138: Alchemy 1.01 with JJ Stenhouse - Episode 138

138: Alchemy 1.01 with JJ Stenhouse - Episode 138

In episode 138 of the podcast 'Alchemy 101', host JJ Stenhouse delves into the topics of mosquito bite prevention, herbal foraging, and tocophobia awareness. As summer unfolds, many are eager to enjoy the outdoors, but the threat of mosquito bites remains prevalent, even in non-tropical regions such as the UK and the USA. Howard Carter, founder of the natural repellent brand Incognito, joins the episode to shed light on mosquito bite prevention.

He discusses the alarming discovery of West Nile virus genetic material in the UK, highlighting its potential risks and the importance of being prepared even for staycations. Carter explains the intricacies of natural repellents, noting that many common toiletries attract mosquitoes. He introduces Incognito's products that provide 100% protection against mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Carter's expertise offers listeners valuable insights into safeguarding themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

The episode also features medical herbalist Keren Brynes-McLean, who offers a glimpse into the world of herbal foraging. Brynes-McLean shares her experiences and knowledge about medicinal herbs and their traditions, emphasizing the benefits of foraging during spring. The segment encourages listeners to explore nature's offerings while ensuring safe identification of foraged foods. Towards the end of the episode, JJ introduces the topic of tocophobia, a deep fear of pregnancy and childbirth.

She outlines her collaboration with Alexia Leachman to raise awareness about this anxiety disorder. Through their podcast, they aim to educate listeners on tocophobia, providing support and resources to those affected. Overall, this episode combines practical advice on mosquito prevention, enriching herbal knowledge, and crucial awareness on tocophobia, seamlessly blending informative content with personal stories from experts.