The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Holly Bertone, a former FBI Chief of Staff for Counterintelligence, transitioned to a Certified Holistic Health Coach after battling cancer and autoimmune disorders. She discusses her journey of uncovering the mysteries behind emotional eating, sharing insights on the relationship between stress and food choices. Holly reveals practical strategies to rewire eating habits and highlights the importance of emotional health. Her unique background in intelligence plays a key role in helping high-achieving women reclaim their health and well-being.

In a lively discussion, Dr. Neal Barnard, author and president of the Physicians Committee, shares insights on how a plant-based diet can dramatically improve health for those with diabetes and heart disease. He highlights compelling research showing that such diets can reduce premature death risk. Dr. Barnard explores how proper nutrition can enhance immune function, the impact of lifestyle choices on longevity, and stresses the importance of whole foods while navigating common dietary pitfalls. It's a powerful look at food as medicine!

Dr. Columbus Batiste, a lifestyle interventional cardiologist and co-founder of Healthy Heart Nation, shares his insights on how food acts as powerful medicine. He advocates for eating whole, fresh foods like our great-grandparents did while warning against the dangers of ultra-processed items. Topics include the surprising health impacts of food additives, the benefits of community gardening, and the often-overlooked health risks associated with traditional holiday eating. Dr. Batiste emphasizes that our diet choices directly influence heart health and chronic disease management.

Join registered dietitian Noah Praamsma as he uncovers the unsettling truths behind hot dogs, a staple of American dining. Discover how these processed meats can contribute to serious health risks, including cancer and hypertension, due to harmful additives like nitrates. Noah discusses the impact of hot dog consumption in competitive eating and contrasts it with healthier, plant-based alternatives now appearing in MLB stadiums. Get ready for a humorous debate on whether hot dogs are sandwiches and learn about innovative recipes like carrot dogs!

Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an award-winning physician and author of "The Stress Paradox," explores the tricky relationship between food, stress, and health. She highlights how certain foods can create beneficial stress responses in the body. Discover the difference between good and bad stress, and why our diet choices matter. Learn about intermittent fasting, the role of exercise, and how embracing good stress can promote resilience and longevity. Her insights redefine stress as a potentially positive force in our lives.

Chef AJ gives an exclusive update on her cancer battle.   The bestselling cookbook author has been undergoing treatment for stage 3 lung cancer. AJ shares her journey with “The Weight Loss Champion” Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Live. It's one of humility, resiliency, perseverance, and inspiration.   — In This Interview — - AJ's treatment plan - The power of optimistic thinking - Working with Dr. Alan Goldhamer - How her diet has changed - Her changing priorities in life - Healing with humor - And more! — — EVENTS — — Chef AJ Las Vegas Party Where: Las Vegas, NV When: Aug. 29-31, 2025 Who: Chef AJ, Drs. Neal Barnard, Will Bulsiewicz and more Tickets: https://theplantpoweredparty.com — — — Lotus Health Summit Where: Rochester, MN When: April 17-18, 2025 Who: Dr. Neal Barnard, Brenda Davis, Chuck Carroll Tickets: https://www.lotushealthfoundation.org/2025-symposium-and-gala — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: http://wghtloss.cc/ChuckFacebook X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a renowned gastroenterologist and bestselling author, shares his expert tips for keeping your gut thriving on the road. He discusses the importance of gut-friendly foods that are easy to find while traveling and emphasizes how sticking to a routine can help maintain microbiome health. Sunlight's role in gut function and how coffee can impact your digestive system are also explored. Plus, he shares fun ideas for healthy dining at tourist hotspots, ensuring your adventures don’t upset your stomach!

Dr. Roxie Becker, a physician specializing in nutrition, dives into the hot topics of seed oils versus beef tallow, revealing surprising insights from scientific research. She tackles common myths about inflammation and highlights the complexities of nutritional studies. The conversation also explores important elements like glyphosate in food and the health benefits of chia seeds. With humor and engaging interactions, Roxie emphasizes the need for evidence-based discussions to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of nutrition.

The brain undergoes a major change during weight loss. The result often is a much happier person with less depression. But the reason why this is happening goes far beyond just enjoying a smaller waist and what you see in the mirror.   There are substantial chemical changes occurring in the brain that alleviate depression, improve mood, and bolster mental health.   Dr. Hana Kahleova explores the science behind the brain boosting benefits of weight loss when she joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast.   — In This Interview —   - Bi-directional relationship between obesity and depression. - High-carb diets more beneficial than keto diets for mental health. - Fat quality, carbohydrates, fiber, and flavonoids are important. - BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) plays a crucial role in mood regulation.  — — SHOW LINKS — — Watch - Weight Loss and the Brainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RBUCWA2IJI — — EVENTS — — Lotus Health Summit Where: Rochester, MN (DATES) When: April 17-18, 2025 Who: Dr. Neal Barnard, Brenda Davis, Chuck Carroll Tickets: https://www.lotushealthfoundation.org/2025-symposium-and-gala — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: http://wghtloss.cc/ChuckFacebook X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!  

The severity of bird flu should not be underestimated. There are big pieces to the puzzle that most of us are missing, including how the virus is able to spread so rapidly from birds to other species, including humans. The threat is putting all of our health in jeopardy, but there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of spread and keep ourselves safe.   Dr. Neal Barnard explains the alarming situation on The Exam Room Podcast.   - In This Interview -   - How viruses mutate - Why current chicken-raising conditions make the virus incredibly easy to spread - Why dairy cattle are at great risk - Foods that reduce the risk of bird flu spread - Egg alternatives and eggless recipes - And more   This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Egg Alternatives and Recipes https://bit.ly/EggAlternativesPCRM — — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Dr. Neal Barnard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnealbarnard Facebook: http://bit.ly/DrBarnardFB X: https://www.twitter.com/drnealbarnard — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: http://wghtloss.cc/ChuckFacebook X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!