The Truth About Your Shower Water and Its Impact on Your Hair and Skin, with the Co-Founders of Vitaclean, Sara Douglas and Kristina Velkova

Microplastics are everywhere — but how much should we actually be worrying about them? On this episode of Gut Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Nick Monsul, co-founder of Quorum Innovations, to break down the science behind microplastics and what we know so far about their potential impact on our health. We’re talking about how microplastics enter our bodies, what emerging research suggests about their relationship with gut health, the microbiome, hormones, and reproductive health, and the everyday sources of exposure you might not think twice about. Dr. Monsul also explains the role of protective biofilms and the science behind Quorum Innovations’ Qi601, including what research has shown so far and what still needs to be proven.

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones turn off. In this episode, we're revisiting the advice, mindset shifts, and life lessons from our favorite guests that genuinely inspired us and changed how we approach our health, relationships, and everyday lives. From the WeNatal founders and why preconception health starts long before pregnancy, to Stephanie Criscione's approach to acne and skincare, Dr. Antonia's insights on nervous system regulation, and Mila Magnani's advice on navigating PCOS, we're sharing the health lessons that have stuck with us most. We're also reflecting on Dave Friedberg's reminder that success isn't reserved for special people — it's built by staying curious and continuing to learn. Plus, what we took away from Ice Cream for Bears founder Tim Berg about following your ethos, and our friends Emily and Nada's powerful conversation about resilience and navigating life's challenges. From skincare and cellulite to the importance of staying true to your values and learning how to move through hard seasons, these are the lessons we'd share with our younger selves and our closest friends. Because sometimes, the most meaningful thing we take away from a conversation isn't just new information — it's a shift in perspective that changes how we live.

This week on Gut Talk, we’re getting a little more personal — from our chaotic weekend and things NOT going according to plan, to the reality of building a life as a single woman in your early 30s. We’re also talking about social media and why it’s so important to remember that what you see online is a game, a job, and often a business. Everyone is trying to sell something, so take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and use your own discernment. Plus: why we think we could all be a little kinder on social media, the pressure to have your life figured out by a certain age, and learning to trust your own timeline. In this episode we chat about: - Why we could all be a little kinder on social media - Remembering that social media is a business - Using your own discernment online - Our weekend: The Chainsmokers, a nada toe, and things not going according to plan - What it’s really like building your life as a single woman in your early 30s - Letting go of the idea that your life has to look a certain way by a certain age - Why your timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s

This week on Gut Talk, we’re sitting down with Gastroenterologist Dr. Sanjana Luther to talk about the gut issues so many women deal with — and the symptoms we’ve been told are “normal” but might deserve a closer look. We’re getting into IBS-C, IBS-D, constipation and bloating, including common triggers, what actually helps, and when it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. We also break down the conversation around gluten, dairy, artificial sweeteners and food sensitivities, plus what Dr. Luther thinks we’re getting wrong about gut health. One of the biggest conversations in this episode is colorectal cancer in younger adults. We talk about why rates are rising, what symptoms to pay attention to, prevention, and what everyone should know about protecting their gut health. Plus, Dr. Luther shares her approach to proactive gut health, including fiber, probiotics, food, lifestyle, supplements and testing.

#172: Parasites have become one of the biggest conversations in wellness— but how much of it is actually legitimate, and where has the internet taken it way too far? This week we're joined by Kim Rogers, aka the Worm Queen. We get into how common parasites actually are, what happens in the body when someone gets one, and the most common (and most surprising) ways people are exposed. Then we dig into the symptoms — bloating, fatigue, skin issues, cravings, even teeth grinding — that get blamed on parasites online, and which of those are actually legitimate versus wildly overhyped. We also cover parasite cleanses: who actually needs one, what red flags to watch for, and the truth about "die-off" symptoms. Kim walks us through her ParaFy protocol, what was missing from the products already on the market, and how to know if an approach like this is right for you. Finally, we get into the everyday stuff — sushi, washing produce, pets, travel — and how concerned you should actually be about each one. Here's what we get into: How common parasites actually are, and what a parasite even is How people actually get exposed (and the myths around it) Symptoms that might indicate a parasite — and which ones are wildly overblown online How parasites are tested and confirmed Who actually needs a parasite cleanse, and the red flags to watch for Should you have sushi? The truth about "die-off" symptoms Kim's ParaFy protocol — what's in it, why, and how to know if it's right for you Everyday risk: sushi, produce washing, hygiene, travel, and pets The 3 things Kim wishes everyone would do differently after this episode