The Dr. Jules Plant-Based Podcast

Dr. Jules Cormier (MD)

Hey, I’m Dr. Jules! I’m a medical doctor, teacher, nutritionist, naturopath, plant-based dad and 3X world championships qualified athlete. On this podcast we’ll discuss the latest in evidence-based and plant-based nutrition, including common nutrition myths, FAQs and tips on how to transition towards a healthier dietary pattern and lifestyle that creates little friction with your busy life!

  1. From The Heart #10: Sleep, Strength, And Smarter Habits

    2H AGO · BONUS

    From The Heart #10: Sleep, Strength, And Smarter Habits

    Struggling with 2 a.m. wakeups, low energy, or a scale that won’t budge after 40?  We connect the dots between light, food, stress, and muscle to show how small, smart changes can unlock deeper sleep, steadier appetite, and better metabolic health.  You’ll learn how morning sunlight flips on your natural “day mode,” why bright screens at night keep cortisol humming, and how a cool, dark room paired with a simple wind‑down routine can shorten sleep latency and smooth out those middle‑of‑the‑night awakenings. We also dive into iron the practical way.  Get the exact pairings that boost non‑heme iron absorption, think lentils with lemon or tofu with bell peppers, and the timing tricks to avoid blockers like coffee, tea, and calcium.  We cover soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and cast‑iron cooking to squeeze more from plant foods, plus when it’s time to check ferritin and consider supplementation with your clinician.  Along the way, we unpack what the evidence says about PEMF mats for osteoarthritis pain and why protocol differences matter. Midlife weight change demands a new playbook, not more willpower.  Hormone shifts, muscle loss, stress, and poor sleep push metabolism in the wrong direction. Our plan is simple enough to start today: anchor meals in fiber‑rich whole plant foods, lift 2 to 3 times per week to protect lean mass, and guard 7 to 9 hours of sleep by managing light and late stimulants. Daily walking raises VO2 max and cuts cardiovascular risk, proving it’s never too late to turn the ship. We close with the six lifestyle pillars and a mantra that works: start low, go slow, stack small wins. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a sleep or iron reset, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these tools.  Your next small win starts today. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    37 min
  2. Gluten: Friend Or Foe

    3D AGO

    Gluten: Friend Or Foe

    Think gluten is the universal bad guy?  Let’s slow down, look at the evidence, and figure out what’s really driving symptoms, what protects long-term health, and how to make smart choices without fear. We break down what gluten is, where it shows up, and why oats are a special case. From celiac disease to non-celiac gluten sensitivity, we explain who truly needs to avoid gluten, what testing matters before you eliminate it, and how symptoms often overlap with IBS and FODMAP issues that have nothing to do with gluten at all. We also zoom out to the big health picture: whole grains are consistently linked to lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. When people drop gluten without a diagnosis, they often drop whole grains and slide into gluten-free packaged foods high in refined starches, sugars, and fats.  That shift can cut fiber, iron, calcium, and magnesium and may nudge cardiometabolic risk in the wrong direction. If gluten avoidance is necessary, we show how to build a strong gluten-free plate with brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, teff, amaranth, and certified gluten-free oats, paired with legumes, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. You’ll come away with a clear plan to personalize nutrition: test before you restrict, distinguish gluten from FODMAP triggers, and focus on minimally processed foods over labels.  If you suspect gluten is an issue, get a proper workup so you can protect your health while solving symptoms. If you thrive with gluten, lean into whole grains for fiber, micronutrients, and gut-friendly benefits.  Subscribe, share with a friend who’s confused about gluten, and leave a review to tell us what grains work best for you. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    17 min
  3. From The Heart #9: Rethinking Weight Loss Drugs

    MAR 4 · BONUS

    From The Heart #9: Rethinking Weight Loss Drugs

    What if your hunger isn’t lazy, it’s loud, and the volume knob is biological? We pull back the curtain on GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, separating stigma from science and showing how these tools can help the right patients quiet food noise, stabilize hunger cues, and lower chronic disease risk. No moralizing, no shortcuts, just a clear-eyed look at when these drugs help, when they don’t, and how to safeguard your metabolism along the way. Across a series of real patient conversations, we challenge the “cheating” narrative by comparing our comfort with blood pressure and cholesterol meds to the judgment that surrounds weight care.  You’ll hear why willpower isn’t the missing ingredient for many people, how genetics and environment shape appetite, and what to expect during the first 12 to 18 months of treatment. We also dig into practical strategy: protein targets to protect lean mass, resistance training that defends your basal metabolic rate, and body composition tracking to ensure you lose fat, not muscle. Instead of aiming for a quick fix, we focus on building a plant-predominant, fiber-rich diet that supports the microbiome and reinforces satiety signals for the long haul. We also address long-term planning: who might taper off, who may benefit from ongoing therapy, and how to weigh side effects against the well-documented risks of obesity. The goal isn’t a perfect body, it’s a durable plan that respects complex biology and delivers better health. If you’ve been curious, skeptical, or stuck, this conversation offers a grounded path forward. If this helped you rethink weight loss medications, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Your notes help others find evidence-based, stigma-free guidance. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    22 min
  4. FODMAPs, Fear, And Finding Your Dose

    MAR 1

    FODMAPs, Fear, And Finding Your Dose

    Bloating after “healthy” meals, random cramps, or bathroom roulette can make food feel like the enemy.  We break down FODMAPs in plain language and show how a short-term, guided approach can calm IBS symptoms without cutting the very foods that protect long-term health. Instead of fear, we offer a framework: treat the burden, not the food. We start by explaining what FODMAPs are, fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols, and why they can trigger gas and draw water into the bowel. Then we connect the dots to IBS and visceral hypersensitivity, where normal gut stretching can feel painful and motility swings between diarrhea and constipation. You’ll hear why apples, onions, beans, and whole grains aren’t villains; they’re often prebiotic powerhouses that feed beneficial microbes and help produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. From there, we map a clear, three-phase plan for a low FODMAP strategy done right. Phase one reduces symptoms with short-term restriction. Phase two reintroduces foods methodically by FODMAP category to identify personal triggers and tolerable doses.  Phase three rebuilds a broad, fiber-rich diet tailored to your threshold, keeping variety high, symptoms low, and your microbiome thriving. We also flag when to seek medical care for red-flag symptoms and why this is not a DIY project. A registered dietitian’s guidance protects your nutrition, prevents needless restriction, and speeds up finding your sweet spot. If you’ve been told to ban fruit, ditch beans, or fear grains, you’ll leave with a calmer, smarter plan.  Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s struggling with bloating, and leave a review with the one food you hope to bring back to your plate. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    14 min
  5. From The Heart #8: Rethinking Plant-Based: Progress Over Perfection

    FEB 25 · BONUS

    From The Heart #8: Rethinking Plant-Based: Progress Over Perfection

    Perfection isn’t the point, progress is.  We open the mic for an unscripted, science-grounded conversation about what “plant-based” actually means, why success lives on a spectrum, and how small, low-friction changes can flip your health trajectory without blowing up your life. Rather than chasing a 100% label, we focus on the dose-response benefits of eating more minimally processed plants and cutting back on ultra-processed foods and red and processed meat. The takeaway is clear: your long-term average matters more than a perfect week. We break down the umbrella of plant-forward patterns, from Mediterranean and flexitarian to plant-predominant and plant-exclusive, and show how each can deliver measurable gains when the bulk of calories comes from whole plants. You’ll hear a powerful success story of diabetes reversal, then a reality check: sustainability beats short-lived extremes. We compare restriction labels to an abundance mindset, explain why planning prevents nutrient gaps, and lay out the “big rocks” that truly move the needle: more fiber, fewer ultra-processed products, less sodium and saturated fat, and smarter protein choices. Expect practical, ready-to-use strategies: the 80–20 rule as a compass for real life, taste-bud and microbiome adaptation timelines, and low-friction swaps that meet you where you are, like upgrading your oatmeal, adding beans to staples, or batch-cooking simple plant proteins.  We also talk about the dual role of clinician and coach, why accountability accelerates change, and how to plan for travel, holidays, and stress so curveballs don’t derail your goals. If you’re ready to trend toward better health one steady step at a time, hit play, subscribe for more grounded guidance, and share your first small swap with us. Your next meal can be the one that moves you forward. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    23 min
  6. Collagen Claims, Clear Science

    FEB 22

    Collagen Claims, Clear Science

    Collagen promises smoother skin, happier joints, and faster recovery, but what holds up when we strip away the hype and read the best studies?  We unpack the newest research since 2023 and draw a clear line between modest, measurable effects and results that melt under tighter controls. If you’ve wondered whether those powders and gummies are worth the price, this conversation gives you honest context without shaming your choices. We start by laying out how to read supplement science: funding bias, placebo controls, sample size, and why meta-analyses can mislead when they pool weak trials with a few strong ones.  For joint pain, we highlight small to moderate improvements in osteoarthritis outcomes seen in several meta-analyses, balanced by a rigorous trial that found no advantage over placebo. The takeaway is measured: collagen is not a cure, but some people feel a little better, especially alongside strength training, movement, and weight management. Skin health is a different story.  We dig into a 2025 meta-analysis showing that benefits largely appear in industry-funded studies, while high-quality independent trials see no meaningful changes in wrinkles, hydration, or elasticity. We explain the biology, collagen is digested into amino acids, and why sunscreen, sleep, protein-rich whole foods, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and smart skincare move the needle more.  On muscle and recovery, we clarify that collagen is an incomplete protein and poor at stimulating muscle protein synthesis, yet may support connective tissues when paired with resistance training, offering small improvements in recovery or fat-free mass for some. You’ll walk away with practical priorities: train progressively, eat enough complete protein, protect your skin from the sun, sleep deeply, and manage stress. If you choose to test collagen, define your goal, set realistic expectations, track changes, and reassess your budget.  If this helped you think clearer about supplements and what actually works, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s collagen-curious, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    38 min
  7. Conversations du coeur #7: Sarcopénie, MPOC et les maladies évoluant sous le radar

    FEB 18 · BONUS

    Conversations du coeur #7: Sarcopénie, MPOC et les maladies évoluant sous le radar

    La phrase la plus dangereuse en santé pourrait bien être « Je me sens bien ».  Nous expliquons comment un déclin silencieux, dans la MPOC comme dans la perte musculaire liée à l’âge, peut gruger la fonction bien avant que les symptômes ne deviennent alarmants, et pourquoi la prévention demeure la meilleure stratégie pour préserver l’autonomie.  À partir d’un cas réel de patient, nous décortiquons ce que signifie réellement un VEMS à 44 %, comment chaque infection respiratoire laisse une atteinte permanente à la capacité pulmonaire, et pourquoi les vaccins et les inhalateurs peuvent faire la différence entre bien vivre et enchaîner les hospitalisations. Nous passons ensuite aux muscles : à quoi ressemble la sarcopénie dans la vie de tous les jours, pourquoi se lever d’une chaise constitue un test fonctionnel révélateur, et comment l’apport en protéines et l’entraînement en résistance progressive permettent de reconstruire la force. Vous repartirez avec des cibles pratiques appuyées par les données probantes, soit 1,2 à 1,6 g/kg de protéines, un entraînement en force pour maintenir la masse musculaire et la densité osseuse, ainsi que du travail aérobie et d’équilibre pour préserver la fonction cardiopulmonaire, sans oublier les habitudes simples qui rendent ces changements durables. Nous abordons aussi le sommeil, la connexion sociale, la régulation du stress et l’activation du nerf vague comme des piliers essentiels d’un système résilient. Ce message n’est ni centré d’abord sur les pilules ni opposé aux médicaments. Il s’agit plutôt d’un plaidoyer pour des choix éclairés : comprendre les risques de l’action et de l’inaction, remettre en question la désinformation, et aligner les outils, habitudes de vie, médicaments et vaccins, avec vos objectifs.  Si vous souhaitez éviter l’oxygène, rester hors de l’hôpital et conserver la force nécessaire pour marcher un 5 km à 70 ans, le travail commence maintenant. Écoutez, réfléchissez, puis choisissez le changement que vous mettrez en place cette semaine. Si cet épisode vous a aidé à voir la prévention et la longévité autrement, abonnez-vous, partagez-le avec une personne qui a besoin d’un petit coup de pouce et laissez un court avis pour aider d’autres à le découvrir. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    16 min
  8. Chrononutrition: Why Meal Timing Changes Your Health

    FEB 15

    Chrononutrition: Why Meal Timing Changes Your Health

    Your body doesn’t treat breakfast and dinner the same way, and once you understand why, meal timing becomes a powerful lever for better health. We dig into chrononutrition, the science of how circadian rhythms shape appetite, insulin sensitivity, and energy metabolism, and we translate it into simple steps that fit real life. We start by mapping the daily hormone dance: morning light sparks a cortisol rise that mobilizes energy, adenosine builds sleep pressure through the day, and melatonin ushers in nighttime repair.  Those rhythms change how your body handles the same plate of food across the clock. Insulin sensitivity is highest earlier, glucose tolerance declines later, and fat oxidation slows in the evening. That shift helps explain why late-night eating links to insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk, even when total calories don’t change. From there, we reframe fasting. Skipping breakfast often reduces calories but can backfire metabolically, with worse insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Early time-restricted eating tells a different story: front-load calories, move dinner earlier, and minimize late-night intake. Studies show improved insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic markers when the eating window aligns with the body clock. A calorie at 8 a.m. meets a system primed to use energy; the same calorie at 10 p.m. meets a system preparing for sleep. You’ll leave with clear, practical tools: anchor breakfast and lunch, keep dinner earlier and lighter, aim for consistent meal timing, get bright light soon after waking, dim light at night, and treat late snacking as a stressor. Whether your goal is better glucose control, sustainable weight management, or heart health, aligning meals with your circadian rhythm can amplify results without adding restriction. If this helped reframe how you think about food timing, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves nutrition science, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    15 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Hey, I’m Dr. Jules! I’m a medical doctor, teacher, nutritionist, naturopath, plant-based dad and 3X world championships qualified athlete. On this podcast we’ll discuss the latest in evidence-based and plant-based nutrition, including common nutrition myths, FAQs and tips on how to transition towards a healthier dietary pattern and lifestyle that creates little friction with your busy life!

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