In this episode we continue our conversation with Tera Fazzino all about how to rewire your brain and taste buds to break free from the grip of hyper-palatable foods. We get into the science of how these foods can literally change your brain’s reward circuitry—much like addictive substances—and why they can make you want them more even as you enjoy them less. Tera shares practical tips for spotting these foods at the store, simple swaps that make a difference, and how to retrain your palate to genuinely crave whole, natural foods. To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! If you want more, check out our book! Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata

In this episode, we dive into one of the most shocking truths about our modern food supply with Dr. Tera Fazzino, associate director at the KU Center for Addiction Research. What if we told you that the same tobacco companies that engineered cigarettes to be addictive also helped shape the foods you crave the most? From hyper-palatable snacks to sugary drinks, we unpack how these foods hijack your brain’s reward system—and why it’s so hard to stop eating them. Dr. Fazzino reveals the documented connection between Big Tobacco and Big Food, and why our current food environment might be more manipulated than we think. If you've ever felt like certain foods are literally irresistible, this episode will change the way you see your pantry. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Alex DiFeliceantonio about how to actually make healthy eating more appealing to your brain. We dive into the science of flavor, anticipation, and food reward—and why roasted veggies with butter are totally fair game. Alex shares her 80/20 approach to feeding her family, what’s in her emergency grocery cart, and why she avoids artificial sweeteners for her kid. We also talk about the sneaky ways food companies use health labels to trick you.  To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we dive into the mind-blowing science of why we eat what we eat—with neuroscientist Dr. Alexandra DiFeliceantonio. She joins us to explore how ultra-processed foods hijack your brain’s reward systems, how your environment influences your food choices more than you realize, and whether you’re actually choosing that brownie… or if your brain decided for you. We talk about the powerful effects of food cues, how early exposure to certain foods shapes lifelong habits, and what new research says about the link between processed food and addiction. This conversation will change the way you think about cravings, willpower, and what it really means to “eat healthy.” If you've ever blacked out halfway through a bag of chips, this one's for you. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this conversation, we continue our discussion about how to read scientific papers—no PhD required. We break down how to spot red flags like flashy headlines, suspicious journals, and undisclosed conflicts of interest. You’ll learn what “peer-reviewed” actually means, how to tell if a journal is reputable, and why the number of times a study is cited matters. We also explain when an older study is still trustworthy and how to tell if an author might be biased. This episode is your shortcut to understanding which studies to take seriously and which to skip. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important questions in health and wellness: how do you know which science to trust? We break down how to tell the difference between a high-quality study and total BS, how to actually read a scientific paper, and what terms like “randomized controlled trial,” “p-hacking,” and “meta-analysis” really mean. You’ll learn the red flags to watch out for, the hierarchy of scientific evidence, and why some studies never get published at all. This is the ultimate crash course in spotting bad science—and understanding the good stuff. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting headlines or confused by research jargon, this episode will help you make sense of it. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we’re back with Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn to talk all about aging—and why it might be something to actually look forward to. We dive into what she’s learned from the oldest people in her lab, from their surprisingly upbeat attitudes to the science behind why social connection is as vital as exercise. You’ll hear why loneliness is now being called “the new smoking,” how your gut health affects your future, and the surprising benefits of learning a new sport in your 70s. Plus, we swap stories about jiu-jitsu friendships, broken noses, and whether pickleball has officially taken over the world. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes the difference between just getting older and truly thriving as you age, this episode will surprise you. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to age well—and why it's never too late to start. We’re joined by Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn, a geriatrician and researcher at King’s College London, who explains why your muscle mass is basically a fountain of youth, why protein matters more as you age, and how your gut microbiome might hold the key to both physical and cognitive health. She also shares what she's learned from studying people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s—including the surprising habit they all seem to have in common. Whether you're in your 30s wondering if your best days are behind you (spoiler: they’re not) or you're helping a parent stay healthy, this episode is packed with real, practical tips.  Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. David Barzilai all about microplastics, longevity supplements, and how to protect your health without spiraling into fear. We break down where microplastics actually come from, what you can do about them, and which changes are worth making. We also dive into hot topics like metformin, resveratrol, and NAD—what the science really says, and what’s still up in the air. If you've ever wondered how far is too far when it comes to optimizing your health, this one's for you. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we dive deep into the science of aging with longevity expert Dr. David Barzilai. You’ve probably seen people online claiming to have reversed their biological age—but is any of that actually possible? We unpack the truth behind biological age tests, anti-aging supplements, and the wildest longevity trends (yes, even blood transfusions from your kids). Dr. Barzilai explains what really works—spoiler: it's not $2 million worth of pills—and shares simple, science-backed ways to live healthier for longer. If you want to cut through the hype and get real about living better, this episode is a must-listen. About Dr. Barzilai:  Dr. David Barzilai is a physician and the CEO of Healthspan Coaching LLC. He is a founding faculty member and Trustee at the Geneva College of Longevity Science, and serves as a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. Board-certified in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Barzilai holds both an MD and a PhD in health services research. Find him on X here or connect with him here.  Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

Today, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michael Camilleri, one of the world’s leading experts on leaky gut, to separate fact from fiction on one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) health topics on the internet. We get into whether leaky gut is actually the root cause of chronic diseases like depression and autoimmune conditions, whether you can test for it at home, and why some doctors still call it a “hypothetical condition.” Dr. Camilleri also breaks down the real science behind bone broth, collagen, and gut health, what stress actually does to your gut lining (yes, marathoners, we’re looking at you), and why expensive supplements might not be the answer. Plus, we talk about the role of gluten, the truth about food sensitivities, and how everyday choices like fat and emulsifiers in your diet could be affecting your gut more than you think. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we tackle one of the buzziest—and most confusing—topics in gut health: leaky gut. Juna’s dad has been asking about it nonstop, so we brought in one of the world’s leading experts, Dr. Michael Camilleri from the Mayo Clinic, to break it all down. What exactly is leaky gut? Is it real, how do you know if you have it, and can it actually cause brain fog or autoimmune disease? Dr. Camilleri gives us the real science on gut barriers, how food and medication affect them, and what you can do to support your gut health (spoiler: fiber wins again). If you've ever wondered whether your bloating or brain fog has anything to do with your gut—or you just want to stop your dad from sending you wellness TikToks—this episode is for you. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michele Joanellis all about insomnia and why so many of us are struggling with sleep—without even realizing it. We dive into what happens to our sleep as we age, why menopause and post-menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, and whether it's normal to wake up in the middle of the night (spoiler: it might be more normal than you think). Dr. Joanellis also breaks down why your Fitbit might be lying to you, how to rethink sleep “opportunity” vs. actual sleep, and why your mom's late-night TV habit might not be the worst thing ever. Plus, we get into how much sleep you really need, how to help your circadian rhythm as you get older, and what to actually do when you're wide awake at 3 a.m. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

You probably have insomnia… and you probably don’t even know it. In this episode, we dive into one of the most relatable struggles out there: not being able to fall asleep, stay asleep, or stop stressing about sleep. We’re joined by Dr. Michelle Jonelis, a sleep medicine specialist who explains why your sleep tracker might be lying to you, why optimizing your sleep setup might backfire, and what actually works to fix your sleep (spoiler: it’s not melatonin). Dr. Jonelis breaks down the gold-standard treatment for insomnia and why so many of us are going about it the wrong way. If your brain won’t shut off at night, this one’s for you—or at least the 75% of us in the same boat. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we are continuing last week’s Q&A!! Have you ever wondered how long you’re supposed to be sore after a workout—or better yet, how to be less sore? We’re tackling DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness): how long it should last, what’s actually happening in your muscles, and when it might be a sign of something more serious. Then we dive into insulin resistance—what it is, how it develops, and how to catch it early before it turns into something bigger. You’ll learn how to tell if your workouts are helping or hurting, and which simple habits can make a real difference in blood sugar regulation. If you’ve ever been sore for days or confused about prediabetes, this one’s for you. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!

In this episode, we’re back with another round of listener Q&A—our favorite kind of episode where we get to hang out and tackle your biggest health and nutrition questions! We break down whether blending, juicing, cooking, or even just chewing your food affects its nutritional value (spoiler: Eddie drops some serious anatomy knowledge on us). We also talk about how to keep your joints strong and healthy, why post-meal walks are so effective, and share some mantras that keep us motivated on our own health journeys. We can't wait for you to hear this one! Sign up for our newsletter here. For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Liana Lianov about how to apply positive psychology in real life. We explore why feeling stressed—even when life is objectively good—is so common, and how practices like kindness, gratitude (but not too much!), and flow states can help shift our mindset. Dr. Lianov shares science-backed strategies for boosting well-being, why doing good for others can actually make you feel better, and the surprising connection between stress and fulfillment. Plus, we each reflect on one kind act we've done recently—because even small moments of generosity can make a big impact.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of positive psychology—not just thinking happy thoughts, but the actual science of what makes life worth living! We’re joined by Dr. Liana Lianov, founder of the Global Positive Health Institute, to explore how boosting your happiness, resilience, and sense of purpose can literally improve your health. We also take the five-question test that reveals how satisfied you are with your life—spoiler: one of us crushed it, and one of us… did not. Plus, we break down simple, science-backed ways to bring more joy, gratitude, and meaning into your daily routine (even if you're stressed and busy). If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive—not just survive—this episode is for you! Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

Ever find yourself wide awake at night, mind racing, unable to sleep—only to be falling asleep at your desk the next afternoon? Yeah, same. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of sleep with Dr. Param Dedhia, an expert in sleep, obesity, and integrative medicine, to answer all your burning (or drowsy) questions. Why do we even need sleep? How much is enough? And most importantly—how can we actually get better sleep? If you’ve ever struggled with exhaustion, cravings, or just wanted permission to prioritize rest, this episode is for you! Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

In this episode, we talk to self-defense expert Meg Stone about the safety advice we’ve all heard—like whether you should ditch your headphones while running or give your kid pepper spray. Meg breaks down what actually makes you safer, why some classic tips don’t hold up, and how feminist self-defense can change the game. We also dive into how to balance risk with quality of life, so you can live your life and feel secure doing it. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok!