New Normal Big Life – Details, episodes & analysis

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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!

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

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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.

The Health Ranger Store
The best price on US-based lab-tested supplements and superfoods. Shop now with my affiliate link.

Ready Hour & My Patriot Supply
Best price on US-based preparedness and long-term storable food. Shop now with my affiliate link.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Send us a text

The demonization of masculinity over the past decade has created a damaging cultural environment where boys and men are made to feel inherently flawed simply for exhibiting natural masculine traits. This eye-opening episode challenges this harmful narrative with compelling research showing traditional masculinity actually improves mental well-being and provides psychological resilience.

When we examine the American Psychological Association's 2018 guidelines for practice with boys and men, we discover a concerning tendency to pathologize normal male behavior. While acknowledging positive traits like courage and leadership, the emphasis on potential negative outcomes has contributed to a societal message that masculinity itself is problematic. As researcher Adam Alter's work demonstrates, the labels we apply don't just describe reality—they actively shape it, affecting how boys and men view themselves and how others treat them.

Licensed therapist Amy Berrafato, LMFT, CST (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Certified Sex Therapist) offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing that masculinity itself isn't toxic—rather, specific behaviors can be harmful regardless of gender. She advocates creating safe spaces where men can express vulnerability without judgment, celebrating masculine strengths while encouraging healthy emotional expression. "Expressing feelings in ways people can hear" becomes a pathway to stronger relationships without requiring men to abandon their masculine identity.

The societal consequences of devaluing traditional masculinity extend beyond individual psychology. Throughout history, cultures that lost appreciation for masculine virtues often became vulnerable to external threats and internal decline. This episode makes a compelling case that resilient societies require the positive aspects of masculinity, including courage, protection, and strength of character.

Ready to challenge the toxic narrative around masculinity? Join us as we explore how to celebrate positive masculine traits while fostering healthy emotional expression for everyone. Share your thoughts on X, formerly Twitter by tagging new normal big life or nnblblog — we'd love to hear how you're embracing the best of traditional values in your modern life.

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.

Send us a text

My story’s not unique. Whether you’re a veteran like me or even a teen figuring out life the healthcare system is failing you and it’s time we took charge of our own health. I wore the Army uniform for 11 years—air assault medic, infection control expert, healthcare warrior—fixing bodies under tough conditions. But by 2015, my own body turned traitor. A traumatic brain injury and broken back from my military service tanked my life. One day, I’m deadlifting 500 pounds as a competitive powerlifter, the next day I couldn’t shower without help. The system I’d served? It watched me waste away. This doesn’t have to be your story. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Let’s dive in.

Episode Outline

Introduction to the podcast 00:00 – 04:27

What to do when you’re stuck—physically, mentally, spiritually? 04:28 – 04:38

What you’ll get from the New Normal Big Life Podcast 04:39 – 06:30

Ad from our sponsor, the Health Ranger Store for lab-tested natural health products 06:30 – 07:05

Episode sponsored by:

The Health Ranger Store — Use my affiliate link to shop: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/?rfsn=8607126.5d836c3&utm_source=refersion&utm_campaign=8607126.5d836c3&utm_affiliate=8607126&utm_medium=affiliate

 My Patriot Supply – Ready Hour — Use my affiliate link to shop:

https://www.readyhour.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=8&affid=216

Episode transcript

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lT7T7QG4ghpduBudRefApa10D4UCvxJl/view?usp=sharing

Host & Show Information 

Host: Antoinette Lee, MBA — The Wellness Warrior is a health and wellness public speaker, an outdoor industry influencer, model, and a brand ambassador for outdoor companies. She was trained in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, infection control, and disease prevention in the U.S. Army. She has an Associate of Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, and an MBA.

 Antoinette can usually be found in the Northwoods, USA, stewarding the forest and river around her homestead with Matt and Phoebe.

 R

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.

Send us a text

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.

The Health Ranger Store
The best price on US-based lab-tested supplements and superfoods. Shop now with my affiliate link.

Ready Hour & My Patriot Supply
Best price on US-based preparedness and long-term storable food. Shop now with my affiliate link.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Send us a text

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!

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.

Send us a text

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.

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.

Send us a text

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.

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.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

The question of whether to send a reluctant child to sleepaway camp presents a significant parenting dilemma. Drawing on years of experience as an adventure camp director, I've seen the remarkable potential for growth — and the very real risks when children aren't emotionally ready.

Contrary to what some might expect, forcing hesitant children into wilderness camp situations often backfires spectacularly. When children feel overwhelmed by both the separation from home and anger at being forced into the experience, they may lash out at counselors and other campers — creating potentially dangerous situations in backcountry settings. I've witnessed firsthand the stress this places on everyone involved, including parents who must travel long distances to retrieve a child who cannot safely continue the program.

When children do feel ready for the challenge, however, sleepaway camp offers extraordinary benefits. Through our non-profit adventure camp, we've seen children blossom while working through social awkwardness to form lasting friendships, developing leadership skills through independent tasks, building resilience through judgment-free learning environments, mastering outdoor skills, deepening their connection with nature, and growing confidence by creating experiences entirely their own. For parents considering camp, focus first on preparing your child by developing core skills: following safety instructions, managing daily planning, contributing to team tasks, and properly packing for various conditions. Most importantly, respect your child's genuine feelings about readiness — the most successful campers arrive feeling nervous but willing to give it a chance, not resentful and resistant.

Ready to explore how outdoor adventures might benefit your child? Download our comprehensive guides at nnbl.blog or follow us on X, formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog for step-by-step plans to introduce your family to nature-based activities at a pace that works for everyone.

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.