Feeding The Family

Do You Need Community to Be Happy? Ep. 34

Do You Need Community to Be Happy? Having a healthy and happy life filled with fun and joy are goals many of us want to achieve and as we know, to achieve or move towards that moment, occasion, experience, thought,
and whenever it arrives and forever long it lasts, is not just what you eat and put in your body, but, also, what you put in your mind and how you feed your soul.
 
So, what are some ways to find that happiness and joy?
Today we are talking about how valuable the role of community, IRL In Real Life, is to finding that said happy life.
 
My next guest Susan Fraser!
Welcome
 
Susan O’Connor Fraser is co-founder of Tam Communications. Since 1979, Susan has written and produced literally thousands of programs for broadcast and cable, and for Northern California leading organizations. In commercial production, Susan has been the Executive Producer/Creative Director/Writer for spots for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, West Marine, and Granite rock. Susan worked with her partner Tam to co-develop and executive produce the internationally syndicated television series, Coast Guard that ran for three seasons on over 100 stations throughout the country. From there she has created, written and produced programming for Discovery, The Travel Channel, Discovery Health, The Military Channel and National Geographic Television. In the non-broadcast world, she has earned a reputation for crafting customized media solutions to drive sales, build image, motivate employees, or communicate corporate or product messaging through video and other digital media. Susan has received top honors from numerous industry competitions and was the 1988 recipient of the McFarland Award, presented in recognition for her many contributions to the Northern California media production community. She served on the board of the Mexican Heritage Corporation and the Professional Media Network of Greater San Jose. She was also the organization’s president for two years. Susan is also on the Treasurer of Think Local First Santa Cruz, is a member of the Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force, the Scotts Valley Chamber Board of Directors, and the Steering Committee for Santa Cruz Voice.
 
 
 
Ep. 34 Susan O'Connor Fraser

Heal Your Inner World to Heal Your Physical World with Jill Troderman and Guest Acupuncturist Rachel Farber 1/14/26 Ep. 33

Unravel the Knot and The Healing Begins 
When we unravel the knot, the healing will begin, says my next guest, Dr. Rachel Farber Acupuncturist, from Santa Cruz, CA.
That may sound to some a bit woo woo but really it is philosophical statement rooted in anatomy and physiology, based on thousands of years of experience.
 
Today I want to explore if Is it necessary to check in with your inner self to really figure out why you have any certain conditions or ailments? For instance, if you are running around, staying out late, not eating well, and then pull your back out… are these incidents links or are they random?
What about being in a toxic work or relationship, for decades, and you develop anxiety and seek medication, valid, but is it also necessary to take a look at what are the foundational drivers of any imbalances?
Here to discuss this and more is Dr. Rachel Farber!!
Dr. Rachel Farber, DAOM, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with over 25 years of clinical practice. She has also served on the faculty Five Branches University and Yo San University teaching Ob/Gyn, Clinical Nutrition and Management of Autoimmune Disease.                      
 
She uses a natural approach to help people feel (and look!) their best with an emphasis on pain relief, autoimmune disease management and holistic facial renewal. She practices Integrative Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy, cupping, gua sha, heat therapy, deep tissue massage and micro-needling.
 
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Farber leads online groups in her 21-Day Seasonal Reset Programs designed to help participants practice gentle nourishment for optimal health. She is also a certified yoga teacher, loves reading and baking, and hanging out with her kids, husband and dog outdoors.
Healing Your Inner World to Heal Your Physical World.
https://rachelfarber.com/
 
 
 
 
 
 

New USDA Food Guidelines 2026, Questioning GLP1's, Fire Cider Recipe with Jill Troderman and Guest Abby Klein 1/7/26 Ep 32

USDA new inverted food pyramid 2026, SNAP restrictions in certain states, plus California Gov. bans UPF’s in schools.
Ep 32 Feeding the Family January 7, 2026
 
You know the famous Chinese proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."?
 
Well, the same goes for dealing with health and prevention of disease.  Of course, preventing illness is always a great goal but sometimes even those who are healthy, will get sick. Think of a time of illness as a time to reset, cleanse and restore.
 
To continue with the planting a tree analogy, the best time to prepare for illness, is, yesterday!
My guest and co-host today is Abby Klein, medical expert and pharmacist from the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
We talk about the latest health news, USDA new inverted food pyramid, SNAP restrictions in certain states, plus California Gov. bans UPF’s in schools. It is a start. Let’s see how things go.
 
Please support my work, buy me a coffee, and like and subscribe to your favorite streaming services! Thanks everyone for listening in!! I am so grateful. 😊
 
Peace and love,
 
Jill
 
www.santacruzholisticnutrition.com 
 
 

Next Generation of Thinkers Happens at the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery

Next Generation of Thinkers Happens at the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
Today's show highlights a favorite non-profit, the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery, https://www.sccmod.org/ for Santa Cruz Gives which is a year-end fundraising campaign for donors to learn about and support multiple local nonprofits with one transaction. 
On the show we feature Bonnie Keet and Patrice Keet, the original founders, board member Emily Jacobson and long-time employee Heaven Reagan. 
The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is a unique place creating the next generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers - it's a one wonder filled experience at a time, says MOD visionaries! Listen in to learn more!
Why give through Santa Cruz Gives?
Your dollars stay local, strengthening our County’s economy.
Donations are increased through matching funds.
You can learn about and support many local nonprofits on one website.
Organizations are vetted by an experienced committee.
You’re part of a community, and can watch donations make an impact in real-time on the leaderboard.
November 19 – December 31, 2025
Give online
Visit SantaCruzGives.org to donate by credit card, e-check, ApplePay, or GooglePay.
https://www.sccmod.org/
Thanks everyone for listening, liking and subscribing to your favorite streaming services. 
Check out our upcoming Holistic Nutrition Education Classes for 2026. 
The Food Tree 101 begins January 20th. Registration is now open for enrollment.
Link here.  https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/classes/
 
 
 

Homeless Garden Project, Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center 12/17/25 Ep30.mp3

Homeless Garden Project and Walnut Avenue Family & Women' s Center are featured in my episode today as we bring awareness to these valuable organizations, and for the Santa Cruz Gives campaign, First up is Paul Goldberg, Director of Development and Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director at the Homeless Garden Project (@homelessgardenproject). On their website they say, "In the soil of our urban farm, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world." Next up will be Julie Macecevic, Executive Director of the Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center (@walnutavenue_center). Their purpose is serving families and survivors of domestic violence.
Two awesome stories are about to be told. Don't miss it!
 
 

Seasonal Stress Domino Effect w/Jill Troderman and Guest Alisha Slaughter Ep 29 12/10/25

Holiday time is one hundred percent related to increase in stress levels. From family obligations, work parties, kids, grandparents, and dealing with you wider community- just driving around or shopping can trigger even our most chill and centered of our friends.
 
Can hanging around stressed people increase your own levels of stress? Yes, via pheromones, bringing along your baggage filled with your lifetime of stress, even positive good events like celebrating the holidays can indeed stressful.
 
And if those obstacles aren’t enough, American women are under tremendous amounts of stress while trying to balance the demands of home, work, and relationships. Common medical opinion is that 96% of all illness is either a direct result of stress, or greatly aggravated by it according to the Anxiety Center.
 
Let’s be resilient to stress this year and how?
 
Today we are talking with Alisha Slaughter is an Integrative Health and Mind-Body Practitioner
 
Short Bio
Alisha Slaughter is an Integrative Health and Mind-Body Practitioner who helps women navigate midlife transitions with resilience, ease, and clarity through her three pillars of health: Nourish, Move, and Thrive. With expertise in nutrition, somatic healing, and therapeutic support, she guides women to restore balance, reclaim energy, and feel at home in their bodies. Her work is enriched by her own lived experience of trauma, grief, and burnout, as well as her background as a mother, wife, and former corporate executive. Alisha is also pursuing her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, expanding her ability to address mental health with the same inclusive and holistic approach she brings to all of her work.Nutrition, Movement, & Somatic Healing
Alchemy - Nutrition & MovementPhone: 831-588-2008Web: myalchemy.lifeInsta: @wellnesswithalisha
 
Jill Troderman Holistic Nutritionist, Counselor, Coach, Teacher, Speaker 
831-239-1021
www.santacruzholisticnutrition.com 

Stop Going Crazy in Peri-menopause with Jill Troderman and Guest Michelle Dwyer Ep 28 12/3/25

Going Crazy or is it Just Peri-menopause? 
Anxiety, depression, mood-swings, irritability? These are common symptoms of hormone imbalances that many women experience especially as they transition into menopause. If you can identify, no, you are not going crazy but it may feel like you are and your loved ones may agree!!
These changes affect women physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The gross imbalance manifests as a spectrum presenting over 150 different aliments and symptoms.
If hormone change in the climacteric woman is natural and normal why do so many millions of women suffer? Some women slide right through into menopause with mild to no significant discomfort or symptoms. However, the other unfortunate women suffer hormonal imbalance predominately estrogen dominance caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, a high stress lifestyle, and exposure to xenoestrogens just to name a few.
Biography:
Michelle Dwyer is a Holistic Health Coach and Certified Nutrition Consultant. Her areas of specialty include: healthy weight loss from a holistic perspective, blood sugar regulation, lifestyle balance support in (peri)menopause, digestive well-being, and lifestyle management (sleep, stress, movement). She has Master of Science degree in Health and Nutrition Education, is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, and was trained as a Hormone Cure Coach with Dr. Sara Gottfried. She is also founder of Whole Life Nourishment, a mind-body-spirit program for women who are desiring greater accountability, clarity and support in prioritizing their health and wellness on a daily basis. Michelle’s telehealth services are available across the country via Zoom or phone. For more information about her services or to book a complimentary Discovery Session, please go to HealthCoachMichelle.com.
 
Website: HealthCoachMichelle.com
Email: michelle@healthcoachmichelle.com
510-919-4921
 
Jill Troderman - Counselor, Coach, Teacher, Speaker
831-239-1021
santacruzholisticnutrition.com

PFAS Allowed, Toddlers Screen Addiction, Elderberry Syrup Recipe Jill Troderman 11/26/25 Ep. 27.mp3

Join Jill flying Solo -
Nutrition in the News – Trump and PFAS Pesticides allowance regulations
The Food Tree Holistic Nutrition Curriculum: Mindfulness. Kids on I-pads are becoming addicted. How Toddler Screen Time in 2 and 3 years olds is changing they way they cope, learn, grow and feel.
Mindfulness Mindless Eating Study
====================================================
Science Side Dish – Elderberries- Immune System
Recipes for Growing Healthy Families Elderberries for Immune Health
www.santacruzholisticnutrition.com 
 
https://www.youtube.com/@JillTroderman
 
 
 

Does the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Promote UPF's and How to Rise Up, Adzuki Bean Burgers.11/19/25 Ep. 26

Does the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Promote UPF's?  How to Rise Up, plus a Tasty Adzuki Bean Burger recipe. 11/19/25 Ep. 26
Join my saucy discussion with my co-host and inspirational mom/ scientist, Dr. Katherine Reid, about the top down corruption and deep-seated conflicts of interest with our food policy makers and influencers and how they keep pushing UPF's (ultra-processed foods) and disease. These groups help set the poor food standards for our schools, hospitals, and medical facilities throughout the nation.
A few days ago I went to drop off some postcards at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's Pediatric Dept. for an upcoming class I will be hosting, The Food Tree 101 6-Week Series for Parents, and seriously, sitting right next to the receptionist was a bottle of Coca Cola. 
Optics people!!
No wonder our kids and country are so sick. Why do we keep trusting these mega associations who are bought out and funded by Big Ag, Big Pharma and Big Food who guide dietary regulations with the USDA? 
As a Holistic Nutritionist, I am automatically declined consideration for jobs at any place influenced by the AND. 
Are you feeling feisty to make more changes in your own life? I am - Let's switch it up with the influence of MAHA's momentum!!! 
Plus - stay to the end to learn how to make a mouth watering recipe for Adzuki Bean Burgers - yeah, baby, we are eating our talk!! 
Enjoy this episode - it was a fun one! Even though it is a serious topic, Dr. Katie Reid and I laugh our way through - keeping the vibes high imparting practical, doable things you can do today, in your own home. Ok, it may take a minute to get a milking cow or goats, but hey - it's all about being in the moment on the journey towards health. 
To your good health and wellness XOXO
Jill Troderman Host
www.santacruzholisticnutrition.com  and The Food Tree Guide
Guest Cohost - Dr. Katie Reid of Unblind My Mind
Register today!!
The Food Tree Holistic Nutrition 101 Class Series for Parents 
 

A Farmer, Chef, and Nutritionist Walk into a School Ep. 25 November 5th 2025