Edward M. Phillips M.D.

Shows

Episodes

  1. A New Chapter

    SEP 15

    A New Chapter

    In this episode, Juna and Eddie share big news, reflect on what’s made the show so special, and hint at what comes next. It’s not goodbye forever… but it is a goodbye.Best ways to connect with us: Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    13 min
  2. How to Add a Decade to Your Life

    SEP 1

    How to Add a Decade to Your Life

    In this episode we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol—one of the most cited scientists in the world and author of SuperAges—to explore what the science actually says about living longer and healthier. We talk about what aging really is, why trying to reverse it can backfire, and the surprising role lifestyle factors play in slowing down the biological clock. Dr. Topol also explains how exercise, sleep, and diet can add up to an extra decade of healthy years, why ultra-processed foods may be the cigarettes of our generation, and how new tools like AI and gut-based medicines could transform prevention. This conversation is both eye-opening and practical, giving you the tools to make changes today that could add years to your life. If you’ve ever wondered what’s hype and what’s real in the world of longevity, you’ll want to hear this one. Check out Dr. Topol's incredible book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity. If you like research,  you will LOVE this book.  Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    44 min
  3. Are You Really Choosing What You Eat? A Neuroscientist Says... Probably Not

    JUL 21

    Are You Really Choosing What You Eat? A Neuroscientist Says... Probably Not

    In this episode, we dive into the mind-blowing science of why we eat what we eat—with neuroscientist Dr. Alexandra DiFeliceantonio. She joins us to explore how ultra-processed foods hijack your brain’s reward systems, how your environment influences your food choices more than you realize, and whether you’re actually choosing that brownie… or if your brain decided for you. We talk about the powerful effects of food cues, how early exposure to certain foods shapes lifelong habits, and what new research says about the link between processed food and addiction. This conversation will change the way you think about cravings, willpower, and what it really means to “eat healthy.” If you've ever blacked out halfway through a bag of chips, this one's for you. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    44 min
  4. Are Superfoods Real... or Just a Scam?

    AUG 18

    Are Superfoods Real... or Just a Scam?

    In this episode, we sit down with Professor Mauro Serafini, one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition, to unpack all those health buzzwords you hear everywhere: antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative stress, and yes—superfoods. We dig into the science behind whether kale, blueberries, or even chocolate really deserve their “super” status, and what’s actually happening inside your body when you eat them. Professor Serafini shares fascinating research on how timing your meals can affect inflammation, aging, and even longevity, plus why adding fruits and veggies to every meal is more powerful than you think. You’ll hear surprising truths about supplements, chocolate’s role as a genuine superfood, and how everyday food choices can lower your risk for chronic disease. If you’ve ever wondered whether “superfoods” are just hype or real science, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    41 min
  5. What No One Tells You About Supplements

    SEP 9

    What No One Tells You About Supplements

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Eric Topol, diving into the truth behind supplements, saunas, cold plunges, and other so-called “longevity hacks.” He explains why most supplements don’t do anything for healthy people, why fads like cold plunges are a farce, and what actually matters if you want to extend your healthspan. We also cover the exceptions—like documented deficiencies—and whether Omega-3s have a place. Dr. Topol makes it clear that the real “hacks” aren’t hacks at all. To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! If you want more, check out our book! Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    3 min
  6. How Tobacco Companies Engineered Your Food Cravings

    AUG 4

    How Tobacco Companies Engineered Your Food Cravings

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most shocking truths about our modern food supply with Dr. Tera Fazzino, associate director at the KU Center for Addiction Research. What if we told you that the same tobacco companies that engineered cigarettes to be addictive also helped shape the foods you crave the most? From hyper-palatable snacks to sugary drinks, we unpack how these foods hijack your brain’s reward system—and why it’s so hard to stop eating them. Dr. Fazzino reveals the documented connection between Big Tobacco and Big Food, and why our current food environment might be more manipulated than we think. If you've ever felt like certain foods are literally irresistible, this episode will change the way you see your pantry. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    39 min
  7. Why Muscle Is the Organ of Longevity (and How to Build It at Any Age)

    JUN 16

    Why Muscle Is the Organ of Longevity (and How to Build It at Any Age)

    In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to age well—and why it's never too late to start. We’re joined by Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn, a geriatrician and researcher at King’s College London, who explains why your muscle mass is basically a fountain of youth, why protein matters more as you age, and how your gut microbiome might hold the key to both physical and cognitive health. She also shares what she's learned from studying people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s—including the surprising habit they all seem to have in common. Whether you're in your 30s wondering if your best days are behind you (spoiler: they’re not) or you're helping a parent stay healthy, this episode is packed with real, practical tips.  Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    39 min
  8. Are Omega-3s a Myth?

    09/02/2024

    Are Omega-3s a Myth?

    In this episode, we dive into the murky waters of omega-3 supplements with the esteemed Dr. JoAnn Manson from Harvard MEdical School. Are fish oils the miracle cure they’re hyped up to be, or are we all just falling for another health fad? We’re breaking down the biggest myths, diving into what the research actually says, and figuring out who really benefits from these supplements. Plus, we’re answering your burning questions: Are plant-based omega-3s just as good? Do you really need to refrigerate that pricey bottle? Find out in today's episode.  For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT Check out our book: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    34 min
  9. How Exercise Helps with Depression, Anxiety, and the Aging Brain ft. Dr. Jennifer Heisz

    09/04/2023

    How Exercise Helps with Depression, Anxiety, and the Aging Brain ft. Dr. Jennifer Heisz

    We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but today we talk about the brain benefits. How does exercise impact depression and anxiety? How can exercise help keep our brains young? Should our exercise habits change depending on our mental health? Today, we speak to Dr. Jennifer Heisz, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University. Check out her book Move the Body, Heal the Mind. To get weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam: https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT Check out our book! https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    44 min
  10. How to Create Habits and Hack Your Health

    07/11/2022

    How to Create Habits and Hack Your Health

    You know those people who have it all together—their eating, their exercise, their work life—all seemingly with no effort? Well, it turns out it's not because they have amazing "self-control" or "will power." It's actually because they have really good habits. In this episode, we speak to Professor Wendy Wood all about how to create new habits, break bad ones, and the power of habit hacking and habit stacking. All the shownotes can be found on our website: https://www.foodweneedtotalk.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    36 min
  11. The Trick to Craving Vegetables (No, Really)

    JUL 28

    The Trick to Craving Vegetables (No, Really)

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Alex DiFeliceantonio about how to actually make healthy eating more appealing to your brain. We dive into the science of flavor, anticipation, and food reward—and why roasted veggies with butter are totally fair game. Alex shares her 80/20 approach to feeding her family, what’s in her emergency grocery cart, and why she avoids artificial sweeteners for her kid. We also talk about the sneaky ways food companies use health labels to trick you.  To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    6 min
  12. Is Leaky Gut a Real Thing? Bloating, Brain Fog, and More

    APR 14

    Is Leaky Gut a Real Thing? Bloating, Brain Fog, and More

    In this episode, we tackle one of the buzziest—and most confusing—topics in gut health: leaky gut. Juna’s dad has been asking about it nonstop, so we brought in one of the world’s leading experts, Dr. Michael Camilleri from the Mayo Clinic, to break it all down. What exactly is leaky gut? Is it real, how do you know if you have it, and can it actually cause brain fog or autoimmune disease? Dr. Camilleri gives us the real science on gut barriers, how food and medication affect them, and what you can do to support your gut health (spoiler: fiber wins again). If you've ever wondered whether your bloating or brain fog has anything to do with your gut—or you just want to stop your dad from sending you wellness TikToks—this episode is for you. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    37 min
  13. How Can I Become A Fat-Burning Machine?

    01/13/2020

    How Can I Become A Fat-Burning Machine?

    Asked for just one recommendation for lifelong health, our experts all had the same answer: exercise. And there's one type of exercise that may bring the best benefit in the least amount of time. Experts include: Wayne Westcott, Sal Di Stefano, and Jackie Shahar. (Bonus: For more on exercise, listen to "The Magic Pill": https://www.wbur.org/magicpill) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    20 min
  14. Can You Reverse Aging? Longevity Scientist Explains

    JUN 2

    Can You Reverse Aging? Longevity Scientist Explains

    In this episode, we dive deep into the science of aging with longevity expert Dr. David Barzilai. You’ve probably seen people online claiming to have reversed their biological age—but is any of that actually possible? We unpack the truth behind biological age tests, anti-aging supplements, and the wildest longevity trends (yes, even blood transfusions from your kids). Dr. Barzilai explains what really works—spoiler: it's not $2 million worth of pills—and shares simple, science-backed ways to live healthier for longer. If you want to cut through the hype and get real about living better, this episode is a must-listen. About Dr. Barzilai:  Dr. David Barzilai is a physician and the CEO of Healthspan Coaching LLC. He is a founding faculty member and Trustee at the Geneva College of Longevity Science, and serves as a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. Board-certified in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Barzilai holds both an MD and a PhD in health services research. Find him on X here or connect with him here.  Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    37 min
  15. Why Most Self Defense Advice Doesn't Work... and What Actually Does

    FEB 3

    Why Most Self Defense Advice Doesn't Work... and What Actually Does

    In this episode, we’re covering a topic we’ve never tackled before: self-defense. Our guest, Meg Stone, author of The Cost of Fear, explains why most self-defense advice is outdated, fear-based, and often ineffective—plus what actually works. We discuss how to recognize coercion, set verbal boundaries, and use simple but powerful physical techniques to protect yourself. Meg also shares how learning self-defense can boost confidence in all areas of life. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly stay safe, this episode is a must-listen! Check out Meg’s book: The Cost of Fear: Why Most Safety Advice Is Sexist and How We Can Stop Gender-Based Violence  For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    45 min
  16. Stress, Eating, and Weight

    07/25/2022

    Stress, Eating, and Weight

    We usually think of stress as a "bad" thing, something to be avoided–but is stress actually bad for our health? How does stress affect our eating and our food choices? Why do some of us gain weight when we get stressed, while others lose weight? This week, we talk to Professor Daryl O'Connor of University of Leeds all about stress, food, and our waistlines. All shownotes can be found on our website: https://www.foodweneedtotalk.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    30 min
  17. Rewiring Your Brain to Crave Real Food

    AUG 11

    Rewiring Your Brain to Crave Real Food

    In this episode we continue our conversation with Tera Fazzino all about how to rewire your brain and taste buds to break free from the grip of hyper-palatable foods. We get into the science of how these foods can literally change your brain’s reward circuitry—much like addictive substances—and why they can make you want them more even as you enjoy them less. Tera shares practical tips for spotting these foods at the store, simple swaps that make a difference, and how to retrain your palate to genuinely crave whole, natural foods. To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! If you want more, check out our book! Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    5 min
  18. Wrestling With Body Positivity, Losing Weight Without Disordered Eating, and Eating Healthy in College - Q&A

    08/22/2022

    Wrestling With Body Positivity, Losing Weight Without Disordered Eating, and Eating Healthy in College - Q&A

    We answer some questions from YOU, our listeners. In this episode, we cover balancing body positivity and overall health, navigating your relationship to food after having dealt with disordered eating, and... it's back to school season! So how do we maintain good healthy habits, even while we're in school? Remember to head to our website for our show notes: https://www.foodweneedtotalk.com/ And please take our 5-minute survey for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! https://www.foodweneedtotalk.com/survey Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    35 min
  19. Is Olive Oil a Magic Bullet?

    AUG 25

    Is Olive Oil a Magic Bullet?

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Mauro Serafini all about the connection between food, inflammation, and long-term health. We dig into how obesity and metabolic syndrome fuel chronic inflammation, why even people who aren’t overweight can still be at risk, and why not all calories are created equal. Mauro explains how losing fat (not just weight) lowers inflammation, and he shares his perspective on the role of olive oil, fresh markets, and the eating habits of centenarians. We also explore his philosophy of nutritional kindness, a simple, compassionate approach to eating that makes healthy habits sustainable for the long run. To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! If you want more, check out our book! Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    5 min
  20. Misconceptions About Eating Disorders, Orthorexia, and More

    02/05/2024

    Misconceptions About Eating Disorders, Orthorexia, and More

    In today’s episode, we talk all things eating disorders with Dr. Evelyna Kambanis from Massachusetts General Hospital. How common are each of the eating disorders? What are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding them? What is orthorexia? How does social media affect EDs? And what are the best treatments? We cover all this and more on today’s episode in honor of the upcoming National Eating Disorders Awareness week. To hear our bonus episode “You Binged, Now What?” click the link below: https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT For resources on eating disorders, including the eating disorders hotline and places to look for help, please check out the National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Check out our book: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    36 min
Edward M. Phillips M.D. on Apple