Food Junkies Podcast

Welcome to the "Food Junkies" podcast! Here we aim to provide you with the experience, strength and hope of professionals actively working on the front lines in the field of Food Addiciton. The purpose of our show is to educate YOU the listener and increase overall awareness about Food Addiction as a recognized disorder. Here we discuss all things recovery, exploring the many pathways people take towards abstinence in order to achieve a health forward lifestyle. Most importantly how to THRIVE rather than just survive. So stay positive, make a change for yourself, tell others about your change, and hopefully the message will spread. The content on our show does not supplement or supersede the professional relationship and direction of your healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder or mental health concern.

Episode 280: Bob Messerschmidt | The ESR Marker That Could Change Recovery 05/07/2026

Episode 280: Bob Messerschmidt | The ESR Marker That Could Change Recovery What 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: Tart cherry juice (4 oz before bed — also improves sleep!) Ketogenic eating patterns Vegan dietary approaches Quality sleep Cold plunges Grounding practices 🔗 LEARN MORE & GET THE DEVICE: 🌐 Core Health Website: 📬 CONNECT WITH FOOD JUNKIES: 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodjunkiespodcast.com If this episode sparked your curiosity, please leave us a review and share it with someone in recovery who might benefit from understanding the inflammation connection. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/41206125

Episode 279: Clinician's Corner | Why Motivation Isn't the Problem — Building Competence in Food Addiction Recovery 04/30/2026

Episode 279: Clinician's Corner | Why Motivation Isn't the Problem — Building Competence in Food Addiction Recovery Are 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 What competence actually means How the Foundations Program (81+ skills and tools!) was built around these principles Why recovery is a learning process, not a decision What the research now says about forced compliance Small, practical ways to start building self-trust today 🛠️ WHAT'S IN THE FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM? The Sweet Sobriety Foundations Program includes 81+ skills and tools covering: ✔️ Nervous system regulation ✔️ CBT & DBT frameworks ✔️ Mindfulness & self-compassion practices ✔️ Recovery planning ✔️ Craving and urge management ✔️ Emotional awareness and distress tolerance 📬 CONNECT WITH US: 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodjunkiespodcast.com 🍓 Learn more about Sweet Sobriety: If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a review and share it with someone who needs to hear that the problem was never their motivation. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/41075205

Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 33: Heather Miller 04/28/2026

Episode 278: Dr. John Kelly | The Science of Recovery – What the Research Really Says 04/23/2026

Episode 278: Dr. John Kelly | The Science of Recovery – What the Research Really Says What 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 Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is one of the world's leading researchers on addiction recovery, mutual help organizations, and reducing stigma in the addiction field. 🔗 Recovery Research Institute: www.recoveryanswers.org ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎙️ FOOD JUNKIES PODCAST ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The Food Junkies Podcast explores food addiction and ultra-processed food use disorder through honest conversations with clinicians, researchers, and people in recovery. Hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab. 📲 Subscribe so you never miss an episode ▶️ 👍 Like this video if it gives you hope 💬 Drop a comment — what resonated most with you? 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40991385

Episode 277: Dr. Rachel Herz | The Science of Disgust, Smell, and Why You Eat What You Eat 04/16/2026

Episode 277: Dr. Rachel Herz | The Science of Disgust, Smell, and Why You Eat What You Eat What 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) That's Disgusting: Unveiling the Mysteries of Repulsion — a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food — named among the best food books of 2018 by Smithsonian and The New Yorker Connect with Dr. Rachel Herz 🌐 rachelherz.com Connect with Food Junkies 🎙️Food Junkies Podcast — available on all major platforms 🌐 foodjunkiespodcast.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodJunkiesPodcast 📘 Sugar-Free For Life: I’m Sweet Enough FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SugarFreeForLife ✨ Back-to-Basics Workshop: https://sweetsobriety.newzenler.com/courses/back-to-basics The Food Junkies Podcast is hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Molly Painschab, and Clarissa Kennedy. We are dedicated to honest, evidence-informed conversations about food addiction, ultra-processed food use disorder, and recovery. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40901180

Episode 276: Esther Kane, MSW | Highly Sensitive People 04/09/2026

Episode 276: Esther Kane, MSW | Highly Sensitive People Are 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? Drop a 🙋 in the comments if this episode described you — or share it with someone who has always been told they feel too much. They need to hear this. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Food Junkies — real conversations about food addiction, recovery, and what it takes to heal. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40792280

Episode 275: Clinician's Corner | Recovery in Unsettled Times 04/02/2026

Episode 275: Clinician's Corner | Recovery in Unsettled Times Life 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: 🌐 Sweet Sobriety membership & groups: 📧 Email us with topic requests or questions: If this episode resonated with you: → Share it with someone who needs to hear it right now → Come to group — even if you've been avoiding it, just go → If you're a professional, bring this conversation to your next supervision session The Food Junkies Podcast is hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Molly Painschab, and Clarissa Kennedy. New episodes drop weekly. 🎙️ Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone in recovery who could use a reminder that they're not broken — they're just carrying a lot right now. BACK-to-BASICS WORKSHOP with Megan Sloan What you’ll walk away with: • Simple strategies to improve balance, posture & core stability • A deeper understanding of your body and how it communicates with you • Practical tools you can use immediately • A stronger sense of trust and connection with your body Saturday, April 25 at 10am EST 90 minutes Live + replay included $25 USD 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40715240

Episode 274: Chérie St. Arnauld | Grassroots Mobilization — How We Push the Message of Food Addiction Forward 03/26/2026

Episode 274: Chérie St. Arnauld | Grassroots Mobilization — How We Push the Message of Food Addiction Forward What 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: 🙌 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 to podcasts 💻 Website: ▶️ YouTube: 💌 Email: 👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more people find us. The Food Junkies Podcast is hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Molly Painschab, and Clarissa Kennedy. We explore the science, stories, and solutions behind food addiction and ultra-processed food use disorder. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40632315

Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 32: Kristy McCammon 03/20/2026

Episode 273: Dr. Jacob May | 🧠 How Ultra-Processed Foods Destroy Your Kids' Metabolism 03/19/2026

Episode 273: Dr. Jacob May | 🧠 How Ultra-Processed Foods Destroy Your Kids' Metabolism What'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 Childhood Obesity Conference. Email Dr. May: Connect with Food Junkies: 🎙️ Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts 💻 Website: ▶️ YouTube: 💌 Email: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com The Food Junkies Podcast is hosted by Dr. Vera Tarman, Molly Painschab, and Clarissa Kennedy. We explore the science, stories, and solutions behind food addiction and ultra-processed food use disorder. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40546095

Episode 272: Dr. Ellen Hendriksen | How to Be Enough: Perfectionism, Shame & Self-Worth in Recovery 03/12/2026

Episode 272: Dr. Ellen Hendriksen | How to Be Enough: Perfectionism, Shame & Self-Worth in Recovery Are 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. 🔗 Find Ellen's books wherever books are sold 📬 Ellen's Substack: Search "How to Be Good to Yourself When You're Hard on Yourself" CONNECT WITH US: Food Junkies Podcast on YouTube: 📧 Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. 💛 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40415650

Episode 271: Clinician's Corner | "Nobody Ever Asked Me What I Wanted" — When Clinicians Stop Listening & Why It Harms Recovery 03/05/2026

Episode 271: Clinician's Corner | "Nobody Ever Asked Me What I Wanted" — When Clinicians Stop Listening & Why It Harms Recovery Have 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-term change — and what that means for how we design treatment ⬡ Whose anxiety is actually driving the treatment plan? 🔗 Connect With Us: 📧 Topic suggestions & questions: ▶️ Watch on — subscribe to help us grow and reach more people who need this content! 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40328965

Episode 270: Adina Mullen | Plant-Based Keto & Sugar-Free Eating: Is It Possible? 02/26/2026

Episode 270: Adina Mullen | Plant-Based Keto & Sugar-Free Eating: Is It Possible? Can 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 Nuts and seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin) Smart prep for digestion and satiety 📘 About the Guest: Adina Mullen Adina Mullen is a plant-based private chef and founder of Adina’s Delicacies, specializing in gourmet vegan cuisine inspired by global flavors, heritage, and memory. She is the author of Vegan Flavors of the World, featuring plant-based adaptations of traditional dishes from 12 countries, with a second volume coming soon. ✨ Key Takeaways Healing doesn’t come from fighting food—it comes from letting food support you Steadiness matters more than perfection Satisfaction, fat, protein, and flavor are not optional in recovery You don’t need more rules—you need nourishment, warmth, and trust 🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations Like This If you’re navigating food addiction recovery, low-sugar living, plant-based nutrition, or metabolic health, subscribe to Food Junkies for evidence-based, compassionate conversations that go deeper than diet culture. ▶️ YouTube: 💌 Email us at: 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40242345

Episode 269: Amber Romaniuk - Why Emotional Eating Isn’t Your Fault (Hormones) 02/19/2026

Episode 269: Amber Romaniuk - Why Emotional Eating Isn’t Your Fault (Hormones) In 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, kinder path forward 🔗 Connect with Amber Romaniuk 🌐 Website & free resources: 🎙 Podcast: The No Sugarcoating Podcast 📱 Instagram & YouTube: @AmberRomaniuk 👍 If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share—it helps more people find compassionate, evidence-informed conversations about food addiction recovery. ▶️ YouTube: 💌 Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 💬 Comment below: What part of this conversation resonated most with you? 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40166035

Episode 268: Dr. Richard Johnson - It’s Not Willpower. It’s Biology. The Fat Switch Explained 02/12/2026

Episode 268: Dr. Richard Johnson - It’s Not Willpower. It’s Biology. The Fat Switch Explained Is 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: , , About Our Guest Dr. Richard Johnson is Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado, a former Chief of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, and the author of The Sugar Fix, The Fat Switch, and Nature Wants Us to Be Fat. His research explores how sugar—particularly fructose—drives kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, and how modern food environments may overactivate ancient survival pathways. If this episode helped you understand your cravings or your biology with more clarity and less shame, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so more people can find recovery-focused science. ✉️ Email us: Follow us on YouTube: 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40088985

Episode 267: Clinician’s Corner - Can Handle a Crisis, Can’t Sit Still 02/05/2026

Episode 267: Clinician’s Corner - Can Handle a Crisis, Can’t Sit Still In 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 How to build awareness, pause, discern responsibility, and bring choice back online This conversation is especially relevant for clinicians, coaches, caregivers, helpers, parents, and anyone in recovery who feels exhausted from always being the one who “handles things.” 📺 and please subscribe—it helps us reach more people who need this conversation. 📩 Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/40009915

Episode 266: Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, PhD - Why Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm 01/29/2026

Episode 266: Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, PhD - Why Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm In 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.” Ann’s powerful reframe for “my body failed me” (and the deeper words that often live underneath that phrase) Memorable takeaways Body forgiveness is not forced forgiveness. It’s a mind–heart shift that often arises from understanding, regulation, and compassion rather than effort. Curiosity is an access point. It creates space where judgment collapses and new options become possible. Words land in the body. Shifting language (from “failed me” to “became unwell,” “changed,” “declined,” “disappointed,” “let me down”) can soften the adversarial stance and open an embodied conversation. Mentioned in this episode Befriending Your Body (Ann’s book and the evidence-informed compassion-based program) Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm (Ann’s forthcoming book on somatic body forgiveness) Embodiment as a “container” for recovery (not just behavior change) Self-compassion components (mindfulness, common humanity, kindness) as supports for body repair For listeners who want to go deeper If you’ve ever felt like your body is the problem—or you’ve done everything “right” and still feel distrust—this conversation offers a different path: not fixing the body, but rebuilding relationship with it. Ann’s approach emphasizes safety, steadiness, and the kind of compassion that can hold grief, regret, and shame without getting stuck there. Subscribe / Follow / Share If this episode resonates, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs a kinder, truer framework for healing their relationship with their body. 💌 EMAIL us at Don't forget - we are on Youtube! 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39925200

Episode 265: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn - Why Fat Cells Remember Obesity 01/22/2026

Episode 265: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn - Why Fat Cells Remember Obesity Why 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 clinician, researcher, or someone who has lived through the frustration of weight regain, this conversation brings clarity, validation, and a forward-looking perspective on where the science is headed. If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing on YouTube and sharing it with someone who could use a science-grounded reminder that their struggle is not a moral failing. YouTube: 💌 Please email us at 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39828460

Episode 264: Dr. Adrienne Sprouse - Why Some Foods “Work”… Until They Don’t 01/15/2026

Episode 264: Dr. Adrienne Sprouse - Why Some Foods “Work”… Until They Don’t In 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 What she meant by “sober foods” and why identifying them reduced chaos and cravings Why cyclic food allergy patterns are often overlooked How the four-day rotation was intended to reduce food “stacking” and stabilize symptoms An overview of the 24-day food testing approach outlined in her book How certain foods might be reintroduced medically, while acknowledging psychological and spiritual considerations Why chemical exposures and non-organic foods were discussed as potential contributors to craving Adrienne’s perspective on GLP-1 medications, including their limits in teaching coping skills How 12-step recovery complemented biological interventions and supports long-term maintenance About Adrienne Sprouse, MD Adrienne Sprouse, MD, graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and trained in emergency medicine at Bellevue Hospital, toxicology at the New York City Poison Center, and Nutrition/Allergy/Detoxification/Clinical Ecology with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. She later served as faculty for the Academy, educating physicians internationally for 17 years. She was Medical Director of Manhattan Health Consultants for decades and was featured in major media outlets including ABC, NBC, Fox Good Day New York, and The New York Times. She is the author of , drawing on both long-term personal recovery and decades of clinical practice. 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39748820

Episode 263: Dr. Ignacio Cuaranta - Sleep, Light, and Ultra-Processed Foods in Mental Health 01/09/2026

Episode 263: Dr. Ignacio Cuaranta - Sleep, Light, and Ultra-Processed Foods in Mental Health What 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 Living with anxiety, insomnia, or mood instability Feeling exhausted by self-optimization culture Curious about nutritional psychiatry, metabolic mental health, and nervous system regulation Wanting evidence-informed strategies that honor individuality, sensitivity, and real life Dr. Cuaranta reminds us that regulation is not weakness, sensitivity is not pathology, and recovery doesn’t require hacking yourself into submission. Often, the most meaningful change begins by restoring order to the basics: sleep, light, food quality, and rhythm. If you’ve ever felt like your nervous system is doing its best in an environment that’s working against it—this conversation is for you. 💌 Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39674150

Episode 262: Clinician's Corner - Beyond “Volume Addiction” 12/24/2025

Episode 262: Clinician's Corner - Beyond “Volume Addiction” In 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 Permission to disappoint, experiment, and be fully yourself Why healing is inherently non-linear and embodied Moving beyond shame, restriction, and one-size-fits-all answers If you’ve ever wondered whether something is “wrong” with you for still struggling after removing ultra-processed foods—or felt boxed in by labels that no longer fit—this conversation offers both validation and a way forward. 📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach us at 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39528835

Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 31: Emalyn W. 12/22/2025

Episode 260: Healing Trauma, Shame, and Food Addiction through the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model with Jan Winhall 12/18/2025

Episode 260: Healing Trauma, Shame, and Food Addiction through the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model with Jan Winhall Jan 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 Feedback Loop o Why the body cannot stay in high sympathetic arousal or deep shutdown forever o How food, substances, sex, and other behaviors become “jolts” that move us between states o The idea of a “trauma feedback loop” where trauma, dysregulation, and addiction constantly reinforce each other • Working with Trauma Without “Fishing” for It o Why Jan no longer goes “hunting” for trauma stories o The importance of Phase 1 work: establishing safety before uncovering trauma o How to help people gently reconnect with the body (starting at the edges: fingertips, earlobes, etc.) before approaching the more overwhelming inner experiences • Shame, Addiction, and Liberation o Why shame is so central to trauma and addiction—and why Jan actually loves working with it o Reframing shame: “This is what bodies do under threat; you are not uniquely broken.” o How truly believing this (in our own bodies) changes how we show up for clients o Using groups, co-regulation, and shared stories to create “moments of liberation” • Food & Sex Addiction, Early Trauma, and Access o Why food and sex are often the earliest available forms of self-soothing for children in unsafe environments o How early masturbation and secret eating can evolve into entrenched patterns over decades o The stigma that keeps men with food addiction silent and unseen • ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction o How neurodivergent folks are especially vulnerable to regulation difficulties and shame o The clash between ADHD time perception and linear, “on-time” culture o The dopamine-driven ping-pong between shame (dorsal) and activation (sympathetic), and how this sets up classic addictive pathways o The “neuroplastic paradox” – getting stuck in ruts, and how intentional practice can build new pathways • Body Image, Misogyny & Reclaiming the Body o Why so many clients experience their body as “the enemy” o How misogyny, hyper-masculinity, and purity culture shape body hatred and silence around food addiction o The role of our own relationship with our bodies as therapists and helpers—how we co-regulate clients through our presence, not just our words • Receiving Love & Positive Feedback as a Trigger o Why compliments, affection, and warmth can feel more threatening than criticism for many addicted bodies o How to normalize this, slow it down, and help the nervous system “update” that it is safe enough now o Using group moments of discomfort as live material to work with neuroception and triggers • Self-Disclosure, Accessibility & Doing Our Own Work o Why Jan believes safe, boundaried self-disclosure can create powerful safety o Steve Porges’ idea that “the greatest gift you can give is your accessibility” o Why clinicians must apply these models to their own lives first, so that their belief in the body’s wisdom is genuine • Changing the Addiction Treatment Paradigm o The trauma of addiction treatment itself—shaming, punitive, expensive models o Jan’s commitment to bringing compassionate, somatic, polyvagal-informed approaches into 12-step spaces and beyond o The importance of connecting communities (like Sweet Sobriety and FSPM) to shift the field together Follow Jan and the FSPM Institute: 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39458120

Episode 259: Dr. Carrie Wilkens, PhD on Rethinking Addiction Without Shame 12/11/2025

Episode 259: Dr. Carrie Wilkens, PhD on Rethinking Addiction Without Shame In 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 people into self-understanding—or reinforce shame, fear, and disconnection. Softening the disease model without minimizing the problem Nuanced ways to honor addiction as a serious, complex disorder without collapsing everything into a rigid disease frame. How fear (of overdose, loss, chaos, or death) drives a lot of rigid thinking in systems and professionals. Why behavior change is slow, non-linear, and rarely a straight line—and how accepting that can actually make care more effective. Relapse as an “old solution that once worked” Carrie’s reframe of relapse as returning to an old behavior that, at one time, made sense and worked on some level. How naming the function of a behavior (soothing, numbing, regulating, connecting) opens the door to new, less harmful solutions. The difference between “You didn’t want it enough” and “Your brain reached for an old strategy that once helped you survive.” The Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) The core elements of ITC: Motivational interviewing–informed curiosity and ambivalence exploration. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and values-based living. A deep commitment to self-compassion as a foundation for behavior change. Why ITC was originally developed for family members and then adapted for people with substance use concerns themselves. How the “wheel” of ITC lets people step in wherever they are—self-awareness, values, behavior strategies, or compassion—and build over time. Families, shame, and staying engaged without “tough love” Inviting family members to ask: “How does my loved one’s behavior make sense?” instead of “What’s wrong with them?” How this shift helps parents and partners move from fear and control into strategy, support, and skillful engagement. Concrete examples of how families can respond to return to use with curiosity, concern, and clearer communication instead of lectures or ultimatums. Codependency and other overused labels Why Carrie has never formally diagnosed anyone with “codependency.” What often lives underneath that label: trauma histories, cultural norms, attachment dynamics, fear of loss, and learned survival strategies. How flattening all of that into “codependent” erases nuance and blocks meaningful change. Neurodivergence, trauma, and substance use/eating behaviors The high rates of PTSD and ADHD among people seeking help for substance use—and why that matters for treatment design. Carrie’s reflection on her own undiagnosed ADHD and how it likely drove much of her earlier eating disorder behavior. How binges, purging, and substance use can function as powerful nervous system regulators, especially for neurodivergent and trauma-impacted brains. Why we need more ground-up, neurodivergent- and trauma-informed approaches that focus on emotion regulation, executive functioning, and skill-building. Self-compassion as a behavior change superpower Carrie’s journey from skepticism (“this sounds too woo”) to seeing self-compassion as essential, research-backed behavior-change work. How self-compassion reduces shame, helps people tolerate slow progress, and makes it safer to look honestly at their own behavior. Using both “tender” and “fierce” self-compassion to choose boundaries, seek support, and keep moving through discomfort. Reimagining ‘expert’ roles and community care Why Carrie is skeptical of rigid expert hierarchies in addiction treatment. Inviting families, community leaders, and lay helpers into the work through accessible tools like ITC groups and trainings. The power of giving non-clinicians simple, evidence-based language and frameworks so they can respond with compassion instead of panic or shame. About Dr. Carrie Wilkens Carrie Wilkens, PhD, is a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the practice and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for substance use and post-traumatic stress. She is the Co-President and CEO of CMC: Foundation for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing evidence-based ideas and strategies to families, communities, and professionals supporting people struggling with substances. Carrie is a co-developer of the Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach, an accessible, skills-based framework that helps families stay engaged, reduce shame, and effectively support a loved one’s behavior change. ITC is now used across the U.S. and internationally in groups, trainings, and community programs. She is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, which adapts the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model for families, and co-author of The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends, a practical, evidence-based guide for loved ones who want concrete tools to support change without sacrificing their own wellbeing. Carrie is also Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC), a group of clinicians providing evidence-based care in New York City, Long Island, Washington, DC, San Diego, and at CMC: Berkshires, a private residential program for adults. She has served as Project Director on a large SAMHSA-funded grant addressing college binge drinking and is frequently sought out by media outlets including CBS This Morning, the Katie Couric Show, NPR, and HBO’s Risky Drinking to speak on substance use and behavior change. Resources Mentioned CMC: Foundation for Change – Family-focused trainings, groups, and resources: The Invitation to Change Approach – (Book) (Workbook) 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39370650

Episode 258: Clinician’s Corner – Holidays Edition: Boundaries, Nervous Systems & the Hella-Days 12/04/2025

Episode 258: Clinician’s Corner – Holidays Edition: Boundaries, Nervous Systems & the Hella-Days In 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 rehearsal, you’re teaching your nervous system that this “scary” behavior is survivable and doable. Don’t arrive hungry to the Holiday Hunger Games. Skipping meals “to save up” for a party sets you up to be biologically and emotionally vulnerable. Eat a satiating meal (protein, healthy fats, veggies) before events. Then you can pause and ask, Am I actually hungry, or is this emotional/relational? Use “Good, Better, Best” instead of all-or-nothing. When your nervous system is hijacked and the perfect choice isn’t accessible: Best: Aligned, recovery-supportive choice. Better: Less harmful option if “best” isn’t realistic. Good enough: Reduces harm in a very stressful moment. This is harm reduction, not failure. Plan your support system: exit strategies, grounding, and non-food rewards. Exit plan: Decide in advance how long you’ll stay and how you’ll leave if overwhelmed (drive separately, ask partner to bring you back to the hotel, etc.). Grounding: Find a quiet corner, identify 5 things you can see, and locate something visually “neutral” or pleasant you can keep returning your gaze to. Non-food rewards: Think saunas, walks, reading, play with kids/nieces, skiing, time offline—let celebration include regulation, not just consumption. You don’t actually owe the holidays anything. There is nothing magical about one date on the calendar that couldn’t be created on another day. You can: See important people in smaller, less intense doses throughout the year. Say “no” to events that are more away-moves than towards-moves for your recovery. Ask: What does this event mean to me? How might it impact my recovery? Do I have the emotional energy for this? If you’re alone or not celebrating traditionally, you still get to have a holiday that fits you. For folks spending holidays solo or outside of family systems: Create new traditions: a favorite meal (yes, lobster counts), comfort movies, lights-seeing drives, nature walks. Consider volunteering (community dinners, toy programs), which can shift perspective and foster connection. Plan virtual connection: Zoom rooms, watch parties, scheduled calls or voice notes, especially in the evenings when darkness and loneliness hit the hardest. Engineered holiday food environments are not a personal failure. Seasonal marketing is deliberately designed to trigger nostalgia, emotion, and craving (eggnog-everything, gingerbread-everything). It’s an engineered stressor, not proof you lack willpower. Your brain is responding exactly as it was wired to; you’re not broken. You are not “starting over”; you are learning. If you “take the bait” from Aunt Linda, eat off-plan, or get pulled into old patterns: You are not back at Day 1. You collected new data about triggers, resources, and needs. Recovery is peaks, valleys, and everything in between—that’s human, not just “because you’re an addict.” Your holiday story can change over time. Clarissa names how her first, second, third food-sober holidays were hard—and now it’s almost a non-issue. We can: Re-imagine the script (like Disney re-imagining its princesses). Hold younger versions of ourselves with tenderness. Trust that practice, time, and patience reshape the season. Resources Mentioned Sweet Sobriety Free Holiday Guide (PDF) ~22 pages of: Reflection questions to use your values as a North Star Boundary scripts and language examples Planning prompts for events, food, and nervous system care 👉 Link to download on website Contact / Listener Questions Have a holiday strategy that worked for you? A topic you’d like Clarissa & Molly to cover in a future Clinician’s Corner? 📩 Email: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39271940

Episode 257: Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO - Cancer, UPFs, and Metabolic Healing 11/27/2025

Episode 257: Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO - Cancer, UPFs, and Metabolic Healing In 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. Cancer as an ecosystem, not a battlefield What Nasha means by seeing the body as an ecosystem instead of a war zone. How we are in constant relationship with our internal and external environments—our bodies, food systems, and the land all reflecting each other. Ultra-processed foods and cancer terrain Why ultra-processed foods are “as genetically mismatched as it gets” for humans. How UPFs impact all the hallmarks of cancer—driving inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and brain hijacking. The role of emulsifiers, preservatives, seed oils, and other additives in damaging the gut, microbiome, and immune surveillance. Why “a little” ultra-processed food isn’t neutral for people with a vulnerable system—and why in her oncology population, UPF often has to be all-or-nothing. Metabolic sovereignty vs. perfectionism Nasha’s powerful idea that UPFs don’t just starve our mitochondria—they starve our sovereignty. What it means to choose health as alignment, not achievement. How social pressure, cultural norms, and “moderation” language rob people of agency. Practical examples of reclaiming sovereignty: bringing your own wine, your own safe foods, and modeling a different way without preaching. Working with food addiction and emotional eating (without shame) How she meets people gently where they are, especially those whose only “comfort” has been food. “Upgrading” comfort foods and using cooking and eating as a creative, relational, and communal act rather than a shame-based one. Her boundary as a clinician: “I’m not willing to work harder than you.” How that shifted outcomes and reduced codependency. Community, clinicians, and doing this together How she used farmers’ markets and health-food store “field trips” as non-shaming education: reading labels together, swapping recipes, and making it fun. Seasonal group cleanses and experiments that removed UPFs without moralizing and re-connected people to real food. Justice, food deserts, and real solutions Stories from working in Indigenous and low-resource communities and helping reintroduce native seeds and traditional foodways. The Food-as-Medicine movement: projects like FreshRx, where CSA boxes for people with type 2 diabetes significantly lowered A1C and healthcare costs. Why she believes, increasingly, that the resources are there—and the work now is connection, awareness, and community organizing. A hopeful vision for the next 5 years Policy shifts around dietary guidelines and school food. Regenerative agriculture movements, farmer-led organizations, and bringing environmental, metabolic, mental health, and food systems together under one roof. Her dream project: a 1,200-acre regenerative farm, intentional community, and metabolic oncology hospital in Arizona. One small step you can take this week Start with non-judgmental awareness: a simple food and feeling diary. Her “triage” before reaching for UPFs: Big glass of water A bit of protein A bit of fat Then the UPF if you still truly want it—no self-punishment. How small wins (“I didn’t eat the thing”) build fierceness and confidence over time. Our signature question What Nasha would tell her younger self about ultra-processed foods: “I’m choosing health as alignment, not as achievement.” Using food choices to align with who you really are and who you’re becoming, rather than chasing perfection or performance. Connect with Dr. Nasha Winters Website, offerings, and clinician training: Podcast: Social: Dr. Nasha / Nasha Winters across platforms Book: 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39193100

Episode 256: Dr. Erica LaFata - Diagnosing Ultra-Processed Food Addiction with FASI 11/20/2025

Episode 256: Dr. Erica LaFata - Diagnosing Ultra-Processed Food Addiction with FASI On 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 What many food addiction coaches and practitioners may be missing without formal substance use or eating disorder training False positives vs false negatives in food addiction screens—and why missed cases (false negatives) are especially concerning How FASI uses follow-up questions to differentiate restriction, binge eating, and true addictive patterns What we know (and still don’t know) about ultra-processed food addiction across sex, age, BMI, and developmental stages Early exposure in childhood and adolescence as a potential public health crisis for lifelong addictive responses to ultra-processed foods The high overlap between binge-type eating disorders (BED, bulimia nervosa) and food addiction—and what to prioritize in treatment “Volume addiction”: whether what we call “addicted to volume” may actually be binge eating disorder in disguise Orthorexia, “clean eating,” and the health halo of protein bars, high-protein snacks, and dressed-up “safe” foods The tension between abstinence-based and harm reduction approaches for ultra-processed foods, and why different strategies may work for different people How clinician bias (diet culture, anti-addiction frameworks, or rigid abstinence views) can affect assessment—and how FASI creates room for nuance How FASI and future data could support DSM recognition, inform policy, SNAP and marketing regulations, and reduce shame by naming ultra-processed food addiction as real and treatable A hopeful update on the DSM application for ultra-processed food addiction as a condition for further study /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39111835

Episode 255: Challenging the Naysayers with Dr. Nicole Avena 11/13/2025

Episode 255: Challenging the Naysayers with Dr. Nicole Avena In 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 having a “perfect definition” is not a reason to stop studying it We are still refining: What exactly counts as “food addiction” Which foods / combinations are most addictive How best to diagnose and treat it That’s how science works: definition → research → refinement → better definition → repeat. If we’d waited for perfect definitions, we wouldn’t have moved forward on half the diseases we now recognize. 💊 GLP-1 Medications & Food Addiction: Clues from Treatment The conversation also touched on GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and others): For some people, GLP-1s dramatically reduce “food noise” and cravings. For others, they only partially dampen urges – they still need tools, structure, and support. This suggests these drugs are interacting with reward and satiety circuits that are highly relevant to addiction. Dr. Avena and Clarissa both emphasize: Medication alone is not enough – people still need skills, structure, and support to navigate cravings, emotions, and the food environment. 🧬 Big Picture: Why This Debate Matters Naysayers often publish opinion pieces without new data, recycling old critiques that the research has already addressed. Media then amplifies a single study or opinion as “proof” that food addiction isn’t real. Meanwhile, millions of people are struggling in silence, wondering: “If this isn’t addiction, what’s wrong with me?” Dr. Avena’s message is clear: There is now a large body of evidence – animal, human, behavioral, and neurobiological – supporting food addiction as a valid construct worth recognizing, researching, and treating. ❤️ For Those Who Feel Seen by “Food Addiction” If you’ve ever felt like: You can’t stop with certain foods You eat more than you want, more often than you want You experience cravings, withdrawal, or obsessive food thoughts And you’ve been told “it’s just lack of willpower” or “there’s no such thing as food addiction” This episode is for you. You are not making this up. The science is catching up to what lived experience has been saying for decades. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/39023955

Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 30: Ashley Elizabeth 11/12/2025

Episode 254: Dr. Paul O'Malley 11/06/2025

Episode 254: Dr. Paul O'Malley Dr. 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: 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. /episode/index/show/foodjunkies/id/38938565

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