Edward M. Phillips M.D. en Apple Podcasts

Food, We Need To Talk

Food, We Need To Talk

Juna Gjata

HACE 5 H

Stanford Scientist Breaks Down Health Trends

In this bonus episode, we’re back with Dr. Rachele Pojednic for one of our favorite games: Overrated vs. Underrated — wellness edition. Rachele gives brutally honest takes on cold plunges, wearables like Oura and Whoop, continuous glucose monitors, greens powders, zone 2 training, and IV drips. You’ll hear what she thinks is genuinely useful, what’s wildly overhyped, and what the science still doesn’t know yet. (Yes, she straight-up says cold plunges are overrated and greens powders are a hard no.) If you love hot takes and you want to stop wasting money on wellness nonsense, you’re going to love this one. 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

4 min
16 FEB

Saunas, Supplements, Cold Plunges and More

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachele Pojednic, a Stanford faculty member and Chief Science Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, to talk about the confusing gray zone between wellness fads and real science. We get into why so many health trends (like saunas, cold plunges, supplements, red light therapy, and IV drips) feel like they work… even when the research hasn’t caught up yet. Rachele breaks down how wellness companies and influencers often take small, weak studies and turn them into massive claims — and how to spot that as a consumer. We also talk about what actually looks promising in the research right now (yes, creatine comes up), and why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe” or “effective.” If you’ve ever wondered what’s legit, what’s hype, and what’s just expensive placebo, this episode will make you feel so much smarter. 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

1 h
2 FEB

It’s Not Your Genes. It Might Be Your Water.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Gary Miller, a professor at Columbia University, about how the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use every day may be shaping our health more than our genes ever could. We dive into the science of the “exposome,” why diseases like Parkinson’s and obesity are rising so fast, and what everyday chemicals might be doing inside your body. Along the way, we get practical about what actually matters — from water filters and air purifiers to plastics, perfumes, and even flowers on cakes. Dr. Miller breaks down what’s truly worth worrying about and what’s not. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your environment (and your future health), this episode will change how you look at everything around 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

35 min
19 ENE

4 Health Changes That Prevent 80% of Disease

In this episode, we zoom way out and ask a simple but powerful question: what health behaviors actually make the biggest difference? We’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Bonnet, a lifestyle medicine physician and former personal trainer, to cut through the noise of biohacks, microplastics, and wellness overwhelm. Together, we talk about the “big levers” of health—movement, food, sleep, stress, connection—and how to prioritize change without trying to fix everything at once. Dr. Bonnet explains why your why matters more than perfection, how identity shapes long-term habits, and why radical consistency beats flashy New Year’s resolutions every time. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by too much health advice, this episode will help you focus on the few things that are actually worth changing for. Find Dr. Bonnet's lifestyle assessment here. Sign up for our newsletter here! Find the lifestyle wheel 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

43 min
9 FEB

The Toxins You’re Exposed to (Without Knowing It)

In this episode, we continue our conversation about how your environment might be shaping your health with Dr. Gary Miller, professor of environmental health at Columbia University. We go deeper into the exposome — including how social factors, housing, air quality, and even stress leave measurable chemical fingerprints in your body. Dr. Miller explains what doctors don’t yet test for, why personal exposure testing isn’t quite ready for prime time, and what actually helps reduce risk right now. We also get practical (and honest) about masks, gas stoves, moldy apartments, self-tanner, makeup, and heating food in plastic. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your exposures — and what’s worth changing — this bonus episode is for you. Sign up for our newsletter here! To hear the rest of this episode, 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

5 min
1 ENE

The Science of Motivation: Why It’s So Hard to Stick to Your Goals

n this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Faries, a behavioral medicine expert, to unpack why New Year’s resolutions fail—and why “just do it” doesn’t actually work when it comes to motivation, habits, and behavior change. We talk about confidence, self-discipline, and the real science behind why it’s so hard to stick to goals like exercising more, eating better, or finally following through on the habits you set every January. Dr. Faries shares practical, research-backed strategies to close the gap between intention and action, including how to set goals that actually stick and how to get back on track after falling off. If you’re searching for answers to why motivation disappears, how to build better habits, or how to make this year different, this conversation will hit home. You’ll walk away with a totally new way to think about goal-setting—and tools that make real, sustainable change feel possible. 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

38 min
26 ENE

Why Willpower Fails and the Simple Habit Hacks That Actually Work

On this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Jonathan Bonnet—this time getting very practical about behavior change. We dig into the small, underrated “hacks” that actually make habits stick, from visual cues and environment design to making healthy choices the easiest option by default. We also talk through strategies for breaking habits you don’t want—like mindless scrolling or smoking—plus realistic approaches to sleep and stress that don’t require becoming a meditation monk. If you’re great at setting goals but struggle with follow-through, this bonus episode is all about closing that gap. Think less willpower, more systems that work with your brain instead of against it. To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! Sign up for our newsletter here! 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

4 min
12 ENE

The Psychology Behind Fitness Scams

In this episode we continue our conversation with Mark Faries all about why it’s so hard to do the things we know we want to do—and why we keep falling for shiny shortcuts that promise big results with zero effort. Mark breaks down the psychology behind infomercials, fad diets, and “miracle” fitness gadgets using a simple framework that will permanently change how you spot misleading health claims. We talk about why things like the Thigh Master and vibrating belts feel so convincing, where a kernel of truth often hides in bad advice, and how hope gets exploited by marketing. The real takeaway? Your success doesn’t come from a product—it comes from you, and understanding that is incredibly empowering. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, duped, or stuck when it comes to behavior change, this conversation will make you feel seen and smarter about what actually works. To hear the rest of this episode, come join the Foodie Fam! Sign up for our newsletter here! 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

4 min
01/09/2025

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
16/06/2025

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
18/08/2025

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
21/07/2025

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
04/09/2023

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
30/06/2025

Don’t Fall for Fake Science: What to Look for in a Study

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important questions in health and wellness: how do you know which science to trust? We break down how to tell the difference between a high-quality study and total BS, how to actually read a scientific paper, and what terms like “randomized controlled trial,” “p-hacking,” and “meta-analysis” really mean. You’ll learn the red flags to watch out for, the hierarchy of scientific evidence, and why some studies never get published at all. This is the ultimate crash course in spotting bad science—and understanding the good stuff. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting headlines or confused by research jargon, this episode will help you make sense of it. 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

49 min
24/02/2020

Disordered Eating And Eating Disorders

Juna reveals that she is battling an eating disorder and explores how and why dieting can tip into problem territory, and what to do about it. Experts in this episode include Jenny Thomas, co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Kristin Javaras, clinical psychologist at McLean Hospital. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

25 min
27/06/2022

From "Fat Is In" to "Slim-Thick" - A History of Dieting

From the time of the Victorians to the time of the Kardashians, there's always been a body type that's been "in." The only problem? It's always changing. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Katharina Vester of American University about the origins of body ideals and how they have impacted society and culture over time. Having a six pack used to mean you were broke? Only men were allowed to watch their weight? The surprising history of dieting and our bodies. All shownotes on our website: www.foodweneedtotalk.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

32 min
15/09/2025

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
23/12/2019

Doomed If You Diet, Doomed If You Don’t

Episode one! 24-year-old co-host Juna Gjata says restrictive eating has made her miserable her entire adult life, but she’s sure if she stops she’ll "literally gain 20 pounds on gingerbread lattes peppermint mochas." Enter Dr. Eddie Phillips, founder of the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine and a seasoned doctor, who aims to help Juna get to a happier, healthier place with food. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

19 min
09/09/2025

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
25/07/2022

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

Edward M. Phillips M.D. en Apple

Edward M. Phillips M.D.

Programas

Episodios

Stanford Scientist Breaks Down Health Trends

Saunas, Supplements, Cold Plunges and More

It’s Not Your Genes. It Might Be Your Water.

4 Health Changes That Prevent 80% of Disease

The Toxins You’re Exposed to (Without Knowing It)

The Science of Motivation: Why It’s So Hard to Stick to Your Goals

Why Willpower Fails and the Simple Habit Hacks That Actually Work

The Psychology Behind Fitness Scams

How to Add a Decade to Your Life

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

Are Superfoods Real... or Just a Scam?

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

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

Don’t Fall for Fake Science: What to Look for in a Study

Disordered Eating And Eating Disorders

From "Fat Is In" to "Slim-Thick" - A History of Dieting

A New Chapter

Doomed If You Diet, Doomed If You Don’t

What No One Tells You About Supplements

Stress, Eating, and Weight