Feeding The Family

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

Cannabis - A Gateway to Health? Chris Carr with Host Jill Troderman Ep 24 10/29/25

Demystifying the many misconceptions about cannabis with Santa Cruz expert Christopher Carr. We discuss Santa Cruz cannabis history of smugglers, musicians and botanists, the human cannabinoid system and how it relates to our health and so much more fascinating information about this wonderful yet notorious plant. 
Do humans have a unique connection to cannabis? And if so, can cannabis be considered a plant medicine? YES, a big fat YES according to our cell’s, YES according to recorded history, and YES according to many peer reviewed studies!
Listen here. Please subscribe, like follow, forward and enjoy to Feeding the Family! 
With so much gratitude, peace and lOVE, Jill  Troderman
https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/  www.santacruzvoice.com  
 
About Chris Carr
https://www.cannconnect.org/connect 
Christopher Carr is a Santa Cruz-based educator, cultivator, and host of The Cannabis Connection, a radio show focused on cannabis science, culture, and policy. A Cabrillo College cannabis guest lecturer, lifelong activist, and seasoned competition judge—including High Times, the Emerald Cup, and serving as a Cannabis Judge for the California State Fair 2025—Chris is also a cannabis critic on Buddhist, where he contributes thoughtful reviews to advance cannabis connoisseurship and appreciation. Deeply rooted in the Compassionate Use Act, his work champions cannabis education, equity, and compassionate access across California.
Christopher co-founded local Santa Cruz roots band Ancestree and performs Bass with multiple bands in the greater 831. Christopher volunteers as a DJ at KBCZ 89.3 FM and served as an Art Commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz. Christopher is a proud father of two — Sophia Rose, 3 years old, and Joseph Bruce, 1 year old — and a loving husband, giving thanks for every day in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 
 

Ep. 23 A Rock Musician Journey to Health with Guest Doug Dirt" Greenfield with Host Jill Troderman 10/23/25

Have you ever had that feeling when you get that urge - that when all of a sudden you realize something needs to change -drastically – in your life – and you can’t wait another minute? You feel the deep need to develop a new positive healthy habit and to finally let go of all of the sabotage  behavior! Well that experience happened to my friend and Santa Cruz local Doug "Dirt" Greenfiled. Doug is here to share his fascinating life U-turn, how he did it and why. And ways you can up-level your self care at any age and stage of your life. Whoo hoo!!

Must Have Ancient Herbs for Immune Building with Benedictine Herbs EP 22 10/15/25

Can herbal plant medicine really address everyday common health issues like building immunity, fighting colds and flu, calming stress, or balancing hormones, while addressing more serious concerns, too? People around the globe say a resounding yes! 
Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years and continues to be used world-wide as a steadfast tool for healing and promoting wellness.
Today we are exploring the exciting role herbs play with Sue George and Molly De Mesa of Benedictine Herbs based in Santa Cruz, CA. 
In the US, roughly 30% - 35% of all people use some kind of herbal medicine in their daily lives. And even more use what folks call integrative medicine.
With thousands of different plants used from around the world, herbs are treated as a valuable medicine in many healing traditions.  Herbs continue to stand the test of time when it comes to its consistent and reliable role in fostering human health.
I am excited to have you along for a fun and interesting conversation with me, your host, Jill Troderman! Please do take a minute to like and subscribe to our channels and streaming services.
We discuss the critical need to keep acupuncture and herbal medicine active in our health care, the amazing healing capacity of these formulas and easy tips for staying cozy and grounded during the fall and winter chilly months. Enjoy 
Feeding the Family Radio Podcast —October 15th 2025 Ep. 22
Sue George - Operations Manager & Co-Owner at Benedictine Herbs
& Molly De Mesa
Sue George joined Benedictine in 2013, helped bring emphasis on customer care and community related outreach and educational programs. Her passion for the healing arts has connected her with a wide-spectrum of extraordinary healers and healing modalities over the past few decades.
 
Dr. Molly De Mesa is one of Benedictine’s Education Specialists who support education programs, that bring awareness about the various formulas into the limelight. She assists practitioners with questions related to specific health concerns with an emphasis on TCM so they can bring these healing formulas to their clients and patients. 
https://www.benedictineherbs.com/
Contact Jill at jilltroderman dot com 
https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/
 

Tips for Reversing Picky Eating with Nori Hudson and host Jill Troderman Ep. 21 10/1/25

Picky eating is on the rise. Why does this happen, how long can it last and what do do if you have pick, fussy or stubborn eaters in your family. 
 
At what stage and age is it best to influence your kids dietary preferences? How can you influence whether your kids are going to be good eaters who likes and tries all kinds of foods and minimize the chances of have a kid more stubborn and fussy who resists and drives you crazy?
 
Today we are going to talk about How to Reverse Picky Eating and Cultivate Healthy Eating in children with Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist Nori Hudson. 
 
Nori Hudson believes in the power of ‘real’ foods to help our bodies heal and attain optimal health. Nori has been advocating the ‘whole’ food approach for over two decades now, motivating her clients and her community to form a meaningful relationship with how they nourish themselves. A much-respected board certified holistic nutritionist in the SF Bay Area, Nori is an IET/Bauman College Certified Nutrition Consultant. She was also on the faculty of the College from 2000-2020. 
 
Nori’s shares her vast knowledge of nutrition and its crucial role in healing through lectures, seminars, community workshops, even designed and taught a nutrition class to the medium-security inmates at San Quentin. While she sees a wide range of clients in her private practice, Radiant Vitality, in Albany, CA, her joy is working on the health issues of children and the elderly.  She has been teaching the past 3 years at the Albany Senior Center a class entitled “Demystifying Nutrition Controversies.”  
 
Nori balances her passion for nutrition with violin and viola, yoga, gardening, hiking, and cooking. Her son is one of her strongest advocates.
 
Find Nori here
https://www.radiant-vitality.com/
 
and Jill Troderman here
https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/
 
Thanks so much, folks!!
Jill