499: Are Oysters The Ultimate Superfood? with Stephen Kavanagh
Release Date: 11/04/2024
Wise Traditions
Can food abundance bring about peace? Jim Gale, the man behind Food Forest Abundance, believes it can. Today he discusses his big, lofty vision, along with practical ways we can get growing! He explains how permaculture works and how we can begin growing food wherever in the world we live to create the abundance that could eliminate much sickness and division. He explains the benefits that gardening can bring for everyone from inmates to himself. He also tells the story of how he's gone from flat broke to wealthy beyond measure, in more ways than one. Visit Jim's websites: and ...
info_outlineWise Traditions
You might think you would never get botox, but the allure of looking younger can get to just about anyone! This is what happened to today's guest, a self-described crunchy mom who decided to get the teeniest amount of botox treatment to diminish fine lines around her eyes. And it totally wrecked her health. Megan McCue is the author of Notox and Me Tox Pretty. And today she explains how that single treatment of Botox turned her life (and health) upside down. She goes over what happened to her--how she essentially became incapacitated, unable to work or care for her children, and how her doctor...
info_outlineWise Traditions
Have you ever felt addicted to ultra-processed foods---like you knew they were bad for you, but you couldn't stop indulging? This happened to our guest today who at age 15 weighed over 300 lbs. And she didn’t know who she was anymore. Today, Penelope Popken is 19 and she's overcome her addictive behavior. During this revealing interview, mother and daughter discuss what led to Penelope’s struggles with weight, the drugs she took, the (mostly unhelpful) therapists’ recommendations and more. They go over how most weight loss drugs (including Ozempic) and other quick fixes (like gastric...
info_outlineWise Traditions
Wouldn't it be helpful to have straightforward nutrition and lifestyle advice for enhancing fertility? And to know what to avoid that may hinder your ability to get pregnant? Lily Nichols offers just what you're looking for on today's podcast. Lily is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and the author of Real Food for Fertility. Today, she goes over her recommended macro and micronutrient ratios for a healthier body (i.e. home for a baby) and what to do to have higher sperm and egg quality (so you can improve your chances of carrying the baby to term). Lily covers food, of course, but also...
info_outlineWise Traditions
How did a guy into politics and the culture war become a health and wellness advocate? is a 2x national bestselling author and international speaker. And today he talks about why young people need to question everything and be willing to rebel to regain their health. Will shares his own story of a serious diagnosis that had him questioning conventional medicine and taking his health into his own hands. He also talks about the transformative and healing power of raw milk. Visit Will's new website: Will's account on Find raw milk near you at Check out and their resources Visit our...
info_outlineWise Traditions
Why are bees so important for our food supply and for life on this earth? How is "natural beekeeping" different from regular beekeeping? What are horizontal hives? And what can we do to protect natural bees in our area? And what's the deal with honey? How do we find the best source? Nathalie B. has answers to all of the above in today's podcast. She goes over why honey is considered a superfood and often referred to as 'liquid sunshine,' sharing its powerful nutritional and healing benefits. And she explains what it is like to be a natural beekeeper and how you could even start an...
info_outlineWise Traditions
Have Millennials and Generation Z been experimented on without their consent? Is their sickness a consequence of malfeasance of those responsible for our food, pharmaceuticals, and health care system? Alex Clark is the host and founder of and an outspoken advocate for healthcare reform and food freedom in America today. She is determined to find out who is responsible for the chronic health conditions that affect so many young people today. Today, Alex explains where her quest began, why she changed her podcast from one focused on politics and pop culture to one centered around health...
info_outlineWise Traditions
How is running bad for us? Tennis shoes aren't doing us any favors. Cold plunges may be overrated. Mark Sisson is a pioneer in the ancestral health movement, known for his blog Mark's Daily Apple and the Primal Health Coach Institute. He is also the author of “Born to Walk”. Today, Mark highlights how good walking is for health and longevity. He also does some myth busting when it comes to current health trends. A former triathlete, Mark has shifted and now recommends walking instead of running, minimalist shoes (or going barefoot) over tennis shoes and NOT cold plunging every day...
info_outlineWise Traditions
Glyphosate is a toxic carcinogenic chemical found in RoundUp, a weedkiller that is routinely sprayed on our lawns and crops. But the bad news doesn't stop there! It is making its way into the food we eat, the air, and the water. Worse still, the maker of glyphosate, Bayer, is working on passing liability shield legislation so that they cannot be sued for the way the poison in their products is affecting the nation! Today, Kelly Ryerson, known as the Glyphosate Girl, explains why she is working so hard to inform the public about the dangers of glyphosate and the company that wants to protect...
info_outlineWise Traditions
In Albania, olive oil is called “ilac”, medicine. It’s included as a daily ritual for generations--a source of nourishment, healing, and tradition. For many of us, in other regions of the world, we have less familiarity with olive oil. And then we see labels on olive oil bottles that say "cold-pressed", "extra virgin", and "organic". What do these terms mean? And how can we find the best quality olive oil wherever we are? Bianti Danaj, an Albanian-American entrepreneur and founder of Donika Olive Oil, today brings clarity amidst the confusion. He goes over the meaning of the wording on...
info_outlineOysters are a nutrient-rich powerhouse for the body--excellent for cognitive function, the immune system and even boosting mood. Why does liver get all the hype and press?! Stephen Kavanagh of Marine Health Foods, a marine biologist with over 30 years of experience explains why we can look to oysters for TONS of good stuff like zinc, protein, selenium, and more and what these can do for us.
Stephen also expands on how unique oysters are, how good they are for the ocean, and what we can do to avoid overfishing them.
Connect with Stephen and learn more about Oyster Max
Subscribe to Wise Traditions on Apple Podcasts
Check out our sponsors Gray Toad Tallow and New Biology Clinic
Key Takeaways:
- Discussion on Mineral Deficiency and Obesity in Ireland
- Significance of Oysters as a Superfood
- Historical Consumption and Nutritional Value of Oysters
- Oyster Overfishing and Restoration Efforts
- Nutritional Content and Health Benefits of Oysters
- Impact of Modern Agriculture on Soil Depletion
- Environmental Importance of Oysters and Aquaculture
- Importance of Zinc Supplementation and Absorption
- Eye Health Considerations and Benefits of Oystermax Supplements
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
04:23 - Importance of Natural Nutrient Synergy for Well-Being
07:17 - Selenium Deficiency Linked to Intense Agricultural Methods
11:17 - Hindered by Processed Diets: Appreciating Nutrient-Rich Oysters
14:43 - Sustainable Oyster Fishery Model in Ireland's Final Stand
22:19 - Discover Discounts on Tallow Skincare and New Biology Practices
23:23 - Personalized Wellness Services at Holistic Health Clinic
27:49 - Plant Analogies to Anatomy, Beneficial Nutrients like Walnuts
30:49 - Vegans Recommended Oysters for Zinc and B12 Benefits
33:30 - Enhanced Zinc Absorption with Oyster Extract Aid
38:15 - Embrace Transformation from Irritation to Beauty, a Lesson from Oysters
40:16 - Delve into Health Resources Offered by Weston A. Price Foundation
40:50 - Outro
Quote of the Episode:
"People linked walnuts to brain health due to their appearance. Now, we recognize their richness in omega 3s actually supports brain function." — Stephen Kavanagh
"Oyster consumption or oyster extract proved effective in absorbing zinc, resolving the deficiency."— Stephen Kavanagh