The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Physicians Committee

Dive into the science of your diet! Learn how a humble blueberry can fight cancer or what the longest living people in the world are eating. Every episode is packed with facts that will raise your health IQ and boost your nutrition knowledge. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading voice in nutrition science and founder of The Physicians Committee, and other elite doctors and dietitians. Unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier life and how to fight diseases with every meal.

  1. Chris Beat Cancer: Food, Faith, And The Will To Live

    1d ago

    Chris Beat Cancer: Food, Faith, And The Will To Live

    Chris Wark was just 26 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. What happened next changed his life forever. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to share the story behind Chris Beat Cancer, the decisions he made after surgery, and why he believes food, faith, mindset, purpose, and self-advocacy all became part of his healing journey. You'll hear the emotional story of how Chris went from fear and uncertainty to feeling empowered again and why he says healing happens at home. 🧠 In this episode, you'll learn: What Chris wishes every cancer patient would ask their oncologist Why he believes nutrition became a turning point in his journey The hospital meal that shocked him after colon surgery How he built his "overdosing on nutrition" approach Why purpose and family became central to his will to live What "healing happens at home" means to him How a whole food plant-based diet fits into the cancer conversation Colorectal cancer is rising among younger adults, making conversations like this more important than ever. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in adults under 50 in recent years, while rates have declined among many older adults. Exam Roomies of the Week Harriet Leveen  Robert Callahan 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 📗 Chris Beat Cancer Book 👉 https://amzn.to/4nbVsFY 💪 Chris Beat Cancer Website 👉 https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

    1h 20m
  2. Why You Can't Stop Eating: The Science of Weak Willpower | Dr. Vanita Rahman

    6d ago

    Why You Can't Stop Eating: The Science of Weak Willpower | Dr. Vanita Rahman

    Binge eating and emotional eating are not simply about willpower. According to Dr. Vanita Rahman, they are often driven by stress, shame, biology, habits, food environment, and the way the brain learns to use food as a coping mechanism. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Rahman joins Chuck Carroll to explain what is really happening when someone feels out of control around food — and how to begin breaking the cycle. Chuck also shares his own experience with food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in secret before losing 280 pounds and transforming his health. 🧠 You'll learn: - The difference between binge eating, bulimia, emotional eating, and stress eating - Why shame keeps the binge eating cycle alive - Why nighttime can be the biggest danger zone - Why binge eating can happen even with healthy vegan foods - Why "willpower" may be the wrong word entirely - How a whole food, plant-based diet may help reduce cravings and support recovery - Why group support can be so powerful for long-term success - What to do after a binge to avoid falling into a spiral Dr. Rahman is leading a 12-week Binge and Emotional Eating Program through the Physicians Committee beginning June 10. The program focuses on mindfulness, identifying triggers, nourishing foods, reducing vulnerability, and building tools for long-term success. Also mentioned in this episode: The Rochester Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is hiring a Lifestyle Medicine physician or provider. Learn more at https://www.RochesterClinic.com or call 507-218-3095. Exam Roomies of the Week - Sharon Smith - Mary DeCoster 💪 Binge & Emotional Eating Program 👉 https://bit.ly/overcoming-binge-eating 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🏥 Barnard Medical Center 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/barnard-medical-center 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

    59 min
  3. Lupus and Sjögren's Symptoms Reversed In Weeks With This Diet | Brooke Goldner, MD

    May 26

    Lupus and Sjögren's Symptoms Reversed In Weeks With This Diet | Brooke Goldner, MD

    Could lupus and Sjögren's symptoms improve in just weeks with the right diet and lifestyle changes? Dr. Brooke Goldner joins Chuck Carroll to share the remarkable stories of patients with autoimmune disease who experienced dramatic recoveries after following her Goodbye Autoimmune Disease protocol. This conversation is especially personal for me. There are people close to me who have struggled for decades with many of the same issues Dr. Goldner and I discuss in this interview. I shared this episode with one of them before releasing it publicly, and they were blown away by what she had to say. Dr. Goldner discusses her 2024 case series involving three women with both lupus and Sjögren's syndrome who reported symptom remission within weeks after following a raw, whole-food, plant-based nutrition protocol. She also shares her own story of being diagnosed with aggressive lupus as a teenager, facing kidney failure and mini strokes, and later living symptom-free for more than 20 years. 🧠 In this episode, you'll learn: What "hypernourishment" means Why raw cruciferous vegetables may be central to Dr. Goldner's protocol How omega-3s and hydration may support healing Why stress and trauma may worsen autoimmune disease How lupus, Sjögren's, Hashimoto's, RA, Crohn's, and other autoimmune conditions may overlap Why Dr. Goldner believes inflammation can sometimes be addressed and reversed What patients should know before making major diet or medication changes Exam Roomies of the Week Elvira Northey from Macomb, MI DeeDee O'Connor from Bellingham, WA 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 👩🏻‍⚕️ Dr. Brooke Goldner Website and Courses 👉 https://goodbyelupus.com 📗 Dr. Brooke Goldner Books 👉 https://amzn.to/4uGteGx 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

    1h 6m
  4. Doctor Reveals the 2 Foods to Avoid: Ultra-Processed Foods Aren't the Problem

    May 21

    Doctor Reveals the 2 Foods to Avoid: Ultra-Processed Foods Aren't the Problem

    Are ultra-processed foods really as unhealthy as we've been told? New research suggests the answer may be more complicated than the headlines make it seem. Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down findings showing that much of the health risk linked to ultra-processed foods may be driven by two specific categories: processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. That means foods like bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, pepperoni, hot dogs, and soda may be doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to increased disease risk. But what about breakfast cereal? Plant-based burgers? Vegan snacks? Olive oil? Cheese? Steak? And what about studies linking ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline and dementia risk? Dr. Barnard helps separate nutrition fact from fiction and explains what really matters when you're reading a food label. 🧠 In this episode, Dr. Barnard explains: The two foods most strongly linked to processed food health risks Why processed meat may be more concerning than other ultra-processed foods Whether plant-based processed foods are healthier Why sugar in soda is different from sugar in foods with fiber How cheese can be higher in sodium than potato chips Why steak and chicken don't get a free pass What new research says about ultra-processed foods and cognition How to choose healthier foods without overcomplicating nutrition Exam Roomies of the Week Dana Kennett from Saint Johns, FL Lori Baum from Sandusky, OH 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🙏 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 📗 Dr. Neal Barnard Books 👉 https://amzn.to/4u6zQxm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

    44 min
  5. Is 2,000 Calories Too Much? Dr. Joel Fuhrman Explains

    May 19

    Is 2,000 Calories Too Much? Dr. Joel Fuhrman Explains

    Is 2,000 calories a day too much? Dr. Joel Fuhrman joins The Exam Room to challenge one of the most familiar numbers in nutrition and explain why the "standard" 2,000-calorie diet may not be right for everyone — and for many people, it may be more food than the body actually needs. According to Dr. Fuhrman, consistently eating more calories than your body requires may do more than cause weight gain. It may speed up metabolism in ways that contribute to faster aging. The key, he says, is finding your personal caloric window: enough food to meet your needs, but not so much that you are constantly overeating. 🧠 In this episode, Dr. Fuhrman explains: Why 2,000 calories a day may be too much for many adults How overeating calories may affect aging What your personal "caloric window" means Your body's response to the "caloric rush" Why the Nutritarian diet is different from a vague "plant-based" diet How G-BOMBS — greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds — support longevity Why nuts and seeds may help with satiety and weight loss How sugar, oil, and animal fat may drive cravings Why salt may be a bigger concern than many people realize How microplastics and toxins are affecting modern health Dr. Fuhrman also shares remarkable stories from his medical career, including patients facing autoimmune disease, severe migraines, digestive illness, and cancer. Exam Roomies of the Week R. Nagtegaal from Washington Cross, PA Suzanne Gergely from Württemberg, Germany 🌱 Dr. Fuhrman Events and Courses 👉 https://www.drfuhrman.com/events 📗 Dr. Fuhrman Books 👉 https://amzn.to/42Iv6lz 💪 NHA Conference in Cleveland 👉 https://bit.ly/NHAConf2026 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

    1 hr
  6. Brain Fog, Bloating, Joint Pain? Inflammation and Your Gut May Be the Link | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

    May 14

    Brain Fog, Bloating, Joint Pain? Inflammation and Your Gut May Be the Link | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

    Inflammation is tied to some of the biggest health problems in the world — heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, gut disorders, brain health issues, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and more. And one of the best ways to understand what is driving that inflammation may begin in your gut. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant Powered Plus, joins Chuck Carroll to reveal how the gut microbiome can shape inflammation throughout the body — and what you can do to start reducing inflammation naturally. Dr. B also shares practical steps for people with sensitive stomachs, bloating, IBS, or food intolerances who want to improve gut health without making symptoms worse. This is your gut-first guide to understanding inflammation, identifying what may be driving your symptoms, and taking the first steps toward better health. 🧠 You'll learn: What inflammation actually is Why chronic inflammation is so dangerous How gut bacteria influence the immune system The best foods to start eating today Exercises that can reduce inflammation  How sleep, stress, and weight also affect inflammation The biggest food drivers of inflammation Why ultra-processed foods may raise inflammatory markers How fiber helps produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids Why eating 30 plants per week can support a healthier microbiome   Dr. B also shares details about his free live workshop, Discover the Inflammation Phenotype Driving Your Symptoms, happening Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET. The 90-minute webinar will explore how inflammation may express itself differently from person to person, why symptoms such as bloating, autoimmune flares, brain fog, joint pain, hormonal issues, fatigue, and mood changes can show up together, and what may connect them beneath the surface. Exam Roomies of the Week Doreen Kupau from Hawaii and Anita Kregielska from Edinburgh, UK. You can become an Exam Roomie of the Week by supporting PCRM. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Bulsiewicz's Free Inflammation Workshop 👉 https://bit.ly/DrBFreeWorkshop 📺 Dr. B's YouTube Channel 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theguthealthmd 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world. This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

    49 min
  7. Hantavirus Outbreak: Virus Expert Explains Risk, Immunity, And Diet Impact | Dr. Roger Seheult

    May 12

    Hantavirus Outbreak: Virus Expert Explains Risk, Immunity, And Diet Impact | Dr. Roger Seheult

    A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship is making headlines around the world. But how worried should you really be? Dr. Roger Seheult joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain what is known about the outbreak, how diet and lifestyle may impact the risk of becoming sick, how Andes hantavirus spreads, why this situation is different from COVID-19, and why health officials are taking it seriously while still assessing the risk to the general public as low. Dr. Seheult is the co-founder of MedCram, an Associate Clinical Professor at UC Riverside School of Medicine, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, and is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine. 🧠 In this episode, Dr. Seheult will teach: What hantavirus is What makes Andes hantavirus different The possible role of diet in the body's ability to fight the virus How concerned the average person should be Why this does not appear to spread like COVID-19 How inflammation may affect infection risk What sleep and circadian rhythm have to do with immunity Why morning sunlight may support health How light at night can interfere with melatonin Why Dr. Seheult says "dark days and bright nights" are a major problem   The conversation begins with the breaking news about hantavirus and expands into a larger discussion about how food, sleep, sunlight, and everyday habits may help support the immune system. This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. 📺 Dr. Seheult YouTube Channel 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Medcram 💡 Light Boxes 10,000 Lux 👉 https://amzn.to/3P518oL 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

    56 min
  8. Biggest Health Studies of the Year: Sugar, Coffee and More | Dr. Andrew Freeman

    May 7

    Biggest Health Studies of the Year: Sugar, Coffee and More | Dr. Andrew Freeman

    Every day there's a new headline about health. Coffee is good. Coffee is bad. Fat is the problem. No, sugar is. Eat this. Avoid that. So what does the science actually say? Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman breaks down the biggest health and nutrition studies of the past year and explains what they really mean for your life. 🧠 You'll learn: - The difference between healthspan vs lifespan - Why chronic disease rates aren't improving - The shocking rise in childhood obesity worldwide - How sugar-sweetened beverages impact heart health - The truth about ultra-processed foods - The benefits of flavonoids and antioxidant-rich diets - What new research says about coffee and tea - How fruits, vegetables, and legumes impact longevity Despite thousands of studies and an increased focus on health, millions are still getting sicker. Why? Dr. Freeman connects the dots and shows how to actually use science to live longer, healthier, and better. 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🙏 Dr. Brooke Bussard (our wonderful sponsor) 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

    51 min
4.9
out of 5
3,361 Ratings

About

Dive into the science of your diet! Learn how a humble blueberry can fight cancer or what the longest living people in the world are eating. Every episode is packed with facts that will raise your health IQ and boost your nutrition knowledge. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading voice in nutrition science and founder of The Physicians Committee, and other elite doctors and dietitians. Unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier life and how to fight diseases with every meal.

You Might Also Like