In this compelling episode, Dr. David Kessler—former FDA Commissioner, public health leader, and author of The End of Overeating and Diet, Drugs & Dopamine—joins us to discuss the biology of food addiction, his personal journey with weight regain, and the urgent need to move beyond willpower-based narratives. He breaks down the neuroscience of cue-induced craving, the promise and limitations of GLP-1 medications, and why weight regain should be seen as relapse, not failure. Dr. Kessler also explores the dangers of toxic visceral fat, the mismatch between our evolutionary wiring and modern food environments, and how long-term recovery requires emotional regulation, community support, and food sovereignty. With compassion and clarity, he calls for bridging the divide between the food addiction and eating disorder communities, championing science-based tools and shared understanding as the path forward.

In this validating and eye-opening episode, Clarissa and Molly explore Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) as it applies to ultra-processed food addiction recovery. While widely recognized in substance use recovery, PAWS is rarely acknowledged in food addiction—and yet, it can hit hard months or even years into recovery. With clinical insight, lived experience, and their signature compassion, they explain what PAWS is, why it happens, how it feels, and most importantly—what helps. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the long game of recovery or supporting others through it.

🧠 You’re not broken—you’re healing.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Filippa Juul, a leading researcher on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), to explore why these engineered products are more than just empty calories. Dr. Juul breaks down the NOVA classification system, explains how UPFs disrupt hunger cues and metabolic health, and shares why they're linked to obesity, chronic illness, and food addiction. We also discuss what it will take—individually and systemically—to reclaim nourishment and protect public health.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Cynthia Bulik—global leader in eating disorder research—to explore the groundbreaking idea that eating disorders are metabo-psychiatric conditions. From the genetic roots of anorexia to the overlap with food addiction, Dr. Bulik shares how understanding biology can dismantle shame, shift treatment paradigms, and bridge the gap between the eating disorder and addiction worlds. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking science-backed hope and a more compassionate model for recovery.

Dr. Alexandra Sowa—board-certified in internal and obesity medicine and author of The Ozempic Revolution—joins us to unpack the complex intersection of GLP-1 medications, metabolic health, and food addiction recovery. With clinical rigor and heartfelt empathy, Dr. Sowa explores what GLP-1s like Ozempic are really doing to food noise, why outcomes vary, and how sustainable change requires more than medication alone. We dive into the emotional grief of losing food as comfort, the role of behavioral and lifestyle interventions, and how clinicians and food addiction counselors can unite for true, lasting healing. Whether you're a provider, patient, or person in recovery, this is a must-listen.

Dr. Vera Tarman interviews renowned oncology researcher Dr. Thomas Seyfried, whose groundbreaking work challenges the dominant genetic theory of cancer. Dr. Seyfried argues that cancer is primarily a mitochondrial metabolic disease, fueled by glucose and glutamine fermentation. He discusses how ketogenic diets, caloric restriction, and targeting specific metabolic pathways may offer a more effective and less toxic approach to cancer prevention and treatment. This conversation dives deep into cancer biology, therapeutic fasting, and the impact of ultra-processed foods on mitochondrial health.

In this episode of Clinician’s Corner, Molly and Clarissa dive into what it really takes to sustain long-term recovery from ultra-processed food addiction. Moving beyond the early, crisis-focused phase of recovery, they explore the research-backed foundations of lasting change—like routine, stress management, mindfulness, and community connection. They share personal insights, clinical experience, and hopeful reminders that recovery is a lifestyle renovation, not a quick fix. Whether you're early in the journey or navigating years of sobriety, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical tools for creating a life you no longer want to escape from.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jen Unwin to discuss two groundbreaking studies on Ultra-Processed Food Addiction, including a global expert consensus and a 12-month recovery outcomes paper. We also spotlight the upcoming IFACC 2025 conference in London and a special event happening this Saturday that supports it. Whether you’re a clinician, coach, or in recovery yourself, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and hope.

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Bitten Jonsson share their personal journeys with food addiction—from childhood sugar obsessions to professional breakthroughs. Together, they reflect on decades of lived experience, evolving science, and how they pioneered treatment approaches that go far beyond diet culture. A powerful conversation about truth-telling, healing, and hope.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Eike Buabang, cognitive neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin, joins us to unpack the science of habits and how they impact recovery. We explore why we repeat behaviors that no longer serve us, how stress shifts our brain from goal-directed to automatic actions, and what it really takes to build lasting change. This one is packed with insight, hope, and practical tools.

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In this Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab rethink the concept of “self-sabotage” in food addiction recovery. They reveal how these behaviors are not signs of failure, but adaptive coping strategies rooted in survival. With compassion and clinical insight, they explore how reframing shame-based language can open the door to healing, connection, and nervous system awareness.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with Dr. David Wiss to unpack the complex intersection of food addiction and eating disorders. Together, they explore the historical divide between the two fields, the impact of trauma and structural inequality, and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Whether you're a clinician or someone in recovery, this conversation offers deep insights, practical tools, and a call for compassionate, individualized care.

In this episode of Food Junkies, we explore the powerful connection between food insecurity and food addiction with Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis, a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in the intersection of economic marginalization and overeating behaviors. Dr. Parnarouskis shares groundbreaking research revealing that individuals experiencing food insecurity are nearly four times more likely to struggle with food addiction, highlighting the critical role of stress, limited access to whole foods, and intermittent food availability in reinforcing addictive eating patterns. We discuss the social justice implications of food addiction, why policy changes are essential, and how clinicians can compassionately support individuals navigating both food insecurity and addictive eating. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking and advocates for systemic solutions to a growing public health crisis.

Dr. Weaver explains how Alzheimer’s may be an autoimmune disorder triggered by chronic inflammation, with diet being one of the most significant modifiable risk factors. They explore the role of the immune system, the impact of sugar and processed foods on brain health, and potential preventative measures. Dr. Weaver also shares insights on emerging treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, and emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness about Alzheimer’s prevention through lifestyle changes.

In this powerful episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab dive deep into the essential need for belonging in recovery—what it means, why it matters, and how to cultivate it.

In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep dive into metabolism, food addiction, and dietary nuances. We explore the complexities of metabolic health, breaking down misconceptions about “broken metabolism,” the role of insulin, and why glycemic load matters more than calorie counting. Nick sheds light on weight loss plateaus, metabolic adaptation's impact, and individualized nutrition's importance. We also tackle common food debates, including the effects of fructose from fruit, the benefits of high-quality olive oil for muscle health, and new research suggesting that dairy—especially cheese—may support cardiovascular health. Finally, we discuss the carnivore diet as an elimination tool and emphasize the importance of personalization in nutrition. If you’re seeking clarity in the midst of food science versus fear-mongering, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Food Junkies, Dr. Nick Norwitz shares his personal journey with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease and how a ketogenic diet transformed his health when conventional medicine failed. We dive into groundbreaking research on the link between food addiction and viruses, the phenomenon of lean mass hyper responders, and the complexities of cholesterol and metabolic function. Dr. Norwitz also discusses his famous “Oreo Experiment”, where he lowered his cholesterol with cookies, challenging mainstream medical assumptions and highlighting the need for individualized approaches to health and nutrition.

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman interviews Dr. John Davis about how bariatric surgery may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder and food addiction. Dr. Davis explains how changes in gut-brain signaling heighten sensitivity to alcohol and sugar, leading to shifts in cravings and behavior. They discuss the roles of hormones like GLP-1, dopamine, and ghrelin, offering insights into post-surgical addiction risks and recovery challenges.

Is "all or nothing" the only way to recover from Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) addiction, or is there a more flexible, compassionate approach? In this episode, Clarissa and Molly explore harm reduction—a powerful yet often misunderstood tool in food addiction recovery. While widely used in substance use treatment, harm reduction remains unclear in the UPF space, leaving many wondering if it’s a viable option. We break down what harm reduction really is, who it can benefit, and how it differs from moderation management, along with practical strategies like meal timing, food sequencing, mindful eating, and structured meal planning. We also tackle clinician pushback, the role of medications, and the balance between harm reduction and abstinence, helping you navigate recovery in a way that truly works for YOU.

Dr. Kim Dennis discusses the growing recognition of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD) and its impact on mental health. Citing a major study linking UPFA to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and anxiety, she challenges the “all foods fit” model in eating disorder treatment. At her clinic, patients are assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale and offered treatment as usual, harm reduction, or abstinence-based care. She emphasizes the need for individualized, research-backed approaches and urges clinicians to listen to patients as the field shifts toward recognizing food addiction as a serious condition.