Crunchy Culture

Tina Sorenson

Welcome to "Crunchy Culture," your go-to podcast for wellness that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Join us on a journey of holistic living, where we share delicious recipes, wellness tips, inspiring sobriety stories, and lifestyle insights designed to help you thrive. Whether you're looking to improve your mental health, embrace a balanced diet, or find inspiration in others' paths to sobriety, "Crunchy Culture" offers a blend of practical advice and heartfelt stories to support your wellness journey. Tune in for weekly episodes that empower you to live your best, healthiest life. www.thewellnessblondie.com

  1. Episode 21: SAD, TikTok Ban, and Self-Care: Finding Your Calm in a Chaotic Winter

    02/11/2025

    Episode 21: SAD, TikTok Ban, and Self-Care: Finding Your Calm in a Chaotic Winter

    Welcome back to Crunchy Culture! I'm your host, Tina Sorenson, and today we're talking about a topic that many of us experience during those long, cold winter months: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. If the cold dark days have you feeling down, drained, and sluggish, you’re not alone. For most of my life, I’ve battled SAD and learned a few tricks along the way to help manage it, so I’m sharing them with you today—no fluff, just real-life strategies. We’ll break down what SAD really is and how it can leave us struggling with everything from lack of energy to carb cravings. But don’t worry, I’m here with practical tips like Red Light Therapy (your new faux-sun), safe tanning options, and some essential wintertime vitamins that can make a big difference. I’ll also discuss how spending time outdoors and creating a solid routine can lift you out of those winter blues, even on the coldest days. Let’s be real, though—this isn’t just about fighting through the dark days. It's about taking control and choosing the best wellness strategies that work for you, whether it’s through supplements, outdoor adventures, or even taking a breath and allowing for imperfection. Stay tuned for a bonus tip on a small but mighty wellness practice that’s as easy as making your bed and a heartwarming reminder to stop doomscrolling. Listen in for simple but effective steps to stay empowered, sunny, and in good spirits all winter long. Don’t let the season win—join me on this episode for a genuine, no-nonsense guide to kicking Seasonal Affective Disorder to the curb. Links & Resources: * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 988 * Follow Crunchy Culture on Substack to get the latest tips, tricks, and a community of support. * Email: thewellnessblondie@gmail.com (For questions, thoughts, or tips you'd like to share!) Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    19 min
  2. Episode 20: produce maxx, norovirus, and the tik tok effect

    02/04/2025

    Episode 20: produce maxx, norovirus, and the tik tok effect

    In this episode, we dive into some juicy (and possibly controversial) topics that I know you’ve been wondering about—especially if you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately. Let's kick things off with a little produce mystery. You know that refreshing spritz you hear in the produce aisle? It's called ProduceMaxx, and there’s been a ton of chatter around it. What is this mist? Is it safe? We’re getting to the bottom of that, so no need to panic about your lettuce. Then, we're talking Norovirus: the infamous gut-wrenching virus that nobody wants to invite to their holiday party. How do you catch it? What should you expect if it crashes your digestive system? Spoiler: It’s miserable, but it doesn’t last forever. We’ll also get into how self-diagnosing your mental health through TikTok videos is a slippery slope and why relying on social media for medical advice might be a bigger issue than you realize. Why? Because you deserve better than confirming your worst fears from the comfort of your couch. So, settle in for some truth-bomb moments, laugh with me through the ridiculousness, and let’s talk all things food, viruses, and the chaos of self-diagnosis in the world of social media. And, of course, there’s a little self-care sprinkled in to get us through it all! ✨ Key Takeaways: * The ProduceMaxx mist isn’t as scary as TikTok suggests—learn what it really is. * A deep dive into Norovirus—what it is, how it spreads, and how to survive it. * TikTok self-diagnosis trends: why they’re problematic and how to spot the difference between curiosity and confirmation bias. * Practical tips for taking care of yourself while you wait for professional help. Listen now to get the facts straight—and yes, we’re still here to talk about self-care even in the most chaotic topics. Tune in, and let’s laugh through the mess together! Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    23 min
  3. Episode 19: 2025 Wellness Trends, Egg Preservation Breakthrough, and SNAP’s Junk Food Ban

    01/28/2025

    Episode 19: 2025 Wellness Trends, Egg Preservation Breakthrough, and SNAP’s Junk Food Ban

    In this episode, Tina dives into her latest obsession—habit stacking—and its transformative impact on her wellness journey. She also introduces her ongoing 75-Day Low-Toxin Living and Wellness Challenge, which encourages practical, toxin-reducing habits to cultivate long-term, holistic health. The challenge covers themes like simplifying household products, enhancing air and water quality, and detoxing mentally and emotionally. Tune in as Tina shares her personal progress and invites you to join the challenge for a sustainable, balanced approach to wellness. In the second part, Tina takes on the latest wellness trends for 2025, from the decline of wearables and the rise of spiritual wellbeing to the return of sleep schedules and hormonal health discussions. She also discusses the potential impact of a new bill limiting junk food purchases on SNAP benefits, weighing the pros and cons of government involvement in healthy food access. Join Tina for this insightful conversation packed with practical tips, humor, and the no-nonsense approach she’s known for. Don’t miss the episode’s mix of personal stories, wellness predictions, and a sprinkle of humor on issues that affect both individuals and society! Links: Wellness Trends for 2025 scientists are developing a coating for eggs so they can be shelf-stable on your counter SNAP recipients losing JUNK food Nourish and Thrive Mocktail Mixology TWB Low Tox & Wellness Group Zombie Cells Episode The Wellness Blondie is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    24 min
  4. Episode 18: food dyes, glyphosate

    01/21/2025

    Episode 18: food dyes, glyphosate

    In this episode, I dive into two of the most talked-about topics in the wellness world today: glyphosate and food dyes. These hidden chemicals lurk in many of our everyday foods, potentially impacting our health in ways we may not even realize. First up is glyphosate, a widely used herbicide found in crops like wheat and corn. I unpack the concerns about its long-term effects on brain function, particularly in children and pregnant individuals. With research pointing to its role in conditions like anxiety, depression, and impaired learning, the episode highlights proactive steps we can take to reduce exposure, from buying better options to choosing detox-supporting foods. Next, the dangerous world of food dyes and their links to cancer, gut health issues, and behavioral problems like ADHD. The FDA may soon outlaw certain artificial dyes, but in the meantime, I offer suggestions for navigating the colorful world of packaged food—without compromising your health. From supportive brands like Annie's to smarter choices in the snack aisle, encouragement to make better decisions with every bite. Tune in for an insightful episode that offers practical advice on how to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals, improve your food choices, and protect your long-term wellness. If you want to support The Wellness Blondie you can Like, Comment, and share this podcast. You can also head over to www.thewellnessblondie.com and subscribe to the Newsletter. Or you can purchase the thoughtfully curated recipe books Available on Amazon—just type Mocktail Mixology or Nourish and Thrive into the search bar, or click the links in the show notes. Start nourishing your body and thriving today! Links: Nourish and Thrive Mocktail Mixology The Wellness Blondie is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    25 min
  5. Episode 17: ADHD, gut health, EMFs

    01/14/2025

    Episode 17: ADHD, gut health, EMFs

    Welcome to Crunchy Culture, your weekly dose of unfiltered wellness talk with me, Tina Sorenson, where I dive deep into the latest buzz from the wellness world. Each episode, I’m here with snarky humor, personal obsessions, and a wellness tip or recipe to inspire your own journey. Join me every Tuesday for a fresh perspective on how to thrive in this crazy world of health trends and ideas. In this episode, get a peek into my life as I battle through mold exposure recovery (and it's a slow process, y'all). I’m totally geeking out over my latest obsession—hypochlorous solution. Yes, I’m becoming a DIY wizard in my own kitchen, mixing up powerful cleaning solutions that obliterate 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and—wait for it—mold. But it’s not just about cleaning, it’s a reminder that wellness is both external and internal. Tune in to hear about how this process is shaping my health journey and how I’ve learned to live with a little magic in my life. Then, we get into a topic close to my heart—ADHD. Why is it that so many adults are being diagnosed with ADHD lately? Is it the result of better awareness, or is there something more to the story, like… diet? I explore how our modern-day food habits and ultra-processed diets could be affecting our brains and leading to a spike in ADHD diagnoses. We’ll chat about the gut-brain connection, a game changer when it comes to managing ADHD. Finally, I share my own family’s journey with ADHD and gut health—from my son’s struggles with focus and the impact of real food to how exercise, sleep hygiene, and proper diet can make all the difference in managing ADHD. Spoiler: it’s not just about popping a pill. Small changes—like swapping sugary snacks for protein-packed options or trying some mindful movement—could be the key to better brain function and overall well-being. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get into it. Whether you’re new to wellness or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with info you can take and apply today to enhance your life. Links: Hypochlorite Generator The Wellness Blondie is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    32 min
  6. Episode 16: Personalized nutrition, Vagus nerve stimulation, and the “Wellness Generation

    01/07/2025

    Episode 16: Personalized nutrition, Vagus nerve stimulation, and the “Wellness Generation

    In this episode of Crunchy Culture, join me, Tina Sorenson, as I dive headfirst into the buzz-worthy wellness trends, offering my snarky commentary on everything from minimalist fads to personalized nutrition. If you're ready for some unfiltered opinions, hilarious rants, and a dash of real talk, this one's for you! I’m taking on the hot new trend of underconsumption—starting with my reaction to it on social media. Do we need more stuff, or are we just drowning in stuff we don’t actually need? I’m spilling the tea on how minimalist principles could help declutter our lives (and the planet) in a more meaningful way. Plus, I explore the curious world of personalized nutrition: is DNA testing the key to eating better, or is it just another overpriced gimmick? I get into the science (with a sprinkle of skepticism), plus a rant on how we’ve traded real food for ultra-processed chaos. And you won’t want to miss my latest obsession with vagus nerve stimulation—yep, I’m all about that life reset. Tune in for weekly doses of humor, practical wellness tips, and even a recipe to inspire your journey. Catch the full Video episode on YouTube, Spotify, or my website—plus subscribe and never miss an update! Links: Nourish and Thrive Mocktail Mixology Thanks for reading The Wellness Blondie! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    29 min
  7. Episode 15: Vagus Nerve, Low-Toxin Living, and TWB Newsletter

    12/31/2024

    Episode 15: Vagus Nerve, Low-Toxin Living, and TWB Newsletter

    Episode Description: Ready to reset your vagus nerve like you’re training for the wellness Olympics? Let me walk you through my latest hyperfixation: toggling between roasting myself in a sauna blanket (yes, I look like a human burrito) and braving cold plunges in Northern Wisconsin’s frosty backyard temps. Spoiler alert: it’s every bit as ridiculous—and rewarding—as it sounds. But we’re not just talking about my wellness antics. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the messy, hilarious, and ultimately rewarding journey of transitioning to a low-toxin lifestyle. From sneaky cleaning swaps to overhauling cookware and even cutting out processed foods (bye-bye, Pop-Tarts!), I’ll share tips, fails, and victories. Trust me—this is about progress, not perfection. Whether you’re curious about ice baths, contemplating low-toxin living, or just need a laugh at my expense, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s detoxify (and de-stress) together—one small change at a time! ✨ Don't forget to tag me in your cold plunge or sauna blanket snaps, and let me know your thoughts on tackling toxins in your home. See you there! Both books are available now on Amazon—just type Mocktail Mixology or Nourish and Thrive into the search bar, or click the links in the show notes. Start nourishing your body and thriving today! Links: Nourish and Thrive Mocktail Mixology Get full access to The Wellness Blondie at www.thewellnessblondie.com/subscribe

    23 min

About

Welcome to "Crunchy Culture," your go-to podcast for wellness that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Join us on a journey of holistic living, where we share delicious recipes, wellness tips, inspiring sobriety stories, and lifestyle insights designed to help you thrive. Whether you're looking to improve your mental health, embrace a balanced diet, or find inspiration in others' paths to sobriety, "Crunchy Culture" offers a blend of practical advice and heartfelt stories to support your wellness journey. Tune in for weekly episodes that empower you to live your best, healthiest life. www.thewellnessblondie.com