#58: Kava Explained History, Benefits, and Modern Use with Kalm with Kava CEO Morgan Smith

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthDISCLAIMER:This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your personal health needs.In this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, I’m joined by Morgan Smith, CEO of Kalm With Kava, to break down what kava is, why people use it to unwind and de-stress, and how kava fits into the growing movement of alcohol alternatives and mental wellness.Morgan shares his personal story, burnout, 80-hour work weeks, and why prescription sedatives weren’t a sustainable option for him.Additionally, we took an educational deep dive into kava’s South Pacific roots, traditional preparation, product quality, safety misconceptions, and what beginners should know before trying it.What we cover:-What kava is (and what it isn’t)-Kava’s cultural history + traditional use-How kava is prepared (and why many people “don’t feel it” at first)-The difference between traditional kava vs instant/micronized/concentrates-The “liver damage” myth + where it came fromRegulation issues (why kava bars sometimes get challenged)-Drug testing concerns + false positives-How Morgan uses kava in his personal routine🔗Connect with Morgan Smith + Kalm With Kava:Website: https://www.kalmwithkava.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalm_with_kava/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KalmwithKavaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kalmwithkavaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalmwithKava🎙Morgan’s Podcast Kalm Down PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify (Kalm Down): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...YouTube Playlist (Kalm Down):    • The Kalm Down Podcast  📌 Chapters:00:00 Burnout, anxiety, and why prescriptions weren’t the answer02:03 Why this conversation matters right now (mental health + stress)03:35 Meet Morgan Smith of Kalm With Kava04:40 What is kava? The 3,000-year South Pacific tradition06:34 How kava works: relaxation, euphoria, and centering effects08:14 Why kava worked when CBD and other alternatives didn’t10:16 How fast kava works (and why some people “don’t feel it”)12:03 Honoring kava’s roots + preserving cultural integrity16:55 Safety, supplements, and why quality matters18:39 Regulation battles: why kava bars get shut down22:27 Instant vs traditional kava (what beginners should know)25:26 Sourcing, farming, and avoiding contaminated products35:36 The future of kava vs alcohol and pharmaceuticals42:03 Morgan’s nightly routine + where to find Kalm With Kava🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health:🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealt...⁠ 💪 Fitness Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitn...⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ichooseheal...⁠🎵 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealth...⁠🎧 Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://anchor.fm/mindcore-fitness⁠🛍️ Shop Merch: ⁠https://bit.ly/45Xd3r0⁠⁠#VeganBusiness⁠⁠#EthicalEntrepreneur⁠⁠#kava #anxietyrelief #sobercurious