578: We Know Better—So Why Don’t We Do Better? The Truth About Cognitive Dissonance With Dr. Lawrence Palevsky

578: We Know Better—So Why Don’t We Do Better? The Truth About Cognitive Dissonance With Dr. Lawrence Palevsky

Author: Weston A. Price Foundation May 11, 2026 Duration: 56:18

What happens when what we believe—and what we actually do—don’t quite line up?

This week on the Wise Traditions podcast, pediatrician Dr. Lawrence Palevsky explores the concept of cognitive dissonance—what it is, why it’s so common in modern life, and how it quietly shapes decisions around health, parenting, and trust in authority.

Dr. Palevsky has spent decades encouraging parents to think critically, ask better questions, and reconnect with their own intuition. In this episode, he explains how cognitive dissonance shows up in everyday choices—from the foods people eat to the medical decisions they make—and why it can be so difficult to reconcile conflicting beliefs, even when the stakes are high.

The conversation examines the tension many feel between what they’ve been told is “safe” or “normal” and what they instinctively sense may not be right. Dr. Palevsky discusses how fear, conditioning, and social pressure can keep individuals stuck—and what it takes to step outside that framework and begin thinking independently.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at awareness, responsibility, and the courage to question long-held assumptions. It serves as an invitation to slow down, examine inherited narratives, and consider what it truly means to make informed, conscious choices for oneself and one’s family.

WAPF Ad- 11 principles book - Westonaprice.org and click on the “order material” button

Visit Dr. Lawrence Palevsky's website to learn more

Join the Nourishing Our Children closed Facebook group

Check out our sponsors: Goddess Vitality from Optimal Carnivore "Discount code WESTON10 for 10% off" and New Biology Clinic, "Discount code WISETRADITIONS"


Hosted by the Weston A. Price Foundation, Wise Traditions explores a path to well-being rooted in the diets and lifestyles of ancestral cultures. This podcast operates from a simple premise: that the secrets to robust health aren't found in the latest trends or synthetic supplements, but in the time-tested traditions of our ancestors. Each episode delves into practical wisdom, from preparing nutrient-dense foods and understanding the role of animal fats to exploring holistic approaches to fitness and mental wellness. You'll hear from researchers, farmers, doctors, and practitioners who are applying these principles today, offering conversations that challenge conventional health narratives. The discussions are grounded in the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, whose famous observation that "Life in all its fullness is mother nature obeyed" serves as a guiding light. Tuning in provides a deep dive into how traditional foods, regenerative agriculture, and a respectful approach to nature's design can fundamentally reshape your health. It's for anyone feeling disconnected from natural ways of living and curious about how the wisdom of the past can inform a healthier, more vibrant present. The Wise Traditions podcast is a resource for those ready to look beyond the mainstream and consider how ancestral knowledge holds critical answers for modern life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Wise Traditions
Podcast Episodes
579: The Ayurvedic Approach To Postpartum Healing With Christina Eck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:58
In many traditional cultures, the weeks following birth are understood as a critical window—one that shapes a mother’s long-term health, energy, and emotional well-being. But in the modern world, postpartum care is often…
571: Unconventional Holistic Motherhood With Mia Rofrano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:57
Would you forgo an ultrasound as an expectant mom? Would you eat sushi or sit in a sauna? Would you avoid fluorescent lights and synthetic fabrics in your household? Just how far would you go to buck conventional parenti…
570: Modern Lies DeBunked By Nature With Mollie Engelhart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
In nature, there is no lie. But in our society, culture, and even agriculture there are lies. Mollie Engelhart is the author of Debunked by Nature and today she explains how nature re-educated her, helping her to see thr…