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  • Episode #95: Hidden Mold Behind the Walls: Lesson From a Mold Inspector with Nik Stophel

    Episode #95: Hidden Mold Behind the Walls: Lesson From a Mold Inspector with Nik Stophel
    2026/10/05

    What would you do if you opened a wall to mount a TV and found mold covering it floor to ceiling?

    For Nik Stophel, founder of Pure Home and a certified mold inspector in Oklahoma, that moment kicked off a journey that turned him and his wife from unsuspecting homeowners into DIY mold remediators and advocates for families facing indoor environmental problems. Nik shares what they learned after uncovering hidden water damage throughout their home, including how far a single leak can spread, why the wrong remediation approach can make things dramatically worse, and why time is the one thing a truly thorough inspector can't fake.

    Packed with practical advice on documenting water damage for insurance, vetting remediation companies, and knowing when to stay or walk away from a home, this honest conversation offers real hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their own water damage nightmare.

    Episode Highlights:

    · How did a hidden leak behind the fridge spark the Stophel’s journey into mold and indoor air quality? (3:33)

    · Why is stopping a leak and documenting it immediately so critical before insurance gets involved? (10:32)

    · What should homeowners do right after discovering water damage to protect their health and coverage? (14:41)

    · Why can bad remediation be worse than none, and what should you do before opening walls? (16:52)

    · How did the Stophel’s hidden mold discovery and failed remediation attempts lead them to help other families? (23:19)

    · What surprise was discovered during a recent attic renovation, and why did it matter? (33:11)

    · How do you decide whether to stay and remediate a home or walk away? (40:13)

    · Why is the time spent on an inspection such a telling sign of how thorough it really is? (45:02)

    Links mentioned in interview:
    Maximize Your Home Insurance Payout With a Public Adjuster - Interview with Gwynne Beatty: https://changetheairfoundation.org/maximize-your-home-insurance-payout-with-a-public-adjuster/

    From Fear to Informed: Calmly Navigating Mold With Andrew Melrose: https://changetheairfoundation.org/from-fear-to-informed-calmly-navigating-mold/

    Start Here: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-home/

    Free Downloads: https://changetheairfoundation.org/free-downloads/

    Get in touch with our guest:
    Pure Home Email: info@purehomeok.com

    Pure Home Website: https://www.purehomeok.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587122729021

    Instagram: @PureHome.Oklahoma

    Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
    https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

    Sign up for our newsletter:
    https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/
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    50 分
  • Episode #94: MCAS & TILT: When Chemicals, Mold & Stress Break Your Tolerance with Dr. Tania Dempsey

    Episode #94: MCAS & TILT: When Chemicals, Mold & Stress Break Your Tolerance with Dr. Tania Dempsey
    2026/09/22
    Could an "iceberg" forming quietly beneath the surface for years be the real reason your immune system suddenly turned against you? Dr. Tania Dempsey joins us to unpack two conditions that are far more connected and common than most people realize: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT). Dr. Dempsey walks us through how a susceptible person can quietly become a sensitive one, and how a single trigger event, whether it's mold, infection, chemical exposure, or trauma, can push a body to its tipping point. From symptoms that can affect nearly every system in the body to the frustrating cycle of being bounced between specialists without answers, she explains what it takes to identify the true root cause, even when your labs come back "normal." Dr. Dempsey also shares practical screening tools, treatment strategies, and real patient stories of recovery that offer hope for those still searching for answers. Tune in to learn why your immune system may be trying to protect you, not betray you, and what steps may help you begin moving toward recovery. Episode Highlights· What is toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT), and how does it relate to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)? (3:12)· How does the "iceberg" image help us understand TILT, and how does a susceptible person become a sensitive, symptomatic one? (10:21)· Why can MCAS and TILT symptoms show up in nearly every system of the body? (14:48)· How common are MCAS and TILT, and why might the numbers be higher than official estimates? (19:05)· What are the BREESI and QEESI screening tools, and how do doctors use them to assess TILT? (21:32)· Why is identifying triggers the essential first step in treatment? (24:53)· What does a typical patient workup with Dr. Dempsey actually involve? (28:14)· What happens to the body after a mold or chemical trigger is removed? (31:46)· What are mast cell stabilizers, and how do they help calm an overactive immune system? (36:00)· How can patients who suspect they have MCAS or TILT advocate for themselves with their doctor? (37:52)· What patient success stories offer hope for people still searching for a diagnosis? (44:41)Links mentioned in interview:The Surprising Science Behind Indoor Chemistry With Dr. Charles Weschler: https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-surprising-science-behind-indoor-chemistry/TILT & MCS Uncovered: The Science Behind Chemical Intolerance With Dr Shahir Masri: https://changetheairfoundation.org/tilt-mcs-uncovered-the-science-behind-chemical-intolerance/TILT Research Program for Chemical Intolerance: https://tiltresearch.org/Chemical Intolerance Self-Assessment (QEESI): https://tiltresearch.org/self-assessment/Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI): https://tiltresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/231/2024/06/qeesi.pdfBrief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI): https://aseq-ehaq.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BREESI.pdfTILT and MCS Assessment Tools: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/hoffman-program/resources/chemicals-in-your-life/assessment-tools/International Society for Mast Cell Activation Syndromes: https://ismcas.orgRincón, R., Perales, R., Palmer, R. F., & et al. (2024). Environmental house calls can reduce symptoms of chemical intolerance: A demonstration of personalized exposure medicine. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 25, Article e53: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/primary-health-care-research-and-development/article/environmental-house-calls-can-reduce-symptoms-of-chemical-intolerance-a-demonstration-of-personalized-exposure-medicine/3CD1DD6B0B485730672A377A3A50BA3BPalmer, R. F., Dempsey, T. T., & Afrin, L. B. (2023). Chemical intolerance and mast cell activation: A suspicious synchronicity. Journal of Xenobiotics, 13(4), 704–718: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10660865/Miller, C. S., Palmer, R. F., Dempsey, T. T., Ashford, N. A., & Afrin, L. B. (2021). Mast cell activation may explain many cases of chemical intolerance. Environmental Sciences Europe, 33, Article 129: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00570-3Miller, C. S., Palmer, R. F., Kattari, D., Masri, S., Ashford, N. A., Rincon, R., Perales, R., Grimes, C., & Sundblad, D. R. (2023). What initiates chemical intolerance? Findings from a large population-based survey of U.S. adults. Environmental Sciences Europe, 35, Article 65: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-023-00772-xMasri, S., Miller, C. S., Palmer, R. F., & Ashford, N. A. (2021). Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance for chemicals, foods, and drugs: Assessing patterns of exposure behind a global phenomenon. Environmental Sciences Europe, 33(1), Article 65. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351924396_Toxicant-induced_loss_of_tolerance_for_chemicals_foods_and_drugs_assessing_patterns_of_exposure_behind_a_global_phenomenonGet in touch with our ...
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    52 分
  • Episode #93: What Really Happened? The First National Mold Survey

    Episode #93: What Really Happened? The First National Mold Survey
    2026/09/03

    In this solo episode, Kendra Seymour shares the story of buying her first home and the moment she realized the mold inspection and remediation industry operates with almost no oversight or regulation. The story illustrates why we just launched the first national consumer survey on mold inspections and remediations and why we need your experience to help change policies and drive industry reform.

    Now through September 18, 2026, we are asking anyone in the U.S. who has had a mold inspection and/or remediation in last 12 months to share their experience by taking our survey.

    Links to Survey:

    • Survey link: https://www.research.net/r/ChangeTheAirFoundation
    • Survey landing page: https://changetheairfoundation.org/research-surveys/

    For more information, please visit us at changetheairfoundation.org

    🔔 Don’t miss new episodes

    Stay informed and catch each new release by subscribing below:

    📧 Newsletter:
     https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/

    💻 YouTube:
     https://www.youtube.com/@changetheairfoundation3440



    Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.
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    6 分
  • Episode #92: When "Normal" Labs Hide a Real CIRS Diagnosis with Ariana Thacker & Dr. Scott McMahon of MoldCo

    Episode #92: When "Normal" Labs Hide a Real CIRS Diagnosis with Ariana Thacker & Dr. Scott McMahon of MoldCo
    2026/08/18
    Could brain fog, fatigue, and unexplained hormonal chaos all be connected to the same hidden cause? MoldCo founder Ariana Thacker and Dr. Scott McMahon join us to unpack chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a diagnosis so often mistaken for anxiety, chronic fatigue, or fibromyalgia that most patients spend years searching for answers. Ariana shares her own harrowing path from mold exposure to a 95% recovery, while Dr. McMahon breaks down the immune science behind why some people can leave a water-damaged building and still stay sick, why children can show up with ADHD-like symptoms instead of the classic adult presentation, and why the peer-reviewed research on mold-related illness is far more robust than skeptics claim. Whether you've been told your symptoms are "all in your head," you're a parent trying to connect the dots for your child, or you're a practitioner looking for an evidence-based framework, this conversation offers both the science and the hope needed to finally understand what's really going on. Episode Highlights:· What was Ariana's experience with mold-related illness, and how did the medical community respond? (3:53)· What is chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), and how does the innate immune system factor in? (8:11)· Why is CIRS often misdiagnosed as other conditions, and how can you tell if anxiety is actually stemming from it? (14:52)· What convinced Ariana she had CIRS, and what are the biggest misconceptions about mold illness? (16:34)· Are certain populations more vulnerable to CIRS? (19:23)· What is the Shoemaker Protocol, and why does CIRS treatment need an evidence-based approach? (21:23)· How is CIRS diagnosed? (25:25)· What should you do if your labs appear normal but you suspect CIRS? (27:21)· How are mold exposure and conditions like autism and ADHD connected? (28:46)· What did Dr. McMahon’s review of mold research literature reveal about legal cases? (32:34)· What helped Ariana get healthier, and what setbacks did she face? (34:17)· What inspired Ariana to found MoldCo, and where does she see it going? (37:38)· Where does Dr. McMahon see the field of mold-related health headed? (40:29)Links mentioned in interview:McMahon, Scott W. "An Evaluation of Alternate Means to Diagnose Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Determine Prevalence." Medical Research Archives, vol. 5, no. 3, Mar. 2017. https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/1125Dooley, Ming, and Scott W. McMahon. “A Comprehensive Review of Mold Research Literature from 2011–2018.” International Medical Review, vol. 6, no. 1, 2020, https://www.internalmedicinereview.org/index.php/imr/article/view/836 Start Here: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/Get in touch with our guest:MoldCo's Website: https://www.moldco.com/MoldCo Testing: https://www.moldco.com/productsMoldCo's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoldcompanyFree Questionnaire: https://access.moldco.com/signsMoldCo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moldco/Ariana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/Dr. Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcmahon-b97191357/MoldCo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoldcompany/Ariana's X: https://x.com/m0ldilocksMoldCo's X: https://x.com/themoldcompanyLearn more about Change the Air Foundation: https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.orgSign up for our newsletter: https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.
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    45 分
  • Episode #91: Is Early Inflammation Behind Your Child's Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety? Interview with Dr. Pejman Katiraei

    Episode #91: Is Early Inflammation Behind Your Child's Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety? Interview with Dr. Pejman Katiraei
    2026/07/21

    What if your child's colic, reflux, eczema, or sensory issues are not unrelated problems but early warning signs of something much deeper?

    In this important conversation, Dr. Pejman Katiraei unpacks how early bacteria and mold exposure can quietly hijack a child's developing brain and immune system, sometimes before they are even born. He traces the progression from seemingly minor early symptoms all the way to neuroinflammatory conditions like autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS, and explains why conventional medicine often misses the connection. From the surprising role of bacteria in water-damaged homes to whether neuroinflammatory progression can be stopped or even reversed, Dr. Katiraei breaks it all down in a way that is both scientifically grounded and truly hope-filled.

    If you are a parent who has been told your child will just grow out of it, or that various symptoms are unrelated, this fascinating conversation could be the one that finally connects the dots.

    Episode Highlights

    • Does Dr. Katiraei believe early neuroimmune changes in children are fully reversible if addressed in time, or can they leave a lasting mark on the nervous system? (2:31)
    • What determines whether a child stops at early symptoms like colic or reflux versus progressing toward a more serious neuroinflammatory condition? (8:39)
    • If Dr. Katiraei could design an ideal diagnostic panel for children with neuroimmune dysfunction, what markers would it include that standard labs routinely miss, and where does he hope diagnostic technology is headed in the next decade? (18:24)
    • Is treating water-damage bacteria any different from treating mycotoxin exposure, or does the same approach apply to both? (27:05)
    • What are the earliest clinical clues that point Dr. Katiraei toward mold and water-damage bacteria as the primary driver rather than another underlying cause such as Lyme or strep? (30:57)
    • Can a child's gut microbiome recover on its own after biotoxin exposure is removed, or does it need active treatment? And if so, should the focus be on binders or on calming immune activation and repairing the gut barrier? (35:45)
    • Where do probiotics fit into Dr. Katiraei's treatment approach, and are there situations where they can do more harm than good? (39:43)
    • What can Dr. Katiraei share about his upcoming book? (42:57)

    Links mentioned in interview:
    Navigating Mold-Related Illness in Children With Dr. Pejman Katiraei: https://changetheairfoundation.org/navigating-mold-related-illness-in-children/

    From Toxic to Treated: Part 1 With Dr. Neil Nathan: https://changetheairfoundation.org/from-toxic-to-treated-part-1/

    Get in touch with our guest:
    Website: https://drkatiraei.com

    Clinic website: https://wholistickids.com

    Instagram: @wholistickids

    Substack: @pejmankatiraei

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pkatiraei


    Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
    https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

    Sign up for our newsletter:
    https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/

    Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.





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    49 分
  • Episode #90: From Toxic to Treated: Part 1 Interview with Dr. Neil Nathan

    Episode #90: From Toxic to Treated: Part 1 Interview with Dr. Neil Nathan
    2026/05/26
    Could mold, Lyme disease, long-haul COVID, or even carbon monoxide exposure be secretly driving your most mysterious symptoms? After spending decades uncovering what mainstream medicine has missed, Dr. Neil Nathan joins us to share what he has learned. He unravels the complex links between immune triggers and the nervous system, explaining why so many "mystery" illnesses trace back to root causes that many doctors routinely overlook. From how inflammation, limbic system dysfunction, and mast cell activation intertwine to create hypersensitivity, to why so many people suffering today may have had underlying mold or Lyme illness that was only unmasked after COVID or a major life stressor, Dr. Nathan connects the dots in a way that is eye-opening and deeply validating. Whether you are a patient who has been dismissed, a parent watching your child struggle, or a practitioner searching for better answers, this conversation brings fresh clinical insight and genuine hope for recovery. This episode might be just what you need to finally make everything click. Episode Highlights· How do the terms sensitivity, toxicity, and reactivity differ from one another? (4:17)· What new insights does the second edition of Dr. Nathans book, Toxic, share with readers? (7:16)· When taking a patient's history, what patterns lead Dr. Nathan to identify mold toxicity as the primary driver rather than pathogens or other environmental threats? (10:53)· How do children and adults differ in how they present with mold-related illness? (15:17)· What testing can help detect mold-related illness? (16:53)· What would it take for recognition of biotoxin illness to become mainstream in the medical community? (20:32)· What updates are there on the mold questionnaire that Dr. Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista developed through a grant from Change the Air Foundation gave? (24:00)· What are some examples of mold contributing to seemingly unrelated illnesses? (30:06)· How does the progression from initial mold exposure to nervous system dysregulation to hypersensitivity typically unfold? How do the limbic system, vagus nerve, and mast cells interact to create the sensitive patient phenotype, and why do some nervous systems become stuck in this pattern? (36:05)· How can carbon monoxide exposure create lasting sensitivity, even after exposure ends? (45:54)· What cost-effective interventions can provide the greatest benefit for people with mold-related illness? (51:33)Links mentioned in interview:PANS, PANDAS, & Environmental Toxins – Interview With Dr. Jill Crista: https://changetheairfoundation.org/pandas-pans-and-environmental-toxins/Understanding the Role of Mold in Your Body & Home – Interview With Dr. Jill Crista: https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-the-role-of-mold-in-your-body-home/Environmental Impacts on PANDAS/PANS With Dr. Jill Crista: https://changetheairfoundation.org/environmental-impacts-on-pandas-pans/Seized by Mold: An HVAC Tech’s Recovery from Mold-Induced Seizures – Interview With AJ & Becky Callegan: https://changetheairfoundation.org/seized-by-mold-an-hvac-techs-recovery-from-mold-induced-seizures/Inhalational Alzheimer’s with Dr. Dale Bredesenhttps://changetheairfoundation.org/inhalational-alzheimers/Carbon Monoxide 101: Testing & Prevention – Interview With Charon McNabb: https://changetheairfoundation.org/carbon-monoxide-101-testing-prevention/Get in touch with our guest:Dr. Neil Nathan’s website: https://neilnathanmd.comLearn more about Change the Air Foundation: https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.orgSign up for our newsletter: https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/ Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.
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    57 分
  • Episode #89: Ask Change the Air - What does a mold inspection report look like?

    Episode #89: Ask Change the Air - What does a mold inspection report look like?
    2026/05/12

    What does a mold inspection report look like?

    Jessica McQuade pulls back the curtain on what separates a useful, actionable report from a report that stalls the whole process. Learn which information truly matters, how inspectors and remediators can work together effectively, and why clear communication and accountability are essential for a smooth, effective remediation process.

    Have a question about mold, water damage, or indoor air quality?

    Submit it to Ask Change the Air, our ongoing monthly Q&A series featuring expert insights based on real questions from homeowners and renters.

    📩 Submit your question:

    Ask@ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

    While we can’t answer every question directly, your submission helps guide future episodes and educational resources.

    🔔 Don’t miss new episodes

    Stay informed and catch each new release by subscribing below:

    📧 Newsletter:
     https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/

    🎧 Podcast – Your Indoor Air Podcast:
     https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-indoor-air-podcast/id1729207728

    💻 YouTube:
     https://www.youtube.com/@changetheairfoundation3440

    Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.
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    10 分
  • Episode #88: Ask Change the Air - If I am looking for a mold-safe home, what age home am I looking for?

    Episode #88: Ask Change the Air - If I am looking for a mold-safe home, what age home am I looking for?
    2026/05/12

    If I am looking for a mold-safe home, what age home am I looking for?

    Jessica McQuade explains why the answer isn’t so simple, and why a home’s history, past water damage, and overall condition matter far more than its age. Learn how to evaluate your home from multiple angles, build a trusted inspection team, and approach homebuying with realistic expectations and a prevention‑first mindset.

    Have a question about mold, water damage, or indoor air quality?

    Submit it to Ask Change the Air, our ongoing monthly Q&A series featuring expert insights based on real questions from homeowners and renters.

    📩Submit your question:

    Ask@ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

    While we can’t answer every question directly, your submission helps guide future episodes and educational resources.

    🔔 Don’t miss new episodes

    Stay informed and catch each new release by subscribing below:

    📧 Newsletter:
     https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/

    🎧 Podcast – Your Indoor Air Podcast:
     https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-indoor-air-podcast/id1729207728

    💻 YouTube:
     https://www.youtube.com/@changetheairfoundation3440

    Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.
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    10 分