What happens when “wellness” becomes more about fear, influencers, and food dyes than actual public health? Stacy talks with Environmental Health Educator Lara Adler about MAHA, environmental toxins, chronic disease, social media misinformation, and the growing gap between performative wellness and meaningful systemic change. From sunscreen panic to wellness purity culture, privilege, and the death of nuance online, this is a science-forward conversation about what we’re missing in America’s health movement.
In a bonus episode follow-up to the conversation with Lara, Stacy gets nerdy with us and breaks down the regulatory rollbacks affecting public health right now, from environmental protections and PFAS to food dyes, air pollution, water safety, and more.
Find Lara:
About Lara:
Lara Adler is an Environmental Health Educator and Consultant with over 14 years of experience helping health professionals and health-focused organizations understand & communicate the impact of environmental chemicals on chronic health conditions. Her work bridges emerging research with practical, evidence-based strategies to minimize toxic exposures and strengthen resilience against environmental challenges.
After more than a decade of teaching environmental health courses to thousands of practitioners in 35+ countries, Lara now focuses on consulting and public education, supporting mission-driven organizations, health brands, and educators in addressing environmental health topics with accuracy, nuance, and a grounded, balanced tone.
Lara is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
BONUS: MAHA ‘s Toxic Effect – The Regulatory Rollbacks Affecting Us Now
Listen to hear what’s actually changing under the MAHA movement and current administration!
Sponsor:
- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code REALTALK at https://www.oneskin.co/REALTALK
References:
- Dr. Jessica Knurick
- The Whole View with Stacy Toth, Season 3, Episode 117: All about the PFAS in Your Water w/ Dr. Jenny Yu
- The Whole View with Stacy Toth, Season 3, Bonus: Plastic Nano & Micro Particles in Water w/ Healthline’s Dr. Jenny Yu
- Real Talk, Whole Life Bonus: Cleaning House w/ Lindsay Dahl
- EPA announcement on rescinding greenhouse gas vehicle standards / Endangerment Finding
- EPA repeal of strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) amendments
- Associated Press reporting on coal plant exemptions from toxic pollution rules
- EPA announcement on PFAS drinking water standards and delayed compliance
- EPA proposal to narrow PFAS reporting requirements under TSCA
- Federal Register notice rescinding restricted-use pesticide recordkeeping requirements for certified applicators
- White House fact sheet on Defense Production Act support for glyphosate and elemental phosphorus supply
- Reuters reporting on Trump administration support for Bayer in Roundup litigation
- EWG reporting on possible federal threats to state/local glyphosate bans
- Washington Post reporting on PFAS-related pesticide approvals
- National Conference of State Legislatures summary of SNAP changes under 2025 law
- The Guardian reporting on USDA cuts to local food purchasing programs
- CLASP analysis of NIOSH/OSHA workforce cuts and worker safety impacts
- FDA/HHS announcement on phaseout of petroleum-based synthetic food dyes
- FDA tracker for voluntary food-industry dye removal pledges
- USDA school nutrition standards updates including sugar reduction measures
- HHS fact sheet on the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines reset
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