A science-based, humor laced approach to health and fitness. With the help of top researchers from the health and wellness fields, Juna Gjata and Dr. Eddie Phillips break down the science behind good nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, and more. Includes a generous helping of sarcasm (Juna), dad jokes (Eddie), and pristine sound design (our awesome producers).
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Bone Broth, Gluten, and Gut Health: What’s Actually True?
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4:41Today, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michael Camilleri, one of the world’s leading experts on leaky gut, to separate fact from fiction on one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) health topics on the internet. We get into whether leaky gut is actually the root cause of chronic diseases like depression and autoimmune conditions, whet…
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Is Leaky Gut a Real Thing? Bloating, Brain Fog, and More
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36:40
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36:40In 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 actua…
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Why You’re Sleeping Less—and What to Do About It
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4:49In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michele Joanellis all about insomnia and why so many of us are struggling with sleep—without even realizing it. We dive into what happens to our sleep as we age, why menopause and post-menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, and whether it's normal to wake up in the middle of the night (spoiler: …
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You Probably Have Insomnia... Here's What to Do About It
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46:11You probably have insomnia… and you probably don’t even know it. In this episode, we dive into one of the most relatable struggles out there: not being able to fall asleep, stay asleep, or stop stressing about sleep. We’re joined by Dr. Michelle Jonelis, a sleep medicine specialist who explains why your sleep tracker might be lying to you, why opti…
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Why Am I Sore for Days? (And What It Means About Your Workout)
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5:41In this episode, we are continuing last week’s Q&A!! Have you ever wondered how long you’re supposed to be sore after a workout—or better yet, how to be less sore? We’re tackling DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness): how long it should last, what’s actually happening in your muscles, and when it might be a sign of something more serious. Then we di…
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Juicing vs. Blending, Fixing Joint Pain, Post-Meal Walks, and More!
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41:15In this episode, we’re back with another round of listener Q&A—our favorite kind of episode where we get to hang out and tackle your biggest health and nutrition questions! We break down whether blending, juicing, cooking, or even just chewing your food affects its nutritional value (spoiler: Eddie drops some serious anatomy knowledge on us). We al…
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Practical Tools for a Happier Life: Flow States, Gratitude, and More
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5:11In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Liana Lianov about how to apply positive psychology in real life. We explore why feeling stressed—even when life is objectively good—is so common, and how practices like kindness, gratitude (but not too much!), and flow states can help shift our mindset. Dr. Lianov shares science-backed strateg…
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The Science of Increasing Your Life Satisfaction
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46:16In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of positive psychology—not just thinking happy thoughts, but the actual science of what makes life worth living! We’re joined by Dr. Liana Lianov, founder of the Global Positive Health Institute, to explore how boosting your happiness, resilience, and sense of purpose can literally improve your he…
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Why You Can’t Sleep (And What to Do About It)
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50:59Ever find yourself wide awake at night, mind racing, unable to sleep—only to be falling asleep at your desk the next afternoon? Yeah, same. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of sleep with Dr. Param Dedhia, an expert in sleep, obesity, and integrative medicine, to answer all your burning (or drowsy) questions. Why do we even need sleep?…
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Pepperspray, Running with Headphones, and Other Self-Defense Myths
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4:20In this episode, we talk to self-defense expert Meg Stone about the safety advice we’ve all heard—like whether you should ditch your headphones while running or give your kid pepper spray. Meg breaks down what actually makes you safer, why some classic tips don’t hold up, and how feminist self-defense can change the game. We also dive into how to b…
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Why Most Self Defense Advice Doesn't Work... and What Actually Does
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44:40In 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 technique…
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In this episode, we dive into all the ways to make exercise a habit so it feels as automatic as brushing your teeth. We talk about the power of sticking to a routine, reducing friction by prepping ahead, and why putting on your workout clothes might just be your secret weapon. Plus, we share how accountability buddies can turn workouts from a chore…
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Why Exercise Feels Impossible (And How to Finally Make It Stick)
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28:52In this episode, we’re tackling the start-and-stop cycle of exercise. Why is something so good for us so hard to stick with? Yuna and Eddie share their personal struggles with getting active, the surprising psychology behind building a lasting habit, and why the key might just be finding an activity you actually enjoy. From overcoming the dreaded f…
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It’s halfway through January—how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? If you’ve already skipped a workout or broken that new diet, you’re not alone. In this special episode, we’re sharing our feature on theDiabetes Digital Podcast, where we talk about why so many resolutions fizzle out and how to create sustainable health goals that actuall…
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In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the ultimate nighttime routine! From setting the perfect sleep-friendly temperature to why you should (finally) put your phone away before bed, we’re breaking down simple habits to help you wind down and sleep better. Plus, do red light bulbs, evening alarms, or skipping that late-night snack really…
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In our first episode of 2025, we’re diving into one of the biggest wellness trends—morning routines. From drinking water and getting sunlight to cold plunges and journaling, we’re breaking down which habits are actually backed by science and which ones are just Instagram fluff. We’ll share simple, evidence-based tips to help you build a morning rou…
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Many people set exercise goals without a clear understanding of why they want to pursue them. Here we discuss the importance of finding a deeper purpose or "why" with your fitness journey. Whether it's reducing pain, being more active with family, or finding joy in movement, having a profound reason enhances long-term commitment. For daily episodes…
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In day two of our daily episode series, we’re discussing the importance of consistency. In the New Year, it can be tempting to make big goals and come out blazing, but our real goal is to make exercise a habit for the rest of our lives. We discuss the importance of consistency over intensity, how to plan for setbacks, and using the power of habits …
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Happy New Year!! Last year, we created a special daily exercise series, and since we have so many new listeners, we thought it would be worth a replay since so many of you loved it last year. Every single day this month, we're dropping a mini-episode geared towards helping people with the most common New Year's resolution: to exercise more. This se…
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In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the year and share the lessons we’ve learned—big and small. From embracing change and trying new things (hello, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and puppy parenthood!) to finding gratitude in what we can control, we’re getting honest about growth, mindset shifts, and figuring out what really matters. We also get a…
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The Surprising History of Body Ideals: From Corsets to Kardashians
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31:52From 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 yo…
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What Science Says About Living Your Happiest Life
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36:36f you’ve ever wondered what science has to tell us about being more fulfilled, feeling more joy, and living a good life, this is the episode for you. Today, we talk to happiness researcher and professor Dacher Keltner, from the University of California Berkeley and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. How much money makes us happy?…
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In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo, diving deeper into the fascinating world of nutritional psychiatry. Dr. Naidoo answers listener questions about foods that can promote memory, fend off neuroinflammation, and support mental health at every stage of life. We discuss the role of intermittent fasting, the impact of pro…
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Today, we’re talking about food and your brain. Sure, we’ve all heard how food affects your weight, your energy, and your gut, but what about your brain? It turns out, the connection between what we eat and how our brain functions is pretty incredible—and maybe even life-changing. We’re joined by Dr. Uma Naidoo, Harvard psychiatrist and author of T…
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In this episode, we continue our conversation with Wendy and Jessica from the Diabetes Digital Podcast to explore practical ways to manage blood sugar. We discuss the science behind dietary strategies, like the role of fiber and food pairing, the effects of timing in meals, and small lifestyle shifts that can make a big difference. Eddie shares his…
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Here's What You Need to Know About Diabetes
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43:18In today’s episode, in honor of World Diabetes Day, we’re diving deep into diabetes. Did you know that one in two people in the United States have either prediabetes or diabetes? This means that even if you don’t have diabetes, someone you love probably does. Today, we break down what diabetes is, the differences between type 1 and type 2, whether …
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In this episode, we talk to Professor Gloria Mark about the complexities of attention and the toll of burnout. We explore how burnout differs from depression, noting that while both involve a lack of motivation and energy, burnout often stems from ongoing demands and lack of resources. Professor Mark shares insights into how systemic factors, not i…
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If You're Feeling Tired and Distracted, Listen to This (with Gloria Mark)
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42:17In this episode, we're tackling burnout and attention overload with Professor Gloria Mark from UC Irvine. Ever feel like you’re drowning in distractions—from Slack messages and emails to the endless scroll of social media? Professor Mark helps us break down the science behind why our focus is constantly slipping and what’s driving us to the brink o…
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We Took This Health Advice Too Far... And It Backfired
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5:55Today, we continue our conversation about healthy habits that ended up becoming unhealthy for us. We’re talking about fasting for too long, lifting weights that are too heavy, becoming overly obsessed with getting perfect sleep, and even meditating too hard... Is that a thing? Today, finding the right balance with health advice. To hear the rest of…
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When Do "Healthy" Habits Become Unhealthy?
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32:48In this episode, we’re exploring a question we don’t ask enough: when does good health advice go too far? We break down the risks of taking advice to the extreme, whether it’s about diet, fitness, or everyday wellness habits. We also tackle the stress of trying to follow health trends that may be doing more harm than good. If you’ve ever wondered w…
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Today, we're continuing our conversation about metabolism, this time diving into aging and genetics. Ever wondered if you can actually control your metabolism or if it's just something you inherit from your parents? And what’s the deal with feeling like your metabolism was faster when you were younger? We're getting to the bottom of it all in this …
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In this episode, we're diving deep into a topic that ties into everything we discuss: metabolism. We're breaking down this often misunderstood concept and answering some of the most common questions—like, does metabolism really slow as you age? And why do some people seem to have a "faster" metabolism than others? Whether you're curious about boost…
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Who Needs Therapy + How Politics Impact Our Mental Health
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3:23Today, we continue our conversation with Dr. Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School. In this part of the discussion, we dive into therapy—what it's good for, when you might need it, and when you might not. We also explore how our current political climate is affecting our mental well-being. To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come …
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How Your Childhood Impacts Dating, Relationships, and More with Dr. Robert Waldinger
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42:42In this episode, we’re tackling an often overlooked aspect of health: relationships. We sit down with Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, to explore how your childhood shapes your adult relationships. From romance to friendships to work, we break down how attachment styles affect every connection. We dive into …
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In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. JoAnn Manson, but this time we're diving into all things Vitamin D. Sure, you’ve heard it’s great for your bones, but did you know it might also play a role in cancer and heart health? We’re breaking down the latest research from the VITAL study to find out what’s real and what’s hype. Wonderin…
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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 reall…
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Why Weight Loss Medications Are Shaking Up the Food Industry
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4:18In this episode, we continue our conversation with Marion Nestle. We discuss why food companies are scrambling due to the rising popularity of the new weight loss medications. We explore how our food system is designed more for animal feed and fuel than for human consumption. Finally, we talk about finding hope for the future of our food environmen…
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Big Food vs. Your Health: The Power Struggle
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40:27oday, we talk to esteemed food and public health advocate Marion Nestle about the politics of food. No, this has nothing to do with political parties and ballots; it’s about who has the power to decide what goes on your plate. While you may think you’re the one making the decisions, there’s a whole host of hidden influences shaping the food we eat.…
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Plastic, Blue Light, and Prioritizing Mental Health
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2:48We finally finish our series on what we've learned from hosting the podcast! Today we discuss our infamous episode with Cezmi Akdis and his revelations about our cleaning products, as well as the detrimental effects of blue light for sleep, even if you can't see it! To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! https://ww…
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Weight Stigma, the Best Cardio, and Mindset: What We've Learned from the Podcast Pt. 2
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33:54Today, we continue our conversation about what we have learned from six years of hosting this podcast. Last time, we went over all our food epiphanies. Today, we go through how the podcast has changed our approach to weight and weight stigma, exercise, relationships, and mindset. To hear the rest of this episode, come join the Foodie Fam! https://w…
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The Shocking Way Japan Solved the Obesity Crisis
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3:55Today, we continue our conversation with Johann Hari. Part of Johann's journey in writing The Magic Pill was to visit Japan, one of the wealthiest countries in the world with virtually no childhood obesity. His biggest questions: Why and how? From the way the Japanese educate their children about nutrition, to draconian practices in Japanese workpl…
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The Incredible Upsides and Disturbing Downsides of the New Weight Loss Medications with Johann Hari
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47:14Today, we speak to Johann Hari, author of the new book The Magic Pill. The new weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have been exploding in popularity over the past couple of years. Unlike dieting, these drugs can cause rapid weight loss with seemingly little effort from the person taking them. However, they also come with a wide array…
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Dark Chocolate, Mindful Eating, and Avocado Toast
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3:05Today, we continue our conversation about what we learned from six years of hosting the podcast. Should you compare things you eat? How can we engage in mindful eating without chewing every bite twenty times? What does the science say about dark chocolate? To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! https://www.patreon.…
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Caffeine, Protein, and Ice Cream: What We've Learned from Six Years of Hosting a Health Podcast
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38:10We've been hosting this podcast for a long time. In over eighty episodes with over sixty experts, we've learned A LOT. In this episode, we wanted to discuss what we've learned from all our years of doing Food We Need to Talk. In this podcast, we focus specifically on diet. What has stuck with us over the years? How have our habits around caffeine, …
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Sleep Divorce, Melatonin, Watching TV Before Bed and More
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3:49Today, we continue our conversation with Professor Frank Scher from Harvard University. This episode, we focused on your questions! Should you consider sleep divorcing your partner? Is it okay to take melatonin for a long time? What about watching TV before bed? And the most important question of all, at conferences, do the sleep scientists party?!…
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Why Am I Always Tired with Harvard Sleep Professor Frank Scheer
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42:11Today, we talk to Professor Frank Scheer from Harvard University all about one of the most important things that we do every day: sleep. For many of us, sleep may seem like a waste of time or an inconvenience. In fact, sleep is one of the most vital ways to maintain our health. Today, we learn why sleep quality is just as important as sleep quantit…
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Today, we discuss our last episode with Cezmi Akdis. Needless to say, the episode was quite shocking for the both of us. Rinsing our dishes after the dishwasher, switching from plastic wrap to silicone, checking our detergents' ingredients--we go over which practices we will be trying to implement in our own routines and what surprised us the most.…
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If you feel like autoimmune disorders have seemed to be on the rise recently, you may be right. Over the past couple decades, we've seen skyrocketing rates of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes and so on. What could be causing this recent increases in autoimmune disorders and allergies? Tod…
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Ozempic, Addiction, Glucose Monitoring and More
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3:48Today, we continue our conversation with Professor Jud Brewer. We talk about whether or not the new weight loss medications make awareness practices redundant, how these medications may affect addiction, how tools like glucose monitors can help us become more mindful, and why sometimes, to stop a behavior we don't want to do, we have to actually ke…
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Overcoming Cravings and the Habit of Overeating with Jud Brewer
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47:50Do you ever find yourself eating when you're not hungry? Perhaps it's because you're bored, tired, stressed, or sad? Do your food cravings sometimes feel unbearable? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the episode for you. Today we talk to Professor Judson Brewer from Brown University all about food cravings and why we eat. We di…
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