Food Junkies Podcast

In today’s episode, we explore the groundbreaking intersection of addiction, biology, and cancer with internationally recognized scientist Dr. Rafael Cuomo. Drawing on insights from his book Crave, Dr. Cuomo reveals how addiction is not simply a behavioral or psychological issue—it’s a biological condition that reshapes the terrain of our health and directly contributes to the development of chronic disease, including cancer. Dr. Cuomo introduces the concept of “molecular scars”—long-term physiological changes left behind by repeated addictive behaviors, even low-grade ones like screen use or ultra-processed food consumption. He explains how these behaviors disrupt key systems in the body, including the dopamine, opioid, GABA, glutamate, cortisol, and the endocannabinoid systems, ultimately weakening immune surveillance, fueling inflammation, and accelerating cellular damage. From the anticipatory nature of craving to the role of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, this episode invites clinicians, patients, and everyday listeners to reconsider addiction not as a character flaw, but as a biologically driven imbalance with profound public health implications. 🧠 Topics Covered: The hidden biological link between addiction and cancer What Crave reveals about chronic stimulation and health breakdown Why craving is more about anticipation than pleasure The difference between wanting and liking in addiction How repeated overstimulation rewires dopamine and reduces pleasure Molecular scars: the biological damage addiction leaves behind The role of inflammation, immune suppression, and cellular dysfunction How addiction disrupts neurotransmitters beyond dopamine (opioid, GABA, glutamate) The overlooked role of the endocannabinoid system in both addiction and cancer The impact of early life stress and ACE scores on long-term health How screen time, ultra-processed food, and digital overstimulation shape disease risk The concept of allostatic load as a measurable biological burden of chronic stress Metabolic memory and food insecurity's impact on eating behaviors Why oncology needs to integrate addiction screening into prevention and treatment How to begin restoring the body's natural rhythm to prevent disease 📚 About Our Guest: Dr. Rafael Cuomo is a biomedical scientist, global health researcher, and associate professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and recognition from the Royal Society for Public Health, his work focuses on the biological intersections between addiction, cancer prevention, and public health policy. His new book, Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer, uncovers how repeated behavioral addictions create a biological terrain that promotes chronic disease—and offers a new roadmap for prevention and healing. 📖 Key Quotes from Dr. Rafael Cuomo: “Addiction doesn’t just leave behavioral scars—it leaves molecular scars that change how your body functions.” “Cravings aren’t your character—they’re signals. And once we learn to listen to those signals, we can start rewriting our story.” “We need to shift prevention efforts upstream—not just focusing on behaviors, but addressing the mindset and environment that drive those behaviors.” “Chronic overstimulation from food, screens, and stress narrows our ability to feel genuine reward—leading to emotional flatness and compulsive seeking.” 🛠️ Tools for Listeners: Clean out environmental triggers (kitchen, phone apps, screen notifications) Introduce restorative rhythms: sleep, sunlight, movement, mealtime structure Develop emotional regulation strategies (breathwork, journaling, therapy) Recognize and reduce low-grade addictions before they escalate Understand how your body responds to stress to prevent long-term damage 📣 Take Action: If this episode resonated with you, pick up a copy of Dr. Cuomo’s book, Crave, to dive deeper into the science and solutions. Start observing the cravings in your daily life, and ask: What am I really seeking? Begin reclaiming your health—one small shift at a time. 📘 Mentioned in This Episode: Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer by Dr. Rafael Cuomo 🔗 The International Food Addiction & Comorbidity Conference (IFACC) 2025: Donate for the chance to win a virtual ticket!! Purchase your IFACC 2025 in-person ticket!! 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. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and reconnect with their wholeness. With a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, she specializes in trauma, embodiment, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration. Known for making complex psychological concepts accessible and meaningful, Hillary is passionate about creating therapeutic spaces grounded in safety, trust, and hope. Her clinical work is informed by evidence-based, de-pathologizing approaches including AEDP, IFS, EMDR, feminist therapies, and somatic practices. Hillary’s award-winning research on women’s mental health, body image, and sexuality has been recognized by the Canadian and American Psychological Associations, as well as the Taylor & Francis Young Investigator Award. Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, Hillary is committed to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered on their path toward deeper self-acceptance and connection. Key Takeaways: • Disembodiment as a Survival Strategy: Many of us leave the body because the world, or our upbringing, made it unsafe to stay. Returning to the body isn’t weakness—it’s radical resilience. • Spiritual Trauma and the Inner Authority Crisis: When we’ve been told that our bodies are sinful or untrustworthy, we lose connection to our inner compass. Reclaiming our own authority is central to healing. • Why Embodiment Is a Form of Belonging: Our bodies are where connection, pleasure, grief, and joy live. Embodiment helps us reconnect not just with ourselves, but with others and the earth. • Healing Isn’t a Return to “Before”—It’s Becoming More Fully Ourselves: The work isn’t to erase the pain, but to integrate it with love and become someone who can hold all of it with compassion. • Psychedelic Therapy as a Doorway to Wholeness (When Safe and Ethical): Hillary discusses the potential and limitations of psychedelics in trauma work—and why preparation and integration matter more than the substance alone. • Body Image Recovery and Spiritual Reclamation Go Hand in Hand: Healing the relationship with our bodies often requires rethinking harmful theology and cultural messages that disconnect us from pleasure and worthiness. • The Role of Community in Repair: No one heals in isolation. Being witnessed with gentleness in our messy middle is a key part of restoring trust.   🕊️ Quotes to Remember: “The body is not the problem. The body is the place where the healing happens.” – Dr. Hillary McBride “You are trustworthy. Your knowing is good. And the invitation is to come home to that.” “Healing is possible. Even when the system told you it wasn’t.”   📚 Resources Mentioned: • The Wisdom of Your Body by Dr. Hillary McBride • Holy/Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing • Hillary’s podcast: Other People’s Problems   Follow Hillary: https://hillarylmcbride.com   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 compassionate and insightful episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into the phenomenon of post-event collapse—the physical, emotional, and psychological crash that can follow highly stimulating or meaningful experiences. Whether it’s a vacation, a major life event, a group share, or even just navigating a family gathering, many in food addiction recovery find themselves disoriented and vulnerable in the days that follow. They unpack the biology (hello dopamine crash), psychology (emotional contrast effects), and the nervous system’s role (freeze/dorsal vagal responses), and they offer gentle, practical strategies for reentry and recovery. This episode is both validating and empowering—for listeners in recovery and for clinicians supporting them. 💡 Key Takeaways: What Is Post-Event Collapse? A drop in energy, motivation, or mood after a highly stimulating or stressful event. Often triggered by dopamine depletion, nervous system overload, and loss of structure. Symptoms include: fatigue, cravings, irritability, sadness, restlessness, shame spirals, and “vulnerability hangovers.” 🧠 The Science Behind It:  The brain shifts from an activated, goal-directed state (dopamine high) to a depleted, low-stimulation state. This emotional contrast can feel like going from technicolor to gray. For those with trauma, neurodivergence, or attachment wounds, this crash may be even more intense. 💬 Common Scenarios That Trigger Collapse: Vacations (especially with family) Funerals, weddings, or big work events Emotional vulnerability (group shares, therapy sessions) Changes in routine or environment 🛠️ Coping Tools & Recovery Strategies: Plan for reentry as much as the event itself. Create a 72-hour buffer. Return rituals: Soft structure for meals, movement, hydration, rest, and reconnection. Freeze meals or stock Factor meals for post-travel ease. Anchor with connection: Reach out to your “seen and safe” people. Use micro grounding tools during events (walking, nature, breath, touch points). Practice self-compassion: Validate the guilt and exhaustion without judgment. Communicate proactively with family to soften expectations post-return. 🧰 For Clinicians & Coaches: Normalize post-event collapse as part of the healing arc. Support clients in building after-care plans (not just event plans). Teach co-regulation skills and help clients ride the emotional wave. Watch for perfectionism in recovery and help clients practice grace. Encourage gentle transitions, especially for those navigating early recovery. 🔄 Favorite Quotes: “This is the slow after the fast. It’s not failure—it’s your nervous system recalibrating.” – Clarissa “You don’t have to avoid the guilt. You can rest and feel guilt. Guilt won’t kill us—but burnout just might.” – Clarissa “This isn’t recurrence—it’s biology. Let’s name it, normalize it, and meet it with compassion.” – Molly “Have a post-event plan like you’d pack a suitcase—soft landing included.” – Molly 🎁 Bonus Tips: Live like a tourist: Bring the wonder of vacation into everyday life. Use group support to “bookend” your events: check-in before, share after. Teach your clients to identify their own 72-hour needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all. 💌 Questions or Comments? Email us at: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you—let us know what you want us to cover next!

Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-based approaches to well-being. She is the host of the Wise Effort podcast and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and the forthcoming Wise Effort. Diana teaches individuals and organizations how to build psychological flexibility so they can live more aligned, courageous, and meaningful lives. I first discovered Diana and the transformative power of ACT through her course on using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for eating and body image concerns. Her work opened a new doorway in my own recovery and professional practice, helping me integrate compassion, values, and embodiment into the healing process. Blending over twenty years of yoga and meditation practice with cutting-edge psychology, Diana brings a unique and deeply personal approach to well-being that is both science-based and spiritually grounded. Her insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Woman’s Day, Real Simple, and Mindful.org, and she’s a regular contributor to Insight Timer and Psychology Today. When she's not walking and talking with therapy clients, Diana is likely tending to her garden, caring for her bees, or swimming in the ocean at sunrise with her two boys. Key Takeaways: 1. Movement ≠ Punishment • Diana shares how our relationship with movement is often shaped by shame, rules, and diet culture. • ACT invites us to reconnect with intrinsic values—like joy, connection, or vitality—rather than "shoulds."   2. From Motivation to Meaning • Dr. Hill outlines the three types of motivation: • Pleasure-seeking • Pain-avoidance • Values-based • Relying only on feeling “motivated” often backfires. Lasting behavior change is values-driven, not vibe-dependent.   3. Urge Surfing 101 • Urges feel like waves—we think they’ll pull us under, but they always pass. • Practicing presence, noticing without acting, and riding the wave can build powerful inner trust over time.   4. Body Shame Needs Light + Air • Shame tells us to hide. ACT helps us bring curiosity and compassion to the parts we feel we “can’t show.” • The antidote to shame is not “fixing” the body—it’s learning to see it differently.   5. Phones, Dopamine & Distraction • Screen scrolling can become both a dopamine hit and an escape from discomfort. • Awareness + micro-boundaries with tech can gently shift us back toward the life we actually want to live.   6. Values Are Felt, Not Just Picked • Instead of just selecting values off a worksheet, ask: • When did I feel most alive yesterday? • When did I feel regret? These moments hold the clues to your deepest values.   7. Recovery is a Process of Discovery • Movement and food freedom are journeys of returning to self—not performance. • Progress is nonlinear and personalized. Flexibility, not perfection, is the goal.   🔧 Tools & Practices Mentioned: • Urge Surfing – a mindfulness tool to ride out cravings without reacting. • Rick Hanson’s Savoring Practice – linger in positive moments to rewire the brain. • "Wise Effort" – a Buddhist and ACT-informed lens on energy expenditure and sustainable change. • Body Image Flexibility – showing up in life with your body, even when discomfort is present.   📚 Featured Resources: • 🧘‍♀️ Book: I Know I Should Exercise But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman • 📘 Upcoming: Wise Effort (Fall Release 2025) • 🎧 Podcast: Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill • 📩 Newsletter & Trainings: drdianahill.com   💬 Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to like your body or love your body—but you can bring it with you. Let in some light, some air, and over time, maybe even appreciation.” – Dr. Diana Hill   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 deeply insightful episode, we welcome Ashka Naik, PhD candidate and Director of Research and Policy at Corporate Accountability, a global human rights and social justice NGO. Ashka joins Vera and Molly to explore how food systems have been colonized by powerful industry players, and why the words we use to describe what we eat matter more than ever. We unpack the political, historical, and spiritual dimensions of what Ashka calls “violent processing”—a system that has robbed us of biodiversity, cultural wisdom, ancestral practices, and even language itself. Drawing connections between ultra-processed food products, neocolonial economic models, and public health crises, Ashka makes the case for reclaiming food as power and justice. This is more than a conversation about nutrition. It’s a call to collective memory, systemic change, and grassroots action. 🔍 Topics Covered: The colonial and corporate roots of ultra-processed food systems Food as power: how what we eat reflects who holds control The extinction of food knowledge and the myth of “choice” From peaceful to violent processing: what got lost in the name of convenience Feminism, kitchen culture, and reclaiming traditional food prep as empowerment Why we must stop calling ultra-processed products “food” Grassroots vs. systemic change: what can individuals and communities do? Rethinking the language of “food addiction” through a justice framework Lessons from the tobacco wars: how public pressure can drive industry accountability The sacredness of nourishment — and how to teach our children to reclaim it 🌱 Resources & References: Corporate Accountability “Not Food: Time to Call Ultra-Processed Food Products by Their True Name” – Co-authored article by Ashka Naik, Dr. Prescott, and Dr. Logan 📣 Final Message from Ashka: “Do not let anyone or anything make you believe that you can compromise on your relationship with what nourishes you.” 💡Learn more about Ashka 💌Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com 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. David Kessler, a renowned pediatrician and former FDA Commissioner, discusses the intricate world of food addiction. He highlights how hyper-palatable foods act like addictive substances, reshaping our cravings and eating behaviors. The conversation covers the role of GLP-1 medications in altering perceptions of hunger and fullness, while addressing stigma associated with food addiction. Kessler also shares his personal journey with weight regain and emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach in understanding and managing food-related issues.

In this insightful and compassionate episode, Clarissa and Molly take a deep dive into post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)—an often overlooked but critical phase in ultra-processed food addiction recovery. While well-known in substance use disorder recovery, PAWS is rarely discussed in the context of food addiction, yet it shows up in significant ways. Clarissa and Molly break down what PAWS is, why it happens, and how it can show up months or even years into recovery. They share real client experiences, neurobiological explanations, and clinical insights—plus, they normalize what can feel like a confusing and distressing time. They also offer practical strategies for clients and clinicians alike, always with compassion, humor, and a forward-thinking, growth-focused perspective. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ What is PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome describes the emotional, psychological, and physical withdrawal symptoms that can persist or reappear months or years after quitting a substance (including ultra-processed foods). It’s a normal part of recovery, not a failure or a sign that you’re “doing it wrong.” ✅ When it shows up: Typically around the 3-, 6-, and 12-month marks, but can happen later—Molly shared an example of it showing up at 22 months! Can be a surprise to those who believed the cravings and struggles were only short-term. ✅ What it feels like: Physical symptoms: low energy, sleep issues, fatigue, and “meh” motivation. Emotional symptoms: irritability, anxiety, low mood, feeling “flat” or joyless (anhedonia). Cognitive symptoms: brain fog, intrusive food thoughts, and the return of “food dreams.” A heightened sensitivity to emotional triggers and stress, feeling like everything is a “zing” or too much. ✅ It’s actually a sign of healing. The brain is rewiring—dopamine pathways are adapting and recalibrating. It’s part of long-term recovery, a sign that deeper healing is taking place. ✅ Common client fears: “I thought I had this figured out—why am I struggling again?” “My coping skills don’t work anymore—what’s wrong with me?” Clarissa and Molly reframe this as an invitation to deepen your recovery work and adapt new strategies. ✅ What helps? Revisit the basics: simple structure with food, movement, sleep, and stress reduction. Connection and support: peer groups, Sweet Sobriety, or other safe spaces. Meaningful, non-food dopamine boosts: nature, creativity, connection, movement. Supplements: like omega-3s or l-glutamine (check with your provider!). Clinician support: not pushing but holding space with compassion and curiosity. ✅ For clinicians: Learn about PAWS from the substance use disorder literature—it’s crucial for validating and normalizing the client experience. Support clients without imposing your own fears about relapse—meet them with presence and empathy. Be mindful of co-occurring issues (trauma, chronic illness, medications) that can amplify PAWS. Don’t pathologize or shame—this is part of the healing arc! This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear. PAWS can feel like a step backward, but it’s actually a sign of forward movement. As Clarissa and Molly beautifully put it: “You’re not broken—you’re healing.” When PAWS shows up, it’s a call to pause, reset, and give yourself the same compassion and patience you’d offer anyone else in deep healing. Want to connect? Reach out to the team at: 📧 foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Get Mollys PAWs Presentation here: https://www.sweetsobriety.ca 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 illuminating episode we speak with Dr. Filippa Juul. An epidemiologist and leading researcher on the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health. Together, we unpack what ultra-processed really means, why it's not just about calories or macros, and how these foods are stealthily contributing to the global rise in obesity, chronic illness, and food addiction. Dr. Juul  is Assistant professor at the School of Public Health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She earned her PhD in Epidemiology from NYU GPH in 2020, following a MSc in Public Health Nutrition from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and a BA in Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. Dr. Juul's research focuses on improving cardiometabolic health outcomes at the population level, with a particular interest in the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diet quality, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. She utilizes large U.S. population studies to examine these associations and is also exploring the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of UPFs on cardiometabolic health.  Dr. Juul explains the NOVA classification system, dives into recent groundbreaking studies, and offers insights into why UPFs are so difficult to resist—and what we can do about it, both individually and at the policy level. Key Takeaways  🧠 It's About the Processing Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are engineered for convenience and hyper-palatability—not nourishment. Processing changes how the body absorbs and responds to food, often leading to overeating and poor metabolic health. 📚 NOVA System in a Nutshell Group 1: Whole/minimally processed (e.g., fruit, eggs, plain yogurt) Group 2: Cooking ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, salt) Group 3: Processed foods (e.g., canned veggies, artisanal cheese) Group 4: Ultra-processed (e.g., nuggets, soda, protein bars) 🍟 Why We Overeat UPFs Soft, fast-eating textures bypass satiety signals High energy density = more calories, less fullness Hyper-palatable combos (fat + sugar/salt) trigger cravings Rapid absorption causes blood sugar spikes and crashes 🧬 Health Risks & Mechanisms Linked to inflammation, gut imbalance, and poor glycemic control Some additives may be harmful or addictive Genetic factors may influence vulnerability to UPF addiction 🚸 Policy & Public Health UPFs make up 60–70% of the modern diet Strong links to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health Regulation on marketing, school meals, and additives is critical Teaching cooking skills and nutrition literacy is essential ❤️ Rethinking Nourishment Nourishment means satisfying, whole-food meals—not restriction True recovery is about reclaiming joy, not giving up pleasure 💬 Quotes: “We regulate food by volume, not calories—and UPFs pack a punch.” “Nourishment is key to living a healthy, happy life.” “UPFs don’t just harm—they replace what heals: real food and connection.” 📣 To Policymakers: The obesity crisis is urgent. Make whole, nourishing foods affordable and accessible. Regulate what’s sold and marketed—especially to children. Follow Dr. Juuls Research: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Filippa-Juul-2070176684/publications/3 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. Cynthia Bulik, a leading expert on eating disorders and director at the UNC Center of Excellence, discusses the intricate world of disordered eating. She reveals how conditions like anorexia and bulimia are biologically driven rather than willful acts. The conversation explores genetic factors influencing eating disorders and the emerging concept of metabo-psychiatric diseases. Bulik emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment and highlights the challenges of navigating food addiction, making a compelling case for empathy and understanding in recovery.

Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity medicine. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale University, Dr. Sowa combines top-tier medical training with a deeply compassionate, evidence-based approach to metabolic health. She is the founder and CEO of SoWell Health, a telehealth and clinical service dedicated to treating metabolic dysfunction with personalized nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and medication when appropriate—including the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Dr. Sowa is the author of The Ozempic Revolution, where she brings clinical insights and practical tools to the forefront of the obesity and food addiction conversation. Her work emphasizes sustainable habit change, patient-centered care, and bridging the gap between medical treatment and behavioral health. Formerly collaborating with low-carb pioneer Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Sowa continues to advocate for integrating dietary strategies with hormonal and pharmaceutical interventions for a holistic approach to weight and health. Dr. Sowa is a nationally recognized voice in the field, regularly featured in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN Health. She is passionate about helping patients reclaim their health and reframe their relationship with food through science, empathy, and empowerment. 💊 What are GLP-1s really doing to “food noise”? 📉 Why do some lose weight and others don’t? 🥼 What role should lifestyle, nutrition, and yes—food addiction support—play in treatment? 💬 How do we deal with the emotional grief of losing food as a comfort? 💪 And how can obesity doctors and food addiction counselors work together for real, lasting healing? Whether you're a clinician, someone using GLP-1s, or navigating food addiction recovery—this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Follow Dr. Sowa: https://alexandrasowamd.com 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.