In this episode of the Crunchy Stewardship podcast, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones discuss the high costs of healthcare and methods to manage these expenses effectively. They explore traditional health insurance, explaining premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. They highlight issues within the system, such as the rising costs influenced by both providers and insurance companies. They introduce alternative healthcare strategies, focusing on non-traditional health insurance options like Christian Healthcare Ministries and Crowd Health. The episode covers their personal experiences with these health cost-sharing programs, emphasizing their benefits, such as significant discounts for self-pay patients and no network restrictions. The cousins also touch on the necessity of a mindset shift towards investing in preventative care and managing catastrophic health events. They conclude with a teaser for the next episode, which will delve deeper into the specifics of various health-sharing companies.

Key takeaway:

This Crunchy Stewardship episode reveals that while traditional health insurance in the U.S. is costly and often misaligned with consumer interests, health cost-sharing ministries offer a budget-friendly, faith-centered alternative. These ministries concentrate on covering significant medical events, encouraging individuals to invest in their preventative health through self-pay options and direct provider relationships, rather than relying on a system that often prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

Links:

• CHM: https://agapeinvests.com/chm (Katie’s Referral link. Use number ‪(231) 475-0280‬ when asked who referred you)
• CrowdHealth: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/
• Medishare: https://www.medishare.com/
• Check out Katie’s Christian Healthcare Ministries Review videos on YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbGQ6XVmrx6m6RW3vn25WbC12GLHxneDW&si=r1jzqxOGDiS-8Rnj

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
01:20 Introduction to Today's Topic: Paying for Health
02:29 Understanding Health Insurance Basics
06:12 The Economics of Healthcare Costs
07:31 Exploring Non-Traditional Health Insurance
08:38 Personal Experiences with Health Cost Sharing
15:23 Challenges and Benefits of Non-Traditional Healthcare
42:10 Conclusion

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In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Jones and Chrissy Rombach delve into the controversial topic of seed oils. The hosts clarify what seed oils are, their chemical properties, and the health implications of consuming them. They discuss the history and political landscape that led to the widespread use of seed oils and contrast them with more stable, healthier fats like butter, tallow, and coconut oil. The episode provides practical advice on choosing and using healthier oils, the significance of cold-pressed oils, and tips for integrating these into daily life. Chrissy and Katie also share personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and emphasize the importance of making informed, incremental changes to improve overall health and honor God.

Episode Takeaway:

Understanding the historical and chemical differences between traditional saturated fats and modern seed oils reveals how our dietary recommendations have been fundamentally flipped, impacting our health and highlighting the importance of choosing stable, natural fats for optimal wellness.

Links & Things Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats https://amzn.to/3SLKo4b

Types of Good Oils/Fats

• Pure Tallow
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Ghee
• Almond Oil
• Sesame Oil

Organic & gold pressed are BEST

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship
00:59 Introduction to Seed Oils
02:07 Understanding Unsaturated Fats
07:17 The History and Politics of Seed Oils
09:25 Health Impacts of Seed Oils
21:57 Choosing the Right Oils for Cooking
26:46 Smoke Point of Fats and Oils
32:31 Practical Tips for Healthier Choices
38:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones explore the significance and uses of essential oils from both a biblical and practical perspective. They discuss the origins of essential oils, their historical and spiritual context, and provide a list of oils mentioned in the Bible. The hosts share their personal experiences and the medicinal benefits of various essential oils like lavender and peppermint for stress relief, migraines, and treating fevers. They also emphasize the importance of choosing high-quality oils and avoiding synthetic products. Practical applications of essential oils in daily life, from personal care routines to household cleaning, are highlighted, along with recommendations for reputable essential oil brands. The episode concludes with an invite to their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' for further discussion and resources.

Episode Takeaway:

Essential oils, far from being a modern "alternative" trend, have a deep-rooted history in human health, biblical practices, and natural healing. When sourced for purity and quality, they offer a versatile and biblically-aligned approach to stewarding one's health and home, providing effective natural solutions for common ailments, personal care, and household cleaning, while emphasizing the importance of understanding their true potency compared to synthetic fragrances.

Books/Authors:

• Dr. Josh Axe's book "Essential Oils": https://amzn.to/4kt94uh

Biblical References/Concepts:

• Frankincense and Myrrh: Mentioned as two of the most highly revered oils in the Bible, brought to Jesus as gifts.
• Spikenard: Mentioned as the oil Mary (sister of Martha) poured on Jesus' feet.
  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke: The gospels where the anointing with spikenard is mentioned (though the event where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume made of pure nard is specifically found in John 12:1-8, and a similar anointing is found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50 with different contexts). It would be best to link to the relevant biblical passages.
• Moses giving instructions for anointing leaders: General reference to oils being used in the wilderness.
• Anointing the altar in the tabernacle: General reference to oils and incense in biblical rituals.
• Esther bathing in Myrrh: Reference to Esther's purification ritual before presenting herself to the king.

Products/Substances:

• Epsom Salt: Mentioned for baths for detoxification and fever reduction.
• Coconut Oil / Olive Oil: Mentioned as carrier oils to dilute essential oils for topical application.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mentioned as natural cleaning agents.
• Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap: Highly recommended as an 18-in-1, non-toxic, concentrated soap with essential oils. https://amzn.to/4kt9q45
• Dryer Balls: Mentioned as an alternative to dryer sheets for laundry, with essential oils added for scent. https://amzn.to/43Jzd0M

Essential Oils (specific mentions):

• Lavender: For relaxation, stress reduction, sleep, and baths.
• Eucalyptus: For relaxation, diffusing with lavender, and a good antimicrobial for cleaning.
• Peppermint: For migraines (on temples and behind earlobes), for colds (in diffusers), fever reduction (in baths), draining sinuses (in showers), and for calming the digestive system/healing ulcerative colitis (ingested).
• Lime essential oil: For fever reduction in baths with epsom salt.
• Oregano oil: Super effective antimicrobial for cleaning, more effective than most antibiotics.
• Lemon essential oil: For laundry (on dryer balls) and diffusing for a clean scent.

Ever heard the term "crunchy" and wondered what it actually means? Join cousins Chrissy and Katie on this episode of Crunchy Stewardship as they pull back the curtain on the world of natural, holistic living. We're defining what "crunchy" means to us – a lifestyle focused on stewarding our spiritual, mental, emotional, financial, and physical health to honor God – and why it's more of a spectrum than a strict label.

From birthing choices and organic eating to homemade cleaning products and natural remedies, we share our personal journeys and reveal just how "crunchy" we actually are. Plus, get ready to play along as we take a fun personality quiz to help you discover where you land on the crunchy spectrum!

Episode Takeaway:

Embracing a more natural, non-toxic lifestyle isn't about rigid adherence or perfection; it's a personalized journey of making intentional choices that align with your values for health and well-being.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:44 The 'Crunchy' Spectrum

03:27 Chrissy's Crunchy Journey

05:26 Defining 'Crunchy'

06:45 Katie's Crunchy Journey

11:10 How Crunchy Are You? Quiz

12:23 Ideal Birthing Scenario

15:25 Organic Choices

17:11 Breastfeeding Plans

19:29 Baby Carrying Methods

22:03 Produce

24:22 Drinking Water

25:37 Fermentation

25:49 Finding Clean Products

26:28 Essential Oils

27:19 Acupuncture

28:40 Bone Broth

29:33 Compost

30:00 Dream Homes

30:23 Coffee Additions

31:21 Farmer's Market Finds

33:22 Crunchy Checklist

35:34 Education

36:42 Crunchy Practices

38:46 Final Thoughts

Links & Things Mentioned in This Episode:

• Bobby Approved App: This app helps you scan product barcodes to see if ingredients are "Bobby Approved" based on common health criteria. https://www.flavcity.com/bobbyapproved/
• EWG (Environmental Working Group) Apps: We love their apps (like Healthy Living) for checking ingredients in personal care products, cleaning supplies, and food, giving them a "cleanliness" score. https://www.ewg.org/apps/
• Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Lists (by EWG): These annual guides help you prioritize which produce to buy organic (Dirty Dozen) and which are generally safe to buy conventional (Clean Fifteen). https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
• Brita Water Filter Chrissy Uses: https://amzn.to/4lU6C11
• Brita Faucet Filter: https://amzn.to/4jEdazm
• Berkey Water Filters: https://amzn.to/4cWaIll
• US Raw Milk Laws by State: As promised, here's a helpful resource to understand the legality and accessibility of raw milk in your state: https://www.realmilk.com/real-milk-legal-map/

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

This podcast episode of Crunchy Stewardship features cousins Katie and Chrissy diving into the significant monetary and intangible costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, drawing on research and personal experiences. They explore how chronic diseases burden individuals and the healthcare system financially, while also highlighting the impact on mental, emotional, and social well-being. The conversation then shifts to the cost benefits of embracing a healthier, more natural way of living, grounded in biblical principles, and offers practical, budget-friendly strategies like reducing alcohol and tobacco, incorporating free physical activity, and prioritizing whole, nutritious foods. Katie and Chrissy also share personal anecdotes and cost-saving tips such as making homemade laundry detergent and bread, and opting for reusable alternatives like cloth diapers, emphasizing that small, consistent changes can lead to significant long-term health and financial advantages.

Episode Takeaway:

Consider the things in your life that could be costing you your health. Find small, simple steps that you can implement today to begin taking those baby steps to benefit your health in the years to come.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:44 The Cost of an Unhealthy Lifestyle

01:54 Monetary Costs of Chronic Illnesses

10:04 Intangible Costs of Poor Health

14:01 Preventing Chronic Diseases

16:30 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

29:00 Cost-Effective Healthy Living

45:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Links mentioned:

• CDC website that shares health expenses https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
• CDC Chronic disease burden https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2015/14_0388.htm#:~:text=Among%20adults%20with%20chronic%20conditions,annual%20total%20expenditures%20(%247%2C116).
• NIH Article https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10830426/

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Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

Follow us on Instagram @crunchystewardship

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Katie Fiola Jones and Chrissy Rombach discuss their journey into bread making and its surprising health benefits. Chrissy shares her experience with grinding wheat berries and how transitioning to homemade bread has significantly improved her gut health. The conversation expands to the broader topic of whole foods versus processed foods, touching on synthetic vitamins, food intolerances, and the pitfalls of manufactured nutrition. They offer practical tips for listeners to start making their food from scratch and emphasize the importance of intentionality in holistic living. Join their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' to share recipes and continue the discussion.

Episode Takeaway:

Consider the ingredients in the bread and other processed foods you consume. Could making your own bread with freshly ground, quality wheat be a beneficial step towards better gut health and overall well-being?

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:58 Our Passion For Bread

02:22 Chrissy's Bread Journey

04:04 The Benefits of Freshly Milled Wheat

08:07 Understanding Wheat & Flour

14:43 Exploring Gluten Free Diets

22:41 Homemade Ice Cream Adventures

25:15 Financial Decisions with Healthy Choices

33:50 Encouragement and Takeaways

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Countertop Wheat Grinder: Countertop Wheat Grinder
• Wheat Berries: Wheat Link
• Wheatland Seed Website
• Whole Wheat Recipe Book: Whole Wheat Recipe Book

Connect With Us:

Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama

FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living

In this enlightening episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones explore the vital topic of food quality and its impact on our health from a biblical perspective.

The discussion focuses on food cultivation, the dangers of pesticides, and the benefits of organic eating. They highlight the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, explaining the hazards of pesticide-laden produce and offering practical tips for buying healthier food without breaking the bank.

The episode also dives into the concept of regenerative farming and God's design for farming outlined in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of allowing the soil to rest. Chrissy and Katie invite listeners to join their Facebook group for further discussion and community support in the journey toward better health.

Key Takeaway

Considering your current food consumption habits and the information shared in this episode, what is one small, manageable step you feel inspired to take this week to better steward the food you and your family eat?

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Crunchy Stewardship

00:46  Introduction to Food Cultivation

04:54 The Dirty Dozen: Foods to Avoid

07:43 The Dangers of Pesticides

09:26 Glyphosate and Chronic Diseases

15:42 The Importance of Nutrient-Dense Soil

18:31 Regenerative Farming and Biblical Principles

25:58 Big Agriculture vs Natural Farming

30:40 Tips for Buying Quality Food on a Budget

38:19 Join Our Community

Mentioned in this episode:

• EWG's Dirty Dozen List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
• EWG's Clean 15 List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
• Documentary "The Biggest Little Farm": https://amzn.to/42MxHvE

Connect with us:

• Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/crunchychristianmama
• FREE How to Afford Non-Toxic Living Workbook: https://crunchystewardship.com/how-to-afford-non-toxic-living
• Podcast Newsletter: https://crunchystewardship.com/crunchy-stewardship-podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones turn their attention to a vital element of our health: water. Building on their commitment to holistic well-being rooted in biblical principles, they explore the unseen world of our drinking water and the potential toxins lurking within.

Chrissy and Katie share their growing awareness of water quality issues and delve into the processes designed to purify our water, questioning whether these methods come with hidden costs to our long-term health. They discuss the addition of fluoride, its intended benefits for dental health, and the emerging research linking it to neurodevelopmental concerns. The conversation broadens to include other common contaminants like heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues, and the pervasive issue of microplastics.

Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of being informed consumers and offer practical, budget-friendly solutions for improving the water we consume daily. They also invite listeners to join their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' for continued discussion and shared learning.

Episode Takeaway:

Considering your current water consumption habits and the information shared in this episode, what is one small, manageable step you feel inspired to take this week to better steward the water you and your family drink?

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Water as a Health Cornerstone

01:00 Understanding Water Filtration & Disinfection

06:40 The Role and Controversy of Fluoride in Water

09:27 Unseen Contaminants In Your Water

14:33 The Pervasive Problem of Microplastics in Water

23:38 Choosing the Right Water Filter

32:15 Practical Steps for Safer Water on a Budget

35:00 Conclusion and Community Support

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Landmark Study on Fluoride and IQ: https://www.thenewlede.org/2025/01/study-fluoride-linked-to-lower-iq-debate/
• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Water Quality Resources:
• What’s In Your Water: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/
• Water Filter Guide: https://www.ewg.org/research/getting-forever-chemicals-out-drinking-water-ewgs-guide-pfas-water-filters
• Brita Water Filter Chrissy Uses: https://amzn.to/4lU6C11
• Brita Faucet Filter: https://amzn.to/4jEdazm
• Berkey Water Filters: https://amzn.to/4cWaIll
• Dr. Brown's Glass Baby Bottles: https://amzn.to/44iPSdx
• Mason Bottle: https://amzn.to/3RHGlFn

*Links may provide affiliate commission. We thank you for your support of our show!

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