-matcha-ritual-with-diana-weil-and-elara-hadjipateras/ Amy Schumer bit Elise referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_kCIA3G0TA Elise Museles Website:https://elisemuseles.com/ Once Upon a Food Story Podcast: https://elisemuseles.com/podcast/ Elise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisemuseles Elise's Book Food Story: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Story-Rewrite-Think-Live/dp/168364719X Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

In our latest episode of The Matcha Guardians Podcast, we delve into the profound connection between humans and dogs. We're thrilled to have Jodi Andersen, a renowned dog behavior expert, joining us. Jodi's journey into dog training began with a childhood love for animals and a pivotal experience with her own dog, which led her to rethink traditional training methods. She emphasizes understanding a dog's signals and the unintended training we often do. Jodi's approach is about creating harmony between a dog's needs and the family's lifestyle. Jodi's work extends beyond individual training. She co-founded How I Met My Dog, a platform that matches rescue dogs with adopters based on lifestyle and behavior, not just breed. This approach ensures a deeper, more sustainable bond between the dog and its new family. She also co-founded Competibility, focusing on enhancing the relationship between existing dog owners and their pets. A significant part of our discussion revolves around the right time and way to introduce a dog into a family. Jodi advises against getting a dog solely for children, emphasizing that the responsibility ultimately falls on the parents. She highlights the importance of matching a dog's temperament with the family's lifestyle and the individual personalities within the household. Jodi also touches on the challenges and rewards of introducing a second dog into the home, stressing the importance of energy compatibility over breed or gender. Gender, however, can play a significant role. We also explore the sensitive topic of a dog's end of life. Jodi offers heartfelt advice on recognizing when it's time to say goodbye, advocating for a compassionate approach that prioritizes the dog's quality of life. She encourages openness to the love of another pet, seeing it as a tribute to the one lost. Resources: How I Met My Dog Website: https://howimetmydog.com/ ComPETibility Website: https://competibility.com/ Jodi's Book The Latchkey Dog: https://www.amazon.com/Latchkey-Dog-Live-Shapes-Behavior/dp/B0009WUII8 Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

In our first full podcast, we dive into the science of friendships. Psychologist Robin Dunbar's 2022 book brought to light the Dunbar number - 150, which represents the maximum number of meaningful relationships a person can effectively manage. This concept really resonated with us and formed the core of our conversation. We break down the layers of the Dunbar number. The closest circle, 1.5 people, includes an individual and their significant other. Then there's a circle of five close friends, who are those you can always count on for emotional support. The next layer comprises 15 good friends, with whom one might socialize regularly or plan vacations. A broader circle of 50 friends includes acquaintances like party guests or wedding attendees. Finally, the widest circle encompasses 150 people, those whom one would invite for significant life events. Reflecting on our own friendship, we discussed how we've managed to stay connected despite periods of minimal contact. It's fascinating how shared experiences, values, and similar life stages play such a crucial role in sustaining friendships. We also touched upon the challenges adults face in making and maintaining friendships, especially when dealing with geographical distances or significant life changes like marriage or career shifts. We also spend on the impact of social media on friendships. How do online interactions fit into Dunbar’s model, considering the often superficial nature of these relationships? We highlight the importance of genuine connection and active engagement beyond just digital interactions. We also discuss "friendship pruning," where individuals might end or drift away from certain friendships that no longer contribute positively to their lives. Ending friendships can be difficult. We should normalize open conversations about the health of friendships. Towards the end of our episode, we extended a challenge to you, our listeners. Reach out to someone in your life in a meaningful way, beyond just a quick text or a social media interaction. This challenge underlines the importance of genuine connections and active participation in maintaining friendships. More: The Atlantic article on Robin Dunbar's Science of Friendhip (note paywall): https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/05/robin-dunbar-explains-circles-friendship-dunbars-number/618931/ Robin Dunbar's Book on friendship: https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Robin-Dunbar/dp/1408711737 Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

This is how wellness should be discussed. The biggest trending health topics of our time, featuring the greatest and upcoming wellness advocates. Welcome to the Matcha Guardians podcast, brought to you by Matcha.com. Join "The Matcha Guardians" - certified nutritionist Diana Weil and medical journalist Elara Hadjipateras -as they protect you on your wellness journey by providing vulnerable and genuine takes on the latest wellness trends. From interviews with leading experts in health, fitness, and spirituality to their own personal relationships, they cover different lifestyle topics and formats that impact health. No hard subject is off limits for the Matcha Guardians. Get ready to sip, savor, and live well with new episodes every Wednesday. More: https://matcha.com/ Connect with the Matcha Guardians! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!