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Something remarkable is happening in American kitchens. As I pull two dozen Madeleines from my oven, I'm reminded that we're witnessing a return to fundamentals — 71% of Americans are embracing home cooking with purpose, saving an average of $91 monthly while building skills that matter.

This culinary renaissance spans all demographics. Families like Sarah's prioritize chemical-free meals for their children, while singles discover cooking as self-care, with more than half learning techniques through social media. The benefits extend beyond health and savings — cooking creates community resilience. In my own Northwoods cabin, I've experienced how homemade treats become valuable currency, bartered for fresh eggs and produce from neighbors. These exchanges strengthen local bonds while providing a hedge against uncertainty.

The heart of this episode is my family's cherished Madeleine recipe — delicate French sponge cakes that are surprisingly simple to master. I walk you through each step, from properly preparing the shell-shaped molds to achieving that perfect golden color. These buttery treats require minimal sugar and basic ingredients, making them an ideal introduction to scratch cooking. Between recipe instructions, I share how my adventure sports lifestyle complements my cooking practice, creating a holistic approach to wellness and self-reliance.

Beyond recipes, we explore how cooking skills provide crucial resilience during challenging times. The 2020 lockdown reminded us all how quickly supply chains can falter — those with cooking knowledge adapted more easily. Whethe

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

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The timeless practices of foraging and wildcrafting are experiencing a modern renaissance. Since the early 2010s, these ancient skills have been steadily gaining popularity, but the 2020 pandemic sent interest soaring as people sought meaningful connections to nature and greater self-reliance during uncertain times.

Foraging—the gathering of wild foods—and wildcrafting—harvesting plants for medicinal or craft purposes—offer more than just practical skills. They provide a gateway to a simpler, more grounded way of living that younger generations increasingly crave. As one young influencer notes on social media, these practices reflect "a deep desire for mindful living and connection to the natural world."

The journey into ethical harvesting begins with understanding plant reproduction and ecological balance. Experienced foragers emphasize never taking more than 10% from even abundant patches and completely avoiding sparse areas. This consciousness extends to wildcrafting medicinal plants, where sustainability ensures these resources remain available for future generations.

Ready to connect deeply with nature while building practical self-reliance skills? Download our free medicinal plant terminology list and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when part two of this series drops. Whether you're seeking nutritious wild foods, traditional plant medicines, or simply a mindful escape from our digital world, foraging offers a path to greater connection with the land—and yours

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

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A dark trend is silently devastating teen boys across America. Sextortion — digital blackmail using intimate images — has become a weapon in predators' arsenals, leaving thousands of young men and boys trapped between shame and fear. Behind screens and fake profiles, criminals manipulate teens into sharing personal content, then threaten to expose them unless demands for money or more images are met.

The statistics are alarming. The FBI documented over 7,000 sextortion cases targeting minors in 2022 alone, with at least 20 teens dying by suicide as a direct result. Boys are particularly vulnerable, often suffering in silence rather than reaching out for the support that could save them. The psychological toll is immense — victims withdraw from activities they love, distance themselves from friends, and carry a burden no young person should bear.

But there's power in knowing you're not alone and not at fault. This episode walks through the four critical steps to fight back: never pay the extortionist, tell someone you trust immediately, preserve all evidence, and report to authorities who stand ready to help. We outline specific resources including the FBI hotline and image removal tools that work without judgment or questions. For parents and friends, we provide guidance on recognizing warning signs and starting those difficult but potentially life-saving conversations. The predators count on silence and shame — but knowledge, community support, and courage are stronger weapons. Whether you're currently facing this nightmare or want to protect yourself and those you love, this episode provides the actionable strategies needed to turn victims into survivors.

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

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Drowning claims over 400 lives yearly in US recreational boating accidents, with a shocking truth hiding behind these statistics: 87% of drowning victims owned personal flotation devices but weren't wearing them when tragedy struck. This sobering reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into water safety equipment that could literally save your life.

Drawing from years of experience teaching thousands of paddlers through the American Adventure Sports Club, I share the costly mistake I made as a new paddler – purchasing an advanced whitewater Personal Flotation Device - PFD when I needed something more appropriate for my beginner skill level. This common misstep highlights why understanding PFD selection is critical for anyone heading out on the water, whether you're motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or kayak fishing.

We explore the crucial differences between life jackets and PFDs (they're not always the same thing!), break down the four main types of flotation devices, and explain performance levels from 50 to 275.

For parents, I share a powerful personal story of rescuing a four-year-old wearing an adult-sized PFD that would have offered zero protection in an emergency – a reminder that proper fit for children isn't just important, it's potentially life-saving. From the specialized Kokatat Hustle for whitewater enthusiasts to the feature-rich Leviathan for fishing adventures, you'll discover exactly which models work best for specific water activities.

Water adventures should bring joy, not tragedy. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will ensure you make informed choices about the most important piece of equipment you'll ever wear on the water.

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

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Transform those pesky yellow weeds in your yard into nutritional gold mines! Dandelions, often dismissed as lawn nuisances, pack more nutritional punch than kale or spinach, according to registered dietitian Nancy Gieb. When paired with raw local honey, they create delicious, therapeutic gummies that both kids and adults love.

These bright yellow flowers aren't just pretty — they're medicinal powerhouses with roots in traditional healing practices across cultures. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron and calcium, dandelions support liver health, fight inflammation, and may help regulate blood sugar. The jagged-leaved plants (whose name means "lion's tooth" in French) contain various antioxidants throughout their roots, leaves, and flowers.

Raw honey complements dandelions perfectly, bringing its own impressive benefits. As one beekeeper notes, "My customers swear by my raw honey for seasonal sniffles." This natural sweetener offers antibacterial properties, soothes digestion, eases sore throats, and might even help with allergies when sourced locally.

Making dandelion gummies is surprisingly simple and takes under an hour. Just gather pesticide-free dandelions, raw honey, and gelatin (or agar-agar for vegetarians), and you're set to create chewy treats that deliver both nutrition and satisfaction. Safety-conscious foragers should harvest from clean areas away from roadsides, wash thoroughly, and consider potential interactions with medications like blood thinners or lithium.

As mother Sarah T shared, "These gummies are a game-changer—my kids beg for them, and I feel good knowing they're eating something healthy." Ready to rethink those so-called weeds? Start transforming your backyard weeds into wellness today!

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

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Betrayed by my body and dismissed by doctors — this is my story of facing an invisible epidemic affecting 250 million people worldwide. When I inexplicably gained 40 pounds despite maintaining my athlete's lifestyle, five different medical professionals told me to simply embrace the weight gain or suggested I had mental health issues. One even questioned my gender identity rather than investigating my physical symptoms.

The truth finally emerged when a small-town doctor took my concerns seriously and discovered dangerously high inflammation markers in my blood — a potential precursor to serious illness. My diagnosis? Lymphedema, a chronic condition affecting the lymphatic system that causes persistent swelling, fatigue, and potential complications when left untreated. Despite affecting more Americans than HIV, ALS, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis combined, lymphedema remains widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.

This episode takes you through my personal journey from sponsored adventure athlete to struggling with mobility, the frustrating experience of medical gaslighting, and the natural approaches that helped me regain control of my health. I share the diagnostic indicators of lymphedema, treatment options including pneumatic compression devices like the FlexiTouch system, and how targeted exercise, lymphatic massage, and specific nutritional strategies helped put parts of my condition into remission. For anyone facing unexplained weight gain, persistent swelling, or dismissive healthcare experiences, this conversation offers validation, information, and hope. Your symptoms aren't in your head — and you're not alone in this fight.

Tag new normal big life on X, Formerly Twitter at NNBLBlog to connect with our community of wellness warriors. Have you experienced medical gaslighting? Share your story in the comments or message us about health topics you'd like covered in future episodes.

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.

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Your immune system isn't just part of your health equation — it's the foundation everything else builds upon. This revolutionary concept forms the core of the Wellness Warrior's approach to natural healing, and it's backed by medical experts like Dr. Leonard Calabrese of the Cleveland Clinic who confirms: a strong immune system underpins good health.

Drawing from her remarkable journey from wheelchair dependency to whitewater kayaking adventures, Antoinette Lee shares the four science-backed pillars that transformed her health when conventional medicine failed. Imagine moving beyond the cycle of medications — each with its "unwanted, potentially harmful, and sometimes deadly effects" — toward a state of natural resilience where your body fights illness effectively on its own.

The first pillar challenges you to "eat like a Spartan, not a slob" by embracing a Mediterranean diet that slashes inflammation while abandoning the standard American diet of processed foods. The second pillar takes you outdoors where movement and sunlight combine to strengthen immunity and mental wellbeing — a strategy that helped Antoinette progress from using a walker to mastering whitewater rapids. The third pillar reveals how quality sleep serves as your body's repair shop, with practical guidance on natural sleep aids like homegrown chamomile and liposomal melatonin spray. Finally, the fourth pillar addresses the profound connection between mind and immunity, offering simple but powerful stress management techniques like deep breathing and targeted activities that calm an anxious mind.

This isn't some "granola hippie rant" but a call to arms for anyone determined to reclaim their health through natural means. Whether you're battling chronic conditions, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to optimize your wellbeing, these four pillars provide a roadmap to stronger immunity and greater resilience. Tag us on X, Formerly Twitter at NNBLBlog as you implement these strategies — we're here to celebrate your journey toward your new normal and biggest possible life.

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.

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Discover the remarkable health potential hiding in an ancient Himalayan substance that's transforming modern wellness approaches. Shilajit — a dark, resinous material formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter trapped within mountain rocks — contains a treasure trove of bioactive compounds that science is only beginning to fully understand.

Dive deep into the specific mechanisms that make this traditional Ayurvedic remedy so powerful. From fulvic acid that fights oxidative stress and potentially blocks Alzheimer's-related proteins, to humic acid with impressive anti-inflammatory and antiviral capabilities that may inhibit everything from common influenza to HIV. The dibenzyl alpha-pyrones boost cellular energy production by increasing CoQ10 levels — explaining why users report enhanced stamina and reduced fatigue. With over 84 minerals contributing adaptogenic properties, Shilajit helps your body maintain balance amid life's stresses.

Not all Shilajit products deliver these benefits equally. Learn critical selection criteria to identify high-quality supplements: look for Himalayan-sourced products with third-party testing and at least 20% fulvic acid content. Whether you choose resin (most potent), capsules, or liquid extracts, proper preparation matters — dissolving in warm liquids maximizes absorption of beneficial compounds. Before enhancing your wellness routine with this powerful natural substance, consult healthcare professionals about potential interactions with medications. Ready to experience what centuries of traditional healers have known? Tag us on X, Formerly Twitter at NNBLblog to share your journey toward optimal health and adventure!

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.