Practical Nontoxic Living™ Podcast: Your Guide to a Healthier Home & Life

E89. What 18 Years of Simplifying Nontoxic Living Taught Me — Interviewed by DailyMail’s Health Editor (Part 4)

In this special episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, the mic is turned—DailyMail U.S. Deputy Health Editor Alexa Lardieri interviews Sophia Ruan Gushée for an upcoming feature on the transformative 40-Day Home Detox. Alexa dives deep into Sophia’s 18-year journey of detoxing her home and lifestyle, uncovering what’s surprised her most, how her strategies have evolved, and the three simplest yet most powerful baby steps anyone can take toward a healthier home. Sophia also shares heartfelt, practical advice for parents—from toddlers to teens—and voices her hopes for stronger regulatory protections for public health. Whether you're new to nontoxic living or a seasoned detoxer, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers empowering insights and fresh inspiration. 🎧 Tune in now to hear it before it hits the headlines—and walk away feeling clearer, stronger, and more supported on your detox journey. Read more at the blog "What 18 Years of Simplifying Nontoxic Living Has Taught Me: Interview with DailyMail’s Health Editor (Part 4)."

E88. Beyond Your Home Detox: Expert Guidance for What Comes Next (Part 3)

In Part 3 of our powerful Practical Nontoxic Living series with DailyMail.com’s Deputy Health Editor Alexa Lardieri, we explore the heart of the 40-Day Home Detox program: the expert-led masterclasses. Alexa shares why these sessions were her favorite part of the experience, offering practical guidance on how to move beyond detoxing and begin thriving. These masterclasses support the final “Design” phase of the program, where participants learn how to intentionally rebuild their home and lifestyle. You’ll hear insights from holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman on the silent hydration epidemic she sees in her clients, and from wellness interior designer Deborah DiMare, founder of DiMare Design, on how to create calming, healing spaces. Plus, host Sophia Ruan Gushée offers a heartfelt explanation of why she curated this expert lineup—to help you confidently answer, Now what? after detoxing. 🎧 Listen now to start designing a cleaner, more empowering way of life. Read more at the blog "Beyond the Detox: Expert Guidance for What Comes Next (Part 3)."

E87. How a Health Editor and Her Husband Tackled Ruan's 40-Day Home Detox (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this revealing Practical Nontoxic Living series, DailyMail US Deputy Health Editor Alexa Lardieri continues her 40-Day Home Detox journey, offering a relatable and inspiring look into her evolving lifestyle. Although she had already been avoiding synthetic fragrance due to migraine triggers, Alexa was surprised to learn—through the 40-Day Home Detox—that fragrance hides in far more household products than she realized. She shares how the LOLA POP Detox Method made the process feel approachable and “bite-sized,” helping her transform her home without overwhelm. With the help of Love Test Detox Stickers, she identified toxic products and began making smarter, healthier swaps. Plus, Alexa opens up about engaging her initially hesitant husband, turning detoxing their home into a fun, collaborative effort. 🎧 Tune in now to learn practical strategies for creating a nontoxic home, even when others in your household aren't fully on board. Read more at the blog "How a Health Editor Turned 40-Day Home Detox Into a Team Effort With Her Husband (Part 2)."

E86. What Surprised a Health Editor During Her 40-Day Detox Adventure — Part 1

Even seasoned health journalists can be shocked by what’s hiding in their homes. In this compelling episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, Alexa Lardieri—Deputy Health Editor at DailyMail.com—opens up about her personal experience with the Ruan Living 40-Day Home Detox. Despite her extensive background reporting on toxic chemicals, Alexa was stunned by what she learned, from the hidden dangers in so-called “unscented” products to how common household exposures may be putting our pets at greater risk. This is Part 1 of a powerful four-part series where Alexa shares her detox journey, offering eye-opening insights and practical tips for anyone looking to reduce their toxic load. 🎧 Listen now to uncover what even the experts are still learning—and start creating a safer, healthier home. Read more at the blog "What a Health Editor Discovered During Her 40-Day Home Detox (Part 1)."

E85: Greenwashing Alert: Why Recycled Plastics May Be Worse for Your Health

Think recycled plastic is the eco-friendly choice? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we expose the hidden health risks of recycled plastics—often marketed as sustainable but potentially more toxic than virgin plastic. 🚨 Research reveals that recycled plastics can harbor a dangerous cocktail of chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and other hormone disruptors linked to endocrine disruption, fertility struggles, pregnancy complications, and long-term health effects. You'll learn where these toxins show up in everyday products, why “green” marketing can be misleading, and how to make smarter, safer swaps for truly sustainable living. If you're committed to detoxing your home and body, and want to avoid toxic chemicals while supporting your health and the planet, this episode is essential. 🎧 Press play now—and share it with someone who thinks recycled plastic is always the safer choice. Read more at the blog "Recycled Plastic: The “Eco-Friendly” Choice That’s Harming Your Health."

E84. Household Repeat Offenders: The Simplest Way to Detox Your Home

Feeling overwhelmed by the toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and EMFs in your home? You're not alone—but detoxing your space can be simpler than you think. In this empowering episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, Sophia Ruan Gushée introduces the concept of Household Repeat Offenders, straight from her bestselling book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures. These are the everyday items that repeatedly expose you to harmful toxins—but by identifying and replacing just six major offenders, you can make high-impact changes without the stress. This episode also gives you a peek into the transformative 40-Day Home Detox program, which provides a step-by-step guide to nontoxic living. If you’re ready to reduce your toxic load, improve your indoor air quality, and create a safer home environment, this episode is your perfect starting point. 🎧 Listen now to simplify your detox journey and reclaim your well-being! Read more at the blog "Household Repeat Offenders: The Simplest Way to Reduce Toxic Chemicals, Heavy Metals, EMFs & Stress."

E83. Ditch Plastic Straws: Hidden Health Risks & the Best Nontoxic Alternatives

Did you know that your everyday plastic straw could be leaching toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your favorite drinks? In this powerful episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we dive deep into the health risks of plastic straws, including their potential to disrupt hormones, impair fertility, and negatively impact overall health and development. With an estimated 500 million plastic straws used daily in the U.S.—many ending up in our oceans—this episode also sheds light on their alarming environmental toll. Discover the best nontoxic straw alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, silicone, and compostable plant-based options. Whether you're detoxing your lifestyle, supporting hormone health, or reducing your plastic footprint, this episode offers simple, impactful swaps for a cleaner, safer future. 🎧 Listen now to upgrade your health and help protect our planet—one sip at a time. Read more at the blog "Ditch Plastic Straws: The Best Nontoxic Alternatives for Your Health."

E82. Upgrade Your Blender: Avoid Microplastics & Toxic Chemicals in Smoothies

Want cleaner, healthier smoothies? Your blender could be adding microplastics and toxic chemicals—like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS—straight into your drink. In this episode, we reveal how hidden toxins leach into your smoothies and what they do to your health. Plus, learn how to upgrade your blender to avoid contamination and blend with confidence. Tune in for simple, expert-backed tips to detox your kitchen and make every sip safer! Read more at the blog "Upgrade Your Blender: Avoid Microplastics & Toxic Chemicals in Smoothies."

E81. Safe & Sustainable: The Best Nontoxic Food Containers for Kids

Are your kids' lunchboxes exposing them to hidden toxins? In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we break down the safest, most durable, and eco-friendly food containers for children. From stainless steel bento boxes to silicone snack bags, we explore the best plastic-free alternatives to reduce exposure to BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Plus, we share tips on how to choose food storage that’s leak-proof, easy to clean, and kid-friendly. Tune in to protect your little ones and create a healthier, toxin-free home! Read more at the blog "The Best Nontoxic Food Containers for Kids: Safe & Eco-Friendly Picks."

E80. How Cell Phone Radiation Weakens Your Brain & Lets in Microplastics and Toxins

Is your phone damaging your brain? Research suggests that cell phone radiation can weaken the blood-brain barrier, allowing microplastics and other toxic compounds in your body to reach your brain more easily. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, learn expert insights from one of the world's leading scientists, Devra Davis, founder of the Environmental Health Trust, on how EMFs can threaten your brain health. Listen for three simple ways to protect your brain from cell phone radiation—without giving up your devices! You'll learn practical, science-backed ways to reduce microplastic exposure. Read more at the blog "Is Your Phone Making Your Brain More Toxic? How to Reduce Radiation, Microplastics & Toxins."

E79. 50% More Microplastics in Human Brains: How to Protect Yourself

Scientists discovered enough microplastics in human brains to equal a plastic spoon! Yes, you read that right. The plastic from food, water, air, and personal care products have entered human brains. Higher levels have been found in dementia patients. Listen to whether these microplastics contribute to cancer, cognitive decline, memory loss, and even dementia. You'll learn practical, science-backed ways to reduce microplastic exposure. For more details, read the blog "50% More Microplastics in Human Brains—Protect Your Brain Health Now."

E78. Salt as a Mindfulness Prompt: How Everyday Moments Can Support Inner Peace

In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, Sophia shares how salt—something we use every day and that's been the focus of episodes 76-77—can cultivate your mindfulness practice.

Show notes here: Salt as a Mindfulness Prompt: How Everyday Moments Can Support Inner Peace