Food Junkies Podcast

Dr. Neal D. Barnard, MD, FACC, is an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). He has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients.   Dr. Barnard has authored more than 100 scientific publications and 20 books for medical and lay readers, and is the editor-in-chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students. As president of PCRM, he leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. His research contributed to the acceptance of plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2016, he founded the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as a model for making nutrition a routine part of all medical care.   Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Barnard received his M.D. degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the same institution. He practiced at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York before returning to Washington to found PCRM. Dr. Barnard has hosted four PBS television programs on nutrition and health and is frequently called on by news programs to discuss issues related to nutrition and research. 

Shelly-Anne McKay Shelly-Anne McKay is a Master Certified Coach and Food Addiction Specialist with over 30 years of experience in coaching and recovery. After overcoming addictions to substances and ultra-processed foods, she founded Soul Sisters United, a global recovery platform, and developed a certification program for food addiction coaches. Passionate about empowering individuals and training professionals, Shelly-Anne is a leader in the food addiction recovery field, dedicated to promoting healing and resilience. Elena Garcia Elena Garcia is a Food Addiction Specialist who transformed her own struggles with emotional eating into a mission to help others. After overcoming work burnout, losing 155 pounds, and earning a degree in Psychology, she now empowers clients to heal their relationship with food. Elena creates compassionate, safe spaces for individuals to address unhealthy habits and build strategies for a thriving, joyful, and balanced life. Key Takeaways: Understanding Food Addiction as a Coping Mechanism: Elena shares her personal story of using food to self-soothe during tough times, from growing up in a family that used food to cope with stress to facing burnout and turning to food for comfort. Shelly-Anne highlights how her own recovery from substance abuse uncovered her ultra-processed food addiction and how this realization inspired her work. The Role of Mental Health in Recovery: Elena's decision to study psychology led her to explore the deep connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, influencing her compassionate approach to food addiction recovery. Both women emphasize the importance of addressing the emotional roots of addiction rather than focusing solely on dieting or weight loss. Compassion in Recovery: Shelly-Anne stresses the value of self-compassion, especially after setbacks like binges, offering practical advice on breaking the binge cycle. Both guests advocate for creating safe spaces where individuals feel supported and understood throughout their healing journey. Professional Training for Food Addiction Recovery: Shelly-Anne discusses her Professional Food Addiction Coach Certification program, which equips wellness professionals with tools to support clients effectively. She highlights why choosing the right coach or professional is crucial for recovery. Recognizing Emotional Triggers: Elena and Shelly-Anne share strategies to help people identify when they’re eating due to emotional triggers rather than physical hunger, a critical step in developing a healthier relationship with food. Empathy and Innovation in Food Addiction Coaching: Shelly-Anne explains how empathy is at the heart of her coaching philosophy and how she instills this value in the professionals she trains. Looking ahead, they both share insights on the evolving landscape of food addiction treatment, including innovative modalities and broader awareness. Advice for Those Feeling Stuck: Practical tips and words of encouragement for anyone struggling with ultra-processed food addiction, emphasizing small steps, self-forgiveness, and finding the right support. PROFESSIONAL FOOD ADDICTION COACH (PFAC) CERTIFICATION: https://www.shellyannemckay.com/foodaddictioncourse Food Addiction Support Group: https://www.soulsistersunited.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. Olivardia is a clinical psychologist, lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital. He maintains a private practice in Lexington, MA, where he specializes in the treatment of ADHD, executive functioning issues, and issues that face students with learning differences. He is a recognized expert in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is on the Professional Advisory Boards for Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) and The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), as well as sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for ADDitude and the Expert Network for Understood. He is co-author of The Adonis Complex, a book which details the various manifestations of body image problems in males. He has appeared in publications such as Time, GQ, and Rolling Stone, and has been featured on Good Morning America, Extra, CBS This Morning, CNN, and VH1. He has spoken on numerous radio and webinar shows and presents at many talks and conferences around the country. He also has lived experience as someone with ADHD and learning differences and a parent of two teenagers with ADHD and Dyslexia. Key Takeaways: 1. ADHD and Eating Disorders: ADHD impacts all life domains, with symptoms like impulsivity, executive dysfunction, and high sensory needs that influence eating behaviors. For many with ADHD, eating is driven by sensory-seeking, and the brain’s need for stimulation can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. ADHD is often associated with binge eating and food impulsivity, influenced by genetic and neurological factors, such as dopamine dysregulation and low levels of GABA, the neurotransmitter related to inhibition.   2. Genetics, Food Culture, and Neurobiology: Dr. Olivardia shares how his family’s love for food shaped his relationship with eating and sensory stimulation. ADHD brains often experience high stimulation from ultra-processed foods, which can drive cravings and overeating due to dopamine’s role in the brain’s reward system.   3. Executive Function Challenges in Meal Planning: ADHD can make meal planning, shopping, and cooking overwhelming. Structured lists, simple recipes, and single-pot meals can help manage mealtime more effectively for those with ADHD. Regular, scheduled meals prevent intense late-night eating often seen in ADHD.   4. Medication and Treatment Options: Stimulant medications, like Vyvanse (FDA-approved for binge eating disorder), help some individuals with ADHD manage impulsivity around food by improving focus and reducing cravings. Proper medication can significantly enhance treatment outcomes for ADHD-related eating challenges. For individuals who don’t respond to medication, behavioral strategies such as maintaining regular sleep schedules, exercising, and using music for grounding can be effective.   5. Binge Eating and Addiction Risks:  Dr. Olivardia highlights the link between ADHD and addiction, including food addiction. ADHD brains metabolize glucose differently, leading to cravings for high-sugar foods. Education on how ADHD brains work can alleviate feelings of weakness or shame in managing eating behaviors.   6. Self-Acceptance and Neurodiversity: Dr. Olivardia encourages embracing ADHD and neurodiversity, emphasizing that people with ADHD often excel in creative and mission-driven fields. ADHD challenges can become strengths, leading to fulfilling, meaningful work and connections.   Resources: • CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – A leading organization for ADHD support and resources: https://chadd.org   • Attitude Magazine – A resource for ADHD insights and content: https://www.additudemag.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.    

What if overcoming food addiction isn't about changing yourself but about identifying and releasing foreign influences within your mind? In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Robert Falconer to dive into the concept of "unattached burdens" and explore how these external influences may drive our cravings. Falconer, an expert in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, is the author of "The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession," which examines how unattached burdens might be impacting our behaviors and addictions. Robert Falconer holds an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology with a focus on the history of religions and a master's degree in psychology. With over 50 years of experience in psychotherapy, Falconer specializes in IFS Therapy and has authored multiple books, including a co-authored work with IFS founder Richard Schwartz. His latest book introduces the concept of unattached burdens, blending psychological insights with a spiritual dimension that challenges traditional Western views of the mind.  Episode Highlights: Personal Journey: Falconer shares his career evolution over five decades, moving from Gestalt therapy to IFS and beyond. Insights into navigating criticism and maintaining an open, resilient approach. Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS): Falconer introduces IFS, explaining its basic concepts and how it frames addiction as a struggle between internal "selves." A look at how Falconer’s ideas diverge from the traditional IFS approach, particularly with the theory of unattached burdens. Exploring "The Others Within Us": What are unattached burdens, and are they literal or metaphorical? Discussion on the "citadel theory of mind" and how unattached burdens challenge conventional views of selfhood. How unattached burdens differ from conditions like dissociative identity disorder. The Concept of a Porous Mind: The "porous mind" as a way to understand openness to external influences. How this concept redefines addiction and compulsive behaviors, offering an alternative approach to understanding cravings. Unattached Burdens and Spirit Possession: Drawing parallels between spirit possession across cultures and psychological theories in the West. Exploring whether these burdens are akin to Jungian archetypes. Can unattached burdens be viewed as a metaphor, or must they be taken literally for therapeutic success? Evidence and Ethical Considerations: Falconer discusses the evidence for external influences on thought and behavior. Ethical questions surrounding spirit guides in therapy and the use of hallucinogens for accessing these influences. Applying These Ideas to Food Addiction: How unattached burdens might provide new insights into food cravings and compulsive eating. Potential applications of spirit guides or ancestral influences in addressing food addiction. Considering parallels between "unattached burdens" and the "red dog" in Food Addiction (FA) frameworks. Connect with Robert Falconer: Website: https://robertfalconer.us 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.  

🎧 Clinicians Corner on Nervous System Regulation in Food Addiction Recovery 🎧 💡 Top Insights A Broader Mission: Clinicians Corner is here to spread practical interventions from food addiction recovery and empower both clinicians and non-clinicians, like recovery coaches, with actionable tools. 🧠 Nervous System Basics Fight, Flight, Freeze: Key states that influence our actions. Understanding and moving between sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (calm) states can change how we respond to cravings. Body-Brain Connection: 80% of body-to-brain communication underscores how physical sensations impact recovery. Think of the body as the “horse,” guiding the brain’s “rider.” 🛠️ Practical Tools for Regulation Sigh It Out: Deep breaths and the “physiological sigh” (two quick inhales, one long exhale) reset the body in moments of overwhelm. Simple Movements: Light stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, and finger movements help release pent-up energy. Grounding Senses: Engage your environment with the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, tasting). Scents like lavender or your favorite aromas can bring a sense of peace. 📅 Daily Pre-Meal Practices Mini-Rituals: Brief walks, calming music, or being near nature before meals can ease digestion and reduce cravings. Self-Compassionate Touch: Hugging yourself or placing a hand on your chest for a few seconds promotes calm, especially if you’re working through complex emotions or past trauma. 🌿 Why Nervous System Care Matters Healing from Trauma: Trauma often results in hypervigilance or emotional collapse. Recognizing these responses in yourself and practicing grounding tools helps create safety from within. Community & Co-Regulation: Group settings, supportive peers, and even animals can offer regulatory “energy” and mirror a sense of calm for those struggling with addiction recovery. 🎯 Remember Consistency, not perfection, is key! Practicing these tools regularly makes it easier to access them during high-stress moments. We invite you to share your topic suggestions with us! Please 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. Connect with Molly and Clarissa Website: https://www.sweetsobriety.ca  Email: Info@sweetsobriety.ca      

Josh Dech is a former paramedic, and a certified personal fitness trainer who transitioned into holistic health care after recognizing the limitations of traditional medical practices. He completed his paramedic training in 2013 and later studied holistic nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in 2021.   He combined his expertise in fitness and nutrition to focus on gut health, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's and colitis. His innovative approaches have led to the successful reversal of over 300 cases of these conditions, previously deemed incurable. Josh now serves as a medical lecturer and physician consultant at the Priority Health Academy, where he educates doctors on holistic approaches to gut health and IBD. He also hosts a podcast "ReversABLE," which shares insights on gut health and its profound impact on overall well-being. Vera Asks Josh: • How did you get into holistic health, and what led you to focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? • How did you discover the importance of nutrition for IBD? • Why is North America considered the gut disease capital of the world? • What role does the gut microbiome play in both overall health and mental well-being? • What is the connection between gut health and the immune system? • Can you define "leaky gut" and explain how you assess and address it in your practice? • What are IBS and IBD, and how are they different? • How do Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis differ in terms of symptoms and causes? • How does the Western diet impact gut health? How does stress affect our gut health? • What is your holistic approach to treating IBD? Could you explain your innovative methods? • Why do ultra-processed foods harm our gut health? • Vegan vs. Keto: Which is better for gut health? • Why do some people tolerate fiber while others can’t? • What role do short-chain fatty acids play in maintaining a healthy gut? • How do antibiotics impact the gut microbiome, and how can we mitigate these effects? • How does food addiction present in his practice, especially those with IBD? • How do you treat food addiction in patients with IBD? • What role does the gut microbiome play in food cravings and addictive eating? • Do you think improving gut health could reduce food addiction?  Follow Josh: Facebook: Josh Dech  Facebook: IBD Support and Solutions for Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Podcast: https://www.reversablepod.com Instagram: @ joshdech.health You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@GutHealthSolution LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-dech-5a1582106/ 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.

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  

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.      

Claire Sehinson, is an educator, researcher with a functional medicine and nutritional therapy clinical practice.  She brings to her work her passion and lived experience of being multiply neurodivergent and diagnosed with Autism, dyslexia and ADHD as an adult, whilst navigating her own recovery from ME/CFS and dealing with many mental health issues throughout her lifetime.   Claire has over a decade of specialist clinical experience working with complex illness, trauma, CFS, Fibromyalgia and chronic infections. Claire is the Head of Research at the Optimum Health Clinic (an integrative body-mind clinic) where she researches and trains practitioners on cutting-edge protocols to support complexly ill clients.   She created the IHCAN award winning Therapeutic Nutrition course- a 6 month post-graduate practitioner training program supporting patients with CFS/ME and complex illness. Claire continues to advocate for marginalized groups to raise awareness and share knowledge of intersectionality in healthcare. Her research focus is the overlap of Neurodivergence, hypermobility spectrum disorders and chronic complex illness.  Today we cover: Her personal story with Neurodiversity and WHY it was important to her to pursue this career?   Some of the myths about what people think ADHD is and what it actually is The unique challenges faced by those with ADHD The relationship between ADHD and eating disorders, and how the symptoms of each condition may exacerbate the other? We talk about interoception and how this affects individuals with ADHD when it comes to feeding and eating The sensory processing and differences that ADHD people experience? What are some helpful tips for practitioners working with diet & nutrition plans in ADHD? How do ADHD symptoms intersect with substance use disorders?  What are some common coping mechanisms or self-medicating behaviors that individuals with ADHD may adopt, leading to potential addiction issues?  How does impulsivity, a hallmark trait of ADHD, contribute to addictive behaviors or disordered eating patterns, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these impulses? Just forwarding my contact details: Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/nutritionforneurodiversity/ The-Creative-Well is my functional medicine practice https://www.the-creative-well.com/services/#anchor-3 Claire's Blog: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog?author=65bb37c2c08d0b7ec949620c Claire's training program in CFS/ME (for practitioners!) https://www.therapeuticnutrition.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.  

Dr. Jananthan Paramsothy got his internal medicine training at Richmond University Medial Center in Staten Island New York. Additionally, he has worked as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician in Sri Lanka. He has published a number of peer reviewed articles, one on a study of auto brewery syndrome. He is also a student in the Executive MPH program at Yale School of Public Health.  We have heard alot about the microbiome and its possible role in food addiction. We at Food Junkies are interested to know what role gut fermentation syndrome might be contributing to our food addiction, as a result of the ultra processed foods that so many of us are eating.  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.  

Carl Erik Fisher, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist, bioethics scholar, author, and person in recovery. He is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, where he studies and teaches law, ethics, and policy relating to psychiatry and neuroscience, especially issues related to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. He also maintains a private clinical practice focused on complementary and integrative approaches to addiction and recovery. He is the author of the nonfiction book The Urge: Our History of Addiction, named one of the best books of the year by The New Yorker and The Boston Globe. The Urge is an intellectual and cultural history of addiction, interwoven with his own experiences as an addiction psychiatrist at Columbia and as someone in recovery himself. His other writing for the general public has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Slate, Scientific American MIND, and elsewhere. He is also the host of the podcast Flourishing After Addiction, an interview series focused on addiction and recovery. Carl’s scholarly work addresses the role of neuroscience and psychiatry in society, primarily as reflected in ethics, law, and policy. His academic writing has been published in JAMA; The American Journal of Bioethics; The Journal of Medical Ethics; and The Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, among others. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and he is an appointed member of the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Psychiatry and Law.  In this episode: Shares his personal and professional journey Why it was important for him that his book focus on the history of addiction Can and should personal recovery inform professional treatment?  Why he believes if you can do so safely, you should recover out loud Why he wrote the book The Urge: Our History of Addiction What are his thoughts on models of addiction?  Is there a false dichotomy between harm reduction and abstinence-based treatment? He addresses some common misconceptions about addiction Dr. Fisher turns the tables and walks Vera & I through an exercise to see how our treatment are more aligned than different What he would say to his younger self about addiction Follow Carl: Twitter: @DrCarlErik Instagram: @drcarlerik His Podcast: Flourishing After Addiction Website: https://www.carlerikfisher.com    

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). From 2019 - 2022, Anita served as the elected Co-Chair for the Suicide and DBT Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AED and currently sits on the SIG Oversight Committee. Anita has had a considerable impact on the field through her leadership, advocacy work, and expertise. To date, she has provided more than 375 lectures, workshops, and invited talks on eating disorders, MED-DBT, compassionate care for complex needs, and developing differential care pathways that integrate biotemperament-based approaches, experts-by-experience, and ethical care. She has developed a robust training program, a wide network of allied health professionals, and a treatment centre in an underserved and rural region of Ontario. Her passion for inspiring and invigorating hope for clients and clinicians is at the heart of her work.  Known for her engaging and authentic style of training, Anita has become a highly sought-after consultant. She works extensively with hospitals and community organizations nationally and internationally offering team training, implementation support, and program development with a special focus on creating differential care pathways for clients who do not respond to traditional treatment approaches. Her work has been presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and invited book chapters.  Follow Anita: https://www.psychology-emotionregulation.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.  

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). From 2019 - 2022, Anita served as the elected Co-Chair for the Suicide and DBT Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AED and currently sits on the SIG Oversight Committee. Anita has had a considerable impact on the field through her leadership, advocacy work, and expertise. To date, she has provided more than 375 lectures, workshops, and invited talks on eating disorders, MED-DBT, compassionate care for complex needs, and developing differential care pathways that integrate biotemperament-based approaches, experts-by-experience, and ethical care. She has developed a robust training program, a wide network of allied health professionals, and a treatment centre in an underserved and rural region of Ontario. Her passion for inspiring and invigorating hope for clients and clinicians is at the heart of her work.  Known for her engaging and authentic style of training, Anita has become a highly sought-after consultant. She works extensively with hospitals and community organizations nationally and internationally offering team training, implementation support, and program development with a special focus on creating differential care pathways for clients who do not respond to traditional treatment approaches. Her work has been presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and invited book chapters.  Follow Anita: https://www.psychology-emotionregulation.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.  

Dr. Vera Tarman is the Medical Director of Renascent and a senior staff physician at Salvation Army. Dr Tarman has a special interest in the clinical syndrome of food addiction. She has presented at international public forums and media platforms to educate and advocate on this subject. She is author of "Food Junkies: Recovery from  Food Addiction", and is cohost of the popular Food Junkies Podcast. She is also the founder and moderator of the free Facebook group, called “I’m Sweet Enough: Sugar Free for Life”. Check out her You tube videos at veratarman md. Today we speak with her about her newly published paper "One size does not fit all: Understanding the five stages of ultra-processed food addiction" and the topic she is presenting on at our International Food Addiction Consensus Conference May 17, 2024 London, UK. If you can’t join us we hope you watch the live stream to support us. It is not to be missed as the latest cutting edge dicussons around food addiction will be happening that day! In this Episode: What are the five proposed stages of food addiction, and how do they progress from mild to severe? Why is it important to recognize the stages of food addiction for diagnosis and treatment? The neurobiological and hormonal factors involved in the progression of food addiction How does distinguishing between food addiction and eating disorders impact treatment approaches?  In the early stages of food addiction, what interventions are effective in promoting inhibitory control and addressing hormonal imbalances? How do we reach people in this early stage before the progression occurs? What role does mindful eating play in food addiction treatment? What are some potential medical treatments and interventions for severe stages of food addiction, and how do they address neurobiological imbalances? Why is it important to tailor food addiction management to address the specific phase of the syndrome that an individual is experiencing? What challenges exist in implementing stage-based interventions for food addiction, and how can they be addressed? What is Vera speaking about at the IFACC Conference next week?  Follow Vera: Website: https://addictionsunplugged.com Instagram: dr_vera_tarman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SugarFreeForLife/ YOU’RE INVITED to the International Food Addiction Consensus Conference Friday May 17, 2024, in London, UK This informative and engaging gathering will build awareness for the growing problem of Food Addiction, not only for us adults but also for children and future generations. Speakers include: Chris Van Tulleken Robert Lustig Michael Moss Vera Tarman Adrian SotoMota Erica LaFata David Wiss (Video) Timothy Brewerton (Video Link) Anna Lembke (Video Link) Nicole Avena Susan Peirce Thompson Why attend? •Gain valuable insights from international researchers, physicians, clinicians, and metabolic experts. •Network with professionals and like-minded individuals. •Learn about Food Addiction, and how ultra-processed foods impact the brain. •See the latest scientific research on the addictive nature of certain foods and the clinical research in this area. •Support our international program to get Food Addiction recognized as a disorder, listed in the ICD-11, to improve the food environment for future generations. We hope you will join us for a full day of education, connection, and hope!  TICKET SALES END MAY 12, 2024! If you are unable to attend or view the livestream and still want to support this work, you can: Attend the Conference or Purchase a Livestream Ticket: http://bit.ly/3ROJSCE Donate a Ticket: Pay for another attendee, and we will ensure it goes to a healthcare professional, student or public member who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend – use the link in the show notes. Spread the Word: Share our cause with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people know about our mission, the greater our reach. You can use social media, email, or good old-fashioned word of mouth to help us raise awareness. Donate: Every dollar, pound or any other currency you contribute goes directly towards making this conference possible and supports our work to get food addiction recognized by The World Health Organization (WHO). Check show notes for the link!  https://bit.ly/4bIwKa3 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.    

Today we speak to Dr Paul Kolodzik is a medical doctor specializing in metabolic health and weight loss. He completed his medical training at the  Wright State University School of Medicine and has served as Assistant Clinical professor at this site since 1989.  He is board certified in preventative and emergency medicine and has over 20 years of experience working in emergency medicine. He is also  board certified in Addiction Medicine and has treated people with food addiction, as well as weight loss and metabolic disease over the last five years. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Kolodzik is the author of "The Continuous Glucose Monitor Revolution," which provides a comprehensive guide on using CGMs for improved health and weight management. His passion lies in educating people about the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring and helping them achieve their weight loss goals using  low-carb diets and other lifestyle changes. We are food junkies podcast are wondering if these devices can help us in food addiction recovery.  In todays Episode: What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and how does it work? The connection between blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and weight gain? What are some of the key advantages of using a CGM for weight loss and improving metabolic health? How does a CGM provide insights that other methods versus other means of tracking like a regular glucomenter or a fitness tracker?  What are the steps to getting started?  How can someone interpret and make sense of their CGM data?  What are the key patterns to look for to show good  or poor metabolic health?  How would you use these to make adjustment to your diet? Should you work  with a health care provider using these? Besides diet, what other lifestyle factors can influence CGM readings? How can CGMs help food addicts better understand their triggers and cravings? How can these be used to help create a food addiction recovery food plan? Or your patients with food addiction any different than other patients - do you have special / different advice to give us?  What resources or support are available for non-diabetics looking to use CGMs? Follow Dr. Kolodzik: https://www.metabolicmds.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. Kelly is the Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the Director of the Recovery Research Institute at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the Associate Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at MGH, and the Program Director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service. Dr. Kelly is a former President of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Society of Addiction Psychology, and is a Fellow of the APA and a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He has served as a consultant to U.S. federal agencies and non-federal institutions, as well as foreign governments and the United Nations. Dr. Kelly has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and books in the field of addiction medicine. His work has focused on addiction treatment and the recovery process, mechanisms of behavior change, and reducing stigma and discrimination among individuals suffering from addiction. In this Episode: What initially sparked his interest in studying Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step programs? What were the the key findings of the Cochrane review regarding the efficacy of AA and 12-step approaches? How effective is AA compared to professionally-delivered addiction treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy? Why does AA work for some people but not others? How well does AA work for diverse populations? Are there certain groups for whom it works better or worse? Could these findings be applied to other recovery communities? i.e. Sweet Sobriety, Smart Recovery, LifeRing? What role can AA play within a modern system of clinical addiction treatment and recovery support? His thoughts on harm reduction Why he thinks that sometimes in the addiction field it’s either a harm reduction model OR an abstinence model instead of both offered. The research on average recovery trajectories (ie 4 – 5 years before they decide to stop even though the use is very problematic due to stigma or fear and trying moderation, then 7 or 8 years and multiple treatment interventions before they get one full year of abstinence, then 5 years of continuous remission before people are no longer at an elevated risk versus the normal population) People with addiction ned to be given permission to practice recovery instead of just being expected to just stop immediately  Does he believe in Food Addiction ? His thoughts on what our next steps should be to get Food Addiction Recognized   Follow John Kelly and the Recovery Research Institute: https://www.recoveryanswers.org 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. Georgia Ede is an internationally recognized expert in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her twenty-five years of clinical experience include twelve years at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medication. Dr. Ede co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness, developed the first medically accredited course in ketogenic diets for mental health practitioners, and was honored to be named a recipient of the Baszucki Brain Research Fund’s first annual Metabolic Mind Award. Her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind was released on January 30, 2024.  Follow: https://www.diagnosisdiet.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.

Jason Tetro or the “The Germ Guy”, is an Author and renown media personality in science communication and marketing. For nearly a decade, he has been working to increase public awareness of microbes and health. Most of his efforts are in the form of columns and blogs. He has a weekly blog column with Huffington Post Canada, and is featured on various radio and television stations in Canada and worldwide, notably the CBC Radio One and Sirius XM.  He also authored The Germ Code, which was shortlisted for Book of the Year by the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada and The Germ Files, which was acclaimed both in Canada and around the world, and appeared on the Globe and Mail national bestseller list.  Jason started out in the field of Biochemistry but eventually gravitated towards Microbiology and Immunology. He has a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry/Microbiology from the University of Guelph. He has worked in several fields including bloodborne, food and water pathogens, environmental microbiology, disinfection and antisepsis, and emerging pathogens. Jason is a Knowledge User on the grant. He will act as an Independent Contributor where he will facilitate knowledge translation to public and media, develop social media strategies to increase awareness and reach, provide support for researchers on science communication, and assist with fundraising/network longevity planning. Follow Jason: Website: https://jasontetro.com/index2.html 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.