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What if the invisible air around you was quietly impacting your sleep, your energy, and your overall health?
In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Wes Greenwood, Wellness Director at Jaspr and a former firefighter-turned-air quality expert. From his decade as a first responder exposed to hazardous environments to his personal journey through mold illness and autoimmune challenges, Wes shares why clean air is just as essential as clean water and food. He breaks down the science of air quality, reveals surprising truths about what's floating in your home, and offers practical tools for better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved mental clarity. Whether you're dealing with allergies, poor sleep, or just want to optimize your health, this conversation will change how you think about the air you breathe.
How do you protect your health when the invisible toxins in your home could be affecting everything from your sleep to your cognitive function?
Understanding air quality and taking control of your environment proves that wellness starts with the basics, including what you breathe.
(05:00) Why Nobody's Talking About Indoor Air Quality
● Breaking down particulate matter: the invisible particles floating in your air
● Why PM 2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most dangerous size for human health
● The link between these particles and inflammation throughout the body
● How PM 2.5 affects cognitive decline and overall well-being
● Why people are oblivious to indoor air quality issues
(10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your Home
● Karena's surprise: her outdoor air was worse than indoor
● Why every house is different: size, HVAC systems, pets, and movement all matter
● How pets affect air quality
● How Jaspr improves air quality
(18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation Connection
● How poor air quality causes runny noses, blocked airways, and disrupted sleep
● Why you can't reach deep rest when your body is fighting airborne irritants
● The impact of clean air on sleep quality and recovery
● Wes's personal journey: mold illness and autoimmune recovery
(28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & Stress
● Simple breathwork routines that actually work
● Why controlling your breath is one of the most powerful tools you have
● How mold exposure affects the body's systems
(38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real Solutions
● Why Austin residents deal with constant allergies
● The habit of "prophylactic antihistamines" and why it's not ideal
● How Karena's body adapted over five years—and why she still needs support
● Practical tips for anyone moving to or visiting Austin
● The importance of having clean air in your bedroom
(46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork Connection
● Breathing particulate-free air as meditation
● How to access gratitude even when it's hard
● The one-two combo: breathwork + gratitude as an anxiety antidote
● Karena's ritual: cold plunge, pool time, and just being present
(50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health Now
● Wellness items can be pricey, but prevention saves money later
● Real results: snoring eliminated after 20 years, post-nasal drip gone
● Why you should think about quality of life now, not in the future
Thanks for the support from our partners, including:
● Shop with code TBS at jaspr.co/TBS for $400 off the Jaspr Air Scrubber
Guest Resources
● Shop Jaspr.co/TBS for $400 off with code TBS (for two weeks, then $200 off)
If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:
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● Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobook
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