Lit From Within Podcast

Jenny Evans & Kirsten Ludwig

Lit From Within is your portal to high vibrational living—with a heavy dose of laughter as a side. Join Jenny Evans, celebrity esthetician and Founder of BeautyGrass & Kirsten Ludwig, her co-founder, confidante and best friend on a journey into transformational, unvarnished beauty and wellness knowledge. They question everything we've been told and shine a light on things that actual work. beautygrass.substack.com

  1. Sep 13

    Adipeau, peptides and other "innovative" skincare worth knowing.

    Most of the time, “innovation” in skincare is actually just marketing. But there are a few products and treatments that are really leveling up the game. It’s not the ingredients that have me excited, it’s the delivery systems. We cover Adipeau (the two-step system that rebuilds your fat pads and, truly, unsponsored, one of my must-use products), peptides, a new cold sore duo, ectoin, innovations in microneedling, microcurrent, and the heat-based treatments to be careful with. Enjoy! If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Catching up 00:44 — Parenting teenagers, bad choices, and the not-yet-developed prefrontal cortex. Real life, before we get into the science. What is “innovation”? 04:56 — Most new skincare is the same stuff in a different bottle. Real innovation is rare, and it isn’t about inventing a brand-new ingredient. All in the delivery 06:01 — Innovation is translating nature’s wisdom: getting botanicals, oils, and actives into a form your body can actually recognize, absorb, and use. Topical isn’t enough 10:37 — A great ingredient sitting on top of your skin does nothing. Peptides are communicators that tell your cells to build collagen and elastin, which is why bioavailability matters. Aging & volume loss 11:33 — As we age, we lose volume and get crepey skin. Many med-spa lasers and radiofrequency treatments are painful and can compromise your fat pads. Adipeau 12:52 — A biotech line focused on tissue regeneration, not just collagen. It works in the hypodermis to support firmness and volume. How to use Adipeau 16:47 —I get asked this a lot. So we go over the how-tos. Mark LA 21:57 — A groundbreaking cold sore lip duo using a flavonoid delivery system that drives deep into the layers. Catch it at the first tingle, and it may not even surface. A new era of microneedling 28:12 — We’ve moved from deep micro-injury to gentle micro-signaling. The sweet spot, the right depth, and why you need a skilled hand and regenerative actives. Ectoin 30:58 — An amino acid derivative that rebalances the microbiome, locks in moisture, and shields against pollution and blue light. The Inkey List makes a great, affordable one. New microcurrent options 32:31 — A natural face lift! Gentle sub-sensory currents boost ATP and re-educate the muscle, like cellular exercise. Pair it with electroportation to infuse actives without needles or heat. Be careful with lasers, RF & Softwave 34:35 — Heat-based treatments can deplete your fat pads and even distort the face. Why the skill of your operator matters more than the machine. Rapid fire 37:05 — Birthday-party salmon, a thoughtful talk with my daughter about choices, and the tip of the week: get Adipeau. Good to know Products mentioned: * Adipeau Strength Gel * Adipeau Volume Cream * Mark LA Cold Sore Lip Duo * The Inkey List Ectoin Serum * Microcurrent at Saving Faces (modality) * BeautyGrass Vibrancy Boost (GHK-Cu) * BeautyGrass Moonlit From Within * Plated (human-derived exosomes) * AQ Active (growth factors) Related Articles: * Injectable aka Sub-Q Peptides: Yay? Nay? * The NAD+ episode * I put salmon sperm on my face. Here’s what happened About: Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head to our Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  2. Aug 2

    The $9 oil that beats a $100 serum

    Can you actually buy great skincare at Target, Sephora, and CVS? I think so. But you have to be picky! But I’m picky when it comes to luxury skincare too. So, we get into it. We talk about surviving a Sephora haul with a tween, the simple-actives brands I love (that aren’t going to give you more problems than you’re trying to solve), the $9 oil I’d take over a $100 serum, and the places it’s worth splurging. Enjoy! If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Catching up 00:45 — My tried-and-true SPF got reformulated and now leaves a bright orange cast. We commiserate, then get into the good stuff. Good skincare done cheap? 03:45 — The mission: navigate Target, Sephora, CVS, and the health food store for quality skincare that won’t cost a fortune. Surviving Sephora 04:30 — Sephora is a rite of passage (and a Drunk Elephant zoo), but we get into how to send your kid in for something that won’t wreck their skin barrier. Simple actives. Tiny prices. 06:13 — I’m not big on active ingredients. They can wreak havoc on your skin. Especially when they are strong and combined. We talk single actives at a super affordable price, and my favorite place to redirect a TikTok-fueled teen. Inkey List 08:56 — The PHA body cream, the fulvic acid cleanser, the tranexamic acid serum for brown spots, and the ectoin barrier serum. Most under $20. Tower 28 14:27 — The SOS barrier redness-recovery moisturizer and the Sunny Days tinted SPF. Gentle, ceramide-rich, teen-approved. Byoma 15:31 — The melting balm cleanser, the creamy jelly cleanser, and a plant-based phyto mucin serum if your kid wants the snail-mucin trend without the snail. Bubble 19:03 — Adorable packaging, mineral Solar Mate sunscreens, the Soft Launch cleanser, and the Slam Dunk hydrating moisturizer. Cocokind 20:38 — Certified-organic rose water for under $10 (my morning hydrosol) and a clean little ceramide barrier serum. Versed 21:41 — An AHA body scrub, the instant resurfacing mask, the red algae Skin Soak moisturizer, and my favorite Purist gel cleanser. The Ordinary 23:54 — A retinol my sensitive skin can tolerate, $9 organic rosehip oil, the azelaic acid for redness, a squalane lip balm, and a copper peptide serum. TruSkin & Vanicream 27:01 — A stable, well-tolerated vitamin C from TruSkin, and Vanicream’s no-fragrance basics plus a ceramide vitamin C serum. Plus, how to read a vitamin C label (look for THD or MAP). Where to actually splurge 31:00 — When you do spend, spend here: Plated exosomes, Signal Plus, AQ Active, PDRN like Rejuran, and my everyday go-to, BeautyGrass Lit From Within. Rapid fire 34:15 — Date night at Nick’s, a beach ceremony on Monday, and the tip of the week: great skincare does not have to cost a fortune. Good to know Products mentioned * The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Cleanser * The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum * The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum * The Inkey List PHA Exfoliating & Hydrating Body Water Cream * Tower 28 * Tower 28 Sunny Days Tinted SPF 30 * Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser * Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser * Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser (ok, not great) * Byoma Phyto Mucin Glow Serum * Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer * Bubble Solar Mate Sunscreen (tinted & untinted) * Bubble Soft Launch Cleanser * Cocokind Organic Rose Water * Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum * Versed Instant Resurfacing Mask * Versed The Purist Daily Gel Cleanser * Versed AHA Exfoliating Body Scrub * Versed Skin Soak Red Algae Moisturizer * The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion (use SPF) * The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil * The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension * The Ordinary Squalane Lip Balm * TruSkin Vitamin C Serum * Vanicream Moisturizing Cream * Vanicream Vitamin C Serum with ceramides (THD) Where to splurge: * Plated (exosomes) * Signal Plus * AQ Active Serum * Rejuran (PDRN) * Medicube PDRN * BeautyGrass Lit From Within Face Oil Related Articles: * A $500 K-Beauty haul breakdown * I put salmon sperm on my face. Here’s what happened * Injectable aka Sub-Q Peptides: Yay? Nay? About: Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head to our Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  3. Jun 21

    The $12 retinol and other French pharmacy finds

    Kirsten came back from a trip with a suitcase full of French-pharmacy-finds, and I put every single one through my ingredient test and did a yay or nay on the spot. We get into what the French actually figured out (hint: thermal water and serious healing), the staples worth traveling for, the cult $12 retinol I love, and the one I’d leave on the shelf. Plus a little peptide tangent, because of course. Grab your magnifying glass. Half this packaging is in microscopic French. Enjoy! If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Catching up (and a peptide tangent) 01:10 — Kirsten’s trip, the designer boots that were NOT $575, fresh chops, and why I’m convinced the fountain of youth is peptides. So what IS a French pharmacy? 03:42 — The London French pharmacy is a whole thing: little white coats and shelves of healing skincare. Biafine: the French first-aid hero 05:05 — A French chemist’s burns-and-cuts cream from the ‘70s. Basically, the French version of Neosporin-meets-Vaseline. Great for scratches, post-procedure, scars, and a too-much-sun day. French wisdom 05:49 — Thermal water, calcium, magnesium, real minerals. French formulas lean healing, soothing, and hydrating. The one catch? They do love a ‘parfum’. Fragrance is something I feel strongly about, so we discuss. Embryolisse: the makeup artist’s secret 08:41 — The line makeup artists have used forever. This cooling stick hydrates, refreshes, and de-puffs. Gorgeous as a pre-makeup prep. There’s an unscented cream version too if fragrance isn’t your thing. La Rosée: the mask stick + eye gel 10:38 — A 3-in-1 kaolin clay mask stick (non-drying, creamy but better for combo/oily than dry skin) and an aloe anti-fatigue eye gel. Fun, soothing, easy. Great for a teen, too. The SVR ampoules 12:38 — The pharmacist’s pick. Ampoules are basically waterless serums you layer UNDER your serum (very K-beauty). We go through the Anti-Ox radiance, the B3 Hydra repair, and discuss the three weights of hyaluronic. SVR Clairial: the brown-spot brightener 16:03 — A 10% vitamin C serum aimed at sun damage, blue light, pollution, and pigmentation. Not cheap, but a strong pick if hyperpigmentation’s your thing. Skin Diligent: the exosome night cream 17:16 — Plant exosomes (not the human-derived kind I love), so temper expectations. I explain what exosomes actually do (collagen, elastin, ATP, stronger skin) and why this formula’s fine but won’t knock your socks off. Less is best 18:51 — Why I gravitate to single-active formulas (The Inkey List, The Ordinary) over the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bottle. And why Cottan Bonne Mine is a hard nay from me (soybean and rapeseed oils, no thanks). Gallinée: microbiome magic 21:36 — Microbiome skincare built on ferments with alpha-glucan, oligosaccharides, ceramides, and panthenol. Hydrating, nourishing, protective. A winner. A313: the cult $12 retinol 22:49 — The one I always grab at the French pharmacy. A potent-but-gentle vitamin A palmitate (retinol that converts in a few steps, so it’s kinder). Start with a pinhead, build slowly and give your skin ~4 weeks to adjust. Uriage: the affordable staple 25:30 — Another French-pharmacy mainstay using thermal water from the Alps. It’s the body wash I use at home. Not greasy, never stripping, leaves skin soft, and so inexpensive. Rapid fire 27:29 — Slow-cooked chicken tacos and Spencer’s A-game sourdough, speaking my truth with a room full of moms, and the tip of the week: put Biafine in your first-aid kit (and check your Tylenol isn’t from 2020). Good to know Places to know: * The French Pharmacy (London) Products Mentioned: * Gallinée Youthful Serum * Biafine Emulsion * SVR Clairial Serum * SVR Ampoule Hydra * SVR Ampoule Anti-Ox * La Rosée Contour Eye Gel * La Rosée Stick Mask * Skin Diligent Exosome Advance * Cottan Bonne Mine (Jenny’s nay, do not recc) * Embryolisse (makeup artist’s stick / unscented cream) * A313 Vitamin A Pommade (the $12 retinol) * Uriage thermal-water body wash * La Petite Marseille neroli body line Related Articles: * A $500 K-Beauty haul breakdown * Injectable aka Sub-Q Peptides: Yay? Nay? * I put salmon sperm on my face. Here’s what happened ABOUT Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head to our Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  4. Feb 15

    I put salmon sperm on my face. Here’s what happened

    We finally caved and did the salmon sperm episode. PDRN is everywhere right now. TikTok is obsessed. K-beauty is flooding the shelves. But is it magic, marketing, or just a very well-branded why not? I break down what it actually is, what it might do, and which products are worth your face. If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! What PDRN actually is 02:58 — Salmon DNA extracted from sperm, purified, powdered, and turned into skincare. Yes, really. We unpack the science and the 95% DNA similarity claim. The real medical use 05:04 — Before it hit TikTok, PDRN was used for diabetic ulcers and wound healing. Tissue regeneration is where the data actually shines. Injectables vs topical 06:05 —Skin boosters, blebs, short-lived results, and why injectable PDRN is the “golden ticket” if you’re going all in. The serum dilemma 08:29 — Why every formula is a cocktail of actives, and why it’s almost impossible to know if it’s the PDRN doing the work. MediCube pink peptide serum 09:06 — Dewy, plump, glass skin vibes. Is it the salmon DNA or the peptides? Honestly… who knows. But it’s glowier. Rejuran and hydration 09:58 — The only brand making the injectable version. More hydration, better moisture retention, and a little hyaluronic acid skepticism. Anua 100+ PDRN + Hyaluron 12:05 — Runnier, layerable, super glowy without looking greasy. Think bounce, not wet. VT PDRN essence 100 13:30 — Serum-meets-lotion texture that makes you wake up looking like you just had a facial. Luxurious and dewy. Is PDRN actually the star? 14:58 — Big claims: fibroblast stimulation, collagen, DNA repair. We call it what it is. A why not ingredient, not a life-changer. “Microneedling in a bottle” 16:36 — VT Reedle Shot and spicules, aka microscopic glass-like shards from sea sponges. It stings. It works. But is it smart? The foreign-body concern 20:20 — No long-term FDA data. Theoretical keloid risks. We get honest about ambivalence and why real microneedling might be safer. Eye masks, gel masks, and glow pads 22:32 — Jenna Bell, MediCube pink collagen sleeping masks, and the marketing genius of slapping PDRN into everything. What to actually look for 24:00 — Stick to trusted sourcing and purification. Watch for vegan versions. And layer thinnest to thickest. Time-release retinol + PDRN 25:15 — Innis 0.5% retinol with PDRN. Affordable, effective, and a better long-term bet than novelty trends. Rapid fire 25:52 — White owls as spiritual messengers, and whether spicules are life-changing—completely normal conversations to be having. Products mentioned * Rejuran Turnover Ampoule — Jenny’s TOP TOP PICK * Rejuran injectable PDRN skin booster * MediCube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum * MediCube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask * Anua 100+ PDRN + Hyaluron * ANOA Glow Pads * VT PDRN Essence 100 * VT Reedle Shot 100 / 300 — Very popular. Though Jenny prefers micro needling by a practitioner * Genabelle PDRN eye masks * Genabelle spicules * Innis 0.5% retinol with PDRN * VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100 * Panex vegan PDRN * Websites for K-BEAUTY: * Stylevana * Soko Glam * Yes Style Related Episodes and Articles Important Notes * Injectable PDRN results are short-lived and require multiple sessions. * Topical PDRN mostly works at the surface level of the skin. * Spicule “microneedling in a bottle” products are not FDA-approved. * Sourcing and purification matter, especially with salmon-derived DNA. * PDRN is a why-not ingredient, not a miracle cure. It goes without saying, none of this is medical advice. Make your own choices, talk to medical professionals, and find what works for you. GOOD TO KNOW Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head to our Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  5. 12/21/2025

    The face massage episode everyone asked for

    This is a super fun one. We’ve all seen facial massage all over Insta and TikTok, but most of us have no clue how to actually do it. I walk through the real technique. We talk tension, fascia, sculpting, posture, and why your jawline probably isn’t jawlining for reasons no cream can fix. You’ll want to pair this one with video if you’re used to listening, because we show you all the tricks. If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Not new knowledge 00:00 — We kick off with why massage isn’t a trend at all, but a 500-year-old technique resurfacing for a reason—structure, tension, and fascia tell the whole story. Hidato, Kobido, Buccal 02:55 — I explain my new certification, how ancient Japanese techniques evolved, and why combining modalities changes everything. Your face is a map 04:50 — Tension, trauma, sadness, joy—it’s all in the tissue. We talk how emotions carve patterns into the face and why inner work shows up physically. Posture is skin care 06:57 — Forward shoulders, tech neck, tight pecs… your posture shapes your jawline more than any serum. I break down what’s actually happening. The chest & neck reset 09:40 — The sequence to open the chest, release the platysma, and prep the “gates” for proper lymph flow. It’s instant relief. Pinch & Lift 12:50 — We get into the pinch, roll, and knuckle work that frees stuck tissue and wakes up the jaw, chin, and sides of the face. Yes, it’s intense. Yes, it works. The elbow lift 17:19 — This weird-looking stretch fixes rounded shoulders and gives your neck mobility back. Platysma stretching 18:50 — How to manually stretch and lengthen the muscles that drag your jawline down—and why this move is magic for a “snatched” profile. Salmon sperm + sculpting 20:50 — The slow sculpting glide that wakes up the jawline and boosts product penetration. Depressors, marionettes, and the chin 22:55 — If you have chin texture, “orange peel,” or downward pull, this sequence is your new religion. Lip-plumping massage 25:00 — The upper and lower lip techniques that naturally plump, smooth smokers’ lines, and reshape volume. It works shockingly fast. Masseter release 27:55 — Jenny shows how to find the masseter, break up adhesions, and why clenchers (hi, me) need this daily. Facial cupping 28:58 — We learn how to safely use suction cups on the jaw and cheeks for lift, space, and sculpt. It’s wild to see the difference instantly. Nasal folds 30:34 — The trademarked move that pulls apart and softens deep smile lines—simple, fast, and incredibly effective. Bunny lines + brow tension 34:08 — We work the eyes, upper cheeks, and brow muscles to relieve squinting patterns and open up the whole mid-face. Sculpting the upper cheek 36:15 — The knuckle move that defines your cheekbone and gives the lifted, contoured look without injectables. Corrugator + forehead lines 38:15 — The real technique to soften 11s, smooth forehead lines, and lift heavy lids by separating the muscle fibers themselves. Lymph clearing and drainage 41:20 — How to clear buildup around the ears, temples, and neck so your work actually lasts. The unicorn suction move (yes, really) 45:25 — The cupping technique that smooths forehead lines by working both directions—downward and outward. Ear work & scalp pulling 46:55 — Why ears and scalp are the secret to full-face relaxation and better circulation. Back-of-neck & SCM release 48:45 — How to find the SCM, loosen neck fascia, and use bands or balls for alignment and pain relief. Double chin sculptor 51:09 — The hand-stacked technique that instantly tightens the chin and boosts circulation. Myofascial VS Gua Sha 52:45 — When to use which technique, why they’re different, and how to combine them for better results. How long? Really? 54:03 — The realistic at-home plan: five minutes daily, ten on a Sunday, and what to prioritize. Rapid fire 54:28 — We close with best bites, word of the week, and the high-vibration moment that hit us both. Books/Articles/Links * BeautyGrass Podcast * Anastasia Beauty Fascia’s YouTube * Facial massage might actually help your brain clean waste. Nature. Instagram explainer. GOOD TO KNOW Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head toour Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  6. 12/07/2025

    The $340 neck cream debate

    This week, Kirsten and I tackle the body part we’ve both been side-eyeing lately: the neck. From posture to platysma, creams to collagen, we cover every option to keep your neck looking and feeling its best. Surgical and not. Plus I share one surprising trick that starts with rolling your feet. Enjoy! If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Our nemesis: the neck 03:41 — Why necks betray us first, why posture matters more than melanin, and why neck lifts are suddenly the surgery du jour. What surgeons actually do 09:46 — From full lifts (big scars, muscle pulls, lipo) to the “weekend lift,” we chat about the options, the scars, and when surgeons recommend tacking it on to a facelift. The risks of cutting your platysma 14:00 — That thin neck muscle is key to lymph drainage. Cut it, and you risk tightness, mobility issues, and blocked flow. Threads, microcurrents, and more 16:31 — Thread lifts dissolve in months. Don’t believe the hype. I swear by my new microcurrent machine instead. It’s Pilates for your face and neck. Posture starts in your feet 22:02 — Rolling your feet changes your posture and neck position. Add SEM (sternocleidomastoid) massage, and you’ll feel the lift instantly. Wall tricks and band hacks 29:01 — “T**s out, back to the wall” posture resets and strengthening moves. The easiest at-home neck fixes. Pillows, creams, and $340 serums 32:05 — Do neck creams work? We get into occlusives, gentler retinol derivatives, castor oil packs, and whether a splurgy German serum is worth it. If you only do one thing… 36:05 — Massage is the winner. Add posture and stretching for bonus points, and gua sha if you’re diligent. Supplements for connective tissue 38:00 — Beef organs, pearl powder, bone broth, marine collagen, and why I love Australian cockatoo plum. Gratitude vs. the knife 40:12 — Yes, gratitude practices help. But if your neck makes you nuts: book the lift, and I’m happy to recommend a surgeon. Good to know Tools and techniques: * Ultrasound therapy * Kybella * Micro-current is Jenny’s preferred treatment to Threading lift * Posture is KEY * Roll your feet on rubber ball (toes to heal/heel to toe) * Pinching/stretching the SEM muscle (sides of neck) * Platisma (front of neck) stretch * Soft(or spikey) rubber ball (or knuckles) to loosen pec muscles * Using exercise bands - posture exercise against the wall * Gua Sha Products mentioned": * A neck support pillow may be helpful * Auteur Definitive Neck and Décolleté Cream (pricey) * VibrantBoost Face Mist & MoonLitFromWithin Face Oil * Heart & Soul Beef Organs supplement * Par & Olive Marine Collagen Supplement Related Articles: * The Dowager’s Hump Episode (yes, it’s real) * The Ultimate Wellness Drinks — smoothies, broths, and more * Retinol: Everything you need to know GOOD TO KNOW Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head toour Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  7. 11/16/2025

    WFT is muscle testing?

    If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Meet Maggie 00:47 — A guest! Maggie's a homeopath, medical intuitive, and Reiki practitioner whose work has touched every part of our lives—from our kids to our animals to ourselves. The dog who changed everything 04:56 — Maggie sensed something in Jenny’s pug... and what unfolded was one of the most beautiful death transitions we’ve ever heard. How Maggie became Maggie 07:50 — From anatomy-obsessed eighth grader to roadkill whisperer to studying in Ireland, Maggie walks us through how she became who she is. What is homeopathy? 11:02 — Maggie breaks down the philosophy behind homeopathy (hint: it’s not woo-woo), what it can treat, and why it’s not molecular medicine. Supplement sleuthing 15:17 — Turns out your supplement might be right—but your brand might be wrong. Maggie explains how she tests for resonance and tolerance. Muscle testing 101 20:32 — Maggie explains how she uses her body as a pendulum—and teaches us how to do it too. What’s a medical intuitive? 22:58 — Your higher self, but make it diagnostic. We talk about Maggie’s intuitive reads and how she supports neuro-diverse kids. High-vibe rituals 27:00 — From grounding cords to Dead Sea baths, we get Maggie’s go-to rituals and talk about what works when the usual tools don’t. Force fields > freak-outs 32:00 — We talk energetic boundaries, navigating collective anxiety, and shadow work—why the things that bother you are often your biggest teachers. Human pendulum how-to 36:06 — Get your body involved. We walk through the step-by-step process of muscle testing and the surprisingly big decisions it can help with. Intuition meets dating apps 42:26 — Yes, you can use muscle testing for relationships. Yes, we have questions. The fact-checking future 47:00 — Maggie shares a dream where mass muscle testing changed politics—and why this tool is about so much more than health. Trusting yourself again 50:01 — The point of all this? Intuition. Maggie talks about the power of knowing your truth and why being intentional doesn’t mean you lose spontaneity. Rapid fire + rituals 53:03 — A cheddar-and-pesto snack, a grounding hike, and a reminder to always dip… then come back up. Good to know OUR GUEST: * Golden Ray Healing * Mountains Homeopathy * Maggi Shanley Maggi Shanley has been practicing Classical Homeopathy for 24 years. She got her start while living in Ireland, studying at the Burton School of Homeopathy. After which, she started her private practice and worked as a consultant for Nelson‘s homeopathy a British homeopathic pharmacy in Dublin. As she practiced her gifts expanded to include Reiki?, Medical Intuitive work, death, Doula work, and finally animal communication work as well. Her work is based in authentic presence, empowerment, and a deep caring for all beings on this planet. BOOKS/ARTICLES/LINKS Samuel Hahnemann (founder of homeopathy, German MD) Nelson’s Homeopathic Pharmacy (Ireland/England) Santa Monica Homeopathic PRODUCTS MENTIONED Magnesium Glycinate  Heart and Soil Beef organs supplements Anima Mundi Ashwaganda Arsenicum Album 30C Dead Sea salt  ABOUT Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head toour Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

  8. 08/17/2025

    The NAD+ episode

    This episode is on a topic I’m getting asked about constantly. Well, that’s true for all the episodes really but this is an especially hot topic it seems. Especially with all my peri-experiencing friends. Let’s chat NAD+. We’re not saying it’s magic, but NAD+ might be the closest thing.This one’s for anyone trying to feel sharp, sleep better, and look glowier from the inside out. So you know I love it. Let’s get into it. If you want to skip to the good bits, click the links! Sensitivity and supplements 00:42 — Is it the weight of the world or is it the weather? We talk mindset, peptides, and estrogen face cream. The telepathy tapes and neurodivergent gifts 04:33 — I’m obsessed with this podcast. We chat and unpack nonverbal communication, lightworkers, and how it reframes what’s happening. NAD+ 101: the youth molecule 05:31 — Why NAD+ is crucial for energy, aging, and mitochondria—and why your levels are likely plummeting if you’re in perimenopause. PS. If you’re in peri, give this episode a listen. So you think you need NAD+ 08:44 — Dull skin, brain fog, slow recovery: the story of my current life. NAD+ tells your cells how to behave. So when it dips, everything goes with it. The stack 11:16 — NMN, NR, CoQ10, and resveratrol. We get granular. What to take, how much, and why each of these supplements work better together. Plus: Maggie’s methylation tip. The format chat 15:01 — Pills? Injections? IVs? We break down the pros, cons, cost, and timing of each method, including how to make it work for your budget. This stuff ain’t cheap! How to boost NAD+ naturally 17:45 — Cold plunges, circadian rhythm, HIIT, and intermittent fasting, we get into it all. And cover the practical NAD+ support plan I like best. SubQ vs IV 18:59 — I make the case for subcutaneous injections: slower than IV, but way cheaper, more stable, and still super bioavailable. The dream protocol 22:16 — If you’re only doing one thing, I tell you which. If you’re stacking, we map the ideal plan: supplements, sub-Q, and monthly IV. Rapid fire 24:32 — Enchiladas, fennel, and light. Products mentioned Precursors to NAD+ * Nootropics Depot Nicotinamide Mononucleotide NMN * Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity * Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 * Thorne Methylguard * Thorne Resveritrol * Sunny Within Longevity NAD+ * Qualia NAD+ * Vital Meds SubQ * IVs by Pause or your local option Resources mentioned * Telepathy Tapes Related episodes and articles * In peri? Reach for some Amino Acids * Perimenopause — An ultra-real personal journey * Injectable aka Sub-Q Peptides: Yay? Nay? ABOUT Our music is by the artist Fabian Küpper.  Learn more about his work and enjoy his soul-soothing handpan music on his website  Connect with Kirsten’s company IN GOOD CO | Website I Substack I Insta I LinkedIn Explore Jenny & Kirsten’s award-winning skincare brand, BeautyGrass I Website I Substack I Insta | TikTok  Visiting LA? Treat yourself to a facial with Jenny at Saving Faces: Website | Insta  The LitWithin podcast team is: Jenny Evans, Kirsten Ludwig, Chris Danton, and Christina Hempstead If you're listening to this on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, head to our Substack for tons of detailed notes and links from the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautygrass.substack.com

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Lit From Within is your portal to high vibrational living—with a heavy dose of laughter as a side. Join Jenny Evans, celebrity esthetician and Founder of BeautyGrass & Kirsten Ludwig, her co-founder, confidante and best friend on a journey into transformational, unvarnished beauty and wellness knowledge. They question everything we've been told and shine a light on things that actual work. beautygrass.substack.com

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