In this inspiring episode, we welcome Shelly Ann McKay and Elena Garcia, pioneers in the field of food addiction recovery, to share their personal journeys and professional insights. Shelly Ann, a seasoned coach, and Elena, a compassionate psychologist, discuss their innovative, holistic approaches to addressing food addiction, emphasizing empathy, trauma-informed care, and understanding systemic factors beyond traditional "eat less, move more" models. They highlight their collaborative training programs for professionals, the power of community through initiatives like Sisters United, and their vision for the future of food addiction treatment. With actionable advice on handling relapses, recognizing emotional eating triggers, and fostering self-compassion, this episode offers hope for anyone on a recovery journey. Shelly Ann and Elena also reflect on the messages they'd share with their younger selves, providing heartfelt wisdom for those navigating food addiction. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about healing, empowerment, and lasting change.

Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist and Harvard lecturer, is an expert on ADHD, body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. He highlights how ADHD affects eating behaviors through impulsivity, sensory needs, and executive functioning challenges, often leading to binge eating or cravings for ultra-processed foods due to dopamine's role in the brain's reward system. Effective treatment can include stimulant medications like Vyvanse and practical strategies such as structured meal planning, single-pot meals, and regular eating schedules to minimize late-night cravings. Dr. Olivardia also encourages self-acceptance and embracing neurodiversity, noting that individuals with ADHD can leverage their unique strengths in creative and meaningful ways.

Robert Falconer holds an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, focusing 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.

It’s our first Clinician’s Corner episode!! Check in here the first Friday each month for thoughtful conversations, practical tools, and expert insights!

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.  

Josh shares his journey from being a paramedic to specializing in gut health, highlighting how addressing the root causes of IBD through holistic approaches has helped reverse over 300 cases. He emphasizes the need to move away from conventional medicine's focus on symptom management and instead focus on healing the gut to improve overall health.

Dr. Marbas, a board-certified family physician, shares her expertise on the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, as well as conditions like PCOS, on women’s physical and mental well-being.

During this discussion, Dr. Westman provides an update on the latest developments in the ketogenic community, including new research and clinical applications of the keto diet for weight loss, diabetes reversal, and overall metabolic health. He highlights the evolution of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (TCR) and its impact on clinical practice and grassroots movements within the medical and health coaching communities.

Charlotte brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at the LevaSockerfri Treatment Center and her establishment of Know Addiction Academy in 2022. She is also a published author on sugar addiction and low-carbohydrate psychoeducational programs. In this episode, she provides a scientific yet accessible breakdown of the biochemical and psychological factors that drive cravings and how medications like Semaglutide may offer short-term relief but with potential long-term consequences.

Dr. Wiers shares her insights on using the ketogenic diet as a tool for managing cravings related to addiction, not only for alcohol but possibly food as well. We explore how the brain’s metabolism shifts in addiction and the promising role of ketones in stabilizing withdrawal symptoms.

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with Anna Fruehling, co-founder of SUGARx Global and a powerful voice in the food addiction recovery space. Anna shares her personal journey through addiction, recovery, and her mission to help others overcome their struggles with sugar and ultra-processed food addiction. With over 35 years of recovery from drug addiction and eight years clean from food addiction, Anna brings a wealth of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Enneagram and its role in personal growth and recovery from food addiction. Bethany Mazereeuw, RSW, provides an insightful introduction to the Enneagram, explaining how this system of nine personality types helps individuals understand the "why" behind their behaviors. We explore how the Enneagram offers a unique pathway for self-awareness and healing, making it a valuable tool in recovery.

Dr. Smith delves into the interplay between our senses—taste, touch, smell, and even sound—and how these senses influence our eating experiences. He explains how texture and aroma can trick our brains into perceiving food as sweeter or more flavorful than it is, often leading to overconsumption. Dr. Smith also discusses his experiment of cutting out ultra-processed foods and its profound impact on his well-being, including reduced cravings and improved mood.

In this insightful episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with the esteemed Dr. Ashley Gearhardt, a leading expert in the field of food addiction and psychology. Dr. Gearhardt is known for her groundbreaking work in developing the Yale Food Addiction Scale, which has become a pivotal tool in understanding the addictive properties of highly processed foods.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food addiction recovery, exploring how positive and negative expectations can shape the journey to better health. Dr. Roy shares her insights on the importance of flipping expectations, patient challenges, and practical strategies for building new, adaptive expectations that support lasting recovery.

The conversation also delves into the use of GLP-1 agonists and bariatric surgery as treatments for obesity. Dr. Lahlou explains that GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for diabetes treatment, are now used to treat obesity because they help reduce food cravings and manage metabolic disorders. However, she also highlights the challenges, including side effects and the high cost of these medications.

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. He has conducted seminal research in the behavioral economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behavior.

Monica Boyer is a certified Ketogenic Lifestyle Coach and a passionate holistic health and wellness advocate. Seven years ago, she had a life-changing experience that inspired her to leave her career as an Administrative Secretary and pursue certifications in nutrition, ketogenic coaching, and food addiction recovery.

Meet Vimlasara!!! You won’t want to miss this episode!

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 journalism and public health contributions, including the American Psychological Association's Award for Excellence in Reporting on Addiction.