Food Junkies Podcast

Clarissa Kennedy
  • 4.9 (67)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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.

  1. 8 HRS AGO

    Episode 234: Ashka Naik - What’s in a Name and Why Does it Matter What We Call It?

    In this deeply insightful episode, we welcome Ashka Naik, PhD candidate and Director of Research and Policy at Corporate Accountability, a global human rights and social justice NGO. Ashka joins Vera and Molly to explore how food systems have been colonized by powerful industry players, and why the words we use to describe what we eat matter more than ever. We unpack the political, historical, and spiritual dimensions of what Ashka calls “violent processing”—a system that has robbed us of biodiversity, cultural wisdom, ancestral practices, and even language itself. Drawing connections between ultra-processed food products, neocolonial economic models, and public health crises, Ashka makes the case for reclaiming food as power and justice. This is more than a conversation about nutrition. It’s a call to collective memory, systemic change, and grassroots action. 🔍 Topics Covered: The colonial and corporate roots of ultra-processed food systems Food as power: how what we eat reflects who holds control The extinction of food knowledge and the myth of “choice” From peaceful to violent processing: what got lost in the name of convenience Feminism, kitchen culture, and reclaiming traditional food prep as empowerment Why we must stop calling ultra-processed products “food” Grassroots vs. systemic change: what can individuals and communities do? Rethinking the language of “food addiction” through a justice framework Lessons from the tobacco wars: how public pressure can drive industry accountability The sacredness of nourishment — and how to teach our children to reclaim it 🌱 Resources & References: Corporate Accountability “Not Food: Time to Call Ultra-Processed Food Products by Their True Name” – Co-authored article by Ashka Naik, Dr. Prescott, and Dr. Logan 📣 Final Message from Ashka: “Do not let anyone or anything make you believe that you can compromise on your relationship with what nourishes you.” 💡Learn more about Ashka 💌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.

    52 min

  2. JUN 11

    Epsiode 233: Dr. David Kessler - Diet, Drugs and Dopamine

    Dr. David Kessler is a renowned pediatrician, lawyer, public health advocate, and former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A graduate of Amherst College, the University of Chicago Law School, and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kessler has spent his career at the intersection of science, policy, and consumer protection. He served as Dean of the Yale School of Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco Medical School, and most recently held the role of Chief Science Officer for the White House COVID-19 Response Team. Dr. Kessler is the acclaimed author of several influential books including the New York Times bestseller The End of Overeating, Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs, and his latest work, Diet, Drugs & Dopamine: The New Science on Achieving a Healthy Weight. His writing and research have been pivotal in shifting the public health conversation from willpower to biological understanding—especially regarding food addiction, the manipulation of hyper-palatable foods, and the role of dopamine in modern eating behaviors. A true trailblazer in the field, Dr. Kessler has dedicated decades to unraveling the powerful science behind why we eat the way we do—and how we can reclaim our health in a world of ultra-processed foods. Dr. Kessler shares his personal journey with weight regain and the "aha moment" that led him to call it what it is—addiction. He explores the role of GLP-1 medications, the dark side of food addiction, and how we must move beyond willpower to tackle this epidemic with compassion, science, and actionable tools. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 🔥 Addiction, Not Just Overeating In The End of Overeating (2009), Kessler avoided the term "addiction." Now, in Diet, Drugs & Dopamine, he boldly names it. Cue-induced wanting, craving, and relapse are the neurobiological hallmarks of addiction—and they're present in our relationships with ultra-processed food. ⚖️ GLP-1 Medications: One Tool, Not a Cure GLP-1s (like Ozempic, Wegovy) tamp down cravings by delaying gastric emptying and triggering aversive circuits (feelings of fullness, even nausea). They work only while you’re on them—and can change your relationship with food—but they are not a magic bullet. The real value? These drugs prove this is biology, not a moral failing or lack of willpower. 💥 Addiction Is in the Brain—And It’s Working Too Well Food addiction isn't a sign of dysfunction—it’s our reward circuits doing exactly what they were designed to do in a world of hyper-palatable foods. The issue lies in environmental mismatch—evolution designed us for scarcity, but we now live in abundance. 🧬 It’s Not About Weight—It’s About Health Kessler emphasizes toxic visceral fat as the real danger, not body size. This fat is metabolically active and causal in diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. 🔄 Weight Regain = Relapse Most people regain lost weight not because of laziness, but due to metabolic adaptations and craving relapse. Recovery must focus on sustainable behavior change and addressing addictive circuits. 🤝 Bridging the Gap Between Food Addiction & Eating Disorder Communities Kessler supports the inclusion of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder in the DSM and ICD. Compassion and shared understanding are key to breaking down stigma and offering effective, united treatment approaches. 🧰 Lifestyle Management & Long-Term Tools GLP-1s may be a biological bridge, but long-term success requires: Nutrition education Emotional regulation and distress tolerance Culinary skills and food sovereignty Community, support, and behavior change strategies 💡 Final Wisdom from Dr. Kessler “Once you lose the weight, that’s when the real work begins.” “There’s no shame in using the tools that work. But we need to use them wisely, and not in isolation.” Follow Dr. Kessler: Twitter @DavidAKesslerMD 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.

    48 min

  3. JUN 5

    Episode 232: Clinicians Corner - The Hidden Challenges of PAWS in Food Addiction Recovery

    In this insightful and compassionate episode, Clarissa and Molly take a deep dive into post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)—an often overlooked but critical phase in ultra-processed food addiction recovery. While well-known in substance use disorder recovery, PAWS is rarely discussed in the context of food addiction, yet it shows up in significant ways. Clarissa and Molly break down what PAWS is, why it happens, and how it can show up months or even years into recovery. They share real client experiences, neurobiological explanations, and clinical insights—plus, they normalize what can feel like a confusing and distressing time. They also offer practical strategies for clients and clinicians alike, always with compassion, humor, and a forward-thinking, growth-focused perspective. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ What is PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome describes the emotional, psychological, and physical withdrawal symptoms that can persist or reappear months or years after quitting a substance (including ultra-processed foods). It’s a normal part of recovery, not a failure or a sign that you’re “doing it wrong.” ✅ When it shows up: Typically around the 3-, 6-, and 12-month marks, but can happen later—Molly shared an example of it showing up at 22 months! Can be a surprise to those who believed the cravings and struggles were only short-term. ✅ What it feels like: Physical symptoms: low energy, sleep issues, fatigue, and “meh” motivation. Emotional symptoms: irritability, anxiety, low mood, feeling “flat” or joyless (anhedonia). Cognitive symptoms: brain fog, intrusive food thoughts, and the return of “food dreams.” A heightened sensitivity to emotional triggers and stress, feeling like everything is a “zing” or too much. ✅ It’s actually a sign of healing. The brain is rewiring—dopamine pathways are adapting and recalibrating. It’s part of long-term recovery, a sign that deeper healing is taking place. ✅ Common client fears: “I thought I had this figured out—why am I struggling again?” “My coping skills don’t work anymore—what’s wrong with me?” Clarissa and Molly reframe this as an invitation to deepen your recovery work and adapt new strategies. ✅ What helps? Revisit the basics: simple structure with food, movement, sleep, and stress reduction. Connection and support: peer groups, Sweet Sobriety, or other safe spaces. Meaningful, non-food dopamine boosts: nature, creativity, connection, movement. Supplements: like omega-3s or l-glutamine (check with your provider!). Clinician support: not pushing but holding space with compassion and curiosity. ✅ For clinicians: Learn about PAWS from the substance use disorder literature—it’s crucial for validating and normalizing the client experience. Support clients without imposing your own fears about relapse—meet them with presence and empathy. Be mindful of co-occurring issues (trauma, chronic illness, medications) that can amplify PAWS. Don’t pathologize or shame—this is part of the healing arc! This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear. PAWS can feel like a step backward, but it’s actually a sign of forward movement. As Clarissa and Molly beautifully put it: “You’re not broken—you’re healing.” When PAWS shows up, it’s a call to pause, reset, and give yourself the same compassion and patience you’d offer anyone else in deep healing. Want to connect? Reach out to the team at: 📧 foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Get Mollys PAWs Presentation here: https://www.sweetsobriety.ca 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.

    40 min

  4. MAY 29

    Episode 231: Dr. Filippa Juul "Ultra-Processed Food: The Hidden Crisis"

    In this illuminating episode we speak with Dr. Filippa Juul. An epidemiologist and leading researcher on the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health. Together, we unpack what ultra-processed really means, why it's not just about calories or macros, and how these foods are stealthily contributing to the global rise in obesity, chronic illness, and food addiction. Dr. Juul  is Assistant professor at the School of Public Health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She earned her PhD in Epidemiology from NYU GPH in 2020, following a MSc in Public Health Nutrition from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and a BA in Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. Dr. Juul's research focuses on improving cardiometabolic health outcomes at the population level, with a particular interest in the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diet quality, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. She utilizes large U.S. population studies to examine these associations and is also exploring the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of UPFs on cardiometabolic health.  Dr. Juul explains the NOVA classification system, dives into recent groundbreaking studies, and offers insights into why UPFs are so difficult to resist—and what we can do about it, both individually and at the policy level. Key Takeaways  🧠 It's About the Processing Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are engineered for convenience and hyper-palatability—not nourishment. Processing changes how the body absorbs and responds to food, often leading to overeating and poor metabolic health. 📚 NOVA System in a Nutshell Group 1: Whole/minimally processed (e.g., fruit, eggs, plain yogurt) Group 2: Cooking ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, salt) Group 3: Processed foods (e.g., canned veggies, artisanal cheese) Group 4: Ultra-processed (e.g., nuggets, soda, protein bars) 🍟 Why We Overeat UPFs Soft, fast-eating textures bypass satiety signals High energy density = more calories, less fullness Hyper-palatable combos (fat + sugar/salt) trigger cravings Rapid absorption causes blood sugar spikes and crashes 🧬 Health Risks & Mechanisms Linked to inflammation, gut imbalance, and poor glycemic control Some additives may be harmful or addictive Genetic factors may influence vulnerability to UPF addiction 🚸 Policy & Public Health UPFs make up 60–70% of the modern diet Strong links to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health Regulation on marketing, school meals, and additives is critical Teaching cooking skills and nutrition literacy is essential ❤️ Rethinking Nourishment Nourishment means satisfying, whole-food meals—not restriction True recovery is about reclaiming joy, not giving up pleasure 💬 Quotes: “We regulate food by volume, not calories—and UPFs pack a punch.” “Nourishment is key to living a healthy, happy life.” “UPFs don’t just harm—they replace what heals: real food and connection.” 📣 To Policymakers: The obesity crisis is urgent. Make whole, nourishing foods affordable and accessible. Regulate what’s sold and marketed—especially to children. Follow Dr. Juuls Research: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Filippa-Juul-2070176684/publications/3 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.

    49 min

  5. MAY 22

    Episode 230: Dr. Cynthia Bulik

    Dr. Cynthia Bulik is a clinical psychologist and one of the world's leading experts on eating disorders. She is the Founding Director of the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and also the founder director of the Centre for Eating Disorders Innovation at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Bulik is Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC, Professor of Nutrition in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Professor of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institute.  Dr Bulik has received numerous awards for her pioneering work, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Eating Disorders Association, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics. She has written over 750 scientific papers, and several books aimed at educating the public about eating disorders.  Currently, Dr. Bulik's focus  is in the reconceptualization of eating disorders as being a metabo-psychiatric diseases. Food Junkies is keen to explore this interest in how metabolic disease plays a role in disordered eating: can this construct be the  common ground to start to understand the muddy waters  between eating disorders and food addiction?  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 💡 The Myth of Choice: Why anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are not willful acts, but biologically driven conditions with strong genetic roots. 🧬 The Metabo-Psychiatric Model: Dr. Bulik's innovative framework showing how genetic and metabolic pathways interact to shape eating disorder vulnerability. ⚖️ The Energy Balance Switch: Why people with anorexia feel better in a state of starvation—and how this paradox rewrites what we thought we knew. 📈 New Genetic Discoveries: How genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are uncovering shared and distinct risk factors for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder—and possibly food addiction. 🔄 The Overlap with Addiction: Where eating disorders and food addiction intersect—and why treatment needs to consider both psychological and nutritional healing. 🧠 Recovery Isn’t Just Psychological: Why intuitive eating and one-size-fits-all treatment plans may not work for everyone—and what truly individualized care could look like. 🧭 Hope Through Science: How understanding the biology behind disordered eating can reduce shame, validate lived experience, and open new doors for healing. 🔗 Topics Touched: Why abstinence-based recovery may be life-saving for some—and harmful for others The risk of relapse tied to negative energy balance and undernourishment What we can learn from addiction recovery in developing dual-diagnosis programs The danger of renourishing with ultra-processed foods ARFID, orthorexia, and the need for diagnostic nuance The promise of personalized treatment using genetic risk profiles 💬 A Quote to Remember: “Recovery from an eating disorder is an uphill battle against your biology. It’s not a lack of willpower—it’s a metabolic and psychiatric legacy that deserves compassion and understanding.” Be a part of Cynthia's Research: https://edgi2.org/ Follow Cynthia: https://www.cynthiabulik.com   🌱 Sensory Modulating Strategies for Binge Eating & Food Addiction Saturday, May 31, 2025 8:30–10 AM PDT | 11:30–1 PM EDT | 4:30–6 PM UK   $15USD --> Learn more and/or REGISTER HERE 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.

    53 min

  6. MAY 15

    Episode 229: Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD The Ozempic Revolution

    Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity medicine. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale University, Dr. Sowa combines top-tier medical training with a deeply compassionate, evidence-based approach to metabolic health. She is the founder and CEO of SoWell Health, a telehealth and clinical service dedicated to treating metabolic dysfunction with personalized nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and medication when appropriate—including the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Dr. Sowa is the author of The Ozempic Revolution, where she brings clinical insights and practical tools to the forefront of the obesity and food addiction conversation. Her work emphasizes sustainable habit change, patient-centered care, and bridging the gap between medical treatment and behavioral health. Formerly collaborating with low-carb pioneer Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Sowa continues to advocate for integrating dietary strategies with hormonal and pharmaceutical interventions for a holistic approach to weight and health. Dr. Sowa is a nationally recognized voice in the field, regularly featured in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN Health. She is passionate about helping patients reclaim their health and reframe their relationship with food through science, empathy, and empowerment. 💊 What are GLP-1s really doing to “food noise”? 📉 Why do some lose weight and others don’t? 🥼 What role should lifestyle, nutrition, and yes—food addiction support—play in treatment? 💬 How do we deal with the emotional grief of losing food as a comfort? 💪 And how can obesity doctors and food addiction counselors work together for real, lasting healing? Whether you're a clinician, someone using GLP-1s, or navigating food addiction recovery—this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Follow Dr. Sowa: https://alexandrasowamd.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.

    55 min

  7. MAY 8

    Episode 228: Dr. Thomas Seyfried - Cancer as a Metabolic Disorder

    In this compelling episode, Dr. Vera Tarman interviews Dr. Thomas Seyfried, a pioneer in the field of cancer metabolism. Dr. Seyfried challenges the mainstream view of cancer as a genetic disease and presents strong evidence that cancer is fundamentally a mitochondrial metabolic disorder. Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried is a distinguished American biologist and professor at Boston College, renowned for his pioneering work in cancer metabolism. With a Ph.D. in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and postdoctoral training in neurochemistry at Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Seyfried has dedicated his career to exploring the metabolic underpinnings of cancer and other neurological diseases. Dr. Seyfried is best known for his groundbreaking book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer (2012), where he presents compelling evidence that cancer is primarily a mitochondrial metabolic disorder rather than a genetic one. This perspective builds upon the early 20th-century findings of Otto Warburg, who observed that cancer cells rely heavily on fermentation for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Dr. Seyfried's research suggests that targeting cancer's metabolic dependencies, such as glucose and glutamine, through dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet, could offer non-toxic therapeutic strategies. We explore: How cancer cells fuel themselves differently from healthy cells The connection between sugar, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and cancer growth The Warburg Effect and the roles of glucose and glutamine in tumor development Whether refined sugar is carcinogenic like tobacco Why Dr. Seyfried believes ketogenic diets and caloric restriction can be powerful cancer therapies How his views align with metabolic psychiatry (Dr. Chris Palmer’s Brain Energy) The controversial yet promising approach of "press-pulse" therapy The potential for preventing cancer through dietary change Follow: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/biology/people/faculty-directory/thomas-seyfried.html https://tomseyfried.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.

    56 min

  8. MAY 6

    Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 26: Joy M

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Food Junkies Recovery Stories CJ sits down with Joy M, who shares her courageous story of unraveling the illusion of the “perfect life” to find true recovery and emotional freedom. From childhood trauma and food obsession to substance use, codependency, and the sneaky nature of sugar addiction, Joy takes us through the winding—and at times wild—path she walked to reclaim her health and voice. Tune in to hear how one Easter basket sparked a lifetime pattern, how trauma flipped the switch, and how Joy finally broke free through community, curiosity, and a whole lot of compassion. Her story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to begin again—and that healing is possible, one real food choice at a time. Warning: You may leave this episode feeling inspired, understood, and ready to toss those “dang nuts.” Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com  Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com  If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.

    41 min
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4.9
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Clarissa Kennedy
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    260
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Food Junkies Podcast

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