Cultured Food Life

Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show "Cultured Food Life" (new episodes every Tuesday), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and IBS. In her down-to-earth and informative style, Donna will walk you through the basic preparation techniques and teach you how to make these delicious probiotic recipes at home. You can find out all about Donna on her web site https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/

Episode 315: Bringing New Life With Cultured Foods
Apr 20, 2025 – 21:02
Episode 314: Natto: The Sticky Secret to Health
Apr 6, 2025 – 15:33
Episode 313: How Fermented Foods Can Naturally Heal Your Gums
Mar 30, 2025 – 13:19
Episode 312: Can Kefir Help With Gerd?
Mar 23, 2025 – 14:08
Episode 311: Fermented Foods For Different Ailments
Mar 9, 2025 – 41:31
Episode 310: Natural Remedies That Work: Kefir Whey, Cultured Veggies, Baobab, & Ginger
Feb 24, 2025 – 22:10
Episode 309: The Amazing Benefits of Baobab: Nature's Superfood
Feb 2, 2025 – 15:58
Episode 308: Can Sourdough Change the Gluten-Free Diet?
Jan 26, 2025 – 21:59
Episode 307: L. Reuteri Yogurt Recipes
Jan 12, 2025 – 16:39
Episode 306 - Fermented Friends Are The Best Friends
Dec 8, 2024 – 01:20:54
Episode 305: Fermented Flavors for Thanksgiving: Recipes for a Healthier Holiday
Nov 17, 2024 – 22:59
Episode 304: The Connection Between Gut Health And The Immune System
Nov 10, 2024 – 29:07
Episode 303: Probiotic Pumpkin Recipes
Nov 3, 2024 – 16:08
Episode 302: L. Reuteri and L. Gasseri Yogurt Calorie Guide
Oct 27, 2024 – 21:19
Episode 301: Ulcers, IBD - Crohn’s, & Fermented Foods
Oct 20, 2024 – 21:50
Episode 300: Ginger: The Anti-Inflammatory Food
Oct 13, 2024 – 12:22
Episode 299: Fermented Foods: Immune Fuel for Flu Season
Oct 6, 2024 – 16:31
Episode 298: Einkorn Bread FAQs: Everything You Need to Know!
Sep 29, 2024 – 16:22
Episode 297: The Amazing Benefits of Bifidobacteria
Sep 22, 2024 – 15:41
Episode 296: What Do Your Gut Bacteria Eat?
Sep 15, 2024 – 15:04
Episode 295: Kefir and Respiratory Health
Sep 8, 2024 – 18:00
Episode 294: 10 Reasons I Drink Kefir Every Day
Aug 25, 2024 – 19:15
Episode 293: Are Cultured Foods Safe?
Aug 18, 2024 – 12:13
Episode 292: New Yogurt Recipes: Cashew, Coconut, Goat, & Raw
Aug 4, 2024 – 13:26
Episode 291: Help! My Kombucha Is Too Sour
Jul 28, 2024 – 14:55
Episode 290: Summer Sourdough Bread — Grilled or Baked
Jul 21, 2024 – 24:34
Episode 289: How to Make Bubbly Fruit-Flavored Kombucha
Jul 14, 2024 – 12:56
Episode 288: Probiotic Foods For The 4th of July
Jul 3, 2024 – 17:57
Episode 287: 10 Reasons Kefir Soda Is Your Perfect Summer Beverage
Jun 30, 2024 – 14:45
Episode 286: Brain Health and Fermented Foods
Jun 23, 2024 – 19:57
Episode 285: Tips For Storing and Preserving Cultured Foods
Jun 16, 2024 – 16:08
Episode 284: Super Healing Summer
Jun 9, 2024 – 14:29
Episode 283: The Mighty Mineral That Powers Your Body
Jun 2, 2024 – 45:00
Episode 282: What is Kefir?
May 26, 2024 – 19:11
Episode 281: Kefir For Breakfast
May 12, 2024 – 15:24
Episode 280: 7 Reasons I Love Einkorn Flour
May 5, 2024 – 17:27
Episode 279: Yogurt Versus Kefir - Which is Better?
Apr 28, 2024 – 22:50
Episode 278: Understanding Kefir Cheese and Whey
Apr 21, 2024 – 16:40
Episode 277: Frequently Asked Questions About L. Gasseri Yogurt
Apr 14, 2024 – 15:53
Episode 276: When Are My Kefir, Kombucha, & Veggies Done Fermenting?
Apr 7, 2024 – 28:12
Episode 275: Help My Kombucha Is Not Bubbly
Mar 31, 2024 – 14:14
Episode 274: Yogurt Plus FAQs
Mar 24, 2024 – 15:06
Episode 273: Kombucha vs Kefir Soda: What is the Difference?
Mar 17, 2024 – 22:55
Episode 272: More on Histamines & Fermented Foods
Mar 10, 2024 – 22:09
Episode 271: When You Are Trying To Get Better
Mar 3, 2024 – 17:05
Episode 270: Kefir Soda FAQs
Feb 25, 2024 – 19:20
Episode 269: Yogurt Plus Made With Raw Milk
Feb 11, 2024 – 17:38
Episode 268: Asthma and Cultured Foods
Jan 28, 2024 – 32:27
Episode 267: Is Your L Reuteri Yogurt Separating?
Jan 21, 2024 – 16:13
Episode 266: Matcha Tea and Me
Jan 14, 2024 – 26:26

Recent Reviews

pisgah hiker

My story

I’ve been consuming Kiefer for just a few weeks now. I did get the milk grains elsewhere, but just ordered yours and will get it this week! ( can’t wait!) I’ve already almost cured my GERD! From 100%to 20%, so far. Also, have cured my Dry Eye! In such a short period of time! I have TONS of energy, and feel great! It is truly a “ medicine “!! I also purchased your sauerkraut starter, and should get that this week also! I watched your Video, and will be adding the apples! In the near future, I will be getting the sourdough starter too!!! I just love you!! Thank you for all you do!!! Jan johnson
Recnik

Wealth of Information

I found Donna’s website and podcast through another podcast I listen to regularly. She has a wealth of information about probiotics, cultured foods, and living a healthier life. She explains this so well and has great interviews with leaders in this field. Love her show!
GoodGood Soul

She seems to be doing podcasts just to lead people to her paid programs

She never gives recipes and gives out little information. Its basically a podcast selling how great this way of life is good for her and others. But so far I don't find any real content. I went to her site and would have to pay for recipies and I find this a real turnoff. I'm out.
Carolyn KS

Pioneer & Authentic

I recently started making kefir & I’m obsessed!!! Really enjoying learning more b/c now I’m entering into total cultured food life. Thank you for what you share!!! 💚💚
Bml63

Appreciate the details!

This podcast and Donna’s website have been so helpful while learning best practices for yogurt and kefir making! Vegetables are next!
CEOStacy

Love This Podcast!

This is such an informational & fun podcast filled with so much practical and great info. Donna presents in such a friendly, helpful & kind way… you feel her genuine spirit come through. Highly recommend!
healingfeelsgood88

Thank you

Your podcast is invigorating and so informational and you are such a real person but I can tell such a big heart. Thank you for all you do to teach and help
DianaRob5

My New Favorite Show! 😍

Fun to listen to, easy to understand, educational and inspirational! 🥰
Low Carb ASM

You Share So Much

You’ve taught me how to do Kefir like no others! I’ve become loyal to your store because of how much you freely share on your podcasts and website.
bikerbird2

Love ❤️ love 💕 knowledge

Yea finally some one who is willing to share there knowledge. Love 💕 love love. Knowledge!!! Thanks 🙏 for share information on better health.
sbannmarie

Cracks me up

At the end of the episode the music comes on to cut her off. But Ms. Shwank still goes on. And on.
Misty198568890

Very good info and so many ideas!

In a quite well seasoned fermenter myself but learning so much more from Donna!!!! I’m very grateful! I started making kefir daily! Sharing with many friends.
nonnonnom

Donna is knowledgeable & very reliable guide!

I’m happy I found Cultured Food Life blog years ago- was so afraid to eat fermented foods, but Donna’s articles have helped put my mind at ease and I have confidence to make my own fermented foods at home now! Ty for what you and your team do & sharing this health food knowledge!
marigreenthumb

Fermenting biggest fan

Donna I got to say this episode made mecry!I did too lost my dog, so I can definitely understand the feeling, I’m sorry for your lost, you speak only the truth this 2020 it’s really testing us, but I’m so thankful that I found you 5 ya ago and learned all this fermented foods and eat them every day, and try to spread the word to people that want to learn about it! And as you say it fills my heart when friends tell me that somehow it worked for them too! Keep up the good work, sending best wishes to you and fam!
Kairos Cultured Foods

I love Donna!

I have been following CFL since I was about 17, (6 years ago) and she has taught me everything I know about cultured foods. I love that she talks about all cultured foods, fun to listen to and I think she is so reliable with her sources and information, AND she has great recipes. This podcast is great for when you’re new to cultured foods and want to learn a little bit more, but if you want academic sources or recipes I recommend her website 💖
samalew

More info please

It seems like you spend the first and last third of every podcast talking about your personal narrative and repeating how great cultured food is every single time. I subscribed hoping to learn a lot about cultures food and that’s not happening for me.
lkmhuff

So much great info!

Just started listening to your podcast on my journey of learning about ferments. I’ve listened to a lot of them and I can’t get enough! I love and appreciate your passion for ferments and your listeners’ health and all of the information you share! Just listen to the one about gut enzymes and so very much admire and respect that you talked about the product that you made but also very clearly stated that what was most important to you, is that people use a digestive enzyme (or any brand!) if they need them, that you were not trying to push your own product but just helping people get healthy. Such a rare thing these days. Thank you for sharing your passion!
Tt763497

Can't Get Enough

I am now obsessed with making and consuming kefir and cultured veggies thanks to your inspiring podcast, website and recipes. I simply adore all the motivating stories and testimonials you reveal in each new podcast. The stories alone give me hope for healing what ails me:-) I signed up for your class in NYC in April and cannot wait to meet in person. Thanks a bunch for all the great info Donna!
Tranquil Spirit

Love this Lady!!!

Donna, I first found you on Hay House Radio a couple of years ago. I loved your enthusiasm and passion as you spoke of The Trilogy, and I just had to learn more. So I ordered your book Cultured Food For Life which I like to share with friends and family. Your podcast is one I turn to again and again, because I just love to hear the stories of all of the people who are healing their bodies with these miraculous cultured foods and beverages. And I also really enjoy how you dive deep into the science behind everything too. So interesting!! Many thanks for the wonderful work you do. You make a difference in so many people’s lives! Bravo and blessings to you and those you love ❤️
Nate0723

Thank you!

I tell people all the time to listen to this podcast. It’s truly changed so much for me. I found Donna on YouTube years ago, and I bought Cultured Food for Life shortly after. I was thrilled to see this podcast was around about a year ago and quickly listened to and caught up on them. The podcast is educational, very informative and motivating in wanting to change your gut health and incorporate these foods into your life. Thank you Donna for changing my life!
Jodie Schuetz

Empowering

You’ve inspired me to make kombucha, kefir and cultured vegetables! I’ve been empowered to use food to heal my family’s health conditions after my young daughters leukemia diagnosis and side effects from chemo treatment. Thank you Donna!
strangenickname

Good info after sifting through repetitive info

This podcast has huge potential. There is good info in each show, but it’s almost impossible to listen to more than a few before getting tired of hearing about Donna’s story. Her story is amazing, but it would be more productive to talk about other success stories. How to shoes would be amazing too.
genie434

Wonderful information wonderful woman

I was introduced to Diana on Hayhouse radio and was hooked. she is very informative and knows her stuff she’s real. Only wish you still had a call-in show
CindymeCindy

Excellent Info

Enjoy her podcasts! She has a lot of great knowledge that is current in functional medicine today as well.
omg.its.Lauren

Gotta love this Donna

Thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing your love of cultured foods in each episode. I don’t miss one!!
MurielleF

Full of gems

This show is full of useful information if you want to be healthy to enjoy your life.
clowdy

So informative!

This podcast has taught me so much about the benefits of cultured food! I started making kefir, felt a lot better, started making kombucha, better yet with energy and today I started my first batch of cultured veggies. Donna is the go to expert in this field and I'm so glad a came across the podcast! It's changing my life in great ways!!! Thank you Donna!!!
Swollrome

Mediocre podcast

She tells you what some of the benefits are but doesn’t tell you about the research or the science behind what’s happening.
Midwest Mom 126588

Review

I think the information provided is great. However I think she talks a little too much about herself. Comes across as self obsessed and conceded.
yogamom51

Great info!

Donna always has up to date info on the importance of gut health. I always enjoy listening.