Crunchy Stewardship

Katie Fiola Jones & Chrissy Rombach
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY

In this podcast we are taking a deep dive into what it means to steward our lives as God originally intended for us with the resources that God has given us. We will look at topics like food, medicine, finances, mental health and lots more through a natural lens with a biblical foundation. 

  1. 5D AGO

    How PFAS Impact Your Hormones and Fertility

    Send us a Message! As we continue our Fertility Series, we are shifting our focus to the environmental factors that can throw our bodies out of balance. Today, we are tackling a big one: PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals." While the topic of environmental toxins can feel overwhelming, we are here to remind you to choose faith over fear. We break down exactly what endocrine disruptors are, how they hijack your natural hormone production (like progesterone and insulin), and where these chemicals are hiding in plain sight. Most importantly, we share practical, budget-friendly, and stress-free ways to start reducing your family’s exposure today to protect your health and the fertility of the next generation. In this episode, you'll learn: The Hospital Food Shift: Why local farm partnerships in Florida hospitals are a massive win for holistic health.Endocrine Disruption 101: How "forever chemicals" confuse your body, mimic hormones, and impact fertility.The Pregnancy Nutrient Drain: Why your placenta will prioritize the baby’s growth at the expense of your own bones and reserves if you aren't nutrient-dense.Where PFAS Hide: The truth about your tap water, to-go coffee cups, microwave popcorn bags, and non-stick pans.The Fire-Resistant Problem: Why your mattresses, carpets, and children’s pajamas are coated in chemicals, and how to properly "off-gas" new furniture.Simple Swaps: Easy ways to transition to stainless steel, cast iron, organic cotton underwear, and clean cosmetics without breaking the bank.Resources mentioned: Water Filters: Berkey Water Filters (Check Facebook Marketplace/eBay for deals!)Cookware Swaps: Lodge Cast Iron & All-CladBlog Post: Katie's Guide to Finding Factory Second Stainless Steel Pans - https://agapeinvests.com/factory-seconds-designer-deals-for-less/ Clean Haircare: Attitude (Always double-check EWG ratings as recipes change!)Clean Cosmetics: Primally Pure & Adele Natural CosmeticsPrevious Episode: The History of PFAS & Forever Chemicals - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17596505 Chapters: 00:00 Fertility Series and PFAS Preview 02:39 Random Revelation Hospital Food 04:18 Florida Hospital Nutrition Shift 11:48 PFAS Explained Endocrine Disruption 14:12 Hormones and Fertility Connections 17:01 Katie Progesterone Story 21:11 Pregnancy Hormone Rollercoaster 23:57 Placenta Nutrient Priorities 27:41 Where PFAS Hide 29:08 PFAS in Drinking Water| 33:25 Landfills Contaminate Soil 35:12 Mindset Over Fear 35:58 Cookware Swaps 39:51 Food Packaging Fixes 44:50 Foam Flame Resistant 48:33 Furniture, Mattresses, Carpets, Clothes 50:02 Off-gassing Tips 53:49 Pesticides 54:52 Personal Care Products  59:32 Protecting the Next Generation Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 3m

  2. APR 3

    Fertility Nutrition: A Food Guide for Pre-Conception & Pregnancy

    Send us a Message! In Part 4 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting our focus to what is arguably the most impactful aspect of your overall health and fertility: Nutrition. Chrissy kicks things off with a fascinating look into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), explaining how our physical organs are deeply connected to our emotions. We also have an honest conversation about navigating holistic practices like TCM and muscle testing as Christians. Then, we dig deep into the ancestral wisdom of Dr. Weston A. Price. If you want to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy—or if you are just looking to heal your body from the inside out—this episode is your ultimate guide to the "Fertility Diet." We break down the generational impact of our modern diets and the specific, nutrient-dense superfoods our ancestors used to build strong, healthy babies. In this episode, you'll learn: The Emotion-Organ Connection: A look at TCM, and how our bodies physically manifest emotions like anger, grief, and fear.The "Church Snack" Dilemma: Katie’s honest struggle with the processed foods we feed our kids and how to balance holistic health with grace and budget.The Pre-Conception "Big 3": Why Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2/Activator X are absolutely essential for fertility, hormone production, and preventing birth defects.The Generational Diet: Why crooked teeth and narrow jaws are actually a sign of inherited nutritional deficiencies, not just genetics!Fertility Superfoods: The science behind why we should all be consuming cod liver oil, high-vitamin butter, pasture-raised egg yolks, and organ meats (and how to hide them in your food!).Resources mentioned: Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price - https://amzn.to/4bZJXfK Resource: Weston A Price Foundation 11 Dietary Principles - https://www.westonaprice.org/11-principles-overview/ Product: Pluck Organ Meat Seasoning - https://amzn.to/4bZJXfK Product: High-Vitamin Cod Liver Oil (WAPF Recommended) - https://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil Product: Thousand Hills Renegade Blend https://thousandhillslifetimegrazed.com/products/grass-fed-renegade-blend-ground-beef-with-organs Chapters: 00:00 Fertility Series Roadmap 01:39 Why Nutrition Matters Most for Fertility 02:57 Random Revelation - TCM and the Emotion-Organ Connection 11:12 Christian Discernment for Eastern Medicines 21:36 The "Church Snack" Dilemma 26:48 The "Big 3" Pre-Conception Vitamins 27:56 Vitamin A - The Architect 28:53 Vitamin D - The Pro-Hormone 30:15 Vitamin K2 - Activator X 35:07 Vitamin A Deficiencies 37:25 The Nutrient Chain & Eating for "Bodybuilding" 43:27 Vitamin D Deficiencies And Dental Health 46:39 Refined Foods Change Generations 53:36 Fertility Superfoods List 01:01:32 Prenatal Supplements 01:04:49 Budgeting Health Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for t Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 10m

  3. MAR 27

    Understanding Male Fertility and Declining Birth Rates

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 3 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting the spotlight to a topic that is often completely overlooked in the infertility conversation: the guys! While women often carry the heavy burden of fertility tracking and testing, men play an equally crucial role—not just in conception, but in the health of the pregnancy itself. Chrissy brings us another fascinating anatomy lesson, explaining the miraculous 90-day lifecycle of a sperm cell and how it is perfectly designed by God to survive. Then, Katie uncovers a shocking truth about sperm morphology, comparing Weston A. Price's fertility standards from the 1930s to the shockingly low standards of modern medicine today. We wrap up the episode by looking at the staggering statistics behind the global decline in birth rates, and why holistic health might be the key to turning the tide. In this episode, you'll learn: Banned Foods: Why American staples like Kraft Mac & Cheese and Ritz Crackers are restricted or banned in Europe (and what they do to your body).The 90-Day Cycle: Why a man's diet, stress, and lifestyle choices today actively impact his fertility three months from now.The Miracle of Semen: How the male body perfectly formulates fluids to neutralize the acidic female environment and nourish the sperm.Morphology Madness: How "normal" sperm abnormality rates went from under 20% in the 1930s to a whopping 96% today.The Postpartum Connection: How the quality of the sperm at conception can actually impact the mother's morning sickness, risk of hemorrhage, and postpartum depression.The Population Crisis: A deep dive into why U.S. and global birth rates have plummeted to historic lows and what it means for the next generation.Resources mentioned: Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price - https://amzn.to/4bzucfi Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 1: Wrestling with God in the Waiting - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18826546 Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 2: Female Fertility 101 - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18863856 Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Part 3 of the Fertility Series 01:31 Random Revelation - Foods Banned In Other Countries 06:54 Male Anatomy 101: Testes, Puberty, and Sperm Creation 12:44 The Semen Secret: Surviving the Female Environment 15:44 The 90-Day Sperm Renewal Cycle 17:35 Sperm Morphology: 1930s Standards vs. Today 30:21 How Sperm Quality Impacts Pregnancy & Postpartum 33:17 The Crisis of Declining Birth Rates & the "Replacement Rate" 42:42 Food's Impact on Health & Fertility 48:14 What We Are Covering Next: Improving Fertility Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    52 min

  4. MAR 20

    Female Fertility 101: Understanding Estrogen, Progesterone, and Ovulation

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In Part 2 of our Fertility Series, we are shifting from our personal testimonies into a full masterclass on the female reproductive system. Chrissy puts her nursing hat on to break down the miraculous, intricate design of a woman's monthly cycle in a way that is easy to understand. Whether you are currently trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to understand why your motivation tanks at certain times of the month, this episode is packed with "aha!" moments. We explore the biological miracle of conception, dive into the different ways to track your cycles at home, and discuss why managing your stress is one of the most important things you can do for your fertility. In this episode, you'll learn: The Anatomy of a Cycle: What is actually happening in your body during the follicular and luteal phases.The Hormone Rollercoaster: Why your energy and motivation peak before ovulation and crash right after.The Miracle of Conception: The fascinating, obstacle-filled journey sperm takes to fertilize an egg.The Cortisol Connection: How stress directly opposes progesterone, and why creating a feeling of "safety" in your body is crucial for conception.How to Track: A breakdown of Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tracking, LH strips, and advanced hormone monitors like Inito.The Power of Visualization: How Katie used the Christian Hypnobirthing app and visualization to find peace during her pregnancy and hospital stay with Malakai.Resources mentioned: App / Monitor: Inito Fertility Monitor - https://www.inito.com/ App: Christian Hypnobirthing App - https://www.christianhypnobirthing.com/ Previous Episode: Fertility Series Part 1: Wrestling with God in the Waiting - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18826546 Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the Fertility Series 03:58 Random Revelation: An Anatomy Class Fun Fact 07:53 The Menstrual Cycle: Follicular vs. Luteal Phase 09:53 Growing the Next Generation in the Next Generation 13:04 Hormones & Mood: Why Your Energy Fluctuates 25:30 How Cortisol (Stress) Disrupts Your Fertility 31:44 The Power of Visualization and Mindset 35:51 Katie's Hypnobirthing Experience 41:40 The Biological Miracle of Conception 48:51 Methods for Tracking: BBT, Ovulation Strips, and Inito 01:00:00 The Stresses of Having Too Much Data Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 8m

  5. MAR 13

    From Birth Control to Broken Plans: The Heartbreak and Hope of Infertility

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship. Today, we are stepping away from our usual lighthearted banter to share something deeply personal. This episode kicks off our brand new, multi-part series on Fertility. But before we get into the science, hormone tracking, and holistic health in future episodes, we knew we had to start with the posture of our own hearts. In this incredibly raw and vulnerable episode, Chrissy and Katie open up about their personal fertility journeys. They share the unseen heartbreak of waiting, the frustration of unexplained symptoms, and what it looks like to wrestle with God when your deepest desires are met with silence. From navigating PCOS and naturopathic healing to surviving sepsis and making life-altering medical decisions, this episode is a testament to the fact that even in our darkest wilderness, God is still good. In this deeply personal episode, we share: A Genesis Revelation: A beautiful realization about the creation story, and how God provided light before He ever created the sun.Chrissy’s Journey: The frustrating aftermath of hormonal birth control, discovering insulin resistance and PCOS, and finding hope (and healing) through a naturopath and Maca root.Katie’s 40-Month Wilderness: The pain of unexplained infertility, battling depression and anger, and ultimately finding peace in surrendering the dream of biological children.Malakai’s Miraculous Birth: The traumatic reality of contracting sepsis, the ECMO machine that saved Malachi's life, and Katie's heartbreaking decision to have a life-saving hysterectomy.The Ultimate Sacrifice: How the story of Abraham and Isaac, along with our own earthly trials, give us a humbling glimpse into the agonizing sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.Resources mentioned: Book: The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross (A wonderful Easter book for kids!) - https://amzn.to/4lqsi5e Supplement: Maca Root (Used by Chrissy for PCOS/Hormone balancing) Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship 00:53 Random Revelation: The Light Before the Sun 09:53 Fertility Journey Kick Off 12:49 Chrissy's Fertility Journey 20:34 Katie's Fertility Journey 40:32 Malakai's Birth Story 44:54 Future Fertility for Katie 46:35 Finding Reconcilliation in the Journey 49:36 God Uses Infertility to Strengthen Our Faith 56:15 God Is With Us in the Journey Remember, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 6m

  6. MAR 6

    25 Habits for Good Energy: What it Takes to Get and Stay Healthy

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Chrissy & Katie dive into a full review of the trending book, "Good Energy" by Dr. Casey Means. They break down the central thesis of the book: that metabolic health is the root of almost all chronic disease. They discuss the "25 Habits" outlined in the book—from nutrition and movement to sleep and environmental toxins—and share which habits they are adopting (and which ones they are struggling with). Plus, Chrissy shares a Random Revelation about how your sense of smell impacts your digestion, and they debate whether cold plunges are actually worth the misery. In this episode, you'll learn: Smell & Digestion: Why getting rid of synthetic fragrances might help your body process food better.Book Review: Why we give Good Energy a high rating (but recommend skipping the last chapter).The "Big 3" to Avoid: Refined sugar, refined grains, and industrial seed oils.Metabolic Habits: The importance of protein, fiber, and "eating the rainbow."Movement & Sleep: Why walking after meals and consistent wake times matter.Navigating Social Situations: How to politely decline the Pepsi and the church snacks.Resources mentioned: Book: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3Mgj3HLDocumentary: Breaking Big Food  https://amzn.to/4ameB3jPrevious Episode: Real Bread Revolution  - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17167392Previous Episode: The Myths of Seed Oils - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17325956 Previous Episode: The Water Episode - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/17075688Previous Episode: Sleep is Healing Time - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467060/episodes/18645131App: Google Gemini (Katie uses for food journaling)Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship 01:19 Life Updates 05:09 Random Revelation: The Impact of Smell on Digestion 09:55 Fragrance-Free Living and Health Tips 13:48 Book Review: Good Energy by Casey and Callie Means 19:52 Personal Health Journeys and Natural Remedies 29:00 The Power of Diet and Lifestyle Changes 34:02 The Impact of Sugar on Pain 34:21 Casey Means' Health Philosophy 35:09 Political Landscape and Health 36:47 Nutrition Guidelines from Casey Means 44:35 Movement and Sleep Habits 47:37 Meal Timing and Environmental Factors 50:57 Toxins, Nature, and Mental Health 52:38 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 8m

  7. FEB 27

    Sleep is Healing Time: Reclaiming Your Rest

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Katie and Chrissy brave the winter weather (and the broken windshield wipers) to talk about one of the most underrated pillars of health: Sleep. But first, Katie shares a "Random Revelation" from her holistic dentist about why snacking all day might be ruining your teeth—and your gut. Then, the ladies dive deep into the science of sleep. They discuss the scary reality of what happens when you don't get enough rest (did you know lack of sleep can mimic diabetes?), and why we need to shift our mindset from "bedtime" to "healing time." From Scandinavian sleeping tricks to the debate over sound machines, they cover the practical, natural, and biblical ways to steward your rest. In this episode, you'll learn: The 2-Hour Rule: Why spacing out your meals is crucial for your dental and gut microbiome.The Diabetes Connection: How getting only 6 hours of sleep can lead to insulin resistance.Habit Stacking: Practical ways to signal to your body that it's time to wind down (like taking out your contacts!).Sleep Sanctuary: Tips for setting the perfect temperature, lighting, and air quality in your bedroom.Natural Sleep Aids: Why we love Magnesium (and are cautious about Melatonin), plus a list of foods that naturally boost your sleep hormones.Resources mentioned: Resource: The Secret to a Good Night's Sleep (Melatonin Info)Product: Earthley Wellness Good Night Lotion (Magnesium)Book: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means - https://amzn.to/3NZBKzT Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://amzn.to/4ccfUmE Book: The Biblio Diet - https://amzn.to/4r1TV6r Air Filter: Jasper Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship 03:13 Random Revelation: Meal Spacing Benefits 10:51 Fasting and Its Benefits 13:53 The Importance of Sleep 15:34 Personal Sleep Experiences 19:19 Sleep Schedules for Kids 24:12 The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation 31:10 Sleep Is "Healing Time" 36:25 Being Overtired 38:07 The Risks of Poor Sleep 42:04 Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep 47:03 Habit Stacking for Better Sleep 52:38 Setting the Perfect Sleep Ambiance 01:04:27 Natural Sleep Aids and Nutrition 01:10:59 Foods That Boost Melatonin Production Remember, whether you eat or drink (or sleep!), do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 14m

  8. FEB 20

    The Personal Care Audit: Fragrance, Parabens, and Products We Actually Use

    Send us a Message! Welcome back to Crunchy Stewardship! In this episode, Chrissy and Katie dive into the often overwhelming world of personal care products. Before they get into the suds and scrubs, Chrissy shares a "Random Revelation" about "Movement Snacks"—a simple way to combat the dangers of sitting all day (even if it means doing pushups in your office cubicle!). Then, the ladies head to the bathroom cabinet to discuss what we are actually putting on our skin. They break down the specific ingredients you should avoid, why "silky smooth" textures and bubbles might actually be harmful, and share the specific brands they use—from shampoo bars to beef tallow moisturizers. In this episode, you'll learn: Movement Snacks: Why 30 seconds of activity is better than a food snack for your energy levels.The "Big 3" Ingredients to Avoid: Understanding Dyes, Parabens/Phthalates, and "Fragrance."The "Bath & Body Works" Effect: Why synthetic chemicals are used to make scents last longer and textures feel smoother.Navigating the Aisles: How to use apps like Switch Natural and EWG to scan your products.Product Reviews: Honest thoughts on HiBar, Attitude, Dr. Bronner’s, and Tallow-based skincare.The Sasquatch Confession: Why clean beauty routines sometimes mean shaving less often!Resources mentioned: Cleaning Products Episode: App: Switch Natural (Ingredient Scanner) - https://www.switchnatural.com/switch-natural-app App: EWG Healthy Living - https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ App: Bobby Approved - https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/ Shampoo: HiBar Shampoo Bars - https://amzn.to/49Iqije Shampoo: Attitude Living - https://amzn.to/3YSYAvb Shampoo: Acure - https://amzn.to/3NxIsg7 Body Wash: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap - https://amzn.to/49T7a27 Skincare: Rowe Casa Organics - https://oken.do/0brrt9fh Face Wash: Garnier Micellar Water - https://amzn.to/3LDaOVN Sleep/Wellness: Earthley Wellness Magnesium Cream - https://amzn.to/4qwedEN  Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Crunchy Stewardship 01:27 Random Revelation: Movement Snacks 09:07 Personal Care Products Overview 12:20 Guidelines for Choosing Personal Care Products 16:30 Why Harmful Ingredients Are Used 23:15 How to Find Non Toxic Products 31:34 Shampoo Recommendations 33:29 Ever-Changing Product Formulas 37:07 Exploring Shampoo Options 39:18 Conditioner Challenges 41:49 Body Wash Preferences 45:04 Lotion and Moisturizer Choices 53:44 Face Wash 58:25 Lip Care and Final Thoughts Connect With Us:  Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship  FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

    1h 3m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

In this podcast we are taking a deep dive into what it means to steward our lives as God originally intended for us with the resources that God has given us. We will look at topics like food, medicine, finances, mental health and lots more through a natural lens with a biblical foundation. 

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Fiola Jones & Chrissy Rombach
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Crunchy Stewardship
  • Show Website
    Crunchy Stewardship

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