Food, We Need To Talk

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

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=enBe 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

In this discussion, Dr. Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist and author of 'Super Agers,' delves into the science of longevity. He reveals how lifestyle choices can genuinely prolong life, emphasizing the dangers of ultra-processed foods that may rival cigarettes in harm. The conversation covers the complexities of aging, the risks of attempting to reverse it, and how exercise, sleep, and diet play crucial roles in enhancing health. Dr. Topol also highlights innovative tools like AI and gut-based medicines transforming preventive care.

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

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

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

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

Discover how to make vegetables irresistible with flavor science and cooking techniques. Learn about the art of caramelizing onions and how simple culinary methods can transform your meals. Explore the balance of healthy eating amidst busy lifestyles, with personal anecdotes that resonate. Plus, uncover why food companies may mislead with health labels and how to make informed choices at the grocery store. Get ready to rethink cravings and enjoy your veggies!

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

In this conversation, we continue our discussion about how to read scientific papers—no PhD required. We break down how to spot red flags like flashy headlines, suspicious journals, and undisclosed conflicts of interest. You’ll learn what “peer-reviewed” actually means, how to tell if a journal is reputable, and why the number of times a study is cited matters. We also explain when an older study is still trustworthy and how to tell if an author might be biased. This episode is your shortcut to understanding which studies to take seriously and which to skip.To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam!For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter!Check out our book!Chat with us on IG!Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices