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.

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.

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.

Could your mold test be telling you only a fraction of the story or even giving you a false sense of security?

Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) Jessica McQuade of Mold Mentor, LLC and Mold Ease, LLC joins us to pull back the curtain on the most commonly used professional mold testing methods, including non-viable air sampling, tape lift, swab testing, and ERMI/MSQPCR. Jessica shares her six rules of sampling, explains the critical difference between viable and non-viable testing, and reveals why a "no" result never truly means "no." From the limitations of air testing to the creative ways professionals use tools like borescopes to collect samples in hard-to-reach spaces, this conversation will change the way you think about mold testing.

Whether you've already spent money on testing or are just beginning your journey, this episode will equip you with the foundational knowledge to ask better questions, vet your IEP more effectively, and understand that testing is just one tool in a much larger investigative toolbox.

Episode Highlights

· What is the difference between viable and non-viable testing? (4:07)

· Why is every mold testing scenario different? (7:28)

· What are Jessica’s six rules of testing? (9:32)

· How accurate and reliable is professional air testing (spore trap), and what are its limitations when measuring mold in a home? (14:05)

· How does tape lift surface sampling work for mold, and what are its strengths and limitations in identifying contamination? (26:32)

· How does swab surface sampling work for mold, and what are its strengths and limitations in identifying contamination? (34:10)

· What creative way does Jessica use a borescope to find hidden mold? (40:01)

· How does MSQPCR/ERMI/HERTSMI II sampling work for mold, and what are its strengths and limitations in identifying contamination? (42:37)

· Why should mold testing be used as just one piece of a larger investigation? (46:59)

· Should ERMI testing be used as a standalone answer or as one data point alongside symptoms and a full home investigation? (48:59)

· How do you decide when mold testing is truly necessary and ensure it’s used correctly as part of a full investigation and not relied on in isolation? (51:28)

Links mentioned in interview:

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

Mold Matters: Exploring the World of Fungi – Interview With Brantley May: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-matters-exploring-the-world-of-fungi/

Mini Class Series: Testing Options for Your Home: https://changetheairfoundation.org/testing-your-home/

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

Get in touch with our guest:

Instagram: @moldmentorllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moldmentorllc

Jessica McQuade’s Website: https://moldmentorllc.com/ and https://moldeasellc.com/detailed-about

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:

https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter:

https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/sta

What if the key to recovering from mold illness isn't rushing straight to binders and antifungals, but instead starting with sleep, diet, and basic health fundamentals?

Dr. Joe Mather shares his evolved approach to treating mold-related illness, explaining why he moved away from the complex Shoemaker protocol toward a more practical, patient-centered method. He reveals his diagnostic framework and emphasizes that successful treatment follows a specific order: fundamentals first, then gut, and finally mold-specific treatments. His frank discussion addresses common treatment controversies such as the importance of reducing (but not eliminating) environmental exposure, and why chasing zero mycotoxins isn't necessary.

Dr. Mather offers hope and practical guidance for anyone navigating the overwhelming world of mold illness treatment, emphasizing that recovery is possible with the right approach and practitioner partnership.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Dr. Mather’s treatment philosophy for mold-related illness and how has it evolved over the years? (3:35)
• What are the main differences between Dr. Mather’s approach the approach of other doctors, and what can urine testing tell you? (10:07)
• What four criteria does Dr. Mather require for diagnosing mold toxicity? (12:43)
• Is the goal a zero on a urine mycotoxin test? (19:44)
• What percentage of the mycotoxins in our bodies come from food versus the air? (22:30)
• In what order does Dr. Mather treat patients, and what happens if patients skip steps? (25:43)
• What role do probiotics play in mold recovery and which types does Dr. Mather recommend? (29:18)
• Does Dr. Mather believe patients need to achieve zero mold exposure or zero mycotoxins to heal? (32:49)
• What are some stories of Dr. Mather’s patients healing from mold exposure? (35:18)
• What are Dr. Mather’s thoughts on finding the right doctor and finding the root cause? (42:32)

Links mentioned in interview:
Moss Nutrition: https://www.mossnutrition.com
Real Time Labs: https://realtimelab.com
AJ’s Story: From Seizures to a Second Chance: https://changetheairfoundation.org/?s=callegan
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/

Get in touch with our guest:

Dr. Joe Mather's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@doctormather
Dr. Joe Mather's website: https://www.doctormather.com

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.

Could the invisible energy fields in your home be disrupting your sleep, triggering anxiety, or causing other unexplained health symptoms?

Certified electromagnetic radiation specialist Cathy Cooke breaks down what electromagnetic fields (EMFs) really are, where you're being exposed in everyday life, and how they may be affecting your health. From baby monitors with shockingly high fields to the surprising connection between mold illness and EMF sensitivity, Cathy reveals which devices are the biggest offenders and shares practical, budget-friendly steps you can take today to reduce exposure without overwhelm. You'll discover why your bedroom should be your top priority, learn simple habits like unplugging your Wi-Fi at night, and find out why that Food Saver on your kitchen counter could be flooding your home with dirty electricity.

Whether you're already experiencing symptoms or simply want to create a healthier home environment, this conversation will empower you to make informed decisions about the electrical environment you and your family are exposed to daily.

Episode Highlights

• What are EMFs and what is EMF sensitivity? (2:26)
• How did Cathy discover that EMFs were causing her health symptoms? (9:32)
• In which settings are EMFs posing problems for people? (13:47)
• What items cause high levels of EMFs in a home? (18:49)
• How high are EMF levels from alarm clocks and how effective are EMF cases for cell phones? (22:19)
• What is the best distance to keep away from devices with EMFs? (25:16)
• What are EMF levels like in kitchens? (26:44)
• Can people test EMFs themselves, or is a professional required? (30:32)
• What can people do about smart meters? (32:24)
• What is the connection between mold and EMFs? (35:44)
• What are ways you can reduce your exposure to EMFs at home? (39:54)

Links mentioned in interview:
Cece Doucette’s Website, Understanding EMFs:
https://sites.google.com/site/understandingemfs/introduction?authuser=0

Get in touch with our guest:
Website: https://wholehomeandbodyhealth.com
Instagram: @wholehomeandbodyhealth

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.

What happens when your body is screaming that something is wrong, but every test says you’re “healthy”?

In this empowering episode, fitness professional Kristie Calise shares her decade-long battle with mold-related illness, misdiagnosis, and debilitating conditions like mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and hyperadrenergic POTS. Kristie recounts the frightening symptoms that derailed her career, the gaslighting she faced in the medical system, and the “perfect storm” of trauma, infection, and environmental exposure that changed everything. She offers hard-won insights on self-advocacy, root-cause healing, and why mold is far more than “just an allergy.” Kristie explains how her journey inspired the creation of the Balance Workout App, a wellness tool designed for people navigating chronic and invisible illness.

This is an honest and validating interview for anyone searching for answers and reassurance that they’re not alone.


Episode Highlights

· What was the “perfect storm” that led to Kristie’s decade-long health collapse? (2:48)

· What tips does Kristie have to handle gaslighting from medical professionals? (10:26)

· What would Kristie have done differently in her health journey? (15:39)

· What are mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and hyperadrenergic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)? (21:40)

· What does the Balance Workout App offer for people struggling with health issues? (31:03)

Links mentioned in interview:
Medical Gaslighting - How to Be Heard in Chronic Illness: https://balancebanter.buzzsprout.com/2062689/episodes/18602059-e87-medical-gaslighting-how-to-be-heard-in-chronic-illness

https://changetheairfoundation.org/17-essential-questions-to-ask-a-medical-provider-when-dealing-with-indoor-environmental-illness/

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

Instagram: @balanceworkoutapp and @kristiecalise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balanceworkoutapp

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.