In this Valentine’s Day episode, the Green Docs review toxic-free romance. Yes, it can happen. You’ll learn how couples, including expectant couples, can enjoy a swoon-worthy evening without any extra toxic chemicals – from chocolate and sweets, safe foods to enjoy, flowers, spa days, and other – ahem – “lotions.” Plus, have you ever wondered if safe sex is actually safe in pregnancy? Later in the episode we’ll switch it up and talk with a co-founder of a premium non-alcoholic beverage company, Something and Nothing, and get some rose-themed mocktails to cap the night.

Nate and Bruce review the latest headlines: France’s government extends parental leave as they witness their lowest birth rate since WWII; the International Pasta Organization (yes, real organization) reports that the happiness from pasta exceeds that from music and sports; and could there really be contraception for men? Also – hear how Nate got to talk cars with Matt Farah, Bruce made another trip around the sun, and the podcast reached 3,000 downloads. Many balloons!

Show Links

France to reform parental leave after births hit lowest since WWII:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-sees-collapse-births-lowest-since-world-war-two-2024-01-16/

Happiness from eating pasta is greater than what you get from music and sports:

https://www.foodandwine.com/eating-pasta-is-scientifically-proven-to-make-you-feel-better-8548017

Gel injected into scrotum could be next male contraceptive:

https://www.wired.com/story/male-contraceptive-contraline-vasalgel-hydrogel/#

Chocolate- what to know:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-benefits-of-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-chocolate#:~:text=Increases%20heart%20health%3A%20The%20antioxidants,and%20death%20from%20heart%20disease.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-milk-or-white-which-chocolate-is-best-for-your-heart

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chocolate-when-pregnant#recommendations

Sweets to have and to avoid:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-benefits-of-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-chocolate#:~:text=Increases%20heart%20health%3A%20The%20antioxidants,and%20death%20from%20heart%20disease.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007430.htm

Slippery stuff- what to know:

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/vaginal-lubricants#what-it-is

Sex during pregnancy: enjoy!

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318

Mocktails: health perks of aloe vera juice:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/aloe-vera-juice-benefits

Mocktails

New Leaf

• 1.5 oz of the kaffir lime leaf seed lip
• .0.75 ounce cucumber water (cucumbers and water blended and then strained
• 0.75 ounce lime juice
• 0.25 ounce rich simple

Shake together, double strain into a double rocks glass with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime leaf from the infusion.

Bright Eyes, Bushy Tails

• 1 ounce raspberry puree
• 2 ounce lemon
• 0.5 ounce simple

Shake and then pour over ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig.