Food Junkies Podcast

On todays epsiode CJ welcomes Sarah to the show. Sarah is a deeply spiritual individual with a profound connection to God. Her faith serves as the cornerstone of her life, inspiring a genuine desire to help others find their own paths to healing and wholeness. With a wealth of knowledge in the recovery field, Sarah offers compassionate guidance and support, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and embrace a fulfilling life. her unwavering belief in the transformative power of faith combined with her experience creates a unique and impactful presence. 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  If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.      

Matthew W. Johnson, PhD, is a senior researcher for the Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment at Sheppard Pratt’s Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics. He is one of the world’s most accomplished scientists on the human effects of psychedelics and has conducted seminal research in the behavioral economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behavior. Dr. Johnson, an expert in behavioral pharmacology research, has decades of experience. In his most recent role, he served as a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Johnson’s current research centers around the efficacy and safety of psychedelics in the treatment of various medical and mental health conditions.  In 2008, Dr. Johnson played a crucial role in revitalizing human psychedelic research by publishing psychedelic risk and safety guidelines, which are now widely recognized as field standards. His trials have explored the effects of psychedelics on mystical experience, personality change, cancer distress treatment, and depression treatment. Dr. Johnson published the first research on psychedelic treatment for tobacco addiction in 2014. In 2021, he received the first federal grant in a half-century for treatment research with a classic psychedelic. He has received continuous National Institute of Health (NIH) funding as Principal Investigator since 2009 and has reviewed for >75 journals, including serving as guest editor on two special issues on psychedelics. Dr. Johnson has reviewed grants for the NIH, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Military, and multiple governments outside the U.S. He was a member of the Addictions Risks and Mechanisms (ARM) NIH study section for 5 years. He has been invited to present his research in over a dozen countries. Dr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon University and earned his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Vermont. He served as President of the International Society for Research on Psychedelics in 2020, the first scientific society dedicated to quantitative research on psychedelics and one he played a role in founding. In 2019, Dr. Johnson also served as President of the Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse Division of the American Psychological Association.  Dr. Johnson has been interviewed about psychedelics and other drugs by many newspapers, TV and radio programs, and podcasts around the world. These include interviews by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, Fox News, Fox Business News, the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Globe and Mail, The Atlantic, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Vogue, Washingtonian, Scientific American, Nature, the Lex Fridman Podcast, the Huberman Lab Podcast, Big Think, and by Michael Pollan in his best-selling book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Follow Dr. Johnson X: https://x.com/drug_researcher Website: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/why-sheppard-pratt/our-experts/details/matthew-w-johnson-phd/   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.

Monica Boyer is a certified Ketogenic Lifestyle Coach and a passionate advocate for holistic health and wellness. Her journey began with a life-changing experience 7 years ago, that inspired her to leave her career as an Admin Secretary and pursue certifications in nutrition, ketogenic coaching, and food addiction recovery. With a profound weight loss of over 120 lbs through the ketogenic lifestyle, Monica has maintained her transformation for nearly 7 years and is passionate to help others achieve the same.   To that end, Monica got her Keto certification with Ketogenic Living 101 with Kate Jaramillo,  and Life Coaching with the Transformational Academy in 2018. But the focus  on low carb eating was not enough, food addiction was a missing piece in her practice. She completed her Holistic Medicine for Addiction and SUGAR  certification with Bitten Johnson in early 2024.  Monica has also  received her Intermittent Fasting Certification with Bryan Bryn and is in the process of getting her certification with Dr Mindy Peltz, author of Fasting Like a girl .where she will work with women and nutrition building based on their hormones.  This year she acquired  Ketogenic Living 101 and now runs one of the most successful Keto Coaching certification programs in the US.     In addition to her coaching practice, Monica has launched a podcast called "Beyond the Scale: Weight Loss & Wellness”.  Follow Monica: Website: https://kmhealth.ketomomcoaching.com Instagram: coach_monica_75 Twitter: MonicaBoyer2303 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 today’s episode, CJ has a conversation with Anne. Anne is a deeply reflective individual with a profound understanding of self. Through years of personal exploration and experience with abstinence, Anne has developed a keen insight into human behavior and the complexities of cravings. Her journey has equipped her with a unique perspective that allows her to approach challenges with empathy and wisdom. Anne's ability to share her experiences with honesty and vulnerability makes her a valuable resource for those seeking understanding and support. 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  If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.  

DR. VIMALASARA also known as (VALERIE) MASON-JOHN M.A (HON.DOC) to the show. Vimalasara is a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry, and is the author of 10 books, including the award winning book, “Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction” and “Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma”. There are 8 Step Recovery meetings held in several continents. And they are co-founder of the training program, Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR), which is delivered in both English and Spanish. They work as a public speaker in the field of Mindfulness for Addiction and Trauma. They also work online and in person between Canada, USA, UK and Spain. In today’s episode we speak about: Their personal story of eating disorders, food addiction and recovery  How to work with the shame we experience around eating disorders and food addiction  The mutual help recovery community Vimalasara created: Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddhist Teaching to Overcome Addiction Their new book  First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviours  Vimalasara does two practices in this episode around SHAME and LOVE  FOLLOW: Vimalasara (VALERIE) MASON-JOHN M.A (HON.DOC) Website: https://www.valeriemason-john.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VMasonJohn Instagram: vmasonjohn Twitter: @VMasonJohn  

Maia Szalavitz is an acclaimed journalist and author renowned for her expertise in neuroscience and addiction. With a career spanning over three decades, she has become one of the most prominent voices in the field, advocating for evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment and policy. Szalavitz's career as a journalist began in the late 1980s. Her work has appeared in numerous prestigious publications, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Washington Post, and Scientific American. She has reported extensively on topics ranging from addiction and mental health to neuroscience and public health. Maia Szalavitz is the author of several influential books that have reshaped the public's understanding of addiction and recovery: "Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids" (2006): This groundbreaking book exposed the harmful practices within the troubled-teen industry, advocating for reforms and better oversight. "Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential—and Endangered" (2010), co-authored with Dr. Bruce Perry, explores the science of empathy and its critical role in human development and society. "Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction" (2016): This seminal work challenges conventional views on addiction, presenting it as a learning disorder rather than a moral failing or purely biological disease. The book has been lauded for its compassionate and scientifically grounded approach. "Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction" (2021): In this book, Szalavitz chronicles the history and development of the harm reduction movement and advocates for humane and effective drug policies. Maia Szalavitz is a fierce advocate for harm reduction, a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Her work has significantly influenced public policy, contributing to a broader acceptance of harm reduction measures such as needle exchange programs, safe consumption spaces, and medication-assisted treatment. Through her writing and public speaking, Szalavitz continues to challenge stigmatizing narratives around addiction, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and science-based interventions. She has received numerous awards for her journalism and public health contributions, including the American Psychological Association's Award for Excellence in Reporting on Addiction. In this episode, we talk to Maia about: How her personal journey influenced her professional work and views on addiction Key misconceptions about addiction that persist in society today The role of trauma and mental health issues in the development and perpetuation of addiction Addiction as a learning disorder Harm Reduction and Radical Empathy The future of addiction treatment and the evolution of harm reduction in the next 10 to 20 years Signature Question: If you could tell a younger version of yourself something about addiction and/or Harm Reduction - what would it be?   Follow Maia: Website: https://maiasz.com/ Twitter (X): https://x.com/maiasz Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001ILFON8   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.

On today’s episode, CJ welcomes Robert to the show, a soul on a constant quest for growth. His journey inward has fostered a wellspring of wisdom, allowing him to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. But Robert's insights aren’t just for personal exploration; his experiences translate into a powerful message of inspiration. His story is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection, leaving those around him feeling empowered and ready to embark on their own journey. 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  If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.  

Kathy Williams has an MBA from Goizueta School of Business, Emry University and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnat. She has also been certified by the University of Pittsburgh’s Diabetes Prevention Program. As CEO of Williams ConsultlingGroup, Kathy is an author, speaker, health strategist, and diabetic prevention advocate. She also has a private coaching practice where she helps clients eliminate their cravings and sugar addiction in 90 days.   Like many of us in the field, Kathy has her own personal story. From being prediabetic, she halted her prediabetic progression back to a normal blood sugar level, which she has maintained for over 10 years.  Notably - She was even able to help her son, a type ONE diabetic to reduce his insulin and greatly improve his blood sugar levels. This is far and beyond what most doctors can achieve. She did this with changing his diet. Clearly she has found a way to reach out to children as well as adults. Of interest to us at Food Junkies:, what can Kathy tell us about how to encourage and support families to live a sugar free life - in a world that equates love with sugar?  Follow Kathy: Connect with Kathy "Sugar Free Girl" Williams, your SUGAR SHRINK Free Health Transformation Call: https://link.pipelinepro.co/widget/booking/IIjTGPR0qpvImRcg69N2 Link to free resources: https://ilivesugarfree.com/links Website: https://ilivesugarfree.com/ Purchase the Book "Oh So Sweet to Live Sugar Free": https://ilivesugarfree.com/my-book 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.        

Dr. Raines is a distinguished clinical investigator at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the LSU School of Medicine. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University, she has over 13 years of clinical experience, specializing in treating patients with anxiety and related conditions, including those which intersect with hoarding behaviors. She has published an number of peer reviewed articles focusing on hoarding disorder and its associated psychological aspects.  Dr. Raines is the Chair of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Research and Professional Development Committee and a member of the Association of VA Psychologist Leaders (AVAPL), and Division 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA). Further, she serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. . We at Food Junkies Podcast are interested in her article "Hoarding and Eating Pathology: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation” which explores the relationship between hoarding behaviors and eating disorders and obesity. Today we explore the co-occurance of hoarding and eating pathologies, and if this dynamic may help us understand food addiction as well.  Follow Amanda: Website: https://riseocdandanxiety.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.      

On today’s episode, CJ has the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer. Jennifer isn't afraid to turn the lens inward. She's a self-explorer, constantly dissecting experiences to find the lessons hidden within. This deep reflection fuels her insightful nature - she sees patterns and connections others miss. But Jennifer isn't all contemplation; she's a tireless worker, dedicated to testing her theories and crafting a life that truly works for her, one experiment at a time. Friends, you are in for a real treat! 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  If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.