Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

Is gluten really the problem? What if the real story starts long before your flour hits the kitchen? In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, we go straight to the source—literally. Michelle sits down with a multi-generational wheat farmer and miller to uncover what’s changed in our grain over time—and why ancient grains like einkorn are making a comeback. You’ll hear what’s happening in the s...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy , Michelle sits down with Glenn Livingston, a former food industry insider turned expert in binge eating and food addiction recovery. After struggling with his own compulsive eating and reaching nearly 300 pounds, Glenn reveals how processed foods are deliberately engineered to trigger cravings at a neurological level—making overeating feel impossible to...

In this deeply personal Easter episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle shares a powerful reflection on faith, hardship, and the true meaning of provision. Walking through a painful season involving a loved one’s wrongful incarceration, she explores the Biblical story of manna and what it reveals about our modern obsession with self-sufficiency. From food storage and wheat berries to the limi...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with holistic health educator Karen “Zuzu” Arms to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system and chronic illness. Through deeply personal stories—including their daughters’ serious health struggles—they uncover how many conditions may be rooted in nervous system dysfunction rather than isolated symptoms. They break do...

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Sprouse, a holistic health educator who studied public health at Johns Hopkins, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, nutrition, and children’s behavior. They break down details about processed foods' effects on children that you haven't thought about yet—and what parents can do about it. Amy shares a fresh perspective on why ki...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised major food corporations on how to sell more processed foods. Dr. Livingston reveals how processed foods are intentionally engineered to keep consumers eating. From strategic packaging and advertising psychology to subtle flavor variations within a single b...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down a major problem with current dietary guidelines: the confusing advice to eat more “whole grains.” Most shoppers assume that choosing whole wheat bread at the grocery store means they are making a healthier choice. But Michelle explains that many commercial breads labeled “whole wheat” are still made from refined flour and con...

Are whole grains as healthy as we think? Join me as we break down what really happens when you grind wheat berries into fresh milled flour. We'll discuss two nutrients that are almost entirely LOST when we mill fresh flour. But don’t panic. We'll also go over some simple solutions, from what you eat with your bread to what grains you mill for your bread. If you care about feeding your fami...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down why eggs may be the most underrated high-quality protein available today. With 97% digestibility and all nine essential amino acids, eggs provide complete protein in one simple, affordable food. But the real surprise? Eggs are one of the most bioavailable sources of lutein — a powerful carotenoid that protects eye health, filters bl...

Are expensive “healthy” snacks actually wrecking your gut — and your budget? Let's down the new food pyramid and dietary guidelines — what they got right, what still needs work, and why avoiding ultra-processed foods is the biggest win for your health. But here’s the practical part: instead of just saying “stop eating processed food,” Michelle shares 3 powerful food preservation methods that m...

Is gluten really the problem—or have we been blaming the wrong thing all along? This week, the FDA made headlines with a new move on gluten labeling, and many people celebrated it as a major win. But today we're going to break down why this decision won’t actually make us healthier—and may even make things worse. If you’ve gone gluten-free and still don’t feel great… If you’ve been told gluten...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cate Shanahan—family physician, biochemist, and bestselling author—to uncover the hidden dangers of modern vegetable oils. Dr. Shanahan explains how eight commonly used seed oils disrupt cellular communication, fuel oxidative stress, and drive chronic disease. This episode unpacks the flawed history behind cholesterol fear, the role of industry influence, and...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down three major flaws in the new food pyramid—including what it gets dangerously wrong about fruits, vegetables, meat, and especially grains. While applauding the new emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and real food, Michelle explains why food sourcing is the missing piece of the conversation. She unpacks why not all produce is n...

Wood heat has been labeled dirty, dangerous, and outdated—but is it true? In this episode, Michelle talks with Patrick Sieben, certified heater mason and Vice President of the Masonry Heater Association of North America, to unpack the myths surrounding wood burning. Patrick explains how masonry heaters, commonly used across Europe, burn wood so efficiently that they produce little to no smoke, use...

We don't need to rely on the grocery store, even if we will never live on a farm. Would you like to eat better and rely less on Big Food & grocery stores? Do you know you need to change the way you view food but don't know where to start? Do you know what to do if you want avocados but don't live where they grow? Learn how to eat seasonally and locally. Learn how to take on nutriti...

Does your head sometimes spin over sugars? Are you never quite sure if ANY sugar is good at all? Is there a sweetener that could be labeled the best sweetener? What's the truth behind the chemical makeup of maple syrup? Does the fact that it's processed (aka boiled down) mean it's lost nutrients? If you've ever had questions about all-natural sugar, this episode is for you. How to...

Have you ever wondered when and why the U.S. government started regulating our flour? And what "enriching" it really entails? In this episode, Michelle delves into the history and nuances of flour with Gary Leavitt, President of Nutrimill. Join us as we explore the significance of flour, the techniques of milling, and the devastating nutritional impact "enriched" flour has had on m...

Do you ever feel like you face so many dilemmas surrounding your food choices? Let's break down some of the historical context of dietary laws, and the impact of fear on our relationship with food. Let's not fear food but embrace joy and gratitude during the holidays. Please check out our sponsors: COFFEE: https://soulyrested.com/coffee/ MASONRY HEATER: https://soulyrested.com/cook (find t...

Favorite (simple!) Christmas breakfast recipes. And practical cooking tips to make Christmas morning enjoyable, nutritious, and stress-free. I'll walk you through three main recipes: a Potato and Egg Skillet, a Sour Cream Coffee Cake, and my Grandmom's Cheese Souffle, each designed to be easy to prepare and perfect for Christmas morning. Christmas breakfast can be simple and enjoyable. Pre...

Have you ever battled intense depression? Struggled to face a new day? Felt beaten down with difficulties? With Nate Pickowicz, today's guest and my friend and pastor, learn to access the causes of depression and distinguish between feeling sad versus true spiritual depression. Then walk through some genuine solutions that will help. Nate emphasizes the need for understanding the interplay bet...

Do you long to create a few intentional and meaningful holiday traditions? Would you like this holiday season to be one that promotes family togetherness, community involvement, and reflection on what's genuinely valuable? But you don't have the bandwidth for how complicated that can all be to orchestrate? Please join me today. Let's talk about mundane, simple things that could hold a...

Are you often wanting to simplify the holiday season but find yourself sucked up in the busyness of it all without meaning to? In this episode we'll talk about focusing on intentional gift giving, keeping the fun alive, repurposing unique things, and creating meaningful experiences with family. Listen in for 5 simple ways to be present and make memories this holiday season rather than getting...

Maybe you already know all the nutritional reasons to bake with fresh flour, but did you know the same benefits go hand-in-hand with flaking oats at home? The lousy results of processing flour mirror the same results with oats you buy at the store: old-fashioned oats, rolled oats, and quick oats are all highly processed and void of nutrients. This episode gives some practical advice on how to flak...

Today we’re talking about the most important thing to do if you want to improve what goes on your family's table, if you want to be able to make real food conveniently. I’m also sharing an extensive, totally free resource with you and BONUS loads of discount codes on all the best ingredients. And you can access it all right away. Go to  SoulyRested.com/pantry Please check out our sponsors: Blu...

Processed sugars are killing us. In today's episode, David Stelzer explains why they will never sell conventional refined white sugar (it's insane). David is the founder of a family-run food supply company who has been working to change the broken food system in the U.S. And I'm picking David's brain about every detail of all the sweetener options. David dives into why conventional...