Susan Robbins sits down with Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a high-energy, real-talk conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday exposures can influence genetic expression. They break down what actually matters (without fear or perfectionism): how environmental toxins can dial up inflammation, impact detox pathways, and contribute to symptoms people often normalize, like brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep.

You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your toxin load starting where you are, reading labels, spotting “health” products that aren’t so healthy, avoiding common artificial sweeteners and synthetic fragrances, and making realistic swaps in food, skincare, and home products. The bottom line: you don’t need to do everything, you just need better awareness, smarter choices, and consistent habits that support your body’s natural detox systems.

In This Episode:

• Why toxins don’t have to be scary, but ignorance can be costly
• How environmental chemicals can influence inflammation, detox genes, and overall health
• The biggest red flags to watch for on food and supplement labels
• Why “sugar-free” and “wellness-branded” products often aren’t what they claim
• Simple, realistic ways to reduce toxin exposure without becoming obsessive
• How lifestyle basics, sleep, movement, hydration, and nutrition, support natural detox pathways
• Why feeling “okay” isn’t the same as feeling your best

Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis:

Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Shelly Jefferis:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish

Products Mentioned:

Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/

Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/

Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/

Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

“Everything in moderation” sounds harmless, even responsible.
But what if that phrase is actually keeping you stuck… or quietly damaging your health?

In this Raw, Real, Relatable mini episode, Susan breaks down why moderation is not one-size-fits-all and how this widely accepted advice can work against your unique biology.

Epigenetics shows us that health is personal. What’s “moderate” for one person can be inflammatory, disruptive, or even dangerous for another, especially when it comes to food, alcohol, sleep, stress, and exercise.

This episode isn’t about restriction or perfection. It’s about awareness, precision, and accountability.

In this episode:

• Why “everything in moderation” is outdated and oversimplified
  
  
• How moderation often removes responsibility and delays real change
  
  
• Why individual biology matters more than generic health advice
  
  
• How small daily habits create cumulative epigenetic stress
  
  
• Who moderation fails the most (and why)
  
  
• What to focus on instead: personalization, patterns, and awareness
  
  
  

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/26/episode108/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What happens when an old epigenetics training connection pops back into your inbox… talking stem cells, regenerative medicine, and the future of healing? Susan reconnects with Daniel Fazio for a high-energy, “buckle up” conversation that makes stem cells feel way less mysterious, and a lot more practical.

Daniel breaks down Stem Cells 101 in a way you’ll actually remember (think: your body as a city, and stem cells as the “contracted construction crew” that gets called in when roads, buildings, or systems need repair). From inflammation and recovery to performance and longevity, they unpack why stem cells are becoming one of the most talked-about tools in regenerative medicine, and what most people still don’t understand about how they work.

They also dive into the real-world differences between using your own cells vs donor-based options, why adipose-derived (fat tissue) harvesting can be less invasive than bone marrow, and the key questions to ask any provider (including cell viability, safety protocols, and candidate considerations). If you’ve ever wondered whether stem cells are “for you,” how banking works, or what the next wave of medicine could look like… this episode is your starting point.

In this episode

• Stem Cells 101 explained with a memorable analogy: your body’s “repair crew” for recovery and rejuvenation
  
  
• The difference between mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow/adipose) and pluripotent cells (perinatal sources like umbilical/placenta)
  
  
• Adipose-derived stem cells: what they are, how harvesting works, and why many see them as a more accessible option
  
  
• Why people often feel changes first through reduced inflammation and improved daily function/performance
  
  
• The big “must-ask” question: cell viability, and why it matters for results
  
  
• Who may be a better candidate for using a younger blood relative’s cells (and why age and health history matter)

Learn more about our guest Daniel Fazio:

With a deep background in regenerative medicine, Daniel recognized a critical gap in the healthcare landscape. Cutting-edge stem cell science existed — the technology to help people heal, recover, and thrive — but for most Americans, it remained out of reach.

Too often, he witnessed patients being overlooked. Told "no" without a second thought. Dismissed because they didn't fit a narrow profile or couldn't afford boutique clinic prices. These weren't edge cases — they were everyday people seeking real solutions.

That's when the vision for Legacy Labs was born: to bring the best stem cell technology in the United States to everyone — not just the wealthy or well-connected.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Daniel Fazio:

https://getlegacylabs.com/

https://app.minnect.com/expert/DanielFazio

https://l2bio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danfazio_

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/19/episode107/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast