Food, We Need To Talk

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

Discover how to differentiate between reliable science and dubious claims in health research. Learn what terms like 'randomized controlled trial' really mean and how to read scientific papers effectively. Explore challenges in long-term health studies, understanding the importance of meta-analyses, and the pitfalls of case studies. Gain insights on identifying biases and improving your scientific literacy, empowering you to navigate the complex world of health information with confidence.

In this episode, we’re back with Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn to talk all about aging—and why it might be something to actually look forward to. We dive into what she’s learned from the oldest people in her lab, from their surprisingly upbeat attitudes to the science behind why social connection is as vital as exercise. You’ll hear why loneliness is now being called “the new smoking,” how your gut health affects your future, and the surprising benefits of learning a new sport in your 70s. Plus, we swap stories about jiu-jitsu friendships, broken noses, and whether pickleball has officially taken over the world. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes the difference between just getting older and truly thriving as you age, this episode will surprise you.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

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to age well—and why it's never too late to start. We’re joined by Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn, a geriatrician and researcher at King’s College London, who explains why your muscle mass is basically a fountain of youth, why protein matters more as you age, and how your gut microbiome might hold the key to both physical and cognitive health. She also shares what she's learned from studying people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s—including the surprising habit they all seem to have in common. Whether you're in your 30s wondering if your best days are behind you (spoiler: they’re not) or you're helping a parent stay healthy, this episode is packed with real, practical tips. Sign up for our newsletter here!For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam!Check out our book!Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk!Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dive into the world of microplastics and discover their surprising sources in our daily lives. Learn practical strategies to minimize exposure, including the benefits of advanced water filtration systems. The conversation touches on trending health supplements like metformin, resveratrol, and NAD, dissecting the science and myths around them. Personal reflections bring a relatable touch, showcasing how awareness of microplastics can shift our food storage choices while emphasizing a balanced approach to health and wellness.

In this episode, we dive deep into the science of aging with longevity expert Dr. David Barzilai. You’ve probably seen people online claiming to have reversed their biological age—but is any of that actually possible? We unpack the truth behind biological age tests, anti-aging supplements, and the wildest longevity trends (yes, even blood transfusions from your kids). Dr. Barzilai explains what really works—spoiler: it's not $2 million worth of pills—and shares simple, science-backed ways to live healthier for longer. If you want to cut through the hype and get real about living better, this episode is a must-listen.About Dr. Barzilai: Dr. David Barzilai is a physician and the CEO of Healthspan Coaching LLC. He is a founding faculty member and Trustee at the Geneva College of Longevity Science, and serves as a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. Board-certified in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Barzilai holds both an MD and a PhD in health services research.Find him on X here or connect with him here. 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

Dive into the intriguing world of leaky gut with Dr. Michael Camilleri, who debunks myths linking it to chronic diseases like depression. Discover the truth behind at-home testing and why some in medicine still call it hypothetical. Unpack the science of bone broth and collagen, learning how stress impacts gut health. Examine the role of gluten and explore the surprising effects of everyday diet choices on your gut. This episode is packed with insights that challenge popular beliefs and emphasize the importance of informed food choices.