The Health Feast

Dr. Rak
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Health Feast is a podcast about making good health feel joyous, communal, and abundant—like a feast. Hosted by Dr. Rak (short for Rakesh Jotwani), a board-certified internist and Lifestyle Medicine physician, the show dives deep into what truly supports well-being in real life. Each episode, Dr. Rak talks with physicians, chefs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to be healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conversations are rooted in science, but never lose sight of heart, culture, and lived experience. Whether you’re working to reverse chronic disease, reconnect with purpose, or simply show up for your life with more energy, The Health Feast offers practical tools, fresh perspectives, and stories that nourish. New episodes weekly. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Live well and RAK ON.

  1. 060 What This Heart Doctor Wants You to Know Before it's Too Late

    FEB 17

    060 What This Heart Doctor Wants You to Know Before it's Too Late

    Hey Health Feasters —Have you ever been told your labs are “normal”… and still felt uneasy?Maybe your cholesterol is “a little high.”Your blood pressure is “borderline.”Your doctor says, “Let’s just keep an eye on it.”And at the same time, your social feed is full of people saying cholesterol doesn’t matter.Statins are poison.Carnivore fixes everything.This supplement will solve all your problems. It’s no wonder people feel confused.We’re surrounded by strong opinions and half-truths. And when it comes to heart disease — the number one killer in this country — that confusion carries real consequences.This week on The Health Feast, I sat down with Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver and former chair of the American College of Cardiology’s Nutrition and Lifestyle Work Group.He’s not just reacting to internet trends. He helped shape the actual guidelines.In this conversation, we talk about:- What actually causes heart disease- What heart disease “reversal” really means (and what it doesn’t)- Whether statins are always necessary- Why lifestyle medicine works and why and when Western medicine still has an important role- And how to lower your risk without falling for fadsDr. Freeman is thoughtful, evidence-driven, and refreshingly human and I know you’re going to love this conversation. So, if you’ve felt stuck between fear-based medicine and internet hype…If you want clarity instead of confusion…If you care about prevention instead of regret…this episode is for you.--------------------------🌱 Join the RAK ON TribeFor $11/month (or $99/year), you can join our membership community where we practice this work together. The RAK ON Tribe membership includes:- Live breathwork with Yang- Group strength training with Coach Alexander- Cook-alongs and monthly Q&A with me, Dr. Rak- A growing library of replays, resources, and recipes- A supportive, encouraging communityWe’re currently at 28 members, and once we reach 50, the membership price will increase. If you join now, you’ll be locked in at the founding rate of $11/month or $99/year. As the Tribe grows, so will the live events, guest sessions, and resources inside. Early members grow with us — and help shape what this becomes.If you’re looking for ongoing support, not just inspiration, this is where we build it.find out more at www.rakyourlife.com/rakon⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 Dr. Rak’s intro03:08 The Role of Lifestyle in Heart Health05:57 The Impact of Nutrition on Cardiology08:50 Reversing Heart Disease: Is It Possible?12:10 The Importance of Tailored Medical Advice15:02 Cultural Influences on Dietary Choices17:52 Creating Delicious and Healthy Alternatives20:47 The Power of Motivation in Lifestyle Changes24:06 The Nuances of Heart Disease Reversal26:58 The Allure of Supplements vs. Lifestyle Changes29:46 The Quick Benefits of Lifestyle Changes33:07 Finding the Right Medical Support36:03 The Challenge of Patient Resistance38:55 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Lifestyle Medicine41:49 Key Takeaways for Heart HealthDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

    52 min
  2. 059 RAK ON: Why You’re Overcomplicating Your Health, and What to Do Instead

    FEB 4

    059 RAK ON: Why You’re Overcomplicating Your Health, and What to Do Instead

    Is getting healthier burning you out?Hey Health Feasters — Ever feel like you’re doing everything for your health… and it’s still not working? You’re meal prepping. Following a complicated workout split. Tracking macros. Taking supplements. Watching reels about cold plunges, red light therapy, and blood sugar spikes. And somehow… you’re exhausted. Burned out. Not even sure what’s working anymore. This week on The Health Feast, I’m back with Nick Smoot— my coach, a writer, and one of the clearest thinkers I know when it comes to keeping health simple. We explore why so many of us fall into the trap of over-optimizing — chasing hacks, piling on complexity, and never sticking with anything long enough to see results. Nick unpacks the power of doing fewer things better, and why most people need to standardize before they optimize — in their workouts, their nutrition, and their habits. So, if you’re tired of starting over, this conversation will help you clear the noise and get back to what actually works.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 👊🏽 Follow Nick Smoot:Instagram: @smoot_fitSubstack Newsletter: smootfit.substack.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/smootfit🌱 Join the RAK ON TribeIf you’re looking for ongoing support — not just inspiration — the RAK ON Tribe is where we practice this work together. Membership includes: Monthly live breathwork with YangGroup strength training with Coach AlexanderCook-alongs and live events with Dr. RakA growing library of replays, resources, and recipesA supportive, encouraging community$11/month or $99/yearFirst month free with code RAKON Learn more and join the RAK ON Tribe Timestamps00:00 – Why health feels harder than it should01:53 – The trap of overcomplicating your routine06:24 – “Standardize before you optimize”12:18 – Info overload and decision fatigue16:49 – Nick’s own simplicity breakthrough21:07 – Signs you’re making it too complex25:44 – What sustainable health actually looks like31:12 – Letting go of shame and keeping it simple Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

    37 min
  3. 058 Why Getting Healthier Feels Harder Than It Should with Dr. Regina Ragasa, DO, DipABOM, DipABLM

    JAN 7

    058 Why Getting Healthier Feels Harder Than It Should with Dr. Regina Ragasa, DO, DipABOM, DipABLM

    Why does getting healthier feel harder than it should? With the new year upon us, a lot of us are thinking more seriously about our health goals. We’re paying attention. We’re putting in effort. And it’s frustrating when that effort doesn’t seem to translate into results. That frustration doesn’t just show up in January. It shows up anytime you decide your health matters. This week on The Health Feast, Po and I are joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a physician who works with patients every day who are doing “the right things” and still feeling stuck. Dr. Ragasa is triple board–certified in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine, and she helps patients achieve sustainable, compassionate weight loss by addressing root causes rather than quick fixes. In this episode, we explore: - Why so many well-intentioned health efforts stall, even when you’re working very hard to do everything right - What often gets missed beneath the surface when progress feels slower than expected - How small, meaningful shifts can completely change the trajectory of your health - Why protein quality matters more than most people realize - Why compassion is a practical ingredient for change that actually lasts If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying hard and still wondering what’s not clicking… If you’ve blamed yourself when things didn’t move the way you expected… This episode offers a steadier, more honest way forward. So if you’re putting in the effort and wondering what you might be missing, you’re in the right place. Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽 ======= About Regina Ragasa, DO, DAOBM, DipABLM Dr. Regina Ragasa is a physician triple boarded in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine who helps patients achieve sustainable weight loss and better overall health. Her work focuses on people who are genuinely trying to get healthier, often doing many of the “right things,” and still feeling stuck. She blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical, real-world care, emphasizing food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping patients rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy lives. Her approach blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical clinical care, focusing on food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping people rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy, modern lives. In her work and teaching, she emphasizes that the problem is rarely a lack of effort or willpower, it’s often the system, the messaging, and the way we’ve been taught to define “healthy.” Her goal is to help people move forward with clarity, confidence, and tools that support lasting change. ======= 🔗 Links + Resources • 📸 Instagram: CaliWellnessDoc Timestamps 00:00 – Why Does Getting Healthier Feel So Hard? 01:18 – “I’m Eating Clean… Why Am I Still Stuck?” 04:31 – The Protein Mistake Almost Everyone Makes 08:59 – The Patient Case That Changed Everything 15:29 – Why “Just Try Harder” Doesn’t Work 24:32 – You’re Not Broken — The Food System Is 31:12 – Are Medications a Shortcut or a Tool? 41:10 – Why Self-Compassion Is the Missing Skill 50:59 – Health Is a Practice, Not a Finish Line

    57 min
  4. 057 The Truth About Getting Fit After 40 (What No One Tells You)

    12/09/2025

    057 The Truth About Getting Fit After 40 (What No One Tells You)

    What if the way you’ve been told to get fit… is exactly what’s holding you back? If you’re over 40 and still not where you want to be with your fitness or health, it might not be about willpower. It might be the method. This week on The Health Feast, I’m joined by Maxime Sigouin — founder of FitVegan Coaching — to unpack why so many traditional fitness plans fail us… and what actually works instead. Maxime has helped hundreds of people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond reclaim their health, reverse chronic conditions, and build sustainable strength — without chasing aesthetics or burning out. In this episode, we get into: Why most fitness advice sets people up to failHow to rebuild trust in your body after years of dieting or injuryWhat mindset and habits actually sustain long-term changeWhy slowing down — even unplugging — can be a power moveMaxime also shares what he believes is the single most important investment you can make in your health after 40: strength training. Not just for looks — but for confidence, function, and long-term vitality. Since we recorded, Maxime announced the release of his new book, Forever Fit — which is available for preorder now here. If you’ve ever felt like the quick fixes aren’t working anymore… this episode offers something deeper. Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽 About Maxime Sigouin Maxime Sigouin is the founder of FitVegan Coaching, a fitness and lifestyle program for men and women over 40 who want to get leaner, stronger, and healthier without extreme diets or burnout. A former bodybuilder turned holistic coach, Maxime helps people shift from chasing short-term results to building a long-term lifestyle — rooted in clarity, simplicity, and self-respect. He’s also the author of the upcoming book Forever Fit, available now for preorder. ⸻ 🔗 Links + Resources • 📘 Forever Fit – Preorder the Book • 💪 FitVegan Coaching • 📸 Instagram: @maximesigouin_ • 🎙 Maxime’s Podcast============================= Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

    49 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    056 Your Food Noise Is Out of Control — Here’s How to Stop It

    What if the reason you can’t stop thinking about food… has nothing to do with willpower? For so many of us, food isn’t just fuel — it’s noise. It’s the constant hum in the back of the mind: What should I eat? What shouldn’t I eat? Why did I eat that? Why can’t I stop thinking about food? It’s exhausting. And it’s far more common than most people realize. In this week’s episode, Po and I sit down for a raw, honest conversation about food noise — why it happens, how stress and strong emotions make it louder, why our modern food environment works against us, and what it actually takes to quiet the mental chatter around eating. We talk about cravings, comfort, GLP-1 medications, rumination, and the emotional patterns so many of us carry: the guilt, the judgment, the feeling that we “should” be doing better. And we explore the deeper truth — that food noise isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal. And when we learn how to listen to it with curiosity rather than criticism, everything begins to shift. In this episode, we explore: What “food noise” really is — and why it’s so overwhelmingHow stress, emotions, and our environment shape cravingsWhy GLP-1 medications quiet food noise (and why that matters)How food noise steals your bandwidth and self-trustWhy restriction often makes food noise louderPractical ways to create space, awareness, and calm around foodHow mindfulness, fasting, and silence can retrain your brainThis conversation is vulnerable, honest, and filled with the kinds of insights Po and I have learned firsthand — for me, as a clinician, and for both of us, as humans navigating our own relationships with food. If you’ve ever felt like food takes up too much mental space… if you’ve blamed yourself for your cravings… or if you’re looking for a more compassionate, sustainable way to relate to eating — this episode is absolutely for you. Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽 👊🏽 Want more? More strength. More flavor. More awareness. More community. If that’s you, you can join the RAK ON Tribe and get access to: All Strong for Life classesAll Live Mindful Meals with Dr. Rak cook-alongsMonthly Breathwork with YangComing soon: Monthly Q&A with Dr. Rak. Get your health questions answered.Event replays, recipes, meditationsA supportive, plant-forward communityA private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight🍽️ Membership is $11/month or $99/year 🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Learn more and join the RAK ON Tribe

    26 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    055 How Shame Sabotages Your Health Journey with Ocean Robbins

    What if the biggest barrier to healing… is the belief that you’re broken? So many of us are doing everything right — eating better, moving more, trying to fix our health — but deep down, we’re carrying a quiet belief that we’re not enough. That our body is the problem. That healing has to come through restriction, guilt, or perfection. But what if real change begins not with feeling shame — but love? In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ocean Robbins, CEO of the Food Revolution Network, for a deep, honest conversation about what it means to root health in compassion — not shame. Ocean is the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to write Diet for a New America. Ocean has forged his own path — helping millions transform their relationship with food and health to experience what truly matters to us in life. In this episode we explore: Why so many people feel like they’re failing at healthHow Ocean’s upbringing shaped his values and missionThe tension between grief, perfectionism, and purposeWhat it means to choose love — again and againThis conversation was one of our most soulful and resonant yet — and I’m so glad to have Po back for it. You’re definitely in for a treat. So whether you’ve felt stuck, not enough, and are looking for a gentler path forward — this episode is for you. Until next time… Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽 ===================About Ocean Robbins Ocean Robbins is the CEO of Food Revolution Network, a global movement dedicated to healthy, ethical, and sustainable food for all. He’s the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to author Diet for a New America. Ocean has carried forward that legacy while forging his own powerful path — helping millions reclaim their relationship with food and root their health journey in compassion, not shame. He’s also the author of the best-selling book 31-Day Food Revolution, and a deeply thoughtful leader in the food justice space, blending science, systems thinking, and soul. 🔗 Links + Resources 🌎 Website: foodrevolution.org 📕 Book: 31-Day Food Revolution 📸 Instagram (Org): @foodrevolutionnetwork 🧠 More from Ocean: Blog + Resources 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM me, Dr. Rak, on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

    1h 18m

  7. 11/04/2025

    054 What I Learned Walking 2 Million Steps in a Month (with Kwame Terra)

    Why do we start strong… and still end up stuck? (Watch on YouTube) To answer that, my guest today, Kwame Terra, did something no one else ever has. He walked over 2 million steps in 30 days — 66,000 steps a day. That’s more than a marathon’s distance daily, with no rest days. At the end of it, Kwame ended up setting a new world record. But this isn’t a story about crushing a record. It’s a conversation about what it takes to follow through — when no one’s watching, when you hit a wall, and when your old self is begging you to quit. In this episode, we unpack: Why motivation rarely lasts — and what to rely on insteadThe hardest part of walking 66K steps a day (it’s not what you think)How pain, rhythm, and emotional triggers show up in the bodyWhat Kwame learned about trusting himself again through movementWhy “finishing something” can be more healing than we realizeMore than any record, this challenge was about reclaiming a sense of identity, integrity, and forward momentum — through walking. More from Kwame Terra: 👉 bEHR Health — a culturally grounded health platform for Black communities 📸 Instagram: @kwameterra 👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest “aha” moment — and don’t forget to subscribe. Until next time… Live well and RAK ON, -Dr. Rak 👊🏽 Guest Bio Kwame Terra is a public health strategist, digital health entrepreneur, and founder of bEHR Health, a culturally grounded health platform designed to improve outcomes in Black communities through personalized insights, real-time support, and community-based care. With a background spanning global health, digital therapeutics, and racial equity, Kwame has advised startups, government agencies, and health systems on how to center equity and behavioral science in population health design. He’s been featured by organizations like Fast Company, Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work at the intersection of innovation and inclusion. In 2024, Kwame became the first person to complete the FeSteps Challenge, walking over 2 million steps in 30 consecutive days — a world-record feat rooted not in performance, but in healing, discipline, and finishing what he started. Timestamps 0:00 — Dr. Rak’s intro 0:02 — From App Idea to Walking Movement 0:06 — The First Brutal Days: Pain, Fuel & Headaches 0:09 — What Actually Got Him Through: Mindset & Mentors 0:13 — Inspiration, Not Just Steps 0:16 — Movement as a Tool for Health Equity 0:19 — How Kwame’s Health Philosophy Was Formed 0:23 — Plant-Based Awakening & Early Influences 0:28 — Creating a Culture Shift Around Food 0:32 — Designing bEHR Health: More Than an App 0:37 — Building Trust, Tech & Community 0:43 — What’s Next for bEHR Health 0:50 — Reimagining Health Equity 0:56 — Final Reflections & The Desire to Live 1:00 — Where to Find Kwame & How to Join Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

    1h 5m

  8. 10/27/2025

    053 Your Pain Isn’t Improving Because You’re Missing This with Dr. Sassy Weinstein, DO

    “I’ve done everything right… so why do I still hurt?” If that question feels familiar, this episode is for you. We’re joined by Dr. Sassy Weinstein, an osteopathic physician, sports medicine expert, and board-certified lifestyle medicine doc who has helped thousands of patients finally heal — not by doing more, but by seeing the body as a whole system. In this conversation, we unpack:  •Why pain often isn’t coming from where it hurts  •The #1 mistake smart, proactive people make when trying to feel better  •How stress, sleep, movement patterns, and shoes (!!) could be part of the problem  •Real stories of patients who tried everything… until they didn’t have to This isn’t about more restriction or another wellness rule. It’s about reclaiming your body’s wisdom and getting back to what matters — with joy, clarity, and sustainable relief. ⸻ ✨ Dr. Sassy Weinstein’s Work: 👉 CORE Sports and Lifestyle Medicine https://coresportsmedicine.com/ 📸 Instagram: @drsassyweinstein   ⸻ Timestamps 00:13 – Intro: Still hurting after doing everything “right”? 02:00 – Why the pain isn’t where the problem is 06:09 – The missing links: stress, sleep, and strength 10:49 – PT, trainers, and who to trust 14:52 – Personalized healing plans that work 21:13 – Community as medicine: the role of connection 26:14 – Tools that help: PRP, shockwave, and smart movement 32:46 – Why Dr. Sassy started her own practice 49:23 – From chore to joy: reframing movement ⸻ 👋🏼 Hosted by Dr. Rakesh “Rak” Jotwani (like rock), a lifestyle medicine physician and founder of RAK Your Life, alongside his friend Po, a former corrections officer who has lost close to 200lbs on his health journey.  This podcast is for people living full lives who feel overwhelmed by restrictive wellness advice — and want health to feel joyful and abundant like a feast. ⸻ 👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest “aha” moment — and don’t forget to subscribe. 🔔 New episodes weekly. Live well and RAK ON. ⸻ 👊🏽 Get Strong at Home and Join the Tribe! What if getting strong didn’t have to feel like punishment? That’s what we’re doing in Strong for Life — our virtual strength session designed for real-life function, balance, and confidence. We had an amazing group last week of 10 people last week — and we’re doing it again this Sunday. 🗓 Next session: Sunday at 1pm ET / 10am PT 💻 Live on Zoom 💪 Beginner-friendly, no equipment needed (just a chair and space) 💵 $5 drop-in — free for first-timers with code: STRONG 👉 Register here: https://calendly.com/drrak/strength-foundations-build-strength-balance Want more? More strength. More support. More community. If that’s you too? You can become a member and get access to: - All Strong for Life classes - Live Mindful Meals cook-alongs and breathwork sessions - Replays, recipes, and meditations - A supportive, plant-forward community - A private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight 🍽️ Membership is just $11/month or $99/year.  🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Join the RAK ON Tribe

    59 min
See All (60)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Health Feast is a podcast about making good health feel joyous, communal, and abundant—like a feast. Hosted by Dr. Rak (short for Rakesh Jotwani), a board-certified internist and Lifestyle Medicine physician, the show dives deep into what truly supports well-being in real life. Each episode, Dr. Rak talks with physicians, chefs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to be healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conversations are rooted in science, but never lose sight of heart, culture, and lived experience. Whether you’re working to reverse chronic disease, reconnect with purpose, or simply show up for your life with more energy, The Health Feast offers practical tools, fresh perspectives, and stories that nourish. New episodes weekly. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Live well and RAK ON.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rak
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Rak
  • Show Website
    The Health Feast

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