Advertise on podcast: Candidly Kasi

I’m pressing pause. ❤️ In this season finale of Candidly Kasi, I’m recording one last episode before packing up the RV and heading to New Jersey for two months of family time, slowing down, and—hopefully—doing a whole lot less rushing. For the first time in a long time, I feel… calm. My anxiety has been noticeably quieter, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s contributed to that shift—from finding a medication dose that seems to be working for me, to therapy, craniosacral massage, and the confidence I’ve gained since getting my teeth done. I’m still healing, but I’m also starting to feel more like myself again. I’m also talking about the unexpected lessons that have come with my soft-food diet, including how my entire relationship with food has changed and the post-meal dental routine that has become a whole production! Somehow, it’s actually made me more aware of what I’m eating and how my body feels. And then there’s New Jersey! I’m beyond excited to meet my new nephew, spend time with family, take a pottery class, thrift, read The Hunger Games, find some good gluten-free food, and just BE. I’ll still be testing foods with my Nima, of course. 😉 I’m intentionally taking this break without the pressure of recording, editing, and posting on a schedule. I want to be fully present for this chapter and give myself permission to enjoy it. I’ll be back around mid-November, and when I return, Candidly Kasi will be getting a little refresh—including an upgraded podcast room! Thank you for being here for this season. Thank you for listening, laughing, relating, and letting me share the real-life stuff with you. Now… it’s time for a little pause. ❤️  Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome Back! In this episode of Candidly Kasi, I sit down with Mike Glick, CEO of Nima Partners, for an honest conversation about one of the biggest challenges of living with celiac disease: trusting your food when you’re not the one preparing it. Mike takes us behind the scenes of Nima’s journey—from its MIT origins and original launch in 2015, to being put on the shelf during the pandemic, and ultimately being purchased, rebuilt, and relaunched in January 2026. We talk about what’s changed with the new Nima sensor, how it tests for gluten down to 10 ppm, its expanded ability to detect gluten from wheat, rye, and barley, and the testing and validation behind the technology. Mike also explains why cross-contact is such a complicated issue in restaurants and how Nima is designed to give people an additional layer of confidence when they’re eating away from home. We also get into the questions and concerns the celiac community has raised—including pricing, accuracy, travel, restaurant testing, and the misconceptions surrounding what Nima can and can’t tell you. And because this is CandidlyKasi, we don’t shy away from the bigger conversation: What does it actually take to feel safe eating out when you have celiac disease? Mike also shares what’s next for Nima, including new app features, continued improvements to the technology, and plans to make the product more accessible around the world. Whether you already use Nima, have been thinking about getting one, or are simply trying to navigate life with celiac disease, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the technology—and the person leading the company bringing it back to the celiac community.f you have celiac disease, you know that “gluten-free” doesn’t always mean gluten-free enough to feel safe. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome Back! This week, Kasi catches up on life—from surviving a very real perimenopause hot flash to watching Kiley turn 20 and head off on her first Royal Caribbean cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and The Bahamas. Kiley had the time of her life; Kasi, meanwhile, was busy imagining every possible disaster from dry land. She also shares plans for an extended New Jersey stay, dreams of creating a soundproof podcast studio/homeschool space, and the ongoing struggle of eating soft foods after getting her new teeth. Then things take a turn into AI territory. After a ChatGPT commercial gets her thinking, Kasi dives into what makes her uneasy about how quickly artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life—especially when it comes to privacy, kids, AI toys, therapy, and jobs. She also shares a personal experience with a company that used AI to alter her voice and repurpose her content for ads without paying her. Plus, why she specifically chose a therapist who doesn’t use AI, some exciting upcoming podcast guests, and the usual completely unfiltered detours along the way. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

This week, I’m catching up with an old high school friend, Mike Tait—who also happens to be the guy behind the Candidly Kasi intro song—to talk about getting older, fatherhood, fitness, and what it really takes to build habits that last. After years of being a self-proclaimed gym addict, a car accident and depression completely changed his routine. He shares how he eventually found his way back to fitness through 4:30 a.m. workouts and how that one commitment transformed his energy, mental clarity, and overall outlook on life. We talk about making fitness part of your identity, finding time when life is already busy, cleaning up your diet, cutting back on social media, and why becoming a father gave him an even bigger reason to take care of himself and lead by example. Plus, we get into realistic ways to move more throughout the day, his thoughts on dairy and sugar, gym pet peeves, favorite workouts, and whether those brutally early mornings ever actually get easier.  Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome back! In this episode, I’m sharing the full, unfiltered story of getting all of my teeth removed and replaced with dental implants at Done in One in Jacksonville—from surgery day to finally seeing my new smile. I talk about the anxiety leading up to surgery, making sure every medication was gluten-free because of my celiac disease, taking Halcion, and even filming parts of the extractions and implant placement. And yes… we need to talk about the bleeding afterward and the absolutely horrifying “liver clot” that I had to remove. 🤢 I also take you through the temporary teeth process, multiple try-ons, adjusting the size, rotation, bite and overbite, and finally getting my smooth final set about nine days after surgery. Plus, I share what recovery has really been like: pain, oxycodone nausea, living on soft foods and protein shakes for 90 days, learning to talk normally again, cleaning restrictions, my bone graft, and some unexpected changes I’ve noticed in my bite, inflammation and even my anxiety. It’s been a wild process, but I’m incredibly grateful for my family, everyone who supported me through it, and the team who gave me a smile I finally feel good about. And this isn’t the end of the teeth talk—Dr. Dan, owner of Done In One, will be joining me for an upcoming episode to answer all the questions I know you guys have. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

In this special birthday episode of Candidly Kasi, Kasi sits down with her newly 20-year-old daughter, Kiley, for a candid and chaotic Q&A. They share childhood memories, family traditions, favorite moments growing up, what adulthood has been like so far, and plenty of hilarious stories and playful roasting along the way. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome back! In this episode of Candidly Kasi, Kasi shares how preparing for her upcoming dental surgery unexpectedly changed her daily routine. After realizing that starting each morning with Bravo shows was leaving her feeling stressed and irritable, she swapped reality TV for Hallmark-style movies, calming music, and more positive content—and noticed a dramatic difference in her mood and mindset. She talks about canceling her Peacock subscription, cutting back on unnecessary phone calls, and why she now gravitates toward YouTube videos about real life, travel, and competitive eating instead of manufactured drama. Kasi also shares a Wellbutrin update, explains why 100mg SR twice a day has been the best fit after trying other doses, previews Kiley's upcoming 20th birthday episode, and wraps up with a hilarious story about an unforgettable body odor encounter while shopping. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome back to another episode. This week, therapist Tobi Granger returns to answer listener questions about anxiety, trauma, parenting, burnout, and healthy relationships. She explains how fear-based self-talk fuels anxiety, why childhood trauma creates lasting triggers, and how it's possible to rewire your thinking toward safety and healing. Tobi also shares practical advice on overthinking, reconnecting with kids, reducing pressure at home, recognizing burnout, and building healthier relationships. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI Connect with Tobi [email protected]

Welcome back friends. In this episode of Candidly Kasi, Kasi shares why she ignores the "golden rule" and always tests her food with her Nima Gluten Sensor after a trusted restaurant's gluten-free pancake tested positive for gluten due to cross-contamination when their dedicated gluten-free griddle was unexpectedly unavailable. She explains why she chose not to eat the meal, praises the restaurant for handling the situation professionally, and shares how the manager immediately made it right. Kasi also opens up about the unexpected aftermath of posting the test online. The video exploded to more than 6 million views across Instagram and TikTok, bringing thousands of hateful comments accusing her of faking celiac disease, overreacting, or making the video solely as an advertisement. She responds to the criticism by explaining what living with celiac disease is really like, how severe her reactions can be, and why using a gluten sensor gives her peace of mind. She also discusses the emotional toll of constantly having to plan ahead, bring her own food to gatherings, and advocate for herself in restaurants. Later, Kasi shares a very different experience at Salt Life, where a manager dismissed her concerns after another meal tested positive for gluten. She wraps up the episode with an important reminder for parents about monitoring what their children are exposed to online, previews an upcoming Q&A episode with Tobi Granger, LMHC. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

Welcome back to another episode. After years of struggling to relax during massages, I finally tried craniosacral therapy—and it completely changed how my body responds to stress. In this episode, I'm sharing my experience, what the treatment actually feels like, and why it helped shift me out of constant fight-or-flight mode. But first… you'll hear some of my most ridiculous massage stories, including an accidental Russian bathhouse scrub in Chicago, a detox massage that ended in disaster, and the couples massage with my friend Holly that I will never forget. I also talk about the connection between stress, sleep, jaw tension, and chronic pain, why my therapist recommended craniosacral therapy, how it helped me finally relax, and why I'm bringing my daughter Wilson to try it before my upcoming oral surgery. If you've ever felt like your nervous system is constantly "on," or you've wondered what craniosacral therapy actually is, this episode is for you. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

In this episode of Candidly Kasi, Kasi sits down with Sammy’s Milk founder Erin Hendricks to discuss how a mother's search for a better formula option turned into a thriving business. Kasi shares her own experience using Sammy’s Milk when she transitioned her daughter Wilson from breastfeeding, recalling how seamless the switch was and the personal support Erin provided in the company's early days. Erin opens up about the inspiration behind creating Sammy’s Milk after her own daughter struggled with conventional formula. She shares the extensive research, medical guidance, and determination that went into developing a nutrient-dense goat milk formula while navigating FDA regulations and industry challenges. The conversation explores the company's grassroots beginnings, scaling during the COVID pandemic, ingredient sourcing, non-GMO oils, methylated vitamins, and rigorous testing for heavy metals and pesticides. Erin and Kasi also discuss concerns surrounding mainstream formula options, infant formula regulations, customer success stories, and the realities of balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. Erin shares her perspective on being present as a working mom, why educating parents matters, and offers advice for new mothers navigating infant feeding choices. Topics discussed: The origin story behind Sammy’s MilkBuilding a formula company from scratchFDA regulations and industry challengesClean ingredients and label readingGoat milk formula and gut healthWorking motherhood and entrepreneurshipInfant nutrition and advocacyCustomer success stories and NICU experiences  Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI SHOP SAMMY’S MILK https://www.sammysmilk.com/ (Use code SAMMYS10) and save 10% Follow Sammy’s Milk on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sammysmilk

On this episode of Candidly Kasi, Kasi reflects on motherhood as her oldest daughter, Kiley, approaches her 20th birthday and prepares to join the podcast for a special birthday episode. Inspired by a conversation with a pregnant hairstylist, Kasi shares the stories of her two very different births. Kylie’s pregnancy was relatively smooth but ended with a difficult induction, intense labor, and a challenging postpartum recovery. Wilson’s pregnancy was marked by severe sickness, anemia, iron infusions, and ultimately a breech presentation that led to an unexpected C-section, panic attack, and a recovery that felt like a blur. Kasi compares the two experiences, reflects on how age and life circumstances shaped each journey, and shares updates on upcoming episodes and her own upcoming surgery. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

In this Candidly Kasi update, Kasi shares the ups and downs of adjusting her Wellbutrin dosage over the past six weeks. From early wins to unexpected side effects, she opens up about navigating medication changes, sleep struggles, perimenopause, and mental health. As always, Kasi shares her personal experience—not medical advice—and reflects on the ongoing process of finding what works best for her body and mind. Plus, she previews upcoming episodes and life updates. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI

In this episode of Candidly Kasi, I'm sharing my personal journey with Breast Implant Illness—from getting my first saline implants in 2011 to "upgrading" to silicone implants in 2015, and the health nightmare that followed. After having my daughter in 2017, I began experiencing hair loss, rashes, brain fog, joint pain, digestive issues, extreme fatigue, and a long list of symptoms that left me searching for answers. Despite seeing multiple doctors, I was told everything from postpartum depression to fibromyalgia, yet no one could explain what was happening to my body. Everything changed when I discovered Breast Implant Illness and made the decision to have my implants removed in 2019. During surgery, I learned that one of my implants had ruptured, and many of my symptoms began improving within days of my explant. While I regained much of my health, the damage to my teeth never fully recovered. Today, I'm preparing for my next chapter: full-arch dental implant surgery. In this episode, I share the ups and downs of my journey, the fears and excitement surrounding this upcoming procedure, and why I'm choosing to document the entire process in hopes that it helps someone else feel less alone.  Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 25% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI Check out Done In One https://getdoneinone.com/ Watch the video that saved my life: https://youtu.be/hdrnkhiNF6M?si=CJYczxddFfdfqzBr

In Episode 10 of Candidly Kasi, Kasi reflects on the loss of her childhood best friend, Lyndsey, after a recent conversation about addiction brought old emotions back to the surface. She shares memories of their lifelong friendship, the guilt she carries for pulling away during Lyndsey's struggles with addiction, and the difficult reality of loving someone you can't save. Kasi also opens up about a powerful reunion that gave her long-awaited closure surrounding a childhood trauma, and the heartbreak of losing Lyndsey before she had the chance to fully thank her. This honest and emotional episode explores grief, regret, friendship, addiction, and the importance of reaching out to the people you love while you still can. Follow Along: https://www.tiktok.com/@natural_minded_mama https://www.instagram.com/natural_minded_mama_ Episode Sponsors: Shop GET BLESSED BOTANICALS and use code KASI to save 15% https://getblessedbotanicals.com/KASI Shop NIMA Gluten Detecting Sensor and use code KASI to save 15% https://nimanow.com/KASI Shop Primal Queen Female Focused Beef Organ Supplements and save 25% at checkout https://www.primalqueen.com/KASI Shop Bees & Trees Honey and use code KASIDESTEFANO for 10% off at checkout https://www.beesandtrees.com/?ref=KASI