
Food, We Need To Talk
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).
Latest episodes

Dec 30, 2024 • 5min
What We Learned in 2024
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 little philosophical about adaptability, balance, and learning to appreciate what we already have—even if it doesn’t always look the way we expected. Plus, we’re spilling the tea on how our dogs completely took over our lives (and hearts) this year. Join us for laughs, insights, and plenty of feel-good vibes as we wrap up 2024!To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTThank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going!Check out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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Dec 23, 2024 • 32min
The Surprising History of Body Ideals: From Corsets to Kardashians
From 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 you were broke? Only men were allowed to watch their weight? The surprising history of dieting and our bodies.For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTCheck out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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5 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 37min
What Science Says About Living Your Happiest Life
f 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? Is it harder to be happier today than it used to be? And what can we do to live a more meaningful life?Subscribe to our newsletter. For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTCheck out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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Dec 2, 2024 • 6min
Using Food to Boost Your Memory
Discover how nutritional psychiatry connects food to memory and mental health. Explore the brain-boosting benefits of blueberries, turmeric, and saffron. Learn about the effects of processed foods on cognition and the importance of meal timing. Delve into how intermittent fasting may enhance brain clarity. This discussion reveals practical tips for using diet to support cognitive function and fend off neuroinflammation, making eating a pathway to better mental well-being.

Nov 25, 2024 • 39min
Eat This for a Healthier, Happier Brain
Join Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard psychiatrist and author of *This Is Your Brain on Food*, as she dives into the fascinating relationship between food and brain health. Discover which anti-inflammatory ingredients can combat anxiety and boost mood. Learn how gut health impacts mental well-being and the importance of nourishing your gut microbiome. Dr. Naidoo also shares actionable tips for healthier cooking habits and meal choices to enhance cognitive function. Tune in for insights that could change your relationship with food and your brain!

Nov 18, 2024 • 7min
Hacking Your Blood Sugar
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 own journey with blood sugar awareness, and Wendy and Jessica explain how focusing on daily choices can help people with pre-diabetes and diabetes maintain better health. Tune in for an insightful, down-to-earth conversation packed with research-backed tips on navigating blood sugar balance.To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTThank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going!Check out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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Nov 11, 2024 • 43min
Here's What You Need to Know About Diabetes
Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez, both registered dietitians and diabetes educators, bring their expertise to the forefront as they discuss the staggering statistic that one in two Americans have prediabetes or diabetes. They explore the nuances between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, addressing common myths and the impact of stigma. Listeners learn about the importance of nutrition, lifestyle choices, and the potential for diabetes to be managed or even reversed. Most importantly, they emphasize that diabetes should never be a source of shame, advocating for compassion and awareness.

Nov 4, 2024 • 5min
What Is Burn Out and How To Overcome It
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 individual shortcomings, often drive burnout, especially in high-stress fields like healthcare. We also talk about the importance of breaks and how to best implement them throughout the day.To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTThank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going!Check out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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Oct 28, 2024 • 42min
If You're Feeling Tired and Distracted, Listen to This (with Gloria Mark)
In this engaging discussion, Gloria Mark, Chancellor Professor Emerita at UC Irvine, dives into the pressing issues of burnout and attention overload. She reveals the surprising myth of multitasking and its detrimental effects on mental health and productivity. With attention spans dropping dramatically, she shares actionable strategies to reclaim focus and energy. From understanding the 'switch cost' of task switching to enhancing personal rhythms for better work, this conversation is packed with insights to improve well-being in today's distraction-filled world.

Oct 21, 2024 • 6min
We Took This Health Advice Too Far... And It Backfired
Today, 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 this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam!https://www.patreon.com/FWNTTThank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going!Check out our book:https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/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
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