To Dye For? Food Dyes, Children’s Behavior & Hope for Families More than meets the eye with food dye | Whitney & Brandon Cawood | Ep. 49

What if the “why” behind your child’s meltdowns isn’t attitude…but additives? Bethany and Adam talk with Whitney and Brandon Cawood, whose son went from daily write-ups and hitting to calm, connected, and thriving, after one change most parents overlook: removing synthetic food dyes. Their story launched the documentary To Dye For and a movement helping families trade anxiety for peace—without losing the joy of treats or holidays.

Together, they unpack what parents can do today: read labels, swap smarter, advocate in schools, and choose whole-food alternatives, without losing holiday fun or family traditions. The conversation keeps a grounded, hopeful tone with a faith lens: stewarding bodies well so families can show up with energy, presence, and joy.

Guest Bio:

Whitney & Brandon Cawood are the husband-and-wife team behind To Dye For, a documentary investigating the science, policy, and personal stories surrounding synthetic food dyes. Their filmmaking began at home: after a 30-day elimination revealed dyes as the trigger for their young son’s severe behavioral struggles, the Cawoods interviewed researchers, physicians, lawmakers, and families to help other parents find clarity and hope. They lead the rapidly growing “Dye Free Family” community, curate practical dye-free resources, and advocate for commonsense school and labeling reforms. They live in Georgia with their two children.

Resources:

To Die For (Documentary) — Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu/Fandango; free via many libraries with Kanopy.

To Die For website & resource hub (how to read labels, swap lists, holiday guides): todyeforthedocumentary.com/resources

“Die Free Family” community (Facebook) for swaps and support

California OEHHA review summarizing 27 clinical trials on dyes and children’s behavior (referenced in conversation)

ATP blog: Adam’s Chocolate Cookie-Cutter Recipe + naturally colored sprinkles (add link)

Dye-free holiday candy canes and baking decorations (look for plant-based colors like beet, spirulina, paprika)

H2Tab (use code BETHANY for 10% off): affiliates.drinkh2tab.com/BETHANY

Sharkbanz: https://www.sharkbanz.com

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