Steeped In Wellness (Formerly The Matcha Guardians)

In this episode of Steeped In Wellness, we sit down with chef Andrew Dunning to unpack his unique culinary journey and explore the philosophy and craft behind his elevated approach to cooking. We start with Andrew’s first food memory—witnessing a tableside Bananas Foster flambe as a child—and how that ignited a lifelong passion for food. He shares how this early spark eventually led him to work in kitchens during his teenage years, opting out of culinary school in favor of learning on the job through hands-on experience. His current role as a private chef in Sun Valley grew organically, starting with catering jobs and gradually building a high-end private dining business through referrals and word-of-mouth.We discuss the realities of becoming a chef without formal training, the gritty truth of restaurant work, and the difference between social media food aesthetics and professional culinary execution. Andrew explains that while Instagram-worthy plating is popular, it’s the ability to deliver consistent, timely, and professional meals that sets working chefs apart. He also gives tips for home cooks looking to elevate their presentation—starting with good lighting, quality dishes, and white plates that don’t distract from the food.Andrew walks us through how he crafts bespoke menus for clients, emphasizing the importance of using seasonal, local ingredients and how inspiration often comes from what’s fresh at the market. He breaks down the strategy behind executing a seamless multi-course dinner in a home kitchen, underscoring the importance of prep, organization, and designing menus that are logistically feasible.The conversation turns to gear and essentials—Andrew travels with his own chef knives and stresses that a good sharp blade makes all the difference. He shares practical advice for sharpening knives and why it’s often worth paying a pro to do it. He also gives home cooks practical ideas for making simple meals special, like dressing up boxed mac and cheese with citrus, herbs, and chili.Finally, Andrew reflects on lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of patience in building a career and the value of mental grit, a trait he admires in his father. He leaves us with a few favorite cookbooks, including The Food Lab by Kenji Lopez-Alt and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and encourages us to be curious, resourceful, and unafraid of experimenting in the kitchen.More:Chef Andrew Dunning Website: https://www.chefandrewdunning.com/Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/Salt Fat Acid Heat: https://www.saltfatacidheat.com/ Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Amanda Reedy, a licensed clinical social worker and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, for an insightful conversation on therapy, trauma, AI, parenting, and emotional regulation. Amanda opens up about her therapeutic approach and explains how IFS works—emphasizing the idea that our minds consist of multiple parts, each formed by experiences, trauma, and adaptation. We explore the concept of a core “Self,” the part of us that holds compassion, curiosity, calm, and choice, and how IFS helps us relate to our inner parts with care rather than criticism.Amanda walks us through real-world examples, including her own internal sixth grader surfacing before the podcast recording. She shares how tuning into this younger, scared part helped her soothe and center herself, showing how IFS promotes emotional attunement rather than avoidance. The conversation also touches on how this therapeutic method allows us to connect with our internal critics, understand their intent, and update them to be more helpful and less harsh.We also talk about the role of AI in mental health support. Amanda describes her experience using ChatGPT as a "pretend therapist" and raises ethical concerns about its inability to detect red flags like passive suicidality. While acknowledging that AI can offer basic support or information, she emphasizes that real human connection—and especially the felt sense of care—is irreplaceable. We agree that tech-based support is no substitute for authentic, relational healing.We also dive into parenting, postpartum rage, and the challenge of regulating our own nervous systems while trying to support our children’s big feelings. Diana shares a moment where she momentarily "hated" her husband, and Elara talks about an "adventure" on vacation with her son.Amanda shares tools for managing emotional overwhelm, like befriending the rage rather than pushing it away. We reflect on how societal discomfort with children’s presence in public spaces often triggers shame in parents and explore how reframing this can ease the pressure.Toward the end, we explore the dynamics of relationships—when and how to recommend therapy to a partner, how to talk about therapy in a supportive way, and what to do when a partner isn't ready. Amanda reminds us that therapy is only one path to healing, and connection can come through friendships, movement, creative expression, and simple moments of presence. She closes with powerful wisdom: “Authenticity is not a threat to connection, it's the key.” Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Matcha Guardians, we dive into sleep—why it’s crucial, what affects it, and how we can improve it. Diana Weil, Elara Hadjipateras, and Jon Gay share their personal experiences with sleep struggles, night wakings, and the impact of lifestyle habits like alcohol, caffeine, and screen time.Jon shares how cutting alcohol after 5 PM has significantly improved his sleep, but one late-night drink led to a restless night—reinforcing what we know about alcohol’s effect on blood sugar and sleep cycles. Diana explains the science behind this, highlighting how alcohol disrupts blood sugar levels, leading to middle-of-the-night wake-ups. She also notes that caffeine affects people differently based on genetics, with fast metabolizers able to drink coffee at night without issue while slow metabolizers, like Jon and herself, suffer from disrupted sleep.Elara, as a parent of a young toddler and currently pregnant, shares her reality of fragmented sleep. She’s learned to manage by going to bed early and using audiobooks as a calming ritual before sleep. She recommends The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros as a great bedtime escape- "dragon smut" as she refers to it.The discussion shifts to sound therapy for sleep. Jon has experimented with frequency tones, while Diana swears by brown noise, which she finds much more soothing than white noise. Elara explains the different types of background noise—pink, brown, white, and green—and how they each serve unique purposes, from drowning out city noise to helping anxious minds relax.The hosts also discuss sleep training for their babies. Diana initially planned on sleep training but found co-sleeping worked best—until frequent night wakings led her to try a gentle sleep-training method with her husband stepping in for nighttime soothing. This quickly resulted in longer sleep stretches for her baby. Elara, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach, still offering a bottle during night wakings and embracing the unpredictability of toddler sleep.Diana shares her experience with night terrors, which started at age 12 and continued into adulthood. Surprisingly, she found relief when she began supplementing with B12 and omega-3s, hinting at a possible nutritional link. Elara reveals that she used to talk—and even cry—in her sleep, raising interesting questions about the subconscious mind and sleep habits.Breathing exercises for relaxation also come up. While the 4-7-8 breathing method is well-known for reducing anxiety and aiding sleep, Elara finds that box breathing (equal-length inhales, holds, and exhales) can actually increase stress when done at night. She suggests it’s better suited for daytime stress management.From a dietitian’s perspective, Diana emphasizes the role of nutrition in sleep quality. She advises against going to bed overly hungry and suggests balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep blood sugar stable overnight. If mid-night wake-ups are frequent, a small snack like peanut butter with an apple or string cheese with nuts can help. They key is combining two of the three macronutrients: fat, protein, and carbohydates.Finally, the conversation turns to caffeine, particularly the benefits of switching from coffee to matcha. Elara breaks down how matcha provides a gentler, longer-lasting energy boost without the crash, thanks to its high L-theanine content. She suggests replacing afternoon coffee with matcha to improve sleep quality. They also highlight the new decaf matcha option from Matcha Kari for those who are caffeine-sensitive.The episode wraps up with a reflection on society’s bias toward early risers and whether night owls are unfairly judged. The hosts also discuss the pressure of tracking sleep and fitness with technology, debating whether wearable devices actually help or just create unnecessary stress.Ultimately, the key takeaway is that sleep quality is influenced by a mix of lifestyle choices, diet, stress management, and personal rhythms. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, small, intentional habits—like cutting caffeine earlier, using sound therapy, or adjusting diet—can make a meaningful difference in how well we rest.The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros: https://www.goodreads.com/series/345921-the-empyrean Hatch Sound Machine: https://www.hatch.co Nanit Sound Machine: https://www.nanit.com/products/nanit-sound-light Spotify Brown Noise Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/brown-noise(00:00:00) – Intro to The Matcha Guardians Podcast(00:00:21) – Why Sleep Is an Obsession for Us(00:00:51) – Alcohol & Sleep: How It Disrupts Rest(00:01:43) – Is Caffeine Affecting Your Sleep? Genetics & Processing(00:03:08) – Why Some People Can Drink Coffee at Night & Others Can’t(00:05:15) – Elara’s Sleep Struggles as a Mom & How She Manages(00:06:23) – Sound Therapy: Brown Noise vs. White Noise(00:09:59) – Do Babies Need Sleep Training? Different Approaches(00:13:47) – The Reality of Sleep Deprivation for New Parents(00:17:41) – Night Terrors, Sleep Talking & Strange Sleep Behaviors(00:22:00) – Breathing Techniques for Sleep: What Works & What Doesn’t(00:26:38) – How Diet Impacts Sleep: What to Eat & Avoid(00:29:16) – Best Late-Night Snacks for Better Sleep(00:30:15) – The Dangers of Overusing Sleep Medications(00:31:59) – Are Sleep Trackers Helpful or Harmful?(00:35:26) – Hara Hachi Bu: The Japanese Approach to Eating Mindfully(00:38:01) – Are Night Owls Unfairly Judged? Early Birds vs. Late Risers(00:40:09) – Should Schools Start Later for Better Sleep?(00:42:26) – The Matcha vs. Coffee Debate: Which Is Better for Sleep?(00:46:04) – Jon’s Experiment: Switching Afternoon Coffee for Matcha(00:48:09) – Matcha Kari’s New Decaf Matcha for Better Sleep(00:48:50) – Final Thoughts & How to Improve Your Sleep Tonight Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Matcha Guardians, we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Gary Soffer, an integrative pediatrician and allergy expert from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Soffer’s journey into medicine was anything but typical, starting in the music industry before a personal experience with a sick relative inspired him to pursue a career in healing. Today, he’s a leading voice in integrative medicine, focusing on allergies, eczema, and asthma, and we couldn’t wait to pick his brain about the rising rates of food allergies and how parents can navigate them.One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was how early allergen introduction has transformed. Dr. Soffer explained how the old guidelines to wait until two years of age have shifted to introducing allergens as early as four to six months. He shared fascinating insights from research, like the discovery that Israeli children, who eat a peanut-based snack called Bamba from a young age, have significantly lower rates of peanut allergies. These findings underscore how early and sustained exposure can actually protect against allergies, dispelling the myth that delaying certain foods is safer.We also discussed the rise in food allergies and their potential causes, from industrialized diets to over-sanitization. Dr. Soffer emphasized the importance of exposing kids to diverse foods and environments—yes, even dirt and farm animals can benefit their immune systems. For us as parents, it was reassuring to hear that mild reactions are common during early food introduction and that systemic, life-threatening reactions are exceedingly rare in young children.Another crucial topic was the psychological impact of food allergies. Dr. Soffer cautioned against unnecessary allergy testing without a history of clinical reactions, explaining how false positives can lead to over-restrictive diets, more allergies, and even eating disorders. He shared heartwarming success stories, like a child once diagnosed with eight food allergies who, after reintroduction, now eats freely.Finally, we explored practical parenting strategies, including introducing fermented foods, encouraging food diversity, and resisting the urge to over-medicalize parenting. Dr. Soffer reminded us to focus on service and finding joy in the little moments, which resonated deeply as moms navigating our own parenting journeys.This episode left us feeling more informed, empowered, and ready to share these insights with you all. We hope it does the same for you!Gary Soffer, MD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garysoffermd Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Matcha Guardians, Diana Weil and Elara Hadjipateras share intimate and vivid details of their birth stories, offering a raw and honest perspective on childbirth. They reflect on their experiences with humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, highlighting both the beauty and unpredictability of the journey to motherhood.Elara begins by recounting her scheduled c-section due to her son Koa’s breech position. She recalls the surreal and calm lead-up to the procedure, marked by routine moments like packing her hospital bag and discussing home renovations with her husband, Peter, in the operating room. Despite initial nerves about the epidural, the procedure itself was smooth and quick, lasting just 19 minutes. Her son’s immediate arrival brought immense joy, but her postpartum experience took a sharp turn with a severe and unexpected case of postpartum preeclampsia. This dangerous condition caused her blood pressure to spike, requiring an extended hospital stay, a magnesium drip, and constant monitoring. Elara describes the emotional and physical toll of this ordeal, including her determination to refuse a catheter and her struggle to control her anxiety-induced “white coat syndrome.” She credits her supportive family and nursing team for helping her navigate this challenging time.Diana’s story is equally compelling but takes a different trajectory. Hoping for an unmedicated birth, she labored at home before rapidly progressing into intense, unrelenting contractions. Arriving at the hospital, her labor advanced quickly, but complications arose when she stalled at seven centimeters dilation. Despite hours of pushing, her son Elio’s position and her developing infection necessitated an urgent c-section. Diana recounts the physical and emotional demands of labor, the eventual relief provided by an epidural, and the bittersweet moment of meeting her son after he needed brief NICU intervention. Reflecting on the process, she shares her mixed emotions about the experience, emphasizing the mental resilience required for childbirth.Both women underline the unpredictability of labor and the importance of advocating for oneself during medical care. They conclude by celebrating the transformative nature of motherhood, affirming that despite the hurdles, the arrival of their sons made it all worthwhile. In a future episode we will cover breastfeeding and "the fourth trimester" (after birth). Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Matcha Guardians, we dive into the raw and unfiltered realities of parenthood with our husbands, Peter and Harley. From the very start, we throw them into the deep end, asking them to describe their experiences as new fathers in just one word. Peter emphasizes the immense responsibility that comes with fatherhood, noting how it has sharpened his focus and ability to manage work-life balance. Harley, on the other hand, highlights the sheer cuteness of his baby, which helps him endure the inevitable diaper changes and late-night duties.As the conversation progresses, we explore the changes in relationship dynamics post-baby. Both men acknowledge the significant patience required, particularly towards their partners, who are often exhausted and overstimulated from the demands of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. We discuss the emotional toll that this new phase of life can take, with Elara sharing how her initial anxieties often manifested as anger directed at Peter. Despite these challenges, Peter and Harley maintain that the joys of parenthood far outweigh the difficulties, especially as their babies start to smile and engage more with the world around them.We also touch on the pressures and expectations around parenting, such as the concept of "good" and "bad" babies and the guilt associated with wanting personal time away from the baby. Harley and Peter discuss how important it is to take care of oneself, both physically and mentally, in order to be the best parent possible. They also share their thoughts on co-sleeping, a practice common in many cultures but often viewed with caution in the West. Both couples have experimented with co-sleeping and found that their babies tend to sleep better when close to them, though it does come with its own set of challenges.Intimacy after childbirth is another candid topic we explore. Diana and Elara open up about the fears and discomfort associated with resuming sexual activity after a major medical procedure like a C-section. Both couples emphasize the importance of communication and patience as they navigate this new aspect of their relationship.The episode concludes with some heartfelt reflections from Peter and Harley on the life lessons they've learned the hard way, as well as the mantras they rely on to stay grounded and motivated as new dads. Despite the challenges, they both agree that the experience of fatherhood, with all its ups and downs, is incredibly rewarding. Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode of The Matcha Guardians, we dive into a profound discussion on end-of-life care with Seth Viddal, co-founder of The Natural Funeral in Lafayette, Colorado. Seth shares his personal journey into the funeral service industry, which began through his own experience of losing close family members and the realization that the conventional funeral services did not adequately serve his family's diverse needs. This realization spurred him to create a funeral home that offers personalized and meaningful services that actively involve families in the process.Seth's approach to funeral service is unique and deeply compassionate, focusing on family empowerment and ecological responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in the care of deceased loved ones, offering options that allow families to be directly involved in the preparation and memorialization of the body. This can include activities such as bathing and dressing the deceased, which can be therapeutic and meaningful for grieving families.One of the standout offerings of The Natural Funeral is water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation uses a small amount of water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to its basic elements. This process consumes less energy and results in a liquid essence that can be returned to the earth as a bio-stimulant, enriching the soil without causing pollution.Seth also introduces us to the concept of natural organic reduction, also known as terramation or body composting, which is another eco-friendly option offered by The Natural Funeral. In this process, the body is placed in a chrysalis vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa, and inoculated with beneficial bacteria and fungi to accelerate decomposition. Over a few months, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to nourish plants and return life to the earth.Throughout the episode, Seth explains the ecological impacts of traditional burial and cremation practices, highlighting the environmental benefits of the alternatives they offer. He also touches on the legal aspects and growing acceptance of these practices across the United States.Seth's dedication to providing meaningful, eco-conscious end-of-life services is truly inspiring. He and his team at The Natural Funeral are paving the way for a more personalized and environmentally responsible approach to funeral care, resonating with families who seek to honor their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values.The Natural Funeral: thenaturalfuneral.com Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode delve into the intricacies of parenting with Albiona Rakipi, a seasoned parenting coach and host of the Parenting Reframe Podcast. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education and speech-language pathology, Albiona shares her journey and insights into effective parenting, reflecting on both professional expertise and personal experience as a mother.Albiona begins by discussing her path to becoming a parenting expert, emphasizing the importance of a rear-view perspective—learning from past experiences to navigate current parenting challenges. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the concept of discipline, which Albiona reframes as a teaching opportunity rather than a punitive measure. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's underdeveloped executive functioning skills and using logical and natural consequences to guide behavior. This approach fosters a more supportive and empathetic parenting style, encouraging children to learn and grow through their experiences rather than fear punishment.The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern parenting, particularly the impact of social media and technology on children's development. Albiona advocates for balanced screen time and stresses the importance of open communication and trust between parents and children. She shares her personal approach to managing her own children's exposure to social media and technology, highlighting the importance of fostering resilience and self-regulation.Elara and Diana also explore the nuances of co-parenting and maintaining a strong marital relationship amidst the demands of parenting. Albiona advises on the importance of setting aside dedicated time for partners to connect and support each other, acknowledging that this can be particularly challenging during the early, sleep-deprived stages of parenthood. She underscores the value of mutual respect and understanding, suggesting that couples communicate openly about their parenting styles and find common ground.Another critical aspect discussed is the role of external family members in disciplining children. Albiona stresses the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries with grandparents and other relatives to ensure consistency in parenting approaches. This helps create a stable and predictable environment for children, reducing confusion and promoting healthy development.The episode concludes with practical tips for managing everyday parenting challenges, such as handling tantrums and ensuring children follow instructions without resorting to punitive measures. Albiona's advice centers on maintaining calm and composed responses, validating children's emotions, and providing clear and consistent guidance.Overall, this episode of The Matcha Guardians offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in today's fast-paced and often overwhelming world. Albiona Rakipi's insights remind us of the importance of empathy, patience, and continuous learning in the parenting journeyMore:Albiona's Website, The Parenting Reframe: https://theparentingreframe.com/Podcast: https://theparentingreframe.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparentingreframeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparentingreframeSubstack: https://albiona.substack.com/ Connect with Elara and Diana!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcastOr head over to https://www.matcha.comAnd use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.