Food Junkies

Media by Others

The Food Junkies Podcast evolved from the book. Each week, Vera Tarman, Clarrissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab connect with scientists, Food Addiction clinicians, authors, and recovering Food Addicts to share fresh insights and tackle emerging debates.

Food Junkies Podcast: Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? With Dr Bart Kay, 2025

Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? Which is the best for the Food addiction?

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman and I am ...your host talking today to Professor Bart Kay.
Bart Kay is a former Professor of Health Science who has taught, researched, and consulted in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US; in the fields of human physiology, human nutrition, and cardiovascular pathophysiology. Bart is also an expert in pure and applied statistics. Bart has published a number of peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters and has served as an external consultant for organizations such as The New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, The National Rugby League Referees Association, and for both the New Zealand and Australian Defense Forces.

After retiring from academia in 2018, Bart became known as the "Nutrition Science Watchdog" on YouTube, where he focuses on debunking nutrition myths and educating the public. One of his many interesting foci is The Randle Cycle—a key metabolic pathway explaining how eating carbohydrates and fats together can lead directly to metabolic disease. This is what we at Food Junkies are especially interested in - we know we need to quit sugar, but should we additionally quit other carbs - and what about fats?
===
Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Bart Kay—former professor of health sciences turned “nutrition science watchdog”—to unpack a big, practical question for people in recovery from ultra-processed food use: If sugar needs to go, what about other carbs? And where does dietary fat fit in? We explore Dr. Kay’s perspective on the Randle (Randall) cycle, insulin resistance, mixed macro diets, seed oils, ketogenic/carnivore patterns, and real-world considerations for folks with sugar/UPF addiction who struggle to “moderate.” We also discuss staged change (don’t flip your diet overnight), what “abstainer vs. moderator” can mean in food recovery, and how to keep any nutrition experiment aligned with your health team and your recovery plan.

What we cover

The “Randle cycle,” plain-English: why mixing higher carbs and higher fats may worsen metabolic friction, and why choosing one dominant fuel is central to Dr. Kay’s model.
Insulin resistance re-framed: why Dr. Kay views it as a protective cellular response (his position) and how that informs low-carb/carnivore advocacy.
Carbs in recovery: “quit sugar” vs. “how low is low?”—Dr. Kay’s thresholds (e.g., ≤50 g/day unlikely to cause problems in his view) and why many with UPF addiction do better with abstinence than moderation.
Fats & satiety: why dietary fat often increases fullness cues; practical guardrails; “can you eat too much fat or protein?”
Seed oils: Dr. Kay’s strong critique of industrial seed oils and his inflammation concerns.
Cholesterol worries on low-carb/carnivore: why lipid numbers may rise and how Dr. Kay interprets A1C and lipid changes (controversial; see note below).
GLP-1s, metformin & meds: Dr. Kay’s take on drug mechanisms vs. root-cause nutrition changes.
Change management: why he recommends a 4–6 week ramp instead of an overnight switch to very low-carb/carnivore; supporting thyroid, energy, and the microbiome while you transition.
Recovery lens: abstainer vs. moderator, harm-reduction steps when “only food will regulate,” and building a plan that supports mental health and addiction recovery.
Key takeaways

Abstinence can be a kindness. If you’re a “can’t moderate sugar” person, treating sugar/UPFs as an abstinence-worthy trigger can protect your recovery.
Don’t crash-diet your microbiome. If you’re experimenting with lower-carb or carnivore, step down over 4–6 weeks with plenty of electrolytes, hydration, and support.
Pick a lane with macros. In Dr. Kay’s model, mixing higher carbs with higher fats is the most metabolically problematic; choosing one dominant fuel source may reduce friction.
Numbers are data, not destiny. Lipids and A1C can shift on low-carb—interpret changes with a clinician who understands your whole picture (medical history, meds, symptoms, goals).
Harm-reduction still counts. If full abstinence isn’t feasible today: remove red-light foods first, shrink access, use “pause + plan” tools, and reach out before the binge.
About our guest

Dr. Bart Kay is a former professor of human physiology, nutrition, and vascular pathophysiology with teaching/research stints in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. He’s consulted for elite sport and defense organizations and now educates the public on YouTube as a self-described nutrition myth-buster. One of his core topics is the Randle cycle and its implications for diet composition.

Dr. Kay's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Bart-Kay-Nutrition[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? With Dr Bart Kay, 2025

Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? Which is the best for the Food ...

Food Junkies Podcast: Bulimorexia and Food Addiction, with Renae Norton, 2025

Bulimorexia? Is it a thing? Might it explain why relapse is so high in ...

Bulimorexia? Is it a thing? Might it explain why relapse is so high in the ED and FA population?

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr ...Vera Tarman and I am your host today, speaking with Dr Renae Norton. Dr. Norton is a clinical psychologist and eating disorders specialist, with a Psy.D. in psychology from Wright State University. She began her clinical practice in 1985 after completing her residency at Good Samaritan Hospital. She is known for her holistic, systems-based approach to treating severe eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and bulimarexia-a term for individuals who alternate between periods of food restriction and binge-purge behaviors.

Dr. Norton advocates for "clean eating" and has been a vocal critic of the American food supply, linking food toxins to the rise in obesity and disordered eating. She has presented workshops for the American Psychological Association and is a wellness researcher. Dr. Norton formerly directed the Norton Center for Eating and Related Disorders (where I knew her) and now leads the Norton Wellness Institute and Mind Weight & Wellness Pro - where she offers intensive outpatient therapy for people with eating disorders, as well as for other mental health conditions.

----
In this episode, Vera and Renae explore bulimorexia—a term used for people who oscillate between restriction and binge/purge behaviors—and how this mixed pattern might help explain stubborn relapse rates across eating disorders and food addiction. Dr. Norton shares her clinical lens on risks (medical and psychological), why some traditional programs may miss the mark, and what a holistic, skills-based, harm-reduction treatment can look like (family involvement, gentle re-feeding, DBT/EMDR, food quality, and relapse prevention).

Note: Some views expressed are the guest’s opinions and experience. This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your care team.

What we cover
Defining “bulimorexia”: alternating restriction with binge/purge; how it differs from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; why it’s easier to hide than classic anorexia.
Continuum vs. categories: where binge eating disorder fits; overlap with food addiction.
Why relapse is common: risks of aggressive refeeding; short-stay residential models; lack of individualized care; missing family systems support.
Medical risks (high-level): cardiac arrhythmias and hypotension, esophageal tears/GERD, laxative misuse and constipation, electrolyte disturbance, kidney strain, dental/enamel erosion, parotid swelling, menstrual disruption and fertility concerns.
Psychological load: anxiety/OCD traits, depression, social avoidance; the “addiction to restricting” and the short-term ‘high’ of hunger.
Treatment principles Dr. Norton uses:
Gentle, stepwise re-feeding (small, frequent meals; stabilize blood sugar; avoid triggering extremes).
Skills over meal plans (shop, prep, and eat whole foods; mindful interoception).
DBT for arousal regulation, plus EMDR and trauma work as indicated.
Family-based involvement (Maudsley-style boundaries and support).
Movement re-entry: slow, safe progression; curbing compulsive exercise.
Relapse prevention: strong parent/caregiver alignment, food routines, anxiety skills, and ongoing monitoring.
Contested terrain: ultra-processed food, additives, and differing regulations by region; the guest’s emphasis on “clean/organic” sourcing.
Intermittent fasting cautions: for restrict-prone folks, it can mask restriction; prefer regular, structured eating.
What recovery can look like: decreased self-hatred, restored relationships, school/work re-engagement, and more flexible functioning.
Resources from the guest: forthcoming book Below the Radar: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Food; wellness tools she finds helpful.

Suggested chapter markers
00:00 Welcome & guest intro
02:20 What is “bulimorexia”? How it differs from AN/BN
10:55 Why relapse stays high; critique of standard programs
18:30 Medical complications: heart, GI, dental, endocrine
28:15 Psychological patterns: anxiety, OCD traits, depression
34:40 Treatment pillars: re-feeding, DBT/EMDR, family work
45:05 Food quality and UPFs: guest’s perspective & debate
53:10 Intermittent fasting cautions; safe movement
58:20 Relapse prevention & outcomes
1:04:10 Advice to clinicians, families, and society
1:08:00 What’s next for Dr. Norton & closing

Links & mentions
Dr. Renae Norton — Norton Wellness Institute / Mind, Weight & Wellness Pro
Book (forthcoming): Below the Radar: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Food
Maudsley/Family-Based Treatment (FBT) overview
DBT skills resources (distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness)[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Ozempic in the Whole Food Plant Based Community, with Dr Michael Greger, 2025

We’ve all heard the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic—are they ...

Food Junkies Podcast: Lipidema and Food Addiction, with Bonnie Newlin, 2025

Lipedema - what is it and how does it relate to food addiction? ...

Lipedema - what is it and how does it relate to food addiction?
Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman, and I am the host ...today speaking with Bonnie Newlin, who is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified LEAP Therapist, specializing in the nutritional management of lipedema and chronic inflammation.

Bonnie holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics from the University of Maryland. She completed her dietetics training at the University of Northern Colorado and a Master's at the University of Houston. She is credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has advanced training in Obesity Management through the CDR and Cornell’s Colin T. Campbell Nutrition program.

She is the founder and CEO of Crave Nourishment, where she empowers women to break free from dieting cycles and manage their health through evidence-based, anti-inflammatory nutrition. She also sits on the Lipedema Education Group and contributes to the development of medical standards of care for lipedema.

Of note to us, Bonnie’s has her own journey, which includes a 170-pound weight loss and a diagnosis of lipedema after years of struggling with weight and food addiction. What can she tell us about how to deal with this condition in our population?

------
In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Bonnie Newlin, registered dietitian nutritionist, Certified LEAP Therapist, founder of Crave Nourishment, and member of the Lipedema Education Group. Bonnie specializes in the nutritional management of lipedema and chronic inflammation.

Lipedema is a progressive adipose and connective tissue disorder that primarily impacts women, often misdiagnosed as obesity. Bonnie shares her own story of living with lipedema—including a 170-pound weight loss, delayed diagnosis, and eventual lipidema reduction surgery—and how food addiction and weight cycling complicate early recognition of the condition.

Together, Dr. Tarman and Bonnie explore:
What lipedema is and how it differs from obesity and lymphedema
Early signs, symptoms, and barriers to diagnosis
The role of hormonal changes in progression
Why ultra-processed foods and sodium worsen lipedema symptoms
The connection between lipedema, food addiction, and binge/restrict cycles
How anti-inflammatory nutrition and lifestyle strategies can reduce pain, swelling, and disease progression
Emerging treatments, including compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, vibration therapy, and lipedema reduction surgery

Myths about lipedema and why it’s often misunderstood in medical settings
Bonnie’s vision for DNA-guided nutrition research to better serve this population
This episode sheds light on a condition that may affect up to 11% of women yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. If you or someone you know struggles with chronic swelling, painful fat, or unexplained weight changes—especially alongside food addiction—this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

👉 Learn more about Bonnie’s work at Crave Nourishment[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Dr Tro' Kalayjian's TOWARD program for food addiction, 2025

Are diets (even low carb) and medications enough for food addiction? ...

Are diets (even low carb) and medications enough for food addiction?
Dr. Tro Kalayjian does not think so.

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera ...Tarman and I am your host today, speaking with Dr Tro Kalyjian.
Dr Tro is a board-certified physician in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of TOWARD Health, a remote metabolic health clinic. His work is heavily influenced by his personal achievement of losing 150 pounds, which led him to develop data-driven treatment models.
Dr. Kalayjian is also a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and an international lecturer on metabolic psychiatry. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, including the 2025 study we are talking about today - in Frontiers in Psychiatry on his clinic's success in reducing food addiction symptoms. He has also written a 2020 case series on the benefits of ketogenic diets for binge-eating disorder.

His clinic’s latest research, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, shows how combining low-carb nutrition with real-time support, psychological care, and metabolic monitoring can significantly reduce food addiction and binge eating symptoms—offering hope for those who haven’t found relief in diets or medications alone.

Dr. Tro is passionate about helping others find food freedom, and today he’s here to share the science, the struggle, and the solutions that actually work.

Research Highlights:
Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2025):
43 lbs average weight loss
~40–50% improvement in food addiction and binge eating symptoms
Outcomes comparable to medications (e.g. amphetamines, GLP-1s) — but without long-term side effects
Case series (220 people) on keto for binge eating showed significant improvements, challenging the old myth that "restrictive diets worsen eating disorders"

🛠️ What Actually Works (Tro's "Shotgun Protocol"):
Like treating sepsis with a bundled care approach, he bundles these for food addiction:
The TOWARD Framework:
Texting access to your medical team (real-time support like AA sponsors)
Online visits with doctors and coaches
Wellness coaching
Asynchronous education (on-demand app resources)
Real-time biofeedback (CGMs, scales, blood pressure)
Dietary intervention (low-carb/therapeutic carb restriction)🧠 Behavioral + Biological + Social Support = Results

🍳 Food & Physiology:
Therapeutic carb level: ~30g net carbs/day (but customized for each client)
Focus: Real food, nutrient density, stable blood sugar, and ketone production
Biological drivers of addiction: FTO & MC4R genes (linked to low satiety), ADHD traits, dopamine-seeking
Physiology matters: No regulation if you're low in protein, vitamin D, or sleep-deprived

💥 Why Diet Isn’t Enough:
Food addiction is not just about willpower
It's a poly-substance addiction: sugar, carbs, processed fats, additives, and volume
Even abstinent foods (like nuts or yogurt) can become part of volume addiction
“You need more than a food plan. You need a psychological and emotional toolkit too.”

😫 Barriers to Recovery:
Stress, trauma, pain, lack of sleep all increase relapse risk
GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic) may suppress appetite short-term but:
Lead to muscle loss
Double weight regain speed if stopped
Often used without a lifestyle program = future harm

❤️ The Human Side:
Shame, guilt, and blame paralyze recovery
“This isn’t a willpower issue. This is a food relationship issue driven by biology and trauma.”
One of his biggest lessons: “Take the disgust off yourself and place it on the substance. That’s freedom.”

🧠 Mental Experiments That Helped:
Tro experimented on himself with yogurt, berries, fasting, etc., to observe what triggered hunger or satiation
Asked: What makes people subconsciously eat less? → Ketogenic diet consistently decreased intake

📊 Cost & Accessibility:
Clinic costs $500/month but aims to be covered by employers (and is free to many employees)
Medical savings to employers = $2,000–$4,500 per year per person

Final Thoughts from Dr. Tro:
"Don’t believe the lies. Do your own homework. And eat meat."
Recovery is possible, but it must include compassion, community, and comprehensive care.

Tro will be speaking on emotional and cognitive manipulation of hunger at the upcoming International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference in London (Sept 2025)

Follow Dr. Tro:
Recent Publication: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1548609/full
Join us via Livestream for two full days of talks and plenary sessions, and, in recognition of your support, use code SSO to get a 40% discount: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ifacc2025-two-day-conference-4-5-september-2025-online-or-in-person-tickets-1226143812149?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawMB8iVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHY1g0d3R0b2hYdTFnMmhNAR5WiXm-cuXEnOUh40YV4TwTnXtMNdpkdXK9lzyXdIZIuE3OdtJho4U7g-ySFA_aem_9TqBY-e2_oaGzzekZpiq2g
Website: https://toward.health[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Chronic Invalidation w Clinician's Corner -Molly Painshab &Crissy Kennedy 2025

In today's insightful Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and ...

In today's insightful Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab delve into chronic invalidation as a trauma response, exploring its origins, impacts, and practical healing strategies. This episode offers ...clinicians compassionate insights and actionable tools for supporting clients on their healing journeys.

Key Highlights:
Understanding Chronic Invalidation
Chronic invalidation occurs when emotions, needs, or perceptions are consistently dismissed, causing internalization of critical voices.
Common invalidating statements include "You're too sensitive," "It's not that bad," and "Don't cry."
Chronic invalidation often results in perfectionism, emotional suppression, people-pleasing, and using food or substances to cope.
Origins and Impact
Invalidating behaviors can originate from caregivers' inability to handle their own emotions.
Chronic invalidation can manifest in adulthood as strong inner critics, emotional numbness, hyper-vigilance, and difficulty identifying personal emotions and needs.
Invalidated individuals often experience significant relationship challenges, attachment issues, and ongoing self-doubt.
Healing Strategies for Clients
Awareness: Encourage noticing and naming the inner critic as a first significant step toward healing.
Curiosity and Compassion: Recognize the inner critic as a protective mechanism developed to cope with past hurts.
Co-regulation and Community: Seek safe, validating environments where clients can experience relational repair through community support and co-regulation.
Therapeutic Modalities for Addressing Chronic Invalidation:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and reframe invalidating thoughts.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Provides emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Validates all parts of self without shame.
Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory: Body-based approaches to regulate the nervous system and safely reconnect clients with their bodies.
Clinician Guidance and Reminders
Avoid invalidating language (e.g., labeling clients as resistant or not having hit "rock bottom").
Validate client experiences before offering problem-solving approaches.
Model self-validation and demonstrate relational repair in therapeutic interactions.
Encourage distress tolerance skills among clinicians to prevent rescuing behaviors driven by personal discomfort.
Embodied Practice (Somatic Experiencing Exercise)
Clarissa leads listeners through a gentle, somatic experiencing practice designed to:
Identify areas of stored emotional tension.
Invite compassionate awareness and gentle inquiry into bodily sensations.
Facilitate nervous system regulation through grounding, breathwork, and affirmations.
Closing Insights
Healing from chronic invalidation is a gradual, individualized journey. Encourage clients to begin with the strategies and modalities that feel safest and most accessible.

Remind clients and clinicians alike that healing is not linear but is profoundly supported through compassionate awareness, relational repair, and community.

Join us next month for more empowering insights on Clinician's Corner!

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Junkies in book form? DrClaire Wilcox's "Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain"

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Junkies in book form? Dr Claire Wilcox's ...

Food Junkies Podcast: Food Junkies in book form? Dr Claire Wilcox's "Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain"

We’re honored to welcome back Dr. Claire Wilcox, a trailblazer in the field of food addiction. ...Claire is an addiction psychiatrist, former internist, and associate professor of translational neuroscience at the Mind Research Network. She’s worked in everything from eating disorderRewire treatment centers to general psychiatry and is on the frontlines of research, clinical care, and advocacy. Her academic textbook Food Addiction, Obesity and Disorders of Overeating has helped shape the professional dialogue—but today, we’re talking about her newest book, "Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet"—a compassionate, research-informed, and accessible guide for individuals navigating food addiction. And here’s the wild part: this book was directly inspired by the Food Junkies Podcast.

Key Takeaways
The Why Behind the Book
Claire was inspired by the validation, science, and compassion found in our podcast. She wanted to turn years of neurobiology, research, and lived experience into a digestible, practical resource for both clinicians and people in recovery.

Not Just Another Food Book
This is NOT a weight loss book. It’s a science-backed, shame-free guide to understanding food addiction and reclaiming your life from ultra-processed foods — whether you score mild, moderate, or severe on the mYFAS scale.

Food Addiction ≠ Weakness
Claire beautifully reframes food addiction as a neurobiological condition, not a moral failing. Like alcohol or nicotine addiction, it’s rooted in genetics, brain wiring, and environmental exposure — often starting in early childhood.

Diagnosis Matters
Chapter 6 tackles the controversial diagnostic gray zone, comparing food addiction to binge eating disorder and explaining how tools like the mYFAS can help people finally feel seen, understood, and validated.

One-Size-Fits-All
The book includes three levels of food plans that adapt to the individual — from flexible to more structured — based on your symptoms, goals, access to food, and cultural context. There’s no moral hierarchy here, just practical options.

Harm Reduction is Welcome Here
Recovery isn’t linear, and slips happen. The book normalizes recurrence without shame, promotes spiraling up over time, and encourages readers to find what works for them — even if it’s not “perfect.”

Tools with Neuroscience Receipts
Each tool is not only practical — it’s also evidence-based, with brain science to back it up. Claire doesn’t just tell you what to do… she tells you why it works.

Values Over Weight
This book helps you set recovery goals beyond the scale — like peace, freedom, energy, and connection. Weight loss may happen as a side effect, but the real win is regaining your life.

Validation for the Spectrum
Whether you’re struggling mildly or feel like you're at your lowest, this book meets you where you are and reminds you: there is a way out — and it can be your way.

Bonus: There are FREE online chapters + tools available starting August 1st through New Harbinger Publications!

📘 Available Everywhere Books Are Sold
➡️ Title: Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar, Ultra-Processed Diet Using Neuroscience
➡️ Website: https://www.wilcoxmd.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: How can food addiction predispose us to cancer? with Dr Raphael Cuomo, 2025

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman and I ...

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman and I am your cohost today, along with Molly Painshab. .Today we are speaking with Dr. Raphael E. ...Cuomo, author of Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer. Dr Cuemo is an American biomedical scientist and Associate Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, where he leads research on the intersection of addiction, cancer prevention, and public health. He got his PhD in Global Health from UC San Diego, completed a Master in Public Health from San Diego State University, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health. He has authored over one hundred peer-reviewed publications and is internationally recognized for his understanding of how behavioral factors like addiction reshape cancer risk and outcomes.

Dr Cuomo’s book "Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer,” explores the biochemical connections between addiction and disease. His research goes beyond the traditional dopamine hijacking the brain narratives that we at Food Junkies appreciate; Using extensive clinical data, he shows how addiction actually alters our biology, shaping our molecular environment to create chronic disease such as cancer.

Dr. Cuomo introduces the concept of “molecular scars”—long-term physiological changes left behind by repeated addictive behaviors, even low-grade ones like screen use or ultra-processed food consumption. He explains how these behaviors disrupt key systems in the body, including the dopamine, opioid, GABA, glutamate, cortisol, and the endocannabinoid systems, ultimately weakening immune surveillance, fueling inflammation, and accelerating cellular damage.

From the anticipatory nature of craving to the role of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, this episode invites clinicians, patients, and everyday listeners to reconsider addiction not as a character flaw, but as a biologically driven imbalance with profound public health implications.

Topics Covered:
The hidden biological link between addiction and cancer
What Crave reveals about chronic stimulation and health breakdown
Why craving is more about anticipation than pleasure
The difference between wanting and liking in addiction
How repeated overstimulation rewires dopamine and reduces pleasure
Molecular scars: the biological damage addiction leaves behind
The role of inflammation, immune suppression, and cellular dysfunction
How addiction disrupts neurotransmitters beyond dopamine (opioid, GABA, glutamate)
The overlooked role of the endocannabinoid system in both addiction and cancer
The impact of early life stress and ACE scores on long-term health
How screen time, ultra-processed food, and digital overstimulation shape disease risk
The concept of allostatic load as a measurable biological burden of chronic stress
Metabolic memory and food insecurity's impact on eating behaviors
Why oncology needs to integrate addiction screening into prevention and treatment
How to begin restoring the body's natural rhythm to prevent disease[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Reclaiming Embodiment after Spiritual Trauma with Dr Hilary McBride, 2025

Dr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and author ...

Dr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and reconnect with their wholeness. With a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University ...of British Columbia, she specializes in trauma, embodiment, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration. Known for making complex psychological concepts accessible and meaningful, Hillary is passionate about creating therapeutic spaces grounded in safety, trust, and hope.

Her clinical work is informed by evidence-based, de-pathologizing approaches including AEDP, IFS, EMDR, feminist therapies, and somatic practices. Hillary’s award-winning research on women’s mental health, body image, and sexuality has been recognized by the Canadian and American Psychological Associations, as well as the Taylor & Francis Young Investigator Award.
Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, Hillary is committed to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered on their path toward deeper self-acceptance and connection.

Key Takeaways:
• Disembodiment as a Survival Strategy:
Many of us leave the body because the world, or our upbringing, made it unsafe to stay. Returning to the body isn’t weakness—it’s radical resilience.
• Spiritual Trauma and the Inner Authority Crisis:
When we’ve been told that our bodies are sinful or untrustworthy, we lose connection to our inner compass. Reclaiming our own authority is central to healing.
• Why Embodiment Is a Form of Belonging:
Our bodies are where connection, pleasure, grief, and joy live. Embodiment helps us reconnect not just with ourselves, but with others and the earth.
• Healing Isn’t a Return to “Before”—It’s Becoming More Fully Ourselves:
The work isn’t to erase the pain, but to integrate it with love and become someone who can hold all of it with compassion.
• Psychedelic Therapy as a Doorway to Wholeness (When Safe and Ethical):
Hillary discusses the potential and limitations of psychedelics in trauma work—and why preparation and integration matter more than the substance alone.
• Body Image Recovery and Spiritual Reclamation Go Hand in Hand:
Healing the relationship with our bodies often requires rethinking harmful theology and cultural messages that disconnect us from pleasure and worthiness.
• The Role of Community in Repair:
No one heals in isolation. Being witnessed with gentleness in our messy middle is a key part of restoring trust.

🕊️ Quotes to Remember:
“The body is not the problem. The body is the place where the healing happens.” – Dr. Hillary McBride
“You are trustworthy. Your knowing is good. And the invitation is to come home to that.”
“Healing is possible. Even when the system told you it wasn’t.”

📚 Resources Mentioned:
• The Wisdom of Your Body by Dr. Hillary McBride
• Holy/Hurt: A Memoir of Body, Healing, and Liberation
• Hillary’s podcast: Other People’s Problems

Follow Hillary:
https://hillarylmcbride.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Post Event Collapse, on Clinician's Corner, with Clarissa and Molly, 2025

In this compassionate and insightful episode, Clarissa and Molly dive ...

In this compassionate and insightful episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into the phenomenon of post-event collapse—the physical, emotional, and psychological crash that can follow highly stimulating or meaningful experiences. Whether ...it’s a vacation, a major life event, a group share, or even just navigating a family gathering, many in food addiction recovery find themselves disoriented and vulnerable in the days that follow.

They unpack the biology (hello dopamine crash), psychology (emotional contrast effects), and the nervous system’s role (freeze/dorsal vagal responses), and they offer gentle, practical strategies for reentry and recovery. This episode is both validating and empowering—for listeners in recovery and for clinicians supporting them.

💡 Key Takeaways: What Is Post-Event Collapse?

A drop in energy, motivation, or mood after a highly stimulating or stressful event.
Often triggered by dopamine depletion, nervous system overload, and loss of structure.
Symptoms include: fatigue, cravings, irritability, sadness, restlessness, shame spirals, and “vulnerability hangovers.”

🧠 The Science Behind It:

The brain shifts from an activated, goal-directed state (dopamine high) to a depleted, low-stimulation state.
This emotional contrast can feel like going from technicolor to gray.
For those with trauma, neurodivergence, or attachment wounds, this crash may be even more intense.

💬 Common Scenarios That Trigger Collapse:

Vacations (especially with family)
Funerals, weddings, or big work events
Emotional vulnerability (group shares, therapy sessions)
Changes in routine or environment

🛠️ Coping Tools & Recovery Strategies:

Plan for reentry as much as the event itself. Create a 72-hour buffer.
Return rituals: Soft structure for meals, movement, hydration, rest, and reconnection.
Freeze meals or stock Factor meals for post-travel ease.
Anchor with connection: Reach out to your “seen and safe” people.
Use micro grounding tools during events (walking, nature, breath, touch points).
Practice self-compassion: Validate the guilt and exhaustion without judgment.
Communicate proactively with family to soften expectations post-return.

🧰 For Clinicians & Coaches: Normalize post-event collapse as part of the healing arc.
Support clients in building after-care plans (not just event plans).
Teach co-regulation skills and help clients ride the emotional wave.
Watch for perfectionism in recovery and help clients practice grace.
Encourage gentle transitions, especially for those navigating early recovery.

🔄 Favorite Quotes:
“This is the slow after the fast. It’s not failure—it’s your nervous system recalibrating.” – Clarissa
“You don’t have to avoid the guilt. You can rest and feel guilt. Guilt won’t kill us—but burnout just might.” – Clarissa
“This isn’t recurrence—it’s biology. Let’s name it, normalize it, and meet it with compassion.” – Molly
“Have a post-event plan like you’d pack a suitcase—soft landing included.” – Molly

🎁 Bonus Tips:
Live like a tourist: Bring the wonder of vacation into everyday life.
Use group support to “bookend” your events: check-in before, share after.
Teach your clients to identify their own 72-hour needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

💌 Questions or Comments?
Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com
We’d love to hear from you—let us know what you want us to cover next![+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Food Addiction, with Diana Hill

Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist and internationally ...

Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-based approaches to well-being. She is the host of the Wise ...Effort podcast and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and the forthcoming Wise Effort.

Diana teaches individuals and organizations how to build psychological flexibility so they can live more aligned, courageous, and meaningful lives. I first discovered Diana and the transformative power of ACT through her course on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for eating and body image concerns. Her work opened a new doorway in my own recovery and professional practice, helping me integrate compassion, values, and embodiment into the healing process. Blending over twenty years of yoga and meditation practice with cutting-edge psychology, Diana brings a unique and deeply personal approach to well-being that is both science-based and spiritually grounded.

Her insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Woman’s Day, Real Simple, and Mindful.org, and she’s a regular contributor to Insight Timer and Psychology Today. When she's not walking and talking with therapy clients, Diana is likely tending to her garden, caring for her bees, or swimming in the ocean at sunrise with her two boys.

Key Takeaways:
1. Movement ≠ Punishment
• Diana shares how our relationship with movement is often shaped by shame, rules, and diet culture.
• ACT invites us to reconnect with intrinsic values—like joy, connection, or vitality—rather than "shoulds."

2. From Motivation to Meaning
• Dr. Hill outlines the three types of motivation:
• Pleasure-seeking
• Pain-avoidance
• Values-based
• Relying only on feeling “motivated” often backfires. Lasting behavior change is values-driven, not vibe-dependent.

3. Urge Surfing 101
• Urges feel like waves—we think they’ll pull us under, but they always pass.
• Practicing presence, noticing without acting, and riding the wave can build powerful inner trust over time.

4. Body Shame Needs Light + Air
• Shame tells us to hide. ACT helps us bring curiosity and compassion to the parts we feel we “can’t show.”
• The antidote to shame is not “fixing” the body—it’s learning to see it differently.

5. Phones, Dopamine & Distraction
• Screen scrolling can become both a dopamine hit and an escape from discomfort.
• Awareness + micro-boundaries with tech can gently shift us back toward the life we actually want to live.

6. Values Are Felt, Not Just Picked
• Instead of just selecting values off a worksheet, ask:
• When did I feel most alive yesterday?
• When did I feel regret?
These moments hold the clues to your deepest values.

7. Recovery is a Process of Discovery
• Movement and food freedom are journeys of returning to self—not performance.
• Progress is nonlinear and personalized. Flexibility, not perfection, is the goal.

🔧 Tools & Practices Mentioned:
• Urge Surfing – a mindfulness tool to ride out cravings without reacting.
• Rick Hanson’s Savoring Practice – linger in positive moments to rewire the brain.
• "Wise Effort" – a Buddhist and ACT-informed lens on energy expenditure and sustainable change.
• Body Image Flexibility – showing up in life with your body, even when discomfort is present.

📚 Featured Resources:
• 🧘‍♀️ Book: I Know I Should Exercise But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman
• 📘 Upcoming: Wise Effort (Fall Release 2025)
• 🎧 Podcast: Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill
• 📩 Newsletter & Trainings: drdianahill.com

💬 Favorite Quote:
“You don’t have to like your body or love your body—but you can bring it with you. Let in some light, some air, and over time, maybe even appreciation.” – Dr. Diana Hill

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.[+] Show More

Food Junkies Podcast: What's in a Name? UltraProcessed Food or Food Product with Ashka Naik, 2025

Ultraprocessed food or ultraprocessed food product? What is in a name, ...

Ultraprocessed food or ultraprocessed food product? What is in a name, and does it matter what we call it?

Welcome to the Food Junkies Podcast. My name is Dr Vera Tarman ...and I am cohost today, along with Molly Painschab, speaking with Ashka Naik.

Ashka Naik leads the Research and Policy department at Corporate Accountability, a global human rights and social justice NGO. Ashka focuses on food systems, nutrition, and public health, while highlighting the food industry's influence on food security policies and food justice issues. She’s a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, studying the relationships between public policy, women's rights and food security. At Food Junkies, we have discussed how the food industry deliberately makes foods addictive, but how does Big Food manipulate consumer perceptions so that we buy this food over healthier foods?

🔍 Topics Covered:
The colonial and corporate roots of ultra-processed food systems
Food as power: how what we eat reflects who holds control
The extinction of food knowledge and the myth of “choice”
From peaceful to violent processing: what got lost in the name of convenience
Feminism, kitchen culture, and reclaiming traditional food prep as empowerment
Why we must stop calling ultra-processed products “food”
Grassroots vs. systemic change: what can individuals and communities do?
Rethinking the language of “food addiction” through a justice framework
Lessons from the tobacco wars: how public pressure can drive industry accountability
The sacredness of nourishment — and how to teach our children to reclaim it
🌱 Resources & References:
Corporate Accountability
“Not Food: Time to Call Ultra-Processed Food Products by Their True Name” – Co-authored article by Ashka Naik, Dr. Prescott, and Dr. Logan
📣 Final Message from Ashka:

“Do not let anyone or anything make you believe that you can compromise on your relationship with what nourishes you.”

💡Learn more about Ashka
💌Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.[+] Show More

Media by Others

Food Junkies

The Food Junkies Podcast evolved from the book. Each week, Vera Tarman, Clarrissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab connect with scientists, Food Addiction clinicians, authors, and recovering Food Addicts to share fresh insights and tackle emerging debates.

Food Junkies Podcast: Quit the Carbs or Quit the Fat? With Dr Bart Kay, 2025

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