Feeding The Family

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 
 
 

Nutritional Psychology's Influential Role on How We Eat with Ephi Morphew-Lu of CNP with host Jill Troderman Ep. 20 9/17/25

Nutritional psychology as a formal field of study and the role of the The Center for Nutritional Psychology is explored in this revolutionary episode. Ms. Lu breaks the mold on how scholars and practitioners can embrace the link to how we think, feel and experience food in relation to human development.
Jill and Ephi discuss the role of how our emotions, our desires and our quest for feeling better impact our dietary habits, how simple food availability is a major influence in your eating choices and so much more exciting content in today's episode! 
In a new study, they show that children who eat healthier diets have better emotional state of mind, with calm, and confidence than their peers who perceive their diets as not being as healthy.
 
Ephi Morphew-Lu has spent the last 17 years supporting the systematic development of a new field of study connecting the psychological and nutritional sciences, referred to as Nutritional Psychology.  Her journey began in 2008, when she developed and taught the first university-level course in Nutritional Psychology at JFK University.  These courses grew into a 7-course certificate program training mental health and allied health professionals in until early 2020. 
In 2015, she co-founded The Center for Nutritional Psychology, a non-profit educational organization that houses the world’s research exploring the connection between nutrition and psychological health. Today, CNP houses thousands of studies informing our understanding of the connection between nutrition and psychology, provides continuing education for mental health and nutrition professionals approved by the American Psychological Association, the Commission on Dietetic Registration and other large credentialing organizations, and is developing interdisciplinary language connecting the psychological and nutritional sciences. CNP's bold mission is to ensure that by 2030, nutrition becomes a systematically recognized and integrated component of mental healthcare worldwide.
 
During her personal time, Ephi is a wife, mom to two teenagers and a fabulous poodle named General Patton, finds peace in her garden with the General, and spends much of her internal free time daydreaming about a day when mental health professionals can hold the space to formally support their clients’ diet-mental health relationship. 
 Ephi Morphew-Lu, MS, Dip.C.N.
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Source: The Center for Nutritional Psychology https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/our-team/
Jill Troderman - Nutrition Educator, Counselor, Speaker, Author
https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/
 
 

Workplace Wellness with host Jill Troderman and Guest Pantea Dougani Ep. 19 8/27/25

Workplace Wellness with host Jill Troderman and Guest Pantea Dougani Ep. 19 8/27/25 
Can you have it all? Maybe you can if wellness is included in your workplace. Pantea Dougani Co-Founder/Managing Director launched Excel Body Fitness to create a place for mom's - and dad's like herself who missed the workouts, the healthy eating due to an imbalanced work place. A work environment that had gym's, nutrition counseling, and basic wellness support built in, would help support being a better person and be better for her family.
Join us as we explore the pro's in ensuring you create time every day for self-care, and how it is a must to build into your workday. 
Pantea Dougani Bio 
As the Co-founder of Excel Body Fitness, Pantea Dougani partners with HR teams, People & Culture leaders, and wellness champions to bring turnkey wellness programs to life, programs that actually get used, improve culture, and ease the burden on internal teams.With over a decade of experience in workplace wellness, Ms. Dougani has seen how burnout, disengagement, and lack of structure can quietly undermine even the best workplaces. That’s why she designs wellness strategies that are scalable, engaging, and require minimal lift from HR teams.
https://excelbodyfitness.com
Jill Troderman 
New Class!! Nutrition for Health at Any Age!
Check it out and join today!  https://ipak-edu.org/registration/e/Nutrition-For-Health-at-Any-Age-p771256918
https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/
 

Healing from the Inside Out with Red Light Therapy 8/20/25 Ep 18

Red Light Therapy, Healing from the Inside Out with Red Light Therapy with Jill Troderman 8/20/25 Ep 18 and special guest, Donna Cherie @
https://donnacherie.com/
 
Check out my website, www.jilltroderman.com 
Holistic Nutrition Counseling, Lectures, School Nutrition Education 
NEW COURSE!!! Starting Sept. 11th 2025! Sign up today!
IPAK -EDU Course Syllabus
Nutrition For Health at Every Age
Instructor: Jill Troderman📧 Email: jill@jilltroderman.comOffice Hours: To be announced (TBA)
 
Course Details:
Duration: 13 Weeks
Format: Weekly Zoom lectures
Schedule: Thursday’s at 1 PM  (Pacific Time)
Target Audience: Adult learners, healthcare professionals, educators, and wellness coaches
Credits: Non-credit
Number and Section:
Prerequisites: None
Grading: Non-graded
 
Course Description:
This course offers a foundational understanding of optimal nutrition needs through the human lifespan. Students will explore all stages holistic nutrition needs from pre-gestation detoxification strategies to nutrition for older adult cognitive optimization. This class will give students insight into the infrastructure people need to attain optimal health, avoid chronic disease, and to how to apply whole-food, holistic nutrition recommendations tailored to each life stage.
 
Learning Goals & Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the role and function of the three macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Analyze how environmental toxins impact fertility, development, and long-term health and examine the use of detoxification strategies.
Explore the origins and progression of chronic diseases related to poor nutrition.
Evaluate the use and efficacy of supplements, vitamins, and superfoods.
Demonstrate knowledge of digestive health, including digestion best practices.
Apply whole-food preparation for optimal wellness across all ages.
 
Course Components & Assessments:
Weekly interactive Zoom lectures
Hands-on activities and field assignments
Group discussions and peer-sharing
Quizzes and short reflective writing
Lab interpretation exercises
Final Capstone Project: Students will complete a personalized nutrition strategy or case study, reviewed by a peer for feedback and insight.
Note: All assessments are ungraded, but designed to deepen practical understanding.
 
Recommended Reading:
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Dr. Michael Murray
The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Johnny Bowden
The Food Tree Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Curriculum by Jill Troderman
Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski
(Additional resources may be suggested during the course.)
 
 
Course Overview:
 
Week 1: Introduction to Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Week 2: Pre-Gestational and Gestational Nutrition (Maternal and Paternal Optimization)
Week 3: Nutritional Requirements from Infancy to Adolescence
Week 4: Adult Nutrition and Lifestyle
Week 5: Nutrition in Older Adults
Week 6: Sourcing Clean and Sustainable Food
Week 7: Dietary Supplements – Benefits and Risks
Week 8: Digestive Health and Aids
Week 9: Healthy Food Preparation Techniques
Week 10: The Role of Condiments and Super Foods in Nutrition
Week 11: Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention
Week 12: Integrating Nutrition into Daily Life
Week 13: Final Integration, Capstone Presentations, and Assessment

Transforming Your Pantry, Emergency Preparedness, Pro Snack Tips with Jill Troderman and Guest Mira Dessy Ep 17 8/6/25

Pantry Transformation for bountiful food storage for daily use and emergency preparedness.
 
What is the state of your pantry?
 
Jill Troderman is joined by guest Mira Dessy, The Ingredient Guru, and they get into a fascinating conversation about how to transform your pantry to improve diets and provide healthy options for kid’s snacks by making “lateral changes”!
 
Mira and I talk about the hidden toxic ingredients lurking in your home cupboards and fridge. We dive into understanding food labels, what is the NOVA Food Classification Scale, and why should you care.
Like are the additives guar gum and carrageen safe to eat? They are in tons of UPF’s!
We discuss ways food and emergency preparedness addresses the concept of self-reliance, creating confidence and resilience in your family in case of an unforeseen situation.
You will learn how to gather food and water for the unexpected emergency and how to store provisions for at least for one month’s survival per person in your family including pets. You need to know this!
 
Mira Dessy is the Ingredient Guru, an author, speaker, holistic nutritionist, and real food advocate. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle through eating a whole foods diet.
Mira and Jill have a fun fast paced talk that everyone will benefit from!
Listen in to the show and please do leave a comment.
We are grateful if you would like, share and subscribe to Feeding the Family with Jill Troderman on your favorite streaming service! 
Do you want to go further in your knowledge of nutrition? Check out Jill’s new course offering,
Nutrition For Health at Any Age
at IPAK - EDU!!!
When does human health begin? Each stage of human development is an opportunity to receive optimal nourishment for optimal health and wellness.
Students gain insight into the nutritional needs during each life stage. We explore pre-gestation detoxification strategies and nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy, optimal breastfeeding diets, childhood and adolescent nutrient needs, nutrition for cognitive optimization in adulthood, and protocols for lifestyle diseases as people age. Plus, discussions of supplements, super foods, and how to choose the right way to eat for your unique needs. 
This course provides the infrastructure and tools to implement a holistic approach to your personal and professional lives.
Registration for the Fall 2025 semester is open.  
Sessions are recorded for ease of viewing at your convenience.
Now back to the show.
Mira's Bio
Mira Dessy is The Ingredient Guru – an author, speaker, Holistic Nutritionist and Real Food Advocate. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle through whole foods diets.
After experiencing years of debilitating digestive issues and health challenges, Mira realized the healing strength of food after she learned to eat right – slowly but surely regaining her health. Her recovery and its connection to food and eating made such a powerful impact that she returned to school and earned certification as a Nutrition Educator.
Mira was inspired to share the knowledge she gained on her journey to better health and wrote The Pantry Principle: how to read the label and understand what’s really in your food.
 
Mira’s mission as The Ingredient Guru is to help people feel balanced, healthy, and to support them as they work to achieve their health goals. Mira focuses on education, knowledge, and empowerment coupled with the valuable lessons she learned in her own journey to health to support and encourage us all to eat well and be well. 
 

Eating Disorders in Teens & How to Heal Mental Health.Ep 16 Host Jill Troderman and Guest DieticianParker Nelson 7/30/25

What happens to people when they take their concerns about weight to an emotionally and physically unhealthy place, where an eating disorder may be cultivated?
Struggling with weight is one of the top concerns Americans face. Our youth and adults are now subject to terrible statistics about weight. 2 in 5 are overweight or obese.  
Join Jill Troderman and Registered Dietician, Parker Nelson for this riveting talk about how we think about food and not sabotage ourselves!
According to the NIH "The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults 20 and over was 41.9% during 2017–March 2020.1 
During the same time, the prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults was 9.2%. This means that more than 100 million adults have obesity, and more than 22 million adults have severe obesity."
Healing is possible! Join our show and learn how to manage unhealthy eating patterns and create a joyful relationship with food and eating.  You deserve it!
BIO
Parker Nelson is a registered dietitian with a bachelor's in business marketing and a master's in Applied Nutrition. He currently works as a dietitian at an eating disorder treatment center and works 1-on-1 with individual clients seeking weight management advice and general nutrition counseling. He lives in Northern California with his wife Alexis and his two boys, Collin and Max.
 
Welcome, Parker!
For anyone who wants to lose weight, you are already starting with the mindset that something is wrong – and you need to course correct. Those corrections can be either looked at dauntingly and with fear – like how are you actually going to get to your goal – because it will take a bit not happen overnight – like getting a haircut for a quick upgrade to make your feel better
Or recognize that getting to a healthy weight is a way of life and proceed with joy and excitement – as a positive.
 
Check out Parkers work at https://www.parkernelsonrd.com/
Visit Jill https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/
Sign up for Jill's new course via IPAK-EDU!!  September Thursday's 1 PM PST Zoom 
Nutrition For Health at Any Age
When does human health begin? Each stage of human development is an opportunity to receive optimal nourishment for optimal health and wellness. Students gain insight into the nutritional needs during each life stage. We explore pre-gestation detoxification strategies, optimal breastfeeding diets, childhood nutrient needs, nutrition for cognitive optimization in adulthood, and protocols for lifestyle diseases. This course provides the infrastructure and tools to implement a holistic approach to your personal and professional lives.
Course Details:
Duration: 13 Weeks
Format: Weekly Zoom lectures
Schedule: Thursdays at 1:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Target Audience: Adult learners, healthcare professionals, educators, and wellness coaches
Prerequisites: None
Grading: Non-graded
Course Overview:
Week 1: Introduction to Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Week 2: Pre-Gestational and Gestational Nutrition (Maternal and Paternal Optimization)
Week 3: Nutritional Requirements from Infancy to Adolescence
Week 4: Adult Nutrition and Lifestyle
Week 5: Nutrition in Older Adults
Week 6: Sourcing Clean and Sustainable Food
Week 7: Dietary Supplements – Benefits and Risks
Week 8: Digestive Health and Aids
Week 9: Healthy Food Preparation Techniques
Week 10: The Role of Condiments and Super Foods in Nutrition
Week 11: Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention
Week 12: Integrating Nutrition into Daily Life
Week 13: Final Integration, Capstone Presentations, and Assessment
 
Nutrition For Health at Any Age
 

Medicinal Mushrooms and Motherhood 7/16/25 Ep 15.mp3

Can mycology be the catalyst to living a healthier more vibrant life, starting in motherhood?
We discuss all things mushrooms; their culinary wonders using shiitake, oyster and portobello, all have medicinal properties, their amazing benefits to fertility and sperm health, their role in supporting gut microbiome health, and even the hallucinogenic properties to support mental health. Wow! If you don't eat or use medicinal mushrooms, this interview will inspire you to start taking them now!
The study of fungi, a group that includes the mushrooms and yeasts have been part of human history- in art, in lore, in food, and medicine for ever in our recorded history.
In our modern life, we can now verify scientifically through studies and research what our ancestors have known all along – Mushrooms are super cool!
They live in the dark recesses of the woods and seem sort of magical. Tune in now to learn more!
My wonderful guest today is Dr. Anna Sitkoff
Anna Sitkoff is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert with over a decade of experience, specializing in natural therapies that blend clinical practice with research. As Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals, she formulates evidence-based mushroom supplements that support immune, lung, and nervous system health.
Widely recognized for her expertise in functional medicine and women’s health, Anna educates practitioners and the public on the therapeutic power of mushrooms. Her experience as a new mother has deepened her focus on postpartum health, driving her mission to provide effective, science-backed natural solutions.
Check out Dr. Anna Sitkoff
https://www.drannasitkoff.com/practice 
 
Visit Jill Troderman host of Feeding the Family schedule your Holistic Nutrition Counseling Session, teaching, upcoming classes or speaking engagements here https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/