Food Junkies Podcast

Dr. Paul O'Malley is a Los Angeles-based dentist who's redefining what it means to care for your teeth—and your whole body. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. O'Malley specializes in biomimetic and holistic dentistry, which basically means he works with your body, not against it. His focus is on preserving your natural tooth structure, using biocompatible materials, and avoiding the "drill and fill" mindset that leaves so many people anxious about the dentist's chair. He earned his DDS from Creighton University and completed a residency at Baylor University, but what really sets him apart is his philosophy: dentistry should heal and protect, not just patch things up. Over the years, he's trained with some of the top names in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and has become a fellow of both the International Academy of Dentofacial Esthetics and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. At his practice in Encino, California, Dr. O'Malley helps patients restore confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health—often with procedures that are far less invasive than traditional methods. He's also the founder of Great Oral Health, a line of probiotic-based products designed to support a healthy mouth microbiome and overall wellness. We all know sugar messes with our health — but did you know it's one of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and even inflammation throughout your body? 😬 💥 It's not just how much sugar you eat — it's how often! Every sip or bite keeps your teeth bathing in acid and your enamel under attack. 🦠 Your mouth has a microbiome too — good bacteria that protect you! Constant sugar, grazing, or even "healthy" acidic drinks (like lemon water or sugar-free soda) can throw that balance off. 💧 The fix is simple and kind: ✨ Eat in meals, not all day. ✨ Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or lemon water. ✨ Wait 20 minutes before brushing to protect enamel. ✨ Floss daily (it breaks up the "bug party" that causes decay). ✨ Use a soft brush and gentle angle — your gums aren't a kitchen floor! ✨ Try hydroxyapatite toothpaste (it helps re-harden enamel naturally). ❤️ Your mouth is part of your body — not separate from it. Bleeding gums, bad breath, or constant sensitivity are not normal signs of "aging." They're little SOS signals asking for care. 💬 And for parents: kids copy what we do, not what we say. Brushing and rinsing together is a tiny daily act of prevention and connection. Let's make "self-care" include our smiles. Because a healthy mouth = a healthier body.

Molly and Clarissa get real about the spoken and unspoken "rules" we inherit—from family, culture, religion, peers, and recovery spaces—and how those rules can quietly run our lives. They explore when structure is protective (especially early recovery) and when rigidity shrinks our world. The invitation: notice the rule, name whose voice it is, examine its intention, and rewrite it as a flexible, values-aligned boundary (a loving guardrail) that serves your recovery today. What we cover Invisible operating systems: How covert rules ("Don't cry in public," "Finish your plate," "Don't upset Dad," "Work before rest") get encoded as truth and shape choices, identity, and self-worth. Where rules come from: Family modeling, culture/diet/purity narratives, religion & tradition, media comparison loops, and past painful moments that birthed survival strategies. When rules help vs. harm: The cast-to-brace metaphor—early structure can be lifesaving; never taking the brace off becomes its own injury. Food-recovery example: "The kitchen is closed after dinner." Helpful as temporary scaffolding; harmful if it overrides true hunger, fuels all-or-nothing thinking, or becomes punishment. Language that frees: Swap "I can't" for "I choose not to (right now)." Replace rules with loving guardrails anchored in values, not fear. Meeting the Rebel: How the inner rebel shows up when we feel controlled, and how flexibility + permission reduces backlash and binge risk. Compassion over condemnation: Seeing the origin story of a rule reveals it was protective, not defective—which softens shame and opens space to change. Support matters: Borrowing a "prosthetic prefrontal cortex" from trusted people (group, therapist, friend) to reality-check and practice flexibility safely. Try this: a simple Rule Audit Spot it: What's one rule you notice yourself following today? Name the voice: Whose rule is it (family, program, culture, scared younger you)? Intention check: What safety or benefit was it trying to create? Does that need still exist? Cost check: How does it limit you now (shame, rigidity, disconnection from body needs)? Rewrite it: Old: "I can't eat after dinner." New: "I stop after dinner unless I'm truly hungry—then I have a planned, recovery-friendly snack without shame." Make it safer: Pre-plan options, text a support person, add a brief grounding before eating, pre-portion, and debrief after. Nuggets & reframes "Rules kept me safe then; values-based guardrails grow me now." "Different doesn't equal dangerous. It's okay if new feels wobbly." "Recovery should make life bigger, not smaller." "Permission reduces rebellion." "Thank you, old rule, for what you protected. I'm choosing something kinder now." Reflection questions for listeners Which rule in your life feels most rigid right now? What would a kinder, values-aligned version look like? If you replaced one "I can't" with "I choose not to—for now," what changes in your body and nervous system? Who are your go-to people to borrow perspective from when your threat system is loud? 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.

Dr. Cate Shanahan, a family physician and nutrition consultant, dives deep into the dangers of industrial seed oils. She explains how these oils can contribute to sugar cravings and insulin resistance, invoking biochemical mechanisms like oxidation and mitochondrial stress. The 'Hateful Eight' oils are discussed—corn, canola, and others to avoid. Dr. Shanahan offers practical alternatives, advocating for unrefined oils like olive and coconut. Tune in for insights on how changing your fats can transform your health and well-being!

Host Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Daniel Trevor—entrepreneur-turned "citizen scientist" and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip. After a near-fatal heart attack, Daniel dove into medical literature, clinician interviews, and self-tracking. He shares the arguments behind his book, why he believes hyperinsulinemia is a "gateway disease," how diet patterns may influence cardiometabolic risk and cravings, and the testing he advocates so people can "don't guess—test." We also discuss controversy in nutrition science, harm-reduction ways to experiment with food choices, and how to navigate mixed messages from experts. About our guest Daniel Trevor has founded high-tech companies, worked in anti-aging projects, and spent 20 years as an actor and musician. His health crisis catalyzed a research journey that informed Unholy Trinity. He now writes and speaks about low-carb/keto to carnivore approaches, lab testing, and lifestyle change. What we cover Daniel's pivot from "Mr. Healthy" to heart-attack survivor and researcher Hyperinsulinemia → insulin resistance → cardiometabolic disease (Daniel's "gateway disease" model) Why some people see a rise in LDL on low-carb diets and what advanced lipoprotein testing (e.g., NMR LipoProfile) may reveal "Lean-mass hyper-responder" profile: high LDL with low triglycerides and high HDL—what it means and why it's debated Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, soft vs. calcified plaque, and the "CAC paradox" as Daniel understands it Grains, seed oils, and sugar: Daniel's case for their role in appetite, cravings, and disease risk; critique of popular diet guidance Statins, side effects, and absolute risk/benefit as presented by Daniel (and why shared decision-making matters) Practical, harm-reduction steps: food substitutions, lab work, and building a sustainable plan Where Daniel's thinking intersects—and conflicts—with mainstream guidelines, and how listeners can evaluate claims Key takeaways "Don't guess—test." Daniel urges listeners to use accessible labs and scans (prioritizing a small set if resources are limited) and to pair results with symptoms and function. Protein and structure can reduce chaos. He advocates prioritizing animal protein, minimizing refined carbs/sugars and seed oils, and making like-for-like swaps to lower cravings. Context matters. Individual responses vary (genetics, meds, comorbidities, history with restriction/addiction). Go slow, track, and use support. Hold nuance. Nutrition science evolves; some claims remain contested. Use informed consent and a collaborative care team. 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.

Ellen Bennett is a Registered Dietitian, researcher, and leading voice in the emerging field of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction (UPFA). As Operations Manager for Liberate, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Collaboration (PHC), she leads educational programmes designed to support both individuals and clinicians in understanding and navigating food addiction through an evidence-based, compassion-driven lens. Currently completing her PhD at Coventry University, Ellen's research explores addiction-informed interventions for UPFA, including feasibility studies, the development of screening tools, and critical analyses of existing clinical frameworks. With 16 years in 12-step fellowships and 14 years of sustained recovery following an 11-stone (70 kg) weight loss, Ellen brings a rare integration of scientific expertise, lived experience, and humanity to her work. Her blend of rigour, warmth, and humour has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences, podcasts, and universities, where she continues to champion a more honest, hopeful, and research-aligned conversation about food addiction and recovery. Social Media: 🔗 www.liberatetoday.org 🔗 www.phcuk.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PHCukorg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/PHCukorg LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/public-health-collaboration Youtube https://www.youtube.com/PHCukorg X https://twitter.com/PHCukorg 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.

CJ welcomes Kat to the podcast! Kat's story is one of courage, honesty, and deep resilience. Having carried the heavy weight of trauma and the challenges of living with morbid obesity, she brings with her a fighter's spirit and a bubbly energy that shines through every word. Kat is refreshingly open about her struggles, and her willingness to share is matched only by her desire to lift up the next person walking a similar path. Today, we get to hear not only about her battles, but about her remarkable strength and the hope she brings to others. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com

In this episode, Molly Painschab and Clarissa Kennedy reconnect after three transformative weeks together—first in London for the International Food Addiction and Comorbidities Conference, then exploring the magic of Scotland. From castles and waterfalls to ancient standing stones, they share the joy of work, play, and community in recovery. But the heart of today's conversation is the fawn response—a trauma survival strategy often misunderstood as "people pleasing." Drawing on their own stories and professional experiences, Molly and Clarissa explore how fawning develops, why it feels so challenging to change, and how it manifests in recovery and relationships. What We Talk About Fawning explained: Why it's more than people pleasing and how it functions as a survival strategy. Personal stories: Growing up in emotionally immature households, learning to appease, and the impact on identity and relationships. Adaptive vs. maladaptive fawning: When appeasement helps us survive—and when it harms us. Symptoms and signs: From difficulty saying no, over-apologizing, and hypervigilance to identity loss and emotional exhaustion. Why fawning is reinforced: Cultural, gender, and relational factors that reward compliance at the cost of selfhood. Professional insights: What clinicians and helpers need to know about clients who fawn—including vulnerability to relapse, self-neglect, and difficulty with boundaries. Pathways to healing: Building awareness, practicing small boundaries, parts work, somatic tools, and self-compassion as antidotes to shame. Grief and growth: Naming the loss that comes with shifting out of fawning while also reclaiming voice, choice, and authenticity. Invitation for Listeners This week, reflect on a time you said "yes" when you truly wanted to say "no." What small, safe boundary might you practice instead? Notice how your body responds, and give yourself permission to honor your needs—one step at a time. ✨ Resources Mentioned Are You Mad at Me? by Meg Josephson Sweet Sobriety Membership & Groups: www.sweetsobriety.ca 💌 Email Us: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcareprovider'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.

Have you ever wondered why cravings for junk food can return weeks—or even months—after you've stopped eating it? Neuroscience has an answer. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue, Associate Professor at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and the University of Pennsylvania. His groundbreaking research reveals how the hippocampus—the brain's memory hub—stores food-related memories that can later be reactivated by sights, smells, or even routines like watching Netflix at night. These memory cues, combined with the dopamine-driven reward system, help explain why ultra-processed foods are so hard to resist. Together, Dr. Tarman and Dr. de Lartigue explore: The difference between metabolic hunger, hedonic hunger, and memory-cued hunger How fats and sugars create separate memory traces in the brain—and why foods combining both are especially addictive Why food memories can trigger cravings long after the food itself is gone How childhood exposure, stress, and even in-utero diet shape lifelong vulnerability to food cues The impact of artificial sweeteners on memory, satiety, and "the broken stop switch" Why food marketing deliberately exploits our memory circuits Emerging treatments: from behavioral retraining to potential drugs that could dampen food-related memories Dr. de Lartigue's research shows that food cravings aren't just about willpower—they're wired deep into our biology. But with awareness, deliberate habit-building, and future medical advances, there is hope for reshaping how our brains respond to ultra-processed foods. ✨ Key Takeaway: Our brains remember every rewarding food experience, and those memories are designed to pull us back for more—even when we're not hungry. Recognizing this isn't weakness—it's science. 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.

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman welcomes Dr. Anna Barbieri, a board-certified gynecologist and integrative medicine physician who specializes in menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, and PMS. Dr. Barbieri is also a certified menopause practitioner and co-founder of Electra Health, where she blends conventional medicine with holistic, evidence-based approaches to women's hormonal health. Together, they explore the fascinating, complex, and often overlooked role hormones play in shaping women's appetite, cravings, and relationship with food across the lifespan. From the ups and downs of PMS and perimenopause, to the challenges of menopause and PCOS, Dr. Barbieri explains how sex hormones, stress hormones, and appetite-regulating hormones intersect—and what women can do to support their health through these transitions. 💬 Topics covered in this episode: What hormones are and how they regulate appetite (ghrelin, leptin, CCK, GLP-1) The influence of estrogen and progesterone on hunger and satiety Cortisol, stress, and why cravings often center on sugar and carbs PMS, perimenopause, and menopause: why cravings change across the cycle and lifespan The role of progesterone in mental health, postpartum depression, and brain function PCOS, insulin resistance, and appetite regulation Visceral fat, metabolic risk, and why body composition shifts after menopause Thyroid health, autoimmunity, and the overlap with perimenopausal symptoms GLP-1 medications: opportunities and cautions for women's health Hormone therapy (HRT/MHT): benefits, risks, and myths Lifestyle and supplement strategies to support hormonal balance ✨ Key Takeaways: Hormones are powerful, interconnected, and influence not only physical but also emotional and mental health. Appetite changes in PMS, perimenopause, menopause, and PCOS are not simply about willpower—they're tied to real physiological shifts. Cortisol, stress, and sleep disruption can drive cravings and weight gain, particularly in midlife. Hormone therapy can help manage symptoms and may protect long-term health, but lifestyle changes—nutrition, movement, stress relief, sleep, and mindful supplementation—remain essential. Women can age well with or without hormone therapy by taking intentional steps to support metabolic and emotional health. 🎙️ About our guest: Dr. Anna Barbieri is a practicing gynecologist, certified menopause practitioner, and integrative medicine physician based in New York City. She is a fellow of the University of Arizona's Integrative Medicine Fellowship and co-founder of Electra Health, a digital platform revolutionizing women's healthcare. She is passionate about helping women understand their hormones and use both conventional and holistic tools to feel their best. 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.

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 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.