Wellness Reality Check

Jessica Aldredge / Ashley Ihemelu
  • 4.8 (27)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Jess and Ashley are two health practitioners, moms and best friends trying to navigate the world of holistic health in a balanced productive way that brings health to our lives instead of dogmatic extremes. We'll be breaking down health trends, interviewing your favorite health influencers and always keeping it real. We hope this podcast brings listeners back down to earth, providing a dose of reality in the often idealized world of health and wellness. New episodes return August 5th

  1. When A Child Changes Overnight: Understanding PANS, PANDAS, Neuroinflammatory Autism

    2D AGO

    When A Child Changes Overnight: Understanding PANS, PANDAS, Neuroinflammatory Autism

    In this episode of Wellness Reality Check, Ashley and Jess sit down with Dr. Melissa Jones, a board-certified pediatric neurologist with advanced training in functional psychiatry and the Shoemaker Protocol for mold-related illness. They dive deep into the evolving understanding of PANS, PANDAS, autism, ADHD, and neuroinflammatory disorders in children. Dr. Jones explains how infections like strep, mycoplasma, viruses, mold, and parasites can trigger sudden-onset OCD, anxiety, tics, restricted eating, and behavioral changes through immune dysregulation and basal ganglia inflammation. She shares her transition from conventional neurology to an integrative, root-cause approach that includes advanced lab testing, gut health, detoxification, supplements, and targeted use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The conversation also covers genetics, SNPs (like MTHFR), heavy metals, vaccines as immune triggers, screen-time impacts, and how to support autistic and neurodivergent children while honoring neurodiversity. Parents will find both validation and hope for complex pediatric neuroimmune conditions. Quiz link: PANS/PANDAS Quiz Course link: https://stan.store/PANSdoc/p/panspandas-course-for-caregivers Where to find Dr Melissa Jones: Instagram @allinonepeacewellness Tiktok: @allinonepeace Youtube: www.youtube.com/@allinonepeace Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/All-In-One-Peace/100093045876533/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
  2. Popular Health Trends: What We'd Actually Spend Money On

    JAN 27

    Popular Health Trends: What We'd Actually Spend Money On

    Standby for trending health supplements and holistic wellness hacks. In this value-packed episode, Ashley and Jess offer their down-to-earth, experience-driven perspectives on the latest health trends making waves on social media—including biohacks, popular supplements, gadgets, and wellness treatments. From deep-dives on supplements like Body Bio Trio, Tudca, molecular hydrogen, and Nutrafol, to candid conversations about mammograms, biohacking gadgets, and influencer marketing in the holistic health space, you’ll get honest reviews and actionable advice tailored for sensitive individuals and holistic health enthusiasts. Ashley and Jess don’t shy away from discussing their personal health journeys, the limitations of “one-size-fits-all” wellness advice, and the importance of individualized approaches in natural health. You will also get behind-the-scenes stories, research-backed insights on emerging trends like peptides and GLP-1 medications, and practical tips for mindful supplementation, gut health, detox strategies, immune system support, and more. Whether you’re a wellness podcast fan, a holistic health seeker, or just curious about the facts behind the hype, this episode delivers real talk, transparency, and actionable recommendations. Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 34m
  3. The Dopamine Economy: How Social Media Hooks Us All

    JAN 20

    The Dopamine Economy: How Social Media Hooks Us All

    This week on Wellness Reality Check, we're getting real about something that touches every single one of us: social media, influencer culture, and the constant pressure to buy, compare, perform and consume. In a world where everyone is selling something: a product, a lifestyle, a version of themselves; it's becoming harder and harder to tell what's real, what's marketing, and what's actually good for our mental and physical health. The "wellness world" especially has become saturated with perfectly curated lives, overnight solutions, and influencers who are more invested in aesthetics than actual wellbeing. This week, it's just Ash and Jess taking a breath, stepping back and talking about how social media is reshaping our nervous system, the hidden stress of constant comparison, why we feel pressured to buy our way to "better", and how influencer culture impacts our sense of self, our worth, and even our health choices. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just over it...this episode is your reset. We are going to be pulling back the curtain and giving the social media the reality check it needs. Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m
  4. Healthy Home Building Explained: What Actually Matters for Your Health with Ashley Spanovich

    JAN 13

    Healthy Home Building Explained: What Actually Matters for Your Health with Ashley Spanovich

    Ashley and Jess invite Ashley Spanovich—founder of Awakening Spaces and expert in healthy home design, environmental wellness, and building biology. Dive into Ashley's personal health journey from battling unexplained symptoms to discovering the profound impact of indoor environments on overall well-being. This episode covers everything homeowners, renovators, and wellness enthusiasts need to know about: Creating healthy, healing indoor spaces using principles from building science, interior design, and holistic healthHow mold, mycotoxins, and EMFs affect your nervous system and long-term healthWhat most people overlook when building or renovating homes—from proper ventilation to the dangers of dirt crawl spaces and the pros/cons of building materials like carpet, insulation, and wood productsWhy balancing risk and fear is key to promoting healing in your homeTips for renters and buyers seeking safer, low-toxicity housingPractical advice on hardwiring Ethernet, reducing EMF exposure, evaluating building professionals, and more Whether you’re building new, renovating, or simply want to optimize your current living space for better health, this episode is full of actionable insights, personal stories, and expert guidance to help you make empowered decisions about your environment. Plus, discover helpful resources—including a free home buying/renting guide and upcoming EMF self-assessment course (links below). We wanted to do this episode for those ready to bring a dose of reality to your holistic health journey and rethink the way you live, work, and heal at home. Find Ashley Spanovich at Awakening Spaces Conscious Construction Container Ashley's Library to Courses, Resources and Guides The Awakening Spaces Podcast Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 9m
  5. New Year, Real You: Ditch the Pressure and do This Instead

    JAN 6

    New Year, Real You: Ditch the Pressure and do This Instead

    Every January we're told to reinvent ourselves: bigger goals, stricter rules, faster results. But what if real change doesn't come from doing more..i.it comes from doing less, consistently? In this episode, Ash and Jess break down why small, realistic changes are often far more powerful than extreme resets; even when the results aren't immediately visible. The girls talk about why progress can feel invisible before it becomes undeniable, how balance in all things creates lasting momentum, and why sticking with something matters more than doing it perfectly. If you're tired of burnout-driven resolutions and ready to build habits that actually fit your life, this conversation will help you shift from pressure to presence. And from quick fixes to real, sustainable change. Because the gaol this year isn't a "new you." It's a real you you can actually maintain. Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min
  6. Your Period is a Vital Sign - Here's What It's Telling You with Jenna Longoria

    12/16/2025

    Your Period is a Vital Sign - Here's What It's Telling You with Jenna Longoria

    In this week's podcast Ash and Jess are joined by Ashley's good friend Jenna Longoria, better known as The Period Guru. Jenna is a Board-Certified Functional Nutritionist and Certified Midlife Specialist who helps women decode their hormones and thrive through every phase of life, from fertility challenges to perimenopause and beyond. Jenna’s work is deeply personal. After years of struggling with PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles, mood swings, and being offered nothing but birth control, she set out to find real answers. Through functional medicine, targeted lab testing, nutrition, and lifestyle shifts, she put her conditions into remission—and even conceived naturally at 37, despite being told it wasn’t possible. Now she’s on a mission to help women do the same. Jenna specializes in PCOS, endometriosis, painful or irregular periods, infertility, PMDD, thyroid issues, and adrenal dysfunction. Her goal is simple: to equip women with the tools to experience pain-free periods, steady energy, healthy digestion, and optimal fertility. We’re excited to dive into her story and her powerful work supporting women’s hormonal health. Jenna is truly an expert in her field and has such a grounding presence and approach to health. You can find Jenna's website here. And her social media @theperiodguru Check out her course Period Solution course and her free Fertility Checklist Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 4m
  7. The New Era of Holistic Healing: Nutrition, Energy, and Nervous System Work with Hope Pedraza

    12/09/2025

    The New Era of Holistic Healing: Nutrition, Energy, and Nervous System Work with Hope Pedraza

    In this week's episode Ash and Jess are joined by Hope Pedraza, a powerhouse in the wellness space and someone who truly embodies mind-body healing. Hope is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, and a Certified HTMA expert. She's also the founder of inBalance, a Pilates-based fitness franchise that blends movement with mindful, functional health. And if that wasn't enough, she's the host of the Hopeful and Wholesome podcast, where she dives deep into natural wellness, functional testing, and the holistic tools that help women take back their health. We're so excited to welcome Hope to the show and dive into her unique, integrative approach to healing and empowerment. Hope's website www.hopefulandwholesome.com You can find Hope on social media @thehopepedraza And listen to her podcast Hopeful and Wholesome here. Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min
  8. Mouth Matters: The Surprising Link Between Oral Function & Whole-Body Health with Karindy Ong

    12/02/2025

    Mouth Matters: The Surprising Link Between Oral Function & Whole-Body Health with Karindy Ong

    On this week's episode of Wellness Reality Check, we’re joined by Karindy Ong, a Speech-Language Pathologist who shifted from working with brain and spinal cord injury patients to focusing on airway health after her own children faced ongoing issues. That personal journey led her into the world of Myofunctional Therapy, where she now helps clients of all ages uncover the root causes behind complex airway and feeding challenges. Karindy combines science, biohacking, and holistic medicine to optimize healing and shorten treatment time — all while empowering families to understand the crucial role of airway development in lifelong health. She’s the creator of The Myohacker Podcast and is on a mission to help the next generation grow up healthy, vibrant, and thriving. You can find Karindy at her website www.myohackerslp.com and on social media @myohackerslp She offers an online course Myo Magic at Home and has free downloads here. You can find Karindy's podcast The Myohacker Podcast here and where you stream your podcasts Visit us on Instagram @wellnessrealitycheck Go to wildwholistic.com and use our discount code 'WRC' for 10% off and to support our sponsor Wild Wholistic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
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4.8
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Jess and Ashley are two health practitioners, moms and best friends trying to navigate the world of holistic health in a balanced productive way that brings health to our lives instead of dogmatic extremes. We'll be breaking down health trends, interviewing your favorite health influencers and always keeping it real. We hope this podcast brings listeners back down to earth, providing a dose of reality in the often idealized world of health and wellness. New episodes return August 5th

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Aldredge / Ashley Ihemelu
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2025 Wellness Reality Check
  • Show Website
    Wellness Reality Check

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