Leeah Smestad: Conscious Travel in a Toxic World

This week, Tee sits down with Leeah Smestad, a world traveler, conscious travel advisor, and founder of Newberry Travel. After visiting all seven continents and more than 50 countries, Leeah discovered something many travelers notice but rarely fully understand: chronic digestive issues, migraines, acne, and inflammation often improve dramatically when spending time abroad. What began as personal observations during a trip to Europe eventually became a deeper exploration into how food quality, environmental exposures, and lifestyle habits impact overall health. Leeah shares her personal journey with years of IBS symptoms, migraines, and acne, and how eating fresh baguettes in Paris while feeling symptom-free challenged everything she believed about her body. Together, Tee and Leeah explore the major differences between food systems in the United States and the European Union, including the use of chemical additives, pesticides, and food processing practices. They also discuss how local farmers' markets, whole foods, fermented foods, and lower toxic exposure can significantly support gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and energy. Tee and Leeah also dive into the healing power of slowing down. From eating meals communally in Sri Lanka to using chopsticks in Japan, Leah explains how cultural habits naturally encourage more mindful eating and better digestion. She also shares practical wellness strategies such as traveling with a LifeStraw, sourcing food from local co-ops and farmers markets, and choosing accommodations that support local communities. This episode offers listeners an inspiring and practical look at how adopting global wellness habits can help create better health at home. Connect with Leeah:  Website Podcast Instagram  LinkedIn  Get $200 off any trip spot in 2026 or 2027 using the code TeeTime Mention this podcast and get $50 off a custom trip itinerary   Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email [email protected] and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air The Green Living Gurus' Website  Instagram YouTube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook   Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868 For further info, contact Tee: Email: [email protected] Cell: 716-868-8868 DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. Produced By: Social Chameleon