Real Food Mental Health

Cody Cox, CMHC, FNTP

Real Food Mental Health is your go-to podcast for discovering holistic mental health solutions. Hosted by nutritional and metabolic psychotherapist, Cody Cox, this podcast explores whole-person approaches to mental and physical health through real-food nutrition and natural wellness practices. Each episode delves into metabolic psychiatry, functional nutrition, and mind-body connection techniques designed to address root causes of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress. Since being holistic means not just focusing on one aspect of health, we may sometimes branch out to other health topics.

  1. Jan 16

    058: Living the Wise Traditions Way - My Personal and Professional Journey

    In this solo‑recorded episode, I walk listeners through the full set of questions I fielded on a recent discussion panel at the Nourish to Flourish Conference. Using the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) principles as a backbone, I share how those ideas reshaped my own health, my family’s daily habits, and the way I work with clients. Why I First Turned to Weston A. PriceThe “aha” moment – personal health clues, professional curiosity, and the first traditional food that sparked change (yes, liver and bone broth!). How the Principles Shifted My View of HealthBeyond the clinic – changes in shopping, cooking, family meals, and daily rituals that now feel non‑negotiable. Nutrient‑Dense Foods in My KitchenNon‑negotiables: raw dairy, organ meats, fermented condiments, unrefined salt, and gelatinous bone broth. A quick tour of my fridge/pantry for listeners who imagine peeking inside. The Single WAPF Principle That Transforms ClientsWhy it matters: Emphasizing nutrient‑dense whole foods (organ meats, eggs, raw dairy, shellfish) consistently produces the biggest clinical improvements. Connecting Nourishment to My DisciplineGut, oral, and mental health: Early signals I spot (teeth alignment, digestion patterns, mood stability) that reveal a shift toward true nourishment before symptoms appear. Visible Signs of a Nourished BodyWhat surprises people: stronger teeth, wider dental arches, steadier mood, better digestion—often within weeks. Mindset, Stress & Emotional NutritionHow stress blocks intake and why slowing down, mindful eating, and community support are essential for the body to receive nutrients. Modern Challenges for FamiliesConvenience vs. tradition: The biggest hurdles (time pressure, fear of “going extreme,” perfectionism) and the mental baggage families carry. Why Community & Local Chapters MatterGrassroots power: How local WAPF chapters turn theory into lived experience, create sustainable food networks, and give families a sense of belonging. Transformations Seen When Families Join a ChapterReal‑world outcomes: Stories of families who moved from fragmented meals to cohesive, nutrient‑rich plates and reported increased vitality and cohesion. One Simple First Step for ListenersStart small: Add a daily serving of a traditional, nutrient‑dense food (e.g., a spoonful of raw butter, a cup of bone broth, or a handful of fermented veggies). Getting Involved LocallyHow to act: Find a nearby WAPF chapter, attend a workshop, volunteer at a community farm, or simply start a “traditional food night” with friends.

    47 min
  2. Jan 8

    057: The New US Dietary Guidelines

    PLEASE NOTE: This episode was updated to include more content at the end on the afternoon of January 8th! Content includes Cody's thoughts on responses from MD's and Dietitians in the media. Some of the backlash is that the new guideline document is only 10 pages, whereas previous versions were over 100 pages. But be aware that they are merely trying to make this an easier read for the layperson, which they should. It's not lacking in science. They provide scientific references here and here. This is a solo recording where Cody discusses the new principles taught in the US Dietary Guidelines and his opinions on them. He doesn't agree with it all! Key points: Recommendation on saturated fat remains at 10% of daily calories Emphasis on real food. That means food that comes from a farm, not a factory. Eat protein, even red meat. Eat fat, even tallow and butter. LIMIT carbohydrates, especially grains and sugars. For more information, see realfood.gov. Want a jumpstart on eating real, whole foods? Check out the RESTART program, starting January 12th at 10:00 AM MST! See beavercreekwellness.com/restart for more details. Subscribe and review and check back for more soon. To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠visit the dispensary⁠.Visit Cody’s website at ⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠ where you can read more about him and schedule sessions.

    43 min
  3. 11/06/2025

    054: The Homeschool Advantage: Nutrition, Mental Health, and Family Freedom with Rebecca Stuart, NTP

    💡 Episode Summary In this episode, Cody reconnects with one of his very first guests, Rebecca Stuart, to explore the intersection of homeschooling, health, and holistic living in today’s post-pandemic world. They discuss how families are rethinking education, health, and freedom—and how nutrition, environment, and mindful parenting all play a role in raising resilient, critical-thinking kids. Rebecca shares her personal journey through over a decade of homeschooling, her creative approaches to individualized learning, and how she integrated whole-food nutrition and wellness into her children’s education. Topics: Rebecca’s homeschooling journey and what inspired her to start Why more families are turning to homeschooling post-pandemic Navigating vaccine laws, exemptions, and homeschool freedom Affordable and creative ways to build your own homeschool curriculum Learning styles, child development, and the importance of play Nutrition, food dyes, and how diet impacts children’s mental health Balancing parental burnout and self-care while homeschooling Teaching kids critical thinking, emotional awareness, and boundaries The power of conversation and repair in healthy parent-child relationships The future of education and nurturing lifelong learners Rebecca’s Online High School Health Course: LibertyWellnessAndCo.com A semester-long course for homeschoolers that teaches teens how to take ownership of their physical and emotional health. Sherri Gilford’s Health Curriculum for Kids (Ages 6–11) — playful, Weston A. Price-inspired family health learning. Homegrown Education — holistic homeschool materials introducing young children to whole foods and nutrition. The Nourishing Traditions Cookbook for Children by Sally Fallon — cooking real food together as family education. Key Takeaways: “You have to give yourself two to three years before you find your rhythm as a homeschool family.” — Rebecca Stuart “It’s not about shielding kids from ideas—it’s about teaching them how to think critically when they’re ready.” — Cody Cox “We’re not going to get everything right as parents. What matters most is that we apologize, repair, and keep learning together.” — Rebecca Stuart Subscribe and review and check back for more soon. To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠visit the dispensary⁠.Visit Cody’s website at ⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠ where you can read more about him and schedule sessions.

    1h 3m
  4. 10/31/2025

    053: Regenerative Mental Health with Emma Donovan

    Listen through to the end of the episode for a bonus! 🧠 Episode Overview In this inspiring conversation, Cody sits down with fellow holistic psychotherapist Emma Donovan, MA, LPC to explore what it really means to take a holistic approach to mental health. They unpack the difference between “holistic,” “integrative,” and “conventional” therapy, and discuss Emma’s groundbreaking concept of Regenerative Mental Health — a philosophy that goes beyond root cause healing to ask: How can we live so well that symptoms don’t arise in the first place? Defining “Holistic” Therapy: Looking beyond mindfulness or energy work to truly address the whole person — body, mind, spirit, environment, and community. Conventional vs. Integrative vs. Holistic Therapy: Why symptom management alone isn’t enough and how integration doesn’t always equal holistic. What is Regenerative Mental Health? A forward-thinking model for prevention and sustainability in mental wellness. Root Causes of Mental Illness: From trauma and toxic environments to spiritual disconnection and tech overuse — how modern life fosters disconnection. Reconnection Practices: Exploring Emma’s Holistic Wellness Questionnaire and tools like the Wellness Wheel for self-assessment and awareness. Medication and Mental Health: A nuanced discussion on when medication may serve as a temporary bridge versus a long-term solution. The Therapeutic (Naturopathic) Order: Understanding the pyramid of interventions — from foundational lifestyle supports to high-force interventions. See more about this here. Convenience Culture & Disconnection: How comfort and technology weaken our resilience — and what we can learn from nature. Depression as a Symptom: Considering depression as both a biological and adaptive response to imbalance. The “Introvert Hypothesis”: Can physical or environmental factors influence personality traits like introversion? “Holistic means truly looking at the whole person — body, mind, spirit, environment, and community.” — Emma Donovan “We’ve created a convenience culture that’s deprived us of resistance — and resistance is how we grow stronger.” — Emma Donovan “Health isn’t a luxury; it’s about meeting your basic human needs.” — Emma Donovan “Living in a city is a recipe for depression — sometimes making life less convenient can make it healthier.” — Cody Cox Emma’s Websites: Alternative Therapy STL — Holistic psychotherapy, nutrition, and spiritual counseling Holistic and Functional Psychology — Professional education, retreats, and Emma’s Holistic Wellness Questionnaire Holistic Wellness Questionnaire: Free for practitioners and available in a brief version for the public Book Mentioned: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price Upcoming Retreat: Costa Rica, February 2026 — for therapists and wellness professionals Interested in free testing or becoming a practice client? Contact Cody through his website if you’re in or near Cache Valley, Utah. Subscribe and review and check back for more soon. To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠visit the dispensary⁠.Visit Cody’s website at ⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠ where you can read more about him and schedule sessions.

    47 min
  5. 10/23/2025

    052: My Takeaways from the Wise Traditions Conference 2025

    🌿 Episode Summary In this episode, Cody shares insights and takeaways from the recent Wise Traditions Conference hosted by the Weston A. Price Foundation in Salt Lake City. From the incredible nutrient-dense meals served to the deep dives into gut health, raw milk, and controversial new biology perspectives — this episode unpacks the leading edge (and sometimes provocative) conversations happening in the holistic wellness world today. 🍽️ Highlights The Food Experience: Learn how the conference meals embodied Weston A. Price principles — organic, local, properly prepared, and full of life-giving nutrients. Workshops Worth Trying: From sourdough and cheese-making to the reminder that simple, traditional skills can outshine factory-made foods. Raw Milk Reality Check: Cody explores the nutritional benefits of raw milk, its enzyme and vitamin content, and why it may be easier to digest for some people compared to pasteurized milk. The GAPS Diet Explained: A look into Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride’s Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet — its focus on gut healing, connection to mental health, and practical applications for families. Toxins, Glyphosate, and Gut Health: How modern lifestyles and synthetic fragrances disrupt our microbiome — and why fermented foods like sauerkraut may help counteract daily exposures. Healing Food Sensitivities: Cody discusses the idea of intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and how food allergies may not be permanent when gut health is restored. Pregnancy, Children, and Gut Foundations: The importance of nourishing foods before conception and during early childhood for lifelong health — and how fussy eating can signal gut imbalances. Controversial Conversations: Hear about emerging views from speakers like Dr. Tom Cowan and Drs. Mark and Samantha Bailey, who challenge mainstream ideas about viruses, Lyme disease, and modern medicine. See Sam and Mark Bailey's take on the conference here! Core Message: Holistic health isn’t about fear or quick fixes — it’s about empowerment, education, and returning to nature’s wisdom. 🧩 Key Takeaways True wellness begins with whole, properly prepared foods. Gut health is central to both mental and physical well-being. Detoxification and reducing toxic load are daily acts of self-care. Always keep an open mind — but also use discernment when exploring new health ideas. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Weston A. Price Foundation: westonaprice.org Real Milk Finder: realmilk.com Environmental Working Group (EWG): ewg.org Books by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride: Gut and Psychology Syndrome Gut and Physiology Syndrome💬 Join the Conversation Have thoughts on raw milk, gut health, or these controversial health topics? Leave a comment on Spotify or message Cody on social media — your questions and reflections may be featured in an upcoming episode! Check out Cody's website at beavercreekwellness.com.

    59 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Real Food Mental Health is your go-to podcast for discovering holistic mental health solutions. Hosted by nutritional and metabolic psychotherapist, Cody Cox, this podcast explores whole-person approaches to mental and physical health through real-food nutrition and natural wellness practices. Each episode delves into metabolic psychiatry, functional nutrition, and mind-body connection techniques designed to address root causes of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress. Since being holistic means not just focusing on one aspect of health, we may sometimes branch out to other health topics.