Food Junkies Podcast

Episodes

• Episode 281: Dr. Stephen Sideroff | The 9 Pillars of Resilience in RecoveryMay 14, 2026 · 49 minWhat if the missing piece in your recovery isn't more willpower — it's resilience? In this deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Stephen Sideroff, UCLA psychologist, researcher, and one of the world's leading experts on stress, addiction, and optimal performance. With over 40 years at the intersection of neuroscience and recovery, Dr. Sideroff breaks down his comprehensive Nine Pillars of Resilience model and shows exactly how it applies to recovery from food addiction. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: Why stress is the #1 driver of both addiction and relapse — and what to do about it The real definition of resilience All Nine Pillars of Resilience explained — and how each one applies to food addiction Why your inner critic is keeping you stuck — and how to replace it <li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW234991059 BCX8" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props= "{"335552541PlayPlay Episode 281: Dr. Stephen Sideroff | The 9 Pillars of Resilience in Recovery
• Episode 280: Bob Messerschmidt | The ESR Marker That Could Change RecoveryMay 7, 2026 · 38 minWhat if your body could warn you before a relapse happens? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Bob Messerschmidt — biomedical engineer, inventor, and one of the architects behind the original Apple Watch's health-sensing technology — to explore a surprisingly simple but powerful biomarker: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Bob is the founder of Core Health and has developed an FDA-registered at-home device that tracks chronic low-grade inflammation over time. For those of us in the food addiction and recovery world, this conversation opens a compelling new door: could inflammation tracking be the missing feedback loop for people working to stay abstinent from ultra-processed foods? 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: Bob's personal health journey and how weight struggles led him to inflammation science What ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is — and why it fell out of favor before we understood chronic inflammation Why inflammation is now understood to underpin nearly all chronic disease How ESR differs from CRP (C-reactive protein) and why its "slowness" is a feature What does a high ESR score mean — and what you can do about it Anti-inflammatory lifestyle interventions that move the needle (including one surprising nighttime trick) How the Core Health device works: a simple weekly finger-stick test from home The feedback loop concept: how seeing your own data creates self-efficacy and behavior change Whether inflammation can precede a relapse — and what the data currently shows How ESR compares to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as a recovery tool Bob's thoughts on the Theranos dream — and whether democratized blood diagnostics is truly possible The future of non-invasive glucose monitoring and wearable health tech 🍒 BOB'S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TIPS FROM THE EPISODE: <ul style="margPlayPlay Episode 280: Bob Messerschmidt | The ESR Marker That Could Change Recovery
• Episode 279: Clinician's Corner | Why Motivation Isn't the Problem — Building Competence in Food Addiction RecoveryApr 30, 2026 · 41 minAre you exhausted from chasing motivation that never lasts? In this Clinician's Corner episode, Molly Painschab and Clarissa Kennedy break down why motivation is actually an outcome, not a starting point — and what truly drives sustainable recovery from ultra-processed food use disorder. Using the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), they unpack the three psychological needs every person in recovery must have met: autonomy, relatedness, and competence — the often-overlooked key that separates short-term compliance from lasting change. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: Why "just get motivated" is the wrong advice — and what to focus on instead The three pillars of Self-Determination Theory and how they apply to food addiction recovery Why external pressure (shame, fear, "I should") can actually increase relapse risk The difference between a stick-and-carrot and real motivation <li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW89067666 BCX8" rolePlayPlay Episode 279: Clinician's Corner | Why Motivation Isn't the Problem — Building Competence in Food Addiction Recovery
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 33: Heather MillerApr 28, 2026 · 48 minCJ welcomes Heather to the podcast, a guest whose bright, charismatic energy lights up the conversation from the start. Heather is exceptionally open and instantly warming, sharing her journey with honesty and heart. She speaks candidly about living with diabetes, her long battle with sugar and ultra-processed food addiction, and the moment everything changed , when she realized she wanted to become a healthy, active grandmother for her grand child . That love became her fuel for transformation. Heather 's story is one of resilience, clarity, and choosing herself and her family again and again. I cannot wait for you to meet her. If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.comPlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 33: Heather Miller
• Episode 278: Dr. John Kelly | The Science of Recovery – What the Research Really SaysApr 23, 2026 · 46 minWhat does recovery look like — and how do we measure it? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. John Kelly, one of the world's leading addiction researchers and founder of the Recovery Research Institute at Harvard Medical School, for a deep dive into the science behind what makes recovery possible, sustainable, and real. Dr. Kelly breaks down the difference between remission and recovery, shares what decades of research tells us about who gets better (spoiler: most people do) and unpacks the active ingredients that help people build lives they love. We also get into the language we use around addiction, why it matters more than you think, and what the latest science says about stigma, stages of change, and recovery capital. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working in the field — this episode is packed with hope, science, and practical insight. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🔑 IN THIS EPISODE ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ • What recovery actually means — and how it's different from remission • Why 75% of people with substance use disorder do recover (and what that means for you) • The CHIME model: the 5 active ingredients of lasting recovery → Community | Hope | Identity | Meaning & Purpose | Empowerment • Stages of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente) — and why just thinking about change counts • Recovery Capital: what's in your "recovery bank account"? • The power of language — why words like "abuser" cause measurable harm • Stigma, genetics, and why addiction is nobody's fault • What excites Dr. Kelly most about the future of addiction research • Psychedelics and addiction treatment: cautious optimism from a Harvard researcher ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 👤 ABOUT OUR GUEST ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ John Kelly is the Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School and founder and director of the Recovery ReseaPlayPlay Episode 278: Dr. John Kelly | The Science of Recovery – What the Research Really Says
• Episode 277: Dr. Rachel Herz | The Science of Disgust, Smell, and Why You Eat What You EatApr 16, 2026 · 55 minWhat if the key to understanding your relationship with food isn't willpower — it's neuroscience? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Rachel Herz, neuroscientist, leading expert on the psychology of smell, and author of Why You Eat What You Eat and That's Disgusting . From the evolutionary roots of disgust to why ultra-processed foods bypass our natural aversion responses, this conversation will genuinely change how you think about what ends up on your plate — and in your mouth. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why disgust is almost entirely learned — and what the one innate exception is The neuroanatomy of smell and why scent is so deeply tied to emotion and memory How one bad experience with a food can create a lifelong aversion (one-trial learning) The difference between disgust and fear — and why that distinction matters for disordered eating Why non-tasters may be more prone to overeating than super tasters How ultra-processed food is engineered to bypass our natural "this isn't real food" signals Whether disgust could be a therapeutic tool in changing our relationship with UPFs Why Dr. Herz believes disordered eating is psychological and behavioral — and where she and the Food Junkies team respectfully differ on the addiction model Practical, science-backed strategies for becoming more intentional around eating About Dr. Rachel Herz Dr. Rachel Herz is a neuroscientist and faculty member at Brown University, widely regarded as the world's leading expert on the psychology of smell. She is a TED 2019 and TEDx 2024 speaker, has published 108 peer-reviewed research articles, and serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving smell. She is the incoming president of the International Society of Neural Gastronomy. Her books include: Sensation and Perception (widely used neuroscience textbook) <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 lPlayPlay Episode 277: Dr. Rachel Herz | The Science of Disgust, Smell, and Why You Eat What You Eat
• Episode 276: Esther Kane, MSW | Highly Sensitive PeopleApr 9, 2026 · 46 minAre you highly sensitive — and secretly using food to manage a world that feels like too much? In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Esther Kane, MSW, a British Columbia-based psychotherapist with nearly 30 years of experience helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) break free from emotional eating and food addiction. Esther isn't just a clinician — she's an HSP herself who nearly died from an eating disorder and has spent decades figuring out what works. If you've ever been told you're "too sensitive," struggled to explain why food feels like your only relief, or burned out trying to take care of everyone but yourself — this one's for you. 🕐 In This Episode What is a Highly Sensitive Person? Based on 40+ years of research by Dr. Elaine Aron, HSPs make up 15–20% of the population. Their nervous systems process everything more deeply — emotions, sensory input, other people's pain. It's not a disorder. It's a biological trait. And it comes with superpowers most people never develop. Why HSPs are so vulnerable to food addiction The world is chronically overstimulating for HSPs. Food numbs the overwhelm. It turns the volume down. Add in chronic people-pleasing, self-abandonment, absorbing everyone else's emotions, and being told your whole life that you're "too much" and food addiction makes complete sense as a survival strategy. What recovery looks like for HSPs Esther doesn't start with the food. She starts with the nervous system. You can't take away someone's coping mechanism until they have something else to hold onto. She walks through the somatic tools, boundary work, and root-cause healing that move the needle for highly sensitive people. 🎙️ Connect with Esther Kane 🌐 estherkane.com 📺 YouTube: Compassionate Conversations 👇 Are YOU a highly sensitive person?</PlayPlay Episode 276: Esther Kane, MSW | Highly Sensitive People
• Episode 275: Clinician's Corner | Recovery in Unsettled TimesApr 2, 2026 · 52 minLife doesn't pause for recovery — and right now, life is a lot . In this Clinician's Corner episode, co-hosts Molly Painschab and Clarissa Kennedy sit down for an honest, grounded conversation about what it looks like to stay connected to your recovery when the world feels like it's on fire and your personal life is a lot at the same time. This isn't a pep talk. These are two clinicians talking real about the neuroscience of stress and cravings, the shame spiral that follows a slip, and what "minimum viable recovery" can look like when you're just trying to make it to tomorrow. If you've been asking yourself why this is suddenly so hard? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 🧠 Why your brain is working against you right now The neuroscience behind chronic stress and cravings — and why a recovering brain is already running harder than average before you add the weight of the world on top. 🌍 The macro AND the micro From political instability and financial stress to grief, caregiving, and personal loss — we name what's happening and why pretending otherwise is doing you a disservice. 📱 Setting boundaries with the news cycle How to stop the doom scroll from hijacking your nervous system — without swinging to total avoidance. Finding the middle path that keeps you informed without dysregulated. 😔 The shame spiral that turns slips into recurrences It's not always the slip itself that does the damage. Molly breaks down why the judgment after the slip often has far longer-lasting consequences — and how to interrupt that cycle. 🛟 Minimum viable recovery What's the smallest version of recovery you can do today to make it to tomorrow? Clarissa introduces this framework and it will change how you think about hard seasons. ⚓ Recovery anchors and non-negotiables The value of identifying a few tethering behaviors before you're in crisis — and why protecting those anchors can keep you from unraveling. 💙 Co-regulation and connection We are not wired to regulate alone. From turning on your camera in group to body doubling with an emotional support human — why connection isn't optional when things get hard. 🌿 Meaning-making, spiritual practice, and nature Reconnecting with your why — the deep one, not the diet-culture one — and how spiritual practice and time in nature can restore a felt sense of control when everything else feels uncertain. Resources & Links Mentioned ▶YouTube: Food Junkies Podcast - YouTube 🌐 Sweet Sobriety membership & groups: <a href= "https://swePlayPlay Episode 275: Clinician's Corner | Recovery in Unsettled Times
• Episode 274: Chérie St. Arnauld | Grassroots Mobilization — How We Push the Message of Food Addiction ForwardMar 26, 2026 · 48 minWhat does it take to turn personal pain into policy change? In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Chérie St. Arnauld, Executive Director of Metabolic Revolution and a passionate advocate for metabolic health, to explore the power of grassroots mobilization in the fight against ultra-processed foods. Chérie grew up in a household shaped by economic constraints and ultra-processed food. It was her sister's cancer diagnosis, and the radical dietary intervention that gave her 10 more years of life, that forever changed how Chérie understood the relationship between food and healing. Today, she's channeling that lived experience into one of the most dynamic grassroots organizations in the metabolic health space. In this conversation, Vera and Chérie explore what the food addiction and metabolic health communities can learn from each other, and what it actually looks like to build a movement from the ground up. 🎙️ What We Cover: • Chérie's story: growing up on ultra-processed foods, her sister's illness, and the whole-food dietary shift that changed everything • How a ketogenic diet transformed Chérie's mental health and clarity • The founding of Metabolic Revolution and its mission to empower individuals to demand change from their institutions • The October 2024 Rally for Metabolic Health at the Washington Monument — how it happened, who spoke, and what it sparked • The petition to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals — and the volunteer-led school lunch committee it inspired • A halted ketogenic therapy research study at the University of Maryland — and how Metabolic Revolution took action • The parallel between Big Food and Big Tobacco — and what a master settlement agreement could look like • Grassroots strategies: rallies, community walks, petitions, state attorney general investigations, and more • Why individual stories + research + cost data may be the most powerful combination in advocacy • The intersection of food addiction and metabolic health — and why these movements are stronger together • What the food addiction world can learn from Metabolic Revolution's bottom-up approach 🔗 Resource(s) Mentioned: • Metabolic Revolution: metabolicrevolution.org 🙌 If you or someone you love is struggling with ultra-processed food use disorder, please visit us at sweetsobriety.ca and foodjunkiespodcast.com Connect with Food Junkies: 🎙️ Subscribe wherever you listen toPlayPlay Episode 274: Chérie St. Arnauld | Grassroots Mobilization — How We Push the Message of Food Addiction Forward
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 32: Kristy McCammonMar 20, 2026 · 44 minCJ has the privilege of sitting down with Kristy today. Today, I'm honored to introduce Kristy, a devoted homeschooling mom whose life is a powerful testimony of resilience, strength, and hope. Kristy once believed her struggles were simply about weight and exercise, never realizing she was battling food addiction. Through faith, courage, and deep self-discovery, she came to understand the root of her struggle and found freedom on the other side. She is unwavering in her belief that God carried her through every step of the journey. Now, she shares her story to encourage others, offering hope and lifting up anyone walking through addiction. If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.comPlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 32: Kristy McCammon
• Episode 273: Dr. Jacob May | 🧠 How Ultra-Processed Foods Destroy Your Kids' MetabolismMar 19, 2026 · 53 minWhat's really happening inside your child's body when they eat ultra-processed food? In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Jacob May — mitochondrial researcher, registered dietitian, and Associate Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center — to explore the cellular and metabolic consequences of a diet dominated by ultra-processed foods, particularly in children. Dr. May leads the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization Laboratory, where his team investigates how dietary patterns shape metabolism at the cellular level. He's a keynote speaker, precision nutrition researcher, and practicing clinician — and his insights here are both science-forward and refreshingly practical. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why mitochondria can't tell the difference between a McDonald's burger and organic beef — and why that still matters What phytonutrients and zoonutrients are, and why ultra-processing strips them out How ultra-processed foods drive insulin resistance through a damaging feedback loop Whether children are more resilient or more vulnerable to the effects of UPFs — and why the answer is complicated What the research actually says about saturated fat, ketogenic diets, and insulin sensitivity How the gut microbiome is affected by ultra-processed food intake Why breath biomarkers may be the future of non-invasive metabolic screening What GLP-1 medications mean for the future of nutrition science — and why dietitians aren't obsolete Practical, real-world advice for feeding children in an ultra-processed food environment About Dr. Jacob May: Dr. Jacob May is an Associate Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and head of the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization Laboratory. His research focuses on how dietary patterns — including ketogenic and ultra-processed food diets — affect cellular metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic disease. He holds a PhD in nutrition science and is a Registered Dietitian with an active clinical practice. He was a keynote speaker at Pennington's 2025 ChildhooPlayPlay Episode 273: Dr. Jacob May | 🧠 How Ultra-Processed Foods Destroy Your Kids' Metabolism
• Episode 272: Dr. Ellen Hendriksen | How to Be Enough: Perfectionism, Shame & Self-Worth in RecoveryMar 12, 2026 · 48 minAre you working hard, caring deeply, and still feeling like it's not enough? You're not alone, and this episode is for you. This week, Molly and Clarissa sit down with Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist, core faculty at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University, and author of How to Be Enough and How to Be Yourself . Ellen brings warmth, science, and radical compassion to one of the most common, and most quietly painful, struggles in recovery: perfectionism. In this conversation, we explore: 🔹 Where perfectionism actually comes from — genetics, family of origin, AND the culture we're swimming in 🔹 Why shame fuels the binge-restrict cycle and how to begin replacing self-punishment with self-kindness 🔹 The crucial difference between rules and values — and how that distinction can transform your recovery 🔹 Why procrastination is never really about time (and what it's actually telling you) 🔹 How to build a stable, grounded sense of self-worth that isn't constantly up for evaluation 🔹 Why comparison is hardwired — and what to do with it instead of fighting it 🔹 The "already enough" practice that rewires how we see ourselves Whether you're navigating food addiction recovery, disordered eating, or just the exhausting weight of never feeling like you measure up — this episode offers real tools, real grace, and real hope. ABOUT DR. ELLEN HENDRIKSEN Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and perfectionism. She is core faculty at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University and author of two books: How to Be Enough (perfectionism) and How to Be Yourself (social anxiety). Find her newsletter How to Be Good to Yourself When You're Hard on Yourself on Substack. 🔗 FindPlayPlay Episode 272: Dr. Ellen Hendriksen | How to Be Enough: Perfectionism, Shame & Self-Worth in Recovery
• Episode 271: Clinician's Corner | "Nobody Ever Asked Me What I Wanted" — When Clinicians Stop Listening & Why It Harms RecoveryMar 5, 2026 · 39 minHave you ever left a session feeling smaller than when you walked in? In this episode of Food Junkies: Clinician's Corner , Clarissa and Molly explore one of the most important — and least talked about — dynamics in eating disorder, food addiction, and substance use treatment: what happens when the clinician's model gets in the way of the client's healing. 🔑 What We Cover in This Episode: ⬡ The Rosenhan Experiment — how psychiatric patients were misdiagnosed and then had their normal behavior interpreted as worsening symptoms, and what it reveals about clinical bias today ⬡ Epistemic dismissal — the active or passive rejection of a person's own knowledge and lived experience by the very professionals meant to help them ⬡ How diagnosis can be a flashlight or a floodlight — illuminating patterns vs. erasing the person ⬡ What happens when clients start performing recovery instead of living it ⬡ The role of ego in clinical practice — and why it doesn't always look like arrogance (sometimes it looks like certainty) ⬡ Why ambivalence is not pathology — and why allowing clients to explore moderation can be clinically sound ⬡ The difference between recovery and discovery , and why one may feel more alive than the other ⬡ How behaviors that look like symptoms are often solutions — and why treating the smoke instead of the fire keeps people stuck ⬡ Why autonomy predicts engagement and long-termPlayPlay Episode 271: Clinician's Corner | "Nobody Ever Asked Me What I Wanted" — When Clinicians Stop Listening & Why It Harms Recovery
• Episode 270: Adina Mullen | Plant-Based Keto & Sugar-Free Eating: Is It Possible?Feb 26, 2026 · 47 minCan you eat plant-based and still avoid sugar, carbs, and ultra-processed foods? In this episode of Food Junkies, Dr. Vera Tarman is joined by Adina Mullen, plant-based chef, author of Vegan Flavors of the World , and founder of Adina's Delicacies, to explore whether vegetarian or vegan eating can truly support food addiction recovery, low-sugar living, and even plant-based keto—without deprivation or rebound eating. Adina brings a deeply grounded, real-world approach to plant-based cooking rooted in whole foods, cultural traditions, flavor, and satisfaction. This conversation goes beyond diet rules to focus on nourishment, satiety, and sustainability, especially for people healing their relationship with food. 🌱 What You'll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Is plant-based keto actually possible? ✔️ Why many people fail on plant-based diets (and how to avoid rebound eating) ✔️ The difference between vegetarian, vegan, and whole-food plant-based ✔️ How to feel satisfied without sugar or ultra-processed foods ✔️ Best plant-based protein sources, including options for people on GLP-1s ✔️ Why preparation and texture matter more than restriction ✔️ How culture, memory, and comfort foods support long-term recovery ✔️ Common mistakes that leave people hungry, depleted, or triggered 🧠 Key Topics Covered 🥑 Plant-Based Keto & Low-Sugar Eating Adina explains how low-carb, low-sugar plant-based eating can work using whole foods like vegetables, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, tofu, and seeds—while also naming why keto isn't sustainable for everyone. 🥦 Why "Vegan" Doesn't Always Mean Healthy Removing animal products and replacing them with ultra-processed vegan foods often leads to hunger, instability, and relapse. Whole foods, structure, and adequate fat and protein matter—especially in food addiction recovery. 🍲 Flavor, Texture & Satisfaction Roasting vs boiling, crispy textures, homemade dressings, sauces, and slow cooking are key to making vegetables feel grounding and satisfying—not like deprivation food. 🌍 Culture, Memory & Healing Food isn't just fuel. Adina shares how honoring cultural and traditional meals—without animal products—helps people feel emotionally nourished and connected. 💪 Protein for Plant-Based & GLP-1 Users Includes discussion of: TVP (textured vegetable protein) Tofu & tempeh <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5inPlayPlay Episode 270: Adina Mullen | Plant-Based Keto & Sugar-Free Eating: Is It Possible?
• Episode 269: Amber Romaniuk - Why Emotional Eating Isn't Your Fault (Hormones)Feb 19, 2026 · 56 minIn this powerful episode of Food Junkies , we're joined by Amber Romaniuk , emotional eating and digestive health expert, to unpack the real drivers behind binge eating, food addiction, and the relentless restrict–overeat cycle. Amber shares her personal recovery journey from binge eating, bulimia, and food addiction—and explains why lasting healing requires more than another diet or food plan. Together, we explore how hormones, thyroid function, nervous system stress, and shame shape our relationship with food in ways most people are never taught. This conversation is especially important for women who feel like they "know better" but still struggle—and wonder why nothing seems to stick. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Why emotional eating is communication , not a lack of willpower How cortisol, thyroid dysfunction, and low progesterone can drive cravings and binge cycles Why fasting, restriction, and over-exercise often worsen food addiction patterns How shame keeps people stuck—and what actually helps dissolve it What "Body Freedom" really means beyond weight loss First steps to identify emotional eating triggers without self-blame Why healing your relationship with food must come before hormone repair can work This episode is for you if: ✔ You struggle with binge or emotional eating ✔ Diets and food rules keep backfiring ✔ You suspect hormones or stress are part of the picture ✔ You ' re exhausted by shame and ready for a deeper, kindePlayPlay Episode 269: Amber Romaniuk - Why Emotional Eating Isn't Your Fault (Hormones)
• Episode 268: Dr. Richard Johnson - It's Not Willpower. It's Biology. The Fat Switch ExplainedFeb 12, 2026 · 44 minIs there a built-in "fat switch" in our genes—something nature designed to help us store fat for survival? And if so, what does that mean for food addicts living in a world saturated with ultra-processed food? In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Richard Johnson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado, former Chief of the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, author of The Sugar Fix, The Fat Switch, and Nature Wants Us to Be Fat, and a researcher with 700+ scientific papers to his name. Dr. Johnson explains how fructose (from sugar and high-fructose corn syrup—but also produced inside the body under certain conditions) can activate a powerful metabolic pathway that increases hunger, lowers cellular energy, and shifts calories toward fat storage. He connects this to uric acid, salt, high-glycemic carbohydrates, and the modern "perfect storm" of ultra-processed foods engineered to intensify cravings. Together, they explore the evolutionary logic of fat storage, why visceral fat may have had survival value, why "calories in/calories out" fails to explain the whole picture, and what practical steps can help people restore metabolic flexibility—including carbohydrate reduction, movement that supports mitochondrial health, and the emerging role of GLP-1 medications as a tool (not a replacement) for nutrition change. What You'll Learn 🔥Why Dr. Johnson argues sugar isn't "just a calorie," and how fructose changes metabolism differently 🔥The role of uric acid in blood pressure, metabolic disease, and the fructose pathway 🔥How salt + starch + fat can amplify the "fat switch" (and why chips and fries are a perfect example) 🔥Why the body can make fructose from glucose, even if you aren't eating fructose directly 🔥The survival biology behind fat storage—and why visceral fat may have had an adaptive purpose 🔥How insulin resistance can be a short-term protective mechanism (and how modern life turns it chronic) 🔥Why low-carb approaches may "reboot" sugar absorption and cravings in as little as 7–14 days 🔥What Dr. Johnson believes is a major dietary driver of Alzheimer's risk 🔥How to support mitochondria through movement and nutrition 🔥Dr. Johnson's perspective on GLP-1s: benefits, limits, and relapse risk after stopping Resources Mentioned Dr. Richard Johnson's books: The Sugar Fix , The Fat Switch , <a href= "htPlayPlay Episode 268: Dr. Richard Johnson - It's Not Willpower. It's Biology. The Fat Switch Explained
• Episode 267: Clinician's Corner - Can Handle a Crisis, Can't Sit StillFeb 5, 2026 · 44 minIn this month's Clinician's Corner , Molly and Clarissa take a deep dive into the fix response —a lesser-named but incredibly common nervous-system survival strategy that shows up as over-functioning, urgency, problem-solving, and "doing something" to make discomfort go away. This episode explores why fixing isn't a personality flaw, control issue, or codependency—but a biologically wired, trauma-informed self-preservation response that once helped keep us safe. Together, we unpack how the fix response shows up in food addiction recovery, relationships, work, parenting, and even helping professions—and why it so often leads to burnout, resentment, and cycles of shame when left unexamined. In this episode, we discuss: What the fix response is (and what it's not) Why fixing feels regulating in the moment, but often backfires long-term How fixing differs from healthy problem-solving Common fix patterns in food addiction recovery (constant plan changes, "starting fresh Monday," adding rules after lapses) Over-functioning, hyper-responsibility, and lawn-mowing other people's problems Why fixers struggle with rest, delegation, and asking for help How ADHD, dopamine, urgency, and novelty-seeking intersect with fixing The developmental and trauma roots of the fix response How fixing pairs with fawn, hyper-independence, and people-pleasing Why optimization culture and biohacking can reinforce dysregulation The cost of living in constant "fix mode"—burnout, resentment, disconnection, and relapse risk How to recognize fix mode in the body (jaw clenching, shallow breath, tight chest, restless urgency) Why the goal isn't to eliminate fixing—but to update it</strongPlayPlay Episode 267: Clinician's Corner - Can Handle a Crisis, Can't Sit Still
• Episode 266: Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, PhD - Why Your Body Never Meant You Any HarmJan 29, 2026 · 55 minIn this episode, Molly and Clarissa welcome back Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti for a rich, grounded conversation on body forgiveness and why it can be a turning point in embodied healing. Drawing on her clinical work, research, and lived experience, Ann shares that "forgiving your body" isn't a mental exercise or forced positivity—it's a felt shift that helps move people from control and correction toward listening, trust, and reconciliation with the body as an ally. Ann also introduces themes from her upcoming book, Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm: A Somatic Guide to Forgiving and Healing Your Relationship With Your Body , and revisits the foundation of her work from Befriending Your Body —offering an informed, non-pathologizing approach for anyone healing from disordered eating, chronic dieting, trauma, shame, illness, or body distrust. What you'll hear in this episode How Ann's postpartum autoimmune illness became a doorway into deeper embodiment—and body advocacy The difference between interoceptive awareness (noticing signals) and standing up for your body when you're dismissed Why embodiment is a psychospiritual construct—and how "being beside your body" can be a practical starting point How to tell the difference between mind fear-stories and what your body is actually communicating Entry points for people who feel body connection is inaccessible: curiosity, regulation, and "giving your body a chance" What it means to find your center—and why being "off-center" fuels critical thoughts and body war How diet culture targets predictable times of day when people feel more vulnerable in body image A clear breakdown: body forgiveness vs body acceptance vs body neutrality Why pushing the body to "comply" before safety and trust are built can feel re-traumatizing The clinical risk of "behavioral recovery" without embodiment—and why unresolved embodiment work can look like "relapse" or "symptom swapping." <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5inPlayPlay Episode 266: Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, PhD - Why Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm
• Episode 265: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn - Why Fat Cells Remember ObesityJan 22, 2026 · 41 minWhy is it so hard to lose weight—and even harder to keep it off? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research showing that fat cells can retain an epigenetic "memory" of obesity , even after significant weight loss. This emerging science helps explain why weight regain is so common and why willpower alone is not the issue. We're joined by Ferdinand von Meyenn , Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich , where he leads research on nutrition and metabolic epigenetics. Prof. von Meyenn has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers, with work featured in top scientific journals including Nature and Cell . Together, we unpack what "obesogenic memory" really means, how epigenetics allows fat cells to adapt—and remember—past environments, and why long-term exposure to excess calories can biologically prime the body to regain weight faster in the future. In this conversation, you'll learn: What epigenetics is and how it differs from genetics How fat cells adapt to chronic overnutrition—and why those changes can persist after weight loss Why short-term weight changes are easier to reverse than long-term weight gain How this research challenges the idea that weight regain is a personal failure What current data suggests about bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, and long-term outcomes The role of inflammation, adipose tissue signaling, and the brain in body-weight regulation Why prevention matters—and why compassion matters even more for those already affected What researchers hope to uncover next about rewriting epigenetic memory This episode offers a powerful, science-based reframe: difficulty maintaining weight loss is not about weakness—it's about biology adapting to past environments . Understanding this may open the door to more effective, humane, and sustainable approaches to metabolic health in the future. 🎧 Whether you're a cliPlayPlay Episode 265: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn - Why Fat Cells Remember Obesity
• Episode 264: Dr. Adrienne Sprouse - Why Some Foods "Work"… Until They Don'tJan 15, 2026 · 47 minIn this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman spoke with Adrienne Sprouse, MD, a Columbia-trained physician with extensive experience in emergency medicine, toxicology, and environmental medicine, as well as more than four decades of stable food recovery. Adrienne reflected on how growing up in an alcoholic family system shaped her early coping strategies and how food became a primary source of comfort and regulation. Over time, she began to notice that certain foods didn't simply soothe emotional distress but instead triggered a predictable cycle of cravings, symptoms, and relapse. This realization led her to distinguish between compulsive overeating as a behavioral response and food addiction as a physiological reaction to specific foods. A central focus of the conversation was Adrienne's Prouse Rotational Eating Plan, a structured four-day rotation approach rooted in the concept of cyclic food allergy, originally described by Dr. Herbert Rinkle. Adrienne explained the difference between fixed food allergy—where symptoms occur every time a food is eaten—and cyclic food allergy, where symptoms depend on frequency and amount. She described how repeated exposure to the same foods, common in modern eating patterns, can "stack" in the body and contribute to escalating symptoms such as bloating, edema, headaches, joint pain, and the familiar experience of temporarily "getting away with it" before relapse. Adrienne also outlined the 24-day home food-testing process described in her book, which was designed to help individuals identify their "sober foods," clarify which foods destabilize them, and create a rotation that supports long-term stability without relying on willpower alone. The conversation extended beyond biology into emotional and spiritual recovery. Adrienne shared why she believed that a food plan alone was insufficient for many people and how 12-step recovery supported her ability to cope with stress, trauma, and relational dynamics that previously fueled her eating. She described 12-step principles as a stabilizing force that helped her maintain honesty, accountability, and resilience alongside her eating structure. Adrienne's book, 50 Years of Twelve Step Recovery , was discussed as a synthesis of lived experience, physiology, and recovery practice, offering both individuals and clinicians a broader framework for understanding relapse cycles, abstinence, and whole-person healing. In this episode: How Adrienne differentiated compulsive overeating from food addiction physiology <p data-start="2862" data-end="2PlayPlay Episode 264: Dr. Adrienne Sprouse - Why Some Foods "Work"… Until They Don't
• Episode 263: Dr. Ignacio Cuaranta - Sleep, Light, and Ultra-Processed Foods in Mental HealthJan 9, 2026 · 55 minWhat if the biggest breakthroughs in mental health didn't start with more effort—but with better timing? In this deeply grounding and wide-ranging conversation, we're joined by Ignacio Cuaranta, a board-certified psychiatrist whose work sits at the intersection of psychiatry, chronobiology, metabolic health, and lifestyle medicine. Trained in Argentina and working internationally, Dr. Cuaranta brings a refreshingly non-dogmatic, biology-forward lens to mental health—one that prioritizes rhythm, regulation, and compassion over blame or biohacking extremes. Together, we explore why sleep and light exposure may be the most powerful psychiatric interventions we have, how ultra-processed foods disrupt not just metabolism but emotional regulation, and why afternoon crashes, anxiety, impulsivity, and insomnia are often rhythm problems—not personal failures. In this episode, we discuss: Why morning light and nighttime darkness are foundational for mood, impulse control, and nervous system regulation How ultra-processed foods hijack reward pathways, especially when the brain is already fatigued The overlooked role of chronobiology in psychiatry—and why timing matters as much as content Afternoon crashes, cortisol dysregulation, and the myth of "low motivation" Time-restricted eating as a clinical tool, not a rigid rule Why consistency often matters more than perfection—especially for sensitive nervous systems Sleep as a keystone habit that makes every other change more accessible Practical, harm-reduction strategies for winter, shift work, and modern screen-heavy life Sauna, temperature, and seasonal rhythms—what actually helps and when Why reducing physiological "noise" can ease cravings, emotional volatility, and mental fatigue This episode is especially supportive for anyone: Early in recovery from ultra-processed food use <li class="MPlayPlay Episode 263: Dr. Ignacio Cuaranta - Sleep, Light, and Ultra-Processed Foods in Mental Health
• Episode 262: Clinician's Corner - Beyond "Volume Addiction"Dec 24, 2025 · 34 minIn this reflective, clinically rich conversation, Molly and Clarissa begin by looking back on the words that shaped their last year—and naming the ones guiding them forward. From emanate and flourishing to safety and permission , they explore how intention-setting collides with real life, nervous systems, social context, and recovery work. From there, the episode moves into a nuanced and often uncomfortable topic: "volume addiction." Is overeating whole foods after removing ultra-processed foods simply binge eating disorder in disguise? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. And sometimes it's something entirely different. Drawing from decades of combined experience in addiction treatment, mental health, trauma, and eating disorders, Molly and Clarissa unpack: Why labeling overeating as a new "addiction" can do more harm than good How binge eating disorder is diagnosed (and why food type alone doesn't define it) The roles of nervous system dysregulation, trauma, habit learning, dopamine loops, hormones, and survival biology Why early recovery often includes a messy stabilization period—and why that's not pathology The tension between rigid food rules and true safety Why embodiment, somatic work, mindfulness, and self-compassion are foundational—not optional They also challenge both food addiction and eating disorder paradigms when they become overly rigid, externalized, or disconnected from lived experience. Instead, they make a compelling case for internal resources over external control, and for recovery approaches that allow experimentation, nervous system safety, and individual variation. This episode is an invitation to think more broadly, more compassionately, and more critically—about labels, treatment, and what long-term recovery actually requires. ✨ Key themes include: Safety as a prerequisite for flourishing <p data-start="2049" data-end="211PlayPlay Episode 262: Clinician's Corner - Beyond "Volume Addiction"
• Episode 261: Real Food Recovery: Holistic Healing, Harm Reduction & Building Lifelong Recovery Roots with Jamie Reno and Paige AlexanderDec 23, 2025 · 40 minIn this episode, Paige and Jamie from Real Food Recovery join us to explore the powerful intersection of holistic health, nervous system regulation, and long-term recovery from ultra-processed food addiction. They share why they wrote their book, the four core branches that anchor recovery, and why recovery isn't about perfection—it's about resilience, compassion, and sustainable support systems that hold us when life falls apart. With honesty and courage, Jamie shares her story of leaving an abusive relationship and navigating destabilization while protecting her recovery. Together, we dig into spirituality (beyond religion), harm reduction, abstinence debates, nervous system science, ego traps like "I'll start Monday," and how we can meet ourselves with clarity and grace instead of shame. This conversation is validating, empowering, and deeply human. Recovery isn't about mastering food—it's about building a life worth staying for. 🌿 Key Themes We Explore • The gap in recovery literature and why holistic support matters • The four core branches of Real Food Recovery o Whole, single-ingredient foods o Sleep o Spirituality (not religion) o Movement • Why long-term recovery is a lifelong evolving practice • How spirituality anchors safety, connection, and presence • What happens when life collapses and how to keep recovery intact • Harm reduction vs. abstinence and why recovery isn't "all or nothing" • Navigating autoimmunity, trauma, and survival mode with self-compassion • The truth behind "I'll start Monday" and the ego trap of perfection • Why small, doable changes are more powerful than massive overhauls • The role of nervous system regulation in cravings, bingeing, and recovery • How to dismantle shame and return to curiosity, learning, and self-respect • Why spirituality & slowing down create safety in the brain and body Powerful Insights & Quotes 🔹 "Two people can have very different experiences—but the big-picture solutions are often the same." 🔹 "We don't push square pegs into round holes. Recovery must be individualized." 🔹 "Food isn't the problem—it's a symptom of the recovery you need." 🔹 "Spirituality isn't religion. It's connection, grounding, and being held when no one else is around." 🔹 "When Maslow's hierarchy collapses, guardrails may look different. Harm reduction can be love." 🔹 "Your brain will always try to keep you in the familiar—even if the familiar hurts." 🔹 "Recovery breaks when life is lived too fast. Safety lives in slowness." 🔹 "There is no shame—only information and opportunity." Listener Takeaways 1) Recovery Must Be Holistic Food alone isn't enough. Sleep, nervous system care, spirituality, and movement matter just as much—and sometimes more. 2️) Spirituality = Safety Not religion. Not rules. A grounding connection, inner wisdom, meaning, and support when life storms hit. 3️) Recovery Isn't Linear—It's Adaptive There will be seasons of abstinence, seasons of harm reduction, seasons of survival. Compassion keeps recPlayPlay Episode 261: Real Food Recovery: Holistic Healing, Harm Reduction & Building Lifelong Recovery Roots with Jamie Reno and Paige Alexander
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 31: Emalyn W.Dec 22, 2025 · 46 minOn today's episode, CJ sits down with the incredibly genuine and courageous Emalyn. Emalyn opens up about her journey with honesty and heart , from sneaking food and hiding her struggle from her husband to realizing that he had always offered unwavering support. She shares what led her to seek treatment in Minnesota and how that experience helped her finally release the shame and guilt she had carried for years. Emalyn's story is one of deep self-discovery, compassion, and freedom ; a reminder that addiction isn't a moral failing but a condition we can understand, treat, and recover from. If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.comPlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 31: Emalyn W.
• Episode 260: Healing Trauma, Shame, and Food Addiction through the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model with Jan WinhallDec 18, 2025 · 54 minJan Winhall is a psychotherapist, author, educator, and the developer of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM), a groundbreaking framework that integrates trauma therapy, polyvagal theory, and embodied focusing to understand and treat addiction and trauma. Over more than four decades of clinical work, Jan has specialized in supporting survivors of sexual violence, complex trauma, and addiction with a deeply de-pathologizing, feminist, and body-based lens. She is the founder of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model Institute, teaches internationally, and collaborates closely with leaders in the polyvagal community to bring more compassionate, somatically grounded approaches into trauma and addiction treatment. In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, Clarissa and Molly sit down with trauma and addiction therapist Jan Winhall, creator of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM). Jan weaves together feminist therapy, trauma theory, polyvagal theory, and embodied practice to completely reframe how we understand addictive behaviors like binging, purging, and compulsive eating: not as "problems" or "defects," but as adaptive state-regulation strategies that the body uses to survive overwhelming experiences. Jan shares how early work with incest survivors revealed the harms of pathologizing, top-down psychiatric approaches—and how safety, dignity, and deep listening became the foundation for her model. Together, we explore how nervous-system states, shame, trauma, ADHD, and body image intersect with ultra-processed food addiction, and how recovery becomes possible when we work with the body instead of against it. This episode is for clinicians, helpers, and anyone living with food addiction who has ever wondered: "What if nothing about me is broken—and my body has been trying to keep me alive all along?" In This Episode, We Explore: • Jan's Origins in Trauma Work o Running groups for young women who were incest survivors in a small Ontario hospital o Seeing firsthand the limitations and harm of traditional psychiatric models o How feminist therapy and the work of Judith Herman and Sandra Butler helped de-pathologize survivors • From "What's Wrong With You?" to "What Happened to You?" o Why behaviors often labeled "manipulative" or "attention-seeking" (e.g., binging, purging, self-harm) are actually survival strategies o Understanding these behaviors as ways to regulate overwhelming nervous-system states, not moral failures • The Felt Sense & Polyvagal Theory – Explained Accessibly o What "felt sense" really means (beyond just "sensation") o How neuroception constantly scans for safety and danger below conscious awareness o The three main autonomic states:  Ventral vagal – safety, connection, social engagement  Sympathetic – fight/flight, agitation, urgency  Dorsal vagal – shutdown, collapse, numbness, shame o How addictive behaviors help the body shift between these states to survive • Addiction as a Trauma FePlayPlay Episode 260: Healing Trauma, Shame, and Food Addiction through the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model with Jan Winhall
• Episode 259: Dr. Carrie Wilkens, PhD on Rethinking Addiction Without ShameDec 11, 2025 · 54 minIn this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Clarissa and Molly sit down with psychologist Dr. Carrie Wilkens to unpack what it really means to help people change without shame, stigma, or power struggles. Drawing from decades of work in substance use, eating disorders, trauma, and family systems, Carrie invites us to rethink "denial," "relapse," "codependency," and even the disease model itself, while still honoring the seriousness of addiction and the depth of people's pain. Together, we explore how self-compassion, curiosity, and values-based behavior change can transform not only individual recovery but also how families, helpers, and communities show up for the people they love. In this episode, we explore: Lived experience & professional work How Carrie's own long-term healing around food and her body continues to shape the compassion and curiosity she brings to her work. The idea that our relationship with food and our bodies changes across the lifespan—and why "lifelong relationship management" matters more than perfection. Do you have to be "in recovery" to help? The pressures clinicians face when they're asked, "Are you in recovery?" and how that question can be loaded with judgment and assumptions. Why personal experience with a specific substance or behavior is not a prerequisite to being deeply effective as a helper. How Carrie talks with clients and families about her own history in a way that's honest, boundaried, and clinically useful. Rethinking 'denial' and harmful language Why words like "denial," "addict," "codependent," "chronic relapser," and "it's a slippery slope" can shut people down rather than open them up. A more curious approach: asking "What do you mean by that?" and unpacking the real story underneath labels. How language can either invite pPlayPlay Episode 259: Dr. Carrie Wilkens, PhD on Rethinking Addiction Without Shame
• Episode 258: Clinician's Corner – Holidays Edition: Boundaries, Nervous Systems & the Hella-DaysDec 4, 2025 · 43 minIn this Clinician's Corner episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into what they lovingly (and accurately) call the "Hella-Days"—that stretch from early fall through New Year's where routines disappear, food is everywhere, emotions are high, and nervous systems are fried. Together, they unpack why this season is so activating for people with food addiction and nervous system sensitivity, and how to navigate it with values, boundaries, and a whole lot of self-compassion—whether you're surrounded by family or spending the holidays on your own. In This Episode Clarissa & Molly explore: Why the holidays can feel like the "Holiday Hunger Games" and "12 Days of Dysregulation" How the nervous system responds to the build-up from September to New Year's Using values as your North Star for holiday decisions Boundary tools and scripts for parties, family gatherings, and food pushers Why holiday food environments are an "engineered stressor" (hello, peppermint-everything marketing) Strategies for: Going to events without abandoning your recovery Deciding when not to go Coping with loneliness, isolation, and dark evenings Harm reduction during high-exposure events ("good, better, best" thinking) How to re-imagine your holiday story over time instead of chasing perfection Ideas for folks who love the holidays (Clarissmas) and folks who… don't (Molly 😂) They also share: Personal stories of childhood Christmas expectations, sibling dynamics, and parental pressure How early family patterns still shape how we show up at the holidays Reframing relapse and "taking the bait" with relatives like Aunt Linda (sorry, Linda) Key Takeaways You can use/adapt these directly in show notes as bullet points. Start with your North Star, not the menu. Before the doorbells, casseroles, and Aunt Linda's commentary, ask: What matters most to me about this season? How do I want to feel when the day is over? What will support my recovery and nervous system? Let those answers drive your choices more than other people's expectations, panic, or cookies. Boundaries are about self-respect, not punishment. Boundaries define what's okay and not okay for you. They're about taking responsibility for your experience—not policing others. As Brené Brown says, "Clear is kind." You don't have to over-explain or apologize. Use positive, non-defensive boundary scripts. "I don't eat sugar" often triggers defensiveness and comparison. Instead, frame your choice around how good you feel: "That looks amazing, but I've been eating in a way that's really helping my energy and sleep, and I'm so grateful I found what works for me. Thanks for understanding." Or keep it simple: "No, thank you." (A complete sentence.) "I'm focusing on foods that help me feel my best." Rehearsal reduces panic. Visualize the event ahead of time: Imagine someone offering food or a drink. Practice your boundary script. Role-play in group or with a clinician. Like athletes using mental rehearsPlayPlay Episode 258: Clinician's Corner – Holidays Edition: Boundaries, Nervous Systems & the Hella-Days
• Episode 257: Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO - Cancer, UPFs, and Metabolic HealingNov 27, 2025 · 54 minIn this episode, we sit down with integrative oncologist and metabolic health pioneer Dr. Nasha Winters (who insists we call her Nasha ) to explore the powerful intersection of cancer, ultra-processed foods, metabolism, and sovereignty. Nasha shares her astonishing personal story: years of dismissed symptoms, normalized suffering, and relentless gaslighting that culminated in a diagnosis of end-stage ovarian cancer at age 19—and being sent home to die. Thirty-four years later, she's very much alive and leading a global movement to rethink cancer as a metabolic, terrain-driven disease rather than a purely genetic accident. We talk about how ultra-processed foods don't just starve our mitochondria—they starve our sovereignty, hijack our decision-making, and fracture our relationship with our own bodies. Along the way, Nasha invites us to move away from perfectionism and fragility and toward aligned, values-based choices and fierce self-responsibility. In this episode, we explore: Nasha's "pain to purpose" story Chronic health issues from infancy through adolescence: PCOS, endometriosis, autoimmune issues, RA, IBS, thyroid dysfunction, and more—constantly normalized and medicated. Being diagnosed with end-stage ovarian cancer at 19, with full bowel obstruction, organ failure, metastasis, and "3 months to live." How being sent home to die became the catalyst for asking "Why?" and beginning her life's work. A metabolic and psychological reset Why a prolonged period of fasting (due to bowel obstruction) functioned as an unplanned metabolic intervention. How an accidental very high-dose psilocybin experience in 1991 fundamentally changed her perspective, reduced her fear of death, and gave her a will to live. The insight that cancer is not just genetic—but deeply tied to environment, metabolism, trauma, and disconnection from nature.PlayPlay Episode 257: Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO - Cancer, UPFs, and Metabolic Healing
• Episode 256: Dr. Erica LaFata - Diagnosing Ultra-Processed Food Addiction with FASINov 20, 2025 · 54 minOn this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Erica LaFata to dive into her groundbreaking work developing the Food Addiction Severity Interview (FASI) — a clinician-administered diagnostic tool modeled after the SCID alcohol use disorder module and adapted for ultra-processed foods. Building on self-report tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and mYFAS, Erica explains why the field urgently needs a structured clinical interview to validate ultra-processed food addiction as a distinct psychiatric presentation and move toward formal recognition in the DSM. Together, we explore the nuance at the intersection of eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction: where they overlap, where they diverge, and how mislabeling can harm people on both sides. Erica unpacks key addiction mechanisms like withdrawal and tolerance, the risks of false positives and false negatives in screening, and what clinicians should be listening for when trying to tell restrictive eating, binge eating, and addictive patterns apart – especially in youth, men, and other under-researched groups. The conversation also gets practical and hopeful: we talk about the competencies therapists, dietitians, coaches, and other practitioners need before working with ultra-processed food addiction; the tension between abstinence and harm reduction; the "volume addiction" question; and how orthorexia and the "health halo" of protein bars and high-protein UPFs can quietly hijack recovery. Erica closes by sharing how FASI data could inform future public policy and regulation of ultra-processed foods without fueling weight stigma – and gives an exciting update on the DSM submission process for ultra-processed food addiction as a condition for further study. In this episode, we discuss: Why self-report tools (YFAS, mYFAS) were a crucial first step—and why a clinician-administered interview like FASI is the necessary next one How FASI was modeled after the SCID alcohol use disorder module and adapted for ultra-processed foods The core addiction mechanisms (loss of control, withdrawal, tolerance, consequences) and how they show up with ultra-processed foods Key differences between traditional eating disorder frameworks ("all foods fit," no good/bad foods) and an addiction lens focused on specific ultra-processed foods <p data-start="2389" data-end="251PlayPlay Episode 256: Dr. Erica LaFata - Diagnosing Ultra-Processed Food Addiction with FASI
• Episode 255: Challenging the Naysayers with Dr. Nicole AvenaNov 13, 2025 · 55 minIn this powerful episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Clarissa Kennedy welcome back Dr. Nicole Avena, one of the first researchers to scientifically validate the concept of food addiction. Together, they unpack the latest critiques of food addiction and explore why this diagnosis is still being challenged – and why the science strongly supports it. 🔍 Key Questions We Tackled Is food addiction "too broad" to be useful? Can we really rely on self-report tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale? What about brain imaging – doesn't Kevin Hall's PET study "disprove" food addiction? Are we just pathologizing normal overeating under stress or dieting? If withdrawal from ultra-processed foods isn't like alcohol or opioids, does it "count"? What Dr. Avena Wants You to Know 1️⃣ Overlap with eating disorders ≠ "not real" Food addiction can overlap with eating disorders and obesity, but that doesn't mean it's the same thing. Lots of conditions share symptoms; that's exactly why we need more research, not less. 2️⃣ Self-report doesn't make it "fake" Critics argue that the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) isn't valid because it relies on self-report. Dr. Avena reminds us: If we reject self-report, we'd also have to throw out: Depression inventories Alcohol and substance use screens Most mental health assessments we use every day Self-report + clinical judgment + (where possible) biological measures = standard science, not junk science. 3️⃣ One PET scan ≠ "case closed" Kevin Hall's PET study is often waved around as "proof" that food isn't addictive. Dr. Avena explains major limitations: PET is a blunt tool for measuring dopamine compared to methods like microdialysis. The milkshake used was lower in sugar than many people consume in real life. Participants weren't clearly separated into food-addicted vs non–food-addicted groups. Dopamine is highly time-sensitive: anticipation and early consumption may be where the real action is, not 30 minutes later. And importantly: We don't throw out alcohol or nicotine addiction just because a single brain study fails to show a clear dopamine spike. Science is built on many studies over many years, not one headline. 4️⃣ We're not pathologizing everyone who overeats Yes, lots of people overeat on holidays or under stress. That's normal. Food addiction is when: Overeating is persistent and pervasive It causes distress, impairment, and health consequences Multiple DSM substance use criteria are met (tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, continued use despite harm, etc.) That's a very different picture than "I ate too much at Thanksgiving." 5️⃣ Withdrawal from ultra-processed foods is real (and looks a lot like other addictions) Research now shows that withdrawal from ultra-processed foods can include: Irritability Fatigue Low mood Crankiness / lethargy These symptoms tend to peak in 2–5 days, similar to what we see with substances like nicotine. You don't need seizures for it to count as withdrawal. 6️⃣ Not havingPlayPlay Episode 255: Challenging the Naysayers with Dr. Nicole Avena
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 30: Ashley ElizabethNov 12, 2025 · 42 minC J shares a moving conversation with Ashley Elizabeth, a woman whose honesty and courage shine through her recovery journey. Ashley is remarkably open about her experience with food addiction and the lifelong impact of being put on a diet at a very young age. Like so many, she spent years trapped in the cycle of obsession, shame, and the constant search for control, returning to foods she didn't even like just to get her fix. When Ashley first entered a 12-step program, she approached her food plan like another diet, and for a while, it worked. But true transformation came when she embraced the entire program and surrendered her will to her Higher Power. Today, Ashley shares her story with heart and hope, inspiring others to believe that freedom from food addiction is absolutely possible.PlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 30: Ashley Elizabeth
• Episode 254: Dr. Paul O'MalleyNov 6, 2025 · 54 minDr. Paul O'Malley is a Los Angeles-based dentist who's redefining what it means to care for your teeth—and your whole body. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. O'Malley specializes in biomimetic and holistic dentistry, which basically means he works with your body, not against it. His focus is on preserving your natural tooth structure, using biocompatible materials, and avoiding the "drill and fill" mindset that leaves so many people anxious about the dentist's chair. He earned his DDS from Creighton University and completed a residency at Baylor University, but what really sets him apart is his philosophy: dentistry should heal and protect, not just patch things up. Over the years, he's trained with some of the top names in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and has become a fellow of both the International Academy of Dentofacial Esthetics and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. At his practice in Encino, California, Dr. O'Malley helps patients restore confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health—often with procedures that are far less invasive than traditional methods. He's also the founder of Great Oral Health, a line of probiotic-based products designed to support a healthy mouth microbiome and overall wellness. We all know sugar messes with our health — but did you know it's one of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and even inflammation throughout your body? 😬 💥 It's not just how much sugar you eat — it's how often! Every sip or bite keeps your teeth bathing in acid and your enamel under attack. 🦠 Your mouth has a microbiome too — good bacteria that protect you! Constant sugar, grazing, or even "healthy" acidic drinks (like lemon water or sugar-free soda) can throw that balance off. 💧 The fix is simple and kind: ✨ Eat in meals, not all day. ✨ Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or lemon water. ✨ Wait 20 minutes before brushing to protect enamel. ✨ Floss daily (it breaks up the "bug party" that causes decay). ✨ Use a soft brush and gentle angle — your gums aren't a kitchen floor! ✨ Try hydroxyapatite toothpaste (it helps re-harden enamel naturally). ❤️ Your mouth is part of your body — not separate from it. Bleeding gums, bad breath, or constant sensitivity are not normal signs of "aging." They're little SOS signals asking for care. 💬 And for parents: kids copy what we do, not what we say. Brushing and rinsing together is a tiny daily act of prevention and connection. Let's make "self-care" include our smiles. Because a healthy mouth = a healthier body. LINKS: https://www.greatoralhePlayPlay Episode 254: Dr. Paul O'Malley
• Episode 253: Clinician's Corner - From Rules to Guardrails: Rewriting the Manual for RecoveryOct 29, 2025 · 44 minMolly and Clarissa get real about the spoken and unspoken "rules" we inherit—from family, culture, religion, peers, and recovery spaces—and how those rules can quietly run our lives. They explore when structure is protective (especially early recovery) and when rigidity shrinks our world. The invitation: notice the rule, name whose voice it is, examine its intention, and rewrite it as a flexible, values-aligned boundary (a loving guardrail) that serves your recovery today. What we cover Invisible operating systems: How covert rules ("Don't cry in public," "Finish your plate," "Don't upset Dad," "Work before rest") get encoded as truth and shape choices, identity, and self-worth. Where rules come from: Family modeling, culture/diet/purity narratives, religion & tradition, media comparison loops, and past painful moments that birthed survival strategies. When rules help vs. harm: The cast-to-brace metaphor—early structure can be lifesaving; never taking the brace off becomes its own injury. Food-recovery example: "The kitchen is closed after dinner." Helpful as temporary scaffolding; harmful if it overrides true hunger, fuels all-or-nothing thinking, or becomes punishment. Language that frees: Swap "I can't" for "I choose not to (right now)." Replace rules with loving guardrails anchored in values, not fear. Meeting the Rebel: How the inner rebel shows up when we feel controlled, and how flexibility + permission reduces backlash and binge risk. Compassion over condemnation: Seeing the origin story of a rule reveals it was protective, not defective—which softens shame and opens space to change. Support matters: Borrowing a "prosthetic prefrontal cortex" from trusted people (group, therapist, friend) to reality-check and practice flexibility safely. Try this: a simple Rule Audit Spot it: What's one rule you notice yourself following today? Name the voice: Whose rule is it (family, program, culture, scared younger you)? Intention check: What safety or benefit was it trying to create? Does that need still exist? Cost check: How does it limit you now (shame, rigidity, disconnection from body needs)? Rewrite it: Old: "I can't eat after dinner." New: "I stop after dinner unless I'm truly hungry—then I have a planned, recovery-friendly snack without shame." Make it safer: Pre-plan options, text a support person, add a brief grounding before eating, pre-portion, and debrief after. Nuggets & reframes "Rules kept me safe then; values-based guardrails grow me now." "Different doesn't equal dangerous. It's okay if new feels wobbly." "Recovery should make life bigger, not smaller." "Permission reduces rebellion." "Thank you, old rule, for what you protected. I'm choosing something kinder now." Reflection questions for listeners <PlayPlay Episode 253: Clinician's Corner - From Rules to Guardrails: Rewriting the Manual for Recovery
• Episode 252: Dr. Cate Shanahan - Are Seed Oils as Bad as Sugar?Oct 23, 2025 · 48 minDr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Cate Shanahan, family physician, nutrition consultant, and author of Deep Nutrition and Dark Calories, to discuss her case against industrial seed oils, how they may influence metabolic and mental health, and why she believes they can intensify sugar cravings and insulin resistance. We explore mechanisms she proposes (oxidation, mitochondrial stress), the "Hateful Eight" oils, and practical swaps that listeners can try if they choose to reduce seed oils. This episode presents a viewpoint that's debated in nutrition science; we encourage critical thinking, self-experimentation within a safe plan, and consultation with your care team. What we cover Seed oils vs. sugar: Why Dr. Shanahan argues seed oils may drive sugar cravings and insulin resistance. Oxidation & mitochondria: Her biochemical rationale for how highly unsaturated oils can oxidize and affect cell energy. The "Hateful Eight": Corn, canola, cottonseed, soybean, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, grapeseed—why she cautions against them. Historical context: Marketing, refinement, and how these oils entered the food supply. Mental health & cravings: Proposed links between oxidized fats, energy instability, mood, and appetite signals. Practical swaps: Unrefined olive, avocado, coconut, butter/ghee; flavor-forward nut/seed oils used unheated; reading labels and cooking at home. Diet nuance: Why some low-carb or plant-forward eaters thrive when minimizing seed oils; where refined proteins fit. Key takeaways If you experiment with reducing industrial seed oils, pair it with whole-food carbs and adequate protein to support energy stability. Favor unrefined, flavor-forward oils (e.g., extra-virgin olive oil) and avoid reheating/frying oils repeatedly. Improvements people report first: steadier energy, fewer GI symptoms, fewer cravings—but your mileage may vary. This topic isPlayPlay Episode 252: Dr. Cate Shanahan - Are Seed Oils as Bad as Sugar?
• Episode 251: Daniel Trevor - Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their GripOct 16, 2025 · 50 minHost Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Daniel Trevor—entrepreneur-turned "citizen scientist" and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip. After a near-fatal heart attack, Daniel dove into medical literature, clinician interviews, and self-tracking. He shares the arguments behind his book, why he believes hyperinsulinemia is a "gateway disease," how diet patterns may influence cardiometabolic risk and cravings, and the testing he advocates so people can "don't guess—test." We also discuss controversy in nutrition science, harm-reduction ways to experiment with food choices, and how to navigate mixed messages from experts. About our guest Daniel Trevor has founded high-tech companies, worked in anti-aging projects, and spent 20 years as an actor and musician. His health crisis catalyzed a research journey that informed Unholy Trinity. He now writes and speaks about low-carb/keto to carnivore approaches, lab testing, and lifestyle change. What we cover Daniel's pivot from "Mr. Healthy" to heart-attack survivor and researcher Hyperinsulinemia → insulin resistance → cardiometabolic disease (Daniel's "gateway disease" model) Why some people see a rise in LDL on low-carb diets and what advanced lipoprotein testing (e.g., NMR LipoProfile) may reveal "Lean-mass hyper-responder" profile: high LDL with low triglycerides and high HDL—what it means and why it's debated Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, soft vs. calcified plaque, and the "CAC paradox" as Daniel understands it Grains, seed oils, and sugar: Daniel's case for their role in appetite, cravings, and disease risk; critique of popular diet guidance Statins, side effects, and absolute risk/benefit as presented by Daniel (and why shared decision-making matters) Practical, harm-reduction steps: food substitutions, lab work, and building a sustainable plan Where Daniel's thinking intersects—and conflicts—with mainstream guidelines, and how listeners can evaluate claims Key takeaways "Don't guess—test." Daniel urges listeners to use accessible labs and scans (prioritizing a small set if resources are limited) and to pair results with symptoms and function. Protein and structure can reduce chaos. He advocates prioritizing animal protein, minimizing refined carbs/sugars and seed oils, and making like-for-like swaps to lower cravings. Context matters. Individual responses vary (genetics, meds, comorbidities, history with restriction/addiction). Go slow, track, and use support. Hold nuance. Nutrition science evolves; some claims remain contested. Use informed consent and a collaborative care team. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship anPlayPlay Episode 251: Daniel Trevor - Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip
• Episode 250: Ellen Bennett, RD, PhD (Candidate)Oct 9, 2025 · 52 minEllen Bennett is a Registered Dietitian, researcher, and leading voice in the emerging field of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction (UPFA). As Operations Manager for Liberate, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Collaboration (PHC), she leads educational programmes designed to support both individuals and clinicians in understanding and navigating food addiction through an evidence-based, compassion-driven lens. Currently completing her PhD at Coventry University, Ellen's research explores addiction-informed interventions for UPFA, including feasibility studies, the development of screening tools, and critical analyses of existing clinical frameworks. With 16 years in 12-step fellowships and 14 years of sustained recovery following an 11-stone (70 kg) weight loss, Ellen brings a rare integration of scientific expertise, lived experience, and humanity to her work. Her blend of rigour, warmth, and humour has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences, podcasts, and universities, where she continues to champion a more honest, hopeful, and research-aligned conversation about food addiction and recovery. Social Media: 🔗 www.liberatetoday.org 🔗 www.phcuk.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PHCukorg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/PHCukorg LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/public-health-collaboration Youtube https://www.youtube.com/PHCukorg X https://twitter.com/PHCukorg The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.PlayPlay Episode 250: Ellen Bennett, RD, PhD (Candidate)
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 29: KatOct 6, 2025 · 47 minCJ welcomes Kat to the podcast! Kat's story is one of courage, honesty, and deep resilience. Having carried the heavy weight of trauma and the challenges of living with morbid obesity, she brings with her a fighter's spirit and a bubbly energy that shines through every word. Kat is refreshingly open about her struggles, and her willingness to share is matched only by her desire to lift up the next person walking a similar path. Today, we get to hear not only about her battles, but about her remarkable strength and the hope she brings to others. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.comPlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 29: Kat
• Episode 249: Clinician's Corner - Understanding the Fawn ResponseOct 3, 2025 · 42 minIn this episode, Molly Painschab and Clarissa Kennedy reconnect after three transformative weeks together—first in London for the International Food Addiction and Comorbidities Conference, then exploring the magic of Scotland. From castles and waterfalls to ancient standing stones, they share the joy of work, play, and community in recovery. But the heart of today's conversation is the fawn response —a trauma survival strategy often misunderstood as "people pleasing." Drawing on their own stories and professional experiences, Molly and Clarissa explore how fawning develops, why it feels so challenging to change, and how it manifests in recovery and relationships. What We Talk About Fawning explained : Why it's more than people pleasing and how it functions as a survival strategy. Personal stories : Growing up in emotionally immature households, learning to appease, and the impact on identity and relationships. Adaptive vs. maladaptive fawning : When appeasement helps us survive—and when it harms us. Symptoms and signs : From difficulty saying no, over-apologizing, and hypervigilance to identity loss and emotional exhaustion. Why fawning is reinforced : Cultural, gender, and relational factors that reward compliance at the cost of selfhood. Professional insights : What clinicians and helpers need to know about clients who fawn—including vulnerability to relapse, self-neglect, and difficulty with boundaries. Pathways to healing : Building awareness, practicing small boundaries, parts work, somatic tools, and self-compassion as antidotes to shame. Grief and growth : Naming the loss that comes with shifting out of fawning while also reclaiming voice, choice, and authenticity. <h3 data-sPlayPlay Episode 249: Clinician's Corner - Understanding the Fawn Response
• Episode 248: Dr Guillaume de Lartigue - Memory and Food CravingsSep 24, 2025 · 44 minHave you ever wondered why cravings for junk food can return weeks—or even months—after you've stopped eating it? Neuroscience has an answer. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue , Associate Professor at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and the University of Pennsylvania. His groundbreaking research reveals how the hippocampus—the brain's memory hub—stores food-related memories that can later be reactivated by sights, smells, or even routines like watching Netflix at night. These memory cues, combined with the dopamine-driven reward system, help explain why ultra-processed foods are so hard to resist. Together, Dr. Tarman and Dr. de Lartigue explore: The difference between metabolic hunger, hedonic hunger, and memory-cued hunger How fats and sugars create separate memory traces in the brain—and why foods combining both are especially addictive Why food memories can trigger cravings long after the food itself is gone How childhood exposure, stress, and even in-utero diet shape lifelong vulnerability to food cues The impact of artificial sweeteners on memory, satiety, and "the broken stop switch" Why food marketing deliberately exploits our memory circuits Emerging treatments: from behavioral retraining to potential drugs that could dampen food-related memories Dr. de Lartigue's research shows that food cravings aren't just about willpower—they're wired deep into our biology. But with awareness, deliberate habit-building, and future medical advances, there is hope for reshaping how our brains respond to ultra-processed foods. ✨ Key Takeaway : Our brains remember every rewarding food experience, and those memories are designed to pull us back for more—even when we're not hungry. Recognizing this isn't weakness—it's science. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersPlayPlay Episode 248: Dr Guillaume de Lartigue - Memory and Food Cravings
• Episode 247: Dr. Anna Barbieri on Hormones, Appetite, and Women's HealthSep 18, 2025 · 51 minIn this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman welcomes Dr. Anna Barbieri, a board-certified gynecologist and integrative medicine physician who specializes in menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, and PMS. Dr. Barbieri is also a certified menopause practitioner and co-founder of Electra Health, where she blends conventional medicine with holistic, evidence-based approaches to women's hormonal health. Together, they explore the fascinating, complex, and often overlooked role hormones play in shaping women's appetite, cravings, and relationship with food across the lifespan. From the ups and downs of PMS and perimenopause, to the challenges of menopause and PCOS, Dr. Barbieri explains how sex hormones, stress hormones, and appetite-regulating hormones intersect—and what women can do to support their health through these transitions. 💬 Topics covered in this episode: What hormones are and how they regulate appetite (ghrelin, leptin, CCK, GLP-1) The influence of estrogen and progesterone on hunger and satiety Cortisol, stress, and why cravings often center on sugar and carbs PMS, perimenopause, and menopause: why cravings change across the cycle and lifespan The role of progesterone in mental health, postpartum depression, and brain function PCOS, insulin resistance, and appetite regulation Visceral fat, metabolic risk, and why body composition shifts after menopause Thyroid health, autoimmunity, and the overlap with perimenopausal symptoms GLP-1 medications: opportunities and cautions for women's health Hormone therapy (HRT/MHT): benefits, risks, and myths Lifestyle and supplement strategies to support hormonal balance ✨ Key Takeaways: Hormones are powerful, interconnected, and influence not only pPlayPlay Episode 247: Dr. Anna Barbieri on Hormones, Appetite, and Women's Health
• Episode 246: Dr. Bart Kay - Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? Sorting Strategy from ScienceSep 11, 2025 · 53 minDr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Bart Kay—former professor of health sciences turned "nutrition science watchdog"—to unpack a big, practical question for people in recovery from ultra-processed food use: If sugar needs to go, what about other carbs? And where does dietary fat fit in? We explore Dr. Kay's perspective on the Randle (Randall) cycle, insulin resistance, mixed macro diets, seed oils, ketogenic/carnivore patterns, and real-world considerations for folks with sugar/UPF addiction who struggle to "moderate." We also discuss staged change (don't flip your diet overnight), what "abstainer vs. moderator" can mean in food recovery, and how to keep any nutrition experiment aligned with your health team and your recovery plan. What we cover The "Randle cycle," plain-English: why mixing higher carbs and higher fats may worsen metabolic friction, and why choosing one dominant fuel is central to Dr. Kay's model. Insulin resistance re-framed: why Dr. Kay views it as a protective cellular response (his position) and how that informs low-carb/carnivore advocacy. Carbs in recovery: "quit sugar" vs. "how low is low?"—Dr. Kay's thresholds (e.g., ≤50 g/day unlikely to cause problems in his view) and why many with UPF addiction do better with abstinence than moderation. Fats & satiety: why dietary fat often increases fullness cues; practical guardrails; "can you eat too much fat or protein?" Seed oils: Dr. Kay's strong critique of industrial seed oils and his inflammation concerns. Cholesterol worries on low-carb/carnivore: why lipid numbers may rise and how Dr. Kay interprets A1C and lipid changes (controversial; see note below). GLP-1s, metformin & meds: Dr. Kay's take on drug mechanisms vs. root-cause nutrition changes. Change management: why he recommends a 4–6 week ramp instead of an overnight switch to very low-carb/carnivore; supporting thyroid, energy, and the microbiome while you transition. Recovery lens: abstainer vs. moderator, harm-reduction steps when "only food will regulate," and building a plan that supports mental health and addiction recovery. Key takeaways Abstinence can be a kindness. If you're a "can't moderate sugar" person, treating sugar/UPFs as an abstinence-worthy trigger can protect your recovery. Don't crash-diet your microbiome. If you're experimenting with lower-carb or carnivore, step down over 4–6 weeks with plenty of electrolytes, hydration, and support. Pick a lane with macros. In Dr. Kay's model, mixing higher carbs with higher fats is the most metabolically problematic; choosing one dominant fuel source may reduce friction. Numbers are data, not destiny. Lipids and A1C can shift on low-carb—interpret changes with a clinician who understands your whole picture (medical history, meds, symptoms, goals). Harm-reduction still counts. If full abstinence isn't feasiblePlayPlay Episode 246: Dr. Bart Kay - Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? Sorting Strategy from Science
• FJ Recovery Stories Episode 28: Sunnie MeadowsSep 9, 2025 · 56 minMeet Sunnie, whose name fits her perfectly; she is truly a ray of sunshine. With warmth and openness, she shares her personal journey with food addiction in a way that brings hope and healing to others. Sunnie has the rare gift of championing everyone, celebrating victories both big and small, and reminding us that every step forward matters. Her honesty and courage light the path for those still struggling, and her kindness uplifts all who know her. She is an inspiration, a bright soul, and I feel so blessed to call her my friend. I just absolutely love her! Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.PlayPlay FJ Recovery Stories Episode 28: Sunnie Meadows
• Episode 245: Renae Norton, PhD - BulimorexiaSep 4, 2025 · 54 minIn this episode, Vera and Renae explore bulimorexia—a term used for people who oscillate between restriction and binge/purge behaviors—and how this mixed pattern might help explain stubborn relapse rates across eating disorders and food addiction. Dr. Norton shares her clinical lens on risks (medical and psychological), why some traditional programs may miss the mark, and what a holistic, skills-based, harm-reduction treatment can look like (family involvement, gentle re-feeding, DBT/EMDR, food quality, and relapse prevention). Note: Some views expressed are the guest's opinions and experience. This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your care team. What we cover Defining "bulimorexia": alternating restriction with binge/purge; how it differs from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; why it's easier to hide than classic anorexia. Continuum vs. categories: where binge eating disorder fits; overlap with food addiction. Why relapse is common: risks of aggressive refeeding; short-stay residential models; lack of individualized care; missing family systems support. Medical risks (high-level): cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension, esophageal tears/GERD, laxative misuse and constipation, electrolyte disturbance, kidney strain, dental/enamel erosion, parotid swelling, menstrual disruption and fertility concerns. Psychological load: anxiety/OCD traits, depression, social avoidance; the "addiction to restricting" and the short-term 'high' of hunger. Treatment principles Dr. Norton uses: Gentle, stepwise re-feeding (small, frequent meals; stabilize blood sugar; avoid triggering extremes). Skills over meal plans (shop, prep, and eat whole foods; mindful interoception). DBT for arousal regulation, plus EMDR and trauma work as indicated. Family-based involvement (Maudsley-style boundaries and support). Movement re-entry: slow, safe progression; curbing compulsive exercise. Relapse prevention: strong parent/caregiver alignment, food routines, anxiety skills, and ongoing monitoring. Contested terrain: ultra-processed food, additives, and differing regulations by region; the guest's emphasis on "clean/organic" sourcing. Intermittent fasting cautions: for restrict-prone folks, it can mask restriction; prefer regular, structured eating. What recovery can look like: decreased self-hatred, restored relationships, school/work re-engagement, and more flexible functioning. Resources from the guest: forthcoming book Below the Radar: What They're Not Telling You About Your Food; wellness tools she finds helpful. Suggested chapter markers 00:00 Welcome & guest intro 02:20 What is "bulimorexia"? How it differs from AN/BN 10:55 Why relapse stays high; critique of standard programs 18:30 Medical complications: heart, GI, dental, endocrine 28:15 Psychological patterns: anxiety, OCDPlayPlay Episode 245: Renae Norton, PhD - Bulimorexia
• Episode 244: Dr. Michael GregerAug 28, 2025 · 29 minWe've all heard the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic—are they a miracle cure or a cause for concern? In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with renowned physician, researcher, and bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger about the risks, benefits, and natural alternatives to GLP-1 drugs. Dr. Greger breaks down what the science really says: how these medications work, their long-term implications, and why many people stop using them. He also highlights how diet, exercise, and fiber-rich foods can naturally boost GLP-1, reduce cravings, and support lasting weight loss without the downsides. Together, they explore: The risks and side effects of GLP-1 medications Why weight loss plateaus on these drugs and what that means long-term The concerning issue of muscle and bone loss during rapid weight reduction Natural GLP-1 boosters like turmeric, cinnamon, vinegar, whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens Why fiber may be the single most important missing nutrient in our diets The role of food addiction, cravings, and our evolutionary biology How to maximize appetite regulation naturally through the "ileal break" phenomenon Dr. Greger makes the case for using whole food, plant-based nutrition to achieve the benefits of GLP-1 drugs—without the risks. 💌 Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com THERE IS STILL TIME TO JOIN US for IFACC 2025! In-Person AND Livestream tickets are STILL AVAILABLE! 🔗 The International Food Addiction & Comorbidity Conference (IFACC) 2025: Donate for the chance to win a virtual ticket!! Purchase your IFACC 2025 ticket!! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.PlayPlay Episode 244: Dr. Michael Greger
• Episode 243: Bonnie Newlin, RDN - Lipedema, Food Addiction & the Power of Anti-Inflammatory NutritionAug 21, 2025 · 56 minIn this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Bonnie Newlin, registered dietitian nutritionist, Certified LEAP Therapist, founder of Crave Nourishment, and member of the Lipedema Education Group. Bonnie specializes in the nutritional management of lipedema and chronic inflammation. Lipedema is a progressive adipose and connective tissue disorder that primarily impacts women, often misdiagnosed as obesity. Bonnie shares her own story of living with lipedema—including a 170-pound weight loss, delayed diagnosis, and eventual lipidema reduction surgery—and how food addiction and weight cycling complicate early recognition of the condition. Together, Dr. Tarman and Bonnie explore: What lipedema is and how it differs from obesity and lymphedema Early signs, symptoms, and barriers to diagnosis The role of hormonal changes in progression Why ultra-processed foods and sodium worsen lipedema symptoms The connection between lipedema, food addiction, and binge/restrict cycles How anti-inflammatory nutrition and lifestyle strategies can reduce pain, swelling, and disease progression Emerging treatments, including compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, vibration therapy, and lipedema reduction surgery Myths about lipedema and why it's often misunderstood in medical settings Bonnie's vision for DNA-guided nutrition research to better serve this population This episode sheds light on a condition that may affect up to 11% of women yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. If you or someone you know struggles with chronic swelling, painful fat, or unexplained weight changes—especially alongside food addiction—this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. 👉 Learn more about Bonnie's work at Crave Nourishment 💌 Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 🔗 The International Food Addiction & Comorbidity Conference (IFACC) 2025: <ul data-start="4024"PlayPlay Episode 243: Bonnie Newlin, RDN - Lipedema, Food Addiction & the Power of Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
• Episode 242: Dr. Nicole Avena on GLP-1sAug 13, 2025 · 52 minIn this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast , Dr. Vera Tarman and Clarissa Kennedy welcome back Dr. Nicole Avena — neuroscientist, researcher, and author — to discuss her team's latest paper exploring a provocative question: Could GLP-1 receptor agonists, while reducing food cravings, also negatively impact dopamine regulation, mood, and addiction risk? Dr. Avena breaks down the science behind GLP-1 drugs, their effects on the brain's reward pathways, and why these mechanisms might lead to unintended consequences such as anhedonia, apathy, and depressive symptoms. Together, they examine potential tolerance and rebound effects, the role of GABAergic neurons, and the paradox of eliminating "food noise" while risking a hypodopaminergic state. The conversation also covers dose-dependence, the importance of holistic support and mindful eating skills, and ethical considerations for use in vulnerable populations — especially those with a history of addiction or mental health challenges. Listeners will gain nuanced insight into: How GLP-1s work in the brain's reward and motivation systems Why side effects may be tied to dosing, individual sensitivity, and muscle loss The risk of emotional flattening and its impact on recovery and quality of life Strategies to use these medications responsibly, including lower-dose approaches and lifestyle integration Broader implications for the food industry, public health, and prevention — including concerns about pediatric use Dr. Avena also shares a preview of her upcoming talk at the International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference in September 2025, where she'll address GLP-1 research, early-life risk factors for ultra-processed food addiction, and prevention strategies. If you've ever wondered about the long-term story behind the GLP-1 craze — especially for those navigating food addiction recovery — this in-depth discussion is a must-listen. Get your IN-PERSON or LIVESTREAM ticket(s) HERE ! Use code SSOPlayPlay Episode 242: Dr. Nicole Avena on GLP-1s
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 27: Christine TrimpeAug 13, 2025 · 51 minChristine Trimpe is a transformative wellness leader dedicated to empowering professional Christian women to reclaim their health and vitality through her faith-based, holistic approach to weight loss. As the founder of The SugarFreed Me Method and a certified SUGAR® Licensed Practitioner, Christine helps clients achieve lifelong healing from sugar addiction and food-related struggles. Her clients experience dramatic transformations, including sustained weight loss and breakthroughs in physical, emotional, and spiritual health, with over 80% retention in her programs. After a personal 100-pound weight loss journey, Christine created a method that goes beyond conventional dieting, integrating faith, emotional regulation, and metabolic health principles. Christine's own story—marked by a significant health journey, an embrace of ketogenic eating, and a breakthrough lifestyle change—has inspired thousands since she first shared it on her blog and across social media. Her journey has been highlighted in leading wellness magazines, including Woman's World and First for Women, and featured on ⁦DietDoctor.com⁩, where she was named a top low-carb success story. Key Takeaways Turning Points Matter – A single moment of frustration or physical limitation can become the catalyst for lasting change when paired with ownership and action. Small Steps First – Christine didn't overhaul her diet overnight. She began by removing obvious sources of sugar, then gradually tackled carbs like bread, pasta, and potatoes. Medical Clues Can Guide Recovery – A sleep apnea diagnosis, fatty liver disease, and hormonal concerns pushed her to seek deeper answers. Education Is Empowerment – Learning about insulin resistance through Dr. Jason Fung and others helped her connect the dots between her symptoms, cravings, and food choices. Freedom from Food Obsession – Letting go of "everything in moderation" and embracing abstinence from trigger foods brought lasting relief from cravings and secret eating. Faith as a Foundation – Daily Bible reading and spiritual reflection became Christine's source of true satisfaction and stability, replacing food as a coping mechanism. Social Strategies Work – She uses simple, non-judgmental responses when offered foods she avoids, focuses on connection over food, and prepares mentally before events. Recovery Evolves – What worked at one stage may shift with life changes (e.g., menopause), and flexibility paired with self-awareness supports long-term success. Planting Seeds – Helping others often means sharing your story without expectation, trusting that the right moment for change will come in their own timing.PlayPlay Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 27: Christine Trimpe
• Episode 241: Dr. Tro Kalayjian - TOWARD HealthAug 7, 2025 · 54 minDr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of Toward Health, a virtual metabolic health clinic helping people break free from food addiction and chronic metabolic disease. He's also a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and an international speaker on metabolic psychiatry, obesity, and nutrition science. But what makes Dr. Tro's work truly powerful is that it's personal. He grew up in a household affected by obesity and struggled with his own weight into adulthood, reaching over 350 pounds. After years of frustration with traditional medical advice, he took a deep dive into the research and completely transformed his health—losing over 150 pounds and sustaining that loss for more than a decade. His clinic's latest research, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, shows how combining low-carb nutrition with real-time support, psychological care, and metabolic monitoring can significantly reduce food addiction and binge eating symptoms—offering hope for those who haven't found relief in diets or medications alone. Dr. Tro is passionate about helping others find food freedom, and today he's here to share the science, the struggle, and the solutions that actually work. Research Highlights: Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2025): 43 lbs average weight loss ~40–50% improvement in food addiction and binge eating symptoms Outcomes comparable to medications (e.g. amphetamines, GLP-1s) — but without long-term side effects Case series (220 people) on keto for binge eating showed significant improvements, challenging the old myth that "restrictive diets worsen eating disorders" 🛠️ What Actually Works (Tro's "Shotgun Protocol"): Like treating sepsis with a bundled care approach, he bundles these for food addiction: The TOWARD Framework: Texting access to your medical team (real-time support like AA sponsors) Online visits with doctors and coaches Wellness coaching Asynchronous education (on-demand app resources) Real-time biofeedback (CGMs, scales, blood pressure) Dietary intervention (low-carb/therapeutic carb restriction)🧠 Behavioral + Biological + Social Support = Results 🍳 Food & Physiology: Therapeutic carb level: ~30g net carbs/day (but customized for each client) Focus: Real food, nutrient density, stable blood sugar, and ketone production Biological drivers of addiction: FTO & MC4R genes (linked to low satiety), ADHD traits, dopamine-seeking Physiology matters: No regulation if you're low in protein, vitamin D, or sleep-deprived 💥 Why Diet Isn't Enough: Food addiction is not just about willpower It's a poly-substance addiction: sugar, carbs, processed fats, additives, and volume Even abstinent foods (like nuts or yogurt) can become part of volume addiction "You need more than a food plan. You need a psychological and emotional toolkit too." 😫 Barriers to Recovery: Stress, trauma, pain, lack of sleep aPlayPlay Episode 241: Dr. Tro Kalayjian - TOWARD Health
• Episode 240: Clinician's Corner - Chronic InvalidationJul 30, 2025 · 50 minIn today's insightful Clinician's Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab delve into chronic invalidation as a trauma response, exploring its origins, impacts, and practical healing strategies. This episode offers clinicians compassionate insights and actionable tools for supporting clients on their healing journeys. Key Highlights: Understanding Chronic Invalidation Chronic invalidation occurs when emotions, needs, or perceptions are consistently dismissed, causing internalization of critical voices. Common invalidating statements include "You're too sensitive," "It's not that bad," and "Don't cry." Chronic invalidation often results in perfectionism, emotional suppression, people-pleasing, and using food or substances to cope. Origins and Impact Invalidating behaviors can originate from caregivers' inability to handle their own emotions. Chronic invalidation can manifest in adulthood as strong inner critics, emotional numbness, hyper-vigilance, and difficulty identifying personal emotions and needs. Invalidated individuals often experience significant relationship challenges, attachment issues, and ongoing self-doubt. Healing Strategies for Clients Awareness: Encourage noticing and naming the inner critic as a first significant step toward healing. Curiosity and Compassion: Recognize the inner critic as a protective mechanism developed to cope with past hurts. Co-regulation and Community: Seek safe, validating environments where clients can experience relational repair through community support and co-regulation. Therapeutic Modalities for Addressing Chronic Invalidation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and reframe invalidating thoughts. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Provides emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. Internal Family Systems (IFS): Validates all parts of self without shame. Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory: Body-based approaches to regulate the nervous system and safely reconnect clients with their bodies. Clinician Guidance and Reminders Avoid invalidating language (e.g., labeling clients as resistant or not having hit "rock bottom"). Validate client experiences before offering problem-solving approaches. Model self-validation and demonstrate relational repair in therapeutic interactions. Encourage distress tolerance skills among clinicians to prevent rescuing behaviors driven by personal discomfort. Embodied Practice (Somatic Experiencing Exercise) Clarissa leads listeners through a gentle, somatic experiencing practice designed to: Identify areas of stored emotional tension. Invite compassionate awareness and gentle inquiry into bodily sensations. Facilitate nervous sPlayPlay Episode 240: Clinician's Corner - Chronic Invalidation
• Episode 239: Dr. Claire Wilcox - Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet Using NeuroscienceJul 24, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minWe're honored to welcome back Dr. Claire Wilcox, a trailblazer in the field of food addiction. Claire is an addiction psychiatrist, former internist, and associate professor of translational neuroscience at the Mind Research Network. She's worked in everything from eating disorder treatment centers to general psychiatry and is on the frontlines of research, clinical care, and advocacy. Her academic textbook Food Addiction, Obesity and Disorders of Overeating has helped shape the professional dialogue—but today, we're talking about her newest book, Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet—a compassionate, research-informed, and accessible guide for individuals navigating food addiction. And here's the wild part: this book was directly inspired by the Food Junkies Podcast. 💥 Key Takeaways 💥 🔹 The Why Behind the Book Claire was inspired by the validation, science, and compassion found in our podcast. She wanted to turn years of neurobiology, research, and lived experience into a digestible, practical resource for both clinicians and people in recovery. 🔹 Not Just Another Food Book This is NOT a weight loss book. It's a science-backed, shame-free guide to understanding food addiction and reclaiming your life from ultra-processed foods — whether you score mild, moderate, or severe on the mYFAS scale. 🔹 Food Addiction ≠ Weakness Claire beautifully reframes food addiction as a neurobiological condition, not a moral failing. Like alcohol or nicotine addiction, it's rooted in genetics, brain wiring, and environmental exposure — often starting in early childhood. 🔹 Diagnosis Matters Chapter 6 tackles the controversial diagnostic gray zone, comparing food addiction to binge eating disorder and explaining how tools like the mYFAS can help people finally feel seen, understood, and validated. 🔹 Personalized Recovery > One-Size-Fits-All The book includes three levels of food plans that adapt to the individual — from flexible to more structured — based on your symptoms, goals, access to food, and cultural context. There's no moral hierarchy here, just practical options. 🔹 Harm Reduction is Welcome Here Recovery isn't linear, and slips happen. The book normalizes recurrence without shame, promotes spiraling up over time, and encourages readers to find what works for them — even if it's not "perfect." 🔹 Tools with Neuroscience Receipts Each tool is not only practical — it's also evidence-based, with brain science to back it up. Claire doesn't just tell you what to do… she tells you why it works. 🔹 Values Over Weight</stronPlayPlay Episode 239: Dr. Claire Wilcox - Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet Using Neuroscience