Episode 186: Targeted Microbial Therapy with Vanessa Hargrove

As host Aaron Zober continues to count down to the Wise Traditions Conference on The Appropriate Omnivore podcast, his speaker for this week is microbiome coach Vanessa Hargrove. Vanessa is author of the book Homestead to Homestead and teaches a course called Targeted Microbial Therapy. Vanessa will be speaking at the Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City, giving two talks: one on targeted microbial therapy and the other on sourdough's health benefits. Vanessa shares her personal health journey, including overcoming fertility challenges by adopting nutrient-dense eating patterns inspired by the Weston A. Price Foundation. She explains her coaching program, which helps clients rebuild gut health through a 12-week fermented food course, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. The conversation covers the importance of fermented foods, particularly homemade milk kefir, and how microbes boost nutrient bioavailability. Vanessa also tells Aaron about some of her favorite recipes in her book, including sourdough, fermented condiments (mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, etc.), as well as natural skincare and cleaning products she makes and teaches others to craft.